Learning Styles – VAK

VAK theory is widely recognised by teachers – particularly those who recommend accelerated learning techniques – but the idea that we receive information via different modes has been around considerably longer than that and can be traced back to the work of Grace Fernald (â€Å"Remedial Techniques in Basic School Subjects†) who promoted kinaesthetic learning techniques; Samuel Orton’s work on dyslexia; Anna Gillingham’s subsequent work on developing multisensory approaches; and the holistic educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. (WWW. brainboxx . co. k) We all learn in different styles it’s just a case of finding out what style suits the individual learner to get the best results out of them, for example if you were to teach a learner that is best suited to Kinaesthetic learning, by giving them just handouts and talking, they will lose concentration much quicker and wont absorb any of the information you are giving them, whereas if you keep them engaged by maybe doing something as simple as giving out the handouts or give a little demonstration of what their learning they will keep engaged therefore absorbing the information for longer. There are three types of learning styles, Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic. Someone that requires a Visual learning style would prefer to learn using drawing, sketches, handouts, charts etc. An Auditory learner would prefer to learn with the aid of listening and then answering questions about what they have just heard, stories (maybe of past experiences), anecdotes, puns etc. Whereas someone that learns in a Kinaesthetic way would learn in a much more hands on way by building things, taking something apart and re-building to see how it works, using their hands, being able to move around etc. When setting up your lesson plan you will have to cater for all three learning types and maybe you could already have an idea on how to get the best out of your group of learners that use all three types, for example: if you have a few Kinaesthetic learners in a group or discussion session you could keep them engaged by asking them to come up and give a demonstration, or if you’re in a workshop environment you could give a demonstration for all, whilst verbally explaining what you’re doing and achieving, therefore also catering for Visual and Auditory learners. The main thing is to keep the learners engaged. (As Geoff petty says in Teaching Today) it is better to have 80 per cent concentration on a moderately effective method than 10per cent on a supposedly brilliant one.

Preventing Alzheimers Disease Health And Social Care Essay

Alzheimer ‘s disease is a disease named after Alois Alzheimer who foremost described it in 1906. It is besides known as Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type or Alzheimer ‘s and is the most common signifier of Dementia. It is an incurable, degenerative and terminal disease and is normally diagnosed in people of over 65 old ages of age, nevertheless, there are hints of its oncoming in much earlier ages ( Wegesin & A ; Stern, 2004, p.646 ) .The 2006 statistics indicated that 26.6 million people suffered from this disease universe. The common symptoms for this disease are thought to be age related concerns or emphasis manifestations. The disease is characterized by memory loss, such as trouble in retrieving late learned facts in earlier phases and confusion, temper swings, linguistic communication dislocation, crossness and aggression and general backdown in the advanced phases. The causal effects for this disease are still unknown with fingers indicating to plaques and tangles in the encephalon. Most interventions available for this disease offer diagnostic benefit but fail to turn to the hold or patterned advance of the disease. Since it ‘s incurable and degenerative, the direction of patients is indispensable. The disease is known to put a great load on health professionals who experience psychological, economic, societal and physical force per unit areas while taking attention of sick person ‘s of this disease. This disease is one of the most dearly-won diseases in the developed universe. GuideAge Study: Test of EGb 761 for bar of Alzheimer ‘s disease among the aged with memory ailments. The primary aim of the survey was to find the consequence of EGb761 in intervention on the rate of transition from memory ailments to Alzheimer ‘s disease utilizing survival analysis. The chief marks for this survey were ambulatory patients aged 70 old ages who exhibited memory ailments during a GP or memory centre audience. Those with nonsubjective memory damage or clinically relevant symptoms of anxiousness and depression were nevertheless excluded. Participants were so required to do one-year visits to a memory centre where a series of neuropsychological trials were conducted to measure the cognitive map and cognitive position. The functional position was evaluated with the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire ( Andrieu et. al. , 2008, p.406 ) . The survey recognized that primary and secondary bar schemes are desperately needed for Alzheimer ‘s disease as its prevalence continues to lift in industrialised states, with statistics demoing that it has presently affected over 24 million people worldwide. There is besides a high load associate with this disease. The schemes have ab initio proved to be effectual in cut downing mortality, morbidity, and wellness attention costs. Available interventions better cognitive symptoms and estrogen or satin related interventions are secondary bar schemes for Alzheimer ‘s disease ( Wegesin & A ; Stern, 2004, pp.647-648 ) . The basic scientific discipline and clinical informations indicate that estrogen therapy permeates healthy nerve cells with a survival advantage when challenged with a neuro-toxic agent. Greater benefit would hence be predicted if estrogen therapy is begun while nerve cells are still healthy and non biologically compromised ( p.650 ) . The estrogen advantage to healthy nerve cells provides plausible account for why estrogen can be good in forestalling neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer ‘s ( Brinton, 2004, p.419 ) . In add-on, in the intervention of AD, randomized placebo-controlled surveies have provided grounds of efficaciousness. The survey was spread out in a five twelvemonth program, and the primary aim was to find the consequence of intervention with EGb 761 on the rate of transition from memory ailments to dementia of Alzheimer type utilizing survival analysis. The survey design: incorporated a web of doctors to enroll topics ; the eligibility standard was validated in one of 25 mention memory centres. Coordination was by the infirmary mention centre located in Toulouse France ( Andrieu et. al. , 2008, p.407 ) . Age, residential location of patients, mean socio-cultural and instruction degrees, and self-generated coverage of memory ailments were the chief considerations for patient eligibility. Ocular sharp-sightedness and presence of drusen, unnatural pigmentary epithelial tissue and vascularization were considered in the diagnostic standards for age related muscular devolution. Apolipoprotein E, a genotypic determiner for intervention response was taken from blood samples while urine samples were taken to find isoprostan, a possible biochemical alternate marker of result. Spontaneously reported inauspicious effects were recorded for safety rating intents ( p.407 ) . In the intervention procedure, topics were randomized at the proof visit by having EGb 761 or a duplicate placebo. Blinding was ensured by indistinguishable visual aspect of placebo and active drug while colour marker was ensured by utilizing a brown pigment. Behavioral appraisal was through the disposal of neuropsychological trials for appraisal of cognitive map ; the cognitive position was besides evaluated blending MMS and CDR ; Functional position was evaluated utilizing the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire. Other appraisals involved balance perturbations, assessed by finding one ‘s ability to stand on one leg, posturography and diagnostic standards for sarcopenia ( pp.407-409 ) . Outcome steps entailed independent adjudication by four clinicians non connected to the survey to determine unvarying instance consequences. Changes in CDR dementedness tonss and alterations in public presentation on neuropsychological trials were considered in the secondary result steps. The study described the cognitive map and disablement in a population composed of 2854 patients who complained of memory jobs. These patients were younger and better educated with high MMSE tonss and longer continuances of memory ailments. Primary attention was the chief context of the survey. Patients who exhibited dementedness, anxiousness and depression symptoms were besides excluded from the survey so as to enrich the survey sample in patients whose memory ailments were related to underlying cognitive troubles other than emotional influences. From the screened population, over 60 per centum scored 0.5 or more on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale therefore a comparative grade of cognitive damage was recognized. This hence supported old findings where bulk of patients reported ailments in the general population therefore grounds of convergence between aged patients with subjective memory ailments and those with nonsubjective steps of cognitive damage ( p.410 ) . The consequences hence imply that many aged individuals with cognitive damage are undiagnosed within the community and that a pro active attitude from practicians would assist place such people and pave manner for proviso of appropriate attention. CDR would besides be concluded as a sensitive agencies of observing cognitive damage amongst the aged. TheGuideAge is an of import and advanced tool for bar of AD in Europe. A recent survey provided grounds of Gingko biloba infusion effectivity in forestalling cognitive diminution in aged individuals. To farther find the efficaciousness of Gingko biloba, the GuideAge survey provided the needed informations from a big figure of topics. It would besides be effectual analyzing the development of cognitive map and see hazard factors as forecasters of transition from memory ailments to AD in the population. From this analysis hence, it can be concluded that preventative steps for AD are executable owing to the ability to obtain informations every bit good as initiate drug usage in a big sample of the population. Preventing Alzheimer ‘s disease: fact or fiction The prevalence is Alzheimer ‘s disease is significantly increasing in the United States. Presently, the population of those with this disease stands at 4.5 million with an estimated addition of between 11 and 16 million in the following 50 old ages. In add-on, explosive alterations in engineering would ensue in a great challenge in reflecting the mildest signifiers of cognitive shortage. The starchlike plaque in the encephalon remains the trademark pathology of Alzheimer ‘s disease and the amyloid cascade, provides marks for intercessions. The chief purpose of the intercessions is to cut down harm ensuing from starchlike plaque load ( Grossman & A ; Dyk. , 2008, p.887 ) . Significant positive attacks have been made, polar to the designation of diagnostic intervention of Alzheimer ‘s disease and the designation of conditions associated with increased intervention hazards. The success of true bar is nevertheless considered every bit fabricated as there is less informations to back up the claim that the aforesaid hazards cut down the incidences of AD. Several advantages can be drawn from concentrating on the bar of the disease ; foremost, it would spread out the period of high quality of life in aging populations, a hold of oncoming of the disease by one twelvemonth would significantly cut down its prevalence rate, and costs associated with the disease would be minimized ( Grossman & A ; Dyk, 2008, p.888 ) . Despite advancement in the decrease of the disease, bar schemes are still in the grapevine. Medical intercessions for this disease are characterized as primary, secondary and third. Primary: focal point on disease bar ; secondary: on decrease in morbidity in preclinical persons: and third, on remedy, palliation and rehabilitation. Grossman & A ; Dyk ( 2008 ) acknowledge that current therapies for Alzheimer ‘s disease do be. Tacrine was approved in 1993 by the US FDA as the first intervention for AD. The bureau besides introduced donepezil, rivastigime and galantamine as other intervention drugs. They further discourse that primary bar refers to the bar of disease in an unselected population tests to this demand to inscribe a big figure of topics with few exclusion standards and infuse simple cheap ratings of results, with long observation and monitoring periods. The length of clip for bar tests and topics ‘ registration, consequence into high disbursals therefore a substi tution of the bar test, the ‘add on ‘ protocol permits the ratings of multiple spheres in a individual clinical test cohort ( p.900 ) . Both primary and secondary bar tests require careful attending to safety. The agents selected for bar surveies are often referred to as ‘neuroprotective. ‘ A term used to distinguish agents expected to cut down cognitive diminution instead than alleviation of symptoms. Preventive mechanisms purpose at cut downing starchlike plaque by changing metamorphosiss or protecting cells from starchlike toxicity. These mechanisms are largely proposed based on research lab and carnal surveies as few markers of biological mechanisms available in worlds exist. Several categories of agents with encouraging consequences have been tested. These are clearly discussed below. First of all, lipid-lowering medicines, the HMG-CoA reductase are known to impact greatly on knowledge, dementedness and Alzheimer ‘s disease by cut downing cholesterin degrees in the organic structure of worlds ( Sparks et. al. , 2008, p.418 ) . Second, tramiprosate, a 3-amino-1-propanasulfonic acid ab initio developed as a pharmaceutical intervention was examined in a two phased survey of 58 patients with mild to chair Alzheimer ‘s disease over three months. Patients having tramiprosate experienced a decrease in Alzheimer ‘s. Neurochem subsequently reported that tramiprosate would be used as a nutraceutical. Third, immunotherapy initiated by utilizing filaments for the development of Alzheimer ‘s vaccinum was addressed in Schenk ‘s 1999 study as an option for regressing starchlike plaque. There was grounds of a patient showing clearance of AI? hint sedimentations from their cerebral mantle, and a significant microglial response. It was further conclude d that supplanting of AI? , even when embedded in plaques, is possible in worlds when immunotherapeutic techniques are used. Third, is the usage of enzyme inhibitors. Amyloid plaque remains a trademark pathology for Alzheimer ‘s with the amyloid cascade supplying marks for intercessions to assail implicit in mechanisms. Therefore, intercessions to cut down the amyloid plaque load are widely proposed. Furthermore, the control of high blood pressure is grounds associated with decreased hazard of cognitive damage and dementedness, features of Alzheimer ‘s. Some surveies have shown that effectual control of high blood pressure is associated with cognitive benefit. Hormone replacing schemes are besides seen as good mechanisms for the bar of Alzheimer ‘s. There is an feeling that estrogen may be good in keeping cognitive map and detaining dementedness. The benefit of estrogen accrues from the fact that the endocrine acts as a neurotrophin in the pyramidal cells of the CAI part which is known to devolve in Alzheimer's.Astrogen protects the hippocampal nerve cells therefore reduces nervous AI? coevals. Antioxidative schemes on the other manus employ the fact that oxidative emphasis plays a important function in aging and Alzheimer ‘s disease. The usage of antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E is associated with the decrease of hazard of dementedness. Nutritional supplementation, considers that dietetic and nutritionary addendums have an consequence on the hazard of Alzheimer ‘s. From several surveies conducted, the usage of Ginkgo biloba, a herbal addendum indicated an betterment in knowledge. Another clinical test on Salvia officinalis was studied for its possible benefit on knowledge in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer ‘s. Significant benefits were discernible between the end point and baseline tonss on cognitive steps of the intervention group compared with the placebo group ( Doraiswamy, 2002, p.816 ) . Last, nonpharmacological intercessions such as physical exercising are observed as options to protect the aged from cognitive diminution. A Meta analysis conducted reported benefits from physical exercising on functional public presentation, behaviour and knowledge steps in patients with cognitive damage and dementedness. The execution of Cognitive Motor Interventions on 38 patients in one twelvemonth which involved cognitive exercising, societal and psychomotor activities indicated an betterment in temper and subsequent tonss against a control group ( Kreil et. al. , 2010, p.17 ) . Alzheimer ‘s disease is a common wellness concern amongst the aged. While effectual intervention is available, the bar mechanisms are non yet good understood. Cholesterol lowering, other cardiovascular hazard decrease, starchlike metamorphosis and antioxidant mechanisms every bit good as environmental sweetenings have proved as plausible bar options ( Doraiswamy, 2002, p.818 ) . Evidence-based Approaches to Preventing Alzheimer ‘s disease. Non modifiable hazard factors for Alzheimer ‘s include: Age ; this remains as the strongest hazard factor for dementedness, peculiarly for Alzheimer ‘s. The hazard doubles every five old ages in persons above 65 old ages. The hazard nevertheless increases by stopping point to 50 % after 85 old ages. Family history ; hints of Alzheimer ‘s in households ‘ histories for 5 % or less of instances. Hereditary or environmental factors related to households are major influences of this disease. Familial factors ; early Alzheimer happening before 65 old ages histories for 6-7 % of all Alzheimer's.13 % of these clearly exhibit autosomal dominant transmittal over more than one generation.30-70 % of mutants are in presenilin-1 cistron, 10-15 % are in the amyloid precursor protein cistron, and less than 5 % are in the presenilin-2 cistron ( Bassil & A ; Grossberg, 2009, p.30 ) . Modifiable hazard factors on the other manus include cardiovascular hazard factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, lipemia, intoxicant, depression, metabolic syndrome, smoking among others ( Bassil & A ; Grossberg, 2009, p.31 ) . From surveies conducted, the consumption of lipid-lowering medicines indicated a decrease in dementedness ( Sparks, 2008, p.419 ) . Other possible helpful agents to forestall Alzheimer ‘s include: Antioxidant vitamins, the encephalons of Alzheimer ‘s patients contain lesions typically associated with free extremist exposure every bit good as elevated degrees of endogenous antioxidants. Antioxidants cut down the toxicity of AI? in encephalon surveies of Alzheimer patients. This therefore laid a footing for the appraisal of the function of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C and curcumin for the bar of Alzheimer ‘s. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, anti- amyloid and antioxidant belongingss and is every bit a promising agent i n the bar of Alzheimer ‘s from the ascertained informations ( Bassil & A ; Grossberg, 2009, p.32 ) . Fish and Omega-3 fatty acids. Surveies have shown that consumption of concentrated fat, entire fat and entire cholesterin addition the hazard of dementedness. Reduced degree of Omega 3 fatty acids has been linked to increased hazard of dementedness therefore high fish ingestion would change by reversal the tendency in hazards related to dementia and cognitive diminution ( p.33 ) . Consequences form a community based survey affecting nondementaited persons indicated that attachment to a traditional Mediterranean diet was associated with important decrease in the hazard of incidents related to Alzheimer ‘s disease. Fruits and veggies are besides associated with improved cognitive public presentation in aged individuals. Fruits are particularly linked to decrease in dementedness. Some surveies have nevertheless associated high ingestion of veggies with decrease in cognitive diminution ( p.34 ) . Datas on intoxicant usage and cognitive map in the aged draws assorted consequences. The complexness in these consequences is brought approximately by the dose and type of intoxicant taken. The moderate ingestion of vino is associated with decreased hazard of dementedness and Alzheimer ‘s disease. On the other manus, high ingestion of intoxicant which consequences in alcohol addiction may take to cognitive diminution ( p.34 ) . A randomised controlled test late showed that moderate sums of intoxicant may detain age- associated cognitive diminution. Others include ; caffeine consumption, endocrine therapy, NonSteroid Anti-Inflammatory Drug ( NSAID ) therapy and homocysteine ( Ho et. al. , 2008, pp.86-88 ) . From this information it can be concluded that, dementedness is the consequence of a set of implicit in pathological procedures, some which are preventable. Familial factors, age and household history are disclosed as the major non-modified hazard factors while modified hazard factors range from alcohol addiction, high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus to depression. All this contribute to the development of Alzheimer ‘s and plausible preventative solutions are hence obtained from these jobs. In add-on, familial exposure is seen to modify most of the hazards associated with Alzheimer ‘s. Although there is deficient grounds to cement primary bar recommendations on dementedness, doctors may recommend taking actions such as take downing cholesterin, blood force per unit area and homocysteine degrees and commanding diabetes. Three constituents of life style, that is, societal, mental and physical are associated with a brilliant decrease in the hazard of dementedness, and Alzheimer ‘s disease. Population based longitudinal surveies have supported the hypothesis that societal, cognitive and physical activity are reciprocally associated with the hazard of dementedness, Alzheimer ‘s disease and cognitive damage. Physical exercising has been thought to heighten encephalon neurtotrophic factors and modify programmed cell death. Dementia is lowered by continuing musculuss mass every bit good as forestalling falls and attendant caput injury ( Kreil et. al. , 2010, pp.18-19 ) . Evidence further shows that exercising can continue optimum cardiovascular map, better regional intellectual blood flow and deter shot and micro vascular disease. NSAID therapy involves the intervention of Alzheimer ‘s with anti-inflammatory agents which slow the patterned advance of dementedness and suppress its oncoming. NSAIDs portray increased possibilities of take downing degrees of amyloidogenic AI?42 protein ( Bassil & A ; Grossberg, 2009, p.35 ) . From the above information, it is deserving observing that Alzheimer ‘s disease can be prevented utilizing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. The integrating of dietetic options and physical exercising may besides be efficient in accomplishing the preventative end of Alzheimer ‘s disease.

Literary Analysis of Romeo and Juliet Essay

The essay is a literary analysis of the play Romeo and Juliet. The format is Point, Proof and Explanation. The question was â€Å"What factors and/or characters lead to the eventual demise of Romeo and Juliet† I used Lady and Lord Capulet, Juliets Nurse, and Friar Laurence. There are direct quotes from the play as well that are relevent. It is 929 words in length Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet presents readers with the story of a tragically doomed love. It is the story of two teenagers’ who fall in love and the people and circumstances that prevent them from being together. Four characters in particular, namely Lady and Lord Capulet, Juliet’s nurse, and Friar Laurence, played a significant role in the destruction of the main characters and young lovers, Romeo and Juliet. These characters, through acts of selfishness, betrayal and authority over the young lovers led to their desperate actions and ultimate death. Lady and Lord Capulet, Juliet’s mother and father contributed to the events leading to the demise of Romeo and Juliet right from the beginning of the play.. Juliet’s father, Lord Capulet, creates a faà §ade about how much he loves and cares for his daughter when in reality he demonstrates that he really does not have her best interest at heart. In the beginning of the play, Lord Capulet says to Paris, (the nephew of the prince of Verona, who would bring the Capulet family power and prestige if he marries Juliet): â€Å"My child is yet a stranger in the world, she hath not seen the change of fourteen years; Let two more summers wither in their pride, Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride.† (II, ii, 8-11). This gives the reader the impression of a caring and considerate father, who is concerned about his child’s well being and is concerned that she is too young to be married. Yet, by the end of the play, when Juliet stands up to her father and says she does not want to marry Paris, he becomes angry with her and says â€Å"†¦Disobedient wretch!/I tell thee what, get thee to church o’Thursday [to marry Paris]/Or never after look me in the face†(III, v, 160-163). Lord Capulet is showing his true feelings toward his daughter and shows the reader that his real motives are self-serving. Lady Capulet, Juliet’s mother also assists in the destruction of Romeo and Juliet by her shallow and self-centered nature. She believes that Juliet should marry Paris, not for love or happiness, but because Paris is wealthy and handsome and will bring the Capulet family more power and prestige. When Lady Capulet says â€Å"And find delight writ there with beauty’s pen./ Examine every married lineament,/ And see how one another lends content (I, iii, 82-85) she is trying to convince Juliet that Paris would make a good husband because of his good looks. Her advise to her daughter demonstrates that she is only concerned about image without consideration of her daughter’s wishes or needs. Both Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet have only their personal motives and values in mind when they make the decision about their daughter’s future. This contributes to the helplessness and isolation that Juliet feels which eventually leads Juliet to her death. Another manipulative, self-serving character is Juliet’s nurse. On the surface, she appears to be a person that Juliet can confide in during difficult situations, yet throughout the play, her actions would demonstrate that she actually contributes to the destruction of Romeo and Juliet. Initially, she played the role of a messenger between the two lovers supporting their relationship by relaying secret messages between the doomed lovers. At the same time she also appeared to be understanding and sympathetic to Juliet’s feelings by lending Juliet a sympathetic ear. Yet when Lord and Lady Capulet thwart Romeo and Juliet’s plans of a life together, the nurse, in order to keep her job, does not try to comfort Juliet, she simply says † [Romeo] is dead -or ’twere as good he were† (III, iv, 235)and tells her â€Å"I think it best you married with [Paris]†(III, iv, 218). This causes Juliet grief because she trusted her nurse, who throughout the years has become more like a mother to her, and now the only one she trusted is betraying her. As a result of this betrayal and feelings of total  hopelessness, Juliet’s thoughts of suicide became prevalent and she turned to friar Laurence for help. In spite of the fact that Friar Laurence played the part of a helpful confidant to Romeo and Juliet, he ultimately helped I their final destruction. In the beginning of the play, when Romeo went to Friar Laurence for help, he believes that the marriage of the two teenagers might end the long running feud between the Capulet’s and the Montague’s. It is apparent that when Friar Laurence says â€Å"In one respect I’ll thy assistant be/ For this alliance may so prove,/ to turn your households’ rancor to pure love†(II, iii, 86-88), all he is think about is a way to end the feud that has caused â€Å"three civil brawls† (I, i, 87), and have caused the needless death of many. Even after Romeo is banished and there seems to be no hope for Romeo and Juliet, all Friar Laurence can think about is â€Å"blaze (announcing) thy marriage† (III, iii, 150). What friar Laurence does not realize is that he is giving false hope to both Romeo and Juliet, allowing them to believe that their lives will eventually be all right. In reality, we as readers know that this can never be, and thus, friar Laurence is setting the stage for Romeo and Juliet’s destruction. In the play, the main characters are teenagers who are forced to deal with extremely complex issues surrounding their simple love for each other. The people, who influence them to do so, are the ones who are responsible for the death and destruction of Romeo and Juliet.

Help make Barnes and Noble successful Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Help make Barnes and Noble successful - Essay Example The report will include several parts including a company background, financial analysis, and an in-depth analysis of the change initiatives that the firm must implement to adapt to the market challenges of the 21st century. Company Background Barnes & Nobles was acquired by Leonardo Riggio in the 1970s. The first Barnes and Nobles stored operated by Riggio was located in Manhattan. The stored was transformed by its new owners into the largest bookstore in the world. The firm has always been at the forefront of innovation. â€Å"In 1974, Barnes & Noble was the first bookseller in America to advertise on television† (Barnesandnobleinc, 2013). Barnes & Noble throughout its history has always adapted well to market changes and it has increased its market share in the book industry. The company in its early years expanded its sales by selling books through catalogs. The firm began to sell books online in the late 1980s. A key acquisition for the company was buying Sterling publish ing in 2003. Sterling publishing has over 5,000 titles in print including educational resources, children’s picture books, puzzles and games, adult fiction, craft and photography, cookbooks, self-help and classics (Barnesandnoblesinc, 2013). The firm became the world’s largest publisher of digital books in 2009. ... The previous year the firm achieved a net income of $36.67 million. One of the reasons for the bad performance of the company is the fact that cost of good sold and occupancy increased by 26%. The net margin of the firm was -1.06%. The earnings per share (EPS) of the firm in 2011 was -$1.31. Barnes & Noble paid dividends per share of $0.75. At the end of 2011 the firm had total assets of $3.60 billion. The total assets of the firm in 2011 went down by 3.03%. The current ratio shows the ability of a company to pay off its current debt. A good current ratio is above 1.0. In 2011 the current ratio of Barnes & Nobles was 1.01. The company is in a good position to pay off its current debt. The return on assets (ROA) of the organization in 2011 was 2.06%. This ratio shows how effective a company has been at generating revenues from its total assets. The return on equity (ROE) of Barnes & Noble in 2011 was 9.02%. â€Å"When compared to the return on total assets, measures the extent to whi ch financial leverage is working for or against common stockholders (Garrison, Noreen, 2003, pg.784). The inventory turnover ratio shows how many times the company has sold its inventory during the year. Barnes & Noble had an inventory turnover ratio of 3.78 in 2011. Change Initiatives The company must implement changes in its corporate strategies to achieve the sales expectations of its shareholder. The goal of the company should be to maximize shareholders wealth. A new strategic approach for the company is to change its strategy to expand its retail sales from the domestic marketplace into the international landscape. The firm has an expertise in how to run bookstores in college marketplace. The company should seek a similar strategy

Theology College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Theology College - Essay Example It must, thus, be completely disregarded as a possible option. The starting point for any consideration of abortion as a solution to a problematic and unwanted pregnancy must be the acknowledgement of God as both the giver and the taker of life. None can, and none should attempt to usurp this role. Indeed, as Bonhoeffer wrote, Destruction of the embryo in the mother's womb is a violation of the right to live which God has bestowed upon this nascent life. To raise the question whether we are here concerned already with a human being or not is merely to confuse the issue. The simple fact is that God certainly intended to create a human being and that this nascent human being has been deliberately deprived of his life. And that is nothing but murder.1 As a pastor, however, and as briefly touched upon in the preceding, it need be acknowledge that the young girl must be going through a period of guilt, compounded with despair. These two are probably at the heart of her evident, although unexpressed, partiality towards abortion as a solution. ... Had she or her family been in a position to afford the pregnancy and the child, her situation may not be as problematic as it currently is. This is a fact that I cannot ignore and which I should express sympathetic understanding of. Sympathies and personal sentiments aside, however, theological doctrine cannot be altered or tailored to suit our immediate purposes but need be consistently applied and adhered to, irrespective of circumstances. Theological doctrine asserts the right to life. As Bonhoeffer affirms, "God gives before He demands."3 The implication is clear: the right to life predominates over, and precedes the responsibilities of life. The foetus has a right to life and the responsibilities associate with that life are, although of critically important concern, secondary to the affirmed right. Accordingly, rather than be influenced by the economic and social considerations and concerns that the foetus, as a life, will bring with him/her, the primary influence, and the determinant of any decision made with respect to this case, should be the right to life. The right to life, the value of life, is an integral part of Christian theological doctrine and is affirmed through Soteriology, Christ's Physical Resurrection, and Ecclesiastology. The salvic purpose of Christ's death is an affirmation of life and the right to life; the Christ's Physical Resurrection is a testament to the eternal nature of life, on the one hand, and to the value which Christianity places on bodily life; the teachings of the Church, those being the teaching of Jesus Christ and, the Church's mission, that being the affirmation of Christ's teachings and

Specialist Psychosocial Intreventions in Forensic Mental Heslth Essay

Specialist Psychosocial Intreventions in Forensic Mental Heslth - Essay Example It is important to go through the various aspects in the field in an effort to understand it even more. Forensic Psychology is understood as a mixture of both psychology of the brain and the legal psychology in any given location. The field is important in that it assists in the assessment and the understanding of people that may be diagnosed with a mental condition and involved in crimes (Ryan, 2007, 98). The field developed after the acknowledgement of the fact that many people had been sent to prison and were not in the proper state of mind. This has had scientists involved in finding means through which these sick people can be sent to mental institutions for the resolution of their issues other than send them to prison to suffer. This is from the fact that they do not deserve a sentence and their mental conditions should stand up in court. Diversion is a major part of Forensic Mental Health (Samuels, 2011, 167). This is a term that is used to refer to the change of custody of a patient with extreme mental conditions from the legal Justice System and straight to the health system for assistance. Psychosocial issues have been of great importance with relation to forensic mental health. Psychosocial issues are the ones that relate to the mind in a psychological manner and thus directly link to Forensic Mental Health. ... hosocial issue in that when these people do not feel at ease with the person, he begins having ideas that he is all alone and that nobody is interested with his company. This may put the person in a worse mental state and drive him to committing another crime of which the justice system does not act on as leniently as the first case. Another sector that has a big role to play in terms of psychosocial issues is the police department. This is from the fact that these officers are the ones endowed with the responsibility of ensuring that the patients are safe from many external and dangerous forces (Velvet, 2010, 11). It is common for people of the public to get mad at a person who committed a crime and instead of having a prison sentence is released from having mental problems. Police officers should ensure that they take care of this issue by assuring the patient of safety in an effort to ensure that they are comfortable. Police officers have been termed as the most important people w hen dealing with forensic mental health patients. This is from the fact that they have much power accorded to them and have the freedom to discipline any citizen that may be a danger to him and others. Forensic mental health patients have very many issues and it may occur to them that they carry out acts that may have them in compromising situations. When in transit headed to a mental institution or any other place that they may be taken to after committing a crime, they may decide to run away or otherwise resist the transportation. Police officers thus have the ability and power to discipline the patient in different ways (Francis, 2010, 197). This does not appear wrong in the eyes of the public seeing as the one beating the patient is a police officer. If the person disciplining the

The Rise of Sikhism in India Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Rise of Sikhism in India - Essay Example The foundation of the Sikh religion was based on the existence of the ten gurus, starting with the pioneer guru who was the founder and the overall seer of the religion. Guru Nanak was born in the mid-15th century in a village close to the present day Pakistan in a predominantly Hindu family. His fascination with religion and the development of a spiritual personality pushed him out of his ancestral village to the areas of Punjab where he established his family. Though established by an individual from with a Hindu religion roots, Sikhism lacked any connection with the Hindu religion and culture and was developed solely by guru Nanak and led by other ten gurus after the death of the founder2. During the founding years of the religion, Nanak used the message of collectivism and unity to bring his believers together and strengthen his religion by attracting more followers. ‘Ek Ong kar’, we are one and we were all created by one merciful creator’ was one of the common messages that the founder used to attract his followers and ensure the development of unity of purpose among the people3. The followers of the religion were known as the Sikhs and were strictly taught to worship none other than God the almighty who is the creator of heaven and earth. They would also bow to the Gurus because they were believed to have direct contact with God and to also live in the light if His ways. As a result, the gurus were believed to have the power to lead the people from the dark ways into the ways of the God. The establishment of the Sikh religion as it is known today did not occur without enduring suffering, threats, intimidation and execution of the followers. It is believed that the initial founders of the cult and some gurus were executed in an attempt to curtail the spread of the cult to other parts of India, a move that was viewed to threaten the dominance of the Hindu religion. However, the British colonial rule in India revered the

Povery is a cause of illiteracy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Povery is a cause of illiteracy - Research Paper Example Illiteracy is the consequence of lack of education. In today’s world, literacy is especially significant for growth of a society as well as individual. Though there are many countries where illiteracy rate is almost zero percent, there are quite a few countries which are struggling to eradicate illiteracy by educating mass number of people. Illiteracy can be of two types, one is adult illiteracy and another is children illiteracy. There is no one and only cause for illiteracy, but biggest reason for illiteracy is poverty. People who are deprived of adequate amount of food generally are engrossed with the thought of getting food in order to survive. A person is incapable to concentrate on acquiring education with an empty stomach. People who are living below poverty line are unable to educate their children because they can’t meet the expense of the cost of education and thus compel them to work for food (Wagner, â€Å"Literacy and Adult Education†). Poverty and I lliteracy Poverty and illiteracy are interlinked with each other. Poor people are not capable to attain enough money to provide adequate education to their children and without proper education they become constrained to a life of poverty. Poverty can be of two types: Absolute Poverty: Absolute poverty is referred to as the deficiency of financial resources essential to maintain a certain minimal level of standard of living. The absolute poverty is based on aspects such as minimum financial resources required to fulfill basic needs or minimum income level needed to buy necessary food (Berg, â€Å"Poverty and Education†). Relative Poverty: Relative poverty is partially determined by means of the society where the person lives. For example, someone who is not considered as poor in Africa may be considered poor in America (Berg, â€Å"Poverty and Education†). Both kind of poverty is related to illiteracy. Inadequate financial condition may result in irregular attendance a t schools in developed countries. The relative poverty can lead any person to be excluded from society or a particular school community. This segregation affects in acquiring the full benefit from education and thus benefit of education into employment. Relative poverty also impacts the motivation to perform well in education or to participate in any educational event. The absolute poverty in many developing country normally have high illiteracy level. A number of children are unable to complete their primary education and a few are not even able to start their primary education. Absolute poverty results in poor conditions for education such as inadequate books, lack of electricity and no places for learning. Poverty leads to poor nutrition to children which affect the learning ability of children. According to Global Monitoring Report EFA in Sub–Saharan–African region, ‘more than a quarter of children’, who are below the age of five are malnourished due t o improper nutrition and poor diet and thus unable to attend or concentrate on school studies. Good nutrition and improved physical condition possess strong beneficial effect on children’s leaning ability and this is the reason poor children hardly concentrate on their education. Inadequate resources, unstable environment of learning and financial insecurity often lead to emotional stress in poor families which impact the level of education of children

Art history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Art history - Essay Example This is an appropriate comparison as both this piece and many pieces which have been found on the walls of pyramids, are symmetrical and surreal with extremely high activity which serves to tell a story. By symmetrical it is meant that the right and left side of the mural is equivalent in color scheme, size of characters as well as their placement. For example, Jesus, while centered in the upper quadrant of the piece, is accompanied on both sides by two angelic creatures. The similarities to Egyptian pyramid murals is also visible in the life-less qualities of the two dimensional people included in the work. An example of this is the depiction of feet. Jesus’ feet in this piece, are eerily small compared to the rest of his body which is a continuity of disproportion. The angels on either side of him, resemble deer with human-like faces with angel wings. On both sides of the lower portion of Jesus’ positioning, there appear to be votives held by ascending chains. It is not clear what they are but what is clear, is that they are in equal proportion on the left and the right sides of Jesus. This could be assimilated to weights and balances which often represent justice and fairness. These could also be the ornate objects used by priests in the catholic church, in many religious ceremonies, as a symbolic act. The middle to lower portion of the piece is marked by 12 or so individuals with glowing halos above their heads. Certainly this may b e and is most likely, the 12 apostles of Christ. They appear to be glorified similarly to Christ but certainly not to the same extent. They appear below Christ and the angels which makes sense within the natural order of Christian belief and Biblical ideology. In this same portion of the mural, below the throne of Christ, there are what appear to be two windows or doors, which are each guarded or inclusive

The Effects of Hip Hip on Our Culture Essay Example for Free

The Effects of Hip Hip on Our Culture Essay The Effects of Hip-Hop in Our Culture There are many differing opinions on whether or not Hip-Hop has a detrimental effect on our culture and youth today. The question I ask is whether it is life portraying art, or art portraying life? Anytime there is an increase in crime, and a decrease in the number of high school graduates there must be something left to blame. Although it may seem easy to say that the media has an effect on the way we see things around us, to what extent is that true? I grew up during the rise in Hip-Hop and believe that it does have both a positive and negative effect on my generation. Early Hip-Hop was viewed as a way for young urban New Yorkers to freely express themselves. It was a new art form accessible to anyone. You didn’t need a lot of money or expensive resources to rap. You didn’t have to invest in lessons, it was a verbal skill that with enough practice anyone could perfect (www. daveyd. com/rapphist3). Another reason hip hop became popular is because there were no set rules. Anyone could rap about anything as long as you were original and rhymed to the beat (www. daveyd. com/rapphist4). Those facts still are true today. If you went into an inner city public school you may be surprised at the number of young children who aspire to become rap artist. In the Black community music, dance, and art is at the forefront of our culture. Many of these traditions are due to our African Heritage, and will probably remain embedded in us for generations to come. Hip hop has created a lot opportunities for black businesses, and entrepreneurship. It has created wealth for Artists that were born in and lived much of their lives in financial hardship. They are given a record deal and many become rich almost instantly. This may have an adverse effect on young impressionable adults. Fancy cars, Enormous jewels, expensive clothing, and the most beautiful women from around the world fill music videos and other media outlets that cover Hip-Hops culture. The lyrics in most songs today express the benefits of being rich, being famous, and having anything that you desire with no discretion or consequence. The agony in this is that everyone wants to me a Millionaire. Are we really afforded the opportunities that we hear about, see portrayed, and even sing along to? For a lot of young adults the answer is yes. With little education, not a lot of money and a few good hooks they also can be a millionaire or wealthy. Hip-Hop not only sells records but also dreams. Young adults idolize Hip-Hop artists and believe that they should also have the things that they were able to obtain. Hip-Hop has also caused controversy about the way women are portrayed in videos and also within the lyrical content of its music. I personally believe that if a woman is in a video doing provocative things and dressed in an inappropriate manner that is her choice. These women choose to put themselves in these situations. I also believe that certain language used to described women in many songs are offensive but we all have a right to freedom of speech. Reality is there are women who don’t respect themselves as society expects them to. More women today are open with their sexuality and may view what was once taboo as okay. Some women see it as a profession that they are being paid to do, what you see in a video is simply acting and not who they really are. Hip-Hop is an art and we sometimes loose sight of that. Just as in movies, something’s are fiction, just a figure of imagination. The media overall has an influence in our society. Music, television, magazines, and newspapers, all play apart and how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us. The way an individual interprets things are solely based on their own opinions, views, and lifestyles. The Media feeds you information and everyone digests it differently. So, the question remains does life imitate art of does art imitate life? In Hip-Hop the answer is art imitates life. The images that are seen and the lyrics that are heard are simply an artist painting a picture of the world around them. The picture isn’t always pretty or relatable but its life. It’s the issues that go unaddressed by our government, it’s the stories of poverty, it’s the pain that a lot of young adults feel, it’s the dreams of making it, and for some just a good beat to dance to. It is the responsibility of parents to censor what they allow their children to watch, read and listen to. Home is the first influence in our lives. We are a product of our environment and so is Hip-Hop.

Nestle Special T Market Research Background Marketing Essay

Nestle Special T Market Research Background Marketing Essay Nestlà © is the worlds leading nutrition, health and wellness company. Good Food, Good Life is the promise Nestlà © commits to everyday, everywhere to enhance lives, throughout life, with good food and beverages. Recently, Nestlà © has been launching a new product-Special.T which is a machine that offers consumers to make a cup of the highest-quality tea at the touch of a button. However, Nestlà © has been expanding the Special.T to five new countries in Europe such as Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany. Consumers receive information from different media sources and make good use of it to collect information of their preferred product (Leon G. Schiffman, 2005). Nowadays, consumers are able to know various products through different media sources conveniently such as television, radio, the Internet and magazine. They provide the fully information to consumers before consumers make the decision of purchase. The market for selling the machine of making tea is becoming increasingly competitive. Nowadays, tea making machine is quite common in the market. Some companies have been selling such machine for many years before Nestlà © first launched Special.T. Therefore, Special.T is quite a new product in the market. As a researcher, we have been commissioned by the brand manager to conduct market research in Singapore. We will measure all aspect of the marketing mix and provide valuable information to support the management at decision to reinvigorate, change or renovate the Special.T. Well, there are several questions we are going to look at: What are the difficulties in using the product? What are the deficiencies of the product? Whether the information and the communication support consumers efficiently? Whether the marketing plans carry out successfully? How the product meets consumers requirement? Objective Research is the systematic collection and analysis of information which helps to improve the quality of planning and decision making (Naresh K. Malhotra, 2007). Every work must have objectives. With the objectives, we can clearly understand what we are going to do and which direction we are going through. According to Bill Gillham (2000), the purpose of market research is to obtain information so that the development and marketing of a product or service can be improved. The research helps researchers to fully understand what consumers need and can be used to explain and predict attitude and behavior of the population (Naresh K. Malhotra, 2007). However, without the objectives, we can only do nothing. Well, the statements below show our objectives of the research: To find out what the requirements of the consumers are. To intensify the competitive strength in the market place. To understand the current market situation. To assess the perception of consumers towards the brand. Epistemological approach: Interpretivism Research Methodology What is research methodology? According to Jamie Hale (2011), research methodology is a scientific technique used to collect and evaluate data. Here we will use the methodology of interview for the research. Well, what is interview? Why we will choose interview as the research methodology other than the other methods? First, generally interview is where a person (the interviewer) asks another person (the interviewee) questions about their life, ideas or opinions, especially on the radio or television or for a newspaper or magazine. Well, interview is a routine method. It is quite common around us. Interview understands across cultures. Since interview is a very common method, it has been commonly used in every country for many years. It can be used in all areas such as politicians, business people and celebrities. However, qualitative interviewing is an adventure in learning about teaching in different countries, their cultural views, their problems and solutions, and how their pract ices are similar and different than our own. The way we interview depends on what we want to know. It is a process of finding out what others feel and think about their worlds. The result is to understand the major points of their message and how it compares (similar different) to our own situation. Not only do we need to be a good conversationalist, but also a good listener (Rubin, Herbert Rubin, Irene, 1995). Face-to-face interview Telephone intervie E-interviews Focus group Group interview Focus group E-group interview Interviewer administered questionaires One to many One to one Standardised Non-standardised Interviews Figure 1.0 Form of interview (Saunders et al 2012:374) Interview: Advantages and Disadvantages ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Unique applicability. No interaction with others. Control over respondent selection-more depth, context and flexibility. May be more difficult to interpret. Close rapport. Time-consuming. Can express non-conformity. Cost. Check the views. Not an observable research technique. Comprehensive outcome: The respondent can analyse their motivations. Empowers the respondent. Secondly, why we will choose interview as the research methodology other than the other methods? A commonsensical justification is that the best way to find out what the people think about something is to ask them (Bower 1973: vi). Qualitative researchers agree that the interview is a powerful way to try to understand people. Whether face-to-face or in groups, the interview is among the oldest and most common methods of data collection and has been used extensively in this type of research (Guba and Lincoln 1981, Donalek 2005, Holloway 2008). We are selling a product, but it is quite difficult to determine whether the product corresponds with the requirement of consumer and to find out what the deficiencies of the product are. However, if we want to improve the product, we have to ask and understand the opinion of consumers or users about the product. The feedbacks and comments from consumers about the product are considered as important assets to the company because consumers are th e ultimate users of the product, they clearly know what they really want, what the deficiencies of the product are and which part of product need to be improved. Therefore, we have to carry out the action according the feedbacks and comments from consumers in order to make an ideal product and therefore it can strengthen the confidence of consumers towards the product or brand and the result will be the increase in sales volume. The underlying assumption is that interviewing results in accurate information about respondents and their lives, despite the many factors that have been identified that can affect how the interview is conducted and the quality of data obtained (Guba and Lincoln 1981, Fontana and Frey 2003). The data collected from interview is very accurate and adequate. Either face to face, telephone, group, formal or informal interview, the method of collecting data is to ask people. Rather than observing or studying on people and finally the researcher acquires the data itself. However, data collected via observing or studying may be biased because the researcher is not the consumers, he/she is unable to fully understand what the consumers want and the requirement of consumers may not respond on their action and therefore, the best way to understand consumers is to ask them. Inductive Approach Develop theory Observation Looking for pattern Tentative hypothesis In an inductive approach to research, a researcher begins by collecting data that is relevant to his or her topic of interest. Once a substantial amount of data have been collected, the researcher will then take a breather from data collection, stepping back to get a birds eye view of her data (Amy Blackstone, 1994). At this stage, we can collect the data via the method of interviewing consumer. Once we get the data we should look for the pattern of data and analyse the data. For example, from Q1 to Q10 are the questions about interviewers personal detail and Q11 to Q20 are about the opinions about the product. After that, we can formulate some tentative hypothesis that we can explore, and finally end up developing some general conclusions and theories. Formulate a plan After deciding on the methodology, we have to propose an indicative plan to carry out the research. In order to make the plan smoothly and meticulously, there are several questions need to be considered: What to ask? Because we use interview as our research methodology, we have to decide on the questions to ask the interviewee. For example, we are selling Special.T, we can ask the users about their opinions about Special.T or which part of the product need to be improved. When to ask? Before and after the product is launched officially. Who to ask? We can ask the people who use the product and the people who sell the product. We can also ask the others who do not use the product. Where to ask? We should carry out the interview in the places of selling Special.T. Well, the places of selling Special.T can be supermarket or hypermarket such as Tesco, Carrefour and Walmart. And usually there are a lot of consumers visit these places, so these places are the suitable venue to carry out the interview.

Galactosemia Disorder: Causes, Forms and Treatments

Galactosemia Disorder: Causes, Forms and Treatments Abstract: Carbohydrates are vital for energy in all living organism and also in the biosynthesis of essential glycoconjugates. One of these carbohydrates is a monosaccharide called galactose which is broken-down in humans by the Leloir pathway of the galactose metabolism.[1] Within this pathway, there are three main enzymes that is responsible for modifying galactose in order to convert it into glycolysis for the production of energy – galactokinase (GALK1), galactose-1-phosohate uridyl transferase (GALT), and galactose-6-phosphate epimerase (GALE). A deficiency in any of these enzymes results in a disorder in the human called galactosemia. The second enzyme of this pathway, GALT which produces uridine diphosphogalactose (UPD-gal) from galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1P), a deficiency in this is the most severe of the three galactosemia disorders. GALK1 is rare and the symptoms are much milder than that of GALT with the rarest of the disorder being GALE. Galactosemia is established shortly a fter an infant starts feeding and even though a strict galactose-free diet is introduced promptly eliminating any acute symptoms, the long-term complications unfortunately has already taken place. While early detection can lead to relatively normal life, this inherited disorder is unable to break down simple sugar called galactose and with excessive buildup causes liver, brain, and eye damages. Introduction: All living organism make use of carbohydrates or sugars for the formation of cellular energy along with the synthesis of essential cellular glycoconjugates. In humans, we not only consume carbohydrates but we’re also able to synthesize altered carbohydrate monomers by means of reversible metabolic pathways. Galactose is typically in many of our dairy products that we consume as a carbohydrate monomer which is part of the disaccharide lactose. The human body is able to break down galactose using the Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism. This pathway consists of three enzymes, each structuring a different metabolic intermediate functioning together to accomplish one objective and that is to modify galactose into glucose in order to release it into glycolysis for the production of energy. The three enzymes are, Galactokinase (GALK1), galactose-1-phosohate uridyl transferase (GALT), and galactose-4-phosphate epimerase (GALE). An absence or mutations in any of these enzymes resul ts in a disorder in the human called galactosemia. The second enzyme of this pathway, GALT which produces uridine diphosphogalactose (UPD-gal) from galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1P), a deficiency in this enzyme is the most severe of the three galactosemia disorders. GALK1 is rare and the symptoms are much milder than that of GALT causing cataracts of the eye with the rarest of the disorder being GALE with acute symptoms as in GALT. UDP-gal in the Leloir’s pathway plays crucial role in synthesizing several essential glycoconjugates along with ultimately being used for energy production. GALT deficiency in humans’ results in a disorder called galactosemia, a potentially fatal disorder if left untreated immediately after birth. Galactose Metabolism (Leloir Pathway): Figure 1. Galactose Metabolism (Leloir Pathway) in the Liver. The galactose metabolic pathway, also known as Leloir pathway named after Luis Federico Leloir who revealed the principal mechanisms of galactose metabolism and defining the cause of galactosemia.[2] This is the only mechanism of galactose metabolism in humans which contains three enzymes, galactokinase (GALK1), galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT), and galactose-4-phosphate epimerase (GALE) which are responsible for their respective role in the Leloir pathway.[3] Upon entrance of the cell, galactose is first phosphorylated by GALK to yield galactose-1-phosphate, which is one of the two substrates of GALT. From here, GALT modifies it further to one uridine diphosphogalactose and one glucose-1-phosphate from one uridine diphosphoglucose and one galactose-1-phosphate. The expected product of GALT, UDP-gal, is the substance of GALE. As GALE epimerizes UDP-gal to produce UDP-glu, which is modified furthermore to enter glycolysis or be used as UDP-glu to synthesize necessary glycoconjugates in the cell.[4] [5] Further modification of UDP-glu consist of the loss of uridine monophosphate in order to produce glucose-1-phosphate. The mutase enzyme then yields glucose-6-phosphate, a glycolytic intermediate that moves into glycolysis to harvest energy in the form of ATP.[6] Since galactose is an essential component of many glycoconjugates, some UDP-gal is used for the synthesis of these sugar moieties which highlights the significance of GALT in the meta bolism and cellular consumption of galactose.[7] Galactosemia: Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive inborn error in the metabolism which affects how the body breakdown the sugar galactose with a rate of about 1 in 62,000 individuals.[8] As a result, those individuals with galactosemia has difficulty digesting this simple sugar that are often found in many foods which is primarily part of a larger sugar called lactose. Lactose produces one molecule each of the simple sugar glucose and galactose which is nearly found in all dairy products and baby formulas.[9] The disorder is typically diagnosed soon after birth, as infants are either breast-fed or formula-fed. However these newborn starts to express characteristic complications that tend to develop after the consumption of milk over a short period of time like nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and lethargy.[10] The accumulation of galactose is toxic to the body if not digested by the appropriate enzyme quickly causes serious health complications to the newborn. Treatments currently involves managemen t of galactose-free diet, although some drug tests in the disorder process have been proposed. Laboratory tests are available to confirm of the disease by measuring the enzyme activity of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase or GALT which is the second step in the pathway of galactose metabolism.[11] There are 3 forms of this disorder: galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT), galactose kinase (GALK1), and galactose-4-phosphate epimerase (GALE) with each form having a relative differences in severity. Those individuals who expresses any of these disorders will have elevated levels of galactose in their blood along with high levels of galactose in the urine. For this reason, hospitals now carry out galactose tolerance tests which are now considered essential for the identification of the disease. Once confirmation of this disorder has been done, the newborn is treated using a dietary galactose restriction by replacing breast or milk base-formula with soy base-formula. Although most of the prominent features of this disease will improve such as nausea, diarrhea, cataracts, or enlarged liver and spleen will gradually regress once placed on the dietary restriction there is one chief symptom which does not show much improvement which is mental retardation due to the damage of the central nervous system.[12] It’s for this reason, that early diagnosis and prompt therapy are crucial. Cause of Disorder: Galactosemia means â€Å"galactose in the blood†, since these individuals are not able to break down galactose to produce energy, this sugar therefore builds up in their blood resulting in high levels of galactose-1-phosphate in the tissues. The pathway for galactose is more complex than most other simple sugars with three enzymes that are essential to convert a molecule of galactose into glucose-6-phosphate. Therefore, any type of genetic mutations in any part of the galactose pathway will cause severe life altering changes effecting organs and intellectual capacity if not treated right away. We can see from Fig. 1 that there are multiple steps in the breakdown of galactose into glucose-1-phosphate and be able to enter into glycolysis where it is broken down into glucose our main energy source. The GALK1 is the first enzyme in the galactose pathway and from this figure we can clearly see how by a mutation in GALK1 could cause so much chaos in the breakdown of galactose. The ability for our bodies to breakdown galactose into glucose plays a crucial for life. As a result, individuals with galactosemia, the GALT enzyme is either missing or not working properly and therefore unable to digest galactose into glucose causing large buildups in the blood. Overtime, this buildup if remain untreated will develop into fatality and although certain damages are able to regress a few of the many will not be irreversible. Forms of Disorder: There are several forms of galactosemia which are caused by mutations of a specific gene affecting different enzymes that are involved in the process of breaking down galactose. The classic galactosemia or galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) is also known as galactosemia type I, is the most common and severe form of this disorder. Classical galactosemia affects 1 out of 60,000 newborns. In the classic galactosemia, infants are born without the GALT enzyme and are either fed breast-milk or milk-base formulas. In newborns nearly 90% of their carbohydrates comes from lactose, human breast milk comprises of nearly 6% to 8% lactose and most infant formulas comprises of 7% lactose.[13] Therefore all these milk-based products are immediately substituted with lactose free formulas such as soy-based formulas to lessen any further damage to the newborn. Fortunately, most cases of classic galactosemia are detected early enough by newborn screenings and a galactose-free diet is quickly put in place. Within galactosemia type I, there is a rare type of galactosemia called â€Å"Duarte variant†, it is often but not always detected during newborn screening since this is a milder form requiring less treatment or in most cases, no treatment but an erythrocyte GALT enzyme activity test may be performed to confirm this variant form of the disease. Galactokinase deficiency (GALK1) is also known as galactosemia type II which is rare genetic causing cataract damage due to a lack of galactokinase.[14] Galactosemia type II affects fewer than 1 out of 100,000 newborns. GALK1, is responsible for one step in the galactose metabolic pathway that converts galactose to galactose-1-phosphate which is then converted to glucose. A mutation in this gene results in galactose and an associated sugar called galactitol to buildup in the cells that constructs the lens of the eye.[15] With high level of these accumulations in the blood will damage the lens which will cause cataract and lead to blurred vision – a characteristic in galactosemia type II. Galactose-4-phosphate epimerase deficiency (GALE) is also known as galactosemia type III and the rarest of the three forms of galactosemia. Those who have this may have mild to severe symptoms which may include cataracts, delayed growth and development, along with liver disease, and liver problems. There has not been many reported with the GALE mutations as this is the fewest of the galactosemia disorders. GALE, is an enzyme that instructs the production of an enzyme called UPD-galactose-4-epimerase and responsible for converting UDP-galactose to UDP-glucose. Since GALE is the rarest of the disorder, those affected with galactosemia type III may or may not have any of the complications characteristically related to galactosemia and often do not require treatment. In general, those who have this disorder whose had high level of these enzymes in the blood will still lead to complications such as damaged tissues or organs, cataract, to intellectual disabilities and damages to the liver, kidneys and brain.[16] Newborn Screening: With the high rate of associated with untreated individuals, newborn screening for galactosemia and other inherited genetic disorders are available in all of the 50 states and provinces of the United States. To screen for galactosemia, infant blood and urine samples are screened for the presence of GALT and any galactose metabolites.[17] The samples are first tested for the concentration of galactose and GALT activity, and if galactose levels are high and/or GALT activity is low, then the samples are then assayed for galactose-1-phosphate and further tested of the more common DNA mutations associated with galactosemia.[18] . GALT enzyme presence of less than 32  µmol/L (normal 150-500  µmol/L) is usually indicative of GALT-deficient galactosemia.[19] Newborn screening is essential in early detection and treatment of galactosemia patients efficiently. It is vital to their physical and mental health to avoid as much damage to the individual as possible. Studies has shown that approximately 80% of children given newborn screening for galactosemia were diagnosed within 2 weeks of age, compared to approximately 35% of whom were not screened. From those whom were screened 20% were free of GALT deficiency symptoms at the time of diagnosis.[20] Although nutritional therapy is frequently used which gradually improves the symptoms in patients with galactosemia disorders by introducing these individuals to a galactose-free diet.[21] In most cases, as long as the disease has not advanced too much, most of all acute symptoms gradually regress and often times completely disappear with dietary restriction alone. Many newborns will show rapid weight gain along with no more nauseating or vomiting. The organs like the liver and spleen that would be enlarged due to excess galactose in the body also returns to normal size along with cataracts, if present, will start to regress and most of the time will disappear completely.[22] Unfortunately, there is one significant symptom that shows no signs of improvement – mental retardation or intellectual disability like speech defects and other neurological or physiological abnormalities.[23] Since newborn screening is not performed until at least 24 hours after an infant has begun feedi ng, galactosemia infants will consume galactose before being diagnosis. A more efficient and timely screening methods are necessary to decrease the cases of infants who are already exhibiting disease symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Diet: The most common and most effective form of treatment so far for galactosemia is dietary restriction of galactose consumption. By having galactosemia patient avoid lactose or ingesting food containing galactose they are able to minimize any further damage to their body. For infants, it’s particularly imperative as lactose is present in all milk-base products and studies has now shown that there are some free-galactose in some fruits and vegetables. A study by Gross and Acosta in 1991 indicated monomeric galactose contents in approximately 45 different fruits and vegetables. For example, artichoke, mushrooms, olives, and peanuts all contained less than 0.1 mg of free galactose per 100 mg of plant tissue. In persimmon and tomato contained approximately 34.5 mg of free galactose per 100 g of plant tissue. Fruits and vegetables like dates, papaya, bell pepper, and watermelon were found to have upwards of 10 mg of free galactose per 100 g of plant tissues.[24] Conclusion: Although uncommon due to the effective newborn screening, undiagnosed galactosemia can lead to liver cirrhosis, mental retardation, and even death. [25] Girls with galactosemia have been found in later years to have higher rates of ovarian failure even with dietary intake. It’s important to understand that with acute symptoms at birth can managed with diet but the long-term affect involving impaired sexual and mental function are still prevalent among galactosemia individuals. References: Antshel, K. M., Epstein, I. O., Waisbren, S. E. (2004). Cognitive strengths and weaknesses in children and adolescents homozygous for the galactosemia Q188R mutation: a descriptive study. Neuropsychology, 18(4), 658-664. Hardin, J., Bertoni, G., Kleinsmith, L.J., (2012) Becker’s World of the Cell, 8th Ed, International Edition. Pearson Education, Inc. Glenview. pp. 242 Isselbacher, K.J. (1957), Clinical and Biochemical Observations in Galactosemia. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vol. 5, No. 5, pp. 527-532. Grossiord, B. P., Luesink, E. J., Vaughan, E. E., Arnaud, A., de Vos, W. M. (2003). Characterization, Expression, and Mutation of the Lactococcus lactis galPMKTE Genes, Involved in Galactose Utilization via the Leloir Pathway. Journal of Bacteriology. Vol. 185, No. 3, pp. 870-878. Kalckar, H. M., Kurahashi, K., Jordan, E. (1959). â€Å"Hereditary Defects in Galactose Metabolism in Escherichia Coli Mutants, I. Determination of Enzyme Activities†. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Vol. 45, No. 12, pp. 1776-1786. Asada, M., Okano, Y., Imamura, T., Suyama, I., Hase, Y., Isshiki, G., (1999). Molecular characterization of galactokinase deficiency in Japanese patients. Journal of Human Genetics. Vol. 44: 377-382. Lai, K., Langley, S. D., Khwaja, F. W., Schmitt, E. W., Elsas, L. J. (2003). GALT Deficiency Causes UDP-Hexose Deficit in Human Galactosemic Cells. Glycobiology. Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 285-294. Berry, G.T., Classic Galactosemia and Clinical Variant Galactosemia. 2000 Feb 4 [Updated 2014 Apr 3]. GeneReviews ® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2014.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1518/ Ai, Y., Zheng, Z., O’Brien-Jenkins, A., Bernard, D.J., Wynshaw-Boris, T., Ning, C., Reynolds, R., Segal, S., Huang, K., and Dwight Stambolian. (2000), A Mouse Model of Galactose-Induced Cataracts. Human Molecular Genetics. Vol. 9, No. 12, pp. 1821-1827. Fridovich-Keil, J.,Bean, L., He, M., andRichard Schroer., Epimerase Deficiency Galactosemia. 2011 Jan 25 [Updated 2013 Oct 24]. GeneReviews ® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2014.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK51671/ Freer, D. E., Ficicioglu, C., Finegold, D. (2010). Newborn Screening for Galactosemia: A Review of 5 Years of Data and Audit of a Revised Reporting Approach. Clinical Chemistry, Vol. 56, No. 3, pp. 437-444. Waggoner, D. D., Buist, N. R., Donnell, G. N. (1990). Long-term Prognosis in Galactosaemia: Results of a Survey of 350 Cases. Journal of Inherited Metabolism Disorder., Vol. 13, No. 6, pp.802-818. Gross, K. C., Acosta, P. B. (1991). Fruits and Vegetables are a Source of Galactose: Implications in Planning the Diets of Patients with Galactosemia. Journal of Inherited Metabolism Disorder, Vol. 14, No.2 253-258. ~ 1 ~ [1] Kurt J. Isselbacher, â€Å"Clinical and Biochemical Observations in Galactosemia.† The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 5 (September-October 1957): 527-532. [2] Benoit P. Groissard et al., â€Å"Characterization, Expression, and Mutation of the Lactococcus lactis galPMKTE Genes, Involved in Galactose Utilization via the Lenoir Pathway.† Journal of Bacteriology 185 (February 2003): 870-878. [3] Herman M. Kalckar et al., â€Å"Hereditary Defects in Galactose Metabolism in Escherichia Coli Mutants, I. Determination of Enzyme Activities.† Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A. 45 (December 1959): 1776-1786. [4] Groissard, 870-878. [5] Kalckar, 1776-1786. [6] Groissard, 870-878 [7] K. Lai et al., â€Å"GALT Deficiency Causes UDP-hexose Deficit in Human Galactosemic Cells.† Glycobiology 13 (January 2003): 285-294. [8] Boris B.T. Wang et al., â€Å"Molecular and Biochemical Basis of Galactosemia.† Molecular Genetics and Metabolism 63 (1998): 263-269. [9] Jeff Hardin et al., Becker’s World of the Cell (Glenview: Pearson Education Inc., 2012), 242002E [10] Isselbacher, 527. [11] Wang, 263. [12] Isselbacher, 528. [13] Gerard T. Berry, MD., â€Å"Classic Galactosemia and Clinical Variant Galactosemia.† GeneReviews ® [Internet] – NCBI Bookshelf (1993-2014). [14] Minoru Asada et al., â€Å"Molecular Characterization of Galactokinase Deficiency in Japanese Patients.† Journal of Human Genetics 44 (1999): 377-382. [15] Yunjun Ai et al., â€Å"A Mouse Model of Galactose-Induced Cataracts.† Human Molecular Genetics 9 (2000): 1821-1827. [16] Judith Fridovich-Keil, PhD et al., â€Å"Epimerase Deficiency Galactosemia.† GeneReviews ® NCBI Bookshelf (2011-2013). [17] Dennis E. Freer, Can Ficicioglu, and David Finegold., â€Å"Newborn Screening for Galactosemia: A Review of 5 Years of Data and Audit of A Revised Reporting Approach.† Clinical Chemistry 56 (March 2010): 437-444. [18] Freer et al., 437-444. [19] Freer et al., 437-444. [20] D.D. Waggoner, N.R M. Buist, and G.N. Donnell., â€Å"Long-term Prognosis in Galactosemia: Results of A Survey of 350 Cases† Journal of Inherited Metabolic Diseaase 13 (November 1990): 802-818. [21] Isselbacher, 528. [22] Isselbacher, 528. [23] Wang, 263. [24] K.C. Gross and P.B. Acosta., â€Å"Fruits and Vegetables Are A Source of Galactose: Implications in Planning the Diets of Patients with Galactosemia.† Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease 14 (1991): 253-258. [25] Kevin M. Antshel et al., â€Å"Cognitive Strengths and Weaknesses in Children and Adolescents Homozygous for the Galactosemia Q188R Mutation: A Descriptive Study.† Neuropsychology 18 (October 2004): 658-664.

Cyprus - History Of The Conflict :: European Europe History

Cyprus - History Of The Conflict Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean, at the cross-roads of three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa - has one of the oldest histories of the world, dating back 9000 years. Its strategic position, its wealth in forests and mineral deposits, as well as its skilled craftsmen, made it the prized possession of the powers of the day. Cultural influences came from all directions - all major regional civilisations left their mark on the island, contributing to the development of a very rich and diverse cultural heritage. ANCIENT TIMESThe Stone Age The first signs of human life on the island date back to c. 8500 BC during the Palaeolithic period. Evidence of human activity was found in cave dwellings near Liopetri, though it is not known whether they were just hunting parties passing through or permanent settlers. The first undisputed settlements are believed to have been established towards the end of the 8th millennium BC. Vestiges of such early communities are found all over the island, such as at Khirokitia, Kalavasos-Tenta, Apostolos Andreas-Kastros, Phrenaros, Petra tou Limniti. Neolithic Cypriots built circular houses with small undressed stones for the lower structures and sun-dried mudbricks and clay for the middle and superstructure. The Khirokitia neolithic settlement in Larnaca district stands out as a striking example of prehistoric architecture. The Bronze/ Copper Age Large copper deposits brought fame and wealth to the island and may have even given it its name. It has been documented that during the bronze age Cyprus had intense commercial relations with the main commercial and cultural centres of that time. During this period metallurgy and pottery flourished while close relations developed, particularly with Crete, which are also expressed in the Cypro-Minoan script which appeared in Cyprus around 1500 BC. Of special significance for the future of Cyprus was its colonisation around 1200 BC by Mycenaean and Achaean Greeks, a migration process that lasted for more than a century. They brought with them to the island the Hellenic language, culture and religion. Legend has it that the first Hellenes who settled in Cyprus were heroes of the Trojan war. The arrival of the Achaeans greatly influenced town planning, architecture, and pottery. Since then Cyprus has remained predominantly Greek in culture, language and population despite influences resulting from successive occupations. Iron Age More and more people from the Greek world came to live in Cyprus.

My Big Sister :: College Admissions Essays

My Big Sister She was so concentrated on her task that at first she did not hear the quiet voice behind her. In one hand she held an enormous clear plastic bag, and with the other she was picking scarves off a display rack and haphazardly stuffing them into the bag. She worked quickly because after an hour in the town hall, she was ready to head home. An hour of speeches read in a passionate monotone had left her feeling a strange apathy. She usually enjoyed the annual Homeless Vigil, and had worked very hard to collect the hats and scarves she now treated with such indifference. Standing alone on the now empty stage and gazing out into the rows of decaying wooden chairs, she tried to imagine the people her work would help, but found she didn't really care. All she could think about was getting out of that old building and going somewhere with central heating. With a sudden clarity, she realized that she didn't want to be a part of this farce anymore. What did it mean if a few middle class families got together once a year to be preached at by a bunch of tired social service workers? They listened patiently for an hour, then donated a few bucks to assuage their consciences. They drove home in their foreign cars to their nice two story houses and ate a hot meal, confident that they had paid their dues to humanity. If they could be so easily satisfied, so could she. "Excuse me, ma'am?" Finally the voice got her attention, and she turned around. The small voice belonged to an equally small boy shifting nervously from foot to foot. "What is it, Hon?" she managed a tired smile. "I heard your speech tonight, about all those kids who don't have anywhere to live. You said that you were collecting clothes and stuff to keep them warm." "That's right. This time of year it is especially hard for them.

Competencies &amp Essay

1) Legal and regulatory factors: The medical device industry is classified as class 3 , high risk implant so its obvious that a lot of investment goes into testing and experiments with sufficient evidences to prove its safety in-vivo. There are instances when a device fails and a single lawsuit causes the entire company to close down. Thus its advisable to invest time and money , before taking the implant out to the market 2) Investment of Time & Money: As approval process is a long drawn procedure, it is necessary to have well trained quality managers and regulatory system advisors as employees. Sometimes services of external consultants or Regulatory advising companies might be used. 3) In-house surgeons/medical practitioners: As these devices cater to specific ailments and are highly specialized, it is important that we have in-house surgeons to understand the requirements of a product before we begin to design it. Infact the engineers and the surgeons should work hand in hand to come up with a better product. The crucial factors which determines success in biomedical industry. 1) Availability of constant flow of Funds: For a new product to be in market, it might take 3-4 yrs, so during this period there should be a constant supply of funds to pay the employees and keep the company running. 2) Excellent marketing strategies : Its important that these products are marketed through right channels, thus its highly imperative that the products are showcased at various trade shows/conferences 3) Understanding the regulatory process: The main aim would be to bring the product soon to the market, by making a full-proof plan before the submission process for approval, as this phase is the lengthiest of all the processes. D. PEST ANALYSIS: Scope of Growth: The medical device industry out here thrives on reverse engineering concept the result is a number of ME TOO products. Infact companies end up investing on buying patents from European and American companies and do not believe in investing money for research and development of such products. There is huge market to be tapped as there is a lot of demand for these products most of which is imported from the Europe and the U. S. This area being the fastest growing market, the projected growth is expected to touch up to $16 billion in 2015 revenues. Source: Millennium Research Group. Spine Care Segments 2015 There is expected to be an increase in surgical treatment options, like facet replacement and dynamic stabilization procedures, which will likely be more acceptable to patients, perhaps doubling the % of patients accepting surgery from 3. 6% to 7% of a much larger, elderly population. As clinical results improve, this market is expected to continue to grow 20% per year and offer a tremendous opportunity to companies with innovative product lines. In 2015, industry experts project lumbar fusions will not grow, but stay at the same 2006 level of 400,000 procedures; dynamic stabilization devices will grow from 25,000 to 250,000 cases; and artificial lumbar and cervical discs grow from 25,000 to 600,000 cases, as these new procedures begin to replace spinal fusion. PART 2: A: BUSINESS OWNERSHIP: Sole proprietorship is a one-person business is registered with the state like a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. Legally, a sole proprietorship is inseparable from its owner — the business and the owner are one and the same. This means the owner of the business reports business income and losses on his or her personal tax return and is personally liable for any business-related obligations, such as debts or court judgments. This accounts 74% of all USA businesses and for 6% of all sales in USA. Advantages: (1) decisions are made by only the owner; (2) simple process to start – just get a business license (3) profits belong to the owner; (4) pride of ownership; (5) lower taxes. Disadvantages: (1) unlimited liability (2) limited life of business (3) difficult to raise capital for business; (4) risk of lost is not shared. Partnership: a partnership is simply a business owned by two or more people Just like in a sole proprietorship, the partnership’s owners pay taxes on their shares of the business income on their personal tax returns and they are each personally liable for the entire amount of any business debts and claims. 8% of all USA businesses are partnerships and accounts for 4% of all sales in USA Advantages: (1) easy to start (2) not many regulations; (3) not as difficult to raise capital for business; (4) combination of knowledge and skills. Disadvantages: (1) unlimited liability; (2) profits are shared; (3) limited life of the business; (4) disagreements Incorporation: Though forming a corporation is a bit more complicated and costly, but it is well worth the trouble for some small businesses. The main benefit of an LLC or a corporation is that these structures limit the owners’ personal liability for business debts and court judgments against the business. What sets the corporation apart from all other types of businesses is that a corporation is an independent legal and tax entity, separate from the people who own, control and manage it. Because of this separate status, the owners of a corporation don’t use their personal tax returns to pay tax on corporate profits — the corporation itself pays these taxes. Owners pay personal income tax only on money they draw from the corporation in the form of salaries, bonuses, and the like. Corporations make sense for business owners who either (1) run a risk of being sued by customers or of piling up a lot of business debts, or (2) have substantial personal assets they want to protect from business creditors. 18% of all USA businesses are corporations and accounts for 90% of all sales in USA. Advantages: (1) easy to raise capital (2) limited liability; (3) unlimited life of business; (4) Can hire specialized skills and knowledge; (5) shared risks. Disadvantages: (1) difficult to start; (2) less direct control; (3) double taxation: corporate tax and individual tax (4) limited activity. Franchising: Franchises are in which individual businessmen or people buy a well established business, but a certain percentage goes back to the corporation. Franchises must adhere to the corporate regulations. (McDonalds, Krispy Cream, Starbucks). Acquisition/Mergers: In this two companies merge together(merger) or a big company acquires a small innovative company giving rise to an acquisition. The best option to go with would be setting up a corporation or a LLC rather to start. The limited liability company or â€Å"LLC† is a relatively new form of doing business which is now recognized in most states. The LLC has grown in popularity because it combines the best features of a corporation and a partnership. Like a corporation, the owners (called â€Å"members†) of the LLC are not personally responsible for the debts of the LLC. Like a partnership, there is no dual taxation and the earnings of the business are taxed directly to the members. The LLC is also preferable in many ways to the â€Å"S corporation,† which also avoids personal liability and dual taxation. The LLC is not subject to most of the limitations which are imposed on corporations by applicable law. For example, while an corporation is not allowed to have more than one type or class of stock ownership and is not allowed to have more than 75 shareholders, the LLC is not subject to such limitations. Overall, the LLC simply allows more flexibility in the structure, operation and management of the business than does the S corporation. LLCs are similar to corporations because they also provide limited personal liability for business debts and claims. But when it comes to taxes, LLCs are more like partnerships: the owners of an LLC pay taxes on their shares of the business income on their personal tax returns.

Mini Trial

Incredibly, there are currently over â€Å"3,000 asses of Mesopotamia annually' in the US and more than â€Å"1 0,000 cases† globally (â€Å"The Mesopotamia Center†, 2014). Asbestos lawsuits are continuously prevalent and can be identified by simply turning on a television set any given time of the day. More than likely there will be an asbestos lawsuit commercial on several channels. Since the sass's, Maryland has had its fair share of these lawsuits because of its asbestos production and inherent health risk posed to the surrounding communities.In 1 993, Baltimore had more than â€Å"200,000 cases† pending against the state of Maryland and the courts had become inundated with an insurmountable mountain of lawsuits (Ogden, 1 993, pig. 38). Attempting to manage all of these cases put a serious strain on the court systems and jeopardized the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the state's judicial infrastructure. The question for legal professionals was how t o handle such a large surge in caseloads. The answer came in the form of an Alternate Dispute Resolution (TAR) known as a Mini-Trial.This TAR process created a means for legal professionals to process large groups of disputants through a dispute resolution process in minimal time. Asbestos mini-trial proceedings in Baltimore were conducted in ropes and series so that the most severe cases could be handled first. The unprecedented decision to utilize mini;trials in this capacity yielded quicker results than normal bench-trial cases could and paved the way for the continued use of this form of 3 TAR. The unique style in how the mini-trials were applied to the Baltimore asbestos cases is what really stood out.Case Study As the amount of plaintiffs grew against multiple companies involved in asbestos manufacturing, Judge Marshall A. Levin of Baltimore's Circuit Court, ordered the majority of the cases to be performed as mini-trials (Person, 1993). This process would alleviate Some of th e limiting factors being experienced in regards to litigation saturation. With literally thousands of affected citizens, Judge Levin felt that a series of mini-trials would clear up a large portion of the individual claims bogging down Baltimore's court system.The first thing he ordered was for the trials to be conducted in groups. Within these groups, legal professionals to include the judge; would select the most important cases first. His first grouped involved over 600 cases in which patients were already sick or dying from asbestos related illnesses (Person, 993). It was important to process these cases quickly so that any damages awarded could be used for healthcare immediately. Another group involved a series of plaintiffs that were seeking damages from either being exposed to asbestos or not being properly informed of the dangers of asbestos.Even though these were of lesser importance, the process of the mini-trial still afforded the plaintiffs quick resolution. Because ther e were so many people involved in all of these cases, the judge would also only allow a select few to present testimony. By doing this, Levin prevented the same testimony from Ewing heard by thousands of plaintiffs with the same argument. This â€Å"abbreviated version† of a full court trial proved his theory that mini-trials were beneficial in lieu of (Colors, 2009, pig. 203). Time was not the only thing gained by these trials however.Judge Eleven's first mini-trial only took four weeks and caught the attention of several other judges. During the second set of 4 trial series, three judges from Baltimore joined him in hearing six more major asbestos cases. Those mini-trials yielded more than SSL 1 million in restitution for three out of the six cases (Person, 1993). Knowing that the number of asbestos cases would increasingly rise, Judge Levin created the â€Å"New Discovery Rule† that would supersede any statute of limitation Maryland had in regards to asbestos relate d lawsuits (Ogden, 1993).Applying additional gateways offset the non-binding agreement mini-trials and other forms of TAR normally have. Discussion The overall goal in hearing asbestos cases quickly and clearing the courts of hemorrhaging lawsuits was ultimately a success. Eleven's progressive approach to dispute resolution proved that alternate methods can be fair and equal. Properly categorizing claims that were more severe against claims that were to was paramount in choosing first to appear cases. The quick action of the mini-trial afforded victims in need compensation necessary to the treatment of their illnesses.By grouping the trials into series, the mini-trials also protected the asbestos manufactures of frivolous law suits and false claims of lung cancer due to smoking and not asbestos exposure. One of the biggest conclusions that can be drawn from this case is that the mini-trial is adoptable and long lasting. As recently as 2013, exactly 20 years after Baltimore's first a sbestos min-trial, Maryland is still using the TAR practice ND is a â€Å"major forum for asbestos litigation† (Richard, 2014). Baltimore's use of the mini-trial not only relieved the strain of over tasked court system, it proved that different forms of TAR could save time.