Thursday, November 28, 2019

The United States Of America free essay sample

The USA is one of the largest states in the universe. It is situated in the cardinal portion of the North American continent. The country of the USA is over nine million square kilometers. It is washed by the Pacific Ocean and by the Atlantic Ocean. The most northern portion of the USA is Alaska, the largest province, separated from the remainder of the state by Canada. The population of the United States is about 250 million people, most of the people live in towns. Peoples of different nationalities live in the USA, The official linguistic communication of the state is English. The capital of the state is Washington. It was named in honor of the first President, George Washington. As the USA is a big state, the clime is different in different parts. For illustration, the Pacific seashore is a part of mild winters and warm, dry summers, but the eastern Continental part is watered with rainfall. We will write a custom essay sample on The United States Of America or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The part around the Great Lakes has mutable conditions. There are many mountains in the USA. For illustration, the highest extremums of the Cordillera in the USA are 6,193 and 4,418 meters. The chief river of the state is the -Mississippi. But there are many other great rivers in the USA: the Colorado in the South and the Columbia in the north West. There are five Great Lakes between the USA and Canada. The USA produces more than 52 per cent of the universe s maize, wheat, cotton baccy. There are many large metropoliss in the state. They are Washington ( the capital of the state ) , New York ( the metropolis of contrasts, fiscal and concern Centre of the USA ) , Boston ( there are many colleges and universities in it ) , Chicago ( one of the biggest industrial metropoliss in the USA ) , San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Detroit ( one of the biggest Centres of the car industry ) . The USA has an Academy of Sciences. There are many scientific establishments, museums, libraries, theaters and other interesting topographic points in the state. The USA is a extremely developed industrial state. The USA is rich in mineral resources, such as aluminum, salt, Zn, Cus, and others. The state is rich in coal, natural gas, gold and Ag, excessively. It holds one of the first topographic points in the universe for the production of coal, Fe, oil, natural gas. Such industries as machine-building, ship-building are extremely developed in the state. American agribusiness produces a batch of nutrient merchandises: grain, fruit, veggies. The USA is a federal democracy, dwelling of 50 provinces. Each of these provinces has its ain authorities. Congress is the American Parliament which consists of two Chambers. The president is the caput of the province and the authorities. He is elected for four old ages.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

The History of How Dogs Were Domesticated

The History of How Dogs Were Domesticated The history of dog domestication is that of an ancient partnership between dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and humans. That partnership was likely originally based on a human need for help with herding and hunting, for an early alarm system, and for a source of food in addition to the companionship many of us today know and love. In return, dogs received companionship, protection, shelter, and a reliable food source. But when this partnership first occurred is still under some debate. Dog history has been studied recently using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which suggests that wolves and dogs split into different species around 100,000 years ago. Although mtDNA analysis has shed some light on the domestication event(s) which may have occurred between 40,000 and 20,000 years ago, researchers are not agreed on the results. Some analyses suggest that the original domestication location of dog domestication was in East Asia; others that the middle east was the original location of domestication; and still others that later domestication took place in Europe. What the genetic data has shown to date is that the history of dogs is as intricate as that of the people they lived alongside, lending support to the long depth of the partnership, but complicating origin theories. Two Domestications In 2016, a research team led by bioarchaeologist Greger Larson (Frantz et al. cited below) published mtDNA evidence for two places of origin for domestic dogs: one in Eastern Eurasia and one in Western Eurasia. According to that analysis, ancient Asian dogs originated from a domestication event from Asian wolves at least 12,500 years ago; while European Paleolithic dogs originated from an independent domestication event from European wolves at least 15,000 years ago. Then, says the report, at sometime before the Neolithic period (at least 6,400 years ago), Asian dogs were transported by humans to Europe where they displaced European Paleolithic dogs. That would explain why earlier DNA studies reported that all modern dogs were descended from one domestication event, and also the existence of evidence of two domestication event from two different far-flung locations. There were two populations of dogs in the Paleolithic, goes the hypothesis, but one of them- the European Paleolithic dog- is now extinct. A lot of questions remain: there are no ancient American dogs included in most of the data, and Frantz et al. suggest that the two progenitor species were descended from the same initial wolf population and both are now extinct. However, other scholars (Botiguà © and colleagues, cited below) have investigated and found evidence to support migration event(s) across the central Asia steppe region, but not for a complete replacement. They were unable to rule out Europe as the original domestication location. The Data: Early Domesticated Dogs The earliest confirmed domestic dog anywhere so far is from a burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel, which has joint human and dog interments dated to 14,000 years ago. The earliest confirmed domesticated dog in China was found in the early Neolithic (7000–5800 BCE) Jiahu site in Henan Province. Evidence for co-existence of dogs and humans, but not necessarily domestication, comes from Upper Paleolithic sites in Europe. These hold evidence for dog interaction with humans and include  Goyet Cave  in Belgium,  Chauvet  cave in France, and  Predmosti in the Czech Republic. European Mesolithic sites like Skateholm (5250–3700 BC) in Sweden have dog burials, proving the value of the furry beasts to hunter-gatherer settlements. Danger Cave in Utah is currently the earliest case of dog burial in the Americas, at about 11,000 years ago, likely a descendant of Asian dogs. Continued interbreeding with wolves, a characteristic found throughout the life history of dogs everywhere, has apparently resulted in the hybrid black wolf found in the Americas. Black fur coloration is a dog characteristic, not originally found in wolves. Dogs as Persons Some studies of dog burials dated to the Late Mesolithic-Early Neolithic Kitoi period in the Cis-Baikal region of Siberia suggests that in some cases, dogs were awarded person-hood and treated equally to fellow humans. A dog burial at the Shamanaka site was a male, middle-aged dog which had suffered injuries to its spine, injuries from which it recovered. The burial, radiocarbon dated to ~6,200 years ago (cal BP), was interred in a formal cemetery, and in a similar manner to the humans within that cemetery. The dog may well have lived as a family member. A wolf burial at the Lokomotiv-Raisovet cemetery (~7,300 cal BP) was also an older adult male. The wolfs diet (from stable isotope analysis) was made up of deer, not grain, and although its teeth were worn, there is no direct evidence that this wolf was part of the community. Nevertheless, it too was buried in a formal cemetery. These burials are exceptions, but not that rare: there are others, but there is also is evidence that fisher-hunters in Baikal consumed dogs and wolves, as their burned and fragmented bones appear in refuse pits. Archaeologist Robert Losey and associates, who conducted this study, suggest that these are indications that Kitoi hunter-gatherers considered that at least these individual dogs were persons. Modern Breeds and Ancient Origins Evidence for the appearance of breed variation is found in several European Upper Paleolithic sites. Medium-sized dogs (with wither heights between 45–60 cm) have been identified in Natufian sites in the Near East dated to ~15,500-11,000 cal BP). Medium to large dogs (wither heights above 60 cm) have been identified in Germany (Kniegrotte), Russia (Eliseevichi I), and Ukraine (Mezin), ~17,000-13,000 cal BP). Small dogs (wither heights under 45 cm) have been identified in Germany (Oberkassel, Teufelsbrucke, and Oelknitz), Switzerland (Hauterive-Champreveyres), France (Saint-Thibaud-de-Couz, Pont dAmbon) and Spain (Erralia) between ~15,000-12,300 cal BP. See the investigations by archaeologist Maud Pionnier-Capitan and associates for more information. A recent study of pieces of DNA called SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphism) which have been identified as markers for modern dog breeds and published in 2012 (Larson et al) comes to some surprising conclusions: that despite the clear evidence for marked size differentiation in very early dogs (e.g., small, medium and large dogs found at Svaerdborg), this has nothing to do with current dog breeds. The oldest modern dog breeds are no more than 500 years old, and most date only from ~150 years ago. Theories of Modern Breed Origination Scholars now agree that most of the dog breeds we see today are recent developments. However, the astounding variation in dogs is a relic of their ancient and varied domestication processes. Breeds vary in size from the one pound (.5 kilogram) teacup poodles to giant mastiffs weighing over 200 lbs (90 kg). In addition, breeds have different limb, body, and skull proportions, and they also vary in abilities, with some breeds developed with special skills such as herding, retrieving, scent detection, and guiding. That may be because domestication occurred while humans were all hunter-gatherers at the time, leading extensively migrant lifeways. Dogs spread with them, and thus so for a while dog and human populations developed in geographic isolation for a time. Eventually, however, human population growth and trade networks meant people reconnected, and that, say scholars, led to the genetic admixture in the dog population. When dog breeds began to be actively developed about 500 years ago, they were created out of a fairly homogenous gene pool, from dogs with mixed genetic heritages which had been developed in widely disparate locations. Since the creation of kennel clubs, breeding has been selective: but even that was disrupted by World Wars I and II, when breeding populations all over the world were decimated or went extinct. Dog breeders have since reestablished such breeds using a handful of individuals or combining similar breeds. Sources Botiguà © LR, Song S, Scheu A, Gopalan S, Pendleton AL, Oetjens M, Taravella AM, Seregà ©ly T, Zeeb-Lanz A, Arbogast R-M et al. 2017. Ancient European dog genomes reveal continuity since the Early Neolithic. Nature Communications 8:16082.Frantz LAF, Mullin VE, Pionnier-Capitan M, Lebrasseur O, Ollivier M, Perri A, Linderholm A, Mattiangeli V, Teasdale MD, Dimopoulos EA et al. 2016. Genomic and archaeological evidence suggests a dual origin of domestic dogs. Science 352(6293):1228–1231.Freedman AH, Lohmueller KE, and Wayne RK. 2016. Evolutionary History, Selective Sweeps, and Deleterious Variation in the Dog. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 47(1):73–96.Geiger M, Evin A, Snchez-Villagra MR, Gascho D, Mainini C, and Zollikofer CPE. 2017. Neomorphosis and heterochrony of skull shape in dog domestication. Scientific Reports 7(1):13443.Perri A. 2016. A wolf in dogs clothing: Initial dog domestication and Pleistocene wolf variation. Journal of Archaeolog ical Science 68(Supplement C):1–4. Wang G-D, Zhai W, Yang H-C, Wang L, Zhong L, Liu Y-H, Fan R-X, Yin T-T, Zhu C-L, Poyarkov AD et al. 2015. Out of southern East Asia: the natural history of domestic dogs across the world. Cell Research 26:21.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Evolution of Financial Reporting in Kuwait Essay

The Evolution of Financial Reporting in Kuwait - Essay Example In general, the Kuwaiti government decided to take a macroeconomic approach to regulation, i.e., to take an active, interventionist position and dictate rules and regulations to the private sector. This paternalistic, protective approach is known as Kafala (Sponsorship of the State). Thus, laws were passed that outlined the responsibilities of companies to provide regular financial reports and to establish the enforcement agencies in the government. Explicit authority was given to the Registrar of Companies in Kuwait to regulate accounting. The Registrar has developed the detailed administrative guidelines indicating how companies should file their annual reports. In this way, the Registrar can control the quality of domestic accounting. In addition, the government began taking steps to monitor the economy and had to have accurate financial data. At the same time, the regulations should allow enough flexibility in the choice of financial accounting to not only provide a level playing field but also encourage entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Businesses soon learned the value of accurate financial data. In this regard, the importance of private sector associations and regulatory bodies in the establishment of standards cannot be overestimated. Eventually, as the private sector grows and matures, more and more responsibility for accounting practices will fall to the private associations as long as they remain within the framework of reporting rules proscribed by the law, by administrative pronouncement, and by practices developed by International Accounting Standards (IAS). These accounting associations are crucial in maintaining proper standards and will become even more important in the future. Financial reporting has evolved along two separate but parallel lines: Accounting Securities and the Stock Exchange. 4.2: Laws Affecting Accounting: The first law concerning accounting defines the qualifications needed to practice the profession and was passed in 1962. At first, the authority was given to the Ministry of Finance and Economy, but a few years later, it was passed to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry which now issues the licenses. Many of the articles in this law outline requirements: registrants must be of good moral character,

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Amazon Acquisition and Equity Investment Research Paper

Amazon Acquisition and Equity Investment - Research Paper Example 2- SET OF COMPANIES ACQUIRED BY AMAZON IN 2011 In 2011, set of companies were acquired with price of US $771 million by Amazon (Amazon, 2011). None of the companies are defined specifically but all are aimed at market development for Amazon for increasing customer base as well as sales channel increase in portfolio. Two of the companies included Marshall Cavendish US Children’s Books Titles and LoveFilm International Limited Etc (Amazon, 2013). The change in sales and net income from acquisition was as follows: Set Of Companies in 2011 2011 2010 Sales 48,077 34,204 Change In Sales 40.56% Â   Net income 631 1152 Change In NI -45.23% (Amazon, 2011) The above acquisition also impacted sales positively. But rise in sales is increasingly offset by the downside movement of net income. With acquisition of companies Amazon.com has burdened its net income with additional five percent than magnitude of sales rise. Hence, the acquisition cannot be referred as successful strategy. 3- AQC UISITION OF ZAPPOS.COM, INC. The acquisition was conducted on November 2009 with purchase price of US $.1,134 million (Amazon, 2009). The acquisition was aimed at market penetration and expanding Amazon’s presence in categories shoes and apparel. The impact of Zappos.com Inc on the sales and net income has been highly successful as reflected from the given below change in sales and in net income: ZAPPOS.COM, INC IN 2009 2009 2008 Sales 24,509 19,166 Change In Sales 27.88% Â   Net income 902 645 Change In NI 39.84% (Amazon, 2009) Hence, Zappos.com. Inc acquisition can be regarded as successful from results shown above as not only the sales have increased but the profits have increased as well. ANSWER # 2 The assessment of each of the acquisitions mentioned above with respect to its timing of investment is conducted as follows as discussed in annual reports of the company: FOR Kiva IN 2012 Investment Value $678 million SALES Actual Pro Forma Change 2

Monday, November 18, 2019

INVESTIGATING AUSTRALIAN RADIOGRAPHERS' PERCEPTIONS ON ADVANCED Research Paper

INVESTIGATING AUSTRALIAN RADIOGRAPHERS' PERCEPTIONS ON ADVANCED PRACTICE WITH EMPHASIS ON IMAGE INTERPRETATION AND INVOLVED TR - Research Paper Example With advanced radiographic practice, radiographers are allowed not only to acquire medical images but to perform skills formerly restricted to other specialists, such as image interpretation (Hardy and others 2008, e16) and clinical assessment. It was said that the main benefit of this system is to free physicians and other highly-trained specialists to concentrate on their essential function – that is, to diagnose and to treat (Australian Institute of Radiography 2009). United Kingdom leads the development in advanced radiographic practice (Cowling 2008), with the radiographer’s roles changing towards diagnosis and even radiation therapy over the last twenty years (Australian Institute of Radiography 2009). However, several countries still have not fully accepted advanced practice. In Australia, while there have been attempts to implement role expansion, advanced practice has not been officially established (Burrow and others 2006). This is despite the fact that the co untry has shortage of radiologists attributed to reduced working hours and small staff growth rate increase (Smith and Baird 2008). Several reasons were identified for this uncertainty in Australia including resistance from the medical workforce and radiographer education, thereby affecting radiographer’s perception towards advanced practice. Given the situation, it is necessary to explore the aspects of advanced practice in Australia since resistance to it may lead to reduced standards and recognition of the profession of the radiographers (Cowling 2008). United Kingdom vs. Australia: A Comparison The demand for radiologists due to the increasing population has been regarded as the major factor that drives the need for advanced radiographic practice worldwide. Between United Kingdom and Australia, the number of patients per radiologist is greater for the latter (Smith and Baird 2007, 629). However, when it comes to the number of examinations per year, reports show that Unite d Kingdom has more compared to Australia (Smith and Baird 2007, 629). While imbalance between supply and demand exists in these two countries, each adapted a different approach in carrying out advanced practice. According to Cowling (2008, e29), advanced radiographic practice worldwide can be classified at several levels. United Kingdom belongs to the first level which is characterized by the presence of driving forces such as government intervention, research, graduate programs and professional organizations that lead to implementation of advanced practice in the field (Cowling 2008, e29). On the other hand, Australia only belongs to the second level, in which despite the presence of the same driving forces, implementation has not been carried out to remarkable levels (Cowling 2008, e29). In United Kingdom, government policy has been directed towards enhancing the National Health Service; thus, contributing to the advancement of radiographers’ roles and practice (Australian Institute of Radiography 2009, 28). In fact, the government has increased funds for the National Health Service (Smith and Baird

Friday, November 15, 2019

Biology of Prostate Cancer

Biology of Prostate Cancer PDG The Biological basis of illness and therapeutics Cancer of the prostate Introduction Malignancies are currently responsible for more deaths in the UK than ischaemic heart disease (Cummings et al 1998). Half of these malignant deaths are from the â€Å"big four† – Lung, Bowel, Breast and Prostate (World Cancer Research Fund 1997). These cancers are almost unknown in developing countries but the incidence reverts to the UK norm within one or two generations of immigration, which argues strongly for the presence of environmental factors. If this is true then these malignancies should be theoretically preventable. Prostate cancer is the current most prevalent male cancer, accounting for about 30% of all new cases and also for about 14% of all malignant deaths (Montironi 2001). The incidence is increasing, this may, in part, be due to the increasing age of the male population. Increasing consumption of red meat and fats are associated with an increase in risk, and a diet of vegetables and salads (especially tomatoes) is associated with a lower risk. It appears that Vit E supplements significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease (Heinonen et al 1998) Pathophysiology of the disease The prostate is a walnut sized gland which is situated just below the male bladder. It is primarily responsible for producing the seminal fluid and it also produces some hormones. In malignancy, there are several different forms. The neuroendocrine form (small cell type) can occur but it is not as common as the focal neuroendocrine type. (Di SantAgnese 2000) Prostate cancer is thought to arise primarily from one or more (usually a series) of genetic mutations in the DNA. This can either be inherited or acquired. (Hague et al 1996) In the UK the majority of prostatic malignancies are thought to be mutations occurring at directly at the tumour site rather than being genetically inherited.(Bingham et al 1998) The genetic mechanisms can involve either the activation of an oncogene or the inhibition of a tumour supressor gene. The mechanism is not simple, and it is thought that about four to six stepwise mutations in the DNA are responsible for the genesis of prostate cancer. The actual mechanism of the acquired genetic mutation is thought to be when an oncogene is translocated and fused with the activity promoter of another gene, this mechanism is often found when specific tumour markers are detected in the blood (viz. PSA). A similar mechanism is implicated in the more aggressive forms of prostatic cancer where the oncogene combines (and thereby inhibits) a tumour supressor gene. Demonstration of abnormal amounts of proteins such as PSA are useful in detecting the presence of micro-metastases when the disease process is thought to be in remission. The original sequence of the DNA is thereby changed. The actual mechanism can be by translocation (as described above) or by insertions or inversions which are more usually due to errors of RNA translation. All of these mechanisms ultimately exert their effect by interfering with the proper regulatory controls of the protein manufacturing abilities of the cell One of the main pathological features of malignancy is the neovascularisation that almost universally occurs. It is thought to begin in Benign Prostatatic Hypertrophy (BPH), and progresses through the pre-malignant into the frank malignant state. (Bostwick et al 2000) This is thought to be a result of the increase in detectable levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The levels of VEGF are highest in the most malignant forms of the disease, and is amenable to external hormonal manipulation. The commonest sites of metastatic disease are in the bone and the liver. (Mazzucchelli et al 2000) There is considerable evidence to support the implication of oncogenes in the aetiology of this cancer. Oncogenes such as c-myc and c-erb-B of have been found, as have supressor genes such as p27(Kip1) and pp32R1/2. Oncogenes have also been implicated in the formation and regression of the metastatic form of the disease. (Lijovic et al 2000) There appears to be a genetic association with the cancer as 10% of sufferers have a family history of the disease (Selley et al 1997) Modern management of prostate cancer The management of prostate cancer is primarily dependent on the clinical staging. There are several different types of staging currently employed. The commonest is the Gleason staging (I-IV) with III being the clinically commonest presentation. Significant factors in the staging are: Neuroendocrine differentiation Angiogenesis Perineural invasion Proliferation markers Other factors also play a part including the PSA and other blood borne entities. The first two factors are arguably the most important. We have learned a great deal about the detection and treatment of prostate cancer in the recent past, but the mortality figures do not reflect the increase in our knowledge. The two overriding clinical factors are early detection (ideally in the pre-invasive state) and the identification of the other prognostic factors. Chemoprevention is a field that is gaining in momentum at the present, but it is still largely experimental. (Montironi et al 1999) The current mainstay of treatment at present is hormonal manipulation A recent paper by Armstrong (et al 2001) looks at the current role of cellular immunotherapy in the field of prostate cancer management. This is a field which also holds exciting practical prospects for tumour management. It involves giving the patient vaccines prepared from antigenically active tumour cells or activated lymphocytes. Specifically cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are used to identify and then destroy the tumour cells. They do this by being programmed to recognise a specific protein on the surface of the malignant prostate cell. Clinical trials have shown that this method of treatment is at its most effective when first line (hormonal) treatment has reduced the size of the tumour to a residual amount, which is at high risk of relapse. For reasons that are not yet fully understood, this method appears to suffer from a developing tolerance to the malignancy by the lymphocytes. This is currently the focus of intense research activity. ( Hwu et al.1999) A more recent development still is an offshoot of this type of treatment and that is the use of gene modified vaccines. This involves vaccines which contain genetically modified cells. The most effective found so far are those which work by making cells increase the production of cytokines in close proximity to the tumour cells. (Alvarez-Vallina et al 1996) This appears to increase the antigenic appeal of those cells and thereby render them more amenable to attack from the immune system. This avoids the difficulties with the side effects that were seen when cytokines were given systemically. (Gao et al 2000) Other mechanisms for gene therapy involve the ingenious use of viruses to transfer the altered DNA into the malignant cell. In prostate malignancies, their use has been disappointing because of problems with side effects, but the theory is also promising (Relph et al 2004) PSA and related proteins such as prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) are commonly helpful in monitoring the progress or relapse of the disease (Montie 1997) PSA is being experimentally exploited by being coupled to enzymes such as thymidine kinease. This can be placed in the body by a retrovirus and therefore infects all cells but is only activated in prostate cells. They are refered to as the Trojan Horse Vectors and appear to very successful in early trials. Proponents of the technique refer to it as performing a genetic prostatectomy. More modern techniques still involves the detection of prostate cells in the bloodstream using a reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction. This is thought to be a particularly sensitive assay for the prediction of surgical failure (Olsson et al 2003) The downside to these treatments involving genes, is that the mechanisms of protein synthesis and regulation are unimaginably complex. Attempts to cure one malignancy may unwittingly cause another by a process called Insertional mutagenesis, where the desired effect in one cell is hindered by an unwanted malignant change in another. (Armstrong 2001) Conclusions The advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of prostate cancer have been spectacular in the last decade. Interventional genetics now are on the brink of offering a real chance of survival to patients with resistant disease. Patients with widespread disease are usually desperate to try any form of novel treatment. Although the theory and understanding of many of the oncogenic processes are already well advanced, it is vital not to give a patient false hope of cure. (Bingham et al 1998) To this end the Dept. of Health has set up a new governing body in the shape of he Genetic Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC) to consider and oversee all new and proposed treatments. The major hurdles that remain in this field are how to effect the stable and specific transfer of genes into tumour cells, how to ensure the safety of both patients and staff and to define exactly where the best place is for gene therapy alongside the mainstream treatments today. (Montironi 2001) References Alvarez-Vallina L, Hawkins RE.2002 Antigen-specific targeting of CD28-mediated T cell co-stimulation using chimeric single-chain antibody variable fragment-CD28 receptors. Eur J Immunol; 2002 26: 2304-2309 Armstrong, David Eaton, and Joanne C Ewing 2001 Science, medicine, and the future: Cellular immunotherapy for cancer BMJ, Dec 2001; 323: 1289 1293. Bingham SA, Atkinson C, Liggins J, Bluck L, Coward A. 1998 Phytoestrogens: where are we now? Br J Nutr 1998; 79: 393-406 Bostwick DG, Grignon D, Hammond EH, Amin MB, Cohen M, Crawford D, et al. 1999 Predictive factors in prostate cancer. College of American Pathologists Consensus Statements 1999. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2000; 124: 996-1000. Cummings JH and Sheila A Bingham 1998 Fortnightly review: Diet and the prevention of cancer BMJ, Dec 1998; 317: 1636 1640. Di SantAgnese PA. 2000 Divergent neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic carcinoma. Sem Diagn Pathol 2000; 17: 149-161 Gao L, Bellantuono I, Elsasser A, Marley SB, Gordon MY, Goldman JM, et al. 2000 Selective elimination of leukemic CD34(+) progenitor cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for WT1. Blood 2000; 95: 2198-2203 Hague A, Butt AJ, Paraskeva C. 1996 The role of butyrate in human colonic epithelial cells: an energy source or inducer of differentiation and apoptosis? Proc Nutr Soc 1996; 55: 937-943 Heinonen OP, Albanes D, Virtamo J, Taylor PR, Huttunen JK, Hartman AM, et al. 1998 Prostate cancer and supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene: incidence and mortality in a controlled trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 1998; 90: 440-446 Hwu P, Yang JC, Cowherd R, Treisman J, Shafer GE, Eshhar Z, et al. 1999 In vivo antitumor activity of T cells redirected with chimeric antibody/T cell receptor genes. Cancer Res 1999; 55: 3369-3373 Lijovic M, Fabiani ME, Bader J, Frauman AG. 2000 Prostate cancer: are new prognostic markers on the horizon? Prostate Cancer Prostatic Diseases 2000; 3: 62-65 Mazzucchelli R, Montironi R, Santinelli A, Lucarini G, Pugnaloni A, Biagini G. 2000 Vascular endothelial growth factor expression and capillary architecture in high-grade PIN and prostate cancer in untreated and androgen ablated patients. Prostate 2000; 45: 72-79 Montie JE, Meyers SE. 1997 Defining the ideal tumor marker for prostate cancer. Urol Clin North Am 1997; 24: 247-252 Montironi R, Mazzucchelli R, Marshall JR, Bartels PH. 1999 Prostate cancer prevention. Review of target populations, pathological biomarkers and chemopreventive agents. J Clin Pathol 1999; 52: 793-803 Montironi 2001 Prognostic factors in prostate cancer BMJ, Feb 2001; 322: 378 379. 1997. Olsson CA, Devries GM, Raffo AJ, Benson MC, OToole K, Cao Y, et al. 2003 Preoperative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for prostate-specific antigen predicts treatment failure following radical prostatectomy. J Urol 2003; 155: 1557-1562 Relph K, Kevin Harrington, and Hardev Pandha 2004 Recent developments and current status of gene therapy using viral vectors in the United Kingdom BMJ, Oct 2004; 329: 839 842. Selley S, Donovan J, Faulkner A, Coast J, Gillat D. 1997 Diagnosis, management and screening of early localised prostate cancer. Health Technology Assessment 1997; Sikora K 1994 Current Issues in Cancer: Genes dreams and cancer BMJ, May 1994; 308: 1217 1221. World Cancer Research Fund. 2003 Food, nutrition and the prevention of cancer: a global perspective. Washington, DC: WCRF, American Institute for Cancer Research 2003 PDG 12.9.05 Word count 2,206

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Peer Pressure and Drinking Essay -- Peer Pressure Essays

High school is normally the time when teenagers begin to dabble in the world of alcohol – to discover their limits and develop habits and this experimentation carries over into college. That is the norm and its not a bad thing, but of course there are a few exceptions. In high school I never went to a single party, was never invited to one, and barely ever even heard about them. It was something that none of my close friends were a part of and the thought of drinking never really crossed my mind. I was so busy with my school work, my job, and the cross country team that I didn’t have much spare time, and when I did I wanted to relax and hang out with my friends. My parents raised me in the faith of the Catholic Church and this background gave me a strong moral base. I always laugh and I have fun doing the simplest things so it was easy for me to find activities to be a part of besides drinking. It was only the summer after high school graduation that I began to fe el peer pressured to drink and the fact that I am always sober started to make me feel a bit isolated. When high school began, none of my close friends had ever drunk alcohol or had any interest in it, but as years went by, more and more of them began to try alcohol. Drinking is a personal choice and I had no problem with them experimenting, but by the end of my senior year some of my friends began to try and convince me to try it myself. Everyone knew that I am conservative when it comes to that sort of thing and people joked about me going crazy once I got to college and was no longer governed by my parent’s strict rules. Unbeknownst to them, this kind of talk repeated over and over, though I always denied it, began to make me feel curious. However I couldn... ...ound. So I always try to make everyone feel included, although I am still one of the more quiet people in the world. Lastly, my parents have taught me to work hard for the rewards that I gain. This has always been a major driving factor in my desire to do well with my schoolwork and in sports. I know that if I work hard enough I can do well and if I don’t get the results I want, it is no one’s fault except my own. With regards to drinking, I know that my parents would have been disappointed in me if I made the decision to start drinking in high school. When I take into account all the wonderful lessons they have taught me and all the love they have given me, it never made sense to make them unnecessarily upset. As clichà © as these things sound, I honestly know that these morals have helped guide me through my life and helped me make the best decisions I could.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

A critical exploration of incorporated and unincorporated business structures and an examination of potential consequences to managers and directors for ignoring provisions of the equality act 2010.

Introduction An important first step in any business decision is deciding the type of structure of the company. There are several business structures which may include sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations and unincorporated business structures (Bhushan 2008). The first section of this analysis is going to focus explicitly on unincorporated business structures; highlighting some of the benefits of establishing an unincorporated entity such as simplicity, low cost and flexibility and the risks of running unincorporated businesses. The paper will also discuss the benefits as well as the drawbacks of incorporation. The second section will explore on the employment law, and the Equality Act 2010 in particular. It will examine some of the provisions of EA 2010 and discuss the potential consequences for managers and directors where provisions of the EA 2010 are ignored. Defining incorporated and unincorporated organizations Before exploring further, it is important to first define incorporated and unincorporated organizations. Incorporation is generally defined as the creation of an organization’s legal identity, separate from its members (Behrenfield et al. 1989). On the other hand, an unincorporated entity refers to a collection of individuals coming together for a specific purpose (Davis & Lawrence 1963). The main distinguishing feature is the lack of a separate legal personality for unincorporated forms. Even though unincorporated entities may operate under a common name, they do not have a legal structure (Gansler 2013). Thus, the law does not distinguish between the organization and its members. Unincorporated business entity may take on three main forms: a sole proprietor, partnership, or unincorporated association (Oleck & Stewart 2002). To an entrepreneur seeking to start a business, understanding the benefits and the drawbacks of setting up unincorporated business structure as well as the challenges of incorporation is very important. Familiarity with the benefits and challenges encountered with each approach will help guide investment decisions. This will help in developing a better understanding of the various challenges, risks, and the concerns and conflict that the entrepreneur might face with each approach. Benefits and the costs of incorporation versus the advantages and the risks of running unincorporated entities The choice of whether to operate an unincorporated business entity or to incorporate the business is not an easy one. Each approach to business has its own advantages and disadvantages. This requires some form of analysis whereby one weighs the benefits and the costs of incorporation against the advantages and the risks of running unincorporated entities. One particular point that is worth noting is that, unlike unincorporated forms, incorporation limits personal liability. This particular factor sets corporation apart from all other forms of businesses. Unlike an unincorporated entity, a corporation is an independent legal entity which is separate from the members controlling, owning or managing it (Williams et al., 2000; Davies & Lawrence, 1963 & Lazier 2009). In other words, incorporation will shield the owner’s personal assets from business debts and claims. This is not the case with an unincorporated business entity as the sole proprietor or partners are subjected to unlimited personal liability for the firm’s obligations (Williams et al., 2000; Davies & Lawrence, 1963 & Lazier 2009). That is, the owners or individuals carrying out the activities of the unincorporated entity will be personally liable for the acts and liabilities of the entity. For example, if for some reason, the firm becomes insolvent or runs into debts; then all of the firm’s assets as well as the personal estates of the business owners/partners will be applied in the satisfaction of the business debts. However, the business assets will first be applied and any indebtedness due or rather not covered by the business assets will be recovered from the owners/partners personal estates (Carter 2014). This means that the personal assets for each individual running the entity will exposed to the creditors once the business has exhausted its assets and insurance. Another point of divergence lies with the filing of tax. Owners of unincorporated business structures are required by law to pay income taxes on all net profits of the business regardless of the amount taken out by these owners (Lazier 2009 & Oleck & Stewart 2002). On the other hand, a corporation is taxed as a separate entity. It is subjected to special corporate tax rates, separate from an individual shareholders tax. However, if a portion of the corporation’s after-tax income is distribute to the shareholders in the form of dividends, then a separate tax will be charged dividend received by each shareholder (Laurence 2014). The separate level of taxation can be beneficial in some cases. The corporate owners are not required by law to pay personal income taxes on profits that they do not receive (Williams et al. 2000). And, given that corporations are subjected to a lower tax rate than most individuals for corporate income between $50,000 and $75,000, the owners of the corpo ration may benefit from a low combined tax bill compared to owners of unincorporated business earning the same profit (Laurence 2014). Perhaps another advantage of incorporating a business lies in its ability to attract investment capital. Unlike most of the unincorporated business forms, incorporation allows the business to sell ownership shares through the company’s stock offerings (Gansler 2013). This can be of great benefit especially where the need for attracting more investment capital arises. This advantage also makes it easy to hire and retain key employees by allowing employees to purchase company’s stock through employee stock options. This is particularly beneficial to the firm as it helps in aligning employees interests with those of the shareholders (Bickley 2012). However, business that have no intention of â€Å"going public† or issuing stock options may not find this added expense worthy. Yet another benefit that is worth mentioning is that the business will have an unlimited life in the event of death of the owners. Corporations may last for centuries even in the absence of the original owners (Davies & Lawrence 1963). The business will continue to act a separate legal entity which can freely transfer ownership interest from one person to another (Carter 2014). But for unincorporated entities, the business may come to an end in the event of death of the owner. It is clear that there are enormous benefits with incorporating a business compared to running an unincorporated business. However, there are several drawbacks to incorporating a business as well. One particular drawback relates to the high cost involved in incorporation. The corresponding filing fees charged for incorporation and the extra administration costs and the considerable organizational and overhead costs incurred by the corporation can be extremely high (Carter 2014). Besides the high cost involved, the process of incorporation is normally very lengthy due to the huge amount of paperwork which must comply with regulations. Unlike many other business forms, incorporated business forms have many formalities and regulations that they must comply with such as recording shareholder rights, establishing a board of directors, maintaining corporate minutes, corporate records and filings (Davies & Lawrence 1963). On the other hand, unincorporated business forms benefit from simplicity, low cost and the flexibility associated with their structures. It is easy and less costly to set up an incorporated business entity compared to a corporation. Continuing maintenance costs are minimal and there is a greater flexibility in terms of conversion of the entity to other forms as the business grows (Bhushan 2008). Also, the length of time and the amount of paperwork involved in setting up an incorporated entity is very minimal compared to incorporating a business. Another consequence of incorporating a business is that it is subject to greater regulation and supervision by government bodies. For example, financial corporations such as banks and trust banks, credit unions, investment and holding companies, insurance companies and many others are supervised by the Department of Financial Services (PWC 2008). Supervision include an examination of the licensing and registration requirements and chartering among many others. Regulations governing incorporations are also highly complex. Establishing a bank in the US requires one to conduct discussions with regulatory advisors, lawyers and federal and state supervisory officials due to the highly complex banking regulations (PWC 2008). On the other hand, unincorporated entities are not subjected to greater supervision and extensive regulations as corporations. And since they are not governed by any statute, unincorporated business entities have more flexibility with regard to how the entity should be structured. The owners can take all the actions of an individual. However, this lack of regulation could be a problem when a dispute arises since there is no formal statute for addressing it (Lazier 2009). The choice of whether to incorporate or run an unincorporated entity is clearly a complex decision which can only be made with consideration of a number of factors such as the projected business risks/liabilities, the need for attracting addition investment capital, need for regulations among many others. The choice of whether to set to incorporate the business or set up an incorporated business structure will most likely depend on the projected risk and liabilities of the business. For example, if the business is going to engage in high risk activities such as trading stocks, then it would be best to incorporate the business in order to provide for personal liability protection. However, where the risk is minimal, it is prudent to consider establishing an unincorporated business entity. Nonetheless, I will advise the couple setting up the retail business to incorporate as the risks of running an unincorporated business may outweigh the risks of incorporating it due to many unforeseen costs arising especially where lawsuits are involved. Plus there are the benefits of attracting additional investment through company stock offerings and issuing of stock options to employees which will also have the effect of aligning employees’ interests with those of the shareholders. While incorporating may be time consuming and costly due to the high filing fees, the extra administration costs and the considerable organizational and overhead costs incurred by the corporation; the benefits are greater in the long run compared to running an unincorporated business entity. Assessing potential consequences for managers and directors where the provisions of EA 2010 are ignored. An important part of running a business is understanding the various employment legislations which may have significant consequences on managers and directors of the company if ignored. One particular employment legislation of great interest in this analysis is the Equality Act 2010. The Act requires employers to take reasonable steps to protect their employees from discrimination and harassment in various areas including age, disability, religion, belief, race, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and pregnancy or maternity (GOE 2010). For example, part 5 of the Act which covers provisions relating to equal pay create an implied sex equality clause in employment contracts (GOE 2012). These provisions require employers to ensure equal pay for both the male and female gender where the contractual nature of the work is the same (EHC 2011). In general, the act places duty on employers to protect the rights of each employee by ensuring that they are not being discriminated against in the various areas highlighted above. It requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to working arrangements to prevent job applicants or employees from any form of discrimination (Jacobs and Jerald 2007). Ignoring the provisions of the EA 2010 will lead to severe repercussions. Managers and directors that choose to overlook some of these provisions will face severe court penalties. In addition, the legal costs incurred may be extremely high. The legal bill for the employer starts right at the moment when the employee expresses grievance and files a claim of harassment, discrimination or victimization (Muyi-Opaleye 2014). It should be remembered that the cost of hiring employment lawyers is very high and the legal bill can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, estimates put the current defense costs of a single claimant lawsuit at $250,000 and a jury verdict of $200,000 (Heathflieid 2014). The settlement costs may fade in the face additional indirect costs that are often hard to quantify such as the losses resulting from damages to a firm’s reputation, the costs resulting from the loss of employee morale and distraction of organization’s staff as internal investigations are conducted (Heathfield 2014). There is also the loss resulting from the amount of time spent in defending against the claim. The managers/directors may incur indirect costs such as the loss of reputation which can also affect the firm’s reputation. Where such cases attracts publicity, the managers and directors may suffer from reputational damage irrespective of whether the claim was found to be valid or not. It should be remembered that reputation is a matter of perception and that the firm’s reputation is a function of reputation of key stakeholders including managers and directors of the company (Shah 2013). A strong positive reputation among the managers and directors of the company will result in a firm’s strong positive reputation and vice-versa (Burns 2012). If the managers and directors continue to allow for unfairness to go unchecked in the workplace, then this can cost them as well in terms of consumer demand. Consumers may react by choosing to do business elsewhere. This will have a significant adverse effect on the company’s bottom line as sales will significantly decrease thereby decreasing revenue and net returns. Companies cannot afford to lose a share of the market by allowing unfairness to go unchecked in the workplace (Burns 2012). The other indirect additional costs may have severe repercussions on the firm as well. Employee morale may decline to levels that their productivity are significantly affected (Burns 2012). Employees will feel that their grievances are not being addressed by the managers and directors of the company, thereby creating disengaged employees. Eventually, this will have a negative effect on the company’s bottom line. It is clear that the risk to the managers and directors for ignoring provisions of the EA 2010 are significant. From the very high costs of defending lawsuits to the hard-to-quantify indirect costs arising from reputational damage, loss of employee morale, and distraction of organization’s staff. It is imperative that the employer addresses employees concerns related to their employment contracts in order to avoid lawsuits and ensure a pro-active diversity workforce. If the employer fails to address employee concerns, proves evasive or provides unequivocal answers; it may lead to a tribunal drawing inferences which could be enough to establish a â€Å"prima facie† case of discrimination (Muyi-Opaleye 2014). Besides the lawsuits that may arise when a case of â€Å"prima facie† case of discrimination is established, the management may be ordered by the employment tribunal to undergo equality and diversity training. The Equality Act 2010 provides the employment trib unal with wider powers to order changes in workplace (GOE 2012). Conclusion There is no denying that the consequences of overlooking this employment legislation are enormous. The managers and directors may choose to ignore the provisions of EA 2010 at their own peril. The risk of ignoring these provisions is high from costly lawsuits to the hard-to-quantify indirect costs arising from reputational damage, loss of employee morale, and distraction of organization’s staff. The managers/directors of the company also run the risk suppressing overall job performance, forcing otherwise qualified and innovative individuals out of the labour force, and losing the lucrative consumer market to competitor firms. Reference Behrenfeld, W.H. and A.R. Biebl, 1989. Business Entities. New York: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc. Bhushan, Y.K., 2008. Fundamentals of Business organization and management, New Delhi: Sultan Chand and Sons Inc. Bickley, J.M., 2012. Employee stock options: tax treatment and tax issues. Congressional Research Service. Available from http://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL31458.pdf [viewed on 4th December 2014] Burns, C., 2012. The costly business of discrimination: the economics costs of discrimination and the financial benefits of gay and transgender equality in the workplace. Center for American Progress. Carter, C., 2014. Advantages and disadvantages of incorporating a business. Chron. Available from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-incorporating-business-364.html [viewed on 5th December 2014] Davies, R.N. and K.H. Lawrence, 1963. Choosing a form of business organization. durham, north carolina: small business studies. Durham, North Carolina: Duke University School Of Law. Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), 2014. Equality Act 2010 Code of Practice: Employment Statutory Code of Practice. Available from http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/documents/EqualityAct/employercode.pdf [viewed on 5th December 2014] Gansler, D.F., 2013. Guide to legal aspects of doing business in Maryland, A joint publication of the office of the Attorney General and the Department of Business and Economic Development. Government Equalities Office (GEO), 2010. Equality Act 2010: public sector equality duty what do I need to knowA quick start guide for public sector organizations. Government Equalities Office (GEO), 2012. Equality Act 2010 – employer liability for harassment of employees by third parties: A consultation Heathfield, S.M., 2014. Prevent employment discrimination and lawsuits. Available from http://humanresources.about.com/od/discrimination/qt/prevent-employment-discrimination.htm [viewed on 5th December 2014] Jacobs and Jerald A., 2007. Association Law Handbook. ASAE & the Center for Association Leadership, 4th ed. Laurence, B., 2014. How corporations are taxed: learn the benefits and drawbacks of corporate taxation, Available from http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-corporations-are-taxed-30157.html [viewed on 5th December 2014] Lazier, K., 2009. Benefits and disadvantages of incorporating an unincorporated association. Association of Corporate Counsel. Available from http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=49d3dabe-8f35-4e5e-b971-5c2c93c79b73 [viewed on 5th December 2014] Muyi-Opaleye, D., 2014. Archive for the ‘Equality Act 2010’ category: asking and responding to questions of discrimination. Employment Law Blog. Available from http://employmentlawblog.fieldfisher.com/2014/asking-and-responding-to-questions-of-discrimination [viewed on 5th December 2014] Oleck and Stewart, 2002. Nonprofit Corporations, Organizations & Associations , Prentice-Hall, Cum. Supp. Price Water-house Coopers (PWC), 2008. A regulatory guide for foreign banks in the United States 2007–2008 edition. Price Water-house Coopers Shah, A., 2013. The costs of discrimination. The London School of Economics and Political Science. Available from http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/diversity/2012/03/the-costs-of-discrimination/ [viewed on 5th December 2014] Williams, C., Barton, D. and Coltrain, D., 2000. Selecting a business structure: an informational guide to forming businesses. Kansas State University, Department of Agricultural Economics.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Queering Heterosexuality Essay Example

Queering Heterosexuality Essay Example Queering Heterosexuality Essay Queering Heterosexuality Essay Women Gender and Sexuality Studies Course title: Queer Gender paper subject/title: ‘Queering’ Heterosexuality Heterosexuality is universally described as having a desire or sexual contact with someone of the opposite sex from ones own. This particular definition of heterosexuality for the most part, has remained relatively unquestioned. In turn, this has allowed heteronormative cultures and beliefs to assume heterosexuality as the norm. Marginalizing people who do not fit within heterosexual norms perpetuates the exclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual individuals, as well as, heterosexual individuals that participate in sexual practices that are not in alliance with commonly held notion of heterosexuality. The focus of this paper will be to use Nikki Sullivan’s writing, A Critical Introduction to Queer Theory in order to identify the ways in which Lizzie Borden’s 1986 film Working Girls, ‘queers’ heterosexuality. Analyzing heterosexuality through Sullivan’s writings and Borden’s film, allows for the universal understanding of heterosexuality to be challenged. Heterosexuality is consistent with dominant group membership and with beliefs, values, and institutions that support and are supported by that group. Therefore, the institution of heterosexuality constructs restrictions and allows for little element of real choice. Within heterosexuality, males are the only ones that are given the ability to choose. Males are in the dominant, profiting, and controlling position in heterosexual relationships, whereas females are understood to serve, pleasure, and assume females to abide by the decisions that males make for them. Following the lives of a group of female sex workers, Lizzie Borden’s 1986 film,  Working Girls  juxtaposes paid â€Å"straight† sexuality with lesbianism. Molly, the main character in the film, is the only female who is known to be a lesbian. However, even though Molly is  a lesbian and has sex with men, what she is doing is engaging in a performance of heterosexuality. This is just the same as her engaging in a performance of sexual service for money. Since money is being exchanged in response to sexual practices, this already ‘queers’ the notion of heterosexuality. The concept of sex as a commodity that is sold by women and consumed by men is something that bears further feminist analysis. In her film, Borden illustrates that there is nothing straight about sex work. Selling sex is believed to be quite outside the normative codes of heterosexual conduct, whereby sex is privileged as something you do for love or reproduction. So therefore, the exchange of money for a sexual service is a defining characteristic that is believed to be a queer act. This means that any sexual practices that are not done out of love or for reproduction are only done for pleasure, which is not in congruence with heterosexual practices. In the film Working Girls Borden illustrates that within the sex work industry, certain women come up with complex and provocative theories of femininity and sexuality when describing their jobs. Due to the jobs they have and the position they are placed in relevance to men, these women are given the ability to have real choice and choose their sexual partners. These women make their own personal choices to engage or not engage in certain sexual acts with their clients. An example of this is seen in the film when a client of Molly’s commands her to suck his penis and she responds back to him that she will not do anything she does not want to do. Molly’s response challenges the social and sexual power of men dominating women, therefore deconstructing the heterosexual knowledge that men are in control. In heterosexuality, the male is always the victor, however in Borden’s film the females are the ones in the position of the victor because they are the ones in control of the men. This can be seen in the film by having a woman, Lucy deal with all the money the women make. Lucy is in the dominant controlling position, which threatens the traditional understanding that the man is in charge of the house. Not to mention that, in the sex work industry females, sex workers and pimps, financially profiting from the sexual interactions they have with males, their clients. Christine Overall, a feminist theorist Sullivan refers to in her writings, aims to envision a more compatible relationship between heterosexuality and feminism. By making a conscious and informed choice to partake in heterosexual practices without agreeing to endorse the heterosexual institution, this could be identified as a form of feminist praxis (Sullivan, 126). The sex workers in the film, may not voice that they are feminists, however they still make conscious and informed choices to participate or not in sexual practices with their cliental. Overall outlines a number of reasons as to why the choice to participate in heterosexual practices need to be observed as a justifiable option for feminists. Furthermore, Sullivan relates Overall’s thesis to a statement made by Segal, All feminists could, and strategically should, participate in attempting to subvert the meaning of ‘heterosexuality’, rather than simply trying to abolish its practice†¦to acknowledge that there are many ‘heterosexualities’†¦We need to explore them, both to affirm those which are based on safety, trust, and affection†¦a nd which therefore empower women† (Sullivan, 127). Both Overall and Segal, challenge the notion that there is only one definition of heterosexuality, by introducing the belief that there are various different forms of heterosexuality among us. But rather than simply encouraging women to choose to participate in heterosexual practices on their own terms, Segal invites women to play an active role in subverting heterosexual norms by ‘queering’ traditional understanding of gender and sexuality. Throughout the film, sex workers interact in heterosexual practices that differ from commonly held notions of heterosexuality. At one point in the film, Molly must deal with a man that gets turned on by wearing women’s panties and getting smacked in the ass with a paddle. Sexual practices that are executed this way go outside of the box of what heterosexuality is widely described to be. Pleasures produced by practices such as fisting, anonymous sex, bondage, and so on, functions to ‘shatter identity and dissolve the subject’ (Sullivan, 156). This is because such practices work against the logic of heteronormative sex, a practice that ultimately serves as an act of reproduction. These types of practices are non-reproductive and open up a sort of polymorphous perversity, enabling us to rethink pleasure and sexuality. After analyzing Nikki Sullivan’s writing, A Critical Introduction to Queer Theory in order to identify the ways in which Lizzie Borden’s 1986 film Working Girls, ‘queers’ heterosexuality. Using Lizzie Borden’s film to analyze the sex work industry, has placed it at the crossroads of feminism and queer theory; thus, providing a unique vantage point to critique the regime of heterosexuality from various aspects. Various activists in a variety of social groups have fought to, and continue to challenge heteronormative behaviors and beliefs. Heterosexuality continues to be challenged daily in many different ways, some of which were previously discussed.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Business Proposal Project and Macroeconomic Policy and Implications

Business Proposal Project and Macroeconomic Policy and Implications University of PhoenixEconomics in Health CareBusiness Proposal Project and Macroeconomic Policy and ImplicationsIn recent weeks the administration along with the Board of Directors voted to expand the holdings. After viewing several localities and considering a multitude of business ideas, the decision was made to invest in an urgent care center. The locality was selected when discussions turned to the International market. Foreign investment was one of the requirements. Several of the doctors have spent time in Italy, had developed a fondness for the city of Genoa.A closer look at the pros and cons of doing business in a foreign country brought about a desire to build a medical urgent care center and move forward with the plans for expansion of holdings. As reported by the web page on Italian-American citizenship, Italy has an affordable health care system and a high standard of medical assistance. Italian doctors are well trained and very passionate about their profession, and the private hospitals are comparable with any throughout the world.English:The National Health System of Italy, called the Servizio Sanitarioi Nazioanale (SSN), (Italian American Citizenship, 2009) offers inexpensive health care to all European citizens. The center administration feels is a good fit for this type of market.Cost to Patients and ReimbursementItaly stands with regard to current health care charges in order to anticipate what price to relate to urgent care services. Urgent care is not common for private facilities in Italy and is usually offered at public health care locations (United States Diplomatic Mission to Italy, 2007).In order to determine how reimbursement will be obtained it is important to look at the both the National Health System (NHS), private insurance, and private pay. The urgent care center will be required to undergo credentialing of staff in order to become eligible...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Critically evaluate an artefact of a marketing communications campaign Essay - 2

Critically evaluate an artefact of a marketing communications campaign (advertisement, brochure, poster, etc) for either a graduate traineeship or a masters degree - Essay Example Advertisements have also been found by Gronhaug, Kvitastein and Gronmo (1991) to come in many different forms and versions. This however does not mean that any form of poster at all can be selected for any product or service. Proctor, Proctor and Papasolomou-Doukakis (2002) indicated that there are several factors that ought to be considered in designing a poster for advertisement purposes. Because the factors are many, different writers and reviewers have tried to discuss some of the most salient factors at one point in literature or the other. In this paper, various works of literature are reviewed, based on which four important thematic factors that ought to be considered when undertaking marketing communications campaign have been discussed. To ensure practicality, the literature and factors have been used to critique a specific artifact in the form of poster for a Masters degree. At the end of the paper, the strengths and weaknesses of the attached advertisement are going to be identified as they apply to the four thematic factors considered. Shankar (1999) stated that â€Å"consumers interact with advertising for a variety of reasons whilst different groups show varying degrees of understanding towards the function and purpose of advertising† (p. 5). The understanding that this claim gives is that any piece of advertisement must factor in the different needs of customers, noting that not every consumer will be looking for exactly the same thing from a piece of advertisement. When advertisement is seen as a tool or component of marketing, then the advertiser would want to achieve this task of satisfying the varying needs of customers by incorporating very elementary factors of competitive marketing (Shankar, 1999). In competitive marketing, there are four major elements that a marketer would want to give emphasis to and these are place, product/service, price and promotion. To make

Friday, November 1, 2019

CRJS406(2) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CRJS406(2) - Research Paper Example Even though these characteristics are simple concepts, in some instances it is not easy for investigators to discern their meanings or uniquely identify them to a source. Hence, the aim of this paper is to discuss how investigators can identify class and individual characteristics evidences and their significance to the court process. Class and Individual Characteristic Evidence Class Characteristics evidences are those that no matter how painstakingly they are scrutinized, an explicit identification can never be realized, and they are thus categorized within a group or cluster (Brown, 2001). Under class characteristic evidences, there is commonly the likelihood of having in excess of one source for the material discovered, and they are applied in narrowing down a catalog of possible items or suspects. For instance, there are thousands of polyester fiber with definite shapes, outlines and colors; however, all of them have similar chemical nature, which makes it hard to identify the i tem as the specific one in a crime scene (Brown, 2001). Secondly, while human hair possesses similar class characteristics under microscopic observation whereby the medullas are either disjointed or nonexistent, the color and size pattern varies from all over the whole scalp in just a single person. This then makes it hard to positively point out that a hair sample belongs to a particular individual. Other forms of class characteristic evidences include blood samples, soil samples, and paint, in addition to glass fragments (Gardner, 2011). Conversely, individual characteristics evidences are those, which can be positively identified from a particular individual or a particular source due to existence of adequate microscopic inscriptions or even accidental markings (Gardner, 2011). Individual characteristics have unique physical qualities that are exceptional to a certain evidence item mainly due to natural variations, inadvertent damage and natural dress in. Some examples of individ ual characteristic evidences comprises fingerprints pattern, striation marks located in firearms, shoe prints, and blood or semen DNA code. Others include glass pieces whereby broken edges match each other, in addition to pattern formed by ejectors or firing-pin marks of fired cartridges (Buckles, 2010). Class Characteristics and Court Class characteristics evidences mainly aid in the buildup of circumstantial evidences during cases, and during substantiation of alibi false. This is because class characteristic evidences can offer a distinct negative or a positive substantiation that a certain portion of the evidence did not emerge from a source (DuPre, 2013). For a case to have good chances based on presentation of class characteristic evidence, the investigator should have a bigger number of classifying features, or otherwise massive amounts of diverse types of class evidence. Hence, class evidences are important mostly in proving of definite negative in court. For instance, in ra pe the identifying features like hair strands, blood samples, and semen samples can be proved not to come from a certain individual. Class Characteristic and Investigator The value of class characteristic evidences for an investigator rests in its capacity to substantiate events using facts that are