Thursday, November 28, 2019

Planning, Execution and Control Capabilities in a Real

The Executive Summary Dubai, like many other countries within the Middle East, is well known for oil production. Oil, being the rare commodity that it is, has enabled economies of countries where it is produce to blossom to envious levels. Most countries in the Middle East like Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have recorded huge and tremendous growths in their economies due to the availability of the oil deposits that they have.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Planning, Execution and Control Capabilities in a Real-World Project – The Real Estate Projects in Dubai specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The same is true with the United Arab Emirates. But, due to the growing concerns of diversification, it has become necessary to invest in other sectors of the economy as well. It is against this backdrop that Dubai has put much infrastructural investments in the real estate (Pacione 2005, p. 259). As one of the s even emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has cut a niche to be one of the most desirable destinations in the real estate. The real estate projects are actually growing very fast in this emirate. In fact, it is reported that about a third of all the cranes in the world are involved in building properties in Dubai. Incidentally, according to the Interpol, the Emirate is ranked as one of the safest places to live in the whole world. This has made investors rush to the Emirate with various development projects. Key, among the projects, includes tourism and real estate development. However, in order to realise the efficient execution of any real estate project, adequate planning and control capabilities must be put in place. The main aim of this paper is to underscore various planning, execution and control problems in a specific real estate project in Dubai. The project under study apparently is the City of Arabia in Dubai (Pà ©rez, 2007, p. 38). Introduction The city of Arabia is a multi billion dollar investment in the Dubai suburb at the heart of Dubailand. It is projected to offer residency and homes to more than thirty four thousand households upon completion. In addition, it contains the world’s largest Mall, the Mall of Arabia together with the Restless Planet, which is an internationally known dinosaur theme-park. This makes it assume the position of key destination within the new Dubai. This is based on the restaurants, shopping malls, clinic, administrative offices and schools that are contained within the city (Cooper 2008, p. 103). The city of Arabia is majorly divided into four elements which include the Mall of Arabia, the Restless Planet, the Wadi Walk and the Elite Towers. On the other hand, the Wadi walk consists of a water front community with outdoor cafes, stylish apartments and attractive retail outlets while the elite towers is a group of thirty four impressively residential and commercial apartments (Bagaeen 2007, p. 183).Adv ertising Looking for proposal on project management? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Upon completion, the city of Arabia is planned to have its own monorail system for purposes of reducing the use of cars within the city. Other major planning considerations for the city include thirty thousand, eight hundred residents who will occupy eight thousand two hundred residential units. In addition, there will also be a catchment area that has a total population of 1.87 million people. Research Aim and Objectives The aim of conducting this research is to determine the implications of project planning, execution, and control capabilities on project development and progress according to budget, schedule, resource management, and identify opportunities for improvement for water treatment in the city of Dubai. To that end, the following objectives serve the purpose of achieving the aim: To competitively identify and contract the best com pany to design, develop, and install a water treatment system adhering to the CPM chart, cost estimates, and earned value for the project. To identify the implications of project success based on initial budget, schedule, challenges and opportunities for improvement, and appropriately manages available resources. Hypothesis H0 (Null hypothesis): The capabilities of planning, execution and control capabilities of projects have no implications on real-world project success. H1 (alternative hypothesis): Project management tools when used by the have positive implications on the planning, execution and control capabilities of projects in a real-world project according to project budget, schedule, and resource management. A one tailed test will be used since an increase in the value of the alternative hypothesis will have implications on the research. Literature Review and Discussion The success of any major undertaking depends on the manner in which planning and the execution of the pl an is carried out. Magnificent plans require well laid down procedures, adequate finance and competent teams of personnel for their completions. The planning of the city of Arabia in Dubai presented a lot of planning opportunities to different stakeholders most of whom were multinational companies who were contracted to do the work. One such opportunity involved the Aquateknik plan implementation (Balakrishnan 2008, p. 77). Apparently, Aquateknik was the company contracted to deal with the water treatment suppliers of the city of Arabia. This company was founded back in the year 1987 and majorly deals with the treatment of water. As an expert in this industry, the company is focused on designing, development, installation and the project of water treatment systems that are individually manufactured. They thus have vast knowledge and experiences in this trade.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Planning, Execution and Control Capabilities in a Real-World Projec t – The Real Estate Projects in Dubai specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the planning and execution of the city of Arabia, the Aquateknik Company was contracted to build camp sites, swimming pools, amusement parks, hotels and water parks within the city. Other areas where their focus was required were the aquariums, zoological gardens and animal parks. In addition the services of treating the industrial water, building natural lakes, rivers and canal system were firmly under them. Besides, the company was also contracted to build fountains, water art and mirror basins. It is evident from the above scope of work that huge resource and manpower allocation was required for the success of the projects. But of greater importance was planning on the best and practical means of managing all these (Ramos 2010, p. 124). Although the consultancy and construction of different components of the projects will not be an easy task, the Wadi Walk area as an Arabian Venice presents a formidable challenge. This is because it will require the construction of a canal that floats gently throughout the city of Arabia. Considering the fact that the current supply of water to the residential areas is dependent on the taxis, there is destined to be a lot of opposition from the taxi operators who might interpret this as being thrown out of business. This is tantamount to generate real and actual planning challenges for the company. However, the taxi operators should be assured of alternative sources of livelihoods once the project is in place (Oxford Business Group 2008, p. 373). Recommendations Based on the massive work portfolio that will be involved in the planning, design and development of the city of Arabia, it is highly recommended that only companies with enough credibility and capability of delivery on the plans should be contracted. This can be achieved by letting many companies to different areas of operation instead o f leaving the whole work to a single contractor. Through this, high competency and good quality of work will be achieved due to the adequate division of labor and expertise. However, most importantly, the different contracted companies must share their design plans so as not to overlap the works of others or leave job gaps in anticipation of handling by a different company. Conclusion The city of Arabia has presented an ideal planning opportunity to the design and development firms of the world. They will showcase their talents and capabilities for the same in attaining the best of standard. Of great importance, however, will be the formulation and adherence to credible planning tools and strategies.Advertising Looking for proposal on project management? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Bagaeen, S 2007, ‘Brand Dubai: The Instant City; or the Instantly Recognizable City’, International Planning Studies, vol. 12, no. 2 , pp. 173-197. Balakrishnan, MS 2008, ‘Dubai – a star in the east: A case study in strategic destination branding’, Journal of Place Management and Development, vol 1 no. 1, pp. 62 – 91. Cooper, P 2008, Opportunity Dubai: Making a Fortune in the Middle East, Harriman House Limited, Petersfield. Oxford Business Group 2008, The Report: Dubai 2008, Oxford Business Group, London. Pacione, M 2005, ‘Industrial solid waste disposal in Dubai, UAE: A study in economic geography’, Cities, vol. 22, no. 3 , pp. 255–265. Pà ©rez, L 2007, United Arab Emirates: 2007 Article IV Consultation – Staff Report; Staff  Statement; Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for the United Arab Emirates, International Monetary Fund, Washing ton, D.C.. Ramos, SJ 2010, Dubai Amplified: The Engineering of a Port Geography, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, Burlington. This proposal on Planning, Execution and Control Capabilities in a Real-World Project – The Real Estate Projects in Dubai was written and submitted by user Ben Hampton to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Appropriation of Black Culture Life by Whites

Appropriation of Black Culture Life by Whites Cultural appropriation is where by Whites duplicate licensed property, social declarations, and customary learning from African culture without their authorization (Hardy 73). The United States is one nation that cultural appropriation has significantly manifested itself.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Appropriation of Black Culture Life by Whites specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To this end, the US has for many years been christened a ‘melting pot.’ This is owed to the fact that the nations population is made up of people drawn from all over the world, coming with different cultures. As a consequence, Americans who grow up in diverse communities may pick up the dialect, customs and religious traditions of the cultural groups that surround them (Hardy 74). Cultural appropriation happens when a minority community is robbed off its culture by a more dominant group. This subject, in most cases, tends to ma ke people who are socially conscious to frown. The unapproved utilization of an alternate culture includes dance, dress, music, dialect, old stories, food, customary medication, religious images, and so on. The cultural appropriation is destined to be hurtful when the source group is a minority group that has been persecuted or misused in different ways, or when the object of appropriation is especially delicate. Cultural appropriation is not alright. It is always accompanied by strains of bias, and on a bigger picture it amounts to racism.Advertising Looking for essay on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Also what makes cultural appropriation more incensing for non-White individuals is the way other individuals (Whites and non-Whites) can take off their costume and come back to regular life without the separation or disgrace normally connected with those cultural articulations. It is a fact that one may discover any components of an alternate culture or subculture to be sensational or even have an odd fixation or interest with it. Utilizing those representations is an affront that accompanies a long history and pattern of racial and ethnic segregation and preference. Elvis Presley was not the originator of rock and roll that featured Chuck Berry. Moreover, ‘Ice Baby,’ a hip-bounce melody produced by Vanilla was the first of the kind to top the charts of the great tracks of the time. Furthermore, Justin Timberlake successfully changed his genre of music from pop sensation to the heartfelt songs that are unlike his culture. Kreayshawn, the new White young lady rapper, is just the most recent result of culture appropriation. As such, one could easily argue that she is just trying to live with what contemporary hip-hop music has come to- â€Å"without substance, whack, sexualized and talentless† (Hardy 75). Would one say that she is appropriating Black culture o r simply diluting it? One should not accept since she is realistic. Kreayshawns picture, how she conducts herself, her verses are all subordinate to her- an exceptionally restricted perspective of Black culture. She is a consequence of a kind that was perpetually changed once America acknowledged that there was a chance of cultural appropriation from a small persuasive culture. Kreayshawn, craftsmen like her, and the individuals who co-sign them are all guilty parties in the selling of cultures to other communities (Hardy 78).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Appropriation of Black Culture Life by Whites specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In 2013, Miley Cyrus turned into the pop star most connected with cultural appropriation. Amid recorded and live exhibitions, the previous kid star started to ‘twerk,’ a dance move with roots in African-American culture. Author Hadley Freeman of ‘The Guardianâ€℠¢ specifically took issues with Cyrus ‘twerking’ at the MTV Video Music Awards in August 2013. In front of an audience and additionally in her feature she utilized the repetitive figure of speech of having dark ladies as her sponsorship vocalists, there just to be stroked by her and to respect her squirming derriere, Freeman brought up (Dawkins 470). Cyrus was expressly copying crunk music features as well as the hip-hop style of music. She felt she was Lil Kim as she cherishes hood music.Advertising Looking for essay on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result of this, the impact was not of a respect, but of a minstrel show, with a youthful well-off lady from the South doing a pompous impersonation of ‘wouldark music, and diminishing ‘wouldark dance lovers, to foundation grain and dark ladies that overstated sex object. The Italian-American hotshot, Madonna, has been blamed from copying music outside other groups of cultures, including gay culture, dark culture, Indian culture and Latin American cultures. Madonna may be the greatest culture vulture yet. In Madonna: A Critical Analysis, writer JBNYC brings up how the pop star wore Indian saris, bindis, and dress amid a 1998 photograph shoot for ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine. Moreover, in the following year Madonna took part in a geisha-enlivened photograph spread for Harpers ‘Bazaar’ magazine. Before this, Madonna copied from Latin-American culture for her 1986 feature La Isla Bonita and from gay ‘wouldark. Furthermore, she aped Latino cul ture for her 1990 feature Vogue. Iggy Azalea hails from Australia and exhibits an Australian accent. Nonetheless, she changes her accent more often from her ‘Mullumbimby’ (Australia’s) to grungy when rapping, an accent synonymous with the people from the South of America. This imparts her profound respect for great rap craftsmen, for example, Tupac, referring to him as the motivation for her to enter the business. Iggys case is a typical example of culture appropriation. Other artists from the ‘New Off the Boat’ exhibit how the is use of Black culture speaks sincerely about Asian culture. While aping the ‘New Off the Boat,’ Eddie Huang, an eleven-year-old Taiwanese boy finds himself culturally misplaced as he tries to ape Kool Moe and Run D. In details, he is shown â€Å"swathing in a loosely goose-like, brilliantly shaded garment synonymous with the hip-hop uniform of the time, with her hands folded high over his waist, and nodding his head† (Dawkins 460). This is exactly what Moe and Run do on stage. All these inclusive images of resistance were presented to imply a little kids (Eddie Huang) uneasiness with his late migration from Washington D.C.s Chinatown to the splendid, insipid scene of rural Florida. Lastly, we look at Eminem as he appears to be a victim of race-nonpartisan. He gets access to the sensitivity of various rap crowds, as though rap itself is what is being indicted, and in this manner he endears the experience of all rappers- himself included- like being in rivalry with lawful power. With this, Eminem is simply informing the Blacks to be cautious of exploitative cultural appropriation especially by the Whites. Importantly, with this trend there will be dare consequences. If ‘whiteness gets to be imperceptible inside rap, the apprehension remains that the fine art will lose its association with the African-American experience, and with it, its authenticity and explanation behind human will be dealt a blow (Dawkins 461). Sing For The Moment song pushes it between racial essentializing, estranging it to the rap group in which Eminem implies to be a part while referring to his enrolment as a manifestation of legitimate barrier (Dawkins 463). Though a percentage of ‘The Lonely Islands’ music features depend upon an essentialized White-face rap persona for mocking designs, Eminems not kidding tries to fit and mix it with dark raps imperviousness to white power, and thus could be seen as racialized and exploitive (Howes 44). An authentic singer ought to feel free and original in his or her music, as opposed to appropriating or stealing. They should be genuine. The vast majority of people wish they should quit having discussions about prejudice and how it works in American culture, but they cannot. Rather, they decide to endure it all for the purpose of stopping culture appropriation. A genuine social exchange is not just for vocal motion, ensembles, relig ious conventions, musical styling or different things (Howes 46). This trend should be a continuous discussion so that one can really comprehend it in the social and political motion of a group. This will enable one to genuinely comprehend the regular loads and biases that are regularly seen to underestimate certain culture. In conclusion, one should not simply acquire or pay praise. One should stop copying especially from the minority group. One honest thing that people should do is to do a research about a particular culture, understand the struggles through which they underwent to come up with the features that you feel attracted to. What is more likely to â€Å"convince is taking one stride further by being politically dynamic and work in solidarity with said people groups† (Howes 54). Dawkins, Alesan. Close to the Edge: The representational tactics of Eminem. The Journal of Popular Culture 43.3 (2010): 463-485. Hardy, Marieke. She twerks hard for the money: Iggy Azalea. Melbourne Post. 13 August 2013: LZ01. Print. Howes, David. Cross-cultural consumption: Global markets, local realities.  New York: Penguin, 1987. Print.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The use of steroids in major league baseball Essay

The use of steroids in major league baseball - Essay Example In every game, millions of fans attend and cheer for their favorite team and favorite players in Major League Baseball. Fans are awed and fascinated by the sheer talent of the players they so admire. Yet what most don’t know and refuse to acknowledge is that some of these players use steroids, or performance enhancing substances. Because of this the integrity of the game that is held dear by many Americans becomes questionable. Can it still be called sheer talent and skill in the sport when performance enhancing drugs are being used? That is the question that every team owner, officer or administrator, coach, player, and fans must keep in mind. The widespread use of steroids in Major League Baseball indeed is a grave problem that needs to seriously be addressed by baseball officials and the government. Apart from the negative and potentially fatal side effects that the use of steroids poses to the human body, it also encourages young players to use the substance in order to improve their game and qualify in the major leagues (Mitchell, 2007).In an article in USA Today, Rep. Tom Davis, chairman of the House Committee on Government Reform, stated that "college athletes believe they have to consider steroids if they're going to make it to the pros; high school athletes, in turn, think steroids are the key to getting a scholarship. It's time to break that vicious cycle, and it needs to happen from the top down." (as cited in Jenkins, 2005, para. 8). In addition to this, the use of the substance by players to raise and improve their statistics is unjust and unfair to the other players who are honest, hard-working, and just plain talented (Mitchell, 2007). It is unfair for the younger players who are clean to be competing against other athletes who are pumped up with steroids. Again, this makes the validity of baseball records and stats questionable, as the use of steroids enables the player to attain a level of productivity that they would not have been able to achieve using their own talent, efforts, and abilities (Grossman, Kimsey, Moreen, & Owings, n.d.). Indeed, the substance abuse of Steroids in Major league baseball is a form of cheating - the players who use this substance not only cheats their fans, other players, and the league, but they also cheat themselves in believing that it is good for them. The purity and integrity of the game itself is then lost. Steroids Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic substances from testosterone, the primary male hormone responsible for anabolism and catabolism of protein in muscles resulting to increase in muscle mass and reduction of muscle soreness that is normally felt after strenous exercise (Mitchell, 2007). This permits the steroid users, then to exercise more. When steroids are regularly used for a longer period of time, eventually the body develops resistance to the effects of the drug, and larger doses are then needed to achieve the desired effects of the drug. When this occurs, significant adverse effects may arise. As the primary physiologic effect of steroids is to raise testosterone levels, steroid toxicity may result to manic-depression and aggressive behaviors, may contribute to heart attack and stroke, hypogonadism, and infertility (Mitchell, 2007). Steroid abuse may as well result to a severe case of acne as the sebaceous glands are stimulated to hypersecrete oil on the face and body (Mitchell, 2007). In addition to this, it may cause enlargement of the prostate gland, gynecomastia or emlargement of the male breasts, and speeds up the physiologic process of balding in men (Mitchell, 2007). In adolescents, the use of steroids may inhibit the natural growth process as it causes premature fusion of growth plate in the long bones of the legs and arms (Mitchell, 2007). Steroid use has also been claimed to greatly contribute to athletic injuries (Grossman et. al., n.d.)

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

MySpace and Facebook are among the fastest growing sites on the web Essay

MySpace and Facebook are among the fastest growing sites on the web. But are these sites enriching or diminishing our social experience - Essay Example These web sites like Facebook and MySpace became popular as online community webs in a short period of time. People like these web sites as they can share their ideas with their friends and with the world, they can upload and comment on the photos and share these to their friends and other persons. But are these web online communities are helping people to be close to each other or these community web sites making people anonymous. Today we use internet a lot. Many people utilize most of their time on the internet using Facebook or MySpace or any other such web site. It has been found that people mostly the youth spend most of their time using the internet rather than watching television or doing other things (Gale).In the essay â€Å"Study rates online habits† Thomas gale writes that the rate of reading newspaper, magazine, listening radio and watching TV is declined with the rapid increase in the usage of internet. He says that only 20 percent people read magazine and 15 per cent read newspaper but 51 percent people spend more than 10 hours on the internet (Gale). On the internet there is no way to detect a lie. Susan Youngwood in the article â€Å"Networking by the ‘Book’: Vt. college students cull, gather friends on facebook.com† quotes Stone that â€Å"there is no way to determine truth from fiction on Facebook (Youngwood 2006).You can write whatever you want, put whatever picture you want. The picture doesn't even have to be of you.†¦ Photoshop,† he says, â€Å"is a wonderful thing†. That is the reasons that Susan says that it is impossible for the administration to look into the profile and make decisions about any student. Student use internet and social networking sites a lot (Youngwood 2006). They share their ideas and other such things. In the same article Susan Youngwood quotes Greg stone says that the students suppose that they are anonymous and states â€Å""Even though they say very, very, very, very private things, they do it because †¦ they don't have to look someone in the eye. We're real concerned about them understanding that." So the social network of students on the internet is not helpful for the administration to detect a fiction (Youngwood 2006). Now the youth ranging from 14 to 24 years old don’t know that who should be their heroes. Being busy in the network sites the young generation has not enough time to interact with their family in a proper manner. They unwillingly ignore their families and spend most of their time on the web. In the essay â€Å"Computers Will Not Significantly Transform Society† Clifford Stoll discourages the computer and networks and have the opinion that it is impossible for a person to enjoy more on a computer screen rather than a live concert. He says that a meeting over a coffee is incomparable with a chat on the internet and the term cybersex can never make a person such happy that a real can (Stoll). The vital characte ristics of the human interaction are neglected uncompromisingly. The values of the human interactions are replaced by the technology (Stoll). In the book â€Å"Computer and Society† Clifford states â€Å"A poor substitute it is, this virtual reality where frustration is legion and where--in the holy names of Education and Progress--important aspects of human interactions are relentlessly devalued† (Stoll). The social network sites on the one hand proving an ease of communication and interaction among the people but on the other hand the online communities are devaluing the

Monday, November 18, 2019

The live concert Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The live concert - Essay Example I love going to the symphony due to the fact that the music has more quality than any other type of live music I have ever attended. The magic Flute,† Mozart’s timeless comic opera is all about young love which features some of the composer’s most wonderful music. Some critics argue that some parts of the show are really silly, but the fact is Mozart wrote really fun comic music that’s filled with the infectious enthusiasm of two teenagers who are in love for the first time. The part I enjoyed most was when the magic flute was being played, because it was intense where the artist showed all his energy and passion in order to bring Pamina, a character in the comedy, to him in process charming even the wild animals to him. The Arizona symphony orchestra is a vital part of community resource that plays a role in uniting performers and audiences through their passion for music. It’s also acknowledged through presenting world premieres, seldom performed t reasures and classical gems. Founded in 1979, it holds an important place in the world of symphonic music. In the concert the band had a cast of more than 100 students, 40 to 50 actors/ singers, a dozen dancers and another 40 musicians in the pit. The band is under the leadership of Music Director, Dr. Thomas Cockrell, one of the most experienced conductors of his generation. The band performs at the Crowder hall, where people from all walks of life come to enjoy the symphony through art, comedy and live music presentation.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Polycystic Kidney Disease Causes and Treatment

Polycystic Kidney Disease Causes and Treatment   Introduction: Polycystic kidney disease effects roughly 10 million people worldwide. Even though this disease is so prominent it lacks research in the field of therapeutics from biopharmaceutical companies as they invest their resources into fields which are seen to be more profitable i.e. cancer research. This lack of research is what enticed us to carry out our project on polycystic kidney disease. This project will firstly outline the history of the polycystic kidney disease, how it effects patients, the cause of the disease and the current therapeutic treatment available to combat polycystic kidney disease in section 1. Section 2 will look at the current diagnostic methods employed by a physician to see if a patient is suffering from polycystic kidney disease. Diagnostic methods such as imaging and genetic testing will be dealt with here. Lastly section 3 will look at a potential new diagnostic technique which has been formed using proteomic techniques to identify the difference between a healthy polycystin-1 protein compared to a mutated polycystin-1 protein. The first record of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is from the 16th century. In 1586, the King of Poland died from cysts on his kidneys. The cysts were described by his surgeon as large like those of a bull, with an uneven and bumpy surface. At the time of his death he was diagnosed with meningeal abscesses. It wasnt until a group of physicians re-examined the records of the Kings death over 300 hundred years later that his cause of death was agreed to be PKD. The term polycystic kidney disease was first used by Fà ©lix Lejars in 1888, although the mode of inheritance of this disease wasnt understood for almost another one hundred years. In the 1990s, the formation of cysts was understood at a molecular level. This helped in the discovery of the genes that cause PKD (Ayse, 2016). Figure.1 A visual representation of the transmembrane proteins Polycystin-1 and Polycystin-2. Also seen is the Polycystin-1 receptor located in extracellularly. (Gallagher, Germino and Somlo, 2010) PKD is a genetic disease in which the renal tissue within the outer cortex and inner medulla is replaced with fluid filled sacs (or cysts). These cysts enlarge the kidneys and inhibit kidney function. Hypertension, hematuria and chronic pain are the most common symptoms associated with PKD (Seeger-Nukpezah et al., 2015). PKD has two forms; Autosomal Dominant (ADPKD) and Autosomal Recessive (ARPKD). ADPKD is the result of the inheritance of one mutant PKD1 or PKD2 gene, which affects ~1:750 people worldwide. 85% of ADPKD cases are caused by mutations in PKD1. Mutations in this gene lead to earlier disease onset. The other 15% of cases are attributed to a mutation in PKD2. All ADPKD patients inherit one normal allele and one mutant allele. Cases where both alleles have the dominant mutation lead to embryonic lethality. ARPKD is caused by the inheritance of two recessive mutated PKHD1 genes. ARPKD is considerably less common with an incidence of 1:20,000. ARPKD progresses at a much faster rate than ADPKD. It usually causes death at birth or requires transplantation in early childhood. Multiple different types of mutations in PKD1, PKD2, and PKHD1 have been researched, including frameshifts, deletions, and premature stop codon insertions (Wilson, 2015). In the dominant form of PKD there is only one mutated gene inherited. This mutated gene is unable to produce the proteins PC-1 or PC-2. However, the non-mutated allele can still function as normal and can produce enough of the polycystin proteins to maintain kidney function. It is only when a somatic mutation occurs causing the normal allele to become inactivated that symptoms of the disease will occur. (Torres and Harris, 2010) PKD-1 is located on the short arm of chromosome 16 (16p13.3). PKD-2 gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 4 (4q21) (Nowak et al., 2016). Polycystin-1 and 2 are large transmembrane proteins which are encoded by PKD1 and 2. Both proteins affect multiple downstream signalling proteins (Seeger-Nukpezah et al., 2015). In a normally functioning nephron as the urinary filtrate flows by and causes the primary cilia to bend polycystin 1 and 2 respond by allowing calcium influx which activate pathways in the cell which inhibit cell proliferation. PC1 has the ability to sense when the primary cilia bends which activates PC2 calcium channels. If either PC1 or PC2 is absent the signal to inhibit cell growth is not received (Chebib et al., 2015). PKD1 or PKD2 mutations cause a reduction in intracellular calcium. This triggers a change in the response of the cell to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) from suppression to proliferation. The concentration of cAMP directly affects the activity of Protein Kinase A. Four cAMP molecules are required to activate one PKA enzyme. The increased production of cAMP via adenylyl cyclase 6 is dependent on vasopressin (Chebib et al., 2015). Despite the many breakthroughs in research allowing for a greater understanding of the disease, there is currently no cure for PKD. However, there are drugs which can suppress symptoms brought on by the disease. Beta blockers such as, Tenormin, can be used to treat hypertension and haematuria can be treated with antibiotics. Understanding the effect of PC1 and PC2 mutations on the vasopressin receptor in the cell lead to the development of Tolvaptan. This drug slows down the formation of cysts in the kidneys. Tolvaptan blocks the vasopressin receptor, which will stop the signalling pathway. Therefore, cAMP production will be reduced. (Ema.europa.eu, 2017) The current diagnostic methods for polycystic kidney disease include genetic testing, pre-natal testing and imaging studies in the form of ultrasounds, CT (Computed Tomography) scans and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans The imaging studies take a scan of the kidneys to identify the presence of any abnormalities in the form of renal cysts. An ultrasound mechanism uses high frequency sound waves to capture and visualise images that cant be seen with the naked eye. The CT scan combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross sectional views and/or three-dimensional images of the kidneys and the MRI scan uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to from pictures of the kidneys. The appearance of three or more renal cysts, either unilateral or bilateral, on the image is enough to diagnose a patient between the ages of 15 and 39 with polycystic kidney disease. In patients aged 40 59, the presence of two or more cysts in each kidney fulfils the criteria to diagnose the patient with polycystic kidney disease. The presence of four or more cysts in each kidney is used to diagnose older patients (F. Belibi et al., 2008). The kidneys on an image may appear enlarged but retain their normal reniform shape in the case of a patient presenting with possible polycystic kidney disease. The medullary pyramids in the centre of the kidney may be more visible on an image in contrast to the cortex which can give a peripheral halo on the image obtained. High resolution imaging studies allows the visualisation of numerous cylindrical cysts within the medulla and the cortex which represent ectatic collecting ducts within the kidney (F. Gaillard, 2015). Genetic testing for polycystic kidney disease is for those who have a family history of polycystic kidney disease who has no symptoms and may consider being screened for the disease. Genetic tests can be done to screen for both PKD1 or PKD2 mutations. A method of PCR known as PCR- SSCP (Polymerase Chain Reaction Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism) is used to view mutations, if any, in the patients genomic DNA. In SSCP analysis, a mutated DNA sequence is detected as a change of mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis caused by the altered folded structure of single-stranded DNA (K. Hayashi, 1991). The genomic DNA of the white blood cells in patients with the possible polycystic kidney disease gene are isolated. These samples of genomic DNA are then amplified by PCR using two primers to amplify the potential polycystic kidney disease genes (R. Jas et al., 2012) The PCR product is then analysed using the SSCP method. This method involves loading the PCR product samples onto the acryl amide gel and gel electrophoresis occurs. After completion of the gel electrophoresis step, the gel is subjected to silver staining to visualise the SSCP band patterns (B. Yadav et al., 2009). The silver stained gel is kept on a transilluminator and the SSCP variants are recorded. DNA samples from the abnormal bands seen on the transilluminator are sequenced to see what kind of mutation and where the location of the mutation is on the polycystic kidney disease gene (Z. Dian-Yong et al., 2002). In PCR-SSCP analysis, changes in several hundred base pairs are detected in contrast with other techniques in which changes in relatively short sequences can be detected. Because of this, PCR-SSCP analysis is much more sensitive to the replication errors that can occur during the PCR process (K. Hayashi, 1991). Diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease can also be done prenatally. If the parents agree, a prenatal diagnosis can be done on the developing fetus if there is a history of polycystic kidney disease in either the parents or extended family . A DNA sample is taken from both parents and a sample of tissue is taken from the fetus. The tissue sample is obtained from the fetus by a procedure called aminocentesis which involves passing a needle into the mothers lower abdomen and into the amniotic cavity inside the uterus. The sample is then amplified by PCR to detect any mutations in the DNA that could lead to the fetus developing polycystic kidney disease in the future (K. MacDermot et al., 1998). The imaging studies, genetic testing and prenatal testing for polycystic kidney disease have advantages and disadvantages. One advantage of the imaging studies is that they are reliable, inexpensive and a non-invasive way to diagnose polycystic kidney disease (A.Khan, 2015). A disadvantage of imaging studies is that while they are sensitive in the detection of polycystic kidney disease, problems may arise with smaller cysts. Smaller cysts on scans may not be easily differentiated from small, solid masses within the kidneys (A.Khan, 2015). An advantage of CT scans when compared to MRI scans is that the cysts on the kidney will enhance on the image when dye is administered into the patient intravenously (A. Khan, 2015) (F. Gaillard, 2015). MRI scans of the kidneys are becoming a useful technique in diagnosing more complicated cysts and can be used in addition to or instead of CT scans (A. Khan, 2015). The advantage of genetic testing as a method of diagnosing polycystic kidney disease is that it can determine if a person who has a relative with polycystic kidney disease will in the future start showing symptoms of the disease. Some disadvantages of genetic testing as a method of diagnosing polycystic kidney disease is that they are extremely costly tests to carry out and sometimes they cant pick up on certain gene mutations that could eventually lead to the person having polycystic kidney disease (National Kidney Foundation, 2016). The major advantage of prenatal testing for polycystic kidney disease is the fact that treatment using cyst suppressing drugs can be used early in the diseased patients life meaning the formation of renal damaging cysts will be slowed down drastically compared to a patient who was not on the cyst supressing treatment early in their life time. The negative of prenatal testing is of course the invasive nature of extracting tissue from the foetus which many parents would not agree with however the benefits of early diagnosis of this disease will lead to a better quality of life for the child in their later years. As discussed in the previous section the current diagnostic methods for diagnosing polycystic kidney disease is through the use of various scans and genetic testing. The genetic testing is carried out by analysing the DNA sequence in order to identify any mutations which may be present. As a new method of diagnosing this disease a study of the protein polycystin-1 which when mutated is responsible for polycystic kidney disease, will be analysed by using proteomic methods. Firstly, the polycystin-1 protein must be extracted from a patient who wishes to obtain diagnosis of the disease. Since polycystin-1 is a membrane protein and is located in the kidney it will be necessary to extract kidney tissue from the patient by carrying out a quick and simple biopsy procedure. The biopsy removes kidney tissue by inserting a thin biopsy needle through the skin and into the kidney whilst the patient is under local anaesthetic. Now that tissue containing the polycystin-1 or its mutated form is extracted from the patient it must be treated in order to release the proteins contained within the tissue. The tissue will firstly be homogenized and lysed in order to release the proteins into solution. The sample will then be centrifuged at 14,000 rpm at 4ÃÅ'Ã…  C for 15 min. This centrifugation step removes any insoluble material and the supernatant will contain the proteins from the tissue sample including the protein of interest polycystin-1. This method was carried out by Malhas, Abuknesha, and Price 2001 whilst trying to crystalize the polycystin-1 protein. Now that polycystin-1 is in solution it can be separated from the other proteins by means of 2D gel electrophoresis. This technique will separate the polycystin-1 protein from other proteins based firstly on their isoelectric points (pIs) and secondly by their molecular weight. After carrying out this two-dimensional separation the gel is stained with stains such as coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) or silver staining in order to visualize the spots on the gel. By carrying out bioinformatical analysis the molecular weight and pI of polycystin-1 can easily be obtained (Mishra 2010). The molecular weight of polycystin-1 is 460.3 kDa and it has a pI of 6.27. With this information, the band which corresponds to the molecular weight and pI of polycystin-1 can be easily identified and excised from the gel. Before excising the polycystin-1 protein from the gel it must first be fragmented into peptides using trypsin cleavage. By fragmenting the protein with trypsin, peptide molecules are formed which are now suitable to be sequenced using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. These peptides must then be suspended in a matrix suitable for MALDI-TOF MS. An example of such a matrix is ÃŽÂ ±-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid which was used in the work carried out by Malhas, Abuknesha, and Price, when they crystallized the polycystin-1 protein using the MALDI-TOF technique. This matrix is suitable as the peptides are below 5 kDa. The matrix and peptide mixture is then loaded onto the metal plate of the MALDI-TOF MS analyser where it will be hit by a pulsing UV laser. The matrix molecules absorb the UV light causing the matrix molecules to enter the gas phase along with their coupled vaporised peptides which then become ionized. The TOF MS then measures the time it takes the ions to fly as lighter ions travel faster. The ions will then hit the ion detector and the on board computer will produce the plot of the mass spectrum (Kraj and Silberring 2008). MALDI-TOF MS is the ideal method to analyse the polycystin-1 protein as like ESI, it is a soft ionization technique meaning there will be little or no fragmentation of the compounds being analysed. Once the mass spectrum is obtained it is then compared to the mass spectrum of the normally functioning polycystin-1 protein which can theoretically be fragmented by trypsin in the online databases. Any differences between the sample and the known mass spectrum of the normal protein will signal a mutation has occurred. This method of protein analysis is a very effective and efficient way of screening for the mutated proteins. The study carried out by Brioude et al 2016 proves this as they looked at using MALDI-TOF MS to test for mutated proteins leading to lung tumours. In this study, they concluded that the method is very promising and it should be used in several surgical settings where rapid evaluation of abnormal tissue is required. This highlights how this new method of analysing polycystin-1 for a mutation could prove very effective in diagnosing polycystic kidney disease. This method holds a distinct advantage over the imaging methods currently in use as diagnosis can be made early in a patients life before they show symptoms or the formation of cyst on their kidneys which are associated with polycystic kidney disease. Early diagnosis of this disease means that drugs for the prevention of cyst formation such as Jinarc © which contains the API Tolvaptan can prolong a patients kidney function by slowing down the rate at which the fluid filled cysts on the kidneys are formed. This method is used to identify a mutation of the polycystin-1 protein which attributes to 85% of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease cases. The other 15% is made up of mutations of the protein polycystin-2. Fibrocystin is the mutated protein responsible for autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Both the dominant and recessive forms of this disease can be diagnosed using the above method in order to identify a mutation in either polycystin-2 or fibrocystin proteins if there is no mutation of polycystin-1 observed. From the above sections, it can be seen how sever and prominent polycystic kidney disease is worldwide. Although this disease is genetically inherited from or both parents, symptoms of the disease are slow progressing. In 85% of cases the disease will not advance to renal failure until the patient is 50-60 years of age. The current diagnostic techniques currently used by doctors such as imaging and genetic testing have their benefits however they are also flawed. The major disadvantage seen in this project regarding the current diagnostic techniques is the diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease in a patient where uncontrolled cyst formation has already occurred and serious renal problems have begun. With the use of our new proteomic technique earlier diagnosis will be possible before the disease has progressed to renal failure. Early diagnosis means that the use of drugs such as Tolvaptan © can be used to significantly slow down cyst formation which will ultimately increase the length of time a patient suffering with polycystic kidney disease has before renal failure occurs. A.Khan (2015) Imaging in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, Medscape Journal , 01(1). Ayse, B. (2016). Tear drops of kidney: a historical overview of Polycystic Kidney Disease. Giornale Italiano di Nefrologia, 1. B. Yadav D. Kale (2009) Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) Analysis by Nondenaturing PAGE Journal of Biological Methods, 01 (1). Brioude, G., Brà ©geon, F., Trousse, D., Flaudrops, C., Secq, V., De Dominicis, F., Chabrià ¨res, E., Djourno, X.-B., Raoult, D. and Thomas, P.-A. (2016) Rapid diagnosis of lung tumors, a Feasability study using Maldi-Tof mass Spectrometry, PLOS ONE, 11(5). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155449. Chebib, F., Sussman, C., Wang, X., Harris, P. and Torres, V. (2015). Vasopressin and disruption of calcium signalling in polycystic kidney disease. Nature Reviews Nephrology, 11(8), pp.451-464. Ema.europa.eu. (2017). European Medicines Agency Human medicines EU/3/13/1175. [online] Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/orphans/2013/09/human_orphan_001257.jspmid=WC0b01ac058001d12bsource=homeMedSearch [Accessed 4 Mar. 2017]. F. Gaillard (2015) Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease Radiopaedia Journal, 01(1). F.Belibi C. Edelstein (2008) Unified Ultrasonic Diagnostic Criteria for Polycystic Kidney Disease Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 20 (1). Gallagher, A., Germino, G. and Somlo, S. (2010). Molecular Advances in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease, 17(2), pp.118-130. K.Hayashi (1991) PCR-SSCP: A Simple and Sensitive Method for Detection of Mutations in the Genomic DNA Genome Research, 01 (1). Kraj, A. and Silberring, J. (eds.) (2008) Proteomics: Introduction to methods and applications. Chichester, United Kingdom: John Wiley Sons. MacDermot, K., Saggar-Malik, A., Economides, D. and Jeffery, S. (1998). Prenatal diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD1) presenting in utero and prognosis for very early onset disease. Journal of Medical Genetics, 35(1), pp.13-16. Malhas, A.N., Abuknesha, R.A. and Price, R.G. (2001) Polycystin-1: Immunoaffinity isolation and characterisation by mass spectrometry, FEBS Letters, 505(2), pp. 313-316. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)02842-3. Mishra, N.C. (2010) Introduction to proteomics: Principles and applications. United Kingdom: John Wiley Sons. National Kidney Foundation (2016) Polycystic Kidney Disease [online], available: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/polycystic/ [accessed 26 February 2017]. Nowak, M., Huras, H., WiecheĆ¡, M., Jach, R., RadoÅ„-Pokracka, M. and Gà ³recka, J. (2016). Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease diagnosed in utero. Review. Ginekologia Polska, 87(8), pp.605-608. Rusni Mohd, Jas (2012) Amplification of Real Time High Resolution Melting Analysis PCR Method for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Gene Mutations in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients African Journal of Biotechnology, 11(25). Seeger-Nukpezah, T., Geynisman, D., Nikonova, A., Benzing, T. and Golemis, E. (2015). The hallmarks of cancer: relevance to the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease. Nature Reviews Nephrology, 11(9), pp.515-534. Torres, V. and Harris, P. (2010). Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 4th ed. Elsevier Saunders, pp.529-542. Wilson, P. (2015). Therapeutic targets for polycystic kidney disease. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, 20(1), pp.35-45. Z. Dian-Yong, Z. Shu-Zhong, T. Bing, Z. Wei-Li, D. Bing, S. Mao, S. Tian-Mei M. Chang-Lin (2002) Detection of Polycystic Kidney Disease Gene 2 Mutations in the Hans by PCR-SSCP Academic Journal of Second Military Medical University, 01 (1).

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Smoking: Outlaw Tobacco Entirely Essay -- Health

Smoking: Outlaw Tobacco Entirely Smoking in America can be traced for thousands of years. Ancient pictures depict Native Americans smoking pipes. Christopher Columbus discovered tobacco during his travels to Cuba in 1493 and took it Europe. The tobacco plant itself was first grown and used in 6000 BC in America. Tobacco comes from the harvested leaves of the Nicotiana plant. Tobacco contains nicotine along with other substances that are found in cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, and cigars. The nicotine is the addictive portion of tobacco products. Introducing nicotine to the human body stimulates nerve cells, creating either a relaxing or an anxious feeling. In fewer than ten seconds after a cigarette’s smoke is inhaled nicotine enters the brain. Upon building up a tolerance, dependence is formed. During the 1950’s Philip Morris created a tough cowboy character that was used to advertise filtered cigarettes. This character was known as the Marlboro Man. The Marlboro Man was a way to convey images of strength and sexiness to the male population. During the women’s liberation in the 1920’s and 1930’s smoking became popular to the female population as they were fighting for the right to vote and fighting for working the same jobs as men. Cigarette companies geared their product toward women by advertising cigarettes as symbols of strength and equality to women during this time. After World War II, women were sought after by ads focusing on their appearance. Cigarette companies portrayed smoking as sophisticated, feminine, stylish, and attractive to men. Smoking has gone from a sophisticated, elegant, normal look in the early decades, to the offensive, unhealthy, unwanted look it is today. People have not alway... ...one. Works Cited Bjornlund, Lydia. Teen Smoking. San Diego: Reference Point Press, 2010. Print. Ignatavicius, Donna D. and M. Linda Workman. Medical-Surgical Nursing. 6th ed. St. Louis: Sunders, 2009. Print. Schaler, Jeffrey A., and Magda E. Schaler. Smoking: Who Has the Right. New York: Prometheus Books, 1998. Print. â€Å"Smoking Bans in Public Places Are Beneficial.† Tobacco and Smoking. Ed. Kelly Wand. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. From â€Å"Reasons for Banning Smoking in Certain Public Outdoor Areas.† ash.org. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 10 May 2012. Turlington, Cristy, and Deanna Staffo. Let’s Clear the Air: 10 Reasons Not to Start Smoking. Montreal: Lobster Press, 2007. Print. Vesterman, William. Reading and Writing Short Arguments. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005. Print.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

No More Guns

If you could invent something new, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed. Nowadays, most of people really need product that made their comfort or entertainment. If I could create something, I would like to invent solar car. It has many benefits to create because if people change a general car to be a solar car, the world would have more fuel; Expense would become less; the world would become a better place. Firstly, solar car does not need a fuel. In the future, if people still drive a general car, fuel would have no to find and then it would disappear to. Hence, solar car will is becoming essential for the future. Moreover, you can use money to pay for another thing instead of refilling a fuel. Thus, money in a bank will have more and more. Then, you can have money to use when the essential time will come. Finally, pollution will be lost because solar car not need a fuel to use. Unlike a general car that made air dirty. Air will become clean. Therefore, people will have a good health. Not only are good for the people but it also made the world become a better place. From the above, it is clear that why solar car will become important for people in the future. It is not use a fuel to be energy. It is saving your money to pay other things. Lastly, it is not too dangerous for human or nature.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Understanding Different Interest Rates

Understanding Different Interest Rates There are a variety of different types of interest rates, but in order to understand these, one must first understand that an interest rate  is a yearly price charged by a lender to a borrower in order for the borrower to obtain a loan, usually expressed as a percentage of the total amount loaned. Interest rates can either be nominal or real, though certain terms exist to define specific rates such as the Federal Funds Rate. The  difference between nominal and real interest rates  is that real interest rates are ones that are adjusted for inflation, whereas nominal interest rates are not; the interest rates one typically finds in the paper are nominal interest rates. The federal government of any given country can affect the interest rate, known in the United States as the Federal Funds Rate and in England as the Prime Rate. Understanding the Federal Funds Rate The Federal Funds Rate is defined as the interest rate at which U.S. banks lend to one another their excess reserves held on deposit at the United States Treasury Department, or the interest rate that banks charge each other for the use of Federal funds in general. Investopedia describes the Federal Funds Rate as the rate of interest banks charge other banks for lending them money from their reserve balances on an overnight basis. By law, banks must maintain a reserve equal to a certain percentage of their deposits in an account at a Federal Reserve bank. Any money in their reserve that exceeds the required level is available for lending to other banks that might have a shortfall. ï » ¿Essentially what this means for the average American is that when you hear that the Federal Treasury Chairman has raised interest rates, theyre talking about the Federal Funds Rate.  In Canada, the counterpart to the Federal Funds rate is known as  the overnight rate; the  Bank of England  refers to these rates as the base rate or the repo rate. Prime Rates and Short Rates The Prime Rate is defined as a rate of interest that serves as a benchmark for most other loans in a country. The precise definition of prime rate differs from country to country. In the United States, the prime rate is the interest rate banks charge to large corporations for short-term loans.​​ The prime rate is typically 2 to 3 percentage points higher than the Federal Funds rate. If the Federal Funds rate is at around 2.5%, then expect the prime rate to be around 5%. The short rate is an abbreviation for short-term interest rate; that is, the interest rate charged (usually in some particular market) for short-term loans. Those are the major interest rates you will see discussed in the newspaper. Most of the other interest rates you see will usually refer to an interest-bearing financial asset, such as a bond.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

How Are You Doing on Your New Years Resolutions September 2018

How Are You Doing on Your New Years Resolutions September 2018 It’s September already. Labor Day is over and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. That means the New Year is soon to follow. For those of us who are Jewish, the New Year is already upon us. What all this means is that it’s just about time to choose some resolutions for 2019. But how are you doing on the ones from 2018 (if you made them at all)? I invite you to assess and not judge if you haven’t met your resolutions. I usually check in with you on my New Year’s resolutions in August, but hey, why not September? I’ve got three more months to work on them! And so do you to work on yours. Here’s how my 2018 â€Å"Ressaylutions† are going: 1. Create a KILLER LinkedIn portal – an online, subscription-based version of How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile. I researched this option and did not find a good solution. Everything I considered seemed MORE complicated than updating the book! So my assistant and I are working on an updated e-book, which you’ll receive as soon as it’s ready (it will be at least a few months). 2. Investigate marketing How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile to educational institutions. I found a good resource for this, but there were some conflicts with my agreement with Amazon that made it prohibitive. Once I get settled with all my moves, I might create a special edition of How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile for students. 3. Build business to the point where I need to use editors, and use them! I did this a little. Still finding my way on training editors to match my style and preferences. 4. Improve systems in ways that support both team members and clients. I’ve made some progress here and it’s a continuing project. There’s one set of follow-up documents I want to start sending to clients that I’m still working on. I started doing weekly reports and not just requiring my writers to do them! At some point, a CRM will be useful, but I’m still recovering from my last failed attempt in that department and will wait a while to reinvest in that tool. 5. Further develop my management skills, especially skills in setting expectations and addressing breakdowns. Ditto to #4. Making progress and still have room to grow! 6. Track my sales and editing time in a new way so I understand my personal income more. Done! I have been tracking the various parts of my sales process and have a dashboard where I can see my dials, conversations, meetings, sales, etc. Having these numbers in front of me, and being required to report them every week, has been a great motivator! 7. Continue exploring NYC and surrounding areas as a possible place to move in 2019. I’ve made the most progress on this one. I decided not to renew my lease in Madison, and now I’m in the process of moving to a friend’s on the other side of town. I’ve filled 3 recycling bins so far with papers I do not want to take with me. I’ll be doing more exploration in October. If you live in the New Haven area, I’d love to talk to you about life there! I hear Westville is lovely. How’s your progress on your New Year’s resolutions? Whatever it is, it’s data. No need to make it good or bad, though I know the tendency is to do so. If you want to recommit, now’s the time! And if applying to school or getting a jump start on your job search was on your list, please contact The Essay Expert.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Election Commerical Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Election Commerical - Research Paper Example The narrator repeats the words â€Å"strength†, â€Å"restraint†, and â€Å"leadership† as he introduces Reagan to the viewers, and juxtaposes Reagan with President Carter in order to show a contrast in their policies. â€Å"Peace is lost when such strength disappears,† says Reagan, as he goes on to describe his perspective on negotiating with the Soviet Union, and finally claims that â€Å"hope, confidence, and facts† are at the heart of his strategy. â€Å"The time is now,† concludes the narrator. â€Å"Reagan for president.† The feeling the video gives is split. In the opening sequence, it shows images of worrying foreigners, while the narrator speaks ominously over the droning of an air raid siren. The viewer comes to feel a sense of concern as the narrator repeats the word â€Å"slowly† while naming off conflicts that the US has been involved in, starting with Korea. It then shifts focus, using a condemning tone while menti oned countries where Carter’s foreign policy has be ineffective—â€Å"Angola, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.† This shift in focus does not outwardly suggest that Carter is to blame for the Iranian hostage crisis, nor that he will lead the US into another war. However, it surely invites the viewer to make that connection based on the flow from describing future risks to the current leader’s shortcomings. The video then transitions into a scene of Ronald Reagan giving a speech, then a television interview. This is where the mood splits, and suddenly the video presents confidence and reassurance, indicating that Reagan is the man with the answers to the problems that Carter presents. The Reagan half uses live quotations and conveys future hope and strategies, focusing on Reagan as the answer. The context of this video is a chaotic political environment, where President Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, was mired in the details and faced with a critical opponent who w as quite aware of all his faults. Ronald Reagan was the two-term governor of California and former actor who faced-off against Carter in 1980. He had a fiscal reputation that would give him great appeal during the inflation problems of the time, but also used his charisma as an actor to be a confident, strong, and effective speaker who could engage listeners and convey his messages with success. While the economic issues were forefront in this election, and his plans for dealing with them well-developed, the Iranian-hostage crisis unexpectedly dominated public opinion as 53 Americans were held in captivity over the course of a year in the American embassy in Teheran. Possibly increasing the strength of his ballot, Reagan selected UN Ambassador George H.W. Bush as his running mate, and the focus of the race shifted greatly to what the Reagan-Bush ticket could do for America’s relations abroad. What was most important in 1980 was indeed US foreign policy, and this is the primar y area where Carter experienced stress and criticism. Carter’s approach to foreign policy was humble and restrained, which may have been perceived as weak by some. This perception of weakness increased during the Iranian hostage crisis. Carter staged a failed rescue attempt of Americans held hostage in Teheran in April of 1980, and as a result, Americans at home grew frustrated. Elizabeth drew is quoted in a description of the political atmosphere as saying "Fairly or not, [the hostage crisis] came to symbolize the question of whether Carter was a leader, whether he was competent, whether he was strong." The issue of who could keep the peace and who was likely to let it slip away caused the election to be very close by October 1980 (Jimmy). The Iranian hostage crisis led to a severing of relations between the United States and the newly formed Islamic Republic of

Friday, November 1, 2019

Building a Coalition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 56

Building a Coalition - Essay Example With regards to team formation, the HR representatives of Woodson Foundation together with the members of NCPIE and school should be able to closely examine the skills and abilities of each member before they allocate a specific role to them (Robbins and Judge 280). Basically, empowering the team members through proper delegation of role and responsibility will increase the chances wherein the team members would become motivated in working together (281). Because of cultural differences, the leaders should win the trust of each member using necessary resources and effective leadership skills (280-281). Doing so will increase the chance wherein each member would become dedicated to supporting the success of the project. With regards to team performance, leaders should make use of necessary performance evaluation tools and effective reward system (Robbins and Judge 282). In the process of recognizing or rewarding the contribution of each member, they would become highly motivated in improving their future individual work performance. Likewise, it will also help them gain Agree that schools are less focused on families. She believes that parents want to be involved in improving students’ learning. Her positive perception of the role of parents/communities can be used in encouraging parents to become active in this project. She believes that schools and the foundation have larger roles than parents and the communities. Therefore, can lead to bias judgment when designating roles and responsibilities in improving students’ outcome. Team empowerment is important in team efficacy (Robbins and Judge 292). Therefore, Dupree can work together with Hardy, Watson, and Sharpe because these people acknowledge the important role that parents should play when it comes to improving the students’ learning outcomes. Using strong communication skills, Dupree’s team can easily convince and work well with Martinez. Conflict is possible because Adams has a different opinion when it comes to the role of the school. On the other hand, Kaufman cannot get along well with the faculty members.