Presentation on the Federal Parent plus Loans- Stanford University

The Federal plus program is a popular financing option for parents of dependant undergraduate students. The loans are borrowed in the parent’s own name. The details involved are: Loan amount: up to the full amount can be borrowed. The costs include tuition, room & board, allowance for books, personal expenses, and transport. Credit qualification: borrowers will need to meet a minimum requirement to be able to apply. For instance, a credit check is conducted. Parents who don’t qualify can borrow additional federal Stafford student loan funds. Interest rate: a fixed interest rate of 8.5% is charged if loans are borrowed after July 1st. Loan fees: 3% original fee and a federal default fee of up to 1% will be deducted from each disbursement of your loan. Disbursements: it will be done in thirds at the beginning of each academic quarter. Funds are disbursed directly to Stanford via Electronic funds Transfer and applied to your student’s University bill. A refund can be given if your disbursement exceeds the balance due. Repayment: done after 60 days of full disbursement. Repayment is 10 years. The plus loans are funded by private lenders like banks and credit unions. The federal government sets the limits on fees, interest rates and minimum deferment options. Lenders however offer more benefits beyond minimum government requirements. When re-applying, the same lender can be used. How to apply The following steps are followed: Go to the link https://www.nela.net/hosted/stan1.aspx to request for the loan. You can specify the amount you want to borrow. The link is easy to use. In 2-4 weeks, an email from Sallie Mae, the Company managing our online process will be received. The email will direct you to the website where you can specify you lender and complete your promissory note which, can be signed by electronic signature. If the email is not received, check for your promissory note on Stanford’s OpenNet page. For inquiries, you can call our loan processing agency, Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA), toll-free at (800) 979-4441. Be sure to identify yourself as a Stanford parent requesting a PLUS loan. REFERENCES Federal Parent PLUS Loans, http://www.stanford.edu/dept/finaid/loanprocessing/plus.html viewed on 3rd April 2008. Â   Â  

Restaurant Report Essay

Cut pork into  ½ in. squares and with the pork bones fry over low heat until brown and the meat is slightly dry. If pork is very fatty, pour off all but 4 or 5 tablespoons of the grease. Using a colander, strain tomatoes into an 8-quart saucepan and coarsely chop tomatoes. Combine tomatoes, tomato sauce, hot water, cooked pork, and bones in the same saucepan. Bring to a rapid boil and continue boiling for 20 minutes. Add spices, chopped hot peppers and chopped chilies (including jalapeà ±o). Continue boiling for another 20 minutes. Finish by cooking on medium heat until desired thickness, usually about another 20 minutes. Remove bones before serving. Serve in deep bowls with tortilla if desired. The recipe for green chili comes from the La Bolos restaurant in Denver, CO. My mother gave me the recipe, which she acquired from the restaurant in the 1980’s. She first started going to the restaurant with her best friend Debbee when she was in graduate school. My mother has always told me that  she loved the recipe because even though graduate school was grueling and tiresome, her and Debbee would make time to go to La Bolos. At La Bolos they would wait in line just to get their table in the back then they would both order the smothered bean burrito with their signature green chili. Although eventually my mother and Debbee graduated, my mother got the recipe for green chili and continued to make it on her own. When my mother first started to make the green chili she followed the recipe to the â€Å"t†. However after decades of taste testing her and I have tweaked the recipe to increase the amount of green chili peppers and jalapeà ±o peppers. We have also replaced the sugar with Splenda in order to cut down calories. My mother started to make green chili for my grandpa when he came to visit her after graduate school and he fell in love with it. Since he enjoyed the chili so much my mother began to make it every time my grandpa visited. It became a tradition that green chili would be made every time grandpa came to visit. When I was a young girl my grandpa always taught me that the chili wasn’t hot enough if he wasn’t red in the face and sweating; Hence the addition of jalapeà ±os. Usually the dish is served in the mid-afternoon after my grandpa has walked around the house making minor fixes to the various appliances. Everyone sits around the table and has a bowl of green chili while we inquire into my grandpa’s fascinating history. The main ingredient in the green chili is pork shoulder, which comes from the pig. Pigs originated from the wild boar, Sus scrofa, which originated from the Middle East and the Mediterranean sometime between 7000-5000 BCE. Archaeologists have also found remnants of domesticated pigs in Palestine, Iraq, Turkey, and Greece (Gade). They have also found pigs were the oldest domesticated animal besides dogs. Other archaeologists have found that pigs may have originated in Southeast Asia then migrated to China. Since archaeologists have come to different conclusions as to where the pig originated, it has been suggested that the pig may have domesticated in multiple places. In addition pigs may have made the conscious choice to move to places where were humans present, since pigs could feed off of humans waste (Gade). Waste was a good source of food for pigs because they are able to eat plants and animals. In the Middle Ages people began to breed and sell  pigs as a source of income. Breeding of pigs became more intricate at this time because now there were laws and regulations that needed to be followed in order to be a pig farmer. In the modern world there are still many restrictions on how pigs can be raised and slaughtered for consumption such as how large the living area must be and how many antibiotics can be given to the pigs. Another key ingredient to the green chili is diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Tomatoes can be dated back to 900 BCE and were originally from the Americas, specifically the Andes region. However due to their distinct smell when on the vine people in the Americas believed that the tomato was poisonous and a part of the nightshade family so people did not use then for food. Instead people used tomato plants as decoration for their gardens, due to their bright green and red colors (Texas A&M). Europeans were the first people to realize that tomatoes were edible and began to spread the knowledge. Italians were the first Europeans to grow tomatoes in the 1550’s and people in Europe soon began to call tomatoes the â€Å"love apples† (Texas A&M). In North America the cultivation of tomatoes did not grow to the extent that it did in Europe until Thomas Jefferson included them in his massive garden. Jefferson was known for growing vegetables and taking notes on their growth, whic h allowed for farmers everywhere to learn when his discoveries became public. Nowadays tomatoes are cultivated all over the world and new varieties are being created and tested. The most essential ingredients to green chili, in my opinion, are the hot green chili peppers and jalapenos. Chili peppers are thought to have originated in 5000 BC in what is now Mexico. Christopher Columbus is credited for discovering Capsicum, but he incorrectly placed it in the pepper category with black pepper (Food Timeline). Columbus brought the chili pepper to Europe where it quickly spread to India and Asia through various trade routes. Many scholars note that the Portuguese were essential in the spread of the chili pepper throughout these trade routes. However specifics on these trade routes are unknown as they either were not documented or were destroyed over time. Eventually people began to expand upon the use of chilies besides just using them as a spice. Stuffed chilies,  stuffed peppers, and beef stewed with chilies became extremely popular in the 19th and 20th centuries and still are today. The other ingredients in the green chili that really bring it together are sugar, salt, and garlic. Although hardly detectable the chili would not be complete without these three items. Sugar originated in the Indies in 1200 BC and was used by the Egyptians and Phoenicians as a medicine (Food Timeline). However it wasn’t until 1000 BC that Arabs in Crete perfected the refinement of sugar. When explorers came to the New World they realized the potential to mass-produce sugar from the abundant sugar cane in the area. The British colonies became obsessed with production of sugar and devoted the colonies of Barbados and Jamaica to sugar production (Food Timeline). Their investments paid off as sugar continued to sell and be produced in colonies all over the New World. Since this time sugar has become further refined and mass produced in various forms including the highly controversial form of high fructose corn syrup. Salt has been present on Earth as an essential mineral since the Neolithic age. There are even salt mines in China dating back all the way to 2000 BC. People began to settle in areas where salt mines were and they began to take advantage of the natural habitat and mined the salt out of the earth. In addition to salt mining people boiled off water from salty lakes and springs. In the 4th century it was discovered that iodine deficiency was associated with overactive thyroid and in 1833 the French recommended iodized salt as the solution to overactive thyroid. This recommendation was not present in the United States until the 1920’s. One of the oldest foods known on the ingredient list for green chili is the garlic. Garlic dates back to 3000 BC and originated from Central Asia (Food Timeline). It was known, and still is, for its medicinal and therapeutic uses. In Ancient Rome and in the Middle Ages garlic was known to be â€Å"peasant food† and was not seen as appropriate for people in higher classes. Thankfully by the 19th century people recognized its flavorful value and it become the celebrated ingredient that is today in the modern world. The ingredients to green chili may all have different origins, but they are all prevalent in modern day Mexico. This chili has a distinctly Mexican flavor to it due to the tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers. Although my family has no cultural ties to Mexico, my mother living in a predominately Mexican area of Denver allowed for green chili to become one of my families most loved recipes. It has become a dish that will always bring comfort and memories with my grandfather to my family and me. References The Food Timeline http://www.foodtimeline.org An online source Gade, Daniel W. â€Å"II.G.13. – Hogs.† The Cambridge World History of Food. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. . Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Texas A&M, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. .

Genetic engineering, friend or foe? Essay

â€Å"By bringing in this technology to make the same crop that people eat and grow, make it more insulated against some of the elements of nature, more nutritious†¦ it will improve local production,† said Channapatna Prakash, professor in plant molecular genetics at Tuskegee University, Alabama. â€Å"If it does make a difference in their overall health and well-being with the least intervention, it needs to be looked at very carefully,† he said. â€Å"If it does provide some solution in certain places and circumstances, then why not? † Prakash is also a member of the U. S. Agriculture Department’s agricultural biotechnology advisory committee. Genetic modification (GM) involves exchanging or splicing genes of unrelated species that cannot naturally swap with each other and enthusiastic scientists say the applications are almost limitless. The species can be vastly different, for example, inserting scorpion toxin or spider venom genes into maize and other food crops as a ‘natural pesticide’ to prevent insects and birds from feeding on the plants, or fish antifreeze genes into tomatoes. So this is the positive side of the argument, however, others do not feel the same – recently trail GM crops have been destroyed even in ‘sleepy’ Devon in a trails site at Dartington. Fears were raised even higher because an internationally acclaimed organic farm was nearby. Insect or the wind could have carried genetically modified pollen to other farms thus creating unwanted and unsuspected mutations. Not everyone agrees that GM foods will necessarily become the saviour for the world’s hungry and people insist that there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence of the benefits of GM. The whole GM issue creates strong emotions, particularly among the more sceptic opponents to the technology who have been known to march across fields and rip up fledgling test plants, demanding that governments put a stop to â€Å"Frankenstein† foods by banning the import and the commercial use of GM crops. Apart from their charge that nobody yet knows how safe GM crops are, they also accuse powerful biotechnology multinational companies of using poor countries as a ‘dumping ground’ for products, which have failed to sell to lucrative but sceptical European markets. Already there are specific examples – there are problems with Genetically Engineered Soya Bean and Maize Imports. The first main genetically modified food was a tomato paste, introduced with careful consumer consultation, clearly labelled. It sold well until the current furore began. In 1996 the European Union [EU] accepted the import of US genetically modified Soya bean and maize, staple commodities which go untracked into a large number of processed foods. The US companies refused to label or segregate the new products, more concerned with winning markets than public attitudes. Ordinary people ended up eating modified food without knowing it, with any tangible benefit to them, and having no real say in the decisions. This major failure of democracy resulted in a huge consumer backlash. It also raised questions of environmental risks of GM crops spreading genes to other species and possible loss of biodiversity. As can be seen sharing understanding of the risks and labelling GM tainted or enhanced products has not happened automatically – there is too much money at stake. However, we should consider these issues carefully. There are risks far more complex than a blanket moratorium would solve. Different crops vary enormously over questions like gene flow [e. g. due to mode of pollination or unrestricted movement of GM animals for breeding] or wild relatives, which might become weeds or pests. So a plant like oil seed rape merits much more careful attention than other less genetically promiscuous species. Talking to ecological scientists, it seems clear that five years of research is not going to give a generic answer to tell us whether â€Å"GM is safe† or not. We know so little about either the ecology or safety of normal foods that we often do not have a yardstick to make meaningful comparison with GM foods. Much better than a crude moratorium is to be precautionary but on a case-by-case basis, rather than assume that everything is equally risky. Rather than swallow whole the current green position on GM foods, we need to recognise that it is just as easy to exaggerate risks as it is to ignore them or pretend they aren’t there. Current EU labelling is only mandatory if you can detect genes or the proteins in the food, but this only addresses a small minority of the concerns. If someone objects to GM food on ethical or religious grounds or to the effect of the crop on the environment, present labelling misses the point completely. Here is a fundamental injustice, which the Government has done very little to address. Genetic Engineering, Friend or Foe? Is still a question to be answered – the debate will continue, as will the research that pushes the boundaries of science. The answer lies in the far future! Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Variation and Inheritance section.

Discussion 6 Thinking Critically About Architecture Essay

Discussion 6 Thinking Critically About Architecture - Essay Example The Supreme Court was created to be a government courthouse. The structure was designed by American Cass Gilbert in the neoclassical style (U.S. Supreme Court 1, 2011). The courthouse has several Greco-Roman influences. The building uses symmetry, standard Corinthian column types, roof entablature, building wells, and basilicas. The use of Greco-Roman architecture is a benefit to the functionality of the courthouse and its purpose. The great size of the building is used to house four floors of judicial service. The ground floor is used for offices and public services. The first floor is occupied by Justices’ chambers, offices for law clerks and secretaries, the East and West Conference rooms, and several other rooms of utility for officers of the court. The second floor is mostly office space and the Justices’ library and dining rooms. The third floor is where the Supreme Court Library is located. Neoclassical architecture is defined as classical architecture of ancient Greece and Roman influence that is likely to have symmetrical shape, columns that rise to the full height of the buildings, triangular pediment, and/or a domed roof (Neoclassical Architecture, 2011). This style is apparent in the exterior structure of the Supreme Court. There are sixteen exterior columns that rise to the top of the building and there is triangular pediment visual in the front end. The Supreme Court uses several types of columns from Greek order. The courthouse uses Corinthian columns topped with entablatures supporting the exterior of the building. These columns are present in the center entrance of the main building. There is a definite symmetry of the building as it peeks in the middle and skews to either side. Entablatures are present on the exterior of the courthouse embodied below the pediments and above the columns. These dà ©cor are typical of Greek culture and dramatic in design. Inside the Supreme Court uses what is known as the building

Compassionate Care in Cancer Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Compassionate Care in Cancer Management - Essay Example Compassionate care is an approach to treatment that aims to address the various issues affecting the lives of terminally ill individuals by improving their quality of life. Medical physicians and other healthcare personnel work to reduce any pain and discomfort and to make any other specific symptoms affecting these patients more manageable. This care is provided within an environment that the patients feels the most comfortable though they may be taken to hospital in the event any serious medical crisis occurs requiring specialized treatment. An important aspect of compassionate care is the provision of spiritual and psychological support to the terminally ill patients. These people have terminal diseases that are incurable and therefore have a limited time to live. As such, they suffer many psychological problems such as the feelings of grief, anger, anxiety, and sorrow because of the various diseases they have and the changes that have occurred in their lives because of those illnesses. In addition, they might feel a sense of guilt due to the feeling they are placing a large burden on their families, especially financial burden as the treatment of these diseases is very costly. Providing psychological and spiritual support to these patients is very important as it helps to address the various questions and concerns that they might have and to offer comfort as their lives draw closer to an end. It also helps those left behind to cope with the loss of the loved ones who have passed on. Erving Goffman established an important perspective to understand further the symbolic interaction perspective through the dramaturgical approach (Ditton, 78).

Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research Methods - Essay Example The influence of social network sites in Regents College University students Background and Introduction Considering that man is a social being, the desire to remain in contact with others and share thoughts as well as feelings have led to the invention of various social media platforms. The social network sites have made it possible for individuals to keep in touch, just by the click of a button. Thus, people can share files including their photographs, while also chatting in real-time with other people from different parts of the world. Students can discuss ideas and assignments over the social network sites, either with their colleagues or even their instructors. Thus, social network sites have helped advance communication and connectivity for people, students inclusive. Nevertheless, the social network sites and their activities have become so much addictive, that people spend most of their times there, forgetting to attend to other important issues. Social network sites are a ma jor cause of distractions to students, affecting their performance and grades. ... It has been pivotal in assisting students undertake their research and accomplish their assignments with great ease, compared to when they could be looking for information from the library books (Conley, 2011 n.p.). The advantage of students using the internet for their research is the fact that, it has a wide range of information, dating from the very old archival information, to recently done studies in different fields (Wankel, 2012 p36). In addition, the internet has provided social communication networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Second Life, LinkedIn, among many others (Marti?nez & Wartman, 2009 p73). Considering that such social networks are free and open for anyone to join, they have attracted millions of people, mostly the younger generation, who are mostly students. While such communication networks have allowed them to connect and keep in touch with others, they have caused the students a great deal of distraction, making them spend most of their time on those sites, at t he expense of concentrating in class work (Fewkes & McCabe, 2012 p94). Methodology Quantitative method of research was applied in the study, where questionnaires were prepared and distributed to students. The questionnaires sought to find the time that each individual student spends on the social network sites, every day. Additionally, the questionnaires were formulated to collect information regarding which particular times students visited the social sites, either during the day or at night. The questionnaire also collected information regarding the nature of activities that students undertake on the social sites, with a view to understand whether the activities were communication or research oriented. A sample of 20 students was selected from each class undertaking various

Kandase Week 1 Business Work 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Kandase Week 1 Business Work 1 - Essay Example A disadvantage of living in a capitalism society is that there is greater inequality of wealth in such a society. Jean-Paul is proud of living in Belgium which operates under socialism. In such an economy everyone contributes to the wealth being of the whole. The Belgium government has done a much better job than the United States of using the governmental resources in order to provide benefits for the people. The United States wastes billions of dollars each year to support the military instead of using that money to help the poor Americans in its territory. Belgium does not waste money on excessive military spending, instead the taxes people are charged are used for social causes. A con of living under socialism is that it is harder to accumulate wealth or become rich in this society. Overall the economy of Belgium has done a good job at generating resources for its people evidenced by its high gross domestic product per capita of $38,200 (Culturegrams,

Taking a Rugby Penalty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Taking a Rugby Penalty - Essay Example ("Penalty") A penalty is identified if the referee blows the whistle and raises an arm in the direction of the team to whom the penalty has been awarded. Then, the team captain has to make a decision of what to do to the ball that is already in their possession. If the captain chooses to kick a goal, the kicker places the ball on the spot where the penalty occurred, or anywhere on a direct line behind it, just like a conversion. Unlike a conversion, the defending team is not allowed to rush the kicker at any time while a penalty kick is being attempted. If the penalty kick has been successful, it is worth three points. ("Understanding") The penalized team must retreat or move back ten metres away while the team that was awarded with the penalty must restart the game. With the ball now in their possession, the team captain must decide what to do with the ball. He will then have to choose from the following choices: A tap penalty. This move is often taken quickly to exploit lack of organisation in the opposition's retreating defence. It is where a player drops the ball onto his foot and kicks it up into his arms and then carries the ball forward. ("Penalty") A kick to touch. The side with the penalty gets the throw-in to the resultant line-out, from which they have a good chance of securing possession. This is used mainly to gain territory though it is also used as a tactic to gain a platform for a rolling maul near the opponents try line and muscle over for a score. ("Penalty") A kick at goal. The kick at goal is usually taken off the ground from a sand or plastic tee (though it is possible to drop kick the ball). If it is successful, they score three points, and the opposition restarts from the centre line. If the penalty is missed, a 22 metre drop-out is awarded to the opposition. ("Penalty") A scrum. A team may opt to have a scrum. This would normally be taken if an attacking team wished to have all the defensive forwards tied up in one place allowing the backs the luxury of a one on one confrontation. Alternatively, if a team has ascendancy in the scrums they may try for a pushover try, which may result in the award of a penalty try if the scrums are deliberately collapsed by the defending side. ("Penalty") Rugby Players' Decision-Making The players' decision-making before taking penalties in rugby entails too much pressure for them. One wrong decision - that is one wrong choice from the options stated above - may cost the team the game. Decision-making is the most difficult task the coaches are face over the years. The difficulties in trying to get players to take the best option in taking penalties involve enough time and effort for both parties. Both strategic decisions regarding what kind of game plan to follow or when is would be the different moves appropriately

Microeconomics article review Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Microeconomics article review - Term Paper Example It is important to understand that in the general economy there is a job destruction rate and a job creation rate. Unemployment occurs when these two factors are out of balance. A recession does not impact the job destruction rate, but it does affect the job creation rate by lowering it. During the recession as the job creation rate falls the period of unemployment lengthens. â€Å"The percentage of the labor force unemployed for 27 weeks or more is finally decreasing, after peaking at about 4.3 percent in April 2010 and hanging around 4 percent until September 2011† (Worstall, 2013). It is unknown how much of that decline is associated with people finding jobs or leaving the job marketplace. Typically when people leave the job marketplace it becomes hard for them to come back. People that leave the workplace do not enjoy the pleasures associated with having income. Adults that leave the workforce negatively impact the economy because it loses the goods and services they could be producing. The stimulus package through programs such as the TANF Emergency Fund helped job creation in the United States. Some of the ill effects of long term unemployment include erosion of skills and dissociation from the job market. An economic concept called hysteris could have occurred in the United States. ... In Europe another 4% continues to be out of the workforce for over a year, while almost none in the U.S. One of the reasons for the discrepancy in long term unemployment behavior is that unemployment benefits in the U.S run out after six months, while in Europe they continue for years or indefinitely. The increase in unemployment insurance was an effective incentive to keep money flowing in the economy, but its effect on reducing the unemployment rate is questionable. â€Å"There was undoubtedly some increase in long-term unemployment as a result of the UI extension: people do respond to incentives after all† (Worstall, 2013). Stimulating the economy by running a fiscal deficit does not positively impact the nation’s unemployment rate. The article provided great insight into the unemployment problem in the United States of America. Unemployment was a topic discussed in class during the semester. It is a very important economic topic because it affects the lives of every one in a society. People need to work to earn income to spend in consumer goods and services. When a person loses his job he becomes unemployed. The chances of this person finding a job quickly increases when the nation’s unemployment rate is low. I learned from the article that short term unemployment is referred too as frictional unemployment. A second economic concept learned in class that was discussed in the article was recession. A recession can be defined as a decline in gross domestic product (GDP) for two or more consecutive quarters (Investorwords, 2013). During a recession people lower spending often in fear that they might lose their jobs. The author of the article indicated that people that are unemployed during a recession often have a hard time

The Legacy of Pierre Trudeau on National Unity Essay

The Legacy of Pierre Trudeau on National Unity - Essay Example Trudeau, who was appointed as the prime minister of Canada in 1968, was asked to resolve the above problem. The abilities of Trudeau as a prime minister have been strongly doubted; for certain people, Trudeau has been a unique leader establishing the national unity of Canada. For others, Trudeau had a key role in the elimination of the rights of Francophone communities to keep and promote their culture. The involvement of Trudeau in the promotion of national unity in Canada is explored in this paper. Reference is also made to the level at which the political choices of Trudeau were aligned or not with the rules of Canada’s constitution, a fact that is used in order to evaluate the success of Trudeau in promoting national unity in Canada. 2. Trudeau and National Unity The views of Trudeau in regard to national unity have been strongly affected by the social and political beliefs of his era. However, these beliefs are not necessarily identical, meaning that they can set differen t priorities in regard to the policies introduced in a particular country. In other words, political decisions can be often opposed to local social frameworks and concepts, such as ethnicity. The specific issue, which is highlighted in the study of Di Sciullo (2011) helps to understand the political choices of Trudeau, especially at the point that these choices affected Canada’s national unity. Trudeau used his position, as Canada’s prime minister in order to promote national unity. However, communities did not welcome his views due to the fact that they were opposed to local culture, as differentiated in English-speaking and French – speaking regions. The critical point where the conflict between Trudeau and the communities made clear was the following: in 1969, after a relevant initiative of Trudeau, Canada established the Official Languages Act 1969 (Di Sciullo 2011, p.30). In the context of the above Act equal rights were given to Francophones and Anglophone s in Canada. Still, the position of people belonging to these communities was not similar. English had a series of privileges, mostly because of their financial potentials, as for example: they could easier enter ‘high-paid managerial positions’ (Di Sciullo 2011, p.30) compared to Francophones. Trudeau believed that by promoting the 1969 Act he could enhance unity in Canada but his initiative had opposite results. Francophones, especially those living in the area of Quebec considered this Act as an effort of the government to secure the rights of English across Canada (Di Sciullo 2011, p.30). It should be noted that the reaction of Francophones to the 1969 varied according to the following term: the unilingual population of Quebec was quite opposing towards the new law (Di Sciullo 2011, p.30) but the minorities groups within the Francophone communities welcomed the law. Indeed, the 1969 Act offered to people across Canada the potential to access easier public services ( Di Sciullo 2011, p.30). In other words, the efforts of Trudeau to promote unity through initiating the establishment of the 1969 Act rather did not resulted to the expected outcome. Instead of promoting unity this Act increased conflicts between Francophone and Anglophone communities. Emphasis should be also given to the following fact: the 1969 Act was not aligned with the Constitution of Canada (Di Sciullo 2011). Many of this Act’

Comment on the various sorts of love shown in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example for Free

Comment on the various sorts of love shown in Romeo and Juliet Essay Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet is a romantic tragedy based around a pair of young lovers. The play is set in 12th century Verona where a pair of families, the Capulets and the Montagues have been feuding for many years. The play revolves around Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet falling deeply in love and the events that befall these two forbidden lovers. The play covers an array of different types of love and love related issues from brotherly love to bodily lust, Shakespeare uses the characters to portray stereotyped ideas of love and how it affects people. Before even the first scene is out, the play has already touched upon the idea of brotherly love. Benvolio, the cousin of Romeo, finds Romeo in a state of near depression and says to Romeo What sadness lengthens Romeos hours? With this line Shakespeare is showing Benvolios concern as a man might unto his brother. Romeo is sad because he has fallen in love with a girl, Rosaline In sadness, cousin, I do love a woman. However Romeos chosen spouse does not return the affection, as Romeo states She will not stay the siege of loving terms. Benvolio offers to Romeo the idea of looking for a different more attainable woman. He gives this advice in order that his cousin may once again be happy thus showing his affection for Romeo. Throughout the play Shakespeare writes about light when referring to love, he talks of it in the prologue before the play is even afoot A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life; It does not stop here however, on Romeos first encounter with Juliet he says O she doth teach the torches to burn bright Meaning that she brings light to his dark troubled state of mind, where there was the haze of rejection her light shines through brightening his mood. Again in scene two upon meeting with Juliet his love Romeo compares her presence to light But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? To Romeo meeting Juliet is like the sun rising, just as the sun lights up the world she lights up his mood and, as the sun clears the morning mist, so Juliet clears the fog of his mind leaving it clear. I think Shakespeare uses these references to light to show that in dark times often love can show the way. Perhaps showing that in the face of a problematic social environment love can be a beacon to those who embrace it. When Romeo first visits friar Lawrence in Act two Scene three they speak of Romeos newfound love for Juliet and change of heart to Rosaline With Rosaline, my ghostly father? no; I have forgot that name, and that names woe By this he is telling the friar that he has not only stopped doting on Rosaline but, has in fact undergone a total change in spirits forgetting the woes he had over Rosaline. However the Friar speaks of the doubts he had for the sincerity of Romeos love for Rosaline in the first place Thy love did read by rote, that could not spell. This implies that Romeo, whilst sounding outwardly convincing lacked the meaning behind his words. Shakespeare is again using a characters opinion to influence that of the audience, in this case Romeos love for Rosaline may well have been true but due to the friars opinionated speech the audience is cast into doubt on the matter. The friar also chides Romeo about his use of elaborate metaphorical language when talking of love, telling him to be plain, good son, For in order for Friar Lawrence to absolve Romeo he must first be able to understand him. Yet it is not just the friar who is suspicious of Romeos decorative words, Juliet had already commented on the way he talks in Act two Scene two O swear not by the moon, thinconstant moon, That monthly changes in her circled orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. Romeos allegorical promises do not hold well with Juliet because in his words no definition can be found merely elaborate metaphors. However Juliets complaints go unheeded for later Act two Scene six Romeo is again using exotic language in order to describe his love for her Unfold the imagined happiness that both Receive in either by this dear encounter. Juliet however responds by saying Conceit, more rich in matter than in words, Brags of his substance, not of ornament; They are but beggars that can count their worth, But my true love is grown to such excess I cannot sum up sum of half my wealth. What Juliet is saying here is that unlike Romeo she cannot sum up her love for him in words. Shakespeare uses strong negative imagery such as beggars and conceit to display Juliets exasperation with Romeos continuing usage of needless ornate speech. But despite Juliets doubts and Romeos misleading words there is an overwhelming love between the pair that cannot go unnoticed. Even upon their first meeting Romeos feelings for Juliet are obvious Did my heart love till now? He directs this phrase at Juliet before the two have even met. Yet when they do at last meet Juliet shares with Romeo not one but two kisses, the second induced by Juliet Then have my lips the sin that they have took These shows of affection in the time in which the play was written would be unheard of upon a first meeting. This shows just how the pair truly epitomise the phrase Love at first sight for they did not let the fact that they were total strangers hinder the strength of their feelings even if the feeling was simply lust. However as of yet we cannot tell whether Romeo is sincere in his love this time rather than just lustfully infatuated as he was with Rosaline, the cousin of Juliet. However he proves himself later in the act by saying Call me but love, and Ill be new baptised; Henceforth I never will be Romeo By this he is offering to change his name if it would make Juliet love him and be with him. During Shakespearian times it was no small feat to denounce ones name, there was a lot more weight placed upon names back then, especially if it was a name of high social standing as was Romeos. This proposal shows the true and serious nature of Romeos newfound love. However it is not simply Romeo who makes such a bold offer for earlier in the scene Juliet says be but sworn my love, And Ill no longer be a Capulet To the audience Shakespeare was writing for this selfless act on both their parts would have convinced the audience that their love was true. Another factor that Shakespeare played upon to influence his audience into believing that Romeo and Juliets love was true was his use of Religious language upon their first meeting. If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this, My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. Shakespeare deliberately uses this language to symbolise a number of things. Firstly that Juliet like a shrine is untouched or virginal this theme is recurrent through the first two acts of the play. Secondly it However not all Shakespeares examples of love are so romantic for instance Juliets mother The Lady Capulet says to Juliet considering the offer of marriage from Paris So shall you share all that he doth possess, By having him, making yourself no less. This shows a very materialistic side to Lady Capulet it also implies that the reason she is married to Lord Capulet might not necessarily be because they are in love. It portrays a much more dutiful love between Juliets parents perhaps Lady Capulet loves Lord Capulet simply because they are married rather than being married because they are in love. This type of relationship was common in Tudor times because often romanticism was overlooked in the face of bettering oneself financially. Paris show of affection for Juliet is not without a sense of duty he, as was proper in those days, approaches Lord Capulet for his daughters hand in marriage But now, my lord, what say you to my suit? At this point Capulet believes his daughter to be too young for marriage yet he encourages young Paris to woo her in order that she may fall in love with him down the line And too soon marred are those so early made. Might be referring to the marriage of himself and lady Capulet that has now become loveless and hollow. He as a loving father does not wish this upon his own only child so through Paris persistence Shakespeare shows another form of love, the love of a father for his daughter. Yet not all Shakespeares characters believed in such an honourable love. In his opening scene there are two servant men talking between themselves, there speech although on the topic of fighting generally is rife with sexual innuendo and pun. For example Ay, the heads of maids, or their maidenheads, take it in what sense thou wilt This line seemingly innocent to the reader of our time has a very rude meaning in Shakespearian language where maidenhead means virginity, in this sense the two are talking of having sex with virgins, more than a little less noble than the good Paris. They speak also of pushing women to the wall because of their weaker build; this all shows little true emotion and a very physically sexual type of love if indeed it can be referred to as that at all. Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet was a revolutionary piece when it was written because it showed just how love can move people in an age where marriage for social or financial gain was the norm. Over nearly five hundred years Shakespeares language and story line has captivated the hearts and minds of generations of lovers with its unique mixture of reality and fantasy. Romeo and Juliet is one piece of Shakespeares work that will remain a true timeless classic.

Wynn Resort Essay Example for Free

Wynn Resort Essay Executive Summary 1.) Purpose To know if what is the overall strategy of Steve Wynn to make Wynn Resorts, Ltd. on the right track and quite a remarkable company. 2.) Statement of the Problem There are three problems which I found out in the case, and these are the three challenges that Wynn will have to face, and the future may throw some curveballs along the way. First is need to secure a way to maintain the competitive advantage as increased competition is introduce both domestically and abroad into the gaming industry. Second, The Macau government reserves the right to take control of the Wynn Casino in 2017; this would be detrimental to the profits for the company, and some solutions will need to be devised to ensure that the survival of the company is not majorly dependent on the revenues generated by Wynn Macau resort and casino. A third concern about future success, but certainly not the final concern, is the loss of Steve Wynn himself. Losing Steve Wynn would mean losing his expertise, passion and governmental ties. In the most likely scenario, a loss of Steve Wynn may result in the sale of the firm to a competing company, such as MGM Inc. 3.) Alternative Courses and Actions Wynn must focus on differentiating the company by concentrating on the atmosphere and design of the resorts. Wynn Rsort must enhance customers service and luxury as full-service provider. 4.) Recommendation Wynn must not only focus to target high-end gaming customers, but he must also offer affordable goods and services to the middle-income clients. This segment includes vacationers and younger people looking for relatively inexpensive place to say with the understanding that most of their budget will go to dining and entertainment. Methods of Analysis 1. SWOT Analysis SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths 1. The greatest operational strength Wynn Resorts, Ltd. has is the founder himself, Steve Wynn. 2. The resort has earned AAA five diamond, Mobil five-star, Forbes five-star, and Michelin five star ratings for hotel, as well as one Michelin star for restaurant Wing Lei, and is considered to be one of the finest hotels in the world. 3. One of Wynn Resorts’ greatest marketing strength is strategic development of its product. The product that Wynn sells is a luxury destination experience that makes customers feel pampered and value through high-quality amenities and customer service. 4. Steve Wynn is widely considered the â€Å"Father of Luxury Gambling†, and he is largely responsible for the image change and societal perspective change of the city of Las Vegas. | Weaknesses 1. The company’s complete dependence of Steve Wynn is a significant weakness. 2. Focusing solely on the high-end market could be a marketing weakness in that Wynn is missing a large customer base of middle-income clients. 3. Wynn Resorts’ biggest disadvantage is its youth. MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment are companies with history and territory. They have the majority of premier legal gambling locations such as Atlantic city under their thumb and they will create difficult barriers to entry for Wynn Resorts.| Opportunities 1. As the boomers retire, they are spending more money on leisure and recreation, and they are piling into the casinos, this growing represents an opportunity for the gaming industry and for Wynn Resorts specifically. 2. The development of a casino in Macau is a strategic opportunity. 3. Wynn Macau provides the opportunity for cross-marketing with Wynn Las Vegas, because the target market segment in both Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau is high income, customers have resources to travel and vacation in other parts of the world, which can make cross-marketing very effective.| Threats 1. Social norms in the United States differ from those practiced in Macau and should not be universally applied. 2. The ability of the government to take control of the casino at any time it deems appropriate is a significant threat to the success of Wynn Resorts because it could lose control of its operation in Macau. 3. Another threat exists in the possibility of Wynn Resorts, Ltd. being unable to collect on its gaming debts. 4. The loss of Steve Wynn, himself.| Bibliography 1. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Swot-Analysis-Wynn-Ltd-946073.html 2. http://www.investingvalue.com/investment-leaders/steve-wynn/index.html

Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN)

Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) List and briefly describe three clinical signs for Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a rare disease that occurs when maternal alloantibodies cross the placenta during pregnancy and cause the destruction of fetal red blood cells (RBCs) (Delaney and Matthews, 2015; Haas et al., 2015). HDFN can result in fetal anaemia with progression to severe morbidities, such as ascites, hydrops fetalis, heart failure, kernicterus, and death (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). The clinical presentation of HDFN is variable, in which there are several manifestations that may occur (Murray and Roberts, 2007). Three of the most prevalent clinical signs that allows for neonatal paediatricians to suspect HDFN includes splenomegaly, oedema, and jaundice. HDFN is characterised by the accelerated destruction of RBCs, which results in differing rates of haemolysis and fetal anaemia (Urbaniak and Greiss, 2000). The continuous and rapid process of haemolysis causes extramedullary haematopoiesis, a result of erythropoiesis failing in the bone marrow, in the fetal liver and spleen (Dean, 2005). Organs, such as the liver and spleen, that are involved in the synthesis of RBCs increase the production to combat the rate of destruction and counteract the overall loss (Dean, 2005). The increased workload of the spleen results in its enlargement, termed splenomegaly (Bowman, 1997; Dunn, 1963).          Oedema is an important clinical sign of HDFN that is also associated with the degree of haemolysis and anaemia (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). Oedema can occur due to low levels of serum albumin through a decrease in osmotic pressure (Dean, 2005). Moreover, as the body compensates for fetal anaemia, the fetus can develop a hyperdynamic circulation (Haas et al., 2015). This can result in hydrops fetalis, a severe and life-threatening condition in which there is widespread oedema in the fetal and skin and serous cavities (Haas et al., 2015). A further clinical sign of HDFN is jaundice. Jaunice may occur as a result of haemolysis, in which there is an increase in the level of bilirubin within the body (Urbaniak and Greiss, 2000). Throughout pregnancy, bilirubin is removed via the maternal circulation by the placenta (Dean, 2005). Therefore, a high level of haemolysis may be present with a low level of bilirubin (Murray and Roberts, 2007). However, after birth the haemolytic process continues. At this stage of development, the liver of the neonate is immature and unable to conjugate the excess bilirubin (Urbaniak and Greiss, 2000). The unconjugated bilirubin begins to build and accumulate in the blood of the neonate, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow (Dean, 2005). Within 24 to 48 hours after delivery, the level of bilirubin may increase substantially (Urbaniak and Greiss, 2000). Left untreated, this can lead to the development of kernicterus, a condition in which bilirubin deposits form in the basal ga nglia and brain stem nuclei (Haas et al., 2015). Describe the progression of HDFN, from sensitisation to fetal red cell destruction, in a D negative mother carrying a D positive fetus that has not received RhIg. Throughout pregnancy, antibodies from the maternal circulation play a vital role in providing protection for neonates; crossing the placenta from the maternal to the fetal circulation (Dean, 2005). This is essential for the fetus, as by delivery newborns have a relatively immature immune system (Murray and Roberts, 2007). Although the presence of maternal antibodies provides protection, the active transporting of antibodies across the placenta can result in HDFN (Dean, 2005). HDFN is triggered by a sensitisation event. This most often occurs during the first pregnancy; however, it can also arise from a blood transfusion or organ transplant (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). During the course of pregnancy, the maternal and fetal circulations gradually mix with each trimester (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). This results in maternal alloimmunisation, as the maternal circulation has been exposed to foreign RBCs (Haas et al., 2015). Despite the relatively small amount of fetal blood that passes into the maternal circulation, only a small amount is needed for sensitisation to occur (Dean, 2005). This is typical for an RhD negative mother carrying an RhD positive fetus. Sensitisation frequently transpires during the birth of the firstborn RhD positive child, where fetal maternal haemorrhage (FMH) is common (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). However, the risk of sensitisation increases in complicated and extensive labours (Dean, 2005). Sensitisation can also occur through earlier  events in pregnancy, such as a prenatal bleed, trauma, termination of pregnancy, chronic villus sampling, and miscarriage (Sebring and Polesky, 1990). The greatest risk of developing FMH is during the process of labour (Murray and Roberts, 2007). Subsequently, alloantibodies are most likely to form after delivery (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). After sensitisation of an RhD negative mother carrying an RhD positive fetus, the mothers serum will contain anti-D (Dean, 2005). Importantly, the maternal anti-D that is formed is of the IgM class and unable to effectively cross the placenta (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). As a result, HDFN is rare in first-born children and unlikely to have any clinical consequence or significance (Dean, 2005). However, once the maternal circulation has been exposed to the fetal circulation the maternal immune system has the potential to respond to foreign red cell antigens (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). Through extensive research and cohort studies, it has been established that HDFN is most likely to effect subsequent pregnancies (Dean, 2005). Maternal alloantibodies of the IgG1 and IgG class cause significant haemolysis, thus the most clinically significant forms of HDFN (Roberts, 2008). In the event that an RhD negative mother becomes pregnant for a second time, interaction with the RhD antigen stimulates the production of IgG type anti-D, which can be transported across the placenta into the fetal circulation (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). Once anti-D has entered the fetal circulation, it binds to the RhD antigens found on fetal RBCs and labels them to be destroyed (Delaney and Matthews, 2015). From here, the pathophysiology of the disease ensues, as illustrated in figure 4. Explain the action of RhIg in a D negative mother that has a D positive fetal bleed. Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) is routinely used in clinical practice to prevent HDFN. RhIg is prepared from human plasma that has been immunised to the D antigen and functions by targeting RBCs that are positive for the D antigen (Brinc and Lazarus, 2009). The use of prophylactic anti-D remains the gold standard approach of antibody-mediated immunosuppression, having been used for several decades (Giancarlo et al., 2010). However, the mechanism of action of RhIg is not fully understood and there are three key hypotheses that have been proposed to explain its method of action. Antigen Clearance Hypothesis The first hypothesis is the antigen clearance hypothesis and is considered the main mechanism of action. Here, IgG is understood to prevent an antibody response by increasing the rate of phagocytosis and the removal of RBCs from circulation via the mononuclear phagocytic system, prior to recognition by the immune system (Brinc and Lazarus, 2009). IgG opsonised RBCs are believed to engage in the activation of IgG receptors (FcÃŽÂ ³Rs) on effector cells, stimulating phagocytosis. IgG is also suspected to increase the clearance of RBCs through the stimulation of complement activation on the RBC surface. Anti-D does not activate complement and therefore it is believed that FcÃŽÂ ³R-mediated phagocytosis is the mechanism by which anti-D is cleared (Brinc and Lazarus, 2009). FcÃŽÂ ³RIIB mediated B-cell inhibition hypothesis This mechanism is the most recently proposed and came about through the discovery of increased levels of transforming growth factor-ÃŽÂ ² and prostaglandin E2 in a number of pregnant women who were given RhIG. This mechanism proposes that RBCs and IgG form a complex in which a negative signal is delivered to inactivate antigen-specific B cells. However, mice models deficient in FcÃŽÂ ³RIIBhave shown that the involvement of FcÃŽÂ ³RIIB is not needed to induce antibody-mediated immune suppression. Furthermore, FcR-like molecules have been discovered in both mice and humans. It is believed that the FCRLs mediate the B-cell inhibition, however, this has yet to be demonstrated (Brinc and Lazarus, 2009). Steric Hindrance Hypothesis The Steric hindrance hypothesis proposes IgG binds the antigen, preventing the B-cell receptor from recognising the corresponding epitopes. Most anti-D epitopes are not blocked by RhIg. This allows free D epitopes to be detected after administration of RhIg. Monoclonal anti-D has been shown to prevent antibody responses by binding 10-15% of epitopes. This pathway has not been studied in detail and therefore knowledge of the immunobiology is limited. However, it is believed that IgG binding of D epitopes allows a formation between RBCs and B cells, in which this prevents B-cell activation (Brinc and Lazarus, 2009). The established methodology in the UK for the Quantification of a D positive fetal bleed is via flow cytometry with FITC-anti-D (FITC-BRAD3). Name and describe 3 alternative methods used worldwide to detect fetal bleeds In addition to the use of flow cytometry, several alternative screening methods are available to determine and quantify FMH (Kim and Makar, 2011). Three screening methods that are used worldwide include the rosette screen, Kleihauer-Betke acid elution test, and flow cytometry using anti-fetal haemoglobin antibodies. The rosette test is a screening method that is used to qualitatively detect fetal bleeds equal to or greater than 10 mL and 0.2% of fetal cells present in the maternal circulation (Kim and Makar, 2011). The rosette test works by indirectly identifying the presence of D positive fetal RBCs in D negative mothers (Solomonia et al., 2012). To perform this test, a maternal blood sample is collected, incubated with exogenous anti-D, and washed. D positive RBCs are added and are key as they act as an indicator. The sample is examined using a light microscope. In the presence of fetal D positive cells, the indicator RBCs form aggregates or rosettes around the coated fetal RBCs (Solomonia et al., 2012). A positive result is indicative of an FMH greater than 10 mL and requires quantification by Kleihauer-Betke acid elution test or flow cytometry to determine the dose of RhIg to administer (Kim and Makar, 2011). This test can encounter and produce false-positive results. This largely occurs if the mother of fetus is weak D. Furthermore, in the presence of a direct antiglobulin test (DAT), the rosette test may produce a false-negative result. This can be attributed to crosslinking and agglutination of the mothers antibody coated cells (Kim and Makar, 2011). The Kleihauer-Betke acid elution test is a screening method that differentiates between fetal haemoglobin (HbF) RBCs and adult Hb (Bromilow and Duguid, 1997). The underlying notion of this test is fetal RBCs largely contain HbF and are resistant to acid elution, whereas in contrast, adult Hb is acid-sensitive (Kim and Makar, 2011). To perform this test, a maternal blood sample is taken to prepare a thin peripheral smear. The peripheral smear is dried, immersed in fixative, exposed to and incubated with an acid buffer, and stained with eosin. Under a microscope, the test reveals fetal cells to be stained a dark pink-red colour, whilst adult red cells appear pale or as uncoloured ghost outlines (Kim and Makar, 2011). Under a microscope, the fetal cells are counted and reported as a percentage of adult cells (Kim and Makar, 2011). Flow cytometry using anti-fetal haemoglobin antibodies is a variant of flow cytometry that detects RhD positive fetal cells (Kim and Makar, 2011). In this method, monoclonal antibodies are directed against HbF (Davis, 2007). A maternal blood sample is collected and an RBC count is performed (Davis, 2007). Cells are then fixed and permeabilised with detergent to enable antibodies to enter the cellular membrane and bind HbF (Davis, 2007). A flow cytometer is used to analysed the antibody stained cells (Davis, 2007). This method uses positive and negative controls simultaneously to differentiation between fluorescence from fetal RBCs and non-specific background staining (Kim and Makar, 2011). The positive control is also highly important in setting out the parameters for gating a sample (Kim and Makar, 2011). Rosette test Kleihauer-Betke acid elution test Flow cytometry using anti-fetal haemoglobin antibodies Advantages: Commercial kits Widley available Simple to use Fast Inexpensive Advantages: Not dependent on presence of RhD antigen Requires only basic laboratory equipment Inexpensive Can be used to assess fetal welfare in RhD positive patients Advantages: Quantitative Automated good precisions, sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility Cost-effective Less labour intense Disadvantages: Only applicable to RhD negative mothers carrying RhD positive fetus Qualitative only not quantitative Disadvantages: Laborious to perform Accuracy and precision limited due to variation in test characteristics Poor reproducibility Subjective Disadvantages: If mother and fetus have the same RhD type or mother is RhD positive cannot be used to determine FMH False positives due to hereditary persistence of fetal Hb, increased levels of Hb in pregnancy and certain disease states a) A >2mL bleed is detected via acid elution test in a sample taken from a D negative mother. Quantification via anti-D flow cytometry results in a zero bleed. Explain two possible reasons for the opposing results. The differing results of the acid elution test and anti-D flow cytometry may be explained by the RhD status of the mother and fetus. If the mother is not RhD negative and is carrying an RhD positive fetus, this test would not reproduce the results of the acid elution test. Additionally, if the fetus has an RhD negative status, this would also cause the test to fail and detect a zero bleed. Furthermore, flow cytometry cannot accurately detect weak and partial D variants, resulting in a false negative result. Therefore, if the mother or fetus has either of these D variants, FMH would not be detected via flow cytometry. An alternative reason for the differing results between the two tests could be attributed to haemoglobinopathies, in which the flow cytometer detects HbF. Lastly, there could be a mistake in the tube, such that the antibody was not detected, causing an incorrect result. b) Suggest a suitable test alternative to those already conducted to investigate the sample further and explain your reasoning for the alternative test. The use of flow cytometry using anti-fetal haemoglobin antibodies would be a beneficial test to implement in order to clarify the results and detect if a bleed is present. This is important to ensure the appropriate and correct dose of RhIg is administered. Testing the sample using HbF flow cytometry would be useful as flow cytometry using anti-D failed to reproduce the results of the acid elution test. There is a possibility that the acid-elution test produced a false positive result. The acid-elution test is limited in that is has poor accuracy and is prone to variations. The false positive may arise as a result of adult hereditary persistence of HbF, which is known in 1 to 2% of the population. Furthermore, during pregnancy the level of HbF rises by 25%. Therefore, the use of HbF flow cytometry would be able to detect if this is what caused the result. The following bleeds were detected via anti-D flow cytometry in a D negative woman. Using the Mollison calculation work out: The bleed volume in mL The total RhIg dose in each case to the nearest 500 IU The top up RhIg dose required in each case to the nearest 500 IU The Mollison calculation is used to calculate the volume of bleed. To do this, the background of the isotope matched control is subtracted from the number of events obtained in the D positive region, as recommended in the BCSH guidelines. The Mollison equation is as follows: D (+) events D (-) events1800FMH = X -ml X 1.22 Total number of events 1 The equation can be simplified to the following: FMH = % of D positive events x 18 x 1.22 0.81% x 18 x 1.22 = 17.79 mL 18 ml bleed* = 18 x 125 = 2250 IU Rounded to nearest 500 = 2500 IU 2500 IU 500 IU = 2000 IU 0.45 x 18 x 1.22 = 9.88 mL 10 mL bleed = 10 x 125 = 1250 IU Rounded to nearest 500 = 1500 IU 1500 IU 500 IU = 1000 IU 0.091 x 18 x 1.22 = 1.99 mL 2 mL bleed = 2 x 125 = 250 IU Rounded to nearest 500 = 500 IU 500 IU 500 IU = 0 IU This bleed is under 4 mL and therefore no top up is required as 500 IU is routinely administered for a bleed of up to 4 mL. 1.09 x 18 x 1.22 = 23.94 mL 24 mL bleed = 24 x 125 = 3000 IU Rounded to nearest 500 = 3500 IU 3500 IU 500 IU = 3000 IU 0.02 x 18 x 1.2 = 0.43 1 mL bleed = 1 x 125 = 125 IU Rounded to nearest 500 = 500 IU 500 IU 500 IU = 0 IU This bleed is under 4 mL and therefore no top up is required as 500 IU is routinely administered for a bleed of up to 4 mL. References Brinc, D. and Lazarus, A. (2009). Mechanisms of anti-D action in the prevention of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Hematology, [online] 2009(1), pp.185-191. Available at: http://asheducationbook.hematologylibrary.org/content/2009/1/185.long [Accessed 6 Mar. 2017]. de Haas, M., Thurik, F., Koelewijn, J. and van der Schoot, C. (2015). Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Vox Sanguinis, [online] 109(2), pp.99-113. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25899660 [Accessed 6 Mar. 2017]. Dean, L. (2005). Blood groups and red cell antigens. 1st ed. [Bethesda, Md.]: NCBI. Delaney, M. and Matthews, D. (2015). Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: managing the mother, fetus, and newborn. Hematology, [online] 2015(1), pp.146-151. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26637714 [Accessed 6 Mar. 2017]. Giancarlo Maria Liumbruno, Angelo DAlessandro, Federica Rea, Vanessa Piccinini, Liviana Catalano, Gabriele Calizzani, Simonetta Pupella, Giuliano Grazzini (2010). Blood Transfus. 2010 Jan; 8(1): 8-16. doi: 10.2450/2009.0108-09 Kim, Y. and Makar, R. (2012). Detection of fetomaternal hemorrhage. American Journal of Hematology, [online] 87(4), pp.417-423. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22231030 [Accessed 6 Mar. 2017]. Murray, N. and Roberts, I. (2007). Haemolytic disease of the newborn. Archives of Disease in Childhood Fetal and Neonatal Edition, [online] 92(2), pp.F83-F88. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2675453/ [Accessed 6 Mar. 2017]. Roberts, I. (2008). The changing face of haemolytic disease of the newborn. Early Human Development, [online] 84(8), pp.515-523. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18621490 [Accessed 6 Mar. 2017]. Urbaniak, S. and Greiss, M. (2000). RhD haemolytic disease of the fetus and the newborn. Blood Reviews, [online] 14(1), pp.44-61. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10805260 [Accessed 6 Mar. 2017].      Ã‚  

Dogma :: essays papers

Dogma Dogma is the latest movie from director Kevin Smith, whose previous movies Clerks, Mallrats, and Chasing Amy have become cult hits. This movie should be no different from the last three. Smith has more star power then ever to work with in this movie with such stars as Ben Affleck (who had a part in the Mallrats), Matt Damon, Chris Rock, Linda Fiorentino, Salma Hayek, and even rocker Alanis Morissette as God. The story is about two fallen angels, Affleck, and Damon, who has spent the last two thousand years on Earth and are looking to find their way back to heaven. But if they get their wish and pass through the archway of St. Michael’s Church history would be reversed and mankind will be destroyed. So God picks an abortion clinic worker, Fiorentino, along with the 13th apostle, Rock, and two profits, Jay and Silent Bob (both from Clerks, and Mallrats) to stop the two angels. Smith knows how to direct a great movie with out the high budget explosive action, and special effects. He can draw you in with great dialogue, and funny everyday situations. Smith can take a serious subject matter, such as Christianity in America today, and turn it into a funny comedy without coming off harsh. Smith first broke onto the scene with Clerks, A funny story of a convenient store worker who is called in on his day off, and a video store worker who wants nothing to do with the public he so poorly serves. The movie is shot in black and white, but you’ll soon find yourself not even noticing it once you get locked into a great story. In Smiths’ next movie, Mallrats, Smith directs a story about a man who breaks up with her girlfriend because her father wants her to be a contestant on his new dating show on public access TV. But soon all hell breaks loose when the Mall security guard has other plans, but with the help of Jay and Silent Bob things at the mall are about to change. Chasing Amy was Smiths last movie before

The Stresses of War Affecting the Characters in Regeneration and Journe

The Stresses of War Affecting the Characters in Regeneration and Journey's End 'Regeneration' is a fictional novel written by by Pat Barker. However, some of her characters in the novel like Owen and Sassoon did exist. The play 'Journeys End' is also fictional and all the characters are Sheriffs creation. 'Regeneration' is a serious and moving novel typical of war, as it shows war in a realistic way, whereas 'Journeys End' is full of black humour, in an attempt to make the play less morbid then it actually is. The writers are trying to achieve the views of the officers; they never actually saw mental ill health as serious as it was. They kept sending men back to war whether they had recovered or not. In the first chapter of 'Regeneration' we learn of the 'soldier's declaration' written by Sassoon. "I believe the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it". To other men in war this would be seen as "wrong and wimpish" because men weren't expected to do that, if you went to war you weren't seen as a coward. To Sassoon this declaration was the bravest thing he had ever done. For someone in war to write this they must have had enough and this shows the stress he was under. Barker could have used the declaration to portray her point on the futility of war. Another example of the stresses of war on Sassoon in the first chapter is when he throws away his medal for 'saving lives'. To receive a medal in war is widely regarded as a great honour to any man. Sassoon may have threw it away as he may feel that its ironic and degrading that he risks his and saves others lives, and all he gets in return is a medal. However, the beginning of 'Journey's End' is very different "he ca... ... learn of the death of Raleigh. Stanhope sits with him until he dies. Even though all of the soldiers are stressed about the war they still look after their men at times of need. This is in contrast with 'Regeneration' as Rivers looks after his men all throughout the novel, not just at times of need. "The point of the meeting is to protect the soldiers". In 'Regeneration' Burns leaves the hospital in an impulse, he doesn't know where he is going to go, or what he is going to do. His mental state is extremely fragile. Burns has desire for escape out of the hospital and away from human beings. This is in contrast with 'Journey's End' as Stanhope is ill but refuses to give up. "Young Stanhope goes on sticking it month in, month out". Considering all the stress that he is under, and how hard it must be, he is seen as being a bit of a hero to the audience.

Starbucks Essay -- Business, Supply Chain, Coffee Company

In a supply chain, distribution means the steps required to move and store a product from supplier stage to customer stage. It is an important driver for overall profitability of a company because it affects both the supply chain cost and the customer experience directly. (Chopra and Meindl, 2010, p68) A typical distribution network of coffee distribution system is like this (Starbucks Coffee Company, p22): In order to enforce its exacting coffee standards, Starbucks tries its best to control the whole supply chain. The company works with growers in various countries to purchase green coffee beans, oversees the custom-roasting process for the company's various blends and single-origin coffees, and controls the distribution to retail stores in the U.S. and around the world. Starbucks engages in a wide range of distribution including partnership, its company-owned stores and licensed products. Since Starbucks is a well-known brand, they use the third party relationships to attract other companies and expand their business. While licensed product part is not a large portion of the company’s revenues (4% in 2008), these items are an integral part of familiarizing customers with the Starbucks name and developing brand loyalty. (Crowe Remle, 2010) Starbucks not only sells coffee and some simple food to consumers, it also sells beans and ground coffee to businesses such as airlines, supermarkets, department stores, and ice-cream makers. In a complex distribution network, information technology helps a lot. Starbucks successfully integrates all sources of demand and matches it with the supply by using Oracle’s automated information system for manufacturing (GEMMS). The GEMMS system handles distribution planning, manufacturing scheduli... ...rbucks locations in 14 markets including Thailand, Korea, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. (Starbucks entry into China, p12). Starbucks also has a partnership with the Chinese government and local universities to grow coffee in Yunnan province. (Starbucks entry into China, p13) Starbucks also has its first entry into European coffee market. Starbucks has a partnership with Arla Foods as its licensed partner to manufacture, distribute and market the premium ice coffee products for supermarkets, convenience stores as well as Starbucks’ own coffee shops in Europe. Arla Food is one of the largest dairy companies in Europe and provides a highly developed distribution network for ready-to-drink products on key markets for Starbucks in Europe. As we see, Starbucks expands their distribution network by building up partner relationship with other organizations overseas.

Cry Freedom

Donald Woods is an editor of the Daily Dispatch, a Journal in East London, South Africa. One morning he gets news of a police raid in the black township Crossroads which lies in Cape Town. He also gets photos of the raid and he decides to print them although the government doesn ‘t allow to print such photos. Woods doesn t believe the demand of the black people but he is trained as a lawyer and doesn ‘t like police brutality against black people. So he also writes an editorial about a Biko, the leadership of ?The SC†. The next day Dr.Mamphela who works for Biko in is clinic, comes to Woods office to speak to him, about this article. She is very angry, because she thinks, that Woods has printed rubbish about Biko and that he is uninformed about the ideas that Biko has. So she invents him to meet Biko in his banning area. chapter 2 and 3: Some days later Woods meets Steven Biko in an old church were he wants to make a centre for black people. First he is critical agai nst Biko, but then he listens to Biko's opinion and they mentally changed the roles. Biko also goes with Woods to the clinic, which Biko has built.The clinic is only for black people, with black workers and a black doctor. But Woods already think that black and whits should work together, but he also understands, that the blacks wants something that they put up themselves. At the end Biko invites Woods to come and see how black people in South Africa really live. chapter 4 and 5: In the black township, they eat with a black family. Biko, the family and are discussing about the system, the history how the white came to South Africa and how the black people got their bad situation which they have now.After this visit Woods change his mind, because he sees for the first time how worse the black has to live, how big their espair is but also how strong their togetherness stay. At the end of this day Biko and Woods become friends. chapter 6: Six weeks later Woods gives TenJy and Mapetla, two friends of Biko, a Job in his newspaper. Mapetla takes Woods and Ken to a footballmatch of the black. Instead of the match Biko helds a speech. Ken and Woods were convinced by this speech and the ideas Biko represent. hapter 7: After the match Biko is caught by the police because an informer of the government had told the police about the speech. In the police office Biko gets hit by Captain De Wet. After he fght between Biko and De Wet two policemen throw Biko out of the office. Two weeks later Biko is a main witness for the defence of two student organizations who arranged two years before a large meeting in support of the new government in Mozambique. Woods prints the words of Biko although it is against the law. chapter 8: In this night Captain De Wet and two other policemen smash all things of value in the church.Donald Woods cannot print this in his newspaper because the witness is a black man called Dilima and if Woods prints his name, Dilima would kill by the police. So Woods approach to Kruger, the Minister of Police, and speaks with him about the incident. The minister declares him that he will pursues that matter because he doesn ‘t want that such sort of things happen. Woods thinks that the police men aren't as worse as many blacks think, Woods unfortuantely trust him. chapter 9: But on sunday afternoon two policemen come and want to know the name of the witness from Woods.Woods explains them that he was by Kruger and he gets angry because Kruger had betrayed him. Because the two havent a warrant Woods could send them away without saying the name. It does not happen anything for weeks and Woods thinks that it is alright. But it is not. chapter 10: One night the two policemen check the passport of Woods black housekeeper Evalina. Woods throws them out of his property. The next day, the police take revenge: Three men jump out of a car and take Mapetla in it. Donald Woods thinks that Mapetla gets beaten by them and that they make an example so that no other black person will dare him.Two days later TenJy gets arrested without any charges. After a week Mapetla is dead. The official explanation of the death from Mapetla is, that he anged himself. But Biko and Woods cannot believe that, so Biko demands a inquest. TenJy is the main witness at the inquest but the Judge closes the inquest without fix the death of Mapetla on anybody. chapter 1 1: Biko drives to Cape Town to speak in an important meeting of black students although he knows that it's forbidden for him. On the way back form Cape Town the car was stopped by the police and they want to see the papers from Biko.As they recognize the person in the car, they arrest him promptly to the prison in Port Elizabeth. Six days later the police call a doctor to look at Biko. The body is covered with bruises, the forehead and eyes seriously injured. On the chest and lips are cuts. The doctor orders to bring Biko in a hospital. Although the doctor tells them that Biko possible has a brain damage they want to bring him to the police hospital in Pretoria a 1000 kilometres away and not to Port Elizabeth Wich is only 4 kilometres away because they would have the control about him.The doctor cannot do anything against the police and so they put Biko on a blanket at the floor in the back of a Land Rover. Then they drive with Biko on thousand km rough country roads and during the Journey Biko's head is bumping on he floor. chaper 12: Biko dies and Woods prints a article about him with the headline â€Å"BIKO DIES IN CUSTODY†. The Minister of Police denies police responsibility and he says that Biko has been arrested outside his banning area and died because he starved himself to dead.One day after Bikos dead Ntsiki, who is the wife of Biko, Woods and Ken go to the mortuary to find out how Biko actually died. They were all shocked by the appearance of Biko's body, the lips are swollen, a huge lump on the forehead and many bruises around his eyes. Ken sudde nly puts out a small camera and makes photos of Biko's body. Woods and his wife arrive at the funeral and they see thousands of black people with pictures of Biko. There would come more black people but there are road-blocks of the police. The mood of the crowd is angry but also sorrowful.After a speech the crowd begin to sing the African Song which Steven Biko loved. chapter 13: Woods wants that other newspapers write about Biko's death, because if he does, the government would shut the Daily Dispatch. But all the other newspapers are also afraid and wouldn't fight the system this way. So Woods decides to fly to New York under a false name. The day he leave he sends the photos to England an America printed the pictures of Biko's body and demands on an inquest. But on the airport two securitys stopp Woods and bring him in an office.There Lieutnant Beukes reads from a warrent to Woods that he becomes a banning person for five years. chapter 14: Although the police forbid Woods to wri te he starts to write a book about Biko ‘s life, because he thinks that Bikos ideas have to live on. family has to escape from South Africa if they don ‘t want to get killed. Wendy first doesn't agree with this idea and the two have a big conflict. A few days later, the hildren of Woods reached a anonym parcel with poissoned Shirts. After this awful experience Wendy also wants to publish the book. hapter 15: So Woody quickly begins to plan the escape with Father Kani and Bruce McCullough. The 31st December in the night Woods escape begins: He disguise himself in father Curren and Wendy drives Woods to King Williams town, from where he hitch-hike to a place beyond Queenstown. There he meet Father Kant, who drives him to the edge of the river Telle. In the early morning of the 1st January Woods should crossover the river but it doesnt work because the river was too wide and deep. So he went back to the edge of the river. chapter 16: Woods knows that Tami, a friend of Biko lives near, so he walks to him.Tami brings him by car to the Telle Bridge, when Woods wants to open the gate, a Land Rover stopp in front of him. Fortunately the man, called Moses, was from the postal service and he even take Woods to Maseru. At the passport station he has no problems, so he gets to Lesotho without more problems. There he quickly phones to his family, they also follow. chaper 17: Moses brings Woods to the point where he meets Bruce, who brings him to Maseru, where he talks to the Brithis cting high Cmmisioner to ask him to enter their country. chapter 18: The next morning Woods family also arrives in Lesotho.The whole family gets passports from the United Nations and flyes with a private pilot, who wills to fly over South Africa without landing. Woods felt a little sad when he sees his homeland because he might never see it again. But he was also happy, because he will publish his book and show Biko's ideas to the whole world. He hopes that men's minds could be chan ge, before the price become too high. In his mind he hears the crowd of thousands singing at Biko's funeral. Donald Woods is one of the important persons in the story. He is married with Wendy and has five children.Woods is 42 and the editor of the Daily Dispatch. In the beginnig of the book he doesn t believe that black people should be allowed to vote and he also accepts the laws that forced blacks and whites to live in separate areas. He only disagree the police brutality against the black. The meeting with Biko in the curch, when they change the roles mentals, the speech of Biko at the stadium and his first view of the township, when he feels the strong sense of togetherness Woods change his mind about his political ideas. He becomes a good friend of Biko and he helps him to fght for more rights for the black.So he gets troubles with the government and in the end he has to escape of the country where he has born, because he wants to publish the book about Biko. Stephan Biko is a serious, intelligent and handsome young black man. He is a warm and gently person. Stevenn is married with Ntsiki and has two children. He is a banned person which means that he can only be in his banning area and he is able to speak only with one person except his family. Biko gets in this situation because he fghts for more rights for the black. He is one of the most important leader of the Black Consciousness.Steven often goes out of his banning area and so once he gets caught and finally kill by the is dedicated to the struggle for black rights. For him South Africa was for black and white, they only had to find a way to live together without violence. Biko is banned because of his leadership of a movement called â€Å"The Black Consciousness† (equal rights for blacks and whites, live together without violence, black should be proud of being black, blacks should know their history, not anymore accept the handship imposed by the system, confrontation without violence)

How to Stop Drug Trafficking in Our Country

The paper is to open people eyes about drug trafficking in our country. Where do you think the drugs are coming in from? Some say from Cuba. Others say from Mexico. I believe that the majority of drugs come from Mexico. It is okay to say that we cannot track down where all of the drugs are coming from but we can try to prevent our children, the next generation, from having access to these drugs. I would like to talk about legal drugs that are in our children’s schools. Even if we can stop illegal drugs from entering into our schools, legal drugs can also be use to get high (American Psychological Association (http://www. apa. org/) In the past, there were organizations, mostly in Mexico, that were involved in cultivating marijuana and opium. Over the past decade, however, Mexican drug organizations secured a particular position in drugs like cocaine market that was formerly dominated by Colombian drug lords, and opened the doors for Mexican groups to dominate the drug trafficking market. Not only Mexican, but African Americans, Cubans and other cultures who want to make some extra cash in the drug selling business. In the late 1980s, Mexican traffickers were middlemen for the Colombian cartels. Traffickers would receive shipments of cocaine in northern Mexico, smuggle the drugs across the border, and leave stashes in specified locations where Colombian distributers would retrieve the cocaine and transport it to destinations across the U. S. In 1989, traffickers who were annoyed at delinquent service payments from Colombian suppliers retained shipments of cocaine in extortion until payments were made. During the same year, in a stroke of good fortune for U. S. law enforcement, a massive stockpile of these shipments amounting to over forty thousand pounds of cocaine was discovered in an industrial warehouse in the vicinity of Los Angeles, California. This pivotal event forced the hand of the Colombian drug barons and led to a business arrangement that presently gives the Mexican traffickers as much as half of all the cocaine that they ransport (United Nations activities). In Texas the Mexican traffickers kidnapped people who live on the border line that mean between Mexican and U. S. The drug traffickers look for people who were or are on spring break or vacations in Mexican. They use young foreigners to get the drugs here. According to Sonia Perez, the flood of drugs and money have intensified, first with security crackd owns in the U. S. after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and later with Mexico's assault on organized crime beginning in 2006. (2009). Also according to Ms Perez, authorities mark the worst crime waves with the arrival of the Zetas cartel in Central America in 2008, about the same time Mexican cartels started to pay their collaborators on the ground in drugs instead of cash – creating a boom in local drug sales and violent street crime. (2009) As you can see, this paper is beginning to sound like it is pointing at foreign people smuggling drugs. Although foreigners are trying to survive financially illegally, they do not know where these drugs go to. Some will probably go to the schools to sell to children and teenagers all around the US. In conclusion, it is important to prevent drugs, illegally and legal, from our children to use illegally. Our children are our future and we need to find ways to help our children succeed in life without the use and selling of legal and illegal drugs. In the U. S. children are exposed to illegal drugs by family and a good friend or hanging out with a lot of friends. Some kids start to smoking by age 14 years old they think it cool but not. Kids and teens continue to smoke and some are trying chewing tobacco. Many young people pick up these bad habits in one year. Right now you see a man or woman smoking they started when they were kids. So it's important to make sure kids understand the dangers of tobacco use. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, and can cause cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. Chewing tobacco (smokeless or spit tobacco) can lead to nicotine addiction, oral cancer, gum disease, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks. (Kids Health 2011) Teenagers trying drugs in order to fit in. hey are trying real bad to be accepted by their peers. The teen sees drugs being used at a party or among a common group of friend. Teens between the ages of 13 and 17 have tried alcohol. Some teens and young people tried use of cocaine for the first time. Some kids may lead to criminal penalty in addition to possible physical social and psychological harm both strongly depending on local jurisdiction. In conclusion, Unite d States is working with Canada, Mexico and Colombia in the border protection to stop drug from coming in the United States. References Retrieved on April 2, 2011 at www.apa.org Sonia Perez, Associated Press (2009) Retrieved on April 2, 2011 at www.ksat.com/news/27378488/detail.html Parquets search J. Blum retrieved on April 2, 2011 at www.mctinfoservices.com Kids Health Retrieved (1995-2011) at www.kids health.org /parent/positive/positive/talk/smoking.html

Company overview

British petroleum (BP) is one of the largest energy companies dealing in fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services and petroleum products. The company’s international headquarters is in London. The company has operations in more than 100 countries and employs over 96,000 people. The company has products under the BP, Castrol, Arco, am/pm, and Wild Bean Cafe brand (BPplc, About Bp, 2009). The company operates under two major business segments; exploration and production, refining and marketing and BP alternative energy.The company basically finds, extract, move oil and gas. The company also makes fuels and products, sells fuels and products as well as generating low carbon energy in a responsible way. The company operates in six continents; South America, North America, Europe, Australasia, Asia and Africa (Vault. com, 2009). BP is also well known for its innovative technology which aims at providing energy to meet the customers demand through efficien t products. Investing in low carbon energy is also another option that the company is exploring (BPplc, About Bp, 2009). Strategic auditThe strategic audit of a corporation is an eight step process that generally encompasses a holistic analysis of the company. The basic aim in strategic audit is to establish the current position which will help the company chart the way forward. A strategic audit helps the company to formulate strategies and select the best strategic alternative(s) for implementation. The first step is the analysis of the current situation. This involves the audit of the current performance and strategic posture. Current performance is evaluated in terms of profitability, market share, and return on investment.Strategic posture looks at the mission, objectives, strategies and policies (BPplc, 2009 Strategy presentation, 2009). The second step is a look at the corporate governance. This means analysis of the board of directors and top management in terms of their str ucture, names and contribution to the company Scanning the external environment for opportunities and threats is the next step of a strategic audit. Under this stage, the company looks at the societal environment, task environment and finally listing all the above factors.The next step is the analysis of the internal environment i. e. strengths and weaknesses. Here, the corporate structure, culture, resources (marketing, finance, research and development, operations and logistics, human resource management and information systems) is looked into. A summary of these factors is then prepared (BPplc, 2009 Strategy presentation, 2009). After looking at the external and internal environments, the company then analyses its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).These are then linked to the company’s mission and objectives to establish any relevance. The next step of the strategic audit is the analysis of the strategic alternatives in order to select the best strate gy (ies) to be recommended. The recommendation should be justified by looking at the potential, changes and impacts of the strategy. After making the recommendations, the next step is the implementation of the proposed strategy (ies). The implementation will include assigning duties on who is to develop these strategies. The financial aspect and operating procedures should be analyzed.The last step of the strategic audit is the evaluation and control. Evaluation and control involves a look at the current information system i. e. whether it can provide sufficient feedback and whether there are enough controls (BPplc, 2009 Strategy presentation, 2009). Strategic Alternatives In formulating the best strategic alternatives, the company has to consider the economic, socio-cultural, political-legal, technological and financial strengths and challenges facing the company. Economic environment This involves looking at the economic environment.The company operates in an industry that has oth er large companies e. g. Shell, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Total and other smaller companies. All these companies have the resources and technical ability to compete at the same level as BP Plc. This is why the company has focused on cost reduction through measures like staff reduction and efficient production. The company has also focused on alternative energy e. g. solar and wind. This is as a result of the challenging operating environment where there has been a growing shift to green energy that has minimal pollution.In an industry faced with rising production costs, the company has been on track by focusing on means and ways of reducing their costs. The focus has been on reducing the number of staff and reducing the number of senior positions in the company by 20%. This strategy has borne fruit with the flattening of the cost curve of the company while those of the competitors keep on rising. The company’s focus on new technologies has resulted into improved production capaci ty. In fact the overall production trend for all the major companies has been declining. BP Plc.has defied this trend by increasing its production in the year 2007-2008. The technology used by the company includes Advanced Gas Injection and Water flood technologies that have enabled the company to push the limits of the reservoirs. The drop in oil prices means declining revenues. In order to increase revenues, the company has focused on reducing the performance gap by restoring revenues in areas like Toledo, improving supply optimization in petrochemical and marketing. The company area of focus for petrochemicals is Asia where there is rising demand. The company has also established value chains for its fuel production.Value chains are those activities that create value from the supply to the final delivery to the consumer. This has been achieved through integrated supply and trading which has lead to more revenues. In a bid to increase its oil reserves, the company has also partner ed with TNK of Russia. The partnership has resulted in 30% increase in production. Socio-cultural The company has tried to endear itself to the community in which it operates. BP achieves this through training and employing local staff at all levels. The aim here is to be a local company by creating partnerships with the local community.BP strategic aim is to reduce the levels of resistance to its operations by avoiding cultural conflicts as well as social effects. The company has entered into partnerships with the local community in terms of education, encouraging enterprise, fostering good governance, partnership in public health, access to energy, giving and volunteering, safeguarding human rights, as well as development through community case studies. All these activities are targeted at enhancing and fostering the relationship between the company and all the community in which it operates thus reducing conflicts between the community and the company.Political-legal Some of the challenges that the company could face are the political/ legal. This is because the company has operations in many countries that may be subject to political instability. To mitigate this, the company has formed partnerships with local companies and thus reduces resistance towards the company consequently the company is able to increase its operations and revenues. Rigid legal regimes concerning the operations of foreign companies may negatively impact the operations of the company. The company has reduced this by engaging in partnerships with local companies.Taxation and licensing may vary from country to country. This may have negative impacts on the company’s operations. Exploration and production rights may not be granted to the company. BP has overcome this challenge by partnering with the governments of respective countries through agreements. Technological In a bid to improve its operations and increase productivity, the company has adopted innovative technologies. So me of these technologies include the Bright water which uses new inter-well polymer treatment which ultimately improves water flood Recovery.The Company has focused on technology to come up with innovative approaches that can increase production as well as solve energy challenges Financial information BP plc has been able to grow its net income by 39% to $26. 2 billion which is the highest growth rate registered by major energy companies. Cash flow from operations also grew 54% to $ 38. 1 billion on a year on year percentage basis. The company was also the only super major to register growth in reported volumes in new reserves. The company registered a growth of 1% on year on year percentage basis. Apart from operations, the company utilizes debt to finance its activities.The debt is at the rate of 20-30%. All these financial data indicates that the company is focused on growth by efficiently using its cash resources to generate more sales and improve on the shareholders wealth by e ngaging in share buy backs. Recommended strategy Based on the analysis of all the above factors, some of the available strategies are; – Cost reduction strategies – Alternative energy by diversification – Focus on growing markets growth – Creating value on existing products – Partnership to grow – Technology leadership – Continuous improvement These strategies can be broadly classified into two directional i.e. growth and retrenchment strategies. The company can utilize the growth strategies in its upstream segment (exploration and production) and retrenchment strategies on its down stream business (refining, convenience, refining) (Wheelen, 2006) Implementation of the strategy Strategy implementation involves all the activities and choices that are required for the execution of a strategy. The implementation process basically deciding who is to carry out the plan what must be done and how are the selected people selected to carry out the strategic plan going to do it (Wheelen, 2006).These strategies are normally executed by various heads of business segments subordinated by other employees within the business segments. This has been done through budget allocations, programs that indicate the time frame in which the various strategies need to be implemented and the use of procedures e. g. the Operating Management System that covers employee capabilities to risk assessment. Some of the programs used by the company are those of closing the performance gap which runs from 2008 to 2011, and the reduction of the number of employees in refining and marketing from mid 2007 to the end of 2009 by 3,500.After deciding on who and what must be done, the company must decide on how the strategy is going to be implemented. How a strategy is to be implemented might involve developing new organizational structure. For BP plc, to implement some of its strategies, the company has decided to eliminate certain senior and junior posi tions. Evaluation and control This is the process by which a company can monitor its corporate activities and performance results in order to compare the actual performance with the desired performance. Evaluation and control provides a feedback mechanism where corrective measures can be taken where necessary (Wheelen, 2006)Evaluation and control can be summarized into the following 5 steps – Determine what to measure – Establish standards of performance – Measure actual performance – Compare actual performance with the standards – Take corrective action The company has set out plans to reduce costs and improve on efficiency on its operations. The company wants to grow its upstream business (exploration and production) while at the same time turning around its downstream business. Upstream business growth is measured by growth in reserves, increased replacement percentage, and getting more out of reservoirs.Downstream business is to be improved thr ough cost reduction by restructuring the company’s operations e. g. by downsizing and recapitalizations Improved bottom-line, high reserve replacement percentages, efficient operations, growth in reserves are some of the standards of performance that the company uses to gauge performance. Actual performance is measured at specified times e. g. for BP plc, restoring revenues from refining performance, improved supply optimization and margin capture in petrochemical and marketing has a time frame of 2008-2011The comparison of actual performance against standard performance has to be done in order to establish the current position for example in 2008; the production grew 1. 5% while the replacement reserve was 136% which was more than the minimum 100% replacement. If the actual performance does not match the expected results, then corrective action needs to be taken. An example is the restoration of capacities in Texas City so as to boost refining and consequently revenues. Refe rences BPplc. (2009, March 3rd). 2009 Strategy presentation. Retrieved April 15th, 2009, from Bp. com: http://www. bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/STAGING/global_assets/downloads/I/IC_bp_strategy_presentation_march_2009_script. pdf BPplc. (2009, March 3rd). About Bp. Retrieved April 15th, 2009, from Bp. com: http://www. bp. com/marketingsection. do? categoryId=2&contentId=7013628 Vault. com. (2009, April 14th). Indusrty Overview. Oil and Gas. Retrieved April 15th, 2009, from Vault. com: http://www. vault. com/nr/main_article_detail. jsp? article_id=22843159&cat_id=0&ht_type=7. Wheelen, J. D. (2006). Essentials of Strategic Mnagement. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. (BPplc, 2009 Strategy presentation, 2009)