Investing In Southeast Asia Term Paper Example

Essays on Investing In Southeast Asia Term Paper The paper "Investing In Southeast Asia" is a brilliant example of a term paper on macro and microenvironment. Southeast Asian countries are a favored destination for investment by multinational companies (MNCs). The region’s geographical proximity to Australia is an added attraction for Australian companies to think of it as the first choice for their foreign investment. This report is an assessment of some relevant factors regarding investment in the countries of the region to help the Australian mining service company, MINSER P/L to decide on the country in the region as a preferred location for investment. In order to make the best business choices, MINSER needs to have the best information on opportunities, risks and the degree of competition that it may have to face and on the cultural environment within which it may have to perform. In the following sections, relevant information on these matters in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore are presented in order to e nable the management of MINSER P/L to decide on the best possible country to locate their business. It has to be mentioned that in preparing this report, information available from various sources such as government reports, research reports found in Journals like the Economist of London, articles in Journals of repute and reliable internet sources have been reported to and relied upon and in all such instances accurate references and acknowledgments have been made in the text itself. (Any report on Plagiarism should be double-checked and compared with the language of this report before any conclusion on this matter is arrived at).1. The Political environment(a) IndonesiaIndonesia is a nation of islands: its five main islands are Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya, bordering on Papua New Guinea. It has a population of more than 240m people, 88 percent of whom are Muslims. However, the country has a history of cultural and religious diversity and tolerance, due to cen turies of interregional trade and exchange, and its multi-ethnic composition. Immediately after World War II, on August 17, 1945, Indonesia declared its independence from the Dutch. There was political and economic instability in the wake of independence in spite of the first nationwide elections held in 1955. President Sukarno, the country’s first president secured a secular state based on representative democracy by consensus, and social justice. However, some Muslim groups preferred either an Islamic state or a constitution subject to Islamic law. Suharto, an army general replaced Sukarno as president in 1967 and was able to be re-elected for seven consecutive five-year terms with the help of the military to which he had given an increasing role in national affairs. Soon after the economic crisis in 1997, Suharto resigned in May 1998, and the Vice-President Bucharuddin Jusuf Habibie succeeded him. The 1999 parliamentary elections were won by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), of Megawati Sukarnoputri, the daughter of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno.

Love love life Free Essays

The recently released air quality study from Alarm Quality Management District (CAME) showed that Carson had a higher level of carcinogens than a comparable city because of the excessive use of cigarette smoke. In this year alone, he Surgeon General reported an Increase of deaths by 20% due to cigarette smoking, I. . We will write a custom essay sample on Love love life or any similar topic only for you Order Now , emphysema, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The pollutant level from cigarette smoke has increased the likelihood of a health related illness and/or death by 40%. COW Lives Wellness Inc. Has proposed to reduce cigarette smoking by 30% over the next three years. Our comprehensive program Includes two components. One component target individuals who do not smoke and the other component target individuals who want to stop smoking. Although the programs are different in approach, they share the same outcome. CHEVY has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Carson and the older. By using electronic media, posters, pamphlets, and scheduling site visits, COW will be a constant and continual presence, enforcing the effects of cigarette smoking on health and the community. We will have guest speakers talk about youth and cigarette smoke, filmstrips to hospitals and respiratory centers, and the program culminates with a visit to the county medical examiner’s office where the students will see a posthumous lung, esophagi, and larynx that were affected by cigarette smoke or second hand cigarette smoke. The second component deals with individuals who are currently smoking. This program includes a medical program where the client would meet with a medical doctor prior to moving on through our variety of treatment and counseling and education programs. The participants in this component will also be required to work with the participants in the prevention component to give a â€Å"real-life† perspective on what smoking has done to them in their lives. Our eager and passionate team consists of our President, Eire’s Wicks, MD. , MBA, specializing in pediatric behaviors, with 12 years of experience in operating a successful non-profit organization; Vanessa Knee, Ph. D. De. , Vice President and Director of Education, with 10 years of experience creating educational curriculum for K-12 schools; Hydra. Hearer, Vice President and Chief of Communications, Master’s degree in Communications and Community Relations. Ms. Hearer has 10 years of experience in Public Outreach and Media Relations; and Chris Anderson, Director of Operations and Case Management. Mr.. Anderson has a dual Master’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology, and has 10 years’ experience specializing in chemical dependency and addition; COW mission is clear, and we are equipped and ready to save lives. We request that you partner with us by funding $80,000. 00 to help bring this life saving program to fruition. Sincerely, Eire’s R. Wicks President Carson, CA has a population of about 92,000, 76% are adults, and 24% are people under the age of 18. The community is inundated with poor air quality due to industry and cigarette smoking. With an overwhelming number of documented smokers (13. 7%), and the increase of new smokers, the community is in dire need of an intervention. Recent studies have shown an increase in smoking related deaths ever the past year and Air Quality Management District has deemed Carson as the unhealthiest city in the South Basin. If this community is not given an opportunity to receive professional help to end smoking addiction in addition to smoking prevention programs, the city of Wildfowl will slowly self-destruct. Worse yet, this problem would reach further than the City of Carson, economic impact would spread to the County, State, and Federal Government who would incur the medical costs and lose the worthwhile contributions to society that would have come from this thriving immunity. Project Abstract COW Lives Inc. Is seeking grant funding to improve air quality and reduce smoker related illnesses and deaths in the community of Carson, CA. Smoking cigarettes is proven to be one of the most preventable causes of death in the United States. Studies show that cigarette smoking is one of the most highly addictive and destructive behaviors of modern mankind. Documented consequences of cigarette smoking include high risk exposure to deadly diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. The number of people under the age of 70 ho die from smoking related diseases exceeds the total figure for deaths caused by breast cancer, AIDS, traffic accidents, and drug addictions combined. Dating back to the sass’s the US Surgeon General has warned that cigarette smoking is hazardous to human health. Many public awareness attempts have been made over the years to warn against cigarette smoking however there remains much more that needs to be done to target and prevent children from starting the addictive behavior of cigarette smoking and educating addicted smokers on available proven methods to stop the addiction. Carson, CA is a community located in the East Los Angles area of Southern CA with a population of 15,000, 65% adult and 35% children under the age of 18. Current statistics show that 85% of the adults in Wildfowl have smoked cigarettes for all of their adult life with 40% starting before reaching the age of 18. Additionally studies released by the regions’ Air Quality Management District (CAME) reported Wildfowl as having one of the highest rates of airborne carcinogens in the southern basin. Miming to gather more activists’ against smoking, our project proposes to reduce make and tobacco use in the targeted community of Carson by 30% over 3 years. To conduct our project we have a team of (10) college pre-medical and graduate study students consisting of (3) medical students, (3) sociology majors, (2) psychology majors, and (2)K-12 education majors. The community of Carson has seven K-12 public schools; (4) elementary, (2) middle, and (1) senior. The largest employer of adult workers is Aerospace Incorporated, an industry with two major manufacturing plants in Carson employing 80% of the adult working population. How to cite Love love life, Papers

Holden vs. Charlie free essay sample

He was narrow-minded and always annoyed at what people would do and say. Charlie came into high school trying to fit in and make a lot of friends. He would always listen to what people had to say and keep it in mind. Holden was 17 years old, while Charlie was about 15 years old. Charlie went to a public high school and Holden went to a private school. While Holden and Charlie had some difference, the way they thought and acted were more similar. Both boys were lonely and didn’t do very well with girls. Holden had girlfriends but messed it by yelling, not saying the right things, and leaving a girl at a restaurant. Charlie had a girlfriend his first year at high school but cheated on her by kissing her best friend. Charlie and Holden’s brothers were both successful in their life. Charlie’s brother was a star football player while Holden’s brother was a famous writer. We will write a custom essay sample on Holden vs. Charlie or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page English was Holden’s and Charlie’s favorite subject in school. Holden was good in English and Charlie just loved reading books and writing. The boys had a good relationship with their sisters, Holden’s bond was closer but Charlie stuck up for his sister when she needed help. Terrible things happen in each of their lives. Charlie’s aunt molested him at a young age while Holden’s brother died very young. Both of these events traumatized their lives but with help they finally got through it. Holden and Charlie may have been two different people with different actions and thoughts their life style was very similar. They were good in English, stuck up for their sister, and had horrible events in their lives. Even though their lives were pretty bad in the beginning, Holden and Charlie stayed through it and ended up happy in the end.

Julius Caesar Essays (2418 words) - Julius Caesar, First Triumvirate

Julius Caesar Many things can be said about great men. You never can tell exactly just what makes a man great. Looks, personality, a strong mind, these are all good qualities to look for in a man. Speaking as a woman, I know women look for all these qualities and then some. Does he have a good job? A fine house? Good credit? Many of these questions plague the minds of women today. Whether you are looking for a life partner, a friend, or a lover, these questions will arise. Sometimes from you, but mainly from those around you. Needless to say, we are all looking for greatness. In one form or another. On July 13 100 B.C. a great man was born. Gaius Julius Caesar walked the face of this earth for 56 years. Some called him a tyrant, a foe, an adversary. Others named him a loyal friend and confidant. I, on the other hand, simply call him great. Journey with me through the life of this great man. We will walk together through his birth and family, his rise to power, and finally the betrayal that cost him his life. After this, we will meet back here. We will then reflect on the ups, the downs, the sorrows, and the pains of which Caesar would have called his life. As we walk down this road together, you will be awed, challenged and inspired. Come, let's go. The journey has already begun.... A Star is Born A light shined ever so brightly on the thirteenth day of July 100 B.C. That light was the birth of Gaius Julius Caesar. There was no small stir in the spiritual realm on that day. It seemed as though some mystical force knew what this young babe would later come to be. For that same mystical force tried to eliminate him at birth. Because of the various complications at birth, he was born through an unusual method for that time period. He was born through the process of what would later become known as a Caesarean Section. Although this process is commonplace for our day and time, at that time, his birth was nothing short of a miracle. This miraculous birth in itself was enough to let us know that this was not an ordinary man and this was not to be an ordinary life. Whatever mystical powers there are that be, tried to extinguish this life from the onset. Maybe this same power knew of the murders, the wars, the savageries, the betrayals that were to come. Maybe this power knew of the great lust for power and thirst for blood that was in this babe's future. This evil foreboding, seemed to cast a dim shadow over the remainder of his life. For this babe would grow into a lad and then into a man and yet this same mystical power would be continually petitioning the ultimate power for his life. For whatever reason that was, we cannot tell. However, looking through a dark glass in time we will least able to speculate. The Julian Family was a noble one to say the least. They were patricians, part of the Roman upper class. It was once rumored that they were direct descendants of the goddess Venus. However, modern scholars seem to believe that the Julian Family began this rumor on their own and it has no actual basis in fact. Descendants of the gods or not, the Julian family was a far cry from where they wanted to be politically, as well as financially. In fact, they were in the second or third rank politically. The highest office the family had reached was the office of Praetor. This shows they could not have had a great fortune. Caesar's father also was called Gaius Julius Caesar. His mother was named Aurelia, the daughter of consul Lucius Aurelius Cotta. In those days a Roman noble won distinction for himself and his family by securing election to a series of public offices, which culminated in the consulship, with the censorship possibly to follow. This was a difficult task for even the ablest and most gifted noble unless he was backed by substantial family wealth and influence. Even with all

Free Essays on Welfare Reform

WELFARE REFORM: CHANGING FACES FROM COAST TO COAST HISTORY The welfare system began as a ‘local’ program. â€Å"When and where public relief was needed, it was left up to state and local officials to provide it.† Each town made up their own set of rules and regulations concerning who would be helped. â€Å"By the early 1900’s, a number of states were requiring cities and countries to offer some assistance to their neediest† (Weiss, 1990, p. 34). Because each town was responsible for their own poor, rules were often made to dissuade would-be users of the assistance programs. â€Å"Local authorities were clever about reducing the welfare price tag with strategies designed to discourage people from applying for relief. One popular tactic, used widely until the mid-twentieth century, was to list welfare recipients by name in the town’s annual written report† (Weiss, 1990, p. 35). Given today’s confidentiality policies, this would not be tolerated. Applicants and recipients are granted a great deal of privacy, protecting them from the public humiliation that was popular in historical times.  · PRESIDENTIAL INFLUENCE During, and following, the Great Depression, President Hoover was against a federally funded welfare programs. â€Å"Hoover was convinced that ‘socialistic’ welfare programs would wreck what remained of the nations’ economy† (Weiss, 1990, p. 38). However, the American people were ready and willing to make a change. During his election campaign, President Roosevelt proposed his creation known as the New Deal. This program â€Å"succeeded in relieving suffering and giving the nation renewed hope.† Job programs were created and millions of people were placed in these programs. While Roosevelt enjoyed the success of his idea, â€Å"he was uncomfortable with the thought that his programs might prove to be the first step toward U.S. adoption of federal welfare on a broad and permanent basis† (Weiss, 199... Free Essays on Welfare Reform Free Essays on Welfare Reform WELFARE REFORM: CHANGING FACES FROM COAST TO COAST HISTORY The welfare system began as a ‘local’ program. â€Å"When and where public relief was needed, it was left up to state and local officials to provide it.† Each town made up their own set of rules and regulations concerning who would be helped. â€Å"By the early 1900’s, a number of states were requiring cities and countries to offer some assistance to their neediest† (Weiss, 1990, p. 34). Because each town was responsible for their own poor, rules were often made to dissuade would-be users of the assistance programs. â€Å"Local authorities were clever about reducing the welfare price tag with strategies designed to discourage people from applying for relief. One popular tactic, used widely until the mid-twentieth century, was to list welfare recipients by name in the town’s annual written report† (Weiss, 1990, p. 35). Given today’s confidentiality policies, this would not be tolerated. Applicants and recipients are granted a great deal of privacy, protecting them from the public humiliation that was popular in historical times.  · PRESIDENTIAL INFLUENCE During, and following, the Great Depression, President Hoover was against a federally funded welfare programs. â€Å"Hoover was convinced that ‘socialistic’ welfare programs would wreck what remained of the nations’ economy† (Weiss, 1990, p. 38). However, the American people were ready and willing to make a change. During his election campaign, President Roosevelt proposed his creation known as the New Deal. This program â€Å"succeeded in relieving suffering and giving the nation renewed hope.† Job programs were created and millions of people were placed in these programs. While Roosevelt enjoyed the success of his idea, â€Å"he was uncomfortable with the thought that his programs might prove to be the first step toward U.S. adoption of federal welfare on a broad and permanent basis† (Weiss, 199...

An Examination of Rips Character in Irvings Rip Van Winkle

Irving Rip Van Winkle watches Rip's character Washington Owen and writes about Rip Van Winkle and people in the USA. At this time, society is changing dramatically. America is trying to fight by forming its own identity. America wants to have identity to release them from British culture and domination. Owen uses his protagonist Rip Van Winkle to symbolize America. Rip experienced the same fight as the United States experienced before and after the revolution. The role and symbol of Rip in Washington Rip Van Winkle of Irving Rip Van Winkle is a well-known story. Without a doubt, as a child, many of you have heard the famous story of Washington Irving about this guy sleeping for 20 years. People will not forget elves where Rip Van Winkle spent the night at the amphitheater. As with many stories, Irving 's Lip Van Winkle was said to have formed quite a lot of Washington Irving' s Lip Van Winkle which shaped the American culture darkly. I do not like it, Washington Owen said. Letter to a friend (Letter 446) This statement reveals Irving's strong emotional state and shows a strong social atmosphere and his personal conflict in many respects in the formation of the sketchbook . After his family went bankrupt Irving Rip Van Winkle watches Rip's character Washington Owen and writes about Rip Van Winkle and people in the USA. At this time, society is changing dramatically. America is trying to fight by forming its own identity. America wants to have identity to release them from British culture and domination. Owen uses his protagonist Rip Van Winkle to symbolize America. Rip experienced the same fight as the United States experienced before and after the revolution. The whole story of Washington Irving, Lip van Winkle is full of metaphors on the new American society and how it established identity before and after the American Revolution. Irving's Rip Van Winkle metaphor covers the revolutionary experience that depicts America before the British rule, the early Americ an colonies under British rule, and the American society seen in England. And his wife, Dame Van Winkle, explained about the UK. The general public represents the whole American society and represents a way to change as it becomes an independent country. Americans try to avoid the tyranny of crown just as Lip does everything possible to escape from his arrogant wife.

Qualitative General Depression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Qualitative General Depression - Essay Example The purpose of our study was to investigate adolescent’s experiences with depression: how depression affected their relationship, their academic performance, their behavior with family members as well as treatment they have received. A comparison was then made on how qualitative study investigates the experience of depression compared to quantitative study in the following aspects. Data collection This survey involved Semi structured interviews of fifteen young adults who had been diagnosed with and treated for the major depression disorder between the ages of 15-19. When collecting data, two approaches were used: qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative approach on the experience of depression applied more easily than qualitative research. It involved sampling the fifteen teenagers and the interview was audio taped for further reference. When collecting this data, the findings were summarized as follows: all the fifteen adolescents experienced significant factors i n their family concurrent with the time of their first episode e.g. hatred and been neglected, all the fifteen adolescents were not involved in planning or even involved in treatment during their hospitalization, depression caused these teenagers’ broken relationships and traditional school setting did not help the teenagers in dealing with depression hence the great impact. Data collected in quantitative research was hard and numerical. ... It can also be used in studying human behavior and the social world which is inhabited by human beings. Qualitative research helps us to adequately answer the question why? E.g. why things are the way they are in our social world. For example in our study, we were able to answer the question why depression has caused many broken relationships between these teenagers. The answer was that, the public as well as the private schools did not help these participants to recognize or even manage their depression. They were not even involved in planning nor were they kept involved of their treatment during their hospitalization hence this had a great impact on their relationships. Qualitative data collection describes tests and examines cause and effect relationship e.g. it shows a relationship between depression and family systems. Data collected shows us that there has been a dying relationship between the family members and the depressed adolescent as a result of behaviors’ which ar e associated with depression e.g. smoking. Quantitative methods of data collection produce legitimate scientific answers and this can be seen as hard data. On the other hand, qualitative data collection produce soft data, which is seen as inadequate in providing answers and in trying to generate any, change (Strauss, & Corbin, 2000) Sample recruitment When sampling, the sampling procedures in each case are complex hence must meet the criteria of the data collection strategy. A sample in both qualitative and quantitative approaches is required which is a representative of the large group. We sampled the fifteen teenagers and this was a representative of the large population of the depressed adolescents in most of our societies today. Sampling in this case is recommended since it becomes

Stages of Japanese Post-war Economic Growth Case Study

Stages of Japanese Post-war Economic Growth - Case Study Example Economic Recovery Phase: 1946-1950 The first phase implying the recovery of Japanese economy from the adverse effects of World War II started soon after the year 1945. Teranishi propounds that in the wake of the Second War, the Japanese economy confronted with an arrant economic disaster in the form of declining GNP, mounting inflationary pressures, and collapsing production. However, soon after the downturn in the year 1946, the economy caught the track of recovery. In 1948, the inflation was cut down significantly and production was steadily improved. This recovery and stabilisation period lasted during 1945-50 (139). This period is crucial in the study of the rapid growth of Japanese economy in the post-war era because this phase started a couple of years after the war. Also, a study of these years' economic activity suggests major changes made to the industrial structure that impacted on its growth. Japan was fortunate in the sense that although it had lost its economic and industrial vivacity as a consequence of the World War II, yet its efficient and effective human resource was still there to bring the country out of the disaster caused due to war. Seldon propounds that, "it was not that Japan was building from Scratch True, industry and the industrial cities had been devastated. But there existed large resources of well-educated manpower with a strong determination to survive" (271). The country's human resource played a great role in lifting the country from economic downturn to the recovery period. Seldon illuminates that the "'long-term achievement was to steer the pre-war economy in new directions move slowly away from cotton to heavy industry such as iron, steel, shipbuilding, and chemical production" (272). No doubt, the... This paper describes the rapid economic development in Japan after the year 1945 in the context of various phases it experienced while travelling to the unprecedented levels of growth. This paper identifies several economic phases in the development of post-war Japan, each with some specific characteristics. Japanese economic growth in the post-war period is considered to be an example for countries struggling against their economic disasters. It has also been termed as a ‘miracle’ owing to the spectacular effort demonstrated on the part of a nation that had just suffered from war, yet that leaped rapidly towards the economic boom. The first phase implying the recovery of Japanese economy from the adverse effects of World War II started soon after the year 1945. In the wake of the Second War, the Japanese economy confronted with an arrant economic disaster. Soon after the downturn in the year 1946, the economy caught the track of recovery. This recovery and stabilisation period lasted during 1945-50 This period was successful enough to curb the inflationary pressures as well as restore the production level nearly to the pre-war period. In this period, industries were strengthened by means of demilitarisation and amendments to the labour laws. The boom of Japanese economy from mid 50s to the early 70s was very well manifested in the growth of the manufacturing capabilities in the country. Not only that, the economic growth even rose above the pre-war level during the 1960s and this rapid growth lasted till the early 1970s.

New Product Questionnaire Essay Example for Free

New Product Questionnaire Essay The main definition of bonsai as an outlet for both art and horticulture is quite wide. There are many myths which are associated with bonsai. These not only provide confusion for budding enthusiasts, but gives the pastime a bad name for anyone not majorly experienced in the area. A bonsai is not a genetically dwarfed plant and is not kept small by cruelty in any way. In fact, given an adequate supply of water, air, light and nutrients, a properly maintained bonsai should outlive a full size tree of the same species. The techniques of Bonsai are no more cruel than that of any other horticultural endeavour. It is also common belief that bonsai are only a few centimetres tall. This is untrue, although bonsai are small in comparison to their huge life-sized brothers, most are over 25 centimetres tall and up to 1 metre in height. To the Japanese, there is a link to many of the ideals that their society is based on. Zen Buddhism where the pastime originated, man, nature, elements and change all are intertwined into this unique method of meditation and expression. To our world now, bonsai is viewed as a hobby that allows a greater understanding and being with nature and also a way to enhance our gardens. Bonsai can be developed from seeds or cuttings, from young trees or from naturally occurring stunted trees transplanted into containers. Most bonsai range in height from 5 centimetres (2 in) to 1 metre (3. 33 ft). Bonsai are kept small and trained by pruning branches and roots, by periodic repotting, by pinching off new growth, and by wiring the branches and trunk so that they grow into the desired shape. The bonsai with its container and soil, physically independent of the earth since its roots are not planted in it, is a separate entity, complete in itself, yet part of nature. This is what is meant by the expression heaven and earth in one container. A bonsai tree should always be positioned off-center in its container, for not only is asymmetry vital to the visual effect, but the center point is symbolically where heaven and earth meet, and nothing should occupy this place. Another aesthetic principle is the triangular pattern necessary for visual balance and for expression of the relationship shared by a universal principle (life-giving energy or deity), the artist and the tree itself. Tradition holds that three basic virtues are necessary to create a bonsai: shin-zen-bi standing for truth, goodness and beauty. Given proper care, bonsai can live for hundreds of years, with prized specimens being passed from generation to generation, admired for their age, and revered as a reminder of those who have cared for them over the centuries. Although these bonsai are extremely beautiful meticulously cared for over the years and containing such a wealth of knowledge, age is not essential. It is more important that the tree produce the artistic effect desired, that it be in proper proportion to the appropriate container, and that it be in good health. Bonsai are ordinary trees or plants, not special hybrid dwarfs. Small leafed varieties are most suitable, but essentially any plant can be used, regardless of the size it grows to in the wild. In Japan, varieties of pine, azalea, camellia, bamboo and plum are most often used. The artist never duplicates nature but rather expresses a personal aesthetic philosophy by manipulating it. The bonsai may suggest many things, but in all cases must look natural and never show the intervention of human hands (with the exception of Chinese bonsai which in many cases depicts images of dragons and other influential symbols of the culture at the time of origination). Grown in special containers, bonsai are primarily kept outdoors (with the exception of some plants suited, trained and grown indoors), although they are often displayed on special occasions in the tokonoma, the alcove in the traditional Japanese rooms designed for the display of artistic objects or on a polished stand.

The Outsiders :: essays research papers

Chapter Five/Six/Seven 12. Ponyboy liked his hair so much because it looked like Soda's and it also made him look tuff. 13. Johnny thought that Dally was gallant because Dally just takes what comes his way. Like when Two Bit broke the school windows and the fuzz thought it was Dally, Dally just took the rap and never ratted on his friend. 14. Ponyboy understood the way Johnny felt and that was the best way to emphasize it. I think the poem ment everything must change and that good and bad doesn't last forever. 15. Ponyboy, Johnny and Soda were the only ones of the gang who understood things like that and appreciated them. 16. Dear Pony   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I don't understand whats going on, but I miss you and I am very sorry about hitting you the other night. The fuzz is after you and Johnny they think you guys killed a socs. Is it true? Dally seems to be the only one who knows what's going on, but you know him, he wont even tell us. Please come home Ponyboy I miss you. 17. It made things more intense so the Greasers had to walk in groups so they wouldn't be jumped by the socs. 18. Johnny didn't want to spend his life running from the cops just because he defended himself. 19. Juvenile Delinquents Turn Heroes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ponyboy Curtis and John Cade were brought into hospitals yesterday after making an heroic rescue of several young school children in a burning abandoned church. The police have been looking for these two boys for about a week because they are wanted for the murder a wealthy boy named Bob. The two young men were returning to the church they had been hiding out at when they saw the smoke and all the kids outside. They heard that there was still some kids in it and they ran inside and heroically rescued them. Ponyboy is now out of the hospital with non serious burns, but John is still in the hospital under serious condition. As for the murder charges, they have been dropped. After talking to John, Ponyboy and friends that Bob was with at the time, We have come up with this; John and Ponyboy were in a park during the middle of the night when Bob and several of his friends arrived in their car, drunk. They were angry because Ponyboy and John were hanging out with their girlfriend's. They assaulted Ponyboy and John and

Mergers and Acquisitions and Market Share Essay

Mergers and Acquisitions refers to the aspect of corporate strategy, corporate finance and management dealing with the buying, selling and combining of different companies that can aid, finance, or help a growing company in a given industry grow rapidly without having to create another business entity. A merger is a combination of two companies to form a new company, while an acquisition is the purchase of one company by another in which no new company is formed. Definition The main idea: – â€Å"One plus one makes three†. The equation is specially based on Merger or Acquisition. The key principle behind buying a company is to create share holder value over and above that of the sum of the two companies. Two companies together are more valuable than two separate companies together. 1. Acquisition: An acquisition is the purchase of one company by another company. Acquisitions are actions through which companies seek economies of scale, efficiencies and enhanced market visibility. All acquisitions involve one firm purchasing another – there is no exchange of stock or consolidation as a new company. Acquisitions are often congenial, and all parties feel satisfied with the deal. Acquisition has become one of the most popular ways since 1990. Companies choose to grow by acquiring others to increase market share, to gain access to promising new technologies, to achieve synergies in their operations, to tap well-developed distribution channels, to obtain control of undervalued assets, and a myriad of other reasons. So, because of the appeal of instant growth, acquisition is an increasingly common way to expand. 2. Mergers: The combining of two or more entities into one is called merger. Therefore, a merger happens when two firms agree to go forward as a single new company rather than remain separately owned and operated. What makes Mergers and Acquisitions? These motives are considered for making of mergers and acquisitions: 1. Economy of scale: This refers to the fact that the combined company can often reduce its fixed costs by removing duplicate departments or operations, lowering the costs of the company relative to the same revenue stream, thus increasing profit margins. 2. Economy of scope: This refers to the efficiencies primarily associated with demand-side changes, such as increasing 3. Synergy: Better use of complementary resources. 4. Taxes: A profitable company can buy a loss maker to use the target’s loss as their advantage by reducing their tax liability. 5. Geographical Diversification: This is designed to smooth the earnings results of a company, which over the long term smoothen the stock price of a company, giving conservative investors more confidence in investing in the company. 6. Empire building: Managers have larger companies to manage and hence more power. 7. Increased revenue or market share: This assumes that the buyer will be absorbing a major competitor and thus increase its market power (by capturing increased market share) to set prices. 8. Cross-selling: For example, a bank buying a stock broker could then sell its banking products to the stock broker’s customers, while the broker can sign up the bank’s customers for brokerage accounts. Or, a manufacturer can acquire and sell complementary products. 9. Resource Transfer: Resources are unevenly distributed across firms and the interaction of target and acquiring firm resources can create value through either overcoming information asymmetry or by combining scarce resources.

White Collar Crimes (Embezzlement)

Introduction I’m here to talk about the dangers of embezzlement. Throughout my discussion I will discuss the underlying factor to the rise in the rate of embezzlement. We will also look at how a few big embezzlement schemes have influenced their business and their business’s industry. Because of this growing threat we will look at some factors that perpetrators are affected by that might influence him/her to commit company theft which can aid to help further prevent and detect company theft.Lastly I will discuss some preventable measures and steps companies can take to further detect criminal activity within their business, specifically employees who handle cash flow. What is Embezzlement? So what is embezzlement? The federal bureau of investigation defines embezzlement as the misappropriation or misapplication of money or property entrusted to one’s care, custody, or control. Embezzlement in Businesses (What is Embezzlement? ) – General and Relevant Facts All types and sizes of businesses can be victims to embezzlement (small/large businesses as well as non-profit and government entities).Businesses have to be vigilant when dealing with criminal activity which is especially true for small businesses. The Association for Certified Fraud has found that 39% of all fraud occurred in companies with fewer than 99 employees. Up to an astonishing 30% of small businesses fail due to criminal activity. It is estimated that small businesses faces on average $190,000 loss due to embezzlement compared to the $159,000 for average sized businesses. Why is it rising?It isn’t a disputed fact that the rate of criminal activity increases during a time of economic recession and in difficult economic conditions, businesses are struggling to compete for fewer business opportunities. This creates an incentive for companies to deviate from proper business practices and engage in fraudulent activity to maintain revenue. This idea can be depicted in t his quote, â€Å"Some individuals, especially small business owners, become obsessed with a failing business endeavor, cannot walk away from it, and will go to ‘extraordinary’ measures to keep the business going† (Lindquist & Goldberg, 2009)There was evidence of an increase in company theft during the economic downturns of 1987, 1991, and 2001. For example just after the savings and loans crisis in the 1990s arrests shot up by 52% and during the recession in the early 2000s criminal activity increased by 25% From this we can conclude that there is definitely a correlation between a recession and a rise in embezzlement. Impacts of embezzlement According to David O’ Friedrichs, a criminal justice professor at University of Scranton stated â€Å"white-collar crimes have further, reaching, deeper and more lasting impact than street crime. Thefts by employees are of the most costly problems facing new and existing businesses. Experts have shown company theft h as the potential to reach 240$ billion dollars which includes intellectual property stolen during that year. It isn’t a surprise that the cost of embezzlement is two to three times than that of street crimes. Also 30-50% of all businesses affected by embezzlement fail. Other potential effects include increase in taxes, lost investments, and increase in unemployment. Guarantee Building & Loan AssociationOn December 9th, 1930 Gilbert, the founder of Guarantee Building & Loan Association was found to have embezzled an estimated $8,000,000 which in today’s amount would be $100,000,000. Many local businesses and individuals were crushed by his embezzlement scheme. According to TIME Magazine â€Å"no less than 2,500 Guaranty depositors have gone to the poorhouse or the insane asylum, some 30 have committed suicide†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This example demonstrates the extreme ripple effects of a multi-million dollar scheme. Commonwealth Building & Loan AssociationDuring the winter of 1955, Minnie Magnum, the assistant secretary-treasurer was accused of misappropriated an estimated 3 million dollars (36 million dollars in today’s amount). This scheme was highly publicized because the scheme lasted for up to 22 years before detection. This demonstrates the evasive nature of embezzlement. In the end the Commonwealth Building & Loan Association had to file for bankruptcy. This is only one of the many businesses that fail due to embezzlement. Brunei’s Battle Royale Brunei is a small country that consists of 300,000.Their council consisted of people in royalty with high positions in their government and key businesses. It became a big story when Prince Jefri Bolkiah was accused of embezzling billions from the state treasury and his businesses. Not only was he the finance minister for his country, he also was the chairman of the Brunei Investment Agency, and head of Amedeo Group which pretty much increased his opportunity for criminal activity. John M. Ca llagy, a lawyer who represents Amedeo Hotels Ltd. , estimated Prince Jefri to have siphoned off $40 billion. The small country of Brunei needs the mission billions to help recast its economy.This example demonstrates how even government entities can also be vulnerable to theft. Behavioral Characteristics of White Collar Criminals Now that we have a better grasp on the dangers of a multi-million/billion dollar embezzlement scheme we can go onto discussing what exactly motivates perpetrators to steal from their company. Dr. Donald R. Cressey believes understanding factors that influence white collar criminals to steal from their company can manifest in helping society create better procedures to reduce the rate of embezzling during an economic recession.Dr. Cressey believes there are internal and other factors when it comes to why people violate company trust. The classic fraud triangle theory can also aid us in realizing the mentality behind company theft by employees. The fraud tria ngle theory states that there must be three basic elements for fraud to come about – they are opportunity, incentive/pressure, and rationalization/attitude. The classic fraud triangle theory can be linked to behavioral characteristics of white collar criminals. Internal Factors (Incentive/Pressure)An internal factor or conflict that an embezzler faces when he makes the decision to commit the crime is based behind the idea of personal failure. For example if an individual loses the majority of his savings because of a gambling addiction, Dr. Cressey believes that individual will commit to embezzling because he/she has too much self-respect and pride to tell his family, friends, and company (employer) of how he exhausted all his money. So to continue to support his friends and family financial he has a greater incentive/pressure to steal from his company to support his lifestyle.Other â€Å"personal failures† include shopping addiction, substance abuse, entrepreneurial f ailure, investment failure etc. â€Å"Other† Factors (Rationalization/Attitude) Other factors that influence employees to commit company theft is based on the idea behind entitlement belief – he/she believes they are more deserving of the money which ties in with the attitude element of the classic fraud triangle theory. Other factors also include financial need, supporting a personal business, and supporting a significant other which ties in with the rationalization element.How do we tie these factors to preventing and detecting? As of now there is not enough data to fully explain the embezzlement phenomenon in a psychological stand point. The psychologies behind these factors as well as the classic fraud triangle theory is essential and should be dissected further to better create procedures to help reduce the rate of embezzlement. I believe once enough research is done there can be changes to the hiring strategies for prospective employees. Preventing and Detecting: The Steps How society views white collar crimes have slowly been evolving.In the past many people viewed white collar crimes to be victimless; that perpetrator did not deserve a long prison sentence. Nowadays we understand how dangerous and harm a huge embezzlement scheme can inflict. The shift in society’s mentality behind white collar crimes emphasizes the need for polices to be implemented to safeguard against potential scandals especially during an economic recession. Step 1: Create a Policy Many companies think it is unnecessary to create a policy that states stealing is wrong.In reality this step is one of the most important and effective step a company can take to diminish company theft. Creating a policy against company theft helps creates the idea that the company is always aware of their employees and that they will not tolerate criminal activity within the workplace. Secondly, this is important because there are grey areas and company theft needs to be defined. Ex amples can include not knowing when to actually charge the company credit card to pay for meals or using the company phone for certain calls, etc.Step 2: Creating Checks and Balances One of the biggest reasons small companies are more vulnerable to embezzlement is because they do not have checks and balances that established businesses have. For example they could be a recently established business and there can be a few or one employee controlling the majority of the positions that handle cash flow. This creates a bigger opportunity for that employee to embezzle money from the company. Creating checks and balances decreases the opportunity element.One checks and balances procedures a company can commit to is a separation of duties as implied earlier. Meaning different people should handle different positions within the business. Companies should designate different employees who deal with cash receipts and deposits, cash disbursements and electronic fund transfer operations, and ba nk reconciliation. Another effective control procedure includes internal audit procedures for monitoring cash, accounting for transactions, and preparation of financial statement. Companies can also cross-train employees, require vacation time, reate a periodic financial check for their employees, and separate and monitor payroll functions to help decrease the overall rate of embezzlement in our economy. In general, the company should â€Å"follow the cash trail. † Step 3: Inspecting your employees Focusing on finding the right employee for a position is extremely important, especially for a position that handles cash flow. Some tools companies can use to help them along the hiring process would be using an employment agency. Administering drug and background checks. Of course monitoring employees does not stop there.Inspecting your employees should be an on-going process. Companies can hire an independent CPA to provide a periodic audit of dual controls and theft prevention which allows for better scrutiny of their employees because they will not know when they are going to be investigated. Lastly the company can review employee expense reports to check for illegal spending. Step 4: Setting an example/practicing zero tolerance Setting an example for people who have embezzled money can be an effective method to help deter others from doing the same.Conclusion Now that we realize there is a growing threat for the rise in the rate of embezzlement, there is a stronger emphasis for the need of companies to establish the controls procedures to help prevent and detect embezzlement. Hopefully in the future there will be more studies on the behavioral traits of embezzlers which can be a very important to helping finding the right candidate for a position. Companies without crime prevention and detection measures are sure to be more susceptible to business failure.

Questions in Prayer Essay

Questions in Prayer Essay Questions in Prayer Essay The Questions in Prayer, 2 Chronicles 7:14 27 October 2013 How to pray for delieverence? Example in 2nd Chronicles 20 the Jehoshapat defeats Moab and Ammon â€Å"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves sna dpray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their since and heal their land.† 1. be humble 2. Seek Gods face 3. Turn away from our wicked ways When do we pray? 1 Thesseonians 5: 17 pray continueally, give thanks in all circumstances , for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus a. We pray daily not just in times of need Daniel 6 : Daniel would pray day, noon and night daily If you were facing the danger that Daniel was facing would you continue to pray? b. We pray in time of sickness. Matthew 9:20-22 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge f his cloak. She said to herself â€Å"If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.† Jesus turn and saw her. â€Å"Take hear daughter, â€Å" he said, your faith has healed you.† And the woman was healed from that moment. c. We pray for understanding and wisdom. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generaously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anthing from the Lord; he is a

How do you envision the city of the future Scholarship Essay

How do you envision the city of the future - Scholarship Essay Example This stress and strain is because of a surge in the population of the current cities that has been experienced over the past two decades. About 70% of the public amenities that are currently being used were budgeted and planned for far less populations that they are currently handling. I envision that a city of the future will have architectural structures and designs that will be spacious enough to accommodate populations without feeling the need of expansion. This includes improved road networks and other modes of transport. These buildings and amenities for the future should be built using designs that aim at sustaining and conserving the environment. This is by having enough supply of efficient and clean energy. Building designs should see to it that natural light and natural ventilation is adapted to the fullest so as to eliminate over dependence on electricity. This will cut down immensely the electricity bills as a result water towers and catchment areas will be restored and reserved. Electricity used in these buildings should be generated from greener technologies such as wind and solar energy (Davis, 2009). The material used in constructing these buildings should also be environment friendly ad should include recycled material. This will stop the constructors from going back to destroy natural habitat. Another expectation of the city of the future is minimal if not total elimination of the use of fossil fuels. This can only be achieved by adopting technologies that avoid carbon emission as their waste. One such technology that I envisage is the complete adoption of electricity powered vehicles. Automobiles contribute immensely to the emission of carbon to the atmosphere. By cutting down on these emissions, the atmosphere will be very clean and hence the quality of the air will be more healthy for human beings and

Federalism and the Exercise of National Power Coursework

Federalism and the Exercise of National Power - Coursework Example Similarly, regulating the use of marijuana is not spelled under the commerce clause. Taking away homegrown marijuana is a way of controlling its consumption. There is no law in the US constitution, which gives federal government powers to invoke cultivation of marijuana without explanation (Pierre, 2011). Therefore, Commerce Clause or other clauses do not grant the federal powers to regulate the use of marijuana. The federal system overstepped its mandate to ban marijuana. This is so because the 10th Amendments state that the people have a say on powers that the constitution does not delegate to the United States (Pierre, 2011). Thus, the cultivation of marijuana is not spelled in the constitution leaving the decision to lie with the individuals and the state. Similarly, growing marijuana for medical purposes is allowed as long as it is not for commercial purpose under Commerce Clause. Moreover, the federal government has powers to regulate interstate commerce under Article 1, Section 8 of US constitution (Pierre, 2011). However, this does not mean they have powers to control anything associated with interstate commerce. The woman who grew marijuana was an exception because there was no evidence of participation in interstate

The Business Environment of Secret Garden Party Essay

The Business Environment of Secret Garden Party - Essay Example The researcher states that Secret Garden Party (SGP) is an art and music festival that is held annually in the last week of July. The program is conducted in Abbots Ripton, which is near Huntingdon, Cambridge shire. Fred Fellowes is the man who established this alternative music festival program. In its inception or inaugural in the year 2004, 1,000 visitors attended the program from one stage. In the year 2013, the program was conducted in ten stages, and the audience numbered more than 32,000 people. The organization follows the motto of ‘principle of participation’ in expanding the scope of its programs. The brand development process of Secret Garden Party can be explained using Aaker’s brand categorization model. Considering the research work of Aaker, it can be said that Secret Garden party categorized its service offering in terms of vividness, subject diversity and the wide range of entertainment options. According to Aaker, firms can develop super-category in the mind of customers by adding niche quotient in the positioning statement. The study explains that the Secret Garden Party applied the categorization model through; establishing separate brand positioning by engaging the wide range of performances, action camps, the variety of performers and art installations. In this section, the research will analyze Secret Garden Party’s external environment with the help of applicable PESTLE factors, competitor analysis, and Porter’s five forces; while its internal environment will be analyzed with the help of SWOT analysis.

Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser Essay

Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser - Essay Example However, this assertion is contested. This is because at the time of the revolution, Iran was experiencing un-employment rate of approximately 30%1. Unemployment is one of the indicators of poor development and economic growth. Based on this fact, the assertion that Iran was politically and economically stable is false, and does not hold any ground. On the other hand, the revolution in Egypt occurred when the country was experiencing a series of poor political and economic governance. Despite the differences in these revolutions, and the two leaders, Gamal Abdul Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini shared a lot of similarities as well as differences in their leadership structure and system2. One major similarity is that the two leaders were charismatic, and they sought to eliminate any form of opposition to their leadership. For instance, Nasser ordered a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that was opposing his leadership, while Ayatollah Khomeini sought to kill any political supporters of the Shah. This paper takes a stand that both Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser were charismatic leaders, who influenced their societies and people, despite their undemocratic systems of governance. Gamal Abdul Nasser was the second Egyptian president, and he began his presidency in the year 1956, to the time he died, which was in 1970. He played an instrumental role in the overthrow of the Egyptian monarch in the year 1952, and as a result, he was rewarded with a post, as a deputy prime minister3. This is an indication that Gamal Abdul Nasser was an important leader to the revolutionaries, and he was held in high esteem. Furthermore, the power and authority that Gamal Abdul Nasser had is depicted when he managed to arrest President Muhammad Naguib, and place him under house arrest.

Alternative Sources of Toxicology Tests

Alternative Sources of Toxicology Tests Careful analyses of the community of insects encountered on a decomposing body, combined with knowledge of insect biology, ecology, and local environmental conditions, can often provide valuable forensic insights. These can include the estimation of time since death, movement of the remains after death, indication of antemortem injuries, and the presence of drugs or toxins. Over the past two decades, there has been an apparent increase in the incidence of drug-related deaths reported within the United States and other countries. Decedents in such cases are, in many instances, not discovered for a substantial period of time (days or weeks). The resulting state of advanced decomposition and environmental recycling typically encountered in these situations often dictates the employment of various entomological methodologies. The entomological techniques most frequently utilized are based on comprehensive analyses of the insects and other arthropods associated with the remains, their development, and patterns of succession (Goff and Flynn 1991, Goff and Odom 1987, Lord et al. 1986). The accuracy of entomological estimates in deaths involving narcotic intoxication has been subject to debate in recent years, as few available studies have explored the effects of drugs contained in decomposing tissues on fly colonization and ovipositional behavior, or on the rates of development of carrion-frequenting insects feeding on such food sources (Goff 1993). Additionally, relatively few studies have examined the effects of other tissue contaminants, such as toxins or environmental pollutants on these behaviors or the developmental patterns of the insects colonizing such tissues. In recent years, interest has also focused on the potential use of carrion-frequenting insects as alternative toxicological specimens in situations where traditional toxicological sources, such as blood, urine, or solid tissues, are unavailable or not suitable for analysis. The use of anthropophagic fly larvae (maggots) as alternate toxicological specimens is well documented in the entomological and forensic science literature (Miller et al. 1994). Detection of various toxins and controlled substances in insects found on decomposing human remains has contributed to the assessment of both cause and manner of death (Lord 1990, Goff and Lord 1994, Nolte et al. 1992). With the development of hair extraction technologies, attention has recently focused on the analysis of chitinized insect remnants that are frequently encountered with mummified and skeletonized remains (Miller et al. 1994). In such cases, the standard toxicological specimens are often absent. Studies of the use of carrion-feeding arthropods as alternative toxicological specimens, and of the impact that tissue toxins and contaminants have on the development of immature insects feeding on these substances, currently comprise the major avenues of exploration in the emerging field of entomotoxicology. The potential value of larval and adult carrion-feeding insects, and their chitinous remnants, as alternative sources of toxicological information has been clearly demonstrated. As with other emerging technologies, however, great care must be taken in the interpretation and use of such data, particularly within the forensic arena. Given recent advances in analytical procedures, it has become more practical to use even decomposed tissues for analysis (Tracqui et al. 2004). The situation may still be encountered where for various reasons there are no tissues remaining and the arthropods remain the only available material for analyses. In these instances, a qualitative analysis will be of value, but any attempt at quantitation must be viewed with skepticism. Much more research is required before the full potential of this discipline can be recognized. Forensic toxicologists qualitatively and quantitatively identify drugs and poisons which may be relevant to cause and manner of death. In most cases, toxicological specimens are collected at autopsy. Alternatively, if a body is badly decomposed, bone, hair, and insect larvae and pupae are collected and analyzed. The use of insects and insect remnants as toxicological specimens is well documented. Insect tissue or remnants (pupal cases, frass, etc.) can be used to identify drugs and toxins present in decomposing tissues. Literature to date has cited the use of arthropods as an alternative toxicological source since 1980. Beyer was one of the first to use maggots to qualitatively assess drug presence in a suspected suicide case. A body of a 22-year old female was found skeletonized except for the skin. Larvae were collected and homogenized with the proteins precipitated out of solution. Gas chromatography was used to identify a phenobarbital concentration of 100 ÃŽ ¼g/g in larval tissue. The larvae were identified as Cochliomyia macellaria (Beyer et al. 1980). Levine et al. (2000) described a case in which an unidentified male was found by a river and was decomposed and skeletonized. An empty bottle of secobarbital was found near the body. Calf muscle and maggots were sent for toxicological analysis. No substances or drugs were detected in the calf muscle, but secobarbital was identified in the maggots by electron ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In a similar study, Wilson et al. (1993) reared Calliphora vicina on human skeletal muscle from suicidal overdose victims of co-proxamol (propoxyphene and acetaminophen) and amitriptyline. Third instars were transferred to drug-free muscle or allowed to feed on drug-laden muscle for two more days prior to harvesting. The drug concentrations in the muscle food source were 0.48 ÃŽ ¼g/g amitriptyline, 0.38 ÃŽ ¼g/g nortriptyline, 0.99 ÃŽ ¼g/g propoxyhene, and 14.3 ÃŽ ¼g/g acetaminophen. The mean ratios of drug concentrations in larvae to the food source were 0.5, amitriptyline; 0.5, nortriptyline; and 0.06 for propoxyphene. In all stages no drugs or metabolites were detected in puparia, pupal cases, or adults (Wilson et al, 1993). Malathion, an organophosphate insecticide, was identified in larvae found on a decedent thought to be a suicide victim. Malathion was detected at a concentration of 2,050 ÃŽ ¼g/g of larvae in specimens collected from the decomposing remains. Malathion exhibits low toxicity in mammals, yet a high toxicity to adult insects. In this case, the maggots were developing normally despite concentrations of malathion that were toxic to rats and adult species of blowfly (Gunatilake and Goff 1989). This case illustrates the importance of studying the effects many drugs and toxins have on insect species since drugs and toxins may affect insect development, mortality rates, and PMI. The effects of various drugs and toxins to carrion-feeding insects have been investigated, but this area of study is still expanding. Tracqui et al. (2004) examined 29 necropsies in which various organic compounds (including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antidepressants, phenothiazine, opiates, cannabinoids, meprobamate, digoxin, and nefopam) were detected in arthropod larvae sampled from human corpses. Larvae were collected from multiple sites on the cadaver, weighed, washed, and dried. The larvae were mechanically homogenized and then extracted using solid or liquid phase extraction procedures. Sample extracts were then analyzed by gas or liquid-chromatography. The results indicated that the concentrations of the drugs in insect tissues tended to be lower than those of cadaveric samples, and that concentrations varied between anatomic sites (i.e. within anatomic sites when larvae were grouped according to their site of sampling). Tracqui et al. (2004) also found only weak correlat ions between the concentrations of drugs in biofluids at the time of death and those in the larvae sampled from the cadaver at a later time. Goff has conducted a number of entomotoxicology experiments with various drugs (Goff et al. 1989, Goff et al. 1991, Goff et al. 1992, Goff et al. 1993, Goff et al. 1994). When Goff did his studies he administered the drug to a living animal. He did this so that known and reproducible concentrations of drugs and metabolites in animal tissue could be used to approximate amounts normally encountered in human fatal overdoses. Hà ©douin et al. (1999) established concentrations of morphine in an animal model before rearing larvae on tissues. Morphine, a metabolite of heroin, was injected intravenously into rabbits. The kinetics of morphine elimination from blood after a single intravenous injection of morphine and the concentrations of morphine in tissues following a continuous perfusion were established. Morphine concentrations were determined using radioimmunoassay techniques. The rabbits that received a single injection received 2 mg/kg of morphine hydrochloride. Three rabbits received 2 mg/kg of body weight of morphine hydrochloride per hour for a period of 3 h using a continuous perfusion through a plastic catheter in the ear. Results from the continuous perfusion showed that the concentrations of morphine differed according to the organ analyzed, but were reproducible for organs between animals. This study permitted known and reproducible concentrations of morphine in the rabbit to be used as a subst rate for rearing of larvae in entomological studies. Goff used rabbits in his entomotoxicological studies of cocaine and heroin on Boettcherisca peregrina (Goff et al. 1989, Goff et al. 1991). The rabbits in the heroin study were given 6, 12, 18, and 24 mg of heroin by cardiac puncture. Boettcherisca peregrina were allowed to feed and develop on liver tissue containing heroin. From hours 18 to 96, larvae feeding on liver tissue containing heroin developed more rapidly than those feeding on the liver from the control. Time required for pupation was also greater for larvae that fed on tissue from heroin dosed rabbits than for the control larvae. The rates of development were sufficient to alter PMI estimates based on larval development by up to 29 hours (Goff et al. 1991). In a similar study, three domestic rabbits received dosages of 35, 69, and 137 mg cocaine in 5 mL saline via cardiac puncture in the cocaine study. The dosages represent one-half the LD50, the normal LD50, and twice the LD50. Boettcherisca peregrina were allowed to feed and develop on tissues containing cocaine. From hours 30 to 70, larvae developed more rapidly on tissue containing cocaine from rabbits injected with 69 mg and 137 mg of cocaine than on tissue from rabbits injected with 35 mg of cocaine or no cocaine. Total development times required for pupation and adult eclosion were also shortened. Differences between larvae developing on cocaine-dosed rabbit tissue compared to a control were sufficient to alter PMI estimates based on larval development in decomposing human tissues by up to 24 h (Goff et al. 1989). Goffs results indicate that an opiate (e.g., heroin) and a stimulant drug (e.g., cocaine) can both increase the rate of development in the Boettcherisca peregrina (Goff et al. 1989, Goff et al. 1991). Bourel et al. (1999b) administered morphine chlorhydrate to three rabbits each at a different concentration. The three concentrations were 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/h of morphine chlorhydrate via ear perfusion. A fourth rabbit was used as a control. Following administration of the drug, rabbits were sacrificed and 400 eggs of Lucilia sericata were placed in the eyes, nostrils, and mouth of each rabbit. Larvae were sampled daily to determine growth rate and weight. Puparia and emerging adults were also sampled. In this study, the larvae reared on the control and the rabbits that received 12.5 and 25 mg/h of morphine developed at similar rates from hours 41 to 69, while larvae reared on the carcass given 50.0 mg/h of morphine developed at a slower rate. From hour 91 to 165, the larvae from carcasses that received 12.5 and 50.0 mg/h developed at the same rate, which was slower than the control colony. Overall, the effects of morphine appear to be dose dependent as the larvae feeding on the rabbit that received the greatest dosage were the slowest to develop. Based on results from this study, between hours 91 and 165 estimations of larval age based on total length can be significantly in error if the presence of morphine in tissues is not considered. The error can be as great as 24 h for Lucilia sericata larvae measuring from 8 to 14 mm total length. In another case Bourel et al. (2001) used approximately 100 larvae of L. sericata reared on seven 250 g portions of minced beef combined with morphine hydrochloride solutions. After egg hatch, 10 specimens of second instar, third instar, post-feeding third instar and pupae were sampled and immediately frozen. After adults emerged, they were kept in a jar until they died and desiccated. Samples were homogenized, centrifuged, and the supernatant analyzed for morphine content using a specific radioimmunoassay. Concentrations of morphine were high in second and third instar larvae, almost proportional to concentrations in minced meat, but almost no morphine was detected in pupae. The results indicate that larvae excrete the drug during the post-feeding stage. A quantity of morphine is sequestered in the cuticle of pupae, but at minute concentrations. Morphine is sequestered in the cuticle during larval growth and in the formation of puparia (Bourel et al. 2001). Elimination of drugs or toxins prior to metamorphosis has been shown in other studies. Sadler et al. (1995) was able to detect trimipramine, trazodone, and temazepam, in the larvae of Calliphora vicina, but was unable to detect the drugs in the pupae. The fact that drugs do not bioaccumulate throughout the life of the larvae suggests that elimination mechanisms are present. Drug concentrations decreased when larvae were taken from drug laden meat and placed on drug free meat. The results of these studies indicate the importance of collecting larvae for toxicological analysis from those feeding actively on a corpse. Introna et al. (1990) reared Calliphora vicina larvae on liver specimens from 40 cases in which cause of death had been determined to be opiate intoxication. Analysis of larvae and liver for opiates (morphine) was accomplished by radioimmunoassay. The concentration of opiates for all cases was found to range from 8 to 1,208 ÃŽ ¼g/kg for larvae and 26 to 1,769 ÃŽ ¼g/kg for the liver specimens. A significant difference was found between the opiate liver and larval concentrations. Goff and Lord (1994) reviewed various studies in entomotoxicology and concluded that entomotoxicological testing was essential to accurate forensic entomology conclusions. Data indicating the presence of drugs allow for corrections to the data in cases when drugs affect insect development. Future trends in forensic entomology The precise estimation of PMI is the most important goal  of forensic entomology by refining the techniques used. Developmental and succession data, consideration of a  greater number of geographical regions and a range of  death scene scenarios are essential. Moreover there are  several parameters which need further attention. It is important to consider factors that might alter the  time of oviposition, such as covering corpses with  branches or tight wrapping with blankets, carpets or  plastic bags, and indoor placement, because these factors  may delay initial oviposition (Higley and Haskell 2001). Seasonal influences, such as cold and rainy weather, may  inhibit or even prevent fly activity and delay oviposition  (Erzinclioglu 1996). However, Faucherre et al. (1999)  observed flying as well as ovipositing Calliphora vicina  under extreme conditions in the Swiss Alps, colonizing a  corpse in a 10-m deep cave at a temperature of about 5_C. The generally accepted assumption that activity of  necrophagous flies ceases below an air temperature of  10_C (Williams 1984) or even 12_C (Smith 1986;  Erzinclioglu 1996) may be questionable (see also Deonier  1940; Nuorteva 1965). However, the case described by  Faucherre et al. (1999) occurred at an altitude of 1,260 m  and therefore a cold-adapted population of C. vicina may  have been involved. Blowflies usually show peaks of oviposition activity in  the early afternoon (Nuorteva 1959a; Baumgartner and  Greeenberg 1984, 1985; Greenberg 1990). These insects  are not active at night and generally do not lay eggs  during nighttime (Greenberg 1985). A postmortem interval  estimation based on that assumption has to consider  the possibility that a corpse which was found about noon  and was infested by recently hatched maggots, could have  been deposited there in the late evening of the previous  day. Hence, fly eggs detected on a corpse during the night  would lead to the conclusion that death occurred during  the previous day or earlier (Nuorteva 1977). Greenberg  (1990) presented the first experimental evidence of  nocturnal oviposition by three forensically important  blow flies, Calliphora vicina, Phormia regina and Lucilia  (Phaenicia) sericata. On the other hand, Tessmer et al.  (1995) reported that blowflies fail to lay eggs at night  bot h in urban (with lighting) and rural dark habitats. However, Singh and Bharti (2001) supported the findings  of Greenberg (1990). Hence nocturnal oviposition is a  possibility and should be taken into consideration. Diapause, the period during which growth and development  of insects is suspended, is still a challenge for the  forensic entomologist (see also Ames and Turner 2003). Depending on the insect taxa, the major influences on  larvae or pupae are photoperiod and temperature. Declining  day length and/or decreasing temperatures indicate  approaching winter and induce diapause, preventing  development under unfavourable environmental conditions. In many forensically important blowflies, diapause  is under maternal control and exposure of females to short  day lengths induces diapause in the offspring (Vinogradova  1991). Species with a large geographical range  have to face changes in day length throughout the year. The critical day length which induces diapause will be  longer in populations from a northern range than in  southern populations (McWatters and Saunders 1998). The forensic entomologist working in a temperate region  investigating a sample of dead maggots collected from a  corpse during late September has to consider the possibility  that these maggots had already entered diapause. Besides day length, temperature may also influence the  incidence of diapause (Vinogradova and Zinovjeva 1972). Unlike photoperiod, temperature is not a noise-free signal,  as it is subject to considerable variation both within and  between years (McWatters and Saunders 1998). Increasing  constant temperature is known to reduce the incidence  of diapause in forensically important Dipteran species,  such as Liopygia argyrostoma (Saunders 1975), Protophormia  terraenovae (Vinogradova 1986) and Calliphora  vicina (McWatters and Saunders 1998). The duration of diapause is another important parameter. McWatters and Saunders (1998) showed that in C. vicina kept at temperatures of 15_C and 20_C, respectively,  diapause was terminated in most larvae within  30 days. However, the diapause ended earlier in larvae  whose parents had been kept at 20_C than those whose  parents had been kept at 15_C. These observations should  be a caveat for the forensic entomologist and points to the  need for further studies on other species. Competition may affect development and growth of  the larvae. Smith and Wall (1997a, 1997b) presented data  which indicate that the larvae of Lucilia sericata in  carcasses experience significant levels of competition and that the intensity of this competition may be sufficient to  reduce the numbers of adult L. sericata able to emerge  successfully. Reiter (1984), Smith (1986) and Erzinclioglu (1990)  pointed to another factor which could complicate the  estimation of the postmortem interval-precocious egg  development in flies. In some female flies, eggs may be  retained in the oviduct, having been fertilized as they pass  the spermathecal ducts in advance of the act of oviposition (Wells and King 2001). In cases where a suitable  oviposition site is not available, the eggs may remain  inside the fly until they have completed embryonic development. It has been reported for several species of the tribe Calliphorini, including the forensically important  Calliphora vicina, that the larva hatches from such eggs  immediately following oviposition (Erzinclioglu 1990;  Wells and King 2001). Precocious eggs are more likely to  be found in bluebottles (Calliphora spp.) than in other  lineages of carrion-feeding blowflies and the proportion  of wild flies carrying an egg that is about to hatch can be  quite high (Wells and King 2001). Parasitoid larvae feed exclusively on other arthropods,  mainly insects, resulting in the death of the parasitoids  host (Godfray 1994). The majority of parasitoids are  either members of the order Hymenoptera or Diptera,  representing an extremely diverse group and constituting  about 8.5% of all described insects (LaSalle and Gauld  1991; Godfray 1994). They also attack necrophagous taxa  and therefore could appear on carrion. Fabritius and  Klunker (1991) listed 83 parasitoid species, mainly  wasps, which attack the larval and pupal stages of  synanthropic Diptera in Europe. There are few reports on  the use of parasitoids in forensic entomology (Smith  1986; Haskell et al. 1997; Amendt et al. 2000; Anderson  and Cervenka 2002; Grassberger and Frank 2003b). The  life-cycles of the common parasitoid species are known  (e.g. Geden 1997) and, even if the adults have already  emerged and left the host, the pupal exuviae of the  parasitic wasps can be identified for a long time  afterwards (Geden et al. 1998; Carlson et al. 1999). The  parasitoid developmental times can then be calculated and  added to the time of development of the blowfly host. Pupal parasitoids of blowflies may play an especially  important role in the estimation of the postmortem period  because their time of attack is often restricted to a small,  well-defined window of time at the beginning of the pupal  development of the host insect (Anderson and Cervenka  2002). An example of the practical application of these  wasps involved a case where the early colonizers,  individuals of the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae,  had finished their development and already left the scene  but adults of the parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera:  Pteromalidae) were just about to emerge. These  wasps need, at a constant temperature of 25_C, 350  accumulated degree days, equating to about 14 days, to  reach adulthood (Whiting 1967; Grassberger and Frank  2003b). By contrast the host P. terraenovae needs about  9 days at this temperature to reach the stage appropriate  for the parasitoids oviposition (Marchenko 2001; Grassberger  a nd Reiter 2002a). It can therefore be assumed that  the flies had access to the body for at least about 23 days  before the corpse was found. The calculation of developmental  times for the host and the parasitoid allowed the  estimation of a greater minimum postmortem interval  than the estimated development time of Protophormia  terraenovae alone. This enabled the criminal investigators  to disprove the testimony of a witness who claimed that  he had seen the victim alive 20 days before the corpse was  found. However, when thinking about the potential  influence, especially of larval parasitoids, it is important  to remember that this specialized group might also create  significant problems for forensic entomology. Holdaway  and Evans (1930) described, for example, the change in  developmental times for Lucilia sericata after the attack  of its parasitoid Alysia manducator, which resulted in  premature pupariation. The role of freshwater and marine fauna in forensic  investigations has received very little attention (Payne  and King 1972; Nuorteva et al. 1974; Goff and Odom  1987; Haskell et al 1989; Catts and Goff 1992; Vance et  al. 1995; Sorg et al. 1997; Davis and Goff 2000). Knowledge about the role of aquatic arthropods during  decomposition is still scanty (Keiper et al. 1997;  Tomberlin and Adler 1998; Hobischak and Anderson  1999, 2002; Anderson 2001; Merrit and Wallace 2001;  Anderson and Hobischak 2004). Compared with terrestrial  habitats, decomposition in an aquatic environment is  completely different. It occurs at a rate roughly half that  of decomposition on land, mainly due to the prevention of  insect activity and cooler temperatures (Knight 1991). Merrit and Wallace (2001) have distinguished six decompositional  stages ranging from submerged fresh,  floating decay to sunken remains. Aquatic insects of  forensic importance belong to the Ephemeroptera (mayflies),  Trichoptera (caddis flies) and Diptera (true flies);  the latter are mainly represented by Chironomidae  (midges) and Simuliidae (black flies). However, these  insects, unlike their terrestrial counterparts, are not  obligatory saprophages, but instead use the submerged  carrion both as a food source and a breeding site. The use of these insects for estimating the time of death is  therefore more difficult and depends on the season and on  other conditions of the aquatic systems. No successional  insect model exists which describes the different waves of  colonization of a corpse in aquatic habitats (Merrit and  Wallace 2001). Finally, forensic entomology may help in investigations  dealing with living, but ill, people by revealing  neglect. The occurrence of maggots in the wounds or  natural orifices of living persons may indicate such a  neglect. Estimating the age of these maggots can reveal  how long the neglect has been happening (Benecke 2003).

Personal Growth Experience :: essays research papers

Personal Growth Experience   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a mother I have cared and tried to push my son’s education so that he can succeed in his life. I came from a large family in Brazil. I wasn’t the only child; I learned to share, how provide for myself, and for my 3 sisters, and 3 brothers. My father was a serious man; he had a job, and still came home to provide for all of us. During dinnertime he insisted that everyone had to be home and had to sit down at the table and talk about their day. This was a must in my family too. The reason why he had that rule was because he was a religious man, and meals should be shared with the family as well as conversations. No one had any choice of not sitting at the table, unless we didn’t want to eat.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When I had a child, I waited for the right time to have one. I didn’t want to rush into motherhood responsibility until I had everything in order to support my child. My husband had to find a job, and so did I. We had a house, a car, and jobs to support my child; we were ready. When my child was born, I chose to go to the United States of America, so that my child can have a better life. In Brazil, the education is not challenging, and not recognized in other parts of the world as a higher education. For him to have a better education, a better standard of living, and for him to have what we never had, we had to give up our lives in Brazil. As the years went by I was always there for my son. Through my eyes as he grows older, he is still the little boy that I held in my arms for the first time. In his teenage years I have seen him grow further away from me. Every day when he gets home he goes to his room without talking to me, or saying anything about his da y. I guess that is what all kids go through in these years, because of the stage of exploration of new things in life. Like driving, video games, girls, and puberty. I still love my son, and even if he doesn’t want to talk to me then I guess he has everything in order in his life.

Asthma Case Study

University of Perpetual Help System – DALTA Alabang – Zapote Road, Pamplona, Las Pinas City College of Nursing A Case Study of Bronchial Asthma In Acute Exacerbation (BAIAE) Submitted by: Angela Marie Ferrer BSN 3B July 17, 2012 Definition A condition of the lungs characterized by widespread narrowing of the airways due to spasm of the smooth muscle, edema of the mucosa, and the presence of mucus in the lumen of the bronchi and bronchioles.Bronchial asthma is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder with increased responsiveness of tracheobroncheal tree to various stimuli, resulting in paroxysmal contraction of bronchial airways which changes in severity over short periods of time, either spontaneously or under treatment. Causes Allergy is the strongest predisposing factor for asthma. Chronic exposure to airway irritants or allergens can be seasonal such as grass, tree and weed pollens or perennial under this are the molds, dust and roaches.Common triggers of asthma sy mptoms and exacerbations include air way irritants like air pollutant, cold, heat, weather changes, strong odors and perfumes. Other contributing factor would include exercise, stress or emotional upset, sinusitis with post nasal drip, medications and viral respiratory tract infections. Most people who have asthma are sensitive to a variety of triggers.A person’s asthma changes depending on the environment activities, management practices and other factor. Factors that can contribute to asthma or airway hyperreactivity may include any of the following: * Environmental allergens: House dust mites, animal allergens (especially cat and dog), cockroach allergens, and fungi are most commonly reported. * Viral respiratory tract infections * Exercise; hyperventilation * Gastroesophageal reflux disease * Chronic sinusitis or rhinitis Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity, sulfite sensitivity * Use of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (including ophth almic preparations) * Obesity: Based on a prospective cohort study of 86,000 patients, those with an elevated body mass index are more likely to have asthma. * Environmental pollutants, tobacco smoke * Occupational exposure * Irritants (eg, household sprays, paint fumes) * Various high and low molecular weight compounds: A variety of high and low molecular weight compounds are associated with the development of occupational asthma, such as insects, plants, latex, gums, diisocyanates, anhydrides, wood dust * Emotional factors or stress * Perinatal factors: Prematurity and increased maternal age increase the risk for asthma * Breastfeeding has not been definitely shown to be protective. * Both maternal smoking and prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke also increase the risk of developing asthma Clinical ManifestationThe three most common symptoms of asthma are cough, dyspnea, and wheezing. In some instances cough may be the only symptoms. An asthma attack often occurs at night or early i n the morning, possibly because circadian variations that influence airway receptors thresholds. An asthma exacerbation may begin abruptly but most frequently is preceded by increasing symptoms over the previous few days. There is cough, with or without mucus production. At times the mucus is so tightly wedged in the narrow airway that the patient cannot cough it up.Prevention Patient with recurrent asthma should undergo test to identify the substance that participate the symptoms. Patients are instructed to avoid the causative agents whenever possible. Knowledge is the key to quality asthma care. Medical Management There are two general process of asthma medication: quick relief medication for immediate treatment of asthma symptoms and exacerbations and long acting medication to achieve and maintain control and persistent asthma.Because of underlying pathology of asthma is inflammation, control of persistent asthma is accomplish primarily with the regular use of anti inflammatory m edications. * Long-acting control Medication Corticosteroid are the most potent and effective anti inflammatory currently available. They are broadly effective in alleviating symptoms, improving air way functions, and decreasing peak flow variability. Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil are mild to be moderate anti-inflammatory agents that are use more commonly in children.They also are effective on a prophylactic basis to prevent exercise-induced asthma or unavoidable exposure to known triggers. These medications are contraindicated in acute asthma exacerbation. `Long acting beta-adrenergic agonist is use with anti-inflammatory medications to control asthma symptoms, particularly those that occur during the night these agents are also effective in the prevention of exercise-induced asthma. * Quick relief medication Short acting beta adrenergic agonists are the medications of choice for relief of acute symptoms and prevention of exercise-induced asthma.They have the rapid onset of acton. Anti-cholinergic may have an added benefit in severe exacerbations of asthma but they are use more frequently in COPD. Nursing Management The main focus of nursing management is to actively assess the air way and the patient response to treatment. The immediate nursing care of patient with asthma depends on the severity of the symptoms. A calm approach is an important aspect of care especially for anxious client and one’s family. This requires a partnership between the patient and the health care providers to determine the desire outcome and to formulate a plan which include; * the purpose and action of each medication * trigger to avoid and how to do so * when to seek assistance the nature of asthma as chronic inflammatory disease Anatomy and Physiology The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and epiglottis. The lower respiratory tract consist of the bronchi, bronchioles and the lungs.The major function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen to arterial blood and remove carbon dioxide from venous blood, a process known as gas exchange. The normal gas exchange depends on three process: * Ventilation – is movement of gases from the atmosphere into and out of the lungs. This is accomplished through the mechanical acts of inspiration and expiration. * Diffusion – is a movement of inhaled gases in the alveoli and across the alveolar capillary membrane * Perfusion – is movement of oxygenated blood from the lungs to the tissues.Control of gas exchange – involves neural and chemical process The neural system, composed of three parts located in the pons, medulla and spinal cord, coordinates respiratory rhythm and regulates the depth of respirations The chemical processes perform several vital functions such as: * regulating alveolar ventilation by maintaining normal blood gas tension * guarding against hypercapnia (excessive CO2 in the blood) as well as hypoxia (reduced tissue oxy genation caused by decreased arterial oxygen [PaO2]. An increase in arterial CO2 (PaCO2) stimulates ventilation; conversely, a decrease in PaCO2 inhibits ventilation. helping to maintain respirations (through peripheral chemoreceptors) when hypoxia occurs. The normal functions of respiration O2 and CO2 tension and chemoreceptors are similar in children and adults. however, children respond differently than adults to respiratory disturbances; major areas of difference include: * Poor tolerance of nasal congestion, especially in infants who are obligatory nose breathers up to 4 months of age * Increased susceptibility to ear infection due to shorter, broader, and more horizontally positioned eustachian tubes. Increased severity or respiratory symptoms due to smaller airway diameters * A total body response to respiratory infection, with such symptoms as fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Diagnostic procedures: * General Physical Examination * Skin: * Observe for the presence of atopic derm atitis, eczema, or other manifestations of allergic skin conditions * Evidence of respiratory distress manifests as * increased respiratory rate, * increased heart rate, * diaphoresis, and * use of accessory muscles of respiration. * Marked weight loss or severe wasting may indicate severe emphysema. * Pulsus paradoxus: * This is an exaggerated fall in systolic blood pressure during inspiration and may occur during an acute asthma exacerbation. * Depressed sensorium: * This finding suggests a more severe asthma exacerbation with impending respiratory failure. * Chest Examination * End-expiratory wheezing or a prolonged expiratory phase is found most commonly, although inspiratory wheezing can be heard. * Diminished breath sounds and chest hyperinflation (especially in children)  may be observed during acute asthma exacerbations. The presence of inspiratory wheezing or stridor may prompt an evaluation for an upper airway obstruction such as vocal cord dysfunction, vocal cord paraly sis, thyroid enlargement, or a soft tissue mass (eg, malignant tumor). * Differential Diagnoses * Airway Foreign Body Heart Failure Allergic and Environmental Asthma Pulmonary Embolism Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Pulmonary Eosinophilia Aspergillosis Sarcoidosis Bronchiectasis Sinusitis, Chronic * Bronchiolitis Tracheomalacia COPD URTI Churg-Strauss Syndrome Vocal Cord Dysfunction Cystic Fibrosis Foreign Body Aspiration Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Laboratory Studies * Blood eosinophilia greater than 4% or 300-400/ µL * Eosinophil counts greater than 8% may be observed in patients with concomitant atopic dermatitis. * This finding should prompt an evaluation for allergic  bronchopulmonary aspergillosis,  Churg-Strauss syndrome, or  eosinophilic pneumonia * Total serum immunoglobulin E levels greater than 100 IU are frequently observed in patients experiencing allergic reactions, but this finding is not specific for asthma * British Thoracic Society recommends using sputu m eosinophilia determinations to guide therapy Imaging Studies In most patients with asthma, chest radiography findings are normal or may indicate hyperinflation. * Chest radiography should be considered in all patients being evaluated for asthma to exclude other diagnoses. * Sinus CT scanning may be useful to help exclude acute or chronic sinusitis as a contributing factor.. Pulmonary function testing (spirometry) * Spirometry assessments  should be obtained as the primary test to establish the asthma diagnosis. * Spirometry should be performed prior o initiating treatment in order to establish the presence and determine the severity of baseline airway obstruction. * The assessment and diagnosis of asthma cannot be based on spirometry findings alone because many other diseases are associated with obstructive spirometry indices. * Spirometry measures the forced vital capacity (FVC), the maximal amount of air expired from the point of maximal inhalation, and the FEV1. A reduced rat io of FEV1 to FVC, when compared with predicted values, demonstrates the presence of airway obstruction. Optimally, the initial spirometry should also include  measurements before and after inhalation of a short-acting bronchodilator in all patients in whom the diagnosis of asthma is considered. * Reversibility is demonstrated by an increase of 12%  and 200 mL after the administration of a short-acting bronchodilator Methacholine- or histamine-challenge testing * Bronchoprovocation testing with either methacholine or histamine is useful when spirometry findings are normal or near normal, especially in patients with intermittent or exercise-induced asthma symptoms. Bronchoprovocation testing helps determine if airway hyperreactivity is present, and a negative test result usually excludes the diagnosis of asthma. * Methacholine is administered in incremental doses up to a maximum dose of 16 mg/mL, and a 20% decrease in FEV1, up to the 4 mg/mL level, is considered a positive test r esult for the presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Peak-flow monitoring * Peak-flow monitoring is designed for ongoing monitoring of patients with asthma because the test is simple to perform and the results are a quantitative and reproducible measure of airflow obstruction. It can be used for short-term monitoring, exacerbation management, and daily long-term monitoring. * Peak-flow monitoring should not be used as a substitute for spirometry to establish the initial diagnosis of asthma. * Results can be used to determine the severity of an exacerbation and to help guide therapeutic decisions as part of an asthma action plan. Exercise testing * Testing involves 6-10 minutes of strenuous exertion at 85-90% of predicted maximal heart rate and measurement of postexercise spirometry for 15-30 minutes. The defined cutoff for a positive test result is a 15% decrease in FEV1 after exercise. Eucapnic hyperventilation * Eucapnic hyperventilation with either cold or dry air is an alter nate method of bronchoprovocation testing. * It has been used to evaluate patients for exercise-induced asthma and has been shown to produce results similar to those of methacholine-challenge asthma testing. I. LABORATORY WORKS NAME OF TEST| NORMALVALUE| RESULTS| SIGNIFICANCE| Complete Blood CountPurpose: CBC is ordered to aid in the detection of anemias; hydration status; and as part of routine hospital admission test.The differential WBC is necessary for determining the type of infection. | RBC: 4-6 x 10/LHct: 0. 37- 0. 47Hgb: 110- 160 gm/LWBC: 5-10 x 10 /LLymphocytes:0. 25-0. 35Segmenters: 0. 50-0. 65Eosinophil: 0. 01-0. 06| 5. 480. 481598. 20. 250. 580. 07| Increased segmenters (mature neutrophils) reflect a bacterial infection since this are the body’s first line of defense against acute bacterial invasion. Lymphocytes are decreased during early acute bacterial infection and only increase late in bacterial infections but continue to function during the chronic phase. | I I. DRUG STUDYName of the drug | Classification | Dosage/ Frequency | Route | Mechanism of Action | Indication | Nursing Responsibilities | Generic name:Duavent ( ipratropium salbutamol) Brand name:DuaNeb | Salbutamol Sulfate| Nebule q 1 hour| Oral nebulization | The combination of ipratropium and albuterol is used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. | Management of reversible bronchospasms associated with obstructive airway diseases, bronchial asthma| Take care to ensure that the nebulizer mask fits the user's face properly and that nebulized solution does not escape into the eyes. * Evaluate therapeutic response. |