Hoe does the concept of Europeanisation seek to explain policy Essay

Hoe does the concept of Europeanisation seek to explain policy adaptation in EU member staes - Essay Example However, the European Union is not just a ‘consortium’ of countries that discuss in common on certain issues. It is mainly a political, financial and social co-operation1 which provides its members with a series of rights but also of obligations which guarantee their financial and political strength but also the Union’s existence and operation. Current paper examines the phenomenon of Europeanisation as can observed in general but particularly in Britain, Germany2 and France (three of the most important and powerful members of EU). The particular policies of these countries regarding the application of EU’s rules in their internal environment are also examined in order to formulate an integrate result of the national policies of the above states compared to the strategies required by the European Union in order for its policies to be successfully applied in all member states. The definition of europeanisation presents a lot of differences in the literature. This fact can be explained by the existence of significant theoretical differentiations between the scientific researchers that have worked on this area. In this context, according to Massimiliano (2000), the process of europeanisation has been explained by the political scientists at least in four different ways: a) As a process of centre-building, of state-building, which implies a centralisation of powers and functions at supranational level (Haas 1958) or anyway a â€Å"political institutionalisation at European level† (Caporaso, Jupille 1998), b) As a process which serves for the already existing national states to co-ordinate policies (Hoffmann 1966; Moravcisik 1998), c) as a process which adds a new level of decision making without deleting the old ones, but contributing to a re-definition of the relations between different level of decision and between different kinds of actors (Sharpfà ¢â‚¬â„¢s â€Å"multilevel polity†, 1994), or d) as a process of domestic changing in

Case5.1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case5.1 - Essay Example 1. What’s your opinion regarding forced ranking performance appraisals? Forced ranking, generally defined as a curve that leadership creates by assigning credit with â€Å"certain proportions of the production to proportions of a producing population† (â€Å"Wikipedia†), would most likely be of great benefit to a floundering company. After one or two years of culling the very bottom (i.e. least productive) employees from the pack, the company ought to see substantial improvement in productivity and efficacy. Such a move, if conducted properly, should certainly be enough to set the company right and enable its continued existence. However, forced ranking is not advisable as a long-term solution. Quite simply, this is because once you have sifted all of the chaff from the wheat, all you’re left with is wheat. That is to say, if you cull effectively, eventually all you’re left with is the good stuff. By continuing to dismiss employees based on forced r anking, eventually the company would be eliminating effective, productive employees, because that would be all that was left.

Impact of Bullying and Cyber Bullying on Adolescents

Impact of Bullying and Cyber Bullying on Adolescents Introduction It has been long believed that bulling is a part of growing up and since they are only children, they do not know that they are possibly causing harm. This is not the case, bullies act with the sole intent to inflict mental and or physical harm to their chosen victim for their own personal gratification. Bulling and Cyber Bulling are becoming major issues in our society and the problem is ever increasing. Since rapid advancement of personal communication devices especially smart phone and applications that use social media, it has become simpler for bullies at access their victims twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This occurs covertly, no one is the wiser unless the intended victim speaks up, this rarely occurs. How do we are educators help address the issue of bulling, harassment and cyber bulling, so it does not have a negative effect on the students academic and social achievements. How do we as a society, stop this culture of abuse that is affecting a generation of teen agers. It is the duty of educators to support students who are being targeted and to help them to discover the tools on how to survive, this dark side of growing up in todays society The Digital Society In society, technology is paving the way we communicate with the world around us. The number of people joining and participating in social media is growing on a daily basis. We have adopted this technology into ever facete of our lives, from work, to school, to the home. Adolescents today are growing up in this ever-changing digital world, but are we as their guides, giving them the tools to survive in it. According to Federal Justice Department in the United States of America each month one out of four children will be targeted for abuse by their peers, either in the playground or via Personal communication devices. What is bulling, how can we recognise it? Types of Bulling The definition of bulling can be quite broad, the NSW education department as the repeated physical, social, verbal, and psychological abuse defines it. It involves the constant abuse of power by a group or an individual by one or more people. Physical Bulling includes hitting, kicking, tripping, pinching, pushing, anything that affects the victims body, this does include sexual abuse or the destruction of a persons property. Verbal Bulling is name-calling, insults, teasing, and intimidation, homophobic, sexist, and racist remarks. Other styles of bulling is covert bulling, it is harder to recognise and can be carried out behind the victims back. It is intended to destroy someones social standing or to cause humiliation. It includes lying about the person, spreading rumours, negative facial or physical gestures, menacing or contemptuous looks, playing nasty jokes to embarrass and humiliate, mimicking, encouraging other to socially other to socially exclude someone. Cyber Bulling is a perfect example of covert bullying tactics. This type of bulling takes it to a completely new level of cruelty by using digital technologies. By using mobile phones to harass their victim, setting up defamatory websites or facebook pages, spreading rumours via social media sites such as facebook, myspace, instagram, snapchat. Previous generations of teenagers who have been the victims of bulling were able to seek refuge from the daily torture at home, now thank to mobile phones and social media the bullies have destroyed this refuge and get access to their victim anytime they want. Bulling can be a public incident or private, and in some cases only known to the parties involved. So if it is only known to the people involved, how do educators combat it? Glamorization Bullying in schools is an often-glamorized in Hollywood movies depicted in high school teen comedies, for example Mean Girls, a movie about social acceptance, isolation and gaining a self worth from the pain of others. What they do not show are the effects of bullying on their intended victim. Bulling is not a mutual disagreement or an isolated incident of social rejection or nastiness. It is not a random act of aggression or intimidation. The oxford dictionary definition of harassment is the unwanted or warranted conduct on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, which has the purpose or effect of either violating the claimants dignity, of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. This is when it can get confusion as all bulling is harassment, but not all harassment is bulling. So how do adolescents tell the difference? Target Acquired The bullies target students who are not part of an established social group at school, such as new students or those who suffer from health or learning disabilities as well as students who have trouble fitting in socially, as well as jealously. For bulling to occur there needs to be a power difference between the two parties; unfair fights where the person who bullies has an advantage or power over the person who is being victimized. Bullying is not the same as a disagreement, it is about the abuse of power. The effects of bulling can be short term and long term effects for the victims. Although severe long term effects can be avoided by someone intervening as soon as possible. The intervening party does not have to be a parent, teacher or adult in a position of authority, it is more effective in eradication of bulling, if one of the victims classmates steps in to stop it. Why did we as a society, think that this behaviour was harmless? Long and Short Term Effects The effects of bulling can be quite broad, they can range from falling grades, depression, anxiety; an increased sense of loneliness, sadness, isolation, there can be changes in sleep and eating patterns. Activities that the victim once enjoyed, suddenly they do not what to be involved. Sadly, these issues do not rectify themselves and can continue into the adolescents, life after school. The long term effects can include a higher risk of depression and issues with a low self-esteem later in life, there is links that teenagers that bullied in their teens are more likely to have problems with drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. In some extreme cases, bullied teenagers have attempted and succeeded in ending their lives, to end their suffering. As this issue continues to grow, schools have been trying to implement a Zero tolerance policy on all types of bulling. School needs to be a safe place for all students, as a safe place gives students the ability and the confidence to learn. Bulling and cyber bulling can turn the classroom environment from a place of knowledge to a living nightmare, which students end up dreading. Bulling is the cause of up to 15% of all school absenteeism. It does not only affect a victims attendance, but it can also affect their ability to focus and participate in the classroom. There is also a high probability of the victim dropping out of school, so they do not need to confront their bully any longer. The victims ability to focus is continually compromised; they worry about what the bully will do next, where the bully will be during the lunch break. The Digital World The internet and social media use have grown in the past ten years. Adolescents have access to the internet and personal communication devices in their bedrooms away from parental supervision. In previous years, the only way adolescents had to communicate with the outside world from their home was the telephone in a communal area and a desktop computer again in a communal area. Parents were able to monitor everything that was being said or sent to their teenager. Social networking websites have become increasingly popular among teenagers, as a place where they can meet friends and new people, communicate and exchange information. The type of relationships for teenagers have evolved to a level that has never been experienced on this scale. Social media is the main contributor of this change. Adolescents have the facilities to communicate with people, young and old from all over the globe. For the first time in our history, geographical barriers are no longer a issue for communication. No longer waiting on the postman for letters, worried about different time zones to make a phone call, adolescents have instant results with the use of social media. There has been a positive outcome due to Social media; teenagers who are active on social media sites are more social and well adjusted than their not connected peers. This technology are tools for todays adolescents, it develops social bonds, their identities, and an ability to communicate with others including teachers, classmates, absent parents. â€Å"Teens who spend their time on social networking sites are actually the healthiest psychologically according to new accumulating evidence from a report from Psychological Science. (N. Murashev, May 2011) Even so, the destruction these devices are used for, negates any positive attributes. Social Networking Social networking has created new ways to communicate, share information and meet new people. Even with all the positive possibilities associated with social networking. Like with everything, there are risks that are associated with the use or misuse of this technology. It stay safe online teenagers need to know the risks and how to protect themselves online, from bullies and predators. People are able to be anonymous, anominity gives people a sense of freedom, they can be whoever they want to be, freedom to say and do without any consequences. Bullies are able to use the personal information posted online to gain an insight in how to torture them. Cyber Bulling is a methodical, planned method of violence and torture, affect teenagers. As mentioned earlier, it has the potential to lead to anxiety, depression, self harm, and even suicide. The Cyber Bullies use social media, text messages and email to harass their victim. The bullies tactics are to send mean messages, start disparaging rumours, posting hurtful comments and unflattering pictures, altering images to depict the victim, these can be through social media sites, emails and text messages, these can be done by direct contact or public comments or private messages to others about the victim. According to Cyber bulling statistics: Over half of adolescents and teenagers have been subjected to online bullying, the same amounts of adolescents have engaged in cyber bulling. More than half of young people do not tell their parents or teacher that they have experienced cyber bulling. The best way to stop cyber bulling is to educate adolescents about the consequences of cyber bulling and what they need to do to stop it occurring if they are ever bullied. Bullies like to act covertly, it is where they gain their power, by opening up communication channels, and bullies can no longer hide in the shadows of the online world or the playgrounds. Unfortunately, most adolescents do not feel comfortable talking to parents and teachers about their experiences of being bullied. However, why does it stop, victims of bullying telling their true friends. Why are their friends staying silent as well? We drill into young children when in early primary school, not to tattle tale. Have we made a rod for our own backs, by teaching this? We should be drilling into them, which if someone is hurting you or your friends tell your teacher, tell the world. If you bring light onto the subject, bullies can no longer hide in the shadows or behind a computer screen. Consequences or lack of Bulling is going to be a continuing issue within the education system. The law cannot keep up with this every changing cyber world. Even though it is starting to catch up to the technology, there are now serious consequences if caught cyber bullying. Depending on what was done during the bulling, consequences can range from punishments at the school level to criminal charges. It is the repetitive nature of bulling that is the cause of the anxiety to the victims, the anticipation of bulling becomes as problematic as the actual bulling. The consequences of bulling were once name calling and possible push and shove in the playground. In recent years, the consequences of schoolyard bulling have taken a more serious turn; more and more frequently, bullied students are turning to violence. Bullies adolescents feeling that there is no other option, retaliate in a deadly manner, attacking their persecutors and any other students and teachers. These tragedies have caused more awareness and fe ar among, parents, other Adolescents, educators, as well as the Police Force about the effects of bulling. The response of the education system and law enforcement has not been fast or strong enough for the families of bullying victims who had felt they had no other choice, than to end their lives to end the torture. Conclusion There is no quick fix, to this epidemic, if at all. Educators and parents can only protect the victims, if they speak up. There is no way to eradicate bullying from our society; it is engrained within Australian society. However, as educators we can try to bring it out from the shadows. Name and shame bullies, have it part of their permanent record, most bullies will continue the behaviour into adulthood, especially if they got away with in as a teenager. Bulling is no longer contained to the schoolyard, bus, or train, it enters our homes, and it destroys lives, families, futures, and communities. Victims feel isolated, unsupported; it is one the main reason why dropout rates are high. Bulling is causing a generation of young people to have low self-esteem, depression issues not only while the abuse is occurring but into their adult life. Teenagers who are bullied are more likely to develop future academic problems and psychological difficulties. School should offer support groups fo r the ones being bullied on and the ones doing the bullying. There should be harsher penalties, as these adolescents know what they are doing and know that their choice to bully with hurt someone. No one should have to feel like the only way to deal with a situation is to harm themselves of others. Bulling is doing them more harm than good. They need to know that there are different ways to handle a situation like talking about it with friends, families, and teachers. We must step up and help others know how to deal with this issue. There is no reason to let anyone friend or stranger get picked on. We need to provide an inclusive environment for adolescents to stand up and prevent bullying in their micro chasm of a community. It will spread to the wider community. Lets turn on a light. References Attorney General Martha Coakley, http://.mas.gov Eagle Triune, (16 January, 2011) http:// www.eagletribune.com Ralph, L, Berglas, N, Schwarts, S.., and Brinidis, C (2011) Finding Teens in TheirSpace: Social Networking Sites to Connect youth to Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 8(1). 38-49 From Research library Molly O’Toole (2011 September 2) Social Media use linked to smoking, alcohol. Times Colonist, p.6. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstand. Natasha Murashev, Social Times, (May 2010) http://www.socialtimes.com Science Daily (February 10, 2010) http://www.sciencedaily.com Bullying Statistics, http://www.bullingstatics.org Family Safety, http://www.microsoft.com http://ncab.org.au/fourkindsofbullying/ 24/8/12 http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/effects/index.html#suicide 24/8/12 http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/00117/bullyingconsequences.html 24/8/12 http://www.cyberbullying.info/ http://au.reachout.com/Factsheets/C/Cyberbullying http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Kids/Tips to stay safe and cybersmart/Cyberbullying.aspx http://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/ http://www.bullying.com.au/ http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/factsheets-and-info/fact-sheet-20-bullying/ http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/effects/index.html http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/201103/201103carrgregg.pdf

Raves :: essays research papers

Raves Imagine you are in your room and it’s about 1:00 in the morning. It’s pitch black outside and you’ve been lost for hours. There’s nothing good on the radio. You’re dying of thirst and you’re drenched with sweat. You’re just about to turn around and open your window for some fresh air and you hear it. The bass is in sync with your heartbeat and the lights are flashing everywhere. So you follow this music and you arrive at your destination: A rave. It is the vibe that is so commonly talked about within this culture. The dictionary defines "Rave" as: to utter in madness or frenzy; to say wildly; to rave nonsense, which makes you wonder why raves were ever called raves to begin with. Raves consist of about 300-6,000 kids aged to about 17-25. A big empty wear house, lights, a fog machine and a DJ. Every single rave has 1 type of music: techno with a lot of base. It's electronically created with a very fast-pace. Techno music has its origins in gay dance clubs. Hip-hop also has had a big impact on techno music. Rave dancing ranges from being highly choreographed and stylistic all the way to thrusting your body back and forth. Ravers say they lose themselves to the beat and become one with the music by letting the music control their movements. Someone once said: Techno was made not only to be played, but to be listened to loud†¦we are called not to listen, but to feel. How do you know when the rave is and where? Well flyers are put up. A flyer isn’t going to straight out say â€Å"RAVE!† you have to look for the secret messages only Ravers know. They do this to avoid the mainstream. A rave poster can be spotted by noticing that within the words that are on the poster, every E, X, and K, are capitalized. There are certain colors that the flyers will have on them. A lot of times there will be a cartoon character on it, or smiley faces and aliens. Now, I could do a whole paper on fashion. There are four classes of people grouped by what they wear not how much money you have or what kind of car you drive. The most common class is the â€Å"Candy Ravers† they are always female and have short hair that’s usually in barrettes or pigtails.

Human Resources Essay

Employees are always considered an asset to the organization. However organizations can never estimate what amount of this asset is required. Usually the number of employees is either higher than wanted or lower than wanted. Thus to cope up with either surpluses or shortages organizations have a number of methods that are as follows: To manage shortage of employees The first and foremost method to slash shortages is recruiting more permanent employees. This increases the number of workforce as required by the organization. However increasing new employees increases costs for the organization as well. Another method to overcome shortages is to retain employees within the organization who are retiring and offer them added incentives on a late retirement. Similarly another approach to lower down costs and still come over shortages can be to hire retired individuals again on a part time basis. This helps the organization to meet the shortage requirement in an efficient manner as no training is required and also the part time wages are low. Another approach can be to reduce turnovers by providing benefits such as premium pay etc. This is an effective way to retain old employees but can elicit a bidding war which the organization might not be able to control for a long time (Caruth, 1997). Over time and subcontracting is also a good way to deal with shortages. Sub contracting is an expensive procedure but obviously for a short time the company could afford to contract employees. Temporary hiring is also an option and is somewhat similar to sub contracting. Redesigning the job processes so that lesser employees are required is also a way to deal with shortages. This method though requires training so that employees adapt to the new job design and are comfortable with it and doesn’t result in heavier workloads and lowering down the talent level. To Manage Surplus of employees Surpluses are easier to manage then shortages. Stopping the hiring process, no replacements of those who leave, layoffs, offering early retirements etc are one of the most commonly used downsizing techniques (Mathis, 2004). Downsizing activities however have a negative effect on existing employee’s motivation and thus are usually avoided by most organizations. By introducing the shift system, number of hours worked can be reduced and efficiency of employees can be increased. Similarly, outsourcing or temporary employees shouldn’t be hired as there is already a surplus. To lower down costs, the company can either cut down pays across the board or switch to a variable pay plan (number of hours worked multiplied by per hour rate). In either way those with a lower pay or those who work lesser hours will prefer finding a new job that pays them more. Training is also a good way to deal with surpluses. Train half of the employees at a given time and let the other half work then train the later half and let the first half work. Though this is also something expensive and in the long run of no benefit to the organization. Voluntary severance is also another way in which you ask employees to volunteer if they want to leave the organization. Another way to utilize abundance of employees is by expanding operations. Though a firm cannot expand operations overnight nor it can expand them just to accommodate extra employees when there is no need of an expansion. Job Description My current job is as a sales and marketing executive at a technology corporation. I report directly to my sales and marketing director. The basic purpose of my job is to plan and carry out product activation and brand awareness activities in order to increase and sustain sales of my company. The core responsibilities of the job include developing and maintaining a database of customers and potential customers, to plan and carry out sales activities, develop new ideas, keep a track of sales performances, provide management with relevant information, frequently research on the market, the competitors and the customers in order to cope up with the changing needs, make connections with clients for business and organizational development, conduct training sessions to pass on my learning, skills and knowledge to my juniors. Apart from these I have to readily keep my colleagues up to date with all relevant information so that the department is on the same page in meetings or conferences. Communication is one of the foremost things in my job and I have to take care that relevant information reaches the pertaining individual on time. Redesigning the job description In order to redesign my job description following the exhibit I think the first thing that should be focused upon is that the job shouldn’t be monotonous as it is in the above mentioned case. The duties should vary from hard to difficult and from usual to unusual. Skill variety should be a basic part of it. This will lead to an increase of interest towards the job and thus will increase my motivation. My performance will also be definitely improved as I will be learning something different every time and this will be adding to my experience and skills. This will also alleviate the redundancy in my job to some extent (Tanke, 2000). One thing that I feel is lacking in my job is the power of making decisions on my own. As already mentioned I report to my director. At times he is not in the field and he does not have the true picture. In such cases a delay in decision making can be costly for the organization. Thus sales executives should be given the autonomy to at times make decision on their own which can benefit the company. Obviously everyone knows that wrong decision will result in losing the job. So every employee will definitely think for the best of the organization before taking any actions. Employee empowerment results in increasing employee confidence and provides them with new experiences particular to dealing with responsibilities. In turn, employees are satisfied with their jobs, feel a relationship with the organization and get a morale boost. One way to make an employee feel important is to provide feed back. Feedback tells the employee if their work is appreciated or not and in what areas they need to improve. If my director gets feed back from a client on any activity that I planned then it should be known to me as well. Apart from this there should be a little more flexibility in the management attitude so that they also understand that every employee has different needs (Tanke, 2000). Like my job could be more exciting if the management does not keep me sitting in the office just to fill in the hours an employee has to be on his seat. It would be beneficial for both if I am out in the field and monitoring and assisting in the sales activities. All these steps will definitely improve performance, motivation and satisfaction.

Scrutinizing Adultery in the East Asian milieu through East Asian films

The ThinkExist dictionary states that adultery means immorality or unchastity of thinking as well as demeanour, as outlawed by the seventh commandment. It is the â€Å"unfaithfulness of a married person to the marriage bed; sexual intercourse by a married man with another other than his wife, or voluntary sexual intercourse by a married woman with another other than her husband†.It is regrettable that adultery is becoming extensive and out of control in the society of today. The fact that adultery is becoming widespread is perhaps due to the moral disposition of a particular country and its inhabitants or lack of appropriate implementation of the laws on adultery of a certain country.Astoundingly, adultery can be investigated in diverse contexts depending on the mores or background surrounding which adultery has been looked into. This write-up seeks to explore the concept of adultery in the East Asian context or perception by way of East Asian films or other creative or litera ry works for that matter.In the article Adultery and Bigamy in China, Jeffrey Hays describes how adultery is being depicted in the book â€Å"Bound Feet and Western Dress† by Pang-Mei Natasha Chang. Hays pointed out that the Chinese author Pang-Mei Natasha Chang tells the story of her great aunt Yu-I through this book.The book starts with the childhood days of Yu-I, her arranged marriage to Hsu Chih-Mo (her husband who was unfaithful to her), their divorce and the profession she later had. In this book, the author Pang-Mei Natasha Chang is told by her great aunt Yu-I, â€Å"You always ask me if I loved Hsu Chih-Mo, and you know I cannot answer this. It confuses me, this question, because everyone always tells me that I did so much for Hsu Chih-Mo, I must have loved him.In my entire life, I have never said to anyone, ‘I love you.' If caring for Hsu Chih-Mo and his family was love, then maybe I loved him†. Without a doubt, the book â€Å"Bound Feet and Western Dre ss† enlightens readers of the story of the earliest contemporary adultery in China.The adultery committed by Hsu Chih-Mo, the husband of Yu-I, in the narrative was stimulated by the actuality that the characters in the story were involved in an arranged marriage which is common in China.Arranged marriages can fuel or can cause adulterous acts to be perpetrated by either the husband or the wife with another woman or man correspondingly because of the fact that these types of marriages brings into the marital union two persons who are completely strangers to each other.These strangers are compelled to treat each other as husband and wife without being given the opportunity to know each other well. Hence, it becomes inevitable for any of the spouses to seek extramarital affection through illicit affairs with someone other than their spouses the moment they discovered that they are not really in love with the person they have married.Jeffrey Hays in the article Adultery and Bigamy in China laments that â€Å"simplified marriage procedures have led to a rise in bigamy†. In the past, according to Hays, it was ordinary for rich Chinese men to marry three or four women simultaneously. The wives had diverse responsibilities. They regularly had shared duties in the rearing and raising of their different children.The Chinese authorities plan to make public the nationwide marriage registry online so that wives can investigate their spouses and be convinced that they are not married to other women. The scheme has been initiated in order to eradicate bigamy and other adulterous conduct especially among Chinese men.The Chinese movie â€Å"In the Mood for Love† is another artistic work that depicts adultery in East Asian perspective. The director of the film is Wong Kar Wai. TKL, the assessor of the movie, states that regardless of all the hitches that occurred while the movie was being filmed, it turned out to be one of the best works of Wong Kar Wai.The film, according to TKL, is a soppy work of art that tells the story of a â€Å"couple in love and of lost opportunities†. The central characters in the movie, namely Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) are both married to their respective spouses.They, however, got acquainted with each other and soon traded glimpses and lovely salutations towards each other. An extramarital affair soon began between the two characters after they have determined that their respective spouses were having an illicit affair.TKL continues his movie review by stating that Mrs. Chan and Mr. Chow initially wanted to map out how the illicit affair of their respective spouses began â€Å"until they unknowingly fell in love with each other too†.Mrs. Chan turned down the idea of fostering their extramarital relationship on account of her guilt feelings and on account of the fact that she did not want to be unfaithful like her husband and the wife of Mr. Chow. The film is clouded with romantic pass ions and unexpressed emotions.TKL declares that there was absence of societal restriction and there was no genuine disapproval for adultery. â€Å"The movie carries such pessimistic views†, TKL continues. â€Å"There is no positive message about fighting for love, or overcoming obstacles for love or even that love conquers all†.The movie mainly depicts the lives of those people who are not daring when it comes to love and prefer not to take the risks and spend the rest of their lives in disappointment and misery as a result. It shows how chances that once were lost could be lost perpetually.This Chinese motion picture suggests a familiar view that happiness can be obtained through a prohibited relationship with another person and such bliss can be forever unachievable if one were to select the rightful path. The rightful path is the path that invites one to forget one’s feelings towards someone who is not his or her spouse and evade extramarital relationship.Sou th Korea is one more country besides China which is situated in East Asia. South Korean dramas or motion pictures have achieved prominence and intense popularity in the past years. South Korean actors and actresses themselves have achieved tremendous recognition not only in South Korea but also in other states particularly in Asia and in the countries in the West.Cedric Collemine, in his article Adultery is Secret of Dramas’ Success, proclaims that when unfaithfulness is the main account of a new motion picture or a drama series in South Korea, spectators criticize and state that they have enough of the theme. Nevertheless, it was determined that these same spectators continue to be fastened to their television screens.Spectators pass judgment on stories about adulterous affairs but they still get pleasure from watching them. â€Å"And the more infidelity a show has, the higher its TV ratings are†. Collemine continues his scrutiny by relating that SBS will show a fresh drama series entitled â€Å"The Other Woman† and to separate this drama series from the other drama series, it will illustrate several unsafe extramarital relationships.To demonstrate uniqueness, Collemine states that the conception of the drama â€Å"The Other Woman† is â€Å"double infidelity†. A lady in the drama suffers extreme heartaches because of the illicit affairs committed by her spouse, but then she herself is committing adultery.It is important to mention that the plot that one person suffered pain due to the adulterous relationship of his or her spouse and then later finds himself or herself to fall into another traitorous relationship is parallel to the movie ‘April Snow’, starring Bae Yong-joon and Son Ye-jin.â€Å"My Rosy Life† is another South Korean drama series that is featured in the article Adultery is Secret of Dramas’ Success by Cedric Collemine. The story of â€Å"My Rosy Life† starts with a woman who â €Å"looks back into her own life after her marriage is in shambles after her husband committed adultery†. Jee-su, the central character in the narrative, is a staunch housewife for a decade.Her other half, Jae-min suddenly makes a shocking announcement. The shocking announcement is that Jae-min, her husband, is in love with another woman. He demands a divorce from his wife whom he has been married for thirteen years in order to live with another woman whom he has been having an affair for only two months.Jae-min tries every means in order to get a divorce from Jee-su his wife while Jee-su tries everything to alter the decision of her husband. The divorce came and after which, Jae-min asks his mistress to tie the knot with him but his mistress declines. For the time being, Jee-su lives alone and runs a business when she gets acquainted with a cable TV producer named Do-yeon whom she has fallen in love with.Ironically, the wife of Do-yeon is the mistress of her husband Jae-min. â€Å"Jee-su, who was a victim to the infidelity of her husband, now becomes the afflicter, and the four people get entangled in complicated love relationships†. This narrative, according to the producers, will offer an occasion for fully grown people to bring to mind their lives after marriage.Nevertheless, in contrast to â€Å"My Rosy Life†, which culminates with remorse and a recuperated marriage, â€Å"The Other Woman† inflames the audience with a lot of complex adulterous love affairs. It is safe to proclaim that up to date motion pictures and dramas have had triumph with traitorous themes.Surprisingly, however, in contrast to the triumph that these South Korean dramas and films with adulterous content experience, adulterous relationships perpetrated in actuality are dealt with seriously by the South Korean government. In connection with this, Jack Kim in his write-up, Jail for Adultery Law Upheld, asserts that the highest court of South Korea has upheld a n adultery law that is decades-old.The said adultery law can imprison guilty persons due to the commission of illicit or adulterous love affairs. Some people, however, say that such fact pertaining to imprisonment due to defiance of the adultery law is â€Å"anachronistic and infringes on personal freedom†. According to Jack Kim in his write-up, the court declares that the lawful observation of the general public that â€Å"adultery is damaging to the social order and infringes on the rights of another continues to be effective†.The legal battle began when the lawyers for actress Ok Bo-kyung made an appeal in January of 2008 in connection to the chaotic divorce arrangements that Ok Bo-kyung and her husband had entered into. Ok Bo-kyung disclosed that she indeed had an extramarital affair; nevertheless she accused her husband as an inadequate spouse.â€Å"The adultery law †¦ has degenerated into a means of revenge by the spouse, rather than a means of saving a mar riage,† the petition of Ok Bo-kyung had said. The adultery law was passed by the South Korean government in 1953 for the purpose of protecting women. Kim further disclosed that â€Å"in this male-dominated society, women had little recourse against a husband who had an affair.Back then, if a wife walked out of a marriage, she would often end up alone and penniless†. Currently, it is infrequent for unfaithful spouses to be imprisoned but such fact has not prevented lots of furious spouses from initiating criminal complaints every year. Indeed, it is clear by scrutinizing the circumstances at hand, that the adultery law of South Korea has a very righteous and noble objective which is that of safeguarding the marital rights of women and deferring unfaithful husbands from committing adultery.It is also obvious however, that although the law has been utilized towards that end, it has also been utilized towards other aims such as seeking retribution and justice.The diverse Ea st Asian films and other creative efforts that were dealt with that contained betrayal and adulterous subject matters can be utilized to explore how these films and artistic works reflect the viewpoint of a particular country on adultery and more importantly the character of the people in a particular country.To start with, it is relevant to point out the piece of writing entitled, Film View; What’s Adultery? A Little Sex, A Lot of Politics which is written by Caryn James. James, in her writing states that it is significant to examine what several film makers are doing for adultery at present. No less than eight movies from seven nations have provided a notion of betrayal around the globe in the past days.James pointed out that it is a clearly identifiable indication of a tumultuous â€Å"social era†. The film â€Å"Ju Duo† which is set in China in the 1920’s has a familiar storyline which is that of an arranged marriage between an adolescent girl and an elder man.The arranged marriage directs the adolescent woman to commit infidelity which unfortunately leads to murder. The Japanese film â€Å"The Sting of Death† on the other hand, illustrates a woman who realizes the adultery committed by her husband and goes crazy. James, in his writing cleverly pronounces that films like â€Å"Ju Duo†, â€Å"The Sting of Death† as well as the manuscript entitled, â€Å"Bound Feet and Western Dress† bring to the fore conjugal faithlessness to an imaginative and creative aspiration.James said that â€Å"in all these films, adultery is more than a matter of love or passion†. These films use the account of the marriage and adultery of a person to unveil societal insincerity in order to examine and condemn â€Å"one of the most crucial standards by which any culture lives†.â€Å"Most often, infidelity becomes a symbolic act of rebellion against the traditional social order†. Simply put, the diverse Eas t Asian movies particularly those in China that has adultery as their main theme are utilized by filmmakers in order to demonstrate their condemnation and disapproval of the existence of arranged marriages as part of the culture and common practices in China.Their disapproval on arranged marriages is being manifested in a subtle and imaginative fashion.Every East Asia film on adultery has been dealt with in a manner attributable to the â€Å"cinematic style† of each country in order to portray exceptionality and to present an informative â€Å"cross-cultural view†. In movies such as â€Å"Ju Dou†, adulterous conduct is unequivocally illustrated as a brave opposition against obsolete and old-fashioned practices. James said that these movies enlighten viewers of zeal and aggression, but they are more concerned with societal commentary.In the film â€Å"Ju Dou†, every ensuing behaviour of the main character named Ju Dou rebels the common practices of China t hat fastens her to an abusive spouse. â€Å"The affair and illegitimate son she has with Tian Qing are both symbolic and personal†. The abusive husband, so despicable that he attempts to kill the child, symbolizes the wicked traditions (and in addition the Chinese government dominion) that have held China back.When the wicked husband dies, a family leader calls upon the prehistoric ideas and evicts Tian Qing. â€Å"Challenging such rigid social patterns is both heroic and tragic and in this context, the persistent love between Ju Dou and Tian Qing is as much a failed social rebellion as it is a private passion†. James further said that in films such as â€Å"Ju Dou, the movie producer feels sorry for seditious lovers, whose ardent opposition to tradition bears figurative credence.The other personalities in the movie who contest the arranged marriage and the penalty for adultery are likewise tough characters. Nevertheless, the insurgence falls short, leading to a berea vement that functions as a powerful condemnation of obsolete common practices for its own sake. The film â€Å"The Sting of Death†, on the other end, is much more unequivocal in its utilization of adulterous theme as a ‘social metaphor’.â€Å"The film uses the medium of the relationship of a husband and wife to graphically depict the character of the Japanese people in the post war era†.The wife in this story married a soldier about to be sent to battle. This movie does not portray an arranged marriage but it is one that is â€Å"coloured by the exigencies of war and nationalism† and â€Å"when she discovers his infidelity after ten years of marriage and two children, the screen overflows with his guilt, her obsessive recriminations and mutual threats of suicide†.Certainly, the various East Asia movies and creative works that were scrutinized in this composition reflect the objective of the movie producers in creating such films with adultero us subject matters. These movie producers want to make a virulent statement towards the government of the country where they inhabit.These movie makers used artistic mechanisms to display their condemnation of a certain rigid societal pattern or to display their abhorrence or adoration to adultery itself and finally to demonstrate their deliberation on the quality of the people in a particular country specially those countries wherein which adulterous relationship is rampant. Works CitedCollemine, Cedric. â€Å"Adultery is Secret of Dramas’ Success†. December 2, 2005. .Hays, Jeffrey. â€Å"Adultery and Bigamy in China†. April 2010. .James, Caryn. â€Å"Film View; What’s Adultery? A Little Sex, A Lot of Politics†. October 14, 1990. .Kim, Jack. â€Å"Jail for Adultery Law Upheld†. October 30, 2008. .ThinkExist, â€Å"Meaning of Adultery†. 2010. TKL, â€Å"In the Mood for Love†. 2008. < http://www.spcnet.tv/Movies/In-the-Mood-for-Love-review-r444.html>.

The Formula for the Combined Gas Law

The Formula for the Combined Gas Law The combined gas law ties together Boyles law, Charles law, and Gay-Lussacs law. Basically, it states that as long as the amount of gas doesnt change, the ratio between the pressure-volume and temperature of a system is a constant. There is no discoverer of the law as it simply puts together concepts from other cases of the ideal gas law. The Combined Gas Law Formula The combined gas law examines the behavior of a constant amount of gas when pressure, volume and/or temperature is allowed to change. The simplest mathematical formula for the combined gas law is: k PV/T In words,  the product of pressure multiplied by volume and divided by temperature is a constant. However, the law is usually used to compare before/after conditions. The combined gas law is expressed as: PiVi/Ti PfVf/Tf where: Pi initial pressureVi initial volumeTi initial absolute temperaturePf final pressureVf final volumeTf final absolute temperature It is extremely important to remember that the temperatures are absolute temperatures measured in Kelvin, NOT  °C or  °F. It is also important to keep your units constant. Do not use pounds per square inch for pressures initially to find Pascals in the final solution. Uses of the Combined Gas Law The combined gas law has practical applications in situations where pressure, volume, or temperature can change. It is used in engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and meteorology. For example, it can be used to predict cloud formation and the behavior of refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigerators.

Secret of Greatness Essay Essays

Secret of Greatness Essay Essays Secret of Greatness Essay Paper Secret of Greatness Essay Paper Hard Work and Opportunity Gets You Further Than Natural Talent â€Å"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the gifted person from the successful 1 is a batch of difficult work. † ? Stephen King. Hard work and dedication is what will acquire you to the top. A individual can hold all the endowments in the universe but that can merely acquire you so far. If you do non hold the thrust. finding. and dedication to win in whatever you do you will non win or suppress it as you would if you had put in the difficult work to acquire better. Endowment is overrated and overreacted. It is something that you are born with non something you have really worked toward. The quotation mark by Stephen King explains a batch it tells us that non merely is talent cheap or something that is non worked for but it tells us that it is given and besides it tells us what separates a gifted person from success is difficult work which is something non given at all. Hard wo rk is something you have to desire for yourself and you have to travel after it with everything you have to win. Besides in the book â€Å"Outliers† it is said that working difficult and practising will acquire you further than sheer endowment and that if you pattern 10. 000 hours you will be first-class at your athletics or activity. The chief thing that I took from this was work ethic. because in order for you to be first-class at something or the best you have to hold a great work ethic which brings success. Take Tiger Forests for case. He was a born victor right? Ever since Tiger was three old ages of age he had a golf nine in his custodies. He had competed many times and made a great impact at the professional degree. But Tiger may hold neer got to the professional degree if he had non worked. Ever since being a kid to an grownup he had worked toward his profession reviewing his accomplishment doing himself the jock he is today. At a immature age besides Tigers male parent had instilled Tiger with a great trade of subject which Tiger had carried with him as he worked toward his profession and devoted hours and hours into difficult work in dedication. Through his usage of subject and difficult work he had to refashion his swing twice but he knew in order to be the best he would hold to make so. A individual that works difficult is respected and looked up to because of the clip he or she devotes to be the best. A individual that takes endowment for granted and does non work hard is looked down upon. Endowment is som ething that people are born with but if you do non take the chance to acquire better so you will non be the best. Opportunity is such a large word because it gives you the opportunity to win or be the best when we talk about difficult work increasing your endowment. Michael Jordan which is one of the best hoops participants to of all time populate. but he may hold neer been the best participant to of all time populate if it was non for chance and difficult work. Michael Jordan was placed on the junior-varsity squad at Laney High school in Wilmington N. C from the deceit of his former manager Clifton â€Å"pop† Herring. Coach Herring had made this determination because most of the upperclassmen were guaranteed at that place get downing places on the varsity squad. At the clip underclassmen barely had played but Coach herring had made an exclusion for Michael`s fellow teammate Leroy Smith who had stood 6`7 and had made the varsity squad. Even though Michael did non do the Varsity squad he continued to ball out on his Junior Varsity squad and do the best of it. However Over the summer he gre w four inches taller and had worked hard toward his end to do his high school hoops squad. His junior twelvemonth. Michael had an chance to do the squad and non to give up on his end and that’s precisely what he did. Because of Jordan`s chance to endeavor for his end to be the best. he had gone on to be known as one of the best participants to of all time step upon the tribunal. I understand that people may state. â€Å"Well if the endowment is at that place. why should I work? † And that in some athleticss it is sort of about endowment more than work. but what I am reasoning is that difficult work and dedication will acquire you further than natural endowment does. The result of a gifted single wining more than the hardworking person in non every bit great as a hardworking single succeeding over a natural Born talented athlete or gifted person of any sort. In life you have to work hard to be at the top. Many people who sit back and rely on their natural abilities tend to pay the monetary value because they neer had that thrust. finding. and work ethic. Many jocks are gifted in many ways and have tonss of endowment but they tend to lose sight of what is of import and that is the difficult work that you put in. Many of us are faced with many battles in our lives but in order to get the better of our battles we have to be prepared to work hard and travel after what we want. Thingss in lif e are non traveling to be given to you and people that use their natural ability and neer work hard be given to see many battles because they have no readying to suppress the undertaking at manus. Take Bill Gates for case a money doing machine who started out every bit merely an intelligent. ambitious. and determined child that had been known as the smartest child on campus. Bill Gates endowment was his wide spectrum of cognition. As a child he was enrolled in a private school for his outstanding attempts in the schoolroom. Bill so was introduced to computing machines and began to take a immense involvement in engineering. Since so Bill had lived on computing machines. working on them and passing many strenuous hours reviewing his accomplishment. He so was put in a programmer`s group. they found a new manner to use their computing machine accomplishment at the University of Washington. In the following twelvemonth. they got their first chance in Information Sciences Inc. in which they were selected as coders. They were allowed free computing machine clip for exchange to work on a piece of package that could be used to automatize company paysheets. Bill had spent twenty to thir ty hours a hebdomad on computing machines or more. This chance got Bill prepared and made him even more focussed on his end in life. Bill had a endowment but it all goes back to his work ethic. He invariably worked difficult and set up tonss of hours in order to now be one of the richest work forces in America and he still is working and endeavoring for even more money. We can all be like Michael Jordan or Bill Gates but we have to acknowledge the chances which are given and take full advantage of each and every chance and utilize each chance to endeavor for better. Believing that difficult work will acquire you farther so natural endowment. Remembering that by working difficult and seting forth one hundred per centum in whatever you do you will be prepared and ready for what’s in your manner in front. By fixing yourself you will non hold to pay the monetary value of neglecting because of traveling off of natural born endowment all along. Remember no 1 looks up to a individual that doesn’t work for what God has given them. people look up to 1s that strive to be the best by seting in the blood. perspiration. and cryings to win at their ends. Work CitedColvin. Geoffrey. â€Å"Secret of Greatness. † 19 10 2006: n. page Golliver. Ben. â€Å"High school manager: I neer cut Michael Jordan. † CNN. Sports. 10 January2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2013. . Gladwell. Malcolm. Outliers. the Story of Success. Little. Brown A ; Company

Analysis Of The Epic Of Gilgamesh Essay -- Epic of Gilgamesh, Epic p

Little did the world know before the mid-1800s that an expansive, detailed work of literature from the Third Dynasty of Ur was about to be discovered. Described as the world’s first great work of literature, The Epic of Gilgamesh is normally thought an applicable document to portray the first inklings of humanity. As history tells any careful reader, clearly this is not the case. The Epic of Gilgamesh and the characters within the epic poem are instead descriptive representations of a certain time period documented once for lore. This instance and the epic story brings forth many questions: what does it mean to be a god? A friend? Most importantly, what does it mean to be a man? I argue that the relationship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh defines masculinity to be a trait of willful action to control nature or those things considered â€Å"wild†. This is accomplished in the following ways. First, Gilgamesh’s taming of Enkidu is done very consciously, but w ith reflection later in the poem Gilgamesh tames his own harsh actions. Second, the physical monsters the two men face are vilified: both in their physical form and actions. The introduction of Enkidu is presented as a foil to Gilgamesh: a completely wild creature that can only match Gilgamesh for strength. In order to lessen the fear of that power being used for crude purposes, Gilgamesh enacts a civilizing campaign of Enkidu. The prostitute sent to seduce Enkidu is done with the intent that â€Å"the wild beasts that shared his life in the hills will reject him† (Gilgamesh 64). Though meaning the literal animals of the forest Enkidu originally lived with, this line may also serve a metaphorical purpose astation of the two working together could easily applied to the rest of society: the city had to otherize these supernatural beings in order to maintain their civilization and defend it from potential enemies. In the final analysis, masculinity is a specifically defined construct for the characters in The Epic of Gilgamesh. Masculinity, and masculine actions, are encompassed by taming whatever is considered to be â€Å"wild†. This is demonstrated with Gilgamesh’s physical taming of Enkidu and then his own personal introspective taming of actions. Additionally, non-human creatures are disparaged based on their appearance and actions. Though supernatural in style, this epic poem creates an important societal definition of what it means to be a man. For that time, the best men were the ones who happened to take actions to preserve the civilization: defense from the wild.

The Public Campaign No More Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Public Campaign No More - Case Study Example As the paper outlines, started in 2013, the NO MORE campaign started in recognition of the fact that although millions of people face domestic and sexual assault every day, little is done to create awareness about the issue. It remains hidden and is less of a concern to the public. A group of people from the domestic and sexual assault prevention came together and realized that when people unite and fight the problem, it could create more public awareness on the issue. The campaign’s blue â€Å"vanishing point† symbol originated from a phenomenon of zero domestic violence and sexual assault inspired by Christine Mau, a survivor of such assault. Organizations fighting against domestic and sexual assault had to come together and partner with the NO MORE to organize and make the campaign possible. The NO MORE PSA Campaign is headed by the Joyful Heart Foundation partnering with NO MORE and is directed by actress, Mariska Hargitay. The face of the campaign is a team of more than 50 celebrities and public heads who are at the forefront in creating awareness and asking the public not to standby, but engage in the campaign. Participants of the campaign mainly comprise of celebrities and other organizations that are at the forefront of fighting domestic violence and sexual assault on people. Other non-profit organizations that are dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault also have active participation in the NO MORE campaign. The NO MORE PSA campaign is a three-year public awareness campaign that is set to create public awareness in the importance of reducing domestic and sexual assault among families. The campaign is set to go across the US and other international markets. Among the tools to be used in creating the awareness include print, outdoor, online and other forms of broadcast advertising. The awareness will be made public in train stations, airports, and medical facilities.  

Technology in retailing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Technology in retailing - Essay Example Retailing can take many form depending on the individual concerned since he/ she may decide to take on a door-to-door delivery system where he/ she goes to the consumer even if they at times might not have ordered the same (Baker, Grewal & Levy, 2004). This at times influence impulse buying. Another form involves the use of a given permanent location that may be a shop, mall or even market place. In this second scenario the customer only buys when they themselves have gone to the said place. From the above small description of what retailing is we can proceed and take a keen look at the various models of retailing we have. The first model involves independent retailers who are basically ones who have built a given business from its inception to its current state. They are those who we call the entrepreneurs who see to it that a business grows from an idea they had, its early stages of growth until it is fully established (Emmitt, 2012). Independent retailers are very different from t he second group of retailers who only acquire an already existing business. These retailers either acquire the business through buying the said business or at times it through inheritance. We can see that these group does not have the difficulties of coming up with a plan and executing it to inception. Theirs is just to maintain and improve on an already existing business. In this group we can say in one way or another may entail franchise where there is a purchase of a franchise which is like buying the legal approval to use a brand name, or the concept and business plan of an existing business. The final model of retailing we look at is the technology based business which involves the use of technology in the acquisition, retaining and servicing of consumer needs. Thus due to a still competition from already existing models of retailing, technological retailing has to establish and follow given guidelines in order to stay among the top models. After all is said and done we have to take a look at the E-strategies used in retailing to one way or another ensure the success and practicality of the retailing business (Baker, Grewal & Levy, 2004). The first option involves offline shopping which we have looked at in detailed in the previous paragraphs. It is also known as bricks where consumers are at liberty to try, feel and even measure or fit on product before they can acquire the said product. This is not to mean that they may accept returns from consumers as this varies depending on the terms and conditions of the retailer. In this category as we have seen may involve clothing stores, supermarkets and malls among other on location retailers. Another very familiar option involves the seeing of the products online and buying the same offline which is commonly known as bricks and some clicks.in these scenario, consumers tend to gather information about a given service or good online via the internet and after some comparison and analysis goes ahead to buy the sa id product in a store that has the same. This strategy might not work for the website operator especially if the site is not part of the ownership of the store (Emmitt, 2012). This is because a consumer might research on a given alien site and proceed to buy the product from a different store thus the website operator gets nothing. Another issue with online research before purchasing is that if the information on the site is

Usability of a Management Strategy in the Field of Information Research Paper

Usability of a Management Strategy in the Field of Information Technology Project Management - Research Paper Example The use of proper management strategies has the capability to enhance the competitive advantage available to a business operation of any form or manner. Information technology poses the greatest advantages when it comes to gathering, processing, analyzing and then making decisions based on such information. Moreover, information technology has the capability to solve complex problems through the use of proper business models and their simulations. The ability to foresee problems and deal with them accordingly using information technology resources allows the development of sustainable business models and capabilities. The ease and simplicity allowed by information technology can only be utilized in the right manner if the right form of management strategies and implemented both in principle and in practice. Management strategies to steward information technology must be geared to look into the organization’s actual needs and projections. The appropriate implementation of information technology allows the achievement of organization objectives with

Soccer and Basketball Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Soccer and Basketball - Essay Example The paper will examine the use of the ball in the two sports, the number of players and their positions, the roles of the sports and their durations. Soccer and basketball are among the two most popular sports in the world. While basketball had always been a favorite American game, it was only recently that soccer became a favorite American pastime. This is probably due to the fact that basketball originated from the US while soccer has its origins in Europe. The present craze over football can be attributed to the influence of the World Cup. Although both games have the same objective of getting the ball into the goal post in soccer and the net in basketball, there are many other similarities and differences between the two sports. Although leather balls are used in both soccer and basketball, there are several differences between them. The two sports are different in the type of balls they use and the ways they use the balls. The soccer ball’s circumference is 27-28 inches while the basketball’s circumference in the NBA is 29.5 inches. The ball used in soccer is a thickly-padded and smooth with black and white pen tagonal sections. However, basketballs are orange with thin symmetrical lines. The primary rule in soccer is that players are not allowed to use their hands. Only the goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands. In addition, soccer players can use their heads and their trunks of their bodies. They must try to kick the ball into the opposing team’s goal post by moving the ball without touching it with their hands. If a player touches the ball with his hands, then the other team gets a free kick. On the other hand, basketball is a game where â€Å"two teams of players each try to score by shooting a ball through a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground† (Basketball Basics, 2011). Basketball players dribble with their hands. If basketball players touch the ball with other parts SOCCER AND BASKETBALL – A COMPARISON 3 of their bodies, then it is considered a foul. Basketballs can be advanced by bouncing it while running, walking or passing it to a teammate. If a playe r kicks the ball in basketball, the referee blows the whistle and the other team gets the ball. Therefore, each game uses different parts of the body and the objective in both sports is to outscore the opponents. The only way to score a goal in soccer is by hitting the ball across the goal line and every goal is worth a point. Conversely, in basketball, each goal is worth two points. Points are scored by shooting the ball into the opponent team’s net. In both soccer and basketball, the team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Both soccer and basketball are considered team sports as there are several people playing the games at once. While soccer has eleven players in a team, basketball has five who are allowed to play at one time. However, a soccer team can have 50 players on the roster but a basketball team can only have about 12 and 15 players. In soccer, the players are divided between four positions: defenders, forwards, midfielders and goal keepers. Usually each team has 2-3 defenders or fullbacks who try to block the opposing team’s players from scoring. They play closest to their goal post that their goalkeeper defends. Conversely, forwards play closest to the opponent’s goal post which is guarded by the opposing goalkeeper. There are normally three forwards who play in front of the rest of the team and are responsible for a team’s scoring. Their primary function is to score goals for their team. The 2 –

Financial Ratio for Krispy Kreme and BCG Matrix for McDonald's Assignment

Financial Ratio for Krispy Kreme and BCG Matrix for McDonald's - Assignment Example The measurement considers all assets including inventory, accounts receivable, and fixed assets. The lower the ratio, the more slowly the firm’s sales are. Comparing the number to past years company data is important in order to see trends that have developed. In addition, comparing it to the industry standard is useful in order to see how the company compares to its prime competitors. If a problem exists with a low ratio, it could be possible that one or more of the firm’s asset categories have problems that need addressing. (Peavler, pp 1-2). Krispy Kreme’s total assets turnover ratio of 1.9 times is better than its prime competitors of McDonalds and Starbucks. McDonald's has a current total assets turnover of .80 times, while Starbucks Corporation has a current total assets turnover of 1.7 times. (ADVFN, PLC) Hence, this is listed as an overall strength or competitive advantage for Krispy Kreme. The second ratio examined is Krispy Kreme’s debt to equity ratio. The ratio is calculated as Total liabilities / Stockholder’s Equity. A high debt to equity ratio would indicate that the company has financed its growth through debt. The main issues would be if the company overextended itself and took on too much debt, or if it has to shoulder a large amount of interest due to the existing debt. High or increasing debt ratios in relation to equity can be dangerous since it would indicate that the company is being financed by creditors instead of internal cash flows. (www.enterpernuer.com website). Krispy Kreme’s debt to equity ratio of 1.05 is higher than its prime competitors. McDonalds Corporation has a .81 ratio, while Starbucks has a low .18 ratio. (ADVFN, PLC). Overall, 1.05 of Krispy Kreme is not an evident weakness, since using some leverage is not considered a clear weakness. The third ratio examined is the return on equity ratio. It is calculated as follows: Net income / Common Equity. This ratio is especially useful for shareholders who are interested in knowing what profits earned by the company can be made available to pay dividends.     

The Various Legal Aspects Associated with the Warwickshire College Essay

The Various Legal Aspects Associated with the Warwickshire College - Essay Example The college as a whole has been formed as a result of the merger of few other colleges and was established in the year1996. In the backdrop of this, the essay intends to produce an informal report considering the legal aspects of Warwickshire College. Discussion This section generally describes the type of legal status that gets associated with a firm or even an educational organization depended on its types. Since property ownership can be of multiple types and thus the associated legal aspects also vary accordingly. Examples of ownership model include government ownership, cooperative ownership, private ownership, public ownership, collective ownership and other types of ownership. Warwickshire College is an autonomous Corporation with exempt charity status incorporated under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (Warwickshire College, n.d.). Additively, the college corporation appears to be made up of the membership of the local community business, stakeholder partners, local authorities and the staff-student members. This organization also abides by the general ‘employment’, ‘diversity’, ‘equality’, ‘health’ and ‘safety’ laws as established by the UK government. Depending on these health and safety principles, the college provides a clean and safe environment for the students and the employees to work. The pricing policy in context to this college generally refers to its fee structure. Concerning fee structure, the college demands a full payment of the course fee before it issues the Visa letter to its students. In certain cases where college fails to issue the Visa letter to students, it provides a complete refund of the submitted course fee to the student after deduction of certain percentage as administrative charges. This refunding process needs to be carried out within three months from the date of refusal of the visa. The variation within the yearly course fee completely depends on t he decision of the college.

Financial Ratio for Krispy Kreme and BCG Matrix for McDonald's Assignment

Financial Ratio for Krispy Kreme and BCG Matrix for McDonald's - Assignment Example The measurement considers all assets including inventory, accounts receivable, and fixed assets. The lower the ratio, the more slowly the firm’s sales are. Comparing the number to past years company data is important in order to see trends that have developed. In addition, comparing it to the industry standard is useful in order to see how the company compares to its prime competitors. If a problem exists with a low ratio, it could be possible that one or more of the firm’s asset categories have problems that need addressing. (Peavler, pp 1-2). Krispy Kreme’s total assets turnover ratio of 1.9 times is better than its prime competitors of McDonalds and Starbucks. McDonald's has a current total assets turnover of .80 times, while Starbucks Corporation has a current total assets turnover of 1.7 times. (ADVFN, PLC) Hence, this is listed as an overall strength or competitive advantage for Krispy Kreme. The second ratio examined is Krispy Kreme’s debt to equity ratio. The ratio is calculated as Total liabilities / Stockholder’s Equity. A high debt to equity ratio would indicate that the company has financed its growth through debt. The main issues would be if the company overextended itself and took on too much debt, or if it has to shoulder a large amount of interest due to the existing debt. High or increasing debt ratios in relation to equity can be dangerous since it would indicate that the company is being financed by creditors instead of internal cash flows. (www.enterpernuer.com website). Krispy Kreme’s debt to equity ratio of 1.05 is higher than its prime competitors. McDonalds Corporation has a .81 ratio, while Starbucks has a low .18 ratio. (ADVFN, PLC). Overall, 1.05 of Krispy Kreme is not an evident weakness, since using some leverage is not considered a clear weakness. The third ratio examined is the return on equity ratio. It is calculated as follows: Net income / Common Equity. This ratio is especially useful for shareholders who are interested in knowing what profits earned by the company can be made available to pay dividends.     

Explore How Black People Are Differently Treated by the Criminal Justice System Essay Example for Free

Explore How Black People Are Differently Treated by the Criminal Justice System Essay Racial prejudice is not unique to modern day society, it has been with us for a long time, this has been coupled with the belief that certain racial groups are less intelligent, or backward compared to white European stock, nowhere is this more true than in the criminal justice system. In 1869 Francis Galton published a book called Hereditary Genius this contained a chapter called The Comparative Worth of Different Races which considered that black Americans were genetically inferior to white Americans. Galton stated that blacks scored on average 15 IQ points below whites. (Coleman 1987) We can see that within the field of criminal justice, and with Galtons work considered that black people were bound to be treated differently due to a belief born out of misunderstanding of the nature of culture and individual personality differences, the hereditary argument has never been scientifically proved or disproved. The 1991 census showed that 5. 5% of the population were from an ethnic origin, with 1. 6% of these being black from an Afro-Caribbean background. It was reported that a higher amount of the ethnic minorities was of younger people than in the general population, and it can be seen that this alone could be a reason for the proportionately higher level of blacks in the criminal justice system , going on the grounds that in the indigenous population it is the younger generation, those aged 14-25 years that commit the vast majority of crime. Crime by ethnic minorities, and in particular young black males can also be seen to be a social situation, and may be a product of sheer logistics. Many new immigrant families move into what is perceived as a high crime area, particularly inner city areas, where housing may be cheaper and unemployment is higher than at a national level. These areas may receive more police attention than richer areas and therefore the new immigrant families come to the attention of the police more than those in more rural areas. xenophobia may also cause the police to over react when dealing with black families. A study by Goreman Coleman (1982) looking at personality and attitudes within the British police force, showed that the average police constable was indeed racist. They asked in the study for police officers to write a short essay, some of the comments were vigorously racist, comments such as, Certain members of the coloured population that l have met are OK but the majority of youths of the West Indian community are savage ignorant vicious thieving bastards , . most of them are just dirty , over 50% of trouble is caused by niggers , smelly backward people who will never change (Coleman 1987). In the last 10 years most public agencies, including the police force, have formed equal opportunities policies, these apply not only to recruitment but also to the way people are treated, and is especially needed in the criminal justice system where there are disproportionately more blacks than whites in the prison system in comparison to the size of the black population in society as a whole. It was reported in 1982 that black people made up 18% of the prison population, but only accounted for 5% of the general population. The figures are worse for Afro-Caribbean males, 1% of the population, but 11% of the prison population. (Home Office 1982). During the 1980s it became apparent that blacks were more likely to be stopped by the police. The British Crime Survey in 1988 found that 14% of Asians, 15% of whites, but 20% of Afro-Caribbeans reported being stopped by the police in the preceding year (Skogan 1990) The British Crime Survey also reported that there was some evidence that crimes detected by the police and those reported by the public seemed to have a racial bias. Blacks and Asians also complained more than whites about the way they were treated once arrested by the police (Skogan 1990). On the subject of arrest it seems also that blacks are treated differently in this process. A survey by the PSI (Policy Studies Institute) in 1983 found that blacks were disproportionately arrested, they found that 5% of the population of London were black, but 17% of those arrested in London were black. Further studies by Walker (1988) (1989) support these findings. Landau Nathan (1983) reported that there is evidence to suggest that blacks will be cautioned less than whites, a white youngster is four times more likely to receive a caution than a black juvenile. Also black juveniles are more likely to be remanded in custody than whit or Asian teenagers. Walker (1988) also showed that black juveniles are twice as likely to appear at crown court than whites. A Home Office Statistical Bulletin (1986) showed that blacks in prison were more likely to have less previous convictions than white men in similar circumstances, the figure for whites was 62%, Afro-Caribbeans 48% and for Asians 20%. The main finding from these and many other statistics is that black people are dealt with, whether as suspects, offenders or defendants, in a highly disproportionate way, it can also be seen that they are treated more harshly than their white counterparts at virtually every stage of the criminal justice process. It is therefore not surprising that black people have less faith in the police and criminal justice system than white British people. David Smith (1994) argues that the main group in society has a degree of power, seen to be unique and special in relation to religious, social and cultural traditions of the particular society, thus creating an unequal legal system that is biased against ethnic minorities. This can be seen to be the stem from which racial disparities may emerge in the British legal system and criminal process, and may explain why black people are treated differently by the criminal justice system. He (Smith) further argues that the law is a national institution and part of a national identity that is born out of centuries of tradition, and therefore unless changed does not take account of relatively recent immigration of ethnic minorities to this country. It can be argued that there are two main reasons for blacks being disproportionately represented in our criminal justice system, firstly that they commit more crime, and secondly that they are treated in a different and possibly harsher way, so as to be over represented in the criminal justice system. Research in the USA has shown that crime is in fact higher amongst blacks (Wilbanks 1987). This view has been criticised, for example by Reiner (1993) stating that to exclude external variables that effect such findings is almost impossible. Reiner (1989 1993) concluded that it is the way in which black people are treated differently from white people in our criminal justice system that created the disproportionate levels of minorities in the process, although he concedes that this is far from conclusive. Smith (1994) criticises Reiner for this view, believing that Reiner is contradicting himself, with little evidence, suggesting that it is treatment that cause high black representation in the criminal justice system, but stating that this may not be believed by some, and is in fact inconclusive. It is true that blacks are over represented in the criminal justice process, what is not clear is, why. Whether we like to think it or not there is still a great deal of racial prejudice in this country, and this alone feeds societies morals and thus its policing and criminal law, this prejudice and discrimination therefore makes it difficult for minorities to gain employment, especially in times of high unemployment and recession. This can lead to feelings of rejection, lack of self-esteem, poverty, lack of self-respect and insecurity. Blacks, as mentioned above, often live in the poorest areas of the cities and therefore come to the attention of the police far more than white youths, parents may also find it difficult to exercise control over their children in areas where social control is at its lowest. Whatever the reason for higher black crime, whether a statistical wrong, or innate criminality, for which there is little support, it is clear we will never get at the real reason that blacks are treated differently by the criminal justice system, too many people would have too much to lose by finding an answer. 1,407 words. REFERENCES. Coleman, A. (1987) Facts, Fallacies and Frauds in Psychology. London: Unwin Hyman. Galton, F. (1869) Hereditary Genius, an enquiry into its laws and consequences (2 ed. 1978) London: Friedmann. Coleman, A. Goreman, L.. (1982) Conservatism, Dogmatism, and authoritarianism in British police officers. Sociology, 16, 1-11. Landau, s. Nathan, g. (1983) Selecting Delinquents for Cautioning in the London Metropolitan Area. British Journal of Criminology. 23, (2): 128-48. Reiner, R. (1989) Chief Constables. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Reiner, R. (1993) Race, Crime Justice, Models of Interpretation. IN L, Gelsthorpe, W, McWilliam (Eds) Minority Ethnic Groups and the Criminal Justice System. Cambridge: Cambridge Institute of Criminology. Skogan, W. (1990) The Police and Public in England and Wales, A British Crime Survey Report. Home Office Research Study no: 117. London: HMSO. Smith, D. (1994) Race, Crime and Criminal Justice. IN Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Maguire, M. ; Morgan, R. Reiner, R. (Eds) Oxford: Claenden Press. Walker, M. (1988) The Court Disposal of Young Males by Race in London 1983. British Journal of Criminology: 28, (4) 441-59. Walker, M. (1989) The Court Disposal and remands of White, Afro-Caribbean and Asian Men(London 1983). British Journal of Criminology. 29. (4), 353-67. Wilbanks, W. (1987) The Myth of a Racist Criminal Justice System. USA: Brooks/Cole.

Effect of Estrogen on Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts

Effect of Estrogen on Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts Osteoporosis is a disease that afflicts many people, especially women. This disease is very debilitating and is characterized by excessive bone loss which results in severe fractures. There are two types of osteoporosis: Type I and Type II. Type I is the more severe type and is prevalent in post-menopausal women. There have been numerous hypothesis and studies as to the cause of osteoporosis and its relation to menopause (Riggs, 2002). The findings suggest that estrogen plays a major role. Estrogen receptors have been identified in bone and are involved in the production and maintenance of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts (Eriksen, 1988; Girasole, 1992). Osteoclasts function in bone resorption, and osteoblasts function in synthesizing new bone, hence these two cell types have opposite effects on bone (Saladin, 2010). Studies have shown that a decrease in estrogen levels in post-menopausal women is the primary cause of this reduction in bone density (Girasole 1992; Menolagas, 2002). Estrogen is a steroid hormone that has many different functions. It is primarily involved in sexual differentiation and maturation, but also has some less obvious effects including thermoregulation and the maintenance of bone mineral deposition. Estrogen is a lipophilic hormone and therefore is capable of diffusing through the cell membrane and binding its two intracellular receptors, ERÃŽ ± and ERÃŽ ² There are three female sex hormones: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3), however, estrogen is the common name used to refer to all three, though estradiol is the main form of estrogen (Carlsten, 2005). Estrogen is mainly synthesized in the ovaries, though its synthesis is not limited to the ovaries. Some peripheral tissues, such as adipose tissue, are capable of producing estrogen by way of steroid precursors (Nelson, 2001; Simpson 1981). Synthesis of estrogen involves many different precursors the first of which is cholesterol. Cholesterol is converted in the ovarian follicle to pregnenolone which can be converted to 17ÃŽ ±-hydroxypregnenolone. 17 ÃŽ ±-hydroxypregnenolone is then converted to dehydroepiandrosterone which is converted to androstenedione which undergoes a conversion to the androgen, testosterone. Aromatase then converts testosterone to esradiol (E2). Estradiol is then secreted from the follicle and can either act on its target tissue or undergo another conversion to estrone (E1) and estriol (E3) which takes place in the liver. Estrogen has two main receptors ( ERÃŽ ± and ERÃŽ ²) that mediate its primary effects. These receptors belong to the nuclear receptor family and are transcription factors that are regulated by ligands (Carleson, 2005). Estrogen receptors require numerous coregulatory proteins that have cell-specific expressions. These cell specific expressions delineate some of the specific actions of estrogen in its various target tissues (Heldring, 2007).The two estrogen receptors maintain some highly conserved regions such as their DNA binding domains; both ERÃŽ ± and ERÃŽ ² bind the same DNA response elements. Other domains are not at all conserved, such as the amino-terminal which exhibits significant variability in sequence as well as in length. The ligand-binding domain is located at the C-terminal and is a multifunctional domain. Both the N-terminal and the C-terminal contain activation functions, AF-1 and Af-2, respectively. These activation functions, work to activate transcription by recru iting coregulatory proteins to the DNA-binding domain. Though ERÃŽ ± and ERÃŽ ² are fairly homologous, they are actually derived from separate genes which are located on separate chromosomes. ERÃŽ ± and ERÃŽ ² also give very different splice variants (Heldring, 2007). ERÃŽ ± and ERÃŽ ² regularaly act as antagonists of each other when expressed in the same cells; hence, estrogen signaling functions as a balance between these two contradictory receptors (Carleson, 2005). It appears as if ERÃŽ ² works to inhibit the effect of ERÃŽ ± by not only altering the recruitment of transcription factors essential for of ERÃŽ ±-dependent transcription, but also by increasing the degredation of ERÃŽ ± by way of ERÃŽ ²2, a splice variant of ERÃŽ ² (Heldring, 2007). Estrogen receptors have been found in many non-reproductive tissues including bone. This fact lends credence to the theory of estrogens involvement in the maintenance of bone. Estrogen Signaling There are a few distinct pathways that are involved in estrogen signaling. Three of these signaling pathways are ligand-dependent, the fourth is ligand-independent. The first ligand-dependent pathway is the classical or direct pathway (Fig. 1a.) in which the ligand (usually estradiol) binds the receptor and this ligand receptor complex then dimerizes with another ligand-receptor complex in order to bind estrogen response elements in the promoters of target genes (Carleston, 2005). The second ligand-dependent pathway is referred to as the tethered pathway (Fig. 1b.). The tethered pathway involves protein-protein interactions with transcription factors. These interactions occur after the receptor has been activated by the ligand. Hence, the receptor activates transcription by an indirect DNA binding mechanism (Carleston, 2005). The non-genomic pathway (Fig 1c.) is also ligand-dependent but is not as well understood as the previous two. It is known that the receptor is activated by the ligand, which then initiates a signaling cascade resulting in the activation of second messenger systems (Heldring, 2007). Studies have shown that the activation of these second messenger systems display some common effects including an increase in the production of cAMP levels as well as the activation of the MAPK pathway (Lim, 2006). This activation of second messenger systems ultimately leads to a rapid physiological response without involving gene regulation (Heldring, 2007). The fourth signaling pathway is ligand-independent (Fig.1d.) and involves activation by way of other signaling pathways such as that of Growth Hormone which ultimately leads to the activation of gene regulation. This activation of gene regulation occurs due to the activation of protein kinases that work to phosphorylate the estrogen receptor. This phosphorylation causes receptor dimerization which allows the receptors to then bind the DNA and activate gene transcription (Carleson, 2005; Heldring, 2007). a.) The direct ligand dependent pathway in which the ligand directly binds the receptor which dimerizes and binds the DNA promoter region. b.) The tethered pathway is indirect and involves protein interactions with transcription factors that allow for the binding of the transcription factor to the promoter region c.) The non-genomic pathway involvs activation by the ligand which then can cause a signal transduction pathway resulting in activation of second-messenger systems. d.) The ligand-independent pathwayin which activation occurs by other signalling pathways (i.e. GH) and eventually leads to activation of gene transcription. Source: Heldring, Pike, Andersson et al. Estrogen Receptors: How do they signal and What are Their Targets. Physiol. Rev. 87: 905-931. 2007. Estrogen and Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density and hence an increase in the frequency of bone fractures (Though osteoporosis is often associated with post-menopausal women, the disease is not necessarily limited by gender. Osteoporosis was separated into two classes in 1983 by Riggs and Melton. The two types of osteoporosis (Type I and Type II) differ in regions of bone mineral density, patterns of fracture, causal mechanisms and hormonal changes. Type I osteoporosis is the more severe form of osteoporosis, however, type II is more common especially in the elderly (70+) (Riggs, 2003). Type I Osteoporosis is prevalent in post-menopausal women. It usually arises within 20 years after menopause and is associated with excessive cancellous bone loss. Fractures occur at sites that are rich in cancellous bone. Type I osteoporosis is associated with an increase in osteoclast function and a decrease in osteoblast function. This is thought to be due to a decrease in the levels of estrogen present in post-menopausal women (Girasole, 1992; Ribot, 1997). Osteoporosis has been found to occur in men also; primarily elderly men. The underlying explanation for osteoporosis is that the sex steroids play a role in the remodeling process of bones. Hence, when ovarian function ceases due to menopause in women, estrogen levels decrease and bone remodeling is therefore disrupted in a deleterious fashion. Osteoporosis in men is associated with a loss of androgens which is generally due to either castration or aging (Manolagas, 2002). Type II osteoporosis is prevalent in both men and women and can occur at any age, though it is more often associated with the elderly (above age 70). Type II osteoporosis is characterized by the loss of trabecular bone. It is generally due to aging effects such as hyperparathyroidism and impaired bone formation, and also a decrease in vitamin D and PTH levels. There is some speculation as to whether or not Type II osteoporosis may also be due to late effects of decreased estrogen levels (Riggs, 2003). Evidence for estrogens involvement in osteoporosis and its actions on maintaining bone mass can be seen in the study conducted by Riggs et al. which involved 36 women with vertebral fractures due to type I osteoporosis. These women all displayed a high bone turnover rate. The women with type I osteoporosis were compared with 36 normal women (women who did not exhibit Type I osteoporosis) after they were given small amounts of the sex steroids: estradiol, estrone, and testosterone. Blood and urine samples were continuously taken (about every 24 hours) and analyzed to reveal that the levels of the sex steroids were equally apparent in both groups of women. However, the amount of all bone biochemical markers (involved in bone turnover) appeared higher in the osteoporotic women. Though the experiment did not detect a difference in the sex steroid concentrations between the two groups of women, post-experimental power calculations were done to show that there are differences between the t wo groups when ÃŽ ± = .05 and 1-ÃŽ ² = 0.8. The differences for serum estrone, estradiol and testosterone were as follows: 6.3%, 9.9%, and 4.4%, respectively. Some of the women with osteoporosis then underwent another study in which they were split into two groups. One group of osteoporotic women received one-years worth of treatment with transdermal estrogen while the other group of osteoporotic women received a years worth of treatment with a placebo. The women who underwent estrogen treatment displayed a remarkably larger decrease in bone turnover markers than the women treated with the placebo (Riggs, 2002). Osteoclasts, Osteoblasts and the Estrogen Connection Osteoclasts are cells involved in maintaing bone homeostasis and are located on the bone surface in the anterior portion where they work to digest old bone (Manolagas, 2002). Osteoclasts are derived from macrophages, and are very large multinuclear cells formed from the fusion of multiple stem cells (Saladin, 2010). Osteoclasts function in digesting bone; hence they are involved in bone resorption. Bone resorption is a process that releases calcium back into the circulatory system by digesting bone tissue (Saladin, 2010). The function of osteoclasts is essential to the broader process of bone remodeling. Osteoblasts are also involved in maintaining bone homeostasis and are active in the process of bone remodeling. Osteoblasts are located in the posterior portion of the bone surface and work to produce new bone in the areas that underwent excavation by osteoclasts (Manolagas, 2002). Osteoblasts are derived from mesenchymal stem cells (Zallone, 2006). The mesenchymal stem cells give rise to osteogenic cells which give rise to most other bone cell types including osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are immature bone cells that are located beneath the endosteum and periosteum of the bone. Osteoblasts synthesize the components of the bone matrix. The matrix undergoes mineral deposition which causes it to harden, and hence the osteoblasts become trapped within the matrix. When osteoblasts mature, they become osteocytes which function in maintaining bone (Saladin, 2010). Osteoblasts function in making new bone. They deposit calcium salts into the bone matrix in order to make hydroxyapate which is the calcium reserve in bone. Osteoblasts fill in the cavities that were excavated by osteoclasts with new bone. Osteoblasts may be stimulated by various signals and hormones such as calcitonin and estrogen which both function in decreasing blood calcium levels and maintaining calcium levels in bone (Saladin, 2010). Estrogen receptors (ERÃŽ ± and ERÃŽ ²) as well as androgen receptors (AR) have been identified in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts and their parental cells. The presence of these receptors indicates that estrogen has a direct effect in mediating the process of bone remodeling (Eriksen, 1988; Girasole, 1992; Manolagas, 2002). Estrogen and androgens also have an indirect effect on the process of bone remodeling via the cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6) which is an important factor in the process osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow stromal cells (Carleston, 2005; Manolagas, 2002). The Study conducted by Girasole et al. has shown that estrogen has an inhibitory effect on IL-6, which results in a decrease in the production of osteoclasts. This decrease in osteoclastogenesis ultimately causes a decrease in bone resorption (Girasole, 1992). Estrogen and androgens inhibit the production of IL-6 in vitro by inhibiting Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-ÃŽ ±. IL-1 and TNF-ÃŽ ± are involved in the synthesis of IL-6 (Ribot, 1997). Some studies suggest that estrogen has more of an effect on TNF-mediated production of IL-6, than on IL-1 mediated production (Girasole et al. 1992). The expression of the IL-6 receptor subunits, gp130 and IL-6-RÃŽ ±, are also suppressed in bone marrow stromal cells and in osteoblast progenitor cells (Manolagas, 2002). Studies done in mice have shown that when the IL-6 gene is knocked out or neutralized (via antibodies) the upregulation of colony-forming unit-granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM) (which osteoclasts are derived from) in bone marrow is prevented. Hence, there is not an increase in osteoclast production. The results showed that the antigen caused the estradiol-induced inhibition of bone resorption to itself be inhibited (Ribot, 1997). A decrease in estrogen (as well as androgens) also has an effect on osteoblasts. One mechanism by which osteoblasts are regulated by estrogen can be observed in bipotential stromal cells; these cells express the estrogen receptors. The bipotential stromal cells are parents to both adipocytes and osteoblasts. A study conducted by Okazaki et al. in mouse bone marrow stromal cell lines, found that estrogen works to mediate the differentiation of the parental bipolar stromal cells towards the production of osteoblasts (Okazaki, 2002). Post-menopausal women who exhibit bone loss have been observed to have an increased amount of lipid concentration in their bone marrow. Hence, a decrease in estrogen would cause an increase in adipogenesis and a decrease in osteoblastogenesis (Okazaki, 2002). This decrease in osteoblastogenesis would result in a decrease in bone formation. Estrogen Replacement Therapy A study that was conducted on post-menopausal Chinese women by Sun et al. was also useful in determining the effects of estrogen treatment for osteoporosis. These women all ranged from 41-58 years of age and had undergone menopause for more than a year. The women were split into 4 different groups. Each group received different levels of 17ÃŽ ²-estradiol (E2) gel along with a form of progesterone, either micronized progesterone (MP) or medroxyprogesterone (MPA). The progesterone was added along with the estrogen in order to prevent endometrial hyperplasia which may occur as a result of estrogen replacement therapy. The dosages differed in both progesterone type and concentration as well as in estrogen concentration. The exact dosages for each group were as follows: group 1 received 1.5 mg E2 and 100 mg MP, group 2 received 1.5 mg E2 and 2 mg MPA, group 3 received 0.75 mg E2 and 100 mg MP, and group 4 received 0.75 mg of E2 and 2 mg MPA. These dosages were administered once a day, 25 days a month for at least a year (some of the subjects were studied for two or three years). Blood and urine samples were taken from these women and monitored for bone mineral density (BMD). The results showed that after about a year of this treatment, the average increase in BMD in cancellous bone of the 4 groups ranged from 4.6%6.4%. After 36 months an increase in the BMD of the bones in the neck and the lumbar vertebrae were observed; the averages ranged from 4.3%-7.5% and 4.2%-6.2%, respectively. This study also found that the BMD in the hip (an area that is prone to fractures), had significantly higher levels than the baseline levels. The main purpose of the study was to determine an appropriate dosage of estrogen and progestin for post-menopausal Chinese women; the results of the study indicated that either 0.75 mg or 1.5 mg of E2 daily is sufficient for prevention of bone loss in Chinese women. The study suggests that hormone replacement therapy has a significant effect on bo ne, especially during the first two years of treatment (Sun, 2002). The knowledge of estrogens actions on bone and the inhibitory effect it has on osteoclastogenesis, has led to the utilization of estrogen as a treatment for osteoporosis. Estrogens ability to maintain bone mass in post-menopausal women has made estrogen replacement therapy a valuable form of treatment. This treatment utilizes the protective properties of estrogen on bone and functions in increasing bone mineral density (BMD) in post-menopausal women (Sun, 2002). Estrogens positive effects on bone are amplified during the treatment; hence, estrogen induces stimulation of osteoblastogenesis and inhibits osteoclastogenesis via IL-6 (Girasole, 1992; Okazaki, 2002). The type of estrogen administered (other than estriol) seems to have no difference in effectiveness; hence, synthetic estrogen, 17ÃŽ ²-estridiol, and equine estrogen all have equal effects on the maintenance of bone mass and all work to decrease the amount of bone turnover (Ribot, 1997). The method by which estrogen is adminis tered (i.e. transdermally, percutaneously, etc.) also does not appear to make a difference in its effectiveness. The dosages of estrogen as well as the duration of the treatment seem to be the only variables involved in determining the effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy (Ribot., 1997). In order for estrogen replacement therapy to have a long term effect, estrogen must be administered for about 5-7 years (Cauley 1995; Ribot, 1997). Estrogen replacement therapy is also most effective if it is initiated early after menopause. A study conducted by Cauley et al. found that women who started estrogen treatment within 5 years of menopause and/or underwent treatment for 10 years or more, had the most effective and long-lasting results (Cauley 1995). Though Estrogen Replacement Therapy is a promising and effective mechanism for treatment of osteoporosis, it is associated with some serious physiological risks. Long-term usage of estrogen has been known to cause endometrial cancers. However, when estrogen is administered in conjunction with progestins, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia is significantly reduced. (Ribot, 1997; Sun, 2002). Many studies have been conducted to determine whether or not there is a relationship between estrogen and breast cancer. Some studies suggest that there is a correlation between the risk of breast cancer and use of estrogen (Lim, 2006). Other studies suggest that there is no correlation (Ribot, 1997). Though estrogen replacement therapy is associated with a few serious risks, it also has other positive physiological effects on other areas of the body, not just bone. For example, estrogen is thought to have a preventive effect on Alzheimers disease and also on Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in post-m enopausal women (Ribot, 1997; Tang, 1996). The onset of type I osteoporosis is generally characterized by a loss of ovarian function which therefore results in a loss of estrogen in postmenopausal women. (Manolagas 2002). Estrogen can be used as a treatment for osteoporosis due to the presence of estrogen receptors in osteoclasts, osteoblasts and their precursors, as well as in bone marrow stromal cells (Zallone, 2006). The positive actions of estrogen on bone are mainly due to the suppressive actions of estrogen on bone resorption by osteoclasts (Okazaki, 2002). When Estrogen levels are decreased, the normal regeneration process, which involves bone resorption followed by an appropriate amount of bone formation, is disturbed (Zallone, 2006). Various in vitro studies have been conducted that demonstrate that the presence of estrogen (as well as androgens) increases the action of factors that work to inhibit the process of osteoclastogenesis (Bellido, 1995). The decrease in the production of osteoclasts due to estrogen would t herefore cause a decrease in the process of bone resorption (Okazaki 2002). Estrogen also has an effect on the production and differentiation of osteoblastic cells. However, it has the opposite effect on osteoblasts and thereby stimulates their production by shifting the mechanism of bipolar stromal cells towards the production of osteoblastic cells rather than that of adipocytes (Okazaki, 2006). Hence, estrogen works to decrease bone resorption and increase bone formation, thereby creating a protective effect on bone which can be utilized to treat such debilitating diseases as osteoporosis.