Current Topic in Ethics Essay

The article speaks about a recent incident that took place in Brazil, which brought in to light the ethical and moral values of humans. The story had a two sided approach the first one being from the church of Brazil and the second one from the government side. The incident is regarding a step father raping her 9 year old daughter. The girl confessed that she was under a sexual assault from her step father since the age of 6(Yahoo News, 2009). The man was also convicted of sexually abusing the girl’s 14 year old handicapped sister. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, head of the Catholic Church’s Congregation for Bishops said that the abortion carried out by the doctors under the decision of the girl’s mother was totally wrong and the twins that the girl carried had a right to live. On the other hand President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva had other views on the matter. He said that according to the law of Brazil where abortion is illegal and allowed only in case where the health of the child bearing women is endangered the Bishop is totally wrong. The girl had actually been brought to the hospital after several stomach cramps and it was found that she is pregnant and carrying twins. At the age of 9 doctors commented that it was impossible for the girl to bear the children and an abortion was the only viable option left. As the doctor involved in the abortion Rivaldo Albuquerque said that it was important for us to save the life of the girl(Yahoo News,2009). Ethical Issues The article raised several ethical issues regarding human rights and social rights. Firstly the rape case as the man had committed was illegal and should be punished according to the government law of the country. Secondly the issue of child abuse as an ethical issue is also being raised by this incident which is another offense of the law and needs to be punished. Third and the most important issue which has been raised by this incident are of abortion which according to the law of Brazil is illegal. The fourth issue has been raised to contradict the third one which is another face of the same law of abortion which is banned. Abortion is only allowed in case the health of the child bearing women is endangered. The fifth ethical issue is the sexual assault of the other handicapped girl sister of the girl which was actually sexually assaulted. All these ethical issues have come forward due to this incident and need to be taken care of by the Brazilian government. Ethical Theories There are many ethical theories and fields of ethics that are present but only some that are relevant would be applied to this case. We will consider each theory one by one and apply it on the case to deduct a result. Greek Philosophy Socrates emphasized that a person to be ethically correct needs to realize the importance of human life and existence. A person would act rightly and correctly if he or she is self aware and knows the importance of life. Bad deeds or evil deeds are a result of ignorance and if the person knows the consequences of doing wrong he or she would never commit that act (MacKinnon, 2008). According to the theory of Socrates the man who committed the assault was unaware of the consequences of the act to be specific he thought that he would get away with his actions but only the pregnancy of the girl brought up the matter. The case of abortion according to this Greek philosophy is a bit controversial as the importance of human life needs to be considered and in this case whether to save the girl or the twins she was carrying was a decision to be made. Normative Ethics This field of ethics focuses on the rightness and wrongness of actions to judge whether they are ethical or not. The theory says that actions were mainly judged by the intentions of a person as in whether they are right or wrong (Kagan, 1997). According to this theory the man in the case is found guilty of committing a crime and should be punished accordingly as his intention was truly wrong and hence his actions also become wrong. Then the abortion of the child was also morally ethical as the life of the girl was endangered by her pregnancy, hence according to this theory the decision of abortion is also ethically correct. Meta Ethics This approach of ethics is a bit different from other approaches as it looks at the reasons for the truth and decides up on the validity of the reasons as to whether the actions that led to the truth were ethical or non ethical (Miller, 2003). According to this theory the actions of the man were totally unethical as the man had committed an immoral act, which is the truth. The reason for this act was his uncontrollable desires, which were unethical. Abortion was performed because it was the only option through which the girl could be saved. The reason for the abortion was the fact that the doctors had to save the life of the girl and could take no risks, hence the act of abortion was morally ethical. Descriptive Ethics This is a newer field of ethics than normative ethics and focuses on the choices that were available to the person and the one he or she picked according to that his or her actions are judged to be ethical or not. According to this theory the man is still found to be guilty and should be punished as the choices he made were ethically incorrect and on the other hand the abortion done by the doctors was also morally ethical as they had limited choices and needed to save the girl. The doctors agreed on the fact that the girl who was only 9 years old could not carry the burden of pregnancy and hence had to be saved through abortion. Conclusion During this paper we looked up on different theories and fields of ethics. These fields and theories were applied on the case and the deduction of whether this ethical issue were correctly dealt or not was focused. The conclusion is not merely my own decision but the result of applying the ethical theories on the case. These theories when applied clearly highlight the fact that the man should be punished according to the law of Brazil and the decision of abortion made by the mother of the girl and carried out by the doctors was a correct one in the circumstances that were presented. References: Kagan S. (1997) Normative Ethics, Westview Press. MacKinnon B. (2008) Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues. Wadsworth Publishing. Miller A. (2003) An Introduction to Contemporary Metaethics, Polity. Yahoo News (March 8, 2009). Vatican defends Brazil excommunication. Retrived on March 10, 2009 from http://au. news. yahoo. com/a/-/world/5375029/vatican-defends-brazil-excommunication/

Meat Industry Essay

People all over the world eat meat for its nutritional value and taste. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that in the year 2011 people in the U.S consumed 25.6 billion pounds of beef. Most of this meat was produced in America. A Holistic approach to food production is important in order to improve the quality of beef. What we feed our cattle, the housing conditions and the slaughter procedure directly impacts our food. What the farmers feed cattle directly affects the quality of beef for the consumer. The cow has many more benefits from eating grass than being fed corn. It is a lot healthier for cows to consume grass because that is what their stomachs are made for. The stomachs have three sections that are made specifically for digesting grass (Healthy Theory -Corn-Fed Vs. Grass-Fed Beef). Today, most cows are put on a diet that is based on corn. The cows used to be fed grass and roam free but since than there have been changes. The idea about feeding cattle grain began during World War II. It all started when farmers were producing more grain than the American population could handle, so the rest of it was fed to cows. It was discovered that feeding a cow different types of grains fattened them up a lot faster than when cows were consuming grass. With a grass fed diet, it takes cows about five years to reach 1,200 pounds. However, with the grain-based diet it takes a cow about 390 days to get to a reachable weight for slaughter (Healthy Theory -Corn-Fed Vs. Grass-Fed Beef). Also, the producer benefits more from feeding his cows corn because it is cheaper than grass. Therefore, a diet based on corn is more cost effective but the quality of meat has less nutritional value (Why Grass Fed- Health Benefits of Grass Fed Beef). The consumer benefits more from meat that comes from cows that consume grass rather than in-taking different types of grains. The cow is a lot healthier and happier when it is eating grass, which results in higher quality meat. Since cows’ stomachs are meant to break down grass, a corn based diet causes changes in the digestion of a cow leading to serious health problems, such as diarrhea, ulcers, and a weakened immune system. As a result of these issues, the cows are given antibiotics to help prevent this from occurring, which makes the meat unhealthier (Healthy Theory -Corn-Fed Vs. Grass-Fed Beef). Another huge topic of concern is the disregard of animal welfare. These animals aren’t being cared for and they are treated as units of production (Learn About The Issues). In order to fatten up cows in time for slaughter, many farmers put them in feedlots. The conditions these cows go through are unbearable. As many cows as possible are crammed into each pen. The result of this is massive amounts of waste covering the animals living space (The Issues Animal Welfare). This causes the air to be unhealthy and creates many gases and diseases that aren’t wanted. During the whole time the cows are in the feedlot they are breathing in methane gas. Large amounts of methane are bad for animals because it takes away oxygen from the air, which can affect the central nervous system (2- Health Effects of Methane). The alternative is a more holistic way, which allows the cattle to roam around freely on huge pastures until they get fat enough to get slaughtered. In the United States, animal welfare is being ignored, because cows are being treated in a cruel and unhealthy way. When they are living in the feedlots, they are covered with manure and aren’t being cared for. As soon as cows are fat enough to get slaughtered, they are sent to the closest slaughterhouse. On their journey they are faced with heartbreaking situations. They are often transported from 1,200 to 1,500 miles away in scorching hot weather or freezing temperatures. Dr. Lester Friedlander, a former U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian inspector said, â€Å"They are crammed onto trucks and go without food or water for days†. When it is cold, they are in the back of a trailer with nothing covering them. As the driver drives sixty miles per hour, cows are being exposed to a variety of extreme weather. Many cows collapse in hot weather. While they are traveling they urinate. After sometime it begins to freeze while their hooves are standing in it. Also, the fur of the cows â€Å"†¦ freezes to the sides of the trucks until workers pry them off with crowbars†(Cow Transport and Slaughter). When the cows get to the slaughterhouse, they are often in bad conditions. Most of them are sick and cannot walk because they are too weak. In order to move weak and injured cows they are dragged along with a bulldozer by a chain around their neck or leg. Even though they are in bad shape, cows are still being used for their meat because it means more money in the producer’s pocket. If some of the cows are able to walk, they are still abused. Workers beat them with a metal rod in order to move them faster (The Humane Society of the United States). Also, before they are killed the cows are lined up to wait for their turn to be stunned so that they will pass out before they get slaughtered. Sometimes the stunning procedure does not work. Ramon Moreno, a slaughterhouse worker has stated that he often has to cut the legs off of cows that are completely conscious. â€Å"They blink. They make noises,† he says. â€Å"The head moves, the eyes are wide and looking around. †¦ They die piece by piece.† If workers try to report that the cows are still alive they risk loosing their jobs (Cow Transport and Slaughter). After cows reach a certain weight they are ready to be slaughtered for meat consumption. The process of turning cows into packed meat can cause the meat to be infected. Before they are slaughtered, cows are cleaned. However, in some cases not well enough. The waste of the cow can get into the processed meat that is being cut by the workers. This can contaminate the meat with E-coli, which is a type of bacteria that can lead to death. â€Å"According to Centers for Disease Control estimates, up to 20,400 cases of E. coli infection and 500 deaths from E-coli disease occur annually in the United St ates† (Escherichia Coli 0157:H7). Another disease that is created in these fast paced industries is mad cow disease. (the issues-slaughterhouses and processing). Mad cow disease affects the cow’s nervous system and it causes the cow to act confused and loose control of the ability to walk (What is Mad Cow Disease). When people eat infected beef they may contract a human version of mad cow disease. It affects the nervous system causing depression and loss of coordination. As it becomes more severe, it causes dementia (The Basics of Mad Cow Disease). With our modern day technology, slaughterhouses are able to kill thousands and thousands of cow’s every day. There are many solutions that can change the food industry to produce their meat in a more animal friendly way. To help cut back more meat being produced in factories, consumers can support local farms by eating food that is grown locally. Holistic farming care for their animals and focus on getting delicious, healthy meat than just producing more and more for profit. The food quality of holistic farmed meat is a lot better because the cows are raised and treated well as opposed to when the animals are abused their whole life. If we really want a change, it is up to Americans to demand that. Currently, laws support the industrial farming methods and lack the attempt of helping small farms grow. An example is that American tax money goes to support research and the operating cost of large food producing companies (Learn About the Issues). In order for there to be a change, citizens need to become aware of the process. Change will happen by the consumer supporting politicians who are looking to change the food industry. Consequently, producers would need to be more focused on the care of the animals than earning as much money as possible. What American farmers feed their cattle, where they raise them and how they get slaughtered directly impacts the quality of our food. It is important for consumers to be aware of the United States food industry because there is so much more behind the food brought to you in the supermarket. If the consumer buys meat that is produced holistically, and legislation puts focus on the care of animals, the food industry will be forced to improve their methods.

Ice Mountain Water Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Ice Mountain Water - Term Paper Example The current paper successfully achieved its objective of presenting a marketing plan to evidently show a more in-depth understanding of marketing, the strategic planning process, and the key elements involved in developing and implementing a marketing plan. From the presented information, it was disclosed that Ice Mountain Water needs to implement the proposed marketing strategies to correct the weaknesses and thwart the risks brought about by the identified threats in the external environment. The tactical actions would ensure that the suggested marketing mix strategies would be undertaken effectively through the provided rationalization and justifications. Likewise, monitoring would ensure that Nestle Waters would determine the progress of the proposed strategies in meeting the identified goals.The current discourse aimed to present a marketing plan for Ice Mountain Water which would enable presenting an assessment of its present condition, as to propose areas of improvements based on the results. As such, one proposed that Ice Mountain Water should address the negative image and EWG rating that has been generated by Ice Mountain Water to achieve the following goals: (1) to increase preferences of consumers to purchase the product and to be included among the top 10 bottled water brands in the United States in 2016 and onwards; and (2) to increase the market share for Ice Mountain Water to at least 5% in 2015. Several marketing strategies according to the marketing mix for two (2) types of target clientele were likewise suggested.

Rites of Passage for Mesai and Nubian culture Research Paper

Rites of Passage for Mesai and Nubian culture - Research Paper Example In the Maasai culture, ceremonies are used as a way of expressing their culture and self-determination. All the ceremonies form a part of their lives because they are rites of passage. The younger Maasai boys and girls get very anxious to reach the right age and qualify to go through these rites of passage. The pre-circumcision ceremony referred to as Enkipaata is the first boy’s initiation. It is arranged by the fathers of the new age-set group. The ceremony is carried out only when the senior warriors have been settled. Boys aged between 14-16 years later move all around their land in a period of about five months giving information that they will be forming their new age-set. The boys going through initiation are offered a house which has been built in their respect. The Maasai prophet, known as Oloiboni, is responsible for choosing the location of the houses where all the boys of the whole community will be initiated. During this process, the chief of the boys, known as Olopolosi, is chosen, although this position is considered by the community as unfortunate. This is because the chief of the boys is the person supposed to carry all the sins committed by members of his age-group. The boys to be initiated are supposed to sleep in the forest, and at dawn they run towards the homestead and go in with a raider’s attitude. They dance throughout the day of the ceremony dressed in loose clothes. It is after this ceremony that the boys are ready for circumcision. The circumcision ceremony is the most important rite of passage in the Maasai community, for men and women. It is the process that develops young girls and boys from childhood to adulthood. However, due to upcoming challenges of civilization and the 21st century, circumcision for Maasai women has been fading over the years. Once a Maasai boy has been circumcised, they become warriors. After becoming warriors, they fully take the responsibility

Promoting Unity in the Family Unit in the twenty First century Essay

Promoting Unity in the Family Unit in the twenty First century - Essay Example   Accepting the changes in the family unit that have occurred during the twentieth century can be one of the best methods of achieving harmony in the family. An acceptance on the part of the parents of the changed social codes regarding the manner in which men and women are to conduct themselves in society, an help bridge distances between the two parents in case any clash happens. On many occasions, conflicts arise as a result of the inability on the part of either parent to accept that the gender roles that the other is supposed to adhere to have changed from previous generations. Parents who have grown up seeing earlier models of manhood and womanhood may not be able to adjust to modern lifestyles that demand different definitions of either category of genders. During the twentieth century, the notions of differences between sex and gender that came about primarily due to feminist movements have also caused changes in the structure of the family. The establishment of the differe nces in the sexual and gender roles, that a person is supposed to perform, was explained at length by the French feminist, Simone De Beauvoir in her book, The Second Sex (Beauvoir). A redistribution of jobs within the family may enable different members, whichever sex they are, to feel themselves more a part of the family. This would follow from the fact that they would be able to see themselves not just as members of a family as a result of their crudely reproductive functions but also because of the characteristics as individuals.      Contrary to popular perception gay and lesbian families can actually strengthen family structures since the reproductive aspect of relations that is present in heterosexual families is less a part of homosexual families. The structuring of such families can function as models for units that are distinct from conventional standards of the family. Such standards may enable people of any orientation to bring in more of their individuality into family units as a positive change. To be a part of a united group of individuals that form a unit within a society, one needs to feel accepted within that group. Unconventional models can be the next step in the evolution of the family unit in the twenty first century. Such a process of evolution may lead to models of the family that are stronger and more united than those which were a feature of the past. Strict patriarchal authority that was the driving force of earlier models of

International Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Management - Case Study Example Some of the specific challenges associated with the apparel industry include child labor, poor working conditions, and the existence of sweetshops. Back in the late 1990’s Nike suffered a big blow to its reputation when the media found out the firm was doing business with companies that sponsored sweetshops. It is also important for companies doing business in foreign countries to help out the community in which they operate. Helping out the community will help the company gain the support of the local people and its governmental institutions. Discuss the meaning and implications of the statement by a Nike representative that â€Å"consumers are not rewarding us for investments in improved social performance in supply chains.† The statement made by the Nike representative implies that the media does not report the good actions of companies such as Nike. They prefer to run stories about companies that are not acting in a socially responsible manner than to publish storie s about the efforts of Nike which is a firm that is fighting to stop foreign suppliers from abusing the civil rights of its workers. The statement also implies that in many consumer marketplaces acting in an ethical manner does not provide a firm with a competitive advantage due to the presence of many companies that are acting in an irresponsible manner. ... Some of the most important stakeholder groups that the company must satisfy include customers, government, suppliers, lenders, community, and the environment. What is meant by â€Å"leadership beyond borders†? â€Å"Leadership beyond borders† means finding people who can see across borders created by others, such as the borders of their job, and reach across such borders to engage others in dialogue and action to address systemic problems. Such a leader is a person that is educated in the cultural matters of another country. Learning and adapting to a different culture is imperative towards the success of leaders in foreign countries. Corporations must provide training and development in cultural matters to all its supervisors and managers. Is it possible to have â€Å"a compatibility of profits with people and planet†? Whose responsibility is it to achieve that state? Companies can utilize a social responsibility strategy to enhance the profits of the enterprise . In today’s competitive global environment firm’s that have strong CSR programs can differentiate themselves from the competition. An example of a company that has increased its market share to become its industry leader utilizing sound CRS principles is Starbucks Cafe. Starbucks Cafe sources all its coffee utilizing fair trade coffee practices. Fair trade coffee practices guarantee a price of $1.26 per pound. It also provides farmers with technological transfers and financing assistance. Kelly’s Assignment in Japan Explain clashes in culture, customs, and expectation that occurred in this situation Kelly was given a new job assignment in Japan in order to land an

Ned Kelly and Nations Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ned Kelly and Nations Culture - Essay Example His main distinction seems to have been the trouble the police experienced in capturing him. A question that comes to mind, however, is whether the Ned Kelly syndrome of contempt for legality and the law is still a force in modern bourgeois Australia. There is rationale to believe that the Australia which created the Ned Kelly myth might not now be so compassionate to it. Not only does Australia have around twice the average personal throwaway income than the Britain which sent out the convicts now has, but Australians now distinguish themselves as overwhelmingly middle class. Martin elaborates facts to demonstrate that while only one-third of the British see themselves as middle class (or better), roughly two-thirds of Australians fall into the same category. Times have changed. In spite of this, though, Laurie reports findings that imply that the Ned Kelly morality may be very much alive and kicking-- at least among our young people. In his work he found that 99% had at some time stolen and that 75% said they would give up again in at least one of a set of imaginary temptation scenarios. One of the set of scenarios was that of shoplifting. Ned Kelly would certainly feel at home today given these results. (Laurie, 67) Nevertheless, children have not learnt the restraints and more "responsible" attitudes that are expected of adults so the problem of attitude to crime among the population in general remains an open one. It is the objective of this paper to supply data which might help expound the question either way. Understandably, sympathy for Ned Kelly in contemporary Australia would be much less than it once was. A certain respect for the criminal is no longer characteristically Australian. Australians have become entirely bourgeois in their attitudes to crime as in their attitudes to other things. Sympathy for small crime such as shoplifting is now as indicative of estrangement from Australian society as it would be in other countries. As observed by Laurie, the existing culture has also been valuable for the number of commonsense hypotheses about inter-group differences that they prove to be sham. (Laurie, 110) Particularly they are at some discrepancy with the results reported by Martin (Martin, 91). This difference could barely be accounted for by age as the two samples would seem to have been very similar in this respect. It is more possibly to be accounted for by the diverse type of questions asked on the two occasions. The existing sample revealed that schoolboys disapproved of shoplifting. Martin showed that on some occasions they might engage in small crime and deceit. That attitudes and behavior may be at dissent is well-known -- the well-known "Do as I say, not as I do" syndrome. In such situations the incongruity between the present results and the Martin results is only evident. What has been revealed is that there is very little social support for shoplifting in modern-day Australia. Mythical thinking, Laurie tells us, is a rational form of bricolage (Laurie, 89) the bricoleur is a man who makes as well as he can what is required from what he finds to hand. He casts about,

Classroom Behavior Management Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Classroom Behavior Management Plan - Assignment Example In addition, it helps to make the school experience more productive and enjoyable for students from all backgrounds (Hue & Li, 2008). This paper will discuss a classroom behavior management plan that will consider the social and economic status of the students to develop it. In addition, the plan will consider the ethnic background of the students matters because it influences their needs. Mark Twain Elementary is a school that enrolls students in kindergarten to fifth grade. It is surrounded by facilities such as Helen’s Park, Weekley Family YMCA, McGovern Public Library and Helen’s McGovern Public Library. The community around the school comprises of middle class individuals from all over the world who have settled there for work and study. (Houston Independent School District, n.d). The Fifth Grade classroom is made up of eighteen students from different ethnicity backgrounds. The class has 8 white students, 4 African American , 2 Hispanic, and 4 American Indian. The proportion of boys to girls in the class is 8:10. Majority of the students have learning difficulties because of their bilingual nature. The students are from lower and middle-class social level. Most of the students are enrolled on reduced-price or free lunch. These students desire social and emotional needs that affect their academic performance. The behavioral characteristics are displ ayed in degrading language, bullying, and violence. Some students may keep silent when they are hurt but if it gets to extreme levels opt to fight (Wessler, 2008). This classroom behavior management plan will address the behavior problems by highlighting rules and structures to be used in class. The plan will promote academic performance by involving the students in the process of making rules that make them easy to adopt. I believe that setting big goals for my students at the beginning of the year will have a significant effect on them academically

Giardia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Giardia - Essay Example Identification of the Disease Giardiasis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Other common names are lambliasis and beaver fever. After infection with the parasite, the individual suffers a diarrheal infection after the first week (Berger, 2011). The infection has been categorized as a global problem because of its prevalence in many parts of the world. The name ‘beaver fever’ emerged after research indicated that the disease was common amongst backpackers and campers. The science community ascertained the link between the giardia parasite and the diarrheal infection in the 1970s, although they had known the parasite since the 17th century. The diarrheal infection does not present any mortality rates unless in individuals exhibiting a compromised immune system. Many of the people infected with the parasite have been reported to exhibit minimal symptoms. Other researches indicate that there are cases that are more serious, and the infection can cause diarrhea fo r about two weeks. Description of the Organism The parasite giardiasis is the causative agent of a common diarrheal infection that has existed for a long time. Van Leeuwenhoek discovered the parasite in 1681. Using microscope, he highlighted that the parasite exhibited slow movement, and had flagella that facilitated the movement. He also classified the parasite as one of the simple eukaryotes. Other scientists developed interest in the parasite in the centuries that followed, and sought to describe it further. From advanced studies, it became evident that Leeuwenhoek had observed the parasites in the trophozoite phase. This was after the discovery that the parasite exhibited two different stages of life. According to the findings of 1880, it became evident that the parasite had both the trophozoite cysts stages (Parker & Parker, 2004). During the cyst stage, the flagella were invisible. Scientists have described the cyst stage as a dormant phase in which the parasite forms a protec tive wall around itself. This wall makes the parasite resistant to temperature changes, osmotic differences, pollution, and nutritional shortage. Further studies revealed that the cysts have the potential to remain viable for long periods without the having access to water and food. Usually, this serves as the infective stage of the parasite as many people get the infection from swallowing water infested with cysts. After entry into the gastrointestinal tract, the parasite moves from the cyst into the trophozoite stage. In this stage, the parasite engages in obtaining nutrients in the intestines and reproduces. The flagella are visible during this phase of Giardia (Russell and Cohn,2013). Biologists have described the trophozoite as having the ability to attach to the intestinal villi, where they depend on mucosal secretions for nutrition. In size, the trophozoites are 9-21 micrometers long, 5-15 micrometers wide, and 2-4 micrometers in thickness. When viewed under the microscope, t hey depict a pear shape that has a round end on the anterior side, two nuclei, as well as two distinctive median rods. The trophozoite also exhibits motion with the four pairs of flagella evident on each cell. In its ventral body, the organism has an adhesive disc that facilitates its attachment to the intestines. The organism reproduces by asexual binary fission, with the production of a new generation every five hours. Some trophozoites detach themselves from the intestines and

Chinese History Essay Example for Free

Chinese History Essay The Tang dynasty came into existence after the collapsed of emperor Yangdi’s imperialist reign which unified China, and his death in the hands of his own trusted aid in 618 A. D. From the rubbles of rebellion and war against the emperor, a powerful General named Li Yuan; Duke of Tang and chief officer of Taiyuan City, emerged as the man of the hour. General Yuan joined the rebellion against the emperor and reestablished order and the authority of the central government when the smoke of rebellion had cleared. He became the founder of the Tang dynasty and reign as Tang Gaozu. Li Shimin (Tang Gaozong) on the other hand is the second son of General Li Yuan. Being thoroughly trained in martial skills and was very much acquainted of the administrative procedures he has acquired primarily from his exposure when his father was the principal commander of the Sue dynasty, appointed to command the army facing the Sue remaining forces, at the age of only nineteen. David Graff described his military skills as â€Å"one case where the use of the word genius does not seem at all inappropriate† Li Shimin was highly successful in his career as a military general and his military strategy according to Graff â€Å"is worth noting. † Before he became emperor in 626, he has displayed contrasting behavior with regard to his strategy, which was extremely cautious, and when he is in combat in which he always places himself â€Å"at the head of the final, decisive cavalry charge†¦. † How Well the Respective Career of the first two Tang Emperors fit to the Chinese Proverbs on Empire Building and Governance and Model to this Proverb. The proverb maybe fits rightfully to the first two Tang emperors in terms of the way they acquired the empire and how they built it to become the most prosperous and most powerful country in the world during this time. It was during the reign of these two emperors that China experienced its glorious period as their economy, culture, politics and military might attained an unequaled superiority level. Tang Gaozu seized the imperial power after a bloody rebellion that took the life of emperor Yang that mark the end of Sue dynasty, while it heralded the coming of a new dynasty under the able military leadership of Li Yuan. The reign of Tang Gaozu as the first emperor of the Tang dynasty spent its reign mostly in subduing the remaining forces loyal to Emperor Yang in different provinces and cities of the whole country. All throughout his reign he was facing major problems relating to the threat of war by the Eastern Turks and the Tibetans who posed serious challenges to China’s security, and major invasion was a constant possibility. Until his last moment in power however, Tang Gaozu’s hold in China was not sufficiently secure to risk committing the forces to war against the Turks, thus, his reign can be characterized as more on military maneuvering in order to survived the different challenges the empire were facing. The Emperor then being the chief of the military forces assigned his sons and relatives to command forces numbering thousands, and all throughout his reign, the empire did not perform political and economic activities; it was purely military that characterized this particular reign. That means, Emperor Tang Gaozu ‘conquer the empire on horseback’ but it was his son Li Shimin who ‘built the empire from horse back. ’ Tang Gaozu spent his reign in conquering the whole empire that was broken into many independent forces loyal to the former emperor. This situation has indeed proved to be difficult as the empire was unable to wage war against the Turks and the Tibetans. According to Warren Cohen, â€Å"Gaozu had little choice but to buy peace;† however, what Tang Gaozu had failed to accomplished, his son did. Tang Gaozong also known to most Chinese historians as Tang Taizong, came into power in 627. His ascendancy to the throne was not at all smooth and easy, rather marked by his murderous scheme in connivance with some of the high-ranking military officials particularly those in-charge of the palace gates. Xueshi Guo noted that Li Shimin found himself at a â€Å"disadvantage in challenging his brothers,† to be heir to throne. After getting support from some powerful military generals, he staged a military coup against his brothers in 626 after which he killed both his brothers. According Guo, bare two months after the successful coup, â€Å"Gaozu was forced to to appoint Li Shimin as his successor and two months later he handed over his power completely to Li Shimen. † Taizong Ascended to the throne in 627, which marked a new era for the Chinese society. Having warned by the officials who recalled the disastrous consequence of Sui Imperialism, they urged the new emperor to concentrate on domestic affairs. Warren Cohen noted that Taizong or Gaozong listened to their advice and implements a more diplomatic policy in relation to the Turks. Because of this diplomatic policies, Cohen Pointed out â€Å"in due course China was prosperous again, its people well fed and responsive to his rule. † Taizong was indeed a great leader but he was moderate in his expansion policies compared to his father who. Taizong had more time to economic activities that bolstered China’s growing prosperity, he re opened trade routes, and the eliminations of tolls once exacted by those who had previously controlled passage across central Asia. Cohen further noted, â€Å"Student of Tang history will note the peaceful expansion of China’s contacts with rest of the world during Taizong’s days on the throne and China’s power and wealth attracted people from all over Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. † Based on these historical accounts, the implication of the Chinese proverbs rightly fits these first two Tang emperors. They were both powerful military ruler. Li Yuan curved out the empire on ‘horseback’, that is; through rebellion and war, and reestablishing the empire through conquering every forces that challenges the new power, while Tang Gaozong or Tang Taizong, the successor, strengthened the empire and brings more prosperity, stability and peace through a more enlightened civil and military administration. They may have some difficulty to be model of this Chinese proverb, for some reason. Both had acquired imperial power through violent means. Li Yuan had staged a rebellion against the emperor Yang and had perhaps connived with some palace officials to murder the emperor. Tang Gaozong on the other hand, conspired with some powerful military generals and orchestrated a coup against his own brothers and killing them and forcing his own father to hand over to him imperial throne. Nevertheless, on the ground of their accomplishment, they can fit to be model of this proverb. Gaozu was able to curve out a new empire that has more regard to its citizens, unlike with its predecessor who was ruthless and oppressive. An empire that was willing to take on new economic challenges that brought stability, peace and prosperity to its citizens. These two Tang emperors must be credited in their efforts that has brought enormous prosperity, and respect to Chinese people all over Asia, and to the world and if making them heroes will be a compensation of their achievements for the Chinese society, then they were very much deserving of such compensation. They deserved to be model of the proverb.

Electrical Bone Growth Stimulator Devices

Electrical Bone Growth Stimulator Devices Nonunion and delayed fractures are prevalent in the United States, accounting for a significant health care cost (Simon Simon, 2008). Bone is able to remodel and adapt to applied loads and electromechanical stimuli (Smeltzer, Bare, Hinkle, Cheever, 2009). One method of repairing these types of fractures is with an electric bone growth stimulator, which has been used for over 25 years. There are three types of electric bone growth stimulators, all of which provide an electric current to the bone that causes the bone cells to grow and proliferate. Treatment with bone growth stimulators shortens the recovery time, however cannot be used for large gaps in the bone (Simon Simon, 2008). Clinical Significance Every year in the United States 7.9 million fractures occur (Goldstein, Sprague, Petrisor, 2010). Approximately 600,000 fractures do not heal properly. Fractures that do not heal properly are usually delayed or nonunion fractures. These fractures require treatment or surgical intervention to heal properly and cost the United States $3 to 6 billion health care dollars each year (Simon Simon, 2008). A delayed union is a fracture that heals very slowly and does not heal within a normal amount of time. Although many factors affect how long it takes for a bone to heal such as which bone is broken and the severity of the fracture, the typical healing time is about three to four months. A delayed union can be caused by several factors including, poor blood supply, not casting the bone properly, and infection (Parker, 2010). Sometimes delayed union fractures can heal on their own without intervention or treatment. A nonunion is a fracture that does not heal within twice the expected healing time, generally six to nine months after the injury. Fibrocartilage also forms between the two pieces of broken bone (Mora, Pedrotti, Galli, 2006). Figure 1 shows a nonunion fracture of the tibia, the fracture is circled in red and you can see some of the fibrocartilage that formed between the two pieces of bone. Several factors that can cause nonunion are poor blood supply, not casting the bone p roperly, infection, and loss of bone or soft tissue (Parker, 2010). A nonunion fracture will not heal on its own and requires some form of intervention. Some of the options for treating nonunion are internal and external fixation devices, bone grafts, bone substitutes, biologics like platelet extracts and bone morphogenic proteins, and biophysical stimulation including ultrasound and electrical stimulation (Simon Simon, 2008). Since the repair of delayed and nonunion fractures requires intervention and treatment, the clinical problem is how to provide an intervention that allows the patient to recover from the injury in the shortest possible amount of time with the fewest complications and the least cost (Simon Simon, 2008). The ideal treatment is to repair the fracture without surgery and hospitalization (Goldstein, Sprague, Petrisor, 2010). Therefore, electrical bone growth stimulators are frequently used to treat delayed and nonunion fractures. Research has shown that electrical stimulation is a prevalent treatment that is utilized to speed up the process of healing in delayed and nonunion fractures. In the United States, electrical bone growth stimulators have treated approximately 400,000 delayed and nonunion fractures (Goldstein, Sprague, Petrisor, 2010). Electrical bone growth stimulators, shown in Figure 2, are therapeutic devices that are used to produce and apply electric fields to bone, similar to the electric fields that occur naturally inside the body but as a result of the injury are either not being produced fast enough or are not being produced at all (Goldstein, Sprague, Petrisor, 2010). Electrical bone growth stimulators have been shown to be 88% effective for treating delayed and nonunion fractures (Nolte, van der Krans, Patka, Janssen, Ryaby, Albers, 2001). The typical treatment time with an electrical bone growth stimulator is between three and six months (Simon Simon, 2008). Biology and Physiology Humans have 206 bones in their body (Smeltzer, Bare, Hinkle, Cheever, 2009). Bone can adapt and remodel as a result of an applied force, an injury or a stimulus. Bone is made up of three types of cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone formation and remodeling. Osteoblasts are cells that form bone (Smeltzer, Bare, Hinkle, Cheever, 2009). Osteocytes are formed from osteoblasts and are responsible for maintaining bone, whereas, osteoclasts are cells that absorb bone. These cells play an important role in fracture healing (Smeltzer, Bare, Hinkle, Cheever, 2009). The process of healing a fracture, shown in Figure 3, has four major steps. The first step occurs within hours following the injury and lasts for about a week. During this step, the injury causes increased blood flow and bleeding, causing a hematoma to form. This results in inflammation and swelling (Smeltzer, Bare, Hinkle, Cheever, 2009). The next step begins when fibroblasts reach the injury site then release collagen fibers and form a soft fibrocartilaginous callus between and around the two pieces of bone. The third step begins around week 4, when osteoblasts enter the callus, multiply and begin to form bone. This forms a harder bony callus that eventually turns into bone. The final stage is remodeling which starts around week 17 and continues until the bone is completely healed. During the remodeling stage, the callus is completely turned into bone by the osteoblasts, and the osteoclasts absorb the extra bone that was produced and not needed (Chiras, 2008). Market Trends The market for electrical bone growth stimulators has grown to over $500 million dollars in the last 25 years, and by 2012 the market is expected to rise to $690.1 million (Schenberger, 2007). The consumers of electrical bone growth stimulators are hospitals, orthopedic surgeons and patients with a delayed or nonunion bone fracture. Electrical bone growth stimulators have been used to treat 400,000 fractures (Simon Simon, 2008). These devices can be both invasive and noninvasive. The typical cost for a noninvasive electrical bone growth stimulator is between $3000 and $7000 and can increase to $20,000 for an invasive stimulator that requires two surgeries (Morone Feuer, 2003). Insurance will cover the cost of the device as long as the patient meets certain criteria, for example the gap between the bones must be less than 1 centimeter (CIGNA , 2010). This cost is much less than the approximately $27,000 cost for surgery and hospitalization after a procedure such as internal fixation (Hughes Anglen, 2010). Seven companies have received FDA approval (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2010) and the five companies that have electric bone growth stimulators on the market are Orthofix, Biomet, DJ Orthopedics (acquired the company Orthologic), Smith and Nephew and DePuy Spine (medcompare, 2010). The only company that has received FDA approval (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2010) and that has invasive electric bone growth stimulators on the market is Biomet (medcompare, 2010). Some of the noninvasive stimulators are shown in Figure 4 and two of the invasive stimulators from Biomet are shown in Figure 5. Bioelectric Principles Bone that goes through effective growth or repair holds an electronegative potential compared to that of resting bone (Glazer Glazer, 2001). In bone where a break or fracture has occurred with nonunion or delayed union, it has been found helpful to introduce electric stimuli to the area undergoing complications. The introduction of an electrical current allows the process of bone regeneration to reinitiate. The electrically charged particles within the current act as the missing catalyst for the necessary chemical reactions to stimulate the desired biological response of bone repair at the site of nonunion. Pulsed electrical stimulation can cause changes in the intracellular level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and thus triggers DNA synthesis within cells (Somjen, Fischler, Binderman, 1984). The electrical current excites the Na+/K+ pump of mesenchymal osteoblasts, which causes them to differentiate into osteoblasts that produce a woven matrix of bone (Shapiro, 2008).The electronegative current (DNA synthesis) applied at the surface of the fracture site or at the surface of the skin initiates endochondral bone formation the synthesis of cartilage, closely followed by bone formation (Shapiro, 2008). Bone naturally generates an electrical field because of Wolffs Law and piezoelectric properties, which is what the electric bone growth stimulators are also based off of. Wolffs law states that bone changes its external shape and internal (cancellous) architecture in response to stresses acting on it (Hunt, 2008). Piezoelectricity (Figure 6) is the stress-generated potentials in bone in which the side of the bone under mechanical compression [becomes] electronegative and the side under tension [becomes] electropositive (Kim, Won-Ki, Sung Jac, 1984). The mineral matrix in bone is piezoelectric because of the applied force to the skeletal system from tension (resting bone), and it changes its charge when the bone is under mechanical compression (bone repair/hematoma). The electric field produces electric potentials that cause the bone cells to grow and proliferate (Kim, Won-Ki, Sung Jac, 1984). Electrical stimulation creates an increased regulation of osteoinductive growth factors as well as enhancing osteoblastic activity, and decreasing osteoclastic activity through electrochemical reactions. This all leads to the desired reactions of increased bone formation and repair. The electrical stimulation increases the transmembrane calcium translocation, which activates calmodulin, a calcium binding protein involved in inflammation (Hematoma). Electric stimuli also brings about the upregulation of BMP-2, BMP-6, BMP-7, and the BMP receptor ALK-2, which are all bone morphogenic proteins needed to promote bone regeneration (Gan, Fredericks, Glazer, 2004). At the cathode of the Electric Bone Growth Stimulator, when the electric impulse is applied, three things happen: 1) the local oxygen concentration decreases, causing an increase in the biological process of bone growth, 2) the pH level increases, resulting in a decrease of osteoclastic function, and 3) the release of hydrogen pe roxide causing macrophages to release VEGF, which stimulates the growth of blood vessels in the area of injury. These growth factors enter the tissue matrix and trigger proliferation and differentiation which causes bone to form, thus increasing the healing rate of delayed union or nonunion (Gan, Fredericks, Glazer, 2004). History Device History The history of Bone Electric Growth Stimulators dates back to the late 1780s when the biologist, Luigi Galvani used electricity on a biological system. Galvani discovered that a frog could generate muscle spasms throughout its body when an electrical charge was applied to its spinal cord. Alessandro Volta, a colleague of Galvanis, was able to reproduce these (SilcoTek, 2010). The first documentation of electrical stimulation being used to heal fractures was in 1841 by Dr. Hartshorne, when he reported that a patient with a tibial nonunion was treated with electricity. In 1850, the scientist R. W. Lente was the first to report successful use of Galvanic currents used to treat patients with nonunion. In 1892, the German scientist Wolff was the first to describe how bone formed in response to stress; this description became known as Wolffs Law (Glazer Glazer, 2001). The significant gains of healing with electrical stimulation in the 17 1800s ends with Wolffs phenomenon description of bone formation. The modern theories that the Electric Bone Growth Stimulators are based off of are from the work that Iwao Yasuda and his colleagues found in the 1950s. In 1938 Yasuda started researching electrical stimulation of square wave to organic substance at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (Crenshaw, 1977). In 1953, Yasuda et al discovered that bone in compression was electronegative, and bone in tension was electropositive (Glazer Glazer, 2001). From 1962 to 1964, the scientists Friedenberg and Brighton furthered Yasudas research and discovered that bone that is growing or repairing itself shows and electronegative potential, while bone that is not has an electropositive potential. This discovery has encouraged others to research electrical stimuli in relation bone regeneration (Glazer Glazer, 2001). In 1975, Dr. McElhannon published a report stating the technology used to treat fractures in humans with electrical stimulation is not yet advanced enough to promote bone regeneration, but shows promise in animals (Meadows, 2008). Two years later, Dr. Paterson et al performed an experimental model on delayed union fractures of the tibia in adult dogs. The model showed an accelerated healing time where Osteogenesis was normal, and no other abnormalities were found (Meadows, 2008). In 1978, the FDA approved the use of external bone growth stimulators (Haverbush, 2005). In 1983, Dr. Hanaoka performed a study observing the effects of pulsed micro-electrical currents on internal remodeling in long tubular bone and bone healing (Meadows, 2008). A group of 14 dogs had electrodes inserted into the femora with pulsed micro-electrical currents applied to the right femora for four weeks. The dogs were split into groups and each group had different electrical currents (Hz) applied. The results s howed that bone healing in all cases was promoted (Meadows, 2008). Dr. Ahl et al, in 1984, used a semi invasive technique for bone healing on 23 patients with nonunion. Ten of those had solid bone regeneration, and the other 13 did not fully unite these were later determined to have been breaks that were too far apart (Meadows, 2008). In 1985, Dr. Kondo performed a study on the femur of dogs. The bones in the experimental group observed proliferation of osteoblasts on the third day, which transitioned into bone remodeling and a shortened healing time by the end of the third week (Meadows, 2008). In 1995, Dr. Zamora-Navas et al performed a study on 22 patients with nonunion, with a gap of 0.5 or more, using capacitively-coupled electrical signal for a treatment time of about 26 weeks. In the end, over 70% of the 22 had solid bone union if the gap was 1 cm or smaller (Meadows, 2008). In 1996, the FDA approved the use of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators, both invasive and noninvasiv e. Patent History On May 31, 1977, Dr. Levys bone generating device was approved. The stimulator produced electrical pulses applied to the bone, as opposed to direct current potential, to make the bone grow faster and stronger (Levy, 1977). The device is invasive, and is made of materials that will not poison or react with the surrounding tissue or bone (Levy, 1977). On November 15, 1983, Hirshorn et al had their patent approved on their implantable bone growth stimulator that uses a direct current output, and constantly transmits pulsed electromagnetic energy to the injury site. The output of energy(rate) is directly proportional to the set current. To make sure that the device is not affected by the pulsing of the transmission, a coil was placed inside the device to deliver a constant current. The device is enclosed in a titanium case, and has a longer shelf life due to an electrical switch that was placed inside the device (Hirshorn, Swift, Evans, 1983). On My 19, 1987, Dr. Campbells patent was approved. His stimulator was circuit adapted, and relied on the tissue (bone) to act as the load to make the circuit work. The storage device controlled the oscillator circuit, which in turn controlled the charge of the current that was issued from the battery and applied directly to the bone at the fracture site (Campbell, 1987). On May 9, 1995, Kronbergs stimulator was approved. This device was a non-invasive device that used low alternating currents applied to the patients skin. This particular device is battery powered and was found to generate the electrical characteristics found in bones naturally that generate normal bone growth (Kronberg, 1995). On June 16, 1998, Dr. Ericksons electric bone stimulator was approved. His stimulator came with a hand-held device which transmitted, and received, signals to the implanted stimulator (Erickson, Tepper, Thacker, Varrichio, Pilla, 1995). On August 2, 2007, Dr. Nyezs invasive stimulator was approved. The device is controlled by an external remote that sends a wireless signal to the stimulator. The current is circuitry controlled. It was made to be coupled with a hip prosthesis to help with healing and proper function, but can be used to stimulate healthy bone growth in areas of injury (Nyez, 2007). Device Theory In 1953, surgeon Iwao Yasuda first demonstrated that callus could be created by applying electric fields to bone (Figure 8). His experiment consisted of wrapping wire around a rabbitt femur and sending a small (1 uA) current to the anode, away from the bone. After three weeks of continuous current, Yasuda observed that a callus-typically generated during fracture repair- was beginning to form in the direction of the current (Liboff, 2006). There are three types of electric bone growth stimulators. They are categorized based on invasiveness and type of current. Table 1 gives a brief description of the different devices. Note that there are only two types listed, invasive and noninvasive (Liboff, 2006). Semi-Invasive Treatment Semi-invasive systems are semi-implantable: partially internal and partially external. The device provides a constant direct current supplied by an external power supply. The electrodes, on the other hand, are percutaneous and pass through the skin (Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators). These systems, however, are not currently in production, and consequently are not refered to by other scholars and have no relevant data (Clinical Policy Bulletin: Bone Growth Stimulators, 2010). Invasive Treatment The invasive treatment option, also known as direct current (DC) stimulation, is fully implanted and utilizes constant direct current. The device requires two surgies: one to implant the device, and one to remove the device. The anode is placed in the soft tissue, and the cathodes are connected to a power supply (typically a lithium battery) [cain] and placed at the fusion site. At the fracture site, the electrodes can be arranged in two ways (Figure 9). They can be placed on each side of the fracture as to bridge the defect; or, the electrode can be placed directly in the defect (Liboff, 2006). The although the current setting depends upon the fracture, it is typically set at 20 uA for up to six months (Lyle E. Cain, 2002). Noninvasive Treatments There are both electric and electromagnetic noninvasive EBGS devices. They are completely external and do not require surgery. Electric Option The electric noninvasive EBGS device works through capacitive coupling (CC). The CC device uses a 60 kHz alternating sinusoidal signal to produce a current. Two electrodes are placed on the skin, one on each side of the fracture (Figure 10) (Gan, Fredericks, Glazer, 2004). The power supply (typically a 9-V battery) is worn on the hip, and operated twenty four hours a day. Treatment generally applies 5-10 mA at the skin, and 15-20 uA at the fracture site. Device maintainence relies on the patient and includes changing the battery daily. Electromagnetic Options Pulsed Magnetic Field The pulsed magnetic field device (PMF or PEMF) follows Faradays law that Any change in the magnetic environment of a coil of wire will cause a voltage (emf) to be induced in the coil (Faradays Law). It applies a sawtooth (nonsinusoidal) voltage to two parallel external coils, one above the fusion site, and one below (see figure #). The applied voltage creates a current through the coils that generates a single, magnetic field through the defect. Because the field is constantly changing, an induced voltage is created, which appears as pulses (Liboff, 2006). The coils can be worn on the skin, or over a cast (if applicable) (Lyle E. Cain, 2002). The device includes an external battery pack and may be operated up to ten hours a day (Lyle E. Cain, 2002), but treatment is typically only three hours daily (Liboff, 2006). Ion Cyclotron Resonance The ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) device is similar to the PFM device in that it also uses an external coil system. ICR devices, however, apply a different theory than PMF devices. It was shown in 1985 that the results embodied in the so-called calcium efflux effect were in close agreement with the predictions based on the resonance characteristics of certain biological ions subject to the Lorentz force (Liboff, 2006). The device combines both dc and ac magnetic fields to achieve resonant condition. The theory is that ions in resonance are more likely to stimulate the gating mechanism for ion channel transport, and tuning to these ions can increase growth (Liboff, 2006). The device (Figure 11) also uses an external battery pack, and the unit should only be operated thirty minutes per day (Lyle E. Cain, 2002). Regulatory Standards The FDA recognizes the noninvasive bone growth stimulator and the invasive bone growth stimulator under the Title 21-Food and Drugs, of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (Product Classification, 2010). Both are Class III devices, so they must abide by general controls and receive premarket approval. Class III devices support or sustain human life, that are of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, or that present a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Premarket approval (PMA) is the FDA process of scientific and regulatory review to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Class III medical devices. A PMA application must be submitted and reviewed before marketing the products because they are considered high-risk medical devices (Device Classification, 2010). Device Review Advantages Previous treatments for nonunions included rigid fixation, bone grafts, and amputation. The electric bone growth stimulator has several advantages over these more tradition treatments. The treatment is less severe than bone grafting and the hospital stay after the invasive treatment is typically only three to four days, as opposed to ten days of recovery after grafts. Also, the average completion time for a successful union is only four months, compared to six to eight for bone grafts (Anbuselvan, Krishnamurthy, Madhumathi, Manonmani, Aravindan, Babu, 1995). Moreover, the EBGS is less traumatic than amputation and allows for the retention of limbs. In regards to the devices, the invasive option is advantageous because it provides constant uniform current and does not require an active patient role. After surgery, the device is self operated and maintained. Also, the invasive option bypasses tissue resulting in less resistance and better treatment results. The CC device is small, light, and easy to use (Lyle E. Cain, 2002). Disadvantages The main disadvantage of the EBGS is that union may be unsuccessful if the fracture gap is too large, typically over one centimeter. Also, before an EBGS is used, it must be determined that the bone is not healing properly on its own. Lastly, these devices have not yet been proven successful for treatment of nonunions in locations other than long bones or spine (Clinical Policy Bulletin: Bone Growth Stimulators, 2010). In regards to the devices, the invasive option has a higher hospital cost and patient morbidity due to the surgeries necessary for device implantation and removal. The CC device requires patient compliance. The patient must monitor, operate, and maintain the device, which includes changing the battery daily. Also, there may be skin irritation from the electrodes. Also, the PEMF and ICR devices are often larger and heavy than other external devices, which may create difficulties for patients (Clinical Policy Bulletin: Bone Growth Stimulators, 2010). Product Comparison Biomet is the only company that produces invasive electric bone growth stimulators. Their products include the OsteoGen Bone Growth Stimulator, the OsteoGen Dual Lead Bone Growth Stimulator for use with bone graft surgery, and the OsteoGen-M Bone Growth Stimulator, which utilizes a mesh cathode. Biomet also produces the following external, noninvasive EBGS devices: EBI Bone Healing System and the OrthoPak 2 Bone Growth Stimulator. The EBI Bone Healing System is more convenient because the actual device is worn like a sports band or brace that wraps around the limb, where as the OrthoPak 2 is a larger device with dermal electrodes that must be carried along with the battery pack. On the plus side, the OrthoPak 2 allows for easier placement of hard-to-reach fracture sites (Biomet, 2010). DJO sells the CMF OL1000 Bone Growth Stimulator. It follows a similar concept as the EBI Bone Healing System, except this device is not fully closed, giving it the ability of being worn over a cast if necessary (Products, 2009). Literature Review We assigned the designated sections of the report to each team member to research individually. We attended a research session with librarian Christine Drew to better understand WPIs academic databases and resources. Key terms used in our research included the following: electric bone growth stimulator, bone growth stimulator, bone growth devices, fracture healing, delayed union fracture, non union fracture, Faradays Law, Wolffs Law, piezoelectricity, bone repair, bone cells, electric bone growth device regulations, cost of bone growth stimulation, FDA class III devices, premarket approval, bone growth device history, Luigi Galvani, electric bone growth studies, companies that sell electric bone growth stimulators, Biomet, Exogen, modern electric growth theory, and bone growth stimulator patent. We searched several databases and reliable search engines including the following: Google Books, Google Scholar, Gale PowerSearch, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Wiley Interscience.

The Effects of Child Abuse Essay examples -- Child Abuse Essays

The effects of child abuse are multiple. The pain and trauma the abused child goes through is just a small part of how this cauldron of hidden depravity in our society affects all of us. Wrecked lives can be seen in persons of all ages and in all walks of life. Society as a whole is also effected by child abuse both in negative and positive ways. In this essay I will present some of the factor and results of this violent behavior on individuals as well as our culture. Early American culture did not consider child abuse a crime. Children over the age of 7 were made to work as hard as adults of the time period. They were often beaten if they did not. This changed in the late 19th century when 9 year old Mary Ellen, who endured physical beatings from her foster mother, was reported to the authorities by concerned neighbors who heard Mary’s repeated cries at the hand or switch of her foster mother. In 1874, a mission volunteer named Etta Wheeler was informed of Mary’s cruel life of beatings, imprisonment and cold-hearted servitude. When Etta Wheeler was finally permitted to observe Mary in her living quarters, appalled she began to do everything in her power to get Mary out of her horrid situation. Wheeler convinced the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to intervene and by legal means have Mary removed from the home. Their argument was that â€Å"Mary Ellen was a member of the animal kingdom, and thus could be i ncluded under the laws which protected animals from human cruelty† (Bell, 2011, p. 3). Out of this advocacy for Young Mary was formed the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The overall effect of young Mary’s abuse was permanent changes in United States law making abuse, violence, and negle... ...y know about some forms of family violence, such as child abuse, we should be able to more quickly gain a better understanding regarding every type of family violence that we encounter in our society. What we learn about overcoming child abuse, may be helpful in therapy for partner abuse, or elder abuse. The continuing cycle of child abuse can be ended when we are willing to look at the devastation it leaves in the lives of not only the child victims, but everyone who is a part of the family or society where family violence dwells. When individuals are willing to stand up for these young victims and get involved, only then will positive change come. Look at the positive change that grew out of the abuse and rescue of one 9 year old girl named Mary Ellen when one person with compassion in her heart was willing and resolute to get involved and make a difference. The Effects of Child Abuse Essay examples -- Child Abuse Essays The effects of child abuse are multiple. The pain and trauma the abused child goes through is just a small part of how this cauldron of hidden depravity in our society affects all of us. Wrecked lives can be seen in persons of all ages and in all walks of life. Society as a whole is also effected by child abuse both in negative and positive ways. In this essay I will present some of the factor and results of this violent behavior on individuals as well as our culture. Early American culture did not consider child abuse a crime. Children over the age of 7 were made to work as hard as adults of the time period. They were often beaten if they did not. This changed in the late 19th century when 9 year old Mary Ellen, who endured physical beatings from her foster mother, was reported to the authorities by concerned neighbors who heard Mary’s repeated cries at the hand or switch of her foster mother. In 1874, a mission volunteer named Etta Wheeler was informed of Mary’s cruel life of beatings, imprisonment and cold-hearted servitude. When Etta Wheeler was finally permitted to observe Mary in her living quarters, appalled she began to do everything in her power to get Mary out of her horrid situation. Wheeler convinced the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to intervene and by legal means have Mary removed from the home. Their argument was that â€Å"Mary Ellen was a member of the animal kingdom, and thus could be i ncluded under the laws which protected animals from human cruelty† (Bell, 2011, p. 3). Out of this advocacy for Young Mary was formed the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The overall effect of young Mary’s abuse was permanent changes in United States law making abuse, violence, and negle... ...y know about some forms of family violence, such as child abuse, we should be able to more quickly gain a better understanding regarding every type of family violence that we encounter in our society. What we learn about overcoming child abuse, may be helpful in therapy for partner abuse, or elder abuse. The continuing cycle of child abuse can be ended when we are willing to look at the devastation it leaves in the lives of not only the child victims, but everyone who is a part of the family or society where family violence dwells. When individuals are willing to stand up for these young victims and get involved, only then will positive change come. Look at the positive change that grew out of the abuse and rescue of one 9 year old girl named Mary Ellen when one person with compassion in her heart was willing and resolute to get involved and make a difference.

Directing Act 3 scene 2 of Julius Caesar :: Drama

Directing Act 3 scene 2 of Julius Caesar Act 3 scene 2 is a pivotal scene in the play for a number of reasons. Firstly, it develops the growing conflict between the conspirators and Anthony. It creates the main division that ultimately leads to the ensuing war. It also introduces Anthony as a more powerful figure, as if he fills the vacuum that Caesars death left. From a directing point of view, it is a very hard scene to direct, as we need to keep the suspense and momentum created by the juxtaposition made by placing this pivotal scene right after the last highly charged and emotional scene. In this scene, I want to try and create an atmosphere of anger and emotion, anger first at Caesar during Brutus' speech and then at Brutus himself during Anthony's, the emotion is in a way not only the anger, but also the grief that the plebeians feel at the loss of their leader. Before the scene starts, a couple of actors in plebeian clothes take up places in the standing area close to the stage ready to divide the audience for when Anthony comes down among them. At the beginning of the scene when Brutus and Cassius enter, I would like them to enter through the main back door onto the stage and walk towards the plebeians. Cassius then leaves with some citizens and exits back through the back door through which Brutus then follows to emerge a moment later in the main pulpit above the stage (see diagram 1-2). This is because it shows he thinks he is above all the citizens around him and asserts the air of authority that he is trying to make. One of the main points I want to get across in Brutus' speech is the fact that he does not actually have any good reason for killing Caesar and that he has to try and promote the one point that he has. To do this, I want him to use a lot of emotive actions and tone of voice. In Caesar's time when the people were mostly uneducated and easily led, this kind of speech would have won them over if it were performed well. If they got so caught up on one point, then they would forget that it was not actually a very good point and believe it feverantly until they could be persuaded otherwise by another speaker, such as Anthony. Brutus starts out by pleading with the plebeians to listen to him, "Hear me for my cause, and be silent, that you may hearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦" When he says this, I want him to say it almost desperately but still

Abortion is Not the Reason for Lower Crime Rates Essay -- Argumentativ

What is wrong with the ivory tower? The appointment of Peter ("Death to Disabled Newborns!") Singer to the bioethics faculty at Princeton University has generated considerable controversy. Recently, University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt and Stanford University Law School professor John Donohue III created a furor with their research paper "Legalized Abortion and Crime." The authors contend that legalized abortion fueled the drop in crime in the 1990s because a new subclass of humanity they've identified- "women most at risk to have children who would engage in criminal activity"-have higher abortion rates, thus preemptively executing the would-be felons. This subclass, we are told, is populated predominantly by women who are teens, single and/or African American. Talk about your prenatal racial profiling! The American public is supposed to be grateful to have been spared the cost of not only the crimes, but due process, trial by jury, incarceration, appeals and execution. Â   The paper footnotes even the title with "preliminary and incomplete," and contains all manner of caveats on the "well recognized potential shortcomings of the [crime] data" and concedes the general impossibility of ever proving the asserted causal link with any degree of certainty. Yet it brazenly attempts to put a happy face on the achingly personal and national tragedy that is abortion. That is why articles extolling the findings are popping up throughout the pro-abortion press, while indignant editorials are questioning the authors' eugenicist leanings. It was, after all, Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger who established contraceptive clinics in ghettos so that "defectives" and "human weeds" could be eliminated. Â   Wi... ...gnant, compared to 20 percent of girls in the same age group in D.C. public schools. About 10 percent of the Best Friends participants ages 12-18 had had sex, compared to 72% of their peers. Â   Why the decline in crime in the 1990s? Many plausible explanations have been reported (and given short shrift by the authors), including higher conviction rates and longer prison terms which are keeping repeat offenders off the streets, more police and better policing strategies, decline in the crack cocaine trade and higher expenditures in victim precautions like security guards, alarms, car theft devices, etc. Â   Might I suggest another avenue of research? Let's determine what conditions lead families to produce academics who have no sense of the sanctity and dignity of human life. Some early childhood intervention in values education might really pay off.

Catalase Write Up

This experiment was performed to determine the factors that positively influence catalase reaction rates in the break down of hydrogen peroxide. Catalase enzyme activity was measured through its break down of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen through the displacement of water. We compared the decomposition rates in samples with varying pH levels of 2-10. The samples with the most neutral ph level decomposed hydrogen peroxide the quickest and most efficiently. Hypothesis Catalase is a fast working enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and gas. dictionary. com) Many factors affect the break down of hydrogen peroxide, one of the main factors that relates to the human body is pH levels. With the presence of strong acids or strong bases the production rate of oxygen gas will increase the rate of reaction. As quoted from allsciencefair. com â€Å"The optimal pH range is about 7-8 (physiological pH of most cells), but a few enzymes can work at extreme pH, such as prote ase enzymes in animal stomachs, which have an optimum of pH 1. This shows that for the human body catalase needs to be able to function properly at extreme pH levels, proving where our hypothesis was drawn from. http://www. all-science-fair-projects. com/science_fair_projects/105/901/69adbb37c02f0fb4f8b674fbae189d9f. html Procedure Record the pH level of the mix between catalase and the acid/base Dip the circles of filter paper into the mixture and place on top of the inside of the glass bottle. Add 5mL of hydrogen peroxide into the glass bottle ensuring that none touches the opening or the filter paper.Place the bottle in the water tray and slide the nossel under the graduated cylinder full of water. Flip the bottle so the hydrogen peroxide mixes with the catalase filter paper. Measure the production of oxygen gas every 5 seconds for 1 minute. Repeat for the remaining pH levels. Materials -Sulphuric Acid (0. 05M) -Potassium hydroxide (0. 05M and 0. 5M) -Catalase -water tray -3 250m L beakers -pH paper -3 eye droppers -2 graduated Cylinders -Dissection probe -filter paper -Hole Punch -Water -Distilled water -square glass container with nossel -Safety glassesThrough the results that were gained in our experiment the information proves that as pH level’s move towards their extremes, the rate of oxygen produced decreases severely. As you can see in our sixth trial on day 2 the pH was recorded at f 7 with a rate of reaction of INSERT # HERE indicating to us our middle value to compare other data to. When looking at the trends of trial 1 which is a pH of 5 you can see that the rate decreases as it becomes more acidic, then when comparing to trial 4 with a pH of 2 there is no oxygen gas being produced.Similarly when the solution becomes more basic the rate decreases as we can see in trial two which yields a pH of 8. As the curve of best fit demonstrates as the pH increases or decreases from the neutral of 7 the reaction rate approach’s 0. In the human b ody all organs produce catalase but the greatest quantity of catalase is found in the liver. In completing this experiment and analyzing the results it is noticeable that for the human body to have it’s greatest rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, a neutral environment is a necessity.If the human body was to suffer from a case of acidosis where the body became to acidic it would negatively affect the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by slowing do the process. Hydrogen Peroxide is created by many enzymes in our body that break down fatty acids and amino acids. When the hydrogen peroxide is created its kept in peroxisomes as it can be damaging. Peroxisomes are also where our catalase is stored allowing for the easy break down of the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. http://www. madsci. org/posts/archives/1999-09/938519528. Bc. r. html http://www. scribd. com/doc/90888398/Catalase-Blood-Hydrogen-Peroxide

Respiratory Case Study

Respiratory Case Study The following case study is of a 37-year old Hispanic male weighing 145 lbs and 70 inches tall found unconscious by his girlfriend. According to her he was unconscious for about 15 hours and she was concerned because he would not wake or respond and was breathing shallow and slow. She then called 9-1-1. The patient entered the ER by emergency vehicle and on my initial assessment Pt had an altered mental status, was very unresponsive showing symptoms of a possible drug overdose.The girlfriend told the physician the Pt had taken 75 mg of methadone and an unknown amount of Xanex and other amounts of Benzodiazepines. On assessment, the doctor noticed his altered mental status and unconscious status. He had a gag reflex and responded to pain. Pt had a blood pressure of 63/41 and a 02 saturation of 50% on room air and a heart rate of 108. We put the patient on an oxy mask at 14 liters and his saturation improved to 90%. The Physician then administered Narcan which in return raised the respiratory rate. The physician then eventually intubated with Etomidate.He is then diagnosed with Acute Renal Failure, Acute Lung Injury with possible aspiration and CHF with Atrial Fib. The patient has had no prior history of drug overdose. The patient did, however, have a brother that recently committed suicide and was recently released from jail. The patient does drink alcohol and takes multiple street medications and methadone for pain. For this patient with my initial thoughts would be to order an ABG to test for acidosis and see if there is an electrolyte imbalance, then a possible scan of the brain.An EKG test would also be ordered to see how the heart has dealt with the stress. Giving him Narcan would help block the receptor sites to stop the action of the OD. What ended up being ordered is the ABG, a CT of the brain, EKG, NG tube, Catheter, Glasgow Coma Scale, Chest X-ray and the lab drew blood. The ABG showed severe metabolic and respiratory acidosis, g lucose of 72, potassium of 4. 9, calcium of 7. 9 chloride of 105, C02 of 24, creatinine of 2. 6. The EKG showed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and signs of CHF.The lab results showed an electrolyte imbalance, sepsis, and no alcohol. The CT scan showed a hypoxemic brain injury and the x-ray showed infiltrates which are assumed to be from aspiration pneumonia. From this we know that the patient will stay intubated until further improvement of acidosis, help to reduce possible development of ARDS, Sepsis and until the patient will be able to breath on his own. The settings on the vent I would have chose would have been SIMV, Vt of 550-600, a rate of 15, pressure support of 10, Cpap of 5, at a 100% Fi02 with the ABG reading Ph 7. 1, Pco2 58, P02 56, and sating 76%, Hco3 18. 4. Physician ordered vent setting, SIMV, 100% Fi02, Vt of 550, rate of 12, pressure support of 10, Cpap of 5. The idea behind these settings is to allow the Pt to ventilate and to breathe off the access co2 and to oxygenate the blood. I would like to have seen a rate of 16 to help with the release of co2. 1 hour later the ABG read Ph 7. 13, Pco2 65, P02 66, Hco3 at 15. 6 and sating 85%. The settings for the Pt as far as respiratory seem to be fine for now unless the Pt develops ARDS.It is more of a metabolic concern at this time now that the Pt is ventilated. Blood gases go as follows: in the ER for initial assessment on the vent at 2130 a critical of Ph- 7. 11, Pc02- 58, P02- 56 Hc03- 18. 4 and a saturation of 76% on 100% Fio2 while on SIMV with a rate of 12, Vt of 550, pressure support of 10 and Cpap of 5. The Pt at this time has no spontaneous breathing while on the vent. Due to the drug overdose the Pt is showing both respiratory and metabolic acidosis with Moderate Hypoxemia. A follow up ABG, 20 minutes later, results in a Ph of 7. 3, Pco2- 47, Po2- 66, Hco3-15. 6 and sating 85% on 100% Fio2. The Pt is now breathing 21 BPM and a Vt of 605 in addition of the vent settin gs. The results of the latest ABG have shown small improvement, but still critical Ph and moderate hypoxemia. Another follow up ABG at 0100 shows a small improvement on the Ph to 7. 18, the Pco2 became more acidotic moved to 53, the Po2 improved to 77 which shows he is oxygenating better but still hypoxic, his Hco3 acidosis is improving at a change to 19. 8, and sating 91% now.The Pt is now breathing at a rate has come down to 10 BPM on his own above and beyond the vent. After consulting with the physician we changed the Vt to 600 and the pressure support to 20 and Cpap to 15. The Pt continued on these settings till 0415. The physician then made the change to Bi-level with the settings of a rate of 14 pressure support of 25, and an H/L pressure of 35/15. The Pt at this time is pulling a Vt of 745 and a spontaneous rate of 17 and still at 100% Fio2 and sating 92%. This is the point when the Pt makes the turn.The Bi-level or APRV was the proper setting for this Pt. He continued to imp rove over the next several days with his peek pressure climbing to 40. The Pt continues these settings and slowly improves and eventually weaned from the ventilator till the Pt no longer needs support. Pt received AP diameter X-ray to confirm tube placement and to see if there were any kind of infiltrates because of possible aspiration and to eliminate possible pneumothorax and pleural effusion. Findings included mild patchy infiltrates in the right upper to middle lobes.The left lower lobe also has some similar findings but less concerning. This may either be due to lung infection or pulmonary edema. The placement of the ET tube was confirmed at 2 cm above the carina. The NG tube was also confirmed to correct placement. The heart silhouette was not enlarged and stable. No pleural effusion was ever confirmed. Pt will be treated for minor Pneumonitis. X-rays continued throughout his stay and infiltrated were slowly diminished and tube placement was confirmed and never changed. The La b reported sodium at 142 to be within normal range, potassium 5. also with in normal range. Chloride at 105 also with in normal range, glucose levels at 169 also within normal range, calcium at 7. 9 is low. The Pt received ionized calcium through his central line. The Hematology reported the WBC at 4. 4 is at the lower spectrum of normal, the RBC at 5. 70 is within the normal limits, and HCT is 51 which are also in the normal spectrum. Blood work came back good. Sputum sample was taken and results were negative for any growth. The Pt is urinating well and color is yellow/clear with trace amounts of protein.No PFT’s were performed. Medications the Pt received in the ER: Dextrose 5% delivered intravenous to hydrate Pt, Sodium Bicarbonate was given intravenous because of the severe acidosis, Nor epinephrine given intravenous to raise the BP to a more stable condition, Dopamine also given for a vaso pressers, Etomidate was given to sedate the Pt for intubation, Clindamycin given due to the allergy of Penicillin to help with any anaerobic infection, Doripenem and Vancomycin other antibiotics, Propofol to keep Pt sedated during his intubation.Medications given while in the ICU: Clopidogrel (Plavix) given to prevent clots, Symbicort given to help prevent bronchospasm and improve lung function, Digoxin given for the CHF and slow the heart rate for Atrial Fibrillation, Famotidine to inhibit the production of stomach acid, Lisinopril given in case of hypertension, Sodium Chloride to treat his hyponatremia, Levophed (Nor epinephrine) given when the HR or BP drops, Phenylephrine also a vaso presser or to relive nasal decongestion, Pitressin also another vaso presser, Dobutamine to prevent cardiogenic shock, Dopamine for another presser, Fentanyl given to reduce pain, Haloperidol (Haldol) to help with his mental heath, Lorazepam also given to treat his mental heath or anxiety, Morphine to treat pain, and Reteplase given for anti-clotting factor.

Financial Analysis of PepsiCo and Coca-Cola

PepsiCo and Coca Cola are two major companies that manufacture beverages. They compete to be the number on manufacturer and distributor of beverages in the world. These two companies are very identifiable in this market and you know them as PepsiCo and Coca Cola. These two companies have undoubtedly dominated the markets worldwide that they both receive universal recognition for their different products. Although, there are many other manufacturers and distributors of beverages these two are the major competitors.Not only do they produce soda drinks, they also produce flavored water, spring water, and some energy drinks. PepsiCo, best known for Pepsi and Coca Cola best known for Coke have great marketing anddue to this they are able to target all income brackets. Their marketing and reasonable prices make iteasy for the people to buy their products in all income brackets. I will be examining both company’s income statements and balance sheets to disclose thefinancial condition of these companies in relation one to another.I will also perform vertical andhorizontal analysis from their annual report of financial data. There are a vast amount of manufacturers and distributors in this market, but Pepsi and Coca-Cola have managed to stay in the number one spot for a couple of decades. These two companies have not only dominated the market domestically they have dominated the worldwide market. They followed a plan that kept them above and beyond the market of soft drinks. They have overcome obstacles that allowed them to manufacture and distribute globally. (The Coca Cola Company, 2009).These companies compete with one another for the same customers. When one company comes up with a product the other company comes out with something very similar to it; this is called the â€Å"follow up strategy,† and while doing so they live the other companies behind dazed and confused, wondering what just happened. (www. PepsiCo. com, 2009). Being successful does not come without a price, both of this companies has had to deal with legal issues, precedents, and politics. These two companies are the best examples on how leadership is the power of influence.They design their product geared towards a certain taste and to appeal to a certain population and make look as though they are subjected to certain ethical and moral practices. Their influence in this market is so powerful that they drive out and shut down any other competitor in this market. I would like for you to keep in mind that all financial data of these companies are shown in millions so if you see a figure of 200 that means 200 million and if you see 5,000 it is in the billions. We will start with a vertical analysis of these companies. The vertical analysis comes from each company’s financial statements.The total assets for each company will be the starting point of this analysis. Coca Cola’s total assets in 2004 were $31,441 and its 2005 total assets were $29,427. Pep siCo’s total assets for 2004 were $27,987 and its total assets for 2005 were $31,727. (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Kieso, 2008). The total asset of each of the figures relates to items from each company’s balance sheet. The cost of sales for PepsiCo during 2004 was $12,674 yielding a ratio percentage of 45. 3% of total assets and for 2005 the cost of sales was $14,167 yielding a ratio percentage of 44. 7% of total assets.Coca-Cola’s cost of sales in 2004 was $7,674 yielding a ratio percentage of 24. 4% of total assets and in 2005it was $8,195 yielding a ratio percentage of 27. 8% of total assets. PepsiCo experienced a 5% increase within a one year span and Coca Cola experienced a 3. 4% increase during the same span. This does not mean that this increase is a positive analysis since the single figure does not reveal whether the increase is a positive measure. A higher cost of sales may not be offset by higher revenues matching or exceeding the increased cost. The next th ing we are going to look at is net income.Pepsi had in 2004 a net income of $4,212 and this yielded a ratio percentage of 15. 1% of total assets and in 2005 their net income was $4,078 yielding a ratio percentage of 13. 2% of their total assets. This is a 1. 9% decrease in their net income between 2004 and 2005 and they also show a decrease in the cost of sales during the same period. Coke on the other hand had a net income of $4,847 in 2004 yielding a ratio percentage of 15. 4% and in2005 their net income was $4,872 yielding a ratio of 16. 6% of their total assets. This shows and an increase of 1. 2% between 2004 and 2005.Although they experienced an increase it is not entirely an offset of their income overall, making this a negative indication for Coca Cola. Now the breakdown of each company’s consolidated balance sheets to compare current assets and current liabilities to their total assets for each year considered. Pepsi’s total current assets in 2004 were $8,639 which yields a ratio percentage of 30. 9% of total assets for that year. Pepsi’s total current assets in 2005 were $10,454 which yields a ratio percentage of 32. 9% of total assets. This shows a 2%increase in current assets.In contrast coca Cola current asset in 2004 were $12,281 yielding a ratio percentage of 39. 1% and in 2005 current asset were $10,250 yielding a ratio percentage of 34. 8%;which show a major decrease in their current assets. Although, there was a significant decrease in their current assets it was accompanied by a decrease in their current liabilities, which would be a positive indication for Coke instead of a negative one. Looking at the horizontal analysis of each company will give us more information. Horizontal analysis is also called â€Å"trend analysis† because of its ability to show financial data compared over a period of time.There are two different formulas that can be employed to teach this information. The first one uses the current yea r amount and subtracts from that the base year amount. The second formula divides the current year amount by the base year amount. The year 2004 is the base year for both companies in this analysis. Pepsi’s total current assets for 2004 were $8,639 and for 2005 were $10,454. In the first Pepsi had an increase of 121. 01% of total current assets; over their 2004 base year figure. The second formula yields a 21. 01% total current assets from the base year. Coke’s total assets in 2004 were$12,281 and $10,250 in 2005.As you can see Coke’s total current assets dropped between 2004 and2005 without performing the formulaic calculations. All the analysis shows that PepsiCo and Coca Cola both experienced lower net profits in 2005than in 2004. They showed an increased operation expenses which resulted in a lower net profit. Both has had a higher operating expense in 2005 than in 2004 and need to modify their operations to reduce their expenses so their profit margins can increase so they will not keep experiencing a decrease in profits. I have analyzed two well-known companies in this paper.These two companies are PepsiCo and Coca Cola. These two companies have been around for a long time and have stormed the market. We have seen in my vertical and horizontal analysis that their financial data reveals somewhat a different picture of each company’s financial status. Both companies have experienced a moment were they were not profitable and a moment when they were profitable. During this exercise made me realize that although these companies appear to be profitable the analyses showed that these two companies performance were very different from one another in the years 2004 and 2005

To what extent do the two texts present similar or different criticisms of society?

Both No Sugar, written by Jack Davis and Once Were Warriors directed by Lee Tamohori use a number of different themes to present extensively similar criticisms of society. In the play No Sugar, an indigenous family depicts the injustices and problems they face with both the white man and themselves. Also, in Once Were Warriors we see a Maori family struggling to cope with the harsh life they face in their run-down community overrun by gangs and crime. In both texts, the audience sees colonialist policies in extreme poverty, substance abuse, racism, violence and the effects of disintegration of the family. A major theme that is brought to light in Once Were Warriors and No Sugar is the effects of colonialism. In both texts, the characters endure racist policies and are exploited by the â€Å"white man laws† and as a consequence left disenfranchised from society. In Once Were Warriors, Tamohori contrasts Jake against Beth to illustrate how the loss of one's pride and tradition ultimately leads to their downfall. Jake is described as a â€Å"slave† and is clearly a victim to the laws imposed from the white invasion, opposed to Beth, who knows of a better life, involving family culture and traditions rather than crime and alcoholism; the two key reasons leading to Jake's demise. Similarly, in No Sugar, we see the effects of colonialism take its toll on the characters. Due to the paternalistic role cast upon the aboriginal people by those in authority such as A. O. Neville and the Chief Protector of Aboriginals, the characters resort to crime to get by. This is apparent when Jimmy is sent away to jail for months on end and being denied any communications between him and his family, brought about by the controlling laws cast upon the indigenous population at the time. Similarly, both texts present this criticism of society through demonstrating the affect these incidents have on all the characters. In No Sugar and Once Were Warriors, another criticism of the dominant society is its capacity to marginalize its native people. In No Sugar, this is evident in the majority of times the Aboriginal family is in contact with the local Sergeant and Constable. Jimmy: â€Å"Six months! I can do that on me fuckin' head. † Sergeant: â€Å"I'll see what I can do. † In this scene, Jimmy and Sam have been jailed in the Northam police station. This scene, and many like it which follow, demonstrates the injustices these characters face, and the paternalistic behavior of the government at the time. For this reason, the characters in the book were separated from their families and incarcerated for months and in that time, endured racist treatment while in prison. Comparable to this, Once Were Warriors depicts a racist society in a similar manner and through similar circumstances. The Heke family reside in a slum on the outskirts of the city. The family occupies a run-down government funded house in a suburb where crime and conflict with the police is an everyday occurrence. Despite being in a similar situation to the characters in No Sugar, due to the time difference, the family in Once Were Warriors are looked after by a better understanding government and legal system. This is evident when we see the son Mark in conflict with the law for misbehavior, consequently being sent to a youth camp. Unlike No Sugar, the camp that Mark is sent to proves to be a positive change in his life, one which ultimately alters the trends of his own family when he returns home. Compared to No Sugar, the racist treatment of these characters essentially produces a negative impact within their own lives and the lives of their families. Nevertheless, the creators purposely portray this theme in both texts to highlight it within our society, and in effect, through analyzing both texts the audience can notice significant gains that the characters from Once Were Warriors benefit from while the characters from No Sugar suffer as a result. Exposed in both texts, as a result of lost pride, was the theme of substance abuse, namely alcohol. Within the two texts, alcohol abuse plays a significant role in only the lives of the men, ultimately determining their behavior towards the others. In Once Were Warriors, the presence of alcohol is apparent in the majority of scenes. The main character, Jake ‘The Muss', relies on alcohol as a coping mechanism for the harsh, marginalized life he leads, but the affect it has on him and his family proves to be detrimental. A decisive example of this is the night that Gracie commits suicide subsequent to her uncle raping her. Throughout the whole incident, Jake remains drunk and seems to be impassive to his daughter's death. The next morning we see Jake, still with a bottle in his hand drinking away his troubles. No Sugar also portrays the theme of alcohol abuse; Jimmy Munday and Sam Millimurra, his brother-in-law have been drinking heavily and they begin to fight in a wild lumbering manner. The scene has a humorous tone – especially when Gran breaks up the fight, however on a serious level it expresses the problems the characters face because of their isolation and impotence. In both texts, the theme of substance abuse is displayed intentionally to further depict the despair and disempowerment the characters face and the way in which their lives and the people around them are impacted upon. Highlighted in both texts was the way the indigenous characters, who were once proud people, become lowered to impotent helpless figures. As we see in Once Were Warriors, the unstable Jake used his fist to release the pain, anguish and frustration he feels; as Jakes wife Beth states, â€Å"You're still a slave, to your fist, to your drink, to yourself. Likewise, in No Sugar, Jimmy is portrayed as a bitter character suffering the effect of extensive alcohol abuse. In both texts, the creators include these characters to demonstrate the frustrating effects of life without power and what its like to be entirely disenfranchised from society as well as their traditional ways and culture. Throughout No Sugar and Once Were Warriors, Tamohori and Davis recognize the ‘mediator' role that the women played – Beth and Gracie in Once Were Warriors and Gran and Milly in No Sugar. A significant scene which reveals Beth's function in the family occurs when she comforts Gracie – the only gentle soul amongst the tough family, subsequent to being physically abused by Jake. â€Å"[It] won't be easy, just gotta find the money†¦ we will, I promise†. This demonstrates the reassuring attitude Beth, as a mother, has towards her children despite the severe events that occur in the family, as well as the significant role in keeping her family strong and together. In the same way, Gran displays the sense of comfort and conciliation in No Sugar. Unlike Beth, Gran produces this sense of comfort through constantly resorting to their own people's traditional songs. The existence of Gran is paramount to the survival of those around her in that through her knowledge of traditional Aboriginal ways, she brings comfort, support and hope of a better future at times where something so out of reach seems possible. The societies shown in Once Were Warriors and No Sugar are similarly presented in a critical light as both Davis and Tamohori demonstrate the conditions brought about by the effects of colonialism. Both texts also depict the power of women, and the hope they provide the surrounding characters for a better future. Both texts, intentionally, finish in a similar way in that the audience are instilled with a sense of hope that through reconnection with their heritage the characters may escape the control of the oppressive society they inhabit.