Women Essay Example

Women Essay Our group wrote and designed a brochure to briefly explain ecofeminism as well as give suggestions on where to go for more information and how to support animal rights and ecofeminism. The brochure also clarified the historic link between feminism and animal rights through examples of well-known feminists who were also advocates of animal rights and a vegetarian lifestyle. One of the reasons ecofeminism speaks to us is that we are able to make concrete changes to make our daily lives consistent with our beliefs. We attempted to get this idea across in the brochure – that oppression is not a natural state, and there are many ways individuals can help create a space free of oppression. We wanted a simple way to give people information about what we’ve learned all semester. It worked out well; quite a lot of students stopped by our booth and talked to us, and we handed out all of the brochures we had printed. Many students who were interested in animal rights said that the y would check out more information about ecofeminism, and many students interested in feminism said they appreciated the links we made between oppression of women and oppression of nature/animals. The brochure we made included as much information as possible without overwhelming readers with new information. As students stopped by our booth and asked questions, we took the opportunity to talk about the differing voices present in ecofeminism. Several students were interested in the history of the women’s health movement and its place in ecofeminism. Additionally, we made clear in our discussions that although ecofeminism has its roots in an idea of women being connected to nature, that connection has been questioned by cross-cultural and international ecofeminists. As Huey-li Li points out in Ecofeminism: Women, Animals, Nature, there are ways to connect the dots between the oppression of women and the oppression of nature and animals without falling back on essentialist notions of womanhood that defines ‘woman’ as being somehow closer to nature than male aggressors/hunters. Li also argues that the Western connection between women and nature is not universa l, something that became apparent in discussing ecofeminism with students at the fair. This foundation of Western ideology has the potential to alienate women across the globe who might otherwise find ecofeminism believable. Ecofeminism is made weaker for this lack of inclusion of different experiences of nature and gender. We will write a custom essay sample on Women specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Women specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Women specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Concepts of Factor Analysis

Concepts of Factor Analysis Introduction Factor analysis is a useful exploratory tool which is helpful in determining the number of factors that should be extracted. The factors that are extracted are those that have a meaningful share of variance and the rest of the variables and their interrelationships are discarded.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concepts of Factor Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Variables which exhibit maximal correlation are clustered together while variables with equivalent minimal correlations are also grouped together. In the end, it becomes possible to establish a relationship(s) or factors which display the data candidly leaving out the less significant factors out. An interpretation of the factor loadings is essential in correlating extracted factors with meaningful variables (Newcastle University, 2007). For this project, the aim is to find out commonalities that are likely to exist between four variable s i.e. rath (Rathus assertiveness Scale), crwone-marlowe (Crowne-Marlowe Social Desirability Scale), axin (â€Å"Anger in† scale) and axout (â€Å"Anger out† scale). Complete_mooney_bp.sav dataset based on the four variables was used to conduct Factor analysis. It is speculated that up to three factors are measured by the four instruments (scales). Descriptive statistics and correlations All the factors have the same sample size, N = 63. The mean for crowne-marlowe is.6829 and a standard deviation of.0762. Axin had a mean of 2.2560 with a standard deviation of.4543 while axout had a mean of 2.1071 with a standard deviation of.4277. Finally, the mean for rath was 3.3860 with a standard deviation of.4370. From the means, it is evident that rath i.e. assertiveness is the most important factor in determining anger in, anger out or even social desirability as it has the highest mean of 3.3860, followed by axin, axout and crowne-marlowe social desirability is the least influ ential variable. In summary, the Rathus assertiveness scale has the highest likelihood of being among the factors that should be retained. The â€Å"Anger Out† scale, the â€Å"Anger Out† scale and the Crowne-marlowe desirability scales then follow in that order.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Pearson correlation coefficients and their single-tailed significance values are presented in Table 2. There is a weak negative Pearson correlation between axin and crowne-marlowe and this is statistically significant, r = -.247, p =.026. A negative and weak Pearson correlation also exists between axout and crowne-marlowe but this is not statistically significant, r = -.197, p =.060. Rath and crowne-marlowe have a very weak positive correlation which is not statistically significant, r =.048, p =.353. There is a weak negative correlation between axout and axin which is not statistically significant, r = -.005, p =.486 whereas the correlation between rath and axin is negative but statistically significant, r = -.383, p=.001. There exists a weak positive correlation between rath and axout and the correlation is statistically significant, r =.286, p =.012. All correlations between variables and themselves are 1. Communalities Table 3 indicates the communalities prior to and after extraction. The extraction method utilized in this case is the principal component analysis whose assumption is that there is commonness in all variance. That is the reason why the communalities for all factors are 1 prior to extraction. The ‘’extraction† column provides the common variance exhibited in the data structure. It is therefore correct to say that 65.6 percent of variance associated with crowne-marlowe is common/shared variance or.656 of variance is explained by crowne-marlowe. A communality of.697 for axin after extraction indicates that 69 .7 percent of variance associated with axin is shared variance, which can also be stated that.697 is the amount of variance in axin that is explained by the two retained factors (factor 1 and factor 2). A communality of.703 for axout after extraction implies that 70.3 percent of variance associated with axout is shared variance or.703 is the amount of variance in axout that is explained by factor 1 and factor 2 as the retained factors. Finally, a communality of.733 for rath is an indication that 73.3 percent of variance associated with rath is common variance or.733 is the amount of variance in rath that is explained factor 1 and factor 2. Consideration for whether to use the Kaiser criterion (where factors with eigenvalues above 1 are retained) or the Scree Plot in determining the factors that should be retained is made depending on the sample size, number of variables and average communality.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concepts of Factor Analysis spe cifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Field (2005) explains that the Kaiser’s criterion is used if average communality is at least 0.7 and the variables are not more than 30. In addition, the same criterion is considered if the sample size is more than 250 with an average communality of at least 0.6. Failure to meet any of the above conditions calls for the use of the Scree Plot bur the sample size has to be large enough i.e. at least a sample size of 300. In this project, the average communality was 2.789/4 =.69725, there were 4 variables and the sample size was less than 250. As such, the Kaiser’s criterion was applied since the communality is approximately 0.7 and the variables are less than 30 and hence the first condition was met. This led to the retention of all factors with an Eigen value above 1 (Factor 1 and Factor 2. Even going with the Scree Plot (Figure 1) which is suitable for sample sizes that are larger than 300, the fir st point of inflexion is after the second factor and it is clear that the Eigenvalue is greater than 1. It is therefore justifiable to retain two factors only i.e. the first and the second factor, since they lie above eigenvalue 1 and appear before the graph starts to flatten. Variance explained The Eigenvalues associated with every factor (linear component) prior to extraction and after extraction are provided in Table 4. Prior to extraction, it is evident that there were 4 linear components in the complete_mooney_bp.sav dataset. The variance explained by every factor is given by correspondent Eigenvalues and these are displayed in percentage form. In that case, factor 1 explains 37.636 percent variance whereas factor 2 explains 32.102 percent variance. Only two factors have Eigen values greater than 1 in this dataset and therefore only the two factors are extracted (factor 1 and factor 2) and the other two factors can be considered as non-significant. The Eigenvalues and percentag e variance for the two extracted factors are again displayed under the ‘Extraction Sums of Squared Loadings’ column.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is evident that the cumulative variance that is explained by both factor 1 and factor 2 (extracted factors) is 69.738 percent variance. From the ‘total variance explained’ output, it becomes clear that the largest variance is given by factor 1 and factor 2 and discarding the rest of the factors is justifiable. Component matrix Table 5 is a component matrix table prior to rotation and the loading of each variable onto the two extracted factors is provided. In this case, all loadings were produced where the loading of crwone-marlowe onto extracted factor 1 is.327 and -.741 onto factor 2. Axin has a loading of -.782 on factor 1 and a loading of.290 onto factor 2. The loading of axout onto factor 1 was.343 whereas the loading of axout for factor 2 is.766. Finally, the loading of rath onto factor 1 is.818 with the loading of rath onto factor 2 being.253. It is also possible to view Table 5 as correlations between variables and the various unrotated factors. In that case, the correlation between crowne-marlowe and factor 1 is.327 whereas the correlation between crowne-marlowe and factor 2 is -.741. The correlation between axin and factor 1 is -.782 while the correlation between the same variable and factor 2 is.290. The correlation between axout and factor 1 and factor 2 is.343 and.766 respectively. Finally, the correlation between rath and factor 1 is.818 and the correlation between rath and factor 2 is.253. It is evident that rath has and axin has the highest loading/strongest correlation with factor 1 while crowne-marlowe and axout have the highest loading on factor 2. Since the highest load on factor 1 is rath, it is arguable to label factor 1 as assertiveness (based on Rathus Assertiveness Scale). On the other hand, axout seems to have the highest loading on factor 2 and thus it is arguable that factor 2 can be labeled as tendency to let anger out. From the interpretations of the component matrix it appears that the researcher was mainly/or shou ld concentrate on finding out the relationship between assertiveness and tendency to express anger out. In other words, it is evident that at least two factors are measured by both the Rathus Assertiveness Scale and the â€Å"Anger Out† scale. Indeed, it can be said that the more an individual is assertive, the less likely the individual is to hold anger â€Å"in.† In other words, assertive individuals tend to express anger more openly. Increased assertiveness leads to decreased tendency to hold anger in. Summary Factor analysis is helpful in determining which variables should be retained by looking for variables with maximal relationships. From the above factor analysis, it has been demonstrated that among the four variables i.e. Rathus Assertiveness Scale, Crowne-Marlowe Desirability Scale, â€Å"Anger Out† scale and â€Å"Anger In† scale, there exists stronger correlations between factor 1 and Rathus Assertiveness Scale and factor 2 with â€Å"Anger O ut† scale. This is demonstrated by high means for these variables and the fact that they are the only factors that are extracted, or meeting criteria for extraction in the analysis. The variances explained by the two factors have a lion share in the total variance with a cumulative variance of 69.738 percent being registered for factor 1 and factor 2. The variance that is explained by factor 1 alone is large enough (37.636%) to qualify the factor for retention. This is the same with factor 2 which explains 32.102% of the variance. Moreover, both factor 1 and factor 2 have eigenvalues above 1. Finally, the loadings of the two factors on the variables are of significance with factor 1 having a loading of.818 onto rath (Rathus Assertivness Scale) while factor 2 had a loading of.766 onto factor 2. It is from these observations that it is concluded that factor 1 can be labeled as the Rathus Assertiveness Scale while factor 2 is labeled as â€Å"Anger Out† scale. These two va riables are therefore essentially important in the study and for sure, assertiveness and tendency to express â€Å"anger out† can be measured by these two instruments (scales). Appendix Table 1: Descriptive Statistics Descriptive Statistics Mean Std. Deviation Analysis N crowne-marlowe .6829 .07621 63 axin 2.2560 .45427 63 axout 2.1071 .42766 63 rath 3.3860 .43697 63 Table 2: Correlations of all Factors Correlation Matrix crowne-marlowe axin axout rath Correlation crowne-marlowe 1.000 -.247 -.197 .048 axin -.247 1.000 -.005 -.383 axout -.197 -.005 1.000 .286 rath .048 -.383 .286 1.000 Sig. (1-tailed) crowne-marlowe .026 .060 .353 axin .026 .486 .001 axout .060 .486 .012 rath .353 .001 .012 Table 3: Communalities-Before and after Extraction Communalities Initial Extraction crowne-marlowe 1.000 .656 axin 1.000 .697 axout 1.000 .703 rath 1.000 .733 Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis. Table 4: Total Var iances (Variance and Cumulative Variance) Total Variance Explained Component Initial Eigenvalues Extraction Sums of Squared Loadings Total % of Variance Cumulative % Total % of Variance Cumulative % 1 1.505 37.636 37.636 1.505 37.636 37.636 2 1.284 32.102 69.738 1.284 32.102 69.738 3 .688 17.204 86.941 4 .522 13.059 100.000 Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis. Table 5: Component Matrix Component Matrixa Component 1 2 crowne-marlowe .327 -.741 axin -.782 .290 axout .343 .766 rath .818 .253 Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis. a. 2 components extracted. Figure 1: Scree plot of Eigen Value against Component Number Reference Field, A. P. (2005). Discovering statistics using SPSS (2nd edition). Sage: London. Newcastle University. (2007). How to perform and interpret Factor Analysis using SPSS. Retrieved from https://www.ncl.ac.uk/

Manage change task 2 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Manage change task 2 - Research Paper Example In most cases, organizational change tends to be radical and can lead to reorientation of the business. Organisational change tends to be deep seated, thereby impacting the stakeholders of the company as well (Smith, Vasudevan and Tanniru). Organisational change is based on external factors and these factors impact the organisation and also act as driving forces in a number of times. Benefits of Change Specialists: Change in an organisation means an impact on the processes of an organisation. This impact can be very wide spread or simply concentrated on one aspect of the business; however it does create major ripples in the organisation. Consulting or hiring a change consultant is crucial for a business attempting change and the benefits of hiring a change consultant is very high (Hiatt and Creasey). Firstly, change management consultants are experienced and well versed with the various aspects and change and have clear resources as well as methods of dealing with change. Also, chang e management consultants have the expertise to manage communication within the organisation, which is crucial. Change is not well accepted in most organisations and having a change consultant, who can communicate the change details effectively, makes the process smoother and more effective (Nelson and Aaron). Consultants of change also design the communication plans, training and development plans, documentation, improvements of the organisation, career development plans, and also the designing, developing of plans to bring about the improvements within the organisation. Also, consultants work with the clients and learn their requirements, make the project plans and also work on the tasks and value added solution. Change management is a professional job and it is best left to individuals with the expertise for it. Need for Change: Strategic change involves a number of changes to the organisation as a whole. Hence before an organisation decides to make a strategic change to itself, a few questions and areas need to be considered. These include the following: Firstly, is the organization a start up business? If yes, then implementing a strategic change is crucial and is a necessity rather than a luxury. The strategic change plan helps identify the business plan and also helps in linking all other elements like marketing plan, financial plans, management plans and also communication plans together (Smith, Vasudevan and Tanniru). Secondly, the next question that the company needs to ask itself is, Are we planning for a new major venture? Here if the company is opting for a major venture like product expansion or brand extensions, new department or division etc, then it is crucial for the businesses to implement strategic change. Is the company due for the annual strategic plan update? If so, it is crucial that the company has the strategic change plan developed and set as well. Companies need to focus on the various performance meters within the organisation and k eep a tab on the trends. This will help the company determine whether or not a change management is necessary or not. Strategic Objectives: The rationale and objectives for any change management program are important aspects. Objectives are in most cases specific and achievable and in most cases these objectives are the most

Relationship between Business Level Strategy, Corporate Level Strategy Essay

Relationship between Business Level Strategy, Corporate Level Strategy and Network Level Strategy - Essay Example As the report discusses successful business level strategies depend on sound customer base. Identification of the groups of customers, the needs and preferences of those customer groups and the core competencies that the firm will be using to satisfy the customer needs form the basis of the business level strategies. Thus the key issues the firm should address while deciding on the business level strategies are the nature of goods and services the firm wants to offer the customers, how to produce such goods and services and how the goods and services can be efficiently be distributed. Once formed the business level strategy reflects where and how the firm has an advantage over its rivals. This paper stresses that Corporate Level Strategy specifies actions the firm takes to gain a competitive advantage by selecting and managing a group of different businesses competing in several industries and product markets. A corporate level strategy value is determined by the degree to which the different segments of businesses will prove worth to continue under the same management of the company than they would be under any other form of organization or ownership. Thus an effective corporate level strategy creates across all the business units of the firm cumulative returns that will exceed those returns which the company would earn without the corporate strategy. It also contributes to the strategic competitiveness of the firm. The firm’s ability to earn above-average returns would also be improved.... Once formed the business level strategy reflects where and how the firm has an advantage over its rivals. (Slater and Olsen 2000) 3.0 Corporate Level Strategy: Corporate Level Strategy specifies actions the firm takes to gain a competitive advantage by selecting and managing a group of different businesses competing in several industries and product markets. Markides (1997) describes that a corporate level strategy is expected to help the firm earn above-average returns by creating values just as with the diversified firm's business level strategies. A corporate level strategy value is determined by the degree to which the different segments of businesses will prove worth to continue under the same management of the company than they would be under any other form of organization or ownership. Thus an effective corporate level strategy creates across all the business units of the firm cumulative returns that will exceed those returns which the company would earn without the corporate strategy. It also contributes to the strategic competitiveness of the firm. The firm's ability to earn above-average returns would also be improved. 4.0 Network level Strategy: The Network level strategy defines inter-organizational relationships. Having access to multiple collaborations increases the likely-hood that additional competitive advantages will be formed as the set of resources and capabilities being shared expand. (Rudberg & Olihager 2003) One of the primary benefits of a network level strategy is the firm's opportunity to gain access to a multitude of firms' resources and capabilities. When this happens the probability greatly increases, that partners will find unique ways to uniquely share their resources and capabilities to form competitive advantages.

Assesment Reporting Essay Example for Free

Assesment Reporting Essay Reporting and Resource Development Kate McGrath Student ID 11479964 Emt446 Assessment, Reporting and Resource Development 08 Fall 08 Fall Indicative Time Allocation The HSC course is 120 hours (indicative time). The following table shows the appropriate amount of time you should spend on each unit of work. HSC modules| Approx. number of weeks| Hours | The Australian Food Industry| 8 weeks| 25| Food Manufacture| 12 weeks| 40| Food Product Development| 12 weeks| 40| Due week 10 Weight 20%| Food manufacture ‘ Developing the undeveloped’Students are to research an Australian Food product and analyse the chosen product from ‘Farm to fork’. This includes the process of transforming the raw materials into a new product. The level of manufacturing and of the organisation will influence the amount of information gathered and the processes used. The assignment should include: manufacturing diagram, HACCP, QA, QU, principles of preservation along with external impact. Due week 10 Weight 25%| Product Design ‘The never ending design’Students are design, develop, create and produce a food item which caters for high school students. This item must be relevant to their recommended daily intake and the requirement that it helights, the food item must also have appeal to this target market. The food item must be designed for consumption for breakfast, recess or lunch, and is to be consumed at school. The limitationas that this places must be explored and addressed along with a list of product criteria. The food item can be a breakfast food item, a snack consumed during recess or a lunch product. The product must be relevant to the recommended daily intake for teenagers ager 13-17, the food item must also have appeal to this target market. The product must be justified as to how it meets these requirements. A series of tests and surveys must be conducted in establishing the target market and the products ability for success, this will be written in experimental format as found on page 261 of foodtech in action text.

The link between capital market and economic growth in Rwanda

The link between capital market and economic growth in Rwanda 1.1 Background Today most economies around the world are judged by the performance of their capital markets. The potential role of financial markets in economic growth has been well documented. Most African countries including those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have recently under gone financial sector reforms such as restructuring and privatizing of state owned banks and establishment of capital markets. In the literature there are different views on the link between capital markets and economic growth of a nation. North (1996) shows that, differences in economic institutions are the major sources of cross-country differences in economic growth and prosperity. High quality institutions have a positive influence on the depth and development of the financial sector of nations. This proposed research will mainly consult with the literature about the link between capital market and economic growth and the role that institutions play in capital markets and try to pinpoint and relate these to the Rwandan context. In developed capital markets households are the major participants as investors. Saunders and Cornett (2004) claimed that in the United States, households are the single largest holders of corporate stock. However, the capital markets of least developed countries are very shallow in terms of capitalization because of a limited number of listed companies and limited participation of households (savers) either due to lack of capacity or lack of awareness as to the capital markets. Therefore this study will also examine the impact of the households (savers) in the capital markets in least developed countries in Africa including Rwanda. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Despite a surge of global investor interest in the 1980s and 1990s, Africa has been bypassed by the massive international capital flowing to developing economies. Aggregate capital flows to developing countries have been rapidly exceeding official development assistance flows since 1980s. However, Africa remains the only developing region in which development assistance flows exceeds private capital flows (Senbet and Otchere, 2006). This was mainly attributed to the lack or absence of a well developed financial sector (capital markets, banks, finance companies, life insurance companies, and insurance companies) and the poor economic policies and institutions in African countries. Capital markets are a vital part of an economy making it possible for industry, trade and commerce to flourish without any obstacle in terms of resources. The financial markets serve a vital purpose in the growth and development of a company that wants to expand. For such companies with expansion plans and new projects in need of funding and investors looking for a better return, the financial market is the best platform. The private sector usually lacks access to credit facilities. Investment, growth and economic welfare are all too low in developing countries. This is more severe in Africa, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (Platt, 1998). Most African countries, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa, have recently undergone extensive financial sector reforms. The reform package includes restructuring and privatization of state owned banks, the introduction of private banking systems, along with bank supervisory and regulatory schemes, the introduction of a variety of measures to promote the development of financail markets; including money and stock markets (Senbet and Otchere, 2006). Rwandas economy primarily depends on agricultural productivity. The industry and service sectors are not entirely developed to push the economy towards higher growth. Rwandas long-term development plan, as articulated in Vision 2020, seeks to transform Rwanda into a middle-income country and an economic trade and communications hub by the year 2020. An effectively functioning financial sector is a fundamentally important and essential element for achieving this objective.   Rwanda seeks to develop a financial sector that is effective, in particular, by  expanding access to credit and financial services; enhancing savings mobilization, especially long term savings; and mobilizing long-term capital for investment. A key strategic goal of the Vision 2020 plan is to make Rwanda an economic trade and communications hub in the heart of Africa.   This will require significant investment in infrastructure in the form of roads, power, rail, airports and telecommunications.   These plans also call for the active participation and expansion of the private sector in Rwandas economy which will require long term investment in infrastructure and industry, which can only be provided through the mobilization of domestic savings through capital markets.   The Rwanda capital market now referred to as the Rwanda Over the Counter (OTC) market was established by the Capital Market Advisory Council in January 2008. It is from this perspective the researcher is undertaking this study to see the link between capital market and economic growth in Rwanda. How does Rwanda stand to benefit from this capital market? 1.3 Purpose of the study The main purpose of this thesis is to investigate and review the literature on the link between capital market and the economic growth and prosperity of a nation, particularly in Rwanda. This study will also examine the importance of institutions for the performance of capital markets and households (savers) contribution to the capital market so that companies can raise the required capital easily in a country where financing is limited to the banking sector and yet accessible only to a few big private companies and state owned enterprises. 1.4 Objectives of the study The objectives of this proposed study are mainly to find out: Whether capital market is an alternative towards the economic growth of least developed countries such as Ethiopia. The role of institutions toward the development of capital market. Whether households savings will make a real impact on the overall performance, liquidity, and market capitalization of the capital market in Rwanda. 1.5 Research questions This thesis is intended to answer the following questions: Is a capital market an alternative towards the economic growth of least developed countries in general and for Rwanda in particular? Will institutions be vital for the performance of capital market in Rwanda? Will domestic savings in Rwanda have a role to play in the capital market? 1.6 Scope of the study This study presents the different views as to the link between capital markets and economic growth, and the role that institutions play in the performance of capital markets. The focus being the capital market in Rwanda; it also investigates the impact of households savings on capital market in Rwanda. 1.7 Significance of the study The researcher intends to collect data in order to analyse the link between capital market and economic growth in Rwanda. This study will examine the role of institutions toward the development of capital market as well as the impact of the households (savers) in the capital market in Rwanda. Additionally, this research is to fulfill the requirement of the Masters degree in Business Administration. 1.8 Definitions of terms Financial sector: The Reserve Bank of Australia (www.rba.gov.au/Glossary/text_only.asp), defines financial sector as the sector of the economy that comprises financial institutions and financial markets. Financial institution: A company whose primary function is to intermediate between lenders and borrowers in the economy. (www.rba.gov.au/Glossary/text_only.asp). Institutions: in this proposed study institutions could be defined as follows: Definition 1 (Businessdictionary.com) Establishment, foundation, or organization created to pursue a particular type of endeavor, such as banking by a financial institution. Definition 2 (Businessdictionary.com) Consistent and organized pattern of behavior or activities (established by law or custom) that is self-regulating in accordance with generally accepted norms. For example, political institutions are involved with (and regulate) competition for power; and economic institutions (such as markets) encourage and regulate production and distribution of goods and services. Least Developed Countries (LCDs): In its latest triennial review of the list of Least Developed Countries in 2003, the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations used the following three criteria for the identification of the LDCs, as proposed by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP): a low-income criterion, based on a three-year average estimate of the gross national income (GNI) per capita (under $750 for inclusion, above $900 for graduation); a human resource weakness criterion, involving a composite Human Assets Index (HAI) based on indicators of: (a) nutrition; (b) health; (c) education; and (d) adult literacy; and an economic vulnerability criterion, involving a composite Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI) based on indicators of: (a) the instability of agricultural production; (b) the instability of exports of goods and services; (c) the economic importance of non-traditional activities (share of manufacturing and modern services in GDP); (d) merchandise export concentration; and (e) the handicap of economic smallness (as measured through the population in logarithm); and the percentage of population displaced by natural disasters. REFERENCES LIST Demirguc-Kunt, A., Maksimovic, V. (1996). Stock Market Development and Corporate Finance Decisions. Finance Development, 33(2), 47-50. North, D. C., Weingast, B. R. (1996). Constitutions and Commitment: The Evolution of Institutions Governing Public Choice in Seventeenth-Century England. In L. J. Alston, T. Eggertosson D. C. North (Eds.), Empirical Studies in Institutional Change: Cambridge University Press. Nyong, Michael O. (1997): Capital Market Development and Long-run Economic Growth: Theory, Evidence and Analysis First Bank Review, December 1997: 13-38. Samuel, Cherian (1996): Stock Market and Investment: The Governance Role of the Market The World Bank Review Volume 10 Number 2. Saunders, A., Cornett, M. M. (2004). Financial Markets and Institutions (2 ed.). New York: Mc Graw-Hill/ Irwin. Senbet, L. W., Otchere, I. (2006). Financial Sector Reforms in Africa: Perspectives on issues and policies. In B. Francois B. Pleskovic (Eds.), Annual World Bank Conference on Development Economics: Growth and Integration (Senegal Proceedings). Washington, D.C.: The World Bank. www.rba.gov.au/Glossary/text_only.asp Rwanda financial sector development program (2007). Retrieved January 12, 2011, from www.bnr.rw/ www.cmac.co.rw Businessdictionary.com http://www.un.org/special-rep/ohrlls/ldc/list.htm

Performing Arts Essay

* Dance is a type of art that generally involves movement of the body, often rhythmic and to music. * Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. * Theatre (also theater in American English)[1] is a collaborative form of fine art that uses live performers to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place. History The term â€Å"Performance Art† got its start in the 1960s in the United States. It was originally used to describe any live artistic event that included poets, musicians, film makers, etc. – in addition to visual artists. If you weren’t around during the 1960s, you missed a vast array of â€Å"Happenings,† â€Å"Events† and Fluxus â€Å"concerts,† to name just a few of the descriptive words that were used. It’s worth noting that, even though we’re referencing the 1960s here, there were earlier precedents for Performance Art. The live performances of the Dadaists, in particular, meshed poetry and the visual arts. The German Bauhaus, founded in 1919, included a theater workshop to explore relationships between space, sound and light. The Black Mountain College (founded [in the United States] by Bauhaus instructors exiled by the Nazi Party), continued incorporating theatrical studies with the visual arts – a good 20 years before the 1960s Happenings happened. You may also have heard of â€Å"Beatniks† – stereotypically: cigarette-smoking, sunglasses and black-beret-wearing, poetry-spouting coffeehouse frequenters of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Though the term hadn’t yet been coined, all of these were forerunners of Performance Art. By 1970, Performance Art was a global term, and its definition a bit more specific. â€Å"Performance Art† meant that it was live, and it was art, not theater. Performance Art also meant that it was art that could not be bought, sold or traded as a commodity. Actually, the latter sentence is of major importance. Performance artists saw (and see) the movement as a means of taking their art directly to a public forum, thus completely eliminating the need for galleries, agents, brokers, tax accountants and any other aspect of capitalism. It’s a sort of social commentary on the purity of art, you see. In addition to visual artists, poets, musicians and film makers, Performance Art in the 1970s now encompassed dance (song and dance, yes, but don’t forget it’s not â€Å"theater†). Sometimes all of the above will be included in a performance â€Å"piece† (you just never know). Since Performance Art is live, no two performances are ever exactly the same. The 1970s also saw the heyday of â€Å"Body Art† (an offshoot of Performance Art), which began in the 1960s. In Body Art, the artist’s own flesh (or the flesh of others) is the canvas. Body Art can range from covering volunteers with blue paint and then having them writhe on a canvas, to self-mutilation in front of an audience. (Body Art is often disturbing, as you may well imagine.) Additionally, the 1970s saw the rise of the autobiography being incorporated into a performance piece. This kind of story-telling is much more entertaining to most people than, say, seeing someone shot with a gun. (This actually happened, in a Body Art piece, in Venice, California, in 1971.) The autobiographical pieces are also a great platform for presenting one’s views on social causes or issues. Since the beginning of the 1980s, Performance Art has increasingly incorporated technological media into pieces – mainly because we have acquired exponential amounts of new technology. Recently, in fact, an 80’s pop musician made the news for Performance Art pieces which use a Microsoft ® PowerPoint presentation as the crux of the performance. Where Performance Art goes from here is only a matter of combining technology and imagination. In other words, there are no foreseeable boundaries for Performance Art. Characteristics of Performing Arts †¢ Performance Art is live. †¢ Performance Art has no rules or guidelines. It is art because the artist says it is art. It is experimental. †¢ Performance Art is not for sale. It may, however, sell admission tickets and film rights. †¢ Performance Art may be comprised of painting or sculpture (or both), dialogue, poetry, music, dance, opera, film footage, turned on television sets, laser lights, live animals and fire. Or all of the above. There are as many variables as there are artists. †¢ Performance Art is a legitimate artistic movement. It has longevity (some performance artists, in fact, have rather large bodies of work) and is a degreed course of study in many post-secondary institutions. †¢ Dada, Futurism, the Bauhaus and the Black Mountain College all inspired and helped pave the way for Performance Art. †¢ Performance Art is closely related to Conceptual Art. Both Fluxus and Body Art are types of Performance Art. †¢ Performance Art may be entertaining, amusing, shocking or horrifying. No matter which adjective applies, it is meant to be memorable.

Studying chromosome 11 of the human genome

In this paper I will be studying chromosome 11 of the human genome. Specifically, I will be researching some of the diseases that occur when there are mutations in the genes on chromosome 11. Five specific diseases will be looked at and studied in detail: the Sickle Cell Anemia gene, the MLL gene which causes Trisomy 11, the H19 gene which causes Beckwith-Weideman Syndrome, the WT1 and PAX6 genes which causes Wilm's Tumor syndrome, and finally, the work being done on the genes of Chromosome 11q22-q24 regarding cervical carcinoma. The following research was all acquired from the NCBI online database. Read this Ch. 22 Respiratory System The HBB gene which causes Sickle Cell Anemia, is found on chromosome 11p15. 4. This gene causes an inherited blood disorder, mainly effecting people from the African continent (1/500), but also people from the Mediterranean and South Asian countries. (NCBI Online, 24 June 2003) Approximately 8% of the African American population are carriers; often, this gene is associated with malaria occurrence, as carriers are somewhat protected against malaria. (NCBI Online, 24 June 2003) Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal (not sex related) recessive disease caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin beta gene. When a mutation occurs, the HBB gene produces a structurally abnormal hemoglobin (Hb), called HbS. (NCBI Online, 24 June 2003) Hb is a protein which carries oxygen and gives red blood cells their distinctive color. In individuals who are homozygous for HbS, the abnormal HbS can bunch together, distorting the red blood cells into sickled shapes [as shown in Figure 1]. These clusters can only occur if the HbS is placed under certain circumstances or conditions, such as high hemoglobin concentrations or low oxygen levels. NCBI Online, 24 June 2003) When the mutated and rigid red blood cells become trapped within small blood vessels, they block the vessels causing pain and eventual damage to the organs in the body. (NCBI Online, 24 June 2003) Although a cure has not yet been found, medical advancements have allowed for the treatment of symptoms and complications associated with Sickle Cell Anermia. Hydroxyurea, an antitumor drug, has been used to induce the formation of fetal Hb (HbF), which is normally found in the fetus or newborn. When fetal Hb is present in persons with Sickle Cell Anemia, Hydrozyurea can prevent sickling from occuring. NCBI Online, 24 June 2003) The MLL gene which causes Trisomy 11 is located on chromosome 11q23. A mutation in this gene is a â€Å"very rare chromosomal disorder caused by a duplication (trisomy) of the end (distal) portion of the long arm of chromosome 11. † (Genetic Information and Patient Services, November 2003) This disorder is most often noticeable at birth; some characteristic features of the disorder are â€Å"delayed mental and physical development, retarded growth of the fetus during pregnancy and of the child after birth, an unusually small brain (microencephaly), and/or distinctive facial features. (Genetic Information and Patient Services, November 2003) The MLL gene can produce a type of leukemia which effects both sexes and mainly adults at an average age of 60. (Dessen & Huret, 2002) In general terms, trisomy refers to â€Å"the condition of having three copies of a given chromosome in each somatic cell rather than the normal number of two. † (Dictionary. com) The leukemia is specifically acute myeloid leukemia or AML. This syndrome is caused by only a partial tandem duplication of the MLL gene on chromosome 11. Dessen & Huret, 2002) A recent study has shown that â€Å"MLL tandem duplications are less common than previously reported. † (Schnittger, October 2003) Also, the MLL tandem duplications â€Å"are preferentially observed in AML with normal karyotypes, but can also be found in the presence of chromosome alterations. † (Schnittger, October 2003) Two scientists, Cheryl Shuman and Rosanna Weksberg studied the Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, also referred to as BWS syndrome. The information for BWS syndrome is from their reports on their studies. Their studies show that â€Å"chromosome abnormalities involving 11p15 are found in 1% or less of cases. † (Shuman, 10 April 2003) This syndrome can occur with mutations of many different genes on chromosome 11: mutations in genes IGF2 and H195, 5-10% of sporadic cases and 40% of familial cases had mutations in the CDKNIC gene, 50% of cases had a loss of methylation at the KCNQIOT1 gene, and in 10-20% of patients, â€Å"paternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 11p15 [was] observed. † (Shuman, 10 April 2003) In diagnosing BWS, two major and one minor characteristic must be obvious out of a list of possible criteria. Some major criteria include: history of BWS in the family, macrosomia, abnormal earlobe pits or creases, an embryonal tumor in childhood, Hemihyperplasia (an asymmetric overgrowth of a area/areas of the body), and possibly a cleft palate. (Shuman, 10 April 2003) Some minor criteria include: premature birth, Neonatal hypoglycemia, advanced bone aging, and monozygotic twinning (usually in the females). (Shuman, 10 April 2003) If one parent has uniparental disomy (UPD), then prenatal testing is done to test for BWS syndrome in the fetus. Shuman, 10 April 2003) Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome is found in approximately 1 out of 13, 700 cases across the world. However, this number is probably slightly low as there are many milder cases that often go undiagnosed. In children born with BWS, there is a 20% mortality rate due to premature birth. Often, children born with BWS develop Wilms Tumor or other tumors. (Shuman, 10 April 2003) Dr. Alan Gandy summarizes Wilms tumor as an â€Å"embryonal renal neoplasm which is characterized usually by an abdominal mass. (Gandy, 1 March 1995) Wilms tumour is caused by the deletion of the gene WT2-1 on chromosome 11p13. Proper function of this gene is to encode a DNA-binding protein that is most often found in the fetal kidney â€Å"and in tissue that gives rise to the genitourinary system. † (Gandy, 1 March 1995) The DNA-binding protein is expected to be a â€Å"Kruppel-like zinc-finger protein. † (Gandy, 1 March 1995) However, the inactivation of WT2-1 causes the Wilms Figure 2: Wilms Tumor tumor. (Gandy, 1 March 1995) This tumor is prevalent in 1/12 000 live births and is the second most common extra cranial solid tumor in children. The tumor appears in the kidney soon after birth (6 months-10 years)[as shown in Figure 3] and is related to other cancers. (Gandy, 1 March 1995) Wilms tumor is frequently a symptom of other gene mutations, such as BWS and WAGR syndrome. (Gandy, 1 March 1995) Features of the Primary Wilms tumor include abdominal mass [as shown in Figure 2], abdominal pain, hypertension, and anemia etc. Metastases occurs in the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, brain and other areas to a lesser extent. (Gandy, 1 March 1995) Depending on the stage of the tumor, different actions can be taken to cure the tumor. Surgery (removal of the kidney and lymph nodes) and chemotherapy are both used as ways to manage the tumor. However, as the stages progress, likelihood of a cure is reduced. (Gandy, 1 March 1995) Studies done by G. M. Hampton et al. show that there are genes or a gene on chromosome 11 that has the ability to â€Å"[suppress] tumorigenicity in cell lines derived from different histopathological types of cervical carcinoma, suggesting that aberration of this gene(s) may represent at least one of the additional changes required for tumorigenic progression. ( Hampton, 19 July 1994) The suppressor gene specified is between 11q22 and q24. A study was performed on 32 patients with cervical carcinoma to conclude which genes were required for tumorigenic progression. â€Å"Of the 32 patients examined, 14(44%) demonstrated clonal genetic alterations resulting in loss of heterzygosity for one or more markers. Seven of the clonal genetic alterations on chromosome 11 were specific to the long arm, and the overlap between these and other allelic deletions suggest that a suppressor gene(s) relevant to cervical carcinoma maps to chromosome 11q22-q24. â€Å"( Hampton, 19 July 1994) In conclusion, Chromosome 11 of the Human genome contains over 1000 genes. Of the many, this essay looks at 5 specifically in order to gather information on the genes of this chromosome. Through the closes study of Sickle Cell Anemia, Trisomy 11, Beckwith-Weideman Syndrome, Wilm's Tumor syndrome, and the genes of Chromosome 11q22-q24 regarding cervical carcinoma, one can gather a better understanding of the genes on chromosome 11, and the type of mutations that occur. Although the Humane Genome Project is relatively new, there is already much information that has been revealed and still much more to be discovered.

Independence as Nations, comparing hati, america, and france essays

Independence as Nations, comparing hati, america, and france essays Although Haiti, America, and France begin their independence around the same time era, their ways of receiving their independence was very much identical. Social classes have a huge impact on the status of a country. The way that these social classes influenced these countries were the direct cause of their independence. The people and the ideas of those people would cause a spark of events leading to an independent country. Well, if independence is the question then it is necessary to focus on what had been happening in the colonial period in the Americas, Haiti, and France. With the development of the European colonies, there were also new systems of government. Although the colonies belonged to the European countries, the leaders who actually governed the region were located in the New World, far away from Europe. As such, little by little the leaders of colonial America realized that they had different interests from those who established the rules for the region. In the case of Latin America, there was also the issue of different social groups: the peninsulares (those born in Spain or Portugal) traditionally had maintained political control in the region, but the growth of the criollo (those of European blood but born in the Americas) and the mestizo (those born of mixed European and Indian blood) populations represented a reasonable test to this power.. After three centuries, independence movements began to spread throughout the region at the end of the 18th century, from Virginia to Argentina. Beginning with the American Revolution in 1776, the ideas of freedom, equality, and independence were transformed into armed struggles against the powers of Great Britain, Spain, France, and Portugal. In each region, there were revolutionary leaders who stood out: Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington (in the U.S.), Simn Bolivar and Jos de San Martin (South America), Miguel Hidalgo and Jos Mo...

Free Essays on Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson: Robinson Changes Americans’ Views on Racism Jackie Robinson was one of the most profound individuals to ever walk on this earth. Robinson established a reputation as a man who never tolerated insults to his dignity (Kahn 6). One of his accomplishments was entering the major leagues and is one of the most remarkable and inspiring accomplishments in sports history. When Robinson became the first black to play in Major League Baseball, he changed Americans’ views on racism forever. Robinson was born the youngest of five children near Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919. Robinson’s father, a sharecropper, left the family when Robinson was only about 2 years old. His mother, Mallie McGriff Robinson, then moved to Pasadena, California to find work (James 5). Trouble found Robinson at an early age, when he became a member of the Pasadena gang (7). Mack, Robinson’s older brother, used sports to become popular not drugs or gangs (8). In the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany, Mack won the silver metal in the 200m-hurdle (13). Learning to deal with criticism early was a major contribution to his success in life. He and his friends would be called racial names while just trying to play baseball at the local park (Kahn 10). Not long after the family moved to Pasadena, California Robinson’s mother enrolled him into Pasadena Junior College. At Pasadena Junior College Robinson set a National Junior College record in the long jump of 25’ 6  ½Ã¢â‚¬  (Ringer 22). After only one year at Pasadena Junior College Robinson received an athletic scholarship to UCLA (23). There, Robinson became the first Bruin athlete to earn varsity letters in four sports (25). Robinson was a standout in football, baseball, basketball and track (26). After three years of college Robinson left college to work to support his mother (29). Several months later, Pearl Harbor was bombed, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army (31). In the Ar... Free Essays on Jackie Robinson Free Essays on Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson: Robinson Changes Americans’ Views on Racism Jackie Robinson was one of the most profound individuals to ever walk on this earth. Robinson established a reputation as a man who never tolerated insults to his dignity (Kahn 6). One of his accomplishments was entering the major leagues and is one of the most remarkable and inspiring accomplishments in sports history. When Robinson became the first black to play in Major League Baseball, he changed Americans’ views on racism forever. Robinson was born the youngest of five children near Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919. Robinson’s father, a sharecropper, left the family when Robinson was only about 2 years old. His mother, Mallie McGriff Robinson, then moved to Pasadena, California to find work (James 5). Trouble found Robinson at an early age, when he became a member of the Pasadena gang (7). Mack, Robinson’s older brother, used sports to become popular not drugs or gangs (8). In the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany, Mack won the silver metal in the 200m-hurdle (13). Learning to deal with criticism early was a major contribution to his success in life. He and his friends would be called racial names while just trying to play baseball at the local park (Kahn 10). Not long after the family moved to Pasadena, California Robinson’s mother enrolled him into Pasadena Junior College. At Pasadena Junior College Robinson set a National Junior College record in the long jump of 25’ 6  ½Ã¢â‚¬  (Ringer 22). After only one year at Pasadena Junior College Robinson received an athletic scholarship to UCLA (23). There, Robinson became the first Bruin athlete to earn varsity letters in four sports (25). Robinson was a standout in football, baseball, basketball and track (26). After three years of college Robinson left college to work to support his mother (29). Several months later, Pearl Harbor was bombed, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army (31). In the Ar...

Alzheimers disease Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Alzheimers disease - Assignment Example There is another gene that is associated with the form of Alzheimer’s disease that people are likely to get as they grow older. The risk of being diagnosed with the disease is greater in those people who have two copies of the gene: one from each parent – than those with one copy of the gene. Genetic tests do not provide enough information to determine with certainty if someone who is genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease will get it. The test indicates a higher risk factor, but it does not necessarily mean that the individual will get Alzheimer’s disease. Since the disease is incurable there is no way for individuals to take preventative measures. The most accurate way for physicians to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease is to examine brain tissue during a biopsy. Physicians determine a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by reviewing a patient’s medical history, neurological and psychological tests, physical exams as well as a brain scan. A test measuring levels of protein in spinal fluids has often been found to be an accurate test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. People with moderate Alzheimer’s disease may benefit from medication that can help to improve memory. Some of these medications include Aricept, Cognex, and Reminyl. These medicines help maintain cognitive functioning. â€Å"FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the individuals who take them†. (â€Å"Alzheimer’s Myths† n.d.).

International human resource management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

International human resource management - Essay Example Internal factors revolve around the workers, management and the control of the organisation. When workers have their grievances which are not solved, it is likely to affect the performance of the organisation. On the other hand, external factors include union intervention. In this case, the union is involved in the negotiation of worker’s grievances which directly affect the organisation. For example, the involvement of unions in the organisation affected its operations in the United Kingdom. The availability of numerous unions adversely affects the performance of the organisation as each of the union’s presentation demands critical changes in operations. Working with a single union was an option, but it was highly disputed. Apparently, working with a single union would be a lot easier as the demands or issues raised would be from a single body. However, many unions have diverse modes of presenting their issues which make it hard to consolidate solutions. Initially, the organisation was performing well with the absence of unions. The workers were contented with what the organisation offered making it run smoothly. However, with the induction of other subsidiaries, the organisation has encountered a number of problems. These problems should be solved amicably to ensure achievement of set goals. This is a situation that the HRM should tackle in the meantime to ensure it does not affect the organisation in the near future. Finding a lasting solution would be most welcome as the organisation could record increased growth and better concentration of core issues. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the HRM to garner options in solving the situation (Beardwell and Claydon, 2007:683). There are various options that could be used in containing this situation without disregarding the views of the workers. For example, a research in the affected subsidiaries would expose the situation and how it arises. After