Tuesday, August 6, 2019

The Secular Progressives vs. The Traditionalists Essay Example for Free

The Secular Progressives vs. The Traditionalists Essay In the New York Times best selling book from Fox News Commentator and mediator for The O’Reilly factor, Bill O’Reilly in his book Culture Warrior, defines and separates the two main competitors for the culture of America: The Secular Progressives vs. The Traditionalists. O’Reilly sees this battle as much more important than the more known and easily recognized conservatives vs. liberals and consequently sees the stakes as being that much more important as well with the winner deciding the fate of America policies, both foreign and especially domestic, for generations to come. As a self proclaimed culture warrior, O’Reilly puts himself center stage in this debate as he boasts that he sees himself as one of the most hated men in America as a result of his views on the media and other secular progressives and what he views as their destruction of the core values that has helped to make America great. â€Å"The culture war has also made me perhaps the most controversial broadcaster in the country. That hot-button label controversial gives my enemies, they think, the right to attack me and my enterprises ceaselessly, unfairly, even dementedly. I truly drive the opposing force nuts! As you may know, Im engaged in fighting them on a daily basis, and that warfare is the subject of this book. † ( O’Reilly, 5) And regardless of one’s opinions on Mr. O’Reilly, that is exactly what he does since he points out that one of the most important aspects of being a traditionalist is keeping your word. O’Reilly shows how the culture war has played out in such high profile cases as The Passion of the Christ, Fahrenheit 9/11 and the battle against religion in public life. O’Reilly also touches on race, education, the protection of children, the ACLU and the war against Christmas which according to O’Reilly has seen an escalation in recent years in favor of political correctness which has run out of control. Bill O’Reilly enjoys high ratings and stellar book sales because he pinpoints the moral decline in America that millions of Americans agree is happening in America. At the same time, the name Bill O’Reilly also invokes many an impassioned opinion with many Americans hating what he has to say and according to O’Reilly, have levied death threats against himself and his family for his outspoken views. As someone who has read this book and is well aware of the impact that O’Reilly has on American media, either in an affective way, either positive or negative, the opinions of the author always do invoke a response from individuals. Whatever controversies are the hot topic in the news, O’Reilly fearlessly confronts them and the reader, regardless of his political affiliation, is not left wondering what side of the isle O’Reilly is on. He sees many aspects of life in black and white and is both revered and hated for such beliefs. â€Å"The culture war must be won quickly and definitively, and the best way to do that is to expose the secular-progressive movement in our country for exactly what it is, to explain why it is so harmful for America, and to identify the movements top leaders. So here we go! † ( O’Reilly, 6) O’Reilly, towards the end of the book concedes that this will be a tough fight and that they winner is not set in stone. Therefore, expect more books of the same genre in the future from Bill O’Reilly. In the 200 pages of Culture Warrior, O’Reilly wastes no time in starting his unapologetic attacks on a wide variety of interests in America. â€Å"For a variety of reasons that I will explain, I have chosen to jump into the fray and become a warrior in the vicious culture war that is currently under way in the United States of America. And war is exactly the right term. On one side of the battlefield are the armies of the traditionalists like me, people who believe the United States was well founded and has done enormous good for the world. † (O’Reilly, 10) According to O’Reilly, an example of the influence of the secular progressives’ power and influence in American culture is the war on Christmas perpetuated by the chief of all secular progressives: The ACLU. â€Å"Gradually, Christmas trees did become ‘holiday trees,’ Christmas vacation became winter vacation and Christmas parades became â€Å"Festival of Lights. † (O’Reilly, 45) In America, between 80-85% of its citizens define themselves as Christians. Yet, O’Reilly points out the push by the secular progressives on the country towards a more religiously neutral celebration of the holidays. The word â€Å"Christmas† and â€Å"Merry Christmas† is no longer politically correct to say, but the more neutral â€Å"Happy Holidays. † Christmas trees are being replaced by Holiday trees even though their resemblance is the same. Using the term Christmas to describe the 25th of December as the birth of Jesus, and subsequently, the reason for the celebration is seen as oppressive to the minority in America that do not celebrate Christmas and therefore feel out of place during the Christmas season. On the other side of the isle are the traditionalists who see this as an assault on Christmas and political correctness gone too far and is out of touch with the majority of American in this country. O’Reilly identifies the actions of the secular progressives as efforts to move America into being identified as neutral when it comes to religious issues. In doing so, O’Reilly sees this trend as being in opposition to the motivations of the country’s founding fathers; that, the majority were very religious and their mention of God can frequently be found in their personal writings. O’Reilly outs the ACLU as center stage in his fight against the secular progressives. O’Reilly gives them credit for the lambasting of Christmas, the neutralization of religion in public life and for all sorts of moral degradations in American culture. This fight against the ACLU will not be completed any time soon and will most likely be seen in O’Reilly’s next book to be sure. O’Reilly points out in another example of the ideological differences between the secular progressives and traditionalists are their respective views on government and the desired role that each side wishes would play in their life. â€Å"On the home front in America, traditional forces strongly believe that their hard-earned money is not the property of the government, to be distributed as largesse to others who, perhaps, are not willing to work to earn their prosperity. †( O’Reilly, 75) O’Reilly points to Europe and the stagnation of the economy that many of the nations are enduring. There is little motivation to work and to get ahead in life because of the high level of taxation and the desire of the secular progressives to copy America’s government involvement after that of Europe’s. O’Reilly says that the secular progressives wish to drastically increase taxes and therefore, kill the incentives that many Americans have to be independent and to work for what they have instead of high taxations creating a cradle for people who do not wish to work. O’Reilly wishes to avoid America moving in that direction and that America’s economy remain independent of high taxes which would fund such social programs like handing out clean needles to drug addicts, condoms to students and free money to people who do not wish to work. Such ideas firmly place O’Reilly among the traditionalists of America and that is where he is likely to stay. Among one of O’Reilly’s most impassioned rants he saved towards the end of the book. It is against the people who seem to rant against America and all that is supposed to be wrong with her. In the chapter entitled â€Å"Hating America,† O’Reilly lists the people in the spotlight that seem to do their best to degrade America and the greatness that O’Reilly sees on a daily basis. O’Reilly, who is in opposition to the ideology of Norman Mailer but one who respects him, details the differences in their thinking concerning conservatives vs. liberals and for O’Reilly traditionalists vs. secular progressives and their opinion on America. â€Å"A good example of the useful face-off between polar opposites was my interview with Norma Mailer in March of 2006. One of America’s great writers, mailer doesn’t hate America but he finds it seriously flawed-as you know, a core secular progressive tenet. But mailer separates himself from the S-P garrison because he sees its weaknesses, selfishness and relativism. . . . Mailer says: ‘A great war is going on here, larger even that we realize, between liberals and the conservatives. The conservatives are saying in effect: ‘You guys are trying to wreck existence by becoming too vain, too godless. † And liberals are replying, â€Å"Your obsession that God is judgmental looks to force all of humanity into rigid patterns that won’t work any longer. † (O’Reilly, 120) O’Reilly thinks that Mailer is incorrect but unlike his personal detractors, does so in a respectful manner. â€Å"But Mailer is wrong. Traditional and conservative thinkers who understand their country do not put God at the head of public policy, nor do we point fingers at the opposition and label them sinners. Traditionalists believe that secular-progressive policies will weaken America and lead to societal chaos. While we see no reason to banish God from the public square, we don’t expect Him to be writing social policy on tablets and handing them to us in the Sinai. † ( O’Reilly, 193) O’Reilly does state the importance of the Bible and that it must be on the reading list of every true traditionalist but that a traditionalist will not be zealots in their pursuit of establishing a theocracy in America. In the second phase of secular progressives’ view that America is seriously flawed is their desire for America to no longer be the lone superpower in the world. â€Å"The secular progressive movement wants the United States to decline in power. It wants a new world order where global consensus would rule and the superpower model for our time would recede into obsolescence. †(O’Reilly, 194) But O’Reilly accurately points out a different side towards America’s effect in the world and an effect that is central to traditionalists’ opinion of America and of her greatness. â€Å" By contrast, the T-warrior will fight to keep, even increase America’s vast power. Why? Because T-warriors understand that the United States is a righteous country that has in our brief history freed billions of people from political enslavement. It is our might and money that brought down Tojo, Hitler and the Soviet Union†¦ If we go into decline, the world would be a much more dangerous place. Can you picture Russia and communist China dominating the world? How about the combined Arab states? † (O’Reilly, 194 Journalist as defined by O’Reilly, the answer is a resounding NO! The greatest strength of O’Reilly and the strength that makes him so successful can sometimes be one of his weaknesses: arrogance. Many of his points go beyond liberal or conservative, secularist or conservative but for the others, it might be seen as relative as it depends on the reader to make the final decision since the decline of morals or whether ignoring America’s religious foundations is a good or bad thing may never fully answered in this lifetime and in this country. But such topics are always good for material since millions of Americans do closely follow O’Reilly on the radio and on television. The reader’s view on the Culture Warrior depends upon their religious and political leanings. If one feels that the existence of a liberal media that wishes America’s influence in the world to be curtailed is greatly exaggerated and America’s declining morals either doesn’t exist or is not important, Culture Warrior will evoke a strong and negative response. However, on the other hand, if one defines himself as a conservative and/or traditionalist, then the topics that O’Reilly details will hit its mark. And for millions of Americans, it does just that. This is an important and entertaining book that, like much of what O’Reilly does and says, will spark many needed discussions around the classrooms and water coolers of America. O’Reilly is effective when it comes to seeing and articulating issues of importance in today’s ever changing society and most importantly, it is a window into the mindset of millions of Americans.

Monday, August 5, 2019

Marketing Analysis of Avon

Marketing Analysis of Avon David H. McConnell founded the company in 1886 at the age of 28 years old. He sold books door-to-door and distributed perfume to lure women to buy his books. His perfume was more popular than his books, so he then founded the California Perfume Company (CPC) in New York, New York in a 500-square-foot (46 m2) manufacturing and shipping office at 126 Chambers Street. As the corporation grew, he employed his first representative, Mrs. P.F.E. Albee. In 1897, McConnell built a small (3000 square foot) laboratory in Suffern, New York. In 1906, the West Coast office in San Francisco was destroyed in the Great Earthquake. In 1914 the first non-US office was opened in the Canadian province of Quebec. January 28, 1916, David H. McConnell and Alexander D. Henderson (businessman) in Suffern, New York  [2]  incorporated the California Perfume company. Sales attained $2 million by 1928 following five million units sold in North America. The company name was changed to Avon Products Inc. Octobe r 1939 which was taken public by 1954, sales reached $55 million, and the Avon Calling advertising campaign introduced. Avon Suffern Research and Development facility came into existence in 1971. With one million sales representatives, sales reached $3 million, presently; sales exceed $10 billion worldwide. The 100 million dollar Research and Development facility which house 300 research scientists on the original site in Suffern, New York was opened in 2005. Avon also has offices in Luzerne, Pennsylvania and Davenport, Iowa. Andrea Jung is the companys Chairman and CEO, who was selected to the position in 1999. As at December 2009, the company had approximately 41,000 employees  [3]   2.2 Company Profile 2.2.1 Organizational Structure The Office of the Chairman is responsible for identifying growth initiatives, incorporating global strategies, and apportioning resources to Avon units around the world. In addition, as part of the reorganization, the firms three International Regional headquarters were to be phased out, alternated by nine streamlined business units covering sales, marketing and distribution around the world. Profit and loss accountability rested with them. Managers of these units would report directly to the Office of the Chairman. Also reporting to the chairman are five global staff departments: Finance/legal Affairs, Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Planning and Business Development, and a new department Global Product Management. Each department assumes worldwide responsibility for its function 2.2.2 Major Lines of Business Avon Products line includes skin care items, makeup, men and women perfume fragrances, and bath toiletries, hair care, personal care, hand and body care and sun care. Recognizable brand names included Skin-So-Soft, a product in the bath products area, which benefited from wide publicity concerning alternative uses; Moisture Therapy; and Imari fragrance. Newer products include Avon Color, an entirely new line of more than 350 shades of lip, eye, face, and nail colors. The product line assures customers that Avon has just the right shade for them and that their total look could be coordinated. Avon newest product Anew Perfecting Complex for Face, won the most successful skin care product in Avon history. Internationally, the companys product line is marketed primarily at moderate price points. The marketing strategy emphasized department store quality at discount store prices. Avon is the worlds largest manufacturer and distributor of fashion jewelry, and markets an extensive line of gifts and collectibles. A separate division, Giorgio Beverly Hills, manufactures and sells prestige fragrances. These brand name products are sold through major retail department stores, in boutiques, by mail order catalog and by other means. 2.3 Operating Strategies Avon Products Inc. is uniquely among major corporations, a womans company. The company sells products to, for and through women. The company understands women needs and preferences better than most. This understanding guides the basic business and influences the choice of new business opportunities. Avon need to become and are becoming, more customer-oriented and more market- driven. Each one of the 18 words in the vision statement has considerable meaning. The three most important elements, however, are the focus on women, on being global, and on the additional opportunities for Avon in self-fulfillment. Avon Products Inc. Principles To provide individuals with additional earning means to support well-being and happiness. To ensure families satisfaction from quality products To render outstanding service to customers in its helpfulness and courtesy; To acknowledge and reward employees and Representatives contributions. To distribute the dividend of growth and success with others; To meet social corporate responsibility; and To keep and treasure the hospitable Avon spirit. Source: Avon Representative Success Book 2.3 Operating Strategies 2.3.1 Mission Statement and Management Objectives Avon Products Inc. intends being the company that best understands meets and satisfies women needs globally. The International Beauty leading company intends to surpass competitors in quality, innovation, value and raising image to become women favorites Beauty Company worldwide by creating a unique portfolio of Beauty and related brands. The Womens quest for Buying Avon products will become home store for women, offering the convenience of multiple brands and channels, and providing a personal high touch shopping experience that helps create lifelong customer relationships. The Premier Direct Seller will expand the companys presence in direct selling and lead the reinvention of the channel, offering an entrepreneurial opportunity that delivers superior earnings, recognition, service and support, making it easy and rewarding to be affiliated with Avon and elevating the image of the industry. Avon products leadership edge is through passion for high standards, respect for diversity and commitment to create exceptional opportunities for professional growth so that associates can fulfill their highest potential. The companys philanthropic efforts aim at eliminating breast cancer and empowering women to be economic independent. As a way of creating wealth for shareholders, Avon seeks new growth opportunities and improving profitability, a socially responsible, ethical company that is noticed and imitated as a model of success. 2.3.2 Business Models and Strategies Avon Products, Inc., is one of the worlds largest direct selling organization and merchandiser of beauty and beauty related products. From corporate office in New York City, Avon markets product lines to women in 112 countries through 1.6 million active independent contractors (sales representatives) that receive a percentage commission for their sales but do not enjoy employment benefits, they sell primarily on a door-to-door basis. The idea behind the direct selling model is to eliminate the middle man (department and cosmetic stores) and get its products directly to consumers which will be able to cut costs and increase profits. November 2005, Avon products inaugurated an exhaustive turnaround plan to restore sustainable growth. The four-point turnaround plan includes: Committing to brand competitiveness by focusing research and development resources on product innovation and by increasing our advertising; Winning with commercial edge by more effectively utilizing pricing and promotion, expanding our Sales Leadership program and improving the attractiveness of our Representative earnings opportunity as needed; Elevating organizational effectiveness by redesigning our structure to eliminate layers of management in order to take full advantage of our global scale and size; and Transforming the cost structure so that our costs are aligned to our revenue growth and remain so. Source: 10-K (Feb 25, 2010) One of the goals of the 2005 Turn-around Plan was to increase the number of Representatives paid in 2007 when the company had 13% increase in net sales as a result of the increase in the number of Representatives Primarily, Avons revenues come from three main categories: 2009 2008 2007 2006 Beauty Products 72% 72% 70% 69% Fashion Products 17% 18% 18% 18% Home Products 11% 10% 12% 13% Source: http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Avon_Products_(AVP) Beauty Products: Cosmetics, fragrances, and personal care. Fashion Products are Jewelry, watches, apparel and accessories. Home Products: Home products and decorative products. 2.4 SWOT Analysis 2.4.1 Strengths Presence in dynamic sector Strategic focus on emerging markets Diversification through acquisition Wide brand appeal Financial stability Strong brand image 2.4.2 Weaknesses Over reliance on Beauty Products (72%) Limited outlets for the customers Confusing promotions, out of date catalogs, unattractive packaging and customer complains of Avon image. Over reliance on Sales Representatives Products are not commonly found in store 2.4.3 Opportunities Geographic Growth: Enormous growth opportunities exist in countries with huge populations such as China, Indonesia and India. In Eastern Europe, management is excited about the potential in Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. In the Pacific Rim area, countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are targeted as market opportunities. Emerging and Developing Markets: In those markets, the retail infrastructure was undeveloped, especially in the interiors of those countries. The Avon representatives provide consumers with opportunities to buy a wide range of quality products at acceptable prices 2.4.4 Threats Avons dependence on the productivity and profitability of the representative direct-selling model exposes it to cost and litigation risks. It is likely that AVP will incur future costs through litigation and resolution of the lawsuit, which may include terms that would increase costs and decrease profits for Avon. Currency Fluctuation Risks as a result of much presence in global markets: Only 20% of the companys sales Revenue come from the United States while other countries contribute 80%, making the company very sensitive to currency fluctuations and the strength of the dollar. A weakening of the dollar against foreign currencies would allow Avon products to become more competitively priced in global markets, thus positively affecting sales revenue from foreign markets; however, a weak dollar would also mean higher costs for products manufactured overseas. 2.5 Core Competencies Over the last three years, Avon Products have been implementing its turnaround plan through various strategic initiatives, including: restructuring plan, product line simplification program (PLS), strategic sourcing initiative (SSI) and investment in advertising and sales representatives. Among other things the company does well are: Diversification through acquisition Distribution strategy and brand image High technology and innovation Economic Empowerment Philanthropy 3. Industry Analysis 3.1 Industry Definition, structure and major competitors The US personal care products industry includes about 800 companies with combined annual revenue of $50 billion. Major companies include Estee Lauder, Johnson Johnson, and Procter Gamble. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest firms account for about 70 percent of industry revenue. There are 28,001 companies in this industry with the US personal income driving consumer demand for personal care products  [4]  . Company Sales Location The Protecter Gamble Company 78,938.00M Cincinnati, OH LOreal SA 25,041.73M Clichy, France Kimberly-Clark Corporation 19,115.00M Irving, TX Colgate-Palmolive Company 15,327.00M New York, NY Kao Corporation 12,777.13M Tokyo, Japan Source: http://www.hoovers.com/industry/personal-care-products/1192-1.html 3.2 Industry Growth and Profitability Market moves over the last two years have clearly been extraordinary. The forecast call for a continued, gradual recovery in demand from developed markets with emerging economies faring better. The personal and disposable personal incomes are the main drivers of this sector. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, July 2010, Personal income increased $30.0 billion, or 0.2 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $17.6 billion, or 0.2 percent, Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $44.1 billion, or 0.4 percent. Table 3.2 Personal and Disposable Personal Income 2010 June July Aug. Sept. Oct. (Percent change from preceding month) Personal income, current dollars 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.5 Disposable personal income: Current dollars 0.1 0.0 0.5 -0.1 0.4 Chained (2005) dollars 0.2 -0.2 0.3 -0.2 0.3 Personal consumption expenditures: Current dollars 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.4 Chained (2005) dollars 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, US Department of Commerce. July, 2010 3.3 Pest Analysis of External Factors Affecting the Industry 3.31 Political Factors These include the form of government, role of government whether as a participator or a facilitator or a regulator, political stability and risk, consumer protection, employment law, election, competitive regulations, industry-specific regulations, environmental regulations, understanding cultural differences, government structures, governmental leadership, political trends, taxes, terrorism and war. Avon Products is majorly affected by government tax and industry specifications. Different countries have different regulations with taxes. Political and legal systems of different countries have important implications for Avon Products. Sometimes, the political system changes quickly, throwing the company into crisis and at other hand, it evolve more slowly. Countries Over 30 Hongkong 25.25 China 17.37 United Kingdom 25.69 United States 26.26 Singapore 25.24 Thailand 16.42 Norway 28.19 Canada 27.80 Japan 24.65 Russia 14.66 Source: http://www.euromoney.com/Article/2675660/Country-risk-September-2010-Full-results.html 3.3.2 Economic Factors In various countries, economic growth trends differs, government spending levels, taxation, disposable income, exchange rates, tariffs, inflation, job growth/unemployment, consumer confidence index, import/export ratios, and production levels. Avon has experienced fluctuating growth; its said to largely depend on economic conditions and disposable household income levels. A higher disposable income will definitely increase spending pattern. 3.3.3 Social Factors These include race, family size, age, gender, lifestyle changes, population shifts, education, trends, fads, diversity, immigration/emigration, health, living standards, housing trends, fashion, attitudes to work, leisure activities, occupations, and earning capacity. Since Avon major source of Revenue is on Beauty products which is mainly used by women, the company stands the chance of increasing revenue all things being equal. A higher taste or lifestyle to substitute products like Mary Kay may affect the company revenue. 3.3.4 Technological Factors These are factors that enable innovative and creative ideas that make Avon to compete and meet customers needs. These include Inventions, new discoveries, research, energy uses/sources/fuels, communications, rates of obsolescence, health (pharmaceutical, equipment, etc.), manufacturing advances, information technology, internet, transportation, bio-tech, genetics, agric-tech, waste removal/recycling, and so on, all these and many more need to be improved upon continually. As technology advances, there is need to ensure compliance and engage in more research in an attempt to increase the quality of the products. The company should keep the analysis of past developments separate from that of the present situation and future trends 3.4 Porters five forces of Analysis Competition 3.4.1 Threat of new Entrants: Low Being a household name for some years, the threat of new entrants can be said to be low. Consumers who are serviced in this industry tend to stick with long and experienced 3.4.2 Threat of Substitutes: High There are several substitutes to Avon products by its competitors in the market. A slight change or below standard can push customers to buy other products. 3.4.3 Bargaining Powers of supplier: Low 3.4.4 Bargaining Power of Customer: Low Customers who are mainly women often dont mind price(s) as long as they have value for money spent. Rather than customers fixing price, Avon does. 3.4.5 Rivalry among Competing Firms: High This is really high. Mary Kay among several others is in high competition with Avon. 3.5 Summary Bargaining power of buyers Low Competitive Rivalry within an Industry High Threat of Substitute Products High Threat of new Entry- Low Low Bargaining power of suppliers Low 4. Economic Outlook 4.1 Global Outlook The last three quarters have been impressive with the companys operating performance and its key credit measurements are improving. Avon is envisaged to continue to have conservative stances with its liquidity and share repurchases. Avon innovative ideas has earned its performance very well relative to its consumer products peer group and remains one of the best geographically positioned companies to gain from emerging market growth over the next several years. Avon is in the midst of a restructuring that includes cutting jobs and trimming overhead. It has concentrated on recruiting independent sellers, as well as broadening its assortment of less-expensive items, including products under $5, to drive sales. It is also growing sales in emerging markets. The recession affected the manufacturers of beauty products fairly well, due to large part to their vast product range. While demand for cosmetics stumbled some are considered essentials and were mostly resistant to the downturn. The economic recovery will push the industry back to steady growth, as improving disposable incomes allow consumers to spend more on nonessentials like makeup. Meanwhile, manufacturers will expand both their product lines and geographic reach to take advantage of new market opportunities  [5]  . 4.2 Regional Outlook Avon is on a course of action to deliver strong quarterly growth, although the US market is likely to prove the exclusion to regional growth in view of the tough conditions there. The worlds leading direct sales cosmetic company increased revenue by 8 per cent for the first quarter in dollar terms, while the continuing weakness of the dollar will mean that revenues will rise by 5 per cent in local currencies. Based on region, Avon revenue is projected to leap and operating profit forecast to be up. Internationally, Latin Americas revenue is projected to increase at a double-digit rate and operating profit forecast to grow in line with or slightly ahead of revenue, reflecting a strong performance in both the Brazil and Argentina markets. Europes revenue and operating profit are expected to increase in the ranges of 10 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively. Growth in this region is continuing to focus on the central and eastern European markets. Operating profit is expected to be more than 25% in the Asia Pacific region. 4.3 Local Outlook Avon overall growth is being driven by sales of beauty products, which are expected to increase more and more particularly the Anti-aging skincare Product. The company feels it is also a reflection of its successful new product launches and continuing commitment to invest significant resources to support its brand-building strategies. Also, the company expects increase number of active representative to positively impact on sales. 4.4 Summary There is strong growth and improving profitability as the global outlook becomes Stable from Negative. 5. Ten-year pro forma forecast 5.1 Underlying Assumptions Avon had $650 million Agreement with Silpada. The company designs is the worlds largest and fastest-growing sterling silver jewellery home party company which is expected to generate revenue from 2015  [6]  . Focus on emerging markets such as Brazil, China, Colombia, Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela, aiming for high market share and brand recognition in these markets. The only positive regional revenue growth the company had been in the Latin America and China at 5.6% and 0.7%  [7]  . For example, China re-licensed Avon for direct-selling, which allowed Avons revenues from China to increase rapidly from 2006 to 2008. The total revenue from China rose from $212 million in 2006 to $353 million in 2009  [8]  . Similar situations may arise in Avons other emerging market segments. Increased cost of production and Companies are also focused on controlling their operating margins in order to maximize their profits. While advertising and commodity costs have been rising, efficient production has been useful in reducing margins. A takeover Rumour by LOreal expand in emerging markets, particularly in Latin America  [9]   First quarter for the year ended March 31st, 2010.  [10]  Avons net income was $43 million, a 64% decrease from Q1 FY 2009 net income of $117 million. The decrease was mainly caused by AVPs effective tax rate being a 66.1% due to the devaluation of Venezuelan currency. Excluding this negative impact, net income was actually $144 million. Total revenue increased 14% to $2.5 billion. The number of active representatives grew by 6% as the recessionary environment attracted many unemployed people to Avons independent selling business strategy. Additionally, the companys Beauty segment grew by 14%. Avon had mixed sales results internationally, as it had a 2% sales decline in North America, a 22% sales increase in Latin America, a 31% sales decrease in China, a 28% sales increase in Eastern Europe, and a 23% sales increase in Western Europe and Africa. The company spent $96 million on advertising a 23% increase from the same quarter last year. Second quarter for the year ended 30th June, 2010, Q2 FY 2010.  [11]  The companys Net Income was $167.6 million more than double the year-ago quarter value of $82.9 million. Net sales rose 8% to $2.68 billion. Sales in all of the companys product categories increased with 16% growth in perfume and 12% growth in color cosmetics. Avon increased advertising in the quarter to $97 million, up 19% from the prior year quarter. The company increased advertising mainly in Latin America. Geographically, Avons revenue increased 16% in Latin America from strength in Brazil and Mexico. Sales in North America remained flat. Important to note is Other Income for the quarter in review shows a deficit of usd 100m.  [12]   Third quarter for the year ended September 30th, 2010 Avons net income increased 7% to $167 million. The higher costs are due to advertising and weak sales from markets like china and Brazil. Net Revenue increased 4% to $2.66 billion, compared to $2.56 billion in the prior year quarter. The company benefited from higher sales in Latin America (8% growth) and Western Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (11% growth). However, sales in North America remained stagnant with a 2% decline in growth and sales in China fell by 30% as Avon tries to transition away from retail stores in the region in favor of a direct selling method that it uses in its other markets. Advertising costs increased 36% as the company promoted its fragrances as well as its two new product categories hair and acne  [13]  .

Relationship Between Schistosomiasis and Hepatitis C

Relationship Between Schistosomiasis and Hepatitis C Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease in tropical and is associated with a variety of clinical syndromes that may lead to severe morbidity (Bahgat et al., 2010). Due to control program over the last decade, a decline in the prevalence of human schistosomiasis in Egypt has been reported (Barakat et al., 1998; Bahgat et al., 2010); however, the disease is still endemic in many foci (El-Sahn et al., 2002; Bahgat et al., 2010). The common used method in the diagnostic of schistosomiasis is stool examination, using the Kato-Katz method (Carvalho et al., 2011); However, this method presents limitation for the detection of positive individuals, when the intensity of infection is low; it is less effective in determining the prevalence in low endemic areas (Feldmeier and Poggensee 1993; Kongs et al., 2001; Carvalho et al., 2011). And a relatively time consuming nature of this method in application for epidemiological assessment and clinical use (Van Etten et al., 1994; Hamilton et al., 1998; Corachan , 2002; Van Dam et al., 2004). And it is difficult to detect ova in rectal biopsy specimens in chronic infections due to the intense fibrosis present around the eggs (Attallah et al., 1999). Several schistosome serodiagnostic assays designed for the detection of specific anti-schistosome (antibodies) (Doenhoff et al., 1989; Maddison, 1987; Attallah et al., 1999). Prepatent and early infections may not have stimulated a detectable antibody response and Positive tests do not necessarily denote an active (living) infection. Antibody tests are also prone to cross reactions with other infections (Strrouk, 2001). HCV is a serious public health prob ­lem affecting 170 million carriers worldwide. It is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis (Thong et al., 2014). In Egypt, the older generations have a higher HCV prevalence than younger ones. Geographically, areas near the Nile River continue to exhibit very high rates of infection (Sievert et al., 2011). Chronic HCV infection may cause liver cirrhosis and (HCC) over the course of two or more decades (lee et al., 2008), and is the primary cause for liver transplanta ­tion worldwide (Thong et al., 2014), There is no vaccine available for prevention of HCV infection due to high degree of strain variation (Ashfaq et al., 2011). A previous study by Albeldawi et al (2010) reported that the patients with risk factors for HCV infection and abnormal liver enzyme levels, HCV infection is probable but not certain. In the present study 275 serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies and 205/275 only contain anti-HCV antibodies with percent (74.5%) and the remaining 70 samples (25.5 %) were negative for anti-HCV antibodies. Anti-HCV antibodies alone cannot discriminate patients who are infectious from those who have resolved the infection. The active infection confirmed by detected HCV-NS4 antigen in serum samples using ELISA according to Attallah et al., (2012) in which sensitivity and specificity of this method to detect HCV-NS4 antigen were high (90 and 96%, respectively), HCV-NS4 antigen was detected in 205( positive for anti-HCV antibodies) against 32 healthy (negative control) by using ELISA with detection rate 85.0% for CHC patient positive for anti-HCV antibodies, and 0.0% detection rate for healthy control, this mean that 174/205 only has Anti-HCV and HCV-NS4 (HCV patient) , there was extremely statistically significant between (pGhany et al (2009) reported that ALT value differs by age, race, and gender, and by body mass index, it has been suggested that the upper limit of normal (ULN) for ALT should, in fact, be 30 IU/L for men and 19 IU/L for women, but many laboratories continue to set the ULN of ALT at about 40 IU/L. In the present study, 174 HCV have high increased in transaminase enzyme as ALT, AST, and there was extremely statistically significant between (p As is customary the transaminase enzymes are biomarker of liver health. Elevated serum levels of ALT during chronic hepatitis C are associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis progression (Hui et al., 2003; Maasoumy and Wedemeyer, 2012); lower progression rates of fibrosis were reported in patients with normal ALT levels (Mathurin et al., 1998; Maasoumy and Wedemeyer, 2012); However, there are reports of marked fibrosis (5%-30%) and even cirrhosis (1.3%) in persons with normal ALT values (Ghany et al., 2009). Normal ranges of ALP were 40-129 U/L for males and 35-104 U/L for females, ALP is elevated in a variety of diseases as bone disease, bile duct obstructed and liver disease (Bodlaj et al., 2010), and in current study ALP was elevated in CHC patient and there was statistically significant between (p0.05) platelets in CHC patients and negative control, Furthermore, T. Bilirubin was elevated in CHC patient and there was statistically significant between (p0.05) between INR-prothrombin time in CHC patient and control. A Previous study by Attallah et al (1999) reported that Schistosoma circulating antigens were used for the detection of active infection. And the detection of Schistosoma antigens was initially based on the use crude soluble egg antigens (SEA) and soluble adult worm’s protein (SWAP) (Dunne et al., 1984). And another study reported that the circulating antigens could be released from the schistosome surface or gut to the blood circulation of infected host and consequently excreted in urine (Deelder et al., 1994; Attallah et al., 1998). Several investigators have isolated and characterized many of the schistosomiasis antigens in different developmental stages of the parasite that have a potential application in immuno diagnosis (Attallah et al., 1999). And more than 100 schistosome antigens have been identified (Siddiqui et al., 2011). In The present study we aimed to detect the 63-KDa circulating antigen of Schistosoma parasites in serum samples by SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and ELISA technique, The antigenic target was identified by western blotting technique by using specific Mab; an intense sharp band was appeared in serum samples of infected patients with S. mansoni at 63-kDa, and no reaction with healthy sample. Consistent with these findings previously study by Attallah et al (1999) also identified a 63-kDa antigen in different extracts of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, adult worms, and eggs and in the urine of S.mansoni-infected individuals by specific monoclonal antibody in urine patient sample. ELISA is a serological test useful for epidemiological studies, due to its high sensitivity for the diagnosis, depending on the S.mansoni antigen used in the test (Sorgho et al., 2002; Ishida et al., 2003; Alarcà ³n de Noya et al., 2007;Luo et al., 2009; Carvalho et al.,2011), and the possibility for automating the process (Carvalho et al.,2011), previous study Attallah et al (1999)used the Fast Dot-ELISA as a diagnostic tool for the detection of 63-kD circulating antigen and sensitivity of this assay was 92% among proven S. mansoni-infected individual, the specificity was 84%, PPV = 94%, and NPV = 81%. In the current study, the cutoff of 63-KDa of Schistosoma antigen was calculated, and the cutoff level = 0.33, mouse monoclonal antibody specific to S. mansoni was used as a probe in ELISA to detect 63-kDa S. mansoni antigen in serum samples from CHC patients, the 63-kDa S. mansoni antigen was detected in 118 out of total 174 chronic hepatitis C patients with detection rate (67.8%) All of the 32 controls were negative for 63-kDa S. mansoni antigen with detection rate (0.0 %) and there was extremely statistically significant between (PS.mansoni antigen in CHC patient and control. In the present study we determined the relation between 63-KDa S. mansoni antigen and laboratory parameters in the 118 serum samples from CHC patients determined, and serum ALT levels tended to increase as the level of 63-KDa antigen increased and there was extremely statistically significant between 63-KDa and ALT, serum AST levels tended to increase as the level of 63-KDa antigen increased and there was extremely statistically significant between 63- KDa and AST. Furthermore, there was negative correlation between serum albumin and 63-KDa antigen, but there was extremely statistically significant between 63-KDa and serum albumin, serum ALP levels tended to increase as the level of 63-KDa antigen increased but this was not statistically significant, total bilirubin levels tended to increase as the level of 63-KDa antigen increased but this was not statistically significant, there was negative correlation between PLTs count and 63-KDa antigen and this was not statistically significant, INR-prothrombin time levels tended to increase as the level of 63-KDa antigen increased but this was not statistically significant. Both HCV and schistosomiasis are highly endemic in Egypt and coinfection is frequently encountered (Abdel-Rahman et al., 2013). The prevalence of HCV/S.mansoni association ranged from 0.8 to 50.0% among the studies, with the highest ranges in Egypt (10 to 50%) (Van- Lume et al., 2013). A previous study by Blenton et al (2002) mentioned that Coinfections might influence disease expression. HCV has been implicated in some studies as a factor influencing the severity of schistosomiasis (Mohamed et al., 1998; Blenton et al., 2002). And, in turn, an influence of schistosomiasis on HCV severity has been suggested (Kamal et al., 2000; (Blenton et al., 2002). Another study suggests that Schistosomiasis weaken anti- HCV immune responses and worsen liver disease (Kamal et al., 2000; Kamal et al., 2001; Osada and Kanazawa, 2011). It is worthy to notice that another study by Abdel-Rahman et al (2013) reported that HCV/schistosomiasis coinfected patients have more rapid progression of hepatic fibrosis than those with HCV mono-infection encountered, the effect of such coinfection on hepatic and response to therapy remain unclear. In light of the previous by Bahgat et al (2010) real time PCR findings from, soluble egg antigen (SEA) should be considered as a potential stimulatory factor for HCV RNA that may have influenced the early detection of HCV RNA as SEA can stimulate viral replication. The higher morbidity that is observed in patients coinfected with schistosomiasis and HCV is related, at least in part, to direct stimulation of viral replication by SEA. Another study by Vanlume et al (2013) reported that when schistosomiasis and hepatitis C association is established, the clinical course develops into severe hepatocellular damage. Viral persistence and hepatic cirrhosis can develop faster than in mono-infected people. The association between schistosomiasis and hepatitis C has been studied by many investigators due to its important but, the object of current study was undertaken to determine a correlation between HCV and schistosomiasis infection in relation to evaluation of HCV-NS4 in CHC patient only and S.mansoni/HCV co-infection , from our finding r = 0.407, this means that, there was positive association was observed between 63 KD-a S. mansoni antigen and HCV-NS4 antigen, and there was extremely statistically significant between (p S. mansoni antigen and HCV-NS4 antigen, it is of interest that our study is the first to focus on the relation between 63-KDa S. mansoni antigen and HCV-NS4 antigen. In present study, we made comparison between investigated blood markers in CHC patient co-infected and HCV only, from our finding there was increase in activities of ALT, AST in CHC patients co-infected than HCV only, On the other hand, there was decrease in serum albumin level, platelets count for CHC patients co-infected compared with non-infected with S. mansoni group and there was extremely statistically significant between (pS.mansoni/HCV) co-infected and non-infected with S. mansoni (HCV only), but this was not statistically significant between ALT in CHC patients (S.mansoni/HCV) co-infected and non-infected with S. mansoni (HCV only). The transaminase enzymes are indicator of liver fibrosis, this may be that co-infection accelerate tissue damage and liver fibrosis, there was no statistically significant between ALP in CHC patients (S.mansoni/HCV) co-infected and non-infected with S. mansoni (HCV only), this was no statistically significant between bilirubin in CHC patients (S.mansoni/HCV) co-infected and non-infected with S. mansoni (HCV only), there was no statistically significant between Albumin in CHC patients (S.mansoni/HCV) co-infected and non-infected with S. mansoni (HCV only), there was no statistically significant between PLTs count in CHC patients (S.mansoni/HCV) co-infected and non-infected with S. mansoni (HCV only). In the previous study by reported that S.mansoniinfection is known to induce hepatocellular injury, which in turn, leads to the release of enzymes from the injured hepatic cells into the blood circulation (Dkhil,  2014). In current study, showed that an increase in the level of HCV-NS4 antigen in patient with S.mansoni/HCV than level of HCV-NS4 antigen in  patient with HCV only. In conclusion, the 63-KDa was the antigenic component of S.mansoni, our study showed increased activity in transaminase enzyme and decreased activity in Albumin and PLTs in S.mansoni/HCV coinfection than HCV only, and 63-KDa antigen S.mansoni has a positive correlation with HCV-NS4 antigen

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Japan was better prepared for World War II Essay -- Japanese History,

After Japanese victories in the First Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War I, Japanese experience and confidence in military operations began to soar. As early as 1905, Japan had identified the United States as their primary threat and began preparations to win a war against it. Despite Japan’s vast combat experience and military buildup prior to the Pacific War, their prewar preparation was only slightly more robust than the United States and this edge was eaten away by time for three different reasons. First, Japan began the Pacific War with slight technological advantages over the United States and believed they could use higher-quality technology to defeat the quantitative numbers of a larger foe. Second, Japan created doctrine and effectively trained tactics for military operations to counter an offensive by the United States. Lastly, Japan conceived a very plausible limited strategy. Technology The Japanese began manufacturing its own aircraft just toward the end of World War I. Japan received tremendous assistance from Great Britain, United States, Germany and many other countries and private companies prior to World War II. Through this they helped guide design as well as contributed or sold Japan a steady supply of equipment and engines. â€Å"During the course of the 1930s..the Japanese aircraft industry not only began to join the technological revolution in military aircraft design and construction†¦in certain fields (they) began to take the lead.† (Evans and Peattie, p300-304) As demonstrated against China, Japan understood aircraft carriers and what type of power projection they could bring over long distances upon an enemy. (Millett, p221) In response to this opportunity, Japan develo... ...d and demoralized their enemies. (Evans and Peattie, p445) Great potential industrial capability was present in the United States when Japan attacked, however, having such a potential and successfully harnessing it to the level the Americans did was not easy. Assuming the Americans Conclusion In summary, Japan’s military buildup before the Pacific War coupled with its recent combat experience left Japan’s prewar preparation only slightly more resolute than the United States and this advantage was deleted by time. Japan’s current technological position was superior to that of America’s at the start of the war where craftsmanship generated higher-quality products to defeat quantitative numbers of a larger foe. Japanese doctrine and training were simply better. Finally, Japan’s limited strategy was logically sound and culturally acceptable to them.

Saturday, August 3, 2019

The Hawk Essay -- English Literature Essays

The Hawk Essay Ted Hughes and Robbin Jeffers offer many similarities and differences in their poems about hawks. Although written using contrasting styles, the poems share numerous ideas and themes. These ideas include power against weakness, arrogance, and exultation of hawks as God ¡Ã‚ ¦s chosen ruler. Yet, Hughes and Jeffers show different attitudes towards hawks, one acting as a dictator of Creation, and the other as a defeated, but still respectable bird. The issue of power versus weakness is transmitted strongly in both poems. In  ¡Ã‚ §Hawk roosting ¡Ã‚ ¨, the hawk ¡Ã‚ ¦s image is captured in an authoritative tone, especially by the enhancement of first person view. The hawk ¡Ã‚ ¦s domination and power is highlighted in the poem by describing its supreme position above all in almost all aspects of its life.  ¡Ã‚ §I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed ¡Ã‚ ¨ conveys a sense of forceful peace, as if the hawk knows it holds so much power that it is fearless and can roost confidently without being attacked. To  ¡Ã‚ §sit in the top of the wood ¡Ã‚ ¨ also demonstrates a noble rank, resembling the king in the human royal monarchy. The line  ¡Ã‚ §I kill where I please because it is all mine ¡Ã‚ ¨ emphasises the power the hawk believes he holds, as if he has ownership over Creation. Meanwhile, all other creations made by God are symbols of inferiority, acting to serve the hawk and die when he chooses for them to die. For example,  ¡Ã‚ §Now I hold Creation in my foot ¡Ã‚ ¨ suggests tat he holds the trees limbs, a foundation of life, under his grasp. The manner in which he dictates the maintenance of law under his reign as seen in  ¡Ã‚ §My eyes has permitted no change. I am going to keep things like this ¡Ã‚ ¨ also conveys the idea that the hawk alone can overcome any other force. Similarly,  ¡Ã‚ §Hurt Hawks ¡Ã‚ ¨ also creates the issue of power against weakness. Despite the fact that the hawk ¡Ã‚ ¦s wing is injured and cannot fly,  ¡Ã‚ §cat nor coyote will shorten the week of waiting for death. ¡Ã‚ ¨ This illustrates how high the hawk is in the food chain and how domineering he is in nature.  ¡Ã‚ §At distance no one but death the redeemer will humble that head ¡Ã‚ ¨ emphasises again that the hawk rules the land, and nothing but death will claim him. In the final lines  ¡Ã‚ §but what soared; the fierce rush; the night  ¡V herons by the flooded river cried fear at its rising ¡Ã‚ ¨ shows the everlasting power of the hawk. Despite the loss of its... ...k, results in a highly negative image. For example,  ¡Ã‚ §there is no sophistry in my body. My manners are tearing off heads  ¡V the allotment of death ¡Ã‚ ¨ conveys a tone of malice and savageness. Thus the idea of hawk is critical. On the other hand, Jeffers admires the courage of the hawk in his poem. He describes the submission in the bird, and the agony if experiences since it is physically stronger than other creatures but is now powerless. There is a sense of pity and sympathy as Jeffers describes the internal strength the hawk tries to maintain. Admiration is depicted in  ¡Ã‚ §Beautiful and wild, the hawk, and men that are dying, remember him, ¡Ã‚ ¨ where he suggests that even men pay respect to the boldness the hawk possesses. These contrasting concepts of criticism ad admiration are responsible for the difference of ideas expressed in the two poems. Through analysing the poems in terms of these subjects, attitudes and themes, similarities and differences can be made. Whilst the idea of power against weakness, arrogance and exultation of hawk ¡Ã‚ ¦s role in creation is supported by both Hughes and Jeffers ¡Ã‚ ¦ poems, the impressions of criticism and respect towards the eagles are contrasting. The Hawk Essay -- English Literature Essays The Hawk Essay Ted Hughes and Robbin Jeffers offer many similarities and differences in their poems about hawks. Although written using contrasting styles, the poems share numerous ideas and themes. These ideas include power against weakness, arrogance, and exultation of hawks as God ¡Ã‚ ¦s chosen ruler. Yet, Hughes and Jeffers show different attitudes towards hawks, one acting as a dictator of Creation, and the other as a defeated, but still respectable bird. The issue of power versus weakness is transmitted strongly in both poems. In  ¡Ã‚ §Hawk roosting ¡Ã‚ ¨, the hawk ¡Ã‚ ¦s image is captured in an authoritative tone, especially by the enhancement of first person view. The hawk ¡Ã‚ ¦s domination and power is highlighted in the poem by describing its supreme position above all in almost all aspects of its life.  ¡Ã‚ §I sit in the top of the wood, my eyes closed ¡Ã‚ ¨ conveys a sense of forceful peace, as if the hawk knows it holds so much power that it is fearless and can roost confidently without being attacked. To  ¡Ã‚ §sit in the top of the wood ¡Ã‚ ¨ also demonstrates a noble rank, resembling the king in the human royal monarchy. The line  ¡Ã‚ §I kill where I please because it is all mine ¡Ã‚ ¨ emphasises the power the hawk believes he holds, as if he has ownership over Creation. Meanwhile, all other creations made by God are symbols of inferiority, acting to serve the hawk and die when he chooses for them to die. For example,  ¡Ã‚ §Now I hold Creation in my foot ¡Ã‚ ¨ suggests tat he holds the trees limbs, a foundation of life, under his grasp. The manner in which he dictates the maintenance of law under his reign as seen in  ¡Ã‚ §My eyes has permitted no change. I am going to keep things like this ¡Ã‚ ¨ also conveys the idea that the hawk alone can overcome any other force. Similarly,  ¡Ã‚ §Hurt Hawks ¡Ã‚ ¨ also creates the issue of power against weakness. Despite the fact that the hawk ¡Ã‚ ¦s wing is injured and cannot fly,  ¡Ã‚ §cat nor coyote will shorten the week of waiting for death. ¡Ã‚ ¨ This illustrates how high the hawk is in the food chain and how domineering he is in nature.  ¡Ã‚ §At distance no one but death the redeemer will humble that head ¡Ã‚ ¨ emphasises again that the hawk rules the land, and nothing but death will claim him. In the final lines  ¡Ã‚ §but what soared; the fierce rush; the night  ¡V herons by the flooded river cried fear at its rising ¡Ã‚ ¨ shows the everlasting power of the hawk. Despite the loss of its... ...k, results in a highly negative image. For example,  ¡Ã‚ §there is no sophistry in my body. My manners are tearing off heads  ¡V the allotment of death ¡Ã‚ ¨ conveys a tone of malice and savageness. Thus the idea of hawk is critical. On the other hand, Jeffers admires the courage of the hawk in his poem. He describes the submission in the bird, and the agony if experiences since it is physically stronger than other creatures but is now powerless. There is a sense of pity and sympathy as Jeffers describes the internal strength the hawk tries to maintain. Admiration is depicted in  ¡Ã‚ §Beautiful and wild, the hawk, and men that are dying, remember him, ¡Ã‚ ¨ where he suggests that even men pay respect to the boldness the hawk possesses. These contrasting concepts of criticism ad admiration are responsible for the difference of ideas expressed in the two poems. Through analysing the poems in terms of these subjects, attitudes and themes, similarities and differences can be made. Whilst the idea of power against weakness, arrogance and exultation of hawk ¡Ã‚ ¦s role in creation is supported by both Hughes and Jeffers ¡Ã‚ ¦ poems, the impressions of criticism and respect towards the eagles are contrasting.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Real Dictatorship Between Stalin and 1984 Essay

Joseph Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union from the 1920 until his death in 1953. He has done a lot of good things for his country but during his reign, he also has a lot of mistakes and these mistakes we also can see in the story called 1984. 1984 tells the story of a country’s authoritarian regime and the â€Å"big brother† in this country how to maintain his regime. I find a lot of common between the Stalinist regime and the regime from 1984. I put my point or view is divided into three parts, and now I will describe it one by one. First one, I have my topic sentence called the common between these two slogans â€Å"BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU† from 1984 and â€Å"KGB STILL WATCHING YOU† from the Stalin’s regime. And I also can show that the quote in page 2 from 1984: â€Å"On each landing, opposite the lift shaft, the poster with the enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when you move. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption beneath it ran. We know that BIG BROTHER is the â€Å"god† in the country in 1984. The â€Å"BIG BROTHER† can be seen in everywhere in this country even if people’s home, so it just want people knows that they should know they need to loyal to BIG BROTHER and work for him. Second one, I will take about the KGB, I have my topic called â€Å"the KGB† from the Stalin’s regime and the Ministry of Love† from 1984. The Ministry of Love is a spy agencies to monitor the people who lives in this country. We can see the quote in page 4 to 5 from 1984: â€Å"The Ministry of Love was the really frightening one. There were no windows in it at all. † â€Å"It was a place impossible to enter except on official business, and then only by penetrating through a maze of barbed-wire entanglements, steel doors, and hidden machine-gun nests. † In another way, the KGB is also a spy agencies to have spied for Stalin, and anyone who was tortured and in most of the times murdered. There is a good example for this is the story of a Jewish man who lived in soviet Russia, and one day the KGB arrested him in the middle of the street for making conspiracy plans of killing Stalin. The innocent man was tortured, and when he still wouldn’t admit that he was planning to kill Stalin, they threatened him by saying that they will shoot his whole family if he won’t, and he had to sign. Finally he was sent to a labor camp, otherwise, he would have died. For this research evidence is wrote by Arik Rattli.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Diploma in Health Essay

There are many different roles within the working environment. This being so, there are many different working relationships, however subtle the difference. When working with another Nursing Assistant there seems to be an immediate understanding of what is required. Although the routine my differ from ward to ward, the tasks largely remain the same and are performed with relative fluidity. When working with a Staff Nurse on something outside of my training, they will take the lead and instruct me in the task. The same can be said for when assisting doctors, physiotherapists and all other professionals. Each has their own role and it is important that they work within the scope of that role, as performing duties not within your skills is breaking with policies and procedures. It is equally as important to be accessible to those who cannot perform certain duties beyond their own remit. Before going to work (I work mainly night shifts) I dress according to the Dress Code, with washed and ironed uniform, sensible enclosed shoes, nothing below the elbows which follows the Hand Hygiene Policy, ID and name badges present. On arrival I gel my hands, put my belongings in the cloakroom and wash my hands before entering the staff room. Before handover we are read the CUBAN which relates to staffing and patient levels, patients with dementia and/or having special needs or one to one care and falls risks. In handover we learn about what has happened during the previous shift, any changes in condition of patients and about new patients needs. All the information is confidential and so the Confidentiality Policy needs to be adhered to. We are all issued with a handover sheet with these details on and I jot down and highlight any tasks that immediately concern me. E.G. Catheters/measured urine, observation times, pressure care, hourly checklists and blood sugars. We are allocated which bays we are to concentrate our efforts on and plan the best course of action, which is  usually standard routine. We then load trolleys with the necessary paperwork and go from patient to patient, checking which paperwork needs replenishing and noting down what time physiological measurements etc. need doing and tidying the bed areas. We then do a hot drinks round and update the fluid and food charts as necessary. Next we help patients into bed. After gaining consent, we help them wash and get into their night clothes. If they need toiletting, the patient’s preferred way of doing so is used. The Dignity Policy is maintained at all times. If it is documented that a patient needs more than one member of staff to transfer them safely then we help each other to do so., thus sticking to Health and Safety and Manual Handling Policies. Usually at this time the trained nurses are available and are easily approachable and willing to help. After the patient is s afely and comfortably in bed, we fill in the repositioning and personal hygiene charts as per Policy. Usually, we start the observations around 22:00, reporting any NEWS score over 3 or anything untoward to the the Staff Nurse who will inform a doctor who may order an ECG, which I would perform and report straight back to him/her. This is an example of how communication and co-operation is so important to working in partnership. Any missing ‘cog’ in a machine could spell disaster, especially in the care industry. More often than not, we answer call bells of patients requiring pain relief through the night. We take the drug chart to the Staff Nurse and she will dispense it. Unfortunately we quite often need to wash and change a patient after a mishap. The correct PPE is always used and Infection Control policies are observed as are Waste Disposal policies. At around 05:30 we empty catheter bags and document output in the fluid charts. We also tidy the bed areas again. Observations, urine measurements and toiletting continue throughout the shift until handover to the day s taff.