Change Strategies Critical Review and Application

Introduction Change is a peculiar and elusive concept that has taken a lot of struggle to contend with and make the society understand. In spite the fact that change is inevitable, it is a paradox to realize that it results majorly from the acts of the ordinary stakeholders. The society struggles to embrace change yet an aspect in our nature works so hard to block it. The modern society tries restructuring the systems that is the social, political, economic and business systems preparing them to come to terms with the need for change (Bates, 2000).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Change Strategies: Critical Review and Application specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is despite the difficulty experienced in making people understand. To understand what change is and how change ought to be handled several questions come to mind that is what causes change, the change processes and the strategies to curb change, the effects of change (Bates, 2000). Change is therefore the process where individuals and groups in an organization shift from the current state of operations to a predetermined future state (Beerel, 2009). Organizational changes can be planned or unplanned, incremental or transformational change and therefore the form of management in place must be able to identify the type they are dealing with. This assists the stakeholders be in control of the scope and perspective most so during turbulent time during change. Through change management, the relevant stakeholders are made to come to terms with change and accept it. Through proper change management procedures mission, strategic, technological, operational and behavior the stakeholders can view changes as a positive aspect (Beerel, 2009). For change to happen successfully some functions must be handled conclusively; change has to be initiated, and then championed through agents with support from the sponsors and organizational leaders (Brown KaÃÅ'„tz, 2009). The leaders of an organization must integrate everybody if change and change management is expected to happen smoothly. There should never be an assumption that there are clicks in an organization that are responsible for change and hence others should only wait, the responsibility should be collective (Brown KaÃÅ'„tz, 2009). Overview of change strategy Besides the characteristics of change, change strategies remain vital components when it comes to the determination of the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization in dynamic times of change. Change strategies are therefore factors that need to be given due considerations in the change management process (Bates, 2000). For a change strategy to be effective the following tips have to be given due consideration. This will help when dealing with the issues when dealing and developing the right strategies; the formulated strategies must be made available to all the stakeholders, resistance s hould be given room and appropriate means should be given, this is because resistance doesn’t mean that a trespass has occurred but means that some change process has been initiated.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The overall impact of the strategies to be implemented must be projected, how it will influence the organization’s Visions, Missions and objectives and the culture (Bates, 2000). Therefore, an option needs to be chosen from either a change-change situation, change of the culture situation or prospects of failing criteria. Change also demand for trust from all the relevant stakeholder, trust is needed most when there is no enough time to give an explanation on change being undertaken. Without trust what appears to be change may not be change in the end. The organizational leader’s commitment is of fundamental when it comes to implementing a cha nge strategy (Cameron Green, 2009), commitment must therefore be solicited from them first in its well-communicated form so that a failure is not faced at all costs. Pain is the major driver of change and without a sacrifice, which drives people out of the comfort zone then, then change would remain a dream. This is the main reason that the leadership is needed to have a strong stand even in a situation when not all the other stakeholders are going to accept. All the necessary organizational resources need to be used to satisfactorily ensure that the actual change required is met; this could go to an extent of making rewards to allow room for change. It is therefore clear that various strategies depict open characteristics of the differences that in the underlying assumptions in organizations and change. For clear communications of the individuals involved in the change process to be made, the meaning of strategy has to be mentioned in its bold conceptual framework (Cameron Green, 2009). In addition, the strategy to be employed depends largely on the certainty or level of predictability of the change platform, alongside this is the creation of room for the stakeholders to deliberate and agree on how to handle the looming change process. Planning and control functions of any organization are normally affected by uncertainty; therefore, the appropriate change strategy in such a case is the interactive strategy where several aspects of the organization are brought together and an observation made on how they relate when slight changes are made. Questionnaires are used to find out on how the stakeholders feel about change strategies implemented (Brown KaÃÅ'„tz, 2009). Detailed description of the change strategies There are therefore five major strategies for change identified; power strategy, it employs the top down approach Change Strategies. (2004). In such a case the employees are kept at bay of the change process hence, they have a little input on id ea generation for change since very little of their inputs is required. The managers believe that change can be undertaken effectively even without considering the opinions of the involved stakeholder; this is a harmful assumption hence making such a strategy unpopular. The second strategy is the systematic strategy; here the methodology approach to change is followed, goals, procedures and methods to realize change are put in place.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Change Strategies: Critical Review and Application specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Planning is then incorporated in the system; time limits are set since it would demand that certain objectives are met within some deadlines. Another strategy is the negotiation strategy, which involves the interactive approach; the employees’ ideas are given a great proportion in this process as opposed to the power strategies. Therefore, in the above approach the change idea is developed together through sharing of ideas and opinions between the workers and the business leaders Change Strategies. (2004). The other change strategy is the programmatic change strategy; this procedure is done in stages Change Strategies. (2004). An analysis of the change approach and strategy is assessed and evaluated; the change is introduced in bits and the employees made familiar to the change through the learning objectives achieved together. The evaluation for change is done in a way that future adjustments can be made. Under negotiation strategy, all the wishes and interest of the workers are incorporated; conflicting interests are outlined and negotiated to clarify the problems identified. Negotiation is important in bringing a unified agreement about diverse opinions by different groups within an organization Change Strategies. (2004). Alternative change strategies The modern organizational environments do not call for the dogmatic change strategies with vast bureaucracy, which may result in the derailment of change procedures and processes. There are therefore other patterns in the dynamic environments where changing dimensions are so frequent (Christensen, Horn Johnson, 2008). Alternative strategies therefore involve the perspectives that an organization can resort to incase there is a failure in the other identified strategies. The first is the change capacity; this strategy defines the extent to which an organization is able to navigate change through an organization, it navigates change in all the details and aspects that calls for its application. In any form of a formal organizational setting, capacity change is responsible for the expansion of the desired outcome and hence directs the influence that the change has on the right place hence safety (Cormier, Nurius Osborn, 2009). This is mainly achieved through constant application of leadership skill since this is the surest way to jump-start and implement change hence facilitating its sustainability. With sustained change, the influence level of the organizations to the surrounding environment rises, this translates into an increased level of involvement by the stakeholders in the organizations even during times of fierce change and instability (Christensen, Horn Johnson, 2008). It is a hard nut to crack initiating change when this strategy is lacking since anyone approached for change will always be skeptical and there will be no one willing to act on the proposed changes. Therefore, this form of change agent is recommended for application throughout the process of change since it is quite prudent and it is the subjects of the change themselves that can always influence the change towards the desired direction by the organization in discussion (Cormier, Nurius Osborn, 2009).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Secondly, the leadership should always be on the watch to integrate all options and make several possibility outcomes at standby (Cummings Worley, 2009). This is an emergency measure that helps resolve the likely crisis in case a wrong change process is put in place. Sometimes leaders may be under pressure to implement a change strategy without enough time to consider the repercussions hence the need to put options in place in waiting for any unfortunate occurrence. This stage also involves the incorporation of the other employees to help in the formation of the alternatives since getting the necessary information is quite easy. The options developed should frequently be reviewed to ensure that they are up to date with the relevant technological standards. Environmental scanning is also vital to help in the SWOT analysis of the business (Cummings Worley, 2009). Practice application of theory to a specific change situation Good theories are the most practical tools of dealing with change that have ever been devised on the surface of the earth (Green, 2007). Change is also never instant and this is harmful since it blocks people from realizing the successes that are achieved because of the changes made. In the process of change as have been noted earlier, communication to the stakeholders if vital to make everyone aware of whatever should be accomplished, the progress at each stage should also be reported to the stakeholders and the challenges faced accompanied by how the challenges are to be addressed (Green, 2007). All the challenges are grouped together as received from all the partners and their viewpoints. The differences must also be identified and placed in their relevant groups. Thereafter, the right methods of mitigation and strategies to handle appropriately the identified and grouped challenges are consolidated (Cummings Worley, 2009). The above activities all narrow down to change strategy theories. Majority refers theory of change as paths toward s change or change engines. A theory of change sets on stage a representation that guides towards the path that directs change and makes sure that you are on the right track. Therefore, without a theory to manage change, it is as if a vehicle riding in the bush without any aims (Ndulo Grieco, 2009). This proves the practicality of change theory and its essentiality as part of doing transformation of a business or organization. Theories of change occurs in a diverse forms which depends on the subjects that are dealt with, their planning and control procedures. One of the most advocated for form of change theory is the outcome map, this is a diagram that can be observed as it shows how strategies and outcomes are related. The results integrate both short term and long-term results, which depicts changes and how they occur at each level of management in an organization. An outcome map is a theory that is easier to deal with since it has no defined procedure of forming it; each map has a unique way, which is highly dependent upon the unique needs of the organization. The most important and fundamental thing is to give every stakeholder space to give their views which must be accommodated in developing the theories (Patterson, 2008). It is also important to place to book all the assumptions for the formation of the theory. The initiatives, principles and philosophies are also integrated and ultimately inclined towards the direction of desired change not forgetting the efforts made. For the theory of change to work the outcome map has to be developed in time and a list of assumptions have to be instituted and clearly defined. The outcome map as a theory of change articulates all the assumptions applied by the workforce in their efforts to explaining a change process (Patterson, 2008). As a result, the above assumptions explain the interconnectivity of the change levels right from the preconditions running through the short-term and the long-term procedures. The out come map defined above is made up of the following elements; the directions that shows a variety of outcomes and how they are related as they are considered to be the before conditions of a future goal. The second element is the signs definition that is strong enough to give value to the measurement of success (Patterson, 2008); this is connected to the intervention measures that are applicable to the preconditions along the way in every step of the change intervention procedure. Lastly, the outcome map presents and explains al the assumption under each situation clearly showing how the whole theory is likely to bring sense. The major strength of the theory above is that it has an inherent common nature of sense (Ndulo Grieco, 2009). The main competitive advantage that it offers to its users is the fact that the other available theories are not that up to the task in directing change procedures. Finally, it is important to note that outcome maps are only a single approach among man y and mainly applicable in selected cases of change. It is though factual that outcome maps have been used severally and is a proof that it can be adopted for change management in majority of the situations available (Patterson, 2008). References Bates, T. (2000). Managing technological change strategies for college and university leaders. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass. Beerel, A. C. (2009). Leadership and change management. Los Angeles: SAGE. Brown, T., KaÃÅ'„tz, B. (2009). Change by design: how design thinking transforms organizations and inspires innovation. New York: Harper Business. Cameron, E., Green, M. (2009). Making sense of change management: a complete guide to the models, tools techniques of organizational change (2nd ed.). London: Kogan Page. Change Strategies. (2004). Cambridge, Mass: Cambridge Scholars Pub. Christensen, C. M., Horn, M. B., Johnson, C. W. (2008). Disrupting class: how disruptive innovation will change the way the world learns. New York: McGraw-Hill. Cormier, L. S., Nurius, P., Osborn, C. J. (2009). Interviewing and change strategies for helpers: fundamental skills and cognitive behavioral interventions (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. Cummings, T. G., Worley, C. G. (2009). Organization development change (9th ed.). Australia: South-Western/Cengage Learning. Green, M. (2007). Change management masterclass a step by step guide to successful change management. London: Kogan Page. Ndulo, M., Grieco, M. (2009). Power, gender, and social change in Africa. Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Pub. Patterson, K. (2008). Influencer: the power to change anything. New York: McGraw-Hill. This essay on Change Strategies: Critical Review and Application was written and submitted by user Cap'nOz to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Edgar Allan Poe Essays (4642 words) - Free Essays, Term Papers

Edgar Allan Poe Essays (4642 words) - Free Essays, Term Papers Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe, znakomity amerykaski pisarz, krytyk literacki i poeta, urodzi si 19 stycznia 1809r. w Bostonie, w biednej rodzinie aktorskiej. Od samego pocztku chopca przeladowa pech, bowiem w niedugim czasie po jego narodzinach odszed ojciec David, a nastpnie, w grudniu 1811r, zmara jego matka, Elizabeth Arnold Poe. Osierocone dzieci pastwa Poe trafiy do rodzin zastpczych w Richmond. Modsza siostra Edgara, Rosalie zamieszkaa u pastwa MacKenzie, natomiast malutkim Edgarem zaopiekowao si bezdzietne maestwo, John i Frances Allanowie. Poe mia jeszcze starszego brata o imieniu Henry, ktry jednak ju za ycia rodzicw zosta oddany pod opiek dziadkw w Baltimore. Allanowie nigdy formalnie nie zaadoptowali Edgara aczkolwiek chopiec zwraca si do nich "mamo" i "tato". Swoje drugie imi, Allan, "odziedziczy" wanie po przybranych rodzicach. Rodzina Allanw utrzymywaa si z handlu tytoniem. W nowym domu, Edgar mia wygody o jakich nie mg marzy za ycia rodzicw. Chopiec nie czu si jednak tam szczliwy, nie potrafic nawiza uczuciowej wizi z ojczymem. Ucieka w wiat wyobrani, ju wtedy prbujc pisa poezj i proz. Jednoczenie zainteresowa si wiedz okultystyczn, co miao pozostawi lad w caej jego twrczoci. W latach 1815-1820 przyszy poeta przebywa z przybranymi rodzicami w Anglii, gdzie uczszcza do szkoy m. in. Mr. Bransby'ego, upamitnionej pniej w opowiadaniu William Wilson. Dalsz edukacj pobiera Poe w szkoach w Richmond i, ukoczywszy szko redni, 14 lutego 1826 r. podj studia na uniwersytecie stanu Virginia w Charlottesville, gdzie zabysn zdolnociami. Mia bardzo dobre wyniki w nauce, by take aktywnym czonkiem Jefferson Literary Society. Niestety chroniczny brak pienidzy skierowa go w stron hazardu przez co wpad w dugi i ju po roku zrezygnowa ze studiw. Przybrany ojciec Edgara nie aprobowa stylu ycia jaki w trakcie studiw prowadzi dorastajcy syn (a zwaszcza jego pocigu do alkoholu), w zwizku z czym czsto dochodzio midzy nimi do zatargw. Kiedy pewnego razu, po ostrej ktni, ojczym zdecydowa si nie przesya pienidzy, Poe postanowi rzuci uczelni i opuci dom rodzinny. Bez grosza przy duszy i z marzeniami o karierze pisarskiej wyjecha do Bostonu. W Bostonie ukaza si pierwszy tomik wierszy E. A. Poe Tamerlane and Other Poems (1827r.). Szczupe wydawnictwo nie spotkao si z zainteresowaniem na jakie liczy mody poeta jednak pozwolio mu na poprawienie swego wizerunku w oczach przybranych rodzicw. Rwnoczenie, z braku dostatecznych rodkw utrzymania, jako Edgar Allan Perry, Poe zacign si do wojska gdzie wytrzyma dwa lata. Dziki protekcji ojczyma udao mu si dosta do Akademii Wojskowej w West Point, lecz brak pienidzy spowodowa, e i tych studiw nie skoczy. W midzyczasie zmara macocha Edgara (John Allan w 1830r. oeni si ponownie). Konflikty z ojczymem narastay i po kolejnej ostrej sprzeczce, Poe zerwa ostatecznie kontakt z przybranym ojcem. Tym samym pozbawi si skromnej pensyjki, ktr ojczym przesya na czas nauki w West Point. Wyjecha do Baltimore, gdzie zamieszka ze swoj ciotk Mari Poe Clemm i jej dziemi: Virgini i Henrym. Opowiadania i wiersze, ktre w tym czasie pisa, nie znajdyway zainteresowania. Przekonany o ich wartoci, Poe opublikowa kolejne zbiory poezji: w 1829r. jako nowe, rozszerzone wydanie ukazao si Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane and Minor Poems a niedugo pniej Poems (1831). Jednak wydawnictwa te rwnie nie przyniosy mu oczekiwanego powodzenia. Jednoczenie prbowa swoich si take w prozie. Wanie tu, podczas pobytu u ciotki w Baltimore, Edgar zacz tworzy swoje pierwsze opowiadania. Bra udzia w konkursach literackich, pocztkowo bez wikszych sukcesw. Prbowa take znale prac w tamtejszej gazecie, niestety bezskutecznie. Tymczasem pomau rozkwitao uczucie Edgara do swojej modszej kuzynki, Virginii. Zdobycie w 1833r. pierwszej nagrody w konkursie literackim na opowiadanie MS. Found in a Bottle (Rkopis znaleziony w butli) zwrcio na poet uwag pisarza J. P. Kennedy'ego, ktry pomg mu w uzyskaniu dwa lata pniej posady redaktora pisma "Southern Literary Messenger" w Richmond. Mimo wielkich zdolnoci i niewtpliwych sukcesw poeta ustpi z tego stanowiska w 1837r. Jednak zanim zrezygnowa ze swojej pierwszej posady, 16 maja 1836r. Poe polubi sw niespena czternastoletni kuzynk Wirgini Clemm. Zapocztkowao to kilka szczliwych lat w jego yciu. Wraz z on i ciotk wyjecha do Nowego Yorku, gdzie w 1838 roku ukazaa si The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym (Opowie Artura Gordona Pyma z Nantucket), jego pierwsza i jedyna powie, a stamtd do Filadelfii (1839 - 1844). Przez ten czas wsppracowa z czasopismem E. Burtona "Gentelman's Magazine"(1839 - 1940) i "Graham's Magazine" (1841 - 1842). Niektre

An Evaluation of How Emotion Affects Reason as a Way of Knowing Essay

An Evaluation of How Emotion Affects Reason as a Way of Knowing - Essay Example In the views of some philosophers, emotion and reason are categorized as opposite forces. Other philosophers have established an existing relationship between emotions and reasoning, placing them on a similar continuum. This paper will analyse the ways in which emotions have influenced reason positively, hence yielding positive results. Moreover, the paper will analyse the ways in which emotions can deter the power of reason. An emotions result from an evident reaction exhibited by human beings when faced with different situations. A range of emotions does exist, such as love, joy, anger and many others. There are times when emotions affect reason in constructive ways and hence result to a source of knowledge. One of the emotions that can affect reason positively is empathy. This emotion prompts an individual to visualize the feelings of others and not just the feelings of the self. Therefore, empathy influences reason and introduces certain aspects that serve as sources of knowledge. For example, empathy can help an individual perceive a signpost, a direction, an alarm bell or even present a warning. In this way, empathy promotes the use of reason in gaining new knowledge (Lanteri, Chelini & Rizzello, 2008). Emotions also have the potential of affecting our reason and developing new systems of judgments. For example, all human experiences have been described as affective and have a level of emotional context. This typically means that all the senses of an individual involve a measure of reasoning and have the potential to evoke a certain emotion at the end. This view is supported by the fact that all human experiences exhibit emotional reaction. Therefore, the emotions emerging from a certain experience may help the individual to determine whether to undertake the action or not, for example, jumping down a cliff is an experience that evokes immense fear. The fear evoked by that experience has

SOCIOLOGY OF CRIME Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

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The Aviation Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Aviation Industry - Essay Example As the essay declares an industry for consideration would be the aviation business. The aviation industry is composed of all companies, private or otherwise, that partake in the air transport. This includes both passenger travel and cargo freight. It is a rapidly growing industry and being the fastest means of transport, it is the most preferred by many. The airline industry is demarcated into various sub-sections consisting of commercial passenger transport, private charter firms, cargo freight companies and, more recently, the introduction of emergency flying doctor services. Due to this, the delineation of boundaries for this industry poses a number of challenges to the industry players. As such, rifts may occur among industry players with each firm only associating itself with its niche and generally avoiding interaction with others outside its scope. This paper stresses that the negative impact comes evident when a firm supposedly offers services in a niche not considering its specialization. The other companies in that specialty would view this as territorial infringe. This often puts different industry players at war against each other. Moreover, the establishment of national air space also sets an avenue for differences among countries. Considering these, the delineation of boundaries in the aviation industry curbs affable relations among the industry players and this eventually means limited opportunities for progress and at times, keeping the consumers stuck with services that are not top-notch, hence it hampers competitiveness in the sector. Apart from the above, certain structural factors form the interplay of the industry leaders in an industry. Among these are advancements in technology. Therefore, in the aviation industry, technological dynamism is a critical factor that plays a significant role. The majority, if not al l, of customers or air travel fanatics are only thrilled by the prospect of boarding a

Evaluation of Hemodialysis Patients’ Tumor Marker

Evaluation of Hemodialysis Patients’ Tumor Marker CEA tumor marker level associates comorbidity of hemodialysis patients Purposes: Hemodialysis (HD) affects serum concentration of biomarkers. However, it remains unclear about the effect of HD on the levels of biomarkers, and efficacy of biomarkers in HD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of HD on commonly used tumor markers. Methods: A total of 28 unselected patients (22 men, 6 women) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), treated with maintenance HD, were enrolled in this study. GOT and tumor markers CA-153, CA-125, and CEA are measured. Results: The mean age was 57.6  ± 12.6 years, HD duration was 51.0  ± 34.0 months. Tumor marker CEA level is correlated to Charlson’s score of HD patients, levels of CA153 and CA125 are not correlated to age, duration of dialysis and Charlson’s score. GOT level is correlated to age, and Charlson’s score. Mean value of CEA level (5.9 ±4.0 ng/ml compared to normal value of 3 ng/ml for non-smoker and 5 ng/ml for smoker) is larger than normal value. Levels of CA153 (13.3 ±11.6 U/ml), CA125 (35.2 ±38.9 U/ml) and GOT value (20.4 ±8.9 U/L) fall in normal range. Conclusions: Concentration of CEA tumor marker is correlated with Charlson’s score which strongly correlated with HD outcome. GOT value is correlated with age and Charlson’s score which implies liver function drop in long term HD patients. Keywords: biomarkers, End-Stage Renal Disease, evaluation, hemodialysis, CEA. Introduction Hemodialysis (HD) is widely used for kidney failure patients who may represent a variety of underlying causes, including diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis. The dialysis membrane in artificial kidney tube filtrates out small molecules especially for small molecular weight proteins (i.e., et. al. shows that cancer-free HD man demonstrated significantly lower PSA compared to controls [8]. Here we examine the serum level of commonly used molecular biomarkers, i.e., CA-153, CA125, CEA, and GOT of HD patients. Patient and materials Study subjects Experiments performed in this study complied with the current laws and regulations in Taiwan, Republic of China. All procedures are followed by the ethnical guideline and approved by Kaohsiung Armed Forces Hospital committee, Taiwan. A total of 28 persons between the ages of 37 and 76 years with end-stage renal disease, receiving dialysis treatment three times per week, were enrolled in a prospective study in March 2008. Dialysis was carried out using a Nikkiso DBB-22B dialysis machine with 4 hours session. Dialyzer with APS 18MD (Asahi Kasei, Osaka, Japan, polysulfone membrane, surface area 1.8 m2, in vitro clearances for urea, 198 ml/min for QB-200 ml/min). Blood flow rate was setting at 200 ml/min. Patients with vascular success insufficiency which can’t reach required blood flow rate was excluded. Ultrafiltration rate (512 ±85 ml/h) was adjusted according to the patients’ needs. The flow and temperature of the dialysate was 500 ml/min and 37oC, respectively. Vascu lar access was either via an arterio-venous fistula (sixteen treatments), graft (nine treatments), or a Perm catheter (three treatment). Serum CA-153, CA125, CEA, GOT levels were measured before and immediately after HD using low-flux membrane. Blood/serum collection Serum samples were collected from HD patients during and after the course of HD treatment. 5 ml blood was collected in EDTA tube. The serum were then stored in 4oC and processed within 12 hours. The serum samples were centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 min prior to splitting into aliquots and stored at -20oC. Laboratory methods The serum levels of CA-153, CA125, CEA and GOT were measured with Abbott Axsym analyzer (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, III). The reference ranges of the markers were: CA-153, 0-31.3 U/ml; CA-125, 0-35 U/ml; CEA, 0-3 ng/ml for non-smoker, and 0-5 ng/ml for smoker; GOT, 0-32 U/L. Statistical analysis The data reported are means  ± standard deviations (SD). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used for analyses of linear associations. Because the concentrations of serum tumor markers were not normally distributed, significance of differences was assessed by Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed-Ranks Test. The level of statistical significance was always set at P Results Baseline demographic and clinical data We analyzed 28 patients, of which 22 were men and 6 were women. The baseline demographic and clinical data are summarized in Table 1. All patients are diagnosed as end-stage renal failure. The mean age was 57.8  ± 12.6 years. Mean dialysis vintage was 51.0  ± 34.0 months. Measurement of tumor marker concentration of hemodialysis patients The mean value of CA-153, CA125, and GOT fall in normal range (16.5 ±16.3 before hemodialysis, and 18.6 ±16.3 after hemodialysis, compared with 31.3 U/ml normal value, 35.2 ±38.9 before dialysis, and 34.3 ±41.2 after hemodialysis, compared to Correlates of serum markers Correlations between serum markers levels and age, duration of dialysis and Charlson’s score are tested. Of all variables, patient age and Charlson’s score are correlated with levels of some serum markers. CEA level was correlated with Charlson’s score (r=0.42, p=0.03) (Fig. 1).GOT level was correlated with age (r=0.42, p=0.02) (Fig. 2) and Charlson’s score (r=0.48, p=0.01) (Fig. 3). Other variables, including CA-153, CA125 is not correlated with age (r=0.07, p=0.7; r=0.2, p=0.3, respectively), and also not correlated with duration of HD, Charlson’s score (Table 2). Direct effect of hemodialysis on concentration of serum markers Since the data of CA-153, CA125, CEA and GOT fail in normal distribution test, Wilcoson signed rank tested is chosen to compare groups before and after hemodialysis. Groups of CA-153, CA125, CEA, and GOT before hemodialysis are not significantly different to that after hemodialysis (Table 3). Discussion CA-153, CA-125, CEA are commonly used tumor markers. CA-125 is a glycoprotein with high molecular weight (> 200 kDa), and is a cancer antigen for monitor mesothelium especially for ovarian cancer. Recently, CA-125 is used to monitor mesothelial cell viability in PD patients [9,10]. CEA is carcinoembryonic antigen with a molecular weight about 180-200 kDa, commonly used for monitoring gastric cancer [11], weakly correlate with carotid atherosclerosis [12], and with prognostic value of colorectal cancer in PD patients [13]. The mean value of CEA of 28 patients is higher than normal value, which is consistent with previous reports that patients with ESRD are usually with higher risk of cancer, and with higher levels of tumor markers [14]. In our cases, patient no.2, 5, 9, 13 and 27 were expired within 1 year after diagnosis. Patient no. 2 is finally diagnosed as hepatoma, patient no. 5 is cirrhosis of liver and died in septicemia, patient no. 9 is died in leukemia, and patient no 13 is died in lung cancer. It shows that high levels of CEA correlated with Charlson’s score which implies poor outcome, however it remain further confirmation. CA-153 is correlated to risk of liver disease. Though 8% patients were diagnosed liver diseases, but their GOT value fall in normal range, and CA-153 values of them were also normal. There are many reports indicated that long term hemodialysis may affect levels of biomarkers. We showed that biomarkers alter non-significantly after one HD procedure. It is interesting that recent report indicated acute effects of HD treatment on up- or down regulation of apoptotic genes in blood leucocytes [15] Tumor markers were produced by neoplastic cells, and can also be secreted by normal tissue. Many chronic diseases, e.g., inflammation, chronic bronchitis, cirrhosis of liver and renal diseases, affect the metabolism and elimination of tumor markers, may contribute the long term elevation of tumor markers. Our data show that short term effect of HD on patients is not significant. And all 4 serum markers are not correlated with duration of HD. It seems that the response of patients to HD doesn’t directly affect levels of these serum markers. However, CEA and GOT are shown to be candidates markers for monitoring HD outcome as they are positively correlated with Charlsonà ¢â‚¬â„¢s score. Table I Baseline demographic and clinical data GFR, glomerular filtration rate; NPCR, normalized protein catabolic rate, *Modified Charlson’s comorbidity score is calculated according to Beddhu S, 2000. Table II. Correlation of serum markers and age, duration of HD, and Charlson’s score. Table III. Comparison of serum tumor markers before and after hemodialysis Legends to Figures Figure 1.Scatter plots, regression line, and 95% confidence intervals reflecting correlations between serum levels of CEA and Charlson’s score of 28 HD patients. Figure 2.Scatter plots, regression line, and 95% confidence intervals reflecting correlations between serum levels of GOT and Charlson’s score of 28 HD patients. Figure 3.Scatter plots, regression line, and 95% confidence intervals reflecting correlations between serum levels of GOT and age of 28 HD patients.

The Unjust Deportation of Cambodian Refugees Essay -- Argument Argumen

The Unjust Deportation of Cambodian Refugees A policy that has made it possible for the deportation of refugees back to their homeland has already affected 1,400 Cambodians. As a result of the Illegal Immigration and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, non-citizens of the United States who have been convicted of certain crimes are being targeted for deportation. The U.S. Committee for Refugees states that this harsh law has made it easy for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the U.S. government agency that enforces our immigration laws, to detain and deport legal immigrants who have committed crimes. Since 1996, the INS has been required to detain and deport any immigrant who is convicted of an â€Å"aggravated felony,† which includes such crimes as DUI’s, possession of marijuana, minor assaults, shoplifting, joyriding, and even writing a bad check. Any convicted Cambodian may be detained in INS up to 6 months by law. Although they have already served time for these past convictions, Cambodian i mmigrants still face possible deportation as part of their punishment. ...

Bondage and Discipline: The mystique behind BSDM Essay

Abstract Dating back to as far as 1969, Bondage and Discipline or BDSM is a form of sexual actions performed with abnormal dominance and submissions. An exotic sexual preference mostly involving role playing restraint, with the aid of foreign objects such as tassel tipped whips, paddles, gagging, etc. BDSM is derivative of Sadism and Masochism branch, only falling under separate concentration due to excessive and abnormal sexual tortures. Most sexual involvements require safe words; just incase the level of kink is surpassed and the recipient no longer feels a sense of sexual euphoria, and more of a urgency of danger. It is fairly normal for older couples to experiment BDSM, as well as mostly affecting the older population (40 and up). BDSM is affected by the population due to having much skeptical criticism amongst foreign communities. Keywords: BDSM, Sadism, Masochism, Kink The mystique behind Bondage and Discipline. Sweeping the nation in awkward fashion around the 1960’s, Bondage sex had apparently become the new â€Å"thing† or latest crave kids were partaking in. Bondage sex is a relative of the BDSM family, with the â€Å"B† standing for of course Bondage. Bondage and Discipline gives monotonous couples a little excitement in the bedroom. A most common reason behind bondage is so that both couples may gain pleasure from the restraint position in which one or the other may dwell in, while the pursuer engages in the thought of full dominance over the participant. People who take interest in this are known as Sadomasochistic. While some sadomasochistic people take pleasure in the sexual thrill of bondage sex, others benefit from the visual just as much. While this may be strange, but still done to this day, this may trigger  several questions toward mass society: 1) Why do people perform bondage sex? 2) Is it safe? 3) What sexual thrill do its occupants receive? 4) Is it actually helping keep relationships strong? Understanding that the usage of this may be limited due to the age of its occupants, it is safe to say that most children are not entertaining the idea of having Bondage and Discipline sex with their peers, nor will they be pursuing it anytime soon. Of course, we live in a world of curiosity, so it is not safe to count the younger generation out. However, sexual activity via teenagers is at an all time high, and easy access to porn sites makes it easier for little old Tommy or Susie to stumble upon the idea. Why do people perform bondage sex? Many couples incorporate Bondage sex into their lives, only to find it is sort of relationship steroid or adrenaline shot. Ever play fought with your mate before enticing them in a sexual comfort zone? Or teasing them toward the brink of hormonal eruption, whereas he or she is immensely aroused and will not stop at nothing to pursue a pleasant sexual endeavor? If so, then you have no need for this act. Bondage sex is usually incorporated into bland relationships lacking sexual drive. BDSM can either implement a spark or an explosion in sexual climax if used correctly. Bondage discipline strengthens the trust of both partners because the activity pushes the limits of each partner, bringing them beyond their typical comfort zone. The exotic mixture of fear and pleasure forms a potent concoction of euphoria. This fusion also forces both cohorts to instill a mammoth like trust in one another. It also helps the two (unlimited) in knowing each other better both mentally and physically. Und erstanding that with each slap, spank, lip-biting gesture could be a signal or pleasure or pain raises the enigma of how well you really know your significant other, being that one mistake or missed warning sign could be their last. Is it safe? Of course Bondage sex is not safe, that is what causes the sexual thrill of the activity. BDSM IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. Some couples will not be willing to journey out unto unfamiliar territory. Then again, we are humans, we are  known for being risk takers. Since the dawn of time humankind has risked everything into journeying into the unknown. For instance, in 1969 in attempts in beating the Soviets in the venturous Space Race, an audacious country (USA) sent three brave men, (Neil Armstrong, Edwin â€Å"Buzz† Aldrin, and Michael Collins were sent to the moon. Not only were they sent in attempts to beat out the Soviets, but to explore the unknown. You see, not anything we carry out is out of harm’s way. We dwell in times in which we may all perish by missiles, be engulfed in the rage of war, and drowned due to our lack of concern of the ozone layer and constant ignorance of quickly deteriorating polar caps. With that being said, if we were to place the two on an imagina ry Libra Scale, it is evident that bondage sex would be on the higher end. Also, another reason in why Bondage sex can be safer than what media portrays it to be, would be due to objects being used. Many adult toy companies are devising toys that with stringent safety precautions, as well as rising the age of the consumers to buy their product to 21 and up. There was a time when sex toys were a taboo, yet gradually, due to today’s generation, sex toys have become more blatant and commonly shown on late night commercials. This caused adult toy companies to take a step for the better. By creating smarter, innovative sex toys, scientist have derived adult toys the aid sexually and implemented devices that contribute toward the health of its users, such as therapeutic benefits for both men and women. For example, men who suffer from erectile dysfunction and abridged penile consciousness and women who partake in the usage of vibrators also stimulate vaginal blood flow. These enhancements also strengthen orgasms and the release of superior good-feeling hor mones. Due to the step-up in sexual toys, these altercations have made it safer for its users as well as implementing the devices for various uses. (Ashton, Devon G. â€Å"The Key Archives/BDSM Mystique 2010) Also, buzzing through the BDSM community is the term SSC. This stands for safe, sane, and consensual. Safe: this term is used to ensure that both users enacting in bondage activities should place health and safety at their highest priority. This reduces mistakes and problems; however there will  always be typical casualties amongst inexperienced users. Sane: client must partake in their right frame of mind when enacting in BDSM related activities.(Fredder, James. â€Å"Dr. Drew On Call.† HLNtv.com. BDSMreviews, 12 Sept. 2009) Noted, that these actions should not be undergone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs of any kind, for even if they enhance the experience, they also pall the users vision of clarity. Finally Consensual: All activities should have 100% consent from both parties. Consent from both partners allows actions that are made to be swift, and hoist trust between both. Also to keep in mind, even if consent from each party is of maximum percentage, legal consent may not create a difference between criminalist behaviors, and may fall liable upon any injury caused. Ultimately there is no such thing as being safe enough. Injury can occur at anytime, and it is up to both partners if BDSM activities are fit for them. No matter the activity, you can enhance you and your partner’s safety by properly following SSC, as well as possessing a mutual respect for each others body and responsibility. What sexual thrill do its occupants receive? In most cases, BDSM activities are done based on thrill. But before we go into detail the reader most know the roper definition of thrill. As defined by www.Dictionary.com, thrill is a sudden feeling of excitement or pleasure, (of an emotion or sensation) pass with nervous tremor. Also you should be informed on the term sexual thrill. As defined by www.Dictionary.com, sexual thrill is chiefly with reference to people) sexual activity, including specifically sexual intercourse. Now there are three types of thrills in which a Sadomasochistic person may partake in: 1) Visual thrill: Upon gaining sensation in visualizing others in BDSM activities. 2) Physical thrill: The intense sensation in partaking in BDSM activities. 3) Olfactory thrill: The urge of smelling someone held captive in BDSM activities. Depending of the user, each thrill initiates their endorphins in an unbridled frenzy. Visual thrill users usually do not get to intense with BDSM activities. Although the relish seeing oth ers in BDSM activities, they themselves may not want to engage in such activities, and usually their addiction can be controlled with the simple click of a mouse. Although others, such as Cuckold Visual Thrillers, usually pay other people to partake in BDSM related activates with their spouse and watch. Physical  thrill users are your typical run of the mill porno visualization guys and gals. These usually are the people that pop up in you head when you the Bondage and Discipline related activities. Depending on preference, these people usually dress in leather and gag their partners. Their acts usually involve handcuffed role play as well as external and internal mutilation. Being that they dress for the role and that they use a heavy amount of foreign objects, Physical thrill users usually construct a safe word. A safe word is usually a simple word used for when BDSM activities have placed one of the occupants in unfamiliar or painful territory; this causes the oppressor in ceasing in what they were doing and if necessary, to discontinue the session. The weirdest of them all, Olfactory thrillers, take a sexual thrill in smelling someone held captive in BDSM related activities. Usually, since BDSM clients wear leather for what ever purposes, the smell of leather, fear, and sex triggers OFT pleasant receptors, this gives them a feeling of elevated sexual sensation. Within the BDSM community, 78% say that OFT receives a stronger sexual sensation, and cause enormous orgasms. Bondage Discipline Submission Masochism based scientist have credited this theory. Lionel B. Wilkes, led researcher and developer in BDSM related activities states, â€Å"Olfactory thrill users tend to engage in an earlier and longer lasting sexual high due to the aroma compromising a supplementary and immediate itinerary toward cerebral brain receptors, which cause immense affect toward Dopamine receptors.† This simply means that because the occupant smells BDSM activities, the chances of the smell entering the nose and accessing the brain’s pleasant receptors and causing a sexual high, are extremely exponential. Noting that each thrill has its perks, it is not uncommon for some people to encompass a fixation of all three, these users are universal thrill seekers. This usually occurs in seasoned BDSM patients who have experienced a certain form of thrill so many times that the thrill became less appealing. To awaken their desire for BDSM activities, they partook in oth er thrills. It’s sort of like eating bland pizza for a while, and then you decide to add some hot sauce to it; this is how Universal users operate. Doing anything they can to maintain the feeling of euphoric sensation; even after the brain has developed a callus for it. Is it actually helping keep relationships strong? There are many reasons why Bondage and Discipline is used. Some people do it for the experience; just to they did it, while others do it for the peace the feel within themselves. Yet most of the time, couples do to intensify relationships. Understanding that 56% of the population partaking in BDSM related events are place in the 40 year old plus percentile, it evident that couples are using it to spice things up. After being married to some one for 20+ years, in bed experience may be lacking; most men around that age suffer from erectile dysfunction, which places a hassle on fulfilling their significant others sexual needs. Women around the ages 44-45 usually undergo painful menstruation cycles, thus declining the urge of sexual desire. By implementing Bondage activities in a slowly decomposing relationship ushers life. You reach heights in which you have never journeyed; you learn more about your significant other than ever before. Recent studies have shown, most married couples know about 48% of their significant others. Wow! Being together with someone for 20 or more years and to know only 48%?! Bondage and Discipline activities instill a major amount of trust in a relationship. In performing these acts, it is vital that you and your partner know each others limits; and by limits, the smallest gesture can be vital! If you do not know your significant others facial expression when they are in pain or enjoying themselves, then it is about time you learn. Being that BDSM activities are extremely dangerous, you have to have major trust in your partner. In an article published by ABC titled â€Å"Love hurts: Sadomasochism Danger.† ABC documents a 67 year old man who passed out and lost consciences in a sex club after participating in a BDSM scene. He lost consciousness while hanging his arms from a cross. The article explains that the damage was so severe; it took him a couple of days to recover. I believe this compliments my point, in which you should not partake in BDSM activities with anyone. (Lars, Hannah S. â€Å"Sex Toys – Combine Sexual Pleasure with Health Benefits.† Yahoo Contributor Network. Yahoo, July-Aug. 2008) Judy Kuriansky, a sex psychologist, says, â€Å"There is a triumvirate of guilt, embarrassment, and fear of intimacy for these people†¦ It’s rare that all of the sudden they can give up on being interested in pain and suddenly  capable of being loved.† I highly agree with Dr. Kuriansky, except for the phrase, â€Å"intimacy for these people†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As a result of information for www.BDSMfordummies.com they combat that the intimacy of Bondage and Discipline users should be sacred and held others of intimate meaning. Basically saying that these intimate acts should be held with intimate people; which prove my theory, which BDSM is just as safe as the users who partake in it. Essentially, a lot of harm can be avoided if you partake in it with someone you know. Psychosexual and relationship therapist Simone Bienne continued, â€Å"That’s certainly one thing that the BDSM community is very, very proud of — how they are able to communicate and thi s is essential how it spills out — the sexual relationship spills out into the emotional side of the relationship because you are able to manage conflict better because of strong communication.† (Laundry, Michelle. â€Å"32 Shocking Statistics of Relationship Insecurity.† McKinley Irvin. MCIB/Stats, Feb.-Mar. 2005. Web. 05 Apr. 2014.) All in all, Bondage Discipline is an extremely interesting and exotic way to rekindle a fading relationship, as well as arousing yourself. Although BDSM is pretty much for anyone, it should be for older people; by older I mean 21 and up. Of course I have no say in what people do behind closed doors, yet due to the information I have provided, and thanks to several credited websites, Bondage sex is very risky, and can also harm if placed in the hands of the young and inexperienced. Maybe it’s our desire to experience love in a different rendition, maybe it’s or innovative ways, or maybe, just maybe, it is our thirst to explore the unknown. References Ashton, Devon G. â€Å"The Key Archives/BDSM Mystique.† The Key RSS. XPN.org/thekey, May-June 2010. Web. 5 Apr. 2014. Fredder, James. â€Å"Dr. Drew On Call.† HLNtv.com. BDSMreviews, 12 Sept. 2009. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. Lars, Hannah S. â€Å"Sex Toys – Combine Sexual Pleasure with Health Benefits.† Yahoo Contributor Network. Yahoo, July-Aug. 2008. Web. 09 Apr. 2014. Laundry, Michelle. â€Å"32 Shocking Statistics of Relationship Insecurity.† McKinley Irvin. MCIB/Stats, Feb.-Mar. 2005. Web. 05 Apr. 2014. Michaelis, Viktoria. â€Å"Top 5 Benefits of Using Sex Toys – Viktoria Michaelis.† Viktoria Michaelis. PBS/top5benefit, 5 Nov. 2013. Web. 03 Apr. 2014. Perkins, Ronald. â€Å"What Is BDSM?† Examiner.com. GoogleinfoBDSM, 4 Dec. 2012. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.

Japanese Canadians During Wwii Essay

Japanese people were blamed for everything from a bad crop to a flat tire† (Biase). Japanese Canadians claimed they were given many dirty and hateful looks, and overheard â€Å"people cursing at Japanese for their car troubles† (Biase). The Japanese Canadians were being punished for a crime they did not commit. Canada’s only defence for its actions was that, â€Å"Japanese people were not white and they ‘could’ be spies† (Biase). This meant people were suspicious and literally afraid of Japanese for being spies sent from Japan. As a result, Japanese Canadians had to deal with being blamed for things they did not deserve, thus resulting in being treated unjustly as a human being. This notice was distributed throughout British Columbia. If any Japanese were found in the prohibited areas listed, they would be incarcerated. Thirdly, the Japanese Canadians were sent to internment camps across Canada against their will. In Canada, there were 10 internment camps where, â€Å"3 were road camps, 2 were prisoner of war camps (POW) and 5 were self-supporting camps† (Robinson). Internment camps is a â€Å"large detention  center created for political opponents,  enemy aliens, people with  mental illness, members of specific ethnic or religious groups, civilian inhabitants of a critical war-zone, or other groups of people, usually during a war† (Dictionary). In this case, internment camps in Canada at the time were designed for only Japanese Canadians. Internment camps were labour/work camps, which required heavy-duty work for the 22,000 imprisoned Japanese Canadians to do. Since World War II caused a large shortage of farmers, especially sugar beet farmers, the Security Commission Council organized, â€Å"Sugar beet projects to combat the labour shortage. This gave Japanese males a choice. The choice was to work in road camps as slaves or go to the beet camps and be with their families. Working in the beet camp was the choice taken by the majority of Japanese married men† (Biase). Considering the Japanese Canadians had to live inside the camps, the living conditions inside the internment camps were poor. They were crowded and were primitive with no electricity or running water. A story from Hideo Kukubo tells what life was like during the war: â€Å"I was in that camp for four years. When it got cold the temperature went down to as much as 60 below. The buildings stood on flat land beside a lake. We lived in huts with no insulation. Even if we had the stove burning the inside of the windows would all be frosted up and white, really white. I had to lie in bed with everything on that I had†¦ at one time there were 720 people there, all men, and a lot of them were old men. † This is just one of the many horrible stories the Japanese Canadians experienced. Therefore, the Japanese Canadians were treated unfairly when they were forced to work and live in internment camps. In conclusion, the Japanese Canadians suffered during the period 1929 to 1945. They had their property and rights taken from them, they were blamed for unnecessary things and forced into camps where labour was the only thing you did all day. Therefore, when Prime Minister Brian Mulroney announced a historic redress settlement for the Japanese Canadians on September 22, 1988, it truly was the best thing to do, even though it was long overdue.

Sultans of the Swahili Culture

Sultans of the Swahili Culture The Kilwa Chronicle is the name of a collected genealogy of the sultans who ruled the Swahili culture from Kilwa. Two texts, one in Arabic and one in Portuguese, were written in the early 1500s, and together they provide a glimpse into the history of the Swahili coast, with particular emphasis on that of Kilwa Kisiwani and its sultans of the Shirazi dynasty. Archaeological excavations at Kilwa and elsewhere have led to a reappraisal of these documents, and it is clear that, as is typical with historical records, the texts are not to be completely trusted as both versions were written or edited with political intent. Regardless of what we today consider the reliability of the documents, they were used as manifestos, created from oral traditions by rulers who followed the Shirazi dynasty to legitimize their authority. Scholars have come to recognize the chronicles semi-mythical aspect, and the Bantu roots of the Swahili language and culture have become less clouded by the Persian mythologies. Kitab al-Sulwa The Arabic version of the Kilwa chronicle  called Kitab al-Sulwa, is a manuscript currently housed in the British Museum. According to Saad (1979), it was compiled by an unknown author about 1520. According to its introduction, the Kitab consists of a rough draft of seven chapters of a proposed ten chapter book. Notations in the margins of the manuscript indicate that its author was still conducting research. Some of the omissions refer to a controversial mid-14th-century document which may have been censored prior to reaching its unknown author. The original manuscript ends abruptly in the middle of the seventh chapter, with the notation here ends what I found. The Portuguese Account The Portuguese document was also prepared by an unknown author, and the text was supplemented by the Portuguese historian Joao de Barros [1496-1570] in 1550. According to Saad (1979), the Portuguese account was likely collected and provided to the Portuguese government during their occupation of Kilwa between 1505 and 1512. Compared to the Arabic version, the genealogy in the Portuguese account purposefully obscures the royal ancestry of Ibrahim bin Sulaiman, a political opponent of the Portuguese-backed sultan at the time. The ploy failed, and the Portuguese were forced to leave Kilwa in 1512. Saad believed that the genealogy at the heart of both manuscripts might have been begun as early as the first rulers of the Mahdali dynasty, circa 1300. Inside the Chronicle The traditional legend for the rise of the Swahili culture comes from the Kilwa Chronicle, which states that the Kilwa state rose as a result of an influx of Persian sultans who entered Kilwa in the 10th century. Chittick (1968) revised the entry date to about 200 years later, and most scholars today are of the opinion that immigration from Persia is overstated. The Chronicle (as described in Elkiss) includes an origins legend that describes emigration of the sultans of Shiraz into the Swahili coast and their founding of Kilwa. The Arabic version of the chronicle describes the first sultan of Kilwa, Ali ibn Hasan, as a Shiraz prince who with his six sons left Persia for east Africa because he had dreamed that his country was about to fall. Ali decided to establish his new state on the island of Kilwa Kisiwani  and purchased the island from the African king who lived there. The chronicles say Ali fortified Kilwa and increased the flow of trade to the island, expanding Kilwa by capturing the adjacent island of Mafia. The sultan was advised by councils of princes, elders, and members of the ruling house, likely controlling the religious and military offices of the state. Shirazi Successors Alis descendants had varied success, say the chronicles: some were deposed, one beheaded, and one thrown down a well. The sultans discovered the gold trade from Sofala by accident (a lost fisherman ran across a merchant ship bearing gold, and related the story when he returned home). Kilwa combined force and diplomacy to take over the port at Sofala and began charging exorbitant​ custom duties on all comers. From those profits, Kilwa began constructing its stone architecture. By now, in the 12th century (according to the chronicles), Kilwas political structure included the sultan and the royal family, an emir (military leader), a wazir (prime minister), a muhtasib (police chief), and a kadhi (chief justice); minor functionaries included resident governors, tax collectors, and official auditors. Sultans of Kilwa The following is a list of Shiraz dynasty sultans, according to the Arabic version of the Kilwa Chronicle as published in Chittick (1965). al-Hasan bin Ali, 1st Sultan of Shiraz (before 957)Ali bin Bashat (996-999)Daud bin Ali (999-1003)Khalid bin Bakr (1003-1005)al-Hasan bin Sulaiman bin Ali (1005-1017)Muhammad bin al-Husain al-Mandhir (1017-1029)al-Hasan bin Sulaiman bin Ali (1029-1042)al bin Daud (1042-1100)al bin Daud (1100-1106)al-Hasan bin Daud bin Ali (1106-1129)al-Hasan bin Talut (1277-1294)Daud bin Sulaiman (1308-1310)al-Hasan bin Sulaiman al-Matun bin al-Hasan bin Talut (1310-1333)Daud bin Sulaiman (1333-1356)al-Husain bin Sulaiman (1356-1362)Talut bin al-Husain (1362-1364)al-Husain bin Sulaiman (1412-1421)Sulaiman bin Muhammad al-Malik al-Adil (1421-1442) Chittick (1965) was of the opinion that the dates in the Kilwa chronicle were too early, and the. Shirazi dynasty began no earlier than the late 12th century. A hoard of coins found at Mtambwe. Mkuu have provided support for the start of the Shirazi dynasty as the 11th century. Other Evidence The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea (Periplus Maris Erythrae) 40 AD, a travel guide written by an unnamed Greek sailor, mentioned visiting the eastern coast of Africa. The Islamic biographer and geographer Yaqut al-Hamawi [1179-1229], wrote about Mogadishu in the 13th century, describing it as a frontier between Barbar and Zanj, visited Zanzibar and Pemba islands. The Moroccan scholar Ibn Battuta visited in 1331, and, 20 years later wrote a memoir including this visit. He describes Mogadishu, Kilwa, and Mombasa. Sources Chittick HN. 1965. The Shirazi Colonization of East Africa. Journal of African History 6(3):275-294. Chittick HN. 1968. Ibn Battuta and east Africa. Journal de la Socià ©tà © des Africanistes 38:239-241. Elkiss TH. 1973. Kilwa Kisiwani: The Rise of an East African City-State. African Studies Review 16(1):119-130. Saad E. 1979. Kilwa Dynastic Historiography: A Critical Study. History in Africa 6:177-207. Wynne-Jones S. 2007. Creating urban communities at Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, AD 800-1300. Antiquity 81:368-380.

Brunello Cucinelli brand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Brunello Cucinelli brand - Essay Example The paper "Brunello Cucinelli brand" concerns the brand of Brunello Cucinelli. Taking into consideration the scope and the specification of the brand, it is essential to assess the constituents of the business and to examine their direct interaction and interference. In this case, the research will take a glance at the brief history of the brand, underlining the key moments that contributed to growth and maturity of the company and its performance. SWOT analysis will be conducted to outline the positive and negative factors of Brunello Cucinelli brand, its present state as well as prospects in terms of the nearest future. The study will present the summary of the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the brand in order to underline the perspectives as well as the cornerstones of Brunello Cucinelli company. For the thorough brand analysis to be accomplished, it is important to investigate the directions, views and goals of the company; in this respect the study will focu s on the target customer and draw the pen portrait of an average brand client. In addition, primary research will be conducted to provide the most accurate and faithful data. Due to the fact, that there are certain constraints in the context of the time and personal interviews with the leaders of the company, the secondary information will be taken into account and analyzed to get the full picture. The retail industry has its marketing peculiarities; thus, retail environment, place and promotion components.

Karen Lock Organic Hampers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Karen Lock Organic Hampers - Essay Example Organic food retailers and health food shops have experienced a significant growth in sales volumes of organic product over the last one decade. Much of this growth is advocated the Food Supplements Directive in the UK, which asserted that Organic food retailers and health food shops have to reduce their vitamins & food supplement ranges in order to create space for natural personal care products. The natural products also found their way to the shelves of department stores, chemists, spas, beauty shops, and hair salons. Hair care and skin care are the most popular of all the organic personal care products in the UK. In each of the two categories, there are more than 50 brands, making the market in the UK highly congested and competitive. Organic oral care products have also been observed to be highly popular in the UK, with many people starting to prefer them over those with chemical products. Despite the fact that organic cosmetics have not shared the same level of success with organic oral products, they are projected to experience the highest rate of increase in demand over the next five years. Previously, there were very few players in the organic personal care industry in the UK. However, as the popularity of these products continued to grow, the demand grew too. As a result, many investors saw the industry as a promising one, thus invested in it. At the moment it can be said that the industry is highly congested due to the fact that there are many investors who have opted to invest in this industry. This can easily mean that there are high levels of competition in the industry. As a result, there is an increase in the consumer bargaining power in the UK.