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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Automobile Industry Analysis Essay

Automobile Industry Analysis Essay Automobile Industry Analysis Essay Automobile Industry Analysis EssayIntroduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The automobile industry is one of the leading industries at the global level. It plays a crucial role in the development of the global economy because of the high revenues and increased customer demands. The automobile industry helps to foster economic development of the country; therefore, it is widely recognized as a major economic sector. The automobile industry consists of multiple companies specialized in car manufacturing, as well as the ones involved in marketing and distribution of automobile products, such as cars, buses, vans, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds and motorized bicycles. The global automobile industry incorporates several large car manufacturers’ blocs that work collaboratively suppliers at the global level.The major goal of this paper is to provide a detailed analysis of automobile industry that gives a clear description of the industry today and its prospects for the future. Due attention should be paid to the use of the strategy tools and theories, such as Porter’s five forces and PESTEL analysis and other approaches.Porter’s Five Forces AnalysisBargaining Power of SuppliersThe bargaining power of suppliers is low for the reason of the availability of multiple suppliers in the auto-parts industry. Nevertheless, due to the growth of the supply system and its specialization, supported by new technological advancements, manufacturers have an opportunity to reject the delivery of materials because of poor quality (Pearlson et al. 39).Bargaining Power of CustomersThe bargaining power of customers is moderate because in the automobile industry, customers need to have enough information about automobile products’ characteristics, as well as other factors that influence their decision making: price, quality, product image, brand, and environmental impact of the product. Many car manufactures produce products with the same character istics and sell them at the same price.Rivalry between Existing PlayersThe rivalry between the car manufacturers is focused on addressing the demands of customers in terms of lower prices, better product differentiation, more effective distribution strategies, and stronger business relationship with supply system. Currently, the existing players in the automobile industry are BMW, Ford, Audi, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Fiat, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Toyota, Volkswagen and others.Threat of SubstitutesThe threat of substitutes is moderate because automobile products vary, although they have the same purpose. Due to product differentiation, customers have an opportunity to select products considering such factors as price, quality and design.Threat of New EntrantsThe automobile industry has high level of barriers to entry. It needs specific machinery, facilities, equipment, human resources, technological devices, distribution channels, etc. The automobile industry is attractive to new entran ts, but requires them to solve a number of problems, like customer preferences, industry demands, environmental demands, and others. Thus, the threat of new entrants is low.PESTEL Analysis Political and legal factorsPolitical factors have a strong impact on the development and growth of the automobile industry. The production of hybrid vehicles requires more financial support from local governments because of the environment friendliness. The production of new vehicles must comply with the established vehicle emission standards. Governments across the globe should provide financial support to favor the distribution of vehicles with lower CO2 emissions (Geels 67). Besides, taxes and import laws affect the automobile industry growth. In fact, there are some legal requirements that should be met by the car manufacturers, including environmental regulations aimed at reduction CO2 emissions.Economic factorsThe increased prices for cars are associated with the inflation rate and economic crisis. Besides, the industry is dependent on oil prices. The following factors play an important role in the industry’s shifting in supply demands and price elasticity: local government taxes,  prices for materials and resources, population growth, buying capacity, types of economic activities, commercial usage of vehicles, fuel economy dependence, and other factors (Orsatoa Wells 994). The profitability of the automobile industry is related to the financial opportunities of customers.Socio-cultural factors Socio-cultural factors that influence the development and growth of the automobile industry include population growth rate, education level, lifestyles, safety issues, cultural differences, and the effects of consumer buying habits, their attitudes toward â€Å"green† or ecological automobile products. The automobile industry growth is dependent on the preferences of customers, most of whom need to purchase cars for families. They consider the space available in the car, safety and price.Technological factors Technological innovations play a crucial role in the development of the automobile industry. Due to the use of new technologies it is possible to enhance standards of driving. Besides, currently, the automobile industry is experiencing the problem of fuel consumption. The innovation of new cars, which are characterized as environment friendly vehicles, is aimed at reduction of fuel consumption. Besides, technological innovations are aimed at meeting the requirements of customer safety. New seat belts, air bags and other devices help to avoid injuries sustained in collisions. Anti-Brake Systems help to increase the stopping distance even on slippery pavement. The automobile industry needs investments in research and development to ensure that new technologies are useful and meet the demands of customers (Pauwels et al., 142). ). The production of high performance vehicles by car manufactures is increasing due to the benefits provided t o customers: higher engine output, more innovative braking and suspension systems and other technical characteristics that guarantee high quality of products.Environmental factors There are some environment factors that affect industry development and growth, including fuel economy and air pollution caused by CO2 emissions. Environmental concerns make car manufactures use innovative technologies. The production of environment friendly vehicles, such as hybrid cars and electric vehicles, allows changing customer demands and preferences in the future. The advantages of these vehicles over gasoline cars include low emission and high energy efficiency (Zhuang et al. 137).SWOT Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   StrengthsEvolving industry due to popularity of cars among consumers;Contribution to changes in lifestyles;Product innovations due to new technology support and advancement;Involvement of cheap workforce from the developing countries in car manufacturing (e.g. I ndia, China, Indonesia and other developing countries).WeaknessesIncreased competition;Strict regulations;High taxes;Environmental concerns;High costs of research and development opppirtunities.OpportunitiesIntroduction of fuel efficient cars;The growth of strategic alliances;Changes in customer preferences;Expansion of markets (Pauwels et al. 142).ThreatsIncreased competition;Dependence on fuel prices;High production costs;High electricity costs;Inflation rate;Poor regulation of car markets (Orsatoa Wells 1006).Conclusion  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thus, it is necessary to conclude that currently the automotive industry is experiencing growth. The production and distribution of vehicles in China and other countries with cheap workforce have increased significantly. However, the automobile industry has some problems that require implementation of joint efforts, e.g. environmental, economic problems and technological concerns. The analysis of the automobile industry shows that it is possible to strengthen its growth at the global level. The knowledge of markets should be improved and strong brands should be built to adapt to the changing environment. Because of the large number of players in the automobile industry, the increased competition is the challenge for the industry. Besides, constant fluctuations of fuel prices lead to changes in the prices of cars. Local governments’ regulations affect the industry in some way.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Geels, Frank W. â€Å"The impact of the financial–economic crisis on sustainability transitions: Financial investment, governance and public discourse,† Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 6 (March 2013): 67–95.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Orsatoa, R. J. Wells, P. (2007). â€Å"U-turn: the rise and demise of the automobile industry,† Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(11–12): 994–1006.Pauwels, Koen; Silv a-Risso, Jorge; Srinivasan, Shuba; Hanssens, Dominique M. (2004). â€Å"New Products, Sales Promotions, and Firm Value: The Case of the Automobile Industry,† Journal of Marketing: 68. 4 (2004): 142-156.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pearlson, Keri E., Saunders, Carol S. Galletta, Dennis F. Managing and Using Information Systems, Binder Ready Version: A Strategic Approach. John Wiley Sons, 2016.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Zhuang, Ye; Nie, Shida Guo, Konghui. â€Å"A study of semi-active suspension with tuned mass damper,† in The Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads and Tracks: Proceedings of the 24th Symposium of the International Association for Vehicle System Dynamics (IAVSD 2015), Graz, Austria, 17-21 August 2015. CRC Press, 2016.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Facts About Mount St. Helens

Facts About Mount St. Helens Mount St. Helens is an active volcano located in the United States Pacific Northwest region. It is about 96 miles (154 km) south of Seattle, Washington and 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Portland, Oregon. Mount St. Helens is a part of the Cascade Mountain Range which runs from northern California through Washington and Oregon and into British Columbia, Canada. The range features many active volcanoes because it is a part of the Pacific ​Ring of Fire and the Cascadia Subduction Zone which has formed as a result of converging plates along the North American coast. Mount St. Helens most recent period of eruptions lasted from 2004 to 2008, although its most devastating modern eruption occurred in 1980. On May 18 of that year, Mount St. Helens erupted, causing a debris avalanche which took off the top 1,300 feet of the mountain and destroyed the forest and cabins around it. Today, the land surrounding Mount St. Helens is rebounding and most of it has been preserved as a part of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Geography of Mount St. Helens Compared to other volcanoes in the Cascades, Mount St. Helens is fairly young geologically speaking because it formed only 40,000 years ago. Its top cone that was destroyed in the 1980 eruption began forming only 2,200 years ago. Because of its quick growth, many scientists consider Mount St. Helens the most active volcano in the Cascades within the last 10,000 years. There are also three main river systems in the vicinity of Mount St. Helens. These rivers include the Toutle, Kalama and Lewis Rivers. This is significant because the rivers (especially the Toutle River) were impacted in its eruption. The nearest town to Mount St. Helens is Cougar, Washington, which is around 11 miles (18 km) from the mountain. The rest of the area is surrounded by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Castle Rock, Longview, and Kelso, Washington were also affected by the 1980 eruption however because they are low-lying and near the regions rivers. The nearest main highway in and out of the area is State Route 504 (also called the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway) which connects with Interstate 5. Eruption of 1980 As previously mentioned, the most recent large eruption of Mount St. Helens took place in May of 1980. Activity on the mountain began on March 20, 1980, when a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck. Shortly thereafter, steam began to vent from the mountain and by April, the north side of Mount St. Helens began to grow a bulge. Another earthquake struck on May 18 which caused a debris avalanche that wiped out the entire north face of the mountain. It is believed that this was the largest debris avalanche in history. Following the avalanche, Mount St. Helens eventually erupted and its pyroclastic flow leveled the surrounding forest and any buildings in the area. Over 230 square miles (500 sq km) was within the blast zone and was affected by the eruption. The heat from Mount St. Helens eruption and the force of its debris avalanche on its northern side caused the ice and snow on the mountain to melt which formed volcanic mudflows called lahars. These lahars then poured into the surrounding rivers (the Toutle and Cowlitz in particular) and led to the flooding of many different areas. Material from Mount St. Helens was also found 17 miles (27 km) south,  in the Columbia River along the Oregon-Washington border. Another problem associated with Mount St. Helens 1980 eruption was the ash it generated. During its eruption, the plume of ash rose as high as 16 miles (27 km) and quickly moved east to eventually spread around the world. The eruption of Mount St. Helens killed 57 people, damaged and destroyed 200 homes, wiped out the forest and popular Spirit Lake and killed around 7,000 animals. It also damaged highways and railroads. Although the most significant eruption of Mount St. Helens occurred in May of 1980, activity on the mountain continued until 1986 as a lava dome began forming in the newly formed crater at its summit. During this time, many small eruptions occurred. Following those events from 1989 to 1991, Mount St. Helens continued erupting ash. Post-Eruption Natural Rebound What was once an area that was completely scorched and knocked down by the eruption is today a thriving forest. Just five years after the eruption, surviving plants were able to sprout through the build-up of ash and debris. Since 1995, there has been a growth in the variety of plates within the disturbed area and today, there are many trees and shrubs growing successfully. Animals have also returned to the region and it is again growing to be a diverse natural environment.   2004-2008 Eruptions Despite these rebounds, Mount St. Helens continues to make its presence known in the region. From 2004 to 2008, the mountain was again very active and several eruptions occurred, although none were particularly severe. Most of these eruptions resulted in the building up of the lava dome on Mount St. Helens summit crater. In 2005, however, Mount St. Helens erupted a 36,000 foot (11,000 m) plume of ash and steam. A minor earthquake accompanied this event. Since these events, ash and steam have been visible on the mountain several times in recent years. To learn more about Mount St. Helens today, read Mountain Transformed from National Geographic Magazine. Sources:Funk, McKenzie. (2010, May). Mount St. Helens. Mountain Transformed: Thirty Years After the Blast, Mount St. Helens Is Reborn Again. National Geographic.  http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/05/mount-st-helens/funk-text/1. United States Forest Service. (2010, March 31). Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot/. Wikipedia. (2010, April 27). Mount St. Helens - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_St._Helens.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Introduction to Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Introduction to Political Science - Essay Example After the Civil Rights legislation, they could now study with the whites in the same schools. A third case is where the African Americans could now dine in the same hotels with the whites. It was after the efforts of African American scholars from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College that the Civil Rights law of the 60’s implemented that all restaurants would serve all races. These four students were Jibreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil, David Richmond, and Franklin McCain. A fourth case is where the African Americans were granted equal voting rights as the whites. After the civil rights of the 60’s African Americans were allowed to exercise their democratic rights of voting. A final case is where the African Americans were allowed to join and form political parties. This was a crucial step of improving their influence (Patterson 45). Separate But Equal Law and Brown, V. Board Of Education The court ruled out the separate but equal law because it promoted segregat ion. Segregation refers to the refutation of equal protection of the law. The Supreme Court thought that it was inappropriate to separate African American children from others just because of their race. They thought that it would be fair if all children were treated as equals before the law. ... The impact is bigger when it has the approval of the law. This is because the rule of separating the races is understood as signifying the weakness of the Negro group (Patterson 151). How people measure public opinion amongst the electorate in the United States The fundamental processes that seem to influence the public’s opinion on government policies reveal restrictions to democracy. Other obstructions and influences are at work, and government policies and actions fall short of what the public needs, even as the government moves in the desired paths. Thus, as critics have stated, the public is partly sovereign. In addition, critics have listed many normative prospects of keeping basic rights and freedoms, the rule of law and discussions regarding the degree to which public opinion is controlled by political leaders and the facts that leaders and the media offer. This is so that public opinion meets the minimum standard of rationality or quality as a vital contribution to th e policymaking procedure (Patterson 374). Although these factors have been researched and discussed, more work and thought, for instance, is still required regarding the bounds and circumstances that the U.S government can momentarily encroach on rights and freedoms in the countrywide interest. Furthermore, with regard to the capabilities required of the public in a democracy, philosophers and political theorists have not fully wrestled with this problem. It has drawn on present and enduring empirical study of how people measure public opinion amongst the electorate in the United States. How the Political Values of the American Citizens are Formed The thoughts that American Citizens

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT hw Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT hw - Essay Example invested in this cash conversion cycle, which assumes a 365-day year and are as follows. Inventory = ($10,000,000 *.075 * (60/365) = $1,232,877 + Accounts receivable = (10,000,000 * (40/365) = 1,095,890 -Accounts payable = (10,000,000 * 0.75 *0.65) *35/365 = 467,466 $1,861,301 =Resources Invested Changes in any of the times period will change the resources tied up in operations. If MAX could reduce the average collection period on its accounts receivable by 5 days, it would shorten the cash conversion timeline and thus reduce the amount of resources MAX has invested in operations. For MAX, a 5-day reduction in the average collection period would reduce the number of resources invested in the cash conversion cycle by $136,986 [$10,000,000 *5/365]. This answer is appropriate because the cash conversion cycle is a basis for discussing how the firm funds its required investment in operating assets. First, differentiate between permanent and seasonal funding needs and describe aggressive and conservative seasonal funding strategies (Gitman, 2009). 17. Mad Money CNBC Jim Cramer always believes that there is a bull market somewhere. Jim Cramer wants to help his audience find it. Inside the mind of Jim Cramer, is a report from one of the most successful traders on Wall Street. His goal is to help the watching audience make money on Wall Street. Cramer's Internet site is here to provide Internet users with updates throughout the day of Jim Cramer's Stock Picks. The site provides recaps CNBC's Mad Money. Jim Cramer also sells collectibles on his site. The mad money store has several items of interest to his viewers are sold, for example the talking Jim Cramer bobble head character. If a viewer misses, an episode he tapes them every week and the video will appear on the website, Under Jim Cramer Video collection. Jim Cramer this week visited with his viewers about the deal with T-Mobile and ATT. He referred to this as a good stock buy for this week but warned viewers to w atch the trends on the combined companies. He highlighted the problems revolving around the Middle Eastern crisis. Cramer suggested how to eject them out of power. and how having the United States in the involvement of war with Kaddafi is fueling higher prices, therefore putting a barrel of oil out of everyone's reach. The economy depends on the Middle East oil until the United States authorizes use of the United States own reserves. Japans nuclear crisis is slowly stabilizing, and the country must at the present time focus on repairing the damage wrought by the devastating earthquake. Cramer mentioned the continued barrage of bad news is endlessly bad, therefore making investors fearful. Continued pessimistic approaches to the news are keeping stock prices lower. Although gold and silver, continue to climb. The show will attract more investors, which are trying to day trade or are simply trying investing on their own for the first time. The present economy serving only the rich

Monday, November 18, 2019

Green energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Green energy - Essay Example However, the ongoing debates have led to the rise of people against green energy. Critics who claim that green energy can only be technically achieved rather than being achieved in real life. Green energy can be harvested from natural sources such as the sun, wind and tidal waves in seas and oceans. Scientist has proven the use of green energy technically possible. However, how will the public take the new technology on green energy? That question has caused mixed reactions in energy debates globally. Not all people in the society may accept green energy. The producers may go ahead and produce green cabs and cars but who will buy them? Most people prefer buying vehicles that they have been used to rather than those using green energy such as electricity. In some cases, since they have not undergone massive tests, they do not work as to the set standards and conditions. For example, one may purchase a green vehicle to help in solving the global warming change but he/she makes a very s mall fraction of the whole population globally. These ideas are mostly generated in developed countries and introduced to markets in the same countries. However, in the second and third world countries, the problem of pollution is still a menace. Industries and production firms that produce poisonous gases into the atmosphere leading to global warming may not make their ways in developed countries but in the third world countries. Legal and economic structures in these countries are not stable like those found in the developed countries. This means that with all the ideas, there are no enough implementation plans that backup technology. For example, due to inappropriate leadership styles in underdeveloped countries, factories and industries may continue polluting the environment. This at times happen in the presence of strict warning and fines but due to corruption they continue producing. This means that the use of green energy is realistically impossible. There is an

Friday, November 15, 2019

Buteyko Breathing for Bronchial Asthma

Buteyko Breathing for Bronchial Asthma Lung disease is any pathology that occurs in the lung components and causes the lungs not to function properly and this may lead to serious problems that may cause death. They are considered the third killing factor worldwide. Lung diseases include emphysema , bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary failure, pneumonia, tuberculosis and pulmonary embolism. These diseases have the following signs and symptoms which are coughing, dyspnea, short breaths, noisy breath sound, fever, chest pain , and using accessory muscle of the neck which include scalene, upper trapezium and sternocleidmastoid muscles. The common causes of these lung diseases are smoking, infections, and genetics factors (Simon, 2000). Treatment of lung disease includes medications like corticosteroid, bronchodilators, antibiotics, and physical therapy that will give patients breathing exercises. One of the most common chronic obstructive disease, is bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is the fifth reason for hospitalized worldwide. Physiotherapists used to treat bronchial asthma patients who have hyperventilation symptoms using breathing exercises known as buteyko breathing technique (BBT) in additional to bronchial asthma therapy. (Bishop, 2007) Background Professor Konstantin Buteyko was a Russian physiologist (1932-2003) , who gave his name to a treatment for bronchial asthma patients. The whole idea started in 1960s when he came with the idea that shallow breathing is going to help patients who suffer from hyperventilation like bronchial asthma and stenocardia. He suggested that hyperventilation lead to decrease the amount of blood that is going to alveoli and low- level of CO2 lead to bronchoconstriction which increase hyperventilation. (Bishop, 2007) Literature Review Robert L. and other on 2007 tried to evaluate the efficiency of a non à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬pharmacological intervention Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) in patients with asthma with their corticosteroid medication consumption. The design of the study was a randomized control trail of buteyko technique involving 182 subject divided into group of adult with asthma their age ranged from 18-50 years old. While the control group was trained by physiotherapy for relaxation breathing technique. The main results measures by level of asthma control, defined by composite score based on Canadian asthma consensus reported 6 months after completion of intervention. The consequences show that both groups had related enhancement and a high amount with asthma control six months after accomplishment of the intervention. In the Buteyko group the degree with asthma control increased from 40% to 79% percent and in the control group from 44% to 72%. The main conclusion that six month after completion of t he intervention, a large majority of subject in each group shown control of their asthma with the additional benefits of lessening in inhaled corticosteroid use in buteyko group.(Robert, 2007) McHugh on 2003 made a study to evaluate the impact of buteyko breathing technique (BBT) on medication consumption in asthma patients. The method used is a blinded randomized control trail comparing BBT with medication control . It was directed over 38 people with asthma aged between 18-70 years. Members were followed for six months. Medication use and tempts of ventilator function were recorded. The results exhibited that BBT group shown a lessening in inhaled steroid use of 50% only and beta-agonist use 85% after six month from intervention. In the control group there was no significant outcomes. The main conclusion that BBT is a safe and effective for asthma controlling for it is sign and symptoms. BBT has clinical and potential pharm-economics benefits that must have advance studies.(McHugh, 2003) Cooper and his colleges in 2003 completed a study to compare the effect of two breathing exercises which they are buteyko and pranayma which is a yoga breathing method for bronchial asthma patients. This study involve 90 grown-ups who complain of asthma and control it by using medications. They were divided into three groups First group follow buteyko breathing technique ,the second group use a pranayma which is a yoga technique and the last group were the placebo group. Result measure used are symptoms score level , bronchial hyper reaction, medication used, forced expiratory volume before and after buteyko technique. The results showed that ( p=0.003) were the mean for buteyko group and bronchodilator uses have been lessened by two puffs/day after 6 month of practicing buteyko technique while there was no change in the mean in the other two groups. There wasnt difference in the forced expiratory volume or even volume to reduce inhaled corticosteroids. The main conclusion that BBT c an recover symptoms and lessen bronchodilator use but doesnt seem to change bronchial responsiveness or lung function in patients with asthma.(Cooper, 2003) Anatomy of Respiratory System When we breathe air it go through nose to the lower respiratory tract. The advantage of nose breathing is that when air passes through the nose it will be moisturizer, heated and cleaned from any dust. After that air moves to larynx to go into trachea. Trachea is a sensitive structure because if any cold or dry air go into it , this will cause coughing and wheezing as normal interaction to these irritation .After that air moves from the trachea to the lung through the bronchi which are entered in each lung (Figure 1). The lungs are the most important part of human respiratory system. The right lung is divided into three lobes m while the left lung is divided into two lobes. Both lungs are protected by the chest wall. In the lung small air sacs known as alveoli . Then the gases exchanged from the alveoli to the blood stream through small blood vessels known as capillaries. On the other hand , the body waste CO2 returns to the capillaries to be exhaled during breathing. Healthy bronchi al tubes make rapid gases exchange to maintain unchanged level of O2 and CO2 in the blood stream. The outer surface of bronchi is surrounded with smooth muscles that contract , relax in smooth rapid way in each breath. This process will maintain the required amount of air that is needed to go into lung tissues for normal gases exchange. This process of contraction and relaxation of muscles in controlled by sympathetic and parasympathetic of nerves system.(Gerard J,2005) What is Bronchial Asthma? One of the most common chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) is bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammation of lung airways that leads to swelling and narrowing of them. The results of this narrowing is difficulty in breathing. The narrowing of airways may be total or partial and can be reversed with treatments. Bronchial asthma is one of the most common diseases , it affect one in every 15 adults in United states of America. It is known to cause physiologically reversible or total obstruction or narrowing to air . Pathologically this will increase thickening of airways because of inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Also narrowing of airways maybe due to swelling which is caused by immune response to allergic materials. (Gerard J,2005) Causes of Bronchial Asthma The main cause of bronchial asthma is inflammation of lung airways that is increased by the increase of irritable stimulations such as dust, vapor, humid weather, cold air, smoke , air pollutions, and fumes.(Gerard J, 2005) Signs and Symptoms of Bronchial Asthma Bronchial asthma have major sign and symptoms that are diverse depending on the severity of the disease. These signs and symptoms include wheezing that is defined as a whistling , hissing sound when exhaling air. Prolonged Coughing, that is usually at night not as good as at early morning, and may occur after workout or when unprotected against cold or dry air. Fast breathing is another symptom of bronchial asthma because fewer air reaches the lungs which is the reasons fast breathing to make up the insufficiency. Another symptoms is the usage of accessory muscle of neck and upper shoulder. Palpitation is another symptoms which is caused by as an asthma attack become worse the airways forceful air through the narrow airways become harder. Muscles of your trunk start to help. This is seen in motion (Figure 3) of the esophagus (2), and sucking in of the abdominal just under the breast bone (5) and among the ribs (4) with each breath leading to heart palpitation. As a response to less a ir passing through inflamed airways that will cause body to do more strength to move air and due to that heart starts to contract faster (3).( Gerard , 2005) Prevention of Bronchial Asthma Bronchial asthma can be prevented by following these strategies: Always check with medical physician for treatment plan to mange signs and symptoms for bronchial asthma . Know the trigger of asthma to be avoided such as pollen air and cold air . Always monitor their breathing type so that they can recognize early symptoms of asthma attack that include coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Quickly treat of bronchial asthma attack with immediate taking of medications prescribed and stopping the activity that may be the cause to trigger the attack. (Sue, 2002) Treatment of Bronchial Asthma Bronchial asthma can be treated by different types of medications like corticosteroids, bronchodilators, antibiotics, and by physical therapy. One of the important technique that help patients to control signs and symptoms of bronchial asthma is the Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT). (Sue, 2002) What is Buteyko Breathing Technique? Buteyko technique is a breathing regulator technique to reduce minute ventilation besides inhibit hyperventilation to treat bronchial asthma as an alternative approach ,besides to the drugs used. Buteyko technique needs that breathing originates from diaphragm not mouth. The main purpose while practicing buteyko breathing style is to breath in a very controlled and shallow manner without holding in the air like your last breath, it should be a gentle rhythm of breathing in and out.(Bruton,2003) Preparation For Buteyko Breathing Technique? Before starting the Buteyko Breathing technique session the physiotherapist should first takes patient pulse per minute and ability to exhale through Forced Expiratory Spiro-meter and measure the blood pressure and check if the patient have any health problems that may be contraindicated to buteyko breathing technique. Also it is important to take full medical history of management of patient bronchial asthma that usually includes hospital admission , consultant referrals and type of medication taken and their dosage. Also check if patient take other medication for other medical conditions. Physiotherapist should also check main signs and symptoms that affecting the patients daily work as if climbing stairs that increase shortness of breath to the patient. After that physiotherapist should inform bronchial asthma patient that buteyko session can be practiced three to five times a day . Before starting buteyko breathing technique session the physiotherapist should educate patient that this technique focus on breathing from the nose, so that nose clearness exercises should be given before starting session (Figure 5). The nose clearance exercises include pinching the nose gently and then move head forward and backward. Usually starting position will be sitting on chair without armrest after that progress to lying supine and finally to make patient adapt to this technique to be practiced in all active daily living of patients life, like climbing stairs. (kellet,2005) Steps of Buteyko Breathing Technique The Procedure of Buteyko Breathing Techniques is characterized by the following steps: Step 1: Close your mouth and breathe from the nose to get all the advantages mention before of nose breathing. (Figure 6).This step may be hard to be followed in the beginning but with practice it became easier with training. Step 2 : Use diaphragm to during breathing in and out , when patients practice breathing using diaphragm they should take in consideration to eliminate using of accessory muscle of neck and upper chest . (Figure 7). Step 3: Measure control pause for bronchial asthma patient , which is the time that patient able to grasp the nose and avoid air entry until the first feel of needing to re-breath again in the same way and pattern .   ( Figure8) can be measure using stop watch. Step 4: Sit in an upright position and reduce breath for around 2 à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 3 minutes, after that bronchial asthma patient will take short rest for 20-30 second and followed by another reduce breathing period for 3 minute followed by short rest again. Step 5: After the last short rest ,the physiotherapists check the final control pause again to check progress in amount of time patient able to hold breath. Usually in first session patient will able to increase time of control pause 2-3 seconds.(Oliver, 2009) Physiological Effects of Buteyko Breathing Technique During an asthma attack people start to panic and breath faster more than body demands. They actually over breathe because they are breathing so rapidly that causes the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood to fall too low. The body responds to that by causing the airways of the lungs to become tighter which leads to decrease inhaled air in each breathe which is shown when bronchial asthma patients trying to breathe harder. This technique will help to break this negative feedback cycle by educating bronchial asthma patients to breath in a shallow way and this will lead to decrease the amount of air that reach lung during breathing. Another benefit is increasing tolerance of body for higher levels of carbon dioxide in your blood.(Oliver,2009) Who will benefit from Buteyko Breathing Technique? Buteyko breathing technique is suitable for bronchial asthma patients and some other conditions that lead to hyperventilation such as hay fever , which is allergic and inflammation due to dust , rhinitis which is also known as stuffy nose that happen due to inflammation of inner nose parts. Buteyko breathing technique can be included also for nose congestion, panic attack, resent heart, persistent cough, bronchitis, snoring and last for COPD patients .(Oliver,2009) Contraindications for Buteyko Breathing Technique Patients with these conditions will not be able to practice BBT even if they have bronchial asthma or any other condition that lead to hyperventilation . These conditions include kidney failure specially if patient on dialysis, current organ transplant, previous brain hemorrhage, recent heart attack or stroke, cardiac peacemaker device, active stomach ulcer, pregnancy, schizophrenia, uncontrolled high blood pressure, any current cancer treatment, sickle- cell anemia and sever emphysema with heart failure. (Oliver,2009) Conclusions Asthma is a common lung disease around the world and usually patients suffer from a lot of sign and symptoms like attacks of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing that may affect their quality of life so that it need pharmacological agents to control it beside non-pharmacological techniques of pulmonary rehab such as buteyko technique. Buteyko breathing technique is a complementary method that proven it is effectiveness to control breathing in hyperventilation cases such as asthma and improve their quality of life, level of exercises, and forced respiratory volume. There are five core components of the buteyko breathing technique that they are the nose breathin , relax upper muscles, use diaphragm breathing, small gentle breaths and maintain good posture. The buteyko exercises can be done 3-5 times a day and it need committed for these exercises and make lifestyle changes, to be able to use fewer medication.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Baseball at The University of Florida :: Sports Perry Field McKethan Stadium Essays

Baseball at The University of Florida While being recruited by various colleges for baseball, I had to decide on a program with a great athletic, academic, and fan supported background. I chose the University of Florida because of their great athletic success in the past ten years and all of their well-equipped facilities. I never took a recruiting visit to the University of Florida, so when I first arrived to Gainesville and saw the baseball field for the first time I was amazed. The field looked as if it were a professional stadium. Whether you enjoy watching baseball or not, there is always something interesting happening at the ballpark. There are usually media personal conducting interviews, or fresh peanuts are being roasted, or a father and son are having a catch on the side of the field. Students also gather here and study or just hang out. Just as many people know, baseball is â€Å"America’s pastime† and the ballpark is where a family can come together, socialize, and have fun. The ballpark, also known as McKethan Stadium/Perry Field, is located in between the O’Connel center and the soccer field/track. To gain entrance into the field, there are two large glass doors for athletes to enter through captured in picture #1. This leads towards the locker rooms, dugouts, and trainer’s room. Fans are prohibited from entering these doors, which is blocked off by security guards during games. This gives a sense of feeling that even college athletes are protected like professionals. Fans enter the stadium on a ramp towards the bleachers past the box office. This keeps the fans under control and away from the athletes. The outskirt of the stadium’s landscape brings on a sense of beauty and security. A 6-foot metal fence encloses the stadium. Beyond the fence there are large palm trees and shrubbery surrounding the batting cages. This is illustrated in picture #2. The fence and plants serve as a way to keep non-ticket holders out of the stadium. This gives the field a sense of security. Because of the stadium’s location in the middle of the campus, it is easy access for anyone to attend games. Across the street from the stadium are apartment-like dorms where students can watch the games from their window.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

The Industry Structure & The Behavior of Firms in the PC Industry

In this paper I will discuss the industry structure and the behavior of firms in the Personal Computer Industry. The personal computer industry has five leaders: Compaq Computer Corporation (CCC), Dell Computer Corporation, International Business Machines (IBM), Hewlett-Packard, and Gateway, (Industry Survey, Apr. 2000). The PC industry, as discussed in the paper, is comprised only of home/business use machines, not mainframes, databases, or any kind of servers or super-computers. The PC industry is a fast-growing, consumer-based oligopoly. I will prove the latter through the use of industry characteristics and firm behaviors by giving an overview of each leading firm and their behaviors†, then by combining them into an industry analysis. The companies will be addressed from top leader to bottom. Compaq Computer Corporation,(CCC) is the current industry leader. CCC boasts a 1999 market share of 12. 8%. However, this figure has declined slightly from its 1998 share of 13. 4%. The dip is due to Dell Computer Corp. â€Å"s heavy presence in the small PC market, (Industry Survey, Apr. 2000). Compaq has a wide range of PC products from smaller, less expensive machines to more costly, high-tech systems. CCC has been most successful with their smaller machines, targeted to the home/family segment, because they are able to sell large quantities. However, Compaq has been unsuccessful in retaining customers because most of them were pleased with their smaller machines and did not upgrade to CCC†s more expensive, high-tech systems,(Hamblen 1-2). Customer retention has been a problem for the forty billion-dollar company, (Hamblen 1-2). It is my assessment that Compaq does still remain the leader because their products are very easy to buy for the uneducated consumer. You may simply walk into the WIZ or BEST BUY and there are five or so Compaq machines all competitively priced with a good range of attributes, usually not the best that a veteran user would require. For instance CCC†s newest product, the iPac, is a very simple-to-use, inexpensive machine. It is supposed to satisfy business workers† needs for a useful computer at low cost,(Wildstrom 1-2). Another problem in CCC†s not-to-distant future is their distribution costs. With the use of the Internet, competitors have been able to reduce and even eliminate distribution costs. To follow suit Compaq plans to increase direct sales in the future, according to Micheal Capellas, CEO (Hamblen 4). The future for CCC is quite hazy. Despite the sales numbers and the heavy bottom line, CCC†s stock price has sat down in the low $30†³s,(Hamblen 1). Competition is increasing daily and Compaq needs to distinguish itself in the marketplace. They†ve already experienced a decline in markets share, only they can change their fate. Dell Computer Corporation, the second leading computer manufacturer, began by selling PC†s directly to consumers. Their first customers ordered over the phone and Wold Wide Web. To this day Dell still has no brick and mortar retailers and does not distribute its product to resellers. In the business to business market Dell has excelled, but until recently, the profitable company was not so profitable in the home-user segment,(Industry Survey, Apr. 2000). The company†s new strategy, to gain market share, has proven very effective. Dell now posts a 62% gain in world wide PC shipments and a 2. 6 share-point gain from 8. 2% in `98 to 10. 8% in `99,(Industry Survey, Apr. 2000). Recently Dell†s presence has been felt in the growing PC market. This has forced competitors to be very careful about pricing in this highly elastic industry. Dell†s profitability is also notable, since it has minimal distribution costs and does very little advertising Dell is extremely profitable. However, rough times may be on the horizon for Dell. Analysts are worried because profit growth projections were cut at least 10% by CFO Thomas Meredith, who declared he is only trying to set more realistic goals and that the company will still post growth, (Burrows 1-2). Recently Dell has made some key moves that should boost revenues including beefing-up its web site and a joint venture with Internet giant AOL, (Money 1-2). Dell Computer Corporation is still a major player in the PC industry and will continue to be in the future. Unlike Dell and Compaq, IBM has not had extreme success in the PC market. It is known that leaders at IBM never believed that the PC would be an important device and that only a small portion of the population would ever own a PC. Obviously, they were very wrong. IBM has not done a bad job catching up to the pack, though; it now has the number-three market share of 7. 6%, (Industry Survey, Apr. 2000). IBM plans some new strategies after its low ranking in the PC market. This new strategy is to end all retail selling and go completely direct, IBM plans to sell its Aptiva system exclusively over the Internet in the near future, (Industry Survey, Apr. 000). This will lower costs and possibly increase the bottom line for the computer giant. Like IBM, Hewlett-Packard made one mistake and cost itself billions of dollars in revenues. HP is a large electronics conglomerate. HP manufactures everything from calculators to top-secret government appliances. For HP the PC market is one of many. Originally Hewlett-Packard was the standard in computer electronics; however, this is not reality today. HP†s reputation declined through the `80s and early `90s because of poor quality management. To regain the respect they had lost the marketing and engineering departments at HP worked their fingers to the bone to create a new image for the company. This was very effective; today HP owns a modest 6. 2% of the PC market and a very healthy reputation for quality PC†s and peripherals, (Industry Survey, Apr. 2000). HP has had some growth in the past few years but has failed to match the industry growth rates. The company†s years of poor quality put a considerable hurt on their future growth; while HP was busy filling in the hole it dug for itself, industry leaders like Compaq and Dell were basking in their success.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Frustrations With Japan essays

Frustrations With Japan essays December 8, 1941 was a solemn day. The day after Japan dropped the bomb on Pearl Harbor, the people of the United States mourned. If ever there was a time when Americans wanted to enter World War II, it was then. The United Sates had been deceived by the Empire of Japan, with whom they thought they were at peace. Franklin Roosevelts speech to Congress, asking for permission to declare war on Japan, shows the resentment and despair of the American After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, many Americans felt a lot of resentment against Japan, and the Japanese. Much of this resentment arose because Japan gave the United States a false hope of peace between the two countries. Also, from the evidence, it appeared that the attack was premeditated. Because of the distance between Japan and Hawaii, it was found that the attack had been planned days, possibly weeks beforehand (Roosevelt, 170). During the time before the attack, the Japanese had deceived the United States into believing they were at peace Because of the bombing by Japan, the American people were mourning the loss of their soldiers lives. They also were angry with the destruction of the naval and military forces, along with the attacks on Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippine Islands, Wake Island, and Midway Island all within hours of each other. The American people, along with the government, wanted nothing more than to destroy Japan, and win the war. In the Monica Sone document, I belief that the frustrations that the Americans were feeling are expressed in their entirety. The American people were so angry with the Japanese people, and so afraid that the Japanese would attack again, that the Americans basically rejected anyone that looked Japanese. To the Americans, regardless of whether you were native born, if you looked Japanese you were the enemy. The American government did not want to take ...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

serfs rights and responsibilities Essays

serfs rights and responsibilities Essays serfs rights and responsibilities Essay serfs rights and responsibilities Essay RESPONSIBILITIES The usual serf paid his fees and taxes in the form of seasonally labour. Usually a portion of the week was devoted to ploughing his lords fields, harvesting crops, digging ditches, repairing fences, and often working in the manor house. The remainder of the serfs time was devoted to tending his own fields, crops and animals in order to provide for his family. Most manorial work was segregated by gender during the regular times of the year; however, during the harvest, the whole family was expected to work the fields. A major difficulty ofa serfs life was that his work or his lord coincided with, and took precedence over, the work he had to perform on his own lands o When the lords crops were ready to be harvested, so were his own. On the other hand, the serf of a benign lord could look forward to being well fed during his service; it was a lord without foresight who did not provide a substantial meal for his serfs during the harvest and pl anting times. In exchange for this work on the lords demesne, the serf had certain privileges and rights, including for example the right to gather deadwood from their lords forests, an essential fuel source. In addition to service, a serf was required to pay certain taxes and fees. oTaxes were based on the assessed value of his lands and holdings. Fees were usually paid in the form of agricultural produce rather than cash. The best ration of wheat from the serfs harvest often went to the landlord. Generally hunting and trapping of wild game by the serfs on the lords property was prohibited. o On Easter Sunday the peasant family perhaps might owe an extra dozen eggs, and at Christmas a goose was perhaps required too. When a family member died, extra taxes were paid to he lord as a form of feudal relief to enable the heir to keep the right to till what land he had. Any young woman who wished to marry a serf outside of her manor was forced to pay a fee for the right to leave her lord, and in comp ensation for her lost labour. It was also a matter of discussion whether serfs could be required by law in times of war or conflict to fight for their lords land and property. o In the case of their lords defeat, their own fate might be uncertain, so the serf certainly had an interest in supporting his lord. POLITICAL RIGHTS Serfs in the middle ages had some form of political rights and were allowed to form their own village courts, known as Halimotes. They created regulations and codes of conducts to be adhered by the village members. Their laws pertained to every aspect of village life including: o Intermarriages, o Working in the fields o Festivities and celebrations The courts typically compromised of 12 representatives who had responsibilities of enforcing the martial laws. The common wisdom is that a serf owned only his belly o Even his clothes were the property, in law, of his lord † a serf might still ccumulate personal property and wealth, and some se became wealthi er than their free neighbors, although this was rare. A well-to-do serf might even be able to buy his freedom. A serf could grow what crop he saw fit on his lands. o Although a serfs taxes often had to be paid in wheat. The surplus he would sell at market. The landlord could not dispossess his serfs without legal cause and was supposed to protect them from the depredations of robbers or other lords, and he was expected to support them by charity in times of famine. Many such rights were enforceable by the serf in the manorial court.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Measuring the Sensitivity of a Bond's Price to Changes in the Market Essay

Measuring the Sensitivity of a Bond's Price to Changes in the Market Interest Rates - Essay Example On the other hand, bonds issued by companies are used for long term financing of the firm since they mature after a long period of time, usually more than ten years. Coupons are mostly paid out twice in a year but some could be payable once in a year. On maturity of a given bond, the bondholders are entitled to the principal amount initially invested at the present value at maturity. A bond may be issued at a discount or at a premium. If it is issued at a discount, the amount realized from such an issue is less than the face value of the bond. This occurs mostly when the interest rates of the bonds are low; therefore the government or the firms have to induce investors to invest in such a bond by lowering the prices of the bonds. On the other hand, if the amounts of funds realized from a bond issue are more than the face value of the bond, the bond is said to have been issued at a premium. This mostly occurs when the rates of return of the bond in question are relatively high and the bond is expected to yield some high returns in terms of the coupons. Investors will take into account the high amount of returns expected in the future and many will be interested in buying the bonds. These investors will be willing to pay a higher price for the bond, higher than the bonds face value. A bond’s price will change with changes in the market interest rate. There are different reasons for the changes in price. One of the most significant reasons is the fact that increase in market price denotes a higher rate of return on a given bond. Investors will inject their funds in an investment that has potential of yielding maximum returns for them. Given that they are rational individuals, the investors will rank a bond with a high rate of return at a higher position in their priorities of investment. This will drive the price of the bond up since the demand for it has gone up. This leads to the bond being issued at high price. The sensitivity of a bond’s price to interest rate movements is dependent on the bonds characteristics (Madura 2001). This is clearly the case since there are many kinds of bonds and each of them exhibit different unique characteristics according to its nature. Some of these unique characteristics are the different maturity periods. Some bonds mature after only ten years while others might mature at thirty years. The frequencies at which bonds pay out coupons also differ accordingly. The convex relationship between bond price and yield illustrates that the changes in prices for a given change in interest rates is not constant and nor is it identical, for all but very small amounts, for both upward and downward change in yields (Cima 2000). The two common methods of assessing the sensitivity of a bond to a change in the required rate of return on bonds are: Bond price elasticity Duration The above methods are computed as follows: 1. Bond price elasticity The sensitivity of bond prices to changes in the required rate of return is commonly measured by the bond price elasticity (Madura 2001). The computation is given as follows; Pc = percentage change in p / percentage change in k where; Pc is the bond price elasticity P is the bond price K is the required rate of return This method is significant especially when measuring the sensitivity of a bonds price on the market inter

Friday, November 1, 2019

People who want to migrate to a country , do so because they want to Essay

People who want to migrate to a country , do so because they want to live that country's lifestyle and culture - they should assimilate and fit in or leave - Essay Example In other words migrants are to face a dilemma and either assimilate and fir in new community or just leave and get back home to the old one. In the period between 1950 and 1965 thousands of Dutch migrants came to New Zealand with poor English language skills; and around 10 per cent of them got back home because they failed to assimilate and learn new language (Crezee, 2012). On the other hand, some researchers believe that behavior patterns incidental to a certain culture are the result of individual choice (Wallendorf, & Reilly, 1983). Certainly, in case migrant fail to assimilate and respect the lifestyle of the new community that they have chosen to be their home, there is a serious possibility such migrants are not going to become successful members of such community and might as well be driven out of it. According to Dustmann, the feeling of national identity and family context influence the integration ability of migrants more than any other factors (37). If a migrant is not re ady to accept a new lifestyle and fit in different cultural context, he or she is most likely to fail in terms of assimilation. Thus, social integration is more important than economic integration. The ability to socialize in new environment and acquire new friends is also an important precondition for successful assimilation of a migrant (Facchini, Patacchini, & Steinhardt, 2014). All in all, assimilation is the most important factor within the process of successful integration of migrants. Failure to integrate into a new community is predefined by the inability to get assimilated culturally and socially. Crezee, I. (2012). Language shift and host society attitudes: Dutch migrants who arrived in New Zealand between 1950 and 1965. International Journal of Bilingualism 16.4 (2012): 528-540. The British Psychological