Social Influences in the Stock Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social Influences in the Stock Market - Essay Example Kenrick and Simpson (1997) maintain that "...in the stock market, people's investment decisions are determined, not by the actual value of a resource but by the perceived value" (p. 36). Once an investor moves from pure economic analysis into the area of perception, social influence becomes a key influence. By using acuity rather than data, the investor draws upon the elements that make up the perception, whether factual or not. Those perceptive elements are usually socially-derived and filtered through the individual's own bias. The investment decision is then no longer about objective fact, it is about the individual's subjective opinion-right or wrong. The prices of securities themselves are often a function of this process. In the stock market, pricing is set by the market's consensus opinion of a company's underlying value. If more people have a good opinion of a stock's worth or potential, they will pay more for it. If the majority, however, have a negative view on a security, that outlook will express itself as a lower price. The obvious social influence here is that many of the people who are setting the price are making decisions based on their unique view of the company, market, or economy. This perception is certainly not always accurate. Shefrin states it like this, "People commit errors in the course of making decisions; and these errors cause the prices of securities to be different from what they would have been in an error-free environment" (2002: p. 6). If the majority of investors in ABC Company are influenced by an erroneous social perception, e.g., the company is not environmentally responsible, they will make the ir investment decisions accordingly and the price of the stock will fall. ABC Company may or may not be an industrial polluter; but if the market perceives that they are, the result is negative. In this case, perception is reality. A dramatic example of this premise is demonstrated by observing the impact of the media on market events. For example, in October 1987, the United State's stock market crashed with a resulting massive loss in equity. In trying to understand the reasons behind the event, economist Robert Shiller sent questionnaires to active traders. What he discovered from the response was that the investors were responding to the news of the crisis, not necessarily the underlying fundamentals of the market itself (Brehm, 2005, n.p.). That day, the price movements in the market were not triggered by any objective economic information; prices were dropping because of mass investor response to the news that prices were dropping. Shiller (2000) articulates this concept very well when he observes that, while the media may represent that they are independent "...observers of market events, they are themselves an integral part of these events. Significant market events...occur only if there is similar thin king among large groups of people, and the news media are essential vehicles for the spread of ideas" (p. 71). Within the context of the modern information age; given the pervasive presence of journalists reporting, pundits opining, and bloggers ranting, it is easy to infer the significant social influence wielded upon the financial markets by the media. Stock

Skills for Study 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Skills for Study 1 - Essay Example One of the social factors contributing to low health expectancy is the level of poverty. In developing countries, the general level of income is very low. Consequently, such people cannot buy adequate healthy food. Furthermore, such people cannot avail the facilities of clinics or doctors as they are unable to afford it, which leads to high levels of mortality. Sometimes, health facilities are located in places far away from poverty-stricken areas, thus making it even more difficult for poor people to reach them in time (Caldwell et al 1990). Another social factor is insufficient education of parents. It is observed that health expectancy is high when the previous generation has been educated, especially mothers. Mothers are the biggest role models for their children, especially in developing countries where mothers usually stay at home while fathers go out to work. Literate mothers are more responsible when it comes to their and their children’s health. However, illiterate mothers lack knowledge of which foods are healthy, what kind of water to drink, which habits are hygienic and similar aspects of a healthy life. Due to this, their children eat anything which ‘appears’ to be edible, drink non-mineral (and thus harmful) water and develop unhygienic activities such as urinating in rivers from where water is used for drinking or cooking. These unhealthy habits cause them to develop life-threatening diseases or such, which in turn lowers the health expectancy in those areas. This factor of low levels o f literacy can also be a cultural issue for those people in developing countries that condemn women from getting an education, as they believe that such practices are only meant for boys (Caldwell et al 1990). In many developing countries, there are certain cultures that prefer the birth of boys rather than girls. People with such beliefs dispose of female

Wadsworth-Emmons Cyclopropanation Reaction | Analysis

Wadsworth-Emmons Cyclopropanation Reaction | Analysis Abstract This project aims to look at the development of the Wadsworth-Emmons cyclopropanation reaction and compare it to alternative methods of cyclopropanation in order to understand why it may be used preferentially. Current applications of the WE cyclopropanation reaction are explored to see the efficacy and yield that result. Key of Abbreviations Seen below is a collection of all abbreviations used within this project and their subsequent meaning. à Ã¢â‚¬  3: Tertiary Bn: Benzyl group CCR: Corey-Chaykovsky Reagent d.e: DME: Dimethoxyethane e.e: Et: Ethyl group EWG: Electron Withdrawing Group HWE: Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons iPr: isopropyl Me: Methyl NOE: Ph: Phenyl group THF: Tetrahydrofuran WE: Wadsworth-Emmons 1: Introduction Cyclopropane  [1]  was used as an anaesthetic until it was discovered to be highly reactive and dangerous when combined with oxygen. The reactivity of cyclopropane is mainly due to the high amount of ring strain and the bond strength between the carbons being weaker than normal carbon bonds, allowing the ring to open easily. Cyclopropane structures are often found within compounds in nature (figure 1.)  [2]  that are observed to have medicinal and commercial applications, e.g. degradable insecticides such as the pyrethroid family that are less toxic to other animals in the environment  [3]  ,  [4]  . Cyclopropanation can also produce a number of hallucinogens and opoid drugs that are most widely used recreationally for there effects on human mental and visual perception, exploiting their psychedelic properties. This type of use has historically been seen within Native American tribes and ancient civilisations. Recently more research shows that they may potentially be useful in therapeutic doses in the treatment of pain, depression, alcoholism and other behavioural problems. An example of this is Codorphone, an analgesic that can be both an agonist and antagonist at ÃŽÂ ¼-opioid receptors in the body and shows a higher potency than codeine. As a result, efficient synthetic routes that produce high yields have been developed in order to produce synthetic analogues of these natural compounds, with special attention being paid to the cyclopropanation step. Over the years there have been many methods of cyclopropanation, from using zinc carbenoids (Simmons-Smith reaction  [5]  ) to stabilised ylides (Corey-Chaykovsky Reaction  [6]  ), all producing varying ratios of isomers of the product. Often, one enantiomer is the more biologically active molecule, therefore stereoselective reactions are required to obtain high yields of the desired product. The Wadsworth-Emmons cyclopropanation reaction is an example of a reaction that is selective for the generation of the trans-isomer and has advantages over other stereoselective reactions. 1.1: Chemistry of the Cyclopropane Ring Cyclopropane is the smallest of the cycloalkanes that can be formed and consists of three sp3 hybridised carbon atoms bonded to each other to form a triangular ring. Although it is the smallest cycloalkane it is also the most reactive due to the bond angle within the ring. The ideal bond angle for sp3 hybridised carbons is 109.5 ° as it at this angle that orbitals can overlap correctly and form the highest strength carbon-carbon bonds possible. As the propane ring is planar and made up of only three carbon atoms, a bond angle of 109.5 ° is not possible and is reduced to a bond angle of ~60 °. In order to achieve bond angles of 60 ° the sp3 orbitals need to form bent bonds  [8]  where their p-characteristics are increased, causing the carbon-hydrogen bond length to shorten (figure.2). It is this significant difference between the ideal bond angle and the actual bond angle exhibited that causes a high amount of ring strain. Also, the bond angle and the modified overlap of orbitals results in carbon-carbon bonds which are weaker than normal. In figure.3, as the ring size increases from cyclopropane to cyclohexane, the ring strain decreases because the ideal bond angle is reached (when in a planar conformation) and larger rings can assume a non-planar conformation. In comparison to cyclopropane, the most strained and planar ring, cyclohexane has ideal bond angles and can form both chair and boat folded conformations in order to be the least strained ring possible. Further strain in the cyclopropane ring is due to the planar conformation of the molecule, where the two hydrogens present on each carbon atom are in an eclipsed position (figure.4)2. The carbon-hydrogen bonds are locked into this high energy conformation, as the carbon-carbon bonds of the ring are unable to rotate to form a more staggered conformation and reduce torsion strain. The total strain felt by the molecule leads to the ring structure being highly unstable and is ultimately responsible for the high reactivity of cyclopropane. Due to instability, the cyclopropane ring is able to break open very easily and releases a lot of energy in the process. This ring strain causes cyclopropane to release more energy on combustion than a standard strain-free propane chain. 2: Precursors of the Wadsworth Emmons Cyclopropanation Reaction As with most reactions the Wadsworth-Emmons cyclopropanation reaction is simply a different application of an older reaction, the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction, which has the purpose of forming E- alkenes selectively. This in turn is a derivation of the original Wittig reaction first discovered in 1954 by Georg Wittig in which phosphonium ylides are used in order to form alkenes products from aldehyde or ketone reactants. 2.1: Wittig Reaction The Wittig reaction is very useful in that it will form a carbon-carbon double bond in one site specifically on the desired molecule but the stereoselectivity of the reaction is controlled by the type of phosphonium ylide used. An ylide is a species that carries a positive and a negative charge on adjacent atoms of the molecule, and in this instance it is a phosphorus atom that carries the positive charge. As seen in scheme 12, the negatively charged carbon atom of the ylide acts as a nucleophile towards the carbonyl of the ketone (electrophile) and forms a betaine species. The betaine cyclises into an oxaphosphetane ring which quickly collapses to form a very strong phosphorus-oxygen double bond and results in the production of an alkene and a triphenyl phosphine oxide. When an unstablised ylide is present in the reaction, the kinetic isomer (Z-alkene) is produced preferentially (figure. 5)2 as the intermediate oxaphosphetane ring forms irreversibly. As the stereochemistry of the substituents are locked into a syn-conformation (figure. 7), when elimination of the triphenyl phosphine oxide occurs the alkene formed has its substituents on the same side of the plane. When the negatively charged carbon is adjacent to an electron withdrawing group (EWG), in figure 6 this is represented by the ester substituent, the ylide group becomes more stable as the charge can be dispersed. This leads to the formation of the enolate resonance form and is referred to as a stabilised ylide. Unlike the unstabilised ylide, the oxaphosphetane ring that is formed is now a reversible reaction allowing interconversion between Z-orientation to E-orientation of groups in the ring before an elimination step occurs. Under the right conditions, the interconversion step can become faster than the elimination of phosphine oxide step (collapse of the ring) allowing the reaction to proceed via the thermodynamic product route. The E- isomer is the thermodynamic product as the anti- conformation (Figure.7) of the oxaphosphetane ring has the substituents on opposite sides of the molecule, reducing steric effects and producing a conformation lower in energy. The elimination of the Z-isomer is slower than that of the E-isomer, allowing the oxaphosphetane ring to open and rotation about the carbon-carbon bond to occur to form more of the E-isomer. Although the Wittig reaction works efficiently with simple carbonyl reactants, the more sterically hindered a ketone reactant is, the slower the reaction can become. This does not necessarily have a negative effect on the yield of product but will affect the suitability of the reaction in time sensitive application, e.g. the commercial industry wants a high yield of product with a moderately fast synthetic route in order to keep costs low. 2.2: Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction The Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction  [9]  (scheme 2.) is the preferred method to select for the E-alkenes product and instead of using phosphonium ylides (figure 6.) uses much more nucleophilic phosphonate-stabilized carbanions with an EWG attached, usually in the form of phosphonate esters. Firstly, the phosphonate ester is deprotonated using sodium hydride leading to the generation of an enolate species. This enolate/stabilised carbanion is then reacted with the chosen aldehyde or ketone to give product. As a result of its more nucleophilic nature, similar or better yields are produced and faster rates of reactions for aldehydes and ketones that are more sterically hindered are observed. The stereoselectivity of the reaction for E-alkene can be further increased by modifying the reaction conditions and the substituent groups of the phosphonate ester (figure 8.)  [10]  . The larger the alkyl groups attached to the phosphate and ester functional groups the greater the propor tion of E-isomer obtained. Using the same idea, the larger the substituent group attached to the aldehyde/ketone reagent a more improved E-selectivity is seen, for example a phenyl ring. Increasing the temperature of the reaction to room temperature (23 °C) and changing the solvent from THF to DME will also encourage E-selectivity. Figure 9 shows that the pka of the HWE reagent is lower than that of the Wittig reagent and this is due to the ester EWG on the adjacent carbon to the acidic hydrogen. The EWG helps to stabilise the carbanion that will be formed by the loss of hydrogen making the phosphonate ester a stronger acid than the phosphonium salt, whose conjugate base will be less stabilised. As seen in Scheme 2, along side the E-alkene, there is a water soluble phosphate molecule present in solution. Due to its solubility, the recovery of the pure product from the solution can be done via a simple work up and this is one of the advantages of the HWE reaction over the use of stabilised ylides where a à Ã¢â‚¬  3 phosphine oxide is formed. Through Wadsworth and Emmons investigations into the formation of alkenes such as stilbene in 19619, it was reported that the use of phosphonate carbanions was a more cost effective process that led to faster rates of reactions. It also produced very good yields in more mild conditions in comparison to stabilised phosphonium ylides. Phosphonate carbanions have a greater scope in number of different ketone and aldehyde reagents that they can successfully react with. Comparing both methods, when using stabilised ylides the resulting solution will contain a mixture of the isomers and therefore a suitable method is needed in order to separate them. Scheme 2. 2.3: Wadsworth-Emmons Cyclopropanation Similarly to the HWE reaction and keeping in mind the steric effects of large substituents, the reaction uses phosphonate-stabilised carbanions like the phosphonoacetate anion with epoxide and lactone reagents in order to form trans-cyclopropane rings within molecules. As seen in scheme 3  [12]  , the phosphonate carbanion acts as a nucleophile towards the electrophilic carbon of the epoxide resulting in the opening of the strained ring. Due to the negative charge present on the oxygen atom the phosphoryl group undergoes 1, 4 migration on to the oxygen, forming another carbanion. The carbanion can then cyclise leading to the ÃŽÂ ³-elimination of the phosphono- ÃŽÂ ³-oxyalkanoate and the closure of the cyclopropane ring. These stabilised phosphonates give a similar yield of trans-cyclopropane to reactions using phosphonium ylides but with faster reaction times and improved diastereoselectivity  [13]  . 3: Other Methods of Cyclopropanation In order to understand how effective the WE cyclopropanation reaction is and its advantages, other methods with slightly different approaches to the same problem can be looked at. 3.1: Simmons-Smith Reaction First developed in 1958, the Simmons-Smith reaction uses the chemistry of carbenes groups, producing cyclopropyl rings from the interaction between alkenes and a carbene derivative, zinc carbenoid. A standard carbene is a neutral species containing a carbon atom with only six valence electrons2 and can be inserted into à Ã†â€™-bonds and/or à Ã¢â€š ¬-bonds of other reagents. Examples of these carbenes are :CH2 and :CCl2, where the whole carbene reagent is incorporated into the final product structure. In cases using reagents like :CCl2, further steps are required to remove the halide atoms if a standard cycloproyl ring is desired. In comparison, the zinc carbenoid is a species capable of forming carbenes but does not react in exactly the same way as them. The zinc carbenoid is formed by the insertion of a zinc atom into a molecule diiodomethane using a copper catalyst, as seen below, and its mechanism of action is compared to that of a singlet carbene where the reaction is concert ed. The carbon structure (-CH2) within the zinc carbenoid is incorporated into the cyclopropyl ring whilst the resulting metal halide is released into solution. This is done via an intermediate complex formed between the alkene, carbene and metal halide so that the carbene is not released on its own. One of the advantages of this method of cyclopropanation is the ease with which the stereochemistry of the product can be controlled. As the reaction is stereospecific, in order to obtain a product with a trans-cyclopropane ring, an alkene with E- stereochemistry can be used as the original stereochemistry will be retained. The rate of reaction of this can be dramatically increased by the presence of allylic alcohols with the same stereochemistry as the alkene, as the zinc atom can coordinate with the oxygen in a transition state to add the carbene to the same face of the molecule. The example below (figure. 10)  [14]  shows that this reaction is extremely effective at producing hig h yields of trans-cyclopropane product. Scheme 4. This reaction exhibits easy control over stereoselectivity and undergoes a relatively simple mechanism, making it easy to understand why this is one of the most popular methods of cyclopropanation. A disadvantage that the WE cyclopropanation reaction does not share is that there will have to be further steps taken in order to remove the product from the solution containing the zinc halide (insoluble) whilst preventing impurities being obtained. Although in some instances the Simmons-Smith reaction has greater stereoselectivity than the WE cyclopropanation reaction with comparable yields. 3.2: Corey-Chaykovsky Reaction  [15]   This reaction uses sulphonium ylides, as opposed to the phosphonium ylides of the Wittig reaction, reacting with enones in order to form cyclopropyl structures in the molecule. Firstly there is the generation in situ of the dimethyloxosulfonium methylide, often called the Corey-Chaykovsky Reagent (CCR), from dimethyl sulfoxide and methyl iodide reacting to give a trimethyl sulfoxonium iodide salt. This salt is then deprotonated using a strong base like sodium hydride resulting in the CCR. In the mechanism of cyclopropanation, the CCR acts as a methylene transfer agent, with the carbanion acting as a nucleophile towards the alkene carbon-carbon double bond of the enone. This 1, 4 addition is followed by cyclisation within the molecule using the new carbon double bond reacting as a nucleophile toward the now electrophilic ylide carbon to form the cyclopropyl structure and a sulfonium cation (Scheme 5). In an attempt to make the reaction stereoselective more substituted sulfonium ylides with specific chirality can be used to encourage the formation of a specific enantiomer as they transfer other substituents to the enone as well as methylene (figure.)  [16]  . Scheme 5. 4: Uses of the Wadsworth-Emmons Cyclopropanation Reaction Though there are only a few specific examples of WE cyclcopropanation in action, a good idea of its efficacy can be obtained. 4.1: Synthesis of Belactosin A  [17]   (+)-Belactosin A is a naturally occurring antitumor antibacterial compound that acts as an alkylating agent in chemotherapy treatment. As an alkylating agent  [18]  it adds alkyl groups to electronegative groups such as phosphates or the amines found on guanine nucleotide bases, which are present in all cells of the body, although it is used to target mutating cancer cells. Belactosin A specifically stops the cell cycle of cancer cells at the G2/M phase, where normal DNA will have been replicated and the cell undergoes mitosis. In mutated DNA, the areas on the nucleotide bases affected by alkylation form cross bridges with other atoms on the complementary base of the opposite strand of DNA. These bridges prevent the DNA strands from separating at these specific points, stopping steps such as transcription. As a result this prevents the mutated DNA from being copied, cells from dividing into more cancer cells and halts proliferation of these cells through out the body. It affects mutated DNA cells more readily as they undergo cell cycle at a faster and uncontrolled rate and their repair mechanisms are less effective. Armstrong and Scutt reported a good yield of 63% of the cyclopropane intermediate with greater than 95%e.e. By using H1 NMR and NOE they determined that the product obtained was the trans-isomer. 4.2: Synthesis of (R,R)- 2-Methylcyclopropanecarboxylic Acid  [19]   In agriculture and veterinary practices, insecticides like Cyromazine and Pyrethrum Extract4 are formed using the WE cyclopropanation reaction in the synthesis of (+) and (-)-chrysanthemum dicarboxylic acids from anhydro sugars  [20]  . The pyrethroids are active molecules that prevent normal transmission and excitation along the nerve cells in insects by acting on sodium/potassium channels. This results in immediate death to agricultural pests such as locusts and parasitic insects such as ticks and fleas on household pets. Due to the number of nerve cells and the speed of transmission these insecticides are up to 100 times more effective on insects than humans. Consequently, Pyrethrum extract can be used pharmaceutically without detrimental effects in the treatment of worms and scabies. Using the WE cyclopropanation method to obtain the biologically active enantiomer, Brione and company obtained excellent product yields of ~85-90% with exceptional trans-selectivity (>98%). These results were obtained under the conditions of 150 °C with HexLi/MeTHF solvent. 5: Conclusion Whilst the WE cyclopropanation reaction proves itself to be a useful step in the mechanism of formation of a few interesting biologically active compounds, the fact remains that it is an underused method. This is shown in the small volume of literature that can be obtained specifically for this reaction. As with most reactions the right balance of factors and reaction conditions are needed to get the most efficiency, and excellent yields have proved that the WE cyclopropanation reaction is capable of this in the cases of (R, R)- 2-Methylcyclopropanecarboxylic Acid and Belactosin A. Perhaps one of the reasons it is overlooked as a synthetic route is the presence of better known reactions like the Simmons-Smith reaction, as there are still some small areas that are not fully known e.g the degree of specificity of the reaction. The field of chemistry is one based on the evolution of ideas and continued search for improved yields and rates of reaction, especially in a growing area such a s the synthesis of synthetic analogues of natural compounds. In the same way that the WE cyclopropanation reaction was derived from the Wittig reaction, it could provide as a good basis for future improved methods of cyclopropanation that arise from the modification of its reagents.

Europe: The Land Of Self-Discovery Essay -- Personal Narrative Travel

Europe: The Land Of Self-Discovery Every person has, in the course of his or her life, experienced some event that can be identified as life changing. This event can be an emotional enlightenment or a physical change that alters one’s mindset. Such a clarifying incident can happen at any time. However, I believe that such an event might not occur during the first eighteen years of a person’s life. Lucky for me, I have had an experience that I believe changed my outlook on life. The summer before my freshman year in college I went on a seven-week backpacking trip throughout the European continent. I visited ten different countries during the course of my trip, and each country, changed me in a certain way. Some countries made more of an impact than others, but each had enough significance so as to make a noticeable change. In this essay I will outline what I experienced in each country and what that country did to change my outlook on life, and I will explain to the reader why I belie ve that this trip would have a similar impact on each and every one of them. The first country that I visited was Great Britain. My two friends and I stayed in London, which is the largest city in Great Britain. When I first got to Great Britain I did not see much of a difference between it and the United States. Everyone there spoke the same language as me, and it seemed as if the culture was influenced heavily by the United States. However, first impressions can be deceiving because I would come to learn that Great Britain had a great deal to offer. My little group set out to learn everything about London. We visited local landmarks and museums. All in all, I think that London had the aura of a larg... ...eled to Madrid and Seville. Seville has the third largest church in Europe, and this church was built on the remnants of a mosque after the Christians had burned it down. I thought everything in these two cities was amazing. I would say that Spain introduced me to a whole to concept of life; the idea that one should party till four in the morning and just nap the next day. All in all, I think that Europe changed my outlook on life. I used to think that I would want to live in a huge city, but after being in huge cities and comparing them with smaller cities that I know I no know that I want to live in a small town. I would also love to live abroad for a period of time in my life. I think that everyone should go on a trip covering a foreign land. It is a way to realize what is important to you in life, and will always be a memorable experience.

Comical Interlude in a Midsummer Night??â„¢s Dream

A comical interlude is a part in a play where there is a break from the main plotting and is a chance for the audience and actors to relax. Some may argue that the final scene in ‘A Midsummer Night's dream' is only a comical interlude and nothing more as it does not relate to the main story directly. However, I would argue against this and say that the last scene is written by Shakespeare as a clever way of showing the audience what might have happened to the lovers. Also, a common convention of comedies is mockery, so the craftsman's play could be interpreted as a way of mocking the foolish behavior of the four lovers.Another classic convention of comedy is forbidden love. In both ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream' and ‘Paramus and Thesis' there is a couple who are forbidden to marry. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, it's Segues forbidding Alexander and his daughter Hernia to marry, ‘Scornful Alexander†¦ And all my right of her I do estate unto Demerits'. This sho ws that Segues treats Alexander with contempt and considers him unworthy to marry his daughter. The word ‘estate' shows that Segues treats Hernia as his property and not as a human. This reflects what life was like in the Elizabethan era as women were expected to obey their fathers and men in general.In ‘Paramus and Thesis', we do not get told that the lovers are forbidden to marry, however Snout says, ‘Paramus and Thesis, Did whisper often, very secretly. ‘ So, we presume that these lovers are not meant to be together- that's why they're meeting in private. One explanation to why Shakespeare connected these two is because at the beginning, the forbidden love is very serious as people may die however at the end in ‘Paramus and Thesis', it is very humorous. It also means that the characters watching ‘Paramus and Thesis' can look jack and laugh at themselves, so Shakespeare is mocking a key flaw in humanity, our hypocritical nature.In both plays, th e couples decide to run off together. Hernia and Alexander go to the forest, ‘Steal forth†¦ And in the wood, a league without the town'. The word ‘steal' automatically shows you that what they are doing is criminal and very serious. On the other hand, Paramus and Thesis decide to go to Minus' Tomb', Wilt thou at Ninny's tomb meet me straightway. Compared to the serious language used by Alexander, Bottom mispronouncing ‘Minus' tomb' for ‘Ninny's tomb' is humorous as it wows how uneducated him and the rest of the carpenters are.You could also say that it shows how arrogant Bottom is, as clearly he was not listening when Quince corrects Flute of the same mistake, ‘Minus' tomb, man'. The more likely explanation is that Shakespeare is showing Bottom to be the arrogant fool he is, as Quince managed to understand it. There is a huge difference in where the couples plan to meet, the forest is a very magical place where as Paramus and Thesis are meeting at a tomb which is a very sad, depressing place.With forests you associate getting lost and infusion which is another classic convention of comedies where as you associate death with tombs and death is a common convention of tragedies. However you could interpret the forest to be like a tomb for the lovers as they fall asleep there and are lucky to be alive thanks to the fairies. The more plausible explanation to why Shakespeare used this comparison between locations is because he wanted to show the strong contrast between a comical forest and a depressing tomb. This is where the stories first start to take different turns and they divide into being a tragedy and a modem.Both plans seem flawless but they are both disturbed in some way or another. In ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon and Puck disrupt Hernia and Lassoer's love together by having Alexander fall in love with Helena, ‘anoint his eyes'. The word ‘anoint' portrays the fairies and very delicate and gentle w hen really the fairies are quite the opposite. In ‘Paramus and Thesis', the Lion disrupts the love, ‘[roaring] 0-! [Lion tears Thistle's mantle]'. This is comical for the audience as the Lion is meant to be a roaring beast and all he says is ‘O', This could be interpreted to how that Snug is very stupid or to show that he is very shy.It is more likely that he is very stupid as this is a lot more comical for the audience. It also contrasts from ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream' as the lion (a fearsome animal) is portrayed comically where as the fairies (conventionally happy) portrayed as powerful characters in the play so it shows the tops-truly nature of the play. In both plays, one of the lovers thinks that the other has been slain. Hernia thinks that Demerits has killed Alexander, ‘Out, dog†¦ Hast thou slain him, then? She thinks this as she is so madly in love' with Alexander and is full of hatred for Demerits.Shakespeare is trying to young love and s how how easily it can affect someone. On the other hand Paramus thinks that Thesis has been eaten by the Lion, ‘O dainty duck! O dear†¦ Lion vile hath here deflowered my dear'. The term ‘deflowered' is humorous for the audience as Bottom is trying to say that Thesis is dead but it can be seen to mean that she's lost her virginity to the lion which is extremely comical along with ‘dainty duck also being a sexual reference adding to the comedic value.Both characters use an animal adaptor to portray their emotions, Shakespeare has had Hernia call Demerits a dog to show that she is angry and show that this part of the play is very serious. Bottom/ Paramus says ‘Dainty Duck as he is meant to be upset- but as it's a humorous production and a duck is a tame animal it is funny because Bottom has most likely made another mistake adding to his egotistical character, it is also a oxymoron as ducks are far from dainty. Not to mention, Shakespeare has used alliterati on. There is a connection between both plays throughout and that is still the case in the IANAL part.Alexander and Hernia get married and live happily ever after, where as both Paramus and Thesis kill themselves. ‘Now die, die, die, die'. This line performed by Bottom as Paramus in the play is an extremely comical moment. Bottom is a self- assured and over confident character who tries to make every part of his role eccentric and exaggerated. So he repeats this line to make it more dramatic but it becomes a comical moment because Shakespeare has created Bottoms character for the audience to laugh at. Another interpretation to why Shakespeare has added in his part is because there is no death in ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream'.This makes sense as the play is a comedy and one of the key conventions of a comedy is that nobody dies and there is at least one marriage at the end. Perhaps Shakespeare included this death of Paramus because the audiences of the time loved seeing peop le die. So I think the reason Shakespeare killed Paramus off in this humorous way to keep his audience interested and laughing at the same time. The repetition of the word ‘Die' creates humor as it emphasizes it to the audience and shows how stuck up Bottom is trying to milk every line he has.Another explanation to why Shakespeare has written it like this is because he wants us to remember Bottom's humorous death. This particular explanation argues that the craftsman's play does have relevance to the main story as Shakespeare wants you to remember Paramus dying as much as the wedding. So Shakespeare has put in Bottoms death to show you that Alexander and Hernia were lucky to escape death. On the other hand, you could say that Shakespeare wanted to continue the parallel structure right through to the end so in a way he could be suggesting that marriage is like dying.When they awake into the real world once again, Demerits says, ‘Are you sure that we are awake? It seems to me that yet we sleep, we dream'. With it being a comedy the plausible interpretation is that Shakespeare put in the craftsman's play to simply demonstrate what could have happened, not what actually happened. ‘Are you sure that we are awake? Is a rhetorical question often delivered to the audience as to get them to start questioning themselves as to whether or not they have been truly awake the whole time.So, the green world was all real in the play so the characters ND audience could see the deeper meaning of how humanity has many flaws which are humorous. To conclude, although I understand that the final act is a comical interlude and that's how most audiences now and then view it, I believe that Shakespeare wrote it in to have a greater meaning than that as it links in to the main plotting so perfectly. The major plot points of ‘Paramus and Thesis' are not the exact same to ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream' but mirrored with tragic conventions instead of comedic to s ymbolism what could of have happened to the lovers.

Much Ado About Nothing and Othello

The two villains in Much Ado About Nothing and Othello share much in common, despite their numerous differences. It is evident that Shakespeare framed the second piece of literature to be similar to the first. Although shorter, the plot of Othello is definitely more complex. The villains play a major part in the novels, and are very much alike in their line of thinking. The comedy, Much Ado About Nothing depicts the story of a group of high-ranking soldiers who travel through a town called Messina. They had been to the town before, and this time Claudio confesses his love for the governors aughter, Hero. Because Leonato is so fond of Claudio, the wedding is set to be a few days away. This gives Don John, Claudios bastard brother, a chance to show his true hatred for Claudio. He comes up with a scheme to make Claudio think that Hero is cheating by dressing Margaret in her clothing and perching her near the window with another man. When Claudio sees this, he says that he will humiliate Hero instead of marrying her. The next day Claudio does exactly as he had said, degrading Hero in front of all her family and friends. Because he did not cheat on him, she did not expect that kind of reaction. She is so dejected that she faints, and everyone assumes she is dead. Eventually Borrachio is overheard talking about Don Johns plan, and Don John is arrested. Later Claudio learns that Hero is not actually dead, and they are finally married. Othellos Iago is very much similar to Don John. He wants to get revenge on Othello for not being chosen as lieutenant and also suspects that Othello has slept with Emilia. Somehow Iago manages to manipulate Othello into thinking that Desdemona heated on him. When he demands that she show him the handkerchief he had given her, and she does not, he is convinced that she is being unfaithful. This is when he decides that he must kill her. Later in the novel Othello suffocates Desdemona out of jealousy. The villains of both novels contain an unusually large number of similarities. Both Don John and Iago are determined to break up the key relationships of the two novels. Iago tricks Othello for revenge, Don John out of sheer hatred for Claudio. The bastard brother goes through a period here he acts very pleasant toward Claudio, and Iago seems to be the ally of Othello throughout the entire piece. Both Don John and Othello used unsuspecting women to break up the main characters. Don John used Margaret and Iago used Emilia. Finally, both villains are strong egotists. Don John shows it in the way that he does not interact with the other characters. Iago believes that Othello is much too trusting, and respects no one but himself. Although Shakespeare meant to create these two evil characters alike, there are a few differences etween them. Don John set up Claudio using other people to convince him. I go used his manipulative speaking and wits, along with Othellos gullible nature to convince him. Don John and Iago caused the two main characters to take different methods of revenge on their women. Othello killed Desdemona in a jealous rage, whereas Claudio merely humiliated Hero. Iago seeks revenge on Othello for two reasons: he suspects Othello slept with Emilia, and he also despises Othello for choosing Cassio as lieutenant instead of him. One final and esounding difference between Don John and Iago has to do with the past of each character. Shakespeare portrays Iago as an intelligent and sometimes caring character until Othello supposedly wrongs him. On the other hand, Don John has more of an evil aura about him, and shows his hatred for Claudio right from the start. Overall, the characters of Don John and Iago are very similar, although the latter is much more intelligent and complex. These two men are what draw the readers attention to the novel, and share so much in common that the two seemingly unrelated works are read in tandem constantly.

Relationship between Law and Religion Essay

Relationship between Law and Religion Essay Relationship between Law and Religion Essay Example Relationship between Law and Religion Essay Example The Link between Law and Religion There exist an interesting relationship between law and religion especially concerning the correlation between the two notions. The relationship revolves around the legal understanding and judicial discourses on the variety of religious phenomena in addition to the strictly legal issues that relate to religious freedom. A number of higher learning institutions have incorporated the aspect of religion in the delivery of their law education around the world, such as the Brigham Young University. The school introduced the International Centre for Law and Religion Studies in early 2000. The creation of the law and religion department serves an essential role in uniting law scholars, human rights activists, Supreme Court judges and government ministers that deal with religious affairs. A number of scholarly articles have also been published covering the issue of the nexus between religion and law that indicates the existence of a unique link between the two disciplines. They include inter national journals, such as the Journal of Law and Religion and the Ecclesiastical Law Journal, which were founded in 1983 and 1999 respectively. In the United States, there exist many law and religion organizations comprised of professionals, including history and religious studies specialists, law professors and political scientists. Based on the above history and significance of the relationship between law and religion, the purpose of current paper, therefore, is to explain the links between the two disciplines. The paper will seek to examine how law can be influenced by religion with a view of identifying the links that exist between them. How Law is Influenced by Religion According to Chaplin (2012), the religious beliefs that are held by individuals are incommunicable by any form of evidence or proof except for the holder. Thus, the truth of the law lies with the hearts of the believers and neither the art nor the right of the ruling class will necessarily carry with them the actual knowledge of the real religion. In discussing the relationship between law and religion, Chaplin (2012) identifies the decision that was made by Judge Andrew Rutherford in the Cornish private hotel case. The merits of the court decision and the case highlight the extent to which law is significantly influenced by religion. In the Cornish private hotel case, a gay couple was denied a double-bedded room and the hotel owners relied on their right to run their hotel in accordance with their religious standards. They argue that housing the gay couple would be in contrary to their Christian moral values. The Cornish private hotel case indicates the fight between religion and law that continues shaping the decisions made by the courts. As Chaplin (2012) indicates that the hotel owners were found to have illegally discriminated against the gay couple given that gay people had a right to equality, as well. Various law scholars and political scientists have argued that the state should maintain and observe the principle of state neutrality towards the topic of religion. In addition, various scholars have stated that public reasoning should be secular (Chaplin, 2012). Thus, states must always exercise restraint when dealing with religious matters given that religion is a sensitive matter that affects every member of the society. Additionally, religiously-based public reasoning advocates for the observance of the principle of general restraint on religious matters. The two principles of general constraint and state neutrality on religious matters indicate that religion significantly influe nces law. The religious beliefs held by various people in the community are very different from those that are held by other societal members. According to Chaplin (2012), the state laws cannot be asserted on the subjects solely on the basis of the authority of a particular belief and/or religious system. In addition, the particular source of the religious beliefs and opinions cannot be enforced barely in the fact that they originate from a particular source. The particular view of religious leaders and believers is that laws can be justified if they objectively and rationally advance the general good of the nation (Chaplin, 2012). The impact of religion on the legislations of a given country cannot, therefore, be underestimated as it is evident in the religiously-inspired political views and movements in the United States during the 1960s. The civil rights movements in the US were inspired by the participants’ religious views that were aimed at changing the laws existing at that time. The evidence indicates that law can be significantly and legitimately influenced by religion. General Aspects that Contribute to the Existence of the Relationship between Law, Morality and Religion Recently, there has been a contentious issue concerning the interaction between law and religion. It has been necessitated by the essential role that religion plays in the contemporary socio-political and legal systems. According to Doe (2011), religion influences a number of societal factors and each individual in the community holds a particular set of beliefs that are unique to him/her. There have been debates regarding the future of Islamic Law in the contemporary environment where there exists much interaction amongst different people. For instance, the Islamic Centre that is located in Ground Zero, New York, has banned wearing of burqas and headscarves within its precincts (Doe, 2011). Such police has caused a great public discontent amongst individuals that do not subscribe to this particular religion. The conflict between law and religion has made people focus on the place of religion in Hindi civilization movements and ancient Roman law jurisdictions. The general aspects contributing to the relationship between religion and law include morals and religion as key elements of the law, the conservatism of law and religion and legal institutions in religion (Morden, 1984). Other general factors that contribute to the relationship include love in the secular law that is evident with the Old Testament of the Bible. In the contemporary society, the legal structures of a particular state are used primarily as instruments of controlling the subjects. According to Anca (2011), there exists an interesting correlation between morality, religion and law that significantly influences the level of conformity that individuals will experience in the state. Law, religion and morals are regarded as the primary agencies of social control, especially given that the state uses such elements to intervene in private citizens’ lives. Morality is an essential aspect of religion that is used by religious bodies to enforce the expected standards of conduct and interaction with other members of the society. In most instances, the state leaves the matter of morality to schools and religious institutions that play an essential role in bringing up children with some form of moral decency. Consequently, the morality influences the laws, given that it is highly important for ensuring that there is decency within the community. In addition, morality is useful in the community given that it enormously contributes to preserving public order (Morden, 1984). The primary purpose of the law in the society is to ensure that there is order and harmony amongst different people. Morality and religion play a crucial role in ensuring that private citizens are protected from injurious and offensive circumstances. Morality and religion are essential in preventing the corruption and exploitation of other people in the society, thus, positively contributing to law enforcement. In addition to this, morality and religion contribute to the jurisprudence of a particular state. It assists a state to formulate policies that are aimed at preventing the exploitation of the vulnerable individuals in the society. Religion and morality achieve it by protecting the marginalized people, minors, the inexperienced individuals, the physically disabled and mentally incapacitated individuals from undue exploitation. According to Anca (2011), the connecting element between law and religion is the human being. Morality generates a set of precepts, rules and ideas regarding a particular right or wrong, good or evil and right or unjust (Anca, 2011). Morality and law are similar because they both originate from God as evident in the Bible. In addition, they both involve a given higher authority and demand strict obedi ence to them. Furthermore, law and morality are related in that they both require a set of rules and punishments that are administered to the people who violate them. Morality is a key teaching that is thought in a number of religious institutions, especially in the context of Christianity. Relationship between Law and Religion Both law and religion are considered essential elements of the society, given that they are the basis of social equity and justice. Law plays an essential role in creating social organization, as it uses the technique for ensuring that there exists a coercive social order (Anca, 2011). The social norms that relate to religion are heavily applied in law especially when formulating the rules and standards to be complied by the state subjects. In addition, particular legal matters are addressed in religion concerning murder, rape, crime and other capital offences that are punishable by law (Anca, 2011). Crime is prohibited under the religious teachings and within the legal structures of a given nation. In addition, the issue of murder is extensively addressed in religion, especially in the Bible, where a punishment is applicable to individuals who commit murder as stated in one of the Ten Commandments. There also exists a link between the social norms and the jurisdiction of a particular state. Even though law and religion have a number of differences, the imposition of rules and punishments created a link between them, which is represented by the human being (Anca, 2011). Religion is concerned with the adherence to a supreme being, God, and it emphasizes the moral relationship that man has with God. In addition, religion is concerned with the management of spiritual intimacy between man and God. Furthermore, morality focuses on resolving societal conflicts rather than allowing the use of physical force contrary to the principle of law that states the following: â€Å"praetor of internis non judicata† (Ancas, 2011). According to Morden (1984), religious institutions are the primary factors of the linkages between law and religion. There exist contractual relations between religious institutions and the state’s legal structures. The law of contracts is useful in sancti oning private arrangements between various societal members, thus, preventing the imposition of an individual’s rights and obligations on the basis of one’s societal status. In the context of Islam, there exists a direct link between Islamic law and the Islam religion given that the religious beliefs of Islam are enforced to those who subscribe to the religion. According to Ancas (2011), there is much interdependence between the societal norms and justice. In legal terms, offences are classified as crimes. In the religious context, the criminal offences are classified as sins that are punishable under the biblical or Quran meaning. According to Esposito (2010), the Islamic religion faces significant challenges as it tries to fit into the dynamic modern environment. Islam is the source of the Sharia Law that is enforced by a number of countries within the Middle East, West Africa and parts of Asia. Islam faces a number of issues that have the potential of affecting global politics in the 21st century (Esposito, 2010). Such questions have been raised due to the changes that are evident in the society and the increased interdependence between law, morality and religion. Esposito (2011) poses a number of questions that must be adequately addressed in order to comprehend the necessity of law on religion. The specific issues that arise relate to whether the Islamic faith compatible with the modern democracy notions or not. In addition, there exist issues concerning the gender equality, the rule of law, human rights and observance of individual’s rights to freedom (Esposito, 2011). In a number of Islamic countries, such as the Islamic State of Iraq Syria, people constantly face grave violations of human rights and restriction to the free movement and interaction amongst people. As an example, in the United Arab Emirates, the problem of gender equality results in the fact that women are oppressed using religiously-backed laws. In addition, Esposito (2011) argues that the issue of widespread Islamic fundamentalism poses a significant threat to world peace through terrorism. In the past, there has been the emergence of Islamophobia that significant ly affects world politics and further creates a threat to peace and stability. The recent developments in the Muslim world have impacted the Islam and the imposition of Sharia Law. It can be seen that Islamic fundamentalism has become widespread and representative throughout the world, thus, creating a challenge of imposing Sharia Law on a mixed populace. There also exist a number of Islamic minorities, particularly in Europe and North America, whose citizenship loyalty is questionable (Esposito, 2011). Given that Islamophobia poses a threat of global terrorism, it has necessitated the enactment of several laws meant to reduce the radicalization of individuals on the basis of religion. Focusing on the Sharia Law, the particular faith in Islam is used to resolve conflicts through the application of procedural law. In the Sharia Law, the Inquisitorial procedural law is adopted, whereby the Imams question to truth in order to reach a verdict. Islamic people believe that Sharia is a living system with a particular set of elements that set out the criteria of Muslim identity. The criteria include the Shahabada, Salat, ZAKAT, Sawm and Hajj components (Esposito, 2011). The Shahabada element relates to the profession of faith that views God as an absolute authority. The Salat refers to the weekly Friday sermon and the five daily prayers that enable the individuals to be dependent on the Quran. In addition, the Friday sermon creates a link between the religion and the political aspects of the society. According to Esposito (2011), the Friday sermon provides an interaction between political factors and religion, given that it addresses issues directly. ZAKAT relates to five elements of charity, redistribution to those in need and alms. Such elements are essential as they influence legislations regarding labor and property. Moreover, they directly impact on a state’s labor and property laws. The other components of the Sharia Law that influences legislation include the Sawm and the Hajj. The two elements represent fasting and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. In addition to the significant contribution of the five fundamental elements of the Sharia Law, the provisions that are contained in the Quran contribute significantly to the law. Specifically, the provisions relating to substantial claims to social justice and secure property rights are all applicable in national law. Esposito (2011) states that the Supreme Islam Law can function independently of the state law or in parallel with the secular law. Thus, the litigants under the Sharia Law are not restricted to the Islamic laws but can also file their disputes under the secular state laws. The flexibility of the law indicates that the two sets of rules can work concurrently in ensuring that there is a social equity and justice. The Islamic religion provides a set of beliefs that govern how one is supposed to live as a Muslim. In addition, they provide a particular way of reasoning and adherence to appropriate moral values. Moreover, the law constrains the power of secular rulers and religious power by governing the actions of the leaders on the subjects and providing a self-enforcing mechanism, ensuring that it is independent. The Sharia Law acts as a source of moral reasoning that is crucial in revitalizing movements in society regarding charity work, religious teachings, political reforms and personal changes. The correlation between religion and law as evidenced above indicates that state law borrows many elements from religion. In addition, the judicial decisions take into account a number of factors so that the courts cannot be regarded as philosophically neutral establishments (Brown, 2013). There exist a strong link between law and religion, given that the religious beliefs and values of the people are the foundation of the society. The spiritual values are incorporated into the secular law in respect that they are integral to creating societal values that shape the principles, rules and institutions that govern the society.

ENV 101 Exam 2 pt 1 Essays

ENV 101 Exam 2 pt 1 Essays ENV 101 Exam 2 pt 1 Paper ENV 101 Exam 2 pt 1 Paper What is the difference in the adaptation of a sled dogs (such as a Husky) thick coat of hair to help it withstand the cold temperatures of Arctic winters and a dog that adapts to cold temperatures in the fall by growing a thickened coat? The adaptation of the sled dog best describes adaptation at the ____________ level while the dog exposed to seasonal colder temperatures has _____________. Population; physiological modifications at the individual level Evolution occurs as a result of Better survival or reproduction rates by individuals with a particular characteristic Which of the following is a physiological modification used to adapt to environmental conditions? Leaves becoming thick and leathery on a plant growing in a dry, hot climate Natural selection will ultimately make a species Better adapted to its environment Regular lawn mowing selects for short-headed rather than tall-headed dandelions because Short flowers have less competition when the lawn is mowed often Tolerance limits are _______ that limit a species survival. Any environmental conditions A species can withstand a wide range of pH as an adult but the juveniles can only withstand a narrow range of pH. The abiotic factor, pH, would best be described as a Stress factor Which of the following fish species would be the best indicator of clean, well-oxygenated water? Rainbow trout Populations are most critically limited by Any of these, depending on the system Indicator species, such as lichens, generally have a ___________ tolerance range for a ___________. Narrow; critical factor A species can withstand a narrow range of temperature. Above 100?F there are no species present. In the range from 97?F to 100?F and 90?F to 94?F there are a few species present. Below 90?F there are no species present. 11. What would you label the range of temperature from 90?F to 94?F for this particular species? Zone of physiological stress What would you label the range of temperature from 95?F to 96?F for this particular species in the scenario? Optimal range A generalist is a species that Occupies a variety of ecological niches Certain night-active moths and day-active birds are specialized nectar feeders. How do these species coexist if they are using the same resource for food? They do not compete for the nectar because they feed at different times of the day Humans can best be described as Generalists Resource partitioning leads species to All of these would be a result of resource partitioning Resource partitioning tends to lead to a high degree of _______ in species Specialization Intraspecific competition is competition among ________ for resources Members of a single species Which of the following is not a common strategy for successful interspecific competition? The life cycle of dragonflies (the larva live in the water) An especially effective strategy for reducing intraspecific competition is Different ecological niches for juveniles and adults Symbiosis means A relationship in which both species benefit In the partnership of a lichen, the fungus provides _________ and the relationship is best described as structure and moisture-holding ability; mutualism A keystone species is a species whose presence Influences the population size of many other species in its community In a commensal relationship, One species benefits while the other neither suffers nor benefits A biological communitys productivity is a measure of amount of biomass produced in the community Abundance describes the total number of _________ while diversity describes the number of _________. Organisms in a community; species in a community In a biological community where diversity is great, such as a tropical rainforest, the abundance of any one species is likely to be Small As a rule, near the Earths north and south poles, Neither abundance nor diversity is high Complexity in an ecological community has to do with the number of species at each trophic level A community with hundreds of different types of primary producers, a few herbivores and only one carnivore, has Little complexity A community that changes very little over time is said to have great Constancy In the coastal forest of Oregon an area was clear-cut for logging. Trees at the edge of the clearing and 200 meters into the forest died within a few months after the logging began. What is the best explanation for the death of the trees? increased sunlight, wind and temperature negatively affected the trees A closed community has a Narrow ecotone A climax community is one that Is relatively stable and long lasting Primary succession occurs when a community develops ____________ while secondary succession occurs when one ________. On unoccupied ground; biological community replaces another As ecological development proceeds, a biological community Becomes more diverse The most common reason that introduced species cause trouble is because they Disrupt pre-existing niches Which of the following migrations is likely to cause the extinction of a native species? The introduction of a predator onto an island originally free from predators A biome is described by Broadly similar environmental conditions Location of specific biomes can be predicted based on Precipitation and temperature In the graph of precipitation and temperature, desert biomes would fall in the area marked by the letter A Neo and Trinity are in a biome that has relatively stable temperatures and abundant rainfall. They have a graph of precipitation and temperature similar to the one shown. Which letter marks the biome they are located in? C Cloud forests are found in ________ areas in tropical regions. Cool mountainous Neo finds himself sweating in a moist forest but there arent many streams or wetlands. He is amazed by the tremendous amount of biodiversity including an abundance of biting mosquitoes. Has he inadvertently gotten closer to his goal of finding a boreal forest? No the description is that of a tropical rainforest A biome absent from North America is the Tropical rainforest Which of the following is an example of a specialization that plants in the desert may have? All of these are adaptations of plants living in desert conditions Tropical seasonal forests are specially adapted to tolerate Annual cycles of severe drought and heavy rain

Case study #1 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

#1 - Case Study Example Basing on the company’s experience and an interview with one of the workers at the customer service center of Nike Inc, the paper examines the process of customer service within the company. Creation of strong brand equity has over the past four decades become major strengths for the enterprise. The structure and emphasis within the business ensure that the customer get the concept of the idea behind the brand and want to have a connection with the name. After identifying the importance of customer experience, the company is making major steps towards the creation of a competitive advantage. It is believed that seventy percent of purchasing trends and purchasing experiences among customers are a result of clients feeling regarding their treatment. The availability of strong competing brands like Addidas and Puma has led to the realization of the importance of handling customer experience within the company. Since customers are aware of the availability of strong brands competing with Nike, they enjoy the luxury of demanding better services and better treatment while their complaints are being resolved. Because customer brand experience directly correlates with the exper ience enjoyed by the client, ensuring an existence of authentic customer engagements before and after completion of a sale is essential (Frisch, 2009). The approach needs requires a personal commitment with the client throughout the period to ensure any needs or requirements of the client are handled. As Nike company operations involves engaging in direct contact with customers, the company emphasizes on the importance of customer interaction through these processes throughout its retailers worldwide. The organization has consequently created loyalty programs among customers to ensure continuous interactions with customers that in return lead to the development of customer experience. The company’s

Crime Prevention Program Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Crime Prevention Program - Essay Example All the groups used to have a meeting twice in seven days in which active participation of parents was encouraged. The meetings were held at the homes of different participants; every time a new participant’s home was chosen for the meeting purpose. The first meeting of the week had the objective of the activities to be carried out until the next meeting. Every group had four to seven members who remained together for ten to twelve weeks. The experimental group had ten sub-groups and the control group was made according to the sex, age, criminal history before the initial selection, race, parents’ nationality, parents’ work background and the intellectual level of the individuals. The program went on for six months after which the experimental group was evaluated in order to compare the results with the initial evaluation. The evaluation was based on the variables including school performance, work involvement and criminal activities. However, in the final evalua tion of experimental group results did not show up significant difference in the criminal activity whereas the participants of control group had decreased their rates of crimes. ConclusionFor a successful crime prevention program it is necessary to generate significant difference in the delinquency of participants especially the experimental group, however, in the case of S.O.F.T.L.Y. the difference between the initial and final evaluations was not sufficient enough as the participants of the experimental group.

Boeotian black figure tripod kothon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Boeotian black figure tripod kothon - Essay Example The komos is a parade of masked men costumed as satyrs and an occasion of feasting, joyous drinking and dancing.1 According to Maurice Emmanuel, representations of komos was much affected by the painters of vases and the fashion spread over the whole of Hellenistic world, to Boeotia and its kothons.2 The homosexual theme painted on the kothon served its purpose because; the kothon was the preferred drinking-vessel by soldiers taken on campaigns because it is easily carried in a knapsack. Greek men are known to practice pederasty and soldiers were known to fight with their lovers in battle. In the Constitution of the Lacedaemonians, Critias wrote about the vessel: â€Å"The reason why it is so well adapted to military use is that it is often necessary to drink water that is not pure. It is first of all useful because the liquid to be drunk cannot be seen with any clarity.†3 The Boeotian black figure tripod kothon further demonstrates this with its inward turning edges which wou ld inevitably catch a residue of the impurities inside its lip. One man, in dancing depiction, stretches an inviting reach toward the other dancing figures chin in the depiction of hopeful gesture for a romantic response. It appears that the dances are part of Dionysian rites with its revelry and wine-involved dances. Dionysius or his representation, however, is not depicted in the painting. According to Csapo and Miller, it is difficult to establish a connection to Dionysius on the basis of available iconography because the kothon paintings only show general associations such as the use of wine in the ritual and the masked satyrs.4 In the previously cited kothon artifact housed in Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, there is a more detailed depiction of the komos in the Boeotian kothon (see the picture below). In this case, the komos is collocated with a sacrifice ceremony, involving wine-poring, piper playing and

Civil Liberties and Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Civil Liberties and Rights - Essay Example Individuals from different areas changed into a new race of men and their prosperity and labors caused significant changes in the world in the future. Now days united States demographics are not the only ones who are changing in an unprecedented way, but also notions of assimilation. It has been noted that, as the immigrants’ size of population reaches a critical mass in some communities, they are to be transformed by the American society. Culture in America is a powerful force that influences people living in America and the entire world. (Davis, 2003, p. 213). Today, several factors have combined to allow immigrants to resist, if they decide to use assimilation, which is believed to be irresistible. It has become easier for immigrants to resist change because; cultural diversity has been accepted, with emphasis laid on industrial competitiveness. It is worth noting that Immigrants embrace the notion of cultural diversity. This is because they do not have any mechanisms, and policies that describe what cultural diversity actual means. It is pertinent to note that cultural diversity is part of the national agenda, and plays a part in supporting its production realization in the ways people play, work, and live together. During colonization, various European colonists went to where it is today known as United States. Some moved there with the hope of being free of political and religious prosecution while others were after riches and to expansion of their companies. Swedish was in the category of those who went to colonize America under their governments command. Swedish went to America in large numbers and with a purpose. Out of the large numbers, they formed communities, which kept private for them, and in these communities, there were people from many different trades and with many skills lived and prospered. Considering this large numbers, concentration of Swedish people in

Starbucks Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Starbucks Case Study - Essay Example The location for the first store was, in Seattle in the â€Å"touristy Pikes Place Market†. The name of the store was Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Spice. The setting of the store was to quote the website â€Å"modest, hand-built nautical fixtures†. On one wall was filled with whole bean coffees while another had shelves of coffee products. Peet owned a store called Peet’s Coffee and Tea. It was in this store that Peet thought of how these three would-be founders of how to brew the coffee beans in a manner that brought out their flavour (Thompson and Gamble 1997). In the beginning, according to the official company website, the method of brewing this coffee was the European way. This method was chosen because it brought out the full flavour of the beans. In addition, the name of the company was drawn from a character in the Moby Dick who loved coffee. The company logo was in continuance of this romantic ideal which was a two-tailed mermaid encircled by the companyâ⠂¬â„¢s name (Thompson and Gamble 1997). Between 1982 and 1985, the company hired Howard Schultz as head of marketing and overseeing retail stores. By then, the company had four stores within Seattle. After a while of experience, a lot of a challenges, as well as, resistance from the top management, Schultz quit to form his own company called â€Å"II Giornale†. This was the company that in 1987 purchased Starbucks and by 1992 had established 161 stores. It was after 1992 that the company went public in a highly successful initial Public Offering (Thompson and Gamble 1997). Starbucks Culture as per Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Hofstede a Dutch social psychologist came up with four dimensions, which were later reversed upward to six (Piepenburg 2011). In his opinion, these dimensions influence human thinking, organizations and institutions in a certain, predictable manner (Piepenburg 2011). These dimensions are power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/colle ctivism, and masculinity/femininity. According to Hofstede, the first dimension is Power Distance Index (PDI). In this dimension, the main focus is on how a society or organization is stratified. Equality or inequality is the major reference point of this dimension (Piepenburg 2011). Going back to the Starbucks, there is a difference in terms of the Power Distance. Under the original founding partners, the company did not seem to hold the employees in high esteem. A case in point was the request for the extension of healthcare to part time workers, which had been turned down. Under Schultz, the company took a different path. This involved extending the coverage to all employees working 20 or more hours, and it was similar to the coverage extended to the fulltime employees (Thompson and Gamble 1997).This was mainly driven by Schultz’s humble background and the desire to not let others go through what his father had to endure. Another dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance Index (U AI). This dimension is defined as the extent to which people within a culture feel threatened by uncertain or unknown situations (Thomson and Baden-Fuller 2010).Accordingly Uncertainty Avoidance Index is higher in countries that citizens are more emotional and motivated by inner nervous energy (Thomson and Baden-Fuller 2010). In this case, the UAI in the United States was lower than it was in France when Starbucks was making a foray into this country. This indicates that the general French conservative citizens preferred their traditional coffee houses to the

Humanities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Humanities - Essay Example As the paper outlines arts played a major role especially in the urban society leading to a progressive and dynamic growth. With growth, intellectual innovations and spiritual tensions in the Church there emerged new and creative styles in architecture, visual arts, literature and music. The three relationships of art during the Middle Ages that I would like to discuss with my students would be on architecture, literature and music. On the architectural front, an artistic renaissance emerged and was supported by both religious and secular patrons. Islamic and Byzantine civilizations created an impact resulting in Romanesque architecture that involved magnificent cathedrals with round archways and intricate stone carvings. Following this was the Gothic architecture with its flying buttresses and vaulted ribs such as used in the Notre Dame in Paris. Secondly, Literacy flourished during the Middle Ages. Latin was the dominant language in which many books were written but were also trans lated into other languages such as English, German and French. Lyrical poetry played an important role by celebrating the love between knights and ladies in the court. Epic tales of chivalry, love and heroism were exemplified in wonderful literary works such as ‘Beowulf’, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Canterbury Tales. Enlightening literature on Religion on the biographies of saints and their miracles were beautifully drawn and painted on handwritten manuscripts in gold and other brilliant colors. Thirdly, during the Middle Ages, music was considered to be an integral part of their lives and as it evolved, it increased in complexity with the monophonic Gregorian chant and interesting ballads that involved the complex weaving together of polyphonic musical lines.

Leadership Philosophy Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Leadership Philosophy - Coursework Example positive influence, developing right priorities, integrity, creating positive change, problem solving, right attitude, developing people, vision, self-discipline and team building. All these aspects are very important in respect of a comprehensive approach to leadership. However, one of the most important qualities of a leader is to have a vision. A vision is a clear image or idea about the aspirations of a leader. A vision comprises a set of specifically defined objectives that an individual or a firm aims to achieve, along with ways to achieve the same. Vision can also be defined as a picture of the future, where a leader defines the aspirations, develops plans for achieving the same and predicts future changes related to the venture. Maxwell explained that vision is developed by combining the past, present and future ideas. An individual is able to learn different lessons from past experiences, which act as cornerstone for vision development. The present helps an individual in determining resources that he/she would require while giving a physical shape to the vision. The future enables development of the bigger picture of a particular idea conceived in an individual’s mind. The paper is a self-reflective essay about a particular vision of the author and the various measures to be adopted for giving physical shape to the vision. Personal health is an asset for every individual. Yet, with increasing complexity in the surrounding environment, most of us are unable to enjoy a healthy life. One of the important aspects of maintaining health is food. Our food consumption behavior is reflected on our health. For instance, high consumption of fast food results in obesity, while excessive dieting causes malnutrition and related diseases. Most individuals want to eat healthy food, but hate to compromise on requirements of the taste buds. Consequently, taste gets more preference over health. The above situation is common for almost every individual and considering

Humanities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Humanities - Essay Example As the paper outlines arts played a major role especially in the urban society leading to a progressive and dynamic growth. With growth, intellectual innovations and spiritual tensions in the Church there emerged new and creative styles in architecture, visual arts, literature and music. The three relationships of art during the Middle Ages that I would like to discuss with my students would be on architecture, literature and music. On the architectural front, an artistic renaissance emerged and was supported by both religious and secular patrons. Islamic and Byzantine civilizations created an impact resulting in Romanesque architecture that involved magnificent cathedrals with round archways and intricate stone carvings. Following this was the Gothic architecture with its flying buttresses and vaulted ribs such as used in the Notre Dame in Paris. Secondly, Literacy flourished during the Middle Ages. Latin was the dominant language in which many books were written but were also trans lated into other languages such as English, German and French. Lyrical poetry played an important role by celebrating the love between knights and ladies in the court. Epic tales of chivalry, love and heroism were exemplified in wonderful literary works such as ‘Beowulf’, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Canterbury Tales. Enlightening literature on Religion on the biographies of saints and their miracles were beautifully drawn and painted on handwritten manuscripts in gold and other brilliant colors. Thirdly, during the Middle Ages, music was considered to be an integral part of their lives and as it evolved, it increased in complexity with the monophonic Gregorian chant and interesting ballads that involved the complex weaving together of polyphonic musical lines.

Short Stories Essay Lamb to the Slaughter Essay Example for Free

Short Stories Essay Lamb to the Slaughter Essay Most murder mysteries often have a motive to prompt an investigation, and most classic murder mysteries include a detective to solve the case. Murder mysteries obviously also include a murder, may it be spectacular, cold blooded or accidental. There is also a murderer and a victim and a weapon of some description.. However, not all murder mysteries involve an alibi which in my opinion, adds to the suspense of the story. The main focus of a murder mystery is the location of the story or where it is set. There may be many different locations in a murder story, however there must be one main location for the story to be effective. Lamb to the Slaughter was written by Roald Dahl who is infamous for his enthralling stories, most of which are directed at a younger audience. It was first published in 1954. In Lamb to the Slaughter, the use of modern language automatically gives the impression that it is written in the present day. Roald Dahl is much more famous for his stories which are directed at a younger audience, however Lamb to the Slaughter is directed at an older audience ranging from GCSE students to adults. In his style of writing, Roald Dahl always writes about ordinary people who get involved in difficult situations to make his stories more suspenseful. The other short story, which I will be investigating, is The Speckled Band. The Speckled Band was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and it was first published in 1892. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is infamous for writing The Sherlock Holmes Adventures and The Speckled Band is just one story of many and The Speckled Band is written in speech of the time when it was first published much like Lamb to the Slaughter. Much more formal English language was used when compared to Lamb to the Slaughter. The main characters in The Speckled Band are Holmes and Watson and you could tell that they were well educated just by analysing how they spoke. Sir Arthur Conan Doyles creation has had worldwide success and has also been made into a Television series. The stories prove so popular because of the way Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the stories. He was very descriptive and gave the reader a real atmosphere of what it must be like to be in Sherlock Holmes Land. The setting also enhances the suspense and the atmosphere of the stories which is also another successful formula, which proves the Sherlock Holmes Stories to be  so popular. Sherlock Holmes is probably thee most famous detective in the world now and it is all thanks to the creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band are both murder stories however they both deal with different types of murders. However in both stories there is a focus on animals that being the snake in The Speckled Band and the Leg Of Lamb in Lamb to the Slaughter. The Speckled Band is the longer, more sophisticated story of the pair and deals with exotic animals. This may be a personal theme of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. While the Lamb to the Slaughter murder is brutally simple, but in this case the murder is so good the murderess gets off. In the Speckled Band we want the detective to solve the murder to tell us how it was done, while in the Lamb to the Slaughter we know how the murder was committed, and we read on to see if she gets away with it. We also have two different styles as one of them was written in the 19th Century and the other in the 20th Century. The Speckled Band starts with the reader being introduced to how many cases Dr Holmes and Watson have solved and also what sort of cases these were. These cases were not ordinary cases, they were all difficult; strange, but none-commonplace, so any normal cases were shunned. The first sentence is also very long; taking up eight lines, so the reader can get background all in one go, without having to refer back to anywhere. The story is retrospect, as the plot of the story has already been started. We are introduced to the case and Dr Holmes; by Dr Watson, the faithful companion to Holmes. The entire first paragraph is devoted to describing the case of Dr Grimesby Roylott of Stoke Moran The first mention we get of Holmes is when at the beginning of the second paragraph he wakes Watson up, which we find unusual as, we are told he is a late riser. At the bottom of the next page we get our first archaism of the story. These are old style words or phrases that are now no longer in use, the one we get here is intimate friend, in this sentence he is referring to Dr Watson, and now most people no longer say male friends are intimate. We also get the feeling that Holmes has collected a considerable amount of money for his efforts on the seventy odd cases he has solved. This is shown by the fact he is only a bachelor; but he still manages to have a maid, and  he also drinks coffee which is an expensive drink; as in 1883 coffee was a recent import and so only for the upper classes. He is also respectful and a gentlemen and cares a lot for people, You must not fear, he said leaning forward and patting her arm. We then come across defray which is another archaism and means to make good or repay. We also find that Holmes finds his work rewarding, as when Miss Stoner says she cant pay yet, Holmes lets her pay when she can. The narrative then told by Miss Stoner goes on to say she was a step daughter to one of the oldest Saxon families in England, this family has fallen apart as has the Saxons. Being old as well would mean they were honourable. The estate had stretched to Berkshire and Hampshire, which are both rich a reas. The Dr Grimesby Roylott went to Calcutta, which was the jewel in the crown, of the British Empire, and soon got a prison sentence for beating a native butler to death, but as he was white, he did not get a death sentence. This shows us that he had a huge temper and was strong enough to kill someone with a beating. While in the Indies he married Mrs Stoner who had ?1000 a year, which would be given to him while her daughters resided with him. So when she died shortly after they returned to England near Crewe in a railway accident, they moved in with Dr Grimesby Roylott back to his roots at Stoke Moran. While they lived with him the ?1000 a year saw to all their needs. Until Doctor Grimesby Roylott changed and started throwing fits of anger, and as he was a man of immense strength he often got into brawls. It was said to be part hereditary and part from living in the tropics for so long. He had even thrown the local blacksmith over a bridge, so if he could do that to a blacksmith, normal people had no chance. He also allowed gypsies onto his land, and would disappear off with them for weeks at a time. He also had a cheetah and a baboon roaming his land, showing that he could not leave India behind. Her sister met a half-pay Major of Marines at her aunts house, and if she were to marry him Dr Grimesby Roylott would have to pay ?250 a year of his ?1000. A half pay soldier is a private soldier who already has enough money to live, and doesnt need paying; he is an amateur soldier. On the day of the murder the weather had been bad and full of forbidding, offering perhaps some pathetic fallacy of the awful deed done that night. Then from the story being quiet and conversational it very quickly turns into a scene of action and murder. The last words of her sister were very confusing, and so puzzled everyone;  which added mystery and cynicism. The next main event was when Percy Armitage asks for her hand in marriage. When this happens she is told to move to the room where her sister had died. From this point onwards the reader is very neutral, as they talk of what to do, and in a classic Sherlock Holmes way he talks of what to do and when to do it, but it will all happen because of logic. The next page is just Dr Holmes summing up and analysing all that he has been told. Dr Grimesby Roylott then burst through the door and starts shouting and threatening Holmes, he is never phased by any of this and responds quietly and politely to the raging shouts directed at him. We then see the great detective start on his quest; he shows he is also well aquatinted with firearms as he tells Watson to get an Eleys No2. So they then set off on the journey to Stoke Moran, when reached the story tells of the darkness surrounding Stoke Moran, and the Great House and its owner. During this part of the story, Watson asks Holmes questions on behalf of the reader, and so the reader gets all the information that Watson gets. Sherlock Holmes then goes through the whole process of trying to solve the mystery of how the murderer got into the house room, but it is without success, so it is still a mystery to Watson, the reader and probably Holmes. It is obvious though over the next few pages that Holmes begins to understand how the murder was committed. It is also shown that he begins to dislike Dr Grimesby Roylott increasingly, as he understands more about the murder and how it was committed. We then get the plan of Sherlock Holmes to show us how the murder was committed. The plan works perfectly, but with one fatal part for Dr Grimesby Roylott. The doctor is bitten by the murder weapon, the evil doctor dies dressed even in death in an eastern style. After this we are brought up to date by Dr Watson as he finishes writing the narrative. The start of the Lamb to the Slaughter differs from the Speckled Band because it is in the pas-tense. It builds up a picture. It also shows that it is in the 20th century as it has a Thermos bucket. We are then introduced straight away with no description a character who is Mary Maloney, who is six months with a child; and so an unlikely murderer. Where as in the Speckled Band we are introduced to Holmes after a page of description of his background; and  he is the story. The story style is more immediate and straightforward, and in the Speckled Band we have Dr Watson as a filter to help us. We get description of movement over the next paragraphs. This helps us to assess the mood in the house, and the tension between the two people. We also get to know the characters, and their routines, where as in the Speckled band we know who the main characters are and what they do, while out of no where we are told that Mr Maloney is a policeman with no build up to it all. We are also told that the couple have a conversation that lasts only about four or five minutes. We are not told what happened in this conversation, so we are forced to make our own opinion, of what he said to her, while in the Speckled Band we are given every detail. We are then made to make up our own mind about this and the next part of the story, when she walks across the room, she couldnt even feel her feet touching the floor. This shows she is walking on an autopilot, she may have pre-meditated the murder. She then goes downstairs to get the leg of lamb. We are told all this in the Lamb to the slaughter, but in the Speckled Band we dont know what the murder weapon is, but we do know that it is pre-meditated. We are then told that Mrs Maloney goes out to the shops to get an alibi, that she was happy and chirpy and not looking or acting like someone who had just committed murder, she puts on the face of a expectant mother and a very happy wife. She does this perfectly and gets th e alibi needed for later in the story. So when she gets back to the house she does not need to act to cry or feel sorrow at the death of her husband because she really loved him, and was probably sorry for killing him. The stories do also differ as, one person calls all the moves of the investigation, and the other has a team of people working all working together to try and solve the murder, when the single investigator solves the crime and the group of detectives fail. We then get a long drawn out conversation between the policemen, which is all-ironic. As they talk about the murder weapon, they are describing the joint that they are eating. Towards the end Mary gets referred less and less as a person and more as an object; this shows her identity as a murderer is disappearing. Both of the murders are perfectly planned and carried out, but the one has a detective, which we need to solve the case, and the other is a case of will the murderer be caught?

Whole Grain Consumption as a Target for Obesity Intervention

Whole Grain Consumption as a Target for Obesity Intervention Policy Options for Increasing Whole Grain Consumption as a Target for Obesity Intervention Tamar Roomian Executive Summary This policy brief will focus on whole-grain consumption in the United States population as a target for obesity intervention. Over one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and can contribute to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. The estimated annual cost of obesity was $147 billion (in 2008 dollars) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Recent scientific evidence has associated refined grain consumption and lack of whole grain consumption with obesity and its complications. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a majority of adults are deficient in whole grains and fiber. Given the widespread scope of the obesity epidemic, this is problematic, as it has been demonstrated by epidemiological evidence that whole grain consumption is inversely associated with abdominal fat and weight gain. Currently, there are no policies regarding whole grain consumption beyond Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for labeli ng number of whole grain grams per serving. Therefore, a policy to increase population-wide whole grain consumption may reduce population-wide weight gain, associated health outcomes, and economic impact. This policy brief will discuss three policy options. The first option is to impose a labeling requirement for manufactured products to report percentage whole grain, in conjunction with dietary guidelines to limit refined grain consumption, in order to encourage food manufacturers to voluntarily reformulate their products consistent with consumer demand. The second option is to require that whole grains be the default option at restaurants by taking advantage of the â€Å"default effect,† or the phenomenon that individuals tend to stick with the default choice. However, testing would be required to ensure that the nudge is indeed effective. The third option is to impose a refined grain tax to disincentivize purchase. A tax would generate government revenue, but would meet heavy resistance from the food manufacturing industry. Context and Importance of Problem According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and can contribute to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. The CDC estimates that the annual cost of obesity was $147 billion in 2008 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Obesity is a complex problem requiring many solutions at multiple levels. Recent scientific evidence has associated refined grain consumption and lack of whole grain consumption with obesity and its complications. This policy brief will therefore focus on whole-grain consumption in the United States population. Whole grains are defined as â€Å"grains that still have the endosperm, germ, and bran present in the same proportion of the intact grain.† The outer bran and inner germ are a source of dietary fiber, b-vitamins, iron, magnesium, vitamin E, as well as other potential unmeasured nutrients that are lost in processing when manufactured as refined grains (McKeown, Troy, Jacques, Hoffmann, ODonnell, Fox, 2010). Processing whole grain to white flour increases caloric density by 10% and decreases fiber content by 80% (Gross, Li, Ford, Liu, 2004). Gross et al. examined trends in refined grain consumption over the twentieth century using the National Nutrient Data Bank to obtain nutrient content of the U.S. food supply, and food availability data from the Economic Research Service and Nutrient Data Laboratory of the Agricultural Research Service. They concluded that since 1963, consumption for carbohydrates increased from 374 g/day to 500 g/day, but fiber intake did not increase proportionally, indicating that refined-grain consumption increased (Gross et al., 2004). According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a dataset from a nationally represented nutrition questionnaire, only 4.9% of adults 19-50 years of age and 6.6% of adults 51 years and over consume the government recommended three or more whole grain servings. Approximately 72% of adults 19-50 and 66% of adults 51 and over consumed less than .6 servings of whole grains. Mean dietary fiber intake was 16.1 grams, below the government recommended 25-30 grams per day (O’Neil, Zanovec, Cho, Nicklas, 2010). This is problematic, as whole grain and fiber consumption is associated with lower body weight in the NHANES (O’Neil et al., 2010). Moreover, in a study using the Framingham Heart Study cohort, whole grain consumption was inversely associated with waist circumference and abdominal fat after controlling for confounders. Abdominal fat is strongly associated to metabolic risk factors including glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance (McKeown et al., 2010). Using the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a very large longitudinal cohort of female nurses and male health professionals, whole grain consumption was inversely associated with long-term weight gain, while consumption of refined grains was positively associated with weight gain, after controlling for physical activity, television use, alcohol use, sleep duration, smoking and diet. The authors suggest that increased consumption of whole grains is therefore ass ociated with a greater reduction of intake of other foods, because fiber slows digestion and increases satiety. (Mozaffarian, Hao, Rimm, Willett, Hu, 2011). Policy Options Therefore, based on the above scientific evidence, the goal of policy is to increase consumption of whole grains while decreasing consumption of refined grains. Even if the reduction to the individual is small, because most Americans are exposed (i. e. consumers of refined grains), a modest reduction in the entire population could therefore make a large impact (Rose, 2008). While whole grain requirements have already been added to the national school lunch program, this does not address the majority of U.S. adults, as they do not attend public school (Grain requirements for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, 2012). Evidence for policy options can be derived from previous policy regarding trans fat, sodium, and sugar-sweetened beverages, as there has been strong scientific evidence to associate their consumption with poorer health outcomes, and subsequent policies have followed. The first option is to institute a labeling requirement so that manufacturers must clearly label the percentage of whole grain in the product, as recommended by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Current FDA regulations only prohibit false or misleading labeling. However, according to the CSPI, even with FDA regulations, current whole-grain labeling by manufacturers based is still misleading, as items accurately labeled as ‘made with whole grains† can still be primarily comprised of refined grains (CSPI, 2012) Requiring labeling may cause manufacturers to change formulations on their own volition. For example, In the United States, mandatory trans fat labeling decreased trans fatty acid content in manufactured foods, even without substantially increasing saturated fat (Uauy et al., 2009). In a study of 5000 chip and cookie products before and after the mandatory labeling requirement, led to a reduction of 45% and 42% respectively (Van Camp, Hooker, Lin, 2012). Bakery products reduced their trans fat level by 73% after the labeling requirement (United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2013). It is important to note that the labeling requirement was in conjunction with the USDA’s 2005 dietary recommendations to â€Å"limit trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible.† (USDA, 2008). In contrast, the current 2010 dietary recommendations for whole grains state that at least half of servings eaten each day should be whole, rather than an explicit limit on refined grains. Labeling and the USDA requirement would therefore need to be concurrent to be most effective. In addition, changes in labeling assumes consumers will be able to understand the new labels, and therefore influence their choice of item. If the labels indeed drive consumer demand, this can provide a motivating force for manufacturers to change formulations in conjunction with the labels. The advantage is minimal government intervention beyond dietary guidelines and labeling requirements. The manufacturers would voluntarily change their product formulations because of consumer demand. Consumers w ould still have autonomy over their choices. Consumers would likely support this policy as it could increase access to information and better inform consumer choice. Food manufacturers would likely oppose this policy, as it would require testing, new labeling, and possible product reformulations, which would increase costs, unless the food manufacturers are highly motivated by consumer demand for the reformulations. A second option is to require that whole grains be the â€Å"default† option at restaurants. The default effect is defined as â€Å"the tendency for decision makers to stick with the default or the option that takes effect if one does make an explicit choice.† (Li and Chapman, 2013). Previous evidence for the default effect is with regards to the McDonald’s Happy Meal, which changed to reduce the French fry serving size, include apples without caramel dipping sauce, and low fat or fat-free chocolate milk in place of soda. Analysis of item-level transaction data that included the children’s meals pre and post meal changes showed that the average meal after changes were initiated reduced calories by 18% (although it is worth noting that the study was partially funded by McDonald’s) (Wansink Hanks, 2014). However, despite success with the Happy Meal, â€Å"nudges† are not always successful, and testing should be conducted before any policy enac ting. The third option is to impose a tax on refined grain foods to discourage purchase. The government may benefit by using the revenue generated by the tax towards health prevention programs. Currently, taxes on harmful substances such as cigarettes can be more easily justified due to their addictive nature, strong evidence towards poorer health outcomes, and their lack of requirement for survival. However, taxes on food items can be unpopular and difficult to enact. Political climates may eventually change, easing passage of this type of policy. For example, New York City’s soda tax was unpopular at the time, but as evidence against sugar-sweetened beverages increased, the idea has become trendy and the political climate has changed. Mexico recently adopted a 10% soda tax which has resulted in a 5% decline in Coca Cola sales (Guthrie, 2014). San Francisco and Berkley, California, are now imposing a soda tax. Past efforts in United States cities have failed due to heavy lobbying b y the food manufacturing industry, as the PepsiCo Inc, Coca Cola Co., and the American Beverage Association have spent $70 million on lobbying and issue ads (Stanford, 2012). References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014f). Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics: Adult Obesity DNPAO CDC. Retrieved October 13, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html Center for Science in the Public Interest (2012). Misleading whole grain claims rampant on store shelves. Retrieved from http://wholegrainscouncil.org/files/CSPI_wgclaimsPR.pdf. Gross, L. S., Li, L., Ford, E. S., Liu, S. (2004). Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and the epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the United States: an ecologic assessment. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 79(5), 774–779. Guthrie, A. (2014, February 26). Mexico Soda Tax Dents Coke Bottler’s Sales. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303801304579407322914779400 Li, Meng, Chapman, G. B. (2013). Nudge to health: Harnessing decision research to promote healthy behavior. Social and Personality Psychology Compass 7(3), 187-198. Retrieved from http://ruccs.rutgers.edu/faculty/pylyshyn/Proseminar13/NudgeToHealth.pdf. McKeown, N. M., Troy, L. M., Jacques, P. F., Hoffmann, U., O’Donnell, C. J., Fox, C. S. (2010). Whole- and refined-grain intakes are differentially associated with abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adiposity in healthy adults: the Framingham Heart Study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 92(5), 1165–1171. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.29106 Mozaffarian, D., Hao, T., Rimm, E. B., Willett, W. C., Hu, F. B. (2011). Changes in Diet and Lifestyle and Long-Term Weight Gain in Women and Men. The New England Journal of Medicine, 364(25), 2392–2404. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1014296 O’Neil, C. E., Zanovec, M., Cho, S. S., Nicklas, T. A. (2010). Whole grain and fiber consumption are associated with lower body weight measures in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.), 30(12), 815–822. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2010.10.013 Rose, G. (2008). Rose’s Strategy of Preventive Medicine. Oxford University Press. Stanford, D. D. (2012, March 13). Anti-Obesity Soda Tax Fails as Lobbyists Spend Millions: Retail. Retrieved October 18, 2014, from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-13/anti-obesity-soda-tax-fails-as-lobbyists-spend-millions-retail.html Uauy, R., Aro, A., Clarke, R., L’Abbà ©, M. R., Mozaffarian, D., Skeaff, C. M., †¦ Tavella, M. (2009). WHO Scientific Update on trans fatty acids: summary and conclusions. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 63, S68–S75. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2009.15 USDA. (2008) Chapter 6 Fats. In Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter6.htm. USDA. (2013). Food companies reduced trans fats in new products from 2005 to 2010. (2013.). Retrieved October 13, 2014, from http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/detail.aspx?chartId=40991#.VDwdDhbUKAc Van Camp, D., Hooker, N. H., Lin, C.-T. J. (2012). Changes in fat contents of US snack foods in response to mandatory trans fat labelling. Public Health Nutrition, 15(06), 1130–1137. doi:10.1017/S1368980012000079 Wansink, B., Hanks, A. S. (2014). Calorie reductions and within-meal calorie compensation in children’s meal combos. Obesity, 22(3), 630–632. doi:10.1002/oby.20668