International business in focus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

International business in focus - Essay Example Section B: Identification of the Challenges Pestle Analysis Pestle Analysis will help in understanding the macro environmental issues (Lorat, 2009) Political The road tax has directly been linked to the total amount of emission and MOT (Merchant Over Time) has been increased. The Government has held a meeting with the automobile sector to decide about the rules and regulations related to this industry. Economic Presently the global recession has resulted in the financial crisis and has decreased the consumer purchasing power all over the world. Due to this crisis, Mercedes and various other car manufacturers are finding it difficult in increasing the revenue and profit of the companies. It has even resulted in the closure of plants by many automobile manufacturers. In this global crisis, the exchange rate between Euro and pound has resulted in high price of the cars in United Kingdom. This has decreased the sales of the company even more. Social The social environment can mainly be c ategorized into the following categories: a) Age, b) Gender, c) Income. Mercedes products have been mainly targeted for the middle aged customers. The products are not popular to that extent among the youngsters because of high price of the cars. The overall high expenditure related to the Mercedes products is the reason behind targeting the middle and high income people. As the products do not offer different range of prices starting from high price to low price for covering all classes of the society, the products do not target low income consumers. In the present situation of economic recession, this strategy is creating various challenges for the company. Technological Mercedes adds advanced technological details like air bags, shatter proof windscreens, crumple zones, collapsible steering columns etc. Use of these technologies has allowed the company in manufacturing safer cars. The plant efficiency is increasing with time. Various new production methods have been introduced fo r improving the efficiency. The facility of e-commerce and Gizmos has helped in upgrading the technology advancement. Environmental The European Union has planned to bring a new legislation which states that the average carbon dioxide emitted from the European cars must not exceed 130 g/km by the year 2015. This might be a reason of increasing concern for the company. Legal The company has maintained good relationship with the government by following the legal framework of the country. The imposition of higher tax might increase the threat of the company. Porter’s Five Forces The industry analysis of Mercedes Benz will help in understand the competitive intensity in the automobile industry (Porter, 1980; 1985; Ahlstorm and Bruton, 2009) 1) Rivalry among the existing firms The rivalry among the companies in the market where Mercedes is operating is intense. The big competitors of Mercedes Benz are BMW, AUDI, JAGUAR, ALFA ROMEO, ASTON MARTIN. Thus all big players provide their best offerings to the customers to seek their attraction. The increased rivalry has resulted in all these firms producing similar types of products, and expanding their operations into other segments like offering financial services, various alcoholic products etc. Thus the rivalry from the existing firms is very high. 2) Threat of new entrants Presently the threat of new entrants is low in the market segment where Mercedes Benz is performing its business operations. This might be because of the

Political Economy of the European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Political Economy of the European Union - Essay Example It has build up a role inforeign policy, and represents its members in theWorld Trade Organization, atG8summits and at theUnited Nations. Twenty-one EU nations are part ofNATO. It has also taken up a responsibility in justice and home affairs, which includes the elimination of passport control between many member nations under theSchengen Agreement. (Alan, 2007) The EU functions through a hybrid mechanism ofintergovernmentalismandsupranationalism. In particular areas it relies on agreement among the member states. However, it also possesses supranational bodies, thus is competent to make judgments without agreement between each and every national governments. Among the prominent institutions and bodies of the EU are theEuropean Commission, theEuropean Parliament, theCouncil of the European Union, theEuropean Council, theEuropean Court of Justice,and theEuropean Central Bank. In every five years, the Parliament is elected by the EU citizens. Origins of the EU go back to the formation of theEuropean Coal and Steel Community,formed among six countries in 1951 and theTreaty of Romein 1957. Thereafter the EU has expanded in size via accession of new associate states, and in authority by adding new policy areas to its remit. (Richard, 2006) Subsequent to theSecond World War, efforts made towards European integration were viewed as a get away approach from the intense forms of nationalism, which had ravaged the continent.Theformation of the European Coal and Steel Community was among one such attempt to bring together Europeans. While having the unassuming aim of federal control of the formerly national coal and steel industries of its member nations, it was stated to be "a first step in the federation of Europe".The founding members of the Community wereBelgium,France,Italy,Luxembourg, theNetherlandsandWest Germany. Thereafter the history of Europe saw the establishment of European Economic Community(EEC) ascertaining acustoms unionand theEuropean Atomic Energy Community(Euratom) for cooperation in developingnuclear energy. In 1967, the Merger Treaty provided for the amalgamation of these communities collectively referred to as European Communities, which popularly were termed as European Community. (Ben, 2000) In 1973 incorporation of Denmark,Irelandand theUnited Kingdom enlarged the communities. In 1979, thefirst autonomous electionsto the European Parliament were held. The 80s saw the incorporation of Greece,SpainandPortugal. In 1990, the previousEast Germanyembodied the Community under newly united Germany. The European Union was officially instituted when theMaastricht Treatywas enacted upon on 1 November 1993. Presently, the European Union comprises 27independentsovereignnationsknown as member states: Austria,Belgium,Bulgaria,Cyprus, theCzech Republic,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Greece, Hungary,Ireland,Italy,Latvia,Lithuania,Luxembourg,Malta, theNetherlands,Poland,Portugal,Romania, Slovakia,Slovenia,Spain,Sweden, and theUnited Kingdom. (Alan, 2007) The EU is habitually portrayed as being separated into three divisions of responsibility, calledpillars. The original European Community principles form the first pillar, while the second beingCommon

A report reflecting on the skills and career Essay

A report reflecting on the skills and career - Essay Example In fact, it seems that my academic skills, as developed during my studies in the past, have been adequate for helping me to respond to the needs of daily life but could not help me to face the demands of professional environment. The educational institute I’ve chosen uses learning practices that help learners to become efficient not only in regard to academic tasks but also to tasks related to the workplace. Also, the assignments delegated to learners, as individuals or as groups, are structured in such way so that decision making and initiatives, by the learners’ side, are encouraged. In the Personal Development Programme, which is part of the Course I’ve chosen, students have the chance to monitor their progress in regard to their academic and career-related skills. This report has been prepared for showing my progress as of the skills mentioned above. Literature has been employed, along with my experiences in the class, in order to show the level at which the Course has helped me to improve my performance both as a learner and as a future employee in a managerial role. When referring to academic skills reference is made to specific aspects of a person’s capabilities. Three seem to be the most important academic skills in educational institutes of all levels: ‘reading, writing and mathematics’ (Oakland and Harrison 2011, p.94). My personal status, in regard to these skills, is analyzed below using appropriate literature. In general, reading is considered as one of the most critical academic skills. Indeed, it is not possible for a learner to respond to the needs of his learning programme without achieving a continuous improvement of his reading skills. As noted in the study of Downing (2013) each learner has to monitor his progress in regard to his reading skills; such task can be developed through a schedule customized accordingly. Personally, I have not employed such schedule during my studies. However, I have tried to identify

The Rhetoric And Introductory Research Writing Philosophy Essay

The Rhetoric And Introductory Research Writing Philosophy Essay Most people believe the vision system exists solely in the eyes. In reality, the eyes make up only a small part of the system. For instance, just as the camera is a small item in a large TV station, the eyes play a small part in vision. Like a camera, all the eye does is deliver a bunch of colored dots. It is in the brain that the real work of seeing begins. So, what do we actually see? And, what is it that our eyes dont see? Through the variations of darkness, there is light; but, what does that mean to the person who struggles with a mental illness? A contributing factor to this paper will be the relationship between; the blind eye, the minds eye, the third eye; as well as the conscious and unconscious phenomena of the mind. The analyses that will be used in this paper will be based on the views of well-known authors. All of these sources are highly reliable and are thoroughly described in this research. Martha Stout Mental Illness Oliver Sacks Blindness Robert Thurman/Karen Armstrong Religious Beliefs Thais Campos Consciousness I want to know why the mental processes, ranging from the supreme clarity of consciousness at moments of creative inspiration, through the dimness of the half-sleeping mind; to the complete darkness of the unconscious, accounts for a large part of man mental life. On the other hand, we have the term consciousness what does this mean, and how do we describe this level of the mind? Why, is it so important for us to find an answer? We know that consciousness, is considered the highest form of mental activity, and is seen only in human beings. However, it does not exist in the newborn child, in certain categories of the mentally ill, in people who are asleep or in a coma. For philosophy, the main question is the relationship of consciousness to being, and the existence of the different levels of consciousness that remains a target for research by many sciences. I step back and wonder how the mind finds its way through the many varieties of mental illnesses; and, how observing the conscio usness will easily relinquish this information that will help us to understand, where and how far do we travel when we blank out. Introduction I have spent most of my life in a daydream state of consciousness and un-consciousness. I know that others notice that I have a tendency to be distracted, but they have no idea that usually I am gone even when I seem to be paying attention. I wander off for brief moments, and when I come back I have to grasp quickly what was said before I forget it, then I wander off again. This goes unnoticed because even though I am gone, whatever was said during the previous second or two, is still there for me to grab when I return. It is almost impossible for me to pay attention when somebody is telling me something that does not interest me. In that case, I go away and think about things unrelated to what is being said. I am gone into a never land inside my mind and I just come back regularly to check and see that everything is going well outside, that is, that I dont get caught in the act of not paying attention to what is being said. I do not do this on purpose. I cannot avoid doing it, and m ost of the times I do not even realize that I am doing it. When I am alone, for instance, when I am working on a writing topic of some sort, I am gone all of the time. I may think what I am going to write about when I get to the computer, and I might get some pretty good ideas, but it is useless, since by the time I get to the computer, I will have forgotten everything that I decided to write about, or forget in mid-sentence where exactly I was going with this idea pertaining to the topic of research. Lately, I have been taking a legal pad with me everywhere to write down my ideas. I also speculate a lot about what is going to happen in the future. I even talk with people in my mind, not only what I will say but also what they will reply. But of course, in real life it never turns out to be like I anticipated. I have tried several times not to go away. I can prevent it only for a very short period of time. It is as hard as trying to stay with our minds blank, that is, without thinki ng about anything. You can do it, but you have to concentrate not to think, and as soon as you lower your guard, you are doing it again. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Depression, and I am not sure which is worse; the illness itself, or the medication that I use to help manage this illness. Martha Stout: Mental Illness Martha Stout(2002) specializes in treating patients who have suffered psychological trauma; Stout uses her case studies to show that the ability to dissociate from reality, which functions as a life preserving defense mechanism during times of stress in childhood, can develop multiple personalities in order to contend with life many demands(p. 380). Dissociation also accompanies depressive disorders as well some of the medications that treat these disorders, will render the persons mind registering actual events in a daydream state without remembering what just took place. Most of us have days when we dont feel like ourselves. Some of us have moments, sometimes more than moments, when we feel disconnected from our surroundings, our actions, ourselves. The best example that I can give here is: Driving to the doctors office, with no recollection of the drive from home. The summary that is given about the essay, When I Woke Up Tuesday Morning, It Was Friday by Martha Stout, says that th e term divided consciousness refers to those times when we withdraw mentally from the world around us. Daydreams and other forms of subjective escape often help us to keep our mental balance by shutting out events when they threaten to be overwhelming. The article Chaos, Brain and Divided Consciousness by author Petra Bob (2007), gives insight to how the mind works. Chaos and self-organization seem to be particularly important for research of some fundamental problems regarding mind-brain relationship. Relevant problems among others are formations of memories during alterations of mental states and nature of a barrier that divides mental states, and leads to the process called dissociation. This process is related to a formation of groups of neurons which often synchronize their firing patterns in a unique spatial manner (P., 2007). Oliver Sachs Blindness In the Minds Eye: What the Blind See by Oliver Sacks (2003), he is quoted as saying For those who lose sight so early, the very concepts of sight or blindness soon cease to have meaning, and there is no sense of losing the world of vision, only of living fully in a world constructed by the other senses (p. 305). We are presented with a brief view of Oliver Sacks. Before even contemplating writing a book on being blind, he felt it was necessary to write about the mentally ill, in ways that foreground the humanity of those who are suffering from diseases that generate all manner of strange behaviors (Sacks, 2003, p. 302). This summary of In the Minds Eye, makes one wary of how scarily fragile the brain is. To what extent are we; our experiences, our reactions, shaped, predetermine, by our brains, and to what extent do we shape our own brains? Does the mind run the brain or the brain the mind? p. 303. In The Minds Eye, Oliver Sacks explores the relationship between vision, recognition, and perception, and the amazing ways that the brain and spirit can adapt to disorders of vision. He gives case studies of persons who have lost their sight and have learned new ways to accommodate their seeing with other senses and the powerful possibilities of the human brain and mind. It is through his own experience with a cancerous tumor behind his right eye followed by blindness that he writes what is physically happening and shares his inner thoughts and the full range of his emotional reaction. We are all close to the brink of being someone else. For instance, a person who has had a mind-shattering stroke or head injury, one of many possible complications can arise from this stroke: There is death, paralysis, loss of memory, or you have become blind. Consider this, your thoughts, memories and emotions, your perceptions of the world, and your deepest intuitions of selfhood, are gone. We take o ur fragile brains so much for granted. Ultimately, Sacks tries to show the progress made in the knowledge of what centers of the brain are responsible for vision and its interpretations, but still lacks the knowledge of how things really work inside our heads. We all depend on our power senses sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Each one serves a particular purpose and when we end up losing one of these senses, we become forced to replace that sense in order to elevate. So when an individual is physically blind they devise ways to adapt to their surroundings. Now when a person is mentally blind, they allow other people of authority around them to construct ways for them to live because they do not see the importance in self. They trust everyone else before themselves. Needless to say, lose no time searching for a way to find your true self. It goes beyond knowing what your favorite food is or favorite color, but really getting to the essence of what you are about, therefore no none else can define you by making you blind to yourself and more importantly no one can trick you. Robert Thurman, Karen Armstrong Religion Spirituality is based on the experience of one persons awareness, one cultures awareness, and where life itself experiences universality. Awareness, what does this term really mean? According to the Webster dictionary; aware or awareness is defined as, conscious (of), informed; cognizant. In order to understand spirituality, we need to be consciously aware of the peace, and cognizant of the enlightenment that lies within this peace. Have you ever found yourself looking at the sun shining through the white fluffy clouds in the sky and wonder if there is something more hiding behind them, something of a more spiritual nature? For example, is there really a heaven, and what about hell? In this moment of being immersed in the daydream state of consciousness, are we on the path to awareness? Could enlightenment feel like this? For one un-noticed minute, we have become part of the peace, and it is afterward, when we realize that we are just a paint stroke that is part of the masterpiece of life. We have become one glittery particle that connects to an infinite number of other glittery particles that make up the divine space, which is nothingness. To know this nothingness, is to know what awareness means. Yet, to experience this spirituality we need to become in tuned with our inner voice, our minds eye, our core consciousness known as our soul However, this kind of understanding goes well beyond what our mind, intellect, and ego can fathom. In religious traditions this core consciousness is part of a more universal domain of consciousness referred to as God. Even a partial glimpse of this level of awareness, a person can experience joy, insight, and intuition: an awakening of love, and compassion. People in all cultures discovered that by pushing their reasoning powers to the limit, and by living as selflessly and compassionately as possible, they will that enables them to affirm such suffering with serenity and courage. In Karen Armstrongs essay Homo religious, and Robert Thurmans essay Wisdom, they explain their meaning of Nothingness, awareness, and enlightenment through religion, the self, the universe, and knowledge. It is through years of studying and learning, that both of these authors articulate their views/beliefs on the consciousness; the sacred energy and show just how similar their beliefs are to one another. Self When people believe in something with every fiber of their being, they make sacrifices and live their lives in ways that others on the outside looking in may not understand. Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zones and do something that we normally would not do to find what is right for ourselves. Stepping out ekstasis is a term used in Homo Religiosus, written by Karen Armstrong (p. 27). She writes of a universal principle of most religions, that implies, the only way to truly connect with the sacred energy of the universe is to let go of ones self totally and to put aside preoccupation with promoting ones own ego and selfishness. However, when a person becomes selfless, that person is then open to what can truly be obtained by doing away with personalities, egos, and other obstacles that tend to limit one from true release; The Greeks referred to this process as kenosis or emptying (page 34). In the excerpt Wisdom taken from the book Infinite Life (2009), Robert Thurman describes the meaning of selflessness in relation to the Buddhist beliefs. Thurman (2009) writes, Selflessness does imply that any one person is considered nobody. To find true selflessness we must let go of self-preoccupation and self- centeredness (Page 464). It is by letting go that the self can find true enlightenment. Similarly, Thurman writes that the Buddha was happy not knowing who he was because this selflessness made him more compassionate toward others. (Page 463) To know true selflessness and enlightenment we must remove the I from our existence. Thurman (2009) goes on to say; that when we find true selflessness we discover a true connection between ourselves and others. In addition, we see everyone as equal to ourselves but at the same time different in their own ways (Page 473). Universe Karen Armstrongs view is that, religion has always been a matter of doing rather than thinking. People were able to become more creative and draw on their inner self. Yet, it is through the experience of nothingness that we discover the depths of ones own being (p.36). Armstrong expresses the central concern of the self and its connections to the universe as a whole. Energy starts as a consciousness, a self-awareness that nearly every religion in the world experiences, and every scientific theory and or conclusion have based their beliefs on. Self-emptying connects the individual core within our mind and soul with the sacred energy of the universe. This is when our senses are no longer our main focus, freeing us and also brings us closer to our soul and our deep thoughts. Nothingness puts creativity into peoples minds, because the presence of nothing means that there are no wrong ideas or beliefs. One of the ways that self-emptying connects the individual with the sacred energy of th e universe can be explored, possible through the energy of deep meditation. Armstrong (2009) remarks that, You had to acquire the knack of thinking outside the ordinary (p. 35). Thinking outside the ordinary is to prepare us for the nothingness, when through our spiritual purification; we will find the reason for our being, and our purpose. On the other hand, Robert Thurman, author of Wisdom shares his knowledge on the Buddhist tradition, and explains what he has learned throughout the teachings by the Buddha. It is with words such as: Selflessness, and Enlightenment, that we learn why this tradition is important to so many. What exactly is Enlightenment? And how does it differ from salvation? According to Thurman (2009), enlightenment means to look deeper into yourself, to find out what youre existence means to life, finding the greatest answer, the moment that will finally free us from the unhappiness that one feels from everything negative in life, which keeps us a prisoner within our conscious mind and soul. Reaching enlightenment means to finally experience the quiet and oh so calming sense of peace: Being in the zone. Religion Armstrong suggests that through the history of past civilizations, religious beliefs have always been and still is the link that connects us all. Whether spoken through different tongues or through art, the message is the same: religious discourse should not attempt to impart clear information about the divine, and should help us appreciate the limits of language and understanding (Armstrong, 2009, p. 38). However, it is the proof in religion throughout humanity that not only feeds our beliefs, but provides the essence of knowing that there is another dimension that could ultimately prove that there is a Supreme Being. By exploring the basis of religion in human culture, Armstrong suggests that from ancient times to modern culture mankinds beliefs have changed and evolved. Humans have gone from believing in many gods that govern our world to a belief in one superior being who created and controls all things. Armstrong also points out that by believing in a Supreme Being one loses the ability to understand the all-encompassing, wholly transcendent reality around them (Pg. 38). This being is not one that is in the form of man, but instead encompassed all of what man could see, knowing that life was continual yet, more importantly, it was what he could not see. It simply was a matter of knowing that something bigger than man, in fact, does exist. It is through the studies of Buddhism that Robert Thurman relates his experience in his essay, Wisdom. Thurman speaks of his journey into enlightenment, selflessness, the Buddha, and nirvana. He explains that enlightenment is different from salvation as salvation delivers us from harm, strife, and struggle. On the other hand, enlightenment is realizing selflessness. Selflessness is the awareness that you are now more perceptive; aware, that you have opened up your wisdom, and youve realized that knowing who you are is the trap, an impossible self-objectification (p.462). In contrast, this fascination with wanting to know thyself or self-knowledge is actually a fundamental misunderstanding, a delusion, this revelation is what became a defining moment for the Buddha, thus is at the core of the philosophy of Buddhism (p 466). The Buddha called his failure to know who he was enlightenment. that selflessness kindles the sacred fire of compassion; the inner self is now energized with compa ssion and the infinite life becomes your ongoing work of art (p.463). This could mean, that helping others will become an art form, that will continue to blossom in various ways. It is through unselfish acts of love and kindness shown to all forms of life, that we feel happiness: enlightenment. In Buddhism, the main focus is the mind. Enlightenment consists in realizing that Buddha-nature exists in everything and everyone (Lieberman). Buddhism leads you beyond your bodys (awareness), senses, breath, conscious mind, unconscious mind (nothingness) and then to the center of consciousness known as the soul within you, the main source of light and life within you. Knowledge The meaning of religion has never really been understood. Religious truth has always been symbolic and its symbols will vary according to context; they will change as society changes, and understanding the reason for these changes. In order to learn the meaning of religion and what mysteries it has to offer; many cultures present their beliefs through forms of art, music, or poetry which is transformative (Nielson, 2011). Karen Armstrong elaborates in great length and detail in her essay, Homo Religiosus, that some of these places were in deep caves that had writings on the walls. For many cultures, keeping religion sacred was to keep religious beliefs secret and holy by hiding them in the catacombs and bowels of the earth. Karen Armstrong shares her knowledge of such art by sharing her experiences in the deep caves in the Lascaux labyrinth, she comments that there are about six hundred fresco and fifteen hundred engravings there (p.22). Art, such as these paintings on the walls of c aves that date back thousands of years ago, have left mankind consistently asking the same ageless questions: Is there a god?; Why are we here? What is our purpose? And is there, life after life? People have come to realize that beyond the obvious for clues about the meanings and secrets contained in various art forms, religion is still mans creation. Yet, the quest for spirituality is the eternal search for a supreme being, the divine and the connection that binds all living beings. Armstrong sees religion as an expression of art. Still, with some of us, we can have an out of the body experience, in the conscious sense experience and never consider that this would be a privilege, the unknown or the self-emptiness revealing itself. Armstrong states that people become more alive and creative through experiencing nothingness, because it is comparable to a rebirth or rejuvenation of ones entire being-both spirit and body (p.27). Life is all around, as is creativity. Armstrong goes on to say that nothingness, is the moment when ones conscious mind and body becomes the sacred energy that holds the breath of life that explains everything you had questions about. Yet, many times to experience this nothingness; a person needs to experience a tragedy, the death of a loved one, or face death themselves. In order to feel and understand the meaning of which we are, what is; and accept that there is nothing more, we need to experience nothingness, and understand enlightenment . Selflessness is to understand that you do not know your inner self. the conscious thought that defines your spirit. Whereas, know thy self, defines the outside shell, your persona. This then will lead to discovering selflessness, which is the way to enlightenment. IV. Consciousness The self plays an important role on the Path of Consciousness because it is through the self and its many different aspects that we are aware of our emotional, energetic and vibrational reality. Through awareness of the material self, our third dimensional, human self-aspect, we are aware of our disconnection, fear and alone-ness in a vast Universe that we cannot control. But that is an illusion which lacks the element for transformation, enlightenment. To become conscious within our highest self-aspects we can enlighten the self, reminding us of our divinity and joining our human self into our spiritual self. Yet, when we consider the many different aspects of the self, all of which can be expressed as different levels of consciousness, we can choose what we will be aware of and can then apply enlightenment to those areas. Our reality unfolds according to the self-aspect we choose to express. To create a different reality, we have to enlighten this self-aspect and raise its energy. How much enlightenment is required? It depends on which self-aspect we choose our intention for enlightenment and the desired outcome for our post-enlightenment awareness. Our intention for joy, peace and abundance will guide us to the level of enlightenment required to achieve those things. As we choose our path, our self-consciousness can express the highest, most powerful aspects of who we are and our enlightened being will manifest the heaven on earth that can be our path of consciousness. The Symbolic Meaning of the Lotus Flower Lotus Flower grows in the deep mud, far away from the sun. But, sooner or later, the Lotus reaches the light becoming the most beautiful flower ever. The Lotus flower is in many different cultures, especially in eastern religions, as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the beautiful flower (Campos, 2010). According to Buddhism, every person has the potential to become perfect and enlightened, and it is just a matter of time until each human reaches the light. Buddhists that its necessary to be reborn thousands of times, polishing ones being through many incarnations, until one reaches nirvana the highest state of consciousness that humans can access (Campos, 2010). What Is Consciousness? Consciousness is a state of being in the sense that without it, we would not be nor exist nor have such faculties that allow us to make choices. Consciousness is our existence, our awakened moment. It is the reality between our now and the present. It gives us the awareness of being alive in the present. The science of the mind (religious and spiritual science) is where we look at the mind as an energy form. Conclusion So, where is the mind? This is a question that still mystifies scientists and philosophers. It seems to be widely accepted in some camps that the mind exists as an external realty to our physical form under its own consciousness, yet it remains a part of who we are. Where it exists, no one knows. Yet, it is claimed to be part of the divine essence of universal consciousness. It is the higher self and the real you.

The Potential of Gene Therapy to Cure Diabetes Essay -- Biology Medica

The Potential of Gene Therapy to Cure Diabetes Abstract Gene therapy treats and prevents a disease by introducing a vector of genetic material into certain cells to alter the function or ability of a gene. The promise of gene therapy as a cure for diabetes has been considered ever since this new technology emerged into the clinical and research sphere. Although such methods have yet to undergo human clinical tests, gene therapy holds much potential to bring a radical new way of treating autoimmune diseases such as diabetes. By targeting certain genes that control the insulin and ?-cell production in the pancreas, gene therapy will someday fulfill its potential to cure the disease that is the number one cause of heart disease in the United States. This paper will explore the potential protocols and products that can be used to treat Type I Diabetes. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that has affected more than 140 million people in the world. This disease, results from the attack of the killer T-cells of the immune system upon the ?-cells in the pancreas that produces insulin. (Lin et al., 2001). Until recently, this disease could only be treated with daily insulin injections and adherence to a strict, low glucose diet. With more than ninety percent of diabetics at risk for future complications like heart disease, blindness, and renal failure, diabetes has developed into more than just a medical issue. Diabetes is also becoming largely an emotional and economic issue. Victims of this disease have no choice but to adjust their lives around the only object that could change their lives?a daily injection that may cost 50% of the annual income in developing countries and up to 600% in non-developed countries. New technology th... ...ne Therapy, (10), 875-889. Grey, S.T., et al. (1999). Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of the anti-apoptotic protein A20 in rodent islets inhibits IL-1ï ¿ ½-induced NO release. Transplantation Proceedings, (31),789. Lin, Andrew, Cathy Huang, and Kendrick Ong. (2001). Type I AutoImmune Diabetes. Diabetes & Gene Therapy. July 21, 2005: http://dragon.zoo.utoronto.ca/~jlm2001/J01T0301B/index.html Nitta, Y., et al. (1998). Systemic Delivery of Interleukin 10 by Intramuscular Injection of Expression Plasmid DNA Prevents Autoimmune Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice. Human Gene Therapy, (9), 1701-1707. Rudolph, Frederick B., et al. (1996). Biotechnology: Science, Engineering, and Ethical Challenges for the 21st Century. Washington, D.C.: Joseph Henry P. Thule, P.M. and Liu, J.M. (2000). Regulated hepatic insulin gene therapy of STZ-diabetic rats. Gene Therapy 7: 1744-1752.

Mediation †Foundations

The organization NAFAAS – is an acronym for the National Association of Fine and Applied Arts Students. It is a body that oversees the welfare of its members – the fine and applied arts students. It presents intricate issues as violation of student’s right to the department, organize social activities and exhibitions, and engage in educational tours and visits. It is also vested with the responsibility of raising and nurturing capable leaders to promote the â€Å"art† culture. The body is organized and governed by the following elected officers: The President, the Vice-President, Secretary General, Financial Secretary, the Treasurer, Director of Socials, Director of Sports and the Curator. The members are all duly matriculated students of the University. They pay an annual registration fee to the body and attend general meetings when they are summoned. The conflict A misunderstanding ensured when it was time to utilize some money from the body’s account. The financial secretary has issued about a thousand receipts and handed over five hundred payments to the treasurer. The treasurer recorded the given amount and the receipts. Unknown to the treasurer, the financial secretary went to change the figures to reflect a collection of a thousand payment and receipt. The president was to organize a welcome party for the association’s freshers only to discover that the money reflecting in the account differ greatly from the one recorded. An executive meeting was immediately summoned and the figures were laid based on the records. After much deliberation, the financial secretary and the treasurer were asked to account and pay for the loss otherwise they be sanctioned with expulsion. For precisely two weeks, they could not see eye-to-eye. This called for another meeting. Third party. The curator, supported by the two-third majority of the house, moved the motion for a meeting and a meeting day was fixed. The agenda of course was to discuss and if possible to resolve the differences between the two executive members. The session lasted for about two hours with heated debate and arguments. The meeting was adjourned without a reasonable progress on how best to resolve the conflict. A third party was agreed upon unanimously – the Patron of the association. He was actually the â€Å"best† to resolve the conflict as the parties involved [treasurer, financial secretary] respects him so much, besides he is the first patron of the association. The mediation At a pre-determined date and time, the mediator [the patron] and the two parties involved in the conflict met at the Association’s secretariat. Then and there, the patron listened patiently as they both recount their role in the incident. The mediator, being a trained one observed the starts and stops, the inconsistency of the financial secretary tactfully asked â€Å"why are the figures in correcting fluid?† the financial secretary by surprise responded â€Å"no †and later â€Å"I don’t know†. This question is supposed to have been directed to the treasurer being that he handles the recorded amount. The subsequent questions, responses and gestures were all geared towards the mediator trying to facilitate solution progress. He tried as much as possible to cool the tensed atmosphere – a situation where no progress can be actualized. Further issues were raised about the carelessness of the treasurer – for keeping important and formal documents at such trivial places. After much deliberation, a solution was finally reached. This was basically because of the status of and for the patron, otherwise the financial secretary already pre-determine he would negate all proposition that would subsequently lead to the findings – at least on a short term. The persuasion of the mediator [the patron] also did help matters. Emotion was deeply mixed with fact and the resultant effect was felt in the change of atmosphere. The financial secretary was finally willing to co-operate and let the cat out of the bag. He confessed to both the patron and the treasurer that he was deeply sorry for the incident and the conflict. Later on, he was strongly advised by the patron never to perpetrate such act. The treasurer and the patron forgave him. The sessions lasted for roughly two hours, thirty-five munites and were advised to go about their daily activities without any mistrust. They also agreed never to share with any other person [executives inclusive] how it was resolved or who actually was at fault. If I were the mediator, I would have made it a caucus interrogation. First, I would get background information from reliable sources about their attitudes and behaviors. This first hand research may or may not contribute towards knowing who actually was at fault or mediating them. After which I would personally interrogate them. I would facilitate solution progress by making relevant interrogations, delving deep into relevant issues that will sum up o the overall purpose – mediation. After all efforts made and I do not get to the route of the matter, I may if I have, decide to fund the repay for peace’s sake. If I do not have the money, I will at my possible best try to convince them to tell the truth. I will remind them of their original willingness to resolve the whole issue. Then proceed to advice and warn against future occurrence. This I believe will make them want to resolve it all. I will also strongly warn that all discussions towards the process of mediation be treated as top secret for indeed they are. References  §Ã‚   Dr. Mickey S. (2002).   Mediation – Foundations. Background information. Retrieved: February 22, 2007 from www.essaywriters.net   

The Pros and Cons of GMOs From a Vegan Perspective

The Pros and Cons of GMOs From a Vegan Perspective If youre confused about the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), youre not alone. This relatively new technology is riddled with bioethics questions, and the arguments for and against GMOs are difficult to weigh because its hard to know the risks until something goes wrong. Part of this is due largely to the wide scope that the term genetically modified organism includes, though its exclusion of genetic alterations that could be caused by natural mating has narrowed the definition considerably. Still, most argue that not all GMOs are bad. Scientific breakthroughs in manipulating plant genetics are actually largely responsible for the commercial success of crops in the United States, especially that of corn and soy.   New legislation initiatives in the United States are seeking to force products to be labeled as genetically modified as a result of this clarification, and it could lead to a better understanding - or more confusion - of what it means for a good to be a GMO.   What Exactly Is a GMO? The legal definition of a genetically modified organism in the European Union is an organism, with the exception of human beings, in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. It is illegal in the E.U. to deliberately release a GMO into the environment, and food items containing more than 1% GMOs must be labeled - which is not the case in the U.S. This alteration of the genes usually entails inserting genetic material into an organism in a laboratory without natural mating, breeding or reproduction. Instead of breeding two plants or animals together to bring out certain traits in the offspring, the plant, animal or microbe has DNA from another organism inserted. Creating GMOs is one type of genetic engineering, further broken down into different sub categories like transgenic organisms, which are GMOs that contain DNA from another species and cisgenic organisms, which are GMOs that contain DNA from a member of the same species and is generally regarded as the less risky type of GMO. Arguments for GMO Use GMO technology can develop crops with higher yield, with less fertilizer, less pesticides, and more nutrients. In some ways, GMO technology is more predictable than traditional breeding, in which thousands of genes from each parent are transferred randomly to the offspring. Genetic engineering moves discrete genes or blocks of genes at a time. Further, it speeds up production and evolution. Traditional breeding can be very slow because it might take several generations before the desired trait is sufficiently brought out and the offspring must reach sexual maturity before they can be bred. With GMO technology, the desired genotype can be created instantly in the current generation. If you live in the United States, you are most likely eating GMOs or livestock who were fed GMOs.  Eighty-eight percent  of the corn and ninety-four percent  of the soy grown in the U.S. has been genetically modified to be herbicide-resistant and/or insect-resistant. GMOs may not be natural, but not everything natural is good for us, and not everything unnatural is bad for us. Poisonous mushrooms are natural, but we shouldnt eat them. Washing our food before eating it is not natural, but is healthier for us. GMOs have been on the market since 1996, so if all GMOs were an immediate health threat, we would know it by now. Arguments Against GMO Use The most common arguments against GMOs are that they have not been tested thoroughly, have less predictable outcomes and can be potentially harmful to human, animal and crop health alike as a result.   Studies have already shown that GMOs are dangerous to rats. A  review of 19 studies  in which genetically modified soy and corn were fed to mammals found that a GMO diet often led to liver and kidney problems. Further, genetically modified plants or animals could interbreed with wild populations, creating problems such as population explosions or crashes or offspring with dangerous traits which would go further into harming the delicate ecosystem. Also,  GMOs will inevitably lead to more  monoculture, which is dangerous because it threatens the biological diversity of our food supply. GMOs are transferring genes in a much more unpredictable way compared to natural breeding. One of the built-in safeguards of natural breeding is that  a member of one species  will not produce fertile offspring with a member of another species. With transgenic technology, scientists are transferring genes not just across species but even across kingdoms, inserting animal genes into microbes or plants. This produces genotypes that could never exist in nature. This is far more unpredictable than crossing a Macintosh apple with a Red Delicious apple.   Genetically modified products contain novel proteins that could trigger allergic reactions in people who are either  allergic to one of the components of the GMO or in people who are allergic only to the new substance. Further, food additives that are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) do not have to undergo rigorous toxicity testing to prove their safety. Instead, their safety is generally based on published past toxicity studies. The FDA has awarded GRAS status to  95% of the GMOs  that have been submitted. One of the biggest controversies surrounding GMOs is labeling. Unlike other controversial foods like  veal, trans fats, MSG or artificial sweeteners, GMO ingredients in food are rarely, if ever, identified on the label. GMO opponents advocate a labeling requirement so that consumers can decide for themselves whether or not to consume GMO products. GMOs and Animal Rights Animal rights  activism is the belief that animals have an intrinsic value separate from any value they have to  humans  and have a right to be free of human use, oppression,  confinement, and exploitation. On the plus side, GMOs can make agriculture more efficient, thereby reducing our impact on wildlife and wild habitats. However, genetically modified organisms raise some specific animal rights concerns. On the negative, GMO technology often involves  experimenting on animals  wherein the animal can be the source of the genetic  material or the recipient of genetic material such as when jellyfish and coral were  once used to create genetically modified mice, fish and rabbits as  glowing pets  for the novelty pet trade. The  patenting of genetically modified animals  is also a concern to  animal rights activists. Patenting animals treats the animals more like  property  instead of sentient, living beings. While animal advocates want animals treated less like property and more like sentient beings with their own interests, patenting animals is a step in the opposite direction. Under the U.S. Food,  Drug,  and Cosmetics Act, new food additives must be proven safe. While there are no required tests, the FDA offers  Guidelines for Toxicity Studies  that include rodents and non-rodents, usually dogs. Although some opponents of GMOs are demanding more long-term tests, animal advocates should refrain from doing so. More tests will mean  more animals suffering  in laboratories.