Garten Haus Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Garten Haus Project - Assignment Example The new construction takes into account aptly the congestion factor and ensures that the old construction and old standardized look of the community does not get affected, thereby it has reduced the licenses to 48 from 52. The public safety, fulfillment of the technical factors which include the height consideration, spacing factor, the pedestrians safety factor, ground usage percentage factor, and most importantly the traffic factor since with time, area has become congested and finding parking space for your cars has become a nuisance, thereby the new design must ensure facilitation of more vehicles, at the same time ensuring that the other factors are not compromised due to it. The neighborhood is in such a state and outfit that change in one segment and one area would allow a change in other areas of the community as well, therefore each of the action of amendment must be taken with due consideration of the surrounding factors. While the aforementioned factors are to be taken into account, the Panel took each of these into consideration before reaching a conclusion. A penal of eight members was established for this purpose to adjudicate whether the proposed construction and modification would be any help towards the presently prevailing situation. The structures are designed to facilitate multiple families in the apartments. These apartments are 3 story apartments spread over roughly around 0.25 acres. The property has been in function since 1975.

Evaluation of Barclays strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Evaluation of Barclays strategy - Essay Example When we see the Barclays’ acquisitions of Wells Fargo Nikko Investment Advisers in 1995, to be integrated with BZW Investment Management to form Barclays Global Investors; acquisition of Banco Zaragozano in 2003, one of Spain's largest private sector banking groups; acquisition of Juniper Financial Corporation, a US leading full-service credit card issuer in 2004; acquisition of major stake of Absa Group Limited in 2005, South Africa’s largest retail bank; and acquisition of Gerrard Management Services Limited in 2006, a leading UK private client wealth manager; we can say that Barclays has preferred a route of investment in capital purchase of other financial institutions, as a direct measure of expanding its global base, as well ass to establish its base more firmly in other countries, and to use the established customer base of other financial institutions for its advantage. This sort of strategy gives the additional management challenges to barclays of managaing an ever expanding customer and market base, not to mention the growing number of cemployees and branches and integrate its acquisitions into its own processes and culture. As far as its performance measurement goes with reapect to the global drivers and its financial performance, we can see from the company financial data that its strategy of growing has worked well for the company. The time for its new acquisitions to become an effective contributor has been quite small and has been able to show profits very early. The bank has shown repeated profits aver the entire time while acquiring new enterorises, which shows that the bank has performed admirably in keeping the acquisitions hampering its profits. As far as the global industry drivers go, the new wave in banking has been the retail banking and the emergence of global players. The banking laws have become stricter, while some parts of the financial world, i.e. some big players have started to become monopolies, while all along the time there has been a massive flow of new products for the customers. In all this, banks like barclays have a strategic advantage caused by their huge presence and its modern outlook. It is in a position that it can capture huge amount of new customers and its massive base is able enough to satisfy the growing customers requirements. Also the diversion of barclays into different sectors of financial world, other than typical banking, such as credit, invetsment, insurance etc gives it an edge over its competitiors, while at the same time does not couse too much burden on its original operations. Also its base is valuable for establishment in emerging markets. Thus barclays can be assumed to be in a key position to dominate the financial world. Q2 Compare and contrast the intended acquisition of ABN with that of the earlier acquisition of Banco Zaragozano , paying particular attention to the merger rationale and the motives in each case and the likely synergy gains resulting from the integration of ABN. The intended acquisition of ABN is similar in many points with the previous acquisition of Banco Zaragozano, with the key similarities in the dimensions of rationale, motives and gained synergies

Microbiological transformation of steroids

Microbiological transformation of steroids 1. Introduction 1.1. Microbiological transformation of steroids. Steroids are small organic molecules that are synthesized in steroidogenic tissues and act on target sites to regulate a cascade of physiological functions [1]. Examples of natural occurring steroids include: sterols, steroidal saponins, cardioactive glycosides, bile acids, corticosteroids and mammalian sex hormones [2]. They are based on the steran skeleton which is composed of three six-carbon ring units and one five-carbon ring unit. The rings are labelled A, B, C, and D beginning from the far left (see fig. 1). In naturally occurring steroids, all four rings are in the chair conformation [3] with rings B, C, and D in trans- configuration with respect to each other. For rings A and B the position of the C-19 methyl group attached to C-10 and the hydrogen attached to C-5 determines the structure and their cis-/trans- configuration. Overall, neighbouring substituent are trans- if they are diaxial or diequatorial like in fig. 1a, and are cis- if they are axial-equatorial (fig. 1b). However, the two methyl groups attached to C-10 and C-13 are always axial in relative to rings B and D, with C-10 substituent being the conformational reference point [3]. Hence, the 5ÃŽ ±- steroid skeleton (see fig. 1a) is in the trans-trans-tans- configuration, and thus is broadly planar. The knowledge of the stereochemistry of steroid molecules is highly significant in understanding its biotransformation reactions which is the basis of this study. Steroids represent a class of natural products with diverse therapeutic properties. It has been observed that minor changes in the molecular structure of steroids can affect their biological activity [4,5]. Hence numerous research have been conducted to improve the activity of existing steroid compounds and to synthesize novel steroidal compounds with pharmacological activity, and thus the most significant area of these research is the transformation of steroids using biocatalysts. Biotransformation could be defined as the modification of an organic compound into a recoverable product by chemical reactions catalysed by enzymes originating from a biological system [6]. It should be noted that the organic compound which is the substrate is not involved in the primary or secondary metabolism of the biological system concerned, and thus distinguishes this process from biosynthesis. The biotransformation of steroids is one of the most important microbial processes that are highly regio- and stereospecific, involving chemical modifications (e.g. oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, isomerisation, epoxidation, etc.) to the parent steroid which are catalysed by the microbial enzymes. In addition, the features which govern their regiospecificity differ from those controlling chemical specificity, and so it is possible to obtain biotransformation at centres that are chemically unreactive [6]. For example, in the study conducted by Peterson and Murray using Rhizopus arrhizu s, it was observed that progesterone was hydroxylated at C-11 which is an ureactive site in this steroid molecule [7]. Therefore, these characteristics alongside the rapid growth and high metabolic rates of microorganisms give biotransformation reactions an advantage over conventional chemical processes as a tool in the production of therapeutic agents (e.g. anti-inflammatory, diuretics, anabolic, contraceptive, anti-cancer, anti-androgenic, postgestational etc.) in the pharmaceutical industry. The ever growing research into the study of microbial transformation of steroids have led to newer technology in this area of science such as: genetically modification of microorganisms to improve their steroid transforming capabilities, the immobilization of whole cells or isolated enzymes in a suitable matrix for repetitive economic utilization of the enzymes, manipulation of culture media to improve product yields by the use of enhancers e.g. cyclodextrin, and the improvement of the solubi lity of substrates are insoluble (or sparingly soluble) in water [8]. Furthermore, the advances in microbial steroid biotransformation have led to the discovery of new microbial reactions and novel metabolites which may be of interest within academia and clinical medicine. 1.2. The mechanism of Hydroxylation The hydroxylation of a compound is a very important metabolic process, in humans; this process is catalysed by cytochrome P450 enzymes and results in products with a higher polarity than the parent compound, and thus aiding its excretion from the body [1,3]. The process of hydroxylation, involves the conversion of a carbon-hydrogen to a carbon-hydroxyl bond, and when catalysed by the enzyme hydroxylase, the reaction is more regio- and stereospecific in contrast to the conventional chemical process [8-12]. As a result, microbial hydroxylation is rather used for the synthesis of hydroxysteroid. Fungal hydroxylation of steroids continues to be the focus of attention at different levels of research and product development. In spite of its popularity this process is not fully understood because few studies have been conducted on the hydroxylase enzyme due to the difficulty in isolating this enzyme [10,11]. However, most studies have shown that the cytochrome P450 enzyme is also responsible for steroid hydroxylation in filamentous fungi [9-11,13,22]. Cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) enzyme is an iron-haem system which carries out a wide range of biocatalytical transformation. These enzymes are also known as monooxygenases because they transfer one atom of molecular oxygen to an organic substrate. The catalytic mechanism for this reaction involves the binding of the substrate to the active site of the enzyme and then the displacement of a water molecule (see fig.2). This is followed by a reduction of the iron in the CYP 450-haem complex to its ferrous state (Iron II) by an electron transfer. The ferrous state then binds to molecular oxygen to form a ferrous-dioxy (Iron (III)-OOH) species. This species then loses a hydroxyl anion to form an iron (IV)-oxygen radical. This radical may withdraw a hydrogen atom from the substrate to generate a carbon radical and an iron (IV)-hydroxyl species. The carbon radical then accepts a hydroxyl radical from the iron (IV)-hydroxyl species to form a hydroxylated product and iron (III). A simple general reaction equation for this process is summarised below: (where R represents the substrate and NADPH is the electron transferring species). RH + NADPH + H+ + O2 → ROH + NADP+ + H2O In other to fully understand the mechanism of fungal hydroxylation of steroids, the relationship between the structure of the CYP 450 hydroxylase enzyme and its regio- and stereoselective characteristic has to be defined. However, as mentioned earlier not much studies have been conducted on the structural features of this enzyme, and so active site models was developed to grasp the concept of the regio- and stereoselective outcome of microbial hydroxylation reactions. The first model, postulated by Brannon et al suggested the possibility for a steroidal substrate to be bound by a single steroid hydroxylase in more than one orientation due to two- sites binding, which could result in hydroxylation taking place at more than one position given the appropriate geometrical relationship between the active site of the enzyme and the carbon atom of the substrate undergoing the reaction [9,14]. These four orientations are represented as normal, reverse, inverted and reverse inverted (see fig. 3) and has been observed in the metabolic handling of 3ÃŽ ²-hydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homo-5ÃŽ ±-androstan-17-one by a filamentous fungus; Aspergillus tamarii [15]. The other model, Jones model takes into account only the normal and reverse binding orientations [6]. It requires the existence of three active centres on the steroid hydroxylase enzyme. These active centres have dual roles and could act both as a binding site or a hydroxylating site [16]. However, these roles are mutually exclusive, and so hydroxylation would occur at the closest nuclear centre to the steroid. Hence the enzyme-substrate interaction proposed by Jones would suggest a triangular location with an approximate spatial correspondence to C-3, C-11 and C-16 atoms of the steroid nucleus [6] (fig. 4). This model could not explain the hydroxylation reactions by some microorganisms. Therefore another theory was developed by McCrindle et al using both models above and taking into account the 3- D nature of the steroid compound and hydroxylase enzyme [17]. In this model, the steroid ring acts as a planar reference point (fig. 5). Binding site A favours oxygen atoms below the plane of the ring and hydroxylation is alpha. Binding site B is similar to A but can also hyroxylate alpha (axial or equatorial) or beta (equatorial) atoms. Whereas, binding site C binds preferentially to oxygen atoms above the plane of the steroid ring and hydroxylate with -beta orientation. Overall, this model tends to fit the hydroxylation pattern of most microorganisms. The hydroxylation outcome of some steroids can be predicted based on the oxygen functions or directing groups on the steroid skeleton. As a rule of thumb mono- oxygenated substrates are dihydroxylated and their transformation products are often in low yields [16]. This is as result of the presence of one oxygen function on the steroid compound making it less polar and thus decreasing its solubility which hinders its permeation into the microbial cell. In addition to this, the presence of only one oxygen function allows the steroid to bind to the enzyme at only one centre, thereby increasing its rotation and oscillation about the active site which makes it more likely to be dihydroxylated. Whereas, di- oxygenated substrates are monohydroxylated because the presence of two oxygen functions reduces the chance of multiple hydroxylations due to the reduction in the possible number of binding orientations [16]. Furthermore, the presence of two binding oxygen groups increases the rate of r eactivity of microbiological transformation as the increased substrate polarity improves solubility and thus permeation into the cell membrane of the microorganism is very likely. A wide variety of organisms have shown this pattern of hydroxylation with a wide range of substrates [15,16]. Hydroxylated steroids possess useful pharmacological activities, for example, C-11 hydroxylation is regarded as essential for anti- inflammatory action, and 16ÃŽ ±- hydroxylated steroids have increased glucocorticoid activity [8,12]. Hence the steroid industry exploits the use of 11ÃŽ ±-, 11ÃŽ ²-, 15ÃŽ ±- and 16ÃŽ ±- hydroxylation mainly for the production of adrenal cortex hormones and their analogues [8]. A range of microorganisms have been observed to affect this type of hydroxylations. For example, 11ÃŽ ±- hydroxylation is performed using Rhizopus sp. Or Aspergillus sp., Cuvularia sp. or Cunninghamella sp. and Streptomyces sp. generates 11ÃŽ ²- and 16ÃŽ ±- hydroxylations respectively [8,18]. Further research has shown other hydroxylations (e.g. 7ÃŽ ±-, 9ÃŽ ±- and 14ÃŽ ±- hydroxylations) of having the potential for industrial exploitation [18]. 1.3. The mechanism of Baeyer- Villiger Oxidation Baeyer- Villiger oxidation is the oxidative cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond adjacent to a carbonyl, which converts ketones to esters and cyclic ketones to lactones [19,20]. The mechanism of this chemical process was originally proposed by Criegee [19]. It involves a two step process: a nucleophillic attack of a carbonyl by a peroxo species resulting in the formation of a Criegee intermediate, which then undergoes rearrangement to the corresponding ester. Commonly used peracids or oxidants include: m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, hydrogen peroxide, peroxyacetic acid and trifluoroperoxy acetic acid. This chemical process is highly significant, because the products generated are compounds which are intermediates in the synthesis of natural products or bioactive compounds. However, the oxidants used in chemical Baeyer- Villiger oxidation (BVO) are expensive and hazardous and also the reaction generates a large amount of waste products [4]. Hence biological (or enzymatic) BVO offers a green er approach for the production of chiral lactones. Biological Baeyer- Villiger oxidations are mediated by flavin- dependent monooxygenase enzymes i.e. Baeyer- Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs) [19,21,22]. As a result of the versatile nature of flavoproteins [19], BVMOs have been shown to perform a variety of catalytic reactions including BVO of steroidal systems. The mechanism of microbial Baeyer- Villigers oxidation (fig. 6) is based on results obtained with cyclohexanone monooxygenase (CHMO) isolated from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus [19,22]. This enzyme was shown to possess flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a prosthetic group and was also found to be dependent on NADPH and oxygen. The enzymatic process is initiated by the reduction of the tightly bound FAD by NADPH followed by rapid oxidation by molecular oxygen to produce flavin 4a- peroxide anion, which acts as the oxygenating species. Nucleophillic attack of the substrate carbonyl group by the flavin 4a- peroxide anion results in the Criegee intermediate. This intermediate then undergoes rearrangement to form the product lactone and 4a- hydroxy- flavin. The catalytic cycle is terminated by elimination of water to form FAD and the release of the product and co-factor. It should be noted that the mechanism for microbial BVO based on CHMO serves as a model for other BVMOs. However, ther e are some differences such as the co-factor NADPH can be replaced by NADH and the prosthetic group FAD can be replaced by FMN [19]. Overall, there are no significant changes to the mechanism. Microbial Baeyer- Villigers oxidation is highly regio- and stereoselective [4,19-22] and as result it is commonly utilized for the biotransformation of steroidal compounds. It has also been shown in various studies, the ability of microbial BVMOs to attack the different ring systems of the steroid skeleton. Glomerella fusarioides was observed to biotransform eburicoic acid through an attack on the ring- A system by way of BVO to form a lactone, followed by a ring- cleavage to produce carboxylic acid [19]. In addition, 3-ketosteroids were observed to undergo Baeyer- Villigers oxidation with an isolated Baeyer- Villiger monooxygenase enzyme from Pseudomonas sp. attacking the C-3 ketone group on ring- A [4]. Ring- B lactone formation has also been observed in the steroid system using tomato cell suspension cultures to produce 24- epibassinolide [19]. Ring- D lactonization is very common and has been demonstrated by quite a few fungal species such as Pencillium sp., Cylindrocarim sp., M ucor sp. and Aspergillus sp. These fungi were able to biotransform progesterone to testololactone by way of Baeyer- Villigers oxidation via the intermediate steroid androst-4-ene-3,17-dione [19]. So far, ring- C lactonization has not been observed, although studies have been conducted to view this ring attack but none have proven its possibility [4]. Overall, several research have been undertaken and are still been conducted to explore the catalytic repertoire of Baeyer- Villiger monooxygenase enzymes, and these studies have shown the ability of this enzyme to catalyse the oxidation of 3- keto and 17- keto steroids with full control of the regiochemistry of the produced lactone thus allowing its application as an alternative to the conventional chemical process. 1.4. The mechanism of alcohol oxidation Alcohol oxidation is an important reaction in organic chemistry. It leads to the production of aldehydes or carboxylic acids from primary alcohol and ketones from secondary alcohol. Tertiary alcohols are resistant to oxidation because it is impossible to remove a hydrogen ion or add an oxygen atom to the compound without breaking the C-C bond. The commonly used reagents for the oxidation of alcohol are Jones reagent, potassium permanganate and chromium- based reagents. However, the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes creates a problem for the organic chemist because aldehydes are not stable when produced in the conventional chemical oxidation process thus the use of microbial cells is preferred to overcome this problem [22]. The enzymes used in the oxidation of alcohol by microorganisms are alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH) which are dependent on the co-factors NAD+ or NADP+. The mechanism of this reaction consists of a series of equilibrium where the hydride from the alcohol subs trate is transferred to NAD(P)+ in the ternary complex enzyme- NAD+- alcohol complex [22]. In humans, this process is carried in the same fashion and is extremely important for several endogenous as well as drug metabolism. Therefore, microorganisms could serve as models for human metabolism using this process. An unprecedented level of regioselctivity of microbial oxidation of the alcoholic group in bile acids has been observed [23]. Some fungal species are known to have the ability to oxidise the C-3 and C-17 hydroxyl groups of steroidal compounds. Aspergillus tamarii has been shown to possess the enzyme 3ÃŽ ²- hydroxy- steroid- dehydrogenases which catalyses the 3ÃŽ ²- hydroxyl group to a C-3 ketone [5]. Oxidation of the 17ÃŽ ²- hydroxyl group has also been observed in a number of fungal species e.g. Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp. and Mucor sp [24,25]. In general, a number of microorganisms have shown the ability to oxidise the alcohol groups on a steroid compound to generate t he ketone analogue, which could serve as an intermediate in the synthesis of lactones. 1.5. The mechanism of carbonyl reduction The reverse reaction of oxidation is reduction. It involves the transfer of one hydride ion to the carbonyl group. In conventional chemical reaction, the catalysts commonly used are sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4), aldehydes are easily reduced to primary alcohols using these catalysts. However, the high stereoselective reduction of ketones to chiral secondary alcohols is better performed with microbial enzymes [20,22]. This process is catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs), requiring the co-enzymes NADH or NADPH which transfers the hydride ion to the Si- or Re- face of the carbonyl group resulting in the formation of the corresponding (S)- or (R)- alcohol [22,25]. Microbial reduction of ketones to secondary alcohols normally proceeds in accordance with Prelogs rule to give secondary alcohols in the main (S)- enantiomer [25,26]. However, only a very limited number of microbial enzyme (ADHs) is available to allow anti- Prelog activity and have bee n demonstrated in the fungus Myceliophthora thermophila [27]. The ability of microorganisms to reduce the carbonyl groups on steroid compounds was reported in 1937 by Mamoli and Vercelloni who described the reduction of the 17- keto group in androst-4-ene-3,17-dione to testosterone by Saccharomyces cerevisiae [25]. Since then this process has been demonstrated for a wide variety of substrates and microorganisms of different species. Carbonyl reduction often accompanies other reactions in steroid biotransformation, and thus acts as one of the processes in the production of hydroxysteroids. 1.6. The microorganism: Myceliophthora thermophila Thermophilic fungi are among the few fungal species of eukaryotic organism that are able to survive at temperatures as high as 60 62oC [28]. However, Cooney and Emersons definition of thermophilic fungi is: fungi that have a growth temperature minimum at or above 20oC and a growth temperature maximum at or above 50oC [29]. These fungi have a widespread distribution in both tropical and temperate regions, inhabiting various types of soil and places where decomposition of plant material and organic matter occur thus providing the warm, humid and aerobic environment which are the basic conditions for their development [28,29]. The enzymes of thermophilic fungi have been studied to explore their contribution in biotechnology, and these studies have identified a remarkable range of extracellular enzymes (e.g. proteases, lipases, ÃŽ ±-amylases, glucoamylases, cellulases, cellobiose dehydrogenases, xylanases, ÃŽ ±- D-glucuronidase, polygalacturonase, laccases, phytase and D-glucosyltransf erase) and intracellular enzymes (e.g. trehalases, invertases, ÃŽ ²-glycosidases, lipoamide dehydrogenases, ATP sulfurylases and protein disulfide isomerases) [28]. The majority of these enzymes are appreciably thermostable which have resulted in its application in sugar and paper industries [30]. So far only two studies to date have been conducted to investigate the steroid biotransformation abilities of thermophilic fungi. The first study used the thermophilic filamentous fungus, Rhizomucor tauricus and it was observed that all transformations were oxidative producing mono- and dihydroxylated products with allylic hydroxylation been the predominant route of attack on the steroid compounds [30]. The second study was conducted using Myceliophthora thermophila [27] on which this present study is based. Myceliophthora thermophla is a thermophilic filamentous fungus classed as an ascomycete within the phyla of fungi [28]. It has another name which is sometimes used, Sporotrichum (Chrysosporium) thermophile [28,29]. However, M. thermophila is the sexual (telomorph) stage of the fungi, while Sporotrichum (Chrysosporium) thermophile is the asexual (anamorph) stage [28]. Its main habitat is in the soil and it is found in the following countries: USA, Canada, India, UK, Japan and Australia [29]. But this fungus can grow on simple media containing carbon, nitrogen and essential mineral salts such as Czapek- dox agar (CDA). The optimum growth temperature for M. thermophila is within the range 45 50oC [28]. It grows rapidly on CDA at 45oC, producing colonies that vary in surface texture from cottony to granular and its colour changes from white to cinnamon brown [29]. This fungus has also been observed to generate extracellular enzymes such as laccases, xylanases, cellulases and phytase wh ich have been exploited for use in the food industry and as biocatalyst in biotechnological processes [27]. This present study is a continuation of the research into steroid biotransformation by M. thermophila. Previously, a series of steroids (progesterone, testosterone acetate, 17ÃŽ ²-acetoxy-5ÃŽ ±-androstan-3-one, testosterone and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione) were incubated with this fungus, and a wide range of biocatalytical activity was observed with enzymatic attack at all four rings of the steroid nucleus and the C-17ÃŽ ² side- chain. This fungus demonstrated an unusual ring- A opening following incubation of the steroid 17ÃŽ ²-acetoxy-5ÃŽ ±-androstan-3-one, and thus generating 4-hydroxy-3,4-seco-pregn-20-one-3-oic acid. It was also identified to be the first thermophilic fungus to cleave the side- chain of progesterone. M. thermophila also demonstrated reversible acetylation and oxidation of the 17ÃŽ ²- alcohol of testosterone [27] (fig. 8). Further investigation into the diverse biocatalytical activity of this organism has led to the incubation of six saturated steroids namely: 17ÃŽ ²-hydroxy-5ÃŽ ±-androstan-3-one, 5ÃŽ ±-prgnane-3,20-dione, 3ÃŽ ²-hydroxy-5ÃŽ ±-androstan-17-one, 3ÃŽ ±-hydroxy-5ÃŽ ±-androstan-17-one, 5ÃŽ ±-androstan-3,6,17-trione and 5ÃŽ ±-androstan-3,17-dione with M. thermophila 1.7. Hypothesis The proposed hypothesis from previous study is outlined as follows: * Presumed lactonohydrolase activity evident from the isolation of an open lactone ring. * Enzymes responsible for the reduction of C3 ketone to a 3ÃŽ ±- alcohol and hydrogenation of the C-4-C-5 alkene are induced by progesterone. * Organisms ability for reverse metabolism, which is evident from the acetylation of testosterone to generate testosterone acetate and the reduction of the C-17 ketone of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione to produce testosterone which further undergoes acetylation. * Preference for stereochemistry of hydroxylation with attack at axial protons (6ÃŽ ², 7ÃŽ ±, 11ÃŽ ², 14ÃŽ ±). Therefore, the main aim of this study is to observe the effect of saturated steroids on the biocatalytical activity of Myceliophthora thermophila CBS 117.65 and to prove the hypothesis from the previous study.

Faith in Faulkners Light In August Essay -- Faulkner Light August Rel

Faith in Faulkner's Light In August Religion is a big part of the southern world that Faulkner creates in Light In August. It is also a major theme of the novel. Most characters seem to use â€Å"Lord† and â€Å"God† very often in their dialogue, which shows that religion is never forgotten by the members of this society. Light in August portrays a type of religious fundamentalism. In this fundamentalism, among the people of the south, there is only one proper way of following and implementing religion in one’s life. Characters are constantly trying to justify killing, hatred, and racism through their faith. The creation of hatred and racism is the result of each character’s belief that theirs are the only genuine beliefs and therefore, it is their responsibility to carry out the work of God in their own personal way and through their own reasoning. Two characters that are blinded by their own version of living a religious life are Mr. Hines and Mr. McEachern. I will argue that the obsession with their religion and their belief of how it should be followed is an ideology that fails each of these characters in their purpose. Consequently, the more these characters are faced by failure the more they try to embody God and take actions as if they are the Almighty Himself. Ironically, while using religion as a shield these characters fail to see their own sins. These characters see their sins instead, as the most essential and virtuous deeds and the work of God. From the moment Mr. McEachern picks up Joe Christmas from the foster home he stresses the importance of religion to Joe. While introducing himself, Mr. McEachern explains to Joe, â€Å"†¦I will have you learn soon that the two abominations are sloth and idle thinking, the... ...forced upon them. There are other types of religious extremists, like Doc Hines, who see those who do not share their faith as enemies and believe that they are a curse of God and therefore, should be eliminated through killing. These ideologies, even though seen in our world today, cannot be the definitions of faith and religion. In fact, the violence created through them defies the very basic beliefs associated with most world religions. Mr. McEachern and Doc Hines are blinded by their faith and their approach to implement religion in their lives and the lives of others is a forceful and violent one. In the end, both characters fail to spread their faith and instead their forceful teachings and extremist beliefs perpetuate more evil than good in the name of God. Works Cited Faulkner, William. Light in August. New York: Vintage International, 1990.

Corporate Communication Strategies Essay

Introduction In this report, corporate communication strategies in companies are discussed. The essentiality of corporate communication strategy and its  link with the corporate objectives is discussed in this report. The report aims to know what impact that a corporate communication strategies, either an internal communication strategy or an external communication strategy can create on the business success as well as on the internal and external stakeholders of the company like employees, customers, suppliers, government and so on. The need for corporate communication audit and monitoring of corporate communication strategies are also another highlights of this report Task 1 1.1Purpose of Corporate Communication Strategies Corporate business Communication strategy gears up its relevance in the contemporary business scenarios. This is a prominent ingredient in an effectual business strategy that helps the company to lead its path to ultimate success. Business communication seems to be complete with an effective corporate communication strategy which forms a base for a transparent communication among different people within a company as well as outside the business organisation. Public relations, advertising, marketing etc form a part of corporate communications, some other tools of corporate communication. Looking at the internal perspective, operational employee, team managers etc can increase their work efficiency through improved corporate communication among them. In the external perspective, through corporate communication, company can build good relationship with suppliers, customers/clients, shareholders, funding organisations, local communities, the media, etc and ensure smooth business operations. This is considered as a key ingredient of a business function that enables the coordination of work done by all individuals in each department. A proper synchronization of both external and internal communication is essential to ensure more business success. This leads to increased support of each stakeholder to the company. 1.2Assessment of how corporate communication is linked to corporate objectives within organizations Corporate communication plays a significant role in attaining the corporate  objectives. Customer satisfaction is a vital corporate objective, wherein communicating the product features and specifications is enabled through an effective corporate communication. How far the customers get attracted to the company’s product is linked with how extensively and effectively corporate communication techniques like advertising, marketing etc indulge in customer minds. Corporate communication strategies ensure the achievement of corporate objectives as when target customers get a clear picture about the product through various corporate communication strategies they get more attracted to the product. This will increase the sales volume, profitability, market share, brand image etc of the company. Thereby, corporate communication has a good linkage with the corporate objectives and its achievement. 1.3Analysis of relationships between Corporate Communication and Corporate Branding Corporate branding is build with the strong foundation of corporate communication. A proper sync of corporate branding and corporate communication helps a company to meet its ultimate business goals smoothly. A company aims to formulate most effective communication strategy for a better brand image. Branding distinguish the company product from another similar product. It is an identity of a product. Effective corporate communication reaches the customers in a successful manner and thereby they will be able to make out the unique and distinct features of the product. Corporate communication strategies improve the brand image of a product and thereby the product sustain in the minds of customers, who start treating the product as a premium brand. A better customer relationship is promised through branding and effective corporate communication. By communicating all the product details to the customers, brand awareness in the minds of the customers will be enhanced, leading to more brand loyalty. Thereby, customer retention is enabled using the most appropriate corporate communication and branding strategies (Kim, S, 2011). Task 2 2.1 Demonstration of how you would plan an internal corporate communication audit Any corporate communication strategy would not serve the purpose of business effectiveness. Hence, a company conducts corporate communication audits both internally and externally to evaluate the efficiency of a corporate communication strategy. This evaluation can be made by exploring the delicate areas of communication strategy and thereby forming a major part of corporate communication audit. A detailed communication audit demands for a considerable amount of fund utilization or expenses related to invoices and bills on stationary, travelling and so on. The financial budget for a communication audit needs to be planned well before its conduct and approved by the concerned authorized personnel. A transparent communication between the auditor and the company representatives is ideal for a smooth flow of auditing process. Various assessment techniques like interview, observation, content analysis etc are practiced by the auditor during the audit. The time limit for the entire audit process is pre determined so as to ensure successful completion considering every aspects in the auditing (Cornelissen 2014) 2.2 Explain how you would conduct an internal corporate communications audit The internal communication audit aims to identify and evaluate the methods in the internal communication process. As a first step, the senior management personnel and other staffs of a company are interviewed to know more about the thought pattern of each employee regarding the prevailing communication strategy. Surveys in the form of questionnaire are another typical method of communication audit to evaluate the varying responses on communication process within the organization. As a result of this, quantitative data on the same can be drawn. Qualitative data is achieved through group meetings with the concerned individuals in the company. This helps the auditor to know impact of communication process in the actual business executions 2.3 Critically evaluate the effectiveness of current levels of practice in your organization Evaluating the current communication strategy in the company fosters more business communication effectiveness. Considering the company, Coca Cola, a US based multinational company corporate communication strategies are very relevant for the company. This is due to the fact that the company has several branches across the world, where business communication is a challenging aspect. Also, increased customer base, supply chain management etc is some other challenging elements that demand for an effective corporate communication strategies in Coca Cola. Transparency and clarity in communication to both internal and external stakeholders of the company strengthen the bonding of the stakeholders within Coca Cola. This ensures more reliable and loyal stakeholders including its employees, customers, suppliers, dealers and so on. This imparts effectual business operations by the company with the complete support from all its stakeholders. The successful business communication networks between different branches of the company all over the world, the effective supply chain management, increased customer base, loyal employees etc form evidence of existing communication practices in a company and its effectiveness (Doorley & Garcia 2011). Task 3 3.1 Demonstrate how you would plan an external corporate communications audit Planning an external audit is another crucial aspect for a company. Hence, expert handling of communication audit is recommended. The company decides whether to hire an expert auditor or to entrust this duty to the concerned PR staff inside the organization. The time allotted for each step in the external audit process is planned in advance so that there will be no delays or issues in between. Also, the company plans the sources to collect the data proving the effectiveness of the current external communication, is determined well in advance. This may include people or corporate to approach, interviewing its external stakeholders and so on (Parguel et al. 2011). 3.2 Demonstrate how you would conduct an external corporate communications  audit Conducting an external communication audit involves several steps, starting with the identification of the key elements in the company, like its logo, symbols, letterhead, business cards etc. External communication audit is done by either one to one interview with the concerned people, customer survey, telephonic talks, discussions etc. The ideal research method for each external audit depends and may vary from one to another. The past communication audit need a thorough evaluation so as to ascertain the loopholes or untouched arenas in the previous external communication audits. Welcoming feedbacks, suggestions from customers, employees, suppliers etc form another integral part of external communication audit, to know the current status of external communication(Kaplan, R. S., & Norton 2001). 3.3 Critically evaluate the effectiveness of current levels of practice There exists an inevitable need for the evaluation of existing external communication process in the company so as to ensure business growth. External environment of this multinational giant in no doubt, is a critical element, where medias, political ups and downs, changing economic trends etc demand for apt external communication strategies. Hence, to know the effectiveness of such existing external communication methods requires a need to look in to its each and every aspect. It is essential to know whether the stakeholders are communicated well and are in sync with the business dealings, resource allocation and mobilization is proper or not etc. In a successful company, external communication process outstands with the expert touch where all the stakeholders are coordinated and communicated effectively. There sees a widening of their business horizons in the light and support of ace external communication methods adopted by the company. Reliable and transparent communication approach is a trademark of a successful company, that leads its business to new heights (Kim 2011). Task 4 4.1 Explain how you would plan the objectives of a corporate communication  strategy Planning of corporate communication strategy is the prior step to the formulation of this strategy. Corporate communication strategy, at its planning stage, determines how to achieve the corporate goals of the company. The clarity and relevance is sought in the objectives planned in order to make the communication strategy more applicable and effective. Monitoring the objectives effectiveness after the planning stage can lead to more improvisation on the same, wherever needed. It is essential to include all the mandate objectives and goals of the company to ensure there is a smooth execution corporate communication, both internally and externally (Coombs, W. T., & Holladay 2011) 4.2 Select the audiences to influence with a corporate communications strategy Customers or audience of a company forms a crucial part of the company, impacting its sales volume and profitability. Audience influence is hence associated in each aspect of its communication strategy. When the product is properly communicated to the target customers, the message will become clear to the customers and thereby more customers are attracted to the product. This can increase the sales of the products of the company. Hence, it is essential for the firm to formulate the ideal and most efficient communication strategies that will have an impact on the customers in a higher degree. More clarity and reliability are sought by customers through communication strategies and this need to be incorporated in the corporate communication strategies for better audience base(Keller et al. 2011). 4.3 Plan appropriate measures to monitor a planned corporate communications strategy Monitoring the effectiveness of a corporate strategy is an integral part in the company as this will help to identify the pitfalls and the necessary corrective steps can be taken on an immediate basis without any delays. This will also helps to improve communication with internal and external stakeholders. One of such measuring element is to create SMART (Specific,  measurable, attributable, realistic, time bound) objectives. Also, needs to look at both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of corporate communication strategies. The outcome of the strategy needs to be evaluated so as to identify the rectifications (Karaosmanoglu & Melewar 2006). Task 5 Reflective Learning Statement From this report, it can be understood that corporate communication strategies forms a prominent part of any organization. There is a vital need to ensure these are framed considering every aspects of communication related to both internal stakeholders as well as external stakeholders. The effectiveness of corporate communication strategies is ensured by conducting corporate communication internal and external audit. This involves a series of steps wherein all the stakeholders both inside and outside the company are surveyed to identify the impact of the prevailing communication on them. This helps the company to know where it lags behind and what all improvements it needs to take in the future to ensure a more effective corporate communication strategy. Corporate communication strategy is also related to corporate objectives as the attainment of business goals and selling of products, influence of the target audience etc are based on the effectiveness of corporate communication stra tegies(Roth 2014). Conclusion To sum up, it is noted that corporate communication strategies are the foundation of business growth and success. When there is an effective communication by the company towards its internal and external stakeholder, it will bring more trust factor on the stakeholders and who in turn support all the business activities. Suppose, If there is a transparent and timely communication of product details to the customers through the communication tools like advertisement, marketing techniques etc, it will increase the brand image as well as brand loyalty by the customers. In this report, the relevance of corporate communication strategy of a company is discussed.  Corporate communication strategies have a great link with the ultimate business goals. Corporate branding and communication are linked together. When the brand is communicated effectively to the customers, it will lead to more business success. To know the effectiveness of corporate communication strategies, internal and external corporate audit is conducted. There is a need to monitor a planned corporate strategy to make necessary improvements on the same (Becker-Olsen et al. 2011). References Becker-Olsen, K.L. et al., 2011. A Cross-Cultural Examination of Corporate Social Responsibility Marketing Communications in Mexico and the United States: Strategies for Global Brands. Journal of International Marketing, 19(2), pp.30–44. Available at: http://journals.ama.org/doi/abs/10.1509/jimk.19.2.30 [Accessed February 3, 2015]. Coombs, W. T., & Holladay, S.J., 2011. The handbook of crisis communication (Vol. 22). J. W. & Sons., ed., Cornelissen, 2014. Corporate communication: A guide to theory and practice, sage. Doorley, J. & Garcia, H.F., 2011. Reputation Management: The Key to Successful Public Relations and Corporate Communication, Routledge. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=TWqUAgAAQBAJ&pgis=1 [Accessed February 3, 2015]. Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D.P., 2001. business environment. Harvard Business Press. Available at: file:///C:/Users/Joseph/Downloads/02bfe50d1e9e9e6bfb000000.pdf [Accessed February 1, 2015]. Karaosmanoglu, E. & Melewar, T.C., 2 006. Corporate communications, identity and image: A research agenda. Journal of Brand Management, 14(1/2), pp.196–206. Available at: http://www.palgrave-journals.com/bm/journal/v14/n1/abs/2550060a.html [Accessed February 3, 2015]. Keller, K.L., Parameswaran, M.G. & Jacob, I., 2011. Strategic Brand Management: Building, Measuring, and Managing Brand Equity, Pearson. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=cofhZbwwFuYC&pgis=1 [Accessed February 3, 2015]. Kim, S., 2011. Taylor & Francis Online. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1062726X.2011.555647#.VNBrz2iUdMA [Accessed February 3, 2015]. Parguel, B., Benoà ®t-Moreau, F. & Larceneux, F., 2011. How Sustainability Ratings Might Deter â€Å"Greenwashing†: A Closer Look

Al-Qaeda/Terrorism

Terrorism can be defined as threatening use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons. It is the act of terrorizing or the state of being terrorized. Most acts of terrorism are committed by terrorist organizations. Terrorist organizations use terror to accomplish their mission or objective. One of the most infamous terrorist organizations is Al-Qaeda. Established in 1988 by militant Islamist, Osama Bin Laden, Al-Qaeda traces all the way back to the Soviet War in Afghanistan. It operates as a network comprising both a multinational and stateless army. It has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and various other countries. The overall mission of Al-Qaeda is to attempt to overthrow godless regimes and replace them with Islamic regimes. Furthermore, the terrorist organization desires to convert al-Qaeda into an ideology and set of operating principles that can be loosely franchised in other countries without requiring direct command and control. Al-Qaeda also states several other missions which include gathering information about the enemy, the land, the installations, and the neighbors, kidnapping enemy personnel documents, secrets, and arms, assassinating enemy personnel as well as foreign tourists, and freeing the brothers who are captured by the enemy. Other missions also include spreading rumors and writing statements that instigate people against the enemy, blasting and destroying the places of amusement, immorality, and sin; not a vital target, blasting and destroying the embassies and attacking vital economic centers, blasting and destroying bridges leading into and out of the cities. The headquarters of infamous terrorist organization are not known anymore. al-Qaeda has known contacts and activities in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bosnia, Chechnya, Eritrea, Kosovo, the Philippines, Somalia, Tajikistan, and Yemen, and now Kosovo. Additionally, al-Qaida has been linked to conflicts and attacks in Africa, Asia, Europe, the former Soviet Republics, the Middle East, as well as North and South America. All in all, their threat is not limited to these geographical areas because of worldwide connections. The group has targeted American and other Western interests as well as Jewish targets and Muslim governments it sees as corrupt or impious-above all, the Saudi monarchy. Above all, its main target is the United States of America. In 2005, Al-Quds Al-Arabi published extracts from Saif al-Adel's document â€Å"Al Qaeda’s Strategy to the Year 2020† which is a plan for the downfall of U. S. economy by the year 2020. Over the years, al-Qaeda has been involved in many terrorist attacks. The terrorist group has undergone proper military training, and is capable of commanding insurgent forces in order to carry out its attack. Al-Qaeda linked attacks include: The attempted December 2009 bombing of a Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines flight and an October 2007 suicide bombing that narrowly missed killing former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Two months later, another bomber succeeds in killing the former prime minister; Pakistani officials blame Baitullah Mahsud, a top Pakistani Taliban commander with close ties to al-Qaeda. Other attacks include: the February 2006 attack on the Abqaiq petroleum processing facility, the largest such facility in the world, in Saudi Arabia, the July 2005 bombings of the London public transportation system, and the March 2004 bomb attacks on Madrid commuter trains, which killed nearly 200 people and left more than 1,800 injured. On September 11, 2001, Al-Qaeda was involved in one of the most devastating attacks on the United States, hijacking four U. S. airplanes, two of which crashed into the World Trade Center, and a third of which crashed into the Pentagon. 9/11 resulted in over 3,000 deaths and $95 billion worth of damage, lost of taxes, and clean-up costs to the city of New York. In the aftermath of 9/11, Bin Laden issued several messages praising the attacks, but denying Al-Qaeda’s involvement. This was just one example of the terrorist group’s usage of the media. Al-Qaeda has become extremely reliant on media. It uses media to further its cause by garnering publicity towards its cause. The media is used to publicize its corrupt Islamic institutions, organizations, and ideas. All things considered, Al-Qaeda is shrinking. The leadership ranks of the main al-Qaeda terrorist network have been reduced to just two figures whose demise would mean the group’s defeat. Although the terrorist group is shrinking, it is important that the American people stay on alert. There will probably always be a fear of the terrorist group’s reemergence, but as long as we stay a step ahead and do not underestimate the group, the American people will be a-okay.

Accident remedial measures are actions undertaken to correct perceived or actual deficiency or risks in road traffic to improve safety. The WritePass Journal

Accident remedial measures are actions undertaken to correct perceived or actual deficiency or risks in road traffic to improve safety. Introduction Accident remedial measures are actions undertaken to correct perceived or actual deficiency or risks in road traffic to improve safety. IntroductionReferencesRelated Introduction Accident remedial measures are actions undertaken to correct perceived or actual deficiency or risks in road traffic to improve safety. A WHO 2004 report indicates that about 1.2 million people are killed annually the world over and forecast that by â€Å"2020 road accident will be the second cause of death if the growing problems are not tackled† (WHO 1999) . Currently in the developing world it is the second largest cause of death after HIV Aids. Statistics indicates that on the average, the total cost of road accident is estimated to be about 2.5% of the Gross National Product of many nations. The Dft report (2009) indicates that accident place a huge economic and social cost to countries in terms of personal injury and damage to property. The above indicates that there is the need for a wide range of accident remedial measures to be adopted to curtail the risks of motorisation and reduce human suffering and social cost. To be able to target the appropriate remedial measure s to tackle this challenge, a good accident data system will be needed to determine where accidents cluster and permit decision makers to prepare and identify priority areas that need the most attention.   There are various ways by which this can be carried out such as ranking site by actual number of accidents (frequency) or rates of accidents occurrence (eg numbers per kilometre travelled) or the cost of the accident. The merits associated with using numbers is that it has the ability to portray actual injuries or death and makes the data easy to relate to and the actual impact known and understood even by lay persons, example media men in reporting road accidents to the public are more comfortable using numbers (frequency) to rates and it appeals to the public than using rates. In this sense it is argued that it is easier to communicate to stakeholders and the public using numbers than rates. This also enables sites to be ranked in terms of absolute number of casualties and road safety interventions targeted at those sites can be supported by politicians who may not have in-depth knowledge on rates since numbers are easier to understand than rates. Accident numbers refer to accident occurrence in a given stretch of road at a period of time. The use of numbers to set target are mostly used by practitioners because it allow the use of statistical models to determine significant relationship between dependent variable and a number of explanatory variables and rates calculated to compare risk level. This result can be used to predict effects of the accident and identify the key variable, example speed, alcohol that causes the accident and appropriate intervention adopted to mitigate impacts. One of the arguments against using numbers to set target for safety measures is that a change in the number of occurrence of accidents due to low flow of traffic will alter numbers even though the level of the risk may remain the same thereby given a false impression. It can therefore be misleading particularly on low flow traffic roads where a single accident can greatly alter the rate, thereby giving a false interpretation which can have a big impact on the outcome. Setting remedial measure using rates expressed in accident per number of population is recommended by most practitioners because it gives a value that can be easily related to and compared with local, national or international averages.   Example comparing road death per 100,000 populations in say 2009 between regions or nations to compare performance for evaluation. The formula for calculating this is express as: Annual Accident rate = number of accident Ãâ€" 100, 000/ number of population. When accident data is combined with exposure to calculate accident rates such as number of road accidents per 100,000 populations, a more informative comparative level of road safety is achieved at international level depending on the availability and comparability of these data. It is widely argued in the transport sector that accident rate rather than numbers is a better performance measure in that the rates reflects the activity level and their relationship to the number of accidents. This tracks changes in the accident rates for a fixed volume of vehicle or human population. Example xyz accidents per 100,000 vehicles or population. By tracking the rate of accidents per vehicle or human population, decision makers can more accurately point out safety concerns or trends indicating potential safety concerns. It allows public risks to be calculated by extracting health risk rate from available population data such as number of deaths per 100,000 populations. One of the arguments against rates in target setting is that it is nebulous to appeal to non-professionals in road safety in that it is expressed in technical languages, example Nigeria proposing to reduce the number of seriously injured per billion vehicle- kilometres by 15% by 2020 may be too difficult to comprehend by non-road safety professionals. Also, indicators for rates per unit of exposure need its corresponding exposure data, example population per kilometre which are most time not easily available immediately. One of the disadvantage of using rates is that, regions with limited length of road network could register lower accidents due to average distance travelled and may give a false impression of the risks and the level of safety in those regions. Moreover, traffic risk is most appropriately measured using level of exposure data, example vehicle per kilometre travel which are not available in most countries and cannot not also be collected in the required level of details due to inconsistencies in definition of road network and different modes of transport used in different countries. The use of both numbers and rates as an approach by the UK in setting national target can be helpful in that depending on the situation, quantity and reliability of data, information on accident rates may vary to be used for proper prioritisation, therefore, it is appropriate to use more than one type of accident analysis in ranking the problem to achieve a balance assessment of data.   This data analysis can be based on accident rates, number of accidents or severity of injuries sustained or the cost of the accident. It is therefore appropriate to set targets in terms of absolute numbers and the rates so that where volumes traffic fluctuates the outcome can be amenable to treatment. The use of both measures allows comparison of risks of road travel modes with the risk frequency of occurrence so that transport safety budgets can be allocated most effectively References WHO (1999); World Health Report: Making a difference, Geneva: World Health Organisation WHO (2OO4) World Health Report on road traffic injury prevention, Geneva: World Health Organisation

Argumentative Essay on Government Banning Video Games Essay Example

Argumentative Essay on Government Banning Video Games Essay Example Argumentative Essay on Government Banning Video Games Essay Argumentative Essay on Government Banning Video Games Essay Essay Topic: Argumentative Should the Government Ban the Sale of Violent Video Games? â€Å"Too many of the video games marketed to our children teach them all of the wrong lessons and values† (Whitehead 108). These are the words from the Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich who is trying to outlaw the sale of violent video games. This issue has been around for a while and the government is looking into it. They say that violent behavior by small children is an effect of the violence seen in the video games. Many people have supported the actions taken by the government but others see it as a waste of resources. There are a number of reasons the government should not get involved in banning the sale of video games. Parents should be responsible and take care of their children. Proponents claim that that the government should ban violent video games for a number of reasons. They claim that research has shown that violent video games affect young people in both short and long term. This leads children to criminal and antisocial behavior. Parents don’t actually know how violent video games actually are and use them to keep their children busy while they are minding their own business so there is no parental supervision. The government has taken interest in this since many people believe that the role of the government is to protect society and its citizens from damaging society as a whole. However, it would be wrong for the government to take steps in censoring violent video games since it is something that is impossible to do. The government would require a great deal of money to stop the sales of video games. Yet, it won’t stop anything since retailers could then move their sales to the internet where the government won’t be able to perform so well. All the money invested would then be a waste. Many people against the law say that the government should spend the money in something more useful or needed. It would be a waste of resources to try and control the sales when internet is so accessible to everyone and can provide access to anything. Furthermore, violent acts by children cannot be attributed to video games; there are a lot of things that come into play. Many known researchers have found that there is no link between violent behavior and video games. The most recent study was performed by Patrick Kierkegaard at the University of Essex, England; it suggested that there is no link between violent video games and violent behavior. Kierkegaard explained that the effect seems to be the exact opposite and one might argue that video game usage has reduced real violence (Kierkegaard). He also states that it is possible for certain types of video game to affect emotions, views, behavior, and attitudes, however, so can books. These can also lead to violent behavior on those already predisposed to violence. Nevertheless, many of the video games that are found to be violent are not created for children. These games are written for adults and have an effective rating system implemented on them. One such rating system is the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). It was created by the major video game manufacturers due to pressure applied by concerned groups about the content on video games. Many game companies now submit their products for rating by the ESRB. A number of factors are considered when rating games. They include the amount of violence, sex, profane language and substance abuse. The ESRB then gives an age recommendation and a content description to the games submitted. This rating system allows parents to know what each game contains and allows them to make responsible decisions for their children. As evidence shows, it would not be wise for the government to get involved in this. Parents play a large role in development of their children. They are the ones that go and buy the games for the children without paying attention to the safety measures already in place. I have been a video game player for many years and have played every kind of game. Yet, the teachings I received since I was a kid are still in me and I have never had the urge to be violent due to a video game. Parents should take responsibility for their children and the government should not be responsible for the actions of the parents. Dafoe Whitehead, Barbara. Parents Need Help: Restricting Access to Video Games. Elements of Argument. Ed. Annette T. Rottenberg and Donna Haisty Winchell. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2009. 108-109. Kierkegaard, Patrick. Video Games and Aggression. International Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry. Ed. Johanna K. P. Dennis. New York: Inderscience, 2008. 411-417

How to Add Page Numbers in Microsoft Word

How to Add Page Numbers in Microsoft Word How to Add Page Numbers in Microsoft Word Adding page numbers to a Microsoft Word document is a fundamental element of formatting. This is particularly important in a longer piece of work, like a dissertation, since it prevents the pages from getting mixed up and helps your reader navigate the document. What many people don’t realize, however, is that Microsoft Word offers customized formatting options for page numbers, allowing you to apply different styles to different parts of a document. In today’s blog post, we run through how you can use page numbers to make your work look tidy and professional. Adding Page Numbers to a Document The basic process of adding page numbers to a document is simple. All you need to do is: Go to the â€Å"Insert† tab and click â€Å"Page Number† in the â€Å"Header Footer† section In the dropdown menu, select where you want your page numbers to appear (header, footer or margins) Finally, select the alignment for your page numbers (left, right or center) This will add page numbers throughout your document, making it easier to navigate between sections. Formatting Page Numbers The default page number style in Microsoft Word can be adjusted using the â€Å"Format Page Numbers† option in the dropdown menu. The pop-up menu that appears when you click on this gives you two main options: Number Format This allows you to control the style of numbering you apply in your document. The default is Arabic numerals, but you can use lettering or Roman numerals instead if you prefer. You can also add the chapter number to your page numbering by selecting â€Å"Include Chapter Number,† but this only works if you’ve applied appropriate â€Å"Heading† styles in your document. Page Numbering These options allow you to control the number at which your page numbering starts. Usually this will default to â€Å"1,† starting at the first page of your document. Sections Breaks and Page Numbering Microsoft Word can also apply different styles of page numbering in different parts of your document. This can be handy if, for instance, you want the page numbers to begin only after the cover page, or if you wanted to use Roman numerals for pages preceding the introduction. To do this, however, you’ll need to add section breaks to your document: Select where you want a section break to appear Go to â€Å"Page Layout† and click â€Å"Breaks† Select â€Å"Next Page† under â€Å"Section Breaks† in the dropdown menu To apply different page number styles before and after the break: Go to â€Å"Insert† and find the â€Å"Header Footer† section Select â€Å"Edit† under either â€Å"Header† or â€Å"Footer† Select the header/footer where you want to apply a particular numbering style In the â€Å"Design† tab, deselect â€Å"Link to Previous† Once this is done, changing the formatting style of the page numbers in one part of the document will leave preceding sections unchanged.

Summary of article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Summary of article - Essay Example ecame unemployed; the standard of living lowered for most factory workers who were reduced into slaves and the family foundations wobbled as women worked in the mills. It was seen as a move that benefited only a few people. Before the industrial revolution set in, the economy was not doing well enough to sustain a growing population. The economy was characterized by monopolistic businesses. The youths were forced to work in the army under deplorable conditions. The crime rate also high and the authorities were not able to deal with it. The innovation system was opposed highly, but the factory system despite the many challenges it faced, thrived because of two reasons. The first reason is that the laissez-faire economists worked to educate people against the popular belief that the processes and devices introduced to save on labor were meant to create unemployment. The other reason it thrived was because they beat the authorities at their own game by addressing the problems above that the authorities had not been able to deal with. The factories provided employment for the paupers and the women who were willing to work. The wages paid were little but were better off than nothing. It is only the people who were well off in the society benefitted from the previous system. They are the ones who decided how much the others were going to earn. With the industrial revolution, there was a turn of things where new marketing and production modes were introduced. The goods that were manufactured focused on all consumers especially those that were not the target there before. Whenever the factory system went into the production of whichever goods, it first started by producing the cheap products for the greater percentage of the masses. The production of the expensive products only came much later. For example, when the factories produced cotton goods, the rich were not interested in cotton goods. These then became the target of the other consumers. It was a system of

Development Delay Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Development Delay - Essay Example The following sections of the current paper detail the characteristics of the child, his developmental delay, and some possible interventions that may be taken to help alleviate or totally resolve the problem. I. Description of the Child and the Disability The boy who is four years of age, internationally adopted from China at three months of age, demonstrates an obvious speech disorder and expressive language delay noted at 8 and 20 months of age, respectively. Based on his records, his mother conceived him at age 30, and was not hospitalized or medicated during pregnancy. Therefore, factors such as gender, heredity, and environment (Norbury & Tomblin, 2008) may be considered as the roots of the problem. The surrogate mother of the child, who has taken care of the boy since birth, serves as the main source of information and child support. The mother is a housewife who never goes out except to do some grocery or pay bills. Although the surrogate father willingly provides support to his wife, he is the only one working for the family, is usually out, and comes home at night after office hours. Therefore, aside from the mother, the child has no one to interact with at home. Nevertheless, he is very fond of the television, and replies to people when expected. Faced with a stranger or visitor, the child behaves normally. He interacts and replies with people of all ages, although like most kids, he interacts better with other children. Whenever a visitor comes in, the boy resumes his activity, and responds to the visitor whenever asked. However, he has a very notable speech defect. He does not demonstrate other symptoms of delay except for his speech. When asked what his name is, he responds correctly, but shows inability for proper pronunciation and overall speech. In particular, he has difficulty producing the /s/ in his name and sometimes pronounces /t/ instead or deletes it in other instances. Likewise, he tends to substitute the sound of /k/ to /ch/ and so on. When at play with other kids, the boy does not talk much, but moves and does things according to expectations. At home, when asked to do a chore, he is able to obey instructions such as turning on/off the TV, looking for his toy, arranging his toys in the bin, drinking water on his own, and wearing his slippers. However, he has to be fed when eating, or else he will not be able to finish his food. His motor skills are all right. He can dance, move, go up the stairs, run, use the swing, slide, and play in the sand. However, when asked to draw or hold a pencil, he writes with palmar-supinate grasp. When asked to report what he has done, he struggles with pronunciation of words, and often times cannot be understood. Nevertheless, he tries to express himself but is a little shy with strangers. Moreover, he misses to name things at times, and points at them instead. His sentences are wrongly constructed, and even though taught the proper way, repeatedly makes wrong word order, which res ults in being misunderstood especially by visitors and playmates. II. Support and Resources Needed The situation of the boy calls for the services of a speech therapist. Immediate assistance may be necessary to correct the problem. Likewise, relearning of sounds and acquisition may also help to alleviate problems with

System of Inquiry Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

System of Inquiry Paper - Essay Example The basic purpose of a compliance program for following the code of ethics is to help the employees at all levels and functions within the organization to work together and achieve the broader and narrower goals and objectives in such a way as to be consistent with standards of ethical behavior. The ethics compliance program and the system of inquiry is an essential part of the learning process for the organization. It is recognized as a good practice to always evaluate the ethics program, although as a matter of fact, few organizations actually do so. On top of that, such programs normally have not demonstrated that the expected program outcomes were achieved. Still, the program could be deemed a success, if it at least met the minimum requirements. In this context, it is no longer a question of whether to inquire into one’s ethics compliance program, but rather to design a system of inquisition that goes about implementing it across a span of time. The following pages will delve into the framework for the system of inquiry and the related issues during its design and implementation. The Code of Ethics Process Evaluation is designed to analyze how successful program implementation was. It is also designed to monitor which of the activities within the program were performed and to what extent. An instance of process activities and their corresponding output measure is the standards and procedures written and published through annual training courses in ethics. Regarding the participants of such courses, the extent that specific skills and knowledge were recollected at various periods of time after the training is an important indicator. And finally, the measure of participants’ satisfaction during the training is another valuable piece of data. From the point of view of the inquirer, these program activities and their outputs have negligible value in and of themselves, especially when it comes to forming remedial actions. Their value is

Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizations - Essay Example The actions carried out by the organization are aimed towards preventative measures and strengthening the healthcare systems. The program is has an aggressive approach in fighting the current prevalent diseases in Africa which would be considered an emergency in developed countries. To be more specific, one of the main causes of death in Africa is HIV/AIDS. Approximately 68% of the entire AIDS infected population in the world resides in Sub Saharan Africa. However, only 10% of these individuals are offered the appropriate access to anti-retroviral drugs. The African community also has a problem of drug resistant strains of TB. The main killer of African children is Malaria, whist approximately 5Â  000 children are living with diarrhea at any given time. African women are also at a risk of 1:16 of dying during their pregnancy. Comparing these figures with developed countries shows the urgency of the matter and will help illustrate the approaches taken by AMREF in addressing these pro blems. The organization has started awareness campaigns and free testing facilities in an attempt to prevent new infections of HIV and reducing the progression of the disease in individuals who are already infected. Awareness campaigns have also been created among HIV patients about tuberculosis as early intervention prevents further spread. Specifically, the organization educates the community about the main symptoms, stages of the disease and diagnostic procedures. To reduce the occurrence of malaria the organization has donated mosquito nets and repellents and also educated people on the symptoms and signs of malaria. In an attempt to reduce the number of deaths due to delivery and complicated pregnancies, the organization has improved the education on maternal health. To prevent the spread of water borne diseases the organization has improved the level of education on water safety and sanitation. The above mentioned approaches may appear as non emergency actions; however, one mu st consider that the organization is based in a developing country. Education is the first step in improving health and preventing certain diseases and this aspect of healthcare is not fully developed in these countries. Therefore, the emergency approach would be too increase people’s knowledge as treatment provision alone is insufficient in alleviated the above mentioned health issues. As mentioned above, the organization is located in Africa and currently has establishments in 30 countries. These offices have several different functions which include technical support, laboratories, on- ground projects and training. The organization also has supporting offices in Europe and North America whose main function is to provide financial support for the African branches. As illustrated above, the main functions of the organization are educating purposes and targeted at developing countries. Therefore, in a usual emergency crisis the organization will not intervene. If the situatio n was serious and required the involvement of many healthcare organizations AMREF would be influential in spreading the message across the country. However, other modes of intervention in the United States would also be inhibited by the fact that the organiza

Policy and Assurance Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Policy and Assurance - Term Paper Example An Information Assurance (IA) policy is one of the mechanisms that an organization could use in order to achieve this. This paper will examine the issues in formulating such policy, including an overview of what IA is, the threats it aims to address, the ethics of developing certain rules that concerns rights issues, among other related variables. The United States Department of Defense defined Information Assurance as â€Å"the information operations that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring the availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and nonrepudiation† including the provision for â€Å"restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities.† (Boyce and Jennings 2002, p. xii)) This comprehensive definition underscores the breadth of the IA’s coverage. But the most important among its functions concern the treats to security which could come from many different areas including – but not limited to – intentional attacks and also from unintended acts that result from technical, organizational and individual mistakes. It is the human beings who use the information system – those who make decisions, who exploit it and use it – usually cause uncertainty and risks. According to a study Bidgoli (2006), attacks and threats to information systems within an organization are almost evenly split between those originating from the outside and those from the inside. (p. 4) This fact underscores how an Information Assurance policy must aim its operations towards both the outsider and insider attacks of all forms. In developing an organizational information assurance, the fundamental rule in Oliva’s mind, is to start within the enterprise architecture. (p. 32) The reason for this is that all organizations are founded in this framework - from the mission of the organization, how

Weekly Assignment No. 12 & Weekly Assignment No. 13 Essay

Weekly Assignment No. 12 & Weekly Assignment No. 13 - Essay Example We are reviewing the performance of big contractor companies on the recent projects to select the one we would like to contract with. A business proposal is a kind of business plan when the business is in the conceptual stage. The scope of work, the resources and other business essentials have not yet been finalized. On the other hand, a business plan is the actual plan of a business once everything has been finalized. It has scenario details and is usually made for a period of five years. The business plan includes but is not limited to the products, the cost and benefit analysis, objectives and the marketing plan. Entrepreneurs need a business plan in order to concoct the management and leadership strategies. The business plan suggests the resources that the entrepreneur should arrange as well as the milestones that the entrepreneur has to achieve. The business plan provides the entrepreneur with a firm basis for his/her future decisions and an objective understanding of the business as a

Policy and Assurance Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Policy and Assurance - Term Paper Example An Information Assurance (IA) policy is one of the mechanisms that an organization could use in order to achieve this. This paper will examine the issues in formulating such policy, including an overview of what IA is, the threats it aims to address, the ethics of developing certain rules that concerns rights issues, among other related variables. The United States Department of Defense defined Information Assurance as â€Å"the information operations that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring the availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and nonrepudiation† including the provision for â€Å"restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities.† (Boyce and Jennings 2002, p. xii)) This comprehensive definition underscores the breadth of the IA’s coverage. But the most important among its functions concern the treats to security which could come from many different areas including – but not limited to – intentional attacks and also from unintended acts that result from technical, organizational and individual mistakes. It is the human beings who use the information system – those who make decisions, who exploit it and use it – usually cause uncertainty and risks. According to a study Bidgoli (2006), attacks and threats to information systems within an organization are almost evenly split between those originating from the outside and those from the inside. (p. 4) This fact underscores how an Information Assurance policy must aim its operations towards both the outsider and insider attacks of all forms. In developing an organizational information assurance, the fundamental rule in Oliva’s mind, is to start within the enterprise architecture. (p. 32) The reason for this is that all organizations are founded in this framework - from the mission of the organization, how

Dietary Supplements Report Essay Example for Free

Dietary Supplements Report Essay Dietary supplements are products intended for ingestion as supplements to the diet. Dietary supplements can have vitamins, herbs, enzymes, extracts, plant substances, amino acids, botanicals, and concentrates. Supplements are beneficial to the body because they can enhance the nutrients in foods, aid in weight loss, provide energy, cure illnesses, optimize health, and protect against diseases. If a person does not consume enough nutrients because of a disease or eating habits dietary supplements are extremely beneficial. There are certain groups that benefit most from dietary supplements; pregnant women, vegetarians, dieters, and the elderly. An increase of folic acid and iron is needed to reduce the risk of defects and prevent anemia. Vegetarians should take vitamin B12 because they do not eat animal foods which contain more vitamin B12 than any other food source. If a person eats less than 1200 calories when on a diet, they will not get the amount of nutrients needed. If dieters take a multi-vitamin they will meet the daily recommendations for nutrients. Anyone over the age of 50 should take calcium, Vitamin D, and B12 to maintain a healthy life. Calcium and vitamin D will help keep the bones strong, lower blood pressure, and prevent diseases like osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin B12 will promote heart health and fight fatigue. There are many risks when taking dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are not regulated or tested by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for side effects before they are available to consumers (â€Å"The skinny on dietary supplements,† 2008). Dietary supplements are also harmful because they contain chemicals that can be harmful. Some supplements contain non-essential hormones and enzymes. Dietary supplements may cause medications, over-the-counter or prescribed, to work differently or not at all. When taking any supplement it is important to read the label and ask a physician before taking the supplement to reduce chances of toxicity. Many people think dietary supplements provide all the nutrients needed to support a healthy diet; they are only part of a ealthy diet (Grosvenor, 2006). As stated earlier, the government does not regulate dietary supplements as they do other foods and drugs (U. S. Food and Drug Administration: Dietary Supplements, 2013). In 1994 the government created the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). The act states manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the product is safe before it is put on the market. If the product is unsafe after it is on the market the FDA is respon sible for taking action to correct the issue. The FDA is responsible for providing product information and literature. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure all ingredients are listed on the labels of the product and the information is true. The manufacturer has to submit reports for any supplement that has any type of negative reaction. The FDA implemented a Dietary Supplement Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMPs) that all personnel in the company must follow to ensure quality control. Supplements are needed by people with life-threatening diseases like kidney failure. People that have kidney failure, depending on the type of dialysis they use, peritoneal or hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis uses osmosis and diffusion through the peritoneal cavity to remove waste and fluid; this process causes a lack of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Hemodialysis uses an artificial kidney to remove wastes and fluids from the blood; this process causes a lack of phosphorus, iron, and epogen. The common bond between both types of dialysis is the lack of phosphorus. Phosphorus supplements are used to strengthen the bones of dialysis patients, prevent renal bone disease, and keep the heart healthy. The dose varies from patient to patient, depending on the food intake. If the patient does not take the prescribed dose they experience many different effects. If too much of the phosphorus supplement is ingested, itching will occur. If not enough phosphorus is ingested, weakness will occur and bones will begin to get brittle causing them to break.

Travel And Tourism Industry And Virgin Atlantic

Travel And Tourism Industry And Virgin Atlantic The first organisation I want to talk about is Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic is an extremely popular and successful airline. Virgin Atlantic provides many services on board their flights, and its a scheduled service. Organisation Two: The Tour Operator Thomson. The second organisation Im going to talk and describe is Thomson Tour Operators which is part of the TUI group. Thomson are a multinational tour operator, and they offer a great deal of services towards the consumers who choose to holiday with them. A tour operator has major responsibilities towards the consumer, the travel agent that books the holidays, flights and other ancillary services, and even airport staff from ground handling and aircraft maintenance. Although Thomson can fall under the category of airline, they are also a tour operator and travel agents. Thomson is listed in all three component areas. Thomson specialises in package holidays, but it doesnt just limit the company to that. It provides a great deal of services towards the customer such as: Flights Hotels Car Hire Insurance Package Holidays Below I will analyse and discuss the services of each of the above listed products. Flights: Flights are a crucial product of Thomson. With Thomson creating package holidays to match their customers specific needs, they need a way to transport them to their destinations. Thomson have a large fleet of aircraft in their company, almost the majority being Boeing 767s. When a customer books a holiday with Thomson, naturally, the travel agent or their company website that books the holiday, has to arrange seats on an aircraft. Thomson are a chartered airline, and offer many inflight services, at a small cost, or sometimes, depending on the service completely free. Thomsons airlines offer the customer services such as Duty Free, on board entertainment, meal and drinks services, premium class and priority handling. This is a difference with low cost budget airlines, as a charge has to be made for all services, right down the baggage allowance. When a customer books a package holiday, or even just a flight, for a specific date, a seat on one of Thomsons aircraft has to be available, otherwise, the customer can simply not go on that date. Hotels: Travel companies and tour operators leases hotel rooms from many chains of hotel, so their customers can reside there whilst on their holiday. This all comes back to availability, if a customer books a package holiday, the flight seat has to be available, along with a hotel room, or as many rooms required by the consumer. However, this is not that big an issue, as computers and technology makes this easy for travel agents or even the customer at home. Hotels have to be up to the standard stated on Thomsons website, if Thomsons state that a hotel has five stars, it has to have five stars, again with product description, if the website of the travel agent where the holiday was booked states that the hotel has a sea view, then it must otherwise this breaches the trades and product description act. Hotels have to live up to not only the consumer expectations, but the Tour Operators too, in this case Thomson. Thomson wants the customer to have a relaxing and enjoyable time whilst on holiday, and if the hotel is damaged, or services are not up to scratch, this can seriously jeopardise the customers overall happiness and satisfaction. The consumer may, or probably will complain to a travel rep onsite, and this is reported back to Thomson or the travel agents where holiday was booked, the Tour Operator may choose to terminate the contract if a high volume of complaints are received, as this will not only damaged the hotels name, but also Thomsons too, who are responsible for the customers satisfaction. Errors like this can prevent return business, and referral to that customers friends. Its all about first impressions. Now within the hotel, there are many roles that have to be performed daily or regularly. A major role that is essential, not only to maintain the hotel is cleaning. The hotel has to be clean, not only for the image and reputation of the hotel, but for the customers satisfaction. If a customer walks into the lobby, and finds garbage and paper all over the floor, their first impression of their accommodation will not be the best, and may put them off from enjoying their holiday all together. Rooms are cleaned daily in hotels, but certain hotels have gone green meaning services such as bed sheets are only changed every other day, and towels are washed every few days, unless stated by the customer, by the use of a card that informs the cleaners to take away and replace the towels and sheets. Hotels are responsible for the satisfaction of the customer, as well as the travel reps, and tour operator. All staff in hotels should be friendly, including the cleaners. Hotel staff are responsible along with a travel rep, in this case a Thomson Travel rep to ensure that the customer is enjoying him/herself. If a customer has a problem, they should feel like they can approach a travel rep, or a member of the hotels staff, to complain and have the problem addressed. Complaints should be dealt with quickly and appropriately. If there is an issue with a hotel room, and the customer is dissatisfied, then the customer should either be given a replacement room, or have the problem resolved as quickly as possible. Pass Three: Write a review on the different types of interrelationships in the travel and tourism industry for example: Chains of distribution, integration (Including both Horizontal and Vertical) and interdependencies. Use diagrams where applicable to illustrate your review.

Vacation Gone Awry Essay -- Descriptive Writing Examples

I lay asleep in the car crammed between my brother and my sister; I open my eyes just in time to see a sign with half of the lights burnt out that read "State Bridge, Resort, Saloon, Restaurant, and Lodging." By the looks of the sign, I had a feeling that this place was going to be a dump. The word "resort" led me to believe it wasn't that bad. The thought I always kept in the back of my mind was what a Hawke family "vacation" was. We would always spend the least amount of money as we could, and we would leave as soon as possible. This, to my dad, was the greatest vacation. My dad had this great last minute idea of going to his sister's house in Steamboat Springs for Christmas. My family is known for last minute planning. We started planning this the day before we wanted to leave. Things never go according to plan, and we ended up leaving that very same day because there was supposed to be a huge snowstorm the next morning. So, at six that night, we all piled into our 1982, Dodge minivan. Of course, my dad made my mom drive because he hates to drive at night or driving period. He always says to my mom "Honey, if you get tired just wake me up and I'll drive." On long trips, he always falls asleep and it is quite difficult to wake him up when he is snoring. My mom always ends up driving the entire way. After driving for what seemed like an eternity, my mom decided it was time to settle into a hotel because she was getting tired, hungry, and cranky. We saw a number of hotels but every hotel that we passed showed a "no vacancy" sign. The first actual stop we made was in Eagle. As soon as the car came to a stop, my brother and my dad awoke, and of course, the bickering began because we were all cranky. My brother had been taki... ...od?" Sarcastically my mom replied, "What do you think?" "I slept good, I didn't even wake up once," my dad answered. "You didn't hear all the trains going by last night?" my mom asked. My dad replied "Nope, I didn't hear a thing." I took my spot in the crammed back seat, and I couldn't believe what had happened in that endless night. As we drove away, I hoped that we would never return to that dreadful place again. Before the vacation was even over, the Hawke family vacation goal was a success. We managed to spend only $25, and we were to start home the next day. To my dad this was a fun filled vacation, but to the rest of us, it was the most dreadful time we had ever had. Still crammed between my brother and sister, I couldn't stop thinking of our awful experience. I could only hope that our final destination would better than the previous encounter. Vacation Gone Awry Essay -- Descriptive Writing Examples I lay asleep in the car crammed between my brother and my sister; I open my eyes just in time to see a sign with half of the lights burnt out that read "State Bridge, Resort, Saloon, Restaurant, and Lodging." By the looks of the sign, I had a feeling that this place was going to be a dump. The word "resort" led me to believe it wasn't that bad. The thought I always kept in the back of my mind was what a Hawke family "vacation" was. We would always spend the least amount of money as we could, and we would leave as soon as possible. This, to my dad, was the greatest vacation. My dad had this great last minute idea of going to his sister's house in Steamboat Springs for Christmas. My family is known for last minute planning. We started planning this the day before we wanted to leave. Things never go according to plan, and we ended up leaving that very same day because there was supposed to be a huge snowstorm the next morning. So, at six that night, we all piled into our 1982, Dodge minivan. Of course, my dad made my mom drive because he hates to drive at night or driving period. He always says to my mom "Honey, if you get tired just wake me up and I'll drive." On long trips, he always falls asleep and it is quite difficult to wake him up when he is snoring. My mom always ends up driving the entire way. After driving for what seemed like an eternity, my mom decided it was time to settle into a hotel because she was getting tired, hungry, and cranky. We saw a number of hotels but every hotel that we passed showed a "no vacancy" sign. The first actual stop we made was in Eagle. As soon as the car came to a stop, my brother and my dad awoke, and of course, the bickering began because we were all cranky. My brother had been taki... ...od?" Sarcastically my mom replied, "What do you think?" "I slept good, I didn't even wake up once," my dad answered. "You didn't hear all the trains going by last night?" my mom asked. My dad replied "Nope, I didn't hear a thing." I took my spot in the crammed back seat, and I couldn't believe what had happened in that endless night. As we drove away, I hoped that we would never return to that dreadful place again. Before the vacation was even over, the Hawke family vacation goal was a success. We managed to spend only $25, and we were to start home the next day. To my dad this was a fun filled vacation, but to the rest of us, it was the most dreadful time we had ever had. Still crammed between my brother and sister, I couldn't stop thinking of our awful experience. I could only hope that our final destination would better than the previous encounter.