Fiat External Environment Essay Example

Fiat External Environment Paper Are Americans ready for smaller is better? Strategic Development and Implementation Introduction America, a nation which when it comes to cars has historically sided on the bigger is better side of the spectrum is being invaded by smaller, more economically conscious vehicles. Fiat has been manufacturing smaller for years, overseas in Europe, Brazil and even China. With the acquisition of the American made Automotive company Chrysler in 2009, Fiat has launch a marketing campaign to finally gain a hold in the American market. Is America ready for Every Once in a while, something comes along so powerful in incept, so revolutionary in design, it redefines a generation America, get ready for the one and only FIAT 500. Despite the American notion of fast muscle machines, there is a growing demand for the economically conscious vehicles. Rising cost for fuel and more demanding regulations for emissions will likely increase demand for the types of vehicles FAITH is providing and the new, leaner Chrysler is producing. The wave of hybrid models and fully electric vehicles already in FIAT s stables may give FIAT the leverage it is seeking and hoping on, in the American racket. Fabric Italian Automobile Torsion FIAT, was founded in Italy by a group of investors in 1899, most noticeably Giovanni Genial. The company was created as a automobile factory. By 1910, Fiat was Tits largest automotive company, and the company has retained this status since. This was the same year that FIAT built its first plant in Poughkeepsie NY, though it lasted less than a decade. We will write a custom essay sample on Fiat External Environment specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Fiat External Environment specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Fiat External Environment specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This wasnt the last attempt FIAT made to venture into the American. Fiats Environment General Environment FIAT competes in over 80 countries and has distinguished itself as a automotive company capable of innovation. Though FIAT has created trucks and larger cars, the company has distinguished itself as a manufacturer of small customizable vehicles. Originally FIATs general environment was Italys demographics, economical, political/legal, social and culture, but that was over a century ago and FIAT has become a world corporation, with ties in many nations. FIAT has built a global distribution network which has now incorporated Chrysler into the fold. With the addition of Chrysler and FIAT renewed launch of its smaller, Echo-friendly vehicles into the American automotive industry. In the American general environment, FIAT has to contend with customers who are used to purchasing bulky sized vehicles. Where economically vehicles were once seen as a joke. Americas legalities may promote the purchasing Of vehicles like the FIAT 500 for its emissions but the American culture and social mind set craves the fast and the furious not the compact and comfy. Industry Environment Though FIAT is a world class competitor in the automotive industry, America is a world in-of-itself. To FIATs advantage, American have come to embrace foreign vehicles with enthusiasm. The German made BMW and Propose are considered luxury cars to most Americans. FIAT is aiming to replace not the luxurious but the common car. The common car in America are Ionians, Ford, Honda and Toyota. There is a large difference between what FIAT is offering versus what they are offering. But with the economical direction the world is heading leaner is better, FIAT may be able to find a viable market in America. Competitor Environment America is one of the few nations that values bulky vehicles even in urban areas where trucks should be considered to cumbersome to navigate wrought smaller, congested streets. Though this is changing, with high gas prices and more stringent emission regulations. FIAT is waltzing into an American automotive industry that trying to adapt to the need of its customers. Americans like the rest of the world dont want to be held at gun point by the gasoline industry any longer. Which a movement for hybrid, electric and diesel vehicles is on the rise. Automotive companys such as Ionians, Ford, Accuracy, Audio, BMW and Honda are striving to fill that demand. They are making fuel friendly engines/cars that are just as bulky as their older neuter parts. There are few vehicles in the American automotive industry that will compete with FIATs vehicles smaller stature. The Mini-Cooper and the beetle are competitors, though upon closer inspection, FIAT beats them in price, and fuel efficiency. Expansion into the USA For the sake of success in the USA HAT must diversify in its methods as well as in its models. So far, with the acquisition of Chrysler, FIAT has given itself the potential to remodel Chrysler cars into sleek smaller, more Echo-friendly versions. FIAT needs to come up with different styles for its models. Its current 500 models look strikingly like its older models. FIAT must also understand Its audience. Where would demand for a smaller, vehicle be more prominent. That would be cities such as New York, Washington DC and LA. FIAT s smaller models will not appeal to familys or those living in rural areas. It would be best for AT to target young business persons and to continue to absorb smaller automotive businesses to acquire their assets. The FIAT compact car is a step in the right direction in terms of gaining more exposure to the family vehicle segment of the industry. Both Chrysler and FIAT have aces up their sleeves which must be used carefully. Chrysler is developing the Petrol engine, called Pentameters and FIATs Multipart engine according to Giuseppe Calaboose, can provide FIAT-Chrysler an edge. Unfortunately they are unproven and with the US government tightening the reigns on emissions it is uncertain if they will hold up to the standard of 2017 and beyond. Closing Fiat-Chrysler has the capability to become a contender in an America which is tired of paying high gas prices, in an America whos government is enforcing rasher emission regulations. The company needs to broaden its model selections.

Gene Therapy essays

Gene Therapy essays 1. Clarrisa Harlowe Barton was born in North Oxford, Massachusetts on December 25, 1821. she had two older sisters; Dorthy and Sally, and two older brothers; Stephen and David. The were grown-up young adults when Clara was born. Dorthy, the oldest daughter, was teaching in the Oxford school. Stephen was a school teacher too. David worked on his fathers farm. He loved the pedigreed horses his father raised. Sally was eleven when Clara was born. Dorthy taught Clara her spelling. Stephen taught her arithmetic. David taught her how to play sports and how to rid horseback. Sally helped her read maps and learn the names of countries, states, and capitals. Claras mother, Sarah Stone Barton, taught her how to cook, sew, weave, garden, and make soap. Claras father, Captain Stephen Barton had fought in the Indian wars. He was a farmer and a farmer and a horse breeder, and was a school board member, whose opinion was respected at North Oxford town meetings. When Clara was young she doctored m any pets in her town. From 1832 to 1834 Clara doctored her brother David. In 1839, when Clara was only fifteen, she began her teaching career in Oxford, Massachusetts. Clara attended the Liberal Institution in Clinton, New York when she was twenty-nine-years-old. When Clara was thirty-two-years-old she started a free public school in Bordentown, New Jersey. A year after that she began to work as a clerk in the United States Patent Office, Washington, D.C.at the age of forty-one Clara took supplies to many battles and worked as a volunteer nurse and cook. Two years later she was appointed superintendent of nurses in a Union army unit. Clara soon became interested in finding missing soldiers. Four years later, Clara learned of the International Red Cross. Clara worked for the Geneva treaty and the Red Cross, and did lots of doctoring on the battlefields. At the of seventy-seven, she wrote the book The Red Cr ...

Capitalism and Calvin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Capitalism and Calvin - Essay Example John Calvin's letter on usury of 1545 made it clear that when Christ said "lend hoping for nothing in return," He meant that we should help the poor freely. Following the rule of equity, we should judge people by their circumstances, not by legal definitions. Humanist that he was, Calvin knew there were two Hebrew words translated as "usury." One, neshek, meant "to bite"; the other, tarbit, meant "to take legitimate increase." Based on these distinctions, Calvin argued that only "biting" loans were forbidden. Thus, one could lend at interest to business people who would make a profit using the money. To the working poor one could lend without interest, but expect the loan to be repaid. To the impoverished one should give without expecting repayment. The arguments in Calvin's letter on usury are amplified in Charles du Moulin's Tractatus commerciorum et usurarum, redituumque pecunia constitutorum et monetarum, written in 1542 and published in Paris in 1546. Du Moulin ("Molinaeus") developed a utility theory of value for money, rejecting Aquinas' belief that money could not be rented because it was consumed. This attack on the Thomist understanding of money was taken up by Spanish commentators. Domingo de Soto, concerned about social justice, suggested that Luke 6:35 was not a precept, since it has no relation to the justice of lending at interest. Luis de Molina, writing in the late sixteenth century, agreed. He suggested that there was no biblical text which actually prohibited lending money at interest. ( in Noonan, 1957) By the second half of the sixteenth century Catholics and Protestant alike were increasingly tolerant of the idea that the legality of loans at interest was determined by the intentions of the parties involved. Theologians... The researcher of this essay states that before we go on discussing how Calvin contributed to capitalism, we firstly need to discuss the word capitalism. If we are to look in the modern world, we can see that trade is characterized by an exchange of goods which brings in profits to the seller. The researcher explaines that this is the idea behind Capitalism – to make profits from an investment. Products are manufactured from raw materials then sold at a price higher than the cost of production. The idea of applying interest on loans, which is the spirit of capitalism, was widely condemned in ages past. Calvin was part of a society that had forbidden the lending of money at interest for 750 years. By 1544 Calvin had "formulated a doctrine about lending money at interest". John Calvin’s letter on usury of 1545 made it clear that when Christ said â€Å"lend hoping for nothing in return,† He meant that we should help the poor freely. In essence, the Calvinist Puritan leaders of the Reformation or those who were influenced by Calvin, believed that profitable undertakings, that gave the world a perfect recipe for capital accumulation by regarding frivolous spending as equivalent to sin. It is also maintained that without this attitude, Europe would never have acquired enough capital to launch the capitalist system. The Calvinists or the Reformed divinity were less bound to precedent and adjusted itself rapidly to the new economy. With this idea of practicing thrift, they became a successful merchant class and thus capitalism grew.

J.R.R. Tolkien Biography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

J.R.R. Tolkien Biography - Essay Example Tolkien completed his education at the height of the World War I. It was then the society’s expectations for the youths to volunteer into the military (White 75). However, Tolkien chose not to become a volunteer in the British army but instead enrolled in a degree program. After completing his degree course Tolkien chose to join the military as a lieutenant instead of taking a civilian job (Zimrack web). He retained his service to the military despite encountering the first-hand witness of execution his closest friend and college colleagues who served in the military. His ill health, however, prevented him from being deployed in the front line.After the end of World War I, Tolkien got his first job with the Oxford English dictionary where he worked on the etymology of words (Chance 105). His work with the Oxford English dictionary earned him a teaching position at Leeds University. He later became the youngest professor of Leeds in his time. Although Tolkien was a dedicated ac ademician and a writer, he had a keen interest in wars and matters of national interest. Although he once served in the military, he had a negative attitude concerning wars. He also objected other European ideologies such as Stalinism and imperialism. In addition, to the surprise of many Tolkien was totally against racism.In conclusion, Tolkien lived a successful life with a legacy. His thinking and actions that surpassed the expectations and norms of the society are the main sources of his success. His success.

Historical Transitioning and Growth of the U.S. Health Care System Term Paper

Historical Transitioning and Growth of the U.S. Health Care System - Term Paper Example The programs included the Medicare and Medicaid (Rice et al. 2013). There are also different forms of financing in the sector. The public sources comprise the largest health care expenditure in the country. It constitutes 48% followed by the private third party payers (Rice et al. 2013). In the current state, most of the Americans receive the coverage from the private health insurance (Rice et al. 2013). Employers contribute significantly to the privately insured individuals. Additionally, the number of purchasers in the form of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) rose significantly in the last two decades of 20th century (Rice et al. 2013). However, this has decreased over time due to criticism of the tight control put on patients. Further, the preferred provider organizations (PPOs) have increased their dominance in the sector (Rice et al. 2013). There have also been changes in terms of physical, technological, and human resources over time. The changes have been more common since 1970’s. For example, there has been raise in ambulatory facilities and decrease in institutional setting (Rice et al. 2013). The number of beds in the hospitals has also fallen significantly. On the other hand, there has also been rapid advancement in the medical technologies. Such medical technologies include MRIs and CT scanners (Rice et al. 2013). Moreover, there have been changes in employment rates in the sector. The country has enjoyed increased number of physicians, nurses, and therapist since 1990 (Rice et al. 2013). The increase is an indication of more focus on the primary health care. However, there has been decline in the number of dentists, optometrists and pharmacist in the same period (Rice et al. 2013). The sector has also listed the vulnerable population in the country. The trend has been established for a long period in history. Some of vulnerable populations in the country appear to be the racial and ethnic minorities, low-income

Structure of Collagen Proteins

Structure of Collagen Proteins Collagen forms the majority of the protein that is found in mammalian organisms and constitutes 30% of the total protein mass of a human. By being used as a gibbet, collagen is utilized by body cells towards the molding of their surroundings. This eventually creates an atmosphere favorable for normal cell function as well as the development of the tissues. Apart from providing mechanical support, collagen have several ligands which improve the performance of factor receptors and integrins that can control cellular procedures such as cell union, cell migration commonly known as chemotaxis, remodeling of tissues, as well as the healing of wounds. Collagen comprises of between 25 and 35 percent of the total protein tissue present in a mammals body. The hair, connective tissues as well major connective tissues are made up of collagen. Collagen is structured into fibrous strands, precise to their role (Lamberg 226). Collagen is broken down into several sub-units known as tropocollagen. A Tropocollagen has a form of a triple helix attached to a hydrogen bond to form a polypeptide chain. A sample Collagen is predominantly made up of amino acids. It has high levels of proline and glycine alongside hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline. Vitamin C is essential during the building up process of collagens, although it is not a direct constituent of the amino acid chain. Currently, there are 29 known collagen types of fiber. The most prevalent in the body are the type 1, 2, 3 and 4. The type one collagen is present in all soft tissues inclusive of the internal organs, the bones and tendons as well as the skin. On the other hand, Type 2 collagen is found in the cartilage of the body structures while type 3 is common in reticular membranes and tissues. Additionally, Type 4 collagen is only found in the membranes of the cell basement. If the formation of collagen happens inside the cell, then the process is known as vivo formation. In this process, three peptide chains appear in the ribosomes all along the rough endoplasmic reticulum. On the contrary, if the collagen is formed outside the cell, then the method of formation is known as vitro formation. According to this process, Collagen is produced in a laboratory through manual procedures. One collagen is made up of a chain of five small tropocollagen molecules. The protein strand is made up of the ami no acid base. The staggered arrangement of Tropocollagen molecules permits them to adhere to adjoining strands and thus providing the fibers with additional strength (Murrieta 16). By designation, a collagen molecule is made up three ÃŽÂ ± chains also known as polypeptide chains and contains on the least, one domain having a repeating Gly-X-Y sequence in all of the essential chains (Myllyharju and Kivirikko 26). At present, all vertebrates are made up of at least 27 collagen types each having 42 distinct ÃŽÂ ± chain. A number of collagens make up homotrimers having three ÃŽÂ ± chains whereas others have two or even three distinct ÃŽÂ ± chains. The X and Y locations can contain any amino acid apart from glycine. Characteristically, proline is only available in the X spot with 4-hydroxyproline in the Y position. Whereas 4-hydroxyprolines are necessary for the solidity of the triple helix, glycines are essential for filling the three chains into a coiled-coil configuration. This formation is exemplified as a left-handed helix that is wound about a regular axis to form a triple helix with a one-dimensional right-handed superhelical pitch, producing the ultimate arrangement of a rope-like rod. Collagen Types With the aim of avoiding confusion, collagens are given roman numerals in the order that they have discovered. Whilst referring to the composition of a collagen, each of the three ÃŽÂ ± chains is initially quantified for chain number (1, 2, or 3) and thereafter the type of the collagen is identified. For instance, ÃŽÂ ±2 (I) refers to the second ÃŽÂ ± chain is type I whereas ÃŽÂ ±1 (II) refers to the first ÃŽÂ ± chain is type II collagen. Collagen division into families is made essentially by the apparatus and organization of matrix gathering. The following are the nine collagen families along with their respective types. fibril-forming (I, II, III, V, XI, XXIV and XXVII), fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helices (FACITs) positioned on the exterior of fibrils (IX, XII, XIV, XVI, XIX, XX, XXI, XXII and XXVI), hexagonal form (VIII and X), basement membrane forming (IV), beaded filaments (VI), affixing fibrils for basement membranes (VII), transmembrane domains (XIII, XVII, XXIII and XXV), and the family of type XV and XVIII collagens (Kivirriko 123). Definite collagens are articulated in a tissue definite approach, as depicted in types II, IX and XI that are set up almost entirely in cartilage, although type XVII is just found in skin hemidesmosomes. In addition, some collagen forms are ordinary in the majority of extracellular matrices, as in the case of type I. Furthermore, collagen fibrils that frequently comprise more than one kind of collagen. Such a type I collagen may also possesses smaller amounts of types III, V and XII. Additional heterogeneity in the super family may be as a result of unusual splicing of the records of several genes as well as the use of option promoters in a number of genes. Through the huge figure of structurally distinct members of the super family involves being caught up in numerous biological functions (Kadler 124). Collagen assembly Most of the collagens have a similar formulation procedure thats characteristically linked with type I. By starting inside the cell, three peptide chains are produced in ribosomes all along the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER). The chains formed are then referred to as preprocollagens and each one of them possess registration peptides on the end as well as a signal peptide. Upon completion, these peptide chains are then sent into the lumen of the RER somewhere they are slashed into their procollagen shapes. Whilst in the RER, the chains progress to undertake a chain of efficient changes. Initially, the lysine as well as proline amino acids are hydroxylated, a procedure that depends on ascorbic acid. Subsequently, precise hydroxylated amino acids are glycosylated, permitting the three chains to relate into a triple helical formation. Lastly, the procollagen is transported to the Golgi apparatus for packaging as well as secretion in a process known as exocytosis. The moment the collagen is outside the cell, it is again reordered into a functional matrix. listing peptides are sliced via procollagen peptidase, to form tropocollagen, which can which has the potential to aggregate itself and form collagen fibers. In the case of non-fibular collagen, the N- and C-propeptides remain in the cell where they assist in directing super molecular assembly. Following the formation of fiber, inter-chain cross-linking of collagen take place between lysine and hydroxylysine residues subsequent to deamination from lysyl oxidase (Kivirriko 123). Molecular Structure A collagen molecule also known as tropocollagen is a sub-unit of bigger collagen collection as in the case of fibrils. The molecule has a diameter of around 1.5nm and is 300nm long. It is made up of three polypeptide strand, each having left-handed helix conformation. In addition, the three left-handed helices are twisted collectively to form a right handed super helix, a joint quaternary structure alleviated by several hydrogen bonds. The association of type I collagen with possible fibrillar collagens to form a branded triple helix is referred to as microfibril. Every microfibril is interdigitated with its adjoining microfibrils to an extent that may propose that they are independently unbalanced even though within collagen fibrils they are so well structured to be crystalline. Since glycine is the least amino acid having no side chain, it has a unique responsibility in fibrous structural proteins. In the formation of collagen, Gly is essential at all third position since the assemblage of the triple helix holds this residue at the inner (axis) of the helix, wherever there is no gap for a larger side group than glycines sole hydrogen atom. For similar basis, the rings of the Pro and Hyp should point outward. The function of the two amino acids is to help stabilize the triple helix. Fibrillar Structure The tropocollagen subunits impulsively assemble itself with recurrently spread out ends, into even bigger arrays in the extracellular vacant places of tissues. In the case of fibrillar collagens, the molecules are spread out from each other by 67nm. Each and every D-period has 4 and fraction molecules of collagen. This is due to the fact that if you divide 300 by 67 doesnt yield a large integer. Therefore in each D-period duplicated of the microfibril, there exists a part having five molecules in a cross-section known as overlap. On the other hand, the part consisting of four molecules is known as the Gap. The triple-helices may also be prearranged in a hexagonal or quasi-hexagonal arrangement in section, both the overlap region and the Gap. Equally the gap and overlap regions (Xie 549). There exists a covalent is cross connections in the triple helices, as well as an amount of covalent cross connections involving tropocollagen helices outlining a well structured collection like fibrils. Bigger fibrillar bunches are produced with the support of numerous diverse categories of proteins as well as diverse collagen brands, proteoglycans and glycoprotein to shape the diverse kinds of fully-grown tissues from alternating blends of the similar major players. The insolubility of collagens has been a barrier to the research carried out on monomeric until it was discovered that tropocollagen from immature animals could be removed since by then, is it not yet completely cross connected. Nonetheless, progress in microscopy systems microscopy of electron (EM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the diffraction of X-ray have facilitated those doing research to acquire gradually more comprehensive figures of collagen configuration in situ. This afterward progress is predominantly significant to improved perception of the system in which collagen configuration influences communication in both intracellular and cell-matrix stages, and how tissues are build in development and restoration, and altered in growth and infection. For instance by means of AFM -based nanoindentation, researchers have been able to show that a particular fibril of collagen is a varied substance alongside its axial course with extensively diverse automatic functions in its fissure and partly covered areas, connecting with its diverse molecular associations in these two areas. The fibrils of collagen are partially crystalline collections of molecules made of collagen. Collagen fibers (filaments) are bunches of fibrils. Fibrils/ collections of collagen are prearranged in diverse arrangements and attentiveness in a variety of tissues to offer unstable tissue elements. In fillets, complete triple helices of collagen are positioned in a parallel, reeled display. Forty nm spaces involving the endings of the tropocollagen subdivisions-roughly equivalent to the breach section- almost certainly act as nucleation position for the deposition of long, hard, fine crystals of the mineral component, which is (approximately) hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 with some phosphate. It is in this way that certain kinds of cartilage turn into bone. Type I collagen gives bone its tensile strength. Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase (P4H) As formerly stated, hydroxylation of the Y-position proline residues is a critical modification for generating stable triple helical collagen. This modification is carried out in the lumen of the RER by the enzyme prolyl 4-hydroxylase (Tandon 199). The vertebrate forms of these P4Hs are ÃŽÂ ±2 ÃŽÂ ²2 tetramers in which the ÃŽÂ ² subunit is identical to the protein disulfide isomerase PDI (Myllyharju, 2003). Various isoforms of the catalytic a subunit have been found in organisms of varying size and complexity; from humans to Drosophila. Another family of P4Hs in the cytoplasm has been uncovered and has been linked to the regulation of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF. Cytoplasmic P4Hs have no PDI subunit, require different sequences flanking the prolines that are hydroxylated, and have markedly higher Km values (Kivirikko and Myllyharju 199). No overall amino acid sequence homology is detected between the collagen and the cytoplasmic HIF P4Hs, with the exception of critical catalytic residues. HIF is continuously synthesized and under normoxic conditions a critical proline residue in a -Leu-X-X-Leu-Ala-Prosequence is hydroxylated by the cytoplasmic P4Hs, not by collagen P4Hs. The resulting 4-hydroxyproline residue is essential for HIFÃŽÂ ± binding to the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex for subsequent proteasomal degradation. However, under hypoxic conditions hydroxylation ceases, allowing HIFÃŽÂ ± to escape degradation and instead forms a stable dimer with HIFÃŽÂ ² (Jaakkol a, 2001). Once formed, the dimer is translocated into the nucleus and becomes bound to the HIF-responsive elements in a number of hypoxia-inducible genes, such as those for erythropoietin, vascular endothelial growth factor, glycolytic enzymes and even for the ÃŽÂ ±(I) subunit of human type I collagen (Takahashi 200). Illinois Institute of Technology biologist Joseph Orgel used the high-energy X-rays produced by the APS to examine the structure of collagen, a protein that composes more than a quarter of all protein in the human body and forms the principal component of skin, teeth, ligaments, the heart, blood vessels, bones and cartilage. In these tissues, collagen molecules pack themselves into overlapping bundles called fibrils. These fibrils, which each contain billions of atoms, entwine themselves into collagen fibres that are visible to the naked eye (Xuyang 2760). Scientists have known the basic molecular structure of collagen since the 1950s, when several different international groups of scientists discovered that it had a triple-stranded helical structure. However, researches had never before had the ability to study the structure of an entire fibril in the same way that they could study an individual collagen molecule, according to Orgel. Orgel and his team performed diffraction studies on intact collagen fibrils inside the tendons of rat tails in order to understand just how the protein functioned within unbroken tissue. We tried to draw a highly accurate map of the molecular structure of tissues, Orgel said. By doing so, we hope to transform a very basic understanding that we have of the molecular structure of tissue into a much more tangible form. Since the scientists kept the tendon tissue intact, they could see how the collagen molecule binds to collagenases, a class of enzymes which when working properly help to regulate the normal growth and development of animals but when malfunctioning can lead to the metastasis of cancerous tumors or rheumatoid arthritis. The visualization of this interaction could help drug developers to create an inhibitor to prevent the pathological action of the enzyme, Orgel said. Previous studies of the structure of collagen had looked only at crystals of small fragments of the protein, so scientists had little idea of how it looked within intact tissue. Its impossible to get the information that we did by removing tiny chunks of the tissue, Orgel said. We couldnt obtain this data by single-crystal crystallography. This research was made possible only because of the BioCAT beam line provided by the APS. Applications Collagen has been extensively used in beauty surgical procedures, hemostats, mechanism coatings, recovery fluids, formulation recipients, tablets, cartilage rebuilding, medicine release, in addition to skin substitutes for patients with burns. However, both medical and cosmetic use is declining because most commercially available collagens are derived from bovine or porcine tissues. Mainly enriched in type I collagen, these preparations also contain small amounts of type III as well as other collagens that are difficult and expensive to remove from the desired material. Moreover, there is a high rate of allergic reactions from animal-derived collagens, causing prolonged redness. Using collagen derived from cows also poses the risk of transmitting prion diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The scientific community also uses collagen in its studying its role in tissue development and disease. Extracting sufficient quantities of nontraditional or less prominent colla gens is a costly and difficult task (Kadler 196). A processed form of collagen commonly used is gelatin. Derived from denatured collagen, gelatin is composed of a mixture of collagen chains of different length, structure, and composition. This distribution depends on what type(s) of collagens are extracted, the extraction method, as well as the pH and ionic strength of the solution used for processing. Because gelatin is a heterogeneous composition, especially in size and isoelectric point, the resulting products will inevitably have variable gelling and physical properties. This variability presents a significant challenge for medical applications where stability, safety, and control are necessary (Crissman 192). Cheaply produced recombinant collagens and gelatins have the potential to alleviate many of the issues associated with animal derived versions. Given the large number of aforementioned applications there is also a large market in this area. Scalable technology is needed to make microbial expression of recombinant collagens a viable alternative to tissue extraction. Using microbes to engineer collagen allows for greater control over collagen synthesis and organization, which in turn increases the quality, consistency, and safety of collagen production. It would also provide an easy platform for introducing altered primary sequences into recombinant collagens. Such genetic control over collagen structure is crucial in studying the impact of specific mutations on collagen structural hierarchical assembly and associated functions and also would allow for the creation of designer collagen-mimetic materials. Recombinant expression would also allow for the extraction of sufficient quantities of native collagen forms that are present at low levels which are otherwise mainly characterized at cDNA and genomic levels. This would allow for structural and functional analysis of these rarer collagens (Baneyx 114). Biomaterials applications for collagens in hemostats, as skin substitutes, in cartilage reconstruction, and for drug delivery can benefit from the improved purity of cloned sources of collagen. Purity in this case would include both reducing other extracellular matrix components that may be carried through the purification process leading to potential inflammatory responses, or bioburdens with potential impact on human heath, particularly neurological disorders due to prion concerns. Recombinant human collagen seems to avoid immune reactions previously described and is therefore more biocompatible. Recombinantly derived collagen was shown to have superior mechanical strength and haemostatic activity compared to animal derived collagen when formed into a matrix. They can be altered to include bioactive peptide sequences as well as to be collagenase resistant. Recombinant gelatins can be tailored to alter their gelling temperature by controlling their hydroxyproline content. Moreover, they have been shown to be less allergenic. As they are widely used in the food and drug industry, recombinantly derived gelatins can be made animal-free and thus open for consumption by vegetarians (Baez 252).

Violence, Terrorism, and the Interactions between Cultures Essay

Violence, Terrorism, and the Interactions between Cultures When humans from different cultures interact, the result is often bloodshed, domination and disease. Also, without exception, the exchange of ideas gradually occurs. All of these factors have shaped the course of history. While much of the spread of disease has been reduced since the Black Death, much bloodshed still comes from the interaction of cultures, possibly from physical contact without intellectual or rational interaction and understanding. Interaction itself is necessary and does result in good as well, especially in terms of technological advancements. The spread of disease is possibly one of the most dramatic results of interactions between cultures. The different ways of living in Europe and other parts of the world caused very different illnesses to develop in each. Europeans lived in close quarters in densely populated cities, which allowed crowd diseases, such as measles, to develop. These diseases quickly result in death, or recovery and immunity. Thus, they do not remain relevant in smaller communities; by the time victims have recovered fully, the disease is not around to be spread. In larger communities, the disease can shift from area to area, remaining in existence until there are babies to be infected in the original area. (Diamond) A leading theory maintains that these diseases developed from animal diseases that adapted to the environment of the human body when humans and animals were in close contact. In particular measles and smallpox came from cattle, and the flu came from pigs and ducks. (Diamond) Because this con tact with animals, the close contact with thousands of other humans in cities, and the connection of populations by trade, a... ...p. 1-35. Cipolla, Carlo M., Epilog from "Guns, Sails, and Empires: Technological Innovation and the Early Phases of European Expansion, 1400-1700" Sunflower Univ. Press, 1996, pp. 132-148. Diamond, Jared, "Ch. 11: Lethal gift of livestock," in "Guns, Germs, and Steel" W.W. Norton & Co, 1997, ISBN 0-393-03891-2, pp. 195-214 Ponting, Clive. Ch.11 from "A Green History of the World," St. Martins Press, NYC, 1991, pp. 224-239. Pursell, Carroll W. Jr., Ch. 1 and 2 in "Early Stationary Steam Engines in America: a study in the migration of a technology" Smithsonian Inst. Press, 1969, pp. 1-27. Schneider, Jane. Rumpelstilskin's Bargain: Folklore and the Merchant Capitalist Intensification of Linen Manufacture in Early Modern Europe. In Cloth and Human Experience, edited by Annette B. Weiner and Jane Schneider. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1993.

Internet Activities 9.1 and 10.2 Essay

1. What are the key benefits of implementing a supply chain solution such as SAP? The key benefits that any company would achieve from using systems typically like the SAP supply chain solutions include the following: †¢ A quicker response for changes occurring in the market †¢ Having higher margins than the competitors by saving on operational costs †¢ Transparency of information in the business which would lead to a smaller cash recover cycle †¢ Increased synchronization in the business and its operation. The business will be able to set it priorities in an organized fashion †¢ The ultimate result of using such systems would be an increase in the satisfaction of the customers as the system can provide for customization. †¢ The company will also be able to track and monitor the compliance of the company with the regulations in the markets it is operating in. In short the business is able to synchronize the supply of the company with the demand in the market, be more responsive to the changes in the market pertaining to price and supply/ demand fluctuations as well as have a reliable and efficient network which can monitor the supply chain 2. What are the likely challenges in implementing a supply chain solution? The biggest challenge faced by the company in implementing a supply chain solution is to integrate it with the existing business processes at the company. All business tend to be somewhat different in their operation and the business language, but when using a software solution for the supply chain, then the business processes relating to the supply chain activities have to be exactly the same as required by the software. Otherwise the business would have discrepancies existing between the supply chain activities and the supply chain reporting and records stored by the software. In this case the efficiency of the system and the process is sacrificed. Exercise 10. 2: 1. In what ways does Volkswagen’s website illustrate the characteristics of integrated marketing communications? The characteristics of an integrated marketing communication are that it is coherent, consistent, has continuity and is complementary. The website for Volkswagen shows that the different methods of communication like, getting a quote online, emailing the company, registering for a certified car, finding the nearest show room etc, all is integrated on the website and communicated to the customer. Similarly all the messages on the website about the uniqueness of the cars are not contradictory and therefore supporting consistency in communications. The WebPages are continues in their format and play on the same message again and again which is â€Å"when you are in a Volkswagen, it is in you†. The color scheming, the format of the WebPages and the messages and content displayed on the site supports each other and is complementary in nature 2. How does Volkswagen go beyond its own communications to create its unique identity? Volkswagen has been able to differentiate itself from its competitors by handing the design board over to the customer. Using the website the customers can design their own personalized VW and Beetle cars. This provides for extensive customization to the products. The company also invested in a transparent manufacturing plant in Dresden to show the customers how their automobiles are made. The company has also advanced in the R&D function by inviting customers to come to the factory and design the car they want. This interactive and two way communication through the website as well as on location has enabled the country to establish its unique spirit while going beyond the scopes of an automobile manufacturer. References 1. SAP Supply Chain Benefits, available at: http://www.marketing-online.co.uk/ch8.pdf

Free Essays on Social Control And Deviance

Social Control Industrialized societies are made up of many competing groups, each with its own history of problems and with its own solutions. Each group also claims a unique identity, a way of life that distinguishes it from other groups in the same society, and its members share these ideas about the way the world is and ought to be. Each group has also developed norms that support its orientations to life. These norms, along with both formal and informal means of enforcing them, constitute a system of social control. Thus, because they participate in the same general culture, the groups in a pluralistic society agree on many things; yet due to their particular histories, they may differ sharply on many others - to the extent that what one group may consider right, another may consider wrong. Up to this point in analysis, functionalists and conflict theorists are in basic agreement about social control. But now they diverge. Functionalism and Social Control Functionalists stress how the various segments of the population in a pluralistic society coexist. As each enforces its own norms on its members, the group can attain a more or less balanced state. Although tensions between them may appear from time to time, the balancing of these tensions produces the whole that we call society. If a group threatens to upset the equilibrium, efforts are made to restore balance. For example, in a pluralistic society, the central government often plays a mediating role between groups. In the United States, the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government mediate the demands of the various groups that make up society, preventing groups from taking political control (Riesman, 129 -133). This view that society is made up of many competing groups, whose interests manage to become balanced, is broadly representative of the pluralistic theory of social control. Conflict Theory and Social Control Conflict theorists... Free Essays on Social Control And Deviance Free Essays on Social Control And Deviance Social Control Industrialized societies are made up of many competing groups, each with its own history of problems and with its own solutions. Each group also claims a unique identity, a way of life that distinguishes it from other groups in the same society, and its members share these ideas about the way the world is and ought to be. Each group has also developed norms that support its orientations to life. These norms, along with both formal and informal means of enforcing them, constitute a system of social control. Thus, because they participate in the same general culture, the groups in a pluralistic society agree on many things; yet due to their particular histories, they may differ sharply on many others - to the extent that what one group may consider right, another may consider wrong. Up to this point in analysis, functionalists and conflict theorists are in basic agreement about social control. But now they diverge. Functionalism and Social Control Functionalists stress how the various segments of the population in a pluralistic society coexist. As each enforces its own norms on its members, the group can attain a more or less balanced state. Although tensions between them may appear from time to time, the balancing of these tensions produces the whole that we call society. If a group threatens to upset the equilibrium, efforts are made to restore balance. For example, in a pluralistic society, the central government often plays a mediating role between groups. In the United States, the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government mediate the demands of the various groups that make up society, preventing groups from taking political control (Riesman, 129 -133). This view that society is made up of many competing groups, whose interests manage to become balanced, is broadly representative of the pluralistic theory of social control. Conflict Theory and Social Control Conflict theorists...

Free Essays on Greeks Belief In The Afterlife

â€Å"What beliefs did the ancient Greeks have about life after death. In your opinion have these beliefs had any influence on modern thinking about life after death.† There were many different beliefs, theories and ideas within Greek culture as to what happened to someone once they died. The most dominant of these numerous beliefs was Hades. Legend has it that Hades, one of the brothers of the King of the Gods, Zeus was appointed with the job of being King of the dead. The Greeks believed Hades ruled the ‘underworld’ the land, which you inhabited once you died. Other such possibilities were that after death you transformed into stars, being absorbed into the upper atmosphere, others believed in the re-incarnation cycle, while others thought your soul lived on in another place, amongst these places being the Isle of the Blest and the Elysium Fields. These examples are just a handful of the explanations the Greeks gave to the afterlife. It is doubtless the Greeks were fascinated by death, and glorified it in such a way that would disgust modern societies. They paraded funerals and spent their lives living for their death. This could be because they expected a better life once they’d lived on earth, weather they returned to earth again in another form was debatable, but it was not unusual for people to spend their lives working hard to afford a spectacular funeral. According to Greek Mythology Hades ruled the underworld with his reluctant wife Persephanie, his kingdom was said to have been guarded by Cerberus; a three-headed beast who kept the living out and the dead in. Before souls could enter his kingdom they were taken down by Hermes and had to cross the river Styx. Their fare was paid to Charon who rode them across by a silver Obal coin, which was placed in their mouths once they died. Sailors who were away from home had their fare in the form of a silver earring. Those who did not have the Obal were sentence... Free Essays on Greeks Belief In The Afterlife Free Essays on Greeks Belief In The Afterlife â€Å"What beliefs did the ancient Greeks have about life after death. In your opinion have these beliefs had any influence on modern thinking about life after death.† There were many different beliefs, theories and ideas within Greek culture as to what happened to someone once they died. The most dominant of these numerous beliefs was Hades. Legend has it that Hades, one of the brothers of the King of the Gods, Zeus was appointed with the job of being King of the dead. The Greeks believed Hades ruled the ‘underworld’ the land, which you inhabited once you died. Other such possibilities were that after death you transformed into stars, being absorbed into the upper atmosphere, others believed in the re-incarnation cycle, while others thought your soul lived on in another place, amongst these places being the Isle of the Blest and the Elysium Fields. These examples are just a handful of the explanations the Greeks gave to the afterlife. It is doubtless the Greeks were fascinated by death, and glorified it in such a way that would disgust modern societies. They paraded funerals and spent their lives living for their death. This could be because they expected a better life once they’d lived on earth, weather they returned to earth again in another form was debatable, but it was not unusual for people to spend their lives working hard to afford a spectacular funeral. According to Greek Mythology Hades ruled the underworld with his reluctant wife Persephanie, his kingdom was said to have been guarded by Cerberus; a three-headed beast who kept the living out and the dead in. Before souls could enter his kingdom they were taken down by Hermes and had to cross the river Styx. Their fare was paid to Charon who rode them across by a silver Obal coin, which was placed in their mouths once they died. Sailors who were away from home had their fare in the form of a silver earring. Those who did not have the Obal were sentence...

Learning Diversity and Authentic Assessment Tools Essay

Learning Diversity and Authentic Assessment Tools - Essay Example LESSON CONTENT: LESSON 1 ELECTRICITY POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE electric field and the movement electric potential electric potential difference INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES a. Focusing event: how to demonstrate the electric field and the movement of the charge. b. Teaching procedures: the lesson will involve two practices and theory c. Formative check : use of short assignments and question that can be take away or end of lesson short questions that need prompt answers. d. Student Participation: students’ participations by use of questions and answers and use of simple calculations that must be done on the board. e. Closure: end by asking the lesson if there is any student who has not understood any concept. If not, give a take away assignment that covers the whole lessons EVALUATION PROCEDURES/ASSESSMENT: use of CATs, Assignments and term paper. MATERIALS AND AIDS: use of a chart, nails, wires, batteries, card board and magnet. DAILY LESSON PLAN NAME OF THE TEACHER: DATE: BIOLOGY LESS ON NUMBER: UNIT: CELL MODELS CELL BIOLOGY INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL: The students should be able to demonstrate the distinctive features of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: At the end of this unit the student should be able to know that there are two types of cells for all the living things and their importance in various functions of these living things. RATIONALE: This unit is taught to expose students to the two major categories of cells, their features, the categories of living things that fall under them LESSON CONTENT: LESSON 1 CELL MODELS eukaryote prokaryote INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES f. Focusing event: how to demonstrate the major differences between the cell types g. Teaching procedures: the lesson will involve laboratory practices and theory h. Formative check : use of short assignments and question that can be take away or end of lesson short questions that need prompt answers. i. Student Participation: students’ participations by use of questio ns and answer

The promotion of stroke and heart diseases Research Paper

The promotion of stroke and heart diseases - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that Stroke and heart diseases are the third and the first reported diseases respectively that result in high death rate in both men and women in the United States of America. Additionally, they are considered to be the major widespread and high-cost diseases that most nations have to deal with. However, it is important for citizens to take the initiative in order to prevent these particular diseases. This is because these type of diseases can be easily prevented and thus reduce the death rates caused by the same. According to research, 33.6 % of a total number of deaths that occurred in the United States of America was as a result of either stroke or other forms of heart diseases. Statistics further indicate that 150,000 deaths that occurred in 2007 in American were individuals below the age of 65. Moreover, the aforementioned diseases not only cause death but also disability with more than 4 million cases in the United States has been cau sed by the same. Moreover, it can be pointed out that high death rates caused by both stroke and heart diseases are not the only problem these diseases. In 2010, the cost of treating these diseases was approximated to be $444 in the United States of America. Furthermore, the cost of treatment for these two diseases is approximately $1 for every $ 6 spent in treating other forms of illness in the United States of America. Therefore, treatment of both stroke and heart diseases impacts negatively on the funds and other resources of the country’s healthcare scheme.