Strategic Alliances and Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Alliances and Globalization - Essay Example The purpose of this paper is to explain the key advantages and disadvantages of strategic alliances in the globalization of products and services. When two companies join forces they are able to share resources and exploit the expertise of each company. Corporations formed strategic alliances for a variety of reasons. In the service industry many companies are forming strategic alliances in order to outsource business functions oversee. A prime location for the exporting of customer service contracts is the nation of India. A business function that is responsible for the formation of many strategic alliances is marketing. A lot of strategic alliances take the form of marketing alliances. There are four types of marketing alliances: product or service alliances, promotional alliances, logistic alliances, and price collaboration (Kotler, 2003). A product or service alliance occurs when one company licenses another to produce its product. This strategy has the benefit of reducing overal l costs of producing the product or service. In a promotional alliance one company carries out the promotion of another company. Logistic alliances involve one company offering logistical services to another. In pricing collaboration alliances two companies provide combined package discounts.

HIV virus Essay Example for Free

HIV virus Essay The HIV virus that causes AIDS is said to have originated from non-human primates i. e. monkeys and chimpanzees in sub-Saharan Africa and was later transferred into humans in the late 19th century. It is thus proposed that the origin of HIV is the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) which affects monkeys given those strains of SIV found in monkeys and chimpanzees corresponds with those of HIV-1 and HIV-2 respectively and that it was transferred to human through Zoonosis. The spread of HIV from West Africa was concurrent with the development of colonial cities (Emlet, 20). AIDS has become a pandemic due its high rate of mutation or variation making it escape thus rendering drug therapy ineffective. Additionally, developing countries are facing a rapid and uncontrolled spread of AIDS. This is attributed to ignorance, poverty and traditions which makes majority of these people to indulge in unprotected sexual behaviors thus facilitating the high rate of spread of the virus. HIV is a retrovirus which is part of lentivirus that attacks’ the immune system and they take a long time before they can produce any adverse effects in the body where it stays in a latent form. Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS) is a condition that sets in when the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has killed many T-helper cells in the white cells resulting to lower immune system which cannot resist infections. The characteristics of the virus are that they have many strains and mutates rapidly. This has made its cure to be difficult given that it does escape vaccines or treatment (Emlet, 32). An infected person will only test positive at a seroconversion point which is the level in which the HIV antibodies are detectable. HIV virus is transmitted through conduct of a mucous membrane or the blood stream with a bodily fluid containing HIV like blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk or preseminal fluid. Possible causes of the virus are; unprotected sex with a person who is infected which either be oral, anal or vaginal. Use of contaminated needle especially drug users, blood transfusions, and mother infecting her child during pregnancy, labor or after delivery via breast milk and any other exposure to one of the bodily fluids (Emlet, 43). The effect of HIV virus is that it suppresses the T-helper cells by deranging or binding them together to the point that they become functionless thus not able to fight pathogens. Given that the immune system is down, the familiar AIDS complications like infections and neoplasm results. Consequently, further cell damage or cytopathy, oral health problems like candidiasis, kaposi’s sarcoma and AIDS dementia complex arises too. Moreover, it has the economical effect for it deprives the society its resources and manpower since the treatment for the disease is costly thus requiring a lot of money. The most common symptoms of the virus infection in their primary stages are; fever, aching muscles and joints, swollen glands, sore throat and malaise. Mononucleosis, recurring respiratory tract infections, prostatitis, oral ulcerations, tuberculosis, and pneumonia are later symptoms of the condition in view of the fact that the body defense mechanisms have been tampered with. In conclusion, the HIV virus has become a universal concern given that no cure, vaccine or treatments have been found which can deal with the epidemic. More research is being conducted on possible treatment and in the next twenty years, a solution could have been found. Continual usage of antiretroviral therapy, sex education and protected sex are key measures for dealing with AIDS (Emlet, 68). The research on a caraguard which is a microbicide gel derived from seaweed is believed to destroy viruses is being tried for prevention of the virus. The protein discovered within the T-cells which are attacked by the virus in order to suppress HIV replication thus there is hope for an effective treatment in the future.

Oral Erythroplakia Case Study

Oral Erythroplakia Case Study ABSTRACT- Oral Erythroplakia is considered a rare potentially malignant lesion of the oral mucosa. Oral Erythroplakia is a clinical term to describe any erythematous area on a mucous membrane that cannot be attributed to any other pathology. Oral Erythroplakia are very few, only the true, velvety, red homogeneous oral Erythroplakia has been clearly defined while the terminology for mixed red and white lesions is complex, ill-defined and confusing. Oral Erythroplakia is predominantly seen in the middle aged and elderly. The most common affected areas are the soft palate, the floor of the mouth and the buccal mucosa. A specific type of Oral Erythroplakia occurs in Chutta smokers in India. Lesions of Oral Erythroplakia are typically less than 1.5 cm in diameter. Keywords Biopsy, Erythroplakia, Laser, INTRODUCTION- The word erythroplakia means red patch, and is derived from the Greek words ÃŽ µÃ Ãâ€¦ÃŽ ¸Ã ÃŽ ¿Ãâ€š red and πΠ»ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃŽ ¾ plate The World Health Organization defines oral erythroplakia as follows: â€Å"Any lesion of the oral mucosa that presents as bright red velvety plaques which cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other recognizable condition† It has been reported that prevalence of Oral Erythroplakia varies between 0.02%1 and 0.2%2 (adapted from Reichart et al.)3 Clinically, it can be flat or depressed and sometimes it can be found together with leukoplakia (erythroleukoplakia); it pre-dominantly occurs in the floor of the mouth, the soft palate, the ventral tongue and the tonsillar fauces. There are usually no symptoms. However, some patients may complain of a burning sensation and or sore. Heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco use are known to be important aetiological factors. The main purpose of identifying oral premalignant lesions is to prevent malignant transformation by initiating adequate intervention. It is widely approved that the oral premalignant lesions erythroplakia, show a significant tendency to malignant transformation. The differential diagnosis includes: erythematous candidiasis, early squamous cell carcinoma, local irritation, mucositis, lichen planus, lupus erythematosous, drug reaction and median rh omboid glossitis.4 Surgical excision is the treatment of choice though more studies are needed.The treatment5 modalities include change of lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol intake,medication with retinoids or antimycotics,surgical excision,cryosurgery,laser evaporation or laser excision.Laser surgery has become a reliable treatment6 option for oral cancer as well as for precancerous lesions. Widely used lasers in oral and maxillofacial tumor surgery are the CO2 laser, the Er:YAG laser, the Nd:YAG laser and the KTM laser. The use of lasers in tumor surgery has several advantages: remote application, precise cutting, hemostasis, low cicatrization, reduced postoperative pain and swelling, can be combined with endoscopic, microscopic and robotic surgery. Here we report a case of erythroplakia in soft palate region treated with diode laser. CASE REPORT- A, 63 years old, male patient (Fig 1), came to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, with the chief complain of red patches at the hard and soft palate region. Patient gave the history of pan, tobacco chewing and smoking since 20 yrs. Medical history was negative for any findings and all the vitals were under the normal limit. No significant findings were noticed on extra oral examination. (Fig-1). On intraoral examination, multiple red patches were seen at the mucosal surface of the palate. All those patches were less than 1.5 cm in diameter. (Fig- 2). On palpation it was soft and velvety on touch. A provisional diagnosis of Erythroplakia, with differential diagnosis Lichen planus , Erythematous candidiasis ,Early squamous cell carcinoma were made. All necessary blood investigation done, and were found under normal limit. To establish a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy was performed using a local anaesthesia. The biopsy specimen was taken from hard and soft palate, and sen t for histopathological examination (Fig 3) which confirmed the final diagnosis of Erythroplakia. The red appearance is due to the thin atrophic epithelium with prominent subepithelial vascularity and inflammation. Almost all erythroplakic lesions contain dysplastic cells. The histopathology may be mild or moderate epithelial dysplasia, severe dysplasia or carcinoma in-situ. Carcinoma in-situ is characterized by a complete disorganization of cells throughout all layers of the epithelium, with no keratin pearls. Laser ablation was planned as the treatment modality under local anaesthesia. (Fig-4) Diode laser was used at 2.5watts (Fig 5). Post operative instructions given and patient was recalled after 24 hours. Patient came for follow-up, reported with slight pain. Healing was uneventful. After that patient was asked to report at weekly interval. Healing was satisfactory after 3 weeks.(Fig 6) DISCUSSION- Erythroplakia and speckled leukoplakia are uncommon lesions of the mouth. Erythroplakia of the oral cavity is a specific disease entity which must be differentiated from other specific or nonspecific inflammatory oral lesions, although this can only be done in most cases by biopsy. The term erythroplakia of the oral cavity as used in this report and as accepted by most authors describes the clinical appearance of a red patch of the mucous membrane which does not represent some specific or nonspecific inflammatory lesion. However, in most cases the clinician cannot distinguish with certainty the true erythroplakia as discussed here and the more innocuous inflammatory lesions, thus mandating biopsy. Most, and probably all, cases of true clinical erythroplakia represent some epithelial atypia, ranging from mild epithelial dysplasia to invasive carcinoma.7 Furthermore; there is no correlation between the clinical appearance of erythroplakia and the histologic findings. Erythroplakia is t he leukoplakia like term used to describe clinically red and well demarcated macules of the oral mucosa which cannot be attributed to inflammatory or traumatic factors, and which have a much higher propensity for progression to carcinoma than leukoplakia8. The histopathological9 feature of erythroplakia includes a marked epithelial atrophy associated with epithelial dysplasia. A relative reduction in keratin production and increase in vascularity accounts for the clinical color of the lesion. Cellular infiltration and capillary distention were remarkable. Nowadays laser surgery has become a reliable treatment6 option for precancerous lesions. Widely used lasers in oral and maxillofacial tumor surgery are the CO2 laser, diode laser, the Er:YAG laser, the Nd:YAG laser and the KTM laser. In our case we use diode laser in erythroplakia. Laser has many distinctive advantages, such as the ability to cut, coagulate, ablate or vaporize target tissue elements, enabling dry-field surgery thro ugh the sealing of small blood vessels (haemostasis) disinfection of the tissue, reduced post-operative edema (through the sealing of small lymphatic vessels) decreased amount of scarring. It contributes to faster and more effective treatment resulting in improved treatment outcome and increased patient comfort and satisfaction. CONCLUSION- Oral cancer is one of the 4 major non communicable diseases leading to Death10. Soft tissue health in the oral cavity is essential for overall dental and medical health and a successful maintenance of any restoration. The clinical and pathological features of the lesions analyzed in our study support the data in other published studies. Although their prevalence is low, histopathological features ranging from epithelial dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. This justifies placing these lesions among the oral lesions with the highest malignant potential. Additionally, regardless of histopathology and therapy, periodic monitoring of these patients and cessation of risk factors are essential measures.

Anorexia Nervosa Essay -- Eating Disorders

Thesis Statement: Anorexia Nervosa effects a person both physically and mentally. Anorexia represents one percent of most prevalent eating disorder diseases. The word anorexia itself means, â€Å" lack of appetite†. Anorexia is an all-encompassing pursuit of thinness. The person effected by Anorexia has an absolute fear of becoming obese (Matthew 4). Approximately one percent of adolescent girls develops Anorexia Nervosa, a dangerous condition in which they can literally starve themselves to death. People who starve intentionally starve themselves suffer from an eating disorder. The disorder, which usually begins in the young people around the time of puberty, involves extreme weight loss. At least fifteen percent below the individuals normal body weight. Many people with the disorder look emaciated, but are convinced they are over weight (Matthew 5). Anorexia Nervosa has three Diagnostic Criteria. One is refusal to maintain body weight at or above normal. The other is, intense fear of becoming fat, even though under average weight. The last one is, Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self- evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of low body weight (Long 15). Anorexia Nervosa has two specific types, one is Restricting type and the other is Binge-Eating/Purging type. Restricting type during the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has not regularly engaged in binge- eating or purging behavior. In Binge- Eating /Purging type, during the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has regularly engaged in binge-eating/purging behavior (Rockwell 10). Anorexia may not be noticed in early stages. The Anorexic usually chooses to wear layered and baggy clothes to hide the â€Å"ugly fat body† .An Anorexic may have ritualistic eating patterns such as cutting food into little tiny pieces and weighing themselves. These can be found in people who are on a healthy diet, but in Anorexics these behaviors are extremely exaggerated. Other warnings are deliberate self-starvation with weight loss, fear of gaining weight, refusal to eat, denial of hunger, constant exercising, sensitivity to cold, absent or irregular periods, loss of scalp perception of being fat when the person is really to this. Some other associated features are depressed mood, somatic sexual dysfunction, and ... ...l with in society. Two developed Anorexia after seeing a â€Å" movie of the week† where the main character was Anorexic. Mike’s ten year old daughter developed Anorexia after seeing â€Å"The Body Trap†, a program on Nickelodeon. These findings seem to exemplify along standing debate, if educational programs prevent eating disorders or contribute to them. This is not a scientific study , just a dad with some very disturbing news: Television programs dealing with Anorexia and / or eating disorder are triggering Anorexia in some of our children (Long 15). Works Cited Cottrell, Randall R. "Anorexia Nervosa." Grolier Wellness Encyclopedia: Weight Control. Ed. Robert E. Kline. Vol. 15. Guilford, CT: Duskin, 1992. 117. Long, Phillip W. "Anorexia Nervosa." Internet Mental Health. Jan. 1997. St. Joseph Medical Center. 19 Aug. 1998 . Matthews, John R. Library in a Book: Eating Disorders. New York: Facts on File Inc. 1991 O’Dwyer, Michael P. Student Eating Disorders : Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia. Washington, D.C.: National Education Association, 2005. Rockwell, L., Understanding Eating Disorders. Washington, D.C.: Taylor & Francis. 2004

1984 and Today’s Society Essay -- English Literature

1984 and Today’s Society Though 1984 was written well before the year 1984 and it is now 2005, there are many similarities between the book and today’s society. Relationships of all kind have less value, the government watches one’s every move (or at least has the capability to), and large groups of people are influenced to believe opinions at school due to the government. The government has regulations and records on everything and everybody. George Orwell may not have been very far from predicting the truth when writing 1984 in 1948. In the United States today, anywhere from something as harmless as television shows to the government itself promotes less sanctity of a loving family much like 1984. In the book, children went to school and were trained to be spies and turn adults into the thought police. Parsons (Winston’s comrade and neighbor) was turned in by his own children. He had committed a â€Å"thought crimeâ€Å". This shows what little respect the children in the book had for their parents, and the baffling effect was the parents getting use to and accepting it. Parsons had told Winston that he’s actually kind of proud of his child. â€Å"Big Brother† discouraged emotions and anything with meaning in families. Children are raised today with households based on financial support, affairs, and anything but real love. Children are taught that divorce is okay, and the value of marriages has greatly decreased. â€Å"Till death do us part† may now really mean â€Å"Till death do us part or if you can’t work out any problems and do things my way†. In 1984, Winston â€Å"separated† with his wife Katherine. By law he could not get married again unless Katherine died but this was strictly to discourage love and sexual relationshi... ...the schools contradict information the children is given from the parents. The theory of evolution for example, has been taught as a theory and not creation. Parents may not spend much time teaching their children about creation and the child has only the school’s information to turn to. Sex education being another excellent example, students in high school are taught to have â€Å"safe sex† instead of no sex at all. This may also contradict parents and their teachings. With relationships downplayed, the government having access to one’s private life and their children, George Orwell was very correct about the future of society and humans alike. Though the book was rather intense when it came to the outcomes, Orwell described a world of the government brainwashing the people. Much of society does not realize what is going on or think it is a negative effect.

Unique Design of the Vietnam War Memorial Essay -- American America Hi

Unique Design of the Vietnam War Memorial At the age of twenty one, a female undergraduate at Yale University named Maya Lin submitted her design for the Vietnam Memorial. Her idea for the memorial was extremely unique and controversial. After long discussions by a panel, it was chosen for construction. The design that she submitted was one that was very different in comparison to other memorials, and it was one that has a tendency to leave a lot of questions on the minds of the visitors. On the face of the memorial there is a list of all those who died or are missing in the order by which they were lost. It could seem to some one who did not understand the incident that the monument honors only those lost, but that is incorrect. Maya Lin ¹s design formed into the most unique memorial structure of its kind, which honors all who served in the Vietnam War (Colliers 23: 137). The official name given to the monument was the Vietnam Veterans memorial. In this name alone it is clear that it was not erected for the sole purpose of honoring only those who were lost in the conflict. The term KIA was the abbreviation used for those people who were killed in action, and these people represent 47,000 of the 58,000 names on the wall. The other 11,000 were soldiers who died from crashes, snake bites, illnesses, and other non-combat related deaths (Olson 227). There is no distinction made between the two groups on the monument. The structure is a v-shaped polished granite slab that unlike other monuments has no message of honor or patriotism. All of those subjects are left to the thoughts of the beholder. People often find therapy in locating the name of a companion or a loved one. The Vietnam Veterans Memori... ... NAMES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND OF THOSE WHO REMAIN MISSING ARE INSCRIBED IN THE ORDER THEY WERE TAKEN FROM US ². The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is also unique in the sense that is honors all who fought, as most monuments honor only those who died. From this one could imply that the veterans were not sufficiently honored by the people of America. (Colliers 139-140) It is clear that the erection of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was a wonderful addition to the Washington Mall of monuments. There is some disagreement as to the exact meaning of the monument, but that is because in was designed for that very purpose. Maya Lin was quoted to say that she wanted a  ³quiet place, meant for personal reflection and private reckoning ² (Colliers 139) That was exactly what she gave to the country in her unique interpretation of what the monument should be.

Physical Activity in School Aged Children Essay

Obesity and associated health problems are a growing problem in the United States. Within the past 20 years, obesity rates have risen significantly. â€Å"Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity can contribute to or aggravate many chronic diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.† (CDC, 2003, pg. 1). More than 80 percent of the youth do not do enough aerobic physical activity to meet the guidelines for Healthy People 2020. (Physical Activity, 2011, pg.1). At least half of youth do not engage in physical activity that promotes long-term health. (Exercise, 2011, para. 1). I have interest in this topic because I always worry if my 6 year old son is getting enough physical activity. He has mild cerebral palsy and has a hard time performing sports, running, or even riding a bike. With all the health benefits physical activity has to offer I wish he could do more. Our family has a history of diabetes, hypertension, and stroke that I do not want my son to inherit. During my pediatric clinical I saw all the school-age children running all over during recess and getting good exercise. This made me even more aware of how my son does not get enough exercise. School –age children is my targeted age group for physical activity. These years are important to development of lifelong exercise. During these years the children are continuing to enhance skills such as eye-hand coordination, agility, speed, and muscular strength. Children need to be involved in physical activity and continue to develop motor skills. Physical activity has many benefits including; positive sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, increasing physical ability, weight control, and socialization. (Ball & Bindler, 2008, p. 328-329). In addition, Researchers have found a strong relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement. Children who are active are more likely to have improved concentration, be more attentive, and earn higher grades. Furthermore, participation in organized sports encourages confidence, teamwork, and leadership. â€Å"Children often are more attentive, behave better, and perform as well or better scholastically after participation in physical activity through recess or physical education.† (Mahar, Murphy, Rowe, Golden, Sheilds, & Raedeke, 2006, pg. 2). Much of our time as families is spent doing sedentary activities, including watching television, playing video games, and using the computer. These prevent children from being physically active. This is why I chose to target the parents of school-age children for my brochure. I chose to direct the brochure at the parents because they have a strong influence on the activities their children are doing. Not only can parents limit the sedentary activities but they can engage their children in more physical activity. Active parents set examples and are a powerful stimulus for children to get active. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, â€Å"A sustained 10 percent weight loss will reduce an overweight person’s lifetime medical costs by $2,200 to $5,300 by lowering costs associated with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol.† (CDC, 2003, pg. 2). Furthermore, children are not always getting the recommended 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity daily through school activities. â€Å"Less than 36 percent of elementary and secondary schools offer daily physical education classes.† (Exercise, 2011, para. 1). This is important for parents to be aware of so they can encourage it at home. The attached brochure has many ideas on how to engage children in physical activity. Some are as easy as washing the car or taking the dog for a walk. Children will not even know they are excising. Throughout the growth process, there are specific cognitive, psychosocial, and physical milestones that school-age children are expected to reach. Cognitively, children reach the stage of concrete operational thought at about 7 years old. This stage allows school-age children to consider alternative solutions and solve problems. Still, school-age children continue to count on on concrete experiences and materials to form their thought content. Furthermore, they learn the concept of conservation (that matter is not changed when its form is altered. The cognitive growth at this stage is aided by reading, crafts, word puzzles, and school work. Staying physically active will help with the cognitive growth process. Researchers have found a strong relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement. Children who are active are more likely to have improved concentration, be more attentive, and earn higher grades. (Ball & Bindler, 2008, p.97). Psychosocially, school-age child tends to have many friends and willingly interacts with others to accomplish tasks. From these activities and relationships they develop a feeling of accomplishment. (Ball & Bindler, 2008, p. 97). The children often play together as interaction. Being physically active allows children to play together and reach that sense of accomplishment and play cooperatively. The physical changes that school-age children go through start with the long bones which continue to grow, jaw proportions are changed as teeth are lost, body organs and the immune system mature causing fewer illnesses and the urinary system can adjust to changes in fluid status. Furthermore, physical skills are being refined and fine motor skills are well-developed. To achieve the physical and motor skills the children need to be physically active. Playing sports really helps refine the physical skills. (Ball & Bindler, 2008, p. 95-96). The attached brochure I created for school-age children’s parents should be accessible through the child’s school, pediatrician’s office or other specialty medical offices. If possible it would be great to see this information in a parents magazine (e.g., Parenting) and on websites that parents use for resources (e.g., Children’s Hospital, www.chw.org). In addition this brochure would be great to have at facilities for children’s therapy or any events children and parents might be attending. In conclusion the attached brochure was developed to meet the educational needs of parents to help their children. The brochure has risk factors that parents can relate to. There are also statistics to help make my statement stand out and prove to the parents how important physical activity is. The brochure clearly states the recommended amount of time per day children should be active and ideas to help them achieve this goal. I also, added pictures to attract them to read it. Completing this activity taught me how important it is to be involved in children’s lives and keep them active. So many parents allow their children to play video games and surf the internet and you see more children struggling in school or with their weight. Now, as a mother I am more aware of the benefits physical activity has for my child. As a future registered nurse, I have the knowledge to teach parents the importance of staying active and preventing chronic illnesses. References Ball, J. W. & Bindler, R.C. (2008). Pediatric nursing-Caring for children (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Aug, 2003). Preventing obesity and chronic diseases through good nutrition and physical activity. Retrieved October 25, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/factsheets/prevention/pdf/obesity.pdf. Exercise. (2011). Retrieved October 30, 2011 from http://www.chw.org/display/router.asp?DocID=23509# Mahar, M. T., Murphy, S.K., Rowe, D.A., Golden, J., Sheilds, A.T., & Raedeke, T.D. (2006). Effects of a classroom-based program on physical activity and on-task behavior. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. American College of Sports Medicine 38(12):2086-2094. Physical Activity. (2011, October 31). Retrieved November 1, 211 from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=33