Wal-Mart Financial Statement Analysis

The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine| Financial Statement Analysis & Reporting: Earnings Quality and Asset Analysis | Company – WALMART| Kian BolooriHee Jun ChungDaejune Min| 1. Qualitative Analysis for the environment and the company (1) INDUSTRY ANALYSIS Walmart is in the discount retailer industry. This industry started in the 1950s, grew in the 1960s, and matured in the 1970s. With exception to a moderate growth period in the 1990s, the industry had remained stagnant since the 1970s. Today, three major players in the industry are Walmart, Target and Costco. The state of the discount retail industry is best understood through the Porter’s Five Forces analysis. * Competition: HIGH Competition among discount retailers resembles that of an oligopoly in that Costco, Target and Walmart hold a vast majority of the market share. In past decades, competition among the firms was minimized because they each targeted a different market segment. For example, Target focused on higher end neighborhoods while Walmart focused on rural locations. However, as the firms began to grow, they had to expand beyond their original targeted segments. As such, the firms started competing in the same locations, which intensified competition. This condition remains a dominant issue in the discount retail industry. * Barrier to New Entrants: MEDIUM-HIGH Unlike other industries, the discount retailer industry does not require a particular set of technical knowledge for new entrants. However, the major players in the market have established strong procurement and distribution networks that prevent new entrants from easily establishing their own. As such, new entrants would find it difficult to establish procurement and istribution networks while keeping costs competitive with those of Walmart, Costco and Target. * Bargaining Power of Buyers: LOW–MEDIUM Buyers have different levels of power depending on their location. In rural areas, buyers have less power. There is usually one discount retailer for each rural region. As such, that retailer has a virtual monopoly in that region, which allow it to increase prices, and thus increa se margins. On the other hand, buyers in suburban and urban markets can easily switch between discount retail competitors; as a result, each discount retailer must keep its prices competitive in those markets. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: LOW Suppliers to discount retailers hold little to no power. When the major discount retailers initiate relationships with new suppliers, they typically request contracts for the new suppliers’ whole inventory. As a result, the suppliers become entirely reliant on the discount retailer for their business. The discount retailer then leverages this reliance by demanding lower prices on the inventory. As a result, suppliers typically have to sell their inventory at low prices that result in small profit margins for them and lower inventory costs for discount retailers. Threat of Substitutes: LOW Current existing substitutes to discount retailers include supermarkets, traditional retailers, and boutique shops. However discount retailers are ab le to leverage their strong distribution networks to offer lower prices than many of the substitutes. As a result, discount retailers are able retain business despite the existence of substitutes. (2) ECONOMIC CONDITIONS The fact that there are fewer opportunities to expand in the United States has made it difficult for discount retailers to continue growing profits. In fact, discount retailers’ attempts to enter new markets have resulted in community resistance. In Watts, CA, community members successfully lobbied to prevent Walmart from opening a new store in the neighborhood. Despite these challenges, discount retailers have found new opportunities to increase profits. For one, discount retailers have started converting their stores into â€Å"supercenters. † These supercenters feature traditional discount retail products and grocery store products in one location. Also, discount retailers have begun expanding their international operations. For example, Walmart has partnered with companies in South Africa, China, and Brazil in order to expand into those markets. These opportunities have already proven profitable and continue to be a focus for the major discount retail firms. (3) WALMART STRATEGY Walmart’s business strategy is to keep costs low and pass the savings down to the customers. Walmart accomplishes this strategy through several means. First, Walmart cuts costs in its procurement channels. Walmart cuts out the manufacturers’ representatives and works with suppliers directly. In doing so, Walmart saves 3-4% on costs. Also, Walmart is able to use its IT networks to make sure the company orders the right about of inventory from suppliers so that the Walmart stores experience neither overstock nor stock-out. Second, Walmart keeps its labor costs low. Walmart maintains a frugal culture for all employees. For example, executives at the company are prohibited from accepting meals and gifts from third parties. Additionally, Walmart provides store workers with wages and benefits that are below those given by competitors. Third, Walmart invests in ways to cut distribution costs. For example, Walmart mastered the large-scale â€Å"cross-docking† to transfer merchandise directly from inbound trucks to store-bound trucks without storing the good in its distribution centers. Through these innovations, Walmart has been able to save 3-4% on its distribution costs. Through these means, Walmart has significantly lower its costs when compared to competitors. This point of difference helped Walmart grow to become the leading discount retailer in the world. . Quantitative Analysis for the company and the peers (1) CASHFLOW ANALYSIS From fiscal year 2007 to fiscal year 2010, Walmart recorded solid growth in both sales and net income; however, net increase in cash and cash equivalents does not have the same growth pattern. Net cash flow is the aggregate of cash flow from operations (â€Å"CFO†), cash flow from investing activities (â€Å"CFI†), and cash flow from financing activities (â€Å"C FF†). As is expected, CFO does trend positive in correlation with the increases to sales and income. On the other hand, CFI and CFF experienced sharp decreases. According to the common-size statement of cash flow, net CFI portion out of net CFO shows a generally decreasing trend during the period (-71%, -76%, -46%, -44%, respectively for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), on the other hand, the portion of net CFI increased constantly (-25%, -36%, -43%, -54%, respectively for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), which implies that War-Mart has become paying equal attention to investment for the future growth and shareholder value recently. Having solid CFO, Walmart had cash for investing and financing without borrowing a short-term debt As a result, while Walmart experienced 9% growth in sales and 13% increase in net income in 2008 compared to the previous year, net cash decreased almost 400%. Target shows a similar cash flow pattern to that of Walmart. Target has been reducing investment level and focusing more on shareholder return and the debt repayment. On the other hand, Costco has been managing the cash flexibly over the past four years in order to meet the firm’s needs for investment. Costco still concentrates on investing activities, which can be evidenced by the portion of net CFI (-72% of net CFO in 2010). According to 10-K of the year 2010, Costco opened 13 new warehouses in 2010, which was directly related to the huge negative CFI. For Walmart, the accounting adjustment accruals, which is measured as the gap between net income and CFO, is at 40%. The accounting adjustment accruals are one of indicators for earnings quality. While 40% is significant, it is smaller than that of Walmart’s competitors. Changes to current assets and current liabilities have a large impact on the accounting adjustment accruals. For instance, Walmart had accounts receivable increased by $297 mil in 2010, which negatively impacts on cash flow, but its inventory decreased by $2,213 mil in the same fiscal year, which had a positive influence on cash flow from operations. Despite these changes, CFO has still maintained a growth trend. Consequently, Walmart shows a steady upward trend of free cash flow, which is the difference between CFO and capital expenditures, during the past four years ($4. 6 bil, $5. 7 bil, $11. 6 bil, $14. 1 bil, respectively for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010). The cash spent on CFI went to purchase of PPE in order to expand current operations. The firm used to invest approximately 80% of CFO in PP&E in 2007 and 2008, however decreased the investment to 45% level recently. A significant level of CFF went to shareholder return, including dividends and share buybacks (e. g. $11. 4mil or 77% of net income in 2010). As such, Walmart appears to provide value to its shareholders. Similarly, Target and Costco also invested highly in PP&E and return more than 70% of net profit to investors. To sum up, we can see a certain pattern in cash flows of the three firms as follows, which shows that Walmart, Costco and Target are matured and generating healthy cash flow. Walmart| Target| Costco| Accrual (NI/CFO)| 58% (Gap: 42%)| 54% (gap: 46%)| 53% (gap: 47%)| CFO| Positive,Constantly Growing| Positive,Growing Trend| Positive,Growing Trend| CFI| Negative (for PP&E)| Negative (for PP&E)| Negative (for PP&E and short-term investments)| CFF| Negative   (for shareholder returns)| Negativeexcept in 2007 ($7. 6mil long-term debt in 2007)| Negat ive (for shareholder returns)| One cause of concern from Walmart’s cash flow is a contradiction between Walmart’s growth strategy and CFF. The high levels of dividends that Walmart gives its shareholders may limit the amount of cash the company has for expansion. CFO has remained high enough to cover CFI, but this might not always be the case. As a result, Walmart may have to cut the amount of dividends it pays if it wants to continue growth during a period when CFO is decreasing. (2) EARNING QUALITY ANALYSIS Walmart’s earnings have been positive and growing each fiscal year from 2008-2010. The increase in earnings is primarily due to the fact that revenue had also increased in that timeframe. There has been a 7. 5% increase in revenue from 2008 to 2009 and a 0. 95% increase in revenue from 2009 to 2010. A large majority of Walmart’s revenues come from its core operations—the net sales of products that Walmart had procured from suppliers and sold at its retail locations. The Net Sales figure is computed as the sales less sales tax and estimated sales returns. Less than 1% of total revenue is based o n membership revenue. Membership revenue is from customers who purchase yearly Sam’s Club memberships. There are several important features regarding the relationship between Net Income and CFO. First, the Net Income and CFO both trend positive, growing at a comparable rate. Second, CFO is larger than Net Income each year. This is primarily due to the adjustment to depreciation and amortization. Third, the adjustment due to an increase in accounts receivable is fairly constant, and is not a significant portion of the total CFO. These features suggest that the Net Income is a good indicator of cash inflow from operations, which would be expected from a company that collects cash at point of sale. Walmart recognizes revenue at point of sale when customers purchase products at the retail locations. Walmart recognizes revenue from gift cards only when the gift card is redeemed. Walmart recognizes revenue from services when the company performs the service; however, revenue from services is a small portion of total net sales. For membership, Walmart recognizes the revenue over the period of the membership. For example, if a membership cost $120 upfront, then $10 revenue would be recognized each month of the 12-month membership. Until it’s recognized, the cash collected is accounts as a liability (Deferred Membership Revenue). Expenses are divided into various categories. Cost of sales is all costs related to the attainment and transport of inventory. Any money received from suppliers, such as reimbursements for markdowns, is reduced from the cost of sales figure. Furthermore, Walmart does not include its costs of distribution facilities in its cost of sales, which can make its gross profit seem disproportionally stronger than its competitors. However, these costs can be found within SGA. SGA, Advertising and Pre-Opening costs are all recognized the same period that they are spent. Walmart does not seem to participate in any earnings management. The small account receivable account suggests that sales can be seem in cash inflow, meaning there is little chance that Walmart fabricated sales figures. Furthermore, Walmart did not make any significant changes to its depreciation cycles and PPE purchase patterns, which suggests that Walmart did not try to inflate its earnings to disguise unfavorable operating performance. (3) RATIO ANALYSIS Financial ratios are a measurement of the company’s overall health. In general, the financial ratios of a company are compared with those of its major competitors (cross-sectional and trend analysis) and to the company’s prior periods (trend analysis). Profitability Ratio The ability to generate profit on capital invested is a key determinant of a company’s overall value. Profitability is the net results of a number of policies and decisions. Here, the key ratios, ROCE and ROA, were calculated to judge the profitability in general. Return-on-assets (ROA) has been increased to 9. 6% in 2010 from 8. 4% in 2007 (See exhibit 10-2). This high ratio indicates that Walmart generated high income with given level of its assets. Return-on-capital employed (ROCE) has also increased to 21. 3% in 2010, from 19. 1% in 2007 (See exhibit 10-1). Compared to the competitors, Walmart has the highest ROA and ROCE, which illustrates that Walmart is the most profitable company in its industry. * Activity Ratio Activity ratio measures how efficiently a company utilizes its assets. These ratios are analyzed as indicators of ongoing operational performances; on other words, how effectively a company uses its assets. Walmart’s inventory turnover in days was 40 days in 2010, which is a modest improvement from 45 days in 2007 (See exhibit 11-1). The lower holding days of the inventory indicates that Walmart has made progress over the period in terms of inventory management. Considering the Sales growth, which increased over the periods, Walmart has effectively managed its inventory, avoiding any shortage or inadequate inventory levels. Walmart continued to set their goods in fairly low price in order to have its inventory move faster. Even though inventory turnover ratio of Walmart is less than that of Costco, Walmart’s improvement in its inventory turnover is better than that of Costco or Target. Additionally, account payable turnover gradually increased from 9. 9 days to 10. 22 days (See exhibit 11-1). The longer period of holding the Account payable indicated it has made good use of available credit facilities. * Liquidity Ratio (Short-Term) A liquid asset is one that trades in an active market and can be quickly converted to cash. A firm's liquidity position determines whether a firm has enough resources to meet its current obligations. Walmart’s current ratio deteriorated from 0. 9 in 2007 to 0. 87 2010 but then is improving from 2010 to 2011 exceeding 0. 88 in 2009 level. Also quick ratio and cash ratio improved from 2009 to 2010 (see exhibit 12-1). Nevertheless, it can be a negative sign for the company to have a current ratio less than 2. 0 and a quick ratio less than 1. 0. In fact, Walmart’s current ratio and quick ratio are lower than that of Costco and Target. A lower ratio indicates less liquidity, implying a greater reliance on operating cash flow and outside financing to meet short-term obligation. However, a reason for the troubling liquidity ratios is that Walmart has been using its cash for fixed assets as part of its effort to expand. As such, Walmart can generate cash by slowing growth if it has an urgent need to pay off current obligations. Additionally, Walmart’s cash conversion cycle was greatly decreased to 4. 8 in 2010 from 8. 5 in 2007 (See exhibit 11-1). It is the shortest operating cycle of its industry. A shorter cash conversion cycle indicates greater liquidity. The short cash conversion cycle implies that Walmart only needs to finance its inventory and accounts receivable for a short period of time. Its cash cycle is optimized, meaning it is able to sell inventory quickly also have less time capital tied up in the business process thus better for the company’s bottom line. * Solvency Ratio (Long-Term) Solvency refers to a company’s ability to fulfill its long-term debt obligations. Solvency ratios provide information about the relative amount of debt in the capital structure and the adequacy of earnings and cash flow to cover interest expenses and other fixed charges as they come due. This is important for assessing the risk and return characteristics such as its financial leverage. Walmart’s total liabilities-to-assets ratio was 0. 57 in 2010, slightly decreasing from 0. 58 in 2009 and 2008. This means 57% of total asset are financed with debt . Long-term debt-to-equity ratio was 0. 0 in 2010, again slightly decreased from 0. 52 in 2009 (See exhibit 12-1). This means 50% is the Walmart’s capital represented by debt. Although the size of asset and debt far exceeds the size of its competitors, but the ratios did not show significant proportional difference between Walmart and its competitors. Interest coverage ratios, calculated by using EBIT divided by total i nterest expense, can be viewed as good if the number exceeds 2. 0. For Walmart, the interest coverage ratio was 11. 8 in 2010 that was improved from 10. 5 in 2007 (See exhibit 12-1). This increase indicates that Walmart has become stronger in solvency, offering greater assurance that Walmart can service its debt from operating earnings. As for evidence, Walmart’s CFO-to-total liability was calculated to be 54. 5% in 2010, increasing from 48. 4% in 2007 (See exhibit 12-1). This is relatively high compared to its peers such as Costco and Target. 3. Conclusion Based on the aforementioned analysis, including qualitative and quantitative, we would like to conclude that Walmart is a company that can be highly recommended for investors to buy. First, the industry is still attractive when it comes to high barrier to entry, low power of buyers and suppliers, and low threat of substitution. Also for the company level, Walmart has differentiated itself successfully by focusing on the lowest price. Second, Walmart’s cash flows show a typical pattern for a healthy and matured firm; that is, Walmart has a constantly growing positive CFO, a negative CFI for the investment in PPE, and a negative CFF for shareholder returns such as dividend and share repurchase. Also, the strong CFO generates a increasing trend of FCF (Free Cash Flow), which indicates that the company has a potential for flexible cash management whether for the growth investment or shareholder returns. Third, Walmart appears to have quality earning. Further, there are close ties between net income and CFO; in other words, both net income and CFO show positive trend and increase at a comparable rate. Also Walmart is engaged in neither manipulating earnings nor making substantial changes in accounting methods. Fourth, Walmart’s ratios look good. ROA and ROCE are strong when compared to those of Costco and Target. The liquidity ratios are relatively low, but can be addressed if Walmart chooses to retain cash instead of using it on growth. Finally, Walmart’s P/E ratio on May 19, 2011 is 11. 5, which is relatively low when compared to that of Walmart’s competitors (Target: 11. 9, Costco: 26. 3). As such, Walmart appears to be undervalued. Ultimately, the analysis on Walmart’s financial statements indicates that investors would be well advised to buy Walmart’s stocks.

‘Minority’ †Unseen poem analysis Essay

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Battle tactics of the U.S. Civil war - Essay Example War broke out and the rifles became a major tactical weapon of this war. (Dupuy, 82) The military leaders of that era were aware that the use of the improved rifles in the war would certainly change the tactics that were used on the battlefield. At the beginning of the war, most of the rifles had slow dismissal muzzles. Thus, the men were grouped together to form a huge volume of firing unit, which would cause more damage to the opposition making them leave the battlefield. Although, later on, the effective range of the rifles and other weapons improved, the basic formation of the men remained the same. If the men were arranged in small groups then it would be very difficult for the leaders to properly control them and make them fight. Thus, to avoid such chaos, the units of men were properly trained in the weaponry division. The officers attempted to train the soldiers such that the troops could deliver their maximum potential and use their firepower properly to avoid losing. For example, the Zouaves were taught to drop down on the ground suddenly before the opposi te unit could strike at them, then suddenly rise and charge them with their bayonets. However, when there were failures the troops, and not the tactics, were blamed. Griffith mentions, "It does seem to be the case that tactical attacks in the Civil War attained their local objectives rather less frequently than those of Napoleonic times, although that does not necessarily mean that they were less useful in determining the final result of hanks or campaigns." (Griffith, 29) We also saw the use of a number of new and improved military techniques in the war. There were many revolutionary developments in the use of ammunitions and firearms. The improvement in the use of the Mini Bullet or Mini Ball allowed a person to load the rifle and fire it at a greater speed than what was possible earlier. The most important developments came in the rifles, which played a key role in the development of the tactics of the war, although they were not new to the fighters. Earlier a pan of gunpowder was used in the firearm. However, before the war the percussion cap was invented where a cap was used to light the gunpowder in the firearm. This made it possible to use the weapon in almost all weather types. The percussion lock also improved the rate of firing of the rifle. The manner in which the musket barrel was rifled was also improved. This had a positive effect on its accuracy and range. Earlier the effective range of the smooth bore musket was only about 300 ft. Thus, this created dangers for the bearer. Nevertheless, after rifling the barrel, the effective range was increased to about 750 to 900 ft. Thus, this made the bearer of the gun more deadly and dangerous. A huge improvement was also made in the firearm design of the multi-shot rifle. The 1855 model and later on the 1861 model rifles adopted the use of the .58 caliber and made it there standard for the infantry weapons. (Woodworth, 34-7) Infantry was the primary combat section of the military in the American Civil War. The infantry of the American Civil War mainly comprised of the foot soldiers and mostly had small weapons in the beginning. However, as the war progressed

Can Technology Improve Our Quality Of Life Essay

Can Technology Improve Our Quality Of Life - Essay Example For example, when I was in high school for the second year, my teacher told me that she has to go to another country for her higher studies. I was worried about that because if I am going to study with another teacher, I will have to learn their style again to start with. So I told my teacher that I don’t want to study with another teacher. In the beginning, we don’t know what to do because we were very far away from each other and she could not just leave me even for one year. So we decide to use a webcam to have a lesson. It was very easy to have lessons online because I just need to put the webcam in a right place and we could start the talk. My teacher could see me studying and I could see my teacher too. We did this for one year and didn’t have any problem, and I got a very high grade for my final exam too. If I had to change my teacher, I will have to start to learn different style again under a new teacher. Moreover, my teacher was very much expert in music and the new teacher may not be so and that will cause difficulties for me to learn more about music in my high school. That will make me less expert than my other friends and classmates. Moreover, if I change my teacher, her styles and way of teaching may not fit my requirements. Technology helped me in retaining my teacher even if she had to leave my country. Such things may not be imaginable in 18 th or 19 th centuries. Thus the technology helped me in keeping the quality of my life. Technology can improve our communication too.

Human Impact on Natural Systems in the Middle East Essay

Human Impact on Natural Systems in the Middle East - Essay Example Since time immemorial, human beings have had to adapt to these different natural systems in order to survive, and throughout this time, this race has proven to be among the most resilient in the world. While one cannot help but commend the hardiness of this race in its ability to survive even some of the harshest conditions in the world, it should be noted that human beings, through their activities, have had an impact on the naturals systems within which they have come to settle. This is a consequence of their attempts to adapt to these environments, and while some of the impacts may be positive, sadly, a majority of them tend to be negative, as it has often led to the destruction of the natural systems that are involved. Among the most affected areas in the world today, due to human activity, is the Middle East where there has existed, for thousands of years, great civilizations, which have impacted significantly on the natural systems. Human beings in the Middle East were, for a l ong time, primarily pastoralists and because of this, they had an impact on the environment. This region is primarily arid or semiarid and because of this, the pastoralists had to move from place to place with their livestock in order to find sustenance. These people tended to have large herds, which fed on the scarce vegetation that could be found in this region at the time (Bocco & Jaubert, 1994). Consequently, large tracts of rare vegetation were destroyed by these animals and with this destruction came the destruction of many diverse ecosystems. With the destruction of the plant life also came to the continued desertification of the region as the scarce plant cover was stripped away by the large herds of livestock (Davis, 2010). In recent times, however, as many people in the region have come to abandon pastoralism in favor of living in urban areas, some of the vegetation that was almost completely destroyed has begun to thrive again. The Middle East is a major source of oil and natural gas and it has been stated that it holds some of the largest reserves of these resources in the world. Over the last few decades, these resources have been a major source of income for the countries, which can be found in this region. Not only has it enabled their governments to have plenty of wealth to fund expansive social welfare systems, but it has also enabled the increase of the standard of living, with some even stating that these standards are higher than those in the Western world (Toksoz, 2000). While this is true, there has also been a significant impact on the environment. The first of these has been the discharge of carbon fumes to the environment from the oil mining sites. The mining of oil and its refining involves the burning of the fossil fuels involved so that the product can be extracted from the ground, and this means that there has been a rise in the carbon emissions in the region in recent decades. While the mining of oil has and continues to be a prof itable venture, it has come to bring harm to the environment as it has contributed an immense deal to global warming (Hawley, 2004). While some places in the Middle East were extremely dry, with the commencement of oil mining, these places have become even drier and hotter, this has led to the destruction of quite a number of plants, and animal life since the increased heat has destroyed their ecosystems.

Morality and Sister Essay Example for Free

Morality and Sister Essay Apr 27, 2009 It is a ve ry moving story and when I read the book I cried my eyes out. If you have not yet read the book, do yourself a favor and do so. Some issues I What is the major bioethical issue in my sisters keeper 4 answers19 Apr 2012 Parents: Who else has seen the movie my sisters keeper 3 answers19 Sep 2011 My Sisters Keeper! Moral Issues? Yahoo Answers3 answers17 Aug 2011 What was a social issue , in the movie My Sister 2 answers29 Mar 2011 More results from answers. yahoo.com CNS Movie Review: My Sisters Keeper www.catholicnews.com/data/movies/09mv069.htm‎ NEW YORK (CNS) The moral issues of My Sisters Keeper (New Line) are laid out for us even before the opening credits have finished rolling. Narrator My Sisters Keeper (Review of the Film, a tothesource article ecclesiaofwomen.ning.com/forum/topics/my-sisters-keeper-review-of‎ Jul 9, 2009 The film My Sisters Keeper depicts the confusion and suffering that The Island, My Sisters Keeper takes on a real-life issue commonly known as savior sibling. Technology, apart from any ethical or moral compass, has Ethical Issues On My Sister s Keeper Movie Free Essays 1 20 www.sparknotes.com †º †º Literature Study Guides †º My Sister’s Keeper‎ In 2004, Picoult published My Sisters Keeper. Like most of her works, the novel takes on a range of morally complex issues, from the ethics of genetic My Sisters Keeper Health, Social, Ethical and Moral Issues.

Exceptionalism In Us Foreign Policy History Essay

Exceptionalism In Us Foreign Policy History Essay Why did the notion of American exceptionalism erupt during the American colonial era and how has it influenced U.S. foreign policy from the time of the American Revolution until the Vietnam War? Introduction One of the core components of the American identity that has greatly influenced the creation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy is the historical notion of American exceptionalism. American exceptionalism is a term used to describe the idea that the United States is a superior and unique nation with a distinct and special destiny in the world. Although the expression exceptional was first used to describe Americans and their country during the early 19th century by Alexis de Tocqueville in his work Democracy in America after his travels to America, the origins of the belief can be traced back to the earliest times of the colonial era with both secular and religious roots. Talk about foreign policy here Like other nations, the foreign policy of the United States is influenced by a number of important factors American exceptionalism has been used as propaganda for Americans to reason with and justify the acts of their country Get a fancy definition of exceptionalism! What exactly is exceptionalism? U.S. foreign policy throughout Americas history have been influenced by two main strains of thought in regards to American exceptionalism missionary and exemplar Throughout American history, the two forms of exceptionalism have clashed numerous times and each have had a their own tremendous influence on foreign policy. Frontiersmen ship and spreading of democratic, Christian ideals Preserving their unique way living with out being corrupted by the outside world could of be done since America was so isolated from Europe America was blessed by being geographically isolated from the troubles of Europe Also given the duty of spreading American ideals, responsible to install and ensure the freedom and liberty of others The Emergence of American Exceptionalism Part of the notion of American superiority can be traced back to the colonial era with one of the first groups of settlers; the Puritans. While aboard the Arbella during its passage to New England in 1630, a Puritan leader named John Winthrop delivered a lay sermon where the earliest expression of American exceptionalism can be found. In this sermon, Winthrop declared to his fellow settlers we must consider that we shall be as a City upon a Hill, the eyes of all people are upon us. Unlike the Pilgrims who were Separatists, Puritans in England wanted to stay within the established order and to change it from the inside rather than to completely break away. (Galvin Finley). They saw the New World as an opportunity given to them by God where it was possible to establish a perfect, pure church and community, which would serve as models for those back in England and around the world. Metaphorically placed in Winthrops sermon is the idea that the colonists in America were especially blesse d by God to create an ideal, utopian society for the purpose of bettering humankind. The American Revolution and the creation of a new Republic in America asserted the notion that the United States was an exceptional nation with a unique destiny in the world. In the literature of the revolutionary era, one can find many descriptions of how special, unique and destined people thought America and its people were. The vast, numerous differences between the American colonies and the typical European society in England contributed greatly to the idea of American exceptionalism. Indeed, there were many important differences between the old European society and the flourishing one in the colonies that led the colonists to think of themselves and their country as superior. Unlike in England, there was an absence of feudalism, a class system or hierarchy, a centralized government, and there were very few immense differences in wealth between the settlers. Each individual worked for himself and owed loyalty to no one but to the land that nourished him. (What is an American?) A merica was land of opportunity and hope where the common person could flourish where they could not back in England. In one of the most famous pamphlets of the time Common Sense, Thomas Paine expresses the idea how the exceptional nation of America had outgrown its mother country due to their immense separateness and needed to seek its freedom. He asserted the notion that America had a special place in the world and claimed the cause of America is, in great measure, the cause of all mankind. He believed that America would be the place where people could start over and a new, progressive society could be built based on American ideals. The framers of the American Constitution took this idea and ran with it. Although they were pessimistic about its results, the farmers were hoping that the framework that they had placed in the constitution would one day lead to a perfect republic. They hoped that the unique geographical isolation of America from Europe would help protect it from the i lls and corruption of the Old World. Thus, with the establishment of the Constitution, republicanism and providential ideology came together to cement the notion of exceptionalism into the national identity of Americans. U.S. foreign policy that followed the revolution was exemplar and isolationist in nature. The United States, isolated from the evils of the European world, would serve as a model of liberty, freedom, and democracy for the rest of the world. The nation would be a city upon a hill, acting as a beacon of light for the rest of mankind. Early national leaders such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson advised Americans to protect their countrys superiority over the worlds ills, saying that the U.S. needed to avoid permanent and entangling alliances. This early strand of isolationist exceptionalism however, would be challenged as the power of America grew and became more dominate in the world. Even while urging the continued separateness of the U.S., President Jefferson supervised the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 which doubled the size of the country. He defended his act by calling upon the notion that the U.S. needed to expand to preserve liberty. Coupled with the frontier spirit à ¢Ã¢ ‚ ¬Ã‚ ¦ SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE FRONTIER DANIEL BOONE This idea was contributed to further by the creation of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. In this doctrine, President James Monroe declared that any European intervention in any of the states in the Western Hemisphere would be seen as an act of aggression and would invoke the involvement of the United States. With this declaration, President Monroe gave additional emphasis to the difference of intentions between the U.S. and the countries of Europe in regards to their foreign policy. It underlined the United States as the regional dominate power even though the American military at the time was weak compared to those in Europe. An inherent factor contained within the Monroe Doctrine was the belief of exceptionalism. The United States declared that it had nothing but good intentions in terms of intervening in the affairs of other states located in the Americas. The foreign policy of the U.S. was innately different from the oppressive, imperialistic ones of European countries. As once state d by John Adams, the Secretary of State at the time, the United States does not go abroad in search of monsters to vanquish. Being declared exceptional, the United States could do no wrong and therefore was incapable of being imperialistic by interfering in the affairs of other nations. It was defended that U.S. intervention, should there even be any, would be beneficial for the state in question and would not be in the self-interest of the U.S. The exceptional idea of the necessity of American expansion for the insurance of liberty was further asserted by President James Polk. In 1845 he reasserted the Monroe doctrine and declared that the U.S. was solely responsible for the liberty and security of all the nations within the Western Hemisphere. As maintained by Polk, the United States was not in search of conquest but rather in search of the establishment of independence within the nations of the Americas. Again, it was declared that the U.S. interference in their neighbors affairs was in the interests of the neighbors and was completely beneficial. U.S. intervention was exceptional in nature meaning that the motivation behind their interference was not self-interest unlike those of the imperial European nations. Polk used these notions to defend the Mexican-American War in 1846 with which he desired to expand the states all the way to the Pacific coast. Polk presented his argument for the acquirement of new land by placing emphasis on the exceptional nature of American foreign policy and through the notion of Manifest Destiny. The idea of Manifest Destiny was first used by democratic journalist, John OSullivan in 1839 in an article where he declared that the United States had a divine destiny to establish on earth the moral dignity and salvation of man based on American ideals. This destiny was not necessarily territorial in nature but rather it expressed the responsibility of America to spread their values through the establishment of republics. OSullivan officially coined the phrase six years later in an article arguing for the annexation of Texas, but the phrase received little national attention. During the same year however, the expression gained a tremendous amount of recognition throughout the nation in an article he wrote for the New York Morning News. In this document, the conflict between England and the United States over the territory of Oregon was focused on and OSullivan argued that the United States was the one that had the right to annex the land. He believed that, through manifest destiny, Providence had given the U.S. the task to spread their unique republican democracy throughout North America. As noted by historian William Weeks, advocates of Manifest Destiny touched upon three main themes: the exceptional virtue of the American people (which was simply the notion of American exceptionalism), the mission to spread these virtues to remake the world in the image of the United States, and the God-Given destiny to complete His work. This idea is closely tied with the missionary strand of the American exceptionalism belief. The notion of Manifest Destiny was used to justify Americas expansion and the annexation of territory in North America for much of the 19th century. A clear form of missionary exceptionalism, Manifest Destiny embodied the notion that the U.S. had a special role to play in the world. Though it was never an official political policy, the idea of manifest destiny affected the creation and conduction of U.S. foreign policy greatly. The expansion of the American territory was justified by Americans through the idea that the United States was an exceptional nation , chosen by Providence to extend their values of liberty and freedom across North America. Americans at the time also argued their right to expand because they believed that they could utilize the land and resources for the amelioration of mankind better than the previous inhabitants could. The core element of Manifest destiny the idea that Americans had a mission given by God to spread their values and institutions across the world became a central aspect in the belief of missionary exceptionalism. The Mexican-American War asserted this notion and by the mid 19th century, this missionary strand had become the dominate form of American exceptionalism. With the outbreak of the Mexican-American war, another elemental factor was added to the notion of manifest destiny which became a central aspect in the belief of missionary exceptionalism. The idea that Americans had a religious duty to uphold emerged. This religious duty validated the need for the U.S. to intervene in other states affairs since Americans were responsible for bringing to the people their natural rights. Once the frontier was officially declared closed at the end of the 19th century, the United States set their missionary sights on states overseas. The Spanish American War in 1898 at first gained massive popularity among Americans since it was theoretically being fought to ensure the basic freedoms of the people in the Spanish colonies. But as calls for the annexation of former Spanish territories grew soon after American victories, a national debate was sparked over the issue of American imperialism. With the Treaty of Paris in 1898 which officially ended the Spanish-American War, Cuba was granted independence while the once Spanish territories of Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico, were given to the United States. The bloody conflict that ensued afterwards in the Philippines left many Americans known as Anti-imperialists to question the motives of the United States. Was the U.S. acting out of its exceptional principles or was the country following in the imperialistic footsteps of the Old World? With the issue of American oversea expansion, the two main strands of exceptionalism came into direct conflict. Both sides of the debate used aspects of what they believed to be the notion of American exceptionalism to defend their arguments. The majority of the proponents for the annexation of new overseas territory generally employed the potential strategic and commercial benefits for their rationale. Nevertheless, many defended American expansion with the exceptional notion that the U.S. had a divine duty to spread democracy and liberty across the globe. Theirs was a destiny to have freed the Spanish colonies from the imperial Old World. The United States, being an exceptional nation, was not being imperialistic in nature by occupying these states, but rather a beneficial actor in the territories search for liberty and freedom. Expansionists argued that the United States would act as a nurturing mother to help develop the once-oppressed lands to fully functional, democratic nation s. Once the territories were ready, they argued, they could chose either to join the union or declare independence. Evidently, these proponents were strong supporters of the missionary strand of the American exceptionalism belief and the notion of manifest destiny. Opponents against imperialistic actions of the U.S. on the other hand drew their arguments from the exemplar strand of American exceptionalism. Anti-imperialists believed that the United States was destined to play a different role in the world than the expansionists believed. Their strand of exceptionalism emphasized that the U.S. shouldnt dirty its hands in the imperialistic dealings of the old world. The colonies which they had freed should be able to establish their own government, keeping true to the American ideology of the consent of the governed. They claimed that America was special in the fact that it did not interfere in other nations affairs like the countries of the Old World and they feared that the United States was not acting accordingly to the principles laid down by the Founding Fathers. Both anti-imperialists and expansionists believed America to be exceptional in nature with a special role to play in the world but each had their own expectations for what exact rol e the country would play. The anti-imperialists failed to gain a strong following among Americans under the McKinley administration and after the Philippine uprising was crushed, the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines were annexed. Despite this failure however, the anti-imperialists provided a valuable check on the imperialistic fever that had befallen the country and helped return American sentiments to the original opposition of colonialism. One famous anti-imperialist who actively spoke out against the annexation of the Philippines was three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan. Bryan, who had volunteered for the Spanish American War, argued that United States should not try to copy the imperialistic practices of Great Britain and other European countries. With his presidential candidacy defeat in 1900 however, the anti-imperialist movement gradually died down and the desire for American oversea expansion would soon follow. Proof that this desire had receded came along with the election of President Theodore Roosevelt. Although he was a huge advocate of American expansion, Roosevelt reaffirmed the belief that America did not have imperialistic intentions in other nations. Following the Venezuela Crisis of 1902-1903, Roosevelt added the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine which asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the affairs of Latin America in cases of flagrant and chronic wrongdoing by a Latin American Nation. He claimed that the U.S. did not have imperialistic desires in the land and would only intervene in Latin America for their own welfare, even if their problems were internal. Roosevelt rejected the idea of complete American isolationism and instead opted for a balance of power between separation and actively spreading American ideals. With this, he effectively reconciled the two strands of the American exceptionalism belief. When extreme circumstances demanded it, the U .S. had a responsibility through manifest destiny to intervene in other nations affairs to preserve American ideals abroad when threatened. Other than in those cases, the U.S. should spend its time focusing their attention on improving their own society to become a model for the rest of the world. President Woodrow Wilson on the other hand strongly supported the missionary belief of American exceptionalism. Keeping to tradition, he firmly believed that the United States was an exceptional nation given a special destiny to spread its values and principles across the globe. He argued that the U.S. acted to serve the rest of the world and was not self-interested in its relations abroad. In the case of military affairs, Wilson was morally driven in his decisions. He believed that U.S. military intervention, unlike those of other nations, would be used for the amelioration rather than the oppression of mankind. Although Wilson claimed that the United States would never again search to expand their territory, his ideologies were deeply embedded in the missionary strand of exceptionalism. He frequently used military force abroad to introduce and enforce democratic values in many different countries such as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua and Russia. With the outbreak of World War I, Wilson justified his decision of entering the conflict by declaring that the world needed to be made safe for democracy and declared that the U.S. was entering the war with the best benign intentions. The United States was going into war to protect the very ideals that they defended during the Revolution and the Spanish-American War. Doubt about the involvement was quieted by the notion of American exceptionalism being put in terms with the intervention. Thus, American exceptionalism was used to justify the U.S. intervention in World War I. The period between the two world wars was dominantly marked by isolationist and anti-entanglement policy. The Congress rejected Woodrow Wilsons petition to join the League of Nations due to the nations popular isolationist belief that the United States should not be under the obligation of any other country. Keeping to tradition, Americans believed that they should take advantage of the fact that they had been blessed with geographic peace and security, isolated from the ills of the Old World. Being 5,000 miles away from Europe with two unthreatening, friendly neighbors above and below gave reason to the lack of fear of foreign attack. The United States had no real motivation to entangle itself in other nations affairs abroad. Proponents of isolationism and many others did not believe that the United States should remain completely separated from the worlds affairs but rather detached from its trivial conflicts. America should focus on the becoming an ideal, exemplar nation that would serve as a model for the rest of mankind. Isolationists argued their opinions using rhetoric consistent with the exemplar strand of American exceptionalism. With the outbreak of World War II, the two strands of exceptionalism came into direct conflict once more. President Franklin D. Roosevelt kept to the popular American census when war was declared on Germany and asserted U.S. neutrality. After World War I Isolationism prevented the US from entering the war in 1939 Pearl Harbor silenced these voices FDR used exceptionalism to justify entering the war the US needed to protect freedom After World War II The outcome of the war affirmed the belief that the US had a special role to play in the world US become the strongest nation in the world Activist internationalism President Truman US was the best nation under the sun the US had a responsibility to defend liberty and freedom all across the world Cold war good vs evil Vietnam the end of American exceptionalism? Common Sense was written in a time of doubt concerning freedom from England and Thomas Paine used the idea that America was an exceptional entity to persuade people that independence was necessary. In many other works of the time and in public discussion, England was described as being a tyrannical monster whose sole purpose was to steal the new-found liberty away from the innocent colonists. In reality however, England was acting rational in their standards and were defending their right to tax the colonists. Many people used the idea of American exceptionalism as propaganda. Conclusion Although the notion is about 400 years old, one can still see today the influence of American exceptionalism on the American identity and on how U.S. foreign policy is created and conducted. Used as a way for Americans to justify their countrys acts Foreign policy turned aggressive as the notion of Manifest destiny spread

Personal Narrative: I am Blind Essay -- essays research papers

I am blind. But I was not always blind. I once experienced the majesty of a sunrise in late August and the awe of the deep blue sea as the sun glistens from it. Now I have only my memories to comfort me. So they sent me here, a field trip, a good experience they say, to help me cope. They sent me to a deaf school for the day, unknowing of how awkward it is for me. They gave me a buddy, but for what? We can?t communicate through speech or sign language. ? You?ll figure it out,? they say. So now I sit here, alone and desolate in darkness, hoping for the occasional memory to write upon the blank screen of my vision and bring life to this seemingly dead place. And so I sit. The chair is hard and cold as stone, like a cement chair in a jail cell. It is firm, but not strong, it squeaks and wobbles around like a fish out of water. I reach down to make sure all four legs are there. Yes, there?s four, four cold smooth spears symbolizing my demise. Spears ready to leap forward and devour me if I make the slightest wrong or sudden move. I stretch out my arms, trying to find my surroundings. To the left, nothing but air. To the right, another spear, but not like the others this spears lies on its side like the rails in my bathroom. My hand follows the cold rod. It hits something leaving a sting and cracking my thumb as it crushes against my hand. This must be the desk. I glide my hand along the smooth surface felling all the little bumps of eraser left behind. I feel along the sides and touch the rigid edges where pens have been dug in deep like sharp wounds giving the desk a unique personality. As my fingertips reach the center, I re alize just how close the desk is, only about five inches away from my rapidly beatin... ... down the hall and I encounter a revelation of thought. We are going outside. I run faster now and burst through the front doors into the great heaven. I can smell fresh cut grass on the horizon and the soft warm rays of the sun finally beam down on my face. I breath the fresh cool air and listen. My bird has come back again and sings over the crackling flames and sirens of the trucks. It sings because it is free, it sings a victory praise for me because now I am free. I sit down on the wet grass and what I understand to be my buddy takes my hand. On my hand she spells out two letters. Two letters that say everything. She spells out ?O? ?K? and I cry because I know that no matter what happens or how much I have to suffer, in the end it?s okay because I am alive and I am free. So I am still blind, but now I am blind and loving it!

Teen Peer Pressure Causes Drinking and Driving Essay -- Peer Pressure

An average of one teen dies each hour in a car crash in the United States, and nearly 50 percent of those crashes involve alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHSTA). Alcohol is the drug most widely abused by teens. Alcohol abuse occurs among all geographic, ethnic and racial groups. Teens easily succumb to peer pressure when deciding whether or not to use alcohol. Unfortunately, they lack the coping and judgment skills necessary to handle alcohol wisely. There are an estimated 3.3 million teen-age alcoholics in the United States. Adolescents who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin drinking at age 21. Youth who drink alcohol are five times more likely to smoke cigarettes, four times more likely to smoke marijuana and three times more likely to use an illicit drug. Teens that use alcohol tend to become sexually active at earlier ages. Teens who use alcohol are more likely to be victims of violent crimes such as aggravated assault, robbery or rape. The use of alcohol by adolescen... Teen Peer Pressure Causes Drinking and Driving Essay -- Peer Pressure An average of one teen dies each hour in a car crash in the United States, and nearly 50 percent of those crashes involve alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHSTA). Alcohol is the drug most widely abused by teens. Alcohol abuse occurs among all geographic, ethnic and racial groups. Teens easily succumb to peer pressure when deciding whether or not to use alcohol. Unfortunately, they lack the coping and judgment skills necessary to handle alcohol wisely. There are an estimated 3.3 million teen-age alcoholics in the United States. Adolescents who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin drinking at age 21. Youth who drink alcohol are five times more likely to smoke cigarettes, four times more likely to smoke marijuana and three times more likely to use an illicit drug. Teens that use alcohol tend to become sexually active at earlier ages. Teens who use alcohol are more likely to be victims of violent crimes such as aggravated assault, robbery or rape. The use of alcohol by adolescen...

Capital Punishment :: essays research papers fc

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Crime is a part of our lives, it is everywhere! Controlling or eliminating crime and criminals is no easy task but it can not be ignored. Making sure those that are rightly accused to a just punishment is very important. There are many reasons why people commit crimes; some do it for the shear of enjoyment others do it to be able to survive. The death penalty should not be used for every crime, although I strongly believe it should be used for those who commit very violent crimes, such as murder. Deterrence is the means to punish those who commit crimes as an example and to create fear in others who might want to commit a crime. The death penalty is one way we use to create fear! Most people fear death one way or another. Ernest van den Hagg, in his article â€Å"On Deterrence and the Death Penalty† mentions, â€Å"One abstains from dangerous acts because of vague, inchoate, habitual and, above all preconscious fears† (193). Without this type of deterrence what would stop criminals that already in prisons for life keep from killing another inmate or a staff that works there? There are those that are against the death penalty called anti-death penalty advocates, they say that imprisonment by it self is enough to deter criminals, killing criminals is not needed! Hugo Bedau argues in his article, â€Å"Capital Punishment and Social defense† says, â€Å"Crimes can be deterred only by making would-be criminals frightened of being arrested, convicted, and puni shed for crimes† (301). According to Richard Seiter in his book â€Å"An Introduction Corrections† states that â€Å"From 1986 to 1997 the number of males that went to prison increased 70% while the number of females increased 118%† (210). It seems that just going to prison isn’t enough for some people. Without the death penalty insane people would kill others thinking they could get away with it and if not what’s the worst going to happened to them â€Å"Prison for life†! One could argue that the death penalty probably has saved someone’s life because it deterred someone from committing that act! Still anti-death penalty advocates believe that the death penalty is irreversible and that some people who really weren’t guilty are sentenced to death. Yes the death penalty is irreversible but the chance that an innocent person gets sentenced to death is extremely low. The judicial system goes threw extreme measures to insure this doesn’t happened! They do this by making sure that only when guilt is determined by clear and convincing evidenced be punished.

Health Ans Social Care Diploma Level 3 Essay

Types of abuse and the signs: Physical Abuse- This is actual hands on intentional contact meant to deliver pain or suffering to the recipient, such as hitting, pushing, leaving people soiled and inappropriate sanctions. Signs- Bruises/ scratches. Unexplained physical marks on the body, the person may change their usual behavior such as becomes anxious or angry. Sexual Abuse- This is when an individual is not able or willing to consent to a sexual act or the person is bribed or tricked into the act. Signs- Unexplained pregnancy or STI, withdrawn, angry or anxious around specific people or persons. Emotional/Psychological Abuse – This is when a person or people of trust will make someone do things that they don’t want to do via threats of harm, bullying or fear of being humiliated or abandoned. Signs- avoiding specific people or person, becoming withdrawn or anxious in their presence. Financial Abuse- is when a trusted person or people coerce less able persons into paying for gifts, giving moneys or willing property or inheritance for personal gain, fraud or theft. Signs- Unable to pay normal bills attend outings or maintain their hobbies. They may behave differently around specific people becoming Angry or withdrawn. Institutional Abuse- is when people are treated as a group and not as individuals by an organization or care provider, such as set mealtimes and meals, bedtimes. Signs- rebellious behavior, loss of self-esteem with possible depression, may become angry with family, friends and advocates. Self-Neglect- This situation needs to be monitored over time to establish if this is Personal choice or mental health onset. Staff MUST NOT impose their own personal beliefs; it is the service user’s choice to maintain their own standards and values as part of their own individuality. Signs- when a service user’s own standards are gradually slipping and they are not expressing this as a personal choice. Staff must record all findings and discuss with the team, managers. If the service user is putting themselves or others at risk then a multi-disciplinary team will form to plan with service user agreed boundaries to keep all parties safe. Neglect by â€Å"others†- This is when â€Å"care† is not provided for a person and they suffer because of it. Signs- Over use of PRN medication. Bed sores and urine burns, Decline in the service users appearance. The service user may be withdrawn or angry, suffer from low self-esteem. Suspicion requires ACTION!!!! If you suspect Abuse or the service user reports abuse to you MUST ACT: 1 Protect The service user must be protected from the alleged abuser; they must be made safe given assurances and feel supported. They must have Medical treatment if required. They may need you to contact their friends or family for further emotional support. 2 Report Staff must report ALL suspicions of abuse and allegations of abuse made by the service user to their line manager as soon as possible. Management will inform social workers and the Adults at Risk help desk, they will instruct you to contact the police if necessary. Company policies must be followed:- Use TED (tell me, explain to me, describe to me ) to record the allegation this must not include staff members thoughts or feelings ONLY facts. Write appointment sheets if medical or police contact is made to include names, addresses and contact details. Record the outcome of each meeting. 3 Preserve Preserve any/ all of the evidence of the potential abuse. This could be a crime scene, with valuable evidence for a conviction. If in the case of sexual abuse then the forensic evidence will be necessary, discourage the service user from:- *cleaning up the area in which the alleged crime took place *Do not remove bedding or clothing * They Must not was or shower, brush hair or teeth * Keep everyone else out of the area to reduce contamination 4 Record and Refer All information the staff may have whether it be an allegation, hard evidence or simply a suspicion of abuse, it must be properly recorded in the daily notes or on statement sheets that are given to your line manager. Always record observations things you have seen or heard yourself and remember this is a legal document and you may be required to attend a court hearing. The service user in some cases will be directed to give a full account of the alleged abuse to the police which will be recorded and transcribe. All documentation of information or details of allegations should be given directly to your line manager to be stored in a safe place and made ready for the other agencies involved to access if necessary, this information is kept private and confidential to protect the service user and the investigation process. People who may be part of the multi-disciplinary team: – in the event of sexual abuse Managers -They usually refer information to the social workers and adult at risk Help Desk, they would update risk assessments and put preferred staff in place. Adult Help Desk – the managers call the help desk to inform and seek advice on specific protocol for the management of the incident. The help Desk inform social services and are the central contact threw out the gathering of information process. Social workers- To be made aware of the situation and be informed of advice/ requests made by Managers and the Adult help desk team. Police – Take professional statements and organise the collection of evidence from the scene. In the case of rape, the police will send the victim to a rape sweet to collect evidence from their person. They will give advice and support to the victim and informat ion to pass on to management and the help desk team. Family or Advocate – to assist in the support of the service user, to help them feel safe and support them to feel part of the process and understand the process. Doctors –Assist with any treatment of injuries. Offer meditational support for depression or high anxiety if required. CPN – To help ensure existing mental health issues do not deteriorate due to incident. Support workers – Preferred staff would offer on-going support to the service user for a period of time until the evidence had been gathered and the investigation was complete, and the multi-disciplinary team could put a plan together. Sources of advice, support, information to support understanding of safeguarding; Council Safeguarding course Deprivation of liberties training (DOLS) Adult At risk help desk Police non-emergency number Quality care commission Managers and senior staff Always, Always REMEMBER ! If in Doubt Check It out !!!!

Restriction Endonuclease Digestion of Plasmid Dna

Introduction: With the execution of this experiment, we began to go deeper into the Cell and Molecular Biology course. The main focus of the experiment would be how the Restriction Endonucleases cleave the strands of DNA. For this experiment, pBR322 was the specimen to use. Restriction Endonucleases work by cleaving the sugar phosphate backbone of specific DNA sites. Restriction enzymes that have been isolated from bacteria have a defensive role. This idea is illustrated when an attacking foreign cell DNA is trying to alter the bacteria; restriction enzymes cleave the DNA rendering it inert.The second part of the experiment deals with Gel Electrophoresis. The samples are loaded into wells on an 1% agarose slab and subjected to electrical currents both positive and negative. Our current target here is DNA, therefore since nucleic acid as a negative charge, the bands will migrate toward the positive cathode. This process of migration is called sieving and smaller strands move faster th an longer strands due to their ease in going through the gel. The objectives of the experiment include:Learning the principles behind Restriction Enzymes and Gel Electrophoresis Applying the concepts in the experiment to produce bands at the end of the Gel Electrophoresis stage Interpreting what these bands mean with accordance to how the plasmid was cleaved Methods and Materials: For the experiment we used several restriction endonucleases (BamHI, EcoRI, HindIII, PstI, ScaI, SaII), ppBR322 plasmid DNA, TAE/TE Buffer, DNA Ladder (50 Bp), Restriction Buffers, 1g of Agarose, 700ml of Distilled H2O. Equipment used for the experiment included: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis System, Uv-vis illuminator and Camera or a Gel doc-it documentation system.The first procedure began by adding 8. 5  µL sterile distilled H2O, 1. 0 µL of the appropriate 10x buffer, 1. 0 µL combination of the restriction endonucleases and 1. 0 µL of pBR322 plasmid DNA (the DNA would be added last) in 5 separate 1. 5ml microcentrifuge tubes, one tube is not to have an RE in it. The mixture was then incubated for 1 hour at 37  °C. No dry block heater was available so body heat was used. After incubation, 2 µL of gel loading dye (Bromphenol Blue) was added to each mixture and loaded in 1% agarose gel. The 50bp DNA ladder was placed in lane 1.It was then subjected to electrophoresis at 100V 250mA 50W. Agarose gel was prepared by dissolving 1g of agarose gel powder in 100mL distilled H2O in a microwave over. It was then cooled at 60 °C then poured in a gel casting tray. A comb was then put and the gel was left to solidify. Afterwards, the gel casting tray was placed into the submarine gel electrophoresis system. The TAE buffer was then placed. The samples were then loaded from left to right starting with the DNA ladder on lane with and the sample without any restriction enzyme on the extreme right.It was then covered and the anodes were connected on the side of the walls. They were connec ted to the power supply set at 100V 250 mA 50W and then run. When the tracking dye reached near the end point, the power supply was turned off. The gel was then removed and transferred into a developing try containing a 10 µL ethidium bromide pero 100ml buffer. It was then shook for 15 minutes. The get was then transferred to the documentation system and Rf values were measured. Pictures were taken and the gel was immersed in hypocholorite (chlorox) solution before discarding. Results and DiscussionThe group did not include a mix without restriction enzymes because doing so will lead to undigested or incompletely digested DNA. The DNA methyltransferase (DNA MTase) family of enzymes catalyze the transfer of a methyl group to DNA. DNA methylation serves a wide variety of biological functions. All the known DNA methyltransferases use S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) as the methyl donor. In prokaryotes, the major role of DNA methylation is to protect host DNA against degradation by restric tion enzymes. In eukaryotes, DNA methylation has been implicated in the control of several cellular processes, including ifferentiation, gene regulation, and embryonic development. Structural work on HhaI DNA methyltransferase demonstrates that the substrate nucleotide is completely flipped out of the helix during the modification reaction and has provided much insight into the enzymatic properties of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent DNA-modifying enzymes. Structural comparison of three enzymes, HhaI C5-cytosine methyltransferase, TaqI N6-adenine methyltransferase, and catechol O-methyltransferase, reveals a striking similarity in protein folding and indicates that many SAM-dependent methyltransferases have a common catalytic-domain structure.This feature permits the prediction of tertiary structure for other DNA, RNA, protein, and small-molecule methyltransferases from their amino acid sequences, including the eukaryotic CpG methyltransferases. Ethidium bromide is an interca lating agent commonly used as a fluorescent tag (nucleic acid stain) in molecular biology laboratories for techniques such as agarose gel electrophoresis. It is commonly abbreviated as â€Å"EtBr†, which is also an abbreviation for bromoethane.When exposed to ultraviolet light, it will fluoresce with an orange colour, intensifying almost 20-fold after binding to DNA. Ethidium bromide is an â€Å"intercalating dye†, that is, it is able to slip itself into the DNA while essentially stacking itself between the bases of the helix. When it is inserted into the DNA, it becomes much more fluorescent when exposed to ultraviolet light as compared to ethidium bromide just in solution. So we can use it to visualize the DNA that has been resolved on a gel by electrophoresis.

Plants

Plants begin their lives in the form of seeds. The embryo inside the seed is considered as the next sexual generation of plants. Seed germination is an important phase in plant's life. Successful seed germination is vital in every reproducing species in order to perpetuate itself. By definition seed germination is when the dry seeds shed from its parent plant, takes up water and is completed when the embryonic root visibly emerges through the outer structure of the seed (seed coat) (Hasanuzzaman et., al. 2013). Bewley (1997) described that it includes different events that commence with the uptake of water by the quiescent dry seed and terminate with the elongation of the embryonic axis. The visible sign that germination is complete is usually the penetration of the structures surrounding the embryo by the radicle (radicle protrusion). Several authors had reported the importance of germination in the life cycle of plant. According to Hubbard et., al (2012) this stage in the life cycle of the plant is considered as a critical event as germination is the first step in determining the survival rate of the crop thereby affecting its productivity. Meanwhile Donohue et., al. (2010) reported that seed germination is an important developmental phase change in the plant life cycle, which plays critical roles in seedlings establishment and consequently in environmental adaptation. The process of seed germination involves several complex processes and activation of the seeds metabolic pathways which eventually leads to the emergence of newly grown generation of plants. Many of the specific biochemical and physiological processes which characterize germinating seeds, particularly those occurring in storage organs, are special during this stage (Bewley and Black 1994). Knowledge of the germination process and of the seedling establishment and development, involving morphological, physiological, biochemical as well as molecular mechanisms and features is of essential importance for taxonomic, ecological and agronomic studies of certain plants. There are several different gene expression that underlies plant development, the relative specificity of these processes suggests that distinct gene sets are activated and repressed during this stage. The reaction between activation of essential enzymes, sequential release of hormones and the energy relations of the process during seed germination are very significant in understanding the appropriate establishment of plant for its adaptation. Identifying these genes and defining mechanisms involved in regulating their expression will aid in understanding the control of germination-specific mechanisms. This review will provide an overview on the mechanism of gene expression in mainly in angiosperm plant. The different genes expressed in embryos and seedlings will also be tackled A brief description of on the hormonal changes and hormonal balance that triggers or promotes gene expression during germination is also discussed in this paper.

Introduction to Asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. There is no cure for asthma, but most people can control the condition and lead normal, active lives. Different things set off asthma attacks in different people. Smoke from cigarettes or a fire, air pollution, cold air, pollen, animals, house dust, molds, strong smells such as perfume or bus exhaust, wood dust, exercise, industrial chemicals all can trigger an attack. The symptoms of an asthmatic person are cough with or without sputum phlegm production, Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity, Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing intercostals retractions, Wheezing, Usually begins suddenly, Comes in episodes, May go away on its own, May be worse at night or in early morning, Gets worse when breathing in cold air, Gets worse with exercise, Gets worse with heartburn reflux, Gets better when using drugs that open the airways bronchodilators The emergency symptoms are the decreased level of alertness such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack. The bluish color to the lips and face. Extreme difficulty breathing for a person is hard. Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath, Sweating. An additional symptom that may be associated with this disease is abnormal breathing pattern breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in. Have a chest pain is hard to breathe when u having asthma and it’s hard when tightness in the chest. Breathing temporarily stops and nasal flaring. The goal of treatment is to avoid the substances that trigger your symptoms and to control airway inflammation. Peoples and doctors should work together as a team to develop and carry out a plan for eliminating asthma triggers and monitoring symptoms. There are two basic kinds of medication for the treatment of asthma. There are long-acting medications to prevent attacks. Quick relief medications for use during attacks. The long-term control medications are used on a regular basis to prevent attacks, not to treat them. Such medicines include as inhaled corticosteroids such as Azmacort, Vanceril, AeroBid, and Flovent prevent inflammation. Leukotriene inhibitors such as Singular and Accolate. Long-acting bronchodilators such as Serevent help open airways. Cromolyn sodium Intel or nedocromil sodium Tilade. Aminophylline or theophylline. Sometimes a combination of steroids and bronchodilators are used. Quick relief, or rescue, medications are used to relieve symptoms during an attack. These are short-acting bronchodilators inhalers, such as Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex, and others. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone given by mouth or into a vein Most people with asthma have wheezing attacks separated by symptom free periods. Some patients have long-term shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. In others, a cough may be the main symptom. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted. In sensitive individuals, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in allergy causing substances called allergens or triggers. Allergy testing may be helpful in identifying allergens in patients with persistent asthma. Common allergens include pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, and pollens. Common respiratory irritants include tobacco smoke, pollution, and fumes from burning wood or gas. The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs. Asthma related sounds may be heard. However, lung sounds are usually normal between asthma episodes. The tests that an asthma may include. Blood tests to measure eosinophil count a type of white blood cell and a type of immune system protein called an immunoglobulin. Lung function tests, Arterial blood gas, Chest x-ray and a peak flow measurements. There is no cure for asthma, although symptoms sometimes improve over time. With proper self management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives. The prevention of asthma symptoms can be substantially reduced by avoiding known triggers and substances that irritate the airways. Bedding can be covered with â€Å"allergy proof† casings to reduce exposure to dust mites. Removing carpets from bedrooms and vaccuuming regularly is also helpful. Detergents and cleaning materials in the home should be unscented. Keeping humidity levels low and fixing leaks can reduce growth of organisms such as mold. Keep the house clean and keep food in containers and out of bedrooms this helps reduce the possibility of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks in some people. If a person is allergic to an animal that cannot be removed from the home, the animal should be kept out of the patient's bedroom. Filtering material can be placed over the heating outlets to trap animal dander. Eliminating tobacco smoke from the home is the single most important thing a family can do to help a child with asthma. Smoking outside the house is not enough. Family members and visitors who smoke carry smoke esidue in and on their clothes and hair this can trigger asthma symptoms. Persons with asthma should also avoid air pollution, industrial dusts, and other irritating fumes, as much as possible. The complications of asthma can be severe. Some include as Death, Decreased ability to exercise and take part in other activities. Lack of sleep due to nighttime symptoms of dealing with asthma. They are permanent changes in the function of the lungs and persistent cough. The trouble breathing that requires breathing assistance ventilator. Call people health care provider or go to the emergency room. An asthma attack requires more medication than recommended. The symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment. People have shortness of breath while talking. There is severe shortness of breath at rest. The peak flow measurement. The peak flow measurement is less than 50% of your personal best. Some people have severe chest pain best. Drowsiness or confusion develops. What are the causes in asthma all people with asthma have the same underlying problem an immune system that overprotects the lungs. Cells that defend the body stay gathered in the airways and produce mucus, a moist substance that keeps the airways free of dust. But if an irritant, such as smoke, pollution, or cold air, comes along, these defense cells overreact they make too much mucus. The mucus clogs the breathing passages. At the same time, the muscles lining the passages contract, squeezing and narrowing the airways. The result is that less air is able to flow in and out of the lungs. Doctors aren't sure what causes these cells to stay gathered in a person's airways in the first place, but they do know that the problem tends to run in families. If one of the parents has asthma, the odds that you will have it are higher. People are even more likely to have asthma if both of their parents have it. Asthma shows up before the age of 18 for about half of the people who develop the condition. But it can appear at any age, even when a person is in his sixties or older. They have preventions for an attack. There are three keys to taking control of the asthma: faithfully using your prescribed medication, periodically checking your breathing at home, and avoiding the things that set off the symptoms. With these keys, there can prevent attacks rather than just treating them. Using medication that people need. Certain anti-inflammatory drugs can ward off attacks or lower the number of attacks you have. Most often, people breathe in the medication using an inhaler. These drugs keep the defense cells that stay in their airways from overreacting and causing an attack. The doctor will tell a person how many times a day to use the inhaler and how many puffs to take each time, based on how bad your asthma is. He or She must follow this schedule for the inhaler to work. And it's important to remember that using anti-inflammatory drugs won't help during an attack. It's a good idea to rinse him / her mouth out with water after using the inhaler. This will help prevent an infection in the mouth, a rare side effect of the drug. Anti inflammatory drugs also come in pill form, but usually only people with severe asthma need to take pills. In pill form, the medicine goes directly into the bloodstream and stays in the body longer, having a more lasting effect than an inhaled drug does. Anti inflammatory drugs are sometimes called corticosteroids. However, they have nothing to do with the muscle building hormone that many people think of when they hear the term steroids. A person might have to check their breathing from time to time at home with a device called a peak flow meter. This small, hand held instrument measures the amount of air that you are able to blow out. The measurement gives people a better idea of the clearness of their breathing passages than they can sense of their own. Using the flow meter regularly will help you and your doctor work out the best possible treatment plan. If people keep getting good results, meaning they're breathing easily, they may not have to use the inhaler as often or at all. A dip in the flow meter’s reading, showing that you are able to exhale less air than usual, can warn people that an asthma attack is coming. What to do if people have an attack. She/he won't always be able to prevent asthma attacks. If they have one, take action immediately. Have people medicine handy to their doctor will prescribe drugs that relieve the symptoms of asthma should before they suffer an attack. These drugs are called bronchodilators. Their inhale them, and they quickly work to open up their airways. If people asthma is very mild, the bronchodilator may be the only drug they need at that time. People often confuse these drugs with inhaled anti-inflammatory medications, which act on the immune system cells in the lungs but will not loosen their breathing passages during an attack. Check their breathing. Use the flow meter to see if an asthma attack is responding to your medication. If it's not, get emergency care right away. Unlike bothersome substances, exercise is not an irritant that you need to avoid. Although vigorous activity can cause attacks in many people with asthma, there are things that a person can do to make exercising more comfortable. Experts encourage adults and kids to go for it to participate in pretty much whatever sports or activities they like. There have even been Olympic athletes with asthma. Asthma symptoms can appear during their workout or after they finishing exercising. The symptoms are thought to be caused by changes in the temperature and moisture of the air they breathe. Usually an exercise flare up reaches a peak in five to ten minutes and then goes away by itself in 30 minutes to an hour. Here are some things that they can do to avoid asthma symptoms while people work out. Start slow. Spending a few minutes warming up before they go all out can help prevent the symptoms. Be prepared. To lessen the negative effect of physical activity, the doctor may tell people to take a couple of puffs from their bronchodilator inhaler about ten minutes before they start exercising. Check the air quality. While exercise itself rarely brings on a bad attack, exercise in combination with another irritant can create a serious problem. If they are sensitive to air pollution or pollen, for example, and most run on a day when the air is smoggy or pollen counts are high, they may have trouble. A better choice on such a day is to exercise indoors. Check the air temperature. Like physical activity, cold air brings on asthma symptoms in many people. The same bike ride, walk, or roller skating outing that you can handle in mild weather may be tougher in the winter. Work out when they're healthy. They’re more likely to experience a flare up during exercise if you have a virus. Make sure that they're over a cold or the flu before going back to their routine. A stuffy nose can also create problems. People’s nose warms and moistens the air and the inhale. But when people have to breathe through their mouth, colder, drier air goes into their airways, causing asthma symptoms. If they often have a stuffy nose from allergies, ask their doctor about treatment. As a mother, there is no need to be too worried or over protective of their asthmatic child. Look after her/him as people would for other children with love, care and encouragement. Although asthma cannot be cured, with proper management, asthmatic children can still lead happy and healthy lives like any other children. As most mother are very protective with me their child when she/he was born with asthma.