Monday, September 30, 2019

Laptop with in Built Projector

June 5th, 2008 by Joanna Stern Beyond its Eee PC family line and slew of regular notebooks on display at Computex, ASUS is showing off an interesting prototype. In the corner of its booth is a  G1 laptop  with a built-in projector. Sure we have all heard about the possiblity of mini-projectors being built into cell phones, but no other company has incorporated them into laptops as of yet. Check out our video and first impressions. I went hands-on with the laptop and think it could be awesome if it works as promised. Built-in to the top bezel of the notebook, the rotatable micro-projector is able to project what is on the screen of the notebook onto a flat surface. On the prototype unit only the top right corner of the display was actually projecting. It was pretty neat to navigate to Web sites and see them appear on the facing wall. I even pulled up a YouTube clip and was able to watch it on the white wall. The contrast and coloring wasn’t vivid and I couldn’t find a way to adjust it on the system. But see for yourself and check out the video of the laptop projector in action. http://blog. laptopmag. com/asus-shows-off-built-in-laptop-projector ASUS Laptop With Built-In Projector Raises PowerPoint Threat to â€Å"Critical† Tucked away in a quiet corner at Computex, ASUS is showing a nondescript laptop with a built-in pico projector. Tiny projectors have made various  appearances  at the tech show so far, most recently  from Foxconn, but no other company has incorporated them into existing products, or for that matter shown many compelling applications for them other than in bulky and unrealistic cellphones. ASUS has provided the first example of what could be a fantastic use for this burgeoning new tech. For now though, the execution doesn’t seem great. The staff at PC Perspective, who were the first to lay eyes on the device, couldn’t tell much about the exact specs of the projection unit but judging by the photo below (and the capabilities of other miniature projectors) the images won’t exactly be dazzling. The camera is also built into the top of the bezel, which creates two pretty big chunks of wasted space. Speculative reservations aside, built-in projection capability could have serious potential in the business world, so ASUS may be on to something. http://gizmodo. com/5013328/asus-laptop-with-built+in-projector-raises-powerpoint-threat-to-critical Laptop with built-in projector Jun. 07, 2008  in  Computers [pic] The projector for handset has been developed for about one year and is expected to be released within this year. However, if you want make a presentation, laptop is apparently more useful than a cellphone, what’s more, laptop’s battery life is longer. So, I bet you would like to own a laptop with a built-in projector. ASUS, a Taiwan based PC maker provide a good choice for us. It comes with an mini-projector on the top of the LCD display and you can rotate it to adjust the position to get the best image. [pic] Fujitsu’s Pico Projector-Packing Laptops Replace Optical Drive with Something Even More Useless I can't remember the last time I put a disc in my laptop. Maybe an old mix CD. The world's moving on from physical media! Great! But how about replacing that slot with something useful, and not a  pico projector? Fujitsu's new LifeBook S761/C and P771/C notebooks are bizarre beasts, with fold-out pico projectors where your optical drive used to be. Not only are the machines crazily expensive ($2,675 and $3,110, for middling specs), but the addition of the pico projector is confounding and bizarre. How about adding an extra large battery in that space? Or hey, just  removing the optical drive  and making a lighter, slimmer notebook? The entire point of a pico projector was to be tiny and mobile—so if they're so conveniently small, why would you ever want or need one integrated? The thing is clearly pegged for conference room presentations and nothing else, as the pico projector is aimed  sideways, with no other angle available. If this appeals to you, then please just get a reasonably priced laptop and a (separate) reasonably priced pico projector. Hey guys, wanna watch this PowerPoint on my new $3,000 laptop? http://gizmodo. om/5794704/fujitsus-pico-projector+packing-laptops-replace-optical-drive-with-something-even-more-useless |HP to launch mini-projectors; integration into notebooks a future possibility | |Yen-Shyang Hwang, Taipei; Joseph Tsai, DIGITIMES  [Thursday 21 January 2010] | |[pic] | |Hewlett-Packard (HP) is planning to push two major product lines f or 2010 – tablet PCs and mini-projectors, according to Monty | |Wong, vice president and manager of personal computing systems group at HP Taiwan. |When asked if the mini-projector technology could be applied to other devices such as handsets and notebooks, Wong stated that it| |is is possible and should not be a technical issue. Wong explained that placing a projector where the webcam is normally located | |is not difficult (but facing outward or in a rotatable position). | |HP added afterward that the company has no plans for such a product this year. | |Although the idea of a mini-projector notebook is not new, successfully bringing products to market has been delayed by design | |and engineering obstacles mainly related to cooling solutions. In terms of which ODM would be able to develop such a product, | |market watchers speculated that HP would likely turn to Quanta Computer as one of its potential partners, as the notebook ODM has| |also invested in a projector manufacturer (Royaltek). | |Concerning HP's plans for this year, HP plans to launch several stand-alone mini-projector products in the market as an | |introduction to the notebook-integrated designs, Wong noted. As for tablet PCs, Wong said that HP will lean toward keyboard-less | |designs, meaning input will be through a touchscreen panel. |Wong believes that HP is unlikely to push non-Wintel products aggressively in the short term since these products are still have | |issues in software compatibility with Windows-based applications. Additionally, the segment is susceptible to fluctuating | |consumer demand and therefore needs to be carefully evaluated. | |(Editor's note: This article has been revised from its original version) | | |

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Overview of the Hospitality Industry

Detail Itinerary (Nepal): Day 01: Arrival / Kathmandu (2013/Jan/18) Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport from Korean Airways. Meet, Greet and assist to transfer to Hotel. Check in to Hotel and free. Evening visit Thamel Area. Dinner at Korean Restaurant and overnight at Hotel, Kathmandu. ( Dinner) Day 02:Kathmandu–Pokhara(01/19) After Breakfast, check out and drive to Pokhara about 200 Kms west. Lunch on the way at Kurintar at Manokamana Cafe and continue drive. Reach Pokhara and check in to Hotel. Free time, Walking around Lake, Boating (if time permits)   etc.. Dinner and overnight at Hotel, Pokhara. B/F. Lunch / Dinner) Day 03: Pokhara – Lumbini(01/20) Wake up early morning and drive to Sarangkot (Hill top) about 15 Kms for Sunrise view. After Sun rise View, back to Hotel. Breakfast at Hotel and check out. Leave for Hydropower Construction site (Andhikhola and Kali Gandaki ‘A’) at Syangja district. Continue drive to Lumbini. Reach Lumbini and che ck in to Hotel Lumbini Garden. Dinner and overnight at Hotel, Lumbini( B/F. Lunch / Dinner) Day 04: Pokhara – Chitwan ( Jungle Safari) (01/21) After Breakfast, leave for half day visit to Birth place of Gautam Buddha and check out and drive to Chitwan.Reach Chitwan and check in to Hotel. Lunch at Hotel. In Afternoon, transfer to Chitwan National Park for Jungle Safari by Elephant Back Ride. After safari, back to Hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel, Chitwan. ( B/F. Lunch / Dinner) Day 05: Chitwan (01/22) After Breakfast, transfer to Chitwan National Park for full day jungle activities including Jungle walk, Canoe Ride, Elephant Breeding Centre visit etc. Lunch at Hotel. Evening, transfer to Tharu Culture Dance centre for viewing Tharu Traditional Dance. Dinner and overnight at Hotel, Chitwan ( B/F. Lunch / Dinner) Day 06: Chitwan – Nagarkot (01/23)After Breakfast, leave for Bird Watching to Jungle and back. Check out and back to Kathmandu/Nagarkot   (hill station in Kathmandu) about 200 Kms. Lunch on the way at Kurintar at River Side Spring Resort and continue drive. Reach Nagarkot and check in to Hotel. Enjoy Sunset view from Hotel Premises. Dinner and overnight at Hotel, Nagarkot ( B/F. Lunch / Dinner) Day 07: Nagarkot – Kathmandu (01/24) Wake up early morning for Sun rise view. After the view, Breakfast at Hotel. After Breakfast, check out and drive back to Bhaktapur Durbar (Old Palace) Square and Pashupatinath Temple.Lunch at Korean Restaurant. Afternoon in Kathmandu for shopping. Dinner and Overnight at Hotel, Kathmandu. ( B/F. Lunch / Dinner) Day 08: Kathmandu (01/25) Breakfast at Hotel and visit Patan Durbar Square . Lunch at Chinese Restaurant. At 1. 00 PM Departure for Tribhuwan International Airport. Day 09: Reach Busan (01/26) at the day time. ——————–Tour End————– Cost Includes: 1. Arrival & Departure Transfers 2. 2 Nights stay at Hotel Royal S ingi in Kathmandu 3. 1 Nights stay at Hotel Barahi in Pokhara 4. Night stay at Hotel Lumbini Garden in Lumbini 5. 2 Nights stay at Hotel Parkland in Chitwan 6. 1 Night stay at Hotel Fort Resort at Nagarkot (Upgraded Hotel) 7. Daily Breakfast at Hotels 8. 4 Double / Twin Room and 3 Single Room at Hotels 9. Lunch and Dinner at best available Restaurant 10. Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Nagarkot as per itinerary 11. All Transportation with sightseeing by Non AC Coaster 12. Entrance fees at sightseeing points as per itinerary 13. All Hotel Taxes Cost Excludes: 1. All Personal Expenses, Beverages 2. Tips etc.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Human Resources Management in the Asia Pacific Essay

Human Resources Management in the Asia Pacific - Essay Example The region has, in fact, emerged as the world's largest consumer market" (Budhwar 2004). The enormous investment and business opportunities offered by Asia-Pacific to foreign entities have always been there. But the generally enigmatic character of this combined market initially discouraged many. MNCs, for example, used to find the Japanese market inhospitable, even impenetrable. As for China, the previous attitude of Saudi Arabia towards that country tells the whole story. Until the 1980s, observed the Brooking Institution in Washington, Saudi Arabia was unwilling to sell oil to China because of perceptions that it was a godless, revolutionary threat. Now, foreign investors and MNCs tread into the markets of all the Asia-Pacific countries on a welcome mat, such that the region has outflanked even EU as host to the most number of MNCs. But it would seem that MNCs have to sweat it out first to make their standard management and employment practices work in this region of widely divergent cultures. "The subject matter of our project is that international organizations are faced with the problem of providing people from differing cultural contexts with a working framework that enables successful co-operation. On the basis of original research, our intention is to extend the knowledge of the internal and external relationships of work groups in various cultural contexts. As co-operation processes play a central role in teams we focus on processes centred on co-operation in and between groups with teams understood as social systems which define themselves in relation to their organizational and social surroundings"(Brewster, Harris, 279: 1999). To understand the challenges inherent in this task, it would be helpful to take up a hypothetical case, say, a consultant assigned by an Australian-based MNC to prepare the ground for the company's foray into a joint venture with an Asia-Pacific market. The first thing to consider is that there is no existing HRM literature here, such that the concept may be new or non-existent in some regions. If these materials are available at all, companies in a particular country may be using different HRM systems. Thus, it is imperative that the MNC consultant develops a new HRM framework that factors in the employment systems being observed by the local company it intends to partner with. The management practices employed by both managers and non-management labour must be fused into this framework. For the purpose of our hypothesis, we pick China as target destination of the Australian MNC since this market exhibits many of the peculiarities of the Asia-Pacific economies. Like many countries in the region, China has responded to the clarion call for globalization by switching to a market economy. This called for the dismantling of state apparatus that planned and controlled the economy, which gave rise to such anomalies as high employment rates but low wages, high welfare and low productivity.  Ã‚  

Business study report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Business study report - Assignment Example A company frames its positioning, branding and segmenting strategies, after considering the business strategies introduced by its primary competitors (Yabushita & Suehiro, 2014). However the report will show that the aggregate profitability, cost and revenue experienced by a company are significantly dependent on the nature and efficiency of its factors of production. The scale and scope of commercialization practiced by a company depends on these factors (Colquitt, et al., 2013). Along with internal business aspects, commercial prosperity of a company depends on the external political and economic conditions. The report will show that political and economic outcomes of Thailand will create significant impact on the business of Charoen Pokphand Group. Finally the researcher will provide a brief focus on the role of sustainability in the modern business world. Thus long run success of a company depends on a series of macroeconomic and internal business interaction. Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) known as one of the biggest conglomerate of Asia. The company was founded in 1921 and its headquarters are located in Bangkok, Thailand (Yabushita & Suehiro, 2014). After its inception, the company has considerably expanded the scale and scope of business internationalization. At present, CP provides its services and products in more than 20 countries of the world. The business of CP is segmented in three major industries, namely telecommunications, retailing and food and agro-industry. The company has its own restaurants, telephone companies, hypermarkets, convenience stores (Yabushita & Suehiro, 2014). It also provides internet services to its customers and sells certain edible items such as meat and frozen food. Charoen Pokphand Group is a giant multinational company of Thailand and it trades its products and services to government, corporate companies and also common household customers in the market. CP

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Questionnaire design Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Questionnaire design - Assignment Example The benefits accrued by a business enterprise as a result of using loyalty programs include economic advantage and non-economic advantages such as sociological, psychological and relational outcome. The wheel of loyalty can be used by firms to effectively make sure that loyalty programs are functional. The first component in the wheel of loyalty is building a foundation for loyalty, which entails factors such as market segmentation to meet the customers need, ensure that the firm is geared to excellence in terms of quality. The next component is creating loyalty bonds, which is enhance by issuing loyalty rewards in form of financial, nonfinancial appreciation and recognition; loyalty bond can also be enhanced by building high level bonds in terms of structural, social and customization; and finally loyalty bonds can be enhanced by strengthening the relationship through techniques such as bundling and cross-selling. The last component in the wheel of customer loyalty is churn drivers that requires the business enterprise to demeanor churn diagnostics and monitor decreasing customers, it will also be necessary for the firm to make sure that switching costs are enabled. It is also very important for the firm to search for value in each customer, not the number of customers they

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Concept of Choice Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Concept of Choice Architecture - Essay Example The present research has identified that in many of the publications concerning choice architecture, the idea of using choice architecture to make better choices has been emphasized. This is called libertarian paternalism which advocates freedom of choice. As such, people should be free to make choices and to opt out of programs as they wish. In 2012 a Committee of MPs suggested a relaxation of the NEST pension scheme in order to make it more attractive. This would involve elimination of the limit on how much can be paid in and the transfer of existing pension pots into the pension scheme. Currently, the workplace pension policy implemented by the UK government allows employees to opt out of the plan. Hence, the ability to opt out of the plan reflects libertarian paternalism. The resulting impact is that the employers as well as the government – as choice architects – have pointed the employees to a direction where they can attain a greater benefit. Meaning, the choice architects have enabled employees to make better choices that benefit them. The involvement of choice architects in libertarian paternalism is of vital importance. Choice architects enable better choices by nudging people. Nudge is an action used figuratively to suggest enablement or encouragement of people so that better choices can be made. So a choice architect points the individual to the decision which is beneficial but without restricting one’s freedom of choice or attempting to influence their choices or forcing the outcome on them. In the end choice architecture is an approach to make better decisions by focusing on intricacies and directing the decision maker through a relevant context.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

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

Product Development - Essay Example Some of the well-informed customers often work out what improvements need to be made before other customers are aware. Some ideas are also arrived at by seeing what the products lack and rushing to bridge the gap. Sony is known for its innovative products. With Apple iPod being a big success with a market share of 80% in the digital portable media player market and sold over 30 million iPod devices by 2005. A market research of about 20,000 iPod consumers was undertaken in order to receive a feedback. The sample was random and consisted of subjects surveyed in diverse geographical areas of the UK and France. The target segment included current iPod users and future iPod purchasers as well as those who were planning to purchase a home sound system or a high-level stereo system within the next year. The fact that emerged most often was that multiple numbers of speakers were used to project sound in the room, and this was slightly frustrating and the positioning required some effort. The separate speakers like the Dolby Surround Sound 5.1 standard based speakers, required several wires to be installed and once the speakers were installed, their positions were fixed and the sound was confined to the one spot. Portability was an issue. The survey subjects welcomed the idea of a single integrated speaker doing the work of the multiple ones. Idea generation Brainstorming sessions were held to discuss the gap in the market for the Sony Speaker. With the spark for an idea generated, the cross-functional team consisting of manufacturers, market researchers, financial analysts and advertising agencies met to discuss and develop the concept. The benefits of having a cross-functional team were that it brought in expertise from all related departments. The diversity of the team members brought in different cultural viewpoints that added to decision making potential. It helped reduce inefficiencies because problems were addressed such as the dimensions of the speaker and the types of possible packaging in the initial process itself, rather than addressing them afterwards, which might have proved costly at the end of the product development process. The idea generation sessions that were on going, specific and involved, resulted in several viable alternatives. These were carefully screened to see if they aligned closely to the goals and strategy of Sony they were compatible to the existing production and packaging lines could be marketed through the current distribution channels and promotional expenditure that would be required Concept Development and Testing Careful analysis of the concept design, product/packaging prototype, justification, feasibility, delivery model was undertaken. The need for an integrated speaker replacing several speakers capable of throwing sound to various areas in the room was an interesting product idea to pursue for the Research and Development department. The product would be Sony's new spherical speaker that can be placed in the middle of a room to project sound in all directions. This would be instead of the consumer having to buy many speakers to project the sound inwards. It would include the following features: Delivers, stereo sound using reflector technology Automatic tuning receiver for reception up to 150' from the transmitter Built-in 4 watt

Monday, September 23, 2019

Policy Change Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Policy Change Plan - Essay Example The Nurses practice Acts and the Nursing Homes Reforms Act of 1987 is among the legislations in the nursing system. These legislations, among others, should be supported since their enactment and implementation have ensured better, safer and higher quality services and protection, for outpatients and nursing home residents. Consequent to compliance with the nursing standards and principles set by these legislations, patients’ mental, physical, and psychological well being has improved considerably. Unfortunately, the realization of the objectives of these laws has been hampered by challenges such as criticism, cost, complexities that lead to misunderstanding. Introduction Since historical times, nursing and other medical professions have been interrelated to politics and governments through health departments and agencies. This link is evident in the manner in which government agencies regulate, monitor, and certify nurses and nursing homes. Consequent to this bond, nurses hav e been empowered to express their opinions and concerns to the political class, thus influencing the nursing policies established and implemented by the government and the political class. ... Nurses should also participate in meetings and forums with the political class and government agencies at all levels. Politics and politicians may thus present nurses with the necessary networking for sharing of nursing views (Committee on Nursing Home regulation, 1986). This paper explores some pieces of legislations in the nursing system and determines the driving force behind the legislation, potential impacts, and challenges such as access, quality, or cost. Nurses Practice Acts Nurses Practice Acts (NPAs) are among the legislations currently passing through the nursing system. Nursing Practice Acts are state legislations, which play a critical role in defining, describing, and classifying the nature and scope of nursing practices. As a result of these Acts’ critical role in the protection of public health, welfare, and safety, their enactment and implementation should be supported to fruition. The first amongst these benefits is the shielding of the public from immoral, i ncompetent, unsafe, and unqualified nurses. These statutory laws are in fact found in every state where they monitor and regulate entry and registration into nursing practice and associations. Furthermore, these statutory laws define the extent of nursing practices and establish the right disciplinary actions and procedures for errant nurses. The key driving force behind the enactment and implementation of Nurses Practice Acts is the need to ensure that patients’ health and lives are not endangered by allowing unsafe and incompetent nurses to infiltrate the nursing industry (Reed, 2009). To ensure this objective is realized, every state’s nursing board has been mandated to oversee the implementation of these statutory laws.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Mary Shelly Essay Example for Free

Mary Shelly Essay In this essay I will be commenting on the effects Kenneth Branagh, the director and actor, has used on the creation scene in the film Mary Shellys Frankenstein. The film was released in 1994 but before it was a film it was a novel that was published in 1818 by a writer named Mary Shelly. The film version of this was then named with the writers names in the title in order to make it sound authentic. The film has a gothic/horror genre or theme, and I will try to analyse the different types of effects used e. g. camera angle, sound and music, lighting and special effects, costume, make-up hair and props. Robert De Niro plays the monster in this film. The reason that such a famous actor was picked to play this role and not just any random person in a suit is because then Kenneth Branagh can put Robert De Niros name on the front cover of the film to show that they have at least one famous person in the film. Another reason might be because then other people, considering watching or buying this film, might want to watch it to see the famous actor. When Victor Frankenstein, played by Kenneth Branagh, first enters the laboratory he is dressed in a red cape with gold embroidery, this has connotations of royalty and power. A boxer might wear this type of cape before he begins to fight to show that he is scared of nothing and is a hard man. Branagh, knowing this, is trying to project it on Victor. Victor has got nothing else on his top half but on his bottom half he has tatty trousers and shoes to show that he hasnt had much time to spend on appearance. Another technique Branagh uses to make Victor seem strong and/or bold is by filming him through a low angle shot, making it seem like he is towering above everyone else. Also, non-diegetic, fast paced, loud music is played to make it seem like what he is doing is really important but also that he is in a rush to finish it and make history. Not only is Victor made to seem important but so is the monster by pulling it up with the pulley on to the track and as it ascends, a bright light is shone directly above it. Since this light is so strong it creates a circle of light around the creation. I believe that the effect of this is to suggest the creation as a gift to God or even to make it seem like it is so close to him that Victor can show God he is about to create life just like he did. Victor is filmed using a high angle shot running at the same speed as the monster on the cradle. The effect of this is to show that Victor is completely dependant on the creation of the monster, therefore not letting it out of his sight. If Victor didnt care as much about it, he would have waited by the tank where the track finishes. Lots of diegetic sound is used when the log knocks the cradle and as it is running along the tracks. When the creature is put into the tank, and is above the fire, Branagh uses a series of extreme close up shots as the spikes are being stabbed into the monster. This type of shot is used so that you can almost feel the spikes going into you as you sit at home or in the cinema. This also creates sympathy for the monster. As the camera shots dissolve through all the bits of machinery and all the electric lines, which have sparks coming out of them to show that they are high voltage, it shows that there are loads of different things going on at the same time. The effect of this is to show that the task of creating the monster is extremely difficult because there are a lot of things to do and think about. While Victor is fastening a tube to the tank the camera slowly zooms out and pans to the right to show that the tube is connected to a big sack, which is shaking, that retains electric eels and a lot of amniotic fluid. The effect of this is to suggest that this is like a real birth because Victor uses amniotic fluid held in a sack or a container like in a real mothers womb. The sack is also filmed in a low angle shot to make it seem as it is a main part in the creation of the monster. As the eels are released into the tank they start to attack the monster at first. Then it looks like they are trying to heal him as they go for stitches to make it seem like they are repairing the monster. The first of this part is filmed using a close up, panning shot running up the monsters body, then an over the shoulder shot of the eels repairing him is employed. There is a lot in the mise en scene when Victor is standing on the tank. Victor himself standing on the tank, with the sack that held the amniotic fluid in, shaking the chains, looks to me like he has got eight hands due to the way the light is shone onto the sack. I think that if this was deliberate then it is meant to portray that he is Godlike with eight hands meaning that he is more powerful than an everyday man. The fire under the tank looks like it has been over fuelled so it is jumping up the side or even dancing.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Rethinking Altruism Essay Example for Free

Rethinking Altruism Essay In answering the question of whether altruism exists or not, C. Daniel Batson together with his colleagues believe that altruism does exist. On the other hand, Robert B. Cialdini and his colleagues argue that there no such thing as genuine altruism, let alone altruism as we commonly it. Those propose that altruism exists suggest that human beings are oftentimes inclined to help other individuals out of genuine altruism primarily because of our empathy towards others. On the other hand, those who argue that there is no such thing as altruism tell us that it is not enough for people to simply have empathy to help others, especially those who are in dire need of help. More to empathy, Cialdini and his colleagues suggest that people sometimes help other individuals in order gain something in return—and that â€Å"something† is making the self feel better after doing the presumed altruistic deed. In the end, it signifies that at the bottom of altruism rests the inclination to satisfy ourselves such as our conscience through charitable decisions or actions. The concept of empathy—or the act of immersing into another person’s perspective and experiencing compassion along the way—is at the heart of the position of Batson and his colleagues. That is, people can be altruistic if they are able to empathize with those they help. Conversely, the lack of empathy can hardly push people to become altruists at some point in time. I think it is possible for people to empathize or to put their feet into the shoes of others, so to speak. Sometimes people may want to share the burdens of others and, after a while, they end up helping them anyway. The certainty of whether helping these people is an altruistic deed depends on whether or not those who empathized and helped expected something in return or anything at all. This leads us to the other side of the debate, namely the argument that empathy is never enough as people may help others so that they will feel better or be removed of any form of guilt or a heavy conscience. Cialdini and his colleagues propose that empathy is never sufficient in motivating people to help others. In effect, they are suggesting that our efforts to feel the suffering of others as if it was our own and to resolve the problem of other people without expecting anything in return cannot be maintained. Rather, it is the nature of human beings to do something because they are expecting something in return. I think that is true in so far as my experiences are concerned. I have personally experienced situations wherein I felt that I needed to help other people including my friends and my relatives. I tried to help them to the best of my abilities not out of altruism but out of one basic reason: I did not want to feel guilty if I am not able to help them at the end of the day. Although my conscience is pricked each time I am compelled by my sentiments to help them, my conscience is exactly the reason why I push myself to offer my assistance. I did not want to have a heavy conscience for not being able to be of any help. From that, I can say that I was not really being altruistic. Rather, I was seeking to evade a moral failure to help much as I was seeking to avoid keeping a heavy conscience. On the other hand, Batson and his colleagues maintain that there are times when people become altruistic in their deeds. Because of our empathy towards others, we are inclined to help others without expecting anything in return. I think that is partly true in times when our friends or our close relatives are the ones who need our help. We hardly refrain from helping them essentially because they are dear to us. As for strangers seeking our help, perhaps that is an entirely different matter. I think we are less inclined to help strangers because we barely have any idea about their identity unlike our friends and close relatives. I think that this disparity will only reaffirm the position that empathy is never sufficient and that human beings are generally far from being altruists. Since we are more inclined to provide our help to our friends and close relatives than to strangers, I think it is only safe to assume that the reason why we help them is because of our â€Å"ties† or relationship with them. The lack of an apparent connection with others does not strongly encourage us to be unselfish individuals who could only care about the welfare of others and whose personal welfare only comes secondary. I find it difficult to see myself empathizing with strangers because I barely know who they are. I may be able to relate to their experience or suffering but that is just it. Conversely, I am unable to completely empathize with them because I do not have a close association with them. Because we do not have any strings attached, so to speak, I am not inclined to help strangers. More importantly, I think that people are not genuinely altruists. On the contrary, people are still human beings who seek to preserve their own welfare whether or not other people will benefit from such an attempt. The main reason why we help others even though it might lead to our own suffering is that we seek to avoid carrying the burden of a heavy conscience or of the thought of not being able to help someone when they needed help the most. We can hardly stand seeing a person who is drowning because we fear our conscience will come to haunt us and deprive us of peace of mind. We can hardly stand watching someone be mugged to demise by street criminals because we fear that the same thing might happen to us with no one to help us. In other words, we want to help others because we expect something in return, be it in the form of the same help when we experience the same things or in the form of a conscience that is light. Reference Nier, J. (2007). Does True Altruism Exist? In Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Social Psychology (2nd ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Case Study: Patient with Heart Burn

Case Study: Patient with Heart Burn The patient is a 45 year old male with a history of eight weeks complaint of heart burn that worsens with lying down after dinner. The patient states that the pain lasts thirty minutes to two hours, and that it wakes him at night. Patient reports taking Maalox and Rolaids up to five times daily, however these only help for a short time. Medical History No Known Allergies Hypertension for two years Rheumatoid arthritis in hands and feet for one year Social History Patient is married with three children. Patient drinks two beers daily for the past twenty years and smokes one pack per day for twenty years. Current medications Prednisone 20 mg orally daily Diltiazem 240 mg orally daily Piroxicam 30 mg orally daily Multi- vitamin one orally daily Physical examination T. = 99 RR=18 Pulse =77 BP = 127/76 Weight 242 Height 59† ENT EOMI, PERRLA, mild sputum Cardiac – normal S1 and S2 Chest slight dyspnea Abdomen – soft, with mild pain (4 on 1-10 scale, with 10 being worst) to upper quadrant below sternum. Genitourinary deferred Rectal- deferred Extremities arthritic changes to hands Skin normal Neuro AAO times 3, normal DTR Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach content leaks backward from the stomach into the esophagus. The symptoms are heartburn, nausea, and regurgitation; this causes an inflammation of the esophagus and possibly the larynx. Complications can be esophageal ulcers, Barrett esophagitis, chronic cough, and can lead to infection and inflammation of the lungs. Diagnosis is typically made by symptoms, endoscopy, and esophageal acid tests (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). GERD is caused by a break down in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. There are three main types of treatment that physicians consider when treating reflux disease. The treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). With any patient suffering from GERD, there are lifestyle changes and dietary changes that are effective in management of the disease (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Lifestyle changes that the patient can do are as follows: Stop smoking if tobacco products are used (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011) Taking antacids (of aluminum hydroxide content) (PubMed, 2012) Avoid food consumption within 2 hours of going to bed (PubMed, 2012) Avoid caffeinated beverages, chocolate, nicotine, alcohol, and peppermint (PubMed). Monitor intake of spicy and acidic foods (PubMed, 2012) Limit the amount of high fatty foods in the diet (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011) Eat 5 to 6 small meals during the day, instead of 3 large meals (PubMed, 2012) Monitor weight, as obesity increases the symptoms of GERD (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011) Elevate the head of the bed using a 6 to 8 inch block or a wedge under the mattress to enhance acid clearance when reclining (PubMed, 2012) Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to enhance digestion (PubMed, 2012) *Avoid restrictive clothing, lifting heavy objects, straining, working in a bent position, and stooping (PubMed, 2012). * Chewing gum, this increases saliva production and natural acid reduction (PubMed, 2012). The symptoms may be controlled with the medications; however, the medical issue never goes away. Lifestyle changes are helpful in the overall treatment and control (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Diagnosis Diagnosis and treatment consist of a physical examination and history, esophageal motility testing, esophageal acid test, endoscopy (esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy or EGD), and possible biopsy to diagnosis Barrett’s (Ananal, 2012). The esophageal acid test is considered the â€Å"gold standard† for diagnosis (PubMed). Current medications and interactions related to GERD Calcium channel blockers are classifications of medications used to treat hypertension. These drugs can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which can cause GERD (Hughes, Lockart, Joyce, 2007) Corticosteroids in increased amounts have been associated with indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain and cramping, vomiting and diarrhea (Ananal, 2012). NSAIDs such as Piroxicam may cause abdominal cramping or severe pain, severe continuous heart burn and nausea. In combination with corticosteroids there is a higher risk of abdominal pain and the risk of stomach bleeding (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Treatment Treatment can include elevation of the upper body when sleeping, diet changes, and avoid certain foods, eating smaller more frequent meals, and stop smoking and alcohol use (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Medical treatment will include antacids taken one hour after meals; Tums and Rolaids are not recommended for regular use due to being a calcium carbonate. Histamine antagonist, such as Zantac, should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime to prevent nocturnal acid breakthrough. Proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec, should be taken, one hour before the morning meal. Foam barriers such as Gaviscon, work as a barrier to stomach acids and may be taken as needed for symptom relief, three times daily (Ananal, 2012). Antacids and alginic acid (Gaviscon) are the drugs of choice for quick relief of symptoms. These agents act primarily by rapidly increasing the ph of the gastric refluxate. Alginic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate in saliva to form sodium alginates. The sodium alginate floats on the top of the gastric contents where it acts as a mechanical barrier, minimizing exposure of the esophagus to refluxate. H2 receptor blockers act by inhibiting histamine stimulation of the gastric parietal cells, thereby suppressing gastric acid secretion. They are most effective in suppressing nocturnal acid secretion. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) strongly inhibit gastric acid secretion. They act by irreversibly inhibiting the H+ K+ adenosine Triphosphatase pump of the parietal cell. By blocking the final common pathway of gastric acid suppression compared with H2 receptor blockers. When prescribed appropriately to patients with severe symptoms or refractory disease, the PPIs are more cost effective bec ause of their high healing and remission rate and the consequent prevention of complications (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Prescriptions #1 DATE__6/12/2014_____ Patient name________ (M/F) AGE__45____ Address____________ Weight__242____ Prilosec 40 mg tablet # 30 Take one tablet by mouth every morning before the morning meal for acid reflux control Refill__1__ signature______________ Generic sub __Yes__ DEA#__________ #2 DATE__6/12/2014_____ Patient name________ (M/F) AGE__45____ Address____________ Weight__242____ Zantac 75 mg tablet # 30 Take one tablet by mouth every night 1 hour before bedtime for acid reflux control Refill__1__ signature______________ Generic sub __Yes__ DEA#__________ #3 DATE__6/12/2014_____ Patient name________ (M/F) AGE__45____ Address____________ Weight__242____ Gaviscon 1 chewable tablet as needed for heartburn relief # 1 bottle Take one tablet by mouth three times daily as needed for relief of breakthrough heartburn Refill__1__ signature______________ Generic sub __Yes__ DEA#__________ References Ananal, B. (2012). Peptic ulcer disease. Retrieved from Medscape.com: http://www.medscape.com/article/181753 Brunton, L., Chabner, B., Knollman, B. (2011). Goodman Gilmans:The pharmacological basis of therapeutics (12 ed.). McGraw-Hill. Hughes, J., Lockart, J., Joyce, A. (2007). Do calcium antagonists contribute to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and concomitant noncardiac chest pain? The British Pharmacological Society Journal. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.02851.x PubMed. (2012). Lifestyle changes as a treatment of gastroesophgeal reflux disease:A survey of general practitioners. Retrieved from Pubmed.com: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article/PMC1661628 PubMed. (n.d.). Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Retrieved from PubMed health: http://www.nebi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH6001311 Identification of Didanosine | Results Identification of Didanosine | Results DISCUSSION The procured sample of didanosine was tested for its identification. The drug sample showed compliance with the data given in B.P. and Clarkes which reflects its quality and purity. Quality and purity of sample was also confirmed by the manufacturer. The lipids such as soyalecithin and cholesterol and all other excipients provided by the supplier confirmed by their identification test official in USP 24, IP and EP. All the excipients showed results in compliance with standard specifications. STANDARD CALIBRATION CURVE OF DIDANOSINE From the scanning of drug in 7.4 pH phosphate buffer was concluded that the drug had ÃŽ »max of 249 nm. From the standard calibration curve of drug, it was concluded that drug obeys Beer-Lamberts law in concentration range of 0-20mcg/mL. R2 = 0.9995 Correlation coefficient values indicated the linear correlation between concentration and absorbance. PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LIPOSOMES Among the various methods thin film hydration method is widely used on a laboratory scale. In this method the lipids are casted as stacks of film from their organic solution using flash rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and then the film is dispersed in an aqueous medium. This method yields the liposomes with a heterogeneous size distribution. Also the liposomes that are formed are multilamellar in nature with some unilamellar vesicles. (Vyas and Khar, 2002). Venkataram et al., 1990 have used PC to prepare liposomes in a drug to lipid ratio of 1: 10. The temperature during preparation has been kept 40à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ °C as the glass transition temperature of PC is very low. The drug entrapment into the liposomes depends mainly on Drug: Lipid ratio. In this study, the cholesterol and PC are selected as lipids in combination on basis of percent drug entrapped and rigidity (stability). S.Vemuri et al are stated that, cholesterol improves the fluidity of the bilayer membrane, reduces the permeability of water soluble molecules throught the membrane, and improve the stability of bilayer membrane in the presence of biological fluids such as blood/plasma. The hydration characteristic of lipid film was studied for different batches of liposomes and then liposomes were evaluated for % drug entrapment. From results of % drug entrapped of different batches of liposomes that were prepared and stability of liposomes under different temperature condition it was observed that as the percentage of cholesterol was increased there was subsequent increase in the stability and rigidity of liposomes but at the same time percentage drug entrapment reduced, Due to reduction in phosphatydilcholine. Formulation F4 containing 70% of PC and 30% cholesterol showed maximum drug entrapment (29.41%) with satisfactory stability and rigidity i.e. showed spherical shape with only 1.86% of drug leaching at 25 after 30 days. However, when PC was further increased to 80% keeping cholesterol to 20% there was increase in % drug entrapment but simultaneous decrease in stability and rigidity. The shape was lost and drug leaching was more i.e.10.25%. The data was also treated statistically by using one way analysis (ANOVA) and found to be satisfactory significant difference (P PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DIDANOSINE PROLIPOSOMES The proliposomes of Didanosine were prepared by powder thin film hydration (New, 1990). Here modified rotary evaporator unit was used as described by Lee et al., 1999. Different carriers like lactose, sodium chloride and lactose beads were used for preparation of proliposomes. Were hydrated with distilled water and the liposomes was analysed for % drug entrapped for different batches of proliposomes derived liposomes were as shown in the table 5.3. The Lipid: Carrier ratio was kept 1: 10 as reported by Song et al., 2002. The proliposomes of lactose were quite free flowing compared to the lactose that was used to prepare them and lactose proliposomes showed highest % drug entrapment (29.17). They were less sticky. Also as the amount of lipid i.e. lecithin was increased the proliposomes powder was found to be very sticky. This is because the lipid is sticky at room temperature. In case of sodium chloride the carrier was very free flowing but the proliposomes powder was very sticky compared to that made with either lactose or sorbitol. The particle size of the liposomes formed in sodium chloride and lactose beads was also greater than that formed with lactose. Here the carrier is non porous so majority of the lipid has to be deposited over the on the surface of the carrier, thereby maximizing the possibility of agglomeration and also because sodium chloride is hygroscopic. So it can be said that such nonporous carriers are suitable only for high melting lipids. The results are in accordance with those observed by Payne et al. As the amount of lipid was increased in case of sodium chloride the proliposomes were found to be extremely sticky because they tend to agglomerate (Payne et al., 1986a). The entrapment of the proliposomes made by using sodium chloride as a carrier was very low compared to that of either lactose or lactose beads because of the effect of the monovalent cation Na+. Sodium ion has the effect of increasing the release of cyclosporine from the liposome hence it decreases the entrapment of drug in the liposomes (Al-Angary et al., 1995). The proliposomes of lactose beads were found to be very free flowing just like the lactose beads from which the proliposomes were prepared but the surface area available for coating less compared to lactose powder and sodium chloride so film formed is thick so it yields multilammelar liposomes. Based on the above results the carrier was finalized. In subsequent experiments Lactose was used as a carrier and the formulation was optimized by a 32 factorial design. The effect of the two independent variables viz. Drug: Lipid ratio and Lipid: Carrier ratio was studied on dependant variables like entrapment and mean particle size. All other processing factors like vacuum applied, speed of rotation of round bottom flask; temperature, amount of surfactant etc were kept constant. OPTIMIZATION OF PROLIPOSOMES A prior knowledge and understanding of the process and the process variables under investigation are necessary for achieving a more realistic model. Based on the results of the preliminary experiments, drug: lipid ratio was found to be a major variable in determining PDE and Lipid: carrier ratio in determining the PMD. Hence, these variables were selected to find the optimized condition for higher PDE and PMD using 32 factorial design. By using 32 factorial designs, 9 batches of didanosine liposomes were prepared varying the two independent variables at three levels as recorded in the table. The prepared batches were evaluated for % drug entrapment (PDE) and mean particle size, which were taken as dependent variables and the results were recorded in the table A substantial high drug entrapment was achieved in liposomes of variable X1 (drug: Lipid = 1:15) and X2 (Lipid: Carrier = 1:15). EVALUATION STUDIES OF DIDANOSINE PROLIPOSOMES A) Microscopy of proliposome The microscopy of proliposomes revealed that the surface was smooth due to the coating of the lipid and some of the particles were agglomerated. The pictures of proliposomes are as shown in Figure. After hydration with deionized water a series of time-lapse photographs of proliposome hydration are as shown below in Figure. Here the formation of liposomes form proliposomes is shown. The results indicate that the process of dissolution/disintegration may occur by a progressive hydration of the lipid surface of the proliposome, taking the form of liposomes ‘budding off’ from the central core of the proliposome until both hydration of the lipid and dissolution of the carrier is complete. Although only an imitation of the process of proliposome hydration (due to absence of hand shaking to aid proliposome dispersion), this approach was thought to offer a reasonable indication of the process (Payne et al., 1986b). Finally the liposomes are formed that are multilamellar with a heterogeneous size distribution. The photographs reveal the multilamellar nature (Figure). Also the Maltice crosses shown in Figure indicate that the vesicles are multilamellar in nature. Also there are many unilamellar vesicles. B) Scanning electron micrographs. The scanning electron micrographs of carriers and optimized batch of proliposomes made with different carriers were taken and are as shown in the Figure. From the SEM pictures it is evident that after coating the surface becomes somewhat smooth and the surface defects are no more visible and a thick coating is also seen in proliposomes compared to the carrier alone. After coating of lipid on the surface the particles looks quite opaque and smooth compared to the carrier. EVALUATION STUDIES OF PROLIPOSOME DERIVED LIPOSOMES A) % Drug entrapped By using 32 factorial designs, 9 batches of didanosine liposomes were prepared varying the two independent variables. Various methods have been reported for determination of drug content in liposomes that involve separation of free drug from liposomes either by centrifugation or by dialysis or by sephadex column. Here the separation was affected by sephadex G25 column as reported by Guo et al., 2001. Here the PDE was calculated from the difference between the initial drug added and the drug detected after separation of the free drug. The results of various batches are as shown in the table. It was found that the % drug entrapped was highest when the Drug: Lipid ratio was highest. Also the Lipid: Carrier ratio was found to affect the entrapment of the drug into the liposomes. It was found that the highest % entrapment for all three levels of X2 was obtained at +1 level of X1 that is 21.37% at –1 level, 26.73% at 0 level and 30.89% at +1 level of X2. Graphical presentation figure shows the effect of the independent variable (drug: lipid ratio) on % drug entrapped. The results indicate that as the drug to lipid ratio increases the entrapment of the drug in the liposomes increases, as didanosine is a hydrophilic drug, which finds place within the core. B) Particle size analysis Particle size analysis results of various batches of proliposome derived liposomes are as shown in the table. The results are expressed as particle mean diameter. The particle size of the liposomes decreases as the amount of the carrier increases because there is a greater surface area available for thin lipid film formation which gives rise to a small particle size compared to a thick film that is formed when the amount of carrier is decreased (Hwang et al., 1997). The graph (figure) represents the relationship between lipid: carrier ratio on mean particle size. Mean particle size decreases as the lipid: carrier ratio increases because as the surface area increases thin film formation occurs that gives rise to smaller particle size. C) Stability Studies The optimized formulation was subjected to stability studies at 40C, 250C, 450C for 60 days. They were evaluated for physical appearance, entrapment efficiency, drug content etc. All the results obtained are within the limits and no major changes were identified physically.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Irony Depicted in Shakespeares Henry V Essay -- Henry IV Henry V

The Irony Depicted in Shakespeare's Henry V As Norman Rabkin has observed, Henry V is a play which organizes critics into "rival camps" of interpretation (35). It can be seen as a play that is ambiguous; a play that exposes the playwright's own indecision; a play that aggressively takes sides in favour of nationalistic fervour which Shakespeare himself didn't believe in (35). All of these views, writes Rabkin, are wrong since according to him the play's "ultimate power" lies in its ability to "point in two opposite directions, virtually daring us to choose one of the two opposed interpretations" (36). In fact, it is Rabkin that is wrong: not in his supposition that the play "dares" the audience to choose, but rather, that a reading of Henry V cannot simultaneously contain all of the above. Another view would be that the ambiguity, the indecision, the disbelief and the forced choice, are all part and parcel of an urgently ironic reading. This can be justified through the ultimate irony of the play: that as "character driven," i t lacks a real character to drive. "The King," after all, is an abstract concept bounded by prescribed rules of conduct in contradiction to subjective agency. This reading borrows from post-colonial critiques such as Spivak, since it leads to authority as being responsible for generating its own excesses by virtue of what it is; it winds up parodying itself. It is a devastating critique of governance and for those that seek to govern; in this reading, Henry V may go beyond Machiavellian orchestrations to undermining the entire project of governance. Many literary critics have argued that Henry can be interpreted as Machiavellian in some respects, and this can be related to recurring themes of interio... ...polemic-- does not diminish but rather provokes and sustains a dialogic discourse. Admittedly, there is little danger of this not happening without an ironic reading; Henry V, after all, continues to be performed hundreds of years after it was written. But certainly an ironic reading brings us closer to unexplored theatrical potentials, not to mention the dismantling --if only temporarily--of societal assumptions of governance. Bibliography: Brennan, Anthony. Henry V. NY: Twayne Publishers, 1992. Rabkin, Norman. "Either/Or: Responding to Henry V," William Shakespeare's Henry V. NY: Chelsea House Publishers, 1988. Siemon, James R. "The 'Image Bound': Icon and Iconoclasm in Henry V," William Shakespeare's Henry V. Shakespeare, William. Henry V. The Norton Shakespeare Histories. Stephen Greenblat, General Editor. NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 1997. The Irony Depicted in Shakespeare's Henry V Essay -- Henry IV Henry V The Irony Depicted in Shakespeare's Henry V As Norman Rabkin has observed, Henry V is a play which organizes critics into "rival camps" of interpretation (35). It can be seen as a play that is ambiguous; a play that exposes the playwright's own indecision; a play that aggressively takes sides in favour of nationalistic fervour which Shakespeare himself didn't believe in (35). All of these views, writes Rabkin, are wrong since according to him the play's "ultimate power" lies in its ability to "point in two opposite directions, virtually daring us to choose one of the two opposed interpretations" (36). In fact, it is Rabkin that is wrong: not in his supposition that the play "dares" the audience to choose, but rather, that a reading of Henry V cannot simultaneously contain all of the above. Another view would be that the ambiguity, the indecision, the disbelief and the forced choice, are all part and parcel of an urgently ironic reading. This can be justified through the ultimate irony of the play: that as "character driven," i t lacks a real character to drive. "The King," after all, is an abstract concept bounded by prescribed rules of conduct in contradiction to subjective agency. This reading borrows from post-colonial critiques such as Spivak, since it leads to authority as being responsible for generating its own excesses by virtue of what it is; it winds up parodying itself. It is a devastating critique of governance and for those that seek to govern; in this reading, Henry V may go beyond Machiavellian orchestrations to undermining the entire project of governance. Many literary critics have argued that Henry can be interpreted as Machiavellian in some respects, and this can be related to recurring themes of interio... ...polemic-- does not diminish but rather provokes and sustains a dialogic discourse. Admittedly, there is little danger of this not happening without an ironic reading; Henry V, after all, continues to be performed hundreds of years after it was written. But certainly an ironic reading brings us closer to unexplored theatrical potentials, not to mention the dismantling --if only temporarily--of societal assumptions of governance. Bibliography: Brennan, Anthony. Henry V. NY: Twayne Publishers, 1992. Rabkin, Norman. "Either/Or: Responding to Henry V," William Shakespeare's Henry V. NY: Chelsea House Publishers, 1988. Siemon, James R. "The 'Image Bound': Icon and Iconoclasm in Henry V," William Shakespeare's Henry V. Shakespeare, William. Henry V. The Norton Shakespeare Histories. Stephen Greenblat, General Editor. NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 1997.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Stability and bioavailability of different erythromycin derivatives :: essays research papers

1. Introduction Erythromycin is one of the most common used macrolide antibiotics. Over the years after Abbott introduced Erythrocin ® (erythromycin stearate) into the market, several generics and new brands have been introduced – generics in the form of different drug formulations and new brands in the form of different erythromycin salts. All these derivatives have the same pharmacodynamics and mechanism of action, but differ tremendously in their pharmacokinetics. This paper will give an introduction and a brief overview in the different stabilities and pharmacokinetics of the erythromycin salts and an introduction into new approaches in the field of macrolide antibiotics. Table of Contents 1. Introduction  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 2. Erythromycin – a brief chemical description  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4 2.1 Crystal structure and hygroscopicity  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7 2.2 Mechanism of action  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  8 3. Derivatives of erythromycin base  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  9 3.1 Erythromycin stearate  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10 3.2 Erythromycin ethyl succinate  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10 3.3 Erythromycin estolate  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11 3.4 Comparison between erythromycin base and estolate  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 4 Chemical derivatives of erythromycin  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 4.1 Roxithromycin  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 4.2 Clarithromycin  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  14 4.3 Azithromycin  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  14 4.4 Dirithromycin  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  15 4.5 Flurithromycin  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  16 4.6 Comparison of properties among the newer macrolides  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  17 5 Discussion and conclusions  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  19 References  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  21 2. Erythromycin – a brief chemical description Figure 2.1 Advertisement for eryped ® [3] Erythromycin belongs to the chemical group of macrolide antibiotics (macros [greek] = great, -olid as the suffix for lactones). It's microbiological activity mainly covers bacterial infections of the respiratory tract and other infections with gram positive bacteria. In the case of erythromycin base, the 14-linked lactone ring (Erythronolid) is conjugated with one basic amino sugar (Desopamine) and one neutral sugar (Cladinose). Figure 2.2 Erythromycin base showing the aglycon (red), the basic amino sugar (green), and the neutral sugar (blue) [2] Erythromycin was first discovered in 1952 in Streptomyces erythreus. The spectrum of activity is equal to penicillin. The antibiotic activity is linked to the presence of the desoxy sugars. There are three known forms of erythromycin. The structure of erythromycin-A is the most common used in formulations and differs from erythromycin-B in the hydroxyl-group in position 13 of the lactone ring. Erythromycin-C is missing the methoxy-group in the cladinose sugar. [8] Stability problems first were discovered when Erythrocin ® was found to contain not the declared amount of erythromycin stearate. The first stability problem with erythromycin is because of its deliquescence. This could be prevented if erythromycin is stored under accurate conditions. Erythromycin has a poor water solubility and solutions decompose quicker if temperature is increased. Figure 2.1 shows the chemical degradation of erythromycin. The formation of the hemiketal is a dehydration and leads to the inactivation and loss of antibiotic activity. This step is highly pH sensitive. Figure 2.3 Chemical degradation and inactivation of erythromycin [4]

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Haunukkah

Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt of the second century BCE. This holiday is observed for eight nights and eight days, starting at the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar. Which is around late November or late December according to the Gregorian calendar. This museum exhibit will have paintings, artifacts and accurate information on Hanukkah. I will also include all the Jewish holidays to show where Hanukkah falls in theses major events in history.It is important for me to give credit to all the events that gave way to Hanukkah not only before but after Hanukkah. The second Jewish temple was an important Jewish holy temple which stood on the temple mount in Jerusalem during the second temple period, between 516 BCE and 70 CE. It replaced the first temple which was destroyed in 586 BCE, when the Jewish nation was exiled to Babylon. The destruction of the second temp le and its plunder by the Roman Legions marked the beginning of the Israel’s long exile, which ended the birth of the state of Israel.The Hanukkah menorah is, strictly speaking, a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, as opposed to the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple or as a symbol. The ninth holder, called the Shamash (â€Å"helper† or â€Å"servant†), is for a candle used to light all other candles and/or to be used as an extra light. The menorah is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art. The seven-branched menorah is a traditional symbol of Judaism. The Star of David is a six-pointed star made up of two triangles superimposed over each other.In Judaism it is often called the Magen David, which means the â€Å"shield of David† in Hebrew. It doesn’t have any religious significance in Judaism but it is one of the symbols most commonly associated with the Jewish people. Ma ny Jews wear jewelry with the Star of David as part of the design and the flag of Israel has a blue Star of David in the center. In many ways it has come to be a symbol of unity. Hanukkah food is rooted in tradition and almost all Hanukkah recipes stem from the history associated with it. Traditional Hanukkah foods include ried or baked foods as the festival itself celebrates the miracle of a small amount of olive oil burning for eight long days. Potato pancakes popularly known by its Yiddish name, Latkes are an all-time favorite and these Hanukah foods are prepared by deep frying it in oil preferably olive oil. A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side. It is used during Hanukkah to play a popular children’s game that involves spinning the dreidel and betting on which Hebrew letter will be showing when the dreidel stops spinning.Reference (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Hanukkah (n. d. ). Retrieved from www. templeinstit ute. org/gallery_32. htm (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Menorah_(Hanukkah) Pelaia, A. (n. d. ). Does the Star of David have religious significance in Judaism? Retrieved from http://judaism. about. com/od/judaismbasics/a/starofdavid. htm Pelaia, A. (n. d. ). What is a dreidel? . Retrieved from http://judaism. about. com/od/holidays/a/dreidel. htm

Monday, September 16, 2019

Example Investigative Fire Report

Access to the property is at the gravel driveway to the left and I made entry into the Truckee was made through the front door after documenting photos of the outside of the structure. The fire occurred during the day, which was bright and sunny with temperature at degrees, there was also a slight breeze at about MPH from the n/ w. The breeze would have been blowing against the backside corner of the home. Witnesses/Occupants 0-1 : john Bush, 100 Eddie Lane, Bottoms, NC 28001 DOBB 12-01-88, occupation – student/part- time evening meme. -2: Susan Bush, 100 Eddie Lane, Bottoms, NC 28001 DOBB 5-11-91, occupation – Statements Made by Witnesses/Occupants Statements made to Fire Captain: 0-2: Said she was up late studying, Just laid down on the couch, fell asleep, did not know how the fire started. Felt sure it was a problem with the house, complained several times to the landlord about problems with no response, complained of several welling Issues. Salad she was a smoker bu t stated put cigarettes completely out while doing her work. 0-1 : John had agreed with Susan confirming the issues with the wiring.He also stood behind his wife and said she was always safe with her cigarettes Observations Data collection began with photos being taken beginning outside and moving indoors. No smoke alarms or water sprinklers have been noted. Pictures should always be labeled when providing evidence and these photos will be numbered In this report. Upon entry of the structure, the majority of fire damage was concentrated to the main living room area which indicates that this is the point of origin. This room contained a heavily burned sofa and table next to the sofa as shown in pictures #12- #14, the major fuel sources in the room.The fire moved up the wall and across the lining, as shown in pictures #6 & At the front door, the heat and smoke began to roll-down and cause damage, as seen In picture #10. Two mattresses are In an The windows in many of the photos remain ed closed with burned shades which means the fire did not have adequate ventilation to grow rapidly through the structure. The windows which are open may have been opened during suppression of the fire or immediately afterwards to ventilate the structure.One interesting observation in photo #2 is the power box which has no meter, meaning there is no power set up by the power company to this structure. Unless the occupants are stealing power, then an electrical fire can be ruled out. No generator can be seen and no drop cords were photographed, so the theory is that there is no power to the structure (Morris, 4/23/14). Opinions/Theories The point of origin being in the living room with the heaviest damage focused on the end of the sofa and the table next to the sofa.Based on the statements made by the occupants three hypotheses exist as to the cause of the fire: 1 . Based on the severity of the damage to the end of the sofa in photos #12-#14 & #17-#19 and the tenements made by the oc cupants regarding the smoking of cigarettes, a smoldering cigarette fell into the cushions of the sofa and later ignited. In the incipient stage, the temperature had not begun to rise yet and a plume of hot gases rises from the flame (p. 55). Pictures #15-#17 show alligator of the wood in the sofa at the one end which also indicates this is where the fire originated (p. 281).The fuels burned and the heat moved toward the top of the room, this explains the blackening of the ceiling. With the lack of ventilation, the fire did not spread quickly which provided refreshers enough time to respond and suppress. 2. Also, based on the statements made by the occupants regarding smoking cigarettes, I would want to know more about how they normally discarded/dispose of their cigarette butts. Are they dumping an ashtray in a trashcan inside or outside? Could there have been an ashtray on the table next to the sofa which contained either a still lit cigarette or a smoldering cigarette?If so, what type of ashtray? Metal, glass, heavy or lightweight? If any windows were open and the ashtray was light enough, could it have blown off or loon then cigarette off onto the sofa and ignited the fire? This is a working theory because there are questions which need to be answered. 3. Going on the assumption that there is no electricity to the home, it is highly possible there may have been a burning candle either on the window sill behind the sofa or on the table next to the sofa which may have fallen or tipped towards the sofa which ignited the sofa.With statistics showing that 7 out of 10 people in America burn candles and the added question regarding power in this structure, it is a workable theory that a Andre accidentally ignited this fire (p. 173). In photos #12, #13, #19 & #20, the window directly behind the end of the sofa which is mostly burned being the origin of the fire, is also heavily blackened from soot and has a darker â€Å"U† burn pattern on the right lower si de (p. 258-263). There is no physical evidence to suspect an incendiary cause of the fire to the structure. The evidence and observation supports an accidental cause.Documentation/Evidence A total of 21 photos are attached to the report of the outside and inside of the structure. Close up photos of the point of origin are included. Where recovered, where sent for analysis, and any special notes are included. Summary of Incident On April 21, 2014, Investigator Boiling responded to 100 Eddie Lane, at the request of the Captain from Engine 1 . Arrival at the scene by the unit was 0200 hours. The investigator observed a wood-frame construction, two-story, one-family residence. The investigation revealed that the fire had originated in the living room at the end of the sofa.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Albania and EU integration Essay

To provide a basic idea for Albanian economy and its European integration possibilities. 2. To provide knowledge about advantages and disadvantages that Albania faces in different sectors of economy. 3. To provide knowledge about Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership. 4. To provide knowledge about systematic and unsystematic risk for Albanian European integration. Methodology 1. Research problem Is Albania in line with EU expectations? Which are the abilities of Albania to maintain the obligation of membership? Basic objective is to examine, firstly economic development of Albania based on the collected data from 2002 – 2012, than to verify if they are in line with EU criteria. 2. Expectations Since Albania is determined in its decision to join European Union and to be part of Economic integration, it has made a progress in reforming institutions, in legislation, and the most important the assignment of SSA (Stabilization and association process). But the progress is very slow and insufficient. The cause of this polarization remains on political culture of the country which historically has not faced any experience of democracy. So expectations are not very positive. On a long term basis only new socialized and democratic generation can truly execute fundamental reforms needed to be part of European Economic Integration. Data Collections 1. Primary data: World Bank reports and Instat. 2. Secondary data: Journal websites and financial news papers. European Union Integration – The impact in Albanian Economy The aim of this project is to demonstrate how much the economic development in Albania is in line with European Union? In the first section will be analyzed, Relations between Albania and EU. Over all now Albania is part of Stabilization and Association process, in regular political and economical dialogue with EU. Last decade we can say that our country have faced some changes on our politic system and economic one, through three main factors, visa liberalization, financial assistance and civil society. How we realize these challenges? Did these three factors affect positively our economy; since we are one of the main countries that were not affected by world crises and how? In the second section will analyze economic criteria by examining development of economy in Albania. The examination includes different areas of economy? The existence of a good function of market economy: This includes the main essentials’ of economic policy where the primary objective is the protection of a market oriented economy. Here we can mention that Albania has a visible progress starting from year 2007 when we signed CEFTA agreement. Macroeconomic Stability: Over all Albania has preserved the macroeconomic stability, because it was less affected by external economic conditions. Monetary policy of Albania has help to keep stable inflation and control inflationary expectations. Public debt is over limited and essential reforms are still missing. Interactions of market forces: According to the official data, results that state involvement in economy remains limited but it is focused on energy, transport and water supply. Market Entry and Exit: Here we can conclude that Albania is one of the countries that have facilitated business entry to the market but procedures for market exit are still ineffective. Legal System: Albanian faces many weaknesses in rule of law, according to real data, corruption is in considerable levels and reforms of property rights are still incomplete. This has adverse affect on the market environment. Financial sectors and Development: Some progress is made but it is needed the consolidation of public finances and the reduction of public debt. Human and Fiscal Capital: The structure of macro economy remains unchanged; also informality remains again a challenge. Albanian economy is tangible by industry specific shocks. State influence: State interventions are limited but it is still a concern the impact on the public finance of the lack of diversification and Economic integration with EU: Albania has remained a leading trading and an investment partner of EU, as result trade with CEFTA has been increased. The third section will  examine Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership. The analysis is structured based on internal and external market of Albania which includes: Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. As a conclusion I have to say that Albania has made little progress toward economic development and the consolidation of its democ ­racy. This is shown by the report of European commission on October 2012, as the results at fulfilling the EU’ twelve priorities were poor, and obviously it was clear that Albania would lose its chances to be awarded with the candidate status on December 2012 – and December 2013. Such a step was not justified by our economic and political conditions. Relations between the EU and Albania Albania is a country that is part of the Stabilization and Association Process. According to this pact we can say that Albania has strictly implemented its obligations. Between the EU and our country there is a regular political dialogue and economic growth, which has continued through the SAA structure. In March and April of last year, Albania took part in the meeting organized by the Stabilization and Association Committee and the European Council in which they discussed the reform of public administration. Albania was involved in this dialogue with multilateral economic focus with the Commission and the EU member countries, with focus, preparation and coordination of domestic economic policies to integrate economic and monetary union in the EU. One of the most important achievements of Albania was the liberalization of visas for citizens traveling to the Schengen area. This agreement entered into force in December 2010. Immediately after this agreement and until today, the committee evaluates on a regular basis, the progress made by the country in the implementation of rules and visa roadmap. Albania is a country that is  waiting for EU membership, as such; it has received transition assistance, institution building and cross-border mergers. For the period 2007 – 2013, the European Union has allocated for Albania, an amount of â‚ ¬ 594 million. This amount of benefit, its focus is on justice, politics and public administration reforms in Albania, and also based on individual sectors, transport, and environment, and agriculture, social and rural development. This component is managed by the EU Delegation in Albania / Tirana. Regarding the upcoming years 2014 – 2020, the European Commission and the Albanian government will negotiate and discuss the needs and capacities for future assistance. We need to know that Albania is a member of several EU programs as example; Program Throughout life learning; Europe for Citizens, Culture, Competitiveness and Innovation. Economic Criteria In 1993 after examination of economic development and the state in which Albania was, in Copenhagen European Council stated that, to be part of the European Union, Albania needs to be focused towards a functioning market economy and also to have the capacity to cope with the challenges of a competitive market of EU The existence of a functioning market economy Policy Essential In order for Albania to have a focused market economy and sustainable, the main political parties, which have impact on the country’s economic policies, must agree on the basis of sound market economy, despite political tension in the country. Based on the report of the European Committee for Albania, the country’s macroeconomic stability has been maintained, but there are some shortcomings again. Among these deficiencies can mention the 2012 budget deficit, which was beyond the norm. The deficit caused, statutory debt, allowed to pass the measure of 60 %. In the process of privatization of property might say that was a failure. In January, Albania presented at EC Economic and Fiscal program for the years 2013-2015. The medium scenario is characterized by a very optimistic macroeconomic program. But according to the assessment of this program the Commission has submitted a lack of enforcement and targeting strategy but we can say that consensus  on the basis of a mark et economy has been maintained. Macroeconomic stability According to the data obtained in the annual report of the Bank of Albania, we can conclude that economic growth in 2012 was 1.6% less than a year ago. Total gross output also shows that in 2012 was about 5% less compared with a year ago. Inflows of foreign currencies in the country by immigrants have had a slight increase of 1.6% for 2012, while private consumption has fallen to low levels. One of the main factors of economic growth, have been net exports, while for imports can say that they have recorded a considerable Decrease. After a 12-month period with a significant reduction, economic indicators tend to show a growth in late 2012 and early 2013. However we can say that GDP grew only 1.7% in the first quarter of last year. Foreign demand for Albanian products has resulted in considerable numbers. GDP per capita in purchasing power and consumption resulted in 30% among 27 that was average. According to the analysis may conclude that Albania recognized the economic growth, so gl obal crisis did not affect Albania during early 2013. During the period 2012-2013 the current account deficit decreased by about 1.5%, becoming 10.5% from 13% in 2011. Imports introduced to a decrease, 5.2% less than a year ago, while exports increased by 8.5% in total value, but may be noted here that there was a considerable increase in the export of goods but not services. In June 2013 current account deficit reached 10.1% in value to the corners of Albania. The inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) throughout 2012 remained unchanged with that of a year ago. This influx financed about 70 % of current account deficit therefore 10 % more than in 2011. The flow of incoming capital suffered a Decrease of 11.3 % in a year, but we can say that during 2012 had a positive balance of payments and a significant increase in international reserves at 4.2 %. During 2013, foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by 12.3 % more than the previous year in annual terms. Also we can say that the current account deficit has decreased, but again is an important aspect that affects the economy of our country especially considering the volatility of FDI and remittances. Throughout 2012 we can say that there has been a significant improvement of working conditions, the unemployment rate has however recognized high scores although this year it has had an average of 13 % compared with 13.4 % the previous year. The private sector in the country  has increased em ployment offer, in Albania at a rate of 2.8 % based mainly in the agriculture sector of the country. By 2013, according to statistical data, unemployment continues to be high again, with an improvement of about 0.2 %. To maintain a constant interest rate, and to administer a possible inflationary trend, was used a sound monetary policies that brought the country’s macroeconomic stability. The inflation rate in the country declined by 1.5% compared with a year ago, keeping a constant level of 2%. This stability at a rate of 2-4% inflation was the main objective of the Bank of Albania. Since that in Albania, we have basket price fluctuations this reflected in a slowdown of annual inflation from 2.5% in 2012 to 2.2% in 2013. In an effort to stimulate economic growth in the country, the Bank undertook several measures, as for example the reduction of the basic interest rate from 3.75 to 3.5% during the past year. The financial system in Albania has achieved a significant degree of Euroisation. Loans in Euros remained at a level of 61% of deposits in July the past year, compared with 64% in 2012. While in terms of other deposits in foreign currency statements have a slight decrease of 2%. Albania represents a floating exchange rate regime, which has remained the same since 1992. Albanian Lek has maintained sustainability where its value in 2012 reflected a 0.9% appreciatio n against the euro. We generally are within the boundaries of a stable monetary policy, have a storage inflation and a stable exchange rate. Annual revenues did increase by about 7% in 2012 compared with the previous year. During this year, the excise tax and VAT suffered significant declines, we can say that this Decrease, resulted in 12% less than the initial objectives. Revenues from GDP fell by 25.1%, which were considered in 2011, to 24.5% in 2012. In terms of GDP spending, can also say that suffered a decrease of 0.6% compared with a year ago. Public expenditures represent just 4.6% of gross production, from 5.4% the previous year. Public debt grew considerably and non-positive, from 59.4% of GDP in 2011 to 62.9% in early 2013. So our public debt has passed the legal boundaries of 60% to nearly 3%. In the area of tax administration, we can say that there have been significant improvements in the electronic payment of taxes and also the tax filing system. There are still weaknesses in tax collection. Measures have been taken for approval to exclude imports of machinery, processing equipment and raw materials used for investment. An important measure is the abolition of  personal income tax. Interplay of market forces The country’s economy is dominating the private sector, which constitutes about 80% of GDP. Privatizations have been the basis for several state companies to place as Alb petrol oil Typeset, Alb telecom for telecommunications, INSIG as insurance and CEZ Distribution for energy, which due to disputes arbitrary, is now again in the hands of the state. There are counted about 11 new agreements for investments in agriculture, in 2012. In the energy sector we have also signed agreements for investment in hydropower opening. Privatization of three HPP has a monetary value of â‚ ¬ 109.5 million. However, I can say with conviction that state involvement in the economy is limited. Market entry and exit Registrations and licensing, of businesses have became more restrictive, and has faced a considerable increase of about 8% compared with a year ago. This was made possible through the established network one-stop-shop. Today licensed businesses make up about 12% of active companies. Legal system The legal system has had a slight progress, however, is necessary to ensure the proper application of the legal system. Still exist, the ownership uncertainty. Another weakness of our state law is delays of legal proceedings, more harmful to the business. The capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union Existence of a functioning market economy Albania has maintained macroeconomic stability through a market economy, but the economic slowdown last year causes the increase of the current deficit. This deficit has resulted in a decrease in domestic production, low inflation policy due to BoA’s objective. This deficit and rising public debt beyond the limits, has led to a lack of successful management of fiscal policy, the fiscal plan is expected to be even weaker. Albania has some structural obstacles which do not bring economic growth, contrary depleting it. Even though we have a certain advantage, barriers and other weaknesses continue to affect our economic system. Here we can mention the right of  property, unemployment, and incomplete process of privatization, low competitive ability, etc. . Overall, Albania has needed to consolidate public finances, and the reduction of public debt, strengthen the economy, performance, labor market, and most importantly, the fight against corruption. Economic integration with th e EU In 2012 Albania was faced with a trade Decrease, Imports and Exports constituted 87% of GDP compared with 92% a year ago. Key partner for trade of goods and services remains the EU. From the statistical data we say that EU exports in 2012 accounted for 75% of the total, and 62% of total imports. In the first six months of 2013 resulted a shrinking trade deficit with the EU, as a result of increased exports by 18.8%, but at the same time, the EU imports fell much less. One of the main partners in trade agreements remains Italy, taking half of Albanian exports and giving third Albanian import. Italy also remains one of the most important investors in Albania although much investment during the last year has seen a decrease. Export Import, with CEFTA countries has slowed by 27% which resulted in 2011, to 3% today ABILITY TO TAKE ON THE OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP The ability to take the membership is seen in three main factors. Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. Agriculture and rural development Based on the last economic report of EU, Albania is one of the countries that have not utilized the negotiated quotas for the agriculture products; however we can say for sure that exports have been increased with countries that Albania has bilateral agreements. Exports and Export level per GDP has  been positively increased. Now we can raise a question, Why Albania has not exploiting quotas that have been negotiated in agreement from which expectations were higher? Why our agriculture products do not have comparative advantage. Regarding to Ministry of Agriculture in Albania, food products and consumer production of agriculture sector is in low rates of trade. Farms are considered small while to many hectare of land are still barren, technology process is almost old today we have still lands that are tilled by hand and levels of marketing are negative ones. This is the reason why imports in different agricultural products in Albania are higher. Regarding numbers, Albania has nearly 400 Thousand farms counted until today. These farms derive 21% of GDP and have employed more than 750 thousand persons. We should know agriculture land is 0.2Ha/ person, while 20% of poor people are farmers, in this 20% we have 93.5% of them who produce only to maintain their families not to export, the other 80% of farmers produce to sell outside borders and domestically. They sell up to 40 % of their production. Why these results? Because private investments in Albania are only 42.5 EUR per person, we still have 73 % of productive land tilled by hand. Public investments are 15 EUR per person, while we have firstly undistributed land from 98.5% of land that is returned to farmers 85.5% of it is not registered. Other problematic cases in our agriculture are also, Input quantity and quality are still low and limited. The knowledge is in low levels, Information that we take from market is inadequate, No existence of competitive products, and land market lack. Another problematic issue is that farms are not administrated well, by resulting so in a lower level of competitiveness toward other countries. Social policy and employment In terms of labor law, labor code is still in a process of approval, a challenge for our society remains the work of children ages 5-17 years old. This trend varies in 7.7% of all children in our country. In terms of health and safety at work, measures are taken to prevent accidents at work and improve working conditions. We can say that the number of accidents at work in 2012 was reduced significantly compared with 2011, but still further improvements must be hatched. As regards employment policy, is being designed an employment strategy for 2014-20. This design is still not approved. The official unemployment rate resulting in 13% during 2012, but long-term unemployment and youth unemployment are high and they need for immediate measures for reduction. Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities has approved three cases for persons with disabilities. Guardian of a person with disability is paid by the Albanian state. The inclusion of supervision and review of employment of individuals with disabilities in employment offices. Design activities for sign language in schools. These projects are not yet finalized. Gender Discrimination Many explanations for the gender pay gap are proposed and finally the gender pay gap is the difference between genders seen from the human development perspective, such as education, qualitative skills and experience that men and women show to the workplace. By this point of view differences between genders are often presented as discriminatory, that for instance women leave much earlier the labor market than men do, so in Albania we have more part time works for women. By analyzing the data’s we notice that the pay gap for professional or scientist women (engineers, mathematicians, financial experts, and medical doctors) in Albania is lower than man, in terms of numbers the take nearly 2.4% less than men do. In cases like basic occupations such are, construction, fast food, street vendors the wages are 21 % lower for females compared with males. Public and private sector generate two different ways of payment, when the gap is higher on private system rather in public one. The gender pay gap in the private sector is 13.7 percent, compared with15.7 percent of the public sector. Both male and female in Albania site that here has no equality in the hiring/recruitment and no standards. I think that to reduce the inequality between males and females employees should follow the same recruitment standards for both. This should be implemented also to the recruitment for managerial positions, in order to increase the number of women applying for these job positions. I believe that a unified standard of recruitment would reduce considerably the gap. Conclusion As a conclusion I have to say that Albania is a country that is part of the Stabilization and Association Process. According to this pact we can say that Albania has strictly implemented its obligations. Today Albania is a member of several EU programs as example; Program Throughout life learning; Europe for Citizens, Culture, Competitiveness and Innovation. Based on EU conditions we must say that Albania has made improvement. The existence of a good function of market economy: This includes the main essentials’ of economic policy where the primary objective is the protection of a market oriented economy. On its macroeconomic situation, we conclude that over all Albania has preserved the macroeconomic stability, because it was less affected by external economic conditions. Monetary policy of Albania has help to keep stable inflation and control inflationary expectations. Public debt is over limited and essential reforms are still missing. According to the official data, results, states involvement in economy remains limited but it is focused on energy, transport and water supply. Albania is one of the countries that have facilitated business entry to the market but procedures for market exit are still ineffective. Albanian faces many weaknesses in rule of law, according to real data, corruption is in considerable levels and reforms of property rights are still incomplete. This has adverse affect on the market environment. Some progress is made but it is needed the consolidation of public finances and the reduction of public debt. Regarding to Human and Fiscal Capital the structure of macro economy remains unchanged; also informality remains again a challenge. Albanian economy is tangible by industry specific shocks. Albania has remained a leading trading and an investment partner of EU, as result trade has been increased. Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership, the analysis is structured based on intern al and external market of Albania which includes: Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. . Based on the study the situation with the income inequality in Albania is similar to other countries of the region and maybe beyond the region. This is caused from the same factors and causes negative effect on society. The gender gap in Albania has even another factor, that of specific cultural that is characteristic for Albanian environment to prohibit this Albania should increase the harmonization of the community, working conditions, health and securities and Equal opportunities. Albania has made little progress toward economic development and the consolidation of its democ ­racy. This is shown by the report of European commission on October 2012, as the results at fulfilling the EU’ twelve priorities were poor, and obviously it was clear that Albania would lose its chances to be awarded with the candidate status on December 2012 – and December 2013. Such a step was not justified by our economic and political conditions. References European report for Albania 2012-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2013/package/al_rapport_2013.pdf Bank of Albania Annual Report 2012, Production date: 21.06.2013, Author: Bank of Albania http://www.bankofalbania.org/web/Annual_Report_2012_6609_2.php Instat, Conjuncture, Main Economic Indicators, Q3-2013