Causes of Hardships of Southern Sharecropping

For many people in the 1930†³s living conditions were not as adequate as they needed to be. The stock market had just crashed in 1928, and the US was in the midst of the Great Depression. Many people suffered from lack of money, and many others suffered from lack of food. One group of people who suffered greatly during this time period were the southern share croppers. Factors that caused the substandard living conditions of the southern share croppers in the 1930†³s include lack of education, poor health care, and inadequate living facilities. The first factor that caused the substandard living onditions of the southern share croppers was their lack of education. There were several reasons the share croppers didn†t get the education they needed. One main reason was because many children didn†t go to school. Harold Walker writes that Southern cotton states ranked lower in rate of attendance for each student enrolled than any of the other states in the nation (4). A factor that contributed to this was their excessive mobility, which inhibited many children from going to school (Corder 27). It is common knowledge that any child who constantly moves around will not be able to attend school on a regular basis, and even if hey go to a school when they get a chance they will be so far behind they would have a difficult time catching up. Another factor that impeded on a child†s attendance at school was the fact that they never went to school when there was cotton to be picked (Walker 8). This may not seem like a large task, but some times it could take weeks to pick all the cotton. These few weeks that a child spent picking cotton was valuable learning time, and missing it could put a child too far behind to catch up. Another reason share croppers didn†t get the education they needed was because many southern rural schools had short terms Gentry 21). Because of this teachers would not be able to cover all of the material that they needed to cover, or they would have to rush through the material they did cover. A final reason the education of the southern cotton states was not as good as other states was because their teachers were not as good. This was reflected in the fact that the salaries of Southern teachers were not as high as the salaries of other teachers (Mckeon 98). Back in the 1930†³s the higher a teacher†s salary was the higher their quality and training was (Mckeon 98). This meant that when children did go to school they did not get adequate teaching. Because of all of these reasons education of the Southern cotton states was at an all time low. The children were not getting the education they needed, so they were forced to work the substandard jobs such as sharecropping. This meant that their children would not get the education they needed, either. It was a cycle that led to the lowering of the general living conditions of southern share croppers, but lack of education was not the only factor that lowered the living conditions of the share Another reason the living conditions of the southern share croppers were so low was because they had poor health care. To egin with the tenant farmers did not eat in a healthy manner. Mckeon writes that many tenant farmers in the South said that garden vegetables, milk, butter, and eggs were never a part of their diet (116). One of the main things that they did eat was â€Å"sowbelly†, a fat salty pork (Walker 33). Because they ate so poorly it was hard for them to stay healthy. Another health concern of the tenant farmers was that their clothing was very coarse and not warm enough (Gentry 38). Many of the men wore denim overalls and the women wore cheap cotton and homemade underwear, if any at all (Gentry 38). Wearing clothing like this ould be very hard on a person during the winter months, and could easily lead to diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. These diseases were hard for the poor sharecroppers to combat because it was hard for them to afford any medication, if there were any medications at all to help them out. Another disease that plagued the southern sharecroppers was typhoid fever (Gentry 31). This disease was spread through contaminated wells and took a heavy toll on the life and energy of a person (Gentry 31). Malaria, which led to several fatalities, was also a serious problem for the tenant farmers (Corder 98). It was a major roblem for many of the unfitting men, and the men who worked long energetic hours (Corder 98). With all of these health hazards it was hard for the southern share croppers to stay healthy. To make the problem even worse there were not enough health care facilities to take care of the sick. Walker writes that in the 1930†³s there was an average of 210 persons per hospital bed in the south, while the national average was only 120 (10). This led to many overcrowded hospitals, and many times the sick had to be sent home and took care of there. The bad thing about this was that the disease could be spread around the amily, and soon around the community because there was nothing to contain it. Because of this the living conditions of the southern sharecroppers continued to decline, and it became harder and harder for them to make a better life for themselves. Another major problem many of the southern sharecroppers faced was poor housing. In many cases the houses of the southern sharecroppers were in horrid condition. Walker writes that many of the houses were huts on the verge of collapsing (17). Many of these huts were on the verge of collapsing into the water that surrounded them (Walker 4). To get to these houses surrounded by ater logs were placed in a makeshift manner, and it was very dangerous to cross (Walker 4). A misplaced foot or a slippery log could easily have led to a severe injury, or maybe even death. The surrounding water could have also been an easy place for diseases, or dangerous animals to manifest, yet creating another health problem for the tenant farmers. Houses for the southern share croppers of this time were usually only two or three rooms, which made it almost impossible for anyone to have privacy or decency (Walker 87). The close living conditions also made it easier for germs to spread, which meant that when one erson in a family got sick the rest of the family got sick along with them. The construction of these shacks that the tenant farmers lived in was also very poor. In many cases the roofs were leaky (Walker 40). In other cases the houses were never even painted, which meant that the houses were more susceptible After looking back at the way the southern sharecroppers lived it is easy to see that their way of life was well below what is considered decent. These tenant farmers were plagued with disease, they lacked a thorough education, and they lived in wretched little shacks that were well below society†s standards. Causes of Hardships of Southern Sharecropping For many people in the 1930†³s living conditions were not as adequate as they needed to be. The stock market had just crashed in 1928, and the US was in the midst of the Great Depression. Many people suffered from lack of money, and many others suffered from lack of food. One group of people who suffered greatly during this time period were the southern share croppers. Factors that caused the substandard living conditions of the southern share croppers in the 1930†³s include lack of education, poor health care, and inadequate living facilities. The first factor that caused the substandard living onditions of the southern share croppers was their lack of education. There were several reasons the share croppers didn†t get the education they needed. One main reason was because many children didn†t go to school. Harold Walker writes that Southern cotton states ranked lower in rate of attendance for each student enrolled than any of the other states in the nation (4). A factor that contributed to this was their excessive mobility, which inhibited many children from going to school (Corder 27). It is common knowledge that any child who constantly moves around will not be able to attend school on a regular basis, and even if hey go to a school when they get a chance they will be so far behind they would have a difficult time catching up. Another factor that impeded on a child†s attendance at school was the fact that they never went to school when there was cotton to be picked (Walker 8). This may not seem like a large task, but some times it could take weeks to pick all the cotton. These few weeks that a child spent picking cotton was valuable learning time, and missing it could put a child too far behind to catch up. Another reason share croppers didn†t get the education they needed was because many southern rural schools had short terms Gentry 21). Because of this teachers would not be able to cover all of the material that they needed to cover, or they would have to rush through the material they did cover. A final reason the education of the southern cotton states was not as good as other states was because their teachers were not as good. This was reflected in the fact that the salaries of Southern teachers were not as high as the salaries of other teachers (Mckeon 98). Back in the 1930†³s the higher a teacher†s salary was the higher their quality and training was (Mckeon 98). This meant that when children did go to school they did not get adequate teaching. Because of all of these reasons education of the Southern cotton states was at an all time low. The children were not getting the education they needed, so they were forced to work the substandard jobs such as sharecropping. This meant that their children would not get the education they needed, either. It was a cycle that led to the lowering of the general living conditions of southern share croppers, but lack of education was not the only factor that lowered the living conditions of the share Another reason the living conditions of the southern share croppers were so low was because they had poor health care. To egin with the tenant farmers did not eat in a healthy manner. Mckeon writes that many tenant farmers in the South said that garden vegetables, milk, butter, and eggs were never a part of their diet (116). One of the main things that they did eat was â€Å"sowbelly†, a fat salty pork (Walker 33). Because they ate so poorly it was hard for them to stay healthy. Another health concern of the tenant farmers was that their clothing was very coarse and not warm enough (Gentry 38). Many of the men wore denim overalls and the women wore cheap cotton and homemade underwear, if any at all (Gentry 38). Wearing clothing like this ould be very hard on a person during the winter months, and could easily lead to diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. These diseases were hard for the poor sharecroppers to combat because it was hard for them to afford any medication, if there were any medications at all to help them out. Another disease that plagued the southern sharecroppers was typhoid fever (Gentry 31). This disease was spread through contaminated wells and took a heavy toll on the life and energy of a person (Gentry 31). Malaria, which led to several fatalities, was also a serious problem for the tenant farmers (Corder 98). It was a major roblem for many of the unfitting men, and the men who worked long energetic hours (Corder 98). With all of these health hazards it was hard for the southern share croppers to stay healthy. To make the problem even worse there were not enough health care facilities to take care of the sick. Walker writes that in the 1930†³s there was an average of 210 persons per hospital bed in the south, while the national average was only 120 (10). This led to many overcrowded hospitals, and many times the sick had to be sent home and took care of there. The bad thing about this was that the disease could be spread around the amily, and soon around the community because there was nothing to contain it. Because of this the living conditions of the southern sharecroppers continued to decline, and it became harder and harder for them to make a better life for themselves. Another major problem many of the southern sharecroppers faced was poor housing. In many cases the houses of the southern sharecroppers were in horrid condition. Walker writes that many of the houses were huts on the verge of collapsing (17). Many of these huts were on the verge of collapsing into the water that surrounded them (Walker 4). To get to these houses surrounded by ater logs were placed in a makeshift manner, and it was very dangerous to cross (Walker 4). A misplaced foot or a slippery log could easily have led to a severe injury, or maybe even death. The surrounding water could have also been an easy place for diseases, or dangerous animals to manifest, yet creating another health problem for the tenant farmers. Houses for the southern share croppers of this time were usually only two or three rooms, which made it almost impossible for anyone to have privacy or decency (Walker 87). The close living conditions also made it easier for germs to spread, which meant that when one erson in a family got sick the rest of the family got sick along with them. The construction of these shacks that the tenant farmers lived in was also very poor. In many cases the roofs were leaky (Walker 40). In other cases the houses were never even painted, which meant that the houses were more susceptible After looking back at the way the southern sharecroppers lived it is easy to see that their way of life was well below what is considered decent. These tenant farmers were plagued with disease, they lacked a thorough education, and they lived in wretched little shacks that were well below society†s standards.

International Integration

International Integration Introduction The ongoing process of international integration is often referred to as ‘globalization'. An organization called the ‘United Nations' (UN) is specifically important as it is contributing to this process by creating a possibility for its members to discuss problems, initiatives and much more. Almost all states are its members and through that an important environment is created for international integration. The question this article tries to answer is; ‘Is international integration an advantage or disadvantage for world peace? ‘.An answer is tried to be found through the exploration of the process of globalization, its link to the UN and the current conflict in Syria. The case study of the current conflict in Syria explores how the UN works in certain situations and the problems it faces for acting on an international level. It will be used as an example to find an answer to the main question. As the UN is almost an unive rsal organization it is the terrain for endless discussion between its members who all have certain interests. But its democratic character may not be truly valid as certain actors have more power than others, influencing the process of equal input.International integration and its features are constantly developing and as will be described the process has multiple consequences, positive and negative ones. Globalization Modern society anno 2012 could be described as an interconnected world where information is shared at a rapid pace through various channels as internet, television and telecommunications. Mankind has evolved a curiosity in everything that happens around him. Nowadays it is possible to acquire the latest news by a single mouse click and we are excited to share even the slightest happenings through our personal domains such as Facebook and Twitter.A global network of intelligence arose with the development of modern day communication resources, one of the reasons for t he process of globalization (Jeffery, 2002). The general understanding of the process of globalization is the increasing international integration of the world caused by mass trade and cultural exchange (Fincle & Govale, 2012). Although opinions also seem to differ about the meaning of the concept it is generally accepted that it is concerned with the growing scope, speed and intensity of interconnectedness worldwide (Goldstein & Pevehouse, 2011).Reasons given for globalization are; freedom of trade, improvements of transportation, labor wages and skills and improvement of communication resources (Fincle & Govale, 2012). Globalization has resulted in increased international trade, transnational corporations, faster and better accessibility of information, freer movement of persons and a greater dependence on the world economy. Opponents of globalization see an expanding gap between the rich and the poor, as wealthy states drain human and natural resources from less developed countri es for unfair compensations (Jeffery, 2002).Several indicators for globalization have been developed over the last decades, relevant are their variables and data they use. One of the first indicators designed and one that is used as reference for many others is the Kearney/FP index which is supported by a database (Lombaerde & Iapadre, 2007). It takes into account; â€Å"[†¦ ] the economic integration in the world economy, the extent of international political engagement, the internationalization of personal contacts of citizens and the use of internet technology. † (Lombaerde & Iapadre, 2007, p. 3).The Modified Globalization Index, by Martens and Zywietz, includes these four variables and adds another two;†[†¦ ] the involvement of a country’s military-industrial complex with the rest of the world, and the intensity of globalization in the ecological domain. † (Lombaerde & Iapadre, 2007,p. 4) Their definition of globalization is; â€Å"[†¦ ] the intensification of cross-national cultural, economic, political, social and technological interactions that lead to the establishment of transnational structures and the global integration of cultural, economic, environmental, olitical and social processes on global, supranational, national, regional and local levels. † (Lombaerde & Iapadre, 2007,p. 4). Another is the Dreher globalization index that builds on the Kearney/FP index and emphasizes on information flows and international integration through economic policy development. Another description of globalization is found in the work of Gibbens, who seems to agree that globalization is a process of cultural, political and economical integration of nation states throughout the globe (Giddens, 2000).Ritzer(2004) introduces, actually prefers, the use of the term ‘grobalization', since he focuses on the imperialistic character of nations and transnational corporations. He pinpoints the will to integrate international ly by those who have the resources required. International integration is a worldwide process with consequences. The process is steered by forces and it is important to mention that these forces are not divided equally across the world but rather are directed from a centre (Iadicola, 2008). Nowadays the United States of America is in this centre of a so-called global empire.It has the most influence on international organizations and the determination of integration on political, economical and societal levels among nation states (Iadicola, 2008). Iadicola(2008)researched this power centre empire idea. A passage concerned with globalization states that;†[†¦ ] globalization is in part a product of the power of empires as a result of conquest and trade and immigration creating patterns of cultural diffusion. â€Å"(Iadicola, 2008, p. 2-3). Globalization started long ago and it intensified during the colonial era.Yet, nowadays it seems globalization has increased in speed a nd reach as could be explained by the intense growth communication means, with internet as key feature. The empire has played a sufficient role in the distribution of capital flows, trade and economic partnership. Integrating more and more states into the world economy does not mean that wealth is equally divided among them, as Iadicola(2008) describes;†[†¦ ] the structure of international flows of income, investments, and royalty payments today does not correspond to any notion of an interdependent world that is mutually benefiting from these flows.In contrast, singular concentration and unidirectional flows towards imperial-based corporations dominates the process of globalization[†¦ ]. â€Å"(Iadicola, 2008). Empires have determined the forces of globalization for ages, The British Empire is a prime example of how trade was used to connect multiple continents. But also the Greek, Ottoman and the European empires as the Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch were all invol ved in international integration as they claimed overseas territories in the form of colonies and motivated international trade(Iadicola, 2008).Maier(2005)sees the empire as a major, leading actor in international integration. The forces needed to influence globalization are found at this actor. Empires are organized by and for those who principally control resources and production and not by those who work for it, as the empire has a class ideology(Maier, 2005). The empire has four essential features that relate to its influence or penetration of those dominated by it. These features can be seen as globalization forces, used to gain more wealth, power and increased global cultures.It uses; military-, economic-, cultural- and political penetration and integration. The USA has used these means with increasing intensity over the last decades to expand their interest (Iadicola, 2008). Globalization can be seen as international integration at multiple levels. Its intensification over th e last decades can be attributed to new and faster ways of communication, increased global trade and the need of the empire for expanding its power. Yet, there is more to describe that will help to discover its limitations, overall developments and influence.Relevant for the increasing international integration is international law. International law can be seen a system of principles, rules, concepts and norms for governing and managing relations among states, intergovernmental organizations(IGO), nongovernmental organizations(NGO), individuals and several other actors in globalization. International law's main sources of creation are custom and treaties(conventions). Customary international law can be seen as law that arises from certain, commonly practiced actions by states. An example is the immunity diplomats enjoy in foreign countries.Custom will most of the time be formalized into a treaty, the most important source of international law (Scott, 2010). These laws are created t o rise expectations, create stability among states and determine how states should interact on international level as well as national. Although states enjoy sovereignty, they are restrained when certain agreements are made between states and adaptation of domestic policy might be required and is sometimes urgent (Shaw, 2008). International law is created by states, IGO's and NGO's and it is made for them.The creation of international law is an outcome of international integration where states work together to set boundaries, create rules and determine what is important. Through international law it becomes clear that globalization influences all involved and will have consequences. The UN is the major actor that creates the environment for the adaptation of international law, what will become clear later in the article. As mentioned, treaties are the main source of international law. It is an agreement that legally binds parties under international law (Scott, 2010).There are bilat eral, two parties involved, and multilateral treaties in where three or more parties participate. The focus on international integration makes it relevant to research multilateral treaties. â€Å"A multilateral treaty is the culmination of what may have been a long political process. [†¦ ]Once the treaty document is in place it provides the central focus for the continuation of the political process that, together with the treaty itself, can now be referred to as a ‘regime'. [†¦ ] a pattern of cooperation[†¦ ]†(Scott, 2010, p. 161-163). According to Krasner(1983) a regime is â€Å"[†¦ principles, norms, rules and decision-making processes around which actor expectations converge in a given issue area. â€Å"(Scott, 2010, p. 163). The described passage provides a reasonable idea of what a regime in international law is. To establish a regime several factors or processes are involved. The first process is that of there being an issue of importance th at concerns three or more states(Scott, 2010). There is a need to manage a common problem. It triggers the process of international integration. This need will be generated by negotiations, the second process.It is in this phase that states or certain parties have the possibility to define, prioritize and recommend. Negotiations happen between states, but also between IGO's and NGO's who are capable of putting certain issues on the agenda of states, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(Scott, 2010). During the negotiations parties are able to hear each other out, trade information or make proposals. The very existence of a variety of parties makes it tempting to think that there are many issues that need attention, much negotiations happen and that there are an enormous amount of multilateral treaties.The last part is a fact, a solid proof of an interconnected world, where cooperation is extensively exercised. Yet, the value of an issue depends on by who it is prese nted. As mentioned before, globalization seems to be steered by an empire and especially from its centre. Scott(2010) does not mention empire, but he uses a different term, ‘hegemon'. â€Å"The theory of hegemonic stability suggests, most basically, that a regime emerges when a hegemon-a state with preponderant power- regards such a regime as being in its best interests.The United States has been a world hegemon since World War II. â€Å"(Scott, 2010, p. 165). A hegemon is a super power who is capable of exercising positive leadership and is capable of making others accept its preferences. Short term costs are seen as a possibility when the hegemon regards the regime to be useful and will pay off in the long run. Phase three and four are closely related. In the event of a conference all parties, or its delegations are presented the basic draft of the treaty in where an issue is tried to be managed.Proposals of laws, measures to be taken or cooperation to be achieved are pres ented and discussed during the conference which will result in a final draft on which all parties agree. Phase four is adoption and ratification of the final draft, legally binding all parties. A regime is established. Globalization is for a large part achieved through treaty making, where parties work together to find solutions, create plans for development and control processes. Besides states working together, individuals can influence its process by creating needs, address problems and inform.The modern means of communication have increased the connectivity between society and those in power as international integration is increasing on all levels. Some multilateral treaties establish an international organization that is concerned with the provisions the treaty entails. The United Nations The most known international organization, made up of states, is the United Nations(UN). It was established via the UN charter, a multilateral treaty, stating its goals, procedures, means and measures and much more on how all participants were to act. It started with 51 member states and it has 193 nowadays.The UN is an organization that reaches all over the globe and it is possible for every member to address a problem during certain occasions(Scott,2008). The UN is as it were an umbrella organization, it established many others to carry out what was agreed upon in the UN charter. The UN has so many organizations that it practically is involved all over the world with all kinds of problems on economical, social and conflict matters(Scott, 2008). The UN charter is made of several articles, divided in chapters, paragraphs and subparagraphs. It is an immense agreement on how states should interact, develop, help and much more.The first article states the UN's main purpose on which it was founded after World War II. Article 1 â€Å"The Purposes of the United Nations are: 1. To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace; . To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace; 3. To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion; and 4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends. (UN, 1945) International peace and security, globa l peace and security, a global purpose which states that all members should help to solve and prevent problems as peacefully as possible. By signing the UN Charter a state will become part of an extensive network of rules and procedures which it has to embrace, which have been determined by them and others. The UN has increased its influence due to the creation of an environment for treaty making. Over time the UN has become the world's most important organization for international integration by motivating states to solve problems.Its power has be justified by its members and the agreements between them (Schooyans, 2001). The major organs of the UN are the Security Council, the International Court of Justice, the Economical and Social Council and the General Assembly. For finding an answer to my question the focus will be on the Security Council. The Security Council is an organ that is most known due to the measures it can take. It is made up out of 5 permanent members and 10 non permanent members which will be selected by the General Assembly. Its permanent members are China, The United Kingdom, The USA, France and Russia.In chapter V of the Charter articles are defined to state its purpose. Article 24 â€Å"1. In order to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations, its Members confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Security Council acts on their behalf. [†¦ ] (UN, 1945). All members should keep the Security Council informed, an obligation to make sure the UN can act if this is required.The five permanent members have a veto right, meaning they can dismiss certain decisions even when they are urgent, generally accepted and majority voted. According to article 42 and 43 of the UN charter the Security Council is able to implement measures as economical and political exclusion, named sanctions. If n o positive result follows, then it is allowed to use article 43 stating â€Å"[†¦ ]it may take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security.Such action may include demonstrations, blockade, and other operations by air, sea, or land forces of Members of the United Nations. † (UN, 1945). Whenever the Security Council comes to an agreement about what measures should be taken it presents a resolution, a formal statement, extensively describing what is to come, how it is to come and who should be involved. A resolution could form the basis for a military intervention. A problem that needs attention, according to the Security Council is (article 39)†[.. ] any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression[†¦ ]† (UN, 1945).The Security council has presented multiple resolutions with regards to an act of aggression such as resolution 83 and 84, 1950, to use force â€Å"[†¦ ] to repel the armed attack upon the republic of Korea by forces of North Korea. â€Å"(Scott,2010, p. 103). The use of force has been authorized through more resolutions regarding, Kuwait, Somalia and Sudan. Looking back at the main question, it might be tempting to say that an organ, with multiple members, working for a safe and secure world is a definite yes. International integration has reached a point where there is a collective choice.A democratically (up till the veto) determined procedure that takes into account agreed norms and values by almost all states. The vision was formed by 51 founding members and today the charter is almost universal. When a decision to interfere, to use force, to discriminate sovereignty, to ‘ensure' safety and security is made it becomes clear that this world is so interconnected, that it lets an organization decide over life and death. Determining if the use of force is necessary, is not only led by the Security Council, it is allowed to ask help and advice to reach a conclusion.Many international organizations keep track of human rights and they are eager to alarm the security council to act, with sanctions or force, when they think something needs to be changed. Their expertise and resources make them trustworthy, not only for the Security Council but also for the world population. The increasing interconnectedness of the world makes it possible for these organizations to spread their worries and claims faster than ever before due to technological innovations as the internet, smart phones and global broadcast channels.International integration benefits from these technological innovations as problems become more visible and are spread faster. Communication and cooperation between organizations and states can lead to fast decisions and less damage to those under threat. International interventions, approved by the Security council, have increased in numbers since the ending of the cold war. The 1990's can be app ointed as the decade where most international interventions took place. It is also in this period that the idea of diplomacy over the use of force blurred.The use of force, military interventions, became a short term solution that would end the suffering of those suppressed. With regards to the twentieth century Afghanistan and Iraq are the most violent interventions so far. After the 9/11 terrorist attack in New-York, the USA promoted and executed the ‘war on terror'. This replaced the idea behind interventions for humanitarian and conflict reasons to a new enemy; international terrorism and its supporting regimes. The use of violence became a tool to scare off the opponent as well as completely deactivating him.Inner state conflicts that have been addressed increasingly over the past two decades are a relative new symptom for the UN and its Security Council. Shifting from conflicts between states to a state in conflict with itself. The traditional rules for peace keeping did not apply for these kinds of conflicts(Zandee, 2012). International integration reaches to the very integrity of states, as seen with the use of resolutions. Not only in cooperative ways, but also in the form of interventions approved through cooperation between states.The link between globalization and the UN is in its cooperative character, where the United Nations provides a ground for discussion, problem solving, initiatives and the creation of rules. The UN promotes development on different levels and multiple fields and it is to be reached through cooperation between its members (Bertucci & Alberti, 2001). In the year 2000 the ‘UN Millennium Summit' was held for the purpose of the discussion and adaptation of the ‘UN Millennium Declaration'. Over 150 world eaders eventually adopted the declaration, agreeing on the goals it set out to achieve for the upcoming 15 years such as less poverty, better health care and non-violence. Important was the emphasis on better an d more efficient cooperation between its members, an increase of international integration. One of the main points made was to make globalization a positive force for all world's people (Sneyd, 2005). Syria Syria is a state in the middle east neighboring Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq. Its main source of income is the oil- and gas industry and a small sector of tourism can be found at the Mediterranean sea.Syria has had several conflicts over time regarding territory with its neighboring states (Donker & Janssen, 2011). Syria's recent history has been used as one of the many motives for the protests that arose in the spring of 2011. In 1967 the Syrian political party Ba'ath took power by a coupe, overthrowing the government. After this, in 1970, the Ba'athist Hafez al-Assad took power in his own hands via a second coupe. He used his military connections, as he fought in many sections, too establish a loyal security force. Hafez al-Assad appointed many relatives and friends to several high governmental and military functions.In the beginning he was not very popular as he originated from a relatively small community of Alawi. Syria houses a variety of subcultures and religious sects and multiple conflicts between them have passed over time. Yet, the majority of Syria supported him for bringing stability to the economy and its inhabitants. This changed over time as Hafez al-Assads regime became more authoritarian and the economy started to fail. In the 1970's uprisings begun, which became more and more violent under the leadership of the ‘Muslim Brotherhood'.An example is its sniper campaign targeting the government's representatives. Many inhabitants did not support this way of protesting and the increasing awareness of the Brotherhood's intentions gave way for Hafez al-Assad to act brutally in 1982. This was the final standoff between the Islamists and the regime and it took place in Hama. An estimated number of civilian causalities varies betwe en 5000 to 20000. Hafez al-Assad's ruler ship was based on fear and showed severe consequences for those trying to destroy it. The media was state controlled and still is in present day (Donker & Janssen, 2011).To gain stability after the uprisings Hafez al-Assad assigned more political positions to other sub group members of Syria. In response to the Brotherhood, any political form of Islam was strictly forbidden. During the late 1980's and 1990's Syria underwent, as many other states due to ending of the cold war, economic liberation. Policies developed actually improved the position of political elites who had the resources to engage in exclusive economic deals. The tension between state, now seen as corrupt, and its society grew. In July 2000 Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father and he has been the leader of Syria ever since.His attitude and means concerned with ruling Syria do not vary that much from his father; society's voice and politics are still not coherent as a small gro up owns most of the states power as well as economical and military resources. Bashar al-Assad's nationalism, clientelism and severe repression held up over the years until March 2011 (Donker & Janssen, 2011). On March 6, 2011, children that were not older than 15 wrote the text ‘the people want the fall of the regime' (in Syrian) in the southern city Daraa. The children were arrested and tortured by Syrian security forces.Protests arose in response to this incident, first locally, but it did not take long for the remaining Syrians to participate in nationwide demonstrations. At first uprisings were generally peaceful, as people remembered what happened under his father's ruler ship. Yet, over time certain protest groups became more violent and separated themselves from the mainstream, but still recalling its support (Donker & Janssen, 2011). Videos posted on YouTube of the arrests spread a wide feeling of anger, among citizens, but also internationally (Times, 2011).Anti gove rnmental movements have been suppressed to underground spheres under the ruler ship of the al-Assads and its police state. Yet, there was an opening for coming out now. Support for protests and coordinated uprisings were now present and several movements tried to gather as much people as possible. Thus, it happened several times that the government controlled media was manipulated to prevent protest progress as when mobile phone networks were shutdown as well as many websites (Zoepf, 2011).The so-called ‘Arab Spring' started at the end of December 2010 as a series of protests and demonstrations across several North African and Middle Eastern states, such as in Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia and also in March 2011 in Syria (Schippers, 2011). The Arab Spring was mostly led by the voices of youngsters concerned with their future. The feeling of repression, unemployment, corruption and little democratic value triggered many to protest against their current leaders and governments. Many other states were showing symptoms of breaking regimes, motivating Syrians to continue to fight for their cause (Schippers, 2011).The peaceful protests gave way for more violent ones once the government started to repress them with violence. Heavy military resources were used to break up demonstrations as well as targeted assaults on protest group leaders (Schippers, 2011). More and more, images, videos and reports came from Syria and were spread all over the world. The cruel acts of armed government forces towards civilians were portrayed as terroristic, suppressive, inhumane and in violation with international laws (Khalay, 2011). As in other ‘Spring' states, governments were not going to settle easy.Violence was commonly used in Egypt and the prime example is Libya where the protests led to a civil war between government and several protest groups. The killing of civilians by a central, repression based government was described as a crime and the international communi ty was to be involved soon (Khalay, 2011). Amnesty International is an international organization concerned with human rights. It is mayor player in international integration, as its reports trigger discussion, provoke change and picture current developments.During the Arab Spring, Amnesty International has been highly concerned with the treatment of civilians. Reports about Syria indicate serious human rights violations and the organization is alarming the international community to act to stop these practices. Violent attacks harm civilians and there is a lack of primary resources and security. It is a situation that needs to be changed and it needs to be changed fast as these gross violations lead to more causalities every day (Khamis, 2012). International intervention returns to the picture.Up till recent day the inner state conflict Syria is dealing with, is still not resolved. Thousands of deaths are marking an ongoing civil war which seems not to end on a short notice as the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad still enjoys military support(although some soldiers turned over) as well as scarce, yet important public support. The international community, with the UN as main player, has alarmed the Syrian government to stop its activities and has applied multiple sanctions to pressure its movement and resources such as oil export restrictions (Iadtu, 2011).The security council has been involved since the beginning of the cruel acting of the armed government forces. The Arab Spring has been interpreted as a period of humanitarian crimes, where old repressive regimes are tried to be destroyed (Iadtu, 2011). The Security Council approved a military intervention in Libya, bombing governmental buildings, weapons depots and providing resources and manpower to the ‘democratic' opposition. The bombings were successful till the extent that they destroyed most of Libya's military force used for repression.Thus, the amount of civilian, unintended, casualties were h igh. The creation of an integrated democratic governmental structure has shown some progress, but the latest report indicates new instability as power protest groups now claims power and use force to gain this (Nazemroaya, 2012). The Security Council has send negotiators, as Kofi Annan, to Syria to discuss possible diplomatic solutions to end the conflict. Yet, Bashar al-Assad does not want to comply. Its government is also stating that it is fighting terrorist groups and not the entire population of Syria.He refers to groups of protestors that are well armed and are targeting the Syrian government. It accuses the USA and other Western countries of supplying the opposition with resources to take out the government. In response to this acquisition the Western society claims the protestors need to defend themselves from ongoing governmental attacks (Cunningham, 2012). The Security Council has suggested a similar intervention as in Libya, thus Russia and China stood in the way as they vetoed this proposal.Russia has been internationally criticized for the ongoing weapon supply to the Syrian government. Battle helicopters have been shipped several times and the USA is the main opponent of this practice as it implies Russia is supporting the al-Assad regime and therefore approving it means on how to settle the conflict. Russia says it is not violating any international laws and that it is providing the helicopters for protection and not for attack (Lathd, 2012) Russia is Syria's biggest arm supplier, it houses the only Russian naval base in the Mediterranean Sea.Syria has quite some Russian inhabitants and the Russian Orthodox church is influential regarding certain accommodations and populations in Syria (Carr, 2012). Besides these interests, other factors play a big role. Russia played its veto card with the statement that it does not want to see a Libya scenario again. That includes many civilian victims, the rise of radical Islamism and a lot of costs (Carr, 20 12). It is stopping the Security Council from taking action in the form of an military intervention.It can also be taken in consideration that Putin faced some severe resistance when he reassigned himself as president and its resulting protests. Supporting another military intervention might give Putin away as a person willing to participate in overthrowing repression led governments, as Russia might be labeled as such with suspicious democratic regulations (Lathd, 2012). The Security Council has not been able to stop the conflict, yet its sanctions are felt more every day. But also these means of conflict suppression are not only inflicting al-Assads government, large parts of the population are facing below average standards of living.Russia also shares the opinion that Western states are providing resources to destroy the regime (Cunningham, 2012). Cunningham(2012) and Nazemroaya(2012) argue that international interventions are a tool of Western imperialism, modern colonialism. T he power of the Security Council and its main members has grown towards a way to change states in such a way that the West will benefit from it, such as open economies ready for more foreign investments. The Western media plays a significant role in portraying situation as cruel and is good at moving the populations emotions and opinions.It tries to justify their actions by showing images of killed children, while negative reporting about NATO bombing and the resulted civilian deaths are hard to find. Once violence has started it is important to supply the opponent, in this case the protestors, with arms, so it can be said that the government, when shooting with sharp, is harming civilians. It is important that the media will justify the intervention with help from international organizations such as Amnesty International. The ‘Responsibility 2 Protect' has been used under the headline ‘humanitarianism' to execute violent operations as seen in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya .The Security Council, and the UN, have enormous international powers and are able to decide over death and life. The hegemon plays an important in addressing and executing issues and missions. Much military interventions have led to the destruction of regimes and set boundaries for future development. Syrians are pessimistic about a foreign intervention as some of them still support al-Assad. It is unlikely that Russia will set for a new direction soon, leaving the situation of ongoing civil war to continue (Cunningham, 2012) (Nazemroaya, 2012).Up till present day no military intervention has been undertaken. Constant debate about the use of such a mean slows the power to act and protect down. Syria is under international interest, but the international community has not yet found a way to act and stop the violence. The conflict in Syria provides a better look at the problems international integration is facing when debate and veto votes lead to a stop in developing solutions for c onflict. The democratic aspect leads to a proper justification of the Security Council's decisions, but it turns against him when there is no cohesion.The consequences are severe, as Syria remains in a civil conflict. Conclusion The answer to the main question revolves around the process of globalization, the United Nations and the current conflict in Syria. International integration has generated an interconnected world, in where more is known then ever before and where states are generating cooperation. The change in communication resources has led to a network of intelligence where one can find and publish almost everything. Accessibility, fluidity and transparency mark modern times.The United Nations is a prime example of international integration and it will continue to be. Its goals, declarations, treaties and resolutions illustrate the worldwide need for international integration and its further development. The UN's power has increased over time and the Security Council is o ne of the most profound organs to achieve its goals. The validity of the resolutions is determined by the permanent members, powerful actors in the world with more influence than other states. History illustrates interventions as successful means to stop violent conflicts and generate peace.Thus, this should be claimed with care as the current conflict in Syria is not benefitting from international integration. The empire steers the interests of the UN, yet others are able to influence its goals. As the USA is a superior military-, economical- and political power in the world, its influence has great consequence for international integration. World peace is one of the main goals of the United Nations and the integration of states worldwide has set out several positives achievements. Is international integration an advantage or disadvantage for world peace?The United Nations motivate international integration and its goals are clear. It wants to distribute wealth, create common inter ests of concern and stop violent conflicts. If international integration was less intense than it is nowadays, the legality of actions by states would be less, possibly provoking new conflicts. The democratic procedures justify the UN's actions and consensus is properly reached. Yet, as the Syria case has shown, it also slows down the process of acting. Overall I would like to answer the question with; an advantage.Cooperation leads to efficient usage of resources as knowledge, money and weapons. It also integrates multiple interests and reflects opinions. The recognition of the UN's goals creates a justifications for its actions and therefore prevents further conflict. If ( almost ) universal goals and means are approved, acting for the sake of world peace will be accepted faster. Bibliography Bertucci, G. , & Alberti, A. (2001). Globalization and the Role of the State: Challenges and Perspectives. New York: United Nations. Carr, B. (2012, June 25). Syrian Solution Lies in Putin's Hands.The Australian , p. 7. Cunningham, F. (2012). how the Arab League Has Become a Tool of Western Imperialism. Global Research. Donker, T. H. , & Janssen, F. (2011). Supporting the Syrian Summer; Dynamics of the Uprising and Considerations for International Engagement. The Hague: Clingendael Institute. Fincle, P. , & Govale, E. (2012, February 10). Globalisation. Retrieved July 1, 2012, from BBC Bitesize: http://www. bbc. co. uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/globalisation Giddens, A. (2000). Runaway World: How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives. London: Routeledge Taylor and Francis.Goldstein, J. , & Pevehouse, J. (2011). International Relations. London: Pearson. Iadicola, P. (2008). Globalization and Empire. International Journal of Social Inquiry , 3-36. Iadtu, S. (2011, August 18). Can western sanctions touch Bashar al-Assad? Guardian Comment Network . Jeffery, S. (2002, October 21). What is globalisation? Retrieved July 1, 2012, from The Guardian: http://www. guardian. co. uk/world/2002/oct/31/globalisation. simonjeffery Khalay, D. (2011, October 24). Damascus may have to revise its political mindset. BBC Monitoring Middle East , p. 10.Khamis, N. (2012, July 2). Historic arms trade negotiations a chance to prevent future Syrian-style slaughter. Amnesty International Annual Report . Lathd, S. (2012). Russia's veto on Syria resolution sign or changing world order. BBC Worldwide Monitoring. Lombaerde, P. d. , & Iapadre, P. L. (2007). International Integration and Societal Progress: A Critical Review of Globalisation Indicators. Paris: OECD. Maier, C. (2005). An American Empire? : The Problems of Frontiers and Peace in Twenty-First Century Politics. In L. C. Young, The New American Empire (pp. 9-11).New-York: The New Press. Nazemroaya, M. D. (2012). From the Cold War to NATO's â€Å"Humanitarian Wars† – The Complicity of the United Nations. Global Research. Schippers, H. (2011, July). Op eigen kracht: taai verzet van Syrische oppositie. Int ernationale Spectator , pp. 401-404. Schooyans, M. (2001). The United Nations and Globalization. Louvain: Louvain University. Scott, S. V. (2010). International Law in World Politics. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers. Shaw, M. N. (2008). International Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Sneyd, A. (2005). UN Millennium Summit.Hamilton: McMaster University. Times, T. N. (2011, March 19). In Syria, Crackdown After Protests. The New York Times , p. 10. UN. (1945). UN Charter. San Fransisco : UN. Zandee, D. (2012, April). International Interventies; ‘Lessons learned'. Retrieved June 28, 2012, from www. clingendeal. nl: http://www. clingendael. nl/search/results. html? term=Dick+Zandee&start=1&division_id=&target=author Zoepf, K. (2011, April 28). Long Repressed in Syria, an Internal Opposition Takes Shape. The New York Times , p. 12. ——————————————– [ 1 ].Transnational c orporations, also called multinational corporations, are corporations operating in multiple states all over the world. An example is McDonalds, with restaurants in more than 100 countries [ 2 ]. Sovereignty is seen as a concept of a state being independent from other states influences. It entails that a certain territory that belongs to a state should not be interfered by another state so that it is free to make its own choices, create laws and determine a governmental form. [ 3 ]. In this context the word regime refers to states that are lead by dictators, corruption and unjustified government violence.

Natural Science Essay

The relevance of this test question is to determine which brand of leading paper towels is the best most absorbent. Consumers want to use the product that is most effective at meeting their needs. A more expensive product may actually be more cost effective if you can use less of it than a brand that costs less. Literature Review Many experiments have been conducted to test the strength and absorbency of paper towels. While the steps of the experiment vary from test to test, all of experiments are testing the same two factors; how much water can each paper towel brand absorb and how strong are each of the paper towels. Below I have reviewed the process and results from three experiments that are similar to the one I will be using. In the first experiment, the tester uses five brands of paper towels to test for absorbency, using paper towels of the same size to ensure the accuracy of the results. He draws a two inch circle in the center of a sheet of paper towel from each brand represented and placing the paper towel in an embroidery hoop to maintain stability. He then drops fifteen drops of water into the center of the circle draw on the paper towel, repeating the process for each brand, and measures the amount of time it takes the paper towel to wick the moisture outside of the circle. This test concludes that Bounty has the greatest absorbency. The next experiment tests for both absorbency and strength. As in the first test, several different brands of paper towels were used. In this experiment, to test the absorbency, the tester takes a sheet of each of the towels an inserts it into a glass with two ounces of water and leaves each sit for twenty seconds. After the twenty seconds expired, the tester removed the paper towel from the glass and rang out each paper towel into a measuring cup to see how much water each towel had absorbed. The second part of the experiment is conducted by stretching sheets of each paper towel through an embroidery hoop, placing 25 pennies in the center of the paper towel, and adding water to the towel drop by drop until the pennies fall through. The strongest paper towel in this test was Brawny Brand. The final experiment that I reviewed also tested for absorbency. The theory behind this experiment was the faster that water moves through the towel, the more absorbent it is. The experimenter cut strips from each paper towel, one inch wide and six inches long. A mark is drawn on each paper towel one inch from the end using a waterproof marker. The strip is then held in a glass of water with the bottom inch submerged, timing how long it takes for the water to travel the length of the strip. The process is then repeated for each brand that is being tested. The most absorbent brand in this test was Brawny. Experimental Design A. Steps in Experimental Procedure The absorbency of the towels will be tested by the speed the water moves through the paper towels, the faster the water moves, the more absorbent the towel is. I will be using the following brands of paper towels in my experiment: Brawny, Bounty, Sparkle and Scott. Other supplies necessary to complete the experiment are: a waterproof marker, and a sixteen-ounce glass of water, and a timer that registers tenths of a second. 1. Prepare three samples of paper towel from each brand by cutting strips of each that is 2 inches wide and six inches long. 2. Using a water-proof marker, draw a line across each paper towel one inch from the bottom. 3. Fill a sixteen ounce glass with water and prepare timer. 4. Take the first strip of paper towel and submerge it up to the line in the glass of water while holding it vertical to the glass while starting the timer. 5. Allow the timer to run until the water is absorbed through the paper towel and reaches the end of the towel not submerged. 6. Stop the timer and record the time in tenths of seconds. 7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for all three strips of each brand. B. Reasoning for Choosing my Experimental Design Plan The reason I chose this design for my experiment is because it seemed to be more accurate than other testing methods I found during my literature review and could be performed with items I already had in my home. The experiment where the tester rang out the paper towels and measure the water that they had absorbed is less accurate because there is no guarantee of exerting the same amount of force each time you ring out a towel. There is no way to completely drain the towel of all of the liquid it absorbed. Stretching the paper towel samples across the embroidery frame is sound way to perform the experiment but it would have required the purchase of additional materials. C. Sequence of Events to Collect Quantitative Data I will begin the collection of quantitative data by cutting the paper towel samples from each brand into strips that are one inch wide by six inches long, to ensure that all of the samples will be equal. I will use the same glass of water for each test to ensure the water composition is the same for each test. I have created a spreadsheet in excel with a column listing each of the brands being tested and three columns for the time in tenths of a second to be entered upon completion of the experiment. During the experiment, I will make notes on a tablet of the brand name and the time recorded to be entered into the spreadsheet upon completion of the entire experiment. D. Describe Tools, Technologies, and Measurement Units that are used to Collect the Data To collect the data for this experiment I will use one inch wide by six inch long strips of paper towel from each of the brands being tested, a black water-proof marker to mark the strips of paper towel, an eight ounce glass of water, my hand to hold the strip vertical to the glass once submerged as indicated in the experimental procedure, a timer that measures tenths of a second, and a pad and pencil to record the initial results. Once the experiment is complete I will transfer the results of the experiments to the spreadsheet that I have created using Microsoft Excel. I will also use excel to create the graphic representation of the experiment results. Dependent, Independent and Controlled Variables of the Experiment The independent variable in my paper towel experiment is the one inch by six inch strip of paper towel taken from a roll of each brand of paper towel used in the experiment. The dependent variable in the experiment is the amount of time it takes the water to travel the length of the strip of paper towel measured in tenths of a second. The controlled variables of the experiment are using the same glass of water, same size sample of paper towel, and same timer for each test in the experiment. Threat Reduction to Internal Validity To reduce internal threats to validity I will use the same size piece of each paper towel from each brand for each test to conduct the experiment, marking each piece with a line at exactly one inch from the bottom. I will use the same water sample to ensure the liquid being absorbed by each sample strip is identical; the same timer will be used for each test to ensure the accuracy of the time recorded for each test. I will also monitor my results for outliers in the time required to absorb the water through each test towel to ensure the results are valid for each test. Hypothesis The sample of Bounty paper towels will soak up the water through the length of paper towel faster than the other brands because it is thicker than the other brands being tested. I have arrived at this conclusion because the dual layers of towel that are present in the sample of Bounty create a greater surface to absorb water. The other brands are much thinner and have less thickness to soak up water.

Marketing Fundamentals Fall 2012 Midterm Exam Essay

Marketing Fundamentals Fall 2012 Midterm Exam - Essay Example Many of the brand names are available from the three largest producers of soda products, The Dr Pepper Snapple Group, PepsiCo & Coca-Cola Company, are well-intentioned equivalent competitors of each other. The following chart listing these competitors by type or flavor of drink. Many firms seek for a competitive advantage, but few truly realize what it is or how to accomplish and keep it. Competitive advantage is gain by contribution of consumer a superior value than the competitors, by offering lower prices or provided that best quality services or other benefits that give reason for a higher price. The strongest competitive advantage is policy that cannot be imitated by other competitors. Like any company who has effectively endured a century of survival, Coca Cola has had to continue enormously fluent with their pricing strategy. They have the opportunity of a worthy competitor continuously driving them to be better, faster, and smatter. A good or service is measured to be highly elastic if a minor change in price leads to a sharp change in the quantity of Supply or demand. These kinds of products and services are accessible in the marketplace and a person may not necessarily need them in daily life. The Coca-Cola Company uses a different distribution model than all the other FMCG companies. Coca-Cola Company Limited only provides concentrate that actually makes the soft drink through its subsidiaries. This solution is the main ingredient and also is most kept secret recipe ever. It also has number of bottlers all around the globe who obtain the concentrate directly from the company and makes the liquid soft-drink under severe supervision of Coca-Cola Company. Some of the main bottlers of Coca-Cola Company Limited who mostly controls operations of bottling, they are F&N, Swire Group, SABCO etc. commonly known as Anchor Bottlers. After complete bottling operations, this soft drink is efficiently distributed around the world through a very effective

CORPORATE FINANCE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

CORPORATE FINANCE - Essay Example ssaro has also provided clear reasoning to the businesses as to why they should not be unsure or fear reinventing the business to cope with the market changes and the complete global financial crisis. Based on the responses that the author has provided, I completely agree with the author. The recommendations like understanding that review means a lot for companies especially in times of recession. As the author has discussed, the decision involves a number of people, and also involves quick and accurate decision been taken by the management of the firms. I completely agree with the recommendations that have been provided by the writer. Massaro has provided clear cut out issues, solutions and recommendations for companies. The recommendations that have been provided show a very positive possibility for the firms to be able to overcome the recession and continue to make profits. It is also seen that the author has taken care in ensuring that the steps are expressed in simple terms and is not too technical hence can be used by any industry and any business size. A stockholder dropped by my office the other day and brought up a very interesting and important question. She said that as a company grows, agency problems develop within the company. Of course I nodded knowingly. She asked how we were going to help reduce the agency issues at the top executive level. She left and I started to look up definitions. Do you have any way of helping me get her an answer? What do we do to reduce this agency problem thing? How do we measure the top executives, what other safeguards do we establish to make sure no one is harming the company or its stockholders? Agency problems are a common issue that is found in companies. This normally occurs when there is a conflict of interest between the creditors, management and also the shareholders. This is majorly due to differences in the goals. Having agency problems in a company can lead to increased costs that the company requires to

Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design Research Paper - 1

Conflict, Decision Making, and Organizational Design - Research Paper Example However, due to certain physiological issues, the communication gap between the employees may increase, thus leading to a more complex situation (Bruce, 2003). According to Harris (2001), â€Å"decision making is the study of identifying and choosing alternatives based on the values and the preferences of the decision maker.† In other words, the decision maker has the privilege to choose from the numerous alternatives that he/she thinks is suitable according to the situation. As stated by Galbraith, Downey, & Kates (2002), organizational design is referred to as the continuous process of congregating people practices, reward systems, and structure of the organization for developing the capabilities of achieving the strategies required for the business. Thus, it can be recognized. The effective design of an organization is a significant part in ensuring that organizational goals and strategies are met. In this paper, the three key issues, i.e. conflict, decision making, and org anizational design will be discussed in context of the Field Support Directorate (FSD) of the United States Army Software Engineer Center. These issues will be identified and negotiation strategies will be applied to addressing the conflicts. Moreover, the process of applying of evidence-based management will be determined. Apart from these, the stages and the methods of decision making will be analyzed and recommended to the employer of FSD to follow. Last but not the least, the environmental and strategic factors that affect the organizational design will be discussed and analyzed. Process of Applying Negotiation Strategies to Address Potential Conflict in FSD As stated by Rahwan, McBurney & Sonenberg (2003), negotiation is the interaction between a group of people, with an aspiration to cooperate with the possible contradictory interests that tend to facilitate in reaching a mutually approved and acceptable division of limited resources. In other words, negotiation regarding solv ing a conflict often leads to sacrifices done by both parties involved in the conflict (Rahwan, McBurney, & Sonenberg, 2003). According to Cloke & Goldsmith (2005), conflict resolution’s definition is similar to the definition of success which is described by Winston Churchill as â€Å"the process from failure to failure with undiminished enthusiasm†. Similarly, conflict resolution always begins and remains at an endpoint until a distinguished reason or a solution and resolution become possible. Thus, the author further suggests that learning references should be followed to gain problem solving knowledge and to explore in-depth reasons for resistance, to understand the process of mediation and to redesign organizational cultures, systems, and structures. Thus, the processes will help to discourage suppression of the conflict and to encourage avoidance and resolution (Cloke & Goldsmith, 2005). The Field Support Directorate (FSD) provides a software support structure to the operations center that is one of the decisive links between the field support personnel, Warfighter, and software maintenance facility. The FSD’s role is to resolve any issue concerning the software labs by providing rapid solution to any unit concerns. The department is divided and mapped with various other departments to work closely with all the units and the CECOM Senior Command Representatives to provide resolutions to

Turning patients every 2 hours Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Turning patients every 2 hours - Article Example In relation to the outcome of the article, it can be viewed that the professional behavior of the nurses having degree is more evidence oriented in comparison with those nurses who do not possess any degree. Furthermore, the article also validated that evidence-oriented nursing practices probably occur in those organizations wherein nurses have better access towards revealing valuable information and also have superior prospects towards working with different sorts of advanced technologies. Ultimately, the findings of the article highlighted the fact that in healthcare field, there lays the requirement of conducting evidence based practices for better performance (Eizenberg, 2010). Implication of the Findings The outcome which has been gathered from the article implies that evidence-based nursing has become quite important especially in healthcare profession for enhancing the quality of services by a certain degree. Besides, from reviewing the article, it can be viewed that the adopt ion as well as the execution of evidence-based nursing is dependent on several variables that comprise professional context of nurses and the availability of resources among others. With respect to the professional context, the article revealed that there pertain a significant interrelation between nurses’ role such as managerial and non-managerial activities and evidence- based learning. Hence, it signifies that organizations need to employ nurses who possess adequate skills for managing different managerial and non-managerial activities within different healthcare organizations. Furthermore, the article also represented that the nurses who have professional degree have higher tendency to study different research articles applying them in conducting various sorts of nursing practices. It signifies the fact that professional background can influence the behavior of nurses toward performing more evidence-based practices in organizations. Furthermore, the findings of the articl e also depict that professional works are also associated with evidence oriented nursing practices at large (Eizenberg, 2010). One of the effective implications of the findings relating to the selected article can be apparently observed as the prevalence of the significant affiliation between accessibility of resources and evidence-based nursing practices within various healthcare organizations. Availability of resources in this context generally includes the opportunities to find different educational materials in the place of work. This signifies that in order to enhance the evidence based practices, healthcare organizations must enhance the access of information through providing the facilities such as library, information system and internet among others. Organizations that support these initiatives can enjoy higher evidence-based nursing practices (Eizenberg, 2010). The findings of the article reveal that there are several factors which can help to facilitate the use of evidenc e-based nursing practices by a greater degree. One of the factors might comprise providing support to the nurses about use of different resources for enhancing the effectiveness of services. The sources of knowledge also play a vital part in the adoption along with the implementation of evidence-based

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

Skinput - Essay Example In general terms, Skinput is an attempt to appropriate human body as an input interface. Skinput is a novel bio-acoustic sensing system developed by Chris Harrison from Carnegie Mellon University and Desney Tan and Dan Morris, employees at Microsoft Research. From the practical viewpoint, Skinput represents a bio-acoustic sensing array coupled with a small-size pico-projector, which turns user's skin into a touch-screen. The system of acoustic sensors identifies signals produced with our fingers onto skin surface, utilising the skin as an input surface. Chris Harrison's invention of Skinput rests on the idea that human skin constitutes an ideal input device: humans have roughly 22 square feet of skin area, which is accessible by hands and proprioception (understanding of how individual's body is configured in three-dimensional space) enables users to accurately interact with their bodies in an eyes-free manner (Harrison et al, 2010). Unlike previous examples of always-available input systems, Skinput idea is largely based on the principles of bio-sensing and acoustic transmission. Bio-sensing technology has been widely utilised in diagnostic medicine with electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIR) being notable examples (Harrison et al, 2010). Simultaneously, the principles of acoustic transmission have been applied to support the idea of the skin being used as a finger input surface. From the practical standpoint, when a finger taps the skin, the impact creates a magnitude of useful acoustic signals. In order to capture these signals, Chris Harrison's team developed a special bio-acoustic sensing array. During the series of experiments, Chris Harrison and his colleagues opted in for a sensing array built into an armband. This bio-acoustic sensing array aimed to detect vibrations transmitted through the body is comprised of two sensor packages each containing five cantilevered piezo films responsive to a particular frequency range. Because variations in bone density, muscle size and filtering effect produced by soft tissues and joints make different locations being acoustically distinct, Skinput software analyzes impacts and classifies them (Harrison et al, 2010). In addition, Skinput's armband works with a special purpose pico-projector, which allows various interactive elements to be displayed on the skin (see Figure 1 for complete illustration of Skinput device). Figure 1. Skinput technology. HOW SKINPUT WILL BE USED During the series of their study, Chris Harrison et al. illustrated the range of Skinput's applications, most of which were concerned with tap-based interfaces. In the first example, the researchers projected a series of buttons onto the forearm, on which a user can finger tap to navigate a hierarchical menu (Harrison et al, 2010). The second example reveals how individual uses a scrolling menu tapping top or bottom of his forearm. The third example illustrates a projection of numeric keypad, which can be tapped to dial a phone number. From the practical perspective, thanks to embedded program algorithms, Skinput's interface can accurately identify user's gestures in motion, for instance, during walk.

Planning in todays organizations in comparison to planning twenty-five Essay

Planning in todays organizations in comparison to planning twenty-five years - Essay Example This essay discusses that organizational planning has been done by top executives, consulting firms or central planning departments. Central planning departments in this case incorporate a group of planning specialists who report to the CEO or president of a company. Their goal is to develop strategic plans and gather data from the organization. This involves a top-down approach where plans and goals were assigned to major divisions and departments after approval from the president. This approach has worked well in companies twenty-five years ago, and it is still used in some companies today. However, despite the longevity of this approach, formal planning is criticised in today’s society with a fast paced environment. Documents from central planning departments may be obsolete to the rapid changes in reality faced by managers and front line employees. People may have to struggle to follow a plan that is not applicable to the customer’s needs or the environment. Moreove r, they may hinder the employee’s innovative and learning skills. These are some of the differences experienced in planning today and twenty-five years ago. Planning has changed and now involves everyone in the organization, plus outside stakeholders as well. It embraces decentralised planning in which experts in planning work with managers in major departments to develop their goals and plans. With this approach, managers come up with creative solutions to problems and become more engaged in following through the plan.

Integrated marketing communications Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Integrated marketing communications - Essay Example Relationships can be enhanced through the web efforts (Gurau, 2008). 6 IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) is entirely a new way of looking into the business related communication process. The paper aims to discuss the roles that e-communication plays in the integrated marketing communication strategy. The paper begins with the short introduction of the IMC. It describes in detail the importance and the role of IMC in the organisation. E-communication plays a vital role in IMC. It has enabled the companies to promote the brand over the internet itself commonly known as I-branding. It has also allowed an organisation to perform the marketing functions like promoting, distributing, segmenting, targeting and selling the goods to the ultimate consumers. The paper in the next phase looks at the literature review which is the study that has already been conducted by the other researchers. At first it demonstrates about the integrated marketing communication strategy then it ultimately talks about the role of e-communication in IMC. The paper will also discuss about the benefits and role of the e-communication strategies in an organisations daily activities. For the purpose of this short case study will be presented and then a thorough discussion on the case study will be conducted. The paper is beneficial in understanding the features and usability of e-communication strategy implementation in order to assimilate the various marketing efforts into a collaborated strategy. According to Tom Duncan (2002), integrated marketing communication can be stated as â€Å"a process for managing the customer relationships that drive brand value. More specifically, it is a cross-functioned process for creativity and nourishing profitable relationships with customers and other stakeholders by strategically controlling or influencing all messages sent to these groups and encouraging data-driven purposeful

Freshwater & resource Essay Example for Free

Freshwater resource Essay Freshwater is a valuable natural resource, but freshwater is only 3% of the total volume of water in the world. Two-thirds of this is found in glaciers and polar ice caps; thus leaves only 1% which can be readily acquired. Humans and other living organism on Earth need water to be able to survive. Freshwater is important in the transportation of nutrients in soil and is necessary for the propagation of plantations that support life for other organisms. Freshwater is a scarce resource; however it is easily contaminated by human activities. Human activities such as mining can contaminate rivers with heavy metals. It can also disrupt the ecological balance that requires the use of freshwater. Farmers who use excessive pesticide can contaminate freshwater supplies. Pesticides sip into the soil and flows to rivers when it rains. This human activities causes health problems, not only to humans but to other organisms as well. In some regions of the world, freshwater is not used efficiently. Irrigations and artificial dams disturb the water ecosystem. Irrigations and artificial dams direct the flow of freshwater to other paths which can harm organism who highly require freshwater. The ecological balance is destroyed which can affect several organisms that is part of the ecosystem. Excessive irrigation also induces desertification. Desertification is the decline of biological and economic activity of the soil. Desertification has been seen places around the world, such as China wherein farmers used irrigation inefficiently. Freshwater is renewable but it should be used in way that nothing is wasted. More and more people over the world are experiencing the lack of freshwater. Creating an effective water management is the only solution for this problem. References Richter, B. (2003). Ecologically sustainable water management: managing river flows for ecological integrity. Ecological Applications , 13 (1), 206-224

Gileadean regime Essay Example for Free

Gileadean regime Essay Explore the way in which Margaret Atwood presents Moira The Handmaids Tale. Refer closely to any literary and linguistic approaches where necessary. Within The Handmaids Tale Atwood presents us with many characters that are emotionally weak; Janine, Offred and even the Commander residing in the higher echelons of society all possess a deprivation of spirit brought about by the oppressive and restrictive nature of the Gileadean regime. In contrast to this we are presented with Moira and through her Atwood is able to create tension, conflict and a rebelliousness that is otherwise only seen in the recollections of Offreds mother. Moira acts as a representative for independence and liberty in the novel, she defies her oppressors and is seen by Offred as a role model that she finds impossible to aspire to. Moira constantly battles the status quo; she parades her lesbianism and manages on two occasions to defeat the system at the disgrace of the much-hated Aunts. She is confidant in both manner and speech. Dont move said Moira or Ill stick it all the way in The boldness of this imperative paired with the violent connotations attached to the  verb stick gives Moira the sinister tone she needs to intimidate Aunt Elizabeth. Moira is portrayed as an activist, she does not merely contemplate the possibilities of freedom as Offred does and Offred recognizes this with dissatisfaction as she muses the prospect of what she can do with the fan that she has been given. If I were Moira I would know how tot take it apart, reduce it to its cutting edges. I have no screwdriver but if I were Moira I could do it without a screwdriver. Im not Moira. This quote clearly outlines the practical nature of Moira juxtapositioned with the more theoretical approach that we would associate with Offred who loathes herself for it. The syntactic parallelism If I were Moira but if I were Moira points to the irony that Moira, in the same situation as Offred could use the fan to aid her escape. When we first learn of Moiras disappearance in chapter 22 we are not fully informed as to the details of her flight; the thought of Moiras freedom made the other Handmaids feel dizzy. Atwood purposely withholds this information to let the reader share in this feeling of suspense; the mystery surrounding Moira at this point  enhances her charisma. Offred recalls the Handmaids feeling a sense of victory over the aunts; Moira had shown that they could be defeated and so easily too, through Moiras actions the Aunts power was diminished. Having belittled the enemy she is seen to have great power, Offred refers to her as a loose woman a clichi connoting sexual freedom but cleverly a second implication of the characters unbridled power now that she is free. When Moira escapes, the future seems to hold promise for the Handmaids. The thought of what Moira could do now that she is free gives them a sense of presence, a  pressure reaching its climatic point. Moira was like an elevator with open sides. She made us dizzy This simile poses threat and the sense of freedom that Moiras escape gives the other women. Much of Moiras character is revealed to us through direct speech; This is a loony bin, Moira said. Im so glad to see you, I said Where can we talk? said Moira. The used of direct address here brings the reader closer to the story and builds tension and suspense through the feeling that they are present at the time of conversation. The colloquialism loony-bin reveals that Moira is a non-conformist; Atwood  creatively uses her as a reminiscence of the time before. Moiras interrogative response Where can we talk? conveys that Moira does not linger over sentimentalities as Offred would; it shows that she is active rather than passive. The clipped syntax reflects the rushed exchange of spoken discourse giving a nervous quality to both characters and reminding the reader of the volatile situation that the Handmaids are in. Moira is incredibly blas throughout the novel; her nonchalance shows even in her response to working at Jezebels which will lead to an impending death in the Colonies. Youd have three or four good years before your snatch wears out and they send you to the bone-yard. The vulgarity of the expletive snatch corresponding with the verb wears describes the female body in a manufactured way, dispensable for male pleasure and just as easily disposed of. It is this taboo language that Atwood uses to familiarize us with Moira. Her reference to the Colonies as the bone-yard is further evidence of Moiras ability to perceive things in a brutally realistic way. The fact that she is graphically aware of the inevitable doom she faces and does not react over-  sentimentally show Moiras unwavering courage. When Offred reflect on her student life in the time before we see that Moiras attitude to sex was then just as relaxed and liberal as it is under the Gileadean rule Im giving an under-whore party Tarts stuff, lace crotches, snap garters. Bras that push your tits up Here the three-part list indicates the casual attitude that Moira has towards sex, she is comfortable with her sexuality and her taboo language reflects this. The portmanteau under-whore adds humour to Moiras character and so contrasts with the present  where humour is essentially forbidden. Moira is irreverent and shows contempt to every aspect of injustice; Camaraderie shit How much do you want to bet shes got Janine down on her knees I bet she got her working away on that dried up, hairy old withered This quote is evidence of Moiras iconoclastic beliefs; there is a linguistic shock between the positive noun Camaraderie and the negative expletive noun shit. This shows the complete disrespect that Moira has for those who blindly follow the theocratic regime. Offred sees her irreverence as a source of power. There is something in the whispering of obscenities about those in power it deflates them, reduces them to the common denominator where they can be dealt with. Here Atwood uses visual language comparing those in power to something that can be deflated. This gives connotations of a balloon filled with air and its course is therefore precarious and fickle as to where it could blow. This is allegorical to the regime; Atwood makes the point that wherever there is oppression there is unavoidable rebellion. Moira sees through all aspects of the regime with explicit cynicism, in Jezebels she  analyses the actions of all the men in power with insulting accuracy. Its like screwing on the altar, your gang are supposed to be such chaste vessels they like to see you all painted up. Just another crummy power trip The pre-modifier crummy reduces the Commanders who perceive themselves as omnipotent to mere perverts. The use of the expletive screwing is further evidence of Moiras iconoclastic views. The use of the collective noun all painted up reduces the Commanders desires to petit and perverse, there is a linguistic shock to aid Moiras criticism in the antithesis of screwing and chaste vessels. Through Moira Atwood reminds us that Jezebels is a prescribed reality for those in power. The architects of this new society who claim their actions were to protect women from the world by eradicating pornography and prostitution are now seen as absolute hypocrites. Jezebels exposes the hypocrisy of the men who prate about sexual morality and then spend their evenings sleeping with prostitutes in a club, purpose built. The most poignant aspect of the novel is realised through the change in Moira. In their last encounter Offred learns that the spirit of both Moira and her mother, both  figures of transgression and resistance in the Handmaids life, have been broken. Throughout the novel, Atwood has set up a heroine in the eyes of both the Handmaid and the reader who believe that if there is to be a fortunate end to this grim tale then it will be accomplished through Moira. In their last meeting at Jezebels we disappointingly realise that this is not so; She is frightening me now because what I hear in her voice is indifference and a lack of volition. It is the abstract nouns indifference and volition that indicate the chance in Moira, the woman who, in times of need, Offred looked to as a source of hope has now become just like her, instead of embodying defiance Moira now embodies Gileads ability to crush even the strongest of spirits. I dont want to be like her as far as something I lack. Give in, go along, save her skin I want swash-buckling heroism from her, single handed combat. Something I lack. This three-part syndetic list describes Offred who has romanticised and projected on to Moira the qualities she wished she possessed and is here, along with the reader, sorely mistaken. I dont know how she ended Because I never saw her again What has happened to Moira is an anticlimax; we do not expect to be left unknowing, the novel now seems closer to real life than fiction and this brings the starkness of Offreds reality to the readers attention. Moiras spiritual demise and erasure is an elaboration of the full force of oppression Margaret Atwood presents us with, once a courageous, outspoken woman has become a despondent pessimist with no hope of escaping Gilead. It is this change in Moira that makes us realise the true awfulness of the situation so many women in the novel are in.

Digestive System of a Pig

Digestive System of a Pig Learning objectives: After you have studied this chapter, you should: Get a fundamental understanding of the porcine digestive tract Describe the essential digestive processes Understand the role of the digestive organs in digestion and absorption 1. Introduction (HNL/MSH) 2. Anatomy of the digestive system (HNL) The anatomy the porcine digestive tract has been described and illustrated in detail by others (e.g. Sisson, 1975, Moran, 1982)[1] and will only be briefly described in the current chapter. The digestive system of the pig is fundamentally similar to all other monogastric mammals, but the evolutionary development in size and digestive capacity reflects greatly the habitual diet. Pigs are true omnivores but with a large fraction of the diet coming from plant material. As such they have a great capacity to digest enzyme degradable carbohydrates in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, and a well-developed ecosystem in the large intestine to partly ferment and utilize fibrous material. 2.1 Mouth and salivary glands The pig is born with 8 deciduous teeth increasing to 32 with age. The complete set of permanent teeth consists of 44 teeth with 3 pairs of incisors, 1 pair of canines, 4 pair of premolars, and 3 pair of molars, which are usually not fully acquired until 18 months of age[2]. The oral cavity is lined with a simple stratified squamous epithelium, and saliva is mainly secreted from 3 large glands; the parotid glands, the mandibular glands, and the sublingual glands. Major ducts from the parotid and mandibular glands transport saliva to the oral cavity, while the sublingual glands have multiple openings beneath the tongue. In addition, a number of small glands with a number of excretory ducts are present in the mouth.[3] After leaving the mouth, food enters the pharynx and oesophagus. The pharynx is long and narrow. The esophagus is short and covered with stratified squamous epithelium. Beneath the epithelium, a number of submucosal glands are located. Their function is to secrete mucin a nd bicarbonate, to neutralize luminal acid and protect the epithelium[4]. 2.2 The stomach The stomach of the pigs consists of a simple compartment that is divided into 4 functionally and structurally different regions. The pars oesophagea is a non-glandular extension of the esophagus into the proper stomach. Ulceration ulcerous autodigestion of the cutaneous mucosa of the pars esophagea is a common phenomenon in swine production and develops from a complex interaction of dietary particle size, gastric fluidity, dietary carbohydrate content, presence of gastric organisms, and environmental stress factors. Next to the pars oesophagea is the glandular cardia, which in contrast to most other species is very large and occupies approximately one third of the stomach luminal surface. The fundic, or proper gastric, region is located between the cardiac and pyloric region. All three contain secretory glands located in so-called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"gastric pits. Structurally, they are similar, but they contain different cell types. The major surface of the stomach and lining of the pits are covered with surface mucous cells, that produce thick, tenacious mucus to protect the epithelium against injure from acid and grinding activity. The gastric pits of the fundic mucosa contain HCl-producing parietal cells that are clustered in the neck of the gland. Distributed between these cells are mucous neck cells that produce thin mucus and proteases. As the only cells of the stomach lining, mucous neck cells divide and migrate either down into the gland or up into the pits and differentiate into any of the mature cell types. Pepsinogen-producing chief cells are located at the base of the fundic glands. In addition, the fundic mucosa also contain endocrine/paracrine somatostatin producing D cells, seretonin producing EC cells, and histamine producing histamine-immunoreactive cells and mast cells (lamina propria) The cardiac glands have mucous cells that produce mucus, proteases and gastric lipase. The pyloric glands contain gastrin producing G-cells and somatostatin producing D-cells, but the dominating cells are the mucous cells. They do contain mucous neck cells that produce mucus and proteases and zymogen producing chief cells but have no parietal cells. [5] 2.2.1 Size and capacity of the stomach In suckling pigs the pars esophagea, cardic, fundic and pyloric regions represents about 6, 30, 44 and 20 % of the total mucosal area, respectively, while on weight basis the cardia represents only 20 % but the fundic region 56 % of total mucosa weight. The weight of the stomach represents 0.5-0.8 % of body weight in suckling pigs and between 1-1.3 % in growing pigs. In adult pigs the stomach accounts for approximately 0.6 % of total body weight. The capacity range from 0.03 l in the new born to approximately 3.5 l in slaughter pigs, and 5 l in adults, while under pressure the capacity under increases to 8 and 12 l for slaughter and adult pigs, respectively. A number of studies have shown that the bulk of the diet can influence the subsequent capacity of the stomach. [6] 2.3 The pancreas[7] The pancreas is located in proximal duodenum. The body of the pancreas separates in the two lobes with the center surrounding the portal vein. A single pancreatic duct leaves the right lobe and enters the duodenum on a minor palpilla 12-20 cm distal to and separate from the bile duct entry, 20-25 cm from the pylorus.[8] The pancreas is a mixed endocrine and exocrine organ. The exocrine pancreas consists of the acinar cells and the duct system, representing more than 95 % of the pancreas fresh weight. The acinar cells produce and store pancreatic enzymes and inactive zymogens, and when stimulated release them into the duct system for transport to the duodenum. Water, bicarbonate and other electrolytes of pancreatic juice are produced in centroacinar cells and cells of the intercalary and intralobular ducts. The endocrine part of the pancreas is restricted to the islets of Langerhans. The islet are distributed throughout the acinar exocrine tissue and contain glucagon producing, alpha cells (15-20% of total islet cells), insulin and amylin producing beta cells (65-80%) , somatostatin producing delta cells(3-10%), pancreatic polypeptide producing PP cells (3-5%), and possibly also ghrelin producing epsilon cells ( 2.4 The liver and gallbladder The porcine liver is divided into 4 principal lobes along with a small quadrate lobe and a caudate process. The lobes, which are the functional units, are surrounded by fine connective tissue. The lobules consist of plates of hepatocytes interdigitated with hepatic sinoids, arranged radially around a central vein. Kupffer cells, which are specialized macrophages, along with endothelial cell line portions of the hepatic sinoids form part of the reticuloendothelial system. Located in the peripheral interlobular connective tissue is the portal triad; the hepatic portal vein, a hepatic artery and an interlobular bile duct, but additionally also lymphatic vessels[10]. Afferent blood from the portal vein and hepatic artery flows centrally in the hepatic siniods. Bile produced by the hepatocytes drains into bile canaliculi formed by hepatocytes and then through ducts of Hering to the interlobular bile ducts in the portal triad. The interlobular bile ducts merge into larger intrahepatic duct s, which become the extrahepatic biliary system. This includes the hepatic bile duct, which divides into a cystic duct connected to the gallbladder, and a common bile duct connecting to the duodenum. The bile duct enters the duodenum on a major palpilla located 2-5 cm from the stomach pylorus. 2.5 The small intestine The small intestine comprise of the duodenum (4-4.5%), jejunum (88-91 %) and ileum (4-5 %). The proportion of duodenum in the neonate is similar to that of the adult, whereas differentiation between jejunum and ileum is not clear. Although there are distinctive morphological feature, the duodenum, jejunum and ileum share a lot of common features. The small intestine consist of 4 major layers; The serosa, the muscularis, the submucosa and the mucosa. The serosa is the outermost layer of the intestinal wall. It has a squamous epithelium forming the mesentery that contains connective tissue, large blood vessels and nerves. The muscular layer contains two types of muscle fibres; an outer layer of longitudal muscles and an inner layer of circular muscles, that are involved in gastrointestinal motility. The submucosa is a layer of connective tissue holding together the large blood and lymphatic vessels and neural complexes. The mucosa consists of 3 sublayers; the muscularis mucosa, the lamina propria and the epithelium. The muscularis mucosa consists of a longitudinal inner muscle and an outer muscle encircling the intestine and produce transient intestinal folds. The lamina propria consists of blood vessels, free lymphocytes and lymph nodes called Peyers patches, and neurons held together by connective tissue. It supports the stru cture and nourishes the epithelial layer. The epithelial layer consists of a single layer of epithelial cells. They cover the whole luminal surface of the intestine, which is severely folded by the formation of fingerlike projections called villi, and at the base of these Crypts of Lieberkuhn, that are moat-like invaginations. There are 3 types of epithelial cells on the villus surface: absorptive cells, goblet cells and enteroendocrine cells[11]. They all originate from stem cells located near the base of the crypts. The entocytes migrate from the base to the tip of the villi and during migration, the enterocytes maturate. The digestive function (enzyme activity) begins as the enterocytes migrates over the basal third of the villi. The absorptive function starts to develop as they reach the upper to midlevel and continues to increase until they reach the top of the villi, where they are shed into the lumen. Hence, enterocytes at the surface of the villi are continuously renewed. Goblet cells are secreting viscous mucus, and are interspersed among the enterocytes. Goblet cells increase in number from the proximal jejunum to the distal ileum. The formation of villi increases the mucosal surface by 10-14 fold compared to a flat surface of equal size. Furthermore, the cell-surface of the enterocytes facing the lumen has an apical membrane forming microvilli (brush-border) that further enhances absorptive surface 14-40 fold. The microvilli have important digestive enzymes and other proteins attached. They extent into a jelly-like layer of glycoprotein known as the glycocalyx that covers the apical membrane. The remaining part of the enterocyte plasma membrane is called the basolateral membrane, referring to the base and side of the cell. The length of villi increases from the duodenum to the mid-jejunum and then decreases again towards the terminal ileum. This reflects the various functions of the different segments of the small intestine. Crypts also vary in size and composition along the intestine. They are deepest in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) and shorter distally in the ileum. Paneth cells are located at adjacent to stem cells at the base of the crypts[12]. Their exact function is unknown but due to the presence of lysozymes and defensins they most likely contribute to maintenance of the gastrointestinal barrier. While the duodenum is the site where digesta leaving the stomach is mixed with secretions from the intestine, liver and pancreas, the jejunum is the main site of absorption. Brunner glands, which are located in the submucosa on the part above the sphincter of Oddi[13], produce bicarbonate containing alkaline secretion, which protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme, provide an alkaline condition for the intestinal enzymes and lubricate the intestinal walls. 2.5.1 Size and capacity of the small intestine At birth the small intestine is about 2 m long and has a capacity of 72 ml. At weaning it has more than tripled its length (6.6 m) and has a 9-fold as high capacity (660 ml). The small intestine of fully grown pigs is 16-21 m, weighs 2-2.5 kg and has a capacity of about 20 l. While the small intestine accounts for approximately 4-5 % during the suckling period, it decreases to 1.5 % when reaching slaughter weight. 2.6 The large intestine The pig has a relatively short caecum and a long colon, consisting of an ascending, transverse and descending colon.[14] The caecum is a cylindrical blind sac located at the proximal end of the colon. The cecum, the ascending and transverse colon and the proximal portion of the descending colon are arranged in a series of centrifugal and centripetal coils known as the spiral colon. The caecum and proximal part of the spiral colon has longitudinal muscular bands resulting in a series pouches (haustra)[15]. The rectum is embedded in fat and is dilated to form ampulla recti just before ending at the anus. The mucosa of the large intestine has no villi, but columnar epithelial cells with microvilli formed into straight tubular crypts. Numerous goblet cells secreting sulphated carbohydrate-protein complex intersperse the columnar cells to lubricate the colon. The rectum has a simple structure with columnar cells and only few goblet cells. 2.6.1 Size and capacity of the large intestine During the suckling period the large intestine is small; From a weight of 10 g and a length of 0.8 m and with a capacity of 40 ml at birth to 36 g, 1.2 m and a capacity of 100 ml at 20 d of age. This corresponds approximately to 1.2 % of body weight. After weaning and during the growing period it grows dramatically (2-2.5 % of body weight) and increases its weight to 1.3 kg and length to 5 m at 100 kg with a capacity of approximately 10 l. Adult pigs have a large intestine weighing about 2.8 kg, a length of 7.5 m and a capacity of 25 l. 3. Function of the digestive organs 3.1 Salivary secretion (HNL) Saliva contains a mixture of water (99 %), inorganic salts, mucins, a-amylase. In addition, to serve some protection against diseases, it also contains lysozyme, which breaks down the polysaccharide walls of many kinds of bacteria and immunoglobulin A, which play a critical role in mucosal immunity. Saliva moistens the food, lubricates the esophagus, and initiates the digestion of starch. However, the activity of salivary a-amylase is low, and although secreted in the oral cavity, starch digestion is not believed to be of quantitative importance here, as the time spent in the mouth is too short. Some digestion may on the other hand take place in the proximal part of the stomach prior to acidification with gastric juice. [16] The volume and duration of salivary secretion varies in response to external cognitive or sensory stimuli (cephalic stimulation) and physical and/or chemical stimulation in the mouth. Volume and total activity increases with increased feeding level. However as th e ratio of total salivary amylase to total pancreatic amylase is only about 1:250,000 in the postprandial phase[17] (0-5 h after feeding), salivary a-amylase may be considered insignificant from a quantitative point of view. 3.2 Gastric secretion (MSH) Gastric juice is a clear and slightly viscous fluid. The major constituents in gastric juice are shown in Table 1. Triglyceride digestion HCl is secreted by the parietal cells. However, HCl is not produced within the parietal cell because it would destroy the cell. Both H+ and Cl- are independently transported from the parietal cell into the stomach lumen. Hydrogen ions are generated from the dissociation of carbonic acid that is produced by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase acting upon CO2 and H2O. H+ is then transported to the stomach lumen though a proton pump (H+/K+-ATPase). As hydrogen ions are secreted bicarbonate anions accumulate in the cell. To counterbalance this accumulation HCO3- is exchanged for Cl- at the basolateral membrane. The K+ cations that accumulate within the cells are released back into the lumen in combination with Cl- anions. HCl plays two important roles in gastric juice. Firstly, it facilitates the protein digestion. HCl denaturates dietary protein, which results in exposure of peptide bonds to proteolytic enzymes. In addition, HCl activates pepsinogen to pepsin and provides a medium of low pH that ensures the optimal activity of the enzyme. Secondly, the low pH provides a non-specific defence mechanism because it inhibits microorganisms from proliferating in the gastric lumen and cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Four types of proteases have been found in the gastric juice of pigs (Table 1). They are all secreted as inactive zymogens (proenzymes that are activated in the lumen) to avoid self-digestion of the cells. The zymogens are activated in the lumen at an acidic pH below 5 or by active pepsin A. Pepsin A is the predominant gastric protease in adult pigs followed by gastricsin. They have strong proteolytic activity at pH 2-3. Pepsin digests approximately 10-15% of dietary protein before it is inactivated in the small intestine[18]. In suckling piglets, chymosin is the predominant protease. It has potent milk clotting activity at pH around 6. Milk clotting is important in suckling animals: it prolongs the passage time of milk along the gastrointestinal tract and enables the thorough digestion and absorption of milk nutrients. Apart from pepsinogen, the chief cells of the cardiac region of the pig stomach also secrete minor amounts of gastric lipase. This enzyme hydrolyses medium- and long-chain triglycerides and plays a role in the hydrolysis of triglycerides in the stomach of the young pig. A layer of protecting mucus covers the mucosal surface of the stomach. This layer protects the stomach epithelium from the acid conditions and grinding activity present in the lumen. Mucin secreted by the mucous neck cells of the gastric glands constitutes a major component of the viscous mucus layer. 3.2.1 Regulation of gastric secretion Gastric acid secretion is regulated by gastrin, histamine, and acetylcholine that stimulates while somatostatin inhibits acid secretion. Gastrin is produced by G cells in the antral mucosa. The production and release of gastrin is stimulated by food compounds mainly small peptides and amino acids and by nervous reflexes activated by gastric distension when food enters the stomach. Gastrin is secreted into the blood stream and acts on the parietal cells via a G receptor. Histamine is an amplifying substance in acid secretion. Histamine is produced by local mast cells and enterochromaffin-like cells and acts on parietal cells in a paracrine fashion. Acetylcholine is a neural transmitter produced by cholinergic neuraon. Acetylcholine is released as response to activation of stretch receptors[19]. The secretion of hydrochloric acid is most efficient when all three regulators are present. Gastric acid secretion is controlled by a feed back mechanism. When pH is 3 or below[20] acid secretion diminishes and gastrin release is blocked. The acidity prevents amines from diffusing into G cells and activate hormone secretion. Fur thermore, acid in the lumen causes D cells to release somatostatin. Somatostatin inhibits the parietal cells from secreting acid and G cells from releasing gastrin. The regulatory mechanisms that control pepsinogen secretion are much less researched but it is generally believed that the pepsinogen secretion is under same regulatory influences as acid secretion. The gastric secretory activity can be divided into three phases: cephalic, gastric, and intestinal. The anticipation of food stimulates gastric acid secretion. This is controlled by the central nervous system and is called the cephalic phase. The cephalic phase lasts for minutes and prepares the stomach for the entry of food. The gastric phase begins when food enters the stomach. It lasts for hours and accounts for two thirds of the gastric secretions. During the gastric phase acid and pepsinogen secretion is increased. When digesta enters the duodenum the intestinal phase initiates. This phase functions to decrease gastric motility and to reduce the secretion of gastric acid and pepsinogen. The intestinal phase lasts for hours. 3.3 Pancreatic exocrine secretion (MSH) The primary function of the exocrine pancreas is 1) to provide digestive enzymes for the digestion of the major nutrients and 2) to neutralize the acidic chyme entering the duodenum from the stomach to allow the pancreatic enzymes to function. The pancreatic juice is a clear, colourless liquid that contains salts, bicarbonate, and enzymes. The acini, the functional part of the exocrine pancreas, are composed of acinar cells, that synthesize and secrete the digestive enzymes and ductal cells where fluids and electrolytes originate from. The main regulatory pathways that control exocrine pancreatic secretion are the hormones secretin and cholesystokinin (CCK) and nervous stimulation. Acinar, centroacinar, and duct cells have receptors for secretin, CCK, and acetylcholine. When these binding sites are occupied the cells are stimulated to secrete, however, maximal secretion is observed when all receptors are occupied. Secretin is secreted by the endocrine S cells in the mucosa of the proximal small intestine. Secretin is released in response to acid or fatty acids in the duodenal lumen and it stimulates release of bicarbonate by pancreatic duct cells. CCK is released into the blood stream in response to the presence of animo acids, peptides, and fatty acids in the duodenal lumen. CCK is secreted by I cells in the proximal small intestine and it stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes by the acinar cells. Acetylcholine, released by nerve endings near the pancreatic cells, stimulates secretion. The neurons are stimulated to release acetylcholine by impulses from the enteric nerve system or through the vagus nerve. The sight and smell of food induces vagal respo nses leading to pancreatic secretion[21]. This is the cephalic phase of pancreatic secretion analogous to the cephalic phase of gastric secretion described previously. Distension of the stomach also causes a vagovagal reflex stimulating pancreatic secretion, which is the gastric phase of pancreatic secretion. When digesta enters the duodenum it evokes a large increase in the rate of pancreatic secretion and the intestinal phase involves both endocrine as well as neuronal stimuli. The distention of the duodenum produces enteric nerve impulses that lead to the release of acetylcholine. The endocrine (hormonal) part of the intestinal phase occurs in response to the chemical stimulation, digestion products of protein and fat stimulates the release of CCK and the low pH of the digesta stimulates the release of secretin. The exocrine pancreatic secretion is controlled by a feed back mechanism. Diversion of pancreatic juice from the duodenum increases pancreatic secretion. It has been suggested that trypsin is the main component in this feed back regulation as reintroduction of pancreatic juice or infusion of trypsin but not amylase into the duodenum markedly decreased pancreatic secretion. Furthermore ingestion of raw soybeans containing trypsin inhibitor increases pancreatic secretion. There is strong evidence that this feed back regulation is linked with the release of CCK. Enterostatin, a pentapeptide released from procolipase when it is activated by trypsin in the duodenal lumen, may play a role in the feed back mechanism as well. Intraduodenal infusion of enterostatin hs been shown to inhibit pancreatic enzyme secretion. 3.3.1 a-amylase Pancreatic ÃŽÂ ±-amylase hydrolyses starch (from plant sources) and glycogen (from animal sources). Starch is composed of amylose, a linear polymer of glucose that is linked by ÃŽÂ ±-1,4 glycosidic bonds and amylopectin, a branched polymer of glucose, that contains both ÃŽÂ ±-1,4 glycosidic bonds and ÃŽÂ ±-1,6 glycosidic bonds. ÃŽÂ ±-amylase cleaves the interior ÃŽÂ ±-1,4 glycosidic bonds of starch. During the lifetime of the enzyme-substrate complex amylase hydrolyzes starch by multiple attacks through cleavage of several bonds. The major products of starch hydrolysis are maltose, isomaltose, maltotriose, sugars composed of two or three glucose units, and ÃŽÂ ±-limit dextrins, polysaccharides of 5 to 10 glucose residues containing both ÃŽÂ ±-1,4 and ÃŽÂ ±-1,6 glycosidic bonds. 3.3.2 Lipases Pancreatic juice contains three lipolytic enzymes: lipase, phospholipase A2, and carboxyl ester hydrolase, and a protein cofactor, colipase. Lipase is secreted as a fully active enzyme and is the most important enzyme in the digestion of fat. Lipase hydrolyses triglycerides the most abundant lipid in the diet and the products are free fatty acids and monoglycerides. Lipase is strongly inhibited by bile salts in the duodenum and the protein cofactor colipase is the only agent known to counteract this inhibition. Colipase is secreted as a zymogen, procolipase, which requires cleavage by trypsin to become active. Phospholipase A2 splits fatty acids from phospholipids. It is secreted as an inactive zymogen that requires activation by trypsin. Carboxyl ester hydrolase, also known as carboxyl ester lipase and cholesterol ester hydrolase, has an unusually broad substrate specificity, it hydrolyses mono-, di-, and triglycerides, cholesterol and retinol esters and lysophosphatidylglycerols. H owever, the main physiological function probably is to hydrolyse retinol and cholesterol esters. 3.3.3 proteases The major proteolytic enzymes secreted by the exocrine pancreas are listed in Table 1. All proteolytic enzymes are secreted as inactive zymogens to protect the gland from autodigestion. The activation of the proteolytic enzymes is initiated by the activation of trypsin by enterokinase, an intestinal brush-border enzyme. Trypsin then activates all other zymogens as well as trypsinogen. Trypsin is an endopeptidase meaning that it breaks proteins at internal points along the amino acid chain, it specifically cleaves peptide bonds on the carboxyl side of basic amino acids (lysine and arginine). The catalytic activity of chymotrypsin is directed towards peptide bonds involving the carboxyl groups of tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine and leucine. Elastase cleaves on the carboxyl side of aliphatic amino acids (alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, and glycine). The carboxypeptidases are zinc-containing metalloenzymes. They are exopeptidases meaning that they remove a single amino acid from the carboxyl-terminal end of proteins and peptides. 3.3.4 Pancreatic secretion and dietary composition The enzymatic composition of the pancreatic juice has been shown to be dependent on the dietary composition. 3.4 Bile secretion (HNL) The bile has pH of 7.4-7.9 and contains bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol (summing up to a total lipid content of 0.6-0.7 %), sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, mucus and bile pigments, of which the latter are endogenous waste products. Bilirubin is a major end product of red blood cell turnover produced by Kupffer cells and transported to hepatocytes for conjugation. The conjugated bilirubin is secreted in the bile responsible for its green/yellow colour. In the intestine conjugated bilirubin is converted by the microflora to urobilinogen, then to urobilin and stercobilin[22] and finally excreted by defaecation, giving faeces its characteristic brown colour. Some urobilinogen is reabsorbed and excreted by the kidney as urobilin, which is responsible for the yellow colour of urine. Both bile acids and phospholipids play an important role in digestive function, and the molar ratio of total phospholipid to total bile salts is 1:10.1[23]. Bile salts are conjugated bile acids, and their function is to aid emulsification and absorption of lipids. The bile acids in porcine bile are mainly conjugated with glycine but also some taurine (6.5 %). Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), found in the form of 31.3 molar % glyco-CDCA and 3% taurine-CDCA is de novo synthesized from cholesterol by the hepatocytes. Hyocholic acid (HCA) in the form of 12.6 % glyco-HCA is produced by hydroxylation of CDCA. Reduction of HCA by the microflora of the intestine leads to formation of hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), which in bile is found as 48.2 % glyco-HDCA and 3.5 % tauro-HDCA . In contrast to humans, pig bile contains very little cholic acid(CA), found as glyco-CA (1.3 %). When excreted to the intestine conjugated bile acids are deconjugated and converted by the microflora in the distal small in testine. A majority of the bile acids are reabsorbed in the distal small intestine and transported to the liver via the portal vein. Along with de novo synthesized bile acids they are reconjugated and again excreted in bile. This phenomenon is termed entero-hepatic circulation, and is a mechanism to cope with the demand of bile acids, which by far exceeds the capacity for production. The phospholipids of porcine bile is entirely in the form of phosphatidyl choline, dominated by the 16:0-18:2 diacyl forms (59.6 %), followed by 16:0-18:1 (18.4 %) and 18:0-18:2 (15.9 %). [24] The bile secretion from the hepatocytes is constant, but bile is only released to the intestine, when needed for lipid digestion. Hence, when little or no food is present in the duodenum, the Sphincter of Oddi is closed and bile is diverted from the bile duct to the gall bladder, where the bile is concentrated. When food, particularly fat-rich food, enters the duodenum, the Spincter of Oddi is relaxed and the gall bladder contracts by a combination of neural and hormonal factors. Gut endocrine cells are stimulated to release CCK, while neurale receptors located at the Spincter of Oddi in conjuction with the intramural plexus coordinates the bile duct and bladder peristalsis. In bile duct cannulated pigs, where the Sphincter of Oddi is not controlling bile flow, the total bile flow over 24 hours has previously been measured to be 38 and 46 ml/kg in 60 and 45 kg pigs, respectively. Using re-entrant cannulation of the bile duct, which allow gallbladder storage of bile and regulation of flow by the Sphincter of Oddi, it was found that a traditional European pig diet induced a bile 24-h bile flow of 48 ml/kg, while a semi-synthetic diet based on starch, sucrose, casein, maize oil and cellulose led to a flow of 30 ml/kg. Measurement of bile flow by cannulation of the common bile duct and re-entrant cannulation of the proximal duodenum to reintroduce bile at the same rate of excretion resulted in flows of 35 ml/kg for 43 kg pigs fed a wheat-fish meal-casein diet and 59 ml/kg when a similar diet was supplemented with 40 % wheat bran. Hence, the bile flow is influence by the diet. Increasing fat content of the diet from 2 to 10 % induce a dramatic increase in bil e acid secretion along with a moderate increase in phospholipid and cholesterol output. A further increase in fat content to 20 % of the diet does not lead to further increase in bile acid flow, while phospholipid and cholesterol output continue to increase. Lipid composition also influences the bile output. While degree of saturation does not appear to influence the rate of bile acid and phospholipid secretion, the secretion of cholesterol is increased.[25] 3.5 Small intestinal digestion and absorption (MSH) 3.5.1 Digestion of carbohydrates The luminal phase of carbohydrate digestion applies only to starches and the enzyme involved is ÃŽÂ ±-amylase secreted from the pancreas. Starch hydrolysis products (maltose, isomaltose, maltotriose, and ÃŽÂ ±-limit dextrins) and dietary disaccharides (sucrose and lactose) are digested in the membranous phase by digestive enzymes that are a structural part of the intestinal surface membrane. Four different oligo