The Lebanon Crises (1958) Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Lebanon Crises (1958) - Term Paper Example In Lebanon, the big problem was the fragile nature of the social and political structure of the country. Lebanon was a multi-confessional state with Christians and Muslims sharing power. The new Government appointed by President Chamoun in 1956 seemed to tilt more towards the West. On January 5, 1957, President Eisenhower appeared before Congress to announce a new US policy for the Middle East. He asked Congress to pass a resolution authorizing economic assistance and the use of US forces to prevent a Communist takeover in the Middle East (Meo 132-144). Lebanon was the only Arab country to announce publicly its support for the doctrine. The decision by President Chamoun to endorse the new US policy, and accept aid under the terms of the Middle East Resolution, caused a major foreign policy rift between the Government and the opposition in Lebanon and led to the formation of the united National Front, an opposition grouping composed of Muslims and Christians (Meo 132-144) This rift coincided with Chamoun's plans to amend the electoral law before the elections in June 1957. The passage of the new law increased the number of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and had a direct impact on the outcome of the elections, outside influences also affected the outcome. The United States provided covert funds for pro-Government candidates, while Egypt and Syria supported and funded the opposition (Eveland 248-250). Since assuming the Presidency, Camille Chamoun had made a determined effort to destroy the power of the feudal landowners who formed the backbone of the Lebanese political system.

Effect of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine on Neonatal Tetanus

Effect of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine on Neonatal Tetanus Evaluation of the effect of Tetanus Toxoid vaccine on neonatal tetanus Clinical scenario Tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease caused by a ubiquitous spore-forming bacteria called Clostridium tetani (reference need). Due to its ubiquity, the disease cannot be eradicated (Roper et al. 2007). Tetanus that occurs in neonates between 3-28 days of life is termed neonatal tetanus (CDC, 1997) and the most common nidus of infection in neonates is through the freshly cut umbilical cord (Bennett et al. 1996; Roper et al. 2007). Substantial progress has been made towards the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) by the WHO initiative, although it still remains a major problem in more than 30 developing countries (figure 1) (WHO, 2015). Figure 1. The global map sowing the advancement towards the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. Source: WHO. (2015). [Online]. http://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/MNTE_initiative/en/index4.html Developed countries such as the United States of America, England and Denmark, have long ago eliminated tetanus linked neonatal deaths compared to developing countries (Pascual et al. 2003; Simonsen et al. 1987; Rushdy et al. 2003). Haws et al. (2007) mentioned that in areas where the prevalence of neonatal tetanus is common, vaccinating women against tetanus during pregnancy is likely to prevent the disease. Neonatal tetanus still remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality in many developing countries despite the fact that tetanus vaccine has been available for years (Stanfield et al. 1984). Hence, the aim of this critical appraisal is to evaluate the effect of tetanus toxoid vaccine given to pregnant women to provide effective protection and reduce deaths from neonatal tetanus in comparison to no vaccine. Focused Clinical Question Table 1: Search Strategy Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Table 2: search and screening results Total number of studies = 3 (Blencowe et al., 2010; Maral et al., 2001 and Demicheli et al., 2013). Table 3: CASP screening tool for the appraisal of two Systematic Reviews and one Cross-sectional Study *A cross-sectional appraisal tool does not exist, therefore Maral et al., 2001 was appraised using the systematic review appraisal tool. Exclusions Summary of best evidence Blencowe et al., 2010 Systematic review Aim/Objective of the Systematic review: To evaluate the effect of Tetanus Toxoid vaccination of pregnant women or women of child bearing age on neonatal tetanus mortality. Study Design Search Strategy A range of appropriate databases were used such as PubMed, EMASE, Cochrane Libraries and World Health Organisation Regional Databases. Suitable search terms were used such as ‘Neonatal Tetanus, Tetanus Toxoid, Neonatal Mortality and Women’. Publications in any language were also included. Selection Criteria for inclusion of studies The PICO format (Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome) was used in this review to identify the studies to be included as follows: Population – Neonates Intervention – At least two Tetanus Toxoid vaccine doses Comparison – Neonates born without Tetanus Toxoid vaccination Outcome – Mortality from Neonatal Tetanus Randomised trails and observational studies meeting the above criteria’s were considered in this review. Methods A systematic review of various databases was carried out to identify suitable studies meeting inclusion criteria Standardised abstraction forms were used for each outcome of interest for studies meeting the inclusion criteria Studies not meeting the inclusion criteria, studies which only reported serological outcomes and duplicate reports of studies or trails were all excluded Quality of individual studies and evidence were evaluated according to the CHERG version of the GRADE method to generate an approximate calculation of the effects in reducing neonatal mortality A meta-analysis was carried out using STATA version 10.0 statistic software and stated the mantel-haenszel pooled relative risk and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) Findings Two studies which had no heterogeneity between them (p=0.16) i.e. a high-quality randomised controlled trial and a well-designed cohort study with adjustment for publication bias in its analysis, were joined into one meta-analysis to give an estimate of relative risk (RR)= 0.06 (95% CI 0.02-0.2) (Fig. 1). While, three case-control studies each with adjustment for publication bias showed a protective effect of two tetanus toxoid injections during pregnancy (odd ratio (OR) = 0.05 (0.005-0.4); OR=0.1 (0.03_0.4); OR=0.2 (0.03-0.7). Overall result A 94% reduction in neonatal tetanus mortality (95% CI 80-98%). The confidence interval of 95% for these results appear to be accurate.

Essay Comparing Beowulf and The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki

Beowulf and The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki      Ã‚   There are so many similarities between the hero of the poem Beowulf and The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki, an Iceland saga representing 1000 years of oral traditions prior to the 1300’s when it was written, that these similarities cannot be attributed solely to coincidence.    The Cambridge History of English and American Literature states that the hero of the poem, Beowulf himself, may be the same person as Bodvar Biarki, the chief of Hrolfr Kraki’s knights (v1, ch3, s3, n13). George Clark in â€Å"The Hero and the Theme† mentions: â€Å"The form of Beowulf taken as a whole suggests both the ‘Bear’s Son’ folktale type (especially as we find it in Scandinavia) and the ‘combat myth’. . . .† (286). In The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki, Bodvar is the grandson of a king (Hring); in Beowulf the hero is the grandson of a king (Hrethel). Bodvar’s father has been expelled from his country, Gautland; Beowulf’s father Ecgtheow has been expelled from Geatland. Bodvar’s father is dead; Beowulf’s father is dead (Hrothgar says,†his father, now dead, was named Ecgtheow†) (373). Bodvar as a boy was so strong that he was not permitted to take part in the king’s games past the ag e of twelve because he injured too many of his opponents; Beowulf as a young man was so strong that â€Å"he was the strongest of all living men† (196). Bodvar was huge; Beowulf was â€Å"noble and huge† (198). Bodvar was more noble than the people around him; Beowulf refused to accept the kingship from Queen Hygd upon Hygelac’s death, risked his life various times for the benefit of others, put his own welfare last instead of first, and distributed his wealth generously when it was warranted. â€Å"Though Beowulf is careful to collect his winnings, ... ...en and the gentlest, the kindest to his people† (3181).    The Iceland saga, The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki, written in the 1300’s, represents about 1000 years of oral traditions. The remarkable similarities between this saga’s main character and Beowulf’s main character are just too astounding to dismiss as mere coincidences.    BIBLIOGRAPHY    Chickering, Howell D.. Beowulf A dual-Language Edition. New York: Anchor Books, 1977.    Clark, Gorge. â€Å"The Hero and the Theme.† In A Beowulf Handbook, edited by Robert Bjork and John D. Niles. Lincoln, Nebraska: Uiversity of Nebraska Press, 1997.    The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki, translated by Jesse L. Byock. New York: Penguin Books, 1998.    Ward & Trent, et al. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1907–21; New York: Bartleby.com, 2000

Project Management Essay

1. Discuss why many information technology professionals may overlook project cost management and how this might affect completing projects within budget. Information technology professionals do not understand basic accounting and finance principles to be able to do a net present value analysis return on investment and payback analysis. It should also be considered that new technologies or software development expenses are very inaccurate as it is hard to put a figure on something has not been developed. The problems they face may be they estimate too quickly, do not have the estimating experience, may be biased towards underestimating and management may require more accuracy. The book states that IT professionals understand the value of a balanced portfolio aligned with business objectives but lack a well-defined and consistent process for managing the origination, evaluation and execution of IT investments. As far as contemplating projects with budgets it would not be an accurate estimate of cost unless all the stakeholders are involved to make these determinations. 4. Explain what happens during the process to determine the project budget. A project budget involves allocating cost estimates to individual work over the time of the project and is based on the WBS. The budget is determined using the cost estimates, basis of estimates, scope baseline, schedule, resource calendar, contracts and organizational process assets. The main goal is cost budgeting which creates a cost baseline for measuring performance and funding requirement and taking into consideration document updates. It is also important to understand how the company operates so the budget is created appropriately. 6. What is project portfolio management? Can project managers use it with earned value management? Project portfolio management allows organizations to collect and control an entire suite of projects or investments as on set of interrelated activities. Project managers can use it with earned value management as it is a performance measurement technique that let them know how well the project is meeting scope, time and cost goals by entering actual information and then comparing it to a baseline. 7. Describe several types of software that project managers can use to support project cost management. Spreadsheets are a common tool used for cost estimating, budgeting and control. Microsoft Project is a project management software that allows for the following to be created such as: cash flow, budgets, over budget tasks, over budget resources and earned value reports. Some project managers simply use the company’s accounting software and spreadsheets to receive more flexibility. They have also learnt to connect their accounting software to the project management software for more accurate information.

Marketing and Nike Essay

We can evaluate Nike’s core marketing strategy as related them to the relevant marketing theories. First of them is distribution theory. Nike distributes its products on different level basis. The high quality products are given to a certain distributers while the low price to be sold at highly discounted price at the retail stores such as Wal-Mart. Nike has also become the leader in the e-commerce by being the first to the market whit its e-commerce website. This program represents the first time a company has offered mass footwear through the internet and provides competitive advantages to Nike. One of the other theories is advertising and promotion. Nike makes contracts with some celebrity athletes which can take attention to their products such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, Ronaldo. This has created a relatively high level of Nike’s awareness. Nike also employed a large amounts of advertisements. Their aggressive advertising campaigns, celebrity endorsements and quality products all enhance their brand and image. The other theory is price. The price is not effective on their strategy because Nike’s target market is based on the consumers who care more about the utility and quality of the product . This strategy focuses on the consumers who like Nike and pushes the products value to a higher level. Once the consumer develop the product intimacy, they come to associate their person with the products and will pay whatever price quoted on the products. Nike use vertical integration price strategy and they also engaged in various channel level operations both to control costs and influence the price function. And when we look at the market segmentation theory, we see that most of the consumer of Nike’s products is mainly athletic. Their segmentation market typically targets athletes, both women and men, from the age 15 to 35. Nike focuses on creating premium consumer experiences on product innovation, brand leadership and elevated retail presence. But Nike focuses on athlete more than any group of individuals. This strategy is especially successful because of its ability to reach a large number of athletes. Although Nike’s core marketing strategy had brings lot of positive directions to the company, but it will bring negative directions to Nike too. The mainly negative theory is the cost theory. Nike had incurred high costs in producing and promoting its products. The costs are increasing among handling inventory, designing, advertising and production. The inflation had also rised the costs. So Nike has increased the products prices and reduces its marketing budget. Nike had also employed child labor in Cambodia to reduce its production and labor costs. This affected brand image negatively and many people stop buying products from Nike. Furthermore, Nike has been using child labor in the production of its soccer balls in Pakistan. One of the Nike’s core marketing strategies is depend on a group of athletes to promote its products. Nike prefers to have high profile athletes as its endorsers, like Runner Steve Prefontaine, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The action and attitude of Nike’s chosen spokespersons could bring the impacts on its promotional strategies. For instance, it will attract the athlete’s idolater to purchase the products if Nike using a popular athlete as endorser. On the other hand, if the athlete were caught in drug addicted or any immoral attitude, it will affect the customers not to buy Nike’s products, thus will affect Nike’s sales, revenue and profit. There is intense competition faced by Nike. Their competitors are Adidas, Reebok, Puma, and so forth, whilst competition is tighter with the coming of Adidas. More, the product line is slightly different between Nike and Adidas. Nike faces many risks when they use their core marketing strategies to achieve their goals and these risks can come from both internally and externally environment. The risks will have a negative influence about Nike’s future development. Nike needs to stay on the top of changes in consumer taste and preferences as evidenced by changes in fashion. So Nike face the risk that fashion trends may change so fast that Nike fails to follow. If Nike cannot follow the fitness trends in the market they will face risks of losing market shares. To compete with this risks and problems, Nike should position it as a trendsetter and not a trend follower and be responsible to their customers. The global trends are to be fashion and personality. So Nike change its marketing strategies and products design to become more fashion and focus on the youth consumers. It brings risks to Nike because in the traditional mind of customers, they consider Nike only sell the athletic products. The fashion or the changing style products is unimaginative for customers to purchase. Not all the customers can follow the changing of Nike. Therefore, Nike should analyse the market and customers’ preference as well as customers’ buying behavior from time to time. One of Major Nike’s marketing strategies is to expand to overseas and become the leader in the world. It also will bring risks to Nike when they expand their business globally. Currency exchange rate fluctuations can disrupt the business of the independent manufacturers that produce Nike products by making their purchase of raw materials more expensive and more difficult to finance. Besides that, the global economic recession influence the overall business operation in the outsourcing countries. 2) If you were Adidas, how would you compete with Nike? One difficulty most likely to be faced by Adidas is in its marketing, compared to its competitor Nike, Nike spends more money on advertising and promoting their products reputation. Adidas will have a hard time trying to compete with Nike in terms of advertising and promotion, considering Nike’s utilization of low labor cost of production, Nike can afford to spend so much money in creating awareness for their products and gaining consumers loyalty by utilizing celebrities. If I were Adidas I would invest more money on advertising and create innovative means of advertising their product, having consumers in mind and following the trends of technologies, for example, Adidas can collaborate with IT companies such as Samsung to create innovative means of advertising their products. Also a merger could be good for the Adidas, if the right strategy has chosen. For example; Adidas and Reebok joining up together as a merger would be a good deal for leading over Nike but the two companies have a bad reputation due to financial problems which almost led them to bankruptcy and since they are to work together.