ECONOMICS AND GOVERNEMNT Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ECONOMICS AND GOVERNEMNT - Assignment Example The federal government’s other transfers include Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing programs which help less prosperous provinces and territories. These provinces have comparable levels of taxation as other more prosperous provinces. Thus raising tax rates is not feasible. 5. The Great Depression was decade-long economic downturn that was witnessed by practically every country of the world. It is considered to be the deepest depression of the 20th century. The long contraction and agonizingly sluggish highlighted the need for an expanded role for government. Hence the Great Depression is linked to the growth of government in the developed world. 6. ‘If the prices are right, people will respond correctly’ indicates that if people feel the payment that they will shell out for a product or service brings in commensurate benefits to them and is thus of value to them, they will go ahead and buy that product or service. Thus right here means ‘fair’ and ‘correctly’ refers to the decision to buy. 7. Global warming refers to the constant warming up of the Earth’s atmosphere due to increase in the levels of the greenhouse gases. This increase in temperature has occurred as humans continue to use more and more fossil fuels in their day to day lives. While this usage helps in business and trade, there is a cost involved, cost that neither the buyer nor the seller bears, but we as a nation (for that matter, the World) collectively bear. Thus global warming or climate change can be termed as one of the biggest market failures as the market forces did not allocate scarce resources to generate the greatest social welfare. Failure to adopt stringent emissions reduction targets, excessive deforestation, adoption of technology at the expense of the environment are all market failures relevant to the problem of global climate change and relate to the world-level policy failure regarding global warming. To correct the problem, the world has

Acute On Chronic Cholecystitis Attributed To Cholelithiasis Figure Biology Essay

Acute On Chronic Cholecystitis Attributed To Cholelithiasis Figure Biology Essay Figure 1 displays an acutely inflamed gall bladder (Cholecystitis) specimen. There are several gross features associated with acute cholecystitis; most apparent is the cholesterol stones filling the fundus and neck regions of the gallbladder (Cholelithiasis). The stones sizes suggest the chronic nature of pathogenesis, and their off-white colour indicates high proportions of calcium and phosphate salts (1). Further morphology relevant to the pathology is that the gallbladder is enlarged, with thick walls. This specimen is 15cm long, 5 cm wide, and its walls are about 1cm thick (compared to the usual dimensions of 7-10cm, 2.5cm, and 3mm respectively (2)). This owes to both the effects of acute and chronic inflammation; the thick, fibrous wall is indicative of a history of previous inflammatory episodes (due to intermittent oedema, fibrosis and leukocyte infiltration of the tissue layers). There are also the acute signs of red-grey blotchy discolouration due to a mixture of necrosis an d haemorrhage, in the mucosal and submucosal layers (1). Expected Microscopic Appearance: A biopsy of the specimen would include all the signs of acute (and chronic to a lesser extent) inflammation. Extensive fibrosis (formation of collagen fibres) will be the key visible feature, as well as amounts of fibrous scar tissue from previous healing. Leukocytes (mostly neutrophils and lymphocytes) will be seen infiltrating the mucosal and sub-serosal layers, as well as a small amount of monocytes. The mucosa will be atrophic (flattened) as a result of the inflammation, but there will also be proliferation of the epithelial cells in an attempt to repair itself. Some sections of mucosal folds may even fuse to form distinctive buried crypts of epithelium which lie below the mucosa, called Rokitansky Aschoff sinuses. Dilation of blood vessels and some haemorrhage (scattered erythrocytes) should also be visible (1). Pathogenesis Cholecystitis is intimately linked with gallstone (cholelith) formation (an estimated 90% of cases occur due to cystic duct/gallbladder neck obstruction by cholelithiasis (2)) and thus an understanding of the pathogenesis for cholelith formation is relevant. Figure 2: General risk factors contributing to gallstones 1 recent discovery; gene for ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters (1) (see text)The major prerequisite for cholesterol gallstones is an imbalance of cholesterol and bile salt levels in the biliary secretions specifically, excess cholesterol (1). Figure 2 mentions some of the main risk factors that contribute to this. Oestrogens increase cholesterol uptake in liver as well as synthesis by increasing the amount of hepatic lipoprotein receptors and by increasing activity of HMG-CoA reductase enzymes (key regulators of cholesterol biosynthesis). Blood cholesterol lowering drugs have a similar effect on these enzymes, in addition to reducing cholesterol conversion to bile. Recent studies have shown that having a certain variant (D19H) of ABCG5 and ABG2 genes coding for ATP-binding cassette transporters adds further risk for gallstones, because it biosynthesises more cholesterol (1). Once cholesterol concentrations are too high for bile salts and phospholipids to accommodate (supersaturation), the cholesterol nucleates into solid plate-like crystals (cholesterol monohydrate). These are formed more frequently when there is decreased contractility or movement of the gall bladder (gallbladder stasis) as well as high secretions of mucus. Finally, the prolonged simultaneous occurrence of all of these conditions causes the crystals to aggregate further into macroscopic cholesterol stones, such as in Figure 1 (3). Figure 3: Key events leading up to inflammation of the gallbladder. Note: Red arrows showing secondary events that occur later on.Acute cholecystitis nearly always results from gallstone obstruction of the cystic duct (1, 4). Obstruction at the neck raises the pressure within the lumen, resulting in three things; venous congestion, reduced lymphatic drainage, and decreased blood supply. The walls of the gallbladder then release prostaglandins (E2 and I2) to bring on inflammation. Lysosomic phospholipases released from cell injury hydrolyse biliary lecithins to lysolecithins (toxic) these create further injury by disrupting the mucosal protective glycoprotein barrier and allowing bile salt damage at exposed areas (1). Figure 3 summarises these events. Note that bacterial infection can occur later on (4). Clinical Features Symptoms and Signs: Most patients present with sudden onset of right upper quadrant (RUQ) or epigastric pain, as well as a history of previous episodes of pain (4). Intolerance for fatty foods, anorexia, vomiting, and tachycardia are the usual signs associated with acute cholecystitis. Leukocytosis may be present, and hyperbilirubinemia indicates obstruction of the common bile duct (1). Palpable tenderness and a positive Murphy sign (during inspiration gallbladder is palpable and patient winces from pain) confirms cholecystitis (3). Methods of investigating patient: Ultrasound (US) is the ideal and preferred imaging technique for diagnosing acute calculous (presence of gallstones) cholecystitis, owing to its sensitivity of 80-100%. However, US is less effective for obese patients, and new studies show that recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (hardware, software, and contrast media) have made it the most accurate imaging technique for the gallbladder (with a sensitivity of 95% (2)). General approaches to treatment: Upon confirmed diagnosis, patients will firstly be given fluid resuscitation, analgesics, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is the standard definitive management for acute calculous cholecystitis, and is proven to be effective (4). This is now performed preferably within 12-24 hours (decreasing risk of complications), rather than the previous practise of waiting up to 3 days for inflammation to subside before surgery (2). Often, surgeons will need to change their procedure to an open cholecystectomy; especially when there is uncertainty of the anatomical variants of a patient (4). Features bearing on prognosis: The work of Gurusamy K. et al. [5] has found that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally very safe. Potential complications include bile duct injury (potentially fatal), infection, and bile leakage, but this affected only 1 of 222 study participants (0.5%). The average hospital stay was 4-7 days, and time needed for full recovery ranged from 15-26 days. Apart from this, quality of life is not reduced [5].

The Real Rochester in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre :: Jane Eyre essays

The Real Rochester in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre    John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester was one of the most infamous rakes from the Restoration period. While Wilmot’s debauched lifestyle was well recorded, his deathbed conversion became even more popular. Through these early biographies and the poetry written by Wilmot, Charlotte Bronte became familiar with this historical figure. Bronte modeled her character of Edward Rochester on Wilmot. There are many instances in the novel Jane Eyre that link the two figures. In his essay "John Wilmot and Mr. Rochester" Murray Pittock establishes the link between Rochester and Wilmot. Pittock does such a thorough job of supporting the claim that Rochester and Wilmot are related. However Pittock fails to explain why Charlotte Bronte chose to compare her Rochester to the historical Rochester. The key to understanding Bronte’s motivation in selecting John Wilmot as the model for Rochester lies in Wilmot’s deathbed confessional. By the end of his short life Wilmot repented h is immoral lifestyle. After his death, Wilmot became the focus of a number of religious tracts publishing his deathbed conversion. It is this aspect of Wilmot’s career as the rake that intrigued Bronte. In Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte not only establishes a connection between John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester, but she also links Rochester’s reform to the reform of Wilmot. However, unlike Wilmot’s reform which occurs on his deathbed, Bronte allows her character to reform and continue his life. The similarities between John Wilmot and Edward Rochester go far beyond the traits associated with the rake. Charlotte Bronte uses names for her characters that link the two characters. Wilmot’s title as the Earl of Rochester directly relates to the name of Edward Rochester. John Wilmot’s grandfather had the name Sir John St. John (Pittock 464). Edward Rochester’s main rival for Jane’s affection is St. John Rivers. Again the use of a name closely related to John Wilmot is remarkable. The repeated usage of names links the character of Edward Rochester with John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester. That Charlotte Bronte would have been familiar with the second Earl of Rochester is undeniable. In his Lives of the Poets, Samuel Johnson included a biography on Wilmot. That Bronte would have been familiar with Johnson’s work can be established in the references she makes to Johnson’s novel Rasselas. Gilbert Burnet, a Scottish Bishop and famed historian, wrote Life and Death of John Rochester based on interviews he had with Wilmot on his deathbed.

Lucent Case Study

2. What financial statement adjustments will Lucent have to make to correct the revenue recognition problems announced in late 2000? Lucent recognized revenue when persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable, including receivables of customers to which Lucent has provided customers financing, is probable.For sales generated from long-term contacts, primarily those related to customized network solutions and network build-outs, Lucent generally uses the percentage of completion method of accounting. After the incident that SEC forced Lucent to restate the its financial results leading its stock price to decline 8. 5% in 2000, Lucent now records the sales revenue when the customers buy the Timing of revenue recognition is a crucial part in revenue recognition. According to US GAAP, revenue should be recognized when it is realized/realizable and earned (FASB, 1984, Para. 83).However, a n umber of software firms recognized revenue prior to product delivery or service performance in the past, which potentially violated one or both of the conditions of the revenue recognition principle. In response, AICPA released Statement of Position (SOP) 91-1 in Dec. 1991, which stipulated that if collectability is probable, license revenue should be recognized upon delivery and service revenue should be recognized ratably over the service arrangement. The research question for this article is: How revenue recognition timing affects attributes of reported revenue?This question is interesting because: 1) revenue recognition timing is important in financial reporting and standard setters have devoted much attention, 2) very limited empirical research examining revenue recognition timing has been conducted, 3) software revenue recognition is unique as transfer of rights is achieved by license rather than on-the-spot sale of products. The main hypotheses for this article and their intu itions are: 1) Early revenue recognition increases the timeliness of reported revenue.Its intuition is: early revenue recognition better influences decisions by providing more timely information. 2) However, it will lead to greater uncertainty in reported revenue. Its intuition is: changes may not be foreseen at the time of contract signing. 3) Time-series predictability of revenue is lower under early revenue recognition. Its intuition is: early revenue recognition results in higher estimation error and therefore reduces the time-series predictability. Lucent Case Study 2. What financial statement adjustments will Lucent have to make to correct the revenue recognition problems announced in late 2000? Lucent recognized revenue when persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable, including receivables of customers to which Lucent has provided customers financing, is probable.For sales generated from long-term contacts, primarily those related to customized network solutions and network build-outs, Lucent generally uses the percentage of completion method of accounting. After the incident that SEC forced Lucent to restate the its financial results leading its stock price to decline 8. 5% in 2000, Lucent now records the sales revenue when the customers buy the Timing of revenue recognition is a crucial part in revenue recognition. According to US GAAP, revenue should be recognized when it is realized/realizable and earned (FASB, 1984, Para. 83).However, a n umber of software firms recognized revenue prior to product delivery or service performance in the past, which potentially violated one or both of the conditions of the revenue recognition principle. In response, AICPA released Statement of Position (SOP) 91-1 in Dec. 1991, which stipulated that if collectability is probable, license revenue should be recognized upon delivery and service revenue should be recognized ratably over the service arrangement. The research question for this article is: How revenue recognition timing affects attributes of reported revenue?This question is interesting because: 1) revenue recognition timing is important in financial reporting and standard setters have devoted much attention, 2) very limited empirical research examining revenue recognition timing has been conducted, 3) software revenue recognition is unique as transfer of rights is achieved by license rather than on-the-spot sale of products. The main hypotheses for this article and their intu itions are: 1) Early revenue recognition increases the timeliness of reported revenue.Its intuition is: early revenue recognition better influences decisions by providing more timely information. 2) However, it will lead to greater uncertainty in reported revenue. Its intuition is: changes may not be foreseen at the time of contract signing. 3) Time-series predictability of revenue is lower under early revenue recognition. Its intuition is: early revenue recognition results in higher estimation error and therefore reduces the time-series predictability.

Project Risk Management – Fluidity in Risk Planning Case Study

Risk Paper 2 Project Risk Management- Professor Hurst Fluidity in Risk Planning – A Case Study One of the most important steps within a project is risk management because it plans for and responds to risks that impact the overall project deliverables including budget and timeframe. Risk management is used to mitigate risk in ways that align with each individual risk and its potential impact. During the risk management process risks are identified and defined and a plan to control, monitor and eliminate them is created.Risks from all areas are brought up during these brainstorming sessions of the risk management planning phase and are planned for accordingly. The work breakdown structure of the project is used as a guide when compiling a risk matrix that will identify potential risks, their severity and impacts. The case study in chapter 13 reflects two different risk response strategies with regards to the tender review process of a project’s deliverables.The first phas e of the case study aligns more closely with a thorough and effective risk planning process plan while the second phase builds on the baselines determined by the first phase to generate a more solid and final risk assessment that will continue to be fluid throughout the project. Risk management is a crucial step of the project planning stage that continuously evolves throughout the project. During phase one of the case study this stage is considered a high importance and value step thus resulting in the proper planning of the risks based of off the WBS.The objectives of phase one are clearly identified and the intention to identify major risks of the project, which will be used as a baseline when comparing each individual tender to the project’s risk outcomes, is clear and all major steps to do so are taken. Step one of the creating the tender phase one case study calls for the â€Å"project structure to be reviewed with the project manager and key staff† and creating â€Å"an agreed risk WBS†. (Cooper, Grey, Raymond, Walker, 2005, p. 52) The first step calls for a meeting of all parties involved to review the WBS and start brainstorming on potential risks. This is a highly advised step because it allows for proper risk identification and mutual understanding of the risks amongst all parties. Phase one does a solid job identifying risks using human resources, quantifiable measures and adequate documentation. Phase two uses the outcomes of phase one as a baseline and works of off those when comparing each tenderer’s offer to the risks and determining the impact the tender will have on each individual risk.Phase two uses the exact same process as phase one except it already has a baseline to work with whereas phase one creates the baseline. Both steps are highly regarded steps yet step two does a better job at identifying risks because it uses the baseline of potential risks and compares them to the introduction of a new major risk, t he tenderer, while measuring its impact on the overall project. Phase two is the more solid one of the two phases because it demonstrates the fluidity of the risk planning process while quantifying each change to the baseline using the same approach as in phase one.The case study states that during phase two all â€Å"revised risk likelihood and impact measures should be converted to numeric scales and risk factors [should be] recalculated†. (Cooper, Grey, Raymond, Walker, 2005, p. 160) Thus phase two also does a better job at quantifying the risks because it compares each changed risk to the baseline and adjusts its ratings based on the proposed changes creating a more realistic understanding of the potential risk likelihood and impact. The case study was interesting because it showed the pre planning phase of the risk planning process.The pre planning phase was phase one because it created a baseline of assumed risks while phase two built on this fluidity and showed the imp acts each tenderer would have on these risks. Essentially phase one of the case study directed phase two since phase two could not be completed without the identified baselines. Phase one was a simpler stage of the case study because it consisted of brainstorming and risk identification without taking into consideration the positive or negative impacts a third party would have. This does not mean that it didn’t plan for those as phase two was to follow once tender submissions were received.Phase two, however, had a more compelling assessment of risk because it had a map already outline and it just needed to follow it to arrive at the best possible location or situation. The first phase identified risk assessment formulas to quantify the risks; it created a baseline of risks and audit proof steps to follow. With those results in mind, the second phase was more concrete because it followed the steps set forth by the first phase, analyzed the impact of the actions of the tendere r on the baseline risks, assessed those, anked them and then assigned numerical values using the formula set forth in the first phase. These two cases are so much alike yet they are so different as well. They are alike because they use the same process to identify and rank risks but their baselines are different. The first case, phase one, started with a blank slate using the WBS to identify risks while the second case, phase two, used the baseline set forth by the first phase and used the WBS to explore new ways and their impacts on the overall project.Both phases of this case study are crucial in risk management projects and are enforceable whether a tender is requested or not. Risk management is a fluid process that calls for constant adjustments to achieve the best possible outcome with minimal if not zero interruptions of the project’s deliverables. This case study showed the importance of constant review of risks and the work that goes into risk avoidance and mitigation .Risk avoidance does not only occur during the initial phase of risk planning but it is something that project managers prefer to keep in mind with every step they take, whether this means hiring contractors, employees or support staff, each individual and their actions will impact the overall risk of the project, the question is how severely? References Cooper, D. , Grey, S, Raymond, G. , Walker, P. (2005). Project Risk Management Guidelines Managing Risk in Large Projects and Complex Procurements. West Sussex, England : Wiley and Sons.