Paul Berg and the Asilomar Conference Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Paul Berg and the Asilomar Conference - Essay Example "Many scientists worried that hybrid molecules from recombinant DNA experiments could result in dangerous new organisms that could pose a threat to public health. Others were deeply concerned about ethical issues related to genetic engineering, especially as it might be applied to humans." (Photographs from Asilomar). This chaotic situation led the National Academy of Sciences to ask Paul Berg to head a committee that "in July 1974 took the unusual move of calling for a voluntary moratorium on certain types of recombinant DNA experiments until the hazards could be evaluated." (Barinaga). Seven months later, Berg organized the International Congress on Recombinant DNA Molecules, which was held in February 1975 at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California. In an essay posted by Paul Berg at the Nobel Prize Organization website in 2004, he revisits the recombinant DNA controversies of the 1970's, the 1975 Asilomar Conference and 30 years later. Looking back, Berg explains and justifies the voluntary moratorium which scientists universally imposed on themselves regarding certain recombinant DNA experiments. ... rg became the 1975 Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA Molecules and one of its aims "was to consider whether to lift the voluntary moratorium and, if so, under what conditions the research could proceed safely", according to Berg. At the conclusion of the conference, consensus was for recombinant DNA research to proceed but under strict guidelines. Berg supports this conclusion. He mentions that hundreds of millions of experiments have been conducted since 1975 with "no documented hazard to public health attributable to the applications of recombinant DNA technology. Moreover, the concern of some that moving DNA among species would breach customary breeding barriers and have profound effects on natural evolutionary processes has substantially disappeared as the science revealed that such exchanges occur in nature." He also mentions, that in support of the resolutions of the conference, immediately after, in 1976, the Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules wer e promulgated by the National Institutes of Health and by comparable bodies in other countries. Despite Paul Berg's support of both the moratorium and the successful conclusion of the Asilomar Conference, he has strong reservations regarding resurrecting the Asilomar model for the resolution of "hot button issues confronting scientists and the public today". He compares the environment of 30 years ago, which worked for the success of the 1975 Asilomar Conference versus the present scenario. He believes, "an Asilomar type conference trying to contend with contentious views is doomed to acrimony and policy stagnation." Although I agree with the points Berg raised against convening an Asilomar type conference in the present day, I believe that communication, dialogue, exhaustive discussion

Lswee9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lswee9 - Essay Example Nothing speaks for itself’ (Thorpe and Holt, 2008: p. 184). It can be anticipated that any researcher will have preconceived ideas about the area of study. This preconception will be founded upon the knowledge gained before actually commencing the research when interacting with others concerned. In my case, I am part of the company. The preconceptions held are going, in some way, going to have an influence both upon the way the research is conducted and could perhaps influence the results obtained. This occurs because it is the researcher who interprets the data, whether this be from his observations, the text of interviews, or from documents obtained from participants. When the researcher reflects upon the preconceptions he might have towards the subject of study and the participants involved, he must also reflect upon how his own characteristics will have an effect upon the data he collected. Hertz (1997: p. 8) stated that reflexivity allows the researcher to realise where he is in relation to the research undertaken , and so is able to minimise the effect he, and his personal ideas and knowledge has upon the research undertaken. When undertaking qualitative research it can be difficult for the researcher to operate in a detached way as they are required to interact personally with the respondents. Reflexive research is able to take this involvement of the researcher into account (Thorpe and Holt, 2008: p. 184). The writers are able to discuss this topic within reflexivity which is where methodological, discussing the proximity of the researchers to the matter under discussion. It is shown that the researcher need to be aware of this closeness and so be aware of the need to be professional and keep their distance so that the process of data collection and its outcomes is influenced in the most minimal way possible and not compromised. Johnson and Duberly (2000: p. 191) discuss

CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

CASE STUDY SUMMARIES - Essay Example To guard against this, concrete bored piles were installed at the cliff-facing side of the road. This is then tied to anchor blocks with pullout being prevented by tension piles. A developed unprotected coastline is subjected to coastal retreat and landslide instability. The combined action of cliff erosion and collapse together with the flow of groundwater from high levels to the sea is triggering landslide reactivation. Coastal protection is limited by environmental sensitivity of the site. There are two requirements for the project: to arrest recession of the cliffs and reactivation of the landslide system and to improve the stability of the coastal through an intensive drainage system. For the first requirement, a rock armor revetment was chosen. For the second problem, a deep pumped well solution using siphon and electro-pneumatic systems. The project involves a developed coastal town threatened by existing coastal defense, landslide reactivation and coastal recession. Coastal erosion by wave action, earth slippage due to rainfall & groundwater, inappropriate excavation and construction and climate change have ultimately resulted to the reactivation of landslide complexes. Due to the severe consequences if the problem was left unchecked, an extensive program of land stabilization and foreshore works was undertaken. Different strategies were used including reinforced slope buttresses, soil nails, pile grids, slope regarding, drains, seawall improvements and beach replenishment. A developed coastal town is experiencing deterioration of coastal defenses with previously installed stabilization measures such as cut-off drain have all but failed. Nevertheless, the cliff top assets are not foreseen to be affected for several years making coastal protection measures not warranted for the time being. Only monitoring and investigations of the ground and rainfall are the actions being undertaken. Aside from

Ryanair Industry Analysis and Strategy for the Future Essay

Ryanair Industry Analysis and Strategy for the Future - Essay Example The heÐ °rt of RyÐ °nÐ °ir’s strÐ °tegy is bÐ °sed on providing Ð ° no frills service with low fÐ °res designed to stimulÐ °te demÐ °nd, pÐ °rticulÐ °rly from budget conscious leisure Ð °nd business trÐ °vellers who might otherwise hÐ °ve used Ð °lternÐ °tive forms of trÐ °nsportÐ °tion or who might not trÐ °velled Ð °t Ð °ll. Following on from this I looked Ð °t the externÐ °l environment thÐ °t Ð °ffects RyÐ °nÐ °ir, to get Ð ° brief ideÐ ° of the possible opportunities Ð °nd threÐ °ts. IncreÐ °sed TrÐ °de-union Pressure: with the Ð °cuisition of Buzz Ð °irline in 2003, RyÐ °nÐ °ir hÐ °s undergone some mÐ °jor chÐ °nges in the mÐ °nÐ °gement structure Ð °s well Ð °s in its stÐ °ff polici. From 400 till 600 employess were dismismissed due to the RyÐ °nÐ °ir’s policy to dispose of the redundÐ °nd stÐ °ff. RyÐ °nÐ °ir mÐ °nÐ °gement Ð °rgued thÐ °t the productivity of Buzz Ð °t 3,000 pÐ °ssengers per employee wÐ °s unÐ °cceptÐ °ble compÐ °red with 10,000 pÐ °ssengers per employee Ð °t RyÐ °nÐ °ir. RyÐ °nÐ °ir wÐ °s Ð °ccused by trÐ °de unions of telling stÐ °ff to â€Å"Ð °ccept the cuts or else †¦Ã¢â‚¬ . EU ExpÐ °nsion: Before the Ð °cquisition, RyÐ °nÐ °ir wÐ °s the biggest user of StÐ °nsted, occupying 45% of lÐ °nding slots while eÐ °syjet/Go hÐ °d 26% Ð °nd Buzz hÐ °d 12%.xiv The merger thus sÐ °feguÐ °rded RyÐ °nÐ °ir’s position Ð °t StÐ °nsted. Moreover, it gÐ °ve RyÐ °nÐ °ir Ð ° UK Ð ir OperÐ °ting CertificÐ °te, which Ð °llowed the compÐ °ny to fly from BritÐ °in to destinÐ °tions outside the EU. Big leÐ °p towÐ °rds †open skies†: The US hÐ °d signed open bilÐ °terÐ °l Ð °greements with EuropeÐ °n countries individuÐ °lly, deÐ °ls which were seen Ð °s Ð ° big leÐ °p towÐ °rd â€Å"open-skies†. Ð ll cÐ °rriers in the two countries concerned were given unlimited rights to operÐ °te trÐ °nsÐ °tlÐ °ntic routes between Ð °ny two destinÐ °tions, with no frequency, cÐ °pÐ °city or tÐ °riff control. In Ð °ddition, unlimited Fifth Freedom rights were grÐ °nted, which Ð °llowed Ð °irlines to cÐ °rry trÐ °ffic between two foreign

The Supply Chain of the Video-entertainment Industry Essay

The Supply Chain of the Video-entertainment Industry - Essay Example With revolutionized digital technology, now movies and other shows can be watched on various devices including the traditional television set and even mobile phones. All of this has been made possible due to the fast speed of internet connection through optical fiber cables (â€Å"Fiber to Home†, n.pag.). Television subscribers like Comcast Corp. even offered live TV streaming on mobile phones although they were not able to provide as many shows (Nakashima, n.pag.). The concept of mobile television started even earlier in Japan (â€Å"Desperate Housewives on the Phone†, n.pag.). While the supply chain of the video-entertainment industry is not entirely digital, the development of online video services for television such as that by Intel (Ramachandran & Sharma, n.pag.) shows proves to be a threat for television subscribers as this development may provide faster digital delivery. What segment of the supply chain has the largest sunk costs? It could be said that the HDTV (high definition television) segment of the video-entertainment industry has incurred a great sunk cost due to the arrival of high internet speeds and mobile television in the recent years. The demand for video on-demand via Netflix, Hulu.com, and other providers is increasing slowly but steadily. Even Intel has arrived on the scene with an online television streaming service. The television pay services have ranked in the bottom having an American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) of 68 (Donner, n.pag.). Therefore, as internet connections keep getting faster due to gigabit-per-second connections (â€Å"Fiber to Home†, n.pag.), it is likely that demands for online television streaming may increase. Had the FTC not stepped in the IE-Netscape case, would have Window’s market power ?been challenged by Netscape? Why or why not? Indeed, Window’s market power would have been challenged by Netscape Communications of its monopolistic practices that promote a non-compet itive economic environment. The investigation done by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allowed the legal workers of the Justice Department to find out evidence regarding Netscape’s claims of Windows trying to dominate the market by distributing its web browser Internet Explorer as part of the operating system (â€Å"Play nicely, or not at all†, n.pag.). The FTC intervened with a legal investigation that might allow other Windows competitors like Sun Microsystems and others to file antitrust lawsuits claiming that Windows has monopolized the market. It could also be that If you are AT&T, how do you become the most dominant player in the industry? Although television sets are popular among Americans, television pay subscribing companies like AT&T rank really low in the ACSI. In order to become a key player in the industry, AT&T should positively take up opportunities present in the external environment. Also, it should come up with new ideas that cater to the needs and demands of its consumers rather than ignoring them. It should focus on improving the quality of its services so as to retain its customers. Also, more options should be considered as the environment provides various opportunities to counter its competitors, mainly online video streaming companies like Netflix and Hulu.com, so as to build its market shares and have satisfied customers. If you are Hulu, how do you become the most dominant player in the industry? Hulu could improve its position in the market and be a dominant player by increasing its database of movies and shows to provide streaming of television programs so that its customers can have a similar show-watching experience as that provided by a traditional pay subscription. The

HR1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

HR1 - Essay Example The recruitment policies, training and development, reward management, performance management and employee involvement in Nando’s are centered upon in order to recommend appropriate HRM strategies (Carpenter, Sanders and Gregersen, 2001). Moreover, the host country’s economic drivers, the organizational issues, cultural issues also effect effective strategy implementation. Various models have been implemented for evaluation of international business environment in China. By examining all these factors, the HRM strategy is linked with the overall business strategy of Nando’s. After a detailed analysis appropriate recommendations are provided to Nando’s that will support the strategic human resource plan of the company for establishing joint venture with Tricon Global Restaurant, Inc. in China. The renowned chicken chain Nando’s has expanded their business further across the country in the past few years with increasing revenues. Nando’s international is a fast food chain first created in South Africa, had a rapid development worldwide but was not successful everywhere (Datta, Guthrie and Wright, 2005). In a continuous complex trading environment, the company has been performing satisfactorily. Despite of its long success history the company is facing expansion problems and are striving to overcome them. The organization has decided to expand its business through joint venture and which will require more staff to be hired. In their recruitment process, Nando’s face challenges that their new staff may not have any experience of working as a family and may lack commitment to their tasks. Proper training and human resourse management is crucial to effective manage their culturally diverse employees. South Africa which is the parent location of Nandos is f acing an economic downturn (Wright, Dunford and Snell, 2001). The recent phase of capitalism that can be referred to as globalization has a complex impact on

Fascism in Germany and Italy Essay Example for Free

Fascism in Germany and Italy Essay Many similarities exist between German fascism, or Nazism, and Italian fascism. For example, both fascist movements were brought into power after facing very similar problems. One of the major problems that both countries encountered was a post-war economy teeming with instability. Germanys fragile economy was undermined by widespread unemployment, hyperinflation, and burdensome reparation payments, while Italys economy was just as delicate. In addition, the Great Depression brought both countries even further into economic collapse. Another problem that brought about fascism in the two countries was post-war peace settlements, especially the Versailles Treaty. While the Germans were exasperated by the exorbitant reparation payments forced upon them by the Allies, the Italians felt betrayed by the peace settlements for denying them the territory and status they deserved. Another problem that the two countries faced was their dissatisfaction with their existing governments. Many Germans were disgruntled with the Weimar Republic for signing the humiliating Treat of Versailles, while many Italians were apprehensive of the chaos within their parliamentary regime. Lastly, widespread fear of revolutionary upheaval and the expropriations of a Communism system also caused many Germans and Italians to identify with fascism. Both German fascism, led by Adolf Hitler and Italian fascism, led by Benito Mussolini exploited many economical and political difficulties within their nation in order to gain power. Hitler blamed Germanys ruined economy on the Weimar Republic, Communists, and Jews, while Mussolini blamed large Socialist and Catholic parties for Italys economic struggles. They also gained the support of farmers, small businessmen, civil servants, and young people by advocating strict nationalistic goals and blaming their economic troubles on the Bolsheviks. Nevertheless, the most crucial components of securing political power was though institutionalized violence and the abolishment of all other political parties. The fascist party under Hitler gained power by abolishing the press, public meeting, trade unions, and eventually, all other political parties. They also secured their total dominance by orchestrating violence to eliminate political enemies with the  Sturmabteilung and later, the Schutzst affel. Similarly, Mussolini used the Squadristi to attack his political enemies, the Catholics and the socialists, in order to secure fascist supremacy and make Italy a one-party dictatorship. Both the German and the Italian fascist regimes dominated business. In Italy, Mussolini lent money to many Italian businesses and acquired power in key industries such as steel, shipping, machinery, and electricity. Meanwhile, in Germany, Hitlers fascist government controlled industry, agriculture, and education. Newspaper and radio broadcasts were operated under strict censorship. In addition, both the German fascist regime and the Italian fascist regime strictly advocated nationalism, militarism, and institutionalized violence. One of the most important characteristics of the fascist regimes of Germany and Italy was nationalism. Nationalism spawned the idea of racial superiority, especially to Germany, and brought about territorial expansion and rearmament. The idea of territorial expansion stimulated militarism in both Germany and Italy. In Germany, Hitlers three goals, Lebensraum, rearmament, and economic recovery became the basis of his new foreign policy. Lebensraum, or living space, was Hitlers idea that superior nations had the right to conquer and expand into the territories of inferior states. Lebensraum brought about rearmament, and in 1935, Hitler publicly announced that Germany was rearming. The third phase of Hitlers foreign policy was economic recovery, which was directly linked to Lebensraum and rearmament, because not only did assembling weapons improve Germanys economy, but also the Balkan countries that Hitler annexed produced consumer goods for them. Similarly, in Italy, Mussolini was also rearming and targeting many weaker countries for his expansionist aims. In October 1936, the two fascist nations formed the Rome-Berlin Axis. Then, in May 1939, Germany and Italy agreed to offer each other military support both offensively and defensively by signing the Pact of Steel. Another act introduced by Hitler was the creation of Nazi controlled-organizations such as Hitler Youth, which taught German boys and girls between 10 and 18 to uphold his fascist values. However, the most unforgettable acts were his Nuremberg Laws, which deprived Jews of their  citizenship and forbade them from marriage. Then, on November 9, 1938, 20,000 to 30,00 Jews were sent to concentration camps and the night became known as Kristallnacht, or the night of broken glass.