Five Trends that Will Shape the Global Luxury Market Essay

Five Trends that Will Shape the Global Luxury Market - Essay Example A watch is more than a timepiece and forms part of an individual’s appearance and jeweler. The watches have been made through careful craft as an integral allure of mechanical watches. The brands share a tradition and cultural prestige derived from centuries of innovation and expertise that is not readily reproduced. The design aesthetic is central to the selection of watches, but it requires cultural capital so as to make artistry worth the price tag. This dissertation explores how the art value of timepieces stirs up consumers to have a desire to purchase luxury watches, especially in reference to Cartier watches, which embrace art element and normally manifest a story behind them. The high reputation that Cartier enjoys can be linked to the art value of Cartier timepieces, especially owing to the history, meaning, and the story behind the Cartier watches collection. Cartier produces watches and jewelry that are typified by an understated, timeless style with a harmonious co mbination of personality and discretion, aristocratic touch, and elegance (Barrett 2000, p.349). Cartier watches also have other strengths dwelling on functionality and easy accessibility, which means that the products can be accessed by anyone across the globe (Barrett 2000, p.350). Cartier watches can be regarded as the ambassador of luxury owing to the high relation that the brand enjoys in prestige watch-making. Presently, Cartier brand is proud of its private collection comprised of collector watches, the company’s range of fine jeweler’s watches, its extravagant timepieces that perfectly embody the Cartier dream and sports and products that have won a place for the brand in history. On the other hand, Vacheron Constantin incorporates personality to the brand and human interaction. The products can be regarded as have an alluring packaging, intriguing ads, and its sensuous looking appearance.

Discussion About Genetically Modified Foods Essay Example for Free

Discussion About Genetically Modified Foods Essay Outline Introduction a. The genetically modified foods are a long issue which is widely debated. b. People feel confused about their safety. I. Views a. ) Magana-Gomez’s argument. b. ) He argues that negative effects of GM food were identified â€Å"at molecular and microscopic levels†. c. ) Curieux-Belfond CL contends that the benefits of genetically modified foods far outweigh the disadvantages. II. Genetically modified foods: Beneficial views Adverse views a. What is the possible risk for genetically modified crops considering nutrition and health? b. Whether the economic effects are the most important?c. Will it bring severe environment problems? III. Arguments for beneficial effects of GM foods a. Firstly, transgenic technology has made considerable progress in food applications. b. Transgenic food has successfully lowered food prices and ensured food safety. c. GM foods significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Introduction The author, Magana-Gomez, critically analyzed the risk assessment methods of transgenic food for human nutrition and health in the paper, â€Å"Risk assessment of genetically modified crops for nutrition and health†. Magana reviewed various modes including different feeding period, animal modes and parameters in the paper published in 2011 by Nutrition Reviews (Magana G, 2009). In consistent with his studies, negative effects of GM food were identified â€Å"at molecular and microscopic levels†. However, with our entry into the 21st century, genetically modified foods have undergone even faster development. However, there are also many doubts about the safety of genetically modified foods. Therefore, genetically modified foods have become a hot topic issue. Personally, although there are many controversies about GM food, I still insist on the research and promotion of transgenic food due to its diverse benefits. Views According to Curieux-Belfond CL, he could identify the factors that deserve consideration before â€Å"commercialization and promotion of transgenic food† (182). In this paper, â€Å"Factors to condider before production and commercialization of aquatic genetically modified organisms: the case of transgenic salmon†, the author took transgenic salmon as an example, in which Curieux-Belfond examined the corresponding impacts in terms of aquaculture, wildlife, ecosystem and human health. The paper published in 2011 by Evironmental Science Policy suggested that GM food undoubtedly contributed to economic benefits without exerting too much extra burden (Curieux B, 2009). In the end, the author believed that the benefits of genetically modified foods far outweigh the disadvantages. Analysis of the benefits of genetically modified foods Magana’s argument is persuasive when he assessed the risks about GM food. However, since genetic engineering techniques have successfully transferred anti-viral, insect resistance, cold resistance and other genes to cotton, wheat, tomatoes and other plants, we can get stable new varieties of genetically modified, with low production cost and high-yield food, which will ease the world food shortage and reduce the use of pesticides to a large extent. Based on the above reasons, I will provide a critical analysis with the following specific examples which show his argument is partially wrong. Firstly, transgenic technology has also made considerable progress in animal food applications. At present, a variety of mammal and bird genes are successfully integrated into the genome of fish, which can significantly enhance transgenic fish muscle protein content and improve growth speed. With the development of genetic engineering technology, people have been freed from natural enzymes to a large extent. Especially when the enzyme obtained from natural protein material encounters difficulties, genetic engineering has the unique advantages of natural gene cloning (Seralini GE, 2011). Thus, it can be highly expressed in microorganisms with mass production by fermentation. At present, the transgenic enzymes are widely used in the food industry, such as maltose enzymes amylase, pectinase and the juice protease. The food nutritional quality modified by genetic engineering has also made remarkable achievements. For instance, the genetic engineering technology has been applied for seed protein improvement, which renders it possible to change the plant composition and amino acid content. Secondly, transgenic food has successfully lowered food prices and ensured food safety, which helps increase production and food supply while reducing the farm labor and pesticide applications, agricultural inputs and production costs (Weasel LH, 2009). In the future, GM crops have great potential in solving the food crisis. For instance, by applying transgenic technology to the human staple foods of rice and wheat, people can increase food production and improve nutritional quality, which will provide mankind with higher-quality food. Furthermore, GM foods have also proved effective in alleviating poverty and hunger. The world’s poorest 50% of the population are small and resource-poor farmers, while 20% living in rural areas without their own land actually depend on agriculture. Therefore, the increase in small-scale and resource-poor farmers’ income will directly assist 70% of the world’s poorest people (Curieux-Belfond O, 2009). So far, genetically modified cotton in India, China and South Africa have already made a significant contribution to more than 1. 2 million poor farmers’ income. The benefits of genetically modified corn in the Philippines and South Africa will be much clearer in the future. In addition, genetically modified rice has great potential to benefit 250 million poor families in Asia, whose benefits will reach 10 million people (Curieux-Belfond O, 2009). Transgenic food also helps to reduce land development. Transgenic technology has been developed to improve the current 1. 5 billion hectares of arable land productivity through conservation of biological resources, thereby reducing land development and deforestation. Thirdly, I will demonstrate such improvement since they significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Traditional agriculture has a significant impact on the environment, and transgenic biotechnology can help reduce this impact. In the first decade of application of genetically modified crops, by planting herbicide and insect-resistant characteristics, transgenic technologies have greatly reduced the use of pesticides, saved fossil fuels and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Undoubtedly, genetically modified crops with drought-tolerant genes will improve water-use efficiency and maintain sustainable agricultural development, which will play an important role in easing the crisis of population growth and global food shortage (Artemis D, 2009). GM crops have also contributed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in two main ways, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping slow climate change. First, by reducing fuel use, the spraying of insecticides and herbicides, GM crops continue to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In 2007, genetic engineering has been stated to reduce 1. 1 billion kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to a decrease of 50 million cars from the road. Secondly, herbicide-resistant GM crops help reduce tillage applications, which protects the land and enhances soil carbon sequestration. Conclusions Despite the many advantages of GM food, we cannot ignore the risks. After genetically modified foods have been taken into the human body, they may cause harm to human health. Moreover, after a large number of transgenic crops come into nature, they may be biologically harmful to ecosystems. Since the risks of GM food is serous, it is important for us to reflect on it first. Any of the scientific and technological developments should be comprehensive and provide well-being for human life. If genetically modified foods can only increase our economic interests and improved material life without the moral, social and environmental harmony, they cannot be defined as making great contribution to social development. Therefore, whether GM food is a benefit or a disadvantage really depends on what kind of human values people hold (Qaim M. 2009). That is the question we reflect on deeply. In contemporary society, with the rapid development of science and technology, the economic situation of the human and the material standard of living has been soaring. It seems that mankind is taking great proud for the advanced technology. However, we should look back to what the living environment we rely on is subjected to. Therefore, genetically modified foods are seen as the savior of mankind, which is actually human self-centered ideology. Of course, with the continuous development of biotechnology and genetic engineering, human beings have the ability to create more genetically modified food. Therefore, the drawbacks of genetically modified food are not the technology itself, but rather due to humans themselves. Thus, personally, I fully sanction the development of GM foods while we should objectively analyze the potential risks. Reference Artemis D. 2009. â€Å"Health risks of genetically modified foods. † Food Science and Nutrition. 49. (2):164-175. Curieux B, Vandelac L, ect. 2009. â€Å"Factors to condider before production and commercialization of aquatic genetically modified organisms: the case of transgenic salmon. † Evironmental Science Policy. 12. (2):170-189. Magana G, Javier A, Calderon de la Barca, Ana M. 2009. â€Å"Risk assessment of genetically modified crops for nutrition and health. † Nutrition Reviews. 67 (1):1-16. Qaim M. 2009. â€Å"The economics of genetically modified crops. † Annual Review of Resource Economics. 1:665-693. Seralini GE, Mesnage R, ect. 2011. â€Å"Genetically modified crops safety assessments: present limits and possible improvements. † Environmental Sciences Europe. 23. (10): 1-10. Weasel LH. 2009. â€Å"Food Fray: Inside the Controversy over Genetically Modified Food. † American Management Association. Amacom, 86-150. Print.

A Rare Case of Ehler-Danlos Syndrome

A Rare Case of Ehler-Danlos Syndrome A RARE CASE OF EHLER-DANLOS SYNDROME WITH LITERATURE REVIEW ABSTRACT The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome comprises of a group of generalized connective tissue disorders which is characterized by fragile skin, skin hyperextensibility, and joint hypermobility. More than 10 types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have been identified based on genetic and biochemical studies1. In the majority of patients with molecularly characterized as classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (type I and type II), the disease is caused by a mutation leading to a non-functional COL5A1 allele and resulting in haplo-insufficiency of type V collagen2. Most mutations identified so far result in a reduced amount of the type V collagen in the connective tissues available for collagen fibrillogenesis. Inter and intra-familial phenotypic variability is observed, but no specific genotype-phenotype correlations have been observed. No specific treatment protocol for the underlying defect is presently available for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. However there are a series of preventive guidelines applicable2. Period ontal disorders, increased bleeding tendency, delayed eruption of teeth and joint subluxation are few concerns during dental management of such patients. This case report discussess the features of classic ehler danlos syndrome presented in a 7 year old female patient and reviews the recent literature. Key words: Ehler-Danlose Syndrome, Classic Type. EHLER-DANLOS SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT INTRODUCTION The Classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by skin hyperextensibility, fragile and soft skin, delayed wound healing with formation of atrophic scars, easy bruising, and generalized hypermobility of joint. It comprises Ehlers- Danlos syndrome type I and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type II, but it is now apparent that these form a continuum of similar clinical findings and differ only in phenotypic severity2. Presented here is a rare case of a 7 year old girl with features of Classical Ehler Danlos Syndrome. CASE REPORT A 7 year old female patient reported with her parents to the department of oral medicine radiology concerned about a decayed tooth in the lower right back jaw region. A thorough review of the family history indicated that she was the first and the only child of her parents who had married consanguineously. On further investigation the parents reported that child had an unremarkable prenatal course of development and birth. She had no significant illnesses or hospitalizations as reported . She had normal course of development . Her medical history did reveal prolonged epistaxis occasionally . Opthalmic assessment was done at the age of 2 years and she was diagnosed with astigmatism for both the eyes. On a re-evaluation a week ago she was also diagnosed with hypermetropia. The patients dental history was, according to her parents, uneventful, although she had never had routine professional care. Tooth eruption and exfoliation had occurred without difficulty. She reported brushing her teeth twice daily. Physical examination revealed a thin white female kid with translucent skin with blue sclera and dark circles around her eyes. There was hyperextensibility of her fingers in both hands and legs, elbows and knees with bilateral shoulder subluxation. Her height was 125 cm and weighed 19.20 kgs., afibrile at the time of presentation. Laboratory examination for the patient revealed normal CBC, platelets, PT, and PTT; however, her bleeding time was found to be greater than 16 mm. Oral examination revealed early mixed dentition with a Class I relationship of her first permanent molars and primary canines. Severe crowding of incisors and she had a posterior crossbite on her right side was present. Dentinal caries was present with respect to lower right deciduous molar. There was generalized gingivitis with fair oral hygiene. A provisional diagnosis of Ehler Danlos syndrome was made based on the clinical finding and the patient was sent to the genetic center at the Indira Gandhi Institute Of Child Health. Upon genetic analysis it was found that she had pathogenic variant of COL51A gene. On basis of the genetic analysis and clinical features a confirmed diagnosis of Ehler Danlos Syndrome was made. The parents were referred to a genetic counselor to explain regarding the condition and the possibility of the condition repeating in the next offspring. The patients’ dental treatment was performed at the pediatric department which was uneventful. The patient is placed under regular recall at the dental hospital and was referred to the clinical pediatrician for subsequent care and review. DISCUSSION The Classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder which is characterized mainly by hyperextensibility of skin , abnormal wound healing, and joint hypermobility. After the description of typical hyperelastic skin by Van Meekeren and hypermobility of joints , in addition, by Knoop , Ehler first noticed easy bruisability of the skin. Danlos drew attention to peculiar cigarette paper scar multiple pseudotumor formation of the skin3. Prevalence : EDS truely is a rare disease, affecting just one in a million people worldwide. There are many subtle forms of the condition, leading to missed diagnosis or misclassification. Therefore, the incidence rates stated are skewed. The statistics for ED syndrome in India per se has hardly been noted, most of the authors referencing to world wide statistics. Pathophysiology : There are three different mechanisms by which the EDS traits are produced6. The first of these features is a deficiency of the collagen-producing enzymes, such as lysyl-hydroxylase and pro-collagen peptidase. The second is the dominant-negative effect of the mutant collagen ÃŽ ±-chains6. The third is haplo-insufficiency of COL5A1 gene that encodes the proalpha1(V) chain of the type V collagen. The term haplo-insuffiency refers to the presence of a single functional copy of any particular gene within diploid organisms, with the other homologous allele (which is supposed to be a functioning duplicate gene) inactivated12. The diagnosis of EDS, classic type is generally established by clinical examination and family history. The diagnostic criteria were developed by a medical advisory group in a conference held at Ville franche in 19972. The combination of three major diagnostic criteria is highly specific for the presence of the condition2: Skin hyperextensibility: Skin hyperextensibility should be tested at a neutral site (the one not subjected to mechanical forces or scarring), such as volar surface of the forearm. It is measured by pulling up the skin until any resistance is felt. In young children, hyperextensibility of skin is difficult to assess because of abundant subcutaneous fat. Widened atrophic scar formation ( manifestation of tissue fragility). Joint hypermobility: Joint hypermobility depends upon age, gender, family and ethnic backgrounds. Joint hypermobility in classic EDS is generalized, affecting both the large and the small joints and can range in severity from mild to severe2. It is usually noted when a child starts walking6. A positive family history2. The Minor diagnostic criteria were also established, and the presence of one or more of these minor criteria contributes to the diagnosis of classic EDS, though not sufficient to establish the diagnosis2: Smoothness of skin, velvety texture. Molluscoid pseudotumors (fleshy, heaped-up lesions associated with scars formation over pressure points such as the elbows and knees). Subcutaneous spheroids (small, hard cyst-like nodules, freely moveable in the sub-cutis over the bony prominences of the legs and arms, which have an outer calcified layer with a translucent core on the radiograph). Complications of hypermobility of joint(e.g.: sprains, dislocations or subluxations, and pes- planus). Muscle hypotonia with delayed gross motor development. Easy bruisability. Manifestations of tissue hyperextensibility and fragility (e.g.: hiatal hernia, anal prolapse in childhood, and cervical insufficiency). Surgical complications including postoperative hernias2. Differential diagnosis of the other EDS-subtypes: 1. EDS hyper-mobility type (EDS type III) 2. Familial joint hyper-mobility syndrome 3. EDS vascular type (EDS type IV) Differential diagnosis including other heritable connective tissue disorders2 : Marfan- Syndrome Cutis- Laxa Syndromes Loeys-Dietz Syndrome The discussed case presented with smooth velvety skin, skin hyper-extensibility , joint hyper-mobility, with history of easy bruising and epistaxis, muscle hypotonia , features suggestive of a clinical diagnosis of the classical ehler danlos syndrome. Clinical Management: There are not many treatment options available, yet the optimal management of EDS patients through a series of lifestyle modifications is recommended, such as by minimizing skin trauma brought about during trauma or excessive exposure to the sun, as well as a regular exercise regimen in order to strengthen muscles tone , which in turn decreases the risk of joint injury (such as the previously discussed spontaneous dislocation). Patients with the vascular and the ocular forms of EDS should avoid dangerous contact sports, such as martial arts and football etc. There is even anecdotal mention that increase in the intracranial pressure resulting from Valsalva effect can be problematic, especially with the vascular and the ocular forms; patients may be advised to refrain from such activities as playing musical instruments (trumpet, trombone) as well as activities that require constant squatting or bearing down. The limited treatment choices available for EDS patients’ are unsatisfactory, with most care being supportive in nature. Patients requiring surgical interventions should be treated with the utmost of caution due to enhanced problems of bleeding from spontaneous vascular rupture, scar formation, and potential compromises in airway maintenance. Surgical re-excision of the scars and keloids might provide for some cosmetic benefit, although this plastic surgery can also lead to problems as previously noted. CONCLUSION EDS, the classic type is inherited disorder of autosomal-dominant type . It is estimated that approximately 50% of the affected individuals have inherited mutant gene from an affected parent, and about 50% of the affected individuals may have a de novo disease-causing mutation. Although about 50% of the individuals diagnosed with classic EDS have an affected parent, the family history may seem to be negative because of failure to recognize the disorder in family members. Requests for prenatal testing for conditions such as classic EDS that do not affect intellect of the individual or life span are not common. Differences in perspective may exist among various medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal testing2. From an oral physicians perspective its important to be aware of the risks of bruising, bleeding and joint hyper extensibility during various dental procedures being carried out in the patient. Also it is important to make the patient and related aware of the importance of need for optimum maintenance of oral hygiene to avoid the oral disorders patient is more susceptible to.

know what i hate :: essays research papers

You know what I hate happens? ( FUCKING EMBARRISSING MOMENTS ) ( Its like when your waiting for the Phone ) One Day after eating a hefty late lunch you sit around the house waiting for the phone to ring, this girl was supposed to come over to your house later, When out of no where came the impending inexplicable urge to take a big ass shit. Thinking it over you know you cant afford to miss the phone call, but also when you got to take a shit you got to take a shit. So taking a shit it is. Your on the toilet doing your business, you guess your about half way through when the phone begins to ring. Well your working on a big clunker right there and you didn’t have any time to wipe your ass, You run to the phone as quick as you can in the state your in. You finally finish the phone call and you put the phone down, she said she would be here in 5 minutes and Your like Werd, pimping it. Then you turn around and you see a trail of tiny wet spots of brown SHIT everywhere. You only have 5 minutes to clean it up. Trying to wipe it and get it out of the carpet, it spreads. The bell rings and y ou get dressed as soon as you can, your ass still remains un-wiped. She enters the house, she sees the stains on the floor and asks what it is, You say its chocolate ice cream, You try to steer her away but you know you couldn’t show your ass to her incase the shit stain outline appears on your pants, she bends over to smell and examine the stain on the floor.... she smells it, she gets an idea of what it is, and you try to steer her away, she tells you to come look at it closer, by then you have no choice, you bend over, she sees the shit stain outlines on your pants and her idea that those might be shit stains on the ground are confirmed........... The Date Is Over ( Its like Before You go into the hot tub ) Well The other day before hitting the road to a long drive to vacation I decided to leave on a full stomach so I wouldn’t be hungry on the journey there.

Essay --

Dear President, As you very well know, climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the current age. While few countries in the area are able to work on mitigation and adaption, The Republic of Congo has been diligent in passing laws that can further preserve our planet. I am writing this letter to talk about what positive impacts have come from the recent laws set in place, as well as advise a plan for furthering the mitigation of climate change in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two new laws have been passed stating that the removal of any natural resources from the rainforest, including trees and minerals, is permanently banned. Timber and mining companies may no longer operate in the rain forest. In addition, to decrease the poaching of animals and trees in the rainforest, a drastic increase in the penalties for poaching will be issued and the consequences are up to and including potential life in prison. Also a large increase in the funding of efforts to prevent poaching and capture poachers has been set in place. In retrospect to the new laws put into place, there will be pros and cons of the effect that the law has on the Ba’aka people, the logging and mining workers, the poachers of bushmeat and ivory, and congolese environmentalists. The Ba’aka peoples nomadic lifestyle is less damaging to the rainforest environment because it allows the group to move without over-exploiting the local game and forest resources. Most African forest people spend much of the year near a village where they trade bush meat and honey for manioc, produce, and other goods. In contrast when there was an allowance of poaching and removal of natural resources, the Ba’aka people ran low on the bushmeat and found the forest inhabitable due t... ... due to the law, they can bring about a rich future and help teach the native people how to utilize their resources to the highest ability. The con that this law has on the environmentalists is now they have less funding from the government to support their research because more money is going into the prevention of poaching. This could harm the conservation process of environmentalists because they need funding in order to sustain the ecosystem. I am writing this letter today to ask for your consideration in the funding of environmental conservation in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Please consider the facts that I have laid out, together we have the ability to raise awareness within the community to help lessen the environmental impacts that ultimatley induce climate change. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, Hayley Kievman

Child Abuse and Neglect Essay -- Violence Against Children

There are many things in our society today that unfortunately go overlooked. One such thing that is overlooked is the number of children who are being abused. Unfortunately these children are going through life not knowing whether or not their parents will loose their temper and perhaps kill them. There are many types of child abuse, such as physical, sexual, and emotional. Physical abuse is physical injury as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting, burning, or otherwise harming a child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child. Sexual abuse includes activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child's genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials. Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may in clude constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance. Emotional abuse is often difficult to prove and, therefore, Child Protection Services may not be able to intervene without evidence of harm to the child. Emotional abuse is almost always present when other forms are identified. Child abuse is a growing problem that has many causes and effects, but there are ways that we as a society can decrease the occurrence of this horrible event. Child abus...

My First Job and First Salary Essay

I had the best feeling of my life when i got my first job and that i put as my most happiest and memorable moment of my life. I do still remember the date and time. For a middle class family girl getting a job is a big thing in life. After i got my offer letter from the i called my MOM first and she was so happy with the news, that was the day when i made my parents proud. I was more happy and satisfied that day and feeling of joblessness and insecurity gone from my mind. Those days i was so doubtful regarding job since me and my classmates were struggling for job. Everyone of us were trying hard but Biotechnology jobs are comparatively lesser than IT jobs. From my childhood i was very passionate about lifescience { May be i was so poor in Maths that i didnt have any other choice } Then came my first day at office, It was really different feeling again. From college to company. In college we wont have much tensions or pressure or deadline and you are totally independent of your ways. But professional life was very different. It was more or work, meeting deadlines and continuous learning and implementing those. There was lot to learn in professional life. Though it took few weeks for me to get adjusted with company culture and learning the work i need to do and mingling with my colleagues, but it was good experience. then came a day for which all employee waits â€Å"The Salary Day†. My first salary.. Though i bought materialistic things for my family with mhy first salary but it was real satisfaction for me and for them too. I was then INDEPNDENT girl. Though it seem simple but these experience are great and memorable.