Topic 5-1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Topic 5-1 - Essay Example The Social Institution and Gender Index (SIGI) is an efficient tool for helping women realize their abilities and develop proper career alternatives. The tool emphasizes on fighting for the rights of women by providing evidence as to the actual levels of discrimination that females face. The only detriment of using the tool is that it may promote overconcentration on feminine gender and encourage discrimination of the masculine gender as already happens in some countries. Ethical concern relating to Social Institution and Gender Index (SIGI) is that it is forgetting and biasing against masculine gender. The tool places much emphasis on promoting feminine rights and doing nothing to the masculine gender. This element of SIGI may lead it in causing further imbalance across the genders. When compared with the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), SIGI performs poorly in promoting gender balance in careers. The ASVAB gives people across all genders opportunity to take career test without any form of discrimination. Qualification of individuals depends solely on their performances. In that respect, SIGI can cause social conflict in the career fields in the long term, while ASVAB can reinforce the perceptions of gender unfairness in career

Dells Supply Chain Management Essay Example for Free

Dells Supply Chain Management Essay The term supply chain management (SCM) was initially used in wholesaling and retailing to denote the integration of logistics and physical distribution functions with the goal of reducing delivery lead times. Manufacturers and service providers have used the same term to describe integration and partnership efforts with first- and second- tier suppliers to reduce cost and improve quality and delivery timing. Terms such as integrated purchasing strategy, integrated logistics, supplier integration, value chain management, supply base management, strategic supplier alliances, lean production, Just-In-Time (JIT) logistics, and supply chain synchronization have been used in the literature to address certain elements or stages of this new management philosophy (1998; 1994). Conceptually, SCM includes all value-adding activities from the extraction of raw materials through the transformation processes and through delivery to the end user. SCM spans organizational boundaries and treats the organizations within the value chain as a unified virtual business entity (1991; 1995). (1995) further expanded SCM to include recycling or reuse activities. In general, SCM seeks improved performance through elimination of waste and better use of internal and external supplier capabilities and technologies (1996). The retailing industry has focused on different aspects of SCM, namely, location, transportation, and logistics issues. Indeed, the origin of supply chain management can be traced back to efforts to better manage the transportation and logistics functions (1997; 1995; 1994; 1993; 1991; 1987). The wholesaling and retailing industries incorporate a logistics focus within their strategic decisions. In this respect, SCM is synonymous with integrated logistics systems that control the movement of goods from the suppliers to end customers without waste (1991). Moreover, integrated logistics systems seek to manage inventories through close relationships with suppliers and transportation, distribution, and delivery services. A goal is to replace inventory with frequent communication and sophisticated information systems to provide visibility and coordination. In this way, merchandise can be replenished quickly in small lot size and arrive where and when it is needed (1994; 1993). Firms that use advanced process technology to increase flexibility and involve manufacturing managers in strategic decision making alter the role of logistics in firm success (1998). A supply chain can reduce overall inventory while maximizing customer service by efficiently redistributing stock within the supply chain using effective postponement and speculation strategies (1998; 1993; 1991). New logistics technology gives businesses a complex way to make things easier for their customers and suppliers. Within logistics industry, Dell’s system is recognized as one that takes advantage of technology to decrease storage and increase efficiency. The computer companys supply and shipping networks exemplify the latest trend in logistics, that is, visibility. Companies with the money and foresight are making sure their inventories can be traced and tracked throughout their entire logistical operations, even if their systems are entirely outsourced. Executing a supply chain with full visibility gives companies better information to work with and a more agile system. Dell has a better control of their operation which has reduced safety stocks and has operate faster to get cash-to-cash conversion cycles. By producing custom products at a rapid pace, the computer manufacturer receives payments from customer before it pays suppliers. Companies can do this only if there’s a short window between receiving an order and shipping it. In addition, Dells customers can also keep track of their order status. They can trace their computer as is moves through assembly and testing, and can track its shipment due to the technology of major shipping companies. The pulse of Dells execution effort centers on increasing business velocity and eliminating waste. Dell employees are constantly focused on driving down backlogs, promoting best practices, and creating synergies among adjacent processes as seen in cross-functional initiatives such as the design-for-manufacturability effort between manufacturing and RD. This initiative successfully promoted product designs that are easier to assemble. In 1994, Dell was a struggling second-tier PC maker. Like many others, the company ordered its components in advance and manufactured to inventory. Then Dell began to implement a new business model. It converted its operations to a build-to-order process, eliminated its inventories through a just-in-time system, and sold its products directly to consumers. Dell carefully targeted corporate relationship customers that had predictable, budgeted needs and that wanted a pre-determined set of product models. The company also selected individual customers who were high-end, repeat purchasers with a preference for early technology adoption. Both account segments had the stable, predictable purchase patterns that Dell needed to make its joint build-product-to-order/buy-component-to-plan system work. In connection with this, Dell developed a set of new operations capabilities in five crucial areas (2005). First, it created the flawless make-to-order system that has been widely noted. Secondly, Dell worked at length to build an effective supplier management function in order to shorten component lead times and maintain the absolute quality standards required by the just-in-time operation. Third, Dell developed the sell what you have system that was essential to matching supply and demand. Fourth, it instituted an extraordinarily crisp set of product life cycle management capabilities that yielded great cost reductions and strategic advantage. Fifth, the company worked with its suppliers to shorten their product life cycles, extending the Dell business model to the whole channel. Together these operating capabilities formed a cornerstone for Dells business model. Moreover, to maintain its rapid growth, Dell needs to hone its just-in-time process. Dell believes that the key to JIT is integrating with the suppliers into its operation. It is important for the company to work with the suppliers to figure out how to minimize the supply chain and hold the least amount of inventory in it. Inventory can add costs, damage quality, slow production, and wreak havoc with Dells rapid response reputation. To guard against this, Dell has optimized its supply base and developed a tightly run system in which it pulls parts from suppliers just as they are needed for production. Dell has manufacturing facilities in Austin; Limerick, Ireland; and Penang, Malaysia, each of which produces PCs on a JIT basis. In order to ensure the smooth flow of production supplies into these plants, Dell has developed a two-tiered strategy that employs different sourcing arrangements and delivery schedules for custom and commodity parts. When Dell receives an order for a PC, it faxes or phones its requirements to suppliers who pick the proper parts and pack them in reusable bins with kanban cards attached. Trucks on a continuous loop between suppliers and Dell, known as a milk run, deliver the sorted parts to the computer makers plant for final assembly. This process frees Dell from having to manage inventories and the costs associated with them. However, Dell has made efforts to ensure that suppliers dont get stuck with much inventory. The computer maker allows suppliers to participate in a revolver program, where they can sell parts stored at the warehouse to other customers. In comparison with Dell’s supply chain management, Baxter, a hospital supply company, developed a powerful new type of partnership with its hospital customers. Baxter develops a strategy which is the vendor-managed inventory system, then called the Stockless System in managing its customer’s inventories within their hospital facilities (2001). The hospital specifies its stock requirements for each ward; an on-site Baxter employee counts the stock in each ward each day or every few days; the employee enters this information into a hand-held device and transmits it to Baxters warehouse, where a replenishment order is derived; at the warehouse, the order is picked into ward-specific containers; that order is delivered the next day or in a few days directly to the ward, and the Baxter employee puts the stock away; finally, Baxter invoices the hospital. Baxters Stockless System created a powerful new channel that changed the ground rules for all other hospital supply compani es. However, in the long run, the shift to service competition led to significant sales increases as conversions to Baxter products naturally occurred. The company also gained significant first-mover advantage as it tied up key accounts with this new channel. In the case of Procter and Gamble (PG), the company first partnered with Wal-Mart to develop a pioneering continuous replenishment system. Through this system, PG replenishes Wal-Marts facilities without purchase orders based on the retailers product movement data. Based on this experience, PG systematically shifted its strategic focus toward supply chain-based service innovationand in the process transformed both the consumer products and retail industries. PG also developed a careful account selection plan as part of an innovative product supply model. The company developed operating partnerships with major customers capable of linking electronically, taking full-truckload deliveries, and engaging in joint business process reorganization programs. Smaller accounts were shifted to master distributors, which in turn were selected for their ability to partner effectively with PG. PG, for its part, developed operations capabilities in two key areas ( 2001). First, it created a sweeping new set of industry-change programs such as ECR (efficient consumer response), CRP (customer requirements planning), and streamlined logistics. These programs required a solid new understanding of channel economics and the impact of supply chain innovation. Second, the company developed sophisticated IT ties to coordinate its product flow, enabling it to raise service levels to meet the needs of the new system. With regards with Dell’s, supply chain competency of the company comprises of four qualities which includes demand management, internal collaboration, leveraging partners, and financial fundamentals (2004). Dells direct model enables the company to excel at demand management. The process of selling directly to customers and building product to order creates opportunities for true real-time collaboration and synchronization between manufacturing and sales. By being in direct contact with the market, Dell can quickly see changes in customer demand. Synchronization allows Dell to respond more quickly to customer demand than its competitors can. Additionally, this true internal collaboration allows for highly accurate forecasts. Another key aspect of Dells success is its ability to collaborate internally. This competency is driven by a culture that values information sharing and empowers all employees. At Dell, direct refers not only to how the company sells but also to how team members communicate and attack issues (2004). Moreover, Dells culture and processes not only help the company collaborate internally but also help it leverage its business partners. Dell leverages its partners by linking suppliers planning and execution activities with Dells systems. The company uses information technology to gather and share a constant stream of data on supply and demand trends. On the supply side, Dell gathers real-time information about the inventory levels of its suppliers at various positions in the supply chain. Finally, Dells entire supply chain is focused on fundamental business performance. Operating margin and not just profits or growth rate is the number that Dell cares about most to ensure long-term profitability. Dell Inc.s renowned direct sales model is regularly cited as the key reason for its overall competitive prowess. At Dell, supply chain management is truly viewed as a strategic capability; it drives coordination with, and in many instances it includes, activities such as marketing, sales, finance, and information technology.

Last Supper by David Lachapelle: Analysis

Last Supper by David Lachapelle: Analysis I am going to analyse the image taken by mentioned artist above. The essay will cover wide range of descriptive language from focus, light, depth of field, contrast ET all. In other words I will try to give an accurate detailed description of the image. The series of Jesus is a homeboy demonstrates God on rough urban streets and in the neighbourhood between homeboys. Except for one white looking guy who is Jesus. The author composition of the image is to draw viewer attention to the table and the Jesus sitting in the middle but not only because straight away your eye going to the source of aureole light and Jesus face which is focal point in the image. Further the photograph is staged we can see Jesus and young people in modern settings sitting around the table but all of their faces looking at Jesus as to some discussion is going on there. Also Jesus open hands lying on the table symbolise peace and hope for the subjects around. In fact only males are represented that creates the diversity and a sense of the corrupt company that was kept by Jesus. As well the wooden floor makes the room looking homely also the roses in the left back corner of the frame are showing us there is a life and fact that they are kept in water shows that this people do care. Even they had problems in the past they are still preparing to go in right direction. Moreover there is also a sense of exploration that engage s the viewer. We could look at the image over and over again and each time we will find something new that or evokes a different story based on what mood you are in when you approach the piece. Certainly we can see a mystery or curiosity, confusion or excitement or suspicion or scandal also social engagement and claustrophobia. Either the lighting in the image is artificial mainly coming from above of the subjects but also behind Jesus head, they are three high watt neon bulbs on the ceiling as you can recognise in the left window behind. Along the light looks diffused as you cannot see any shadows on the wall. Generally the top part of the image is lighten the most through the lights you see a fly traps hanging from the ceiling what shows that the moment is situated nowadays but not only that is helping you recognise what is the time line. In particular we can recognise the modern urban society by the way they dressed or their body language plus the burger and the beers across the table. We see that mostly they are coming from criminal activity background as they having tattoos all over their bodies. Again we would say that there is another light set up in front of the subject because their faces are lighten from the side. To look at this another way the light composition create bright rather cold atmosphe re. The photograph allows us to guess a time of the day which is a night time regarding to the lamp post recognize in the left side window. Differently the texture is eye catching colourful and inviting the walls covered in light brownish patterned wallpaper creates a clear open space but at the same time amount of people in the room makes you feel claustrophobic. The table cover texture feels smooth and is patterned too also colourful because of the light falling on it. Similarly top of the table surface value is smooth rather the bottom part where the shadows area of the table looks glossy in highlights but overall is looking like a cloth texture. In addition the darkest value of the photograph is in the left corner slightly going through the foreground when the lightest value is the very top part of the image the same as the Jesus aureole bright light. Appears to that the camera angle is lower than the eye level and the viewer is looking straight on the focal point already mentioned Jesus then the eyes following to the one side then to another carefully watching the subjects sitting around the table. The artist angle of view make the viewer feel like the image is directly trying to jar our minds to rethinking make us aware of something. Furthermore the camera is placed in front of the subject and the vantage point is right in the middle of the frame. What is more the focus is sharp through the foreground and getting soft focus while you are reaching the background. The edges of the subjects are gentle because author using selective focus by changing the aperture setting. The author placed the subjects and the lighting in the boundaries of the frame. In view of this it is really making the image looking narrow its pushing the viewer to look straight first and creates lines in triangle shape reaching the focal point. Then the setting and its physical surroundings looks real as we can notice the windows and opened doors, walls with wall paper on a furniture which is adding to it. Notably the house does not looks care about as seems to be just exist than being lived in by people maybe it is just the meeting venue rather than a family home. The subjects are not surprised that Jesus appeared possible because they were expecting him to come and help them or answer the questions they might have about their future. Besides the girl in the door is looking up also holding her hands up in the air like she is praying for something important the expression on her face make us feel helpless and the fact that she is just only one female in the room. Although she looks like she was not in the room from the beginning because the fact that she is between the door and situation so she appeared after everybody else. Unsurprisingly artist use a colour to achieve many effects on the viewer because it is giving a sens e of mood and place also time of the year. When the viewer moving his eyes around the composition colour creates a sense of space on a flat surface which is the image. If for example the image would be in black and white our interpretation might be completely different to the one we see in colour. Either the colours in the image are saturated and wide range of them making us engage the relationship between subjects and what we see. Moreover we also can see the bowl on the floor with water in the bottle next to it. Artist try to recreate the Christà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s last meal from Bible but in a modern way as for the water is present for Jesus to wash his feet after. Regarding to the bible the wine represents Gods promise in blood poured out in a humankind sin. It means that we have to self-examine ourselves and participate in body of Christ but instead the subjects are drinking beer and eating burgers and that is what the world came too. Therefore our interpretation shows that Jesus spent time with people from the street, hustlers because he feels comfortable and empathised with. The Bible interpretation of the Last Supper was considered blasphemous but is when Jesus actually pulled his believe for the people of the street. In a way that is why they are wearing modern clothes and they are in modern settings because this is the scenery would look like if we could get a second coming. Overall the majority were a shady characters as are we at best but many people do not notice that he tells this stories after when à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ good peopleà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  were questioning him. They are surprised that how he could spend tim e with this characters and dine with them. In short maybe that is the place where he found open hearts and room to rest. Jesus is giving to poor understands them help them he says we all should be the same the more we give the more satisfaction from life we receive. For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give large or small will be used to measure what is given back to you. (TLB, Luke 6:38) Dont judge other people, and God will not judge you. If you judge other people, you will be judged in the same way you judge themà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ . Matthew 7:1-5 (ERV)

Things I Dont Want to be When I Grow Up :: Personal Narrative, Personal Experience

As a youthful teen, I have many dreams and ambitions yet to be achieved. I have always daydreamed of my future with childhood fantasy. But, what are the things I do not want to do when I grow up? A myriad of thoughts cross my mind. Firstly, I definitely would not want to have a lowly position in life. I would like to run the extra mile, to strive harder and to gain the highest education that I can achieve . I do not want to be underestimated and believe that nothing is impossible. I am resolute in achieving what I want and I know what I have to do to get there. The transition to adulthood is filled with many temptations that determine our lifestyle and choices for the rest of our lives. Drugs lead to an unhealthy economic and social position, besides extensively damaging our health. Greed ends up dominating the more prominent matters in life, such as taking time out for family, whilst jealousy is a sin that propels us towards superficiality. All these immoral acts and wrongdoings not only places others in grief but also shows a personality which is unhealthy in mind, soul and heart. Therefore, I do not plan on becoming one when I grow up, but rather be discipline and firm in doing the right thing. I do not want to be all blue and gloom. â€Å" Laughter is the best medicine.† It is very important that we always look on the bright side, to think half full, instead of half empty. Positive instead of negative. Optimistic rather than pessimistic. Furthermore, studies show that smiling releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and that it takes 43 muscles to frown but only 16 muscles to smile! So, why frown? Smile a mile wide and share a cheery, bright personality with everyone. I do not want to experience the serious problem of unpaid debts and bankruptcy when I am grown up. We should not have excuses to spending lavishly. Prudent spending is always wise. After all, it is better to save that money for a rainy day than to spend it foolishly. I definitely do not desire to be ignorant of our environment of which we are depending on so wholly, especially when I am grown up. I want to go green and participate in preserving the environment, Our planet can continue to be a beautiful planet if we care for our environment and stop it from being destroyed.

Sendong Report

It was a test of faith. Never were the Kagay-anons expecting that such a violent storm which hit the City of Cagayan de Oro, would kill their loved ones, and eventually their livelihood. Typhoon Washi, popularly known as Sendong which struck the Northern part of Mindanao on the early hours of December 17,2011 not only destroyed the city physically but as well as washing away devastatingly the social, political and the economic faiths of the city.The effects of heavy rains in the evening of 16 December until early morning of 17 December, the high tide occurrence and the debris into the river worsened the force of flash flood that impacted the catastrophe (National Disaster Risk and Management Center, 2012). People were sleeping around 2:30 a. m. when the flash flood strikes fierce fully resulting to a haunting tragedy which recorded a death toll of 674 in Cagayan de Oro according to the Final Report on the Effects and Emergency Management re Tropical Storm â€Å"SENDONG† (Washi ) prepared by the National Disaster Risk and Management Center (10 February 2012).Barangay 17, within the prior area of Cagayan de Oro City was one of the areas severely hit by the catastrophic phenomenon, and obtained the greatest share of recovery support. Sustenance and rehabilitation figures are roughly in line with the region–wide numbers. Hundreds of organizations, agencies and thousands of people from all walks of life all over the world share anything that they could give heartily, might be as in cash, in kind, service, and even in thoughtful concerns expressed through social media like Facebook or Twittter in helping to rebuild shattered communities among the 41 City barangays affected by the typhoon.Billions, translated from different currencies to pesos were commended, making this the largest post disaster recovery and extension undertaking commenced for the last 12 years in the Philippine history due the highest number of casualties and damages (CALONZO, 18 Decemb er 2011), City government provided financial assistance ranging from Php 2,500 to 9,000 for each family reliant on the amount of damage and has a significant figure of Php6, 885, 000 as financial aid to each family.Estimated damage of 10000 received financial assistance amounting to 2500; 20000 to 35000 received Php3500 ; Php 35000 to 6000 worth of damage received Php 4,500 ; Php7000 to 100000 cost of damage received Php 6,000 ; 120000 to 300,000 received Php 7,000 to 8000, and damage ranging Php350000 to 3,000,000 got 9,000 financial assistance. In line of President Benigno Aquino III directive for immediate aid efforts for ongoing relief undertakings, a December 28, 2011 press release from the Department of Budget and Management (28 December 2011) indicated Php336. M was added to Department of Social Welfare and Development. Government through Department of Social Welfare and Development had facilitated the delivering of food supplies and financial assistance to the affected commu nities.Red Cross Organization has also demonstrated efforts on providing relief items and medical assistance. Various organizations such as churches, charitable groups as well as radio and TV station have showed goodwill and kindness amidst adversity.In Barangay 17, nearby churches such as United Christian Church in the Philippines and Iglesia ni Kristo have offered free water and sack of rice during that time. Magnum Radio, DXCC provided clothes, canned goods and mineral water for aiding immediate needs while ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya along with various celebrities like Robin Padilla, Kris Aquino and GMA Center Mark Bautista handed relief goods and supplies.Blanco (28 July 2012) on her article Krusada: Cagayan de Oro, 7 months after Sendong, cited an establishment of a total of 6000 shelters prepared by Habitat for Humanity Philippines in which 12 houses are finished daily by Non-Government Organizations, and after 6 months, 3000 quadruplex would be ready for settlement. The purpose of this research is to conduct a study to the barangays in Cagayan de Oro city affected by Sendong, with Barangay 17 being selected as our subject area of research.It aims to determine the loss felt by the residents, either by physical or life, and most importantly to categorize the interventions/ assistance received by the victims in the aforementioned community. Based on the information gathered through the conducted in-depth interview, the researchers have found out that as to the said barangay, most of the houses were flooded with mud and dirt especially those houses built near the river, but only few were being damaged reflecting parts of the houses and roofing’s washed out unlike with what Sendong brought a great damage to areas like Macasandig and Balulang.Only few residents decided to be relocated to the relocation sites provided by the government such as the Calaanan Permanent Site (phase 3) and Indahag Permanent Site (phase 1) with personal reasons such as the famil y lived there for almost 30 years, and owning properties which are being inherited and passed on through generations. In addition, not all of the affected residents have received assistance as to what others do have.As to the statement of Lenie Duhaylungsod, 44 years old, stated through an interview, revealed that she have not received any assistance from Red Cross, where in fact her neighbors have already obtained relief goods and medical kits from the said organization. As we interviewed Rowena Cabunilda, a 50 year old Lechonan business owner, she relates that she have suffered much as to the damage brought by Typhoon Sendong to her livelihood. A venture established and existed for almost seven years, Rowena have never thought that residing near the river would cause the loss of her long-time earned business.With a starting capital amounting to Php10, 000, she had earned a lot for continuing the business making her a successful entrepreneur reflected through her beautiful, million peso priced house as well as her other properties including a business land (she asked us to limit the discussion only to her Lechonan business), further stating that her other properties were not devastated as these were located far from their barangay. In the aftermath of Sendong, there’s only 16 hogs left from the 56 ready to be sold s Lechon, almost 21,000 projected net loss of income for that season which is Christmas, and a loss amounting Php 50, 000 summarizing her capital resources reflected in terms of money as well as with the structure of her Lechonan house.â€Å"Receiving relief goods from the government and financial assistance worth Php 4,000 just for one month, I don’t think if it could be able to sustain us and help us in the recovery of the Lechonan business, which I believe would definitely take two to three years,† she stated. In Barangay 17 alone, 47 are being hospitalized, and 2 were reported dead due to Leptospirosis disease† accordi ng to Honorable Heracleo W. Calinawan, Barangay Captain of Barangay 17. A total 43,507 families being affected here in Cagayan de Oro City, while those being evacuated to 19 relocation sites counts to 6,574 families or a total of 38,985 people. â€Å"Here in our barangay, only few are to be counted being relocated to relocation sites,† Brgy. Capt. Calinawan added.Though these people are being affected by the devastation caused by the storm, but still they can’t leave their own houses and properties, especially the businesses they still have and could still be build back. Known as one of the barangays here in Cagayan de Oro sustained with Lechonan business, Barangay 17 Lechonan owners suffered the loss of livelihood , loss of income generated and yet to be generated , and the resources and capital started and produced for building the business.While some residents affected were skilled workers and self-employed who were not exempted by the negative effects brought by th e catastrophe, most of these respondents claimed of having an income of 100-150 a day less with daily expenses incurred of almost 170-200 a day, further declared that the destruction caused by Sendong put them into much upsetting and distressing life of poverty. Different nations of different forms of administration and leadership united to commit and lend a helping hand to the mourning land of Northern Mindanao.As to a report from ABS-CBN News on December 20, 2011 Obama extended his sympathies â€Å"On behalf of the American people, I wish to express my deep condolences for the tremendous of life and devastations caused by recent flooding in the Philippines. † while his secretary, Hillary Clinton also communicated her commiserations, further stated, â€Å"America stands ready to assist Philippine authorities as they respond to this tragedy. (Ressa, December 18, 2011) while the Spanish King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia are in close contact in accordance to the report of Calon zon of GMA News TV (22 December 2011)It will take a period of three to five years before the full recovery would be felt by the affected barangays of the so-called City of Golden Friendship ( including Barangay 17 to the count) , as observed by UN Special Representative for Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Margareta Wahlston. Tiangco, 29 January 2012). While the United Nations are busy forecasting the time frame to bring back Cagayan de Oro better, National Economic Development Authority (Quiros, February 23, 2012) in its Strategic Action Plan presented a significant figure of Php 43B; the Northeren Mindanao requires for it to return to its past life and to its earlier picture before the tragic event hits.With half the total percentage of the damaged infrastructure already repaired with the aid of Negros Oriental government (Aranas, December 29, 2012 ) ; Sustainable Livelihood Assistance and Cash for Work programs leading to the provision of cash grants, rehabilitation projects and creation of livelihood strategies to assist affected residents initiated by DSWD ; Self-Employment Kaunlaran Associations(SKAs) which provide income generating opportunities such as sari-sari, farming, livestock raising, food processing, dressmaking, shell craft and fish vending ; permanent resettlement to already rebuilt houses ,and shelters provided by government and private agencies; and the numerous seminars, trainings and programs which demonstrates how the survivors would be well-settled, economically provided and recover sustainably: survivors are on their way of building back what was deemed lost.This study sought to identify the various modes and means as to which the victims of the 2011 Sendong typhoon tragedy which struck and affect the livelihood of Kagay-anons , specifically the affected communities in Barangay 17 had recover and recuperate their livelihood few months after the storm, the different interventions and assistance they received from the governm ent and non-government organizations, and as well as to ascertain the probable time frame as to which the Barangay 17 Sendong survivors would be fully recovered.Being a student with a financial management degree, it would be helpful enough to provide us students the knowledge onto what kind of livelihood these people need and ought to have being survivors of the devastation, and these gathered information would be useful enough for government and non-government institutions assigned in the field of livelihood center programs to provide sustainable livelihood for the affected communities.In the future, the end-result of this study would be useful for researchers and business people in determining the needs of the aforementioned affected communities and later would think of any kind of livelihood/job they would introduce to these communities aiding them towards livelihood recovery and sustainability. Data obtained from actual encounter with the victims turned survivors would further p rovide a much clearer understanding as to what was really the exact event, how did it occur, how did it affect and devastate lives, how much was the cost of damage, how long would the people be fully recovered, what are the strategies prepared and effected by government , international and non-government organizations to help, assist and ensure short to long term recovery and sustainability of the victims,etc.Lots and infinite questions could be made available with accurate and precise answers from actual intervention compared to just being information dependent from mere broadcast and social media, and random hearsays. Nothing would prove to be the best if fact-finding has to be initiated and enacted through proper, formal and accurate procedures. For almost six months of humanitarian aiding, it had resulted to further development on the despair and agony of Barangay 17 Sendong victims. Although the recovery might be deemed relaxed and gradual, but still the affected residents of t he 17th Barangay of Cagayan de Oro struck by Sendong continue to pursue the aspiration to attain full recovery and sustainability before another one bites the dust. FRAMEWORK This study is anchored on the theory of Dr.Jacqueline Carol Badcock, the United Nations resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator in the Philippines, â€Å"Livelihood recovery is crucial to help communities recover from the crisis and to build people’s confidence that they can move on†. Every people have its own process or way of recovery, it still depends on the capacity of individual This study is based on the capacity of the families affected by typhoon Sendong to recover and sustain financially with the available resources they have and how they used the different interventions and assistance they received from the government and non-government organizations to bring back their livelihood. Livelihood is a means of making a living.It encompasses people’s capabilities, assets, inc ome and activities required to secure the necessities of life. A livelihood is sustainable when it enables people to cope with and recover from shocks and stresses (such as natural disasters and economic or social upheavals) and enhance their well-being and that of future generations without undermining the natural environment or resource base (Carney, 1998,pg. 4) The core elements of the framework are the profile of the respondents in terms of civil status, educational attainment, number of children(if married), type of livelihood, years of residency in the barangay, starting capital, place of origin, monthly income generated from the livelihood and other sources of income.Civil status is the registration of individual status due to birth or any changes in personal situation such as marriage, divorce, or death (Slim, 2010). The purpose of which is to know the current marital status of the respondents of whether the victim supports a family or not. Educational attainment refers to t he highest level of schooling that a person has reached (Statistics Canada, 2011). This is necessary to identify the common level of education of each family on the specific location. Number of children refers to the number of offspring a family has. This is included to know how many children each family supports the main purpose is to know if the family income is enough to support the family.Type of livelihood refers to a set of economic activities, involving self-employment and/or wage-employment by using one’s endowments (human and material) to generate adequate resources (cash and non-cash)for meeting the requirements of self and the household, usually carried out repeatedly and as such become a way of life (Mahajan et al, 2004). This is essential to know the family’s way of living, of how they earn and support their family whether it be by employment or business ventures. Years of residency refers to the time during which a person resides in a place (Livelihood, D ictionary online, 2013). This is also identified to know whether the family is new or has been living for many years already in the barangay. Place of origin refers to where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence (Farlex Inc, 2013).This information is also essential for the researchers to know where the family originally came from. Starting capital refers to the money that is required to start a new business, whether for office space, permits, licenses, inventory, product development and manufacturing, marketing or any other expense ( Startup capital, Investopedia Online, 2013). This is to know the amount of money used by the family to start their livelihood again. Monthly income generated from the livelihood refers to the the amount of money or its equivalent received during a period of time in exchange for labor or services, from the sale of goods or property, or as profit from financial investments (Farlex Inc, 2013).This is to know the total amount of money the family receives from their livelihood and whether the family’s income is enough to support the needs of the family as well as to know the capacity of the family to recover financially. Other source of income refers to earnings report used to represent income from activities other than normal business operations ( Webfinance Inc. , 2013). This is included to know whether the family earns money aside from their employment. These detailed personal information is required for documentation and for future analysis of this entire research. Another element used in the framework is the types of loss experienced by the victims whether physical loss or life loss. Physical loss here refers to any damage done to a property (Webfinance Inc. , 2013).It includes properties, objects, and valuable resources lost by the victims as a result of the casualty of the flood. This deals with the properties or establishments owned by those families who has small business but now was washed out by Sendong. This could also be appliances destroyed by the typhoon such as television set, dvd player, component, computer, laptop, refrigerator, washing machine, cook wares like microwave oven, blender, electronic kettle, and small gadgets like cell phone, tablet and many more. This element is necessary to identify the common properties lost by the affected families and to what extent the flood caused damage to the victims.Life loss here refers to the number of family members who survived, how many have died and whether they were able to recover the dead body, how many were missing and what are their experiences during and after the calamity and on how they survived from their everyday living. Interventions or assistance received by the victims is another element used in the framework for the purpose of which is to know the specific intervention and assistance each family received from the disaster and for the researchers to know which specific organization whether it be from the loca l(municipal), provincial, national government, the non-government organizations who provided the victims with the assistance. The interventions/assistance received by the respondents are divided into two: private interventions and public interventions.To be included in the private interventions are the private sectors, industries, entities, non- government organizations both local and international, and people which and who provided interventions/assistance to the survivors of typhoon Sendong. To be included in the public interventions/assistance on the other hand, would be the public agencies, government departments and politicians which and who provided interventions/assistance to the survivors. The type of interventions/assistance received by them would also be collected and recorded as additional information. RESEARCH FLOW OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The study aimed to know how and how long the Sendong survivors in the areas of Barangay 17 in the City of Cagayan de Oro have recovere d the loss of livelihood they encountered after being devastated by the striking of typhoon Sendong.These were as follows 1) To describe the profile of the respondents in terms of: civil status, number of children, type/s of livelihood, years of residency in the barangay, starting capital, monthly income generated from livelihood and other sources of income; 2) to determine the types of loss experienced by the respondents in terms of physical and life aspects; and to find out the interventions/ assistance received by the respondents. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY The study focused on the coping and recovery measures undertaken by the chosen occupants in Barangay 17, Cagayan de Oro City. There were 15 randomly selected residents which are being interviewed in accordance with the predetermined objectives.It includes obtaining information asked through personal inquiries in terms of vital personal information, determination of the types of livelihood and how it was adversely affec ted by Sendong which is regarded to be one of the best target question for the study, and finding out the interventions/assistance received by the respondents which purposely attempts to determine the variety of support, relief assistance and funding, donations and pledges the Barangay 17 community had already received, have been receiving and would be receiving. SCOPE AND LIMITATION The study was limited to the people of the respondents in terms of educational attainment, civil status, number of children if married, type of livelihood, years of residency in the barangay, place of origin, starting capital, monthly income generated from the livelihood, and the other sources of income. It determined the types of loss experienced by the respondents in terms of physical and life aspects. It is limited in finding out the interventions assistance received by the respondents. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY National Government.The outcome of this study would provide them detailed information and knowledge as to what proper governance and administration should be directed when any event same as this one would occur in the future. Through in-depth interview, which for most of the time proven accurate, would aid them in further assessing the exact and truthful undertakings, related stories of area survivors and especially the numerical facts of interventions and assistance obtained by the community victims. National Disaster Risk and Management Center. Aid them in further verification of the Final Report on Sendong they have already published and make appropriate changes, if needed. The data obtained through this study would also enable them to understand the tasks and duties entrusted to them being an organ for national management on disaster.Local Government Units. The result of the study will aid them in determining what are the other needs of the victims in their respective areas and be able to make appropriate measures to resolve them. The end-result would also help them understand and identify what are the corresponding duties entrust to them when such events occur again. Community. By giving them an in depth knowledge of what duties and responsibilities are relied on them when such occurrences take place. The study would provide these communities the following information and as well as the measures to cope and recover livelihood if such event would occur. Future Researchers.This study will prompt future researchers to deal with other factors and measures significant for quick and immediate recovery of loss livelihood of devastated societies, not only in the local regions but most importantly for the national as whole, providing prompt and immediate action for livelihood recovery and sustainability. Serve as a catalyst for further research on the grounds of good governance in terms of community safety keeping and public trust building. Victims of Typhoon Sendong. This would aid them on deciding what type of means they are going to prefer and unde rtake for them to be able to support and sustain their needs after the loss encountered during the devastation of Sendong. City Social Welfare and Development Office.The study will be considered as deemed relevant for creating awareness, and for these offices to establish prompt measures and means to recover loss livelihood of devastated residents of the affected community. Academe. This research will aid the learners and would serve as a review for related study in another research setting. LITERATURE REVIEW A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stress and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base. (Chambers & Conway, 1991). As a means of sustenance. (New lexicon Webster Dictionary, 2001).A method need not only played by a sole individual but by various sectors of society, where the coordination of one to many towards the performance of its activities is deemed significant for the realization and attainment of one and everyone’s goal. The hidden complexity behind the term livelihood comes to light when governments, civil society, and external organizations attempt to assist people whose means of making a living is threatened, damaged, or destroyed. As the strength of a given livelihood is not only measured by its productive outcomes, but equally by its resilience to shocks, seasonal changes and trends and these shocks might include natural disasters (International Recovery Platform and United Nations Development Programme –India, 2005)..This study aims to conduct a review and an analysis of how typhoons affects communities and eventually livelihood causing an economic breakdown, and to be able to present through extensive research of how livelihood as strategies, developed to make a liv ing, means created for sustenance and survival is as fragile, breakable and vulnerable as it seems. IRP and UNDP-India. (2005 Cambodia is largely dependent on its natural resource base where agriculture is their primary source of livelihood. Rice production is the key economic activity in some province such as Siem Reap (United Nations Development Programme-Cambodia 2012) although the province also exhibits some of the income from other forms of means such as livestock farming and fishing. But how could the Cambodians be able to sustain a food for living and be able to maintain a good harvest if the country is frequently visited by destructive typhoons resulting to flooded farmlands along with washed livelihood for rural communities?Recommended livelihood recovery interventions include: the provision of capital (e. g. recovery fund) into existing savings and self-help groups; vocational trainings’ and programs to become a skilled worker and eventually learn an alternative liv elihood; and borrowings /financial grants for small and micro businesses (United Nations Development Programme-Cambodia, 2012). Taiwan, known as the main island of Republic of China, is not exempted from calamities such as typhoons and flashfloods due to its subtropical monsoon type climate (Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge, 2004), as a result, this industrialized and modernized republic fueled by agriculture, labor and export industries were flooded and flashed away.Typhoon Morakot which struck Taiwan on 8 August 2009 regarded as the deadliest typhoon to hit the island, taking 639 lives evaluated by the World Vision ,form the following assessments that the storm not only affects communities but as well as flooding farmlands, wiping out businesses, livelihood and infrastructure amounting to a net loss of $3. 3B total damage (World Vision, July 2010). Long term livelihood recovery programs comprises establishment of production and marketing unit in Kaohsiung county, employment of fa rmers to a mango plant corporation, livelihood trainings on how to commenced a handicraft business, and peach cultivation (World Vision, July 2010).Hit and devastated by Typhoon Ketsana on 2009, Vietnam of homogenous societies in Southeast Asia (Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge, 2004) had slowly but gradually facing its recovery. In coordination with United Nation Programme Coordination Groups, the People's Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM) and international non-governmental organizations, World Vision again set its foot to another ground spoiled by a storm. World Vision facilitates agricultural recovery through the provision of rice and vegetable seedlings which supplied food for 51,303 people during Winter/Spring crop and another 55,191 people during Summer/Autumn crop, allocating fish breed for fish raising and over 1,240 families received a piglet.Agriculture training sessions and technical support services on livelihoods recovery were also conducted as of World Vision (2010) report. Plagued by flood every three years, Bangladesh coping strategies according to Rashid et al. (2006). in his study states them in three broad categories: i) current adjustment strategies of reducing household food consumption, shifting to less preferred foods with lower cash cost, and reallocating household labor to increase current income, ii) unsecured borrowing which refers to borrowing that is not secured by providing household assets as collateral and, iii) secured borrowing denotes borrowing against assets owned by the household.Northern and Central parts of the Lao PDR were struck by Typhoon Haima on June 24-25, 2011 which disturbed the local people’s livelihoods, assets and properties. The Long Term Development Needs (24-60 months) requires the strengthening of farmers groups and developing their capability on livelihood diversification, association with banks, opening herd and flock health programs and coordinating with government for required technical liveli hood (Government of the Lao PDR, 29 August 2011). Typhoons (also identified as hurricanes) were typically trailed with flashfloods, mudslides, landslides and even loss, which can be either life or livelihood, or worse, it can be both.The story about Sendong relates to numerous other countries for which livelihood and economic faiths were unfortunately washed off by the unrelenting strong winds and heavy rains. Livelihood recovery is considered as one of the much disturbed factor of the society after calamity. Most of the moderate to severe affected countries caused by typhoons tends to recover two to seven years. This review of the literature shows the dependence of affected communities to government, private and no-government organizations in order to recuperate what was deemed lost, further reflecting the lack of indigenous knowledge, education and systems to make the coping as effective and successful one. RESEARCH METHODOLOGYThe research design used in this study is qualitative method which emphasizes descriptions and explanations of human experience and practices in an attempt to understand how the research participants experience and explain their lives in reality. This research focused on investigation of the livelihood recovery activities and interventions received by each family within a given location. Personal interviewing is what we use to better understand and get more specific details about the victims’ experiences which are relevant in this study. Guide questions, informal discussions will be used as methods in this research to collect data from the respondents which will result to the revelations of vital.Before interviewing the respondents, the researchers prepared a letter addressed to the Barangay Captain asking permission to conduct an interview with the victims of Sendong. Set of guide questions has been prepared in English based on the objectives of the study and later be translated into the vernacular language. Purposive sampling will be employed from at least 15 self-employed respondents. Before starting the interview, the researchers will explain the purpose and goals of this research to the respondent. The interview will take place in the respondents’ homestead during their free time. An audio recorder will be used with respondents’ permission to record the entire interview along with detailed notes on each interview. The results then were collected, tallied, analyzed and interpreted.

Qu es el advance parole o permiso de viaje

Qu es el advance parole o permiso de viaje El advance parole es un permiso de viaje es un requerimiento indispensable para que algunos extranjeros que se encuentran en los Estados Unidos puedan viajar fuera del paà ­s y regresar. Este artà ­culo informa sobre quià ©n,  deben solicitarlo, cundo, cà ³mo, costos, consecuencias de viajar sin solicitar este permiso y quà © formas puede tener una vez que es aprobado. Quià ©nes deben solicitar el permiso conocido como advance parole Son varias las categorà ­as de extranjeros que deben solicitar el advance parole para viajar al extranjero y regresar. Pero el punto comà ºn que tienen todos ellos es que son personas que estn en la actualidad en los Estados Unidos y que si viajan al extranjero sin el permiso de viaje  no podrà ­an regresar porque carecen del debido documento migratorio, como serà ­a una visa vlida o la tarjeta de residencia permanente.   A continuacià ³n, las situaciones en las que es necesario solicitar un advance parole o permiso de viaje: 1. Ajuste de estatus   La ms comà ºn es la de las personas que han solicitado un  ajuste de estatus  en el  proceso para adquirir la tarjeta de residencia (green card). Por ejemplo, algunos esposos de ciudadanos americanos y que cumplen con una serie de requisitos. Mientras se demora el proceso de ajuste de estaus, estas personas pueden viajar al extranjero siempre si tienen un advance parole. Sin embargo, no todas las personas en proceso de ajuste deben solicitarlo. Y es que existen las siguientes excepciones: las personas que ingresaron al paà ­s con visas K-3 (esposos de ciudadanos)K-4 (hijos de ciudadanos)H-1B (profesionales)   L-1 (transfer entre empresas) y que cuentan con una visa vlida. Es muy importante el requisito de la validez del visado, ya que si no lo es, se deber pedir el advance parole mientras se est en el proceso del ajuste de estatus. Asimismo, los que solicitan el ajuste porque ya tienen un estatus de refugiado o de asilado aprobado  y està ©n en proceso de ajuste de estatus para obtener la green card deben solicitar el documento para viajar al extranjero y poder regresar (ver ms abajo cul aplica a este caso) y no el advance parole. 2. Solicitante de asilo Las personas que tienen una peticià ³n de asilo pendiente tambià ©n deben solicitar el advance parole antes de viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos. Pero no las que ya lo tienen aprobado, a quienes corresponde un documento para viajar (ver ms abajo). 3. Visa T o visa U aprobada La visa T se concede a personas que han sido và ­ctimas de trata de personas Por su parte, las visas U se otorgan a và ­ctimas de determinados delitos que han colaborado con las autoridades para resolver un crimen o lograr la condena del delincuente.   Sin embargo, cabe destacar que mientras se procesa la visa U o la T y est pendiente su aprobacià ³n, es aconsejable no viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos.   4. Accià ³n diferida aprobada Los muchachos y muchachas entre 15 y 30 aà ±os que hayan solicitado la accià ³n diferida, tambià ©n conocida como DACA, por sus siglas en inglà ©s,  y que ya la tengan aprobada pueden solicitar un advance parole para viajar al extranjero. 5. TPS Es una situacià ³n excepcional de proteccià ³n temporal que permite a los ciudadanos de determinados paà ­ses y que reà ºnen todos los requisitos seà ±alados por la ley permanecer en Estados Unidos y trabajar legalmente. En la actualidad aplica a ciudadanos de: El Salvador, Guinea, Haità ­, Honduras, Liberia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Sierra Leona, Somalia, Sudn, Sudn del Sur, Siria y Yemen. Quià ©nes no pueden pedir un advance parole Aunque una persona se encuentre dentro de las categorà ­as nombradas, es decir, ajuste de estatus, TPS, asilo pendiente, visa T o Visa U aprobados, no se puede solicitar el advance parole si se est en un proceso pendiente de deportacià ³n o expulsià ³n. Destacar que la excepcià ³n son los muchachos con DACA aprobado. Adems, consultar con un abogado en todos los casos si es que se tienen una cita para comparecer en una corte migratoria o se tienen cualquier asunto criminal pendiente o una condena por un tema de delitos o faltas. Por otro lado, no pueden solicitar este permiso para viajar los migrantes indocumentados excepto, como ya se ha dicho, los muchachos con DACA aprobado, quienes en la actualidad se encuentran en una situacià ³n que podrà ­a calificarse de semi-legalidad.  ¿Cà ³mo se solicita el advance parole? Llenando el formulario I-131. Marcar la casilla correcta, ya que este documento tambià ©n se solicita para los casos en los que se pide un permiso de reentrada o un documento de viaje (ver ms abajo). Por lo tanto hay que checar dos veces para verificar que se marca lo correcto.   Si se est en un proceso de ajuste de estatus lo ms frecuente es que se envà ­e al mismo tiempo junto con el documento en que se solicita el ajuste y un permiso de trabajo.  ¿Cundo debe solicitarse el advance parole? Antes de salir de Estados Unidos. Adems, tener en cuenta que en la mayorà ­a de los casos es necesario que le tomen al solicitante las huellas digitales (dactilares), para lo cual recibir una cita. Si se viaja fuera antes de este trmite se considera que se ha abandonado la peticià ³n de advance parole, que queda sin efecto. Costos El costo de aplicar depende de la situacià ³n de cada uno y la razà ³n por la que aplica y hasta puede ser gratis.   Si se solicita el permiso de viaje junto con el ajuste de estatus y el permiso de trabajo ya no es necesario pagar una cuota adicional.   En los otros casos, la cuota es de $360, pero verificar siempre en el documento del USCIS en el que explica cà ³mo llenar el formulario, ya que esa cantidad puede cambiar.  Tambià ©n se puede verificar el costo llamando gratuitamente al USCIS a su servicio de atencià ³n al cliente marcando al 1-800-575-5283. Adems, en algunos casos es posible solicitar una exencià ³n del pago y asà ­ saldrà ­a gratis.  ¿Cunto se demora el advance parole? Suele tardar unos dos o tres meses en procesarse. Es posible solicitar una tramitacià ³n acelerada marcando al Centro Nacional de Atencià ³n al Cliente al 1-800-375-5283 o incluyendo una carta en la aplicacià ³n en la que se adjunta documentacià ³n que sirve para apoyar la peticià ³n. En casos realmente urgentes es posible que el solicitante se presente en una oficina del USCIS. Se puede buscar la ms cercana en esta aplicacià ³n. Bajar el cursor a mitad de pgina y ahà ­ clicar en el mapa de Estados Unidos encima del estado en el que se reside.   En este caso, se debe llevar la aplicacià ³n del I-131, un cheque para el pago de la tarifa, dos fotos tipo pasaporte y documentacià ³n de apoyo para demostrar la urgencia. Por ejemplo, un certificado de defuncià ³n o un informe mà ©dico.  ¿Cà ³mo luce e documento en el que se aprueba el advance parole? Una vez que el USCIS aprueba este permiso, puede lucir de dos formas: El documento que se conoce como I-512Una tarjeta de permiso de trabajo que sirve a su vez como advance parole y asà ­ lo dice el propio documento en la frase serve as I-512 Advance parole.  ¿El permiso de viaje o advance parole garantiza el ingreso a Estados Unidos? La respuesta a esa pregunta es negativa. Y es que siempre hay que tener presente que la à ºltima palabra la tiene el oficial migratorio de la CBP.   Adems, tener en cuenta que las personas que ingresan, que son la mayorà ­a, son consideradas desde el punto de vista migratorio como parolee y, por el contrario, no es un admitted. Esta es una distincià ³n tà ©cnica y jurà ­dica que conviene tener en cuenta.  ¿Cules son las consecuencias de no solicitar el advance parole? Se puede salir de Estados Unidos, pero el problema aparece en el momento en que se quiere regresar. El oficial migratorio puede impedirlo y en ese caso se tendr que esperar fuera de Estados Unidos a que finalice el proceso. Adems, en algunos casos en los que la persona ha estado en Estados Unidos ilegalmente por ms de 180 dà ­as puede saltar el problema aà ±adido del castigo de los tres y de los cinco aà ±os.   Finalmente, otra consecuencia es que se considere que se ha abandonado el trmite migratorio pendiente, con lo cual habrà ­a que iniciarlo de nuevo. Casos distintos al del advance parole, pero similares y que a veces se confunden Hay otros permisos para regresar a los Estados Unidos que no pueden confundirse con el advance parole. Se piden utilizando el mismo formulario pero se marca una casilla diferente. Las personas que tienen el estatus de refugiado o de asilado deben solicitar un documento que se conoce como documento para viajar para refugiados (refugee travel document, en inglà ©s), para estar capacitados para viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos. Los asilados no deben confundir dos situaciones: cuando la peticià ³n de asilo est pendiente, que es un advance parole lo que deben solicitar, y cuando el asilo ha sido aprobado, que se debe solicitar un refugee travel document.   A veces existen confusiones porque se pide utilizando el mismo formulario, el I-131, pero son distintos los documentos que se obtienen. Fijarse bien en el cuadradito que se marca cuando se pide el beneficio. Tambià ©n deben solicitar este documento para viajar los familiares de los refugiados y de los asilados que obtienen este estatus de forma derivada. Por otro lado, con el mismo formulario I-131 puede solicitarse un permiso de reentrada, que es diferente al permiso de viaje o advance parole. El de reentrada es un permiso por el que deben aplicar los residentes permanentes legales o los residentes condicionales que van a pasar ms de un aà ±o. Y es que los residentes tienen la obligacià ³n de residir en los Estados Unidos y tienen que respetar ciertas reglas de tiempos en sus estadà ­as en otros paà ­ses. Por el contrario,un caso completamente distinto es el de los residentes permanentes que sà ³lo tienen la green card estampada en el pasaporte porque todavà ­a no han recibido la de plstico. Estas personas pueden viajar sin necesidad de pedir permiso previo. Parole que pueden pedir las personas que se encuentran en el extranjero para ingresar a USA Un caso completamente distinto es el del parole que piden extranjeros fuera de Estados Unidos para ingresar al paà ­s. Aquà ­ se hace una mencià ³n porque a veces se confunden con el permiso para viajar. Pero son cosas diferentes que aplican a casos distintos. Los casos de parole que se solicitan desde el extranjero son: Por razones humanitarias extraordinarias como razones mà ©dicas o legales, como por ejemplo, testificar en un juicio.Programa de menores centroamericanosPrograma de reunificacià ³n familiar para cubanos y haitianos Conclusià ³n Los extranjeros presentes en Estados Unidos con un proceso migratorio pendiente deben asegurarse antes de viajar a otro paà ­s si para ellos existe el requerimiento de solicitar un advance parole antes de salir. Y eso aplica asà ­ sea para cruzar a Canad o a Mà ©xico a una localidad justo pegada a la frontera con Estados Unidos y por sà ³lo unas horas. Este artà ­culo es meramente informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Ch 2 Study Questions Essay

Ch 2 Study Questions Essay Ch 2 Study Questions Essay Anthony D’Apolito III Theology II 2/27 Unit 2 Study Questions Pg 42 To say that the church is a mystery is to say that our faith can be expressed in many ways. The church is the â€Å"focal point of the Kingdom’s presence† because it is through the church that the will of god- the foundation of the kingdom- may be most reliably known. Pg 45 This phrase expressed their understanding of the role of the church in God’s plan for the world. From the creation of the world, God has intended human beings to share in divine life. The Holy Spirit was given through the father and son while bringing a variety of gifts to the church. God remains incarnate because he is with us. Pg 46 The church is necessary for salvation because Jesus is necessary for salvation. Without Jesus, there is no salvation. An example from the recent news in which the church had to speak out is the problem with ISIS. Pg 55 The Ten Commandments is the constitution of the church. The Magisterium is the teaching authority of the church. The Magisterium’s role in interpreting scripture and tradition is the moral teachings and doctrinal which have been passed from generation to generation. The Magisterium has served non-Catholic Christians by teaching them moral teachings and the church teachings. Every Catholic is responsible for learning and embracing this ethic. Moral teachings don’t change because they’re most important. The church wants to teach moral behavior to everyone and the role of the laity is to work together to preserve a permanent ethic and to give it life. Your knowledge of absolute truths help you speak with one voice that unites people from all places. Pg 62 The central image of the Body of Christ. All images of the church relate to this one because they all connect to it in some way. Pg 66 The attempt to reconcile or blend the beliefs and practices of various religions into one. Their role as God’s chosen people was to make Jewish faith relevant under Roman rule. The Jewish communities maintained strong ties to the Palestine. As Jewish merchants traveled to these places, they shared the good news. The church as the vineyard of God shaped the life of early church because it relates so well to the church. Pg 70 The common belief was that Christianity was antisocial. The church leaders didn’t want Christians to join the military. So some Christians left while others didn’t join the military. Military officers tried to get them to abandon Christianity and if they didn’t they would be killed. There was love among all citizens, women and men were welcomed into the church, and charity. Pg 74 The emperor was convinced his illness was a punishment from God, so he allowed Christians to practice their faith. Later Constantine won a battle and the symbol was put on the shields and hats of soldiers. The edict of

The End of Social Security Paper Checks

The End of Social Security Paper Checks The U.S. Department of Treasury began phasing out paper Social Security checks and other federal benefit checks on May 1, 2011. It required anyone applying for Social Security checks and other federal benefits on and after that date to receive their payments electronically. Those who began receiving Social Security checks before May of 2011 have until March 1, 2013, to sign up for electronic payments, the Treasury Department announced. Those who dont sign up to have their Social Security checks direct-deposited by that date would receive their benefits through the Direct Express card program. Getting your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payment by direct deposit or Direct Express is safer and more reliable, Michael J. Astrue, the commissioner of Social Security, said in announcing the change. Whos Impacted by End of Paper Checks The change applied to Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Affairs benefits, and anyone who receives benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management and Department of Labor (Black Lung). You dont have to worry about your check being lost or stolen and your money is available immediately on your payment date, Astrue said. There is no need to wait for the mail to arrive. In 2010, more than 540,000 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income paper checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be replaced, the Treasury Department said. Savings from End of Paper Checks Phasing out paper Social Security checks entirely is expected to save taxpayers about $120 million every year, or more than $1 billion over 10 years. Government officials also pointed out that eliminating paper Social Security checks will provide positive benefits to the environment, saving 12 million pounds of paper in the first five years alone. More than 18 million baby boomers are expected to reach retirement age during the next five years, with 10,000 people a day becoming eligible for Social Security benefits, said Treasurer Rosie Rios. It costs 92 cents more to issue a payment by paper check than by direct deposit. We are retiring the Social Security paper check option in favor of electronic payments because it is the right thing to do for benefit recipients and American taxpayers alike. What You Need to Do Now If you are applying for new benefits, you are now required to choose an electronic payment method, whether its a direct deposit of your Social Security check or other federal benefits into a bank or credit union account. When you apply for your Social Security check or other federal benefits, you will need: Your financial institutions routing transit number often found on a personal check;The account type, checking or savings;And the account number often found on a personal check. You can also choose to receive your Social Security check on a prepaid debit card or Direct Express Debit MasterCard card. What You Need to Do By 2013 If you currently get your Social Security check or other federal benefit payment on paper, you must switch to electronic payments before March 1, 2013. You can switch from paper checks to direct deposit at www.GoDirect.org, by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Centers toll-free helpline at (800) 333-1795, or by speaking with a bank or credit union representative. Anyone already receiving federal benefit payments electronically will continue to receive their money as usual on their payment day. No action is required. About Paper Social Security Checks The first monthly Social Security check was received by Ida Mae Fuller on Jan. 31, 1940, according to the Treasury Department. Since then about 165 million people have received Social Security benefits. The movement toward electronic payments has been steadily increasing, the Treasury Department said. By May of 2011, electronic payments made up more than three-quarters of all noncash payments nationwide. There were 5.7 billion fewer checks written in 2009 than in 2006, a decline of 6.1 percent per year - while electronic payments grew 9.3 percent during that same period. Among federal benefit recipients, about eight in 10 receive their Social Security check or other federal benefit payment electronically, according to the Treasury Department. What About Social Security Statements?   On January 9, 2017, the Social Security Administration also stopped mailing annual Social Security Statements to all workers under age 60. The Social Security Statement shows the worker’s expected monthly Social Security benefits based on their current and potential future income. Paper statements are still mailed only to workers age 60 and older three months before their birthday if they don’t receive Social Security benefits and don’t yet have a â€Å"my Social Security† account. Workers over age 60 will stop receiving their statements by mail once they set up their â€Å"my Social Security† account. Workers under age 60 can now view their personal Social Security Statement online only by using their â€Å"my Social Security† account. Using a â€Å"my Social Security† account, workers of all ages can view their Social Security Statement online at any time. With a free and very secure â€Å"my Social Security† account, workers of all ages, retired or not, can view online their personalized estimates of future benefits based on their real earnings, see their latest Statement, and review their earnings history. In addition, â€Å"my Social Security† can be used to request a replacement Social Security Card or check the status of an application, anytime. A â€Å"my Social Security† is free, secure, and easy to create at: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Structure of the Nucleus, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Ribosomes, Assignment

Structure of the Nucleus, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Ribosomes, Mitochondria, Golgi Dody, and Lysosomes - Assignment Example The main function of the cell is to control the expression of proteins (as directed by DNA and RNA). The nucleus itself is a membrane-bound organelle, which means that it is slightly separated by a thin membrane from the rest of the cell components (Tortora & Derrickson, 2008). However, this poses a challenge as messages need to be carried from the enclosed DNA found in chromosomes to the rest of the cell, which is why there are nuclear pores to allow the passage of water-soluble molecules (Campbell & Reece, 2005). The chromosomes themselves are mostly found tightly-packed as chromatin (except during replication), and this function allows the huge amount of human DNA to be contained within each cell (Campbell & Reece, 2005). The structure of these chromosomes changes throughout the cell cycle, particularly relating to cell division. During mitosis or meiosis (cell division), chromatin structures become more condensed and as a result of this change in structure, transcription stops. D uring mitosis, structures known as microtubules form, anchoring the chromatid to the cell wall. This attachment is what allows the cell to divide, splitting sister chromatids in two to form two haploid daughter cells (Campbell & Reece, 2005).... The ER itself is generally split into two sections, known as the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth. The rough ER plays a part in the synthesis of proteins, which is why its surface is covered in ribosomes involved in the process (Tortora & Derrickson, 2008). The ribosomes themselves are bound to the rough ER on a transitory basis, depending on the signal from the nucleus (Tortora & Derrickson, 2008). In fact, the reason that the rough ER is so-called is because the fact that it is studded with these ribosomes makes it look rough under an electron microscope (Tortora & Derrickson, 2008). The ribosomes themselves only bind to the rough ER as required by the cell, and are associated with the initialization of protein-synthesis for part of a secretory pathway (Tortora & Derrickson, 2008). The smooth ER is involved in the synthesis of lipids required by the cell. It is the increased surface area created by the smooth ER that allows the action of enzymes involved in lipid and ster oid synthesis. Each part of the ER thus has a distinct function in regulating cell behavior. Ribosomes Ribosomes are found within all living cells and are primarily involved in protein synthesis, also known as translation (Tortora & Derrickson, 2008). To do this, the ribosomes link together amino acids (found within the cell) to a template specified from messenger RNA (mRNA). This message, in turn, has come from the DNA code found within the nucleus. There are two subunits which comprise a ribosome; the small unit which reads the mRNA template, and the larger unit which anchors small amino acid units together to create a larger, fully formed protein (Campbell & Reece, 2005).

Western civilization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Western civilization - Essay Example This paper seeks to explore the shifts in concepts and ideologies that occurred leading to western civilization. Renaissance illustrates a period of cultural movement and its spread to the rest of Europe whereas Italy is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, which saw the outlook and institutions of the middle ages merge. Therefore, during this period radical change would be experienced at all levels of the society, giving rise to the European civilization, which later transformed to the modern western civilization. The central government within the political organization grew stronger in the wake of the rebirth but at the expense of feudalism. Feudalism was an arrangement in which persons regarded as nobles exercised public power, formerly held by kings since the existing monarchs could not guarantee the safety of their subjects. The notion that those regarded as the wellborn can influence policies and rule over others behind closed doors is still among the western civilization where stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process. Commercial and industrial activities expanded significantly, which introduced new and more efficient products to the society. As a result, capitalism in most city-states replaced most primitive forms of economic organization (Perry et al 293). This is a defining characteristic of the modern western civilization whose commercial activities are based on capitalism. The adoption of capitalism by the earlier civilizations enhanced pre-existing social inequalities, which for instance widened the gap between the rich and poor. At the height of the booming commercial activities, people in the middle-class level of the society increased in number as they amassed wealth, which played a crucial role in the economic and cultural life. In addition, religious reforms were introduced following the fragmentation of unity in

Proposal Letter and Article Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Proposal Letter and Article Summary - Essay Example Upon a critical review, of the request for Proposal, our skilled team of Information Technology experts developed a comprehensive structure that will aid in the equipment of the latest computer system. New desktop computers from IBM will be purchased and installed. Our supplier chain will be able to provide sealed pricing proposals of the latest branded and generic (IBM clone) desktop systems, as well as laptops. These computers will have to be networked in order to allow for information sharing and tighten security. Our team has developed a plan that integrates networking of the computers, configuration, installation of software and antivirus software, and training will provided to the staff in order to give them a hands-on experience on this new technology. We have already sent a catalogue of desktop computers and laptops from our supply chain to Kathy Hennig, the senior Purchaser at C.P.M., which has been approved. Smartechs Corporation specializes in software development and supplies computers and computer accessories to our esteemed customers. We also provide training solutions to our customers on Internet security, networking, and basic computer use, and software. As implied in our name, which means â€Å"smart technicians,† we are a dynamic company who believe in embracing technology for future change and success.

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 171

Summary - Essay Example There are many examples given here about people that were found in such situations and then forced to pay more than the regular charge. Jacob tells his story about what happened when his wife was about to deliver their second daughter, Baby Olivia. It occurred in summer on a Friday evening when his wife called him. His wife was working until she went to labor pains. She worked next to his office, and she was coming to meet him so they could go to the hospital. They went to the road to flag down a vehicle. It was hot, and the cabs were moving fast without stopping but, fortunately, one stopped, and they were heading to the hospital. Jacob was surprised when the driver told him that he was to pay four times the normal charge. He was very furious, but the condition of the wife left him no other option but to pay what the driver wanted (Planet Money 2014). Another example is where a young couple were forced to pay seven times the normal charge. It was December in the New York City. It was raining, snowing and sleeting, a cold weather and cabs were sliding on the road. The young couple aged around 25 years had waited for one and a half hours without finding a car. They even tried to call service vehicles in vain. The lady was wearing a short skirt in the chilly weather. Then came a driver from Uber Company and they ended up paying seven times the usual charge. Liza Chow was also caught in the snow and paid $192 instead of $65 for a 5-mile car ride by Uber Company. Lisa chow and Zoe make an argument that surge pricing may benefit everyone. They define the argument by saying if Uber Company does not charge more than the standard cost drivers will not be motivated. They will not go out struggling in the snow. Surge pricing will help the people out in the snow or when it is sleeting as the drivers will be available knowing the pay is more. Hence surge price will benefit the drivers and the people caught in the snow and the

What are local solutions towards achieving the eradication of poverty Research Proposal

What are local solutions towards achieving the eradication of poverty and hunger in Sierra Leone - Research Proposal Example The research will use secondary data like National human development report for Sierra Leone 1996and other published reports about poverty eradication. It will also employ primary data such as case studies, focused group discussion with government leaders, public and private sector companies, and the wider civil society representatives at different levels. Interview of key informants such as local people affected by poverty, policy developers, government advisory board and decision makers and well as local economists in the nation will give crucial information. Poverty is rampant and deep in Sierra Leone; approximately twenty-six percent of the Sierra Leone people are poor and unable to afford daily basic diet and about seventy percent live in deep poverty. A widespread difference in geographical distribution of poverty exists, even though, over 65% of the people reside in rural regions and  ¾ of them are poor. In poverty-stricken regions (where armed conflict ruined tree crops or people depend on unproductive local farming and artisan mining), over eight in every ten people are extremely poor. The profile of the nation demonstrates poverty indicators such as inadequate food, poor housing and health centers, increased illiteracy, inadequate clean water access and inadequate access to financial facilities and money, (Okai, 2003). Maternal and infant mortality and rates of fertility are high in these regions, and prevalence of contraceptives and female education is low. Household poverty is widespread on local farmers, families led by illi terate people and large families. With increased poverty and hunger levels in Sierra Leone, experts believe that local strategies stand a chance in poverty eradication. Eradication of poverty is the linchpin in millennium goals achievement in Sierra Leone, therefore; local strategies and efforts will play a crucial role in poverty eradication, (Elliott, Webber & Sierra Leone, 1993). For

Why did capitalism emerge as mature system in Britain Research Paper

Why did capitalism emerge as mature system in Britain - Research Paper Example The topic of capitalism was originally brought about by Karl Marx and his colleague Fredrick Engels, who were both historians and theorists. According to Marx, capitalism originated from the Western Europe, more specifically in England. This is reiterated by Max Weber, who describes England as â€Å"the home of capitalism† (Jean Baechler et al. 1988, p. 185). Capitalism in England can be traced from the sixteenth century which coincided with the Agrarian revolution that was slowly taking place. Capitalism was, therefore, largely seen in the land ownership and agricultural production that characterized this revolution. During the sixteenth century, most parts of Europe were undergoing the Agrarian revolution. Typically, human beings engaging in agriculture in most parts of Europe were categorized into two main groups; the people who practiced agriculture (peasants) and those who appropriated other people’s labor. In this arrangement, those who worked on the land (peasant farmers) possessed land and had access to what they produced on their farms. However, the appropriators of labor (who were either the State or landowners) controlled what these peasants farmers sold or remained with for storage. This surplus produce was taken from the peasants by use of coercion which was carried out through various means such as judicial, military or political power. According to Marx, this kind of exploitation through direct coercion was referred to â€Å"extra-economic† means. This was, however, different from the developed capitalism where the farmers (producers) are completely property-less, onl y relying on wages in exchange of their labor-power in working on landowners’ properties (Wallerstein 2011). In this kind of capitalist relationship between appropriators and producers, what mattered most were the markets and the forces involved in them. For example, markets determined what the appropriators got in exchange

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 171

Summary - Essay Example There are many examples given here about people that were found in such situations and then forced to pay more than the regular charge. Jacob tells his story about what happened when his wife was about to deliver their second daughter, Baby Olivia. It occurred in summer on a Friday evening when his wife called him. His wife was working until she went to labor pains. She worked next to his office, and she was coming to meet him so they could go to the hospital. They went to the road to flag down a vehicle. It was hot, and the cabs were moving fast without stopping but, fortunately, one stopped, and they were heading to the hospital. Jacob was surprised when the driver told him that he was to pay four times the normal charge. He was very furious, but the condition of the wife left him no other option but to pay what the driver wanted (Planet Money 2014). Another example is where a young couple were forced to pay seven times the normal charge. It was December in the New York City. It was raining, snowing and sleeting, a cold weather and cabs were sliding on the road. The young couple aged around 25 years had waited for one and a half hours without finding a car. They even tried to call service vehicles in vain. The lady was wearing a short skirt in the chilly weather. Then came a driver from Uber Company and they ended up paying seven times the usual charge. Liza Chow was also caught in the snow and paid $192 instead of $65 for a 5-mile car ride by Uber Company. Lisa chow and Zoe make an argument that surge pricing may benefit everyone. They define the argument by saying if Uber Company does not charge more than the standard cost drivers will not be motivated. They will not go out struggling in the snow. Surge pricing will help the people out in the snow or when it is sleeting as the drivers will be available knowing the pay is more. Hence surge price will benefit the drivers and the people caught in the snow and the

Why did capitalism emerge as mature system in Britain Research Paper

Why did capitalism emerge as mature system in Britain - Research Paper Example The topic of capitalism was originally brought about by Karl Marx and his colleague Fredrick Engels, who were both historians and theorists. According to Marx, capitalism originated from the Western Europe, more specifically in England. This is reiterated by Max Weber, who describes England as â€Å"the home of capitalism† (Jean Baechler et al. 1988, p. 185). Capitalism in England can be traced from the sixteenth century which coincided with the Agrarian revolution that was slowly taking place. Capitalism was, therefore, largely seen in the land ownership and agricultural production that characterized this revolution. During the sixteenth century, most parts of Europe were undergoing the Agrarian revolution. Typically, human beings engaging in agriculture in most parts of Europe were categorized into two main groups; the people who practiced agriculture (peasants) and those who appropriated other people’s labor. In this arrangement, those who worked on the land (peasant farmers) possessed land and had access to what they produced on their farms. However, the appropriators of labor (who were either the State or landowners) controlled what these peasants farmers sold or remained with for storage. This surplus produce was taken from the peasants by use of coercion which was carried out through various means such as judicial, military or political power. According to Marx, this kind of exploitation through direct coercion was referred to â€Å"extra-economic† means. This was, however, different from the developed capitalism where the farmers (producers) are completely property-less, onl y relying on wages in exchange of their labor-power in working on landowners’ properties (Wallerstein 2011). In this kind of capitalist relationship between appropriators and producers, what mattered most were the markets and the forces involved in them. For example, markets determined what the appropriators got in exchange

Drug Patent Statement Essay Example for Free

Drug Patent Statement Essay Patent Laws Patent laws are created to protect the intellectual property rights of scientists and to motivate investors to produce rare drugs. Under the intellectual property laws in drugs, investors and investors could market and profit from their products for 18 years without the fear of losing sales from the threat of generic drugs. Effects of Drug Patenting   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Patenting drugs creates an opportunity for brands to monopolize the market, thus, gaining complete control over the pricing of their product. It allows maximum profits for brands within the specific period allowed by patent laws, in this case 18 years. During the specific period allowed by patent laws, it is illegal for generic brands to infringe the rights of the patented drugs by marketing their products. This reduces competitive marketing, making it more difficult for the generics to penetrate the market. Naturally because of this reduced competition, prices are raised and the availability of drugs is decreased. This created the motion that patent laws should be limited to allow generic brands to enter the market more freely. Loopholes in Patenting   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After a patent expires, the generic brands can market their product without the restraint or fear from any legal implications that could be brought to them by the patented brand. The entrance of generic brands could reduce the sales of branded drugs by about 80 percent (Herper). To maximize profits and at the same time reduce the threat imposed by generic drugs on their sales as well as legally, the inevitable expiration of patent is maneuvered by branded companies within the bounds of laws. The branded drugs could enter into private financial deals, usually by bribing drug companies who want to enter the market with their generic versions. Another way of maneuvering the laws include â€Å"attaching riders on to some pieces of legislation in the congress† to extend the patent of the brand (Kugler). Some companies perform slight changes in the formulation of their drugs to make a â€Å"new and improved† version of their product. As a result, when the drug patent expires, the consumers would not want to choose the generic versions, believing it less potent. This had been the case of Eli Lilly and Co. as they fought their way to win the case against generics maker Zenith Pharmaceuticals. The last claimed that Lilly’s patent on Zyprexa is invalid because it was too similar to its earlier patent. They argued that Lilly misled the institutions on the significance of their tests. Lilly on the other hand argues that Zyprexa is a more superior drug compared to its former and is worthy of its patent. However, according to Lilly, they had no plans of bribing their generic rival out of the case. Another way of maneuvering is when drug companies continuously file patent upon patent to extend their monopoly over the drug and challenge the generics. This works to the great advantage of   the brands and otherwise to the generics because when a branded product challenges a generic in court, The Food and Drug Administration delays the former’s   approval for 2.5 years (Herper). That is, if the case is not settled before that. This gives more time for the brands to profit their product at their monopolistic price.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The result is the constant legal suits of generic companies to invalidate the brand name patents of manufacturers that keep their generic versions off the market (Herper). Weakening patents means weakening incentives   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) had been strong in responding to the proposed legislation by Edwards and Kennedy. According to them, â€Å"By weakening patent protection, the Edwards/Kennedy legislation harms patents and weakens the incentive to develop new medicine. Weaken patent laws will reduce drug research for rare diseases (Kugler).†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Edwards/Kennedy Legislation (Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceutical Act of 2001) is proposed to speed up the process in which generic drugs are approved. This will reduce the monopoly of branded drugs and increase the competition among drug manufacturers by making generic brands more widely available and thus, cheaper (Kugler). The legislation also wants to hold manufacturers to the Hatch Waxman act to ensure that practices in drug manufacturing and marketing are fair, competitive. The Hatch Waxman Act is created to increase development of generic versions of drugs and at the same time protect the patent rights of branded products. This is done by giving time for patented drugs to market and sell their products with consideration of the amount of time wasted in waiting for the approval of the Food and Drug Administration. This legislation, as well as the Hatch Waxman Act has made a huge cut in the profits of branded manufacturers. This is despite the claim that the Hatch Waxman act is also created to protect the patent of branded products. The shares of Lilly’s Prozac, for example dropped by 30% in just one day   in August of 2000 after the declaration of a new patent ruling (Herper). This shows that investors are very reactive to changes and challenges in drug patents. However frivolous the challenges are, and however promising the potential of the drug is, the patent challenges have a negative impact on drug development. Any challenge in drug patents is as powerful as to reduce the investments to a very significant level that could wipe off any motivation and incentive for manufacturers to develop and produce drugs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This, in general is the argument of brand manufacturersthat a decrease in drug patent provisions will decrease profits for branded drug makers, which will simultaneously reduce the incentives that are the primary motivators of inventors and investors. There is no significant connection between patent protection and drug research   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) believes that â€Å"It is the Orphan Drug act and not patents that have paved the way for the development rare drug products (Kugler).†Ã‚   The Orphan Drug Act of 1983 encourages the development of drugs for rare diseases by giving the manufacturers 7 years of exclusive marketing rights. Included in the provision of the act are the tax credits that should compensate for the manufacturers’, laboratories’ and investors’ research expenses (Kugler).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   NORD implied that PhRMA is overstating that there is a significant connection between patent protection and rare disease drug research. This, according to them is needlessly inducing alarm among the patients.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The main argument against drug patent is the â€Å"unfair marketing practices† imposed by the branded drug products as supported by the intellectual property laws. A balance should be set to meet both the need for more affordable drugs and the need for new drugs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If this is the case, that is, if the main problem is the power of branded manufacturers to set prices, it is not by limiting the provisions of patents that could increase the distribution at more affordable prices of rare drugs. It is by setting a middle point that could balance both the need for drugs and the motivation of inventors and investors through incentives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A lot has already been suggested regarding this. One includes â€Å"offering drug companies a period of exclusivity without fear of patent challenges after a drug is approved (Herper).†Ã‚   More specifically stated, the proposal is to give drug patents a shorter term of 15 years (instead of 18 years) (Herper). In addition to this shorter term, it is suggested that the 15 years should start only after the approval of the FDA (Herper). At present, patents protect drugs from generic versions for 18 years exclusive of the 8 years or more that are needed for the product to pass the FDA tests. Also, to minimize the probability of monopolies, the prices of the products should be regulated that it will not harm the producers as well as the consumers. The provisions of drug patents should not be limited.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Undeniably, for a drug innovation to proceed, financing is very crucial, making the interest of investors necessary for the development of drugs. As implied earlier, decreasing the power of patents creates fear among investors in drugs whether or not this fear is justifiable by actual probabilities. The interest of investors in drug manufacturing depends very much on the idea that they could profit from it through patent laws. Threatening to limit this power and exclusivity would affect their interest and thus their motivation. Drug companies would not be rewarded and there would be less incentive to develop new drugs. This rebuts the NORD statement that it is not the patent that motivates or creates drug innovation. Limiting patents would in the short run decrease the prices and increase the availability of drugs but it will not produce drugs that are needed in the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The economic law states that a higher price of products would decrease the demand. This means that branded drug manufacturers could only rise their prices up to a point that they would still gain profit from what they invested. Higher than this point, they could not raise their prices. This is the point where the manufacturers would feel rewarded based on their contributions. Limiting the power of patents would make the manufacturers feel unrewarded because prices of the products they developed using millions of dollars are being sold at a cheaper rate compared to what it really is supposed to sell at. Consumers pay for the innovation and development. Without these manufacturers and investors, there would be no drugs. References Bioshield Bill Would Provide Drug Patent Term Extension. Apr 2005. Patent Baristas. 26 Sep 2006. http://www.patentbaristas.com/archives/000161.php Drug Patent Deals Raise FTC Concerns. 2006. Patent Baristas. 26 Sep 2006 http://www.patentbaristas.com/archives/000319.php Farnsworth, S. n.d. The Drug Monopoly. Multinationalmonitor.org. 26 Sep 2006 http://multinationalmonitor.org/hyper/issues/1993/11/mm1193_09.htm.save. Fernandez D. and Huie J., n.d. Strategic Balancing of Patent and FDA Approval Processes to Maximize Market Exclusivity. Fernandez and Associates. Iploft,com. 26 Sep 2006 http://www.iploft.com/FDA%20Poster.pdf#search=hatch%20watchman%20act. Food and Drug Administration 1984. Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration 26 Sep 2006. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d098:SN01538:@@@Dsumm2=m|TOM:/bss/d098query.html|. Herper, M. 2002. Solving the Drug Problem. Forbes.com. 26 Sep 2006. http://www.forbes.com/2002/05/02/0502patents.html. Herper, M.   2005. Drug Patent Peril. Forbes.com. 26 Sep 2006 http://www.forbes.com/technology/2005/01/26/cx_mh_0126patents.html. Kugler M. 2002 July. NORD Rebuts PhRMA Drug Patent Statement. About.com. 26 Sep 2006. http://rarediseases.about.com/library/weekly/aa071402a.htm. Nair, MD. n.d. Harmonization of Patent Laws—Still a Dream? Patentmatics.org. 26 Sep 2006. http://www.patentmatics.org/pub25.htm. Swiatek J. 2004. Lilly Battles Patent: Lilly Battling to Retain Patent on its Top Drug. Indystar.com. 26 Sep 2006. http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com