Thursday, December 26, 2019

California Fair Pay Act Wage Discrimination And Broader...

With the new year come new laws, as well as amendments to existing ones. In addition to the change in minimum wage, which increases to $10.00 per hour, here are some highlights from five new noteworthy California employment and labor laws taking effect January 1, 2016: 1. SB 358 SB 501 -- The California Fair Pay Act: Wage Discrimination Broader Prohibition of Gender Wage Differentials An amendment to California Labor Code  § 1197.5 now adds the language substantially similar work† to the prohibition against an employer from paying an employee at wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of the opposite sex. SB 358 does not require such â€Å"substantially similar work† to be â€Å"in the same establishment† of the employer as previously required by Section 1197.5. Employer Required To Demonstrate Exemptions Section 1197.5 automatically exempted certain gender wage differentials related to payments based on a seniority system, a merit system, quantity or quality of production, or any bona fide factor other than sex. SB 358 amends Section 1197.5 to require that an employer must now affirmatively demonstrate these differentials, and further that each underlying factor relied upon is applied reasonably, together accounting for the entire wage differential. Anti-Retaliation Protections Introduced SB 358 added a provision to Section 1197.5 that prohibits an employer from discharging, discriminating or retaliating against an employee by reason of any action taken by theShow MoreRelatedHuman Resources Management150900 Words   |  604 Pagesand supervisors affected by the elimination of levels were offered promotions, transfers to other jobs in GE Fanuc, or early retirement buyouts. Additionally, employees were promised profit sharing, which has resulted in up to three weeks additional pay in profit sharing bonuses in some years. The test of the change is in the results. GE Fanuc’s revenue is up women employees, who composed about three-fourths of the bank’s workers. As a result, several years later about one-fourth of all managers andRead MoreState and Local Tax Outline42910 Words   |  172 Pagesit easy for the state to collect. If there is no registration requirement it is VERY hard to put the onus on the state to collect these taxes. b. Therefore, companies like Amazon do not need to collect the tax, it can be up to the consumer to pay a use tax. 5. HYPO: if you are Wal Mart and you want to compete with Amazon what do you do? a. Create a separate entity – i.e. Walmart.com, to sell the book. Chapter 2 2. a. CHAPTER 2: JURISDICTION TO TAX Section 1: Due Process And CommerceRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesAttractions: Developing an OB Model 23 An Overview 23 †¢ Inputs 24 †¢ Processes 25 †¢ Outcomes 25 Summary and Implications for Managers 30 S A L Self-Assessment Library How Much Do I Know About Organizational Behavior? 4 Myth or Science? â€Å"Most Acts of Workplace Bullying Are Men Attacking Women† 12 An Ethical Choice Can You Learn from Failure? 24 glOBalization! Does National Culture Affect Organizational Practices? 30 Point/Counterpoint Lost in Translation? 31 Questions for Review 32 ExperientialRead MoreLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 Pages279 Violence and Crime in the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 External Impacts on Human Resources—Legal Protections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Equal Employment Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Other Important Federal Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Affirmative Action and Comparable Worth . . . . . . . . . 285 xii Contents Sexual Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289Read MoreMedicare Policy Analysis447966 Words   |  1792 Pagesaffordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OCTOBER 29, 2009 Mr. DINGELL (for himself, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. STARK, Mr. PALLONE, and Mr. ANDREWS) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, theRead MoreMarketing Management130471 Words   |  522 Pagesoutside elements also can lead to missed opportunities in the market especially if competitors are the first to take advantage of the opportunities. As part of the strategic and tactical planning process discussed above it would be wise for marketers to pay close attention to the environment outside the organization. 3.1. EVOLUTION OF MARKETING MANAGEMENT: The evolution of marketing is composed of a series of responses to major external challenges. Pre industrial marketing, based around craft production

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Taking a Look at All The Time Gym - 748 Words

Info: FACILITIES As you’d believe, our amazing fitness conveniences are accompanied by spacious change-rooms with private cubicles also available. With plenty of lockers a few of which are vacant for permanent hire, hairdryers and ironing stations, you’ll have the benefit of your time at the All the time gym. Gym Our large, air-conditioned gym is entirely equipped with the most modern equipment. Now three one-to-one sessions with our Personal Trainers will supply you with all the support you need to accomplish your main goal. Cardio Theatre Whether you take pleasure in watching music videos, the latest sporting or the news event, TV channels and the 16 music on our cardio theatre will entertain you while exercising. Weights Area Our extensive selection of free weights and the newest stationary machines means youll be completely equipped to work out and toughen and condition your arms, chest, back, legs and abs. Spinning Room Spinning is a enjoyable and stimulating bike-based aerobic exercises ideal for all fitness levels. Studio Group work outs is great fun and the best way to stay motivated. Check our clubs remarkable schedule for a feast of studio classes including step, aerobics, yoga and loads more. Lounge Area Before or after your exercises, the lounge area is the ideal place to relax, take a drink and unwind with friends or with other members. Pool Enjoy a calming swim or refresh yourself with an aqua aerobics session in the pools at ourShow MoreRelatedGym Dwellers Essay871 Words   |  4 PagesGym Dwellers Automated doors slide open revealing a multitude of fitness machinery and flooding the air with the sound of weights clinking and the synchronized rhythmic stomping of twenty pairs of Nikes hitting the floor simultaneously in the step aerobics class; it’s time to get physical. On any given day, at any time, in gyms all across America the same scene is played out, (Guy). A handful of muscle bound jocks, serious about competitive weight lifting, can be seen spotting each other in theRead MoreStrategic Analysis : The Fitness Industry1719 Words   |  7 Pages 2014 I. FitTime, like most other gyms and workout centers, operates in the fitness industry. The Fitness industry continues to steadily grow as entrepreneurs and small businesses see worthwhile market opportunity. With the ongoing obesity epidemic in the United States, fitness and exercise opportunities are becoming more and more popular for Americans. However, as a result of continued growth within the industry, fitness centers and gyms have become highly competitive businesses. InRead MoreChanges Over Time : Male Ideals1488 Words   |  6 PagesChanges over Time: Male Ideals One of the biggest issues in the world right now is that women are objectified and are made to feel that they are subpar to unattainable goals. Women are told how to dress, what to eat, and how to act. It was always thought that men didn’t have the same issues, the pressures of reaching an obtainable goal, this isn’t true. Magazines, media, and society dictates how both genders interact with each other. Men have changed and are pressured just as much as women. ExploringRead MoreSocial Structure And Hierarchy At The Gym859 Words   |  4 Pagesnorms that are prevalent in the gym while working out. Cal Poly has a very active campus that uses the gym very regularly. The gym has its own set of rules and norms that are followed by everyone. I personally do not spend a lot of time in the gym so to prepare I watched 30 minutes of YouTube videos and read multiple lists of unwritten gym rules and things not to do at the gym. The social structure and hierarchy at the gym is different than real life. The gym social structure is based on howRead MoreTodays Unrealistic Body Expectations1311 Words   |  5 Pagesresult, many people are affected by our own societys portrayals of good looking men and women that they feel pressured into doing whatever it takes and going through extreme measures, most of the time, spending countless hours in the gym trying to achieve that perfect body. Body image is evident in the gym, as the men are lifting weights they are frequently looking in the mirror examining every angle of their body making sure no area is lacking muscle. On the other hand, women tend to partake in theRead MoreArticle Report On Google s Article Article On 1087 Words   |  5 Pagesthis article on Delicious Share this article on Digg Share this article on Reddit Share this article on Pinterest Expert Author Justin P Kavanagh Let s face it, we ve all experienced times when we just don t feel motivated to workout when we know we should. You know the feeling when you are all excited about going to the gym and look forward to working your butt off, then after a few weeks your just not bothered because the motivation isn t there anymore. Staying consistent with a new workout routineRead MoreExercise : Exercise And Exercise851 Words   |  4 Pages What is Exercise? That dreaded word, exercise. What exactly is, exercise? Why do we dread such a word? Maybe because of all the years of forced exercise during gym class in school; or maybe because of feeling humiliated and defeated by simple tasks, like walking up a flight of stairs, or being out of breath after singing a song. Whoever said exercise couldn’t be fun and at your own will? Whatever preconceptions you have of exercise, forget it. Now, you’re probably wondering who I am to tell youRead MoreFor This Exercise, I Went To The Sfu Fitness Centre. The1414 Words   |  6 PagesFor this exercise, I went to the SFU fitness centre. The gym is mainly intended for staff and students, although it is open to the public for a fee ranging from $5-$45 per month, should they wish to make the trek up the mountain. They have a variety of equipment available for use, including exercise and cardio machines as well as free weights. Upon entering the fitness centre, there is a desk with staff, however, the electronic system simply requires members to scan their membership card – or theirRead MoreMaintaining A Balance Between Work And Life895 Words   |  4 Pagesbalancing between office and home means something must be given up. In most cases, the sacrifice is the employee’s time to take care of himself, take care of his personal fitness. Science has proven that working out and adopting a healthy diet will not only reduce stress, but they also create a beneficial discipline that will enhance the work-life harmony and career success. Gym hours do not have to be long, and meals do not have to be processed if the employees learn how to incorporate intensiveRead MoreEssay Competitive Analysis Section - Fitness Club1346 Words   |  6 Pagescenters. Since 1992, the United States has seen the number of health clubs increased by almost 40 percent, from 12,635 to 17,531 facilities. It has also seen an increase in membership by almost 60 percent, from 20.8 million to 32.8 million. What this all means for Fun 4 Life Fitness Center, LLC is that the market is ever growing which translates to more competition. Most fitness centers offer a variety of services to address the needs and convenience of the customers. Some of these services includes

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Anatomy And Function Of Coronary Arteries †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Anatomy And Function Of Coronary Arteries? Answer: Introduction Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as ischaemic heart disease or coronary artery disease is a common form of heart disease characterised by the gradual accumulation of fatty material (plaque) within the walls of the coronary arteries. The build-up of plaque results from a process known as atherosclerosis which is influenced by lifestyle habits such as high cholesterol and smoking, and conditions such as diabetes and hypertension (Nichols, Peterson, Herbert, Allender, 2015). CHD in its two major clinical forms (angina and myocardial infarction) is the largest contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012) The condition is responsible for a significant amount of morbidity and mortality globally. In 2015 alone, CHD affected more than a hundred million people and resulted in close to nine million deaths (GBD 2015 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators, 2016); accounting for more than fifteen percent of all deaths worldwide. As a result, it ranks at the most common cause of mortality worldwide (GBD 2015 Mortality and Causes of Death Collaborators, 2016). CHD affects approximately 1.2 million Australians. It stands out as the single leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for more than ten percent of all deaths in the country. For instance, in 2015, it accounted for 19, 777 deaths, an equivalent of 12% of all deaths in that year (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016). This paper reviews various aspects of this condition including the anatomy and physiology of the involved systems, its aetiology, clinical presentation, the investigative procedures adopted for the diagnosis, and its management and treatment with more focus on its pharmacology treatment. Overview of anatomy and physiology of systems involved Coronary vessels have a different anatomy and physiology compared to the rest of the vessels of the circulatory system. Coronary arteries are much smaller, tortuous vessels which supply the myocardium with blood. The left main coronary artery (LCA) and the right coronary artery (RCA) originate from the aorta as separate vessels and not as a single trunk (Ldinghausen, 2012). Whereas the LCA rises from the posterior coronary cusp, the RCA arises from the anterior coronary cusp. The course taken by the two large vessels (RCA and LCA) is also different as shown in Figure 1 below. The RCA supplies blood to the right ventricle and atrium, and the atrioventricular and nodes which serve the role of regulating the hearts rhythm (Spaan, 2012). The RCA further branches into smaller branches which include the acute marginal artery and the right posterior descending artery. It also teams up with left anterior descending anterior to form the septal perforator (SP) which supplies blood to the septum. The LCA supplies blood to the left ventricle and atrium. It further branches into the left anterior descending artery that supplies blood to the front of the left side of the heart, and the circumflex artery which supplies blood to the back and outer side of the heart. Other smaller branches of the coronary arteries include diagonals, and the obtuse marginal (OM). Atherosclerosis affects both the structure and function of the coronary arteries. Plaque narrows the arteries (as shown in figure 2 above), and as a result, the blood flow to the myocardium is also reduced. The build-up of plaque also increases the likelihood of blood clots forming in the arteries. The clots can somewhat or totally block the blood flow to the myocardium (ischemia). These processes lead to an imbalance between oxygen supply and oxygen demand. With insufficient oxygen supply to meet the demand, the myocardium becomes hypoxic and this often translates to angina (chest pain) or a heart attack. Summary of terms pertaining to the disease Coronary heart disease (CHD) The thinning of coronary arteries due to deposition of plaques, resulting in reduced blood flow to cardiac muscles (Newton Joyce, 2014). Coronary artery disease (CAD) Another name for coronary heart disease. Ischemic heart disease - Another name for coronary heart disease Ischemia The inadequate supply of blood to the heart muscles causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose necessary to cellular metabolism (Merck Co, 2012). Angina pectoris - is the feeling of chest pain, pressure, or squeezing, resulting from inadequate blood supply to the myocardium (Newton Joyce, 2014). Stable angina Classic type of angina which presents as chest discomfort often precipitated by some physical activity. Unstable angina - Angina pectoris that changes or worsens Myocardial infarction (heart attack) is the irreversible death (necrosis) of heart muscle due to blockage in coronary arteries that completely blocks the flow of blood to the cardiac muscles (Newton Joyce, 2014). CABG: Coronary artery bypass graft; and Coronary artery bypass grafting - a surgical procedure that recovers blood supply to cardiac muscles (National Health Institutes, 2012). Aetiology A review of literature demonstrates an association between coronary heart disease and certain factors which contribute to atherosclerosis. These factors increase the intrusion of fat into the walls of the arteries. The various risk factors create different risk associations and there is a likelihood that they may be interacting together. The risk factors include both fixed risks (gender, family history, age, ethnicity and lower and middle socioeconomic groups), and modifiable risks (cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, excessive alcohol intake, central obesity, lipid abnormalities such (high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, low HDL), physical inactivity, and psychosocial issues (Gupta, Joshi, Mohan, Reddy, Yusuf, 2013). Research suggests that an individuals risk is as a risk of the total risk and not just individual risk factors as the existence of the risk factors has a synergistic effect. Modifiable risk factors Smoking leads to the exposure of heart and blood vessels to nicotine and carbon monoxide which in turn causes constriction of blood vessels, increase in blood pressure and a rise in cholesterol levels. It also deprives the bodys tissues of oxygen and this allows the growing of plaques. Hypertension can lead to the damage of blood vessels hence increasing the chances of plaques forming. High blood pressure also causes arterial walls to thicken and stiffen, and less able to undergo expansion and contraction in line with body activity and other physical demands. Diabetes is characterised by high levels of glucose in blood that can cause harm to blood vessels, and this increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques. Evidence from research studies actually shows that one out of every three persons with diabetes also has CHD (Mohammed, Narayan, Tandon, 2013). Excessive alcohol intake Individuals who drink moderately (3 units/day for males and 1 unit/day for females) have a lower mortality from CHD compared to non-drinkers (Mukamal Rimm, 2016), whereas binge drinking above these levels increases the risk for CHD due to the increased risk for the development of high blood cholesterol and hypertension. Hyperlipidaemia The risk of CHD is increased with the level of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol levels, on the other hand, are dependent on factors such as diet, exercise, genetics, and some diseases. Obesity puts more strain on the heart, and also makes it difficult in controlling blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. According to Khosravi, et al., (2012), obesity increases the risk for cardiovascular disease by 46% in males and 645 in females. Physical inactivity weakens the muscles and makes it harder to control other risk factors for cardiovascular disease which include obesity, diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Psychosocial issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation are also claimed to be risk factors for CHD (Khayyam-Nekouei, Neshatdoost, Yousefy, Sadeghi, Manshaee, 2013). Symptomatic CHD can be triggered by acute events such as the loss of a loved one, and catastrophic events such as a terrorist attack. Fixed risks Gender Males are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease than females, but the difference seems to disappear after the onset of menopause (National Institutes of Health, 2016). Family history An individuals risk for CHD is doubled if a parent or sibling developed cardiovascular disease early in life (before age 55 for males, and 65 for females) (National Institutes of Health, 2016). Age The risk of CHD increases with the increase in age (National Institutes of Health, 2016). For males, the risk is heightened from about 45 years and above and is doubled at 55 upwards. For females, the risk is heightened as from age 55 upwards. Ethnicity The risk for CHD has shown to be increased among persons of African Caribbean heritage, followed by Hispanics and South Asians (Leigh, Alvarez, Rodriguez, 2016) Socioeconomic status - It is an established fact that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have a higher prevalence of CHD and CVD mortality (Psaltopoulou, et al., 2017). The gradient incidence of this morbidity and mortality is attributed to differences in income, occupation, and educational status. Signs and symptoms Angina The most prevalent CHD symptom is angina pectoris/chest pain. Approximately thirty percent of adults who present o the emergency department with an unclear cause of pain, the pain is often attributed to CHD (Kontos, Diercks, Kirk, 2013). Angina is also described as chest discomfort, heaviness, tightness, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness, or squeezing (WebMD, 2017). It is often felt in the chest but may radiate to other parts including the shoulder, arms, neck or jaw. Angina results from the partial blockage of coronary arteries. This symptom is usually triggered by physical activity or emotional distress. Angina may present in any of its variants. Stable angina is characterised by a short-term discomfort resembling indigestion. A stable angina occurs when the heart is working harder than usual such as in an event of physical activity. It has a regular pattern. Unstable angina, on the other hand, occurs during rest, it is severe, last longer, and often worsens with time. It is referred to as unstable owing to the changes in intensity, character, and frequency. Dyspnoea Shortness of breath may also result from the hearts incapacity to pump adequate blood to meet the bodys demands. This symptom may also be accompanied with extreme fatigue with exertion. Myocardial infarction (MI) Heart attacks result if the arteries become completely blocked. Myocardial infarctions can cause permanent damage to the heart muscles if they are not treated immediately, and can also be fatal. Signs and symptoms of an MI include chest discomfort, dyspnoea, light-headedness, sweating, nausea. Investigations and tests Electrocardiogram Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) detects and records the heart's electrical activity. An ECG shows the heart beat rate, its rhythm, and also the strength and timing of electrical signals passing through the heart (Saint Thomas Health, 2015). Echocardiography (echo) Echo is a procedure that uses sound waves for the evaluation o he hearts structure and function. Echo provides information on the systolic and diastolic function, condition and function of valves, contractility, can also measure the pressure of pulmonary vessels (Heart Foundation, 2014). Stress testing Stress testing is done with heart stimulation, using either exercise on a treadmill, with a connection to an ECG. Stress testing helps identify possible signs and symptoms of CHD including myocardial ischaemia, electrical instability or any other signs and symptoms related to exertion (dyspnoea, abnormal changes in blood pressure and heart rate) (Garber, Hlatky, Chareonthaitawee, Askew, 2017). Stress testing can also be induced using medications in cases where the patient cannot endure exercise tests. Coronary angiography It is the most accurate way of defining the presence and severity of CHD. The process investigates the integrity of the coronary arteries by inserting a catheter into the coronary vasculature and the use of a contrast medium to produce images. Coronary angiography yields information on the extent of the vessel narrowing an also the culprit lesions (Gorenoi, SchnermarK, Hagen, 2012). This information is vital for the treatment and management of the presentation. Chest X-Ray (CXR) A chest x-ray aid in the investigation of the cause of dyspnoea (cardiac or respiratory) (Heart Foundation, 2014). A CXR can help reveal causes of symptoms of CHD, alongside lung disorders. Blood Tests Blood tests may also be carried out to check the levels of cholesterol, glucose, proteins, and fats in the body. Abnormal levels are indicative of increased risk for CHD. Recommended basic screening involves testing for fasting blood glucose, a full blood count, serum lipids including high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and triglycerides, serum urates and blood urea and electrolytes (Ministry of Health and Quality of Life; Mauritius Institute of Health; World Health Organisation, 2015). Ambulatory ECG Monitoring (Holter) This procedure is used for the detection of abnormal electrical conduction, abnormal cardiac rhythm, and ischaemic changes even in asymptomatic cases (Galli, Ambrosini, Lombardi, 2016). Thallium Scan Thallium is a radioactive substance which is injected into a vein and then taken up by cardiac muscles. In the case of narrowed coronary arteries, less thallium reaches the muscles (Saint Thomas Health, 2015). This procedure helps detect significant coronary artery narrowing, and also damage to cardiac muscles due to a heart attack. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (Cardiac MR) Cardiac MR involves the use of magnetic and radiofrequency fields to produce high-resolution images of the heart and its vasculature. The procedure provides information on the structure, function, perfusion, and viability of cardiac muscles, and also on the coronary arteries and peripheral vessels (Saint Thomas Health, 2015). Treatment and management There are two key goals in the treatment and management of CHD. First, it is to prevent myocardial infarction and death, as a result, improve life expectancy, and secondly is to reduce the symptoms of angina and the occurrence of ischaemia, for improved life quality (Ministry of Health and Quality of Life; Mauritius Institute of Health; World Health Organisation, 2015). The cornerstone therapy for CHD includes both medical therapy accompanied with aggressive cardiovascular risk modification. As such, the treatment strategies can be divided into medical treatment, coronary interventions (angioplasty, coronary stent), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and education and risk factor modification (Kasper, et al., 2015). These interventions are aimed at lowering the risk of formation of blood clots, prevention of CHD complications, reducing risk factors so as to prevent stop, slow or reverse plaque build-up, symptoms relieve, and widening or bypassing of the clogged vessels. Under cardiovascular risk modification, the doctor may recommend heart-healthy lifestyle changes. These changes include a heart-healthy eating (consumption of low-fat dairy products, fruits, legumes, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3-rich fish), limiting alcohol, maintaining healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing stress and any other form of psychosocial factors, and routine physical activity (Mannu, Zaman, A Gupta Rehman, Myint, 2013). These lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of further angina or MI episodes. Lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient to control factors precipitating atherosclerosis. Therefore, medicines are indicated to either reduce the blood pressure or widen the coronary arteries. Different classes of medicines are used. They include Antiplatelets (e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel) Used to reduce the risk of an MI by thinning the blood and prevention of clotting. Statins (e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin) Prescribed to control or lower cholesterol levels. Beta-blockers (e.g. atenolol, bisoprolol) Used in the prevention of angina, and in the treatment of hypertension. They decrease heart rate, arterial pressure and arterial pressure and this translates o decreased oxygen demand by the myocardium. They help in delaying or avoiding stable angina episodes by decreasing heart rate and blood pressure during exertion. Nitrates Help in the widening of the coronary arteries. They dilate epicardial coronary arteries and arterioles and reduce cardiac preload. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g. Ramipril) and Angiotensin II receptor antagonists They are used for the treatment of high blood pressure by blocking the activity of the hormone angiotensin II. Calcium channel blockers Are used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris. They function by decreasing vascular resistance and increasing coronary blood flow. Medical and surgical interventions may also be sought if the symptoms cannot be controlled using pharmacological means. Blocked arteries can be opened up or bypassed using coronary angioplasty (also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (Ministry of Health and Quality of Life; Mauritius Institute of Health; World Health Organisation, 2015). CABG involves the use of autologous arteries or veins as grafts to bypass coronary arteries partially or completely obstructed by plaques (Alexander Smith, 2016). The procedure is quite effective for the durable relief of angina, and it significantly improves the survivability in patients with CHD (Go, et al., 2013). PCI, on the other hand, is used to open up coronary arteries narrowed or blocked by plaques using catheterization. Medications Beta-blockers e.g. Acebutolol Definition They are also known as beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. They offer competitive antagonistic action on beta-adrenoreceptors (B1, B2, and B3) (Frishman, Cheng-Lai, Chen, 2013). Indications They are used in the treat cardiac arrhythmias, management of angina, prevention of myocardial infarction, and also the treatment of hypertension (Gorre Vandekerckhove, 2012). Mechanism of action Beta-blockers function by antagonising the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation of circulation of catecholamines at beta-adrenoceptors throughout the body (Kaplan, 2015; Frishman, Cheng-Lai, Chen, 2013). B1 receptors are predominantly found in the heart and kidney whereas B@ receptors are found in the lungs, skeletal muscles and peripheral vasculature. With relevance to CHD, beta-blockers block B1 receptors of the heart, at the Sino-atrial node and this reduces heart rate, and also blocking the B1 receptors in the myocardium to reduce contractility (Frishman, Cheng-Lai, Chen, 2013). The mode of action of beta-blockers as an antihypertensive agent is still debated. However, it is postulated that the effects of decreased heart rate and cardiac output affect blood pressure. Contraindications All beta-blockers are contraindicated in persons presenting with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Kaplan, 2015). Adverse reactions According to Frishman, Cheng-Lai, and Chen, (2013), beta-blockers may produce the following side effects. Bradycardia and impairment of myocardial contractility. Bronchospasm in a susceptible patient resulting from the blocking of B2 receptors which mediate dilation of the bronchi. Can also produce side effects in the central nervous system due to a reduction in sympathetic outflow. These side effects may include hallucinations, malaise, and nightmares. May also result to hyperglycaemia, hence risking a new onset of diabetes. Reduced cardiac output due to the blocking action of B2 receptors may also lead to tiredness and fatigue. The blunting sympathetic nervous action may mask hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes Potential complications Revascularization techniques such as the CABG procedure may produce cardiac complications. These may include perioperative myocardial infarction, arterial infarction is a common complication of CABG and it can lead to the development of blood clots in the heart that may travel to the rest of the body, the "Post-pericardiotomy syndrome" (fever and chest pain) may also occur, and kidney failure (Aranki, Cutlip, Aroesty, 2016). Possible complications in coronary angiography include Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) which is an immune-mediated complication of administering heparin from heparinised saline (Tavakol, Ashraf, Brener, 2012). Another complication may be contrast-induced nephropathy which is defined as a rise in serum creatinine due to the effects of contrast media on vasoactive substances such as endothelin (Tavakol, Ashraf, Brener, 2012). The distal embolization of cholesterol crystals following PCI may also cause a systemic syndrome. There is also the risk of hematom a and retroperitoneal haemorrhage resulting from poorly controlled haemostasis after femoral sheath removal (Tavakol, Ashraf, Brener, 2012). The pharmacological treatment process may also produce some complications. These may include a bleeding risk in individuals with an underlying haemostatic defect and gastrointestinal toxicity due to the administration of antiplatelet agents such as aspirin (Casado-Arroyo, Sostres, Lanas, 2013). Conclusion CHD is a common disease in the western countries with a significant burden of morbidity and mortality. It results from atherosclerotic plaque deposition which is facilitated by a number of risk factors; both modifiable and non-modifiable. The goals in the management of the condition are to prevent the occurrence of angina, myocardial infarctions, and slowing down, stopping or preventing the development of plaques. Management of the condition requires both pharmacological, medical and surgical interventions and lifestyle changes. References Alexander, J. H., Smith, P. K. (2016). Coronary-Artery Bypass Grafting. NEw England Journal of Medicine, 1954-1964. Aranki, S., Cutlip, D., Aroesty, J. (2016, November 14). Early cardiac complications of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Retrieved from UpToDate: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/early-cardiac-complications-of-coronary-artery-bypass-graft-surgery Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2016). Causes of Death 2015 (3303.0). Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). Cardiovascular Disease: Australian Facts 2011. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Casado-Arroyo, R., Sostres, Lanas, A. (2013). Optimizing the use of aspirin for cardiovascular prevention. Drugs., 803-14. Frishman, W. H., Cheng-Lai, A., Chen, J. (2013). Current Cardiovascular Drugs. Berlin: Springer Science Business Media. Galli, A., Ambrosini, F., Lombardi, F. (2016). Holter Monitoring and Loop Recorders: From Research to Clinical Practice. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev, 136-143. Garber, A., Hlatky, M., Chareonthaitawee, P., Askew, W. (2017, May 05). Stress testing for the diagnosis of obstructive coronary heart disease. Retrieved from UpToDate: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/stress-testing-for-the-diagnosis-of-obstructive-coronary-heart-disease GBD 2015 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. (2016). Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 310 diseases and injuries, 19902015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. The Lancet, 1545-1602. GBD 2015 Mortality and Causes of Death Collaborators. (2016). Global, regional, and national life expectancy, all-cause mortality, and cause-specific mortality for 249 causes of death, 19802015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. The Lancet, 1459-1544. Go, A. S., Mozaffarian, D., Roger, V. L., Benjamin, E. J., Berry, J. D., Blaha, M. J., . . . Franco, S. (2013). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics2014 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 1-268. Gorenoi, V., SchnermarK, M. P., Hagen, A. (2012). CT coronary angiography vs. invasive coronary angiography in CHD. GMS Health Technol Assess. , DOC02. Gorre, F., Vandekerckhove, H. (2012). Beta-blockers: focus on mechanism of action. Which beta-blocker, when and why? Acta Cardiol., 565-70. Gupta, R., Joshi, P., Mohan, V., Reddy, K. S., Yusuf, S. (2013). Epidemiology and causation of coronary heart disease and stroke in India. Heart, 16-28. Heart Foundation. (2014, Novemeber). Common investigations in cardiovascular disease. 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Monday, December 2, 2019

Strategy and policy

Table of Contents History of the Apple Company Strategies and policies of the Apple Company Conclusion Bibliography Strategy and policy are the backbones of success in the business world. If the policies and strategies of a company are well structured, they mostly translate to profits (Colley, 2004, p. 23). This is because strategic planning helps an organization to produce goods that are appreciable by their customers and also helps them to enter new markets and thus widen their customer base. Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategy and policy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Additionally, strategic planning helps a company plan well for the future and be aware of future business twists and also helps it to maximally employ the skills of its workforce. On the other hand, development of policies helps an organization to maintain ethical standards and thus maintain its goodwill. Policies also protect the as sets of the organization and thus they protect the organization from losses fuelled by fraudulent employees and/or court cases which will, otherwise, be evident in the organization (Hartley, 2010, p. 1). This paper explores the strategies and policies of the Apple Company. History of the Apple Company Apple was founded by Steve Jobs and Wozniak Steve in the year 1976. It was initially a computer manufacturing company but it has, since them, expanded to offer a variety of technology products and a wide range of electronics. In the last 30 years, Apple has expanded its product base to include products like laptops, Mac OSX, the iPod, the iPad, the iPhone, Apple TV, Mac OS Server and a wide variety of desktops. The strategic innovation of the Apple Company has enabled it to gain worldwide popularity with its recent product, the iPad, hitting a million sales marks recently. A billion units of the product are expected to be sold by the end of May. On the other hand, the iPhone is in sto ck in close to a hundred countries (Malik, 2010, p. 1). The company has been revolutionary in the distribution of digital media and in the field of personal computing. It has dominated most technology consumers and achieved commendable appreciation from educational establishments. Most educational institutions are now using Apples products in their classrooms and computer laboratory. Additionally, a great number of students and lecturers own Apple products for their personal computing and technology needs (Malik, 2010, p. 1). This success can be partly attributed to the priority that the Apple Company gives to strategic innovation and invention.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strategies and policies of the Apple Company The Apple Company has also established relationships with international agents to help them market their products. For instance, Rogers Communications Inc . markets Apple products in Canada. They have recently developed policies on the marketing of data plans for the iPad. They offer 250 Mb monthly data for $15 and 5 Gb for $ 35. They do not have an unlimited data plan because they believe that most customers use less than 250 Mb in a month. This is contrary to the policies set by the Apple Company in the U.S. where they have offered an unlimited data package for $ 30 (Rowley, 2010, p. 1). This way, the Apple Company is able to provide products that a specialized for different groups of customers. As stated earlier, much of the success of the Apple Company can be attributed to the priority that the company gives to strategic innovation. To exemplify this, in the recent past, the company took the mobile telephony by storm with its invention of the iPhone. It has fantastic features which include a user friendly User Interface, voicemail enhancement, a powerful GPRS and a powerful platform for development and information sharing. These features enabled the iPhone to be the choice of consumers registering exponential sales in the U.S. since its launch. There are currently more than 6.5 million iPhones active in the U.S. alone. The company has also developed an online music store. This innovative step has enabled the company to market tunes for their products such as the iPhones. It is also a strategic step since in selling their iTunes, the company also gets a chance to market their products to prospective customers since people buying iTunes are also potential customers for products like the iPod, the iPhone etc (Doughdale, 2010, p. 1). Apple has also upheld inter-corporation cooperation. To achieve this end, it worked in alliance with Microsoft in the 1990’s incorporating Microsoft’s products like office in their systems. They also abandoned Suns Original for Microsoft java Implementation and took Microsoft browser, the Internet Explorer, as a Mac OS standard. This strategy of cooperation made th e Apple Company to get out of losses that were experienced by the company in 1997. It also helped the company to provide the customers with products that were compatible with other products in the market. For instance, the incorporation of office was a big step in their recovery (Rowley, 2010, p. 1).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategy and policy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Many people will agree with me that Apple is the company of the decade. In the last decade, Apple has launched a number of new products that have gained amazing popularity and revolutionized the technology industry. To get a glimpse of the success that Apple has seen in the last decade, let us compare it with the technology giant, Google. The performance of the stock of the giant is amazing but it does not compare to the performance of Apple. Since the time it was listed, Google’s stock has risen by an approximate 500%. In t he same period, the stock of Apple has risen by about 1200% (Saxena, 2010, p. 1). This highlights the fact that Apple was the most performing company in the last decade. This success is attributable to the aforementioned strategic innovation in consumer demanded technology products like the iPhone that has revolutionized the Smartphone industry and the iPod whose influence in the music industry is massive (Foremski, 2010, p. 1). To cite a current example, the company is now accepting advance orders for the iPad from international clients. This is a strategy that will definitely help in the realization of exponential sales of the product when the company enters international markets in the end of May. The pre-order strategy has been implemented for the eight countries which appreciate the iPad launch as a very significant event. This implies that the pre-order strategy will definitely have its desired effect since Apple customers in these countries are genuinely interested in acqui ring the iPad. The Apple Company has also adopted a strategy to control the kind of software and applications that run in its hardware. This was developed to add to the existing control on the Operating System that runs on Apple systems. Many critics have branded Apple Inc. the control freak but the control is advantageous to the company since it enables the company to market more of their software and applications. In this regard, the applications which run on the iPad and the iPhone are all developed by Apple Inc (Foremski, 2010, p. 1).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another strategy that has enabled Apple Inc. to maintain its competitive edge is its acquisition policy. Remarkable among its acquisitions is the acquisition of its co-founder, Steve Jobs, and his company NeXT. This acquisition brought to Apple a lot of expertise and innovations that enabled the creation of iMac and Mac OS X gold. The company has recently acquired a chip company in order to maintain a competitive edge in the mobile industry. The acquired company, Intrisity, was bought for 121 million dollars, which is a negligible amount of money to Apple compared to the benefits that the company will bring to Apple Inc (Doughdale, 2010, p. 1). The involvement of the company in the microchip industry has been very profitable to the company since its conception. It is the microchip resources possessed by Apple that have enabled the company to develop products like the iPhone, the iPod and the iPad which are have skyrocketed the success of the Apple Company. Unfortunately, Lala, a company bought by Apple specializing in streaming of music, is closing down by the end of May. This is bad news to the music streaming industry and to Apple since other music streaming sites using Apples app store may be affected. Users may become reluctant to the buying of music for ownership. Such music sites include Rhapsody, Pandora, MOG etc (Saxena, 2010, p. 1). Apple Inc’s policies have also helped it to achieve the success it has achieved in the last decade. Consider for example its sales and refunds policy. The company offers assistance about product information, pricing, orders etc throughout the week. This enables it to reach a myriad of customers interested in its high quality technology products. The company accepts defective products from customers to ensure that their customers get the best of its products (â€Å"Apple store†, 2010, p. 1). This has made Apple customers gain confidence in the products of the company and thus it has helped in increasing th e customer base of the company. The company also offers a variety of software which is readily available for downloading on the internet (Lowensohn, 2010, p. 1). This has made the company reach software customers across the globe and it has also enabled the company to market its products since most of its software are compatible with its systems and devices. Conclusion The Apple Company can be taken as the benchmark of the importance of strategy in the corporate world. Its strategic involvement in products other than desktop computers depending on demand has made the company achieve unimaginably. Much of the success of the company can be attributed to its investment in strategic products like the iPhone, iPod and the iPad. All these products serve different industries and were developed by the company due to its innovative capability and the demand of such products in the technology market. The company has been able to achieve an innovative and competitive edge though the use of a variety of strategies which include acquisition, inter-corporation cooperation, online marketing, international market exploitation and exceptional customer care. All the stated strategies were meant to beef up their digital hub strategy which focuses on Macs (hubs) and spokes, software and hardware (Mortensen, 2010, p. 1). The company has therefore been able to achieve its objectives by the production of the aforementioned devices. Bibliography Apple Store. (2010). Sales and refund Policy. Available from, http://storeimages.apple.com/1692/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html Colley, J. (2004). Corporate Strategy. California. Barnes Noble. Doughdale, A. (2010). Lala is shutting down. Available from, http://www.fastcompany.com/1634508/apple-lala-itunes-music-streaming Foremski, T. (2010). Apple’s Strategy: active curation creates value. Available from, http://www.zdnet.com/blog/foremski/apples-strategy-active-curation-creates-value/1315 Hartley, M. (2010). R oger’s iPad plan to have no contract. Available from, http://www.vancouversun.com/business/fp/Rogers+iPad+plan+have+contract/3010440/story.html Lowensohn, J. (2010). iPad hot on eBay, but for how long? Available from, http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20004562-248.html Malik, O. (2010). Why Apple Was My Company of the Decade. Available from, gigaom.com/2010/01/01/apple-company-of-the-decade/ Mortensen, P. (2010). The dawn of Apple’s Dominance: Digital Hub Strategy, Revisited. Available from, http://www.cultofmac.com/the-dawn-of-apples-dominance-digital-hub-strategy-revisited/27810 Rowley, J. (2010). Apple policy said to prompt U.S. allegation by Adobe. Available From, http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchivesid=asdIuYfRt_7U Saxena, R. (2010). Apple Inc. now taking pre-orders for Apple iPad international customers. Available from, trendsupdates.com/apple-inc-now-taking-pre-orders-for-apple-ipad-for-international-customers/ This report on Strategy and policy was written and submitted by user Jordan Jefferson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.