Unethical Behavior in Forensic Science

The acquittal of Peter Nickel in February of 2004 from assertions that he was responsible for the death of his long-time employee Gary Rowley in a major car accident was a   when Nickel’s Defense lawyer, Gary M. Wilson, accuses the Detroit police of tempering evidence.Crowley was said to be on the driver’s seat while Nickel was at the truck’s cargo bed. A faulty roadway and a blown-up tire was said to be the major cause for the accident as Cowley was thrown off the truck and was pinned under the truck’s cargo bed when it veered off the road, rolled over and hit a telephone pole.Both victims were said to have been intoxicated prior to the accident but accusations on Nickel’s intentional involvement in the incident was put into question when Wilson argued that the police had switched the original blown-up tire to conceal evidence and obtain conviction.Mr. Wilson’s allegations were later found to be true when a sheriff deputy admitted to have made the switch. Automotive forensic scientist, Sal Fariello, gave his expert opinion on the case, testifying that most DUI crashes cannot be convicted by mere alcohol intoxication alone since most accidents would have happened anyway even if the persons involved were sober.There seems to be rampant cases involving incompetent law enforcers and investigators who tamper with evidences in order to easily solve the case and move on to another. The case exemplified here is a classic scenario of intentional tampering of evidence and authorities should consider how to contain and prevent such mistakes from recurring in crime scenes.Reference:Responsibility in DUI Laws, Inc. (2004, February 13). Police Evidence Tampering in High Profile DUI Vehicle Homicide Case. Retrieved April 19, 2009, from http://www.ridl.us/articles/policeTampering.html.

Mt Cook Formation

Mt Cook/Aoraki formation Vinoth Loganathan New Zealand is a country which ‘straddles’ between two tectonic plates; the indo-Australian and the Pacific. The location of the South Island is south of both Australia and South Africa; this is a major contributor to the geological process of weathering because it makes Mt. Cook subject to the westerly winds. MT Cook is situated in the Southern Alps between the two tectonic plates mentioned above. Its current height is now stated at 3,753 meters making it the tallest mountain in Australasia.The mountain itself has been formed by three main geological processes; one internal: tectonic uplifting and 2 external: weathering and erosion. Internal: 1. Tectonic Uplifting Mt. Cook was formed by the internal process of orgenic tectonic uplifting, where two plates collide and one plate increases in elevation and the opposite plate decreases. However Mt. Cook formed differently compared to other mountains. This is due to both tectonic pla tes having landmass on the top and the plates meeting at different angles. The movement occurring here is grinding which pushes up land mass (Mt.Cook) and creates a transform fault. Present rate of uplift is 5-10 mm a year but this is easily countered by weathering and erosion. Evidence of this uplift is apparent on the mount on the south ridge specifically the Endeavour col fold where sand, mud and silt has been folded and fractures forming vertical beds of silt and sandstone. Overall the tectonic uplift of Mt. Cook over the past 2 to 3 million years could have been up to 20 kilometres but weathering and erosion have easily countered it. Westerly Winds External 1. Weathering Mt.Cook has been shaped by powerful forces of weathering. Mt Cook is subject to high amounts of weathering due to its height and location. Mt Cook is located south of Australia and South Africa making it the first significant barrier to the powerful westerly winds the ‘roaring forties’. Due to the wind Mt. Cook is subject to various different types of weathering such as freeze thaw weathering. When the wind reaches the Southern Alps the air rises and drops rain on Mt. Cook. When the water reaches the mountain it lands in a crack, it then freezes freezes and expands making the crack bigger.The process repeats and weathers the mountain. This process occurs all over the mountain rapidly due to often temperature change. This process also occurs a lot on the peaks on the mountain being the reason why the peaks are so ‘sharp’. 2. Erosion The wind and rain affecting Mt. Cook is a significant cause of erosion. Rain and wind both use gravity to essentially remove the ‘loose rock’ of the mountain. Rain does it by ‘washing’ it off and wind does it by ‘blowing’ it off. There is significant evidence that substantial erosion has occurred on Mt. Cook.This is located at the valleys of the Southern Alps. Large river beds made up of of Ã¢â‚¬Ë œeroded scree’ and gravel. Also multiple glaciers such as the hooker glacier are carrying eroded debris matching the rock Mt. Cook is made up of. Weathering and erosion have contributed to the formation of Mount Cook by shaping it. The shape of Mt. Cook is wide at the bottom but skinny at the top this is because the higher you go the more weathering and erosion occurring. So in conclusion Mt. Cook has been formed by multiple geological processes and is continuing to be formed this present age.

Describe B2B market opportunities for Belvita Breakfast Biscuits( Essay

Describe B2B market opportunities for Belvita Breakfast Biscuits( Offer examples) - Essay Example Belvita Breakfast biscuit has great potential for B2B marketing because of the areas of the product use. Being a food product, it can be consumed by organizations as part of the meals or snacks provided by the company, which includes snacks for promotional campaigns (Preston 112). For instance, a fast food restaurant can use the biscuits to promote the purchase of drinks or tea by offering free biscuits on every purchase of a drink. In such situations, the fast food restaurant offers business to business platform for product purchase and promotion. In order to be effective, Belvita Biscuits can market the product to fast food restaurants such as McDonald and other established organizations. These organizations will be using the products to achieve their organizational goals of selling high volumes of food stuff. There are other business targeting children such as childrens stories for candy, and toys. These businesses can also employ the promotional approach can be employed by the fa st food joints. However, these businesses may not be dealing with foodstuff leading to the creation of seasonal promotions and marketing campaigns. Regardless of the focus, the main role in the purchase of the biscuit is to encourage the consumers to purchase from the various organizations. In addition, there are other organizations that do not deal with food stuff, but purchase for organization consumption. The consumption it to ensure that employee welfare is catered for. Such organization includes banks, electronic businesses and Software Company. Their purchases are basically for organization consumption and not for sale. The product of a variety of biscuits ensures that the purchase organization can provide the employees with a variety of biscuit products. The purchase for consumption has a goal of improving human resource effectiveness and reduces the time

Last Judgement by Michelangelo- Issues around the artwork that make it Research Paper

Last Judgement by Michelangelo- Issues around the artwork that make it controversial and interesting - Research Paper Example The painting is clearly inspired by the bible with Jesus Christ being the central figure of the painting and the rest art form revolving around him (Andrew, 2008). The painting was a centre figure in a controversy which in turn enriched the history attached with this fresco. Controversy Great controversy has revolved around â€Å"the last judgment† since the day it was conceived to the present era which has increased the value of the art, which can be dubbed as a controversial depiction of saints, religious figures and the religion itself. Who knew, Michelangelo had a sense of humor not many could comprehend. This art piece was threatened by many critics who bared the flag of the Catholic Reformation and those who understood art to its very core. Michelangelo; due to this masterpiece, was blamed for bringing nudity and religion together which was a breach of decorum in the artistic world, especially those related directly or indirectly to the Vatican. The â€Å"Council of Tre nt† issued notices blaming Michelangelo for public nudity and disgrace to sacred figures; especially in such sacred place and that this art form should be destroyed or hidden. The pope’s Master of ceremonies, Biagio da Cesena termed it as a piece that should be depicted in taverns and public bathrooms, such was the criticism found in the ranks of the Vatican. Michelangelo painted â€Å"Cesena† as a nude figure depicting his illogical thoughts by donkey ears and a snake wrapped nude body as revenge. Although, Cesena lodged his reservations with the pope, the pope insisted in upholding the art as his authority did not lead into the after-life (Domenichi, 1556). As the â€Å"Council of Trent† had passed its judgment and recommendations regarding the objectionable points in the â€Å"the last judgment†, it was ordered to cover any nudity or profanity in the painting. This order was executed after the death of Michelangelo in 1564. Some art critics accus e of Michelangelo depicting himself as St. Bartholomew, over the row with the authorities on receiving the permission to paint the chapel’s wall after a huge gap in its designing, almost 20 years. His open questions to the theory of life and life-after-death did not please the close knit Vatican fraternity, calling for his head for such an artistic depiction (John, 1994). Restoration The most interesting fact about the artwork is the detail of work that has been done on it, after the demise of Michelangelo. Acting on the recommendations of the â€Å"Council of Trent†, the genitals depicted in the painting were covered by fig leafs. During the 14 years, in between 1980 and 1194, major restoration was carried out under the supervision of Frabrizio Mancinelli. Many facts that were unknown for centuries were discovered after the restoration. The most dominant discovery was of the female that is depicted to be condemned to hell. For many decades it was imagined to be a male figure, which changed after the removal of the fig-leaf showing clearly that it was a female figure (Hurst et all, 1994). The painting is also known to be the first depiction of Christ as the centre of the universe like the sun is for the planets. Not only the technical details of the masterpiece has attracted people towards it but also the controversial history surrounding the shift in cosmology that Michelangelo depic

Managed Services Provider Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managed Services Provider - Research Paper Example Companies outsource their IT based business processes to the managed service providers because it costs them very less as well as increases the reliability of the outsourced business processes. â€Å"A business will contract with a managed service provider to fill certain needs that are met more cost effectively by outsourcing than by purchasing and supporting equipment in-house† (White, n.d.). Managed service providers use the concept of cloud computing to provide reliable and cost effective services to the client companies. Schauland (2011) states, â€Å"Cloud computing is used to allow services used in everyday practice to be moved onto the Internet rather than stored on a local computer†. Cloud computing facilitates people and helps them perform their IT related tasks by eliminating the need of any specific place or a particular computer system. Some of the major tasks, which managed service providers, perform for the client companies include virtual private network , IP telephony, managed firewalls, messaging and call center, and monitoring or reporting of network servers. Unlike traditional business applications, managed service providers eliminate the problems of hardware and software installation and maintenance for its clients. In traditional settings, companies need to install, configure, test, and run every hardware and software application on their own. ... Computers, which are used locally, no longer need to perform heavy workloads because applications are kept online and the service providers handle the networks of such applications. Managed service providers assist companies in many areas. Some of those areas include network monitoring, network security, and information management. They also provide many other facilities, which may include alerts, data backup and recovery for different client devices, and patch management. For companies, some of the main advantages of using such services include no requirement of ease in running applications, ease of integration with proprietary systems, low capital investment, and intuitive interface of software applications. Some other advantages for the companies, which make them switch to such services providers include low security risk and improved organization of IT related business processes. Service providers make use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that use such security protocols, which do not remain the same forever rather they continue changing their protocols in order to ensure more protection against hackers. This feature of VPNs attracts a large number of companies towards managed service providers. Such companies find it easier to ensure network security by using the VPNs provided by the managed service providers. Some other benefits, which the companies gain by using the VPNs of managed service providers, include reduction in time and money consumption. Companies just need to pay for the virtual networks; they do not need to spend their precious tie and money to get the services of virtual networks. â€Å"The  managed service provider  assumes ongoing responsibility for monitoring, managing and/or problem resolution for

To what extent do the narratives of Polybius and Caesar support Essay

To what extent do the narratives of Polybius and Caesar support William Harris's account of the factors driving Roman imperial - Essay Example An empire can thus be defined as ruling people in a wide territory without their consent. On the other hand, imperialism is the attitudes and process that are used to establish and maintain an empire. This is to say that imperialism is a shape shifting process and dynamic; this is because imperialism changes as the society develops. The empire expanded as a result of military expeditions. In this, the essay discusses on Harris view on Roman imperialism and the extent to which Polybius and Caesar narratives support William Harris’s account of the factors driving Roman imperialism. Different historians have different views on Roman Imperialism. Being one of the earliest historians, Polybius clearly gives a well-defined account of Roman imperialism. He comes up with a theory referred to as â€Å"Cycle of Political Revolution† to explain the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. In his theory, he brings up the cycle of Roman imperialism how a new system in leadership comes in causing the old one to be replaced by the new one (Polybius 238). His account relates to William Harris account because he states that just as the man evolved from an animal into a civilized human being the governance system evolves in the same way. As stated earlier, William Harris states that imperialism in the ruling system is dynamic. In his theory â€Å"Cycle of Political Revolution†, he shows how with the evolution of manpower came in hence the establishment of a monarchy (Polybius 235). In the Monarchy, power is embossed on one individual within the society. To maintain the Monarchies heirs obtained the position of Monarchies from their parents. However, because the system of government evolved as men become more civilized, the heirs rebelled against the existing ruling system and saw the need to implement new ways of ruling the people. As a result of this, Kingship system was established (Polybius 235). In the Kingship system, democracy is practiced and the leader com es down to common person’s level. Because the system is dynamic, the heirs see the need to distinguish himself from the common person. As a result of this the system of governance changes from democracy to aristocracy. In his theory, Polybius blames the heirs for the change in the system of political governance. For instance, he says that heirs take advantage of the people because when they are born they do not face hardship. The heirs only enjoyed luxuries and wealth that they had not labored. The aristocracy was replaced by oligarchy because the heirs enjoyed wealth and luxury life. In oligarchy, people had a say in the governing process. This means that the people worked together for a democratic state. In a democratic state people have a say in the government affairs (Polybius 241). Because of the democracy, there is freedom of speech and expression. As a result of this everyone expresses his opinion on different issues concerning the state and this result in chaos and mi sunderstanding among the people in the state. Because of the misunderstanding among the members in the state, the strongest and outspoken person takes over as the leader. This resulted in the creation of a Monarchy going back to the first stage of leadership. By this, we see that the system of leadership cycles in one place although the systems take a substantial amount of time to move from one season to another. This clearly shows the application of Polybius theory â€Å"Cycle of Political Revolution† in political systems. History defines Julius Caesar as

The Morality of Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Morality of Law - Essay Example erstood that possessing and consuming drugs is an offence if caught and being a police officer, it becomes a responsibility of promote law and regulations. In this case professional discretion should be applied as possessing and consuming drugs is an offence affecting the society in a wrong and bad manner and up to some extent questioning conscience of an individual responsible to the society. Being a responsible citizen and friend, it becomes important to stop illegal activities along with making people understand on its consequences. Moral realism does not allow to being a spectator for activities affecting individuals and later, the society. In that position, it is important to communicate with the actual friend along with asking him to pull a break on these activities. It would have been followed by a warning as illegal and immoral activities need to be stopped. Anyone offering a gift with a good intention is usually well accepted in the society irrespective of personal and professional spheres but offering something not in front of others raises questions over the intention and behavior of the giver raising moral issue. In this case, it cannot be considered as a mere gift. In this case professional discretion is required as the officers are not supposed to accept gifts and kinds from the society. It becomes important to appreciate the kindness along with stating the inappropriate manner of giving the gift. The police officers are civil servants responsible for promoting law and order rather than manipulating it for personal benefits and interests. If the gift would have been offered in front of everyone with a personal touch, it would have been considered as a gift but behind the back of others, it can be considered as a bribe, an intention to highlight one’s personal kindness. Being a homosexual is not a crime and immoral behaviour. The moral issue is not with police department but with the officer Davis, whose behavior and conscience is not allowing

Alternative energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Alternative energy - Essay Example The use of solar panels requires the use of the appropriate strategy, which will ensure that solar power is properly utilized (Black and Flarend 1-29). This paper seeks to explore the best strategy for the use of solar panels. More specifically, the paper strives to answer the question: what is the best strategy for use of solar panels? In addressing the essay question, the paper will explore the best strategy that can be employed to ensure the effective use of solar panels. The Best Strategy for Use of Solar Panels Solar panels play a crucial role in generating energy in homes. Many people living in sunny areas find it easy to use solar panels in creating energy at their homes. Solar panels are used to tap energy from the sun that can provide light during the night for lighting. Solar revolution has dramatically increased use of solar panels. Most people prefer to use solar panels in harnessing energy from the sun since they provide and readily available sources of energy. The energ y collected from the sun on a bright and sunny day can be collected through solar panels and converted to usable forms (Hantula 4-24). One of the best strategies for the use solar panels includes providing subsidies to those who wish to purchase solar panels. Governments should employ this strategy by providing tax incentives, policies that favour the user, and liberal imports of solar panels. Micro-financing can also act as one of the best strategies in order to ensure that people acquire solar systems in rural areas. The strategy aimed at cutting down the costs of solar panels is crucial as it will enhance widespread use of solar power, which emanates from solar energy. The strategy for the use of solar panels should focus on the benefits that come along with the use sola power. People should be encouraged to purchase solar panels since they utilize readily available resources such as the sun. Solar panels act as safe ways of harnessing energy since they can be used during the nig ht; moreover, they can be used for many purposes such as refrigeration, powering computers, as well as charging cell phones (Black and Flarend 1-29). The strategy for the use solar panels should also focus on the use of solar panels in remote areas. This is because solar panels can provide the best solution to the energy problems in remote rural areas where it is not possible to install electricity. The strategy for the use of solar panels should also focus on reducing the prices of the gadgets used together with solar panels. As such, the prices of batteries, charge controllers, and inverters should be subsidized in order to enable many people use solar panels in their homes. The other strategy for the use of solar panels includes the use of power purchase agreements to finance the purchase of solar panels. Such an agreement is crucial since it helps in the generation of funds that can be utilized in the purchase of solar panels. As a result, there will be widespread and effective use of solar energy that is harnessed through solar panels. Power purchase agreements are vital since they help in ensuring that there is immense growth in solar installations. As a result, many people purchase solar panels and adopt their use in their day to day activities (Hantula 4-24). The strategy for the use of solar panels should also embrace multiple uses of land. In order to maximize and reap maximum benefits from the use of solar

The Houpu Herbal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Houpu Herbal - Essay Example The bark, houpu, though, has a more catholic application in traditional Chinese medicine and numerous devious formulations are made of it to treat lung disorders like coughs and asthma and intestinal ones like infections and spasms. Also, the houpu forms a major component of medicines targeting abdominal swellings and edema (Dharmananda, Undated). The active components of the flower buds lack alkaloids and none have been found to date while aromatics with their decongestant properties like monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes have been abundantly evident (Dharmananda, Undated). In contrast, the bark, houpu, has a more composite nature and contains numerous carbon compounds. The pleasant fragrance is attributed to two sets of non-alkaloids - the mildly scented biphenols magnolol and honokiol and the strongly scented triterpene eudesmol (Dharmananda, Undated). These latter biphenols and triterpene - magnolol, honokiol and eudesmol - are the main medicinal constituents from the bark houpu. Magnolol (2-11%), honokiol (0.3-4.6%) and eudesmol (>1%) vary from species to species and also from region to region. Modern pharmacological investigations have revealed that these three constituents have the following properties - 1) anxiolytic effects; 2) abilities to enhance steroid production by the adrenal cortex; 3) abilities to inhibit bacteria and fungi; 4) antioxidant effects; 5) abilities to reduce inflammation and pain; 6) abilities to alleviate seizures; and 7) active antitoxic effects against organophosphoric pesticides (Dharmananda, Undated). The bark huopu also contains some alkaloids - benzylisoquinoline ones such as magnoflorine, magnocurarine and salicifoline. Of these, the most abundant is magnocurarine at >0.2% of the commercial bark material (Dharmananda, Undated). Other trace alkaloids are oxuoshinsunine, anonaine and michelabine. These alkaloids are not believed to take part in the pharmacological action of the bark though it is believed that they do have partial roles in its antispasmodic effects (Dharmananda, Undated). Though it is settled among pharmacologists that the three main alkaloids are common to this species there is varying report of other alkaloids detected in trace quantities in the same or different sub-species. Thus, Rowe and Conner, 1979, report that, aside from the three above-mentioned main alkaloids, certain magnolia sub-species also contain other alkaloids such as D-O-methylarmepavine in the stem. Also, the sub-species evident in the Southern parts of the US contains traces of anolobine, N-nornuciferine, liridenine and candicine (Rowe and Conner, 1979). There is also report of the Southern magnolia sub-species containing the glycosides magnolidin, magnolenin and magnosidin (Rowe and Conner, 1979). Traditional Chinese Viewpoint: One classical medical text from China 'Shen nong ben cao jing' (Chinese Medical Classics, Pregadio, Undated) lists houpo as a '3rd class remedy' (Forrest, 1995). This is because though the alkaloid magnocurarine is useful in minute quantities it is toxic in larger doses and proves contraindicative for pregnant women. In contrast, the flower buds' extract is listed in the same text as a 1st class remedy and prescribed for women, including pregnant ones (Forrest, 1995).

Specific ways in which the internet has changed the way businesses Essay

Specific ways in which the internet has changed the way businesses operate in the global marketplace - Essay Example This invention is no more a plot for researchers to communicate and exchange information within their own selves, but also seeks access from the innumerous chunks of available data online or from the ever-accessible super-computers placed at offshore sites. Within the global marketplace, Internet has provided a lot of incentives in the present times. Internet has brought about a lot of interest for the different segments of the society and we just cannot pinpoint any single one that represents and manifests its true purpose. In order to find out what the world of Internet, i.e. the World Wide Web (WWW) is all about, we have to examine where it all started, though in a very brief manner and the advantages and disadvantages that it gives to the different users. The same is also seen from the perspective of its news provision and the related contexts. In the global context of current affairs and news reports, the Internet has come out as an agent that has brought a change by providing t imely and up to the mark news. In the academic world, there has been a lot of help and facilitation which credits itself solely on the basis of the Internet and it is because of the Internet that we see programs like distance learning and e-studies coming up and having their rise with each passing day.

Type II Diabetes in African Americans Essay Example for Free

Type II Diabetes in African Americans Essay Introduction                                                    The 1986 report of the Secretarys Task Force on Black and Minority Health called notice to the upsetting excess morbidity as well as mortality from chronic illnesses for instance non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), cancer, and heart disease that exists in minorities in the United States. Besides the added disease burden, restricted research in the area of minority health has exacerbated the problem in the African-American population by reducing the knowledge essential for understanding the contributing factors plus planning effective intervention strategies. Diabetes mellitus, one of the diseases targeted for augmented investigate focus among minorities, carries on to have overwhelming consequences on the African American population. It is anticipated that about 1.8 million African Americans are affected with the disease (Report of the Secretarys Task Force on Black and Minority Health, 1985). Furthermore, the occurrence and mortality from diabetes are almost double as high among African Americans as in the U.S. White population (CDC, 1990). Consequently, there remains a critical need for research intended to explain the aspects contributing to the augmented diabetes-related morbidity as well as mortality in this ethnic group. Biomedical definition and Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus is a heterogenous group of disorders that are typified by an abnormal augment in the level of blood glucose. It is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism ensuing from inadequate production of insulin or from insufficient utilization of this hormone by the bodys cells (Professional Guide to Diseases 1998:849). Diabetes mellitus takes place in 4 forms classified by etiology: Type I (insulin-dependent), Type II (noninsulin-dependent), other special types (genetic disorder or exposure to certain drugs in chemicals), as well as gestational diabetes (occurs during pregnancy). http://etd.fcla.edu/SF/SFE0000527/AfricanAmericanWomen.pdf When studies are performed to evaluate the epidemiology and public health impact of diabetes mellitus on the African-American population, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) plus insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) are most frequently considered. Though, further forms of glucose intolerance have as well been studied, together with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), gestational diabetes (GDM), and other atypical diabetes syndromes. Categorization of these diabetes subtypes is usually footed on standards published by the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) (1979) and the World Health Organization (WHO) (1980). The analysis of diabetes is recognized by a finding of fasting plasma glucose (FBS) value greater than 140 mg/dl or a value of 200 mg/dl 2 hours after a 75-gram glucose challenge on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGGT). Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus The initial estimates, footed on national samples, of the incidence of diabetes in African Americans came from data collected on male World War II registrants age eighteen to forty-five, which recommended that the occurrence of diabetes was greater in White than Black males (Marble, 1949). Since these data were collected over age ranges with a prevalence of distribution toward younger age, where diabetes rates may mainly reveal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, they may not offer a factual picture of the occurrence of NIDDM in the races at that time. More current and dependable data from the National Center for Health Statistics point out that, in the United States, the occurrence of known diabetes is higher among African Americans than White Americans mainly among individuals age forty-five to sixty-four, when the rate for Blacks is 50.6 percent higher (Harris, 1990). The occurrence of diabetes augments with age for U.S. Black adults and is about 1.2 times higher for females (Harris, 1990). Among African Americans, the occurrence of diabetes is inversely associated to educational achievement and is highest among individuals in the low income group. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus The occurrence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus pursues a different racial prototype from that of NIDDM: White children have approximately twice the rate of Black children. (Lipman, 1991). Across the United States, there is much greater inconsistency in the occurrence of IDDM for African-American children than White children. It is probable the variability in IDDM incidence among African-American children might consequence from variations in degree of White admixture in the different registry locations. There is proof that White admixture differs by geographic region in the United States with greater admixture in northern areas than in the south. This is reliable with the drift for more European-American genetic admixture in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where the occurrence of IDDM in African Americans is higher, than in Jefferson County, Alabama (Reitnauer et al., 1982) and the incidence of IDDM is lower. Atypical Diabetes Atypical diabetic syndromes, typified by normoglycemic reduction with ensuing periods of hyperglycemic deterioration, generally needing insulin for glycemic control, have been explained in African-American and further Black populations. Winter et al. (1987), accounted an atypical diabetes in young African Americans that shows with features typical of IDDM however lacks the HLA association’s trait of the disease. The insulin dependence in this syndrome was irregular or steadily declined all through the course of the illness. Diabetic syndromes presenting in adulthood with alike phasic insulin dependence have as well been reported. Whereas further forms of diabetes together with protein deficient pancreatic diabetes and fibrocalculus pancreatic diabetes take place in some Black African populations, so far they have not been revealed to be important for African Americans. Type I diabetes reports for three percent of all new cases of diabetes diagnosed every year in the United States. Type I can build up at any age, thus far the majority cases are diagnosed when the individual is under thirty. Type II, the more widespread form of the disease, normally has a steady start, generally appearing in adults over the age of forty (Managing Your Diabetes 1991). It has an effect on an estimated ninety percent of the six million Americans diagnosed with diabetes yearly. The probability of developing Type II is about the same by sex however is greater in African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. Main risk factors comprise a family history of diabetes, obesity, being age forty or over, hypertension, gestational diabetes, or having one or more infants weighing more than 9 pounds at birth (Professional Guide to Diseases 1998). Diabetes mellitus is a main clinical as well as public health problem in the African American community. African American men have an occurrence of diabetes that is eighty percent higher than that for European American men, whereas African American women have occurrence ninety percent higher than that for European American women (Herman et al. 1998:147). These diabetes statistics point out that not merely are there characteristic differences between African Americans and European Americans in the occurrence and hospitalization rates related with diabetes however as well that research is required to find out if any other factors, for instance social and cultural, may be causative to the large difference of diabetes-related problems (Bailey 2000). Cultural Perceptions of Diabetes Mellitus In a study to find out differences in self-reported adherence to a dietary routine, Fitzgerald et al. (1997) analyzed one hundred and seventy-eight African American and European American patients at a Michigan suburban endocrinology clinic from 1993 to 1994. They establish that the 2 groups of patients with non insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) reported similar adherence to dietary recommendations; similar on the whole adherence, beliefs, plus attitudes as calculated by their diabetes care profile scale; and a similar percentage of ideal body weight (Fitzgerald et al. 1997:46). Further analyses, though, exposed that African Americans and European Americans differed in the opinion of diabetes and the view of adherence to the dietary routine for diabetes. Fitzgerald et al. (1997) speculated that among African American women the inspiration to lose weight frequently is not for health reasons however for improved look. The significance of weight loss to ones diabetic condition is de-emphasized, and more significance is placed upon losing weight for better look. If weight loss does not take place, then unconstructive beliefs and attitudes may reduce the individuals inspiration and endorse a â€Å"why bother† attitude, in that way causing nonadherence to the dietary regimen for diabetes (Fitzgerald et al. 1997:46). To work against this â€Å"why bother† attitude as it affects weight loss and dietary adherence, Fitzgerald et al. (1997) recommended that health educators require to assist patients distinguish their feelings regarding diabetes, recognize the habits that their feelings influence their behaviors, and build up tactics for managing with their feelings. The cultural/social functions of food and what food â€Å"means† plus â€Å"represents† to the individual must be measured when developing meal plans and educational interventions for the African American diabetic patient. So as to study more of the fundamental cultural health beliefs related with diabetes mellitus, Maillet et al. (1996) carried out a focus group of African American women with NIDDM and those endangered for this disease. Six African American women susceptible for noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus contributed in the northeastern urban medical university in a tranquil and relaxed classroom. The main themes that appeared from the focus groups were the significance of family and social support, a tendency to binge or overindulge when food limitations were placed by family members, difficulties with dietary changes, incapability to build up an exercise program due to multiple barriers, lack of clarity regarding diabetes complications, value for however lack of knowledge regarding prevention of complications, as well as a need for future programs that are ethnically responsive to African American women (Maillet et al. 1996:44). Additionally, a constant theme of this focus group was that family support or a lack of support had an impact on ones stated capability to make dietary alterations. Particularly, Maillet et al. recommended that older African American women discover it hard to make dietary changes for the reason that altering their diet disturbs a lifetime of culture within the context of family. Culture may directly manipulate diabetes education and have to be understood and included into intervention programs to persuade success (Maillet et al. 1996:45). Consequently, when providing care to African American women of all ages, Maillet et al. recommended that the primary health care providers have to be sensitive to the role that culture plays in diet, weight loss, plus diabetes self-management. By means of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques to examine health beliefs and health care-seeking outlines of African American and Euro-American diabetics, the fieldwork project was performed in 2 phases at the diabetes clinic in the Regenstrief Health Center at Indiana University, Indianapolis. The qualitative phase 1 occurred from June to August 1991, and the quantitative phase 2 from June to December 1992 (Bailey 2000:178). From 9 total site visits over the 5 months, the following noteworthy themes come into view regarding the African American diabetic patient: Appraise the source of the patients diabetes; Effort to dispel any delusions of diabetes; Make active the patient for self-care of diabetes; Carry on to reeducate the patient on blood glucose monitoring as well as insulin injection; and Hearten social and familial support for devotion to diabetic regimen.   Besides, other qualitative results pointed out that physicians required to (1) recognize the sociocultural restraints of a patients keeping appointments; (2) regulate the dietary alteration of the patient to his or her lifestyle and cultural dietary pattern; (3) build up more permanence of care; (4) find out new skills to build up understanding and trust with patients; and (5) give emphasis to the significance of the diabetic condition to the patient (Bailey 2000:182).   Phase 2 (Bailey 2000) consisted of performing qualitative and quantitative observations and interviews of African American and Euro-American diabetic patients. For instance, during the six-month period of phase 2, African American patients shared the following comments:   Patient Informant #1 (African American female): Im not sure what caused my diabetes. I know that there is a family connection to diabetes and my weight has something to do with it, but I dont take all of it too seriously. www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt When asked to assess her capability to pursue the doctors set diabetic dietary regimen, patient informant #1 stated:   My sons and husband want their meals the way they normally have it. They dont want no unseasoned meals, so what am I supposed to do? www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt Patient Informant #2 (African American female): I was on those diabetic pills, but I had to be placed on insulin injections. I hate taking these injections, but I have to do it. www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt   Fascinatingly, patient informant #2 was placed on diabetic pills and told to watch her diet years ago. Though, she stopped taking the pills on a regular basis and did not stick to the diabetic diet routine. Now that she is on insulin injections and closely adhering to the diabetes dietary routine, her insulin injections have slowly been reduced.   Patient Informant #3 (African American male): I was really not shocked when I was diagnosed with diabetes simply because my father and aunt have diabetes and I knew it was a matter of time before I would develop it. www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt   Diabetes is widespread among African Americans and this is because of dietary eating pattern—fried foods and not sufficient vegetables.   Even though patient informant #3 thought that it was a matter of time before he would build up diabetes, he is still unsure of the procedure and the reasons why he developed Type II diabetes. He came to the clinic merely to discover what was wrong with his stomach. To his shock, he was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. The qualitative findings that tend to be more related with the African American diabetic patients than with the Euro-American diabetic patients were as follows: The doubt of the real source of ones diabetes; The lack of perceived importance of ones diabetic condition; The perceived incapability to stick to the diabetic routine; The lower ranking of ones health as compared to other social and family obligations. These qualitative outcomes pointed out that numerous sociocultural issues still require to be further examined in the African American diabetic population (Bailey 2000:184).   Lastly, the former president of the National Medical Association, Yvonnecris Smith Veal (1996), utters that there are three fundamental causes why diabetes carries on to plague the African American community. First, there is the way of life and behavioral patterns related with African Americans for example poor eating habits, obesity, restricted access to enough medical care, and restricted funds. African Americans generally tend to eat foods high in calories and loaded with saturated fats and sugar and to have an inactive lifestyle—all of which are causative factors to being overweight. Second, African Americans have a history of making foods with lard and other heavy oils. This sort of food preparation, together with the incapability to get a balanced diet, contributes to the risk factors related with diabetes. Third, African Americans require more choices to decide dietary diabetic routines that fit the preferences for certain foods plus eating practices among all segments of the African American population (Bailey 2000).   Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Diabetes in African Americans Significant factors influencing the incidence of diabetes mellitus in African Americans comprise personal characteristics for instance genetics, age, sex, plus history of glucose intolerance (IGT, GDM). Further routine factors for instance physical activity plus obesity, which are related with altering socioeconomic as well as cultural climates within countries, to a great extent have an effect on the risk of developing the disease. Even though the exact etiological interactions remain arguable, it is definite that a mixture of most of these factors is accountable for precipitating the disease. Genetics An individuals risk of developing diabetes mellitus is significantly influenced by his/her hereditary background. Individuals who are first-degree relatives of diabetes patients are at noticeable augmented risk of developing the disease compared to unrelated individuals in the general population. (W.H.O. Multinational, 1991). Proof from studies of identical twins specifies a concordance rate of about ninety percent for NIDDM and fifty percent for IDDM, representing that the influence of genetics is greater in the former than in the latter (Barnett, Eff, Leslie Pyke, 1981). The investigation for the hereditary reasons that rates of diabetes fluctuate in different ethnic groups has caused hypotheses that try to report for the observed frequencies of NIDDM and IDDM in African Americans. (Tuomilehto, Tuomilehto- Wolf , Zimmet, Alberti Keen, 1992) Thrifty Gene Hypothesis Neel (1962) recommended that populations exposed to intermittent food shortage would through natural selection augment the incidence of genetic traits, thrifty genes, that incline to energy conservation. These genes would augment survival during times of famine by permitting for adept storage of fat in times of abundance. In the absence of feast and famine cycles, in times of continued profusion, these genes would turn out to be detrimental, predisposing to the growth of obesity and an augmented frequency of NIDDM. This hypothesis would be constant with the observation of much higher rates of diabetes and obesity among African Americans and urban Africans compared to Black Africans residing in conventional environments. Age and Sex In the majority populations the occurrence of diabetes differs with age and sex. For African Americans, the peak age range for diagnosis of IDDM is about fifteen to nineteen years of age, whereas NIDDM occurs more often after age fifty-six, when it is 3 times more common than in the White population (Roseman, 1985). African-American females are more probable to build up IDDM compared to Black men are more probable to develop NIDDM than Black men, White women, and White men, correspondingly (Harris, 1990). The sex discrepancy for IDDM may be because of differences in vulnerability or experience to etiologic agents (Dahlquist et al., 1985). Differences in NIDDM by gender may be because of differences in the levels of related risk factors such as obesity plus physical activity.   Socioeconomic Status (SES) Racial differences in disease rates may reveal socioeconomic differences. In the United States socioeconomic status and the frequency of NIDDM have a converse relationship. The impact of SES on NIDDM rates among African Americans may be particularly strong. Studies concerning socioeconomic status to the development of IDDM have been contradictory. Some studies establish a positive relationship. Others have found a negative (Colle et al., 1984) or no relationship at all. It appears improbable that socioeconomic status contributes considerably to racial differences in the frequency of IDDM in the United States. Obesity Obesity, usually measured as body-mass index (BMI)), is the most important risk factor for NIDDM. Overweight is a severe problem for the African-American female, with the level of obesity (that is BMI 27.3) being greater than fifty percent among women older than age forty-five (Van Itallie, 1985). Compared to White women, African-American women are more overweight. African-American men demonstrate a similar prototype of obesity when compared to White men (Van Italie, 1985).   The development of NIDDM is not merely influenced by the presence of obesity however as well by where the body fat is distributed. The danger of developing NIDDM is greater for individuals with central or android obesity. African Americans have been accounted to have a greater propensity to store more fat in the trunk than Whites, which could clarify part of the excess occurrence of NIDDM in the Black population (Kumanyika, 1988). Physical Activity There is proof that physical inactivity is an independent danger factor for developing NIDDM (Taylor et al., 1984). On the other hand, exercise perhaps a strong defensive factor against the development of the disease. On the whole there is a converse association between levels of obesity and physical activity. Consequently, higher levels of obesity among U.S. Blacks compared to Whites propose that reduced levels of physical activity among African Americans may donate to their higher rate of diabetes. Insulin Resistance The danger of developing NIDDM is absolutely related with fasting levels of circulating insulin. It has been revealed that insulin resistance, typified by hyperinsulinemia, can predate the development of NIDDM for years. besides diabetes, insulin resistance causes numerous interrelated disorders together with hypertension, body fat mass and distribution, as well as serum lipid abnormalities (Ferrannini , Haffner, Mitchell Stern, 1991). This has encouraged speculation that hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance may be the phenotypic expression of the thrifty genotype anticipated by Neel (1962). Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and Gestational Diabetes Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are 2 types of glucose intolerance that are strong risk factors for developing NIDDM and IDDM. Gestational diabetes denotes the development of diabetes during pregnancy and a subsequent return to normal tolerance following parturition, whereas IGT is the class of glucose tolerance where fasting glucose values are between normal and diabetic. (OSullivan Mahan, 1968). The risk of developing obvious diabetes among individuals with IGT is associated to the severity of impaired tolerance plus presence of further risk factors, together with a positive family history of diabetes and obesity (Harris, 1989). Numerous risk factors for GDM have been recognized among African-American women, including age, gravidity, hypertension, obesity, plus family history of diabetes (Roseman et al., 1991).   Diabetes Mortality At present, diabetes mellitus is the 3rd most recurrent cause of death from disease among African Americans. Higher rates of diabetes mortality in African Americans compared to the White population may partly be because of their higher occurrence of diabetes. When mortality among individuals who have developed diabetes is measured, though, it emerges that African Americans have a lower mortality rate than Whites with the disease (Harris, 1990). In recent years, there has been a leveling off in the rate of mortality from diabetes for both races.   Diabetic Complications Chronic diabetes mellitus is related with numerous overwhelming complications that reduce the quality of life and cause early mortality. These comprise hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, as well as macrovascular complications.   In the United States, African Americans with diabetes have higher rates of hypertension than Whites. The constancy of high rates of hypertension among African Americans and Afro-Caribbean populations (Grell, 1983) has caused the proposition that Western Hemisphere Blacks are offspring of a highly selected group of Africans who were efficient at retaining salt, which permitted them to uphold sodium homeostasis and survive the long sea voyages from Africa (Grim, 1988). Recent proof proposes that high rates of hypertension among African Americans might be associated to hyperinsulinemia plus abnormal renal sodium transport (Douglas, 1990). Information on the incidence and impact of other diabetes-associated complications are limited. Though, retinopathy, neuropathy, and stroke emerge to be more recurrent in African Americans than Whites with diabetes (Roseman, 1985). The rate of lower limit amputations ensuing from diabetes has been reported to be considerably greater among U.S. Blacks than Whites. Occurrence rates of diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have been revealed to be greater for African Americans than for Whites. After developing ESRD though, U.S. Blacks emerge to survive longer than Whites. There is as well some implication that certain cardiovascular complications including angina and heart attack may take place less often among African Americans than among Whites with diabetes (Harris, 1990).   It has been recommended that the on the whole higher rates of diabetes complications among African Americans might be associated to poorer metabolic control. Additionally, the high rate of hypertension among African Americans with diabetes may make worse or make haste the start of other complications for example retinopathy and nephropathy. Other significant risk factors for diabetes complications comprise age of onset, education, cigarette smoking, socioeconomic status, plus access to medical care (Roseman, 1985).   Prevention and Intervention Strategies The main metabolic defect of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance in association with a relative and progressive deficiency in insulin secretion. This insulin resistance, present in many tissues, makes its primary contribution to hyperglycemia by reducing peripheral glucose uptake in muscle and failing to suppress hepatic glucose output. Additionally, resistance in adipose tissue to insulin-mediated suppression of lipolysis results in an elevation of free fatty acids (FFAs) and a further aggravation of hyper-glycemia. The degree of insulin resistance observed in diabetic subjects may vary according to a subjects ethnic background, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity. Pharmacologic intervention with either metformin, a biguanide, or a thiazolidinedione (TZD) has been successful in reducing insulin resistance in subjects with type 2 diabetes. In the management of the majority forms of diabetes, there is a need to be concerned concerning the acute complications of hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis and/or development of acute hyperosmolar crises. Hypoglycemia, a major treatment concern in type 1 diabetes, is much less frequent with type 2 diabetes and is discussed later in association with specific therapies. Although DKA and hyperosmolar crises have been reported in children with type 2 diabetes, they are uncommon, in our experience after initial presentation, but such crises have been reported. About 10-15% of children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes present at diagnosis with DKA, hyperosmolar crisis, or a combination of these states. The long-term goals in the management of type 2 diabetes are twofold: first, the prevention of microvascular complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy; secondly, the prevention of macrovascular complications such as atherosclerosis of the coronary, cerebral, and large arteries of the lower extremities. These lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, and amputation, and are the major causes of morbidity and mortality with type 2 diabetes. The development of these complications is multifactorial, but is influenced by associated hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperinsulinemia in addition to the effects of hyperglycemia. The aim of therapy in type 2 diabetes is to specifically target the underlying metabolic defects of this disorder, which are obesity, abnormal insulin secretory function, and the insulin resistance present in the three primary insulin responsive tissues skeletal muscle, fat, and liver. The first approach is to reduce obesity through lifestyle interventions in diet and exercise. In addition, the introduction of an ÃŽ ±-glucosidase inhibitor may be considered to delay carbohydrate digestion and absorption, reducing peak postprandial hyperglycemia. A second therapeutic approach is to address insulin secretory dysfunction with insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas or meglitinides. Alternatively, or if these secretagogues are ineffective, exogenous insulin can be initiated. A third approach is to address tissue-specific insulin resistance. Metformin can decrease hepatic glucose output and improve peripheral insulin sensitivity. Thiazolidinediones have been successful in improving peripheral insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes in adults; however, experience with these therapeutic agents is limited in children. At present, diabetes mellitus remains a serious problem tackling the African Americans population. High diabetes mortality rates reflect merely part of the problem. The viewpoint of increasing diabetes occurrence rates casts a threatening shadow over the future for the African Americans community. The morbidity related with diabetic complications places a great financial burden on individuals and communities least able to bear the cost of such an illness. Evidently, the challenge of addressing the problem of diabetes mellitus in the African Americans population is great and will need a multidisciplinary approach involving government, researchers, educators, as well as members of the African Americans community. Health Promotion Of main importance is the requirement for distribution of information regarding diabetes and its consequences into the African-American community. An uneducated African-American community may be inclined to undervalue the diabetes problem or to pay less attention to the signs and symptoms of its commencement. This may outcome in late diagnosis or care, thus raising the probability of rapid start of complications. Consequently, ethnically sensitive strategies intended to get involved and educate African Americans on the subject of the behavioral and environmental risk factors for diabetes plus its complications are necessary. Undoubtedly, in order for African Americans to take steps to lessen the diabetes linked morbidity and mortality in their communities they have to have the capability to make informed decisions regarding the disease. Cooperative Efforts for Provision of Health Services Rates of diabetes mortality and complications may depend on the accessibility and permanence of care. There is some sign that African Americans with diabetes may be underserved regarding medical care (Harris, 1990). Cautious study of this problem is needed, and innovative solutions have to be developed. The African-American community must as well become empowered to expect and demand the essential care they deserve. To have an effect on such change, community based institutions, for instance the church, can build up programs for using the health professionals within their congregations to offer care or therapy to diabetics and their families. Organizations concerned with minorities, for instance the UrbanLeague, can comprise diabetes and further health problems in their national agendas to generate concern and act at the community and national levels.   Governmental agencies and institutions engaged in training health professionals, for example medical schools and schools of public health, must institute action to augment the pool of African Americans in the professions concerned with the care of individuals with diabetes. Federal agencies, for instance the National Institutes of Health, may as well offer special grant programs to hearten submission of research grants to study diabetes in African Americans and to improve the growth of minority researchers in the area.   Research The inadequate data presently accessible on diabetes among African Americans raise numerous questions however deliver few answers regarding the etiology and natural history of diabetes plus its complications in this racial group. Up to now, a small number of studies of diabetes in the United States have included representative samples of African Americans. This inadequacy has to be addressed if future studies are to give way valid conclusions concerning the factors accountable for the incidence of the disease in the African-American population. In the Report of the Secretarys Task Force on Black and Minority Health (1985), numerous research priority areas for addressing the health disparity between Black and White Americans were recognized. These areas are mainly pertinent to diabetes mellitus and comprise the following: (1) investigation into risk-factor recognition, (2) investigation into risk-factor occurrence, (3) investigate into health education intrusions, (4) investigation into prevention services interventions, (5) investigation into treatment services, as well as (6) investigation into sociocultural factors and health outcomes. The recognition of these target areas for investigation and other recent efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to endorse the study of diabetes in the African-American population (Sullivan, 1990) are significant steps toward addressing the gap in awareness of how diabetes have an effect on African Americans. In the future we have to translate the knowledge achieved from new and continuing studies into efficient preventive action.    References:   Bailey, Eric (2000). Medical Anthropology and Africans American Health. Westport, CT: Bergin Garvey. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (1990). Diabetes surveillance: Annual 1990 report. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, Division of Diabetes Translation, Atlanta GA Colle E., Siemiatycki J., West R., Belmonte M. M., Crepeau M. P., Poirier R., Wilkins J. (1984). Incidence of juvenile onset diabetes in Montrealdemonstration of ethnic differences and socioeconomic class differences. Journal of Chronic Disease, 34, 611-616. Dahlquist G., Blom L., Holgren G., Hogglof B., Larsson Y., Sterky G., Wall S . (1985). The epidemiology of diabetes in Swedish children 0-14 years: A six year prospective study. Diabetologia, 28, 802-808. Douglas J. G. (1990). Hypertension and diabetes in blacks. Diabetes Care, 13 (Supp. 4), 1191-1195. Ferrannini E., Haffner S. M., Mitchell B. D., Stern M. P. (1991). Hyperinsulinemia: The key feature of a cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome. Diabetologia, 34, 416-422. Fitzgerald, James, R. Anderson, M. Funnell, M. Arnold, W. Davis, L. Aman, S. Jacober, and Grunberger (1997). â€Å"Differences in the Impact of Dietary Restrictions on Africans and Caucasians with NIDDM.† The Diabetes Educator 23: 41-47. Grim C. E. (1988). On slavery, salt and the greater prevalence of hypertension in black Americans. Clinical Research, 36, 426A. Harris M. I. (1990). Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in black and white Americans. Diabetes Metabolism Review, 6, 71-90. Herman, William, T. Thompson, W. Visscher, R. Aubert, M. Engelgau, L. Liburd, D. Watson, and T. Hartwell (1998). â€Å"Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complement in an Africans American Community: Project DIRECT.† Journal of National Medical Association 90: 147-156. Kumanyika S. (1988). Obesity in black women. Epidemiology Review, 9, 31-50. Lipman T. H. (1991). The epidemiology of Type I diabetes in children 0-14 years of age in Philadelphia. Doctoral dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania. Report of the Secretarys Task Force on Black and Minority Health. ( 1985). Volume 1: Executive Summary. DHHS Publication No. 017-090-00078. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. Maillet, Nancy, G. Melkus, and G. Spollett (1996). â€Å"Using Focus Groups to Characterize the Health Beliefs and Practices of Black Women with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes.† The Diabetes Educator 22: 39-46. Marble A. (1949). Diabetes mellitus in the U.S. Army in World War II. The Military Surgeon, 105, 357-363. National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG). (1979). Classification and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and other categories of glucose intolerance. Diabetes, 26, 1039-1057. Neel J. V. (1962). Diabetes mellitusA thrifty genotype rendered detrimental by progress? American Journal of Human Genetics, 14, 353-362.   OSullivan J. B., Mahan C. M. (1968). Prospective study of 352 young patients with chemical diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 278, 1038-1041. Professional Guide to Diseases (1998). Springhouse, PA: Springhouse. Reitnauer P. J., Go R. C. P., Acton R. T., Murphy C. C., Budowle B., Barger B. O. , Roseman J. M. ( 1982). Evidence of genetic admixture as a determinant in the occurrence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Diabetes, 31, 532-537. Roseman J. M., Go R. C. P., Perkins L. L., Barger B. D., Beel D. A., Goldenberg R. L. , DuBard M. B., Huddlestone J. F., Sedacek C. M., Acton R. T. ( 1991). Gestational diabetes among Africans American women. Diabetes and Metabolism Review, 7, 93-104. Sullivan L. (1990). Opening remarks. Diabetes Care, 13 (Supp. 4), 1143. Taylor R., Ram P., Zimmet P., Raper R., Ringrose H. ( 1984). Physical activity and the prevalence of diabetes in Melanesian and Indian men in Fiji. Diabetologia, 27, 578-582. Tull E. S., LaPorte R. E., Vergona R. E., Gower I., Makame M. H. ( 1992). A two-fold excess mortality among Africans American IDDM cases compared withWhites: The Diabetes Epidemiology Research International experience Van T. B. Itallie (1985). Health implications of overweight and obesity in the United States. Annals of Internal Medicine, 103, 983-988. Veal, Yvonnecris (1996). â€Å"Africans Americans and Diabetes: Reasons, Rationale, and Research.† Journal of the National Medical Association 88: 203-204. WHO Multinational Project for Childhood Diabetes. (1991). Familial insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) epidemiology: Standardization of data for the DIAMOND Project. World Health Organization Bulletin OMS, 69, 767-777. Winter W. E., Maclaren N. K., Riley W. J., Clarke D. W., Kappy S., Spillar R. P . (1987). Maturity-onset diabetes of youth in black Americans. New England Journal of Medicine, 316, 285-291. World Health Organization. (1980). Report of expert committee on diabetes mellitus. Technical Report, Series no. 646. Geneva: World Health Organization. http://etd.fcla.edu/SF/SFE0000527/AfricanAmericanWomen.pdf www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ah/upload/Bailey.ppt

Street Car Named Desire Essay Example for Free

Street Car Named Desire Essay As we grow up it’s not only our age and experiences that make us who we are, relationships also shape our identity. All relationships will change our identity no matter who they are or what kind of relationship they have with us. Our friends shape our identity just as much as our family, if not more. This statement is very well depicted in the play â€Å"A street car named Desire by Tennessee Williams†. Throughout the play you see the different types of identities being shaped. If we are around someone enough we will start picking up traits of said person. If we are around someone who is always smiling and expressing themselves more than likely we will begin to express ourselves too. We gather the traits from those around us and our mind will tell us which are good and bad and try to get rid of the bad. With the good trait it will find our comfort zone with the person. That is why adults are always trying to get children and teenagers to understand that our friends are who shape us in a way. Our family relationships have a very big impact on our identity because we grow up with them. In the play the characteristics of each character was very much affected by their families. Blanche Dubois’ identity for example was shaped in a particular way because of her major losses in life. Her family fortune and estate we gone and she lost her young husband to suicide. This has led to her to have insecurities and making her a disrupted individual. Blanche’s fragile identity is also shaped by Stanley’s cruel actions towards her, also leaving her mentally detached from reality by the end of the play. However Stanley Kowalski’s identity in the book is very much shaped by the relationship he has with Blanche when arrives at the Kowalski household. Stanley’s intense hatred for Blanche is motivated in part by the upper-class past that Blanche used to have. He sabotages her because he does not appreciate the way she attempts to fool him and his friends into believing she is better than they are. From Blanche’s arrival Stanley has the need to feel like the man of house and does not take any orders from Blanche or Stella which is his wife. In the end, Stanley’s character is seen as harmful and cruel. The relationship between men and women is also a major identity shaper. Often in life the relationship between man and woman can be very unusual as sometimes a woman can have a lot of impact on men or the other around and sometimes they could have no impact. In the play Stanley and Stella’s marriage very much shape their identity. Shaping Stanley’s identity by making him feel like more of a man. Stella’s identity is very much shaped by the way Stanley treats her. Stella is a not very stable character because of the situation she gets into with her sister Blanche and her husband Stanley. Stella’s identity gets changed throughout the play because a lot of major events happen, such as her sister’s presence, having a baby and how Stanley beats her. Stella’s relationship with Stanley is both animal and violent but renewing as they always make up in the end. After Blanche’s arrival, Stella is torn between her sister and her husband. Eventually, she stands by Stanley, because she gives birth to his child near the end of the play. Stella’s denial of reality at the play’s end shows us that she actually more in common with Blanche than she thinks. The friend relationship between Stanley and Mitch also shape Stanley’s identity. Stanley is very loyal to his friends and would make sure that his best friend Mitch does not get hurt by Blanche. This is one of the main reasons that Stanley sabotages Blanche. Stanley would go through so much to just make Mitch believe that Blanche isn’t really who she says she is. Since Stanley is a misogynist, he sees himself as a superior to both Blanche and Stella, his need to â€Å"own† the house and be in charge is the motivator for his actions towards Blanche. Knowing that he was going to rape her from the very beginning, he tries and stops Mitch and Blanche from entering any type of relationship. â€Å"We’ve had this date from the start† In conclusion all types of relationships affect Blanche and shape her identity in a way. But in the end she lost her identity already because her husband died. In the play there are many relationships that shape the characters such as family relationships, friend relationships and â€Å"man and woman† relationships. In life relationships are a major source of shaping our identity.

Massimo Dutti Marketing Analysis

Massimo Dutti Marketing Analysis Massimo Dutti was founded in 1985 as a company whose main activity was the sale of fashionable mens clothing. Ten years later, the commercial format was bought by the Inditex Group (Industria de Diseà ±o Textil S.A.), one of the worlds largest fashion distributors, who owns brands like Bershka, Pull and Bear and Zara. The Inditex Group as a whole has more than 4,530 stores in 74 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. The group also partially and wholly owns more than a hundred companies related with the different activities in the business of textile and fashion design, manufacture and distribution. Its unique management model, based on innovation and flexibility, and its vision of fashion has resulted in fast international expansion and an excellent performance of all its commercial formats. Today, Massimo Dutti has more than 490 stores in 41 countries. The company entered UK in 2003 with its first store in London. The new megastore occupied three floors of a building placed in downtown Regent Street, which had more than 2,000 square meters of business area. Massimo Dutti offers quality international fashion design for men, women and children, with a variety of collections that range from sophisticated urban fashions to casual wear. Its universal design connects with independent urban men and women whose lifestyle portrays an impeccable image. During 2008 Massimo Dutti extended its assortment of complements and accessories to help customers find the small details that mark the difference in style and add the finishing touch to the desired look. Highlights in this product extension are the new line of eye and sunglasses, The Eyewear Collection, with more models for men and women, and the launch of a new womens perfume, En Esencia. The company also added the childrens line in 2008 which includes collections for boys and girls and was launched in Paris. During the same year, the chain entered six new countries: Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Guatemala and Israel. It also continued its expansion in the Asian Pacific region, opening its second store in Hong Kong, in Harbour City, one of the citys main shopping areas. With this establishment, Massimo Dutti now has three stores in China, where it opened its first store in 2007 in Macao. In total they opened 44 new stores in 38 new countries to develop their international presence. (Appendix B.1, B.2, B.3) This report examines the environment in which the company is situated. The macro environment covers the trends in the changing environment and how they could potentially affect the Massimo Dutti supply chain. It also suggests various opportunities and threats that the company may have to face. The second section of the report analyses the various stakeholders i.e. the suppliers, consumers, competitors etc in under the micro environmental analysis. The third section of the report analyses the internal environment and includes the supply chain analysis, the marketing resources, financial resources and the human resources employed within the organisation. The report concludes by suggesting a strategic direction the company should take in order to reach its full potential. Macro Environment Analysis Massimo Dutti being a global organisation is affected by a number of macro environmental factors. These factors are the basis on which a company develops its understanding of the markets, business position and the strategic direction for its operations. In recent years the macro environment has been increasingly being put into consideration because of higher marker volatility, the global slowdown and the economic recession. These factors not only pose a great threat to businesses but can also create many opportunities which a company can identify and take advantage of. For instance, if a business is able to assess its current environment and predict potential changes, it will be better placed in its marketplace than its competitors to respond to changes in the environment. Thus understanding and operating with the macro environment i.e. the external environment in which the business operates, is increasingly becoming the key to organisational success as it can help to maximise opportunities and minimise threats which the organisation faces. In other words a macro environment scanning can help us to identify various opportunities and threats in the organisation. There are a number of macro environmental factors which affect the UK clothing retail market. These factors are known as the PEST factors or the political, economic, social and technological factors which help the scanning of the environment. (Appendix A.1) (P)olitical Environment The clothing retail sector in the UK has seen a number of changes in their political environment in recent years. The first change is the recent expansion of the EU territory which has facilitated import and export amongst various countries within the EU. As a result of this trade between these countries legal agreements and setting up new operations and stores has become more attractive than ever. For Massimo Dutti it translates to wider markets and a wider consumer base both within and outside the UK. This type of an impact is visible in a long term with a positive and increasing impact to the company. The second change is the change in interest rates and government taxation which is the result of the global economic recession. The government has implemented a range of measures to stabilise the financial markets and stimulate the economy including part-nationalisation of some banks, VAT cuts, and suspending public sector borrowing rules. Also In March 2009, the Bank of England cut interest rates to a record low of just 0.5% where they remain at the time of writing. The government also gave the go-ahead for the more drastic policy of quantitative easing in an effort to kick-start the economy. (Appendix A.2) The impact of this government policy has resulted in a higher degree of disposable income in the hands of the consumer and has thus facilitated the retail sector. On the other hand when interest rates eventually start to rise they could do so quite suddenly and sharply thereby increasing the risk of less spending on mid-market luxury retailers like Massimo Dutti. (Appendix A.3) (E)conomic Environment- Recession the UK Clothing Retail There have been numerous amounts of economic changes since 2007 which are the result of the global economic slowdown and the recession. Until recently the British economy was enjoying the longest period of growth and had outpaced most of the rest of Western Europe. But the global economic downturn, tight credit and falling house prices brought the UK into the recession in the back half of 2008. This economic downturn resulted in a change in the economic factors that affected the UK retail sector as a whole. The fashion industry in particular has been more vulnerable to such a downturn than other retail settings. Due to the recession the economy has shown frequent fluctuations in the currency rates. This change has affected the retailers as they have absorbed these fluctuations. This is because they are situated in a price-led market i.e. have to provide competitive prices in the market to survive further putting more pressure on their profit margins. Also due to the decrease in the disposable income of the consumers only the cheap fashion / fast-fashion sector has benefited. Companies like Pennys, Primark and TK max have recorded highest sales due to the recession. The implications of such a trend are that less money is spent on designer clothes as well as accessorises. Consumers may stop spending on high end luxury brand and accessories and go in for fast-fashion clothing thereby posing a risk to Massimo Dutti. It can also be noted that spending on clothing has reduced than compared to other spending sectors. The global economic slowdown has impacted heavily on clothing retailers as it has hit consumers willingness and ability to spend on discretionary items. Thus companies like Massimo Dutti may face a slowdown in sales volumes. Unemployment has climbed consistently since mid-2008, reaching 7.8% by Q2 2009 and it could rise to over 10% in 2010. Youth unemployment (18-24-year-olds) exceeded 17% by the second quarter of 2009 and in the short term will continue trending upwards. This impacts heavily the purchasing power of those concerned and hence reducing an important market segment for mid-market luxury retailers. (Appendix A.2, A.4) (S)ocial Environment- The Changing Demographics The social environment relates to consumer attitudes and opinions towards different product types and brands in the marketplace. It also relates to changes in consumer behaviour and their demographics i.e. age, sex, gender, family size etc. Changes in social trends can impact on the demand for a firms products and the availability and willingness of individuals to work. Thus it is very important for the firm to identify these factors and translate them into opportunities and get rid of all potential threats. A large number of consumers have changed the way they shop for clothes and in the main those changes involve cutting back in some way by spending less, by mostly buying discounted lines, or by buying from value retailers or less expensive shops. According to a research by Mintel over one in four people have not changed their shopping habits for clothes since the recession started but many consumers have, and the most significant changes are all savings-related i.e. spending less, shopping around more, not buying at full price, buying more from value or less expensive retailers. (Appendix A.5) This cutting back on expenditure by the consumer means that they wish to spend more on value retailers rather than mid-market luxury retailers. According to Mintel the mid-market segment has also squeezed as a result of a price-led consumer market. For instance mid-market players like like-for-like and Dorothy Perkins have gone down in sales. Like-for-like traded down 2.4% in the Q1 of year 2009-10 and Dorothy Perkins was still heavy with summer markdowns when rivals were relatively clean with new autumn ranges. Gaps international quarterly sales to August 2009 dropped by 5% which is an important competitor for Massimo Dutti. Other mid-market players like HM and MS have traded up as they are price-led retailers. (Appendix A.6) On the other hand high-end designer buyers tend to buy more from the mid-market than from the upmarket high street retailers as a result of the ongoing recession. This is because of lack of particular brand loyalty, financial inability to buy everything from designer brands and the tendency of buying basics (i.e. T-shirts, jeans etc) from the mid-market retailers. (Appendix A.9) Another trend in change is that the 25-54s have traded down the most amongst all other consumer age groups. This age band has been among the worst hit by the recession because of their larger financial commitments. This age group is the main target market for Massimo Dutti and hence affect the company sales the most. (Appendix A.7) Because of a combination of various above discussed factors customers are much more likely to now buy more from familiar brands/shops they trust. (Appendix A.8) (T)echnological Environment The technological environment consists of changes in technology related to the manufacture, sourcing, distribution or sales of a various components of products in that industry. A change in technology for various processes in the industry sometimes creates barriers to entry and also leads to innovation. Thus it is very important for firms to adapt to the changing trends of technology. Online fashion has become significantly more popular as choices have improved. These days many consumers prefer to shop online as it not only saves time but also offers a full view of the collection at a single click. Fashion sites are also engaging more effectively with the customers through; better product imagery, establishing online communities; utilising user generated content, introducing virtual changing rooms etc. These types of innovations help the consumers to establish a better three dimensional understanding of the products they want to buy and hence provide a better opportunity for the marketers to capture the consumer. (Appendix A.10) Another trend is M-commerce. It is a potential source of growth for the future, particularly among the young a key demographic for fashion. But it will depend on more retailers launching mobile applications and on consumer ownership of smart phones. (Appendix A.10) Other Factors There are some other factors other than political, social, economic and technological factors that affect the UK clothing retail market. One of them is the environmental concerns facing the fashion industry today. Many environmentalists have raised objections against fast-fashion goods as they not only end up in landfills faster than usual but also because of the time, effort and resources utilized in their production. According to a research it shows that on average in the UK 30kgs of clothes per person are dumped into landfills as a result of the fast-fashion. It accounts for about 1,000kg of CO2 a year roughly half that emitted by a small diesel car. Each year the average person in the UK spends about  £650 on 50 or so items of clothing and accounts for a large part of our carbon footprint. When they are manufactured, when they are transported, when they are washed and even when they are thrown away, clothes are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. 90% of the c lothes people buy in the UK are transported from abroad, mainly from China, India and Bangladesh and it only adds to the environmental impact of clothing. Also, working in the textiles industry often means long hours, low pay, poor safety records and the use of child labour. This it raises environmental and ethical concerns (Appendix A.11). It raises concerns for the Inditex group as a whole as their prime focus recently has been the introduction of fast-fashion products into the markets through their various brands. Massimo Dutti Opportunities With the help of the macro environmental analysis opportunities of the company can be identified. These opportunities can be maximised so the company can be placed ahead of its competitors in the market. These opportunities are: As a result of the EU territory expansion Massimo Dutti is able to reach wider markets both within and outside the UK increasing the scope of operations in the company. It also means that it is easier to source materials from the partner countries, which is an important aspect of Massimo Duttis business strategy. The stimuli provided by the government in 2009 as a result of the economic recession have helped the people to overcome the problems of disposable income and hence has boosted the retail sector. However the impact is very long term and takes time to show signs of recovery. Shoppers of high-end designer clothes tend to buy more from the mid-market than from the upmarket high street retailers as a result of the ongoing recession. This has helped retailers like Massimo Dutti to capture new demographics. As a result of the rising concerns over the recession people have started spending lesser and lesser on clothes but have started to spend more on accessories which help them to look different with the same amount of clothes. Massimo Dutti thus has a competitive advantage because of their recent launch of men and women accessories as an addition to its prior range. Online shopping is one of the recent emerging trends in the fashion industry. This opens up markets for consumers who previously were unable to shop at specific stores. This also reduces the need for a physical location of its stores. This provides a huge opportunity for mid-market retailers whose sales can be boosted in the presence of online sales. M-commerce is another technological factor affecting the industry. It can tap the key demographic i.e. 25-50 year olds and therefore has a great potential for companies like Massimo Dutti whose main target market is this demographic. Massimo Dutti Threats Due to the Economic recession and currency rate fluctuation it has been difficult for retailers to keep up with a price-led market. This impacts the already low profit margins thereby posing a threat to the retailers. As a result of the decreasing disposable income mid-market brands have suffered because people have shifted from them to fast-fashion cheap retailers who provide fashion clothes at a cheaper price. Another trend in change that has impacted Massimo Dutti is that the 25-54s have traded down the most amongst all other consumer age groups. Being the key demographic of the company it has affected sales and may continue to do so in the future. As many environmentalists have raised objections against fast-fashion it poses a threat for companies like Inditex (Massimo Dutti) as their core business model revolves around the concept of fast-fashion goods. Micro Environmental Analysis The micro environmental factors are those which are related with the firms immediate area of operation that affects the performance and decision making in that organisation. These factors also affect the overall costs of the organisation; the quality of products supplied and directly contributes to organisational success. There are 3 major stakeholder groups which affect these factors. These are the suppliers, consumers and the competitors. The Suppliers There are a number of ways in which the suppliers affect the performance of a firm. These may be related to the quality the supplier provides, the quantities that can be sourced from the suppliers, lead-time demands of the market or the ethical and environmental concerns followed by the suppliers. All these factors are responsible for having the right product at the right time to satisfy the demands of a firms consumer. Based on these factors firms must decide on issues such as who to source from, responsibility it takes for these suppliers and on the terms and conditions it adopts. Inditex has over 1,186 suppliers around the globe making it vulnerable to many factors. One of the most important trends in change is the adaptive process of suppliers to operate in low cost regions. This is because the textile industry inherently is a labour intensive industry and hence was the first to move to low labour cost regions. Five years ago, China was the only source for low cost products but now Vietnam is competing against inland China and parts of India for that same position. This is because of the increased internationalisation of the clothing companies in Europe in the past decade. As buyers are forced to spread their volumes across different regions, these regions or countries enter into competition with one another. This led to the creation of special economic zones in many countries, mostly with cheap labour. Besides cheap labour and resources these zones have no other connections to the local economy. On the other hand they are directly influenced by the high deg ree of fluctuations caused due to favourable or unfavourable conditions in foreign markets. China is one of the key suppliers to the European apparel industry but is less competitive than eastern European countries because of added logistics costs. (Appendix B.4, B.5) Another factor that has affected the suppliers is the requirement of buyers for environmental compliance and labour standards. Recently the government has launched a campaign to tackle the environmental and social impact of the fast fashion culture. As a result of this many retailers have introduced changes in their supplier regulations. For example Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Sainsburys have pledged to increase their ranges of Fair-trade and organic clothing, and support fabrics which can be recycled more easily. Also Tesco is banning cotton from countries known to use child labour. All these changes in the buying behaviour of the retailers have forced suppliers to follow stricter guidelines on environmental and ethical issues. (Appendix B.6) The Consumers The customers are a key to sales of all retail formats. An organisation must monitor its consumers and the trends in change that affect the consumers. By gathering data on shopping patterns of the consumers the retailers can identify possible changes required to the marketing strategy. It can be in the form of a changed target market, the change in distribution channels or by responding to the new product or pricing needs of the consumers. The target market for Massimo Dutti is women of 25-45 years old and men of 25-50 years old catering to the upper middle and upper socio economic class and upper middle cultural interests. The customer plays an active role in the Inditex business model. At Inditex production activity begins once customers demand reactions have been analysed. Unlike the traditional fashion company business model which started at the designers drawing table, Inditex activities starts by assessing the customers demands and continues to the store. The economic downturn is helping to boost sales of value clothing retailers. Consumers have been forced to cut back on other categories of spending like holidays abroad and restaurant meals. But consumer research shows that clothing is to be the most vulnerable area of spend amongst adults who have been forced to cut back their expenditure due to the recession, although value clothing appears to be one area of clothing expenditure that is responding positively to the trend. In response to economic worries, consumers are saving more and they appear to be trading down on clothing as a consequence. Specialist fashion discounters or value clothing retailers (led by Primark, TK Maxx and Matalan) are the main beneficiaries of the strong growth in value clothing sales, and have seen their sales rise by 7% to  £5 billion in 2009. (Appendix B.7, B.8) The GfK NOP consumer confidence index, published on 31st March 2010, showed that overall UK consumer confidence fell to -15 in March, from -14 in February. The 2,000 adults interviewed by GfK NOP also took a more negative view of the overall economic situation over next 12 months. The index also indicated that consumers are becoming more cautious about of their own personal financial situation. (Appendix B.9) The Competitors Another important factor which affects the micro-environment of an organisation is its competitors. The success and behaviour of any business will depend on the degree of competition in its market. In the case of fashion retail market the competition is intense because of a large number of players in the market. This puts a downward pressure on the price of the product offerings. Thus it is very important for a organisation to identify and monitor its competitors in order to obtain a competitive advantage. The major competitors to Massimo Dutti as a brand are Gap, Banana Republic, Mango and HM (Hennes Mauritz). Gap Banana Republic (Gap Inc.) Gap Inc. is a clothing retailer from the US that has expanded into Europe via operations in the UK, France and Ireland. Clean, classic, American designs are the words on which the brand was founded and the current offer continues to reflect these values. The commercial formats at Gap Inc. include Gap, Gap Kids, baby Gap, Gap Maternity and Gap body under the brand name Gap. Other brands which do not include the brand name Gap are Banana Republic and Old navy. Gap and Banana Republic have 140 stores in the UK. As a result of the tough trading conditions in all its markets, Gap saw the sales decline by 12% in 2008. However, Gap maintains a mid-market stance and as a result has looked to more muted colours in the current recessionary climate as consumers seek items that will last longer. In August 2009 the company also ventured into the UK e-commerce arena, announcing the availability of Gap branded items on the ASOS website. (Appendix B.10, B.11) Mango Mango is one of Spain largest clothing specialists and has also built up a sizeable international business in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Mango predominantly targets women aged 18 to 30 with a fashionable and sophisticated offer. Mango designs, manufactures and markets womens and mens clothing and accessories. Mango currently has a total of 1,220 stores in 91 countries worldwide. In the UK it operates 42 outlets which are mostly franchised. Mango follows the same multi-brand strategy as of Inditex. Mango has admitted that the global recession has led to a decline in the sales volume in early 2009 in markets such as Spain, Ireland, the UK and Russia. Consumers have been cutting back on their spending, particularly on discretionary items such as clothing. In reaction Mango has launched Think Up, an affordable sub-range for the weaker consumer climate. Recently, the group has expanded into menswear and has also hinted that it may launch a chain that targets younger shoppers. (Appendi x B.12, B.13)

History of the Conflict In Sudan and the Role of the United Nations Ess

History of the Conflict In Sudan and the Role of the United Nations Introduction Sudan is Africa’s largest state and has been involved in conflict of various origins for varying periods of time. The paper will trace the origin and evolution of Sudan’s two most significant wars: the north-south civil war and the current conflict in the Darfur region that is now gaining international notoriety. Additionally, the UN System that is in place in Sudan will be analyzed anatomically. Ultimately the paper seeks to unearth ideas on what needs to happen going forward in order to improve the Darfur situation, as well as identify key inefficiencies in the UN’s approach to delivering aid. History of the Crises In Sudan Sudan is divided between an Arabic, Muslim north and an African south which is largely Christian or animist. Tension between these two realities has caused Sudan to know only 11 years of peace since gaining independence from 1956. The instability brought on by Sudan’s independence began to take shape in the months leading up to victory over colonization. Southern troops became fearful of domination by the north and began to mutiny. The southern mutinies were put down but following independence strife in the south continued as a rebel group known as the Anya-Nya fiercely sought either autonomy or outright succession. Efforts of the Anya-Nya continued until 1972 when President Numeiry of Sudan signed the Addis Ababa accord with the rebels resulting in three provinces within Southern Sudan that were given a significant degree of autonomy. Following this breakthrough negotiation, peace fell over Sudan up to 1983 when President Numeiry changed his stance wherein he not only instituted Islamic law in the country... ...://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp. â€Å"United Nations System in Sudan: Information Pack.† http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=FAO http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=OCHA http://news.amnesty.org/index/engafr540042003. â€Å"Sudan: Urgent call for Commission of Inquiry in Darfur as situation deteriorates.† http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=OHCHR http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNHCR http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNDP http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNFPA http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNICEF http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNIDO http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=UNMAS http://www.unsudanig.org/system/index.jsp?agency=WHO http://news.amnesty.org/pages/sudan â€Å"Civilians Under Threat In Darfur.†