What are Cultural Differences in Management

Introduction Cultural differences in management are examined by business administrators, psychologists, and even anthropologists. This report is aimed at examining several questions that are related to this topic. In particular, it is necessary to provide a definition of cross-cultural management. Furthermore, one should provide examples that can illustrate the cultural peculiarities of management.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on What are Cultural Differences in Management? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, one should focus on such aspects as the behavior of employees, leadership style, and interactions between people who represent various levels of the workplace hierarchy. Much attention should be paid to the strategies that can help managers to work in a multicultural environment. Overall, business administrators should remember about cultural differences in people’s values, worldviews, or attitudes toward work, risk, achievement and so forth. This knowledge can be derived from various psychological studies. Yet, they should remember that conventional classifications of cultures are not always relevant because individual and cultural values are not necessarily similar. The origins and definition of cultural management The importance of cultural peculiarities began to attract the attention of managers at the time when many American and European companies moved to developing countries. Business administrators understood that many of the conventional techniques could be applied to different business cultures. For example, one can speak about the challenges that American businesses faced in India (Gopalan Stahl 1998, p. 30). These problems gave rise to the development of such a discipline as cross-cultural management. This notion can be defined as the method which enables the management to incorporate the representatives of different cultures in the organization (Thomas 2008). Moreover, this discipline helps managers make sure that cultural differences do not impair the performance of a business. Cultural differences in management Initially, the researchers attempted to construct a model of universal values that can appeal to people who can represent various cultures (Schwartz 1994). For example, Shalom Schwartz (1994) introduces such a model which is based on the empirical findings.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, some authors advocate the idea of creating a global culture in which employees, who have various ethnic or national backgrounds, are accustomed to working with one another (Levy, Taylor, Boyacigiller 2010). Furthermore, researchers speak about the need to maintain the corporate culture which enabled an organization to achieve success (Levy, Taylor, Boyacigiller 2010). The main limitation of this approach is that it d oes not help managers predict the potential difficulties related to cultural differences. This is why modern researchers attempt to construct an alternative approach to this issue. Overall, scholars believe that it is necessary to distinguish various elements of culture, namely values, rituals, or symbols (Kandola 2008, p. 37). These are the main aspects that researchers focus on. In turn, business administrators should understand how these differences in values or attitudes manifest themselves in the workplace (Jackson 2011). The explanations of cultural differences in management closely are based on the model developed by Geert Hofstede (1993). This model implies that there are certain dimensions which characterize a culture. For instance, one can mention uncertainty avoidance, power distance, individualism, or masculinity (Hofstede 1993). In turn, they shape cultural differences in management. For example, in Western companies, managers and employees are more likely to accept ris ks; yet, this behavior is not always displayed by people working in Chinese companies (Hofstede, 1993, p. 90). This issue should be taken into account by people working in companies in which different cultures are represented. For instance, they should remember that some of their initiatives may not be readily supported by their colleagues, but it does not mean that these initiatives are flawed (Hofstede, 1993, p. 90). Moreover, one can speak about power distance. For example, in the United Kingdom, people, who represent various levels in the workplace hierarch, are more likely to treat one another as equals. In contrast, in South Korea, executives and subordinates are more likely to recognize the differences in their position or status. Thus, business administrators should consider these differences in order to avoid such pitfalls as rudeness. Overall, Hofstede’s theory is based on empirical observations, but in the course of several decades, this approach has been modified several times.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on What are Cultural Differences in Management? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are many empirical studies that are aimed at examining the impact of cultural dimensions of management. For instance, business administrators, who come from Western countries, should know that risk-taking in Asian organizations is not always tolerated (Kreiser, Marino, Dickson 2010, p. 978). These studies incorporate the data collected in different business environments. Therefore, managers, who come from American or European companies, should not expect that their subordinates will be willing to take independent steps (Kreiser, Marino, Dickson 2010). This is why these distinctions should not be overlooked. Moreover, managers should take into account that people, who represent different cultures, have different humor styles (Kalliny, Cruthirds, Minor 2006). In many cases, manager s rely on jokes to motivate employees. Yet, some of the jokes can be misunderstood; furthermore, they can be offensive. Additionally, much attention should be paid to leadership qualities. William Judge (2001) believes that leadership strategies differ dramatically across cultures. The comparison of American and Taiwanese CEOs indicates that these professionals have different attitudes toward their professional and personal lives. For example, American CEOs attach importance to achievement and self-of respect, while their Taiwanese counterparts attach more importance to equality, wisdom, and pleasure (Judge 2001, p. 69). This comparison is derived from self-reports of corporate executives. Thus, managers and employees should bear in mind that these executives can set different expectations for their subordinates. Moreover, it is important to remember about the differences in communication styles. In Western business cultures, people are willing to start the most problematic issues a s soon as possible (‘Indirect communication’, 2001). Such behavior can be observed among many managers and employees. In contrast, in China and other Asian countries, one should first start with an indirect question and then proceed to specific tasks (‘Indirect communication’, 2001). Therefore, managers should change the way in which they interact with their colleagues or subordinates.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Nevertheless, such studies are primarily based on the experiences of separate business administrators, but such arguments should not be generalized. This is one of the limitations that should be overlooked because it can diminish the validity of research. Apart from that, managers should take into account that employees from various countries respond to stressors in different ways (Dbaibo Harb 2010, p. 19). For example, Lebanese employees are not likely to experience stress if they see that their values do not coincide with the values of their co-workers (Dbaibo Harb 2010). In turn, managers should try to emulate the behavior of these people. For instance, they should attach importance to communication style and etiquette. This is one of the suggestions that can be of some use to managers. While discussing the cultural differences in management, researchers focus on various aspects. For example, Joyce Osland and Allan Bird focus on the need to re-evaluate the validity of cultural stereotyping (2000, p. 65). In particular, these researchers critique the validity of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and provide examples contradict this theory. For instance, they mention that Japanese managers can take risky decisions, even despite their alleged uncertainty avoidance (Osland Bird 2000, p. 65). Thus, one should pay more attention to the context in which a specific behavior is displayed. One should not suppose that individuals always follow cultural patterns of behavior. Although the scholars do not conduct an empirical study, they provide many valuable observations regarding cross-cultural differences and stereotypes. Moreover, business administrators should keep in mind that cultures are not homogeneous (McSweeney 2002, p. 113). The behavior of employees strongly depends on their age or gender (McSweeney 2002, p. 113). Therefore, one should not suppose that conventional classifications of different business cultures are always accurate. Admittedly, there i s a significant overlap between personal and cultural values (Fischer Poortinga 2012, p. 167). Yet, one should not forget that cultures can evolve with time passing. This is one of the main issues that can be distinguished since it is critical for avoiding various pitfalls such as stereotyping. Discussion Overall, each of the articles can throw light on the peculiarities of cultural differences in management. It is possible to identify three approaches. One of them is premised on the idea that a management can create a universal business culture that can be shared by every employee. The second framework implies that there are cultural dimensions which can be accurately measured. Thus, it is possible to predict the behavior of people and minimize the risk of misunderstanding. In turn, many authors suggest that cultural and personal values may not be similar. Such researchers do not overlook the findings of anthropologists or psychologists who show that there are certain values or at titudes which are typical of a certain culture. However, they almost set stress on such variables as age, sex, or linguistic competence of employees. They advocate such policies as on-site cultural training of expatriates, critical evaluation of stereotypes about various countries, or the use of empirical studies related to various business cultures (Osland Bird 2000). Moreover, managers should reflect on the impact of context on the behavior of a person. This approach can help a business to develop the most effective approaches to cross-cultural management. Conclusion Overall, the examples discussed in this paper shows that the work of managers is strongly shaped by cultural environment of a country. These differences can be explained to people’s attitudes toward risk, power distance, uncertainty, and other factors. Moreover, managers should pay attention to people’s perception of stress and the things that motivate them. Yet, they should also remember that cultures are not static, and individual behavior may not be consistent with the dominant stereotypes about a culture. Such stereotypes can also be dangerous because they can prevent managers from understanding the behavior of employees. These are the main issues that should be taken into account. References Dbaibo, D Harb, C 2010, ‘Values and Justice as Predictors of Perceived Stress in Lebanese Organisational Settings’, Applied Psychology, vol. 59, no. 4, pp. 1-19. Fischer, R Poortinga, Y 2012, ‘Are cultural values the same as the values of individuals? An examination of similarities in personal, social, and cultural value structures’, International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 157-170. Gopalan, S Stahl, A 1998, ‘Application of American Management Theories and Practices to the Indian Business Environment: Understanding the Impact of National Culture’, American Business Review, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 30-41. Hofstede, G 1993 ‘Cultural constraints in management theories’, Academy of Management Executive, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 81-94. Jackson, T 2011, ‘Journal of Organizational Change Management Emerald Article: From cultural values to cross-cultural interfaces: Hofstede goes to Africa’, Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 532-558. Judge, W 2001, ‘Is a Leader’s Character Culture-Bound or Culture-Free? An Empirical Comparison of the Character Traits of American and Taiwanese CEOs’, Journal of Leadership Organizational Studies, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 65-80. ‘Indirect communication and indirect leadership in Asia’ 2001, GlobThink, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1-4. Levy, O, Taylor, S Boyacigiller, N 2010, Global expansion dilutes winning corporate Cultures, http://www.financialpost.com/Global+expansion+dilutes+winning+corporate+cultures/3459637/story.html. Kalliny, M, Cruthirds, K, Minor, M 2006, ‘Differences between American, Egyp tian and Lebanese Humor Styles Implications for International Management’, International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 121-134. Kandola, B 2008, â€Å"Understanding cultural differences in global organizations’, Cultural Intelligence, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 37-38. Kreiser, P, Marino, L, Dickson, P 2010, ‘Cultural Influences on Entrepreneurial Orientation: The Impact of National Culture on Risk Taking and Proactiveness in SMEs’, ETP, vol. 34, no. 5, pp. 959-983. McSweeney, B 2002, ‘Hofstede’s model of national cultural differences and their consequences: Atriumph of faith – a failure of analysis’, Human Relations, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 89-118. Osland, J Bird, A 2000, ‘Beyond sophisticated stereotyping: Cultural sense-making in context’, Academy of Management Executives, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 65-77. Schwartz, S 1994, ‘Are There Universal Aspects in the Structure and Contents of Human Values? ’, Journal of Social Issues, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 19-45. Thomas, D 2008, Cross-Cultural Management: Essential Concepts, SAGE Publications, New York. This report on What are Cultural Differences in Management? was written and submitted by user DeaconFrost to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Challenges administrative assistants face and how to deal with it

Challenges administrative assistants face and how to deal with it Administrative assistants are the office superheroes. Their job includes  making sure the office is running effectively and as smooth as possible while still juggling their other duties. Great administrative assistants are an invaluable asset to any company. But sometimes they face challenges from their coworkers  whether is it being taken for granted or even being taken as a personal assistant; administrative assistants constantly have to fight these challenges in the office. Here are 5 common challenges administrative assistants face and how to deal with it effectively.Source [Quill]

Charles Schwab Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Charles Schwab - Essay Example The primary tool that should be used to analyze key issues of the case is a SWOT analysis. Since technology is an ever-changing influence on the business world today, and businesses must stay on top of technology in order to provide the best business, the businesses must make sure they analyze these concepts on the terms of a SWOT analysis. There are several strengths in this approach, as the customers feel empowered by their ability to use online interphases to participate in trading and investing. Furthermore, the opportunities continue to allow for better organization and focus for the business. Weaknesses focus around the fact that technology will continue to change, so the interphase will need to be constantly updated and customers may need extra assistance with this. Threats include the ability of other companies to adapt to the same type of interphase, and the fact that the technology will be both costly and expensive for the company. Having used the tools described above, identify the key issues that the company should focus on - relate it to the reading in the Grant text for that week. Tell the reader why those are the root issues and not just symptoms of something deeper. Charles Schwab should continue to focus on technology in order to push its firm to be the most technology-driven company. The name of the brand "Charles Schwab" holds much respect for investors, so the combination of technological advancement with the name should grab the attention of those willing to invest. As Generation X ages, and as they were the generation that showed the first true interest in technology and computers as an everyday resource, it will become important to target them for investment strategy, and a good way to do this is with top-of-the-line technology. Technology grabs the attention of Generation X and also peaks their interest, because most of the individuals that are a part of that generation respect the reliance of computers. Combining this with the respect for the company's name, the company should be able to achieve a large amount of success. Find and cite three benchmark companies that face similar issues or counterpoint issues TODAY. Three companies that face similar issues today are actually three banks that also have to grab the interest of Generation X in order to promote investment in the company. This includes Chase, which recently bought out Washington Mutual, Bank of America, and Citibank. All three banks are becoming more and more interested in the use of technology in order to keep organization clean, and reduce human error. Technology has also allowed these companies to provide customers with more power in their investments with technology like online banking. Like Schwab, these banks are using online interphases to give customers more access to information, and more power overall. Again, technology helps to catch the attention and interest of the aging Generation X population, who have always shown a certain trust in the use of computers.Select and defend a direction for the company. I believe that Charles Schwab should continue with its current strategy of using technology to stay on top of the investment firm business. Technology is a great way to not only interest Generation X, but also show its strength, power, and reliability as an organization, combining its already reliable name with the reliability of technology. The better the technology and the more empowered the customers, the more likely they will be to come to the business, and stay with the business.

Personal and Social Relationships Research Paper

Personal and Social Relationships - Research Paper Example On the other hand, there are some who find it hard to reveal the experiences they have had before to people around them. (Lerner, 1986) When it comes to making friends, what matters is whether you have the same kind of experience the other person has and also the readiness you have to share with the other person. At the same time, you should be willing to listen to their experience because he or she might be having a different experience other than yours or nearly the same. This is very important because it makes them feel that they are recognized by the person to whom he is sharing the same experience. Because of this he or, she will al, ways be willing to share with the same friend and this, in turn, strengthens your relationship. (Kling, 1996) On the other hand, it is easy to for one to lose a friend if you don’t give him time to share out what he has to with you. If a friend listens to you it is very important that you equally give him or the same attention. Friends are ve ry important because in time of need they will always be ready to stand for you before other people. Their company also proves to be very interesting when hanging out. (In Smelser, 1963) Some people may find it difficult to relate wi, the others because they have specific interests only in particular areas. It might be because that people around them don’t share similar interests. ...They normally meet and discuss certain issues which all of them tend to prioritize. Currently, the internet has greatly contributed to grouping these people with specific interests together. Regardless of place and time they can easily interact through the Sometimes at the early stages of a relationship it may feel easy and exciting but for a long-lasting relationship, both partners must be actively involved by giving their efforts in building the relationship. Building a good foundation is very important for a relationship and this involves respect between the partners as well as appreciating wh at your partner has done for you. For example, in couples, they always tend to appreciate whatever has been done for them even if it is something small. This may also mean taking into consideration what your partner says and then giving compliments. This makes either of the partners feel that he or she is valued in a relationship. (Brody, 1994). Furthermore, the partners in the relationship may try to discover what they both have in common so that whenever they are spending time both will be enjoying the same things. As much as people are not perfect any of the partners can make a mistake in a relationship and because of this, there must be an established way of apologizing for the mistake. This is important because it makes the other partner feel that you are responsible for the actions you did. Sometimes partner in a relationship may get a topic which they will never come to an agreement and on such occasions, both have to agree to disagree and continue with the relationship. (Mar inelli, 1999).

Organizational Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Organizational Issues - Essay Example The company gives a provision for daycare where children are kept safe when their guardians are away to school or work. The company acts as a custodian of the community’s interest and profits. The external pressure has not entirely had an effect on the organizational ethics of the company. The external pressure would have informed the organization’s leader to opt to research employees with potential. A good number of organizations need to know the entire background of workers to avoid unnecessary turnarounds by the employees. The Greyston’s hiring process is a thing many firms have considered outdated. External pressures have transformed the ethics somehow in another way. The organization concentrates highly on community of its origin. The community does have problems with assistance provided where it is needed much by the company. The community members have faced problems in the past and have no variety of options where they can choose from mainly in the market of jobs. Moreover, the community do not enjoy from the option of daycare either. The company has made it possible for the children to be taken care of in educational facilities that are safe. The issues are associated to personal and organizational decisions as they are role models. The company illustrates to the workers on how they are supposed to live in the community. The firm gives the employees second chances despite of the problems they might have caused in the past. By doing this the company tries to show the community that one should always be given a second chance to correct the situation. The company also provides education and daycares portraying social responsibility. The company aids the community in educating and taking care of the children. All this is an example to the society on how they should live. Greyston Bakery always has a slogan that gives an inspiration. It states that a company is bounded

Relationship Between Meat Intake and Breast Cancer Risks

Relationship Between Meat Intake and Breast Cancer Risks COOKED MEAT INTAKE AND THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER M. MOGA*, I. MANITIU, N. BIGIU Abstract. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are carcinogens formed in or on the surface of well-done meat, cooked at high temperature. The aim of this analysis was to assess the risk of breast cancer related to the intake of cooked meat. The data support the accumulating evidence that consumption of meats cooked by methods that promote carcinogen formation may increase risk of breast cancer. Keywords', breast cancer, cooked meat, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic amines, carcinogens. AIMS AND BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in developed countries. Foods and food groups that have individually shown potentially important associations with breast cancer risk include alcohol, fruit and vegetables, fat, red meat, sugar, low-fat dairy products, fish, and tea. Red meat intake has been hypothesised to increase breast cancer risk. Both case-control1 and ecologic2 studies have supported a positive association, and an expert panel described red meat intake as a possible cause of breast cancer3. Cumulative evidence suggests a possible interaction of cooking methods with diet in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Meats cooked to well-done at high temperatures contain heterocyclic amines (HCAs), such as 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-/]quinoxaline (DiMelQx). 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-/]qumoxaline(MeIQx), and2-amino-l-methyl- 6-phenylimidazo[4,5-6]pyridine (PhIP) (Ref. 4). The amounts of these compounds vary according to cooking technique, temperature, cooking time, and type of meat5. Experimental evidence over more than two decades has led to the proposal that heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) may be causal factors in human breast cancer. HAAs are formed as a result of cooking meat for long durations by common high temperature methods such as barbecuing, grilling and pan frying. Mammary carcinogenesis has been demonstrated as a 'cell proliferation'mode! in which hormones, such as estrogens, both induce and promote mammary tumors ' For correspondence. increasing mammary cell division6. It is plausible that cells during division are re susceptible to carcinogenic stimulus, or hormones trigger the progression of rumor cells initiated by carcinogens. After menopause, adipose tissue is the r site for estrogen synthesis, and women with a high body mass index (BMI) e an elevated level of endogenous estrogens7. Therefore, it is possible that (estrogens and estrogen-related factors, such as BMI, may modify the association kxween intake of carcinogens from foods cooked at high temperature and breast ceicer risk. Adolescence may be a period of increased susceptibility to breast cancer due x regular division of undifferentiated cells that occurs between puberty and first tarth. Red meat consumption during early adult life has been associated with breast ^ncer risk. EXPERIMENTAL Experimental evidence over more than two decades has led to the proposal that ie:erocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) may be causal factors in human breast can- csr. HAAs are formed as a result of cooking meat for long durations by common temperature methods such as barbecuing, grilling and pan frying. Several epidemiological studies have revealed an increasedrisk of breast cancer associated ~ high meat intake8-11. Evidence from some recent epidemiological studies has suggested that intake ;: well-done meat and concomitant mammary carcinogens may be associated with i substantially elevated risk of breast cancer9-12. Similar to grilling and pan-frying, deep-frying, although rarely studied previ- : usly, is a high temperature (typically 240-270 °C) cooking method and may also result in the production of many chemicals, including heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons13. In addition to volatile mutagenic compounds, nonvolatile detrimental products, such as hydroperoxides, trans fatty acids, and aldehydes can be detected in deep-fried soybean oil. Deep-frying cooking is one : f the most common cooking methods in China and many other countries. Q. Dai, X. Shu14 evaluated the association of animal food intake and degree of browning by deep-frying with breast cancer risk in a population-based case- :ontrol study conducted during 1996-1998 among Chinese women in Shanghai, a population with a traditionally low risk of breast cancer. The study suggests that high intake of deep-fried, well-done red meat may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and the positive association may be modifiedby body weight. The same study also suggests that nonhydrogenated soybean oil, if not used in high- temperature cooking, may be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. The preponderance of evidence from animal and human studies has substantiated a causal relationship between postmenopausal estrogen levels and the risk of breast cancer15-17. Mammary carcinogenesis has been demonstrated as a 'cell proliferation'model in which hormones, such as estrogens, both induce and promote mammary tumors by increasing mammary cell division6. It is plausible that cells during division are more susceptible to carcinogenic stimulus, or hormones trigger the progression of the tumor cells initiated by carcinogens. After menopause, adipose tissue is the major site for estrogen synthesis, and women with a high BMI have an elevated level of endogenous estrogens7. Therefore, it is possible that estrogens and estrogen-related factors, such as BMI, may modify the association between intake of carcinogens from foods cooked at high temperature and breast cancer risk. One previous case-control study conducted in Uruguay found a stronger positive association of breast cancer risk with fried meat than with broiled meat9. Oil temperature is normally at approximately 240-270 °C when used for deep-fried cooking. It has been reported that deep-fried cooking oil not only produces fumes containing mutagenic compounds, such as 1,3-butadiene, benzene, acrolein, and formaldehyde18, but also generates nonvolatile hazardous compounds, such as hydroperoxides, trans fatty acids, and aldehydes19. Both hydroperoxides and aldehydes are endogenous reactive chemicals and have mutagenic and carcinogenic potential20. Other factors related to insulin resistance, such as high insulin, C-peptide, and insulin-like growth factor-1, and low physical activity have also Ijeen shown to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in several studies21-23. It is plausible that high levels of insulin and estrogens may stimulate the transformation of breast cancer cells initiated by carcinogens from well-done meats and heated cooking oils23 and, therefore, promote the development of breast cancer. Several recent epidemiological studies have suggested that trans fatty acids may be a risk factor for breast cancer24. Steck and Gaudet25 estimated breast cancer risk in relation to intake of cooked meat in a population-based, case-control study (1508 cases and 1556 controls) conducted in Long Island, NY from 1996 to 1997. Modest increased risk was observed among postmenopausal women consuming the most grilled or barbecued and smoked meats over the life course (OR = 1.47; CI = 1.12-1.92 for highest versus lowest fertile of intake). Postmenopausal women with low fruit and vegetable intake, but high lifetime intake of grilled or barbecued and smoked meats, had a higher OR of 1.74 (CI = 1.20-2.50) and the results support the accumulating evidence that consumption of meats cooked by methods that promote carcinogen formation may increase risk of postmenopausal breast cance25. Rohrmann26 conducted a study to examine the association of the consumption of meat in general, meat prepared by different cooking methods and the dietary intake of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCA) with the level of DNA adducts in  ±e breast tissue of women undergoing reduction mammoplasty. They observed strong correlations of dietary HCA intake and consumption of fried and processed neat with DNA adduct levels in breast tissue of 44 women. De Stefani and Ronco27 studied the effects of meat intake, including heterocyclic amine exposure, on the risk of breast cancer. They conducted a hospital-based case-control study involving 352 patients with breast cancer and 382 controls. A strong effect of red meat, total meat, beef, fried meat, and heterocyclic amine exposure was found, after controlling for potential confounders. The odds ratio for the highest quartile of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-/|quinoline exposure was 3.34 (95% confidence interval 1.85-6.02). According to these results, meat intake and chemicals formed during the cooking process appear to be strong risk factors _n human breast carcinogenesis. Heterocyclic amines found in well-done meat require host-mediated metabolic activation before initiating DNA mutations and tumors in target organs. Polymorphic N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) catalyses the activation of heterocyclic amines via O-acetylation, suggesting that NAT2 genotypes with high O-acetyltransferase activity (rapid/intermediate acetylator phenotype) increase the risk of breast cancer n women who consume well-done meat. To test this hypothesis, Deitz and Zheng28 o btained DNA samples and information on diet and other breast cancer risk factors from a nested case-control study of postmenopausal women. A significant dose- response relationship was observed between breast cancer risk and consumption : J well-done meat among women with the rapid/intermediate NAT2 genotype trend test, P = 0.003) that was not evident among women with the slow acetylator genotype (trend test, P = 0.22). Among women with the rapid/intermediate NAT2 genotype, consumption of well-done meat was a ssociated with a nearly >-fold (odds ratio, 7.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-50.4) elevated breast cancer risk compared with those consuming rare or medium-done meats. These results are consistent with a role for O-acetylation in the activation of heterocyclic amine carcinogens and support the hypothesis that the NAT2 acetylation polymorphism is a breast cancer risk factor among postmenopausal women with high levels of heterocyclic amine exposure. Also other studies have suggested that the rapid NAT2 acetylator phenotype is associated with breast cancer risk2930 or advanced disease at first presentation. Many heterocyclic amines are mammary carcinogens, and, a recent study31 found that another N-acetyltransferase polymorphism (NATlj was associated with breast cancer risk in individuals who consumed consistently well-done meat. To test the hypothesis that variations in the NAT1 gene are related to breast cancer risk, particularly among women who consume high levels of well-done meat, a nested case-control study was conducted by Zheng and Deitz32 in a prospective cohort study of 41 837 postmenopausal Iowa women. Genomic DNA samples obtained from 154 cases and 330 controls were assayed for 11 NAT1 alleles. The NAT 1*4 allele was the predominant allele observed in this study population, accounting for 73.2% (72.4% in cases versus 73.8% in controls) of the total alleles analysed. Compared to controls, breast cancer cases had a slightly higher frequency of the NATl*10allele (18.8% in cases versus 17.3% in controls) and a substantially higher frequency of the N ATI *11 allele (3.6% versus 1.2%). In multivariate analyses, they found a 30% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.8-1.9) elevated risk of breast cancer associated with the NAT1 * 10 allele and a nearly 4-fold (95% CI = 1.5-10.5) elevated risk associated with the NAT 1*11 allele. The positive association of breast cancer with the NAT 1*11 allele was more evident among those who consumed a high level of red meat (OR = 6.1, 95% CI = 1.1-33.2) or consistently consumed their red meatwell done (OR = 5.6, 95% CI = 0.5-62.7). It has been shown that the O-acetylation of 2-amino-1 -methyl-6-phenylimida- zo[4,5b]pyridine and 2-amino-3-methylimidazo-(4,5-/)quinoline, two of the most abundant heterocyclic amines in well-done meat, is largely carried out by NAT1 in human mammary glands33. Linos and Willett34 aimed to assess the relationship between red meat intake during adolescence and premenopausal breast cancer. They examined the incidence of invasive premenopausal breast cancer prospectively within the Nurses Health Study II. A total of 39 268 premenopausal women who completed a validated 124-item food frequency questionnaire on their diet during high school, were followed for 7 years, from 1998 to 2005. 455 cases of invasive premenopausal breast cancer were diagnosed between 1998 and 2005. Compared with women in the lowest quintile of red meat intake during high school, the multivariate-adjusted RR for the highest quintile of intake was 1.34 (95% CI, 0.94-1.89; Ptieni = 0.05). A significant linear association was observed with every additional 100 g of red meat consumed per day (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00-1.43; P = 0.05). This association was more pronounced in hormone receptor-positive tumors (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08-1.70; P = 0.008) and was not significant in hormon e receptor-negative tumors (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.61-1.61,/> = 0.97). Several biological mechanisms may explain the positive association between red meat intake and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer risk. Because hormonal risk factors are more strongly related to hormone receptor-positive cancers, meat intake may operate through hormonal pathways. First, cooked or processed red meat is a source of carcinogens, such as heterocyclic amines. Second, exogenous hormone treatment of beef cattle for growth promotion, which is banned in European countries but not in the United States, has been of concern. Third, red meat is a source of heme iron, a highly bioavailable form of iron and a major source of stored body iron, which has been shown to synthesis and secretion of PRL in those cells. Together with previous reports that describe the potent estrogenicity of PhlPand its ability to influence progesterone receptor expression, c-Myc expression, and MAPK signal transduction pathway, the present findings provide clues about the mechanisms involved in the tissue-specific carcinogenicity of PhIP and, in particular, mammary carcinogenesis39. DISCUSSION Consumption of PhIP may play a role in the development of breast cancer. Experimental evidence over more than two decades has led to the proposal that heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) may be causal factors in human breast cancer. High intake of deep-fried, well-done red meat may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and the positive association may be modified by body weight. There is also evidence that nonhydrogenated soybean oil, if not used in high- temperature cooking, may be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. The data support the accumulating evidence that consumption of meats cooked by methods that promote carcinogen formation may increase risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. There is an association between the consumption of meat in general, meat prepared by different cooking methods and the dietary intake of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCA) with the level of DNA adducts in the breast tissue. Meat intake and chemicals formed during the cooking process appear to be strong risk factors in human breast carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS The results of the studies presented are consistent with a role for O-acetylation in the activation of heterocyclic amine carcinogens and support the hypothesis that the NAT2 acetylation polymorphism is a breast cancer risk factor among postmenopausal women with high levels of heterocyclic amine exposure. There is also evidence suggesting that postmenopausal women with the NAT1*11 allele (aNATl allele) may be at increased risk of breast cancer, particularly if they smoked cigarettes or consumed a high level of well-done meat indicating the importance of the NAT1 enzyme in the in situ activation of heterocyclic amines in human breast epithelial cells, and point to the need in future studies to investigate potential interactions of genetic factors with intake of foods, food constituents, and nutrients in the etiology of cancer. Higher red meat intake in adolescence may increase the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Red meat intake was strongly associated with an elevated risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer but not hormone receptor-negative cancers. Postmenopausal women who are homozygous for the His allele at codon 213 of the SULT1A1 gene may be at an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly'if they have risk factors related to higher endogenous estrogen exposure. 1

The Importance of Educating Jail and Prison Inmates Essay -- importanc

Summary This paper explores the benefits provided by educational programs in jails and prisons. Included are the reasons inmates need education in order to successfully reenter society once they are released and use the knowledge and skills they have learned to obtain a job in order to support themselves and their families. Also examined in the paper are the financial benefits of incorporating educational programs instead of cutting them, as well as the effect these programs play on the recidivism rate. Lastly is a focus on understanding the importance of education and job training, even though the recipients are criminals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A controversial issue in the criminal justice field is whether or not educational programs should be offered to inmates in jail while they are incarcerated. While some might argue that taxpayers should not be forced to fund these types of programs, others agree that it is extremely beneficial to not only the inmates but also the taxpayers. Not only are the inmates the people in society who need education the most, but studies have shown a significant decrease in the recidivism rate of inmates who participated in educational programs while incarcerated. Jails and prisons should increase educational programs to inmates because inmates need education more than ever, it is more financially efficient to provide educational programs and it significantly reduces the recidivism rate. According to experts and inmates, education is a key to successful reentry into society that most inmates are lacking. Over the past twenty years, the need for education within jails and prisons has risen to an all-time high... ...grams-could-save-money Buss, E. G. (2010). Stepping stones to successful reentry. Corrections Today, 72(4), 6-10. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/746486739?accountid=38223 Esperian, J. H. (2010). The effect of prison education programs on recidivism. Journal of Correctional Education, 61(4), 316-334. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/871418247?accountid=38223 Skorton, D., & Altschuler, G. (2013, March 25). College behind bars: How educating prisoners pays off. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/collegeprose/2013/03/25/college-behind-bars-how-educating-prisoners-pays-off/ Steurer, S. J., Linton, J., Nally, J., & Lockwood, S. (2010). The top-nine reasons to increase correctional education programs. Corrections Today, 72(4), 40-43. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/746496632?accountid=38223

Summary of the Lawnmower Man

Summary The lawnmower man The lawnmower man is a short story by Stephen King. The lawnmower man is about Harold Parkette, who after an accident with his lawnmower and the neighbors dog, decides to sell his lawnmower. After a while the lawn starts to get higher. He decides to hire a lawnmower to do the lawn for him. He calls the firm Pastoral greenery and outdoor service. Not long after a lawnmower shows up at his house. He is the usual type, he knows all to well. While the lawnmower takes care of his lawn, he sits down whit the paper and a beer.A loud racketing roar awakens him from his thoughts. He rushes to the front lawn. He is greeted by a strange sight. The lawnmower is driving itself, and the lawnmower is completely naked and is crawling on all four behind the mower eating the grass. Harold gets terrified by the experience. The lawnmower tells Harold that he isn’t actually working for Pastoral greenery and outdoor service, but his boss is Pan, who is a apart of the greek mythology, he is the god of animals and wild.He is half goat halt human. The lawnmower man tells Harold that his boss is always looking for new recruits. Harold is frightened and goes to the phone to call the police, and tell what is going on. While on the phone with the police, the front door gets smashed and in comes the lawnmower with the lawnmower man behind him. The lawnmower man tells him that Harold made a mistake by calling the police.He gets closer to Harold, and Harold retreats to the kitchen while holding a chair in front of him. The lawnmower decides that it’s Harold turn to get lawned. Harold runs out of the door and onto the lawn. He trips over his own feet, and the last thing he sees is mower sharp blades which are green from cutting the lawn. The police arrives after the neighbors calls them, and all thats left of him is in birdbath, and the smell of newly cut grass is still in the air.

Abortion Limit on Minors essays

Abortion Limit on Minors essays On April 17 of 2002, the House approved a bill that would make it a federal crime for anyone other than a parent to take a girl under age 17 across state lines for an abortion, but the Senate action appears unlikely. By a vote of 260 to 161, the House passed the bill, the Child Custody Protection Act. Violators could be fined up to $100,000 and face up to a year in jail. At least 27 states require one or both parents to be notified before a minor may have an abortion. The House bill would make it a crime for anyone other than a parent, including a close relative like a sister or an aunt, to take a girl under 17 across state lines to circumvent those laws. This is something that definitely needs to be addressed. Abortion is a very large topic running around politics. I believe this bill is correct in saying that any girl under 17 needs to have a parent to go get the abortion, because you never know when some sexual predator impregnates a girl and then takes her to have an abortion. Those girls are scarred for life. I also think there should be stricter laws on how long you actually wait to have the abortion, if the baby is actually starting to form then I believe that you absolutely should not be able to get one. I know there are many different opinions than mine but I also know that people share the same views, Im catholic and was on the Right To Life March in January of 2001. If you were there to see it, youd see that people shared my views, all of Capital Ave. was full of people, jam packed for miles. It was quite an experience to see the speeches and stations setup from the pro-choice and pro-life believers. Whatever the verdict on this law, it should be thought out so that whatever is done is done so that the girl will be happy and not scarred for life, hopefully this is the way our government will think. ...

muddy waters essays

muddy waters essays Muddy Waters was the patriarch of the post-World War II Chicago blues. He was a master artist who played slashing slide guitar with an earthy raspy voice who had seen his share of sorrow in life. Muddy was also a compelling songwriter; a storyteller in song. He was a master performer, recording artist and bandleader. His had a way of juicing up the music with a rocking backbeat and an unfiltered down-home intensity; he possessed an honesty and emotional clarity. He was able to use the blues to speak about human suffering, joy and truth and became one of the best blues artists and white people loved him. He began the revolution and electrified the Delta blues, disseminated the sound and therefore became known as the Chicago blues. Muddy was one of the most important musicians of the century, he reshaped the sound of the blues and set it on a new path. He set the stage for the music's next development, rock Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield in Rolling Fork, Mississippi in 1915. His father used to sing to him constantly as a baby until his mother died when he was three. At that time his father shipped him off to live with his grandmother on a plantation with whom he lived until 1943. His grandmother was a big influence taking him to church where he learned to love gospel music and sang in the choir. Living in poverty and working the cotton fields, the gospel blues was a way of dealing with being poor. He played by the river in the dirty water where his grandmother called him "Muddy". The local kids would make fun of his name and added "Waters" and that is ...

Netflix Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Netflix - Case Study Example Before Netflix, Blockbuster had been a sole giant of the industry but its business was totally focusing the rental DVDs through retail outlet points. Those retail outlets carried few employees who can hardly recommend to the customers about the movies except the hit releases. Yet, the company was serving the whole United States as no other competitor had such resources to expand such bigger chain of DVD rental locations. What Blockbuster strived hard is to open so many DVD rental outlets such that the farthest retail outlet is around ten minutes drive in the urban areas of United States. The hit movies and recent releases were the ones that were the major occupiers of the shelves of the Blockbuster’s rental outlets as the demand for lesser-known movies had been very slow and uncertain. With the entry of Netflix in the rental DVD industry, Netflix adopted a first mover strategy such that rather opening rental DVD outlets, it started its operations by renting out the DVDs through internet based web portal. The company made an investment in its website such that the subscribers subscribed their accounts on Netflix’s website and then they can choose their preferred movies from a wide collection of movies held by Netflix. Those DVDs, which are selected by the subscribers, are sent to them via direct mail through US Postal Services. In around a day, those movies are shipped to their respective destinations at a cost of $4 per movie along with $2 cost of shipping and handling. The biggest advantage reaped by the customers was that now they can even have the access to the lesser-known movies, which ordinarily cannot be easily available at the rental DVD outlets. Another greater advantage that Netflix provided to its customers was the waiver of â€Å"late fees† which substantially boosted its business. Pricing was also an important aspect through which Netflix climbed quickly in terms of reaping the profits. Firstly, the

Photosynthesis Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Photosynthesis - Lab Report Example In table 1 above figure 1, the rate leaves floats with time indicating that photosynthesis is taking place in the presence of lit. This can be seen with the upward sloping curve. On the other hand, in figure 2, the leaves are sinking gradually due to absence of photosynthesis as a result of no light. This can be seen from the down sloping curve. In the table 2 above light is present hence photosynthesis will take place but at higher rate with 0.4% of bicarbonate which produces more carbon (IV) oxide than 0.2% concentration hence the observed higher rate of floating in 0.4%. However at a certain time, rate of photosynthesis reaches optimum point indicated by 10 floats which is the maximum. The following conclusive results would be made out of this experiment.The leaves disks are able to undertake photosynthesis in water as they use dissolved carbon (IV) oxide and oxygen also for respiration. This is why the experiment was able to be successful in water. It is also worth to note that rate of photosynthesis is influenced by carbon (IV) oxide supply as indicated by the higher rates in floats by 0.4% of bicarbonate more than 0.2%. It can also be noted that rate of leaves disks were higher in the presence of light than darkness from the observations above proving that light is necessity for photosynthesis holding other factors