Atrial fibrillation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Atrial fibrillation - Essay Example Often characterized by atrial dilatation and the shortening of the atrial ERP, the presence of atrial fibrosis and its structural remodeling changes the normal electrical refractoriness and contractile function of the heart by making the intra-cardiac pressure increase (University of Toronto; Allessie, Boyden and Camm). Because of atrial dilatation, heart-related diseases like hypertension, vulvar heart disease, and congestive heart failure occurs. Individuals who are at risk of AF include those who are more than 65 years of age, individuals with myocardial infarction, and individuals who received cardiothoracic surgery (Allessie, Boyden and Camm). Hypertension, ischemic or non-ischemic heart diseases, and mitral or tricuspid valvular disorders, hyperthyroidism, and alcohol drinking are among the most common factors that could trigger AF whereas atrial septal, congenital heart failure, pulmonary embolism, COPD, myocarditis, and pericarditis are among the less common factors that could trigger AF (Mitchell). Aside from a rapid ventricular response or arrhythmias, patients with mild AF may experience dizziness, dyspnea, diaphoresis, fatigue, and palpitation whereas patients with severe AF may experience chest pain, pulmonary edema, or syncope (Dresing and Schweikert). Using surgical intervention, AV node radiofrequency ablation, control of rhythm using cardioversion or AF substrate ablation, treatments for AF focuses on thromboembolism prevention, rhythm control, and ventricular rate control (Mitchell). Likewise, it is possible to use antiarrhythmic medications such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to prevent stress by lowering the atrial pressure when administered to patients (Dresing and Schweikert; University of Toronto). Aside from showing irregular R-R intervals, the ECG of patients with AF is characterized with irregular timing in fibrillatory waves of QRS aside from the absence of P waves (Mitchell). (See

Whitbread PLC Financial Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Whitbread PLC Financial Summary - Essay Example This report aims to yield a closer look at the financial performance of UK's leading hospitality company Whitbread Plc with the aim of conducting a financial SWOT analysis. Financial ratios are grouped into five distinct categories, each showing a different aspect of a company's financial operations. These are profitability ratios, financial leverage ratios, liquidity/solvency ratios, efficiency ratios, and investor ratios (Fraser and Ormiston 2004). Profitability ratios measure the ability of the company to generate income from its investments less the costs incurred (Keown et al 2005). In this analysis, gross profit margin, net profit margin, and asset turnover will be used. Referring to Appendix 1, the profitability of Whitbread has significantly improved from 2007-2008 as indicated by the increase in gross profit margin and net profit margin. In 2007, it can be seen that 83% of the company's sales is recorded as gross profit margin while this figure jumped to almost 85% in the following year. This higher ratio is reflective of the company's efforts of sourcing out and producing less costly inventories to reduce cost of goods sold. Furthermore, net profit margin almost doubled from 0.24 in 2007 to 0.44 in 2008. This reflects a very remarkable performance as it shows the cost efficiency of the company by its enhanced ability of turning revenues into net income. In 2008, net income accounts for 44% of sales from 24% in the previous year. The rise in net income signals the company's ability to manage its resources more economically. 2. Leverage or Gearing Financial leverage ratios provide an indication of the long-term solvency of the firm. They indicate the extent of non-owner claims on the firm's profits as well as the firm's operating capability to meet its obligation (Keown et al 2005). Appendix 2 shows the computed gearing ratios of Whitbread in 2007 and 2008. As with the profitability ratios, the business organization's resource structure has significantly improved. As opposed to the recorded debt to asset ratio of 0.62 in 2007, this ratio declined to 0.48 in 2008. These ratios indicate that Whitbread has been dependent on debt as a primary source of financing in 2007 accounting for 62% of its assets. However, this changed in the following year when debt only comprises 48% of its resources. It should be noted that debt is seen as a more risky financial resource as it entails the regular payment of interest and face value at the end of its life. The shift from debt to equity therefore signals lower financial risk for Whitbread. However, this improvement in resource structure fails to reflect in the company's interest coverage ratio which measures the proportion of interest expense to the business organization's income before tax. In 2007, this interest coverage ratio is 8.2 while it dropped to 3.3 in 2008. It should be noted though that in both years, the company has enough financial resource to cover its interest obligation. 3. Liquidity Liquidity or solvency ratios are used as measures of the company's ability to finance its short-term obligations by its cash and near cash items (Keown et al 2005). Appendix 3 shows the computed liquidity ratios of Whitbread in 2007 and 2008. The business organization is in danger in terms of liquidity. In both years, the company's current assets are meager compared to its immediate short term liabilities. If these current liabilities become due immediately, Whitbread will never be able to pay off all its short-term creditors. Furthermore, its liquidity ratios are deteriorating evidenced by the marked decline

Any recent news from wall street journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Any recent news from wall street journal - Essay Example My reasoning relies on the fact that housing is amongst the most significant contributors of our economy and yet the mortgage rates that are in place are not affordable to the low-income earners. The idea of adopting mortgages has always been meant to make the reality of building homes easier (Green 6). Nevertheless, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development reports, though the housing sector has registered far-reaching improvement in recent years, a considerable section of the new homeowners resorted to constructing their homes instead of embracing the mortgage plan. Comparing both population growth and the need to replace older houses to the development of the housing sector, one will not fail to recognize the fact that more houses should be put up. This can only be achieved if the housing rates are reviewed in favor of the market. By putting in place, favorable housing policies will create not only more jobs for the unemployed, but also boosts our economy and result in the housing sector recording its highest sales value

Policy analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Policy analysis - Assignment Example For instance, calculation of the costs and benefits that are valued in executing a water project today is bound to change in the coming years. Consumer price index is the absolute measure of price levels of consumer products whose calculation is based on the product type, region, and buying power of consumers. The price index is usually a fixed value that is set by a regulatory body, for instance, the department of labor in US. The value is based on a fixed weight price of goods that consumers purchase in every month (Adler & Posner, 2006). However, inflation is the measure of the increase in price levels in the economy in average terms. Its value is dependent on market forces since most economies operate under a free market system where forces of demand and supply play a crucial role. Therefore, the main reason why CPI overstates the value of inflation is because CPIs determination is done by an authorized body while inflation rate is determined by the market forces. The CPI figure is based on predictable parameters, and it is fixed for a period while inflationary changes are unpredictable. Indeed, economic value of life is dependent greatly on how one maximizes on the potential loss within the earning system. The value of lost earnings affects individual’s capacity for meeting certain life objectives due to eminent constraints. As noted by various economists, lost time, leads to lost earnings that in turn expose one to diminishing life value. Therefore, the assertion that economic value of life should be based on the present value of lost earnings instead of current earnings is real. Statistical reports from various empirical studies also affirm the fact that lost earnings exposes individuals to serious risks. Lost time has immense negative economic connotations that can be mitigated through effective measures. Willingness-to-pay measures that are based on

Slavery in British North America and the Caribbean Essay

Slavery in British North America and the Caribbean - Essay Example While slavery certainly had some significant economic factors, and which were vastly different in the north from the south, the fact remains that slavery was primarily an institution based on race and dehumanization rather than economics. Slavery in the northern and southern colonies were very different institutions, largely because of the divergent economic development that occurred in those areas. In the northern colonies, cash crops were not the staples of the economy, rather manufacturing and other early industrial practices reigned supreme. These are areas that were not especially suited to the practice of slavery, because they needed highly skilled, willing workers. In this economy slaves usually served either in service professions (maids and so forth) or else as assistants, but were not fundamental to the economy and could easily be changed into low-paid workers. In the south, on the other hand, much of the economy developed around a select group of cash crops, most importantly tobacco and cotton. These crops were both some of the most labor-intensive crops to develop – cotton especially took hundreds of hours to pick and process before the development of the cotton gin in the later 19th century. This m eant that the southern economy found slavery an especially useful convention, and began building itself more and more around having plentiful unpaid labor. The huge amount of slaves that were involved in the development of the southern colonies also meant that any attempt to move away from the practice of slavery would be especially costly – instead of a business having to pay one or two extra employees, they would have had to pay hundreds, and vastly improve working conditions. This meant that slavery became a much more prolific and important structure in the south than in the north.

Research paper on Libya Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

On Libya - Research Paper Example The second event which marked the Italian colonialization of Turkey was the development of the Fourth Shore. Mussolini wanted to turn Libya into an Italian province and hence renamed it, Italy’s Fourth Shore. Remaking Libya began with dividing it into four provinces and investing heavily into its transportation infrastructure, irrigation technology and raw material extraction industry. It finally ended with the creation of the Libyan Colonization Society which promoted land reclamation and job creation for Italian settlers. As World War II began, and Italy pledged its allegiance to Germany, Cyrenaican and Tripolitanian leaders announced their support to the Allies led by Sayid Idris. After a tough war, Libya came under the Allied administration, in February 1943, which lasted till 24th December 1951, when Libya became the first country to attain autonomy through the United Nations. Headed by King Idris I, United Kingdom of Libya proclaimed its sovereignty as a constitutional a nd hereditary monarchy. Present Leader: The present president of Libya is Mohammed el-Megarif, who is also the chairman of the General National Congress. Current Political Context: 10 months after overthrowing Muammar Gaddafi’s dictatorial rule, Libya elected its new democratic government in August 2012, which was to be led by Mohammed el-Megarif. While Mohammed el-Megarif represented the National Front Party, in the elections, his opponent Ali Zaidan, was an independent candidate. Both candidates had a lush history of opposing the tyrannical Gaddafi and had been living in exile till his recent death. For the people of Libya who had been wearily waiting for the chaos and turmoil to end, this has come as a cry of relief. For many people, the election process itself has been a liberating experience, having served under a dictatorial leader for so long. The democratically elected government is backed by people’s faith in them and hosts a competent cabinet. Youth who forme d a majority of the voting population, were happy with the election results as they believed that the National Forces Alliance would be able to bring about policy changes in the functioning of Libya. The election results also spoke a great deal about the acceptance of religious ideologies among the general public. The chaos tired citizens chose to stay away from any candidate gunning a religious propaganda and the results promoted a fair and free government. Nonetheless, the government seeks to establish itself in the midst of the ongoing turmoil and in the attempt to ascertain peace and stability; it has to earn people’s respect by providing them security both physical and material, at the same time bring together opposing forces of the militia to build a stronger base. Economics & Art/Culture Sub-Heading: Libya – Holder of largest oil reserves in Africa Currency: Libyan Dinar (LYD) Major Economic Features: Libya holds Africa’s largest oil reserves and hence, i ts major products are crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products. The country revolves around its energy sector because poor soil and unsuitable climatic conditions limit the output that is gained from agriculture. According to CIA’s World Factbook, â€Å"95% of export earnings, 80% of GDP, and 99% of government revenue†

Romeo and Juliet Movie Comparisons Essay Example for Free

Romeo and Juliet Movie Comparisons Essay The movie adaptations of Romeo and Juliet are immensely different, while conveying the main plot and maintaining the important parts. The settings were in two different sceneries and clothing styles. Classic version maintained the Shakespearian setting whereas the Modern version takes place in a Beach-like scenery, one could relate it to being a California scene. Although both kept the Shakespearian dialogue, their actions while speaking it were different. For example, Mercutio’s character in both kept his witty and goofy personality, yet the classic version portrayed him as immature at times. The modern version, on the other hand, portrayed him as a person who lives the party life. Also, their styles of fighting were majorly different. The classic version fought true to the time period which it takes place, using swords and daggers. Guns are the main weapons of the Modern version unlike the actual play. The movies did have some of the exact same scenes. Like the climax when Mercutio and Tybalt both die or Romeo’s banishment. But even some of the non-scripted scenes were similar. Like the play never shows the wedding between Romeo and Juliet in Friar Lawrence’s cell. The party scene where Romeo and Juliet meet is as similar as the scenery allows, it’s a masquerade. The main points of the play remained in both movies, along with the Shakespearian language. The characters basically remained the same even though they are portrayed a little different with than the other movie, since the movies were directed by two different people with different perspectives on the play.