Military Commission

For years I have been dedicated to the principles and values that are represented by the United States Navy within my everyday life, and to the philosophy that governs the role of the Health Care Administration Officer in the Medical Service Corps. For this reason, among many, I am seeking a commission with the United States Navy in this capacity. My strong work ethic, my adherence to the philosophy and ethics of both the Navy and the medical field, and my ability to work as a member of a team make me a successful candidate for this position, and I am certain that I have many qualities that I could bring to this commission that would enhance not only my own abilities, but enhance the United States Navy. Early on I realized that it was important to help others, to go outside of the box that is the average person’s life and reach out to others, whether they live right next door or across the world. It was this desire that led me to volunteer and participate in community service, an experience that has helped me develop into an individual that enjoys serving mankind, and who understands the importance of doing so because I have witnessed the effects kindness and compassion has on others in need. Along with my desire to serve mankind through compassion, I also saw the United States military as sharing those values that I cherished, and realized that a career in the military would allow me to use my strengths in pursuit of attaining both my own goal, and that of our nation. In high school I joined the NJROTC and remained dedicated to this organization throughout four years until graduation. I have served as a Supply Officer and Commander, and through these experiences I have developed the commitment, courage, and discipline through the training provided to me by the United States Navy. Throughout these years I have never given up my belief that helping others is the highest calling of any individual, and the U.S. Navy brings out the best in me, and it is these traits that I wish to bring to the Medical Service Corps. It was my time in the Leadership Academy through the NJROTC that truly transformed my life and pushed me in the direction of my ultimate goal in a commission with the U.S. Navy. During my time at the Leadership Academy I was pushed to my limits both intellectually and physically, and was asked time and time again to be the best cadet that I could be. The fact that this was expected of me, and that others truly believed in me, gave me the will power and self-confidence to challenge myself to limits that I had never imagined possible. I was instilled with confidence, honor for myself and my nation, and learned to be self-reliant. These values all helped me develop leadership qualities within myself. By the end of my time at the Leadership Academy I was placed as one of the top three cadets and had developed new goals for myself, goals that I intend to fulfill within this commission. In pursuit of this goal, I have attained a Masters degree in Health Care Management, a field that allows me to use all of my strengths to the betterment of others. My ability to organize and effectively communicate with others are essential in this field, and I have spent many years, both inside a classroom and within the NJROTC and beyond, developing my management skills. A Health Care Administration Officer requires the ability to manage effectively and create a team environment in which to function. The leadership abilities that I began developing at Leadership Academy, and which I have continued to develop, are essential to being successful in this field. My time in the NJROTC has taught me that I must have high standards for myself in all aspects of my life, and this would transfer easily to this position. Beyond this, my dedication to helping others and showing compassion to those who are in pain or ill, has led me to the belief that I would bring a great deal to the position of Health Care Administration Officer in the United States Navy’s Medical Service Corps, and I would be proud to continue the tradition of service and sacrifice that has been shown by my predecessors in this commission.

Value Drivers Of The Pharmaceutical Industry Essays

Value Drivers Of The Pharmaceutical Industry Essays Value Drivers Of The Pharmaceutical Industry Essay Value Drivers Of The Pharmaceutical Industry Essay The size of the global pharmaceutical industry was estimated at US$362.8 billion (December 2000) with North America being the largest market (44%), followed by Europe (24%), Latin America (6%) and Asia, Africa and Australia having a combined share of 26%. With a size of Rs. 231 billion in FY2001, and growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 17% per annum, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest among developing countries. It contributes 8% in volume terms but only 1% in value terms to global pharmaceutical sales. The domestic companies meet about 90% of the countrys total bulk drugs requirement and almost the entire demand for formulations. There are over 20,000 players in the industry, with a large number of them involved in the production of unbranded products. The structure of the Indian pharmaceutical industry (as that of its global counterpart) is characterized by fragmentation, with over 20,000 players-a large number of which are in the small-scale sector, competing for market share. However, a trend of consolidation is visible at the top with the 5 players in the Indian pharmaceutical industry account for 22% of the retail formulations market. Evolution. The evolution of the Indian pharmaceutical industry can be explained in terms of six broad phases, as discussed here. Period up to 1947 The industry was almost non-existent in this period and despite the existent need, demand was limited due to low-income levels and lack of access to medicines. 1947-1970 In 1954, Government established Hindustan Antibiotics Limited (HAL), followed by Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL) in 1961. These companies emerged as major producers of critical drugs such as penicillin and other anti-infectives. The Government also provided incentives to multinational companies so that they were encouraged to set up manufacturing bases in India. 1970-1979 In 1970, two major policy initiatives were taken by the Indian Government to strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical industry. Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) was issued to control the prices of drugs and make them affordable to consumers and Indian Patent Act was enacted to provide legal recognition to process patents for pharmaceutical products. The Government also provided incentives to small-scale pharmaceutical units which led to the surfacing of many such units in the formulations segment, where technology was not the most important criteria. 1979-1995 Government made amendments to the DPCO in 1979 reducing the number of drugs under DPCO from 347 to 163. Moreover, higher margins were permitted on the production cost. Further, the export incentives and the advantage of low production costs combined to provide a substantial boost to exports (especially of bulk drugs). The DPCO was again amended in 1987, resulting in a reduction in the number of drugs under price control from 163 to 146. 1995-2001 Government reduced the number of drugs under DPCO further from 146 to 74. It also signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and was expected to introduce the system of product patents (as opposed to process patents) and provide legal protection to Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The signing of the GATT induced a series of changes in the business strategy of the existing pharmaceutical companies. The focus of the companies shifted, and research emerged as the inevitable driver of long-term growth. A large number of companies underwent restructuring and quite a few mergers and acquisitions were witnessed; consolidation at all levels in the industry-brands, assets and acquisition of companies-took place. The move also augmented the interest of multinationals in India. During 2001, at the Ministerial Conference held at Doha (Oman), a declaration on Public Health was signed by the member countries of the World Trade Organisation (WTO the successor to GATT). This declaration clarifies that the TRIPS agreement would not prevent WTO members from taking measures to protect public health and provides them the right to determine what constitutes a national emergency or circumstances of extreme urgency. The WTO members would be allowed to determine the grounds on which such licences are granted and grant such compulsory licences. 2002 Pharmaceutical Policy 2002 was announced, wherein the number of drugs under price control has been reduced from 74 (under DPCO 95). Also, both the houses of Parliament have recently cleared the Patents Amendment Act, 2002. The main features of this Act are the extension of patent term to 20 years from the date of application, incorporation of a provision relating to right of import and changes in the provisions relating to compulsory licensing. High Cost Process with Long Time Lead The average length of time required to develop a drug is estimated at 12-15 years, increasing over the years, mainly because of the tightening of the regulations associated with drug approval in different countries. The rate of failure is relatively high. Typically, out of 10,000 compounds synthesised, only around 20 reach the animal testing stage. Of these 20, only around 10 reach clinical trials, and finally, just about one attains the approval of the drug regulatory authorities. Moreover, only around three out of every 10-drug products recover their RD costs. Therefore, companies have to rely on highly successful products to fund their RD activities. Clinical trials account for about half the total time involved in new drug discovery. This phase is of crucial importance and over 40% of the total cost is incurred in this phase. Growth pattern of the sector Growth in the pharmaceutical industry is linked to the introduction of new drugs and increase in prices, among other factors. It is characterized by relative immunity to economic cycles in the short to medium term. However, extreme situations like prolonged recession may affect the growth rate of the industry. The size of a pharmaceutical market increases as a result of various factors, the most prominent among which are discussed here. * Increase in prices: Demand is relatively price- insensitive implying that the market size increases along with an increase in prices. * Increase in volume: With the demographic profile changing following the increase in the number of people in the old age segment, the volume of sales of pharmaceutical products is also expected to increase. * New product introduction: A new product broadens the existing market in terms of its reach and drive growth in the following manner: o Drugs that serve unmet needs for a relatively small patient base. The selling expenses for these drugs are also lower as they are cheaper to launch than blockbusters. o Drugs that increase demand in existing markets o Drugs that create demand for products that did not exist earlier: A recent example of this is Pfizers Viagra. Declining Share of Multinationals Initially, Government policies for the pharmaceutical sector encouraged multinational companies to establish manufacturing bases in India, leading to the dominant control of the Indian pharmaceutical market by these MNCs (market share of over 80% ). With the introduction of the Indian Patents Act and the Drug Price Control Order in 1970, Indian players discovered new avenues of growth, and consequently, the share of the multinationals declined. The Patent Act, 1970, provided opportunity to Indian players by allowing reverse process engineering of known molecules (under and off patent). Thus, the multinationals felt discouraged to introduce their latest products in the Indian market even as the Indian companies increasingly took up the manufacturing of formulations. Cost structure. The three important cost heads for the Indian pharmaceutical industry are: material costs; marketing selling costs; and employee costs. This is in contrast to the cost structure of the global majors, for whom the key costs are: selling costs, general and administration costs; manufacturing costs; and RD expenses. The companies that are present The Indian pharmaceutical industry, estimated at Rs 231 billion, is the fourth largest in the world in terms of volumes. The industry has been growing at a CAGR of 17% over the last 5 years. The industry has around 20,000 players and is characterized by an increasing concentration at the top. It is this segment that we are analyzing in the project. Hence, Large Indian companies like Ranbaxy, DRL etc who are members of both the OPPI and the IDMA will form the basis of our study. There is also a large segment of unbranded drugs in the market. The introduction of regulatory norms by the Government of India favoring process patents coupled with the high import tariff and low prices of the domestic drugs has gone a long way in the development of the domestic industry against the multinationals operating in the country. Today, India is not only self sufficient in drugs and formulations, we also export to different countries in Europe and North America.

Basin and Range Topography Overview

Basin and Range Topography Overview In geology, a basin is defined as a bounded area where the rock within the boundaries dips inward toward the center. By contrast, a range is a single line of mountains or hills forming a connected chain of land higher than the surrounding area. When combined, the two make up basin and range topography. A landscape comprised of basins and ranges is characterized as having a series of undulating mountain ranges sitting parallel to low, broad valleys (basins). Normally, each of these valleys is bounded on one or more sides by mountains and although the basins are relatively flat, the mountains can either rise abruptly out of them or slope upward gradually. The differences in elevations from the valley floors to the mountain peaks in most basin and range areas can range from several hundred feet to over 6,000 feet (1,828 meters). Causes of Basin and Range Topography The resulting faults are called normal faults and are characterized by rocks dropping down on one side and rising on the other. In these faults, there is a hanging wall and a footwall and the hanging wall is responsible for pushing down on the footwall. In basins and ranges, the hanging wall of the fault is what creates the range as they are the blocks of the Earths crust that are pushed upward during crustal extension. This upward movement occurs as the crust spreads apart. This portion of the rock is located on the margins of the fault line and moves up when the rock being moved in the extension gathers on the fault line. In geology, these ranges forming along fault lines are called horsts. Conversely, the rock below the fault line is down dropped because there is a space created by the divergence of lithospheric plates. As the crust continues to move, it stretches and becomes thinner, creating more faults and areas for rocks to drop into gaps. The results are the basins (also called grabens in geology) found in basin and range systems. One common feature to note in the worlds basins and ranges is the extreme amount of erosion that occurs on the peaks of the ranges. As they rise, they are immediately subject to weathering and erosion. The rocks are eroded by water, ice, and wind and particles are quickly stripped and washed down the mountainsides. This eroded material then fills the faults and collects as sediment in the valleys. The Basin and Range Province Within the Basin and Range Province, the relief is abrupt and the basins normally range from 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200- 1,500 m), while most of the mountain ranges climb 3,000 to 5,000 feet (900-1,500 m) above the basins. Death Valley, California is the lowest of the basins with its lowest elevation of -282 feet (-86 m). Conversely, Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range to the west of Death Valley has an elevation of 11,050 feet (3,368 m), showing the enormous topographic prominence within the province. In terms of the Basin and Range Provinces physiography, it features a dry climate with very few streams and internal drainage (a result of the basins). Although the area is arid, much of the rain that does fall accumulates in the lowest basins and forms pluvial lakes such as the Great Salt Lake in Utah and Pyramid Lake in Nevada. The valleys are mostly arid however and deserts such as the Sonoran dominate the region. This area also affected a significant portion of the United States’ history as it was a major barrier to westward migration because the combination of desert valleys, bounded by mountain ranges made any movement in the area difficult. Today, U.S. Highway 50 crosses the region and crosses five passes over 6,000 feet (1,900 m) and is considered The Loneliest Road in America. Worldwide Basin and Range Systems Western Turkey is also cut by an easterly trending basin and range landscape that extends into the Aegean Sea. It is also believed that many of the islands in that sea are portions of ranges between basins that have a high enough elevation to break the sea’s surface. Where ever basins and ranges occur, they represent an enormous amount of geologic history as it takes millions of years to form to the extent of those found in the Basin and Range Province.

A Good Man Is Hard To Find - Foreshadowing

A Good Man Is Hard To Find Foreshadowing Essay In A Good Man is Hard to Find, by Flannery OConnor, one is struck by the unexpected violence at the end of the story. However, if one re-reads the story as second time, one will see definite signs of foreshadowing of the ending. In the course of this story, OConnor uses strong imagery to foreshadow the people and the events in this story. There are three significant times she uses this technique. They are the description of the grandmothers dress, the death of the family, and the conversation between the Misfit and the grandmother. The grandmother did not want to go to Florida; she ironically dresses in her Sunday best. She was dressed very nicely with, ;A navy blue dress with a small white dot in the print. Her collars and cuffs were white organdy trimmed with lace and at her neckline she had pinned a purple spray of cloth violets containing a sachet.; (11). A strong foreshadowing imagery can be seen in these lines. Knowing the ending of the story, the grandmothers elaborate dress symbolizes a preparation for her coffin. When a person dies, they are usually dressed in their best outfit, just like the grandmother was dressed in what seemed to be in her Sunday best. A stronger foreshadowing is when OConnor states the reason for the grandmothers beautiful dress, In case of an accident, anyone seeing her dead on the highway would know at once that she was a lady. (11). She herself predicts her own death. Unfortunately, she does not know this yet. Not only does OConnor foreshadow the grandmothers death, she foreshadows the deaths of the rest of the family. The foreshadowing of the familys death is very evident when they ;passed by a cotton field with five or six graves fenced in the middle of it, like a small island.; (12). It is not an accident that the numbers of graves ;five or six; matches the exact number of people in the car. There are 5 people and a baby. Since a baby in not exactly a full person, it is appropriate to say ;five or six.; This foreshadowing image leads into the next one: ;Look at the grave!; the grandmother said, pointing it out. ;That was the old family burying ground. That belonged to the plantation.; ;Wheres the plantation? John Wesley asked. Gone With the Wind, said grandmother. Ha. Ha. (12). The grandmothers reference to the plantation as ;gone with the wind; can be seen as an image foreshadowing and symbolism of the familys state at the end of the story. Their souls are gone with the wind in death. Finally, a foreshadowing image is shown in the Misfit and the grandmothers conversation towards the end. He says ;Does it seem right to you, lady, that one is punished a heap and another aint punished at all? (28). It is known here that the Misfit will kill the grandmother. After all she aint punished; for her crime of hypocrisy, self-centerness, and lying. The Misfit plays God and inflicts punishment where he sees necessary. In conclusion, Flannery OConnor uses strong imagery to foreshadow the ending of A Good Man is Hard to Find. She uses numerous images such as the grandmothers dress, the graveyard, and the conversation with the Misfit to foreshadow the characters future and events. Her foreshadowing images are both strong and difficult, so it does not spoil the end of the story. .

Bibliography on The Last Samurai Annotated Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

On The Last Samurai - Annotated Bibliography Example The book on The Last Samurai written by Ravina, an expert in Japanese History and an Associate Professor of History at Emory University, centers on the life and the battles fought by Saigo Takamori. The book describes the entire phase from the moderate origins of Saigo and his development to the stage of a deprived samurai. Then his eventual rise to powerful position as a national leader. Finally it shows how events unfold to bring on his death as a leader who died in rebellion. This book has been the base for the movie centering on Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. Saigo’s significance has been revealed here especially in the context of the Meiji rule. He was the first to overthrow the feudal dominion and build the Meiji base in Japan. His battle was a fight to preserve the honor of a samurai and his consequent loyalty and service to the society. Hence he was against the idea of centralized country. The book gives an elaborate account of his deeds and his contribution, which turne d him into a folk hero, and gradually compelled the government to raise him to the position of national martyrdom. The spirit of the samurai captured here has given the inspiration to the movie and hence becomes useful to the paper.The book written by Turnbull, a historian specializing in the history of the samurai gives a clear account of the Satsuma rebellion with respect to the honor of the sword of the samurai. The author’s knowledge in military history has helped him frame the revolt with a cause to support it. He did not agree to the reforms led by the government and revolted with his army to preserve the pride of the samurai. The book contains quotes and opinions of experts and historians apart from reporters. The leader carried out several organizations and built schools in euphemistic style named as â€Å"Private Schools† the academics were rendered in military style training such that a private army could be formed. The students had to take an oath in blood t o be loyal to the purpose and this alarmed the Meiji government. These movements and tactics of the plan are interesting to note and compare to the movie with respect to its adherence to the facts. 3. Logan, John, Herskovitz, Marshall, Zwick, Edward and David James. The Last Samurai. Time Inc Home Entertainment, 2003 The book contains some parts of the script on which the Last Samurai is based and the making of the movie in general including some stills and comments form the acting team and director. The contributors to the book are all a part of the moviemakers’

Economic Factors Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economic Factors - Assignment Example Industry A: 20 firms and a Concentration Ratio (CR) of 30% Name and some of the industry's characteristics An industry with 20 firms and a CR of 30% is called a low concentration industry. This is a type of industry in which its four largest firms control less than 50% of its market. According to Ruffinand Gregory (2000), this type of industry is monopolistically competitive and the market control gained by its four largest firms/industries is moderate. There are many firms producing a similar product. Prices are set through a contestable market model hence the decisions of one firm are not influenced by the decisions of another firm. The above is supported by the fact that in this industry, the key to success is the ability to offer products at a lower price (Weiss, 1989). Even of the sellers were few or even one, they would act as if they were many. Entry and exit from the industry is costless and new entrants are mainly attracted into the industry if a possession of market power i f profitable. The pressures of competition help to prevent monopoly and keep the industry operating at a prices and outputs that are competitive. Expected long-run adjustments in case there was an increased demand for a product that pushed up the price of goods When there is an increase in demand of a product that in turn leads to an increase in its price, all the 20 firms in the industry are going to make positive profits and prosper. In the short-run, marginal costs and marginal revenue will be equal indicating an equilibrium or profit maximization. In the long-run, firms will alter the scale of product and leave or enter the industry. Other firms who want to take advantage of the profit will enter the industry leading to a rise in supply of the product. This will push the market prices of the product down to the long-run equilibrium. What the anticipated adjustment process imply about the CR for the industry The above-mentioned anticipated adjustments imply that there is a relati onship between the CR of the industry and the properties of the industry. For example, when the CR is low as in this case, monopolistic competition takes place resulting to the market exhibiting elements of both monopoly and perfect competition. The reason behind this is that since the industry is monopolistically competitive, each of its existing firms has the power to set prices. They will compete for a control of the market share by lowering their prices and in the end, many of them will charge the long-equilibrium price. This establishes an equilibrium and eliminates incentives for entry. In other words, a low CR eliminates temporary rise in prices and restores the economy to a long-run equilibrium level, a characteristic of a competitive market. Therefore, it is true to say that the lower the CR, the higher the level of competition of the market. Industry B: 20 firms and a Concentration Ratio (CR) of 80% Name and some of the industry's characteristics An industry having 20 firm s and a CR of 80% is called a high concentration industry. 20 firms and a CR of 80% indicate a highly oligopolistic industry. In this type of industry, a significant level of market control is under the power of four of its largest firms (Ruffinand, 2000). The market is dominated by few firms who sell slightly differentiated

Information and Communication in Next Life Essay

Information and Communication in Next Life - Essay Example This includes the use of the word of mouth to communicate, body languages, and other modes of communication that are not facilitated through the use of technology. It is important to explain that there are a number of issues that determine the manner in which an individual communicates and behaves. These issues include their perceptions regarding a particular concept, their attitudes towards a person that they are communicating with, and the skills of communication that these people possess (Stout, 2006, p. 53). The society that we live in has a variety of beliefs and expectations. One of the expectations is on the aspect of connection. This aspect of connection has the capability of influencing the manner the behaviors of people, regarding their beliefs in the next life. There are a variety of issues that are always expected in the next life, and these are important in determining the behavior and communication ability of people, hence playing a significant role in developing their communication skills. Reincarnation, a Hinduism belief, is one of the concepts that explain the expectations of people in the next life. This belief also plays an influential role in shaping the behavioral patterns of people who belief in it. Some of the issues explored under this concept is how to live moral life, and how communication helps people to live such kind of a life (Sout, 2006, p. 29). This soul thereafter passes through a series of life cycles, or sequence of bodies. At the sub-human level, the soul manages to pass through a series of complex bodies, until it reaches the human body, which is an exalted habitation. At this exalted level, Hinduism beliefs that the soul, as a human being, is responsible for its actions (Kagan, 2013, p. 34). Furthermore, the present condition of the life of an individual is a reflection of their past activities. This concept further denotes that the present thoughts, decisions, and acts of an individual would determine their next