Porter's 5 Forces Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Porter's 5 Forces - Essay Example The robotics industry is experiencing growth year after year and the industrial robot application has become more demanding and complicated due to modernization and automation of the manufacturing processes. I will analyze each of the forces and the impact that may be experienced in regards to profitability of the robotics industry. Existing Competitors: Within an industry, the rivalry among the competitors is countered through use new products, marketing and price discounting to be competitive. The robotic industry tends to be an oligopoly since it has a lot of rivals. The potential for product differentiation is high with much difference in power, size, quality, service and features of the products. The Power of Buyers: Consumers can capture more value by ensuring that they force the prices down and demand better quality at the industry’s profitability expenses. The top buyer from the robotic industry is the automobile industry. Literally, the number of auto firms is small but they buy in large quantities. In contrast to the automotive buyers, other buyers in other industries are moderate in power. They are smaller, many and buy in smaller volumes The Power of Suppliers: Suppliers have great influence in an industry by changing higher prices, limiting the quality of services and shifting costs. The products provided do not usually have substitution, but some tend to come up with techniques to realize differentiation of the products. The overall power of suppliers in the robotic industry tends to be weak. Threat to Entry: New entrants into the market pose a threat to the profit potential of an industry. According to Porter, the threat of entry in an industry is dependent on the height of entry barriers. In addition, it is dependent on the reaction of the incumbents expected by the newcomers. When there are few entry barriers and little or no retaliation from the competing

Mutagenicity of Makahiya (Mimosa Pudica) Decoction

Mutagenicity of Makahiya (Mimosa Pudica) Decoction Chapter I BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Plants have been a valuable source of natural products for maintaining human health, and the use of herbal plants as pharmacological treatments of diseases began long ago. A lot of people who are below the poverty line cannot afford the high cost of commercial synthetic medicines from drugstores and thus opt to use local plants within their reach since these can be obtained readily, cheaply and entail easy preparation and application (Racadio, 2008). Mimosa pudica Linn, which is known as â€Å"Makahiya† in Filipino, is a popular ornamental plant, as its leaves fold up when stimulated by touch, heat or wind (Balag-ey, 2009). It is considered as a common weed that abundantly grows here in the Philippines. Aside from ornamental purposes, local folks use the decoction of the plant for relief from common illnesses, such as asthma, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, cough, fever, sore throat and a lot more (Castillo, et. al. 2005). One of the major concerns these days on the safety of plant extracts, is their mutagenicity. Mutagenicity refers to a chemical or physical agent’s capacity to cause mutations or genetic alterations. The identification of plant extracts with chemicals or compounds capable of inducing mutations is crucial since mutagenic compounds can potentially induce cancer (Ming, 2014). Makahiya has been discovered to contain mimosine. Mimosine is a toxic alkaloid that possesses an antimitotic activity that blocks the cell cycle and inhibits DNA synthesis (Xuan, et. al., 2013) thus might cause genomic instability. This may be a factor that leads to the onset of genetic mutations. So far, a study done by Jadhav et.al in 2013 shows that Mimosa pudica seeds, after S9 metabolic activation were found to be mutagenic and significant. Based on this premise, the researchers conducted a similar study, but instead of focusing on just the seeds of the plant, the researchers used the whole plant. Most importantly, this study utilized the decoction extract of the plant since this is the one being used by the local folks. Furthermore, the Muta-chromoplate kit was used instead of the standard Ames test used by Jadhav et.al. Objectives of the Study This study aimed to identify the mutagenicity of Makahiya (Mimosa pudica) decoction and fresh ethanolic extract using Muta-ChromoplateTM kit. Specific Objectives 1. To determine the number of wells with color change per plate of Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain using: a. decoction with S-9 activation b. decoction without S-9 activation c. fresh ethanolic extract with S-9 activation d. fresh ethanolic extract without S-9 activation 2. To interpret the number of wells with color change per plate of Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain utilizing 0.05 level of significance in the following preparations: a. decoction with S-9 activation b. decoction without S-9 activation c. fresh ethanolic extract with S-9 activation d. fresh ethanolic extract without S-9 activation Null Hypothesis No Hypothesis No Hypothesis Significance of the Study This study is essential and beneficial to the following: Society. The people will be equipped with more information and be aware of the mutagenicity of Makahiya as herbal medicine. Most specifically, they will be aware of the safety of the decoction preparation of the said herb as it is commonly used in a decocted form. Department of Health. With the understanding of the study, the Department of Health will be able to utilize the findings and disseminate information to the people in the City of Davao regarding the mutagenicity of the usage of Makahiya. Researchers. The study may serve as an avenue in enhancing the skills of the researcher, specifically on scientific inquiry. Moreover, this study may guide the researchers to explore further studies on the mutagenicity of Makahiya. Future Researchers. This study may provide invaluable knowledge, values, and expertise in performing research studies among future researchers if and when they plan to conduct a similar study. This study will be helpful when conducting a scientific inquiry on the problems or issues related to the mutagenicity of Makahiya. Scope and Limitations The scope of this experimental study was the determination of the mutagenicity of the decoction and fresh ethanolic extract of Makahiya. The herb was gathered in Davao City and the extracts were prepared in Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. laboratory, Dr. A. Gahol Street, Bajada, Davao City. There was no utilization of animals as testing subjects. Rather, Muta-Chromo Plate Kit with Salmonella tyhimirium TA100 strain, which was based on the reverse-mutation test, known as â€Å"Ames Test† was used and provided by the EBPI Company. Also, the S9 enzyme activation was through the use of a crude liver extract provided in the kit. Theoretical Framework The theoretical framework of this study was based on a test developed by Bruce Ames, commonly known as the Ames test. In the study conducted by Ames et al. in 1975 (as cited in Razak et al, 2007) they used a test that utilizes a bacterial strain of the Salmonella typhimurium as tool to detect mutations. These S. typhimurium strains also have other characteristics that enhance their ability to detect mutations. Mutation in the histidine biosynthesis gene makes the cell wall of the bacteria more permeable to large molecules. Mutation in a gene responsible for proper excision and repair of DNA damage increases their sensitivity to mutagens. The strains of S. typhimurium are known as auxotrophs which mean that they are unable to produce a required nutrient. The test organism cannot synthesize the amino acid histidine, thus, it will not grow unless the nutrient is supplied in the growth media.Auxotrophs are usually produced as a result of a mutation that occurs in a prototroph, a bacterium that is able to synthesize the particular nutrient. The Ames’ test determines the ability of a tested substance to cause a reversal, also called a back-mutation of these auxotrophs to the original prototrophic state. During the test, auxotrophs are grown in glucose-minimal salts agar plates that contained all required nutrients but only trace amounts of histidine and biotin. The auxotrophs are able to grow for several generations until the histidine in the media was exhausted. This time they will stop growing unless they have sustained a back-mutation that has restored their ability to synthesize histidine. Suspected mutagenic substances were tested for their ability to stimulate back- mutations by placement set on the surface of the minimal agar plates previously inoculated with the auxotroph. The test substance diffused into the surrounding media and, if mutagenic, would induce back-mutations which would then allow growth into visible colonies. The more revertants observed near the test substance, relative to experimental controls, the more mutagenic the substance was likely to be. Conceptual Framework The study aimed to determine the mutagenic activity of decoction and fresh ethanolic extract of Makahiya on Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain which involved substitution, addition, or deletion of one or a few DNA base pairs. The independent variables were the decoction and fresh ethanolic extract of Makahiya. The dependent variable was the number of wells with color change per plate of Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain, with and without the addition of the S9 activation enzyme. Independent Variables Dependent Variables Makahiya (M. pudica) Decoction Fresh Ethanolic Extract Number of wells with color change per plate of Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain: With S-9 enzyme activation Without S-9 enzyme activation Figure 1.1 Conceptual Framework of the study Definition of Terms Ames test.  A test used to determine the mutagenic potential of a substance based on the mutation rate of bacteria that were exposed to the substance. Decoction.  A method that involves boiling in order to extract a plant substance. Fresh ethanolic extract. Extract collected from M. pudica through the use of dilution with 95% ethyl alcohol followed by rotary evaporation process. Makahiya.  Scientific name,Mimosa pudica. The plant sample used in this study. Muta-ChromePlateTM. A 96-well micro-plate version of the Salmonella typhimurium â€Å"Ames Test Mutagenicity.  The capacity to induce mutation. Salmonella typhimurium.  The strain used for the Ames test. It carries mutant gene that prevents them from synthesizing the essential amino acid histidine from the ingredients in standard bacterial culture medium S-9 enzyme. S-9 is a crude liver enzyme extract utilized to mimic mammalian metabolism. This enzyme is purchased together with the kit.

Post-Cold War Period Causes of Conflict Essay -- Papers USA Conflict H

Post-Cold War Period Causes of Conflict The end of the Cold War meant that the ideological conflict of dominance between East (Soviet Union and Eastern Europe) and West (USA and Western Europe) was over. Contrary to the expectations that world would be much safer in the post-Cold War, United States and Soviet Union were faced with new security issues that they did not know how to deal with. The objective of this essay is to show that with all these changes that occurred with the end of the Cold War, causes of the conflict indeed altered from the classic ones. First the end of the Cold War and the changes in the world order that followed will be outlined. Secondly, the increase in wars within states and the question of whether today's conflicts are, in fact, new, will be discussed. Finally this essay will argue that there is a new type of threat: worldwide terrorism, and it will look at what measures are being taken to tackle this problem. The end of bipolarism The democratic countries (USA and Western Europe), enjoyed 50 years of peace and economic development, because of the measures they took after the World War II, not to repeat the same mistakes that initiated the previous wars. They developed a democratic-political culture, which emphasised respect for human rights, rule of law, civil society, and independent media. However, apart from 1953, 1956 and 1968, the eastern bloc enjoyed peace and relative stability as well. The military power of both the super powers made US and Soviet leaders very reluctant to start a war. This was clearly illustrated by the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. The end of the Cold War end... ... Soon Miss The Cold War (August) http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/foreign/mearsh.htm Muldoon, J. (1999) The Challenges of Multilateral Diplomacy in 1999, United Nations Association of USA, (February), http://www.iwa.org/Publications/Lectures/muldoon.html Pfetsch, F.R & Ch. Rohloff, Ch. (2001) Global Change, Conflicts and Conflict Research 'New Data On Armed Conflict' at the 42nd Annual ISA Convention, Chicago, IL 20-24 (February) http://www.uni-duisburg.de/Institute/INEF/Intra/debate_Rohloff_Pfetsch.htm Sens, A G. (2000) Canada on the Security Council :International Security in the 21 Century: Challenges facing UN, http://www.unac.org/en/link_learn/canada/security/21_century.asp. Snow, D. (1991) The Shape of the Future, The Post-Cold War World; M.E.Sharpe, Armonk, New York and London.

Cooking Is My Hobby Essay

I enjoy cooking because it keeps me happy in my life. Whenever I feel sad or upset, cooking ease that for me in a big way. I started cooking when I was 6, but it was as simple as putting ham and cheese between 2 slices of bread and used my favorite condiment of maynaise and let it heat up for about 30 seconds. When I grew older, my knowledge of food grew to new depths when I learned how to cook American food on the grill when I was 13 and my dad was the sole reason why I got better since he explained to me how to use temperature control. The 1st dish I made on my own without any kind of assistance was Alaskan Cod with Lemon Pepper which I enjoyed very much when it was baked in an oven. Now, in my college years, I evolved into making cursine in many cultures such as tacos from Mexico, crepes from France, peking duck from China, and pizza from Italy using my ingredients I purchased from HEB, Fiesta, or Chinatown in my hometown. Cooking is the only thing in which I know how to do best and I usually cook for my family, relatives, friends, or people whom I do not know. Sometimes, I cook multiple of one thing for homeless people and disturbute them across the city. My least favorite thing to cook is vegetables since I do not like them, but if someone requests them on their plate, I will not be unwilling to cook them. Instead, I would embrace their desires and make it for them. I have invested hours of my time per day to be more knowlegable about different cooking methods from various chefs instead of just one in order to be prepared for different styles of cooking and perferences from guests. My signature dish is pork and leek dumplings with either soy sauce or vinegar or my orange chicken with basil and coconut broth so if you are ever in my area, I will be willing to cook for you.

Marketing Myopia Essay

Industries growth has stopped due to the failure of management the top executives, railroad business because they focus on sciences not on the customers. To keep growing industries must focus on customers’ needs and wants then solely on their products. Many companies are endangering their business due to improper defining of their purposes. DuPont, corning and aluminum industry flourished because they were customer oriented. Taking example of Dry cleaning; has reduced in a remarkable way and may sooner be diminished. Grocery stores have been replaced by super markets. There is nothing like a growth industry but there is an expansion that is because the companies organize themselves to create growth opportunities. Self-deceiving cycle has four conditions. 1. Growth is due to increase in population. 2. Believing that there will be no substituent for any major product. 3. Mass production and declining unit cost for output increase. 4. Preoccupation with a product. The belief that increasing customers will increase your business have a negative impact as you will yourself not bother to expand your business. The petroleum industry thinks that there is no competitor as there is no substitute of oil but many refineries have such huge stock of oil that they can be a threat. Firstly the crude oil was greatly demanded as kerosene was used for lamps until the bulb was invented and the heaters were started with coal burns. If the company would have been product oriented the business would be ended but they started refining the crude oil and made uses out of each product of crude oil. Oil has proved to be the strongest growth and millions of barrels is consumed daily. Production pressure to some companies such as advertisement and commercials are sometimes this much great that they try to get aid of it. But in all this we forget marketing and focus on the needs of seller and marketing fulfill the customer need. Industries now spend billions of rupees in consumer preference and fulfilling their ideas out of Chevrolet’s 7000 dealers only 57 provide night maintenance service. Ford invented the assembly line and reduced the cost of production and sold millions of $500 cars. Survival needs a change. Consumer needs change and if a company does not provide it they lose. With the wider perspective the CEOs have to recheck on their vision and the selection of the proper targeted market. This was seems to be successful as the organization was able to find out some opportunities that were initially unseen. This is also helpful in predicting the future progress with the help of business prediction techniques that are currently available. To rise above the myopia one should have his main focus on the strategies and predictive techniques that are used to gain hold on the opportunities. And mainly focus on the customer’s lifetime value. This will maintain the long term profit objectives.