Think Tanks what are they and the task of policy analyasis Essay

Think Tanks what are they and the task of policy analyasis - Essay Example The think tanks also provide information to journalists who act as a good channel to promote the needs of the policy users. This means that the think tanks have the capacity of creating a chain of networks that help in mediation of the role of the government and that of the public in building trust in the public officials (McGann, 2011). The think tanks have also been indicated to transform the ideas and issues presented in policy issues through facilitating debates on the issues at hand (McGann, 2011). This means that a forum for the exchange of thoughts is provided with the help of think tanks and ultimately an implementation of the policies proposed especially after consultation with all the concerned parties. The think tanks can then be indicated to play the role of voicing policy related issues in debates on policy issues. McGann, J. (2011).  Think Tanks: The Global, Regional and National Dimensions. In Think Tanks in Policy Making: Do They Matter, ed Andrew Rich et al., 8-15.  Shanghai: Friedrich  Ebert Stiftung, Briefing Paper Special

Create a spreadsheet Essay Example for Free

Create a spreadsheet Essay Introduction For the last 6 years I have been driving karts in the national championship, I have moved up through the junior ranks and am now into my last year of junior karting at the highest level of 100cc J. I. C. A. racing before moving into the senior karting classes next year. I have noticed that although the results for each race are recorded off transponders, arranging them into points and championship order can be very slow and in accurate. I plan to create a spreadsheet, which quick and easily adds up the points into a table just by typing the finishing positions into one of the sheets. The system will automatically change the scores for points and place them into a table with points order. I will be able to broadcast this onto the Internet with a site I shall create. I will then ask people who want the scores to each event to sign up, they will then be added to a mailing list and will have the results posted to them each time they are amended. I could also use this site to advertise for some sponsors. If enough people where to visit I think it would be worth wile the sponsors advertising on my site. Analysis For me to be able to analyse each task successfully I will have to read the booklet carefully deciding what the tasks are, that I need to analyse and how many of the tasks there are. There of course many small problems which go together to make the big problem these problems are as follows. 1. System to create a drivers championship 2. use a database to create a mailing list 3. A4 sheet to display the championship table Problems This sheet shows an explanation of all the problems, I will demonstrate what exactly it is that I plan to do in a short account for all three Task1 System to create a drivers championship Problem I must create a championship table using a computer program that I have at my disposal. The reason for my doing this is that over the past few years of karting that I have been involved, the organisation of karting has improved with the introduction of computers, but still the scouring is done in an insufficient way were as the scores are taken down by hand and then just simply typed out on the computer. My aim is to create a system to score a championship simply by typing in the finishing position of each driver. The number of points for each finishing position will already be stored in the computer and just by typing in the finishing position, the computer will work out which driver has how many points and the computer wil then sort the scores out into the order of the highest scoring person first in the table. Task2 Database mailing list Problem For my second task I will create a mailing list of all the drivers taking part in each championship, after each round in the race calendar I will send the amended results to each of the people involved in that particular race. I will have to use filters to decide and make sure that I send he right table to the right driver at the right time. With there being over 200 drivers involved in each championship, sorting the correct table and sending it to the correct drivers may be quite a complicated task to do. Task3 Desk top publishing Problem As my final task I shall use a desktop publishing program to create a distinctive piece of paper which displays the championship table, which I will have already created, so that it is easy to read and stands out. I will then use my database mailing list to send out the right number of copies required to each driver. Analysis Task1 System to create a drivers championship For me to be able to complete this task I first must analyse the points that will need to be output and the points that will need to be input. Information to output   Various A4 sheets for each class showing the championship in the order of points: this should contain the number of drivers in each class, the drivers race numbers, the points they have scored at each round and the total number of points scored by each driver.   The round at which the points where scored: this will have to be shown on the sheet to show after which round of the championship the points were in that order. Points for places: the points that are available for each finishing position. These will have to be somewhere on the table so that the points can be checked against that of the table. Information to input   When I am creating this scoring system I will have to input the necessary points that are scored for each finishing position.   I will have to add in the drivers names so that I can just add the finishing positions along side them.   My second input will be formulas this is because the computer will have to workout from the points, who has scored what. I will also have to add any other inputs that are needed for me to be able to get the necessary outputs Judgement of completing the task   I will know when I have completed the task because by inputting the drivers finishing positions the computer should workout the total points each driver has scored.   This task will be complete when all testing has been finished and scoring system is accurate giving the correct points of each driver Testing For this task I will have to test whether or not my system and formulas work to give an accurate score for each driver. To test my system I will type in different finishing positions, which I know the total to. If the final score is different to what it should be I will know there is something wrong. I will then have to check I have typed in all the formulae correct and the points for positions are also correct. After completing this testing I will have completed the task so that it works correctly giving the right answers. Analysis Task2 Database for mailing list This problem also means that I will need to create a system for informing the drivers who are competing in the championship what the points standings are after each round. When implementing this task I want the computer to show which drivers race in which categories, this is so I dont send the wrong table to the wrong driver. Information to output I will create a database using various fields for which I can have the necessary information, on addresses and the types of class each person races in. to do this I must first decide what information I need to get out of the computer and then following that. The information that I will need to put in, to get the out puts. Shows all the drivers names: I want the computer to show all the drivers names in the database, along with their details.   Filters: there must be filters in use for this database to function properly, this is because I require the ability to send different sets of results out on different days. For example one category of karts may have not raced at a certain round and so it is not necessary for me to send them a copy of their championship table.

Case Study: Patient with Heart Burn

Case Study: Patient with Heart Burn The patient is a 45 year old male with a history of eight weeks complaint of heart burn that worsens with lying down after dinner. The patient states that the pain lasts thirty minutes to two hours, and that it wakes him at night. Patient reports taking Maalox and Rolaids up to five times daily, however these only help for a short time. Medical History No Known Allergies Hypertension for two years Rheumatoid arthritis in hands and feet for one year Social History Patient is married with three children. Patient drinks two beers daily for the past twenty years and smokes one pack per day for twenty years. Current medications Prednisone 20 mg orally daily Diltiazem 240 mg orally daily Piroxicam 30 mg orally daily Multi- vitamin one orally daily Physical examination T. = 99 RR=18 Pulse =77 BP = 127/76 Weight 242 Height 59† ENT EOMI, PERRLA, mild sputum Cardiac – normal S1 and S2 Chest slight dyspnea Abdomen – soft, with mild pain (4 on 1-10 scale, with 10 being worst) to upper quadrant below sternum. Genitourinary deferred Rectal- deferred Extremities arthritic changes to hands Skin normal Neuro AAO times 3, normal DTR Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach content leaks backward from the stomach into the esophagus. The symptoms are heartburn, nausea, and regurgitation; this causes an inflammation of the esophagus and possibly the larynx. Complications can be esophageal ulcers, Barrett esophagitis, chronic cough, and can lead to infection and inflammation of the lungs. Diagnosis is typically made by symptoms, endoscopy, and esophageal acid tests (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). GERD is caused by a break down in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. There are three main types of treatment that physicians consider when treating reflux disease. The treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). With any patient suffering from GERD, there are lifestyle changes and dietary changes that are effective in management of the disease (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Lifestyle changes that the patient can do are as follows: Stop smoking if tobacco products are used (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011) Taking antacids (of aluminum hydroxide content) (PubMed, 2012) Avoid food consumption within 2 hours of going to bed (PubMed, 2012) Avoid caffeinated beverages, chocolate, nicotine, alcohol, and peppermint (PubMed). Monitor intake of spicy and acidic foods (PubMed, 2012) Limit the amount of high fatty foods in the diet (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011) Eat 5 to 6 small meals during the day, instead of 3 large meals (PubMed, 2012) Monitor weight, as obesity increases the symptoms of GERD (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011) Elevate the head of the bed using a 6 to 8 inch block or a wedge under the mattress to enhance acid clearance when reclining (PubMed, 2012) Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to enhance digestion (PubMed, 2012) *Avoid restrictive clothing, lifting heavy objects, straining, working in a bent position, and stooping (PubMed, 2012). * Chewing gum, this increases saliva production and natural acid reduction (PubMed, 2012). The symptoms may be controlled with the medications; however, the medical issue never goes away. Lifestyle changes are helpful in the overall treatment and control (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Diagnosis Diagnosis and treatment consist of a physical examination and history, esophageal motility testing, esophageal acid test, endoscopy (esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy or EGD), and possible biopsy to diagnosis Barrett’s (Ananal, 2012). The esophageal acid test is considered the â€Å"gold standard† for diagnosis (PubMed). Current medications and interactions related to GERD Calcium channel blockers are classifications of medications used to treat hypertension. These drugs can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which can cause GERD (Hughes, Lockart, Joyce, 2007) Corticosteroids in increased amounts have been associated with indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain and cramping, vomiting and diarrhea (Ananal, 2012). NSAIDs such as Piroxicam may cause abdominal cramping or severe pain, severe continuous heart burn and nausea. In combination with corticosteroids there is a higher risk of abdominal pain and the risk of stomach bleeding (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Treatment Treatment can include elevation of the upper body when sleeping, diet changes, and avoid certain foods, eating smaller more frequent meals, and stop smoking and alcohol use (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Medical treatment will include antacids taken one hour after meals; Tums and Rolaids are not recommended for regular use due to being a calcium carbonate. Histamine antagonist, such as Zantac, should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime to prevent nocturnal acid breakthrough. Proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec, should be taken, one hour before the morning meal. Foam barriers such as Gaviscon, work as a barrier to stomach acids and may be taken as needed for symptom relief, three times daily (Ananal, 2012). Antacids and alginic acid (Gaviscon) are the drugs of choice for quick relief of symptoms. These agents act primarily by rapidly increasing the ph of the gastric refluxate. Alginic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate in saliva to form sodium alginates. The sodium alginate floats on the top of the gastric contents where it acts as a mechanical barrier, minimizing exposure of the esophagus to refluxate. H2 receptor blockers act by inhibiting histamine stimulation of the gastric parietal cells, thereby suppressing gastric acid secretion. They are most effective in suppressing nocturnal acid secretion. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) strongly inhibit gastric acid secretion. They act by irreversibly inhibiting the H+ K+ adenosine Triphosphatase pump of the parietal cell. By blocking the final common pathway of gastric acid suppression compared with H2 receptor blockers. When prescribed appropriately to patients with severe symptoms or refractory disease, the PPIs are more cost effective bec ause of their high healing and remission rate and the consequent prevention of complications (Brunton, Chabner, Knollman, 2011). Prescriptions #1 DATE__6/12/2014_____ Patient name________ (M/F) AGE__45____ Address____________ Weight__242____ Prilosec 40 mg tablet # 30 Take one tablet by mouth every morning before the morning meal for acid reflux control Refill__1__ signature______________ Generic sub __Yes__ DEA#__________ #2 DATE__6/12/2014_____ Patient name________ (M/F) AGE__45____ Address____________ Weight__242____ Zantac 75 mg tablet # 30 Take one tablet by mouth every night 1 hour before bedtime for acid reflux control Refill__1__ signature______________ Generic sub __Yes__ DEA#__________ #3 DATE__6/12/2014_____ Patient name________ (M/F) AGE__45____ Address____________ Weight__242____ Gaviscon 1 chewable tablet as needed for heartburn relief # 1 bottle Take one tablet by mouth three times daily as needed for relief of breakthrough heartburn Refill__1__ signature______________ Generic sub __Yes__ DEA#__________ References Ananal, B. (2012). Peptic ulcer disease. Retrieved from Medscape.com: http://www.medscape.com/article/181753 Brunton, L., Chabner, B., Knollman, B. (2011). Goodman Gilmans:The pharmacological basis of therapeutics (12 ed.). McGraw-Hill. Hughes, J., Lockart, J., Joyce, A. (2007). Do calcium antagonists contribute to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and concomitant noncardiac chest pain? The British Pharmacological Society Journal. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.02851.x PubMed. (2012). Lifestyle changes as a treatment of gastroesophgeal reflux disease:A survey of general practitioners. Retrieved from Pubmed.com: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article/PMC1661628 PubMed. (n.d.). Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Retrieved from PubMed health: http://www.nebi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH6001311 Identification of Didanosine | Results Identification of Didanosine | Results DISCUSSION The procured sample of didanosine was tested for its identification. The drug sample showed compliance with the data given in B.P. and Clarkes which reflects its quality and purity. Quality and purity of sample was also confirmed by the manufacturer. The lipids such as soyalecithin and cholesterol and all other excipients provided by the supplier confirmed by their identification test official in USP 24, IP and EP. All the excipients showed results in compliance with standard specifications. STANDARD CALIBRATION CURVE OF DIDANOSINE From the scanning of drug in 7.4 pH phosphate buffer was concluded that the drug had ÃŽ »max of 249 nm. From the standard calibration curve of drug, it was concluded that drug obeys Beer-Lamberts law in concentration range of 0-20mcg/mL. R2 = 0.9995 Correlation coefficient values indicated the linear correlation between concentration and absorbance. PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LIPOSOMES Among the various methods thin film hydration method is widely used on a laboratory scale. In this method the lipids are casted as stacks of film from their organic solution using flash rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and then the film is dispersed in an aqueous medium. This method yields the liposomes with a heterogeneous size distribution. Also the liposomes that are formed are multilamellar in nature with some unilamellar vesicles. (Vyas and Khar, 2002). Venkataram et al., 1990 have used PC to prepare liposomes in a drug to lipid ratio of 1: 10. The temperature during preparation has been kept 40à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ °C as the glass transition temperature of PC is very low. The drug entrapment into the liposomes depends mainly on Drug: Lipid ratio. In this study, the cholesterol and PC are selected as lipids in combination on basis of percent drug entrapped and rigidity (stability). S.Vemuri et al are stated that, cholesterol improves the fluidity of the bilayer membrane, reduces the permeability of water soluble molecules throught the membrane, and improve the stability of bilayer membrane in the presence of biological fluids such as blood/plasma. The hydration characteristic of lipid film was studied for different batches of liposomes and then liposomes were evaluated for % drug entrapment. From results of % drug entrapped of different batches of liposomes that were prepared and stability of liposomes under different temperature condition it was observed that as the percentage of cholesterol was increased there was subsequent increase in the stability and rigidity of liposomes but at the same time percentage drug entrapment reduced, Due to reduction in phosphatydilcholine. Formulation F4 containing 70% of PC and 30% cholesterol showed maximum drug entrapment (29.41%) with satisfactory stability and rigidity i.e. showed spherical shape with only 1.86% of drug leaching at 25 after 30 days. However, when PC was further increased to 80% keeping cholesterol to 20% there was increase in % drug entrapment but simultaneous decrease in stability and rigidity. The shape was lost and drug leaching was more i.e.10.25%. The data was also treated statistically by using one way analysis (ANOVA) and found to be satisfactory significant difference (P PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DIDANOSINE PROLIPOSOMES The proliposomes of Didanosine were prepared by powder thin film hydration (New, 1990). Here modified rotary evaporator unit was used as described by Lee et al., 1999. Different carriers like lactose, sodium chloride and lactose beads were used for preparation of proliposomes. Were hydrated with distilled water and the liposomes was analysed for % drug entrapped for different batches of proliposomes derived liposomes were as shown in the table 5.3. The Lipid: Carrier ratio was kept 1: 10 as reported by Song et al., 2002. The proliposomes of lactose were quite free flowing compared to the lactose that was used to prepare them and lactose proliposomes showed highest % drug entrapment (29.17). They were less sticky. Also as the amount of lipid i.e. lecithin was increased the proliposomes powder was found to be very sticky. This is because the lipid is sticky at room temperature. In case of sodium chloride the carrier was very free flowing but the proliposomes powder was very sticky compared to that made with either lactose or sorbitol. The particle size of the liposomes formed in sodium chloride and lactose beads was also greater than that formed with lactose. Here the carrier is non porous so majority of the lipid has to be deposited over the on the surface of the carrier, thereby maximizing the possibility of agglomeration and also because sodium chloride is hygroscopic. So it can be said that such nonporous carriers are suitable only for high melting lipids. The results are in accordance with those observed by Payne et al. As the amount of lipid was increased in case of sodium chloride the proliposomes were found to be extremely sticky because they tend to agglomerate (Payne et al., 1986a). The entrapment of the proliposomes made by using sodium chloride as a carrier was very low compared to that of either lactose or lactose beads because of the effect of the monovalent cation Na+. Sodium ion has the effect of increasing the release of cyclosporine from the liposome hence it decreases the entrapment of drug in the liposomes (Al-Angary et al., 1995). The proliposomes of lactose beads were found to be very free flowing just like the lactose beads from which the proliposomes were prepared but the surface area available for coating less compared to lactose powder and sodium chloride so film formed is thick so it yields multilammelar liposomes. Based on the above results the carrier was finalized. In subsequent experiments Lactose was used as a carrier and the formulation was optimized by a 32 factorial design. The effect of the two independent variables viz. Drug: Lipid ratio and Lipid: Carrier ratio was studied on dependant variables like entrapment and mean particle size. All other processing factors like vacuum applied, speed of rotation of round bottom flask; temperature, amount of surfactant etc were kept constant. OPTIMIZATION OF PROLIPOSOMES A prior knowledge and understanding of the process and the process variables under investigation are necessary for achieving a more realistic model. Based on the results of the preliminary experiments, drug: lipid ratio was found to be a major variable in determining PDE and Lipid: carrier ratio in determining the PMD. Hence, these variables were selected to find the optimized condition for higher PDE and PMD using 32 factorial design. By using 32 factorial designs, 9 batches of didanosine liposomes were prepared varying the two independent variables at three levels as recorded in the table. The prepared batches were evaluated for % drug entrapment (PDE) and mean particle size, which were taken as dependent variables and the results were recorded in the table A substantial high drug entrapment was achieved in liposomes of variable X1 (drug: Lipid = 1:15) and X2 (Lipid: Carrier = 1:15). EVALUATION STUDIES OF DIDANOSINE PROLIPOSOMES A) Microscopy of proliposome The microscopy of proliposomes revealed that the surface was smooth due to the coating of the lipid and some of the particles were agglomerated. The pictures of proliposomes are as shown in Figure. After hydration with deionized water a series of time-lapse photographs of proliposome hydration are as shown below in Figure. Here the formation of liposomes form proliposomes is shown. The results indicate that the process of dissolution/disintegration may occur by a progressive hydration of the lipid surface of the proliposome, taking the form of liposomes ‘budding off’ from the central core of the proliposome until both hydration of the lipid and dissolution of the carrier is complete. Although only an imitation of the process of proliposome hydration (due to absence of hand shaking to aid proliposome dispersion), this approach was thought to offer a reasonable indication of the process (Payne et al., 1986b). Finally the liposomes are formed that are multilamellar with a heterogeneous size distribution. The photographs reveal the multilamellar nature (Figure). Also the Maltice crosses shown in Figure indicate that the vesicles are multilamellar in nature. Also there are many unilamellar vesicles. B) Scanning electron micrographs. The scanning electron micrographs of carriers and optimized batch of proliposomes made with different carriers were taken and are as shown in the Figure. From the SEM pictures it is evident that after coating the surface becomes somewhat smooth and the surface defects are no more visible and a thick coating is also seen in proliposomes compared to the carrier alone. After coating of lipid on the surface the particles looks quite opaque and smooth compared to the carrier. EVALUATION STUDIES OF PROLIPOSOME DERIVED LIPOSOMES A) % Drug entrapped By using 32 factorial designs, 9 batches of didanosine liposomes were prepared varying the two independent variables. Various methods have been reported for determination of drug content in liposomes that involve separation of free drug from liposomes either by centrifugation or by dialysis or by sephadex column. Here the separation was affected by sephadex G25 column as reported by Guo et al., 2001. Here the PDE was calculated from the difference between the initial drug added and the drug detected after separation of the free drug. The results of various batches are as shown in the table. It was found that the % drug entrapped was highest when the Drug: Lipid ratio was highest. Also the Lipid: Carrier ratio was found to affect the entrapment of the drug into the liposomes. It was found that the highest % entrapment for all three levels of X2 was obtained at +1 level of X1 that is 21.37% at –1 level, 26.73% at 0 level and 30.89% at +1 level of X2. Graphical presentation figure shows the effect of the independent variable (drug: lipid ratio) on % drug entrapped. The results indicate that as the drug to lipid ratio increases the entrapment of the drug in the liposomes increases, as didanosine is a hydrophilic drug, which finds place within the core. B) Particle size analysis Particle size analysis results of various batches of proliposome derived liposomes are as shown in the table. The results are expressed as particle mean diameter. The particle size of the liposomes decreases as the amount of the carrier increases because there is a greater surface area available for thin lipid film formation which gives rise to a small particle size compared to a thick film that is formed when the amount of carrier is decreased (Hwang et al., 1997). The graph (figure) represents the relationship between lipid: carrier ratio on mean particle size. Mean particle size decreases as the lipid: carrier ratio increases because as the surface area increases thin film formation occurs that gives rise to smaller particle size. C) Stability Studies The optimized formulation was subjected to stability studies at 40C, 250C, 450C for 60 days. They were evaluated for physical appearance, entrapment efficiency, drug content etc. All the results obtained are within the limits and no major changes were identified physically.

The War of Northern Aggression Analyzed from the Confederate Viewpoint :: American America History

The War of Northern Aggression Analyzed from the Confederate Viewpoint Thesis: The world today is blinded from the truth about the "Civil War" just like they are the truth of the creation vs. evolution debate. They're blinded in the same way as well, misleading text books. The truth is that the North, Lincoln, etc. weren't as great as they claimed to be, and that they went to illegal measures for an unjust cause. The public school system was used as a tool of the government and still is to skew the American mind into believing whatever it wants. For example: at the present time the school child has evolution drilled into their head as fact, even though it has already been accounted for as false. The C.S.A. (Confederate States of America) President Jefferson Davis actually predicted this. He taught that if the South lost, then the North would write it's history. Therefore, the generations to come wouldn't understand the Confederate call for independence (Kennedy 17). The public school system was put into effect after the North won the war. It's plan was to appeal with a free education, which it did. Then it used it's captives in it's scheme of confusing them about their parents cause. They were fed by such lies as the Confederates were prejudice slave-holders who beat black people for fun. This, of course, was very successful. Now a people who once believed in the federal government was here to help the states reach common goals, believe it's their supreme authority. One of the lies that has already been mentioned is that the "Civil War" is over slavery. This is one of the most dead wrong statements that one could think of. First of all, 70 to 80 percent of Southern soldiers didn't even own slaves (Kennedy 34). People just don't get motivated enough to give up their life over whether their neighbor is going to be able to continue having something. One soldier in the Confederate army claimed, "I declare I never met a Southern soldier who had drawn his sword to perpetuate slavery." Secondly, even for the few slaveholders in the war, C.S.A. President Jefferson Davis, their leader, predicted that all slave property "will eventually be lost" no matter what the outcome (Kennedy 35). Why would a slaveholder risk his life to keep a slave that his leader already told him he'll lose in the future?

Cch Comprehensive Topics Chapter 10

Cch ComprehensiChapter 10: Questions #1-20 1. Distinguish between realized gains and losses and recognized gains and losses. Realized gain or loss is the difference between the amount realized from the sale or other disposition of property and the adjusted basis at the time of sale or disposition. The amount realized is the sum of money received plus the fair market value of other property received. If a realized gain or loss is recognized the gain is includible and the loss is deductible in determining taxable income.Thus, â€Å"recognition† means that the result of a particular transaction is considered to be taxable income or a deductible loss. Generally, recognition occurs at the time of sale or exchange. Therefore, realized gain or loss is the amount the owner incurred from ownership of the property, whereas recognized game is the taxable portion of the realized gain or loss. 2. How is the adjusted basis of property determined? Original Basis + Capital Expenditures â€⠀œ Capital Returns= Adjusted Basis 3. List 3 capital additions or expenditures and 3 capital returns or recoveries and discuss the treatment of each category for tax purposes.Capital expenditures include improvements, betterments, acquisition costs, purchase commissions and legal costs for defending title. Capital returns include depreciation, depletion, amortization, tax-free dividends, deductible casualty losses, and insurance reimbursements. For tax purposes, capital expenditures cannot be deducted in the year in which they are paid or incurred and must be capitalized. The general rule is that if the property acquired has a useful life longer than the taxable year, the cost must be capitalized.The capital expenditure costs are then amortized or depreciated over the life of the asset in question. Capital expenditures create or add basis to the asset or property, which once adjusted, will determine tax liability in the event of sale or transfer. Capital Returns, on the other hand, proper adjustment shall be made to the extent of the amount allowed as deductions in computing taxable income under Code Section 1016 and to the extent that the amount results (because of allowed deductions) in a reduction in any taxable year of the taxpayer’s taxes. . Why is allocation of basis necessary? Allocation is necessary because some of the property may be depreciable and other property not depreciable. Different treatment may be necessary for the assets. It may also be that only some of the assets purchased are sold. 5. Are gains or losses from the sale or exchange of personal use assets recognized for tax purposes? The sale of a personal-use asset results in gain recognition but not loss recognition. 6. When is FMV of an asset used as the basis of an asset?If property is acquired in a taxable exchange, the basis of the property is generally its fair market value at the time of exchange. Also, if the price paid is a bargain purchase, then the basis of the property i s its fair market value. 7. What’s the basis and holding period for nontaxable stock dividends? For nontaxable stock dividends, the basis of the original stock is allocated to the old and new shares. The holding period begins on the date of the original acquisition. 8. What’s the basis and holding period for taxable stock dividends?In the case of taxable stock dividends, the amount of income is the stock’s fair market value at the date of distribution. The basis of the new stock is its fair market value at the time of the receipt of the stock dividend and the basis of the old stock remains the same. The holding period of the new stock begins on the date of receipt of the stock dividend. 9. What is the basis and holding period for nontaxable stock rights? If nontaxable stock rights are received, whether or not any part of the basis of the stock is allocated to the rights depends on the FMV of the rights compared with the FMV of the stock.If FMV is less than 15% o f the FMV of old stock at the time, basis of such rights is zero unless taxpayer elects to allocate. If value is 15% or more, basis must be allocated to the rights but only if rights are exercised or sold. The holding period runs from the date the original stock was acquired. 10. What’s the basis and holding period of taxable stock rights and the basis and holding period of the shares of stock if the rights are exercised? Amount of income and the basis of the rights constitute the FMV of the rights at the date of distribution, which is the date the holding period of the rights begin.If rights are exercised, basis of new shares = subscription price + basis of rights and holding period of new shares begins on date of exercise. Basis and holding period of old stock remain the same. 11. What’s the basis of gift property? A taxpayer’s original basis for gift property is the same as the property’s adjusted basis in the hands of the donor or the last preceding o wner by whom it was not acquired by gift. However, if the property’s FMV at time of gift is less than adjusted basis to the donor, then basis for determining loss is the FMV at the time of the gift.CODE SECTION 1015 12. What adjustment, if any, must be made to the basis of property acquired by gift if gift was made prior to 1977? After 1976? For gifts made after 1976, basis is increased by the portion of gift that attributable to the net appreciation value of the gift. For gifts made before 1977, the full amount of gift tax is added to donor’s adjusted basis, but the basis may not be increased above the fair market value at the date of the gift. 13. What’s the basis of an asset acquired from a decedent?General rule is that the basis of property acquired from a decedent is the FMV of the property at the date of the decedent’s death. Commonly known as a â€Å"step-up† in basis. 14. What’s the alternative valuation of assets acquired from a dec edent? If the executor elects for estate tax purposes to value the decedent’s gross estate as of 6 months after death, the property is the FMV at that time. If property is distributed before the alternate valuation date, basis = FMB at the date of distribution or other disposition.The alternate valuation may be used only where the election will reduce both the value of the decedent’s gross estate and the federal estate tax liability. 15. Distinguish the holding period of assets acquired by gift w/ that of assets acquired from a decedent. The holding period of gift property begins with the date the property was acquired by the donor. If, however, the FMV of the property at the date of gift was less than the donor’s adjusted basis and the property is sold at a loss, the holding period begins on the date of the gift. The holding period of property acquired from a decedent is long-term. 6. How is the basis computed when a sale of shares of stock occurs? When a selle r can identify the shares of stock sold or transferred, the basis is the basis of the stock so identified. Shares of stock are adequately identified if it can be shown that shares, which were delivered to the buyer, were from a lot acquired on a certain date or for a certain price. 17. When is the sale or exchange of stock or securities considered a wash sale? How is any loss treated? Wash sales occur when substantially identical stock is bought within 30 days before or after the sale.No deduction for losses is allowed on the sale of stock or securities if, within a period beginning 30 days before the date of sale and ending 30 days after the date of sale, substantially identical stock are acquired. CODE SEC. 109 18. What’s the basis of a personal use asset that’s converted to business or income-producing use? When property purchased for personal use is converted to business or income-producing use, the basis for determining loss is the lessor of the FMV of the propert y at the time of conversion or the adjusted basis for loss at the time of the conversion.The basis for gain is the adjusted basis on the date of conversion. The basis for determining depreciation is the basis for determining loss. 19. What are the special rules for gains or losses on sales to related parties? No loss deduction is allowed on sales or exchanges of property, directly or indirectly, between related parties. Any losses disallowed, however, may be used to offset the gain realized by the related purchaser on a later sale of the property. Code Sec. 267 20. What are the benefits of installment reporting? The installment method allows gain to be spread over more than one year.

Human Resource Management The Ritz

Human Resource Management The Ritz Recommendations Having considered numerous problems, connected with the human resource management in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, a number of recommendations may be given to cope with them.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Human Resource Management: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Even though all the separate disadvantages of human resource management do not create any troubles for the company functioning, if to unite those, it becomes problematic for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to function properly. Here are some specific recommendations the human resource manager should take into account while organizing such procedures as recruitment, induction and retention. One of the main mistakes the human resource managers make in the Ritz-Carlton Hotels is the attraction of too many candidates at the time of recruitment. Thus, there are too many people in the company who should perform the same functions. This leads to the problem that some employees who have been working in the company for many years remain unoccupied. The main purpose of recruitment is â€Å"not just to attract any candidates – it is to recruit the right candidates (and hopefully put off the wrong sort of candidates)† (Yeung 2008, p. 66). Moreover, the attraction of too many candidates at one and the same time is also a bad idea as it is rather time consuming and costly to sort out applications. It is also unreasonable to advise the organisation to attract too few candidates as this leads to choice limitation (McKenna Beech 2008). Thus, due to the fact that the company got used to work with the professionals, it pays much attention to human resources (Sucher McManus 2001). So, it may be recommended to attract as many candidates as possible but to recruit them by means of small groups. This will help the organization to consider as many people as possible and to choose the candidate which perfectly fits the company requirements without rush (Billsberry 2007). It is important to recommend the company to reduce the turnover of employees as this process negatively influences the services in the Ritz-Carlton Hotels and is rather costly (Jackson, Schuler Werner 2008). At the same time, it is important to understand that turnover is an inevitable and crucial process in the company.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Functional turnover is vital for the Ritz-Carlton Hotels as it gives an opportunity for poor performers to leave their workplace. Such turnover is really useful for the company as the Hotel requires only the best performers (Sturman, Trevor Boudreau 2003). Each new employer should be trained. Such procedures cost too much. At the same time, the company fails to train new employees properly that may be the main reason for the high turnover. New workers are unable to learn how to perform their tasks that leads to misunderstanding in the staff and people do not want to work anymore due to the inability to provide their tasks in a proper way. Employee turnover influences productivity greatly, so one of the main purposes of the Ritz-Carlton Hotels should be an attempt to reduce the turnover to minimum. Moreover, there it is obvious that the reduction of turnover of the employees can result in â€Å"significant savings to an organization† (Bohlander Snell 2009, p. 94). Having considered the situation in the Ritz-Carlton Hotels, it was noticed that the company cares of their staff and always tries to show its appreciation. This appreciation is sees via some gifts which are given from the whole company. An employee does not have a person he/she can turn to. The induction of the employees at the workplace is considered to be impersonal. Such policy in behaviour is wrong as having been trained for a short period of time, e mployees do not have an opportunity to get all the necessary information. New employees do not have an opportunity to get used to the atmosphere at the workplace. A specific person who can help them in this process is extremely important. Bratton and Gold (2003) are sure that new employees should feel welcome from time to time, but, still, it is also important to see a concrete person. Thus, our recommendations for the increase of the company production at the workplace may be reduced to the following. First, there should be a concrete person to whom people can turn to if some problems appear. Second, it is important to reduce the turnover of the employees not by means of attracting too few candidates but by searching for an appropriate candidate.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Human Resource Management: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The recruiting policy should be also changed as well as the change of the very procedure of induction (the employees are offered too little time for training and obtaining skills necessary for work in the Ritz-Carlton Hotels). Having considered these recommendations directed at the change of the system of the human resource management in the Ritz-Carlton Hotels, it is possible to state the following solutions the company should consider. Solutions One of the main problems the company faces is the employees’ recruitment. The company needs more employees but the methods it uses for recruitment are poor. Attracting too many candidates, the company is unable to cope with them and it leads to numerous problems discussed above. One of the ways to cope with the problem is to use the website as the means for advertising and candidates’ selection. This will help the Ritz-Carlton Hotels to reduce the costs on employees’ selection and will help to choose the most appropriate candidates. Beardwell and Claydon (2007) offer tests which may be implemented at the company website and this is going to be one of the main measures which help understand whether the candidate is exactly what the company needs or not. They say that testing â€Å"is essentially an attempt to achieve objectivity, or, to put it more accurately, to reduce subjectivity in selection decision-making† (Beardwell Claydon 2007, p. 209). The main idea of these tests should be the understanding of a candidate background and checking of his/her knowledge in the sphere. The results of the tests may be analysed by the special software which will filter the candidates’ portfolios by experience, qualifications and aptitude (Beardwell Claydon 2007). The absence of this strategy in the company has created the problem of high turnover in the staff. To reduce the turnover in the company is possible in a number of different ways. Taylor (2006) offers the company to implement employees’ job security at the workplace. One of the main reasons of the turnover may be uncertainty of the candidate in their future. Being unsure whether they will be offered this specific job, they still continue to search for other vacancies and if they feel that another offer is more convenient and gives more assurance in the future employment on the constant basis they go there.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, to solve this problem the human resource managers should train only people who perfectly fit the position and have a great desire to work in the company. It is obvious that it is impossible to eliminate turnover absolutely, but this may help to reduce it. If the managers of the Ritz-Carlton Hotels show a new employee that his/her work is really important for the organization and it is satisfied with the productivity new employee can offer, this may also reduce the turnover in the company (Garvey 2001). Phillips and Connell (2003) offer to create a good team which can improve the atmosphere at the workplace. There are a lot different methods aimed at teambuilding, and many scholars consider those strategies as the most effective for reducing retention failures. When people have good relations with other employees, they feel happy in the company and they may have no desire to leave. Training is one more problem which requires solution. As it has been mentioned above, one month i s established in the company as the period between recruitment and commencing. Some employees consider this as a too long period, still, if to use this time to advantage in the employee training, this my solve another problem the company has – too short period for training, just one week. Thus, if the employee was trained while the period when he/she was recruited but was not commenced to work, so the problem with training would be solved as well (Simms 2005). Having accepted a position, a new employee has to attend a week training course. The background knowledge he/she has already accepted may be a good background. A week training courses may be more productive if the employee is already aware of the main processes in the organization and has already acquired some simplest skills (Hollinshead 2009). One of the main problems which the Ritz-Carlton Hotels as well as others organizations have is the consideration of training as the afterthought process. That is why the level o f performance of new employees is too low, as well as the productivity that leads to employee turnover. Lawson (2006) is sure that in spite of the fact that â€Å"an effective new employee orientation takes time and effort† (p. 2), it is considered to be the well-worth instrument. The well-planned and perfectly structured program may help an employee to understand his/her role in the company better, to get more knowledge and to be ready for the working conditions in the company (Lawson 2006; Boudreau Ramstad 2007). Thus, it may be concluded that the Ritz-Carlton Hotels has a number of problems which may be solved in complex, as increasing the company productivity by means of the new employees, the company should increase the training of the candidates and change the recruitment procedure that, in its turn, will result in the reduction of turnover in case the necessary activities are provided. If the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company attempts to provide all the changes and follow th e recommendations to problems solution mentioned in the paper, it will be able to increase its productivity and the number of clients who will desire to stay at the hotel with high level of serving provided by highly trained and experienced staff. Reference List Beardwell, J Claydon, T 2007, Human resource management: a contemporary approach, Pearson Education, Oxford. Billsberry, J 2007, Experiencing Recruitment and Selection, John Wiley and Sons, New York. Bohlander, G Snell, S 2009 Managing Human Resources, Cengage Learning, Stamford. Boudreau, J Ramstad, P 2007, Beyond HR: The New Science of Human Capital, Human Resource Development International, Oxford. Bratton, J Gold, J 2003, Human Resource Management Theory and Practice, Palgrave McMillan, Basingstoke. Garvey, C 2001, ‘The Whirlwind of a New Job’, HR Magazine, June. Hollinshead, G 2009, International and Comparative Human Resource Management, McGraw Publishing, London. Jackson , P, Schuler, RS Werner, S 20 08 Managing Human Resources, Cengage Learning, Stamford. Lawson, K 2006, New Employee Orientation Training, Elsevier, Oxford. McKenna, E Beech, N 2008, Human Resource Management: A Concise Analysis, Pearson Education, London. Phillips, JJ Connell, AO 2003, Managing employee retention: a strategic accountability approach, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford. Simms, H 2005, Human Resource Planning, Select Knowledge Limited, Boston. Sturman, MC, Trevor, CO, Boudreau, JW Barry, G 2003, ‘Is it worth it to win the talent war? Evaluating the utility of performance-based pay’, Personnel Psychology, vol. 56, iss. 4, p. 997. Sucher, S McManus, S 2001 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston. Taylor, S 2006, ‘Are you keeping your employees happy?’ The HR Director, vol. 28, pp 8-13. Yeung, R 2008, Successful Interviewing and Recruitment, Kogan Page Publishers, New York.