Business StrategyPorters Five-Forces Model for Snack Food Industry Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Businesses have to be wary of the potential power of suppliers to alter certain things in the market. Suppliers may place themselves in a strategic position to gain the capacity of exploiting industry profits. This means that they can choose to supply products at relatively higher prices. This is especially the case in the snack food industry, which a few suppliers of some of the ingredients used, and when the product in question has limited availability. In other cases, suppliers take advantage of the fact that it is expensive for businesses to switch to new suppliers and increase the prices (Rice, 2011). Therefore, a business must understand the level of power exhibited by the suppliers. Evidently, customers are the most important group of people in any business. There are instances when customers can exhibit a high level of bargaining power and introduce pressure in the market, compelling businesses to reduce prices. Customers can have such power when alternative suppliers are ma ny, and when they can place large volumes of the product. According to experts, the number of customers is inversely proportional to their bargaining power. We will write a custom essay sample on Business Strategy:Porters Five-Forces Model for Snack Food Industry or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now For example, large supermarkets can exhibit a high bargaining power of customers because they order large volumes of snacks. This may compel suppliers to lower prices (Rice, 2011). Snack food companies must understand the intensity of rivalry in the industry. When the intensity is high, they are compelled to engage in competitive price reductions as well as focus on innovation and further differentiation. High intensities of rivalry also mean that snack food companies have to invest in advertising and promotion (Rice, 2011). This implies that increased rivalry in the industry serves to increase the costs for businesses hence lowering the profit margins. Therefore, snack food companies have to understand the structure of the industry carefully if they are to thrive and make profits.

Stem Cell Research Essay - 2227 Words

Stem Cell Research Works Cited Not Included Stem cell research is a highly controversial topic that may hold the key to developing a cure for many cancers and diseases. In 1998, a group of scientists developed a technique to isolate and grow stem cells. The field is extremely new when compared with other fields. A few things need to be discussed before an argument can be made for or against stem cell research, the types of stem cells, the potential uses, and where funding should come from. There are many different types of stem cells and each one has a different role in promoting breakthroughs in the many diseases that can possibly be cured. All stem cells, including the embryonic and adult, have three properties in common:†¦show more content†¦The process of growing cells in the laboratory is known as cell culture. In order to isolate a human embryonic stem cell, the inner cell mass must be transferred into a laboratory culture dish containing a nutrient broth known as culture medium, where the cells divide and spread for several days until they begin to crowd the culture dish (NIH Basics 1, 5). When the process of sub culturing, the removal of crowded stem cells to several fresh culture dishes, occurs for six months or more, it is christened an embryonic stem cell line (NIH Basics 1, 6). Adult or somatic stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are found among differentiated cells and have the power to differentiate into the major specialized cell types of the tissue or organ it is found in. The purpose of adult stem cells is to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found, but the origins of adult stem cells are unknown. In some adult tissues, such as bone marrow, muscle, and brain, discrete populations of adult stem cells generateShow MoreRelatedStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1338 Words   |  6 Pages Stem Cells Stem cells are cells that are found throughout the human body. They reproduce over a long period of time without changing. Stem cells can produce specialized cells, such as brain, muscle or lung cells. Stem cells in the last few years have recently made a big debut because medical professionals have discovered so many unique qualities to stem cells. They are on the cutting edge of medicine because of all their uses and the qualities that make them so unique from any other cell in theRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1416 Words   |  6 PagesSTEM CELLS In this report, I mainly focused on Stem-Cells. You will read about Stem-Cells and its history from the moment this term was known. Also, you will know the Sources, properties, and the types of Stem-Cells. In addition, you will know some of the pros and cons researches about Stem-Cells. Stem-Cells are cells that have the ability to divide and multiply and renew itself. †¢ Sources of Stem-Cells: 1- The first source is Bone Marrow. 2- The second source isRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells941 Words   |  4 PagesStem cells have the extraordinary power to develop into several body cell types during early growth and development. (Stem Cell Basics). Stem cells are either embryonic: from a human fetus, or somatic: from an adult (Stem Cell Basics).These cells can be used to rebuild body tissue, treat diseases, and even cure others. They can be more effective in treatment of illness than the common treatment, such as therapy or medication. Stem cells are potentially more medically effective than traditional treatmentsRead MoreStem Cells And Stem Cell Research1310 Words   |  6 Pagesnonspecialized cells which have the potential to create other types of specific cells in order to survive? Those cells are called Stem Cells and they are very crucial to develop organisms. Stem cell research is a subject that most people in the world have a different viewpoint on. Some view the issue of stem cell research and ste m cell therapy as morally wrong and a crime against humanity, others view the study of stem cells as the next step in modern science (Reeve.) I think in some twisted way, stem cellRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1261 Words   |  6 Pagescure diseases. Now we have stem cell therapy. Stem cells promise future cures for many currently considered to be â€Å"incurable† diseases, but with more research, we can overcome the controversy surrounding this this topic and help people live longer, improve their quality of life, and save many many lives. To understand the big hype about stem cells, one must know what a stem cell is. Stem cells have specialized functions that have the potential to become any type of cell in the body. According toRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells999 Words   |  4 PagesSTEM CELLS WORKING TO SPECIALIZE INTO CARDIAC CELLS Once the stem cells are delivered near the damaged areas of the heart, the regeneration of cardiac (heart) cells is possible. There is a lack of understanding on how or why specifically the stem cells turn into heart cells. â€Å"Recent studies indicated that the benefits associated with adult stem cell injection might come from paracrine effects, the effect of a nearby cell sending chemical and electrical signals to the stem cell, and not from myocardialRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1416 Words   |  6 PagesDana Moua English IV 25 April 2016 Stem Cell Research What are stem cells? Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are found in multicellular organisms. The reason for scientist’s interest in stem cells is because of the possible applications of using them. These stem cells can be used to regrow organs/tissues. By using stem cells, scientists may be able to find cures for different cancers, certain genetic diseases, and different physical trauma damages. They can be used to treat a varietyRead MoreStem Research On Stem Cell Research1747 Words   |  7 PagesEnglish 111-36 25 November 2014 Stem Cell Research Stem cell research has cultivated a new, miraculous study in the health field. The study has led to an increase in curing diseases over the past couple of decades. Before stem cell research, diseases were destroying and devastating lives continuously on end. With the use of stem cells in modern time, diseases are no longer taking control of lives. The innovation in biomedical technology, such as stem cell research, has greatly impacted the understandingRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1999 Words   |  8 Pagesregenerative medicine, commonly known as stem cell research. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells within the body that have the capability to specialize into any tissue. They are most commonly found in cord blood, bone marrow, organ donations, placenta, and embryos . Stem cells are seen by some as a new miracle treatment, encouraging many countries to invest in their research. The transfer of information, often shared through scientific reports and research, puts this topic in a highly internationalRead MoreStem Research On Stem Cell Research1271 Words   |  6 Pages! ! ! Stem Cells Research ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Jabaree Shipp English III NCVPS Mrs.Gallos 8, December 2014 ! ! ! ! ! ! Throughout most of our lifetime on Earth many have pondered the thought of how they and the things around them have been created. They wondered what makes grass grow to what makes themselves grow mentally and physically. Through extensive research and major advancements in technology over these years, decades, and centuries we still have no answer to our own questions. But, we do however

Muscle Disease Free Essays

Amanda Fallon Professor Jed Wolfson Anatomy and Physiology 1 October 27, 2011 Rhabdomyolysis: Disease of Muscular Breakdown Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of damaged muscle tissues resulting in the release of muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream (Patel M. D. ). We will write a custom essay sample on Muscle Disease or any similar topic only for you Order Now This disease occurs when there is damage to the skeletal muscle. The breakdown products of damaged muscle cells, such as myoglobin, are harmful to the kidneys and frequently result in kidney damage or even kidney failure. The severity of the symptoms depends on the degree of muscle damage and the degree of the kidney damage, if any. The primary muscle damage can be caused by physical damage, medications, drug abuse and some infections. Some patients may have a higher risk of rhabdomyolsis because of a hereditary muscle condition that is already present. There are many causes of rhabdomyolysis. One of the most common causes of this disease is a crush accident, such as an auto accident. Long lasting muscle compression is also another cause of rhabdomyolysis. Long lasting muscle compression derives from â€Å"lying unconscious on a hard surface during an illness or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol â€Å"(Chang M. D. ). An untrained athlete can also get this disease from severe muscle strain where the muscle becomes damaged. Significant muscle injury can cause fluid and electrolyte shifts from the bloodstream into the damaged muscle cells, and in the opposite direction (eMedicineHealth). Other causes of rhabdomyolysis are electrical shock, very high body temperature (hyperthermia) or heat stroke, diseases of the muscular system such as â€Å"congenital muscle enzyme deficiency or Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy† (Chang M. D. ). Signs and symptoms of this disease may be hard to pinpoint because the course of the disease varies depending on the cause and each patient may experience different symptoms. Complications of this disease may also be present in the early stages as well as in the later stages. The symptoms of rhabdomyolysis come from the medical history of the patient. The patient may experience painful swollen bruised or tender areas of the body. Muscle weakness may also be experienced by the patient, such as difficulty moving the arms or the legs. Nausea, vomiting and a general sense of illness can be experienced by the patient. The rise in body temperature (hyperthermia) may cause confusion, dehydration, and even a lack of consciousness if not treated. The signs of rhabdomyolysis come from the physical findings of an examination done by a doctor or a healthcare provider. Less severe forms of rhabdomyolysis may not cause any symptoms or signs, and the diagnosis can only be found in abnormal blood tests. The urine, as seen in the photo to the right, may be dark, often described as â€Å"tea-colored†, due to the presence of myoglobin in the urine. Damage to the kidneys can occur due to decreased or absent urine production, usually 12 to 24 hours after the initial muscle damage (Patel M. D. ). A second recognized complication is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a severe disruption in blood clotting that may lead to uncontrollable bleeding (Warren M. D. ). Muscle biopsies can be useful if an episode of rhabdomyolysis is thought to be the result of an underlying muscle disorder. A biopsy sample taken during an episode is often uninformative, as it will show only evidence of cell death or may appear normal (eMedicineHealth). Taking the sample can be delayed for several weeks or even months. The histopathological appearance on the biopsy indicates the nature of the underlying disorder (eMedicineHealth). Biopsy sites may be identified by medical imaging, such as using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as the muscles may not be equally affected by this disease. Early laboratory findings include increased levels of myoglobin, potassium, urea, and phosphorus found in blood levels. An â€Å"anion gap metabolic acidosis† could progress because of release of acids from damaged muscle tissue (Patel M. D. ). Myoglobin testing would be the best indication and the diagnostic basis because an increase of myoglobin usually will not occur in the absence of rhabdomyolysis. Diagnostic tests for urine myoglobin are often not easily available, and it may take more than 24 hours for the physician to get the results of the test. However, a typical urine screening for rhabdomyolysis may be performed as long as the urine sediment is examined as well. Complications of rhabdomyolysis also include disseminated intravascular coagulation, a condition that occurs when small blood clots begin forming in the body’s blood vessels (eMedicineHealth). These clots ingest all the clotting factors and platelets in the body, and bleeding begins suddenly. When muscles are damaged swelling within the muscle can occur, causing what is called compartment syndrome. If this occurs in an area where the muscle is bound by fascia, a tough fibrous tissue, the pressure inside the muscle compartment can increase to the point at which blood supply to the muscle is compromised and muscle cells begin to die. Rhabdomyolysis is treatable and patients may recover quickly if the disease is caught in the early stages. The main goal of treatment is to prevent kidney damage or to prevent any further kidney damage. However, if left untreated, acute kidney failure develops in 30-40% of patients (Ritz). Early and aggressive hydration may prevent difficulties from this disease by rapidly removing the myoglobin from the kidneys. Hydration of the body may include using several liters of intravenous fluids until the condition is stabilized. Diuretics can also help with removing the iron-containing pigment out of the kidneys. If the patient produces an acceptable amount of urine a doctor may administer bicarbonate, which can prevent the myoglobin from breaking down into toxic compounds within the kidney (Warren M. D. ). Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are not able to filter and process waste from the body. If the disease progresses enough and kidney failure occurs then the patient may have to undergo dialysis. Dialysis is a procedure that takes the blood out of the body and sends it into a machine, as seen in the picture to the left. The machine filters the waste products from the blood. In severe cases of kidney or renal failure a kidney transplant may be required. If the case of rhabdomyolysis is mild it can be treated at home. The home treatment would include lots of rest and sufficient hydration by drinking plenty of fluids. The overall prognosis of rhabdomyolysis is pretty good as long as it is diagnosed and treated promptly. If the instance of this disease is not severe then the patient may only have to be in the hospital for a short time period for rehydration with IV fluids and lots of rest so the muscles can recover. Acute kidney failure occurs in many of the patients. Rhabdomyolysis is the cause for as many as 15% of patients with kidney failure (eMedicineHealth). While the mortality rate for this disease is approximately 5% (eMedicineHealth). The risk of death caused by this disease depends mainly on the primary health of the patient, the amount of muscle damage that has been caused and any other associated injuries. If kidney failure occurs, the mortality rate can increase to 20% (eMedicineHealth). Rhabdomyolysis can be prevented in almost all cases. Exercise programs and routines need to be thoughtfully planned to prevent any kind of injury and to lower the risk of getting rhabdomyolysis. This includes avoiding exercising in extreme heat conditions and drinking a sufficient amount of fluids. Both these situations can lead to dehydration, which increases the risk of muscle damage. Also, the risk of rhabdomyolysis exists highly for patients taking statin and fibrate medications for high cholesterol control. Information is often provided to these patients to be aware of the symptoms of this disease and the information should be read carefully and thoroughly. In conclusion, this is a disease of the muscular system that could affect anyone in their lifetime. This disease is more common than what I had originally thought. Although it is easily treatable, it can be a very dangerous and painful disease. I am glad that I researched rhabdomyolysis because I have learned what can happen and what to do if I ever experience any of the symptoms. I have also learned the consequences of not training properly for exercise. In doing this research paper I have learned about a disease that I may see affect people in my career as a physical therapist. Bibliography Chang M. D. , Louise. WebMD. 13 September 2010. 22 October 2011 . eMedicineHealth. Rhabdomyolysis (Cont. ). 2011. 30 October 2011 . Patel M. D. , Parul. U. S. National Library of Medicine. 13 August 2009. 21 October 2011 . Ritz, Eberhard. â€Å"Disease of the Month: Rhabdmyolysis. † Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2000): 1553-1561. Warren M. D. , JD. â€Å"Rhabdomyolysis: a review. † Muscle and Nerve (2002): 32-47. How to cite Muscle Disease, Papers