What are the change forces affecting outsourcing and how are stakeholders affected?

Stimuli Sensitive Polymers Types and Applications

The stimuli sensitive polymers have proved its applicability in forming hydro-gels [1], drug delivery[2] and target specificity[3]. Some stimuli sensitive polymers occur in nature likeeg, chitosan, cellulose, xyloglucan and many of them are routinely synthesized like, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and co-polymers of PNIPAAm[4]. Nature has designed complex structures in response to various external stimuli. For example, the nano-composite structure of collagen fibrils in sea cucumber alters stiffness of its inner dermis[5]. This alteration of connective tissue is reversible, which acts as a defense mechanism[6, 7]. Capadona etal.,synthesized a chemo-responsive polymeric nano-composite structure, which mimics the response of collagen fibrils when exposed to similar physiological conditions. This polymeric nano-composite is based on ethylene oxide-epichlorohydrin copolymer on to which rigid nanofiber network of cellulose was assimilated [8]. Structure of cellulose whiskers, ethylene oxide-epichlorohydrin and polyvinyl acetate matrix polymer. Cellulose whiskers was isolated from tunicate cellulose pulp by sulfuric acid hydrolysis[9].Study of nanocompositeisbased on a rubber like ethylene oxide–epichlorohydrin (1:1) copolymer (EO-EPI) into which arigid cellulose nanofiber network was assimilated [9]. Naturally derived stimuli sensitive polymers have inherent properties like biocompatibility, efficient degradation of byproducts and specific biological interactions, these polymers have limitations like limited availability, batch to batch variation resulting in composition, poor mechanical strength as compared to synthetic stimuli sensitive polymers. Naturally derived stimuli sensitive polymers like chitosan, a polysaccharide, which is not stimuli sensitive but could be made stimuli sensitive by mixing with glycerophosphate, other examples are cellulose derivatives like methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose[10]. A list of naturally derived stimuli sensitive polymers along with chemical structures is mention in table 1. 1.1 Stimuli responsive polymers Synthetic polymers have proved there applicability as therapeutic agent in drug delivery. These polymers showbetter pharmacokinetic property with greater ability for tissue targeting. The synthetic polymershows response when stimulated by external stimuli hence, they are called smart polymer or stimuli responsive polymer [15]. The stimuli-responsive polymer works on the principle of identification, evaluation of external signal and then by changing its structural conformation[16].These stimuli are classified as physical (temperature, light, electrical field), chemical (pH,ion, redox)[17], and biological responses.This results in change in a conformation, alteration in partition coefficient or solubility, drug release or more than one change at same time[18]. Physical responsive polymers Some polymers respond to physical stimuli like temperature, light, electrical field, magnetic field,etc.Polymers which become insoluble on heating, have lower critical solution temperature (LCST) like, PNIPAM [19], and those which become soluble on heating have upper critical solution temperature (UCST) like, poly (2-phenyl-2-oxazoline) (PPhOx) [20]. Temperature sensitive polymers Thermo-responsive polymers utilize small changein temperature to cause macroscopic alteration in polymer material [21]. Various types of thermo-responsive fluorescent polymers like a) PNIPAAmb) PNIPAAm-fluorescent labeled c)PNIPAAm-co-butyl methacrylate-fluorescent labeled, a hydrophobic co-polymer butyl methacrylate (BMA) was used to lower LCST to a precise temperature d) PNIPAAm-co-DMAPAAm-fluorescent labeled] (Figure. 2), N,N-dimethylaminopropylacrylamide(DMAPAAm) causes increase in LCST throughhydrophilization of polymeric chain,where synthesized, which shows thermo selective cellular uptake, enables determination of normal and pathological cell[21]. Light sensitive polymers The light sensitive polymers undergo photochromism, in which, an reversible chemical transformation occurs between two isomeric forms of same structure after absorption of light[22]. Absorption of light leads to photochromism which results alteration in absorption spectra[23]. Pericyclic reaction, dissociation process, cis-trans isomerization, electron transfer(oxidation-reduction) and intramolecular hydrogen transfer or group transfer are the mechanisms involved in it[24]. A reversible contraction and expansions in shape and volumes of photochromic light crystal elastomers (LCE) in response to light stimulation.These LCE filmscontainpoly(siloxane) as main chain and cross-linkedchromo-thermicazobenzene, this film was placed on solid support, which helps maintaining temperature to 85°c. 1.1.2 Chemical responsive polymers Polymer which exhibits change in configuration or which responds to chemical stimuli like pH, ion and other stimuli are known as chemical responsive polymers like, poly(methylacrylate)[25]. 1.1.2.1 pH responsive polymers pH responsive polymers contain pendant reactive groups which when are cross-linked with other polymer forming hydrogel shows response to stimulus like pH [25]. In recent years, muchwork has been exploredon co-polymerization of pH and temperature sensitive monomers[17, 26]. Graft co-polymers were synthesized to show temperature and pH sensitivity. A side chain temperature sensitive polymer (Figure 4.), the amino terminal ofNIPAAm was graftedon a carboxyl group of pH sensitive backbone polymer, like poly(acetic acid) (PAAc), in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and methanol byusing coupling method[26]. Stimuli sensitive polymer-dye conjugation Dyes or indicatorsare used to sense or react to particular stimuli like pH and temperature [27]. Some indicator changes color in H and OH– ion solution due to which they are use as pH sensitive dyes and those which changes color by deflection in temperature are use as temperature sensitive dyes [27]. A list of thermo-chromic polymer-dye conjugations are shown in table 2. The novel chromogenic polymer gel network was synthesized by mixing poly(alkoxy) derivative with bromothymol blue, which yields transparent green gel (Figure 5.), at 33°c, green gel turns intolight yellow gel with gradual increase in temperature[29]. In table 2, list of different chromogenic polymer gel networks arementioned.Poly(alkoxy) gel network was used to form complex with other dyes like, nitrazin yellow, where, color of gel network changes from blue to green. Similarly, for chlorophenol red, where color changes from red to yellow PVA-borax-cresol, phenol substituted dye (cresol) was conjugated with PVA-borax complex to obtain thermochromic hydrogel. Other example, PVA-borax-2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinio)phenolate (DTPP) forms reversible thermochromic hydrogel. Such system shows color change and increase in absorption by a gradual increase of temperature. The absorption spectrum of DTPP explains dependency of absorbance on temperature causes bathochromic shift of absorption maximum [28]. InBorax-PVA-DTPP network,DTPP was embedded in PVA-borax gel matrix, boric acid is cross linked to PVA polymer that is, borate ions reacts with hydroxyl group present on PVA to form monodiol-borate complex and didiol-borate complex [30]. Another example of gel containing dye composed of two polymers (PVA and polyether) includes addition of zwitterionicsurfactant, which is a dipolar surfactant,was selected to avoid strong ionic interaction with anionic dye. This surfactant, like, sulfobetain forms aggregates above its critical micelle concentration therefore, it can influence U.V-absorption spectra of a water soluble dye like phenol red as shown in [31]. The dye can also be conjugated with dendrimer to enhance imaging applications and for metal ion probing[32]. For example, generation 5 poly(amidoamine) [G5(PAMAM)] dendrimercontaining 128 surface sites which can incorporate 0 to7 dyes like, 6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine succinimdyl ester (TAMRA), fluorescein. Acetylation yields complete conjugate of dendrimer and dye [33]. nano sized stimuli sensitive polymers have been proved to show response to external signaling [34]. pH sensitive system was prepared by the combination of two modified pH sensitive indicator dyes like, N-fluoresceinylacrylamide (FA), and N-acrylamide-N´-rhodamine B thiourea (Rh B) (Figure. 11).These two functional monomeric dyes were copolymerized with acrylamide and methylenebis(acrylamide) in w/o micro-emulsion to form dye conjugated poly(acrylamide nanoparticles [35]. Synthesis ofN-fluoresceinylacrylamide- N-acrylamide-Nˈ-rhodamine B thiourea (FA-Rh B)copolymerized nanoparticles. The two functional monomeric dyes FA and Rh Bwere co-polymerized with acrylamide and methylenebis acrylamide in w/o micro-emulsion [35]. Fluorescence emission spectra of polyacrylamide nanoparticle conjugated with fluorescein and rhodamine dye. The fluorescence emission intensity of Rh B remains unchanged with increasing pH whereas that of FA increases. An amine functionalized RAFT co-polymer poly {N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide-b–N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl] methacrylate} {poly (HPMA258–b-DMAPMA13)} was labeled by fluorescent dye like, 6-(fluorescein-5-carboxamido)hexanoic acid, succinimidyl ester (5-SFX) using anhydrous DMF along with triethanolamine which catalysis the reaction [36]. The primary amine of poly(HPMA258-b-DMAPMA13) is more reactive than tertiary thiol group this allows conjugation of 5-SFX with poly(HPMA258-b-DMAPMA13­). β-cyclodextrinis cyclic oligosaccharide [37], which has been proved for large number of applications like, increasing solubility [38], detection of compounds [39], immobilization of toxic compounds [40], drug release [41] etc. Some dyes were conjugated in complexing agent like an azo dye inside β-cyclodextrincavity.Azo dye like methyl red indicator shows color change from yellow to red as pH decreases, this is because of the protonation of azo group (Figure 14.). Methyl red (MR) shows yellow color when complexes with β-CD even in acidic pH 4.The complex was formed in dimethylacetoamide by using an condensing agent like, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, it becomes useful in detection of neutral species which will act as guest inside MR-β-CD complex and will replace MR, which changes its color to red [42]. Role of polymer-dye conjugation in cellular uptake Cellular uptake consist of endocytosis process in which extracellular compounds are captured by plasma membrane forming vesicles. Along with endocytosis there are other methods like, receptor mediated pathway, phagocytosis and micro-pinocytosis[43]. The plasma membrane of a eukaryotic cell has a barrier which allows small and uncharged molecules to pass through it[44].The nano sized polymers, despiteplasma membrane barrier, can irreversibly interact with lipid membraneby insertion of dangling side chains into the hydrophobic region of cell, which can be explained by molecular dynamics[45].Polymer like 2-methcryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) was copolymerized with n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) forming poly(MPC-co-BMA)[46],thecovalentlylabeledrhodamine Btopoly(MPC-co-BMA) (rhoPMB)was synthesized using free radical polymerization method with perbutyl-ND as an initiator.RhoPMB30 was distributed inside live HepG2 cell (a human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line). Natural polymer is applicable in biomedical, environmental science and agricultural field like, hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan (HGC) that can form stable nanoparticles. HGC shows prolonged blood circulation period when the particle size is controlled. It accumulates selectively inside tumor cell when administered systemically [47] and applicable in delivering various therapeutic agents like, peptides, genes and small anticancer drugs [43]. The polymer conjugate probes are applicable for penetration inside the membrane of tumor cell for treatment[48], detection[49] or diagnosis[50, 51]. Further study for the conjugation ofpolymer and pH sensitive dye to form a reusable system which will sense or exhibit color change at different pH ranges.

Dell Technologies Company’s Analysis Report

essay writing service free Table of Contents Company Background Company Sales, Inventory, and Accounts Receivable Risk Factors Associated with Dell Income Statement Discussion Disclosure Requirements Reference Company Background Dell Technologies is a US-based company specializing in digital transformation through the provision of focused and customized IT infrastructure and solutions. Through the successful merger with EMC, the company has been able to create highly stratified IT solutions through its subdivisions such as Virtustream, VMware Inc., Clients Solution Group Boomi Inc., and RSA Information Security (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). Among the notable focused technology solutions include all-flash arrays, data centers, hyper-converged infrastructure, and hybrid cloud among others. The company has embraced innovation in the product and service charter. Among the notable products or services designed, developed, manufactured, and sold by Dell Technologies are categorized into VMware, client solutions, and infrastructure solutions. The client solution products include personal computers, branded peripherals, notebooks, projectors, and monitors among others. These products are designed and manufactured by the company. The second category of product charter is the infrastructure solutions offering information storage in the form of big data and cloud solutions through its Virtustream (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). The last category of product or service charter is VMware, which provides networking, mobility, cloud, compute, and security-related infrastructure software to different businesses. For instance, the vSphere, vSAN, vRealize, and VMware Cloud are successful product lines. All the products and services sold by the company are produced or created internally. Company Sales, Inventory, and Accounts Receivable From 2015 to 2018, sales have steadily increased for Dell as evident by rising net revenue from $54,142,000 to $78,660,000 in the three years (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). The rising sales could be attributed to expanded markets, increased product ranges, and a diverse market approach. For instance, in the last three years, Dell has introduced or modified more than ten different product lines to increase its market presence. The inventory has also steadily increased in the last three years from $8,901,000 in 2016 to $23,387,000 in 2018 (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). The rise in inventory could be attributed to the increasing cost of doing business associated with a company dependent on new technology. Moreover, the global economic swings have increased inflation, which translates to the high cost of running a business. Lastly, the account receivable has also experienced positive growth of about 10% annually for the last three years. The increase in accounts receivable could be associated with the benefits of Dell’s expansionary business strategies rolled out in 2015 and product diversification. In addition, the company’s 2016 operational efficiency streamlining strategies seem to be paying off (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). The sales, accounts receivable, and inventory is positively related, that is an increase in one element results in a similar displacement on the other two elements. For instance, sales determine the value of account receivables and vice versa. Risk Factors Associated with Dell Dell Technologies operate in a dynamic market characterized by several risks. The first risk is potential competitive pressures, which may affect the profitability, revenues, and share position. Since the company operates in a highly advanced business environment characterized by innovative software and hardware services that are perfect substitutes, Dell is threatened by the activities of aggressive competitors such as HP. For instance, the risk of competitive pricing, product diversification, and innovation might reduce the profits if the company does not have effective ways of encountering competition. Get your 100% original paper on any topic done in as little as 3 hours Learn More Another challenge is an overreliance on third-party vendors who supply components of different products for the company. Due to limited or single-sourcing contracts, an event of failure on the part of these vendors might adversely affect the aspects of cost, reliability, delivery, and availability of Dell’s products in the market. At present, the company has a complex supply chain that is dependent on the activities of these vendors. The third risk Dell is facing is the unpredictable global economic conditions and currently financial instability in the business market. Due to persistent unfavorable market swings as a result of past and possible global financial meltdown, Dell is faced with the risk of reduced profitability or net revenue. The company’s success at present and in the future is heavily dependent on its ability to effectively execute its short and long-term growth strategies. Any failure on the side of business planning or strategy execution might have diverse business effects in terms of competitiveness, sustainable financial performance, and customer satisfaction. Over the years, Dell has applied merger and acquisition as a business strategy for expanding market presence and increasing revenues (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). When the company fails to effectively implement the acquisition or merger strategy, it is exposed to diverse operational challenges and potential increment in the cost of doing business. Since most of Dell’s product and service lines are dependent on technological innovation, a potential challenge in managing the transitional process in the creation of more advanced or effective options might jeopardize the product performance in the market, which translates to reduced profits. Lastly, the company is faced with the risks of inability to sustain the international market revenue, which currently accounts for 51% of Dell’s total revenues (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). Miscalculations in the internationalization business strategies might have serious and long-term negative effects on the company’s net revenues. For instance, a change in the global market seasonal trends will have a direct impact on Dell’s sales mix that integrates customer, product, and geographical location. Income Statement Discussion The five items in Dell’s income statement are net revenues, gross margin, operating loss, earnings per share, and net cash provided by operating activities. Net revenue has increased steadily for the last three years. The gross margin has equally increased from the year 2015 to 2018. However, the operating loss reduced by more than 30% over the three years. The DHI Group’s basic earnings per share experienced positive growth in the same dimension over the last three years. Lastly, the net cash provided by operating activities experienced fluctuations characterized by a decrease in 2016 and a steady increase in the following years. The increase in revenues, gross margins, net cash provided for operating activities, and earnings per share could be attributed to the increased profitability of the company in the last three years (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). For instance, the revenue stream expanded steadily over the same period. As a result, the operating loss had to reduce due to increase revenue or strengthened equity or company capitalization. Disclosure Requirements Dell Technologies has to disclose the foreign currency risks and interest rate risks. Since the company is based in the US and listed on NASDAQ, it is required to provide full disclosure using the US GAAP accounting standards. Dell has to report any deviation. This explains why Dell keeps referring to the existing non-GAPP measures in disclosing fair competition practices in the financial statement. We will write a custom Report on Dell Technologies Company’s Analysis specifically for you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The company made two departures from the US GAAP standards in recognizing revenues and costs associated with sales. Another departure was noted in determining gross profit and revenue. The company added back differed related costs and revenue with a residual value guarantee (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2018). In addition, the non-cash interest and stock-based compensation are expunged from non-GAAP expenses and per share information. Reference United States Securities and Exchange Commission. (2018). Dell Technologies Inc. Web.

GU MrNewzVA Firm Maximum Profit Loss Shut Down & Recover Average Worksheet

GU MrNewzVA Firm Maximum Profit Loss Shut Down & Recover Average Worksheet.

Firm Profit, Loss, and Shut Down
Based upon the graph, answer the following questions:
1) What is the production level that will maximize the profit for the firm?
2) What is the profit-maximizing price the firm will charge?
3) Will the firm incur an economic gain or economic loss?
4) What will the dollar amount of economic gain or economic loss be?
5) What will be the price and quantity where the firm will shut down?Firm Profit, Loss, and Shut Down (PDF Version)
GU MrNewzVA Firm Maximum Profit Loss Shut Down & Recover Average Worksheet

Sociology Reading Journal – EASY

Sociology Reading Journal – EASY. Can you help me understand this Sociology question?

******NO PLAGIARISM WILL BE TOLERATED. PROPER SPELLING AND GRAMMAR IS REQUIRED. QUALITY WORK. IF NOT FOLLOWED WILL RESULT IN WITHDRAWAL********
ASA format. 12 point font double spaced. 1 page for each reading minimum.
2 total readings. 2 pages. 2 separate quotes. Each reading on separate page.
Reading theory is challenging, to say the least. It often requires multiple readings, “googling” terms you do not understand, and a general tenacity that can be difficult to muster. Journaling will help with this.
Directions:

Read the requiring readings. (Marx – Alienated Labor, Marx and Engles – The German Ideology)
After you have read the piece, identify with a quote that you believe best summarizes the main argument, or one of the main arguments, of each piece.
Title your journal entry with the author and title of the reading.
Type the quote you chose at the top.
Explain why you think this quote best summarizes the argument. This means you will write—in your own words— a paragraph or two on how you understand the piece and how the quote reflects that understanding.

Sociology Reading Journal – EASY