The Potential Treatment of Alzheimers Disease Through CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1821 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2019/04/12 Category Medicine Essay Level High school Tags: Alzheimer's Disease Essay Did you like this example? Named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who discovered the disease in 1906, Alzheimers disease is the progressive deterioration of the brain that slowly destroys cognitive function. While some treatments exist to alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimers disease, there is no cure. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Potential Treatment of Alzheimers Disease: Through CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing" essay for you Create order Considering that researchers have studied the disease for over 100 years, making steps toward finding a cure is urgent. With evidence for the potential risk and protective factors of Alzheimers disease, dementia, and cognitive decline, researchers are now looking at gene editing as a solution. The CRISPR-Cas9 system, is an inexpensive, yet powerful, tool used by researchers to alter DNA sequences and gene function that has already shown promise in other neurological disorders. Through gene editing, the CRISPR-Cas9 system would go beyond the temporary lessening of Alzheimers diseases symptoms and potentially prevent or stop the depreciation of the brain by targeting associated genes and correcting genetic defects. When examining the applications of CRISPR-Cas9, however, it is important to factor in both the ethical concerns of using this biotechnology, including the extent to which CRISPR should be permitted and who should have access to this technology, and concerns of not using it. While the system presents many ethical concerns and lingering questions, CRISPR-Cas9 provides a revolutionary and much-needed potential solution to Alzheimers disease. In researching potential treatments for Alzheimers disease, it is necessary to examine both types: early onset and late onset.1 Early-onset Alzheimers disease, also called familial Alzheimers disease (FAD), occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 60 and represents less than 10% of all cases. FAD has a strong genetic component caused by mutations on chromosomes 1, 14, and 21.6 Mutations on chromosome 1 lead to the formation of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and those on 14 and 21 lead to the formation of abnormal presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and abnormal presenilin 2 (PSEN2) respectively. Late onset Alzheimers disease occurs in patients over the age of 60 and represents over 90% of all Alzheimers cases. In addition to genetic factors, lifestyle and environmental factors such heart and metabolic conditions also contribute to this type of Alzheimers disease. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, particularly the APOE e4 allele is associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimers. Theref ore, in order to cure Alzheimers disease, these genes should be targeted specifically, yet there is no guarantee this will be a solution given the impact of environmental factors. Plaques and tangles are the two neurobiological markers of Alzheimers disease as opposed to dementia. Plaques are clumps of amyloid beta protein, which is derived from APP cleaved by beta secretase and gamma secretase, that breakdown brain cells by disrupting cell communication. Brain cells use an internal support and transport system that transports essential nutrients and materials. This system requires the normal structuring and function of a protein, tau. In Alzheimers Disorder, tau protein threads tangle abnormally inside brain cells, damage the transport system, and contribute to the death of brain cells. The problem, however, is that the presence of plaques and tangles, to confirm Alzheimers disease, can only be observed in an autopsy after death. Despite this, the accumulation of the Amyloid Beta protein can now be seen in PET scans as early as 15-20 years before symptoms are present, leaving a large potential therapeutic window.4 In order to properly treat the neurobiologica l markers of Alzheimers, and take advantage of preventative and disease reversal treatment, the ability to diagnose plaques and tangles is essential. Symptomatic treatment drugs are divided into two main categories: cholinesterase inhibitors and NMADA receptor antagonists. The first mechanism is used in classical drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors, prescribed for mild to moderate cases, that attempt to slow down the Alzheimers disease by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are three cholinesterase inhibitors.8 The drug Memantine is a NMDA (N-methyl-D-asparte) receptor antagonist and is used for moderate to severe cases. Memantine protects brain cells against excess glutamate, a chemical messenger released by damaged Alzheimers cells that usually attaches to NMDA receptors and results in a cell-damaging over-exposure of calcium. Despite much research and efforts, there remain no options for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimers disease. There are currently three common gene editing tools available, including Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effectors nucleases (TALENs), and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). In particular, CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is the most attractive option because it is faster, cheaper, more accurate, and more efficient than any other existing methods. CRISPR technology is adapted from naturally occurring defense mechanisms of bacteria and archaea. Organisms use CRISPR derived RNA and Cas proteins like Cas9 to stop the attacks of invader viruses by chopping up their DNA. These components are then transferred into another organism to perform gene editing by cutting DNA and tricking a cells natural DNA repair mechanisms to complete a desired change. In particular, Cas9 is directed to cut a region of DNA, fusing crRNA, that is specific to the DNA target, and tracRNA to create a single guide RNA that consists of a small pre-designed RNA sequence. The cells natural repair mechanisms introduce changes in the genome and repair the Cas9 induced double strand breaks. Insertions and deletions (INDELS) may be introduced to disrupt gene function. Science is now turning towards using CRISPR-Cas9 for Alzheimers disease after successful trials for Huntingtons disease, a different neurological disorder. Researchers were able to successfully edit out the faulty region of the mutant HTT gene in an in vivo mice model using cells derived from patient samples using the technique. There is clear potential for the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in correcting the autosomal-dominant mutations of PSEN1 and PSEN2 in early-onset Alzheimers disease models. This is supported by the fact that CRISPR-Cas9 was recently used to correct the PSEN2 autosomal mutations in iPSC-derived neurons. In addition, CRISPR/Cas-9 was used to knock out the Swedish APP mutation in patients. There is also evidence that CRISPR/Cas9 is a useful technology in treating late-onset Alzheimers. A recent, although not formally published study, shows proof that CRISP/Cas9 can be used to control the amyloid pathway attenuating cleavage and A production, while up-regulating the neuroprotective a- cleavage. This APP editing, by targeting the C-terminus region, was proven to be effective in various human neurons and mouse cells. Lastly, research shows that CRISP/Cas9 can be used to convert the APOe4 allele, which is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimers disease, to an APOe3 allele to lower this risk. Ethical and social issues regarding the use of CRISPR in people are centered around philosophical and safety dilemmas. The philosophical arguments question whether or not CRISPR should be used to alter germ-line cells, in human embryos, that would be passed on to the next generation. In addition, there is a fear that this technology will lead to the creation of designer babies. Recently in a 2015 Napa Valley meeting, a leading group of CRISPR-Cas9 developers, scientists, and ethicists met to discuss the ethical limits of CRISPR systems. Shortly after, a multidisciplinary committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a report that favored somatic genome editing, but not for any kind of enhancement. In terms of safety, CRISPR is a relatively new technology and much of its effects continue to be unknown. Some are worried that the technology could still be more accurate and that unknown genetic changes could be occurring with unforeseen consequences . For example, it is important to ensure that the disruptions of the DNA occur in the mutant gene and not in the wild-type allele. While accuracy could be considered an issue, CRISPR technology is advances at such a rapid pace that technical limitations should be of minimal concern. The consequence of editing a gene in germline may be unclear and unpredictable because the interaction of genetic information and biological phenotypes is not clear, however. And, considering that Alzheimers has many environmental factors adds to this concern. Another moral and ethical consideration, however, is not engaging in genome editing considering the tremendous social and economic cost of Alzheimers. Alzheimers disease currently affects 5.5 million Americans and this number is expected to triple by 2050 due to a growing and aging population. In addition, it is the third leading cause of death among Americans only trailing heart disease and cancer. $259 billion are going towards managing Alzheimers in the United States today, and this cost is expected to reach $1.2 trillion in 2050 which would bankrupt the entire health care system. Therefore, Alzheimers disease not only affects a large portion of the population due to the large number of those diagnosed, but is an economic burden to everyone. As a result, some may consider not using CRISPR unethical because continuing without a solution is detrimental to everyones health. In addition to Alzheimers as a social challenge due to economic cost, the progression of symptoms presents a social challenge to both those diagnosed and those around them. Mild Alzheimers disease is characterized with symptoms such as wandering and getting lost, trouble managing expenses, repeating questions, taking a longer time to complete everyday tasks, and personality changes. Moderate Alzheimers disease damages areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, memory, and conscious thought, causes patients to have hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, and makes them unable to recognize friends and family.1 Patients with severe Alzheimers cannot communicate with others and are completely dependent another person as their bodies completely shut down.1 These changes may frustrate the patient and be hard to comprehend for others. Tasks that were always handled by the diagnosed, will now have to be taken care of by someone else. The slow deterioration of b odily function can be difficult to watch especially when so much assistance is required, causes emotional pain, and tension from economic burden making any solution worth it. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has the ability to target just about any gene and can do so more efficiently and effectively than any other current gene-editing mechanism. In doing so, however, there needs to be both clear cut guidelines reflecting the ethical use of CRISPR/Cas9 as well assufficient research regarding a disease in order to ensure that gene-mutation has an effective outcome. In the case of Alzheimers disease, there needs to be an accurate method of diagnosis, considering that a significant number of diagnosis are mistaken as Alzheimers disease instead oftreatable conditions such as depression, vitamin deficiencies, and hypothyroidism.3 In addition, the particular genetic risks leading to both early and late onset Alzheimers disease need to be made clear.Regulations need to be put in place protecting the life-saving aspect of CRISPR, rather than its cosmetic potential, and should require deep reasoning especially when consideringgremlins gene editing. Despite risks, urgency mus t also take precedent. Whether CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing realizes itself as a therapeutic tool in treating Alzheimers is in the hands of researchers, this kind of treatment, with sufficient regulation, will prove revolutionary as these symptoms not only impair the person with the disease, but also disable the lives of their family and friends.

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Emily Bronte s Wuthering Heights - 1283 Words

Emily Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s Wuthering Heights is told from a complicated point of view. The narrator of the past is Nelly Dean, while the present time narrator is Mr. Lockwood. Set as a story within a story, Nelly tells Lockwood an eyewitness account of her dealings with the Earnshaws and the Lintons, while Lockwood is the outsider who records in his diary Nelly’s stories of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. From the novel’s beginning, Lockwood proves himself to be objective, while Nelly is subjective as she is able to recall details from many years ago in order to tell the tale of Wuthering Heights. Lockwood’s curiosity brings the reader into the Emily Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s world, but it is Nelly who is most reliable as she is the first hand witness to the two generations of Wuthering Heights. The novel begins with the first person narration by Lockwood, who is a sophisticated city gentleman, telling of his â€Å"inhospitable treatment† at Wutherin g Heights (Brontà « 7). 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Should Sports Be Banned - 1085 Words

Football is known as a contact sport, but now people are seeing the true harm it can do to your body. For the past decade, there has been a debate forcing football to be banned without the proper equipment. Although there are many dangers to the sport the NFL does not compensate for the players who have been injured. Banning football would be unethical but it is for the greater good of the players. When you are hit by the opponent during a game your brain is being pushed against your head and it never fully recovers. One never knows the impact or realizes the force. There have been more than 200 deaths caused by the lack of equipment and medical attention to these players. There is a 58 percent of college players and high school†¦show more content†¦When you play this sport you are more prone to ankle sprains, hamstring injuries and meniscus tears and that, not even the worst injuries that can be caused. 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Media Communication The Fundamental Changes

Question: Discuss about theMedia Communicationfor the Fundamental Changes. Answer: Introduction In this paper, the author discusses some of the fundamental changes that have shaped and characterized the world of communication. It is true that the sphere of communication and media encompasses various aspects and minor elements that are always changing. The current media and communication platforms are very different from the past ones, thus the need to investigate the causes in the shift of the changes. We are currently living in a digital era where communication amongst and between people is done using many devised forms, and that communicating does not need to be done by word of mouth. Just to note, even taking a selfie photo and posting it on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook is also a form of communicating. While discussing this, the paper will expound much on the effects of these new forms of communication on the media perception. Background Information According to the definition provided by Kind (2010), media convergence refers to a continuous process that should not be perceived as a substitution of the old forms of media, but as a close interaction between various media but seen as an interaction between media platforms and forms (Senft, 2008, p. 10). One interesting area of great concern while looking at positive versus negative outcomes of media convergence is digital media proprietorship (Van Dijck, 2008, p. 65). In the current age, the capability to curb media industry is packed in the hands of private investors and proprietors as well as moderately little number of dominant big media firms. For better illustration, some organizations including Warner Bros Inc, which formerly used to concentrate much on the film industry, in the contemporary society, they have control over a variety of media outlet. Such include PC games, books, magazines, sites and toys, which are considered as a player during the time spent media convergen ce (Barakat, 2014, p. 23). Dominance of Digital Media Convergence Outcomes of digital media convergence trend are perceived as both positive-oriented and negative-oriented. From one major viewpoint, this trend triggers a considerable reduction in the basic qualities of content offered in a propensity that voices who lack financial force and are not be considered. Additionally, it can be argued that industry-driven media controlled by big global media enterprises 'have the potential to effectively enhance the expected estimation underlying the administration, the primary adaptability of themes as well as the capability of the involved contributors' (King, 2010). Apart from empowering innovative improvements, it can bring transformation in the elitism of media personnel and trigger broad mindfulness. Another important concept of media convergence that can be conceived as its significant disadvantage is what is known as the 'investment gap' (Klinenberg, 2005, p. 55). This conception alludes to the manner in which media convergence compels various grou ps of people to undertake an active part in content creation, as it stipulates extended accessibility to cutting edge advancements, commonality with differently new forms of media, and contributing to the build-up of specific aptitudes. Subsequently, certain fragments of the media audience have a tendency to fail and unable to completely partake in the new media culture (Emmerson, 2000, p. 15). King (2010) contends that one of the methods of understanding media convergence lies in terms of collaboration amongst old forms and new forms of media. This conception can be made possible through accurate utilization of the case of television industry as well as gaining improvement throughout always. Transitioning from simple media to progressive media remains centrally important in the realms of media convergence face off. The term "analogue" gives a depiction of something 'that takes after something else' (Meikle, 2011). In this manner, it therefore signals that are transmitted via television can be seen as being closely resembling the light or sound of the genuine scene (Vivienne Burgess, 2013, p. 9). Speaking of analogue media, every inbuilt structure was particular and differently independent from the rest because of the greater need to effectively utilize diverse 'media content, properties and mechanical assemblies'. Following the manifestation of computerized code, the situ ation transformed immediately, opening new conceivable outcomes and paving way for media creation and media convergence. Resultantly, it sparked off new types of connection amongst makers and shoppers (DOrazio, 2014, p. 9). Selfies: Shaping the New Digital Media We currently live in the age of selfie. A selfie is known as a fast self-portrait that is made with a phones (smartphone) camera and instantaneously inscribed into a network. It has become an instant visual communication of where we currently live, what we love doing, how we think, and who we think is watching and following us. Lasn Gmez-Cruz (2009, p. 210) document that selfies are eventually shaping and transforming aspects of self-awareness, body language, social awareness, privacy, humor, public behavior, and altering temporality. Having become a new visual genre, selfies pose their own structural autonomy. Digital media analysts have sought to know why selfies existed in the first instance. The primary purpose of having selfies is that everyone posting a selfie does so with the mindset of being seen here, immediately, by other people, mostly on social networks. One thing that must be remembered is that the act taking selfies is never accidental. Whether completely casual or car efully staged, the sender has to start by first approving any selfie before embedding it on a network (Meikle, 2011, p. 31). Relationship Between Media and Music May Hearn (2005, p. 196) informs that the commodity form of music has greatly undergone some transformation, just as social media does. In the past, music was once dominated by recordings done on physical media including tapes, compact discs, and LP records. Sheet music characterized a sizeable portion of the market, same to reproduction rights, mechanical rights, and payment for live performance (Suhr, 2012, p. 27). In the present day reality, the worlds biggest music store deals only in the sale of digital files. Further, sale of recordings on CD have fallen and the trend has caused a great financial slack. Looking at the current conjecture, globally, it is apparently trues that more recordings are nowadays circulating through channels that do not carry the desirable official sanction of recording states or industries. Scholars and artists of music and art have also expanded their concept of from a formal concern to one of physical, economic, or cultural form. In this regard, the matter and form of music remains closely bound in the current age, especially in consideration of the ways in which recordings move across milieus and formats (Rettberg, 2014, p. 30). Basic Applications/Examples of Media Convergence Some keen media observers expect that we will in the long run get to all media content through one gadget, or "black box". In that capacity, media business practice has been to distinguish the following "black box" to put resources into and produce desirable media. This has triggered a variety of issues (Turkle, 2013, p. 30). Firstly, as "secret elements" are created and surrendered, the individual is left with various gadgets that can play out the same errand, as opposed to one devoted for every assignment. For instance, one may possess both a PC and a computer games console, in this manner owning two DVD players. This is in opposition to the streamlined objective of the "discovery" hypothesis, and rather makes a lot of mess. Also, technological convergence has a tendency to be exploratory in nature. This has prompted shoppers owning technologies that extra capacities that are harder, if not illogical, to utilize more than just one particular gadget. Numerous individuals would just watch the TV for the span of the feast's cooking time, or while in the kitchen, yet would not utilize the microwave as the family television. These illustrations demonstrate that much of the technological convergence is pointless or unneeded (Brandt, 2014, p. 33). In spite of the fact that purchasers principally utilize a particular media gadget for their necessities, other "black box" gadgets that play out the same errand can be utilized to suit their present circumstance. In spite of the making of "black boxes", proposed to play out all assignments, the pattern is to utilize gadgets that can suit the shopper's physical position (Yoo Kwon, 2011, p. 38). Because of the variable utility of convenient innovation, convergence happens in high-end cell phones. They consolidate mixed media administrations, GPS, Internet access, and versatile communication into a solitary gadget, proclaiming the rise of what has been named the "smart phone," a gadget intended to evacuate the need to convey numerous gadgets (Rugg, 2014, p. 36). Convergence of media happens when different items meet up to shape one item with the advantages of every one of them, otherwise called the black box. This thought of one technology has ended up being termed as a fallacy as a r esult of the failure to really put every single specialized piece into one. For instance, while individuals can have email and Internet on their telephone, they would still want Internet and email as well. Cellular telephones are a decent case, in that they integrate advanced cameras, mp3 players, voice recorders, and different gadgets. This sort of convergence is well known. For the buyer out there, it implies more elements in less space; while for media aggregates it implies staying focused (Balance, 2012, p. 140). Problems of Media Convergence in the Society Media convergence has a drawback. Especially in initial structures, converged gadgets are often less reliable and functional as compared to their component parts (for instance, a cellular telephone's web program may not render some site pages accurately, because of not supporting certain rendering strategies, for example, the iPhone program not supporting Flash content). As the quantity of capacities in a solitary gadget heightens, the capacity of that gadget to serve its unique capacity diminishes. As Yoo Kwon (2011) declares, mechanical union holds huge potential for the "change of life and freedom in some ways and could debase it in others". Ardvol Gmez-Cruz (2012) trusts that this same innovation can possibly be "utilized as both a weapon of social control and a method for resistance". Since innovation has developed in the previous ten years or somewhere in the vicinity, organizations are starting to unite advancements to make interest for new items. This incorporates telephone organizations coordinating 3G and 4G on their telephones. In the mid twentieth century, TV focalized the advancements of motion pictures and radio, and TV is presently being united with the cell telephone industry and the Internet. Media convergence consolidate various advances into one. More up to date cell telephones highlight cameras, and can hold pictures, recordings, music, and other media (Steenson, 2006, p. 9). Makers now incorporate more propelled elements, for example, video recording, GPS beneficiaries, information stockpiling, and security systems into the customary cellphone. (Aldridge Harden, 2014, p. 23) Summary of the Discussion Convergence culture is a piece of participatory society. Fans and buyers can take an interest in the creation and flow of new substance. A few organizations exploit this and quest for input from their clients through online networking and sharing destinations, for example, YouTube. Other than promoting and stimulation, merging society has additionally influenced the way we collaborate with news and data. We can get to news on numerous levels of media from the radio, TV, daily papers, and the web. The web permits more individuals to have the capacity to report the news through autonomous communicates and accordingly permits a huge number of viewpoints to be advanced and accessed by individuals in a wide range of territories. Adoption of media convergence would permit news to be accumulated on a much bigger scale. References Aldridge, G., Harden, K. (2014, March 23). Selfie addict took two hundred a dayand tried to kill himself when he couldnt take perfect photo. Daily Mirror. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/selfie-addict-took-two-hundred-3273819 Ardvol, E., Gmez-Cruz, E. (2012). Private body, public image: Self-portrait in the practice of digital photography. Revista de Dialectologia y Tradiciones Populares, 67, 181208. Balance, C. B. (2012). How it feels to be viral me: Affective labor and Asian American YouTube performance. WSQ: Womens Studies Quarterly, 40(12), 138152. doi:10.1353/wsq.2012.0016. Barakat, C. (2014, April 16). Science links selfies to narcissism, addiction, and low self-esteem. Adweek. Retrieved from www.adweek.com/socialtimes/selfies-narcissism-addiction-low-selfesteem/147769 Brandt, R. (2014, June 25). Google divulges numbers at I/O: 20 billion texts, 93 million selfies and more. Silicon Valley Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2014/06/25/google-divulges-numbers-at-i-o-20- billion-texts-93.html DOrazio, F. (2014, June 26). The visual social media lab launches. Pulsar. Retrieved from https://www.pulsarplatform.com/blog/2014/the-visual-social-media-lab-launches/ Emmerson, S. (2000). Music, electronic media, and culture. Aldershot: Ashgate. King, D. D. (2010). The convergence of gambling and digital media: Implications for gambling in young people. Journal of Gambling Studies, 26(2), 175-187. Klinenberg, E. (2005). Convergence: News production in a digital age. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 597(1), 48-64. Lasn, A., Gmez-Cruz, E. (2009). Digital photography and picture sharing: Redefining the public/private divide. Knowledge, Technology, and Policy, 22(3), 205215. May, H. Hearn, G. (2005). The mobile phone as media. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 8(2), 195211. Meikle, G. . (2011). Media convergence: Networked digital media in everyday life. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Rettberg, J. W. (2014). Seeing ourselves through technology: How we use selfies, blogs and wearable devices to see and shape ourselves. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Rugg, L. H. (2014). Picturing ourselves: Photography and autobiography. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Senft, T. (2008). Camgirls: Celebrity and community in the age of social networks. New York, NY: Peter Lang. Steenson, M. (2006). Mobile space is womens space: Reframing mobile phones and gender in an urban context. New Haven, CT: Yale School of Architecture. Suhr, H. C. (2012). Social media and music: The digital field of cultural production. New York: Peter Lang. Turkle, S. (2013). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. New York, NY: Basic Books. Van Dijck, J. (2008). Digital photography: Communication, identity, memory. Visual Communication, 7(1), 5776. Vivienne, S., Burgess, J. (2013). The remediation of the personal photograph and the politics of selfrepresentation in digital storytelling. Journal of Material Culture, 18(3), 279298. Doi: 10.1177/1359183513492080. Yoo, J. K., Kwon, K. N. (2011). Self in selca, self-portrait photography, as a model, photographer, and consumer. Advances in Consumer Research, 39, 660661. Retrieved from https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/1010248/volumes/v39/NA-39

Effects Of Dividend Changes Emerging Market -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Effects Of Dividend Changes Emerging Market? Answer: Introduction: This report has been prepared to identify and evaluate the position, performance and worth of the Almarai Company. For evaluating the worth of the company, various financial tools and non financial tools have been analyzed. Firstly, the stockholder analysis has been done to evaluate the position and management style of the company. For this analysis, it has been evaluated that why the people are investing into this project. Further, it has been evaluated that who are the marginal stockholders of the company and how the corporate governance of the company is working. Further, it has been evaluated that what is the risk of the company in concern of the investment and how much return would be offered by the company to its shareholders (Zhang, 2012). In addition, investment return of the company has been measured and the study has been conducted on the long term and short term projects of the company. Further, capital structure choices of the company has also been evaluated and to analyze the debt and equity level of the company. Further, the optimal capital structure has been evaluated to identify the solvency risk of the company and a better balance among the stock of the company. Various theories have also been read to evaluate and identify the optimal capital level of the company. Lastly, dividend policy of the company has been evaluated and it has been analyzed that through which trend the dividends are offered by the company to its shareholders. A dividend framework of the company has been evaluated and lastly, a valuation study has been given which expresses about the total worth of the company and the position of the investment funds of the company (Thanatawee, 2013). Further, it also explains that how much earnings would be earned by an investor against his investment money in the company. Stockholder analysis: Firstly, the stockholder analysis has been done to evaluate the position and management style of the company. For this analysis, it has been evaluated that why the people are investing into this project. The annual report of the company expresses that the corporate has invested 63.74% in the company whereas 36.26% of stock has been owned by the individuals. Individuals have invested in the company to reduce the level of the tax burden (Tucker, 2011). Further, the mutual fund companies have invested 52.4% of total investment in the company. Government has invested 4% and the rest amount has been invested for the individual and the corporate to enhance the invested amount. The following table explains about the total investment in the company. investor type Number of investors Number of Shares Percentage of ownership Corporate 254 509957679 63.74% Individual 49472 290042321 36.26% Total 49726 800000000 (Investors, 2018) Further it has been analyzed that who are the marginal investors of the company and handling the business of the company on the behalf of other stakeholders of the company. Further, it explains that how the other people of the company are looking on the market position and the performance of the company (Travlos, Trigeorgis and Vafeas, 2015). Through the study on annual report of the company, it has been found that the HH Prince Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer is the main marginal investor of the company. He handles all the business and the activities of the company n the behalf of other shareholders of the company. More to it, it has also been found that the mutual fund companies are also involving into the activities of the company to look over the profitability position of the company. It has been expected from the marginal investor of Almarai Company to work with dignity and the stockholders benefits must also be considered (Shao, Kwok and Guedhami, 2013). Marginal investors must be the person who is a well diversified investor and must have knowledge about the stock market. Since, the marginal investor of Almarai Company is well diversified and working with dignity in the market, it could be said that the performance of the company is better and this company would offer a great dividend to its stockholders and the associated risk of the stock of the company would also be lesser. Risk and return: Further, for evaluation the position of the company and the investment opportunity in the company, risk and return of the company has been evaluated and it has been analyzed that how the company and its stock is operating in the market. Firstly, the risk profile of the company has been calculated and it has been found that overall systematic risk of the company is 0.67 (Bloomberg, 2018). Further, the unsystematic risk of the company could not be calculated but the annual report and financial analysts report explains that the company is managing and performing the activities and operations in a good manner. Further, the performance profile of the company has been evaluated and it has been found that the position and the performance of the company have been better. The risk of the company is 0.67 which express about a lower level of risk. The companys report explains that the stock of the company is out performed. The resources of the company have been utilized by the company in a prop er way (Naser, Nuseibeh and Rashed, 2013). Further, for performing this study, various subsidiary companies of Almarai limited have been evaluated and it has been found that how much stock and the capital of the company is owned by the people and what is weight of the company, how much the systemic risk of the company and what is the risk and return of the company. According to the stock price of the companies, the best of the companies have been calculated and the weight has been calculated through dividing the total market capital of each company with the total market capital of Almarai limited. According to the calculations and the measurements, following data has been calculated: Business Estimated value Unlevered beta Division weight Weight * Beta Western Bakeries Limited 588005395 0.63 73.50% 0.46305 International Banking services co 55497757 1.25 6.94% 0.08672 Almarai Bahrain co 33479206 1.5 4.18% 0.06277 Markley Holdings co 45082982 1.1 5.64% 0.06199 Almarai investment co 23592877 0.7 2.95% 0.02064 Almarai baby food co 54341783 1.25 6.79% 0.08491 800000000 100% 0.78008 (Gulf Base, 2018) Further, the financial statement of the company expresses that the total equity of the company and total debt of the company is as follows: Price Debt 10,54,31,25,000 Equity 12,93,92,83,000 23,48,24,08,000 It explains that the debt level of the company is bit lower than total equity of the company. Further, the risk free rate of the market has been evaluated and it has been found that the total risk free rate is 6.08% and the market premium of the company is 6%. At the same time the best of the company is 0.67 (Masum, 2014). The tax rate of the company is 36% and the interest rate on debt of the company is 8%. It explains that the cost of equity of the company is 6.03% and the cost of debt of the company is 5.12%. Calculations are as follows: Calculation of cost of debt Outstanding debt 10,54,31,25,000 interest rate 8% Tax rate 0.36 Kd 5.12% Calculation of cost of equity (CAPM) RF 6.08% RM 6.00% Beta 0.67 Required rate of return 6.03% Further, the total cost of capital of the company has been evaluated on the basis of cost of debt and cost of equity of the company and it has been found that the total cost of capital of the company is 5.62% which explains that the company should invest in those projects which would offer it more than 5.62% of internal rate of return. Calculation of WACC Price Cost Weight WACC Debt 10,54,31,25,000 5.12% 0.44898 0.02299 Equity 12,93,92,83,000 6.03% 0.55102 0.03321 23,48,24,08,000 Kd 5.62% (DEEPTEE and ROSHAN, 2009) Measuring investment returns: The typical project of the company has been evaluated for further study and it has been found that the main typical project of every subsidiary company of Almarai limited is different. Through the analysis on every subsidiary company, it has been found that all the companies are working on long term as well as sort term typical project. Further, the annual report of the company explains that the main typical project of the company is Davidson creek hub project. It is a short term project of the company and the company is working on this project from last 9 months. This project is related to minerals and it expresses that this project has helped the company to enhance the stock price as well as the financial performance of the company has also been enhanced. The cash flow patterns of the company have also been changed due to its new project, Davidson Creek Hub Project (Annual Report, 2018). The current book value of the investment of the company is SAR 9,480,000. It depicts that the short term investment position of the company has been enhanced from last years in current year. It explains that the company is focusing on investment in the new projects and the stocks to enhance the financial position and the performance of the company. The future trends of the investment and the current projects of the company explain about the great performance of the company which is way better than the past trends of the company. Further, it has been investigated that the position of the company in terms of investment and the return from the investment is higher (Davies and Crawford, 2011). Through the study on the return on investment of the company from last 3 years, it has been found that the return on investment of the company in current year is 0.45% which is quite higher than the position and the performance of 2016 and 2015. Investment 94,80,000 46,80,000 34,38,000 Net profit 2,11,11,44,000 2,01,50,91,000 1,91,56,91,000 Return on investment 0.45% 0.23% 0.18% It explains that the current project of the company has helped the comapny to enhance the net profit of the company and that is why the return of the company has also been enhanced. Capital structure choices: For further study, the funds of the company have been analyzed through which the funds have been raised. Through the study, it has been found that the company has used the short term debt, long term debt, retained earnings, equity and various other ways to raise the funds of the company (Breuer, Rieger and Soypak, 2014). Following are the ways of the company and the accounting figure of each fund of the company: 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Short-term debt 2258988000 1484416000 2039057000 1821342000 1682970000 Taxes payable 272906000 Other current liabilities 3239215000 3308904000 2767579000 2221592000 2037493000 Total current liabilities 5771109000 4793320000 4806636000 4042934000 3720463000 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 10543125000 10134730000 9343435000 7737026000 8288900000 Deferred taxes liabilities 48060000 56492000 67123000 84394000 119985000 Pensions and other benefits 540143000 472186000 408073000 340045000 Minority interest 396867000 421250000 559783000 744080000 621718000 Other long-term liabilities 652315000 41212000 63427000 45556000 46389000 Total non-current liabilities 11640367000 11193827000 10505954000 9019129000 9417037000 Total liabilities 17411476000 15987147000 15312590000 13062063000 13137500000 Stockholders' equity Retained earnings 1998246000 2796393000 3659639000 2569564000 1714303000 Treasury stock -453156000 -378994000 -330699000 -146386000 -146386000 Accumulated other comprehensive income 12939283000 10618194000 8729505000 8463674000 8574553000 Total stockholders' equity 14484373000 13035593000 12058445000 10886852000 10142470000 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 31895849000 29022740000 27371035000 23948915000 23279970000 (Morningstar, 2018) Through the analysis, it has been found that the debt and equity which has been enhanced by the company in terms of raising the funds are as follows: Price Debt 10,54,31,25,000 Equity 12,93,92,83,000 Total funds 23,48,24,08,000 (Morningstar, 2018) It explains that the total quantity of debt has been enhanced and it explains that the debt amount has been enhanced by the company to reduce the level of the cost. In terms of quantity, the debt amount has been enhanced by the company to manage the cost and in terms of quality; the debt amount would lower the level of ownership in the company. Further, it explains that the debt amount is used by the companies to manage the risk and return level and it also assists the company to manage the lower level of cost of capital of the company (Correria, 2013). The below calculations express that the cost of debt of the company is lower than the cost of equity and thus the debt amount would reduce the level of the cost of capital of the company : Calculation of WACC Price Cost Weight WACC Debt 10,54,31,25,000 5.12% 0.44898 0.02299 Equity 12,93,92,83,000 6.03% 0.55102 0.03321 23,48,24,08,000 Kd 5.62% Further, it has been found that the debt amount has some cons as well. The debt amount enhances the borrowings of the company and it directly burdens on the balance sheet of the company (Breuer, Rieger and Soypak, 2014). Further, the debt amount increases the risk of the company as it is required for the company to pay the debt amount to the debt holders after a period of time. In addition, it has been found that the level of debt has been enhanced by the company lot in current year in comparison with the past 2 years. Further, it has been found that the current debt ratio of the company is 54.59% which explains about the company that current debt amount of the company is moderate it is not too much nor it is too lower (Bradford, Chen and Zhu, 2013). The following table explains about the debt amount of the company: Total liabilities 17411476000 15987147000 15312590000 Total assets 31895849000 29022740000 27371035000 Debt ratio 54.59% 55.08% 55.94% (Brealey, Myers and Marcus, 2007) Optimal capital structure: Further, the optimal level of the capital structure of the company has been evaluated and the current debt financing of the company is 44% debt and the 55.10% of equity. This debt amount includes only long term debt of the company which has maturity of 5years. Further, the entire debt is floating as long term debt. Following are few of the factors which have been considered by the company in managing the performance of the company: Price Weight Debt 10,54,31,25,000 0.44898 Equity 12,93,92,83,000 0.55102 23,48,24,08,000 It explains that the debt of the company is quite lower than the cost of equity of the company (Bodie, 2013). For the optimal capital structure of the company, following calculations have been done: Debt Equity Cost of debt Cost of equity Cost of capital 0% 100% 5.12% 6.03% 6.03% 10% 90% 5.12% 6.03% 5.94% 20% 80% 5.12% 6.03% 5.85% 30% 70% 5.12% 6.03% 5.75% 40% 60% 5.12% 6.03% 5.66% 50% 50% 5.12% 6.03% 5.57% 60% 40% 5.12% 6.03% 5.48% 70% 30% 5.12% 6.03% 5.39% 80% 20% 5.12% 6.03% 5.30% 90% 10% 5.12% 6.03% 5.21% 100% 0% 5.12% 6.03% 5.12% (Barman, 2008) It explains that the cost of capital would be lower when the entire funds are raised by the company through debt, but in that case the risk of the company would be higher. Optimal capital structure must be the point where the risk and the cost, both of the company would be lower so the optimal capitals structure of the company should be 40% of debt and 60% of equity of the company (Baker and Weigand, 2015). Further, it has been evaluated that the current debt ratio of the company is 44% and 55%. It explains that the company would reduce the level of the debt to manage the optimal capitals structure. The optimal capitals structure of the company has been evaluated in context with the sector optimal capitals structure and market capitals structure and it has been evaluated that the current debt structure of the company is according to the sector ratio but the decrement in the debt ratio would assist the company to manage the risk and cost both of the company (Schlichting, 2013). The agro industry of Saudi Arabia explains that the debt structure of the company has been enhanced in 2017 from last year to manage the debt structure of the company and reduce the cost of the company. Mechanics of moving to the optimal: From the above study, it has been found that the current debt ratio of the company is 44% and 55%. And according to the optimal capital structure equation and study, the debt ratio of the company must be the point where the risk and the cost, both of the company would be lower so the optimal capitals structure of the company should be 40% of debt and 60% of equity of the company It explains that the company must reduce the level of the debt to manage the optimal capitals structure (Phillips and Stawarski, 2016). The current scenario of the company explains that the debt level of the company must be altered by the company with time. The sudden changes into the debt structure of the company would affect on the stock price and financial performance of the company. Further, it explains that the company should buy back retiring the debt to reduce the level of the debt in the company (Palicka, 2011). It would help the company to manage the optimal capital structure as well as the risk and cost factor of the company would also be better. Further, it has also been found that the current amount has been invested by the company in projects. So, it would be difficult for the company to administer the financial position and reduce the debt level of the company (Madhura, 2014). So, it is recommended to the company to enhance the funds through equity when the new funds are invested into the new project. Dividend policy: The dividend policy of the company has been evaluated and it has been found that the company is paying a good amount of dividend to its stockholders from last 4 years. It explains that the dividend amount of the company has been enhanced in 2017 from last years. Dividend paid -717905000 -687721000 -598542000 -598275000 Further, it has been found that the company not only offers the dividend to the stockholders, it also returns the cash to the stockholders through buy back the shares. Form last 4 years the buyback report of the company is as follows: Common stock repurchased -75533000 -75414000 -260530000 Further, the dividend yield of the company has been evaluated to determine the debt level of the company and it has been found that the dividend yield of the company is 3.98% which explains that the dividend of the company is modest (Krantz, 2016). Dividend yield Annual dividend / current stock price 0.039813 Annual dividend 2.13 Current stock price 53.5 (Kurth, 2013) Further, for evaluating the performance of the company, it has been found that the various stocks have been bought back by the company. It has been found that the company has paid the following cash amount to its stockholders in last 4 years: Year FCFE Dividend + Stock Buybacks 2014 458314000 598275000 2015 306984000 859072000 2016 -769690000 763135000 2017 1099507000 793438000 Further, through the above analysis it has been found that this company is paying a great amount of cash to its stockholders. The evaluation on the market and the literature explains that the cash return to the stockholders is not good for the financial performance of the company (Kinsky, 2011). If the company has a great amount of cash than this cash amount must not be paid back by the company to its stockholders rather than the company must invest this amount into new projects so that the financial and market performance and position of the company could be better. A framework for analyzing dividends: Further, the study has been done to manage a framework for the company to evaluate and analyze the dividend. Firstly, it has been analyzed that the following amount has been returned by the company to the stockholders in last few years: Year FCFE Dividend + Stock Buybacks 2014 458314000 598275000 2015 306984000 859072000 2016 -769690000 763135000 2017 1099507000 793438000 According to the study and the evaluation on total cash which has been paid by the company to the stockholders, it is recommended to the company to reduce the level of cash payment and must invest this amount to the new projects and proposal (Elton, Gruber, Brown and Goetzmann, 2009). The company has a great amount of cash currently so this cash amount must not be paid back by the company to its stockholders rather than the company must invest this amount into new projects so that the financial and market performance and position of the company could be better. The comparative study has been done on the stock by back and dividend amount of the company with its competitive company and it has been evaluated that the competitive company and the industry explains that the no company is currently buying back the shares. All the companies are just giving the dividend amount to the company in terms of cash. Valuation: Lastly, the valuation study has been done on the company and it has been found that the net cash flow from operating activities of the company is continuously increasing. The following table explains that the current increment trend in the operating activities of the company is 5.02% (Baker and Nofsinger, 2010). On the other hand the financial analyst report and the industry trend explain that the operating income of the company would definitely increase in near future due to the new operations and old loyal customers of the company. 2017 2016 2015 2014 Net cash provided by operating activities 4614147000 4393591000 4931941000 3198763000 Trend 5.02% -10.92% 54.18% (Jadwa, 2018) Further, it has been found that the current growth rate of the company in the industry is quite better. Still, it would take around 10 years for the company to be leader in the market and to set the industry trend. Through, the annual report of the company explains that the growth rate of the company is 5.79% which explains about better position of the company. Still, there is a lot time to go for the company to become a leader in the market and manage the performance of the company (Ackert and Deaves, 2009). Lastly, the equity worth of the company has been evaluated and it has been found that the intrinsic value of the company is 50 whereas the current stock price of the company is 53.3. It explains that the stock price of the company is overvalued and the stock of the company must be sold. Dividend Discount Model Dividend expected 2.50 Growth rate 3.00% Discount rate 8.00% Intrinsic Value 50.00 Share Price 53.30 (Infront analytics) Overvalued References: Ackert, L. and Deaves, R. 2009. Behavioral Finance: Psychology, Decision-Making, and Markets. Cengage Learning. Annual Report. 2018. Almarai Limited. Viewed Jan 31, 2018, https://www.almarai.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Annual-Report-2016-EN-new.pdf?x11237 Baker, H.K. and Nofsinger, J.R. 2010. Behavioral Finance: Investors, Corporations, and Markets. John Wiley Sons. Baker, H.K. and Weigand, R., 2015. Corporate dividend policy revisited.Managerial Finance,41(2), pp.126-144. Barman, G.P., 2008. An evaluation of how dividend policies impact on the share value of selected companies. Bloomberg. 2018. Almarai Limited. Viewed Jan 31, 2018, https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/ALMARAI:AB Bodie, Z., 2013.Investments. McGraw-Hill. Bradford, W., Chen, C. and Zhu, S., 2013. Cash dividend policy, corporate pyramids, and ownership structure: Evidence from China.International Review of Economics Finance,27, pp.445-464. Brealey, R., Myers, S.C. and Marcus, A.J., 2007.FundamentalsofCorporate Finance. Mc Graw Hill, New York. Breuer, W., Rieger, M.O. and Soypak, K.C., 2014. The behavioral foundations of corporate dividend policy a cross-country analysis.Journal of Banking Finance,42, pp.247-265. CORREIA, C. 2013. FinancialManagement.7thEdition. Cape Town: Juta andCompany Ltd.2. Davies, T. and Crawford, I., 2011.Business accounting and finance. Pearson. DEEPTEE, P. and ROSHAN, B. 2009. Signaling Power of Dividends on firms futureProfits A Literature Review. 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Favorite Painter free essay sample

Write a short post discussing your favorite painter born before 1900. Explain in detail what it is exactly that you like about their work. Use the knowledge you have learned about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to discuss what you like about their work. , about the medium they use or the content they explore? minimum 200 words My favorite Painter born before 1900 is Vincent Van Gogh. I love the paintings done by Van Gogh because they are very expressive of what was going on around him and his personal experiences. He uses lines freehandedly in his paintings which makes them all very unique compared to many other painters. Even though his use of lines seemed to be chaotic, there was always strong consistency. A lot of Pat Steirs work was influenced by Vincent Van Gogh. Pat Steir widely utilized Van Goghs style of painting using lines, and tapping into her emotions much like Van Gogh did whenever he painted. We will write a custom essay sample on Favorite Painter or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The feeling of painting in this manner was compared to being on a merry-go-round by Steir. Van Goghs paintings exhibited a strong cry of anguish, this is due to the way he utilizes his lines. This is especially evident in his painting of Starry Night. There is one artwork in particular that draws my attention when I think of Vincent Van Gogh. This particular work of art is The Sower, which was produced on the medium of oil on canvas. It took Van Gogh a great deal of time to complete this piece. He faced numerous difficulties, the biggest of which was finding the right color to set the painting off. He adjusted this artwork until he got the focal point where he wanted it. He did this by using a variety of different lines, straight, wide, narrow and curved. In the final product of The Sower, Van Gogh eliminated the house and tree which gave allowed the viewer to focus more on the sower himself. All the different lines used gives the artwork a sense of direction and flow. Van Goghs works were even considered to be autographic because of his style of painting.