Abstract The paper relates that the FDA has been accused of being too slow as well as lacking oversight and in need of even more periodic reviews of previous approvals. The paper discusses the pressure from patient groups as well as doctors and pharmaceutical companies to expand the FDA approval and testing process to include experimental drugs. The paper devotes time to the politicization of the FDA and the accusations of bias towards the pharmaceutical companies. The paper also reveals that many American pharmaceutical companies are now outsourcing their clinical trials, which might make it more difficult for the FDA to follow every step of the trial method and results.
From the Paper "Just what does the FDA do? Government documents state that the FDA seeks to protect the public health by ensuring the purity and security of foods; the safety and effectiveness of drugs, medical devices, biological products, and radiation-emitting products; and the safety of cosmetics. The FDA oversees the review and approval of new medicines and medical devices. It also monitors the safety of dietary supplements, though it does not review and approve the supplements before they are sold.
"The FDA helps to ensure that people receive accurate information about the foods and drugs that they use. The agency calls for the truthful description of product benefits and risks and for safety and honesty in packaging. In fact, the information about contents and dosage found on food packages was developed by the FDA."
Abstract The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates many of the products you use in every day life. Yet, there are many drugs on the market that have not been approved by the FDA. This paper examines the legal and ethical issues that surround these lawful, yet unapproved by the FDA, drugs that are on the market.
A review of several polls regarding the United States of America's presidential approval ratings and how those rating are affected by specific media stories.
Abstract This reports examines how public support for George W. Bush is affected by events such as the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, the war for oil in Iraq, and the devastating effects of the hijacked plane attacks on the United States. The Internet has become an excellent source for gathering data and opinion polls so this report utilizes the Roper Center web site to provide complete listings of various polls for the presidential job approval ratings over the course of George W. Bush's terms in office. The report also attempts to analyze how the media has influenced these approval polls and examines how the President's approval ratings fluctuate based on the media's coverage of events such as the war with Iraq, American military casualties because of the war in Iraq, the recent Abu Ghraib Prison scandal, or the capture of Saddam Hussein.
From the Paper "Then the events the events of September 11, 2001, occurred. The events associated with the September 11th terrorist attacks stunned the world and put the American people on high alert as the once great World Trade Center facility came crashing down in the blink of an eye. The American people and the media bond themselves to the man who many thought got his office by cheating only a few weeks before. President Bush's approval ratings reached record levels in the following days and weeks."
Tags: ordinary, leader, accomplishments, administration, election, scandal, presidential, history.
This study investigates the effects of programs dealing with risk-based pricing and increased mortgage loan limits on mortgage approval rates for low- and moderate-income households.
Abstract The in-depth research performed for the study finds that risk-based pricing policies had a positive impact on the extension of residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income applicants making less than $35,000 annually, in that rejection rates associated with risk-based factors declined. The research also finds that higher mortgage limit policies had a positive impact on the extension of residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income applicants making less than $35,000 annually, in that rejection rates associated with risk-based factors declined. Lastly, the research results indicate that higher mortgage limit policies had a greater positive impact than did risk-based pricing policies.
The findings that both risk-based pricing policies and higher mortgage limit policies have positive impacts on the extension of residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income applicants making less than $35,000 annually, also showed that mortgage approval rates for this group actually declined over the period of analysis. The implication of these findings considered together is that other problems exist that have led to the rejection of low- and moderate-income applicants making less than $35,000 annually, for residential mortgages.
The major conclusion drawn from the findings of this study is that adherence to risk-based pricing policies and increased mortgage loan limit policies by conventional lenders is more show than real, as the aggregate approval rate among conventional lenders actually declined from 1990 to 1999. Thus, it appears that conventional lenders have found new reasons to reject low- and moderate-income applicants making less than $35,000 annually, while publicly adhering to the new policies intended to broaden access to mortgage lending for these applicants.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 - Introduction
Problem Statement
Study Purpose
Research Questions & Hypotheses
Significance of the Study
Definitions of Terms
Delimitations of the Study
Overview of the Remainder of the Study
2 ? Review of the Literature
Systems Theory
Systems Theory and the Mortgage Lending Model
Mortgage Lending Markets
Past Discrimination in Mortgage Lending
Summary
3 ?Methodology
Research Design
Research Hypotheses
Variables and Operational Definitions
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Methodological Limitations
Summary
4 ?Results
Restatement of the Research Questions
Restatement of the Hypotheses
Research Results
5 ? Summary, Discussion and Conclusions
Discussion
Conclusions
Appendix: Data Tables
Bibliography
From the Paper "The effort to improve accessibility to residential mortgage finance for low- and moderate-income individuals and families making less than $35,000 annually, tends to be impeded by a system that has become entrenched. This existing system is an interlocking structure of public and private sector players that has developed rules and processes with which they are comfortable and which they are reluctant to change. The existing system for the extension of residential mortgages also involves both the primary and the secondary mortgage markets, as well as credit review and reporting agencies. The system in place was never intended to provide access to residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income persons making less than $35,000 annually, except within the framework of specific governmental programs targeting such individuals. These specific programs involved direct public funding, government guaranteed repayment of loans extended by private sector lenders, or subsidies to developers and builders."
Abstract This paper explains that what makes identity theft such a concern for the public is not simply the number of people it happens to but the fact that it can occur without the victim's knowledge. The author points out that the primary difference between identity theft perpetrated over the internet and identity theft perpetrated in other ways is the speed by which personal information can be obtained and the distance it can travel. The paper relates that the essential preventative steps are fairly simple and require very little effort, but most people still fail to adhere to all of them; (1) Review your credit reports at least every six months, (2) shred all of your personal papers, receipts, old utility bills and pre-approved credit card offers before you toss them in the trash, (3) keep your social security card and birth certificate in a safe place other than your wallet or purse and (4) have your name removed from mailing lists for pre-approved credit card offers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Identity Theft on the Internet
Identity Theft: Managing the Risk Management
What's New for the Future of Identity Theft Prevention
From the Paper "Insurance companies have an obligation to provide you with the greatest protection imaginable from identity theft. "Insurance agents should warn affluent customers of their heightened risk. . . . Public figures should also be concerned about this risk because much of their private information may be publicly circulated." (McElwee 76). Children-particularly those of college age-can present an additional risk of identity theft. College students regularly receive credit card applications and often simply throw them out, posing a threat to both themselves and their parents. Households should invest in paper shredders, and shred all unwanted mail and documents that could potentially contain personal information."
Researches the performance of federal mortgage lending agencies and conventional lenders in relation to both risk-based pricing policies and higher mortgage loan limit policies.
Abstract This study investigated the effects of programs dealing with risk-based pricing and increased mortgage loan limits on mortgage approval rates for low- and moderate-income households. The research performed for the study found that risk-based pricing policies did have a positive impact on the extension of residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income applicants, in that rejection rates associated with risk-based factors declined. The research performed also found that higher mortgage limit policies had a positive impact on the extension of residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income applicants, in that rejection rates associated with risk-based factors declined. Lastly, the research results indicated that higher mortgage limit policies had a greater positive impact than did risk-based pricing policies.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem Statement
Research Questions
Study Purpose
Significance of the Study
Definitions of Terms
Delimitations of the Study
Overview of the Remainder of the Study
Review of the Literature
Systems Theory
Systems Theory and the Mortgage Lending Model
Mortgage Lending Markets
Past Discrimination in Mortgage Lending
Summary
Methodology
Research Design
Research Hypotheses
Variables and Operational Definitions
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Methodological Limitations
Summary
Results
Problems with the Data
Restatement of the Research Questions
Restatement of the Hypotheses
Restatement of Operational Definitions
Restatement of Data Analysis Procedures
Research Results
Summary, Discussion and Conclusions
Discussion
Conclusions
Appendix: Data Tables
Bibliography
From the Paper "The effort to improve accessibility to residential mortgage finance for low- and moderate-income individuals and families tends to be impeded by a system that has become entrenched. This existing system is an interlocking structure of public and private sector players that has developed rules and processes with which they are comfortable and which they are reluctant to change. The existing system for the extension of residential mortgages also involves both the primary and the secondary mortgage markets, as well as credit review and reporting agencies. The system in place was never intended to provide access to residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income persons except within the framework of specific governmental programs targeting such individuals. These specific programs involved direct public funding, government guaranteed repayment of loans extended by private sector lenders, or subsidies to developers and builders."
Tags: bank, loan, real, estate, federal, assistance
Abstract Leo Tolstoy's novella, "Ivan Ilych", uses one character's life and experiences to criticize the society around him. It is described as a society overly concerned with propriety, conformity, and social approval. This paper examines how Tolstoy uses symbolism in the characters' lives to convey this criticism.
From the Paper "In his novella The Death of Ivan Ilych, Count Leo Tolstoy gives a glimpse into the life and death of a socially ambitious Russian gentleman, Ivan Ilych. During the story, Ivan's character is revealed in several ways?firstly, oddly enough, at his funeral, where the actions of his friends are used to portray Russian society as a whole. Tolstoy then uses flashback technique to recount Ivan's life and his attitudes toward his family, his job, and his friends. Ivan's lifestyle only serves to solidify Tolstoy's perception of 1880s Russian society. From observing Ivan's thoughts and actions, it becomes obvious that he wants nothing more in life than to be approved by others and to do everything properly."
This paper discusses the close 1992 presidential election between challenger Bill Clinton and incumbent President George Bush (I), which was complicated by the third candidate Ross Perot.
Abstract This paper explains that, in light of his post-war approval rating, a win for Bush should have been an easy victory; however, William Clinton, the Democratic challenger, brought to the campaign a straightforward economic campaign, which appealed to the voters because, following the Iraq war, the United States was in a deep recession. The author points out that Bush's campaign of focusing on his experience and trust used by incumbents throughout history; furthermore, Bush brought Clinton's credibility into question, in terms of his lack of military service and other issues. The paper relates that Bush refused to believe that an economic recovery was not occurring, despite higher unemployment and the lowest interest rates since the Kennedy presidency; the result was one of the closest elections: Clinton was elected president.
From the Paper "It is important to first understand the incumbent's reliance on his popularity in the era of a victory in Iraq, and in the post-cold war atmosphere. In 1992, the American population found themselves in a changed world, where the Berlin Wall and intercontinental missiles no longer existed. The Soviet Union was no longer united, Germany had become united, and the threat of nuclear conflict, so long a staple of the American psyche, had disappeared. Bush had recently completed a successful military attack in Iraq, showing the power and force of the American military."
Abstract This paper looks at how California's Proposition 39 would allow the funding procedure of school facilities in California to be altered and make both constitutional and statuary changes in the current governing laws. More specifically, the paper explains that Proposition 39 would allow 55 percent of the voters to approve school bonds, a reduction from the current two-thirds requirement, and that this change would ultimately increase the burden of California taxpayers.
From the Paper "This disparity forces districts to rely on the state for their school facility needs. If enacted like other States, California would be allowed to have the control of the local school body and provide adequate facilities and safeguards against the school administration.
Proposition 1A may provide state funds for school facilities but the local districts must raise the required matching funds. The law at the moment hinders all innovation and the schools lag behind others in the country."
Abstract This paper explains that Medicare, which is the health insurance program by the United States Federal government, provides medical treatment to qualified recipients and is run by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Part D is the new outpatient prescription drug benefit. The author points out that, because the enactment of Medicare Part D makes the United States Federal Government the biggest client of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. and possibly the world, drug development and approval process will be notably affected by this law through the direct involvement of CMS in application reviews. The paper stresses that, by using a system of risk corridors, which compares actual incurred drug benefit costs to estimated costs submitted in bids, Medicare limits the profits and losses of Part D drug plans.
Table of Contents
What is Medicare?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Its Influence on the Health Care Industry
Economics
How CMS Affects the Operation and Finance of Medicare Part D
From the Paper "CMS is also working with other health agencies such as the National Cancer Institute with regards to research and development of drugs. A new policy gives them additional powers to pay for off-label uses of a new drug or device, so long as patients are in involve in studies to gather new data that may be beneficial to future patients. This policy however raised certain concerns from industry players as to fears the agency will reject compensation of new cures or procedures unless the post-approval studies are paid for by sponsors. Nonetheless, guidelines have already been drafted to address this concern."
Abstract In this article, the writer presents an analysis of the reforms approved by the Roman Catholic Church as a result of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). The writer discusses their impact on theology and the laity.
Tags: Pope John Paul, religion, theology, scripture, ecumenism, natural rights of man, mass, divine revelation, God, Christ, doctrine, Roman Catholic Church
Abstract This paper, which is written in memo format, describes the Seattle Commons project that needs $218 million to proceed. The paper discusses the funding formula, which includes private donations and public sources and are highlighted in the paper. The paper recommends the formula to secure money from each of these various methods of public funding, including a special levy that requires voters' approval.
Table of Contents:
Subject
Purpose
Summary
Background/Discussion
Recommendations
From the Paper "State, county and federal monies are available for green space and transportation projects. The total potential is significant - $45 million. Acquiring funding from different levels of government for certain aspects of the project will not only appeal to council but will also help to convince them that the project has merit, and strong support from other quarters.
"A last option is to create a local improvement district. This generates money from increases in local property taxes."
Tags: council, green spaces, formulas voter-approved magnitude
Abstract In this essay, the writer shows that there is no way to twist the Kantian doctrine of the categorical imperative (CI) to justify the various invasions of Iraq that have been led by the United States since the early 1990s. The writer first explains Kant's categorical imperative and discusses its application to international affairs. The writer then asserts that there is simply no way to hold that the CI applies to the US government in the Iraqi case. Various points to support this argument are examined and the writer then concludes that Kant could in no manner have approved of the various invasions of Iraq based on the principles inherent in the categorical imperative.
From the Paper " To use a more local example: Consider the government of New York City. Consider that it has several street gangs on its payroll, doing some of its dirty work in the slums. It favors one, a particularly violent gang called the Tels, that it finances and arms to the teeth, including advances, high tech weapons. Another street gang, called the Bags, was also at one time on NYC's payroll, but recently went afoul of the government by hitting several smaller gangs in the region. The city government could not use the CI to justify eliminating the Bags, partially because in supporting gangs in general, there is no altruistic motives, but purely political and personal ones (i.e the gangs can do what the city cannot against its enemies), but also partially in that it has been supporting the Tels, that regularly pick on its neighbors in a harsh manner, all with the open approval of the NYC mayor's office."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the research and development on a new drug is expensive and time-consuming, followed by a lengthy trial and a lengthy approval process by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The writer points out that Zometa was approved for the treatment of hypecalcemia, a common metabolic complication associated with cancer. The writer discusses that research into the action of the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (marketed as Zometa) was undertaken to gain FDA approval for use of the drug for the treatment of osteolytic bone metastases, and research is also under way for use of the drug for other purposes as well. The writer concludes that so far, approval has only been given for its use in treating cancer patients with bone metastases, though there are indications that it will be valuable for breast cancer patients facing other difficulties.
Outline:
Introduction
Medical Problems to be Addressed
Drug Action
Approval of the Drug
Conclusion
From the Paper "Hypercalcimia of malignancy is considered the most common life-threatening metabolic complicastin of malignancy. It affects some 10 to 20 percent of patients with advanced cancer, varying widely with the type of cancer involved. It occurs most often in patients with multiple myeloma and carcinomas of the lung, breast, kidney, and the head and neck. Antihypercalcemic therapy is used, but median survival under these conditions has been found to be 30 days. Certain symptoms diminish the quality of life for these patients, such as nausea, vomiting, and altered mental states. HCM can also produce renal failure. Patients with bone metastases can also develop HCM. Factors that mediate hypercalcemia stimulate excess bone resorption and the release of calcium from the bone matrix, meaning that patients experience bone loss, a weakened bone structure, and higher circulating calcium levels. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and are the most effective therapy for HCM. Pamidronate has been one of the most commonly used treatments for HCM."
Abstract This paper examines the unusual form of the intra-status marriage, also known as status-level endogamy. According to the paper, these are marriages between brothers and sisters or fathers and daughters, which have been described by the aboriginal Hawaiians, the Incas and the ancient Egyptians. In an attempt to evaluate the normative value of these marriages, this paper examines the definition and scope of marriage throughout history and across cultures; discusses marriages of socially approved sexual unions; and investigates marriages of economic unions. The paper concludes that, issues of incest aside, intra-status marriages fulfill all of the requirements for marriage as defined in a general cultural anthropology text. They are, the paper asserts, socially approved sexual unions, which have important economic purposes.
Outline
What is Marriage?
Socially Approved Sexual Unions
Economic Union
Conclusion
From the Paper "In all three instances, there is an aura of divinity or great power surrounding the ruling family. For the early Hawaiians, an explanation may be couched in terms of the preservation of the intangible power of mana. For the ancient Egyptians and the Inca, on the other hand, there is a more concrete connection to the divine, and to the notion of divine right.Among the early Hawaiians, the small but powerful ruling class of chiefs was called ali'i. According to Hazama, the ali'i had sacred power because of the mana or divine power they possessed (9). There is no direct translation into English of the term mana. Linton characterizes it as the "power for accomplishment" (54). Thus, any object or person that performed beyond the ordinary, such as a fishhook that caught more than the usual number of fish or the chief who was more than usually good at diplomatic maneuvering, showed that it had good mana."
