Coxiella burnetii is a gram-variable obligate intracellular bacterium which carries out its development cycle in the phagolysosome of eukaryotic cells. Coxiella burnetii has a Gram-negative pleomorphic physiology and exhibits a bi-phasic life cycle consisting of an environmentally stable small cell variant (SCV) and replicative large cell variant (LCV) of approximately 0.3 and 2.0uM in size, respectively. Coxiella burnetii displays a prototypic gram negative cell wall structure when observed by a transmission electron microscope. Being that Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative bacterium, this distinction marks important properties about the cell structure. Gram-negative bacteria have two membranes, an inner and outer membrane. Q fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. This bacteria naturally infects some animals, such as goats. C. burnetii bacteria are found in the birth products (that is, placenta, amniotic fluid), urine, feces, and milk of infected animals.
nvironmental damage, promote sustainability, and encourage people to appreciate the wilderness and what can be experienced” (Vannini, p.72). Patagonia is active in environmental advocacy efforts and shape their company beliefs and values around environmental consciousness and sustainability. Patagonia is a voice in advocacy efforts to address “issues in the areas of land, water, climate, communities and biodiversity” (“About – Patagonia Action Works”, n.d.). According to Jeff Rosenblum, a contributor for the world’s leading progressive business media brand, Fast Company, “Patagonia’s audience trusts the brand, admires its values, and aspires to live by the same principles” (Lutz, 2014).
Patagonia’s profitability is clearly indicated through the organization’s consistent increase in product sales. Patagonia makes approximately “$400 million in revenue each year”, but has witnessed larger sale increases as the company has established itself as a competitor in the outdoor industry (Rosenblum, 2012). In 2015 alone, Patagonia’s annual sales skyrocketed to $750 million (irtori-Cortina, 2017). Patagonia is able to maintain popularity and interest among consumers through its constant innovation and development of new product lines. For example, in 1993, Patagonia was the first company to introduce a line of fleece products “made from post consumer recycled (PCR) plastic soda bottles.” (“Materials & Technologies”, n.d.).
Challenges Facing Patagonia
Unethical Sourcing Procedures and Labor Standards Impact Brand Image – Patagonia has struggled with unethical animal product sourcing procedures as well as unequal treatment in labor. As a company who strives to uphold a strict code of ethical production practices and vows to “cause no unnecessary,” unethical animal product sourcing procedures and labor concerns impacts the company’s attempt at developing a conscientious brand image that portrays ethical operations. With regards to unethical treatment of animals, “In 2010, German animal-rights group
