Goldilocks Point of Sale

1. 3 Statement of the problem There are several problems in computing the sales using calculator that the owner sometimes encountered. 1. 3. 1 General Problem This study will aim to answer this General question: Will it be useful for the company to have a Point of Sale? 1. 3. 2 Specific Problem Specially, this study sougth to answer the following question * What is the existing system of the company? * What is the advantages and disadvantages of a point of Sale (POS)? Will the company be able to see pictures of their products in the proposed system? 1. 4 Objective of the study The main aim of this study is to design a point of Sale for Goldilocks Macabebe Branch. 1. 4. 1 General Objectvie This study will make a point of sale for Goldilocks Macabebe Branch. And the most common problem in the store is having their difficult time in keeping the sale of record using the manual record method. The researcher had decided to make a system Exclusively for Goldilocks Macabebe Branch.To make th eir work easier and faster so that they can lessen the time they used in keeping records. 1. 4. 2 Specific Objective The study is design to fulfill this intent: * To design and develop a Point of Sales System for Goldilocks Macabebe Branch. * To have a computerized system that will be able to save filefor their products. * To have an automatic calculations of their daily sales. * To reveal the advantages and disadvantages of having a Point of sale (POS). * To make their work easier and faster. 1. 5 Hypothesis of the Study.The proponents hypothesized that the proposed Goldilocks Macabebe Branch Point of Sale (POS) will let the Company their computerized records and pictures of their products and an automatic computation of their sales every day. Most of their problem are on manual process taking a long time of work to encode the cakes and pastries. The proponents added more options related on other system like processing to make the system better. They only have a manual process that work slowly, the proponents assumed that the program processes work quickly. 1. 6

Hypercompetition

Jouma! of Marketing Management, 1997, 13, 4 2 1 ^ 3 0 Evert Gummesson Stockholm University, School of Business, Stockholm, Sudden In Search of Marketing Equilibrium: Relationship Marketing Versus Hypercompetition This paper is a discussion on work in progress conceming tke development qf relationship marketing (RM). It is particularly focused on the concept of marketing equilibrium which is a marketing management correspondence to market equilibrium, the traditional concept of neoclassical economic;. The paper starts with a brief introduction to the author's approach to RJ4.It proceeds with a summary of the concept of marketing equilibrium. The next section is a discourse on hypercompetition, a partiailarly intense type of competition that has been observed by several authors. RM offers a marketing theory based on collaboration with various stakeholders through long-term relationships, customer retention and loyalty. In contrast, hypercompetitiett claims that customers uHU switch bet ween suppUers at an inaeasingly faster rate and that competitors will become increasingly hostile to one another.Two basic questions are raised: do RM and hypercompetition represent two conflicting but coexisting trends that arc both growing in intensity? and How can this coexistence or conflict be conceptually handled? Tlie aim qf this paper is not to be complete and provide an answer, only to draw the reader's attention to hypercompetition as an opposite trend to RMand to offer a platform for further analysis and constructive and reflective scholarly dialogue. The 30R Approach to R M The 30R approach to RM is the outcome of an ongoing research project on â€Å"the new markedng† (Gummesson 1994, 1995). 0R refers to thirty reladonships that were found to exist in marketing. During the research process, three core variables stood out: relatiorahips, networks and interacdon. A consequent definidon of RM then became â€Å"RM is marketing seen as reladonships, networks and inter acdon†. The 3ORs wiU not be listed here, but their basic structure wiU be given. A distinction is made between market reladonships (reladonships between actors in the market such as suppUers, customers, compedtors and intermedieiries), nd two types of non-market reladonships which exercise an influence on market reladonships, but are not part of the market propier. These are mega reladonships (reladonships in society, above the market reladonships, such as reladonships to governments) and nano reladonships (reladonships inside organizadons, such as intemal customer reladonships). Services markedng and ttie network approach to industrial marketing have provided the primary theoredcal impietus for the author to explore the shortcomings 0267-257X/97/050421 + 10 $12. 00/0  ©1997'nte Dryden Press 422Evert Gummesson of traditional marketing management theory. ^ Both theories were bom in the 1970s and have continued to giow in importance. The author's idea to merge the two goes bac k to 1982 and has since been pursued and broadened (Gummesson 1983, 1987, 1995). The term RM, however, was not used in a general sense until about 1990 (see e. g. Christopher et al. 1991; Groru-oos 1994; Gummesson 1994; Hunt and Morgan 1994; Sheth 1994). Instead, terms Uke long-term interactive relationships, interactive marketing, network approach and a new concept of marketing were used.My resejtrch approach is theory generating and based on comparative, qualitative analysis and syniiieses between data from inductive, real-world studies^ received theories and new theories in the process of development. Marketing Equilibrium This section is an introduction to the general concept of marketing equilibrium and a discussion on certain aspects of the equilibrium. Marketing equilibrium is a serendipitous outcome of the author's research on RM. The concept is further elaborated in Gummesson (1995, 19%). The three forces of marketing equilibrium are competition, collaboration and regulatio ns/institutions.Although Western economies are repeatedly referred to as market economies with free competition as their ethos, in reality they are mixed economies in which competition coexists with collaboration and regulations/ institutions. Marketing equilibrium contends that a sound market is the outcome of an optimal combination of the three forces of competition, collaboration and regulatiorw/institutions. As all kinds of equilibria in dynanuc envirorunents are unstable, it is a matter of heading toward a moving target, orJy rarely reaching it and only rarely staying there for any longer period of time.Whereas traditional marketing management literature primarily deals with competition, RM highlights collaboration. Collaboration implies that aU parties actively assume responsibility to make relationships functional. The author's conclusion is that: The focus on collaboration is the most important contribution from RM, with an impact on both marketing management and economics, and that collaboration in a market economy needs to be treated with the same attention and resped as competition. Although the third force, regulations/institutions, is not the theme of this paper, a few words will be said about it.Regulations indude both formal regulations through legislation, and informal codes of conduct through culture; institutiorts are both formal authorities whose task is to ascertain that regulations are enforced, and phenomena such as the family or religion that enforce a certain behaviour. In marketing rhetoric, regulations/institutions—and to a large extent also collaboration— are treated with suspidon and as inhibiting competition and the dynamics ^Inputs to the 30R concept also came from traditional marketing management, sales management, quality management, orgaruzation theory, and other areas. The term real world data is iised here instead of empirical data. Thereasonis that too often researchers in business subject mistake empirical for qiiantitative, while in the geiieral language of sdence empirical refers to all types of data, whrther they come as qualitative, quantitative, or in any other format. In Search of Marketing Equilibrium: Rdationship Marketing vs Hypercompetition 423 of an economy. In narketing practice, however, they are ubiquitous. Douglass North, Nobel Prize laureate in the economic sdences in 1993, has shown that regulations/institutions are dynamic and necessary elements of a narket economy (North 1993).Marketing equiUbrium attempts to see the role of marketing management in the context of sodety and on an industry and economics level. It should not be confused with the market equiUbrium of neoclassical theory of economics (also referred to as microeconomics or simply price theory). ^ In neoclassical economics, the core variables are supply and demand balanced by the invisible hand of price in a market of free competition. The market is assumed to be striving in the direction of a longterm equiU brium in which aU prices are equal and all products are standardized. Customers and suppliers are anonymous masses.Companies and industries are not managing their production and sales, they are orUy adjusting to exogenous market influences. All deviations from this idealized model axe referred to as unwanted imperfections. Although marketing management is offen described as an adaptation of neodassical economics, it is blatantly obvious from even a simple real-world study of markets, industries and individual companies, that a different foundation for a marketing management theory is imperative. For example, services which constitute anything from 60 to 90% of today's economies (depending on definition) are not considered.The assumptions of neoclassical economics are simply not vaUd. There are signs that the interest in coUaboration is gaining ground not only in real business life but also in marketing theory; the most obvious being the upsurge of literature on RM and related subjec ts such as customer loyalty and alUances. Brandenbui^er and Nalebuff (1996) introduce the term â€Å"co-opetition†, which is a combination of co-operation and competition. They show that game theory is one possible way of exploring this combination (â€Å"the prisoners' dilemma†).Gray (1989) points to coUaboration as a solution to multi-party problem and says (p. 54): â€Å"Despite powerful incentives to collaborate, our capacity to do so is underdeveloped†. In the same spirit Senge (1990), in his treatise on learning organizations and the need for dialogue says (p. 10): â€Å"Interestingly, the practice of dialogue has been preserved in many â€Å"primitive† cultures†¦ but it has been almost completely lose to modem sodety. Today, the prindples and practices of dialogue are being redbcovered and put into a contemporary context†.EMalogue UteraUy means â€Å"tlunking together† There is ein extensive literature on competition both in mark eting and economics. Particularly the books by Porter (1979, 1985) have received the attention of marketers. No effort wiU be made here to review the various aspeds of competition; the treatment of competition will be directed to its role in the marketing equilibrium and to the properties of hypercompetition. In market economies, competition is hailed as the driver of economic evolution and a necessary condition for wealth. The customer is given a choice, and a supplier can never be sure to have the customer in its pocket.ITiis is a traditional view advocated by the business community, and to an extent also by the pubUc sector in many countries where deregiilation and privatization have become foreeful strategies. The countries of the Westem world—the capitalist sodeties—are not genuine ^See Hunt and Morgan (1995) for further analysis of the shortcomings of neoclassical theory. 424 Evert Gummesson market economies. They are mixed economies in which market forces and re gulations have entered into wedlock. In totally unregulated markets only few can obtain the necessities of life.For example, free markets give large corporations the freedom to offset competition, and those who cannot compete on the labour market are left to charity or misery. The opposite—total regulation — leads to rigidity. There is no general formula that tells us in what projx)rtions individual discretion and collective regulation should be mixed. Every market and period have to find their own specific solution. Competition is a driver of certain types of change. Even if RM puts emphasis on collaboration, I would like to see RM as a synthesis of competition, collaboration and regulations/institutions.The issue is which combination of these will create the balance—the marketing equilibrium — in each sptedfic situation. If either of the three forces becomes unduly powerful, the economy will suffer; regulations/institutions is the sole force of a planne d economy. To some extent there is a naive belief in competition to set everything right. The global wave of privatization and deregulation is a reaction in markets that have become stified. It is an effort to find a marketing equilibrium. Bureaucratic and legal values have often led to a misguided interference by politidans and an unreal belief in centralized control of sodety.Although the term deregulation implies that regulations are abandoned, it is a search for more adequate laws and institutions which can become supportive to constructive forces of sodety and hold back destructive forces: Deregulation is reregulation! Some of the more conspicuous results from deregulation are found in the split up of Bell in the US and national telecom operators in many countries have lost their monopoly; the privatization of British government bodies such as the British Rail and the Airport Authority; and the most dramatic of all, the breakdown of the communist planned economies.However, nobo dy so far has been able to overview the long-term effects of deregulation and privatization. There are necessary elements of the market economy that competifion and the free market forces do not master. They can be expressed in two paradoxes. The first paradox says: regulations are needed to secure that free competition will not be curbed. In spite of adl sweet talk about competition, every individual company or industry prefers to be spared the hazards of competitions (but they consider it essential for other comparues and industries). The second paradox says: The purpose of competition is to get rid of competition.Competition attempts to reduce the infiuence of other suppliers by lower costs and prices, differentiated and difficult-tocopy offerings, or dominance of selected market niches. Hypercompetition The ideas on a new type of competition will be assembled under the umbrella concept of hjfpercompetition. They are taken from many sources, among them D'Aveni (1994), Hamel and P rahalad (1994), Moore (1996), and Verbeke and Peelen (1996). The term hypercompetition was first found in D'Aveni and the ensuing discussion on hypercompefition is mainly based on his concepts, but the comparison with RM strategies and the conclusions are my own.In marketing management and strategy, the recommendation is usually advanced that companies should build a sustainable competitive advantage, thus limiting In Search of Marketing Equilibrium: Relationship Marketing vs Hypercompetition 425 price competition or even creating a monopoly-Uke situation. Hypercompefition is the opposite: a company should actively disrupt status quo and the current competitive advantages, both its own and those of competitors, in an environment of hypercompetition, advantages are rapidly created and eroded.Hypercompefition trends are identified in four arenas of traditional competition (D'Aveni 1994, pp. 13-17): /. Cos/ and quality arena For example, upstarts Uke Southwest Airlines attack estabUshe d carriers by slashing costs or enhancing quaUty, thus lowering the bottom of the market and raising the top of it. This behaviour counteracts the RM strategy of frequent flyers' programmes. 2. Timing and know-hot/' arena The first mover in the nnarket may create an advantage and sets up impediments to imitation. Followers quickly try to overcome these, fordng the first mover to change its tactics.The know-how exploited by one company is imitated by another and imitation becomes faster and faster; eventually the innovator cannot recapture its R&D investment. 3. Strongholds arena Companies create entry barriers to keep the competition out Entrants circumvent the barriers, giving rise to a series of attacks and counterattacks. This is currently happening in inten:ontinental air services between major American carriers and national European carriers. The current war for mastery over the Intemet, with Microsoff and Netscape as the combatants, is another example. 4.Deep pockets arena Thi s means having more money than the competition. The finandally stronger and usuaUy bigger companies can endure price competition from smaUer companies. The latter, however, can caU upon govemment regulations and form aUiances with others, thus balancing out the financJal advantage. In marketing equilibrium, regulations is one of the balancing forces, and alliances is a collaborative RM strategy. For example, Microsoff's financial advantage has been counteracted by the aUiance between IBM and Apple. Information technology is a driver of hypercompetition.By using databases it is possible, and wiU be more so in the future, to quickly survey prices and other conditions, and select the best combination at each point of time. Purchasing then becomes close to the system of exchanges. But even if comparisons of suppUers are made easier for customers, so many conditions are not comparable, for example, to 426 Evert Gummesson what extent can you trust the supplier. Trust and security are basi c condidons for collaboradon and trust has proven to be a driver of business in all types of sodedes (Fukuyama 1995).D'Aveni concludes that the battle for comp>eddve advantage is eventuaUy driving the market back into a price-compieddve market. The outcome is the neodassical long-term equilibrium, although the road to this equiUbrium goes via marketing equilibrium and not just via price adjustments. He refers to the old compedfive equilibrium as looking stable because it moved so slowly that it appeared stable. Hypiercomp>eddon is a coristant state of disequiUbritim. D'Aveni deploys a revised 7Ss framework to propose hypiercompeddve strategies.The original 7Ss — designed by the McKinsey consulting company—comprise seven factors for success: structure, strategy, systems, style, skills, staff, and shared values. Successful hypiercomp;eddve firms need a new set of Ss in order to create disrupdon (p. 31ff). The first new S is stakeholder satisfacdon, referring to new ways of creating satisfied customers and a modvated eind empowered work force. The second is strategic soothsajdng â€Å"a process of seeking out new knowledge necessary for predicting or even creating new temporary windows of opportunity that compiedtors wiU eventuaUy enter but are not now served by anyone else† (p. 2). The comparafive advantage of these two factors is â€Å"†¦ the abiUty to win each dynamic strategic acdon with compiedtors† (p. 32). The third and fourth Ss are spieed and surprise, both capabiUdes for disrupdon. The hypercompeddve company both reacts more quickly and is proacdve, thus taking the market with surprise. The final three are tacdcs for disrupdon. Shifting the rules includes new ways of sadsfying the customers and playing the marketing game with a new set of rules. Signals refer to announcements of strategic intent with the purpose of stalling acdons and misleading compiedtors.For example, a preannouncement of a coining product may make cus tomers wait to see the new version and postpone planned purchases of competing products. Simultaneous and sequendal strategic thrusts â€Å"†¦ are used by hypercompieddve firms to harass, paralyze, induce errors, or block compiedtors† (p. 34). Several acdons are taken at the same dme in combinadons that make it difficult to understand what a compiedtor is actuaUy up to. In summary, whereas RM strives for stabiUty through long-term reladonships, hypercompieddon strives for continuous disrupdon at an increasingly faster rate.In RM, security is found in stabiUty; in hypercompeddon it is fotind in the ability to continuously counteract instabiUty. The RM concept is by many authors broadened to comprise more than the suppUer—customer dyad,'* for example, reladonships through alUances which is a way of counteracting hyp>ercompieddon. The imaginary organizadon^ is a network-based company which transcends the tradidonal organizadonal boundaries. It can more freely acquire Jind drop resources through outsourcing (or rather: resourcing) instead of investing in tradidonal growth (intemal or through acquisidon); the advantage of the deep pocket is thus offset. †¢See Christopher et al. (1991), Kotler (1992), and Hunt and Morgan (1994), who have approached marketing as relationships with a series of stakeholders. This is in line with the 30R approach, but flie 3ORs go further and also establish relationships based on other than the stakeholder dimension. ‘See Hedberg et al. (1994). Other terms representing the same phenomenon are virtual organizations, boundarykss organizations, and rwtwork organizations. In Search of Marketing Equilibrium: Relationship Marketing vs Hypercmnpetition 427D'Aveni (1994) discusses the role of co-operation and collusion and says that they should only be used for hypercompetitive purposes. They are not long-term relationships, they are merely temporary strategies. He lists a number of generic instances of hypercompet itive use of collaboration (pp. 338-339): to gang up against others groups; to limit the domain of competition; to biuld resojirces; to buy time; to gain access; and to leam. Hunt and Morgan (1995) suggest a comparative advantage theory of competition within a marketing management paradigm, and they present a devastating critique of neoclassical economics.D'Aveni's conclusions are contrary to Hunt and Morgan's; he rewrites neoclassical theory, using marketing management theory as a lever. Interpreted in my terms, we depart from the original and simple form of neoclassical market equilibrium, go through a phase of marketing equilibrium, and arrive at a more sophisticated level of market equilibrium. Hjrpercompietition goes beyond the neoclassical theory of perfect connpetition and restores it on a new level. Through a series of disruptive moves, where competitive advantage is surpassed, an escalation toward perfect competition develops.This means that we are back in transaction marke ting, the very evil to which RM is held to be the antidote. Conclusions for Discussion This paper has dealt with certain aspects of marketing equilibrium, one of several RM issues that preoccupy the author's nund during the ongoing research joumey into the world of RM. ‘The paper is limited to the two trends of collaboration, advanced by the RM concept, and hypercompetition, advanced by authors on strategy and competition. A paradox is seemingly a contradiction; it is not in actual fact a contradiction. An oxymoron is a combination of two phenomena that cannot be combined.So the first question in the beginning of the paper could be rephrased: are RM and hypercompetition forming a paradox or an oxymoron? When I read up on the current literatxire on competition, I found that the â€Å"new† competition was described as more fierce and faster than ever before. It had affinity with marketing warfare which was in vogue in the 19S0s. It certainly seemed contradictory to the RM idea of long-term relationships and collaboration. In my present state of ignorance the answer is: within the concept of the marketing equilibrium, both competition and collaboration coexist. They can do so and will do so.Our attention has to be directed to both of them. When competition becomes hypercompetition, collaboration may become hypercollaboration. Could it be that hypercompetition is the current driver of the upsuiging interest in RM and that RM tries to neutralize the effects of hypercompetition? To be Continued As this is work in progress, the issues that have been presented are not complete and the views are tentative and wiil be further studied. Among other issues concerning marketing equilibrium that are also being studied are the following: Tlie marketing equilibrium which has so far been described could be seen as 28 Evert Gumntesson partial marketing equiUbrium. The RM researdi project is suggesting an extention into complete marketing equilibrium. It consists of a synthesis of RM and the theory of imaginary organizations where not only the market but also the organizations (suppUers, customers, competitors and others) and sodety are included in a network of interactive relationships (Hedberg et al. 1994; Gummesson 1996). In traditional marketing management and economics, the market is outside the company and n «rketing activities are directed toward extemal customers.But there are also markets inside the company and marketing activities take place between intemal customers. This is laid bare in the treatment of the nano relationships of the 30R approach. Both intemal and extemal customers interact in networks of relationships. The boundaries between the â€Å"inside† and the â€Å"outside† have dissolved and both can be seen as parts of the same networks. Another area is the black economy with tax evasion, bribery, fraud, and organized crime as additional and disrupting forces of competition. One of the relationships in the 30R approach is named The Criminal Network.For example, Blumberg (1989) has pointed out that the strength of the market economy — competition and the profit incentive—encourages fraud. It pays to cheat! He calls this the paradox of the market economy. Everybody is familiar with it from jobs and private consumption, but it is swept under the carpet in marketing theory and textbooks. The Literature prefers the idealized image: competition as the driver to create customer satisfaction and customer perceived quality; to give customers everything they want and are willing to pay for; and to offer numerous options for consumers.Customers are asked about satisfaction and quality, but their knowledge is limited and the ignorance of the customer is exploited. Neither market economies through competition, nor command economies through regulations, have proven themselves capable of handling environmental and ecological issues. What has been achieved is primarily the outcome of vo luntary pressure group activity and law enforcement. Competitive forces have clearly not provided enough incentive for the market to innovate and reinnovate in the field.One of the relationship in the 30R approach is The Green Relationships, adding a relationship angle to environmental issues. Probably most of the achievements for a long time will only come through legislation (regulations), tight control and litigation (institutions). Can the marketing equilibrium conceptually include environmental and ecological issues? After the Paper Presentation: An Addendum In the discussion following its presentation, the paper was criticized on two points in peirticular: (1) The choice of the term â€Å"marketing equiUbrium†.The critics said — and some were dearly provoked by the term — that it gives the wrong connotation and that the term is so heavily committed to neoclassical economic theory that people will not be able to see my point. Suggested substitutes were â₠¬Å"dynamic balance† or â€Å"optimal combination†. EquiUbrium, it was claimed, conveys the idea that such a state exists and it is just a matter of time {long-term, though) before it is reached. In defence of the term {but I intend to give it more thought) I would like to claim that equilibrium can be perceived as dynamic and unattainable, but still have a value n Search of Marketing Equilibrium: Relationship Marketing vs Hypercompetition 429 in providing direction, although the journey is a never-ending journey. Perhaps the provocation as such is o( value. When a new thought or term is met with aggressions from several established scholars it may have hit a sore spot; it may even be important. The original intention was to show that equilibrium from the idealized and imrealistic assumptions of neoclassical theory could be supplemented by a marketing management-oriented equilibrium based on real-world premises.Neoclassical economics currently seems to be no more than a computer game for adult entertainment and career boosting under the disguise of â€Å"sdence†. To me, the contrast between â€Å"market† and â€Å"marketing†, designating an economics versus a management approach but still indicating affinity, makes the term expressive. Whatever term I choose, however, I am confident that economists and â€Å"me-too† researchers wiU not be impressed. 2. â€Å"Hyper† was claimed by Americans to mean â€Å"too much†, for example a hyperactive child is active to a degree that implies mental and/or physical disorder.The British perceived it as â€Å"very much†, for example a hypermarket which is a bigger European version of a supermarket. Maybe this is evidence of the validity of Oscar Wilde's statement that â€Å"England and America are two countries separated by a common language†. On the other hand, maybe â€Å"too much† is also a correct interpretation. For many of us, hypercompetition i s probably too much. Personally, it makes me nervous. References Blumberg, P. (1989), The Predatory Society, New York, Oxford University Press. Brandenburger, A.M. and Nalebuff, B. J. (1996), Co-opetition, Boston, MA, Harvard Business School Press. Christopher, M. , Payne, A. and Ballant)Tie, D. (1991), Relationship Marketing, London, Heinemarm. D'Aveni, R,A. (1994), Hypercompetition, New York, The Free Press. Fukuyama, F. (1995), Trust, New York, The Free Press. Gray, B. (1989), Collaborating, San Francisco, CA, Jossey-Bass. Gronroos, C. (1994), â€Å"Quo vadis, marketing? Towards a relationship marketing paradigm†, Joumal of Marketing Martagement, 10, No. 4 Gummesson, E. 1983), â€Å"A New Concept of Marketing†, paper presented at the 1983 EMAC Annual Conference, Institut d'Etudes Commerdales de Grenoble, France, April. Gummesson, E. (1987), â€Å"The New Marketing: Developing Long-term Interactive Relationships†, Long Range Planning, 20, No. 4, pp. 10-20. Gum messon, E, (1994), â€Å"Making Relationship Marketing Operational†. The International Joumal of Service Industry Management, 5, No. 5, pp. 5-20. Gummesson, E. (1995), Relationsmarknadsforing: Frdn 4P till 30R (Relationship Marketing: From 4Ps to 3ORs), Malmo, Sweden: Liber-Hermods (forthcoming in English).Gummesson, E. (1996), â€Å"Relationship Marketing and Imaginary Organizations: A Synthesis†, European Joumal of Marketing, 30, No. 2, pp. 31-44. Hamel, G. and Prahalad, C. K. (1994), Competing for the Future, Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press, 1994, 430 Epert Gummesson Hedberg, B. , Dahlgren, G. , Hansson, J. and Olve, N. -G. (1994), Imagindra organisationer (Imaginary Organizations), Malmfi, Sweden: Liber-Hermods. Hunt, S. D. and Morgan, R. M. (1994), â€Å"Relationship Marketing in the Era of Network Competition†. Marketing Management, 3, No. 1, pp. 9-28. Hunt, S. D. and Morgan, R. M. (1995), â€Å"The Comparative Advantage Theory of Competitionâ⠂¬ , Joumal qf Marketing, 59, April, pp. 1-15. Kotter, P (1992), ‘Total Marketing†, Business Week Advance, Executive Brief, Vol. 2. Moore, J. E (1996), The Death of Competition, Chichester, UK, Wiley. North, D. C. (1993), â€Å"Economic Performance Through Time†. Stockholm, The Nobel Foundation, Prize Lecture in Economic Science in Memory qf Alfred Nobel, Stockholm, December 9. Porter, M. E. (1980), Competitive Strategy, New York, The Free Press. Porter, M. E. 1985), Competitive Advantage, New York, The Free Press. Senge, P. M. (1990), The Fifth Discipline. New York: Doubleday/Currency. Sheth, J. N. (1994), â€Å"The Donnain of Relationship Marketing†. Handout at the Sectmd Research Conference on Relationship Marketing. Centre for Relationship Marketing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, June. Verbeke, W. and Peelen, E. (1996), â€Å"Redefining the New SeUing Practices in an Era of Hyper Competition†. Paper presented at the workshop Relationship Market ing in an Era qf Hypercompetition, Erasmus University and EIASM, Rotterdam, May.

Anticancer Efficacy of Curcumin Analysis

Anticancer Efficacy of Curcumin Analysis Nuclear factor-ÃŽ ºB (NF-ÃŽ ºB) is a transcription factor that is essential in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. 1 It influences a diverse target of gene expressions that regulate apoptosis, facilitate cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. 1,2 Before cell stimulation, NF-ÃŽ ºB dimers that are located in the cytoplasm are inactive. 3 Prior to activation, NF-ÃŽ ºB dimers consisting of RelA, c-REL, and p50 are held in the cytoplasm by inhibitory ÃŽ ºB (IÃŽ ºB) proteins. 3,8 The IÃŽ ºB kinase (IKK) complex is activated by various extracellular signals such as proinflammatory cytokines and viral infections. 3,4 This IKK complex phosphorylates two conserved serine residues and targets NF-ÃŽ ºB-bound IÃŽ ºBs, which results in ubiquitin-mediated dissociation of IÃŽ ºB from NF-ÃŽ ºB, thus leading to translocation of activated NF-ÃŽ ºB into the nucleus. 2,7 The activation of NF-ÃŽ ºB promotes tumor invasion, metastasis, and allows malignant cells to escap e apoptosis. Consequently, many chemotherapeutic drugs have been found to activate NF-ÃŽ ºB, thus contributing to chemoresistance and chemotherapy failure. 3 Increasing evidence suggests that, the inhibition of NF-ÃŽ ºB activation can reduce chemoresistance and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. 3 Among the compounds that have been reported, curcumin was found to inhibit the activation of NF-ÃŽ ºB and thus, induce apoptosis in tumor cells. 6 Unfortunately, its clinical applications remains limited due to its poor bioavailability and low potency 6 , these prompted researchers to chemically modify curcumin in order to increase its potency against NF-ÃŽ ºB and cancerous cells. 8 In this issue, Qui et al . 8 reports progress in the synthesis and identification of new 4-arylidene curcumin analogues as a potential chemotherapeutic agent. Different kinds of 4-arylidene curcumin analogues were synthesized by coupling 1, 3-diketones curcumin analogues with various aro matic aldehydes in toluene with acetic acid, using piperidine as a catalyst (figure 1). The chemotherapeutic activities of the synthesized compounds were tested on the growth of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells with curcumin used as control. The authors reported that majority of the 4-arylidene curcumin analogues exhibited potent anticancer activities against A549 growth with GI 50 in the range of 0.23 – 0.93 ÃŽ ¼M, while very poor antiproliferation activities of curcumin was observed at 15.23 ÃŽ ¼M. This shows a 10- to 60-fold increase in the potency of 4-arylidene curcumin analogues over the parent compound, curcumin. Remarkably, the cytotoxic activities of these newly designed curcumin analogues were not limited to A549 cells. The growth of other carcinoma cells H1944, squamous cells H157, and large carcinoma cells H460, were effectively inhibited by selected 4-acrylidene curcumin analogues, with GI 50 values at micromolar concentrations low to 0.07 ÃŽ ¼M. Likewise, in a r elated study, Zambre et al. 9 reported that copper(II) conjugates of Knoevenagel condensates of curcumin analogue showed inhibitory activities against human leukemic KBM-5 cells. Taken together, these two forms of curcumin analogues offer new possibilities at both ends as potential anticancer agents. One of the key curcumin targets that is important for the survival of cancer is IÃŽ ºB kinase (IKK), which regulates NF-ÃŽ ºB activation. 6 Activated NF-ÃŽ ºB is situated in the nucleus to promote transcription that is triggered by tumor-necrosis factor (TNFÃŽ ±). 1,5 Thus, Qiu et al. 8 used nuclear translocation of NF-ÃŽ ºB in response to TNFÃŽ ± as the main indicator to examine the mode of action of curcumin in comparison to 4-arylidene curcumin analogue. A549 cells were treated in a 384-well plate format with curcumin and its new analogue respectively, before the addition of TNFÃŽ ± to trigger nuclear translocation of NF-ÃŽ ºB p65 subunit. As a result, curcumin inhibited TNFÃŽ ± -induced nuclear translocation of NF-ÃŽ ºB with a mean IC 50 of 9.5 ÃŽ ¼M, which is consistent with the work of Kasinski et al . 4 Interestingly, most of the synthesized 4-arylidene curcumin analogue showed improved inhibitory activities against NF-ÃŽ ºB translocation with mean IC 50 values in the range of 1.0 – 4.9 ÃŽ ¼ÃŽÅ". This finding proved the superiority of the newly designed curcumin analogue over curcumin in blocking nuclear translocation of NF-ÃŽ ºB. Consequently, in a related paper, Zambre et al. 9 developed novel curcumin analogues that were synthesized using Knoevenagel condensation to convert enolic diketones of curcumin into non-enolizable ones. The synthesized compounds were examined for their potential in blocking TNFÃŽ ±-induced NF-ÃŽ ºB activation. It was reported that copper(II) conjugates of Knoevenagel condensates of curcumin showed greater potentials in blocking TNFÃŽ ±-induced NF-ÃŽ ºB activation than curcumin, confirming the potency superiority of curcumin analogues over the parental curcumin.

MACRO ECONOMIC SECTOR OUTLOOK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MACRO ECONOMIC SECTOR OUTLOOK - Essay Example The services provided by the telecommunication sector has become a necessary service for us for our daily life, and hence it can well be expected that consumers as well as business enterprises will not be able to reduce their spending on this service even in recessions. Thus the investment potential of the telecommunication sector seems to be very bright. To gain more from our investments, we can invest in the telecommunication sector of the highly growing markets of India, China, Turkey, etc., while retaining our exposure to European countries and the USA. FINACIALS: The interest rate sensitivity of the financial sector is very high and this sector shows a tendency of providing great during the period of low interest rates. Since, the level of interest rates in the USA and European nations are now quite low at the phase of economic recovery, the investments in the financial sector of these nations are expected to provide excellent performance. However, presently investments in this sector involve a great amount of risk due to high inflation in Asian countries and Obama’s financial policies relating to trade. Due to this reason, we are underweight in this sector. But this should not be a thing of great anxiety as we still possess sufficient weights for having adequate return on out investments. However, we should be cautious about our investment decision in China due to increase in the rate of interest in this nation. Hence, we should limit out exposure to china and concentrate more on the financial markets of USA and Europe as interest rates can be expected to remain low here. MATERIALS: The materials sector has a tendency to outperform other defensive areas during economic expansions. The materials sector is such a economic field where we can be overweight. Investments in this sector at this time or in near future could be a bit risky as it may loose its growth momentum after the fast growth that it has been experiencing for some time. Moreover, the se ctor is suffering form lower demand from countries like China which is lowering the prices and negatively affecting the overall performance of the sector. However, we are still maintaining our exposure to this hard commodity sector as we expect that even with lower demand this sector will be able to provide better performance compared to other defensive sectors. ENERGY: The energy sector is one of those sectors which are expected to provide lucrative returns. This sector has a quite high dependence on oil prices. Since, oil prices are expected to follow an increasing path in future, the energy sector is expected to outperform other areas. Oil prices are expected to rise for a number of factors including reduction in supply of oil by OPEC, increase in demand for oil with economic recovery in USA, Europe, China, India and other nations, expansion of money supply in the USA that is expected to create inflationary pressure. Thus, it will be a great decision to maintain our exposure in t he energy sector. We can also increase our exposure in this sector. We are also increasingly investing in oil services and exploration as they are now placed on high growth path. CONSUMER STAPLES: Being a defensive sector, the sector of consumer staples is facing lower growth opportunities in this period of economic recovery. Rising prices of foods has produced negative impacts on the

The National Health Service and the Risk Assessment Techniques Research Paper

The National Health Service and the Risk Assessment Techniques - Research Paper Example The incident took place on an eight-bed ward for female admissions in a small National Health Service (NHS) institution. Dorothy Perkins has a history of considerable antisocial conduct. She is a thirty-five-year-old woman who has been nursed within this inpatient facility for almost three years and will be referred to as. Ms Perkins was admitted from Her Majesty’s Prison Service following ruling from the Crown Court that she requires a period of assessment after the attempted murder of her community care worker. Ms Perkins presents as floridly psychotic with underlying persecutory delusions and presents as unstable in her mood. Her view is that other people (staff, visitors, family and the common public) are plotting against her and attempting to murder her. Despite this, she is able to forge a level of therapeutic alliance with some staff members, in particular, male staff members. She is verbally abusive and with her large physical stature is intimidating towards the other service users on the ward and staff members. Her abuse is usually targeted towards female staff members, and she has assaulted another female service user on the ward during this admission. The multi-disciplinary team has ruled that any episodes of inappropriate conduct from Ms Perkins whilst she is around the communal areas of the ward must result in a period of ‘time-out’. In accordance with the Code of Practice to the Mental Health Act 1983 (1999), ‘time out’ is a behaviour modification technique which denies a patient, for a period of no more than 15 minutes.

As part of your cover letter, applicants for AP positions will be Essay

As part of your cover letter, applicants for AP positions will be asked to answer the questions below - Essay Example One purpose of the group was to share lessons and their experiences on the best teaching practices. I organized two meetings every month in which all the members of the group were required to meet and engage in constructive discussions about the general teaching environment. This also formed a platform to derive new modest ways of teaching and promote innovation in the academic field. Each member of the group was required to present their own research on the various changes that were occurring in the teaching field. To further strengthen the network, I organized for a trip to Anaheim California for the group to attend the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This provided them with an opportunity to broaden the network and to learn from other math educators around the country. This group turned out to be a good support network for new mathematics teachers. Having a sharing between experienced and newly induced teachers provided a good avenue for the new teachers to learn and quickly adopt new systems of teaching practice in this region. One notable success of this instructional initiative can be seen on the fast rate in which the group grew and the role it played in transforming the teaching experiences of the mathematics teachers. The dynamism of the group played a key role in integrating innovation in the region 6. In 2005, it was noted that the average performance in mathematics had improved, a result that can be associated with the effort of this group. Through my experience overtime, i have identified the value of involving students in the development of the curriculum. When students are involved, it becomes easy for the teachers to learn their problems and develop new teaching strategies to solve the learner’s problems. This is a strategy I would have used in region 6 to achieve effectiveness in the instructional initiative. This plan

Discrimination and Domestic Violence against Women in America Essay

Discrimination and Domestic Violence against Women in America - Essay Example Gender-based violence is global and varies from one society to another only in scope; the United States is not an exception. The United Nations Declaration on Violence against Women defines gender based violence as: â€Å"Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life" (Article 1) The scope of forms of discrimination is huge and includes, though is not limited to forced abortion, forced pregnancy, prostitution and sterilization, rape, domestic and community violence, sexual abuse of female children, sexual harassment, intimidation at work and social institutions, marital rape. All these forms can be grouped into broader sections: socio-cultural discrimination and violence, discrimination at work, and, finally, home abuse. The dramatic influence on women and society in general of any type of discrimination can hardly be overestimated, while the reasons underneath and direct course of actions to be taken are still not clear and hardly will ever be. When it comes to speaking about socio-cultural discrimination, the majority does not realize to what extent beliefs termed â€Å"culture† shape women’s lives and the understanding of the personal role in society. Cultural values rooted in unequal distribution of power between women and men limit, subordinate and discriminate female population; traditions formed for centuries become a justification for  denial of basic human rights, the principle of equality is challenged when it comes to women. Cultural discrimination that women experience in the USA can hardly be compared to India or Iraq: â€Å"Kajal Khidr was accused of adultery by her husband's family and held hostage by six family members in Iraqi Kurdistan. Kajal Khidr was tortured and mutilated; family members cut off part of her nose and told her she would be killed after the birth of her child.†Ã‚  

Leadership Effectiveness Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Leadership Effectiveness Report - Essay Example If we were to look around ourselves, there are millions of examples that make an attempt at essaying the characteristics that make an ordinary person a leader - a hero for a lifetime. Whether it is in our movies, art or literature - there have been constant portrayals of leaders and their qualities. Such qualities are singled out as the most effective when it comes to possessing a commanding personality, understanding and harnessing the dynamics of human behaviour and finally, as well as performing under high pressure and trying situations. These leaders have been inspiration for the masses and their leadership skills have entire theories dedicated to the same. In this context, it is extremely important to understand that no leader is perfect and that his or her result orientations will not always reap the accurate benefits owing to unforeseen circumstances or even certain personal flaws. This has a strong implication in the realistic analysis of the leader and his or her leadership skills. On this basis, we will carry out a study of optimum effectiveness in a particular leader in a typically corporate setting. The person in question is Chief Executive's CEO of the year for the year 2006 - A.G Lafley of Procter and Gamble. This choice has facilitated analysis on the basis of a competing values framework where we will study the situational leadership theory and the five models that form its elements. Also, we will start by emphasizing on the election issues that face the criteria managers when working on such a framework. In doing so, we will set a context for discussion of Lafley's traits and effectiveness of the same as core leadership values where Procter and Gamble's basic policies are concerned. Competing Values Framework As a company that took off on the strength demonstrated by a candle maker named William Procter and a soap maker called James Gamble in 1837, Procter and Gamble was a company that started out by producing soaps and candles, only to deviate and set up factories producing a plethora of products like radio programs, fabric softeners and the very popular Pampers for babies, among many others. Caught in the midst of various battles revolving around issues like animal testing, downsizing, logo controversy and toxic shock syndrome and tampons, this company was at the receiving end of several critical lawsuits. In 2005, it suffered $12 million due to these reasons. Most were of the view that Procter and Gamble was over - a dysfunctional company. Most but one - A G Lafey as the CEO of the company delivered it back to its original splendor and how. (www.pg.com) This shows a nuance of putting the right man in the right job - in other words, a foolproof selection process. A.G Lafey is a man who has defied the barriers that come in the way of an effective election process. In distributed systems, leader election is a dynamic concept that can cause various interrelated processes to participate and crash at the same time. In this context, the usual point to point communication is replaced by buffered broadcasting to replicate effective process communication. To study Lafey's contribution and his effectiveness more critically, I will resort to a leader election protocol design's blueprint that is set in a dynamic context so as to study his effectiveness as a leader in terms of the

Why fear big business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why fear big business - Essay Example Capitalism is said to have begun in 1834 in England, another reason the cartoonist would want to use a European Knight. The late nineteenth century saw the US thoroughly changed by the Industrial Revolution from a principally agricultural state that ranked well behind England, France, and Germany to the world’s most formidable industrial power by it is today (Keene et al., pg. 56). Whereas many Americans celebrated the Industrial Revolution for the unparalleled material wealth and growth it brought to the society, others became concerned by some of the dingy significances of industrializations. The consequence of these disagreeing visions was an extreme debate over the appropriate role of the state in regulating the economy, the workers’ rights to form unions and advocate for better pay and working conditions. The emergence of big corporations in the late nineteenth century during the period of rapid economic growth saw the rise of very powerful men. The choice of color and placement in the drawing provokes only appreciation of the cartoonist’s work. All the objects the cartoonist uses to depict the situation that presented the American worker are thought for. Whereas the average worker has only the strike as the weapon, the large corporations have the power to bribe not only the press for favorable coverage but also to state officials suppressing the government for laws that were good for business. The two different onlookers, the comfortably-seated and widely-smiling business tycoons and the standing hunger-stricken workers help the viewer see how much disparity existed in America. While the handful of the tycoons on the left sit under a shade, there is no shade for the seemingly endless crowd. It symbolizes how malnourished the people are- something that is father supported by the look on the children’s face (Keene et al.,

Solving This Case Please Essay Example for Free

Solving This Case Please Essay Professor A. Van Cauwenbergh of Antwerp University, in a paper presented at the Tenth Anniversary Conference of the European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management, presented four revisions to traditional Management Theory. In summary, the revisions are: (1) The initiative for the renewal and adjustment of the activities of a firm should come from the different levels in the management hierarchy. â€Å"Strategy is not a privilege of top management†. (2) Firms, especially big firms, are incoherent systems (goals of the different component systems are not simply subdivisions of an overall goal; there are individual, conflicting goals as well). Some of these differences are manifestations of organizational initiative and vitality. Using information systems and central planning and rule making to suppress all differences is destructive to organizations. (3) The most vital â€Å"fluid† of an enterprise is the aggregate of its entrepreneurial values. The most fundamental and motivation and control come through these shared values relative to work, quality, efficiency, etc. Management often neglects these values and assumes that the collection and dissemination of information will provide sufficient motivation and control. (4) Enterprises are open systems; their structure and operating processes are determined by their environment. This means organizations must be designed to continually adjust to the environment. Questions:  1. If these revisions are correct, how is planning to be organized? How should the information system support the planning organization? 2. Can the information system aid in achieving shared values? 3. How might a comprehensive system be used to stifle initiative

Case Study On A Patient With Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Case Study On A Patient With Pulmonary Tuberculosis The case that is about to be discussed here revolves around a patient diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient that was clerked, Mrs A, was a 61 year old woman. She was a Malay housewife. Her Body Mass Index value of 26.0 kg/m2 based on her height of 1.58 m and weight of 65 kg indicated that she fell into the overweight range. The patient was admitted to the Accident Emergency mode transferred in from another hospital via an ambulance. She presented symptoms such as shortness of breath(SOB) and her respiratory rate was 20 breaths per minute. She appeared pale and weak and her blood glucose levels were low (2.1 mmol/l) and her blood pressure values indicated she was hypertensive with a value of 152/93 mmHg. Upon physical examination, mild leg swelling was observed. Based on her past medical history, patient was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis for the past 3 months, hypertension for the past 5 years, diabetes for the past 5 years and advanced renal failure for the past 6 months. Upon enquiry, she was seen to be a non-smoker and a non alcoholic. Patient lived with her daughter. Several investigations were performed to evaluate the patients condition. A positive sputum smear test indicated that the patients tuberculosis was still active. Upon renal function assessment, creatinine clearance was calculated and a value of 5.5 ml/min indicated Stage 5 renal failure. Her potassium and urea levels were also above range based on Table 1. Upon haematology assessment, her low blood sugar levels indicated hypoglycaemia and patients haemoglobin count was also low signifying anemia. Chest X ray was conducted on this patient and minor lesions at the apical segments of the upper lobe were seen. This is a typical radiographic representation of patients with tuberculosis. Table 1: Results of the investigations performed Laboratory Test Readings Normal range Sputum Smear Test Positive Renal Function Creatinine, Cr Urea Potassium, K+ 912 ÃŽÂ ¼mol/l 37.8 mmol/l 5.5 mmol/l 44-80 ÃŽÂ ¼mol/l 1.7 8.5 mmol/l 3.5 5.0 mmol/l Haematology Assessment Blood Sugar Level Haemoglobin 2.1 mmol/l 9.8 g/dl 4.5 6.0 mmol/l 13.5 18 g/dl Table 2 provides details about patients drug history giving information about patients drugs and their respective doses. Upon interview, patient informed that she had not been purchasing any over the counter medications. She also has no known drug allergy. Table 2 : Drug History and their respective doses and their indication Drug Dose Duration Indication Rifampicin 300 mg OD 2 months Anti TB Isoniazid 200 mg OD 2 months Anti TB Pyrazinamide 750 mg OD 2 months Anti TB Ethambutol 600 mg OD 2 months Anti TB Pyridoxine 20 mg OD 2 months Treatment of neuropathy Gliclazide 40 mg OD 5 years Anti diabetic Prazosin 2 mg TDS 5 years Anti Hypertensive Furosemide 80 mg OD 5 years Anti Hypertensive Nifedipine 20 mg TDS 5 years Anti Hypertensive Based on the investigations performed, the patient was diagnosed to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus. Patients daily condition was monitored and appropriate management was undertaken to control the patients condition. Patients overall progress is tabulated in the table 3 and the observation is recorded. Table 3 : Patients clinical progress and management Day Clinical Progress Management 1 Hypoglycemia = 2.1 mmol/L AFB test positive Chest X ray performed SOB Hyperkalaemia ( 5.5 mol/L) Anemic ( 9.8 g/dL) BP : 152/93 mmHg Strict fluid intake IV Dextrose 10%/24 hours Refer to chest physician Lesions at upper lobes NPO2 to resolve SOB Start on Calcium polystyrene Start Ferrous (IV) sulphate Start antihypertensives Monitor input output 2 AFB test +ve Blood Sugar Level = 3.0 mmol/L BP : 140/90 mmHg Start TB regimen (EHRZ) Continue IV Dextrose 10% Monitor Blood Glucose Continue antihypertensives 3 Blood Sugar level = 3.2 mmol/L Severe renal impairment ( CrCl =5.6 ml/min ) Chest X ray done time to time BP : 130/70 mmHg Continue dextrose infusion Send patient for dialysis Lesions still present Continue antihypertensives 4 No SOB Hypoglycaemia resolved = 5.5 mmol/L AFB +ve BP : 130/75 mmHg Remove nasal prongs Stop Dextrose. Monitor blood glucose Continue TB regimen 6 K+ level in normal range ( 4.5 mmol/L) Blood Sugar level = 6.0 mmol/L CrCl = 7.7 ml/min BP : 130/65 mmHg Stop Calcium polystyrene. Monitor blood glucose Send patient for dialysis 8 Hyperglycemia = 11.1 mmol/L BP : 125/75 mmHg Start on Insulin DM counselling 13 AFB -ve DXT = 10.2 mmol/L BP : 120/70 mmHg Transfer out of isolation Continue insulin. Monitor blood glucose Based on patients presentation and results from investigations performed on day 1, patient was started on dextrose and her blood glucose levels were regularly monitored. Based on patients previous history, a sputum smear test was ordered and two consecutive positive results resulted in the patient being referred to the chest physician. A chest X ray was performed and lesions in the apical segment were present. To resolve patients SOB, patient was started on Nasal Prongs at 3L/min. To control her hyperkalemia, patient was given calcium polystyrene sulphonate powder. Patient was also started on ferrous sulphate infusion to help her cope with her anaemia. A strict fluid intake was imposed on patient to resolve her leg swelling and this was monitored through an input output chart. Her blood pressure (BP) levels were also elevated and patient was given antihypertensives such as nifedipine, prazosin and furosemide to control her BP. On day 2, her sputum smear remained positive and patient was commenced on the intial phase therapy for tuberculosis which consists of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. There was not much improvement in her blood glucose levels and patient was remained on the dextrose infusion. Moving on to day 3, not much improvement was observed and due to patients deteriorating renal function, patient was sent for peritoneal dialysis. By day 4, patient could breath normally and no shortness of breath was seen. Nasal prongs were removed. When her blood glucose levels were monitored, the results indicated patient was within the normal range and dextrose was withheld. Blood glucose levels were still monitored to prevent sudden drops and increase in blood glucose. Her potassium levels were within range by day 6 and calcium polystyrene sulphonate was stopped and potassium levels were monitored as well. Patient suffered from a hyperglycemia episode on day 8 and the patient was given biphasic insulin to treat this condition. By this day, her BP was also in the normal range but the antihypertensives were still continued. On day 13, patient was transferred out of the isolation ward as her sputum smear test produced negative results. Patients condition for tuberculosis was still being monitored. Her blood glucose levels were still in the high range and patient was to be continued on insulin. To summarize this case, patients active tuberculosis state should be managed well to ensure patient does not suffer from further complications that might arise in the future. Patients history was well noted and this helped in treating the patient in early stages. Adequate investigations were performed to assist the healthcare professional team to diagnose the patient and also to manage the patient. Patient was admitted for a long period but the appropriate management that was undertaken resulted in improvement in patients condition. Further care for the patient would improve the patients quality of life in the future Pathophysiology and Incidence Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that has plagued many nations across the world. Based on the report by World Health Organization (WHO), almost 9.4 million cases of TB were reported 3. It is highly common of those with TB to contract the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and a prevalence of almost 1.7 million deaths from TB among HIV-negative people was recorded around the globe 3. In the United Kingdom, an increasing trend in TB incidence has been reported and this is shown in Figure 1. In 2008, a rate of 14 per 100 000 population in the UK were reported to be suffering from TB 4. Malaysia on the other hand has a higher record of TB cases with 103 per 100 000 population being reported in 2007. Table 1 summarizes some of the data obtained from World Health Organization 3. Figure 1: Number of TB cases reported in the UK from 2000 to 2008 4 Table 1: Statistics displaying number of TB cases in Malaysia in 2007 3 All In HIV + people Incidence All forms of TB (per 100 000 population) 103 17 Mortality All forms of TB (per 100 000 population) 121 8.3 Multi-drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) MDR-TB among new cases (%) 0.1 Notified relapse cases (per 100 000 pop/yr) 61 The bacteria that is responsible for this disease is the acid fast bacilli aerobic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1. A key feature that enables this bacterium to survive would be its unique cell wall. Mycolic acids are linked covalently to arabinogalactan that provides a barrier to host defense mechanism. Antigens such as lipoarabinomannan present on the exterior of the cell wall facilitate the survival of the organism within macrophages 1. Tuberculosis is spread usually spread within droplets containing the microorganism that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks 1,2. Figure 1 gives a schematic impression of the progression of the disease. The inhaled droplets are initially trapped by dendritic cells that act to expel any foreign particles out. Most mycobacteria are able to surpass this defense mechanism and travels further to the alveoli where it gets ingested by macrophages 1. It then undergoes intracellular replication that might take duration o f 4 to 6 weeks. Cytokines are further released during this period and this attracts T lymphocytes that are involved in mediating a cell immune response. The next natural defense system step would be the formation of granuloma that contains the activated T lymphocytes and macrophages. These nodular lesions disable further spread of the disease as the environment within restricts the growth of the bacilli and a latent period occurs 1. For less immunocompetent individuals, the granuloma will not be able to contain the bacilli and the active disease takes form 1. Figure 1: Image depicting the progress of tuberculosis 2 The diagnostic tests available are summarized in Table 2. TB can be divided to latent and active and to diagnose each different test has been recommended. For latent TB, Mantoux test can be carried out and those with positive results can be considered for QuantiFERON TB test 5. To diagnose active pulmonary TB, a chest X-ray would be taken followed by multiple sputum samples that are sent for smear test 5. Table 2: Diagnostic tests available for tuberculosis 1 Variable Purpose Time required for results Sputum smear Detect acid fast bacilli Sputum culture Identify M tuberculosis 3-6 weeks with solid media, 4-14 days with high-pressure liquid chromatography Tuberculin skin test/ Mantoux Detect exposure to mycobacteria 48 72 hours QuantiFERON TB-test Measure immune reactivity to M tuberculosis 12 24 hours Chest radiography Visualize lobar infiltrates with cavitation Minutes The drugs that are commonly used in tuberculosis are isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Rifampicin is a bactericidal agent that inhibits RNA synthesis by binding to the ß subunit of RNA polymerase. It can be given via oral administration and can even be distributed to the central nervous system due to its lipophilicity. Metabolism of this drug occurs in the liver and it is usually excreted in the urine. Isoniazid is a bactericidal pro-drug that inhibits ketoenoylreductase enzyme, InhA, that is responsible in synthesizing mycolic acids. Isoniazid can be administered orally, intramuscularly or intravenously and is acetylated in the liver and subsequently excreted in the urine. Pyridoxine 10 mg is given concurrently to minimize this risk. Pyrazinamide is another prodrug that is activated by nicotinamidase to pyrazinoic acid. This component at low pH carries proton into the cell and collapses the proton motive force present in the mycobacterium which results in cell d eath. It is only bactericidal against non growing bacilli forms.. Ethambutol works by binding to arabinosyl transferase enzyme and inhibits the polymerization of the cell wall arabinan component. Table 3 gives the details of the dose and side effects reported with the administration of the tuberculosis drugs. Table 3: Tuberculosis drugs with their respective doses and side effects 6,7 Drug Dose Side effects Isoniazid 5 -8 mg/kg (max 300 mg) Peripheral neuropathy, hepatotoxicty Rifampicin 10 15 mg/kg (max 600 mg) Nausea, vomiting, thrombocytopenia, orange discolouration of urine Pyrazinamide 20 40 mg/kg ( max 1.5 g 50 kg) Nausea , vomitting, hyperuricemia Ethambutol 15 25 mg/kg Neuropathy, red green color blindness Evidence based medication review Treatment for Tuberculosis In the past three decades, no new drugs have been discovered in fighting TB. The 4 drugs have been the gold standard in treating TB The chemotherapy regimen available for tuberculosis therapy can be divided to the initial phase and the continuation phase. In the initial phase, drugs such as rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol are used 6. These drugs act to decrease the amount of bacteria present and also prevent resistance from emerging from the strains. This regimen is usually for 2 months. The continuation phase would consist of drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin. Isoniazid was the first drug to be introduced into combating tuberculosis back in the 1950s. Rifampicin , an antibiotic, was later added to the market and was added to the isoniazid regimen in 1967. This resulted in shortening the duration of treatment from 12 months to a 6 to 9 month treatment 9. Addition of pyrazinamide to the regimen decreased the chemotherapy duration further. Clinical studies have indicated that a pyrazinamide containing short course regimen had a sputum negative conversion rate of 70-95% in the first two months compared to the treatment without pyrazinamide 11. The relapse rates recorded from these studies also were only 4%. A clinical study conducted in East Africa compared the four 6-month daily regimens that comprised of Streptomycin, Isoniazid and Rifampicin (SHR), Streptomycin, Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide (SHZ); Streptomycin, Isoniazid and thiacetazone (SHZ) and Streptomycin and Isoniazid (SH) 10. The SHZ regimen that was the most effective amongst all the regimens and the SHR regimen had the lowest relapse rate of 2% 30 months post treatment 10. No significant difference results were obtained from the treatment regimen that was carried out for 18 months 10. This study gives an impression of the efficacy of the isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide regimen when used together In a Poland study, the efficacy of the 4 different drug regimens containing rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol were assessed. During the initial phase, patients were given isoniazid 300 mg, rifampicin 600 mg and ethambutol 25 mg/kg 8. In the continuation phase the regimens given to patients comprised of rifampicin 600 mg, isoniazid 15mg/kg(Regimen A), isoniazid 15 mg/kg rifampicin 600 mg twice a week (Regimen B), Isoniazid 15kg/mg, rifampicin 600 mg ethambutol 50mg/kg once a week (Regimen C) and Isoniazid 15mg/kg, rifampicin 600 mg, ethambutol 50mg/kg twice a week (Regimen D) 8. The result of this study demonstrated that Regimen D had 47% of its patients displaying a significant change in their sputum result to a negative result compared to the other regimens. There were no significant differences in rates between all regimens by the end of the fifth month as all patients had their sputum converted to negative. This study had the limitation of not including pyrazinamide in its regi men but it can be seen that to achieve a quicker rate of sputum negative cultures a regimen containing ethambutol could be used in the continuation phase. A trial conducted by Jindani et al. assessed the effectiveness of daily dosing of the intial phase drugs compared to the intermittent thrice weekly dosing. The drugs that were assessed were isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. The doses that were given to the patients were based on WHO recommendations. The outcome measured after 2 months had 77% of the patients with negative sputum cultures after their 2 month stint (p=0.001) 13. A similar study was conducted in Hong Kong with the difference being a 12 month follow up period. By the end of the second month, 94% of patient receiving the daily regimen had improved. 90% of those under the intermittent regimen also had improved by the second month. Over the long term follow up, more relapse cases were recorded but the values were not significant 14. Hypoglycemia Treatment Patient was hypoglycemic upon arrival and dextrose infusion was provided to restore the patients normal blood glucose range. Two forms of treatment are usually available for hypoglycemic attacks namely glucagon and dextrose infusion. A study compared the efficacy between both the options and it was observed that both were capable of treating hypoglycemia effectively. The only disparity observed was the recovery. Patients on dextrose infusion are capable of regaining consciousness by 4 minutes compared to 6 minutes for patients that were on glucagon ( p Table 4 : Results of 51 hypoglycemic patients treated with dextrose 10% and dextrose 50% 27 Dextrose 10% Dextrose 50% Median time needed to attain recovery (minutes) 8 8 Median total dose administered 10g ( p 25g (p Median post treatment blood sugar levels 6.2 mmol/l (p=0.003) 9.4 mmol/l (p=0.003) Diabetes Treatment Oral antidiabetic agents such as gliclazide in the patients drug history would not be sufficient for her to have proper control over her glycemic levels. It was reported that tuberculosis affects the hormonal secretion by interfering with endocrinal organs such as pancreas 15. Rifampicin reduces the concentration of gliclazide by inducing liver microsomal enzymes CYP 2C9 that rapidly eliminates gliclazide from circulating in the system 15,16,17. In a study by Park et al., patients given with 80 mg gliclazide had the concentration of the drug present in the body reduced by 70% on day 7. The elimination half life of the drug also increased 3 fold 17. All these contribute to the inability of the sulfonyluea to reduce the glucose levels in this patient. According to the stepwise approach in NICE guidelines, the next step to manage this patient would be to start the insulin regimen18. The type of insulin that was given was biphasic Mixtard insulin analogue that consists of a short acting analogue and also a long acting analogue. P.V. Rao reported that, due to the insulin resistance present in patients started on anti Tb therapy, the doses of insulin needed to manage these patients increase 15. It is well proven that insulin can achieve better HbA1c levels as a clinical trial by United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) revealed that after 9 years monotherapy with insulin, 28% of patients achieved HbA1c levels below 7% and 42% patients achieved fasting plasma glucose levels below 7.8 mmol/l 19. Hypertension Treatment Patient was suffering from Stage 5 renal disease and the target for blood pressure in this patient would be 125/75 mm Hg 20. First line treatment for this patient would be loop diuretic, furosemide 20. They act by inhibiting the Na+/K+/2Cl- transporter on the ascending limb of loop of Henle which results in natriuresis and hence a fall in blood volume 21. This loop diuretic also performs its vasodilator actions via prostaglandin (PGE2 and prostacyclin) formation. This results in an increased blood flow in the medulla 21. In accordance to SIGN guidelines as well, long acting dihyrdopyridines such as nifedipine and ÃŽÂ ± blockers can be added as supplementary therapy 20. Nifedipine, a calcium antagonist acts by causing vasodilatation due to reduction in peripheral resistance. ÃŽÂ ± blockers such as prazosin block ÃŽÂ ±1 receptors and this results in vasodilation. A study by Vadasz displayed that Furosemide doses at 40 mg did not display any significant changes in systolic blood pressure. However, when the dose was increased to 60 mg, there was a significant reduction in blood pressure 21,22. A combined dose of 40 mg and 60 mg were effective in reducing the diastolic blood pressure. Based on this evidence, it is clear that furosemide on its own is not capable of decreasing blood pressure. When nifedipine was combined with diuretics it was observed that a statistically significant lower risk of cardiovascular events was observed compared to the non-statistically significant difference that was noted with nifedipine monotherapy 22. In another study by Psaty et al, nifedipine did not demonstrate an increase of risk in myocardial infarction compared to the other calcium channel blockers 25. Prazosins efficacy in lowering blood pressure was studied and the lowest effective dose that is capable of reducing blood pressure was noted to be 10mg 26. Doses below 10 mg per day did not significantly reduce the blood pressure compared to the placebo arm. Treatment of Anaemia Patient had very low haemoglobin levels and this was indicative of anaemia. NICE guidelines have recommended that in order to manage anemia, patients are usually given eryhtropoetin stimulating agents and also iron supplements to help produce haemoglobin 23. There has been no evidence in the use of iron supplements in patients with chronic kidney disease prior to treatment with erythropoietin. But it is recommended that the erythropoietin therapy should not be commenced in conditions of complete iron absence 23. In some conditions, where patients were in Stage 5 renal failure also diagnosed with other co-morbidities, treatment with erythropoietin stimulating agents is decided based on clinical judgment by the professional team if the patient were to benefit from the treatment 23. Treatment of Hyperkalaemia Patient was suffering from mild hyperkalemia and it was necessary that this was be treated before it progresses to severe hyperkalemia that might lead to adverse events such as cardiac arrest. A study compared the effectiveness between sodium polystyrene sulfonate and calcium polysterene sulfonate and it is noted that treatement with sodium increases sodium concentration in the body and this escalates the risk of hypertension 24. Treatment with calcium polystyrene sulfonate resulted in 50% decrease in potassium content and an additional advantage of increase in calcium concentration was observed as well 24. Conclusion Based on all the evidence provided for the patients condition, it is clear that the guidelines were adhered in treating the patients individual disease with some minor differences. Tuberculosis treatment for the initial phase was extended for more than 2 months due to the positive result obtained from sputum smear. Patient eventually achieved negative sputum smear and the patient was to be monitored before the patient was commenced on the continuous phase drugs. Effective treatment was undertaken to treat patients hypoglycemia condition, and based on the evidence gathered, dextrose 10% is the suitable treatment option for the patient. The antihypertensive regimen that was chosen was due to the patients renal failure. Nifedipine, prazosin and furosemide collectively controlled the blood pressure of the patient. Ferrous sulphate was chosen as her treatment compared to erythropoietin and this was based on the doctors clinical judgement. Her hyperkalemia which was treated with calcium su lfonate did benefit the patient as her potassium levels were within the normal range at the end of the treatment. PATIENT MEDICATION PROFILE PATIENT DETAILS Name Mrs A Consultant General Practitioner Address Kuala Lumpur Gender Female Weight 65 Height 158 Community Pharmacist Date of Birth (Age) 61 Known Sensitivities None Social History Non smoker Non Alcoholic PATIENT HOSPITAL STAY Presenting complaint in primary care / reason for admission Admission date April Low Sugar Level : 2.1 mmol/L Discharge Date Discharged to Not Known Shortness of breath RELEVANT MEDICAL HISTORY RELEVANT DRUG HISTORY Date Problem Description Date Medication Comments Feb Pulmonary Tuberculosis Feb Rifampicin 6 months Advanced Renal Failure Feb Isoniazid 5 years Hypertension Feb Pyrazinamide 5 years Diabetes Mellitus Feb Ethambutol Feb Pyridoxine 6 months Prazosin 6 months Nifedipine 6 months Furosemide Gliclazide RELEVANT NON DRUG TREATMENT Peritoneal Dialysis Prescribed Medication Start Stop Clinical/Laboratory Tests Date Result 1 Rifampicin Day 1 Sputum Smear Test Day 1 Positive 2 Isoniazid Day 1 Creatinine Day 1 912 Â µmol 3 Pyrazinamide Day 1 Urea Day 1 37.8 mmol/l 4 Ethambutol Day 1 Potassium Day 1 5.5 mmol/l 5 Pyridoxine Day 1 Blood Glucose Day 1 2.1 mmol/l 6 Prazosin Day 1 Blood Pressure Day 1 152/93 7 Nifedipine Day 1 Haemoglobin Day 1 9.8 g/dl 8 Furosemide Day 1 Chest Xray Day 1 Lesions in the apical segment 9 Dextrose Solution Day 1 Day 4 Blood Glucose Day 8 11.1 mmol/l 10 Ferrous sulphate Day 1 Sputum Smear Day 13 Negative 11 Calcium polystyrene sulphate powder Day 1 Day 6 12 Insulin Mixtard Day 8 CLINCIAL MANAGEMENT Diagnosis Pharmaceutical Need Pulmonary Tuberculosis Continue patient on intial phase drugs Hypoglycemia Start patient on dextrose Hypertension Continue antihypertensive treatment Hyperkalaemia Start calcium polystyrene sulphonate powder Anaemia Start ferrous sulphate Advanced Renal Failure Send patient for peritoneal dialysis PHARMACEUTICAL CARE PLAN Date Care Issue/Desired Output Action Output Sub therapeutic doses For Anti TB drugs Discussed with the pharmacist and patients diabetic condition was the reason for the dose regimen Doses were not changed Drug sensitivity testing was not performed Patient is diabetic and is more susceptible for MDR-TB No test was performed Management of patients compliance towards anti tuberculosis drugs -Patient might be hospitalised for a long period of time due to renal failure -DOTS scheme to be implemented upon discharge -Adequate patient education on the importance of completing the regimen is important Hospitalisation or DOTS scheme Renal failure Ethambutol excreted by kidney. Suggest change of medication to 2 Isoniazid + Rifampicin + Pyrazinamide -If treatment continued, monitoring essential Continue treatment as before and patient being monitored AFB test Another 2 samples should be taken for AFB tests before switching to the continuous phase Action yet to be taken Monitor drug toxicity Lab investigations on full blood count, liver function, serum uric acid, serum bilirubin, should be done to ensure no toxicity Eye examination for ethambutol side effects Scheduled appointments for patient Education on side effects of drugs To inform patient about anti Tb drugs side effect and advise patient not to stop the drug and side effects can be controlled ( PZA and arthralgia ) Counseling by pharm

Hamlet: Character Analysis :: essays research papers

Over the centuries many people have complained that William Shakespeare did an inadequate job of steering the readers of Hamlet to a specific interpretation of each character. Each reader is left to decide the true extent of Hamlet’s evil and insane ways or to realize that he clearly is a victim of circumstances beyond his control, therefore declaring him innocent. Because of William Shakespeare’s writing style, the reader receives little help in discovering who is truly innocent and who is as guilty as Claudius. Many scholars agree that Hamlet may be the most complex character presented by any playwrite. Over the centuries critics have offered many theories and explanations for Hamlet’s actions, but none have sufficiently explained him. Many people view Hamlet as a deeply troubled youth who caused many unnecessary deaths, such as those of Polonius and Laertes. Critics who support this theory point out the cruel actions carried out by Hamlet, one example being the indifferent and boastful way Hamlet describes the ingenious way he had his two good friend, Rosencrantz and Guildentsern killed. But wilt thou hear now how I did proceed?†¦I sat down, devised a new commission, wrote it fair. I once did hold it, as our satists do, a baseness to write fair, labored much how to forget that learning, but, sir, now it did me a yeoman’s service. Wilt thou know th’ effect of what I wrote?†¦An earnest conjuration from the King, as England was his faithful tributary†¦that on the view and knowing of the contents, without debatement further more or less, he should those bearers put to sudden death. (Shakespeare 5:228-45) The way Hamlet treats Ophelia, the woman he supposedly loved, also supports the portrayal of him being a barbarian. If thou dost marry ,I’ll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery[referring to a brothel], go and quickly, too.(Shakespeare 3:1 136-141) Another offered interpretation suggests that using the information given by the ghost of King Hamlet, Hamlet seized the opportunity to regain what was rightfully his-the throne of Denmark. One less popular belief that has been expressed states that Hamlet was actually a girl, raised as a man, so there would be an heir to the throne. Critics who support this view say that this theory explains Hamlet’s reluctance and hesitation to commit murder(which is most often viewed as a masculine act).

1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia Essays -- Architecture Hist

Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia 1876 Opening day of the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia was a spectacular festival of flags, music, and a one-hundred gun salute. After President Grant gave his opening address, the signal was given to unfurl and raise every flag and insignia simultaneously on the entire fairground. A chorus of one thousand began to sing, accompanied by an orchestra and chimes, and the barrage of one hundred rifles symbolized a century of independence for the United States of America (McCabe). This was the first major international world's fair in North America, and while many foreigners argued the United States did not have anything to show, the country shone through displaying its growth into a major industrial power. Philadelphia, the location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was chosen as the site for the fair. Its central location also played in its favor. The Building Committee hired twenty-seven year-old H. J. Schwarzmann as chief engineer. He not only planned the layout of the grounds, but also designed Memorial and Horticultural Halls, the two structures intended to be permanent. The fairgrounds were about two miles north-west from the center of Philadelphia, across the Schuylkill River in a portion of Fairmount Park. One of the world's largest municipal parks, it was devised in 1682 by the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn. As he was navigating the Schuylkill River, Penn noticed a grand bluff and exclaimed, "What a faire mount!" (Klein). The natural park-like setting, and the proximity to colonial Philadelphia, created a unique atmosphere for the fair. The two artifacts depicted here are a bird's eye view showing the main buildings of the exhibition, and a map ... ... system, and public services. On the last day of the Exhibition, John Welsh, the president of the Centennial Board of Finance, said good-bye: "Our work has its place in the annals of the nation. If the memories of it be pleasant to our countrymen, we have done well." (Maass). Looking back at the exhibition's accomplishments, it is fair to say they did well. Works Cited Armstrong, Lilian. Renaissance Miniature Painters and Classical Imagery. Harvey Miller Publishers. London, England. 1981. Klein, Esther M. Fairmount Park. Harcum Junior College Press. Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. 1974. McCabe, James D. The Illustrated History of the Centennial Exhibition. The National Publishing Company. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1975 Post, Robert C. 1876: A Centennial Exhibition. The National Museum of History and Technology Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. 1976.

Eliminating The Capital Gains Tax :: essays research papers

Eliminating The Capital Gains Tax One of the major obstacles facing all entrepreneurs in the United States when starting a new business or expanding an existing one is raising capital. Here capital refers to money that people invest in a business. Investment and entrepreneurship are the heart and soul of a lively economy. There is no other economic task more important than investing one's capital into new ideas and new enterprises. Therefore capital raised from one person or a group of professional investors remains a crucial source of funding for these type of enterprises. In the type of economic world which is present today the opportunity for good returns on a person's money must be in abundance to allure investments in such ventures. Capital gains taxes significantly diminish these returns, therefore reducing the incentives to invest. Eliminating the capital gains tax will spark entrepreneurship and new investments in the economy, which in turn will elevate economic growth and increase the number of jobs. In order to stimulate economic growth in the United States, taxes on capital gains should be eliminated. Members of Congress once considered a reduction in the capital gains tax rate from 28% to 19.8%. Combined with indexation, which is , reducing the capital gains tax by any amount would be a vital pro-growth step taken by Congress. However, given the fickle and high risk nature of investments and entrepreneurships, and the importance of maintaining a competitive economy in a global environment, capital gains should be exempt from taxation altogether. A zero percent capital gains tax would attract entrepreneurial risk taking, which is very important to economic growth. It would entice wealthy investors to invest in a certain enterprise, which in small numbers would immensely increase the economic growth in the United States. In the Wall Street Journal the U.S. Commission on civil rights said, "Reducing the tax on capital gains effectively increases the flow of financial 'seed corn' to budding entrepreneurs." Also, from a global perspective, the United States has one of the biggest capital gains tax rate. Depending on inflation, sometimes the United States has the largest capital gains tax rate in the world. In a competitive global economy a zero percent capital gains tax rate would make the United States a haven for capital, which in the long run will spark economic growth in the United States. Eliminating the capital gains tax altogether would not only promote a "boom" economy in the United States but will give the United States an edge that it needs to compete in the global world, not to mention create new jobs. The potential benefits for eliminating the capital gains tax are clear.

Representation of Adolescence Through Fiction

Representations of Adolescence through Fiction According to Kate Legged, an Australian Journalist, young adult novels are too dark and pessimistic, as she states in the following quote: Father bashes mother, mother abandons children†¦ Violence, drugs, suicides. The novels of some top writes of young people's fiction have never been bleaker or more explicit†¦ (Kate Legged; The Australian Magazine; 1998) ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began' by John Married and ‘Ugly by Constance Brioche both involve issues which could be considered bleak and disturbing.They tell stories of violence, one in a war situation while the other in the form of child abuse. However, young adults are represented in an optimistic light in both novels, becoming responsible and able to persist and show resilience through the circumstances they are faced with, making them able to overcome these challenges. These books promote the awareness and understanding of issues, and show that hope is what the c haracters cling to in their time of need. The main characters in both books are adolescents who develop and become stronger in their difficult situations.Constance (Clare), in ‘Ugly, writes an autobiography of her life of eating and neglect by her mother. Elli, the main character in ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began', writes a diary about guerilla warfare in an invasion where her parent's are prisoners of war. Therefore, both are put in a position of responsibility whereby they must look after themselves without parent's being there for protection. They are represented in a positive light which contrasts with their negative surroundings. ‘Ugly presents violence which is directed at Clare in the home environment.Clare suffers physical abuse (even leading to hospitalizing) and sexual harassment which re consequential of adults in the book, in particular her mother Carmen. Her treatment of my sisters was certainly very different from her treatment of me. They did not get the unkind words I got, or have their nipples pinched, and they were not beaten or punched. † (Clare; Ugly; p. 8 -9) Although Clare is unaware why she is victimized by her mother, it is possibly because she is darker skinned than the rest of the family.Carmen abuses her daughter through verbal abuse, neglect and physical harm. Her self-esteem is lowered through name calling such as the following: Lord, sweet Lord, how come she so ugly? Ugly. Ugly. If I hadn't given birth to her, sweet Lord, I would have sworn she was a fraud. Heavenly Jesus, sweet and kind, why have you given me a swine? (Carmen; Ugly; p. 52) Child abuse is intolerable in our society. As the reader sees the pain and suffering that Clare experiences, they respond to the torment by feeling sympathy towards Clare and disgust towards Carmen.So readers are positioned to admire Clare for her courageousness in persevering with life, fending for herself, her determination to become a barrister and her continual study and work ethic to achieve this goal. At the end of the book a spirited Clare visits her mother and lets her know what she thinks: You made me (Clare) hate you (Carmen), and I do. You know what? I don't think that you should ever have had children. And not that bad after all. (Clare; Ugly; p. 08) When Clare finally confronts Carmen, readers feel relief and thrilled for Clare because she has moved on from her mother's cruelty, to lead a better life and become a successful proud woman, unlike Carmen. From a horrible background, this young adult is able to achieve her lifetime goal. Unlike ‘Ugly, where personal violence is the main issue, ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began' conveys violence which is directed at the whole country in a war scenario. Elli, the protagonist, records the story of fighting the enemy for her country and family.The characters in ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began' also grow throughout the novel and become fighters for others' lives, rather than always pu tting themselves first. While ‘Ugly has one main character, ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began' features a group of seven friends, who are able to support one another throughout the war which the group discovers has broken out while they are on a camping trip. From innocence, the group is suddenly faced with a massive change in their lives: We believed we were safe. That was the big fantasy.Now we know we're not, and like you said, we'll never feel safe again, and so it's bye-bye innocence. (Elli; Tomorrow, When the War Began; p. 107) Readers can associate with these characters as they are typical Australian teenagers, which is seen through their behavior and country town in which they live. Although they are from a variety of different backgrounds, they show true Australian qualities, making them likeable to the reader as they hold the name values. The characters become more cautious and realize how important friends and family are.War has meant they are no longer innocent a nd must grow up and fend for themselves, becoming more responsible and independent with every minute, which is illustrated in this quote: We've got to stick together, that's all I know. We all drive each other crazy at times, but I don't want to end up here alone†¦ (Elli; Tomorrow, When the War Began; p. 284) These young adults (Elli, Homer, Lee, Carrie, Kevin, Robin and F') find the strength to live on while their country has been invaded ND their families captured.As with Clare, the reader is positioned to admire these characters because they show traits that most readers would can relate to and respect such as courage, commitment, independence, responsibility and family values as seen in the following quote. ‘It's our own families,' said Carrie. ‘That's what everyone's worried about, isn't it? I guess I'd fight for my country but I'm going mad wondering what's happened to my family'. (Carrie; Tomorrow, When the War Began; p. 172) One goal remains throughout which is to fight for their families and country ND their own survival.Through the representations of personal and social issues which are explored in the two books, readers are positioned to view the world as bleak and disturbing, which supports the view of young adult novels presented in Ledge's quote. However, the representations of young adults in the novels suggest that they are very capable of dealing with immense problems and overcoming them. Young adults in the novels are able to move past these issues because of their resilience and a small ray of hope in their lives, so they can continue to work towards a better life.

Parvanas Journey

PARVANAS JOURNEY QUIZ CHAPTERS 6,7,8 PART 1 Complete the following multiple choice. 1. What is a Shalwar Kameez? A. Traditional dress worn by both men and women. B. Knitted Shaw C. Sandals D. Soft-soled leather shoes made from deer skin. 2. What job did Parvana do in exchange for food for Hassan, Asif and herself? A. Clean the Tea House B. Clean the chicken house C. Clean dishes D. Cleaned a pigeons cage 3. As Asif, Parvana and Hassan left the village, what did Asif return to steal? A. Eggs B. Rice C. Water D. Chicken 4. What did Asif make out of grass, down by the stream? A. Ball B. Boat C. Car D. House . What name did Parvana used when she introduced herself as a boy? A. Faraz B. Aadi C. Dakshi D. Kaseem PART 2 Fill in the blanks 1. _______________ Each letter Parvana wrote she addressed it to her best friend. What was her name? 2. _______________ What did Asif say he would buy out of his share of the treasure? 3. _______________ Parvana’s journey was to keep walking in hope s of bumping into who. 4. _______________ When Parvana, Asif and Hassan arrived in the tiny village, they spoke with some boys playing what sport? 5. _______________ Asif wanted to help Parvana out by carrying what on his back?PART 3 True or False 1. _____ The treasure chest found by Asif and Parvana was full of soap. 2. _____ When Parvana and Hassan left the cave, Asif decided to join them just to annoy Parvana. 3. _____ Out of anger Parvana returned to the chicken house to steal eggs. 4. _____ After Parvana finished cleaning the chickens house, the man returned with three bowls of white rice. 5. _____ Asif played baseball with the boys in the village for a drink of water. ANSWER KEY Multiple Choice A B D A D Fill in the blanks Shauzia Horses Mother Hassan Soccer True or False False True True False False

How democratic was Andrew Jackson? Essay

Andrew Jackson may have been the most popular president in the history of United States. Andrew Jackson was elected as a president for his democracy and he was still getting votes from electors fifteen years after he died. But was Andrew Jackson democratic at all? He didn’t democratically act in a lot of circumstances like being partial to the poor, not paying attention to the Native Americans or not listening to Van Buren that caused a big scandal in society. Jackson was born in 1767 on the border between North and South Carolina. He was a kid with a wild streak that grew up in a poor family. His childhood was so dramatic and full of events that they made him be brave and experienced in situations. Jackson was voted for the presidency in 1828 and was reelected in 1832. He was said to create a new era of real democracy in America. But like other men, Jackson was not democratic at all and he was also claimed as behaving more like the king. First of all, Andrew Jackson was not democratic because he gave more power to the poor and seemed to be partial to them. While it was democratic that he tried to balance the power between the rich and the poor but in this circumstance, he totally took down the rich. In Document 3 which is a political cartoon, Jackson holds a veto in the left hand and a scepter in the right and tramples on the Federal Constitution and The United States Bank. It was said that Jackson was fear on the rich and powerful who may cheat the acts of government to their own selfish benefits so he vetoes the Congress’s bill to recharger the Bank in July in 1832 and removes the deposit. In fact, Jackson was doing more damage to the bank and he biased against the wealthy men in command. He may have little or no trust in what the Congress and government had deemed to be in the country best interest. In Document 5, Jackson â€Å"inflame the poor against the rich†, The rich and powerful are also People but Jackson didn’t listen to and follow their wishes. That was not democratic. In Document 2, Daniel Webster compliments that Andrew Jackson was democratic. It seemed to be contrary to his reply to Andrew’s Bank veto that Daniel totally criticizes Andrew for turning against the rich. But we can see that Webster claimed that: â€Å"Jackson was the hero of the dirt farmer.† It supported that Andrew Jackson is so partial to the poor and just stand for their sides. Jackson did have democratic ideas but his ideas didn’t actually benefit all people. This was undemocratic as it didn’t benefit all people that he took the rich down and just cared for the low class. Additionally, Jackson also acts undemocratically that he didn’t include the Native Americans. In Document 3, Andrew looks like a king although he is president because of not taking care of the Native Americans and some tribes. Since a president takes to care for all people, Jackson just cares of part of them and abuse for his power and acts only in his best interests. Based on Document 8, Jackson persuaded the Native American but actually forced them and some tribes to west of the Mississippi. It means that he kicked them out of U.S. Jackson was not democratic because he moves them to such useless land as the land was ruined and poor. Despite looking to the citizens of U.S. well, Jackson wasn’t paying attention to the suffering that he was inflicting on Native Americans. This one side shows that Jackson was not a democratic president as many people think he was. The pinnacle of being undemocratic of Jackson was in Document 7, â€Å"Jackson refused to listen. He liked Swartwout because he had been an early supporter.† Jackson appointed Samuel to the office of the collector of Port of New York instead of Buren because Swartwout was offered by people more than Van. It is contrary to his democracy of following people’s wishes that he didn’t listen to Buren. Andrew went against all reason and showed a great lack of good judgment when he appointed one of his homies who is a notorious thief. Since Samuel was in office, there was a scandal that â€Å" Swartwout absconded with $1222705.09. It was a monumental theft†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This ended up hurting the country economically and totally affected the common goods. This selfish act was a foolish one. Although Andrew Jackson, as I stated, was an undemocratic president, he was still kind and compassionate and still has little democracy. Based on Document 11, Jackson adopted a child and took care of him. He wrote letters to his wife that he would adopt an Indian son, Lynconya, â€Å"I send him to my little Andrew and I hope he will adopt him as one of our family. And the letter on December 28th, 1823, Jackson wrote that â€Å"Tell Lyncoya to read his book and be a good boy and obey you in all things.† We can see, Jackson was still democratic as he adopted an Indian boy and also buried him in the family cemetery when he died at age 14. Throughout Jackson’s life and his presidency and with the above evidence, Andrew Jackson was not a democratic president at all. He unfairly acted in several circumstances but he was also democratic and kind of adopting an Indian boy. I conclude Andrew Jackson was not as democratic as many people thought he was. His action towards people didn’t benefit everyone.