Unit 4 P5

Life Stages I will be explaining the physical and psychological changes which may be associated with ageing. Physical changes – skin, bones and joints * Skin becomes more wrinkled, thinner and less elastic. * Bones are less dense and are more likely to suffer from minor or serve injuries. * Joints stiffen and can be more painful as the bones thin out. * Muscles become weakened and loosen. * The spine may round which leads to hunched backs and other spine conditions. Senses: * Vision is not as good as it use to be, sometimes with ageing comes an eye condition known as cataracts. Deteriorating may occur within the senses of taste and smell. * Sense of hearing will deteriorate becoming more difficult to hear low pitch sounds. * Balance senses become poor. Organs: * Organ muscles become weaker in which could create risks of constipation. * Blood pressure increases. * Breathing starts to change. * Nutrients from foods don’t often get taken in as well as before when younger. Respiratory System: When blood is not being pumped around the body properly, breathlessness will result. Common disorders in the respiratory system which will occur include common diseases such as Bronchitis.Chest muscles could reduce with ageing and lungs could deteriorate. Hearing: Most individuals over the age of 60+ suffer from hearing impairment. Most elderly people by the time they have reached 70+have lost their hearing. This could happen due to the sensitivity of the nerve cells decreasing. Learning: It takes longer for an older person to learn something than it once was for them when they were younger; this is to do with the functioning of the brain, as you get older your brain functions slower. Memory Loss: Aging has a substantial affect on the brain. The brain stores all the information that was once learnt in their life.Short-term memories are not usually affected by aging but your recent memory will be affected. Older people generally tend to forget names or their own n ames. This is a normal change within the body. Confusion: Confusion is a common problem in individuals over 65 years old. Confusion may occur fast or slowly over time, depending on the cause. Sometimes confusion can be temporary. Reactions Time: As we get older we tend to process information at a slower pace. This means it can take longer to figure out what is going on and what to do about it. This is usually due to the changes in the nervous system over time.

Mexican Mafia

The gang I decided to do research on was the Mexican Mafia. The gang originated in the California Department of Corrections in the late 1950’s, and is considered to be one of the oldest and most powerful gangs in the entire United States. Gang members can often be identified by having the number thirteen tattooed on their bodies somewhere or by having something resembling the number. The reason behind using the number thirteen is because it marks the 13th letter of the alphabet, the letter M. The gang is well known for the worst crimes that can be committed while in Prison. Those crimes include extortion, drug trafficking, and murder.The largest population of this gang seems to reside in California and Texas while the gang is responsible for 10% of San Antonio’s homicide rate. The Mexican Mafia’s Constitution was described in a 2005 trial. The gang’s sole purpose is to make money by any means through criminal activity. The Constitution basically stated tha t the Mexican Mafia is a criminal organization that engages in criminal activity for the benefit of the Mexikanemi. This includes murder, gambling, drug dealing, and pretty much anything imaginable. This gang is very brutal but yet simple when it comes to punishment for gang members, which is almost always death.The members of the Mexican Mafia are often called upon to test their loyalty to the gang. Usually the test will be one of two options of either theft or murder. The consequence for failing to uphold their loyalty by completing this task or any task for the mafia also usually results in death. According the Mexican Mafia’s Constitution members may be punished or killed if they commit any of four simple infractions. These infractions include becoming an informant, showing any signs of homosexuality, acts of cowardice, or showing disrespect towards any of the gang’s members.

Case Study of Diagnosis of Neutropenia Patient

Case Study of Diagnosis of Neutropenia Patient A 45 year old physically fit patient was admitted to hospital following several visits to his General Practitioner (GP) where is was complaining of decreased appetite, constipation, fever, chills, headaches, cramping, vertigo and respiratory problems after experiencing some hay fever like symptoms one week ago. He was commenced on Roxithromycin 150mg b.d and his GP ordered blood tests that showed his had neutropenia (low white cell count) (Harris et al 2006, p 1185) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) (Harris et al 2006, p. 1704). Two days later he was not feeling any better and the GP ordered a chest x-ray (CXR) which the patient to have bilateral pneumonia he was than admitted to the hospital. This essay will identify important events that took place during the patient’s admission to hospital and discuss three of these events in detail with contemporary evidence to support the writer’s discussion. The essay will than look what has been learnt through this case study in relation to future professional practice as a new graduate registered nurse in accordance with the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC) competency standards. Day 2 Why did the patient not received oxygen until his saturation got to 70% there is no mention of the treatment plan to or from nursing staff. Later that day the patient was transferred to main ward, the nursing staff raised the issue that the patient needed to be in the intensive care unit (ICU), the patient was reviewed by Respiratory Physician and was decided to not to transfer patient to ICU. This patient required close monitoring due to saturation decrease and as a newly registered nurse we do not have the experience or the time to monitor this patient in a ward environment (ANMC 2006) competency Professional Practice. Patient safety, patient advocacy. Day 5 The patient was noted to be still febrile and was ordered another CXR as the Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan) was not preformed, why had this pa tient not had the CT scan that was ordered (ANMC 2006) competency Professional Practice. Team communication strategies, chain of command. Later that day it was also noted that the patient had a PR Bleed and a referral was made to the gastroenterologist. No mention of cause or any investigation taken place to assess the PR bleed no blood tests were ordered to determine patient’s status. Patient advocacy, patient safety. Day 6 Respiratory Physician saw the patient and noted he had severe bilateral pneumonia, possible bone marrow suppression and anaemia of an unknown cause, no communication between medical officers as the patient had a PR bleed the day before and is neutropenic and thrombocytopenic. The Respiratory Physician requested an infectious diseases review. Patient advocacy, conflict management, documentation. Day 7 It was documented again that the patient had low saturations and was febrile. He was seen by the Infectious Diseases Specialist and was ordered more tests an d a lung biopsy. The lung biopsy was considered to be of high risk due to the patient’s condition by a Thoracic Surgeon. If this patient was a high risk why was he not in ICU as requested by the nursing staff? Conflict management, chain of command, patient advocacy.

Patch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Patch - Essay Example pete their products and prices, which relatively benefit consumers in the way that they will be able to find everything online with lowest price as they mention in their mission. Excluding all other matters, the huge number of customers proves it all about Amazon’s excellent prices and products. Currently, people not only see Amazon as a platform for e-commerce, but also as a famous company for its own products. Amazon recently released many products such as Kindle Fire, TV Fire, and Fire Phones, which took the sale of e-books, e-music and e-movies to another level. It has contributed many benefits to the content creators and consumers. Content creators are happy when they are able to directly publish their products through Amazon with lower cost, while consumers are satisfied with the huge number of e-books with cheaper prices compared to physical ones. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is quite an outstanding service. Amazon claims to help third-party sellers â€Å"to pick, pack, ship and provide customer services.† Consequently, such sellers only need to provide their products. With FBA program, Amazon uses robots to reduce the need of workers, and boost the efficiency of selling. However, while focusing on new technology Amazon fail on providing safe work environment to its employees who are their important stakeholders. The current U.S Supreme Court about Amazon warehouse working condition clearly illuminates this weakness. According to Bloomberg Reports, there have been more than dozen cases filed against Amazon since 2010. Although, the company can manage to get high profit, they still have some problem in communicating with the employees. After doing some research and analyzing the business, it became apparent that Amazon is doing well by successfully putting people together in a joint performance to achieve a common goal. However, we still maintain that the company also has some downsides. Its excellent prices and services are not the only measurement to

The environmental issues associated with producing unconventional oil Research Paper

The environmental issues associated with producing unconventional oil and gas - Research Paper Example The US Government, federal regulatory authorities, the industry operators, NGO’s along with environmentalists are therefore engaged in discussions as to the best way forward into this relatively new field, by addressing the concerns of all the stakeholders involved. Introduction Recent advances in technology have made it possible to drill natural gas from deep reservoirs located in energy rich areas of the United States. These fuels are being termed unconventional fuel sources and contribute to around 25% of the fuel consumed in the US. This unconventional source is comparatively a cleaner fuel and produces less greenhouse gas emissions. However data collected in the recent past demonstrate that prolonged GHG emissions have implications on health and environment apart from increasing the carbon footprint. Studies conducted have lead to a new method of calculating GHG emissions and these are now being used by the US Environment Protection Agency, post 2011.These calculations wi th its additional factors have increased the GHG emissions count significantly but are still quite ‘green’ when compared to other energy sources. To an extent these emissions are being controlled by various methane mitigation strategies. Various programs under the EPA framework are also being brought in to persuade operators in emission control. However lack of concrete data as to the extent of emissions has meant that scientists are still trying to ascertain the impact of these unconventional energy sources on health and environment. Source: Ritter Karin and Emmert Amy, US natural gas production history, 2013 Techniques in natural gas production Different types of geologic formations present different types of oil reservoirs. Porous rock allow for easy flow of oil into a conventional reservoir while shale and sandstone prevents the same because of its low permeability. These kinds of hard rock formations entraining oil and gas can sometimes be located up to 11000 feet beneath the surface. Baken in North Dakota has significant reserves located deep underground its shale formations which cover large basins of geologically depressed areas. (GAO, 2012) Comparing it to the conventional sources, extracting unconventional oil and gas calls for robust technical knowhow and complex knowledge of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracture techniques. Some of the activities involved in extracting unconventional oil and gas are similar to those carried in conventional drilling. Source: GAO, Horizontal drilling and Hydraulic fracturing in unconventional shale formations, 2012 Siting and site preparation involves identifying a potential site for drilling and clearing the area of vegetation. (GAO, 2012) Access roads are laid out and pipelines laid for transport of this gas to an interim containment. In case of abundance of deposits storage tanks may also be built at site for storing of the drilled oil. Drilling, casing and cementing involve installing the steel pipe called casing into the drilled hole and cementing it into place. The drilling is carried out progressively and with each depth additional steel pipe is lowered. The casing is intended to prevent the contents in the well from coming into contact with the outer water table which might lead to contamination. (GAO, 2012)

High Turnover concerns Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

High Turnover concerns - Essay Example ve due to the fact that the customers are not willing to pay more money to for the guards and the company has to make a profit from each of them if it was to stay in business. High staff turnover is also another issue that may need to be addressed. Like most other guard companies, Omega Security Services is faced with high rates of staff turnover and this makes it more difficult for the firm to be able to provide good services. There are certain factors that have led to the high rate of staff turnover in Omega Security Services. To begin with is the problem of the fact that the jobs are low-paying and there are better paying jobs in the government is an issue. Most of the officers are likely to be looking for better pay elsewhere in the government or even in other private security firms. With regard to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, more issues then come up such as the issue of the highs risk environment in that the guards have to work in a hospital where the issue of likely infection is a challenge. Insufficient training is also another issue that has increased high rates of staff turnover. There is also the problem of miscommunication between the staff (guards) and the management and this means that the Gerard’s dint feel that their issues are being taken care of. In a nutshell, overall job dissatisfaction is major cause of the high rates of staff turnover. As Lyma (1974) points out, the first short term cost that is imposed on the firm due to high rate of staff turnover is the selection and recruitment cost. Recruiting even for such low level jobs is always a hard task and it costs the firm not only money but also time (Jeanne & Pau, 1987). Every time there is an officer who needs to be replaced, this means that the firm will incur cost and this is not acceptable. There is also the issue of training cost increasing every time there is a new officer who needs to be trained. Although these officers who are recruited are already trained to be security

Math Exercises Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exercises - Math Problem Example 1 A firm manufactures and sells q units of a product at price =  £(575 –  ½ q) which has unit costs of  £(q2 – 25q) and fixed costs of  £45,000. (a) Write down expressions for: revenue, profit and average cost in terms of output(q) of the firm. [1 mark] Revenue = (575 –  ½ q ) q = 575q –  ½ q2 Profit = Revenue – Total Cost = 575q –  ½ q2 - [(q2 – 25q )q +45,000] = 575q –  ½ q2 – q3 + 25q2 - 45,000 = – q3 + 24.5q2 + 575q - 45,000 Average Cost = Total Cost / q = q2 – 25q + 45,000/q (b) Find expressions for: marginal revenue, marginal cost, marginal profit and marginal average costs in terms of output (q). [2 marks] Marginal Revenue, Marginal Cost, Marginal Profit and Marginal Average Costs is the derivative of Revenue, Cost, Profit, Average Costs . Since the derivative of f(x) = xn is nxn-1, we have: Marginal Revenue = 575 – q Marginal Cost = 3q2 -50q Marginal Profit = -3q2 + 49q +575 Marginal Average Cost = 2q – 25 -45,000/q2 (since 1/q = q-1) (c) Find the output levels of the firm that and confirm that the output levels found do indeed maximise or minimise these functions [ 1 mark] (i) Maximise revenue †¢ This is the graph of Revenue = 575q –  ½ q2 , we can see that it is maximised at q = 575. (ii) Minimise costs To minimise costs, set marginal costs to 0 q = 50 / 3 or approx 17 units This is the graph of Costs = q3 - 25q2 + 45,000. We can see that the minimise value is approximately at q =17. (iii) Maximise profits To maximise profits, set marginal profits to 0 -3q2 + 49q +575 = 0 Using the quadratic formula, we have: q = 23.23 , -7.89 Disregarding the negative value, we have: q = 23 units. This is the graph of Profit = -q3 + 24.5q2 + 575q - 45,000. We can see that the maximum value is approximately at q=23. (iv) Minimise average costs To minimise average costs, set marginal average costs to 0: 2q - 25 -45,000/q2 = 0 (multiply both sides by q2) 2q3 - 25q2 - 45,000 = 0 With the use of trial and error, we get the only possible value as: q = 33 units. This is the graph of Average Cost = q2 - 25q + 45,000/q. We can see that the maximum value is approximately at q=33. 2. The demand function for a product is given by the following expression: q = 25 + 200 (p - 2) (a) Calculate the demand at prices 3 and 7 [1/2 mark ] For p = 3: q = 25 + 200 (3 - 2) q = 25 + 200 q = 225 For p = 7: q = 25 + 200 (7 - 2) q = 25 + 40 q = 65 Answer in (Q,P) form: (225,3), (65,7) (b) Calculate the ARC elasticity of demand with respect to price between the prices given in part (a) and comment on whether demand is elastic or inelastic between these prices. [1/2 mark] Earc = (Q2-Q1) / [(Q2+Q1)/2] (P2-P1) / [(P2+P1)/2] Earc = (65-225) / [(65+225)/2] (7-3) / [(7+3)/2] Earc = -160 / 145 4 / 5 Earc = -40 = -1.38 29 Since an "elastic" good is where price elasticity of demand is greater than one, we can consider that the demand is elastic between these prices. (c) Find an expression for POINT elasticity of demand with respect to price in terms of price. [ 1 mark] Ept = (q/ p) * p/q The derivative of q = 25 +200/(p-2) is q/ p = 0 + -1 (200) (p-2)-2 And q = 25 +200/(p-2) Hence: Ept = [-200p/ (p-2)2]/ [25 +200/(p-2)] (d) Calculate POINT elasticity of demand at prices 3 and 7 and comment on their values and on the relationship between ARC and POINT elasticity [1/2 mark] Ept = [-200p/ (p-2)2]/ [25 +200/(p-2)] Ept (3) = (-600/ 1)/ 225 = -2.67 Ept (7) = -56/ 65 = -0.862 The value of arc elasticity is in between the value of point elasticity which is expected

Analysis of Bay Coasts Housing and Rental Research Paper

Analysis of Bay Coasts Housing and Rental - Research Paper Example Another house no. 20 of 11 years old claimed rental return of 5% though the house price is not very high but the rent charged is comparatively higher in comparison with house number 99. The house has AC fitted .In comparison with house number 99 the location of this house is excellent within half a kilometer of the railway station. House number 8 that is ownership house claims a higher rental ratio because it is also located very close to railway station. The house is made of timber but the condition is good and tough. It is 42 years old. There is no other special feature in this house. House no18 is located far from the rail or bus stand. It is 16 year old. The rental return ratio of the house is 6.6.This house should have claimed higher rent for but for the poor maintenance could not get. House no.21 is old with 220 square meter area priced at $437000 only but the rent charged is comparatively higher to yield 5.8% return on rent. This house is also located very close to bus stand and therefore claimed higher rent. The overall best feature of these high RRR fetching house is the location near the railway station or bus stand or the shopping center or all. Maintenance is also a factor to determine higher rent and RRR. House no.94 and 89 both have 170 sq m area of space claiming very high price of $1213000 and $1274000 but get the lowest RRR. House number 94 is new but no 89 is 38 years old. The house no. 94 provides AC but in poor condition. It has a bay view and is very close to the bus stand and the shopping center. It is built of bricks and new. The rent claimed is very low because it is poorly maintained. Good maintenance can be helpful in getting high rent. The house no.89 is non-AC, poorly maintained but with very good street image of 10 and situated near the shopping center. The rent received is very low. They badly require maintenance to boost up the image and confidence of people to pay more. The highest rent $740 claimed by house no.115 yielded RRR of 2.3% only which is quite lower compared to that of house no.1 of

Evidence Base Health Care Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Evidence Base Health Care Theory - Essay Example With this in perspective, the public is bound to benefit from programs set and evaluated credit to the evidence based healthcare theory. On yet another point of view, it is critical to note that the public health issues are getting more intricate by the day. In an attempt to deal with these upcoming issues, ONeall & Brownson (2005) are of the opinion that an evidence based approach would prove useful in developing policies and interventions that would solve the problems facing the healthcare sector. The application of scientific approaches to the public healthcare practice has been strengthened with the evidence based care theory and practice (ONeall & Brownson, 2005; Stevens, 2013). It is valid to conclude that evidence based care theory has helped develop, execute and assess the public health policies in terms of intervention and effectiveness in the public health

Individual vs Circumstance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Individual vs Circumstance - Essay Example lity can play a significant role in the history not only when it is more or less adequately expresses (or seeks to express) the interests of the masses, but also when it is guided by purely abstract ideas and ideals, and sometimes even only by its personal interests and ambitions that cannot be rationally confessed by itself. Modern investigators show Lenins personality from different points of view. For a long time Soviet ideology praised Lenin as a role-model person for soviet people, showing him as "the most humane man" and the liberator from the bourgeois-landlord oppression. From the other hand, many writers and historians show Lenin as unprincipled politician, organizer of fratricidal slaughter and starvation, as inspirer of extrajudicial executions and blame him in collapse of his social experiment. Vladimir Ulyanov-Lenin came from a family of progressive Russian intellectuals: his father worked as a teacher, was an inspector, and then a director of public schools in the province of Simbirsk, and his mother knew several foreign languages, played the piano well and had a tutor diploma. From his early childhood Lenin exhibited the traits of someone who needed to show others how to do things (Tumarkin, 64). His outlook during first periods of his youth was influenced by family upbringing and parents’ example. He also was under the influence of revolutionary and democratic ideas and learned about the existence of Marxist theory from his brother Alexander Ulyanov, who was later executed for participation in plotting of the assassination on Russian Tsar Alexander III. At the university young Ulyanov established links with the revolutionary-minded students, but then he was arrested for active participation in student gathering in December 1887 and later he was expelled from the University of Kazan and exiled to the village of Kokushkino, where he lived under the secret police surveillance spending his time on self-education. So Lenin’s personality was formed

No Guns - fewer Shootings Essay Example for Free

No Guns fewer Shootings Essay Allowing guns on campus would be a dreadful idea, it would increase more violent acts as well as putting staff and students at risk of being injured or even result in death. Not only this but students, as well as everyone on campus, would feel extremely unsafe. By allowing guns on campuses we would we be supporting violence, as well as giving shooters a higher opportunity to commit a crime. This would leave the victims defenseless and at risk of being murdered, raped, kidnapped, or be hurt in any other method. Not only this but anyone who is not mentally stable can misuse a gun and this can even lead to a suicide. Guns on college campuses ought to be banned because they will simply increase the problem with regards to shootings, unnecessary deaths and increase crime rates. We all have to keep in mind that colleges already have a high-risk factor for drugs, alcohol, and stress in academics. Including weapons would cause a bigger problem on a college campus and put everyone in danger. This can result in the misuse of the weapon and fire a gun by accident or simply shoot someone because you truly dislike a person. Many adolescents will commit a crime and sometimes don’t think of the consequences that are going to come with their actions. Jade Reindl and Jean Cocco mention in their CNN piece, â€Å"Say no to guns on college campuses† explains how if a gun is present at the moment of a sexual assault or any form of assault it is more likely that the person will die. This is suggesting that if a gun is in existence at the moment of a crime there is a higher risk of a fatal accident happening. We understand that some students might feel safer knowing they have a way of protection, but how will this make other students on campus feel? They will f eel unsafe in an environment that is supposed to be â€Å"safe† for all students. Also, knowing that someone is carrying a gun will make a student feel like they need to be careful around them. As a community, we also have to take in consideration that some people are not mentally stable: whether they are depressed or suffer from anxiety and will most likely misuse the weapon. This can result in a person committing suicide or attempting for their life.   Furthermore, having guns on campus will not solve any problems, if anything it will create more. On the contrary, proponents of guns within campus advocate that they will be more safe and protected if they were able to carry a concealed handgun in a college campus to protect themselves in case of a shooting, or even from a sexual assault. Also, those citizens who are responsible enough should have the opportunity to protect themselves against a shooter. By allowing the students as well as staff, to carry a gun there won’t be as many victims whereas if they didn\t have any weapon to defend themselves there would be a higher chance of being the victim. Neal Hutchens in his GOOD EDUCATION piece â€Å" 11 States Allow Students To Carry Guns On College Campuses. More could be Next† he mentions that allowing students and faculty to carry a gun with them will decrease the number of shootings as well as decreasing the number of deaths. Also, it has been said that there is a higher possibility of a shooting happening somewhere else rather than a college campus so why not al low people to carry a gun. Subsequently allowing guns on campus can help people defend someone who is at risk of being hurt resulting in saving lives. Not only this but supporters believe that a gun in a classroom would not affect anyones learning or concentration in class. Not only this but students believe that they should have the right to protect themselves with a weapon in case it is necessary. In addition, supporters of concealed guns will advocate for guns since they think it is the best way to protect themselves and knowing that at least they have a gun to protect themselves from any potential threat. Lastly, they believe that allowing guns on campus should be a right given to everyone for the safety of everyone that can help reduce many deaths. Despite the fact that allowing guns on campus would be a terrible decision made by the voters who agree with guns on campus we would simply be encouraging mass shooting and many other horrific incidents. An example of a horrific accident that happened is the mass shooting at Virginia Tech University in 2007. This left many families devastated due to the loss of a loved one. Although proponents of guns believe that a gun in a classroom would not distract anyone, in reality, it would because if any classmate knew that someone had a gun on them they would feel tense and nervous all the time. Even if a person had a gun on them to protect themselves they might not know how to use it adequately and cause more problems. Concealed guns overall are hardly ever used in the appropriate form and that is why we always are having horrific scenes of violence, and mass shooting which just simply terrorize our community. People simply misuse a gun often either because they are angry or maybe even fee l sad or depressed. When affecting our whole community, the children are growing up afraid and scared as well as the parents, knowing that at any moment a bullet can just end someone\s life in a second. Not just this but even though college students believe that by giving them the opportunity to carry a gun we are treating as the adult. The thing about this is that even though we are treating them like the adult by giving them this huge responsibility, there are still some adult who misuse a weapon. Therefore, not giving college students the ability to carry a concealed gun would have more benefits rather than allowing them to carry a gun. In short, not allowing guns on campus would make everyone feel in a safe environment where they don’t have to be afraid of the constant shooting happening. Not just this, but they will be able to focus on their studies and in class rather than thinking all the time that they can be shot at any moment. Sometimes people think the best way to protect themselves on a college campus is the best way but in reality, it can result in many accidents occurring. Students and staff will ultimately feel safer in a free gun zone rather than a place that is surrounded by a gun every corner you walk around. Carrying a gun is a huge responsibility and not everyone is willing to accept the consequences if they use the weapon inappropriately, so it would just be better to save ourselves that problem and not allow guns on campus.

Sodium Alginate and Polymer Drug Delivery Systems

Sodium Alginate and Polymer Drug Delivery Systems Sodium alginate is a hygroscopic material, although, stable at low humidities and at cool temperatures. Aqueous solutions of sodium alginate are most stable at ph 4-10. Below ph3, alginic acid is precipitated. Sodium alginate solutions are susceptible to microbial spoilage during storage, which may effect on solution viscosity. Subsequent loss of viscosity due to depolarization was observed when sodium alginate was heated above 70Â °c. Preparations containing sodium alginate for external use may be preserved by the addition of 0. 1% chlorocresol, chloroxylenol, or parabens and if the medium is acidic, benzoic acid may be used. Bulk material should be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. Sodium alginate is incompatible with acridine derivatives, crystal violet, phenyl mercuric acetate and nitrate, heavy metals and ethanol in concentrations greater than 5%w/v. Low concentrations of electrolytes cause an increase in viscosity but high electrolyte concentrations causing salting out of sodium alginate; salting out occurs if more than 4% of sodium chloride is present. Sodium alginate is used in variety of oral and pharmaceutical formulations. In tablet formulations, sodium alginate may be used as both a binder and disintegrant. It has also been used as a diluents in capsule formulations and also been used in the preparation of sustained release oral formulations, since it can delay the dissolution of a drug from tablets, capsules and aqueous suspensions. Recently, sodium alginate has been used for the aqueous microencapsulation of drugs in contrast with the more conventional microencapsulation techniques which use organic solvent systems. It has also been used in the formation of nanoparticles. The adhesive nature of hydrogels prepared from sodium alginate has been investigated and the drug release from oral mucosal adhesive tablets based in sodium alginate has been reported. Hydrogel systems containing alginates have also been investigated for delivery of proteins and peptides. Therapeutically sodium alginate has been used in the combination with an h2 receptor antagonist in the management of gastroesophageal reflux and as a haemostatic agent in surgical dressings. Alginate dressings, used to treat exuding wounds often contain significant amounts of sodium alginate as this improves the gelling properties. Sodium alginate is also used in cosmetics and food products at concentrations given in table 4 Safety Sodium alginate is widely used in cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceutical formulations, such as topical products, including wound dressings. It is generally regarded as a nontoxic and non-irritant material, although excessive oral consumption may be harmful. The WHO has not specified an acceptable daily intake for alginic acid and alginate salts as the levels used in foods do not represent a hazard to health. Handling precautions. Sodium alginate may be irritant to eye or respiratory system if inhaled as dust;eye protection, gloves, dust respirator are needed while handling. Sodium alginate should be handled in a well ventilated environment. Related substances The various substances related to sodium alginate include alginic acid, potassium alginate, calcium alginate, propylene glycol alginate. CHITOSAN Chitosan is a derivative of chitin and it is a unique polysaccharide and hydrophilic polymer. Non Proprietary Names BP: Chitosan hydrochloride Ph Eur : Chitosan hydrochloridum Chemistry Preparation The principle derivative of chitin, namely Chitosan (C6H11O4N)n is a unique polysaccharide and hydrophilic polymer which is taken from the chitin, a polysaccharide found in exoskeletons of crustaceans. it is processed by removing the shells from shellfish such as shrimp, lobusters and crabs. The shells are then ground into a pulverous powder. This powder is then deacetylated. This involves boiling chitin in concentrated alkali (50%) for several hours. This will yield chitosan with a degree of acetylation between 20-30%, the most popular commercial form of Chitosan. In such a chitosan, the acetyl groups are uniformly distributed along the polymer chain. This is in contrast with the Chitosan of similar degree of acetylation, but isolated from fungal cell walls in which the acetylresidues are grouped into clusters. Special chemical treatments are required to obtain completely de-acetylated forms of chitosan. CHITIN Functional category It is used as a coating agent; disintegrant; film forming agent; mucoadhesive, tablet binder; viscosity increasing agent etc. Chemical character Chitosan is a cationic polyamine with a high charge density at ph The amino group in chitosan has a pka value of approximately 6. 5, thus chitosan is positively charged and soluble in acidic to neutral solution with a charge density depend on ph and the %da. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the salt form, molecular weight, and degree of deacetylation as well as ph at which chitosan is used all influence how this polymer is utilized in pharmaceutical application. Chitosan is incompatible with strong oxidising agent. Typical properties Chitosan is a cationic polyamine with a high charge density at ph Acidity / alkalinity pH=4-6(1%w/v aqueous solution) Density 1. 35-1. 49g/cm3 Particle size distribution Stability and storage conditions Chitosan is a stable material at room temperature although it is hygroscopic after drying. Chitosan should be stored in a tigjtly closed container in a cool and dry place. Incompatibilities Chitosan is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Safety Chitosan is being investigated widely for use as an excipient in oral and other pharmaceutical formulations. It is also used in cosmetics. chitosan is generally regarded as biodegradable, nontoxic and non irritant material. it is biocompatible with both healthy and infected skin. Applications Chitosan is found useful in many fields like sustained drug delivery, components of mucoadhesive dosage forms, rapid release dosage forms, improved peptide delivery, colonic drug delivery systems and use for gene delivery. Chitosan is processed into several pharmaceutical forms including gels, beads, films, microspheres tablets and coatings for liposomes. PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE (ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic blocking agents) Adrenergic nonselective ÃŽÂ ²-receptor antagonist. (antihypertensive, antianginal and antiarrhythmic. ) STRUCTURE Chemical name (ÂÂ ±)-1-isopropylamino-3-(1-naphthyloxy) propan-2-ol hydrochloride Molecular formula C16H21NO2. HCl Molecular weight 295. 8 Description: A white powder, odourless and bitter in taste Solubility: Soluble Soluble 1 in 2 of water and ethanol Slightly soluble in chloroform I . PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS a. Cardiovascular-Propranolol diminishes cardiac output, heart rate, and force of contraction. These effects are useful in the treatment of angina. b. Peripheral vasoconstriction-Blockade of ÃŽÂ ²-receptors prevents ÃŽÂ ²2-mediated vasodilation. The reduction in cardiac output leads to decreased blood pressure. c. Bronchoconstriction-Blocking ÃŽÂ ²2 receptors in the lungs of susceptible patients causes contraction of the bronchiolar smooth muscle. Î’-blockers are thus contradicted in patients with asthma. d. increased Na+ retention-reduced blood pressure causes a decrease in renal perfusion, resulting in an increase in Na+ and plasma volume. in some cases this compensatory response tends to elevate the BP. For these patients, ÃŽÂ ²-blockers are often combined with a diuretic to prevent Na+ retention. II. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS a. Hypertension-propranolol lowers BP in hypertension by decreasing cardiac output. b. glaucoma-propranolo is effective in diminishing intraocular pressure in glaucoma. c. migraine-propranolol is also effective in reducing migraine episodes by blocking the catecholamine induced vasodilation in the brain vasculature. d. angina pectoris-propranolol decreases the oxygen requirement of heart muscle and therefore effective in reducing the chest pain in angina. e. myocardial infarction-propranolol and other ÃŽÂ ²-blockers have a protective effect on the myocardium. thus, patient who have had one myocardial infarction appear to be protected against a second heart attack by prophylactic use of ÃŽÂ ²-blockers. III. ADVERSE EFFECTS a. broncho constriction-when propranolol is administered to an asthmatic patient, an immediate contraction of the bronchiolar smooth muscle prevents air from entering the lungs. Therefore, propranolol must never be used in treating any individual with obstructive pulmonary disease. b. arrhythmias-treatment with the ÃŽÂ ²-blockers must never be stopped quickly because of the risk of precipitating cardiac arrhythmias. c. disturbances in metabolism- ÃŽÂ ² bloackade leads to decreased glycogenolysis and decreased glucagon secretion. d. drug interaction-drugs that interfere with the metabolism of propranolol, such as cimetidine, furosemide and chlorpromazine may potentiate its antihypertensive effects. conversely those that stimulate is metabolism, such as barbiturates, phenytoin and rifampicin can mitigate its effects. PHARMACOKINETICS Propranolol is well absorbed after oral administration but has low bioavailability due to high first pass metabolism in liver. it is highly bound to plasma proteins. Metabolism of propranolol is dependent on hepatic blood flow. DOSE Oral 10mg BD to 10mg QID (average 40-60mg/day) I. V 2-8mg injected over 10min with with constant monitoring. it is not injected S. C or I. M because of irritant property. MATERIALS NAME OF THE MATERIALS NAME OF THE COMPANY Propranolol hydrochloride Sodium alginate AR Hi-Media biosciences Ltd, Mumbai. Calcium chloride AR S. D Fine chemicals Ltd, Mumbai Barium chloride AR Qualigens Fine Chemicals Ltd, Mumbai Chitosan AR Fluca Biochemicals Ltd, Switzerland. (Viscosity 200-400 mPa. s) Acetic acid EQUIPMENTS USED Name of equipment Name of company UV/Vis Spectrophotometer JASCO V-530 IR Spectrophotometer Jasco-FT-IR 8201 PC Differential scanning calorimeter DSC-60 (Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan) Optical Microscope and Stage Micrometer Erma. Japan Scanning Electron Microscope JSM 6400 x-ray diffractrometer Bruker AXS D8 Dissolution apparatus Electrolab TDT-08L, USP XXIV Type I Apparatus. Chennai Remi Hi-speed motor Universal motors. Mumbai Digital balance Denver Instruments 18002098899 simi INTRODUCTION MICROENCAPSULATION A process in which very thin coatings of polymeric materials are deposited around particles of solids or droplets of liquid. Different terms for solid particle systems are employed in drug delivery among them pellets, beads, microcapsules, microspheres, millispheres are few. The terminologies of most relevant multiparticulate systems are provided here. Pellets can be defined as Small, free flowing spherical particles manufactured by agglomeration of fine powders or granules of drug substances and excipients using appropriate processing equipment. The size of these particles rae usually between 0. 5 and 1. 5mm. sphericity and intra granular porosity are the two important quality attributes of pellets. The terms spherical granules and beads have been applied interchangeably to pellet system. Microspheres are solids approximately spherical particles ranging in size from 1 to 1000ÂÂ µm. They are made of polymeric, waxy, or other protective materials, that are biodegradable synthetic polymers and modified natural products such as gums, proteins, waxes etc. Microsphere: the enbtrapped substance is dispersed throughout the microsphere matrix. Microcapsule: the entrapped substance is completely surrounded by distinct capsule wall. The similiarities between microsphers and microcapsules are clear and illustrations of these particles are shown in Fig: Encapsulation methods Two major classes of encapsulation methods have evolved, viz chemical and physical. The first class of encapsulation involves polymerisation during the process of preparing the microcapsules. examples of this class are usually known by the name of interfacial polymerisation or in situ polymerisation. The second type involves controlled precipitation of a polymeric solution where in physical changes usually occur. The precipitation and or gelation listed in table cover many techniques. one example isthe precipitation of water soluble polymers such as gelatin with water miscible solvents such as isopropranol. other examples include the precipitation of ethyl cellulose from cyclohexane agin by cooling, and gelation of sodium alginate with aqueous calcium salt solutions. in all cases the objective is to precipitate a performed polymer around the core (sometimes a multi-particulate) to cause encapsulation. Process Coating material Suspended medium Interfacial polymerization Water soluble and insoluble monomers Aqueous/organic solvents Complex coacervation Water soluble polyelectrolyte Water Simple coacervation Hydrophobic polymers Organic solvents Thermal denaturation Proteins Organic solvents Salting out Water-soluble polymer Water Solvent evaporation Hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer Organic or Water Hot melt Hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer Aqueous/organic solvents Solvent removal Hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer Organic solvents Spray drying Hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer Air, nitrogen Phase separation Hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer Aqueous/organic solvents POLYMER BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM There has been growing interest in polymer based bioadhesive drug delivery systems. one of the goals of such systems is to prolong the residence time of a drug carrier in the Gastro Intestinal tract(GIT). The bioadhesive bond can be of a covalent, electrostatic, hydrophobicor hydrogen bond nature. ionic polymers are reported to be more adhesive than neutral polymers, and an increased charge density will also give better adhesion suggesting that the electrostatic interactions are of great importance. except for the oesophagus, the entire GI tract including the stomach is covered with a continous layer of insoluble mucus gel. The mucus gel mainly consists of glycolproteins and due to their content of ester sulphate and sialic acid groups, the mucus layer has an overall strong net negative charge. The mucus layer has been considered as a possible site for bioadhesion and drug delivery by several groups. Natural polymers Recently, the use of natural polymers in the design of drug delivery formulation has received much attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non toxicity and easy in availability. Polymers as carriers used in drug delivery system The different types of polymers for extended release preparations are given below. Biodegradable polymers The biodegradable polymers comprised of monomers linked to one another through functional groups and have unstable linkages in the backbone. They are biologically degraded or eroded by enzymes or generated by living cells. Natural Albumin, alginate, collagen, starch, chitosan, dextran, casein, gelatine, fibrinogen etc. Synthetic Polyalklyl-cyanoacrylate, poly ethyl cyano acrylate, poly amino acids, poly amides, poly acryl amides etc. Aliphatic polyesters Poly(maleicacid), poly (glycolic acid), poly(hydroxyl butyrate), poly (lactic acid), poly vinyl alcohol(PVA) etc. Non-biodegradable polymers Poly ethylene vinyl acetate(EVA), poly ether urethane(PEU), cellulose acetate, poly vinyl chloride(PVC), ethyl cellulose etc. In recent years a lrge number of biodegradable polymers have been investigated for their potential use as drug delivery systems. among them, sodium alginate and chitosan are very promising and have been widely exploited in pharmaceutical industry for sustained drug release. polysaccharides such as alginic acid, agar, chitin and chitosan have been used to agglomerate drugs for controlled drug delivery systems. Chitosan is a anaturally occurring polysaccharide comprosing of glucosamine and N-Acetyl glucosamine with unique poly cation characteristics. The polycationic nature of chitosan leads to a strong interaction with negatively charged alginate. when alginate is dropped into chitosan solution, the electrostatic interaction of carboxylic groups of alginate with the amino groups of chitosan results in the formation of a membarane on the surface of sodium alginate and improves the stability and drug content. This process has been widely used in the preparation of alginate chitosan membaranes with a solid calcium-alginate gel core. There are many advantages of the chitosan coating, such as the improvement of drug loading and bioadhesive property, as well as the prolonged drug release properties etc. Alginate(ionic, hydrophilic polymer) is a negatively charged polysachharide with high charge density and has been reported to be bioadhesive. among polyanionic polymers, alginate has been widely studied and applied for its possibility to modulate the release according to the properties of its carboxyl groups as well as its biodegradability and absence of its toxicity. alginate is a naturally derived anionic polysaccharide mainly from algae belonging to the family of phaeophyceae. Alginic acid is an algal polysaccharide and a species of poly carboxylic acid. alginate consists of two sugar moieties ÃŽÂ ²-D mannuronic acid and ÃŽÂ ±-L guluronic acid which exist either in blocks or random sequences and their relative proportions determines the biofunctional properties of alginc acid. alginate is known to form complexes with divalent cations, such as Ca2+, Ba2+, and Sr2+ in aqueous solution. depending upon the composition of two sugar residues and sequential distribution within the molecules, the complexes form either precipitates or hydrogels. guluronic acid blocks are known to form a rigid buckled structure, the so called egg box array, in which chelating calcium ions are nestled in the aqueous environment of the ordered gel structure due to the spatial arrangements of guluronic block oxygen atoms of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. Alginate has been widely used as food additive, a tablet disintegrator or gelation agent, and the mechanism of its gelation have been extensively investigated. when an aqueous solution of sodium alginate(SA) is added dropwise to an aqueous solution of calcium chloride, spherical alginate beads with regular shape and size are produced, since an insoluble calcium alginate matrix is formed by the cation exchange between sodium and calcium ions. alginates are known to form reticulated structure when in contact with calcium chloride ions and this characteristic has been used to produce SR particulate systems for a variety of drugs. GEL FORMATION (GENERAL MECHANISM) A gel in classical colloidal terminology, is defined as a system which owes its characteristic properties to a cross linked network of polymeric chains which form at the gel point. a considerable amount of research has been carried out in recent years to elucidate the nature of the crosslinks and determine the structure of alginate gels. alginate beads can be prepared by extruding a solution of sodium alginate containing the desired drug or protein, as droplets, into a divalent crosslinking solution such as Ca2+, Ba2+, and Sr2+ . monovalent cations do not induce gelation while Ba2+, and Sr2+ ions produce stronger alginate gels than Ca2+. other divalent cations such as Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, CO2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Mn2+ will also cross link alginate gels but their use is limited due to their toxicity. The gelation and cross linking of the polymers are mainly achieved by the exchange of divalent cations and stacking of these guluronic acids with the divalent cations, and the stacking of these gul uronic groups to form the characteristic egg-box structure shown in fig LARGE BEAD PREPARATION In general, beads greater than 1. 0mm in diameter which can be produced by using a syringe, with a needle or a pipette. sodium alginate solution that contains the solubilised drug or protein is transferred dropwise into a gently agitated divalent cross linking solution. The diameter of the beads formed is dependant on the size of the needle used and the viscosity of the alginate solution . a larger diameter needle and higher viscosity solutions will produce larger diameter beads. The viscosity of SA can also influence the shape of the microbeads produced. The beads become more spherical as the concentration of SA increased. however, in general SA solutions of greater than 5% are difficult to prepare. Since, gelation occurs in an aqueous environment, alginate is a promising material as a food additive, drug formulation and useful even for encapsulation of living cells to protect them from immune responses. utilizing this stable complex formation with divalent cations, alginate gels have been utilized for investigation of cells are considered to be the ultimate system for the pulsatile release of biologically active compounds. Formulation of delivery devices for protein and peptide drugs under aqueous conditions are desirable to avoid the undesirable decrease of bioactivities which may occur when using organic solvents or heat during formulations. since relatively stable alginate gels can be formed in aqueous environments through chelation or complexation, which are promising delivery of matrices for bioactive compounds. It has been suggested that the crosslinks were caused either by ionic bridging of 2 carboxyl groups on adjacent polymer chains via calcium ions or by chelation of single calcium ions by hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on each of a pair of polymer chains. although these bonds may play a role in the gelation mechanism which are not sufficiently energetically favourable to account for the gelation of alginate. it has been shown on thebasis of fibre diffraction data and model-building calculations that the shape of both poly-mannuronic acid segments and the polygulutended, and that these extended ribbons can stack together in sheets. on the basis of these data and the properties of gels it has been suggested that the cooperative association of either polymannuronic acid segments or polyguluronic acid segments are involved in the formation of the crosslinked network of polymer chain. This technique has shown attractive applications in different fields, including cell immobilisation, owing to its mild operating conditions. as the encapsulation method is mild, and done at room temperature in aqueous medium, several sensitive drugs, proteins, living cells, enzymes, spermatozoa etc have been successfully encapsulated through alginate beads. The primary structure of alginate depends on the producing species and for the marine species, seasonal and geographical changes might result in variations in alginates extracted from the same species. The polymer is nown to form a physical gel by hydrogen bonding at low pH(acid gel)and by ionic interactions with polyvalent cations such as calcium, the cation acting as a cross linker between the polymer chains. The viscosity and primary structure of polymer are important features determining it swelling and gelling properties. At neutral pH, sodium alginate is soluble and hydrates to form viscous solutions, but below pH3, alginic acid, water swellable but insoluble, which is rapidly formed. since the hydration characteristics of the polymer and the subsequent physical properties of the hydrated gel layer may critically influence drug release. When CA beads are treated with 0. 1M HCl, alginate gels hydrolysed to lower molecular weight fractions of alginic acid. due to conversion of COO- groups into unionised carboxylic groups, the electrostatic attraction between Ca2+ ions and COO- ions in the egg-box junction almost disappears. moreover, there may occur in ion-exchange between H+ ion(presence in the external HCl solution) and free Ca2+ ions inside the beads. thus a reduced Ca2+ ions concentration within the beads results in a weaker Ca2+ cross linked beads when put in phosphate buffer at pH 6. 8. Therefore, the acid-treated beads are loosely crosslinked structure more soluble alginate as constituent. when such beads are put in the phosphate buffer pH6. 8, the beads swell at a faster rate but do not attain a higher water uptake value due to loosely bound structure of the beads which is unable to retain large amount of water within the beads. moreover, there is possibility of ion-exchange between H+ ions produced due to ion isation of carboxylic groups in the buffer at pH. A group of scientists developed a method of enclosing viable cells, tissues, and other labile biological substances within a semipermeable membrane. preliminary in-vitro studies of several types of microencapsulated cells and tissues(redblood cells, sperm cells, hepatica cells, hepatocytes, pancreatic endocrine tissues, and islets) were described by them. essentially, the process involves suspending the living cells or tissues in sodium alginate solution. The cell or tissue suspension is extruded through a device producing micro-droplets which fall into a calcium chloride solution and form gelled microbeads with the cells or tissues entrapped. These cell containing gel microbeads are next treated with polysine which displaces the surface layer of calcium ions and forms a permanent polysalt shell or membrane. finally, the interior calcium alginate is liquefied, either to stay in or to cum out(depending on molecular weight and size of the starting alginate) of the capsule with a calciu m sequestrant such as buffered citrate solution. Gohel et al ., prepared diclofenac sodium microspeheres by using sodium alginate as a polymer and CaCl2 as a cross linking agent. in this investigation stirring speed, concentration of crosslinking agent and heavy liquid paraffin were studied, on the time required for 80% of drug dissolution. a statistical model with significant interaction terms was derived to predict t80 and drug was released by diffusion of anomalous type. The results of multiple regression analysis and F value statistics revealed that, obtaining of controlled drug release and microspheres were to be prepared using relatively lower stirring speed. Literature reports indicate wide spread use of sodium alginate for achieving sustained release of drugs, targeting gastric mucosa and increasing the bioavailability of drugs because of sodium alginates ability to form a stable and bioadhesive gel with calcium ions. Alginate also has several unique properties that have enabled it to be used as a matrix for the entrapment or delivery of a variety of proteins, macromolecules and cells. USES Of Alginate Beads A relatively inert aqueous environment within the matrix. A mild room temperature encapsulation process free of organic solvent A high gel porosity which allows for high diffusion rate of macromolecules The ability to control this porosity with simple coating procedures. Dissolution and biodegradation of the system under normal physiological conditions. Standard graph for propranolol hydrochloride A stock solution of propranolol hydrochloride was prepared by dissolving 100mg of the drug in 100ml of the phosphate buffer of pH6. 8 to give 1mg/ml solution. ten millilitres of stock solution was diluted to 100ml using phosphate buffer f pH6. 8 to produce 100ÂÂ µg/ml working stock solution. from this working solution, dilutions were made with phosphate buffer of pH6. 8 to produce 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ÂÂ µg/ml. The ÃŽÂ » max of the drug was determined by scanning the dilutions between 400 and 200nm using a Shimadzu 1400 UV visible spectrophotometer. At this wavelength, the absorbances of all the other solutions were measured against a blank. Standard curve between concentration and absorbance was plotted. COMPATIBILITY STUDIES One of the requirements for the selection of suitable polymers or carriers for pharmaceutical formulation is its compatibility. Therefore in the present work a compatibility study was done by using Infra Red spectroscopy (IR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to find out if there is any possible chemical interaction between propranolol hydrochloride and the polymers. DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY (DSC) Differential Scanning calorimetric analysis was used to characterize the thermal behaviour of the drug substances. It was performed by using DSC-60(Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan) calorimeter to study the thermal behaviour of selected formulations. The instrument comprised of calorimeter (DSC60), flow controller (FCL60), thermal analyzer (TA60) and operating software(TA 60). The samples were heated in hermetically sealed aluminium pans under nitrogen flow (30ml/min)at a scanning rate of 5Â °C/min from 24 + 1Â °C to 300Â °C. An empty aluminium pan, sealed in the same way as the sample was used as a reference. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY Scanning electron microscopy is used to obtain the surface topographical characterization of beads. SEM photographs of prepared formulations were taken with (Instrument JSM-6390)at different magnification ranging from 30 to 5000x at room temperature. The samples were mounted on double sided adhesive tape that has previously been secured on copper stubs. The acceleratio

Case Study of Dabur India Limited Marketing Essay

Case Study of Dabur India Limited Marketing Essay Introduction: Dabur India Limited is a leading Indian consumer goods company with interests in Hair Care, Oral Care, Health Care, Skin Care, Home Care and Foods. From its humble beginnings in the by lanes of Calcutta way back in 1884 as an Ayurvedic medicines company, Dabur India Ltd has come a long way today to become a leading consumer products manufacturer in India. The founder, Dr.S.K.Burman, was a practicing allopathic doctor. At that time Malaria, Cholera and Plague were the common diseases. He was a physician who brought Ayurvedic medicines to the masses of Bengal. Initially established as a proprietary firm for the manufacture of chemicals and ayurvedic drugs it was later on 19th November 1930 incorporated as private limited company. Late Shri C.L.Burman, son of late Dr S.K. Burman and his son late Shri P.C.Burman in the name of Dr S.K.Burman Pvt.Ltd. to expand the operations by setting up production facilities at Garia and Narendrapur, West Bengal and Daburgram, Bihar. Dabur (Dr.S.K.Burman) Pvt. Ltd. was merged with Vidogum and Chemicals Ltd. w.e.f. 1st July1985 and the amalgamated company was renamed DABUR INDIA LIMITED. For the past 125 years, they have been dedicated to providing nature-based solutions for a healthy and holistic lifestyle. Through their comprehensive range of products, they cater to all consumers, in all age groups, across all social boundaries. And this legacy has helped them develop a bond of trust with the customers. VISION Dedicated to the health and well being of every house hold. Dabur is a company with a set of established business values, which direct its functioning as well as all its operations. The guiding forces for Dabur are the words of its founder, Dr.S. K. Burman, what is that life worth that cannot give comfort to others. The Company offers its customers, the products to suit their needs and give them good values for money. The company is committed to follow the ethical practices in doing business. At Dabur, nature acts as not only the source of raw materials but also an inspiration and the company is committed to product the ecological balance. Journey so farhttp://www.dabur.com/pages/by4hm8ur/116/dabur_build.jpg 1884 The Birth of Dabur 1972 The company shifts base to Delhi from Kolkata 1986 Registered as Public Limited Company 1994 Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange 1998 Professional team inducted to run the company 2000 Crosses Rs. 1000 Crore Turnover 2003 Pharmaceutical Business de-merged to focus on core FMCG 2004 Profit exceeds Rs. 100 Crore 2005 Acquire Balsara strengthening Oral care provided entry into Homecare segment 2006 Dabur figures in Top 10 Great Places to Work 2007 Dabur ranked among Asias best under a Billion enterprises by Forbes 2008 Acquired Fem Care Pharma entering the mainstream Skin care segment 2009 Strong growth momentum continued in spite of general economic downturn. Also Dabur Red Toothpaste becomes Daburs 9th Billion Rupee brand. 2010 Touched US$4 billion market cap. Overseas acquisition, Hobi Group, Turkey to strengthen presence in MENA and adjacent regions. Dabur At-a-Glance: Dabur India Limited has marked its presence with significant achievements and today commands a market leadership status. Their story of success is based on dedication to nature, corporate and process hygiene, dynamic leadership and commitment to their partners and stakeholders. Leading consumer goods company in India with a turnover of Rs. 3417 Crore (FY10) 3  major strategic business units (SBU) Consumer Care Division (CCD), Consumer Health Division (CHD) and International Business Division (IBD) 3  Subsidiary Group companies Dabur International,  Fem Care Pharma and newu  and  8 step down subsidiaries: Dabur Nepal Pvt Ltd (Nepal), Dabur Egypt Ltd (Egypt), Asian Consumer Care (Bangladesh), Asian Consumer Care (Pakistan), African Consumer Care (Nigeria), Naturelle LLC (Ras Al Khaimah-UAE), Weikfield International (UAE) and Jaquline Inc. (USA). 17 ultra-modern manufacturing units spread around the globe Products marketed in over 60 countries Wide and deep market penetration with  50 CF agents, more than 5000 distributors and over 2.8 million retail outlets all over India Dabur India Ltds manufacturing activities spanning various consumer products categories are carried out in 17 factories spread across India and abroad. Dabur has 11 manufacturing facilities in India, out of which two main units are at Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and Pantnagar (Uttaranchal). http://www.dabur.com/images/india-map.jpg Daburs Business Structure: Note: Percentage share in revenue based on FY10 Financials ; Femcare included in Consumer Care Division Consumer Care Division (CCD): Consumer Care Division (CCD) adresses consumer needs across the entire FMCG spectrum through four distinct business portfolios of Personal Care, Health Care, Home Care  Ã‚  Foods. Master brands: Dabur Ayurvedic healthcare products Vatika Premium hair care Hajmola   Tasty digestives Rà ©al Fruit juices beverages Fem Fairness bleaches skin care products 9 Billion-Rupee brands: Dabur Amla, Dabur Chyawanprash, Vatika, Rà ©al, Dabur Red Toothpaste, Dabur Lal Dant Manjan, Babool, Hajmola and Dabur Honey Strategic positioning of Honey as food product, leading to market leadership (over 75%) in branded honey market   Dabur Chyawanprash the largest selling Ayurvedic medicine with over 65% market share. Vatika  Shampoo has been the fastest selling shampoo brand in India for three years in a row Hajmola tablets in command with 60% market share of digestive tablets category. About 2.5 crore Hajmola tablets are consumed in India every day Leader in herbal digestives with 90% market share Category-wise Share of CCD : http://www.dabur.com/pages/by4hm8ur/115/GlanceImg1.jpg Brand Overview: Consumer Care Categories: Hair Care: Hair Oil Shampoo Source: Value share-ACN June, 09 Value Share-ACN Mar, 10 Oral Care: Value Share-ACN March, 2010 Health Supplements: Value Share-ACN March, 2010 Foods: Company Est. Mar, 2010 for Fruit Juice categoryC:UsersUser 11Desktopuntitled2.bmpC:UsersUser 11DesktopimagesCAXZ8F24.jpgC:UsersUser 11Desktopimages.jpgC:UsersUser 11DesktopPG-IIIRKSDabur Real- Mrktg Planburrst.jpgC:UsersUser 11Desktopuntitled6.bmp Skin Care: *Company estimates; Includes Fem skin care portfolioC:UsersUser 11AppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTemporary Internet FilesContent.Worddabur-health_06.jpg Digestives: Value Share-ACN March, 2010C:UsersUser 11DesktopimagesCALG7F5C.jpgC:UsersUser 11AppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTemporary Internet FilesContent.Worddabur-personal_08.gifC:UsersUser 11Desktopdabur-digestive_09.gif Home Care: Value Share-ACN Mar,2010 for Aerosols category OdonilOdomosOdopicSani Fresh Consumer Health Division (CHD) Consumer Health Division (CHD) offers a range of  classical Ayurvedic medicines  and Ayurvedic OTC products that deliver the age-old benefits of Ayurveda in modern ready-to-use formats. Daburs Consumer Healthcare business is the Companys oldest business, and today has a growing portfolio of OTC products to address a variety of problems ranging from Womens Health to Baby Care and  Cough Cold to Rejuvenation. Has more than 300 products sold through prescriptions as well as over the counter Major categories in traditional formulations include: Asav Arishtas Ras Rasayanas Churnas Medicated Oils Proprietary Ayurvedic medicines developed by Dabur include: Nature Care Isabgol Madhuvaani Trifgol Division also works for promotion of Ayurveda through organised community of traditional practitioners and developing fresh batches of students   C:UsersUser 11Desktopuntitled.bmphttp://www.dabur.com/pages/by4hm8ur/115/GlanceImg2.jpg The Consumer Health Division, CHD witnessed a growth of 10.2% during the quarter led by ethical portfolio which grew by 14.5%. In OTC, Pudin Hara grew by 12.8%. The Pudin Hara portfolio has been extended by launching Pudin Hara Lemon Fizz in the acidity segment. International Business Division (IBD) International Business Division (IBD) caters to the health and personal care needs of customers across different international markets, spanning the Middle East, North West Africa, European Union and the US  with its brands Dabur Vatika   Growing at a CAGR of 33% in the last 6 years and contributes to about 20% of total sales Leveraging the Natural preference among local consumers to increase share in perosnal care categories Focus markets: GCC Egypt Nigeria Bangladesh Nepal US High level of localization of manufacturing and sales marketing worldmap Daburs International business: The Companys key markets for international business are the Middle East, Africa, UK and South Asian geographies, with manufacturing plants located across regions. The Company also has a private label business in USA and UK, along with Guar gum exports, which takes place from its Indian plants. The Companys International Business Division recorded an impressive sales growth of 26.3% from Rs.477.0 crore in 2008-09 to Rs.602.5 crore in 2009-10, contributing to 18% of overall consolidated sales. The operating margins of the business improved significantly during the year reflecting the strength of the brands even though the external conditions were tough and the environment was plagued by recessionary trends, currency depreciations and demand contraction. Robust sales growth in international markets was possible due to: Strong Brand portfolio positioned on herbal and natural platform Aggressive new product launches and brand extensions Geographical expansion into new markets Strong Sales and Distribution network Strong manufacturing backbone and expansion of own manufacturing in key geographies Localised and efficient supply chain. Product Portfolio: The company has built strong and robust brand architecture with two mega brands for international business across all geographies Dabur and Vatika and most of its offerings are under either of these two brands. Dabur Amla: Dabur Amla franchise achieved a growth of 38% along with all the extensions. Basis Nielsen Retail Audit in KSA, Dabur Amla Hair Oil with a market share of 34.2% is the biggest brand in the hair oil segment. Dabur Amla Gold has market share of 6.8% while Dabur Amla Jasmine is at 5.1%. The Amla franchise has now been extended to the Hair Cream Category with the launch of Dabur Amla Hair Cream. It has become the fastest growing brand in the Hair Cream segment notching up sales of more than INR 13 Crore in first year of launch. Vatika: There has been a robust growth of 36% in the Vatika franchise which includes Vatika Enriched Hair Oil, Coconut Hair Oil, Hair Creams and Hamam Zaith. Vatika brand is now worth Rs.185 Cr built from a negligible base over the last four years in the Arab belt. There was a successful re- launch of Shampoos and Conditioners, launch of one more variant in Hamam Zaith and re-launch of Vatika Coconut Hair Oil. Light hair oil range of Vatika Hair oils registered 51% growth in MENA. Vatika Hair Cream is now an INR 64 Cr brand in MENA. Vatika Hair Cream gained 370 bps in market share and becoming 12.7% of the market in volume terms. It grew by 44% in volume terms over LY in a category that has remained flat. Vatika Hair Cream is now the no. 2 player in Modern Trade with a 15.6% volume mkt share despite aggressive competition from established brands. Vatika DermoViva a new sub- brand launched for the Personal Wash and Skin Care segment had its first launch in the Bar Soap category and has managed to create consumer equity in a category dominated by strong MNC players. FEM: The FEM brand was strengthened in the overseas markets through ATL and BTL inputs which saw the brand grow by 100% in just nine months of operation since the takeover. Daburs International Market: The key contributing markets/ regions to the International Business growth have been GCC, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Yemen, Syria and South Africa. GCC, the largest market in the International Business Division and despite being a mature market, has registered a strong growth of 42% over last year fuelled by innovations and new product launches in the Hair Care, Personal Wash and Oral Care segments. Dabur Egypt Limited has witnessed another spectacular performance with 30% growth in sales. African Consumer Care, Nigeria has grown by 17% over last year in local currency terms, aided by strong growth of Dabur Herbal Toothpaste and Dabur Herbal Gel in the Oral Care category. Asian Consumer Care, Pakistan has grown by 26% in revenue with Hajmola and Dabur Amla emerging as the two strong brands for the region. Dabur International`s UK Branch has seen a 23% growth over previous year which has been the highest growth rate for this region in the last 8 years. Markets of North Africa, Levant and Yemen have seen an impressive performance with 49% growth over previous year. Asian Consumer Care, Bangladesh, has performed well with a growth of 47% during the fiscal 2009-10. The growth has been led by increased distribution penetration and focussed brand approach. Dabur Nepal Pvt Limited which manufactures fruit juices and also caters to local consumer market in Nepal recorded impressive growth of 26% in its sales to the domestic market of Nepal. Dabur recently has acquired Turkey-based personal care company Hobi Kozmetik Group in a deal at Rs. $ 69 million. The company, in a move to expand its presence across Middle East and North African region, has made the acquisition. Hobi Kozmetik is a market leader in the hair gel category with 35% market share. Companys products sold under Hobby and New Era brands across 35 countries. The transaction is expected to be completed by Q3 of FY11. Dabur, which is the largest FMCG in India with large market capitalization, has huge investment and expansion plans as the company aims to expand its foreign sales. Exports from India: The company also exports guargum and private label oral care products from India. During 2009-10 the company recorded Guargum exports to the tune of Rs.43.3 crore as compared to Rs.48.3 crore in the previous year. The sales were lower due to weak global demand and recessionary environment. Exports to USA recorded impressive growth with sales increasing to Rs.38.4 Cr in 2009- 10 versus Rs.27.6 in 2008-09 reflecting a growth of 39% despite the recessionary environment in developed markets. The US sales comprise Private Label and Ethnic business. Key markets in USA and Europe contributed to the growth. Innovative product developments in Oral care private label- such as Pro-age, Sensitive and Herbal toothpastes were launched. Ethnic Sales in USA and Canada also performed well recording 80% growth albeit on a low base. Various new products were successfully launched in the market and penetration of mainstay Dabur products like Hair Oils and Chyawanprash into Canadian mainstream retail chains such as Walmart was achieved. Competitor Analysis: Category Daburs Share Main Competitors Fruit Juice 58% Real and Active Tropicanna Fruit Drinks (coolers) 1% Coolers Frooti And Maaza Hair oil Coconut base 6.4% Vatika HLL Shampoo Vatika 7.1% HLL and PG Hair care (overall) 27% HLL, PG and Himalaya Chyawanprash 64% Himani, Zhandu and Himalaya Honey 40% Himani, Hamdard and local Players Digestives 37% Paras and local players Competition: Market Cap. (Rs. cr.) Sales Turnover Net Profit Total Assets HUL 60,897.63 17,725.33 2,202.03 2,583.52 Dabur India 18,851.77 2,874.60 433.15 859.35 Godrej Consumer 12,917.72 1,267.88 248.12 839.87 Colgate 11,244.57 1,770.82 290.22 330.70 Godrej Ind 7,770.69 880.97 19.33 1,570.31 Marico 7,641.54 2,030.85 235.02 948.58 PG 7,169.93 904.46 179.76 440.02 Emami 6,891.49 1,006.86 165.40 878.42 Gillette India 5,953.64 852.48 137.10 490.89 Jyothy Labs 2,440.33 579.87 80.05 399.10 Source: moneycontrol.com Recommendations: Entering rural market: Dabur should target more towards the rural market and tier 2 and tier 3 cities. These markets have traditionally been loyalists to Daburs ayurvedic range of personal products. Tapping rising global demand of herbal and Ayurvedic products: There is a new trend in the global market that has increased the demand of herbal/ ayurvedic products. This is the time when Dabur should relaunch itself as a key international player in the global arena. Also in the domestic market, there is a huge scope for Dabur to launch niche/luxury segment products catering to specific target groups. i) Development of new markets for Products Services: New avenues for growth were opened up with expansion into the new markets of Cambodia, Philippines, Belarus, Gambia and Bolivia. The Sales Distribution infrastructure has been augmented by appointing new distributors in CIS, Mozambique, Guinea and Rwanda. Local resources have been deployed in key markets of Yemen, Syria, Kuwait, Malaysia and Tanzania to strengthen the SD structure. ii) Entering US Market: The Company is also trying to break into the US Market where it is attempting to build a full fledged distribution channel. It is also worthwhile to mention that some of its products like Chyawanprash are selling in the US via Indirect channels. But this task is going to be a difficult one since US laws are tough and the preferences of consumers also vary greatly than that of markets which are usually catered to by Dabur. iii) Target- South Africa: In Africa the company is looking at markets like South Africa where it currently is not present. It already has a personal care unit in Egypt and a toothpaste unit in Nigeria. Dabur can do well in these markets since the profile and preferences of these consumers are very much like India. iv) Export Plans: The focus, going forward, is to continue expanding the Companys presence across geographies and to exploit the opportunities that exist in existing and potential segments. The Company will continue to invest in brand building, manufacturing and human capital in order to maintain and improve the existing robust growth path. Vision 2010 After the successful implementation of the 4-year business plan from 2002 to 2006, Dabur has launched another plan for 2010. The main objectives are: Doubling of the sales figure from 2006 The new plan will focus on expansion, acquisition and innovation. Although Daburs international business has done well growing by almost 29 per cent to Rs.292 crore in 2006-07, plans are to increase it by leaps and bounds. Growth will be achieved through international business, homecare, healthcare and foods. Southern markets will remain as a focus area to increase its revenue share to 15 per cent. With smoothly sailing through its previous plans, this vision seems possible. Time and again, Dabur has made decisions that have led to its present position. However, if Dabur could be more aggressive in its approach, it can rise to unprecedented levels. To conclude, this is a 10 year performance table from Daburs website.

Media Violence Essays -- essays research papers

Kenny Fuller Health The Impact of Media Violence I was reading in some of my information and it was talking about how â€Å"monkey see, monkey do† is a popular saying now days. Sixty years ago the television was invented. People looked at it as a technological curiosity (I got that part from the info). For some people now days TV is there best friend. Most of them are little kids. TV shows the news, tries to make us buy certain things, and it also shows violence. The only thing that it can do is replace written materials (Got that to). The bad thing is that these violent shows are dangering our society. Certain things on TV and movies have inspired people (I could think of any other word to use so I used theirs) to set their wives on fire, lie down in the middle of the roads, rape, steal, murder, and to do shootings. Out of 1,000 studies it is proven that media violence can have a negative affect on adults and even children. When people watch these shows it makes them more ag gressive and anti-social. After a few days of watching these shows people become less sensitive to violence and to victims of violence. After that happens they begin to have a hunger for more violence in entertainment and in real life. Media violence is especially damaging to young children between ages 8 and under. The reason for that is because they cannot tell the difference between the real life and their dreams. Some images on the TV and movies may seem so real to them that is might traumatize them (I go...

Religion Versus Government Essay -- Religion

Over two thousand years after Aristotle’s said, â€Å"There are two parts to a good government; one is the actual obedience of citizens to the laws, the other part is the goodness of the laws which they obey,† (Frank 328) his words still rings true in modern societies. America is full of opinions and various ideas, but the government itself is steady. The leaders and key decision makers on the other hand are not. These people, who are entrusted with the responsibility of running the government, often use this power to thrust their personal opinions into the laws the citizens must abide by. Thus their choices bring turmoil within the country. A common difference among Americans is people’s spiritual and heavenly belief. Some call it religion and others call it a lifestyle. The passion people feel for each of their personal experiences and the integral part it plays in people’s lives makes it an complicated to fix. This fissure between religion and gove rnment causes a conflict in society, it halts progress, causes unnecessary deaths and it creates a gaping crevasse that splits the United States of America at its very heart. Christianity, Muslim, Islam, Atheism, and many other religious beliefs are practiced in the United States of America. Each of these religions has its own doctrines that guide its followers, producing disagreements on many important issues. For one, the â€Å"War on Terror† is a major source of conflict. It a massive clash between Iraq’s Muslim nation and America’s Christian nation. It began when on September 11, 2001 an Islamic religious terrorist group called Al Qaida hijacked two American planes and crashed them into the World Trade Centers in New York. In response, â€Å"’Born-again’ Christian, George W. Bush, ha... ... 16 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2012 . Poole, Shelia M. "Catholics Upset by Federal Health Insurance Mandate."  | Ajc.com. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 1 Feb. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2012 . Samuels, Dorothy. "Back to First Principles on Religious Freedom." New York Times. 25 Feb. 2012. Web. . Stiglitz, Joseph E. and Linda J. Bilmes "The True Cost of the Iraq War: $3 Trillion and beyond."Washington Post. The Washington Post, 5 Sept. 2010. Web. 1 May 2012 .

The General Electric Company Essay example -- Technology, Investment

The General Electric Company abbreviated as GE is among the main expanded technology, mass media and fiscal services corporations internationally. The headquarters is in a town known as Schenectady in New York and in Fairfield, CT. It functions via 11 core areas, they include GE Advanced Materials, GE Consumer & Industrial, GE Energy; GE Healthcare, GE Infrastructure, GE Transportation, NBC Universal (80 percent owned by GE), GE Commercial Finance, GE Consumer and GE Insurance. GE is a multinational and functions in in excess of 100 countries globally and makes roughly 45 percent of its incomes away from the US. Through the progress of its over 110 years of invention, GE has amassed in excess of 67,500 copyrights, and the company's scientists have been bestowed with two Nobel Prizes and several other honours. History The antiquity of the General Electric (GE) Company involves a noteworthy portion of the antiquity of technology within the borders of US. GE has progressed from the home laboratory belonging to Thomas Edison into one of the biggest corporations within the world, subsequent to the development of electrical technology from the humblest initial presentations into the 21st century ‘s high-tech sorcery. The corporation has correspondingly progressed into a corporation, with a cumulative move from technology to services, and with 11 main operating units. Swot analysis Strengths Universal acknowledgment: GE has invested in the world market therefore attaining universal acknowledgment for its exclusive merchandises. Forbes magazine, i... ...nal corporations, GE has to wrestle with such matters and manage them efficiently. Technological Analysis: Machinery in the contemporary world is progressing at an massive pace. Pioneering merchandises are constantly being familiarized utilizing technology that is more advanced every day. Older technology is subsequently being obsolete at an extremely elevated rate transversely all segments in the economy. Heading for exceeding competitors, several corporations have turned to novelty, research and expansion, which have resulted in upgraded heights of technology. The degree of technology progression internationally differs with each republic that GE has ventured into as they differ regarding resources accessibilities. Amongst the republics with the uppermost degree of technology progression is Japan and US in which GE has invested in (General Electric, 2009).

Big Issue – Interview

How has Big Issue evolved over the years and has It been able to stay true to its Orlando/core values? Franchise Idea 0 less rigor; social entrepreneurs go around the world Message has gone out self help / working with people In the margin Core values have been consistent throughout the years 2.How did you come to be involved in Big Issue? Were you recruited or did you seek it out? Curious to understand the organizational fit. Recruited Brought considerable experience in the commercial area 0 capable of expanding businesses Stephen brought strategy and focus to a very commercial chancy proposition Walk the talk / communicate core values and principles 3. Does a charity like yours actively think about a AS analysis, like any other corporation?Running a charity is the same as running a business Charities need an operational framework in order to evolve and deliver objectives However, they are not always In control of all elements of the AS as It Is a lively organization totally reliant on the success of the people 4. How much of the current structure is a direct result of the AS actions that your management team has taken? It Is However, some elements are not a direct result of the AS In order to get money from trusts, the environment dictates that you need to evidence what you have done There are requirements of the world that often override an Internal AS framework 5.Are you happy with the current structure and how would you like to see Big Issue's AS evolve? Need some people on the ground as they are currently understaffed 6. Strategy: What is Big Issue trying to achieve? Medal brand (education) Brokerage strategy Make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who are socially and financially excluded Solution C] for what is going on in society 7. Skills / Style / Staffing: What are your selection criteria for vendors?Skills: Big Issue: IT, HER, infrastructure, journalists, write, advertise C] enterprise Vendors: focused Style: Belief in the mission 0 unifyin g Shared belief in what we are here to do Tough parent / caring / listening 0 stick with standards Realism and good customer service Staffing: Big Issue: 75 people Ruinations / IT / HER); charity (25) Vendor population of 2,000 (need 30 people @ less than ?ask a year to help manage he vendors) Struggle to get support 0 efficient model 0 need more people on the ground 8.Systems / Structure: How you do you support Big Issue vendors? They have a badge process, which is time limited and requires vendors to check in regularly At every check point, a new badge is issued to the vendor This facilitates performance managing 9. Shared Values: How would you describe the vendor community Vendor community: code of conduct; see value of the choice they make to change 0 this can unify However, there is no defined agenda; not faith based; prepared to put something in

Reflective Account Essay

On an occasion at work I was aware of a staff member communicating very negatively, for example sighing and tutting and general negativity. Supervision was due so it was brought into meeting that last had concerned had noticed a change in the person’s general attitude, I asked if there was a specific reason and was told there was not. Although they agreed that they were being negative. We discussed the workload and it was decided it was not that. It was mentioned by the staff member that they were feeling a little unsure of how to deal with a service user who had dementia and was unpredictable and seemed to have taken a dislike to the staff member .We discussed at length the way forward and I arranged for some training in challenging behaviour and dementia. The staff member realised she could not avoid the service user and that if she had mentioned her concerns sooner the problem would not have escalated. She tried to hide her feelings but they were shown in a different way. I agreed to mentor and support the staff member with the service user helping her to find an appropriate approach, the service user was feeding on the negative behaviour of the staff .In a few weeks the situation was improved undoubtedly and the staff member is more positive and no longer showing any sign of negativity. I recorded everything we had discussed and we both signed it. At the following supervision the staff had been on a training workshop and was awaiting further news of more. She mentioned previously that she felt it was a weakness in her that is why she had tried to cover it up but since our discussion and my ongoing support she would never hesitate to mention any concerns she had in the future. I felt that we needed to improve activity at the Centre; the service users are a mixed group (physically and mentally frail) so I needed to find something they could all do and enjoy. I signed myself onto three one day courses with another staff member. The courses were all different but aimed at dementia sufferers. The first one ‘Bringing stories to Life ‘, I thought was going to be about putting together a Life Story, I could not have been more wrong! The ice-breaker at the beginning of the workshop was letter bingo, it involved walking around so I have adapted this so that my service users are seated, we use sets of the 26 letters of the alphabet and the service user chooses a letter and then gives me a word beginning with that letter before answering a quiz question, which I write down and while they are playing two alike trying to match up. I take the words and make up a little story or poem. The feedback from that activity has been very positive. Also from the workshop which involved using props to tell a story I have been able to do this activity several times? Using the props seems to help the quietest of the service user to join in and the feedback discussion afterwards have become very enjoyable to all. The second workshop was about using pictures (not personal) to story tell. Again this activity has been very successful, there was one or two people who were unsure but has we progressed they too joined in. The picture is given to the service user and they are asked open ended questions about it and everything is validated. Before we start we decide who is going to scribe and afterwards that person will firstly read back what as been said and ask if the service users would like to add anything? When everybody is satisfied the scriber will type the ‘story ‘ up and each service user gets a copy , we keep a copy in a folder for all to look at and we also pin a copy too our notice board . The third workshop was along the same line but using senses to make a story/poem, again we have done this a couple of times. We used a bottle of water some soil in a bag, cotton wool, leaves and bubbles, we pass the items around the room one at a time and ask the service user to say the first word they thought of when looking / touching or smelling the item .one thing we came up against was that the service users said the same thing as the previous person, so we are trying to adapt this activity further. From all three workshops I and my staff member redeveloped our armchair exercise which we do daily. We had heard the service users discuss how they were bored with doing the same exercise week after week and listening to the same music disc. So we put together some more upbeat music and sat and compiled our version of seated exercise ,using the same safe exercise taking advice from one of our other services ‘Ageing Well’ who had spent several weeks showing us seated exercise . Of course before we started any of the new activities we had a meeting with all the staff who were going to be involved. We discussed what we had learnt from each workshop and asked for feedback from the staff, some of them felt unsure about using the props and pictures, so me and the staff member who came with me agreed to lead the first one, we arranged a date and agreed on a theme for it and it was decided we would use props for the first one .I was to lead and the staff member was going to scribe. Before we started we went to each service user and asked them to sign a consent form to allow us to take photographs. This would allow another staff to get a little involved with out feeling to unsure .the discussion /feedback with the service users was great ,they were still talking about how much they had enjoyed themselves when they were going home. They were excited when I told them that there would be photographs to look at the following week. I discussed with the staff the following day how they felt about the activity and was pleased they were all positive. I continued to share taking the lead with the staff member who attended the training with me for several sessions to enable the other staff to be able to learn from us. Although with all the activities there is no right or wrong way. That is why we validate everything that is said. The change in the majority of service users is a pleasure to see, even the quietest person as become much more vocal and willing to join in with most of the activities we do. One person in particular who is hard of hearing and registered blind joins in, when in the past he as chosen not to. He still talks about certain themes we have done the story telling to, for example at Halloween we took the opportunity to do this theme, we used pumpkins and plastic spiders, I passed these things around the room and we used ‘The Monster Mash’ song to do some light movement to music before using props to make up a story relevant to the theme. I asked the service user to describe the spider, for example what he thought it was felt like and he got really into it and even had a photograph taken. Since then I have heard him telling others about ‘the day we let him hold the Tarantula ‘and how he danced to ‘spooky music’. Changing what we do and the way we do it as had a very positive effect all the way round. We still do the other activities for example Bingo, dominoes etc.During our action plan meeting we discuss which service users are in the centre that day and adapt our activity to suit, of course what we plan for the day may change if we ask the service users they may want to do another thing so if we can we will accommodate the majority. Usually the day is spent doing group work but if needed we do offer one to one.

Prospects for the Future of Liberal Democracy in Libya

Following the death of the infamous former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Qaddafi former Libyan leader, a lot of debates and concerns have been raised worldwide about the future of the nation. A range of issues from social, economic, religious and political are being raised and the big question seems to be, what next? After years of authoritarian rule and with the ‘enemy’ finally out of the picture, the Libyan government faces different prospects for its development and in this essay I will be looking at different possibilities for the nation in relation to the promotion of liberal democracy.Currently under a transitional government, Libya stands the chance to embrace change and adopt what may be considered by some as positive western ideals. According to a Freedom house report â€Å"another country that endured decades of brutal misrule, Libya, now has the potential for significant gains thanks to the overthrow of al-Qadhafi. † (Puddington, 2012) Democracy has at no other time in history been knocking at the doors of many political regimes and with voices calling not only from foreigners but also from indigenous citizens it would be very hard to ignore the relevance that democracy plays in our modern day society.Over the past year especially, the world has witnessed many political resistance campaigns; what is now popularly referred to as the Arab Spring has flooded the news very often and one common outcry from these people is the need for change. One might wonder what fuelled this uprising from the people to demand new leadership, in my educate d opinion, decades of authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, oppression on opposition and the inability of people to speak freely amongst others have all led to this desire for change. Before delving into the prospects for democracy in Libya, I feel it will be essential to underline what democracy entails.Robert Dahl in his book ‘On democracy’ lists various desirable features of a dem ocratic society as follows: †¢Control of military and police by elected officials. †¢Democratic beliefs and political culture †¢No strong foreign control hostile to democracy †¢A modern market economy and society †¢Weak subcultural pluralism (Dahl, 2005) Based on this it is fair to say that liberal democracy demands the inclusion of people, it believes in equality and fairness and encourages the notion of two (or many) heads being better than one.However it is also true that democracy is not the only route for stability, in reality â€Å"the highest risk of political crisis lies in the middle ground between authoritarianism and democracy† (Goldstone, 2005) I believe a democratic and representative government can be attainable in Libya despite being broken into various sects for close to fifty years. Both pro and anti Qaddafi forces can push Libya forward but as to whether this will mature fully into a liberal democracy is tricky. The prospects for Lib ya would look bleak especially when considered from the perspective of historical precedents.In the Libyan case, several factors cement this view. To begin with, Libya is a society filled with many different tribes. From what might be considered extreme Islamists, to the more moderate ones, to the presence of Christians and then other religious and secular divisions the presence of diversity in terms of culture or beliefs could either hinder or promote liberal democracy. In other parts of the continent, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, this situation has been witnessed before but â€Å"among the most important lessons to emerge is the importance of avoiding factionalism. (Goldstone, 2005) Take Rwanda for example, where Hutu’s and Tutsi rebels have shed blood over conflicting tribalistic views. In places where there is a vast difference in opinions, quite often people tend to disagree rather than agree and in order for democracy to prevail it is mandatory that people learn to compromise and agree for the better of the people. In the eastern part of the nation, we can find the current ruling rebels and in the West where Sirte is located there is a stronger presence of pro Qaddafi forces or loyalists. In order for democracy to take place it will take a combined effort from the North to South and East to West.A scholar who has engaged in different studies of transitional governments, Professor Michael Greig made several observations on the Libyan scenario, he bases his conclusions from his studies on transitions over the last 170 years of history and notes that the more diverse a society is, the less stable new regimes tend to be. (Coleman, 2011)With the murder of the former leader, the fear for this transition to be peaceful of fairly smooth is that loyalists might try to hold reprisal attacks, there could be various terror attacks even on innocent victims and militants, leaders, or officials under the former regime might strongly esist cooperating with t he new government and this will undermine attempts to achieve a sound and stable democratic environment. Should this occur, it could lead to an indefinite civil war and the country which already seems to be broken down into various fragments could end up losing more lives, it could also deter foreign investment and trade and regardless of the large oil reserve the country has, it could still have serious economic implications such as higher inflation rates.On the political front also, as to how confident citizens are in the government and how effect institutions being put in place will benefit the nation, only time will tell. Indeed Libyans have been shown a glimmer of hope since the death of their former leader however can they be guaranteed that another Qaddafi will not surface? â€Å"And while Libya has benefited greatly from the demise of the Qadhafi dictatorship, the country confronts an array of daunting political and security challenges, and has yet to hold its first electio ns†. Puddington, 2012)The Libyan people understandably seem to have trust issues in their new government and with this lack of trust, the people might not be too welcoming to the new rules or laws that might be put in place. Should they not have faith in the new government for too long they could be a coup d’Etat or some other form of uprising. Unrest could take place and this could just mean that democracy will fail yet again. Furthermore, there are serious doubts about how women, former members of the Qaddafi government and minorities will fare in the new order.The role of women is essential in achieving a liberal democracy. Women can be instrumental in broadening the parameters of democratic participation. They can challenge and sensitize others about the preconceived notions of what Islam can entail in a liberal democracy. For example, in Turkey, women activists achieved this to within the Islamist Refah (Welfare) Party. Libya has no democratic role models in the Ar ab world from whom to seek mentorship.One main factor that the people of Libya have going in their favour is the fact that when they finally decided to come out and rebel against their long term leader they were not influenced by the western nations or the international community as a whole. The effort was undoubtedly from within the very borders of the country and throughout the country there were many cries which eventually fell unto the ears of the international community. The freedom house report confirms this by stating â€Å"America’s firmness in assisting NATO’s Libyan campaign was an important step.After initial hesitation, the administration has also cautiously supported the process of building democratic systems in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. † (Puddington 2012) The Libyans did indeed capture and kill Muammar Qaddafi with the help of NATO forces however they initially started the movement and asked for help to take power away from Qaddafi. The significa nce of this is that there are dependency theorists for example who believe that the western world continues to infiltrate third world nations and prevents them from standing on their own but in this particular case that can be debunked.The issue of neocolonialism at least at the time that the uprising in Libya took place was arguably not present or wasn’t the main driving force and this means that the people of Libya do indeed have a voice of their own and will not be coerced into making policies or vital decisions presented to them by countries like the United Kingdom and United States of America. Liberal democracy therefore can eventually be introduced and maintained in a society like this where the people have a voice and do what they believe and agree together is best rather than allowing external forces to impose laws on them.Another positive factor about Libya which should well favour the nation is that due to its large oil reserves and the fact that they are a major ex porter of oil to different parts of the world, they have a more attractive economy as compared to others in the Arab spring. It is common for nations to establish and develop their political and democratic institutions before any significant change is seen in the economy, however the presence of an already good and healthy economy makes it fairly easier for the presence of democracy.The important thing here would be to have competent people in government to take key and important decisions and also to manage the resources of the nation well. When this is done and the citizens see an even better improvement in the economy it will build their confidence in the government and promote more civilian participation (a very important feature for liberal democracy). With higher literacy rates than other African nations (Puddington, 2012) and with the introduction of new laws for the land Libya in the future can definitely be a success story.To reiterate what has been mentioned above in this essay there is a fair possibility of the existence of a liberal democracy in Libya. It is important to note that â€Å"remarkably, after several years of assembling and sifting data , the panel found that economic , ethnic , and regional effect shave only a modest impact on a country’s risk of political instability. Rather, stability is overwhelmingly determined by a country’s patterns of political competition and political authority. (Goldstone, 2005). Although Libya is a country that is divided along tribal lines, it also has a good educated population and a decent economic growth. Research has shown that economic, regional and ethnic effects only have a modest effect on a country’s risk of political instability and â€Å"clearly, what â€Å"works† in establishing a stable democracy is moving toward a political system with completely open and fully competitive parties that maintains strong checks on executive authority. (Goldstone, 2005) Stability is hugely determined by the prevailing patterns of political authority and competition. The key to maintaining stability lies in the following 1. making democratic institutions that promote open and fair competition 2. Avoiding political polarization and factionalism 3. Imposing substantial measures against abuse of executive power Furthermore, wealth and few or no communal tensions help, but a country does not need wealth or a homogenous population to achieve stability.The fact of Libya having a well educated population also aids in its capability for liberal democracy. Educated people tend to hold liberal views and be more tolerant of divergent views. In the case of Libya, there exist factors that are in its favour in terms of achieving a liberal democracy. In addition, its oil reserves and a wealthy treasury are assets that can be used to build democratic institutions and improve capacity building in its current institutions. The enactment of laws that curb excesses by the executive will be huge boost in this direction.Thus, the prospects of democracy in Libya are not so bleak when considering its wealthy treasury and its small and talented population which have proven that they possess a voice to speak out for the promotion of a good agenda in Libya. Unlike poorer countries who may have to seek external funding to support their democratic initiatives, it need not do so. It has the necessary capital to start a wide range of socio-economic programs aimed towards a liberal democracy.For now, the rebel leaders seem to be receiving acceptable levels of support from the populace and this among other factors serve as crucial pointers that the prospects of a liberal democratic Libya are real. To conclude, we deduce from the above highlighted points that democratic development in Libya is faced with numerous challenges, political and economic, internal and external of long year’s authoritarian regimes, coupled with bad governance, fear of mismanagement of accum ulated capital and mass participation, non-conducive investor atmosphere and a shield from the West.At a minimum, the core elements of developing political democracy are: A strong, pluralistic civil society independent of state control and able to hold government accountable; Regular and effective mechanisms to choose and to change representatives, governments, and policies by non-violent means; wide dispersion of economic resources and state commitment to broadly distributed human development; The rule of law incorporating the principles of the supremacy of the law, equality before the law, and the impartial and fair administration of the law; Strong institutions and an international environment which supports, or at least not harmful to, the above element. This is what Africa and other emerging liberal democracies need in achieving political and economic development of this ‘new world order’ regime.