Thursday, August 27, 2020

Concepts of Innovation for Business Expansion

Ideas of Innovation for Business Expansion 1.0 INTRODUCTION This task takes a gander at the all development viewpoints engaged with the impact of the Bakhresa Group of Companies extension in the East African district and past. The task considers the situation of the organization according to its condition at this current time and offers conceivable development angle answers for its development prospects. It has become out of the requirement for a key look of the organization during this season of worldwide change and tries to discover what the situation of the organization will be later on. The work done of this task created from fundamental five inquiries that have been posed here in this task, and replies of each question have been examined, The inquiries engaged with this task as following: Bakhresa Identify the strand of association structure and advancement approach utilized by the gathering. Is it natural or robotic structure followed by the bakhresa gathering? Which one is progressively reasonable to development and why? By what method can bakhresa bunch deal with the pressure between the requirement for innovativeness and proficiency? Talk about the principle authoritative attributes that encourage the advancement procedure in the bakhresa gathering. Clarify the key individual jobs inside the advancement procedure and the exercises they act in the ipp gathering. How did bakhresa bunch build up creative condition that engenders the upright hover of advancement? Clarify its highlights 2.0 BACKGROUND OF BAKHRESA GROUP Said Salim Bakhresa Co.s and Bakhresa Food Products are an assortment of organizations every one of which is a piece of an entire that shapes the Bakhresa gathering. It has consistently been growing its outskirts from Tanzania to the neighboring nations and has been increasing a great deal of market power after some time. Nations worked in right now are:Tanzania, Malawi. Uganda, and Zanzibar This gathering of organizations has had practical experience in embraced certain activities in the neighboring undertakings while at home, in Tanzania, it has enhanced into the creation and appropriation of different items. Items made incorporate the accompanying: Maize flour, White wheat for domesticated animals, Biscuits, Bread (white, earthy colored), Puratha (chapati) Ready to drink refreshments It has additionally put resources into the activity of a marine help that has visits to and from the island of Zanzibar. The principle workplaces are on the terrain shoreline of Dar-es-Salaam where one can process tickets and additional data important for future excursion 3.0 REVIEW OF ENTREPRENEURRSHIP AND INNOVATION Business Gibb and Hannon (2006) have characterized business as a perspective, thinking, and acting that outcomes in the creation, upgrade, acknowledgment, and restoration of significant worth for an individual, gathering, association, and society. At the core of this procedure is the creation or acknowledgment of chances followed by the will and instinctive to take advantage of the lucky breaks. Hisrich and Peters (2001) Entrepreneurship is the way toward making something other than what's expected with an incentive by giving the important time and endeavors, accepting the going with money related, mystic, and social dangers, and getting compensations of fiscal and individual fulfillment and autonomy. Business enterprise includes the creation procedure making something new of significant worth. The creation must have an incentive to the business person and incentive to the general public for which it is created. Enterprise requires the commitment of the fundamental time and exertion. what's more, includes expecting the important dangers. These dangers take an assortment of structures relying upon the field, however for the most part hazards base on: Financial, Psychology, and Social zones. Additionally enterprise includes rewards, for example, High level of autonomy opportunity from limitations, Get to utilize an assortment of aptitudes and gifts Development Development can be characterized as usage of innovations to create new and better nature of items that give more prominent fulfillment to the buyer and high benefits to the business person. Advancement is the administration of the considerable number of exercises engaged with the procedure of thought age, innovation advancement, assembling and showcasing of another (or improved) item or assembling procedure or gear. Development is the fruitful execution of novel and fitting thoughts (innovativeness) inside an association. Normal reasons for disappointment inside the development procedure in many associations can be refined into five sorts: Poor objective definition, Poor arrangement of activities to objectives, Poor interest in groups, Poor observing of results and Poor correspondence and access to data Creations are new disclosures, better approaches for getting things done and that items are the inevitable yields structure the developments, that procedure from new revelation to possible item is the advancement procedure. Advancement as a procedure and not as a solitary occasion inside associations helps people who characterize issues, have thoughts and perform imaginative linkages and affiliations that lead to developments. In addition, inside associations it is people in the job of supervisors who choose what exercises ought to be attempted, the measure of assets to be sent and how they ought to be completed. This has prompted the improvement of alleged key people in the development procedure, for example, innovator, business visionary, business support and so on. Amabile et al. (1996) propose: All advancement starts with innovative thoughts . . . We characterize development as the fruitful usage of imaginative thoughts inside an association. In this view, imagination by people and groups is a beginning stage for development; the first is essential however not adequate condition for the second. For advancement to happen, something more than the age of an imaginative thought or knowledge is required: the understanding must be placed energetically to have a certifiable effect, coming about for instance in new or adjusted business forms inside the association, or changes in the items and administrations gave. 4.0 Organization STRUCTURE AND INNOVATION QUESITON 1 Distinguish the strand of association structure and development approach utilized by the bakhresa group.is it natural or unthinking structure followed by the bakhresa gathering? Development IN BAKHRESA gathering Bakhresa Group applying development has connected to execution of various and development through enhancements in proficiency, efficiency, quality serious situating, piece of the overall industry and so forth. Development enables a Bakhresa To assemble business house to endure when the undeniable trends indicated the market brought about by monetary and social change of their condition; in truth Innovation has been utilized by Bakhresa Group as the way toward conceptualizing a thought and afterward changing a thought into an item/administration. This leads the Bakhresa Group to create and extend their exercises in various pieces of Tanzania and past neighbor nations. Bakhresa Group has successed by having various teaches, for example, business scanner, venture pioneer add to comprehension of the advancement procedure. Firms associated with Group they don't work in vacuum. They exchange with one another; they cooperate in certain zones and contend in others. The job of some different firms is a central point in getting development. Authoritative conduct of the Bakhresa Group had a significant job on playing to comprehend and actualize exercises which has been important to guarantee achievement. Noteworthy revelations and advancements have been related with Bakhresa Group . Association STRUCTURE AND INNOVATION APPROACH USED BY THE BAKHRESA GROUP The structure of an association is characterize by Mintzberg (1978) as the whole of the manners by which it separates its work into particular errands and afterward accomplishes coordination among them. There have been various valuable examinations investigating the connection between hierarchical structure and inventive execution. Natural versus Mechanistic Organizational structures:- Natural Unthinking 1,0 Channels of ?Communication Open with free data stream all through the association Exceptionally organized, limited data stream 2.0 Working styles Permitted to change openly Must be uniform and confined 3.0 Expert for choices In view of the ability of the person In view of formal line the board position 4.0 Free Adaptation By the association to changing situation Hesitant Adaptation 5.0 Accentuation on completing things unconstrained by officially set down strategies Accentuation on officially laid down strategies 6.0 Free casual control with accentuation on standard of collaboration Tight control 7.0 Adaptable on-work conduct allowed to be molded by the prerequisite Compelled on-work conduct 8.0 Dynamic cooperation and gathering agreement Just bosses decide Source: Trott P.,(2004) Innovation Management and New Product Development. Robotic association will in general offer a less appropriate condition for dealing with the innovativeness and the advancement procedure. Association Structures vis-Ã -vis Innovation Formalization There is some proof of an opposite connection among formalization and advancement. That is an expansion in formalization of strategies will bring about an infection in imaginative movement. Intricacy Where these are a few diverse kind of expert gatherings are working in an association, it would speak to an unpredictable association Centralisation It alludes to the dynamic movement and the area of intensity inside an association. In a decentralized association less degrees of pecking order are generally required: This will in general lead to progressively responsive dynamic cleser to the activity. Hierarchical Size A private venture with less representatives contrasts fundamentally on terms of assets from an association which is enormous size is an intermediary variable for progressively important measurements, for example, monetary and association assets, including number of workers. ANALYISIS OF BAKHRESA GROUP The structure of Bakhresa Group constrained by the activiti

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Babylon Revisited

The subject of whether Charlie Wales’ solicitation to have his little girl came back to him is sensible appears to be genuinely clear. The way that the story starts and finishes in a bar, with the alcoholic hero battling with his habit appears to be a sign that his evil presence has not been killed. Ambiguities found in the story lead a peruser to imagine that maybe now it isn't reasonable.Charlie sees his old frequents as not exactly alluring neglected light of moderation, yet he feels constrained to proceed to look again. However, while it appears that Charlie truly laments his past the peruser additionally is informed that Charlie has lost his fortune, which could undoubtedly be the explanation behind his new attitude. One of the twin subjects of this story is that an individual is answerable for his own inadequacies, and must take care of his obligations, in a manner of speaking, being considered responsible to others.Charlie says that he never had an issue with liquor unt il he started to lose his fortune, having all the earmarks of being in great disavowal. Charlie doesn't acknowledge that his episodes of inebriation are the motivation behind why individuals, for example, Marion act toward him as they do. He blames Marion’s absence of empathy and her narrow mindedness for their conflict. Everybody is conflicted however Johnny, in a manner of speaking, and Charlie isn't eager to acknowledge that is likely his own activities that cause the crack between them.The story closes with Charlie sitting in a bar with drink close by, which is a risky represent a recouping alcoholic. In spite of the fact that he has declined a subsequent one, plainly he isn't over his dependence. His life is a catastrophe, yet he has not exhibited the capacity, by story’s end, to assume liability for his own deficiencies, so the subject of his having the option to think about his young little girl appears to be disputable. For the expressed reasons, Charlie isn't being sensible in requesting guardianship of the youngster. Babylon Revisited Babylon Revisited is a F. Scott Fitzgerald short story, wrote in 1930 Paris. It was then distributed in The Saturday Evening Post in 1931. The storyteller talks in third individual, and from the perspective of Charlie, the hero. During his lifetime Fitzgerald was not perceived as a simply pioneer creator. It was after his demise that this designation was joined. All things considered, this short story has numerous highlights of the innovator development, as can be found in its subject, which is dim and laden with conflict.The story is additionally composed to a great extent in the vernacular, which made Fitzgerald not be paid attention to as an author from the get-go in his profession. The hero is the character, Charlie Wales. The story opens and shut in a Paris bar. The contention that Charlie finds is primarily his battle with liquor abuse. He is in a clash of wills with his sister in law, who has authority of his girl following the passing of his significant other. The twin subjec ts of this story are that one must recognize the cold hard reality on the off chance that one has called the tune, just as the possibility that change is hard to effect.The struggle isn't settled in the story and the peruser is left to contemplate the likelihood that Charlie could conceivably emerge from his ocean of difficulties. He is left sitting in a bar, however he has had a beverage Still, he does some spirit looking, and at long last declines a subsequent one. In the event that he is to be viewed as a casualty it must be comprehended that he experiences a self-dispensed injury. The peruser must choose if he feels compassion for Charlie. Charlie is the casualty of powers beyond his ability to do anything about yet additionally his very own survivor weaknesses.My feeling is that the reality is in the tasting, and we are known by our great demonstrations and not our words. I have no compassion toward Charlie yet I can see pardoning him on the off chance that he keeps his promise . Fitzgerald suggests that he will. My hunch is that Charlie will discover the fantasy of care of his girl more grounded than the bait of liquor. Reference Fitzgerald, F. what's more, Bruccoli, M. (Editorial manager) Babylon Revisited: and Other Stories Scribner 1996

Friday, August 21, 2020

Credit Union Group Requests Changes to CFPB Payday Loan Rule - OppLoans

Credit Union Group Requests Changes to CFPB Payday Loan Rule - OppLoans Credit Union Group Requests Changes to CFPB Payday Loan Rule Credit Union Group Requests Changes to CFPB Payday Loan RuleInside Subprime: March 25, 2019By Lindsay FrankelThe Credit Union National Association wrote a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau this week in support of the agency’s proposed delay of the ability-to-repay standards highlighted in the Obama-era payday loan rule. But CUNA also requested that the entire rule, which was intended to go into effect August 19, 2019, be delayed until November of 2020.CUNA hopes the proposal would give credit unions adequate time to implement the rule and make space for further changes. “Given the Payday Rule’s broad scope and the pending challenge to the rule’s legality in federal court, the Bureau should delay the rule in its entirety rather than merely delaying the ability-to-repay (ATR) provisions that are the subject of the rescission proposal,” the letter reads. “A delay of the entire rule is especially warranted if the CFPB intends to amend other aspects of the rul e, such as the payments provisions, in the near term.”This comes after a December letter CUNA sent to new CFPB director Kathy Kraninger, which urged the bureau to develop broader exemptions for loan products offered by credit unions. In this letter, CUNA also asked the CFPB to assist the NCUA in bringing other small-dollar loan products to market.The CFPB’s rule governing payday, vehicle title, and certain high-cost installment loans was initially designed to ensure that loans were affordable for consumers, requiring lenders to verify that borrowers are capable of paying back their loans. Pew Charitable Trusts found that payday loans are unaffordable for most borrowers, eating up 36 percent of the average borrower’s paycheck when research shows the average borrower can’t afford to put more than 5 percent towards paying off a loan while keeping up with everyday expenses.The rule was also intended to prevent certain abusive practices, such as repeated withdrawal attempts from a borrower’s checking account.CUNA asked that the CFPB revise the rule to fit with the goal of allowing credit unions to provide safe, small-dollar loan products to consumers, while instead focusing on curtailing abusive practices by predatory lenders. CUNA argued that credit unions, as member-owned, non-profit organizations, should be treated as distinct from payday lenders under the rule.Furthermore, CUNA once again asked that revisions to the rule encourage credit unions to offer safe alternatives to payday loans by “creating an express, broader exemption for credit union products using the Bureau’s exemption authority” and working with the NCUA to keep the rule consistent with the Payday Alternative Loan (PAL) program, including expanding the exemption to accommodate the NCUA’s proposed PAL II program.The CFPB has made substantial changes to the payday lending rule in the past under advisement from CUNA; the finalized October 2017 rule incorporated suggestions that wou ld allow credit unions to continue to provide options to consumers in the small-dollar lending market.For more information on  payday loans, scams, and  cash advances  and  check out our city and state financial guides  including Florida, Illinois, Texas, Washington D.C.  and more.Visit  OppLoans  on  YouTube  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn

Monday, May 25, 2020

Communism In The U.S. Essay - 1003 Words

Karl Marx, author of The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, was the originator of the political and economic theory of Scientific Socialism (modern Communism). Communism, by definition, is the complete control of major resources and the means of production by government, initially in the form of autocracy. In theory, under this system all would be equal; all would share in both work, according to their ability, and profit, according to need. According to Marx, the proletariat, or working class, would revolt against the bourgeoisie, or wealthy capitalist class, because of the stark contrast prevalent between the wealthy and poor. The new economy, run by and for the people, would produce not for profit, but for the needs of the people.†¦show more content†¦There was a nationwide â€Å"Red Scare†. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;After the death of USSR leader Joseph Stalin, reports were made about his method for controlling his country. The Khrushchev Reports, as they were called, revealed the brutal tactics that Stalin used in marshaling resources to accomplish his objectives. If discord was detected, Stalin and his regime were quick in suppression, at any cost. This had a disastrous affect upon the American Communist movement. For, it was Stalin that the members of this party most highly regarded. These revelations were so disheartening that, within two years, the membership of the American Communist party declined by more than 80%. The will of the believers had been crippled. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;American government and society, as seen through events such as the McCarthy hearings, displayed a â€Å"Communist† as an evil, traitorous, spy. They were portrayed as contrary to all American ideals, as wanting the destruction of democracy and freedom, by means of force. However, the communists, in actuality, were none of the kind. Firstly, they were individuals who believed in Socialism, not Communism. Furthermore, they did not want the demise of democracy through revolt. Rather, they wanted to change the political structure through their right to vote, a democratic right. TheseShow MoreRelatedThe U.S. Contained Communism in Vietnam1552 Words   |  7 PagesIn 1949, Mao Zedong led the Peoples Revolution, which established a Communist State in China. Communism has now been introduced to Asia. In this period, after World War II, Communism was a popular ideology being introduced throughout the world. Vietnam was one of the many countries under the thre at of Communism. At this time, Vietnam was a French Colony. As time went on tension started to come between the French and the Vietnamese people. As tension increased so did the fighting between the FrenchRead MoreFrom The Dropping Of The Atomic Bombs On Japan In 19451498 Words   |  6 Pagescontainment to curb the spread of Soviet communism throughout the world. The U.S. spent billions of dollars during the Cold War period on foreign policies of containment, but is criticized that these strategies were ineffective in containing the spread of communism. In 1946, The Long Telegram, put forth by the father of the containment theory, George F. Kennan, stated that in order to defeat Soviet communism the U.S. must to thwart the spread of communism throughout the world. Therefore, the successRead MoreCommunism : A Economic System921 Words   |  4 PagesThe Communism is Karl Marx’s ideal economic system, which promotes a central plan economy. A central plan economic is when the government places quotas on companies that manufacturers goods. After the end of World War II the spread of Communism began to raise in the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union is the makeup of different European, African, and Asian countries. Communism seem to be a utopia to the poor and working classes of these countries, because of the dismantled the bourgeois and proletarianRead MoreThe United States During The Cold War1733 Words   |  7 Pageshad political interest in both Vietnam and the Philippines because of they wanted to spread democracy and defend people against communism. They also wanted to give Vietnam to France as they once had it, but Ho Chi Minh declared independence for Vietnam and himself president without the acknowledgment of the U.S.. The Philippines had gained their independence from the U.S. in 1946, and then became an ally to them going into the Cold War. The United States drastically influenced the political developmentRead MoreRelationship Between Identity And Security1400 Words   |  6 PagesWar, dà ©tente and the 2003 Iraq invasion. Interests are important in the relationship as it allows us to observe why a state is involved in a conflict. With the U.S., the majority of the time it is interested in promoting its identity to oppose another’s identity. Interests also allow for the understanding of an individual’s identity. The U.S. interest generally is to promote liberal values and open free markets, and so it does this in the interest to gain access to another state resources. AlliancesRead MoreThe Cold War And The Soviet Union1338 Words   |  6 PagesContaining Communism After the end of World War II, there had been an emergence of two world superpowers the United States and the Soviet Union who would be drawn into a Cold War that was a silent battle that raged on from 1945 to 1991. Which had started when the Soviet Union’s leader, Joseph Stalin, had started the spread of communism throughout Europe and Asia. At the time the majority of the world was either democratic or independent while only a handful of countries were communist; however allRead MoreCommunism : A Great Evil1011 Words   |  5 PagesCommunism is a lot like a bad relationship. It looked good on paper. In regards to the world’s most feared form of government, two things have been historically recurring. First, communism falls when those in power fall victim to the vice of greed. And second, most important to the US-centric concerns of The West, the United States shows a consistent opposition to the ideals of communism. The most notable example of America’s great fear of the perceived evils of communism can be seen during the 1950sRead MoreContainment: Vietnam War and Communism Essay examples947 Words   |  4 PagesAll Odds of Communism After the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II it was apparent that the victors would come out as the new world powers. With the United States and the Soviet Union being the strongest nations of the victorious Allies they were the two countries who emerged as the new world powers but their views varied drastically. The Democratic United States and the Communist Soviets butted heads about each others views and the U.S. wanted to halt the spread of communism so it couldn’tRead MoreThe End Of World War Two And The United States1411 Words   |  6 PagesThe end of World War Two saw Russia and the United States as world powers, each with totally different views on how the new world should be governed.The Cold War was a fight between Communism and Capitalism; only one method could prevail. Communism, was the notion that through a class war all would become equal, all property owned publicly and each person paid equally. On the opposite end of the spectrum lay Capitalism wher e there is an economic and political system of a country’s trade and industryRead MoreThe War Of The Cold War Essay1075 Words   |  5 PagesDuring World War II, the United States, Britain, and Russia all worked together to take down Hitler. Although after the war, the coordination between the U.S. and Russia became extremely tense which inevitably lead to the Cold War. The U.S. was worried that Russia would spread communism after World War II. Russia was concerned with the U.S. arms increase and intervention in international affairs. The distrust between the two nations resulted in the Cold war which lasted until 1991. In 1946, Winston

Thursday, May 14, 2020

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Synthesis Conclusion - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 906 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/05/17 Category Literature Essay Level High school Topics: Huckleberry Finn Essay Mark Twain Essay Did you like this example? The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is considered one of his and Americas finest novels. It follows a runaway boy and a slave making their way through the American South in the early 1800s, making it a realistic story of what life was like during that time. Twain goes where most Americans dont want to go, using racial slurs and discussing what really happened in the early days of the United States. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Synthesis Conclusion" essay for you Create order The book brilliantly starts ethical and cultural conversations, but in order to understand the deep meaning of the book, one must have great literary skills. And the high school students around America who are required to read this complex novel dont have the ability or skill to understand what Twain wrote. When high school students read the novel, they cannot fully grasp the complexity of it, so much of Twains work goes to waste. Twains novel should not be a required text in American high schools due to the academic maturity needed to understand the text. In his novel, Twain used many advanced literary techniques that were seen as absurd, compared to other texts from the time, to nineteenth-century critics. In a criticism of the novel, author T.S. Elliot discussed the advanced language from the book. She described it as, an innovation, a new discovery in the English language that no other authors were able to accomplish. One of the techniques Twain used on each and every page of the book was the change in dialect between characters. To a highly educated reader, this demonstrates the different personalities from character to character as well as Mark Twains racial stance. But to a normal reader, this complexity can be seen as inconsistent and childish. The less educated person would not have the skill to recognize the ingenuity of this writing style, while a more experienced reader has been trained to pick up on what Twain is communicating. Huckleberry Finn also includes what some think to be explicit and offensive language. Without ad vanced literary knowledge and careful observation, the term nigger is easily mistaken as racist. To a normal reader, this term can appear as offensive to the black race. In his criticism, Huck, Jim, and American, Racial Discourse, David Smith shows that nigger is neither to offend nor merely to provide linguistic authenticity. He explores the idea of Frontier humor which is another vessel for Twain to satirically convey his views of society. Only the most intelligent readers have the ability to recognize the satire behind his views. Most high school students do not possess the ability to dissect and to comprehend the complex literary content of Twains novel. High school students dont have the ability to understand the content surrounding cultural interactions. Children in todays society have been sheltered their whole lives and dont have any experience with cultural concepts through Americas history. Mike Luckovich composed a comic to explain the lack of exposure in the youth of todays society. His comic shows a teacher saying Mark Twain used the n-word 219 times in Huck Finn he was one of the nineteenth centurys greatest and a student interrupts gangsta rappers? Luckovichs comic demonstrates that Americas students have barely if at all, experienced cultural diversity. Many are not in the correct location to learn hands-on what historical America looked like. Twains book takes place in the South where the ratio of African Americans is much greater than in other regions of the US, where the majority of the population is white. Author Jane Smiley explains that black Americans understand racism as a way of structuring American culture. Her statement explains that few students in todays society can fully grasp on to the concept of the development of American culture from racism. The racial and culture concepts presented in Huckleberry Finn cannot be understood by high school students and can easily confuse them due to inexperience. Twains novel contains ethical controversy which gives it its relevance, but the concept of it can be challenging to understand. The biggest question surrounding this novel among critics, authors, and readers since the nineteenth century is whether Twains perspective is ethical or not. Toni Morrison wrote about this in his criticism, This Amazing Troubling Book. She wrote that the novel was complicated territory for sophisticated scholars let alone young students. Morrison discussed how complicated and difficult it was for her to read the novel at a young age and explored how even the most advanced readers struggle with Twains ethical stance. She expressed how even after her years of literary study and experience she still cannot grasp on to if Twain is ethical or not. The ethical conversations alone makes The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a deeply complex novel. One of Mark Twains finest novels, Huckleberry Finn, contains important cultural and ethical conversations related to Amer icas troubled history. He goes in depth into the early days of the United States and goes where no other author during his time was brave enough to go. The deep complexity of the novel can only be understood by highly educated scholars and those with academic maturity. Yet, thousands of students in American high schools read Twains novel every year. These students dont have the experience or ability to understand the advanced literary techniques in the novel. Due to the academic maturity needed to understand the text, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should not be a required text in American high schools.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Cesar Chavez and the Chicano Civil Rights Movement

Cesar Chavez and the Chicano Civil Rights Movement Introduction In the mid-1960s thousands of Chicanos, people of Mexican descent, walked off the California grape fields in which they worked in protest of exploitation and poor working conditions. They wanted fair wages, better working conditions, and education for their children. They wanted all the opportunities that were extended to other Americans. Among the disgruntled employees was the soft-spoken Cà ©sar Chà ¡vez, who believed that his people’s plight could be resolved through the mechanism of non-violent protests. Chief among these mechanisms were his firm belief in fasting and non-violent strikes. These beliefs were the combined result of his childhood experiences, significant†¦show more content†¦In addition to their haphazard careers, the issue of racism and segregated schools also affected the quality of education received by Mexican American children. At school, the children were educated through the use of second-class equipment and by teachers who seldom took noti ce of the migrant children passing through. In addition to the attitude of indifference, Mexican American students were consistently barred from practicing their culture. For example, Chà ¡vez noted that he was prohibited from speaking Spanish, and students who disobeyed were made to wear a humiliating sign which declared that they were stupid simply because they spoke Spanish (64). Such acts of racism and the taunting received from Anglo students made the life of Mexican American students miserable. However, the most significant deterrent to the education of Mexican American students was the pressure to quit school in order to earn additional income for their families. For instance, even Chà ¡vez was forced to quit school at the end of the eighth grade to provide additional income for his family (The Rhetorical Career 13). According to Jensen and Hammerback, experiences such as these gave the young Cà ©sar Chà ¡vez a first-hand taste, feel, smell, and touch of the agony and injustices that characterized the life of his people (13). Moreover, these experiences and Cà ©sar’s tenure as a field worker impregnatedShow MoreRelatedRichard Aoki and The Black Power Movements1507 Words   |  7 Pages An individual who was developed from the black power movements, was Richard Aoki, a third generation Japanese American. He had spent time living in the internment camps as a child during the second world war. When he grew up, he became one of the founding members of the Black Pan ther Party, and the only Asian American to have held a formal leadership position as Field Marshall. He worked in the Black Panther party by arming them with weapons and training them in firearm usage. He continued hisRead MoreThe Chicano Subculture Essay635 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"Im not Mexican. I am not American. I am not American in USA and Mexican in Mexico. I am Chicano everywhere. I do not have to assimilate anything. I have my own history†, stated the writer and novelist Carlos Fuentes. The Chicano subculture is the mixture of the Mexican and the American cultures. This subculture has its own history and unique characterizations that make it stand out. According to the Merriam Webster dictonary the word subculture is defined as â€Å"a group that has beliefs and behaviorsRead MoreThe Mexican American Battle For Civil Rights1510 Words   |  7 PagesMarcela Duarte Professor Ramirez Government 2306 November 20, 2015 Chicano Rights The Mexican American battle for civil rights has been long and difficult but alas necessary. Can you imagine living in a prejudice environment and as consequence not being able to exercise your rights as a citizen? The past notion of minorities not having the same rights as the anglo majorities is simply absurd. The injustice that Mexican Americans have experienced in the past is undeniably discriminatory. JusticeRead MoreAnalysis Of Sal Castro And Maria Tula s Hear My Testimony1698 Words   |  7 Pageslarger political pictures. Cesar Chavez was a civil rights activist who organized the earliest Chicano movements. In an essay by Jorge Mariscal, Chavez’s political ideology is explained, â€Å"At its very core was the principle of ‘militant nonviolence.’...the phrase retains a commitment to social change but disassociates that commitment from aggression against other individuals†(Jorge Mariscal, â€Å"Cà ©sar: Cà ©sar Chà ¡vez in the Chicano Movement†). This quote demonstrates that chavez wanted things to change becauseRead MoreMexican Civit Rights Movement 1940s Vs Chicano Movement 1960s592 Words   |  2 PagesOne of the many similarities about the Mexican American Civil Rights movements and the Chicano Movement in the 60s- 70s is that they fought for what they believed they had a right to have. Many in the 1940’s and in the 1960’s stepped up to show their loyalty to the United States by joining the military and sadly manly lost their lives during World Wa r II and the Vietnam War. They were many Mexican Americans who were stationed in infantry and many dangerous areas during the war. They all fought withRead MoreThe Revolt Of The Cockroach People1917 Words   |  8 Pagesdiverted, and adapted into what people chose to identify as. The rise of the Chicano identity during the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement was an adaptation as a culture to oppressive and unjust treatment from white, Anglos that had almost all political and social power over all minorities. To stop the oppressive voices from silencing and oppressing the Mexican Americans, they had to stand up to fight for their rights as American citizens that also had Mexican or Spanish heritage to be proud ofRead MoreThe Chicano Movement Of The United States987 Words   |  4 PagesDuring the late sixties and early seventies, a Mexican - American movement was taking place in the United States, The Chicano movement. This movement takes place because of the Mexican American so ciety s suppression in the country. Indeed, during the years, 1966 to 1981 was a period where the Mexican American society was looking for equality and justice from the Government of the United States. In fact, they will start to organize their own communities, where the Government will accept their newRead MoreThe Chicano Movement : A Unique, Dramatic, And Multifaceted Social Struggle Of Affirmation1756 Words   |  8 Pagesthe Chicano community undertook a unique, dramatic, and multifaceted social struggle of affirmation. This historic phase became more and more varied and complex then previous struggles (Maciel, 2010). Mexican Americans took movement, defined and took pride in their own identity, asserted their civil rights, worked toward self-determination by improving their financial, social, and political circumstances. â€Å"Similar to other movements of this period promoting civil rights, the Chicano movement madeRead More The Chicano Movement: Struggles, Goals, and Accomplishments Essay examples1537 Words   |  7 PagesIn American history, civil rights movements have played a major role for many ethnics in the United States and have shape American society to what it is today. The impact of civil rights movements is tremendous and to an extent, they accomplish the objectives that the groups of people set out to achieve. The Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement, more commonly known as the Chicano Movement or El Movimiento, was one of the many movements in the United States that set out to obtain equality for Mexican-AmericansRead MoreHispanic Groups in USA Essay1502 Words   |  7 Pagest he Mexican American Civil Rights movement spearheaded by Mendoza, V. â€Å"†¦Reies Là ³pez Tijerina and the land grant movement, is picked up by Rodolfo Corky Gonzales in Denver who defines the meaning of Chicano through his epic poem I am Joaquin, embraces Cà ©sar Chà ¡vez and the farm workers†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (2000). The movement as defined by Mendoza, V. â€Å"The Mexican American Civil Rights Movement†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"†¦encompassed a broad cross section of issues—from restoration of land grants, to farm workers rights, to enhanced education

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Pather Panchali Essay Sample free essay sample

A film becomes a piece of art when it makes us believe about our lives. Pather Panchali is the film which helped me re-consider my dealingss with other household members. I have come to conclusion that societal position of a household earnestly impacts human dealingss within that household. Sarbojaya. Harihar. Durga and Apu. all together create a bright life history of a usual Indian household. Their life is the changeless battle against the societal conditions. poorness. other household members. and themselves. Harihar is a hapless poet who can non happen his originative self-fulfillment. and has to look for uneven occupations in order to do family’s terminals meet. His married woman Sarbojaya is to the full responsible for everything about the house. When watching the film. I was highly surprised how this household was able to maintain its unity in such hard societal state of affairs. On the one manus. Harihar could non happen a occupation which would supply his life and whi ch would convey him pleasance. We will write a custom essay sample on Pather Panchali Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page On the other manus. Sarbojaya had to transport the load of family jobs. In add-on. their boy Apu was frequently involved into petit larceny larceny which caused serious struggles with their neighbours. It seems that such households can non be stable. but Pather Panchali refutes this thought. They are stable in their day-to-day desire to get the better of societal and economic troubles. They do non look far into the hereafter. but instead take the life as a combination of separate yearss. Each twenty-four hours is connected with legion obstructions. troubles. and worlds. It is interesting. that the film depicts usual worlds as extraordinary societal existences. There are no stereotypes. Even when Sarbojaya disapproves her daughter’s manner of thought. she does non make this in a usual manner: she instead combines this with tremendous love to Durga. which fills each corner of her mother’s bosom. The film moves easy to its terminal. go forthing legion machinations behind the scene. Numerous secondary characters create a full image of the hapless life in India. I understand that we meet 100s of Harihars and Sarbojaya’s every twenty-four hours. but Pather Panchali makes the world striking. We understand that sometimes we can be excessively weak in our battle against the life around us.

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Othello - Analysis Of Iago Essays (548 words) - Othello, Iago

Othello - Analysis of Iago Shakespeare's Iago is one of Shakespeare's most complex villains. At first glance Iago's character seems to be pure evil. However, such a villain would distract from the impact of the play and would be trite. Shakespeare to add depth to his villain makes him amoral, as opposed to the typical immoral villain. Iago's entire scheme begins when the "ignorant, ill-suited" Cassio is given the position he desired. Iago is consumed with envy and plots to steal the position he feels he most justly deserves. Iago deceives, steals, and kills to gain that position. However, it is not that Iago pushes aside his conscience to commit these acts, but that he lacks a conscience to begin with. Iago's amorality can be seen throughout the play and is demonstrated by his actions. For someone to constantly lie and deceive one's wife and friends, one must be extremely evil or, in the case of Iago, amoral. In every scene in which Iago speaks one can point out his deceptive manner. Iago tricks Othello into beleiving that his own wife is having an affair, without any concrete proof. Othello is so caught up in Iago's lies that he refuses to believe Desdemona when she denies the whole thing. Much credit must be given to Iago's diabolical prowess which enables him to bend and twist the supple minds of his friends and spouse. In today's society Iago would be called a psychopath without a conscience not the devil incarnate. Iago also manages to steal from his own friend without the slightest feeling of guilt. He embezzles the money that Roderigo gives him to win over Desdemona. When Roderigo discovers that Iago has been hoarding his money he screams at Iago and threatens him. However, when Iago tells him some fanciful plot in order to capture Desdemona's heart Roderigo forgets Iago's theft and agrees to kill Cassio. Iago's keen intellect is what intrigues the reader most. His ability to say the right things at the right time is what makes him such a successful villain. However, someone with a conscience would never be able to keep up such a ploy and deceive everyone around him. This is why it is necessary to say that Iago is amoral, because if you don't his character becomes fictional and hard to believe. At the climactic ending of the play, Iago's plot is given away to Othello by his own wife, Emilia. Iago sees his wife as an obstacle and a nuisance so he kills her. He kills her not as much out of anger but for pragmatic reasons. Emilia is a stumbling block in front of his path. She serves no purpose to him anymore and she can now only hurt his chances of keeping the position he has been given by Othello. Iago's merciless taking of Emilia's and Roderigo's lives is another proof of his amorality. If one looks in modern day cinema, one will see the trite villain, evil to the core. Shakespeare took his villains to a higher level. He did not make them transparent like the villains of modern cinema. He gave his villains depth and spirit. Iago is a perfect example of "Shakespeare's villain." His amorality and cynicism give, what would be a very dull character, life.

Monday, March 9, 2020

News Review Example

News Review Example News Review – Article Example Obama calls preliminary deal with Iran Our Best Bet- from New York Times In the recent past there have been calls and movesby the global community to curb the upsurge of assemble of nuclear weapons by the Iran. The world or the United Nations has in the past threatened Iran and indeed effected bans and sanctions against Iran on the purported nuclear weapons and armory collection. However, the surge of other countries and neighboring nations such as Israel have increased their participation and interest in the issue of nuclear expansion in Iran. Obama has since called the renewed surge by the global partners, the best shot and chance of curbing or dealing with the menace of Iran. In principle, Israel has also warned that it would invoke or initiate military actions on top of monitoring measures to curb the threat or surge of nuclear weapons by Iran. Question: qualitative possibility of improvement on the success of monitoring Iran nuclear plans by USA and Israel:Obama has since termed the move to join the current move and aim by Israel as the best move in ensuring that the endeavor by Iran to assemble nuclear weapons is defeated. This is so because the U.S cannot afford another military incursion into Iran on such claims and secondly, the sanction by the United Nations Security Council do not yield fruits (Shultz et al 6). In principle, the United States would be better placed to rally behind Israel who are perennial rivals with Iran and instead offer their support to ensure the nuclear plants are monitored. Similarly, it is in the best interest of the United States and the global community to have eyes in the procurement process used by Iran in the nuclear plant. The graph below shows the qualitative likelihood of success of the joint supervision and mission in Iran nuclear supervisionReferencenytimes.com/2015/04/06/world/middleeast/obama-strongly-defends-iran-nuclear-deal.Shultz, George P., et al. "A world free of nuclear weapons." Wall Street Journal 4 (2007) : A15. News Review Example News Review – Article Example News Review Article Discussed: More unemployed youths? IBGS, WSJ, 15/04 this article discusses the effect of unemployment to the economic status of Brazil. This is important because Brazil is a middle income economy with several dynamism in economic growth and unemployment rate slightly higher that its counterparts. Unemployment is increasing steadily and economic conditions are worsening. The rate of unemployment has almost tripled in the recent year with a slight decrease in rate of unemployment. Since population is the main determinant of consumption, unemployment has led to slow rate of consumption thus slow rate of economic growth.Question: use the model of regression analyze to determine the relationship between economic development and rate of unemployment. Be sure to highlight all the relevant drivers of unemployment and economic development. Answer Key: the graph below indicate the relationship of unemployment and economic development. As the rate of unemployment increase, t he rate of slow economic development also increases. The key determinant of slow economic development is the level of GDP while the key determinant of unemployment is low consumption caused by low expenditure. As the rate of unemployment increases, the rate of expenditure will reduce thus lowering consumption rate. This in turn lower the rate of GDP and thus slow economic growth.The graph below represent the above case.Graph of rate of unemployment and economic development

Saturday, February 22, 2020

China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

China - Essay Example Moreover, he also believed that everything in nature has two sides and that opposite sides complement each other i.e. the dialectical nature of things (Hansen, 2000). Therefore, Laozi emphasized on the fact that emptiness or nothingness is not emptiness or nothingness, but complements certain objects. Zhuangzi further emphasized on the issue of dialectic ism that was recognized by Laozi. He recognizes the nature as a movement, which has a different phenomenon in the world that is derived from and manifestations of nature (Hansen, 2000). In addition, Zhuangzi can be described as a renowned philosopher who praised human ambition, as well as imagination, which facilitated everyday thinking in order to understand how things interact in nature. Zhuangzi influenced the development of Daoism by emphasizing further on Laozi’s position on dialectic ism. By doing so, he introduced a new notion of self-transformation as the key precept in the Taoist process (Hansen, 2000). He also stated that it is essential to transcend all the dualities of existence. According to him, the way nature worked and reconciled the opposite sides showed how the Tao dualities were resolved in unity. On the other hand, Laozi influenced the development of Daoism by advocating for humility in leadership. He also promoted the development of anti-authoritarian movements that stressed on giving power to the weak (Hansen,

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Mental Health Issues in long term care Research Paper

Mental Health Issues in long term care - Research Paper Example Census Bureau, 2009). There are two main reasons responsible for this trend: 1. The baby-boomer generation is growing old with most of the people in this group being in their 50s currently. 2. The life expectancy has moved from 47.3 years in 1900s to 77 years in 2000 (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics, 2010). This has been achieved largely due to improved sanitation, nutrition and rapid advancement in medical technologies. These factors have contributed to the dramatic rise in lifespan and proportionate increase in health care issues - especially mental health issues among the older American population. Statistics reveal that over 14 million people live in long term care facilities of which nearly 90% are over 65 years (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics, 2010). These long term care facilities vary in scope from institutions and homes for the mentally challenged to nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2001), 67% of nursing home residents exhibit some form of mental or behavioral problems. ... ncidence of mental health problems in long term care residents is therefore extremely high (American Health Care Association, 2003): Mental Retardation 2.82% Depression 42.79% Psychiatric diagnosis 18.76% Dementia 45.35% Behavioral problems 30.62% Mental Health Issues in Long Term Care Facilities Following are some of the common mental health issues faced by residents in long term care facilities: 1. Depression: Depression is the most common mental health issue among residents in long term care facilities. Older people often experience loneliness, helplessness, hopelessness, frustration and anger towards the later phase of their life. Symptoms of depression include feeling ‘low’ and not enjoying things that once used to be very interesting to them, difficulty falling asleep or sleeping all the time, loss or increase in appetite, crying or acting out emotionally, anger, irritability, suicidal behavior, restlessness or slowed movements. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2000), although older Americans, over the age of 65 years, make up only 13% of the population, they account for 20% of the people who commit suicide. In fact older Americans have the highest suicide rate of any age group (National Institute of Mental Health, 2000). The most important factor that helps address depression in residents of long term care facilities has been found to be human interaction especially with their loved ones. 2. Delirium: Delirium is mostly caused by acute illness or drug toxicity. It may also be caused by fever, acute infection mostly urinary tract infection, medical conditions such as diabetes or as a reaction to leaving familiar people and places. Delirium always involves periods of diminished consciousness. A person suffering from delirium may act

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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

Monday, January 20, 2020

Socialist Utopia In Nineteen E :: essays research papers

Eric Blair, known to his readers under the English pen name of George Orwell (1903-1950), was a man familiar with the roles of government. He served with the British government in Burma under the Indian Imperial Police. Returning to his European roots, Orwell also sided with the Spanish government as he fought with the Loyalists in their civil war. It wasn't until he wrote professionally as a political writer that Orwell's ideas of government were fully expressed. Orwell, in his political writings, was extremely contradictory. He was a critic of communism, yet he also considered himself a Socialist. He had hatred toward intellectuals, but he too was a political writer. It is only natural that a man of paradoxes would write of them. In his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell develops his Socialist Utopia as a paradoxical society that ultimately succeeds rather than flounders.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The society that Orwell creates is full of paradoxes that existed all the way up to its origins. The founders of the new lifestyle, known as the revolutionaries of the mid-twentieth century, leads the public to believe false intentions of revolt, as these purposes soon become exact opposite outcomes. The original designers seek to create an ideal social order out of England that is beneficial to all. Marin Kessler, a literary essayist, agrees that these 'utopians…had hoped to construct a perfect society in which men and women could enjoy that ultimate degree of happiness which, it was implied denied through the folly and wickedness of their present rulers'; (304). Besides being founded on the concept of a Utopia, the revolutionaries believe they could achieve their goals through Ingsoc, a variation on English socialism (named justly). The main concept of socialism is its stress on social equality, so much that the government distributes any possessions equal ly. In reality, this policy sought to destroy individual property, instead emphasizing collective property, owned by the government for the ultimate purpose of equality. Socialism is also often considered the politics of the working class and lower rà ©gime, since they actually benefited from it. Although the founders claim to create a socialist Utopia with its respective freedoms, the society of Oceania they create is exactly the opposite of their original principles. O'Brien, a major contributor to the government organization known as the Party, describes the contradictory characteristics of the world power of Oceania, 'Do you begin to see then, what kind of world we are creating?

Sunday, January 12, 2020

The Return: Midnight Chapter 20

Meredith usual y found her parents funny and sil y and dear. They were solemn about al the wrong things like, â€Å"Make sure, honey, that you real y get to know Alaric – before – before – â€Å"Meredith had no doubts about Alaric at al , but he was another of those sil y, dear, gal ant people, who talked al around things without getting to the point. Today, she was surprised to see that there was no cluster of cars around the ancestral home. Maybe people had to stay home to fight it out with their own children. She locked the Acura, conscious of the precious contents given by Isobel, and rang the doorbel . Her parents believed in chain locks. Janet, the housekeeper, looked happy to see her but nervous. Aha, Meredith thought, they have discovered that their dutiful only child has ransacked the attic. Maybe they want the stave back. Maybe I should have left it back at the boardinghouse. But she only realized that things were truly serious when she came into the family room and saw the big La-Z-Boy deluxe lounging chair, her father's throne: empty. Her father was sitting on the couch, holding her mother, who was sobbing. She had brought the stave with her, and when her mother saw it, she broke into a fresh burst of tears. â€Å"Look,†Meredith said, â€Å"this doesn't have to be so tragic. I've got a pretty good idea of what happened. If you want to tel me about how Grandma and I real y got hurt, that's your business. But if I was†¦contaminated in some way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She stopped. She could hardly believe it. Her father was holding out an arm to her, as if the somewhat rank condition of her clothes didn't matter. She went to him slowly, uncomfortably, and let him hug her regardless of his Armani suit. Her mother had a glass with a few sips left of what looked like Coke in front of her, but Meredith would bet it wasn't al Coke. â€Å"We'd hoped that this was a place of peace,†her father orated. Every sentence her father spoke was an oration. You got used to it. â€Å"We never dreamed†¦Ã¢â‚¬ And then he stopped. Meredith was stunned. Her father didn't stop in the middle of an oration. He didn't pause. And he certainly didn't cry. â€Å"Dad! Daddy! What is it? Have kids been around here, crazy kids? Did they hurt somebody?† â€Å"We have to tel you the whole story from that time long ago,†her father†¦said. He spoke with such despair that it wasn't anything like an oration. â€Å"When you were†¦al attacked.† â€Å"By the vampire. Or Grandfather. Or do you know?† Long pause. Then her mother drained the contents of her glass and cal ed, â€Å"Janet, another one, please.† â€Å"Now, Gabriel a – â€Å"her father said, chiding. â€Å"‘Nando – I can't bear this. The thought that mi hija inocente†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Meredith said, â€Å"Look, I think I can make this easier for you. I already know†¦Well, first, that I had a twin brother.† Her parents looked horrified. They clung together, gasping. â€Å"Who told you?†her father demanded. â€Å"At that boardinghouse, who could know – ?† Calming down time. â€Å"No, no. Dad, I found out – Well, Grandpa talked to me.†That was true enough. He had. Just not about her brother. â€Å"Anyway, that was how I got the stave. But the vampire that hurt us is dead. He was the serial kil er, the one who kil ed Vickie and Sue. His name was Klaus.† â€Å"You thought that there was only one vampire?†her mother got out. She pronounced the word the Hispanic way, which Meredith always found more scary. Vahm-peer. The universe seemed to start moving slowly around Meredith. â€Å"That's just a guess,†her father said. â€Å"We don't real y know that there was more than the very strong one.† â€Å"But you know about Klaus – how?† â€Å"We saw him. He was the strong one. He kil ed the security guards at the gate with one blow each. We moved to a new town. We hoped you would never have to know you had a brother.†Her father brushed his eyes. â€Å"Your grandfather spoke to us, right after the attack. But the next day†¦nothing. He couldn't talk at al .† Her mother put her face in her hands. She only lifted it to cal , â€Å"Janet! Another, por favor!† â€Å"Right away, ma'am.†Meredith looked to the housekeeper's blue eyes for the solution to this mystery and found nothing – sympathy, but no help. Janet walked away with the empty glass, blond French braid receding. Meredith turned back to her parents, so dark of eye and hair, so olive of skin color. They were huddling together again, eyes on her. â€Å"Mom, Dad, I know that this is real y hard. But I'm going after the kind of people who hurt Grandpa, and Grandma, and my brother. It's dangerous, but I have to do it.†She dropped into a Taekwondo stance. â€Å"I mean you did have me trained.† â€Å"But against your own family? You could do that?†her mother cried. Meredith sat down. She had reached the end of the memories that she and Stefan had found. â€Å"So Klaus didn't kil him like Grandmother. He took my brother with him.† â€Å"Cristian,†wailed her mother. â€Å"He was just un bebe. Three years old! That was when we found the two of you†¦and the blood†¦oh, the blood†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her father got up, not to orate, but to put his hand on Meredith's shoulder. â€Å"We thought it would be easier not to tel you – that you wouldn't have any memories of what was happening when we came in. And you don't, do you?† Meredith's eyes were fil ing with tears. She looked to her mother, trying to silently tel her she couldn't understand this. â€Å"He was drinking my blood?†she guessed. â€Å"Klaus?† â€Å"No!†cried her father as her mother whispered prayers. â€Å"He was drinking Cristian's, then.†Meredith was kneeling on the floor now, trying to look up into the face of her mother. â€Å"No!†cried her father again. He choked. â€Å"La sangre!† gasped her mother, covering her eyes. â€Å"The blood!† â€Å"Querida – † her father sobbed, and went to her. â€Å"Dad!†Meredith went after him and shook his arm. â€Å"You've ruled out al the possibilities! I don't understand! Who was drinking blood?† â€Å"You! You!† her mother almost screamed. â€Å"From your own brother! Oh, el aterrorizar!† â€Å"Gabriel a!†moaned her father. Meredith's mother subsided into weeping. Meredith's head was whirling. â€Å"I'm not a vampire! I hunt vampires and kil them!† â€Å"He said,†her father whispered hoarsely: â€Å"‘Just see she gets a tablespoon a week. If you want her to live, that is. Try a blood pudding.'He was laughing.† Meredith didn't need to ask if they had obeyed. At her house, they had blood sausage or pudding at least once a week. She had grown up with it. It was nothing special. â€Å"Why?†she whispered hoarsely now. â€Å"Why didn't he kil me?† â€Å"I don't know! We Stilldon't know! That man with his front al dripping with blood – your blood, your brother's blood, we didn't know! And then at the last minute he grabbed for the two of you but you bit his hand to the bone,†her father said. â€Å"He laughed – laughed! – with your teeth clamped in him and your little hands pushing him away, and said, ‘I'l just leave you this one, then, and you can worry about what she wil turn out to be. The boy I'm taking with me.'And then suddenly I seemed to come out of a spel , for I was reaching for you again, ready to fight him for both of you. But I couldn't! Once I had you, I couldn't move another inch. And he left the house Stilllaughing – and took your brother, Cristian, with him.† Meredith thought. No wonder they didn't want to hold any kind of celebration on the anniversaries of that day. Her grandmother dead, her grandfather going crazy, her brother lost, and herself – what? No wonder they celebrated her birthday a week early. Meredith tried to stay calm. The world was fal ing to pieces around her but she had to stay calm. Staying calm had kept her alive al her life. Without even having to count, she was breathing out deep, and in through her nostrils, and out through her mouth. Deep, deep, cleansing breaths. Soothing peace throughout her body. Only part of her was hearing her mother: â€Å"We came home early that night because I had a headache – â€Å" â€Å"Sh, querida – â€Å"her father was beginning. â€Å"We got home early,†her mother keened. â€Å"O Virgen Bendecida, what would we have found if we had been late? We would have lost you, too! My baby! My baby with blood on her mouth – â€Å" â€Å"But we got home early enough to save her,†Meredith's father said huskily, as if trying to wake her mother from a spel . â€Å"Ah, g racias, Princesa Divina, Vigen pura y impoluto†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Her mother couldn't seem to stop crying. â€Å"Daddy,†Meredith said urgently, aching for her mother but desperately needing information. â€Å"Have you ever seen him again? Or heard about him? My brother, Cristian?† â€Å"Yes,†her father said. â€Å"Oh, yes, we have seen something.† Her mother gasped. â€Å"‘Nando, no!† â€Å"She has to learn the truth sometime,†her father said. He rummaged among some cardboard file folders on the desk. â€Å"Look!†he said to Meredith. â€Å"Look at this.† Meredith stared in utter disbelief. In the Dark Dimension Bonnie shut her eyes. There was a lot of wind at the top of a tal building's window. That was al her mind had a thought for when she was out of the window and then back into it and the ogre was laughing and Shinichi's terrible voice saying, â€Å"You don't real y think we'd let you go without questioning you thoroughly?† Bonnie heard the words without them making sense, and then suddenly they did. Her captors were going to hurt her. They were going to torture her. They were going to take her bravery away. She thought she screamed something at him. Al she knew, though, was that there was a soft explosion of heat behind her, and then – unbelievably – al dressed up in a cloak with badges that made him look like some kind of military prince, there was Damon. Damon. He was so late she'd long ago given up on him. But now he was flashing a there-and-gone bril iant smile at Shinichi, who was staring as if he'd been stricken dumb. And now Damon was saying, â€Å"I'm afraid Ms. McCul ough has another engagement at that moment. But I wil be back to kick your ass – immediately. Move from this room and I'l kil you al , slowly. Thank you for your time and consideration.† And before anyone could even recover from their first shock at his arrival, he and Bonnie were blasting off through the windows. He went, not out of the building backward as if retreating, but straight ahead forward, one hand in front of him, wrapping them both in a black but ethereal bundle of Power. They shattered the two-way mirror in Bonnie's room and were almost al the way through to the next room before Bonnie's mind tagged the first â€Å"empty.†Then they were crashing through an elaborate videoset-window – made to let people think they had a view of the outdoors, and flying over someone lying on a bed. Then†¦it was just a series of crashes, as far as Bonnie was concerned. She barely got a glimpse of what was going on in each room. Final y†¦ The crashing stopped. This left Bonnie holding on to Damon koala-style – she wasn't stupid – and they were very, very high in the air. And mobilizing in front of them, and off to the sides, and as far as Bonnie could see, were women who were also flying, but in little machines that looked like a combination of a motorcycle and a Jet Ski. No wheels, of course. The machines were al gold, which was also the color of each driver's hair. So the first word Bonnie gasped to her rescuer, after he had blasted a tunnel through the large slave-owner's building to save her, was, â€Å"Guardians?† â€Å"Indispensable, considering the fact that I didn't have the first idea where the bad guys might have taken you and I suspected that there might be a time limit. This was actual y the very last of the slave-sel ers we were due to check. We final y†¦lucked out.†For someone who had lucked out, he sounded a little strange. Almost†¦choked up. Water was on Bonnie's cheeks but it was being flicked away too fast for her to wipe it. Damon was holding her so that she couldn't see his face, and he was holding her very, very tightly. It real y was Damon. He had cal ed out the cavalry and, despite the city-wide mind-gridlock, he had found her. â€Å"They hurt you, didn't they, little redbird? I saw†¦I saw your face,†Damon said in his new choked-up voice. Bonnie didn't know what to say. But suddenly she didn't mind how hard he squeezed her. She even found herself squeezing back. Suddenly, to her shock, Damon broke her koala-grip and pul ed her up and kissed her on the lips very gently. â€Å"Little redbird! I'm going to go now, and make them pay for what they did to you.† Bonnie heard herself say, â€Å"No, don't.† â€Å"No?†Damon repeated, bewildered. â€Å"No,†Bonnie said. She needed Damon with her. She didn't care what happened to Shinichi. There was a sweetness unfolding inside her, but there was also a rushing in her head. It real y was a pity, but in a few moments she would be unconscious. Meanwhile, she had three thoughts in mind and al of them were clear. What she was afraid of was that they would be less clear later, after she had fainted. â€Å"Do you have a star bal ?† â€Å"I have twenty-eight star bal s,†Damon said, and looked at her quizzical y. That wasn't what Bonnie meant at al ; she meant one to record onto. â€Å"Can you remember three things?†she said to Damon. â€Å"I'd gamble on it.†This time Damon kissed her softly on the forehead. â€Å"First, you ruined my very brave death.† â€Å"We can always go back and you can have another try.†Damon's voice was less choked now; more his own. â€Å"Second, you left me at that horrible inn for a week – â€Å" As if she could see inside his mind, she saw this slice into him like some kind of wooden sword. He was holding her so tightly that she real y couldn't breathe. â€Å"I†¦I didn't mean to. It was real y only four days, but I never should have done it,†he said. â€Å"Third.†Bonnie's voice dropped to a whisper. â€Å"I don't think any star bal was ever stolen at al . What never existed can't be stolen, can it?† She looked at him. Damon was looking back in a way that normal y would have thril ed her. He was obviously, blatantly distressed. But Bonnie was just barely hanging on to consciousness at this point. â€Å"And†¦fourth†¦Ã¢â‚¬ She puzzled out slowly. â€Å"Fourth? You said three things.†Damon smiled, just a little. â€Å"I have to say this – â€Å"She dropped her head down on Damon's shoulder, gathered al of her energy, and concentrated. Damon loosened his grip a little. He said, â€Å"I can hear a faint murmuring sound in my head. Just tel me normal y. We're well away from anyone.† Bonnie was insistent. She scrunched her whole tiny body together and then explosively sent out a thought. She could tel that Damon caught it. Fourth, I know the way to the seven legendary kitsune treasures, Bonnie sent to him. That includes the biggest star ball ever made. But if we want it, we have to get to it – fast. Then, feeling that she had contributed enough to the conversation, she fainted.