Porters Generic Strategy

Introduction Firms operating in a competitive market can only succeed if they create competitive advantages in their industries. Firms can create competitive advantages if they are optimally positioned in their industries. In order to achieve optimal positioning, a firm must leverage its strengths.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Porter’s Generic Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This involves adopting one of Porter’s generic strategies namely, cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy and focus strategy. These strategies are considered to be generic since they do not depend on either the firm or the industry. This paper aims at evaluating these strategies as well as giving examples of business sectors that can adopt them. Cost Leadership Strategy For a firm to pursue this strategy, it must aim at attaining the lowest cost of production in the industry. This will enable it to m aintain competitive prices in the market. Due to the low production cost, the firm can sell its goods at the prevailing price and realize higher returns than other firms. Alternatively, it can set its prices below the equilibrium price in order to increase its sales and market share. This strategy enables firms operating in markets characterized by price wars to remain profitable as their competitors incur losses. The strategy is suitable for businesses targeting the broad market. Was of Implementing the Cost Leadership Strategy The cost leadership strategy can be realized as follows. First, the firm can focus on improving process efficiency. This will help in lowering the overall cost of production and turnaround time. Second, the firm can obtain its supplies from a large source associated with low cost materials in order to reduce the price of the final product. Third, it can focus on vertical integration or outsourcing some of its operations in order to minimize operating cost. E xamples of operations that can be outsourced include logistics and transportation. Finally, the firm can avoid costs that are not necessary.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Preconditions for Cost Leadership Strategy In order to pursue the cost leadership strategy, the firm must have the following strengths. First, it must have the capital to acquire production assets. This acts as an entry barrier if the firm’s competitors lack capital to invest in the production assets. Second, the firm’s workers should be skilled in product design in order to facilitate efficient production. Besides, they must be experts in engineering manufacturing process in order to promote high efficiency. Finally, the firm must have an efficient distribution channel. This helps in lowering distribution costs. Despite its advantages, the cost leadership strategy is associated with th e following weaknesses. Other firms in the industry are also likely to achieve low cost in production thus lowering their prices as well. The competitive advantage attributed to efficient production can be eliminated as other firms adopt better production technologies. Cost leadership strategy is mainly used in the retail industry. This is because, firms in the industry serve a broad market and their customers are price sensitive, hence necessitating low prices. Differentiation Strategy Firms pursuing this strategy aim at developing products associated with superior attributes that are valued by customers. Due to the superior attributes, customers perceive the products to be better than those of competitors. The firm can charge a high price for the product due to its superior attributes. If the price of supplies increases, the firm can transfer the additional costs to the customers especially if substitutes are not readily available. Thus this strategy enables the firm to be associa ted with high product quality. Preconditions for Differentiation Strategy First, the firm must be able to make significant investment in research and development in order to produce high quality products. Second, the firm should hire highly skilled and creative employees in order to develop products that meet specific needs of the customers.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Porter’s Generic Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This can be achieved through strategic talent acquisition. Third, the firm’s sales team must be able to convey the perceived superior attributes of the product in the market. Finally, the firm should have a reputation of high quality in order to distinguish itself in the market. The differentiation strategy is associated with the following demerits. The unique attributes of the product can be imitated by competitors especially if the intellectual property rights are not protected through appropriate legislation. The product might become less attractive as customers’ tastes change. Besides, other firms might be able to achieve greater differentiation. Differentiation strategy is mainly pursued in manufacturing industry. For example, manufacturers of electronics such as Sony depend on high product quality to maintain their market shares. Focus Strategy In this case, the company focuses on a particular market segment. Some firms pursuing this strategy serve their segments through cost leadership strategy while others normally adopt a differentiation strategy. The rationale behind this strategy is that the needs of the segment can be served better by focusing on it. Firms pursing this strategy are associated with high customer loyalty and this prevents potential competitors from joining the market. Firms pursuing this strategy have low barraging power since they focus on a small market segment which leads to low sales volume. However, they c an transfer high production costs to customers through a differentiation-focused strategy. Preconditions for Focus Strategy The firm should have excellent knowledge of the market in order to serve it well. It should also be able to produce a wide range of products that best meet the needs of the customers. The focus strategy is associated with the following limitations. The products of the firm can be imitated by competitors especially if they have superior attributes. Changes in tastes in the market can also limit the firm’s sales. Besides, other firms might be able to identify sub-segments which they can best serve.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Focus strategy can be used in the service industry. For example, a consultancy firm can target a specific group of clients and offer tailor made services for such clients. Conclusion The above strategies enable firms to create competitive advantages in the market. Consequently, they are able to compete effectively and remain profitable. The generic strategies include focus strategy, differentiation strategy and cost leadership strategy. The selection of these strategies depends on the firm’s ability to meet the preconditions associated with them. Despite their benefits, each of these strategies has its demerits as discussed above. This term paper on Porter’s Generic Strategy was written and submitted by user Alannah H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

AV and Semilunar Heart Valves

AV and Semilunar Heart Valves What Are Heart Valves? Valves are flap-like structures that allow blood to flow in one direction. Heart valves are vital to the proper circulation of blood in the body. The heart has two kinds of valves, atrioventricular and semilunar valves. These valves open and close during the cardiac cycle to direct the flow of blood through the heart chambers and out to the rest of the body. Heart valves are formed from elastic connective tissue which provides the flexibility needed to open and close properly. Malfunctioning heart valves inhibit the hearts ability to pump blood and life giving oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body. Atrioventricular (AV) Valves The atrioventricular valves are thin structures that are composed of endocardium and connective tissue. They are located between the atria and the ventricles. Tricuspid Valve: This heart valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. When closed, it allows oxygen-depleted blood returning to the heart from the venae cavae to fill the right atrium. It also prevents the back flow of blood as it is pumped from the right atrium to the right ventricle. When open, it allows blood from the right atrium to flow into the right ventricle.Mitral Valve:Â  This heart valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. When closed, it allows the left atrium to fill with oxygen-rich blood returning to the heart from the pulmonary veins. It opens to allow blood from the left atrium to fill the left ventricle. Semilunar Valves The semilunar valves are flaps of endocardium and connective tissue reinforced by fibers which prevent the valves from turning inside out. They are shaped like a half moon, hence the name semilunar (semi-, -lunar). The semilunar valves are located between the aorta and the left ventricle, and between the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle. Pulmonary Valve: This heart valve is located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. When closed, it prevents the back flow of blood as it is pumped from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. When open, it allows oxygen-depleted blood to be pumped from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. This blood goes onto the lungs where it picks up oxygen.Aortic Valve: This heart valve is located between the left ventricle and aorta. When closed, it allows blood from the left atrium to fill the left ventricle and prevents the back flow of blood that is pumped from the left ventricle to the aorta. When open, oxygen-rich blood can flow to the aorta and onto the rest of the body. During the cardiac cycle, blood circulates from the right atrium to the right ventricle, from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, from the pulmonary artery to the lungs, from the lungs to the pulmonary veins, from the pulmonary veins to the left atrium, from the left atrium to the left ventricle, and from the left ventricle to the aorta and on to the rest of the body. In this cycle, blood passes through the tricuspid valve first, then the pulmonary valve, mitral valve, and finally the aortic valve. During the diastole phase of the cardiac cycle, the atrioventricular valves are open and semilunar valves closed. During the systole phase, the atrioventricular valves close and the semilunar valves open. Heart Sounds The audible sounds that can be heard from the heart are made by the closing of the heart valves. These sounds are referred to as the lub-dupp sounds. The lub sound is made by the contraction of the ventricles and the closing of the atrioventricular valves. The dupp sound is made by the semilunar valves closing. Heart Valve Disease When heart valves become damaged or diseased, they dont function properly. If valves dont open and close properly, blood flow becomes disrupted and body cells dont get the nutrient supply they need. The two most common types of valve dysfunction are valve regurgitation and valve stenosis. These conditions put stress on the heart causing it to have to work much harder to circulate blood. Valve regurgitation occurs when valves dont close correctly allowing blood to flow backward into the heart. In valve stenosis, valve openings become narrow due to enlarged or thickened valve flaps. This narrowing restricts blood flow. A number of complications may result from heart valve disease including blood clots, heart failure, and stroke. Damaged valves can sometimes be repaired or replaced with surgery. Artificial Heart Valves Should heart valves become damaged beyond repair, a valve replacement procedure can be performed. Artificial valves constructed from metal, or biological valves derived from human or animal donors can be used as suitable replacements for damaged valves. Mechanical valves are advantageous because they are durable and dont wear out. However, the transplant recipient is required to take blood thinners for life to prevent blood clot formation due to the tendency of blood to clot on artificial material. Biological valves can be derived from cow, pig, horse, and human valves. Transplant recipients are not required to take blood thinners, but biological valves can wear down over time.

Decadal Sand Bar Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Decadal Sand Bar Behavior - Essay Example Tough availability of the material is of equal importance in forming a sand bar; the size of the material of the Sand Bar depends on the size of the waves or the strength of the material. As a bar is merely a disposition of material by the water, in case of vessel grounding on these bars is worse off than grounding on stationary rocks. This is because of the more destruction caused by the shifting action of these materials. These bars can spread over a considerable range in size and length, from just a couple of meters in a small stream to large depositions stretching over hundreds of kilometres along a coastline, commonly known as barrier islands. Long shore currents or even fluvial currents in the shallow water coastal environments are responsible for the construction of submerged bars. These bars are strongly determined by the amount of unused sediment available along a shore. These sediments along the shore are called its "sand budget" and determine the number of bars that form along the coastline. The types of submerged bars and the orientations and shapes are controlled by the way the sediments are transported through the shore zone. Along the shoreline which is mostly dominated by waves, the shore current carry and deposit the sediments along the shore face in parallel bars to the shore. ... The phenomena of wave refraction and zone interaction are also responsible for creating shore currents that helps the disposition and transportation of sand particles in deep water. Tides also are a major medium of transportation of the sediments; submerged tidal bars which are perpendicular to the coastline are also formed due to these bidirectional tidal currents. There are tidal deltas which are kinds of submerged bars formed on either side of the island inlet due to the tides which transport sand into and out of coast through barrier island inlets. These submerged bars are also formed in places where the rivers enter the ocean. When fresh water from a curbed channel discharges into the ocean having salt water, the current becomes slow and deposit its sediment at the mouth of the river called the channel mouth bar. Many of these different kinds of submerged bars namely long shore bars, channel mouth bars and the tidal bars coexist in a same environment. This is due to the wave action and tidal currents which influence the shore to a great extent. Shore parallel and perpendicular processes create bars with intermediate curved or diagonally oriented structures. These submerged bars characteristically obstruct natural and man-made outlets into the ocean, and are hazards well know to the navigation. Offshore features of a beach include bars that that are formed at or off the shore of a sea or a river. There are times when large waves attack the beach shore-zone and some of the beach's sand is redistributed off the shore resulting in a sandbar or long shore bar. Due to these bars forms the waves start breaking and because these breaking waves set up currents towards the shore with a currents countering along the

Knowledge, Truth, Belief Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Knowledge, Truth, Belief - Assignment Example We know that when someone dies, they are gone forever. We don’t see the people who have died. They’re put in the ground, and we know that there is no possibility of ever seeing them alive again. Death is the ultimate reality that gives life meaning—because we know that once we’re dead, there may be some astral traveling to various yugas, but that life is the ultimate experience with realia. 2. One of the more contentious points in Descartes argument centers around the claim that God must necessarily exist because he is a perfect being, and a perfect being would not lack the attribute of existence. When this argument was first posed by St. Anselm in 1078, (almost 560 years earlier) a contemporary of Anselms, a monk named Gaulino, parodied this argument by suggesting that if someone could conceive of a "perfect island" then this perfect island must exist somewhere, since the idea of a non-existent perfect island (much like a non-existent but perfect God) would represent an inconsistency in ones thinking. Is Gaulino correct when he suggests that this kind of argument seems to open the door for the (somewhat sudden) existence of all kinds of entities so long as we conceive of them as being perfect? Explain. Descartes’s assertion that all entities exist because they are perfect produces a troubling difficulty that cannot be immediately remedied. As Descartes said himself, even he had doubts about certain issues. â€Å"All that I have, up to this moment, accepted as possessed of the highest truth and certainty, I received either from or through the senses. I observed, however, that these sometimes misled us†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 1 He is admitting, then, that the senses can deceive one when conceptualizing philosophical ideas. This doesn’t make him an expert, then, when he says that everything that truly exists has to be perfect—because we all know that there are many things in the world that do indeed

International Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

International Entrepreneurship - Essay Example On the other hand, the government cannot implement certain regulations without involving the trade or professional association since the association affected will exert pressure on the government for omitting it from the formulation and implementation process. The formulation of the rule and policies by these two parties, the government and the trade/ professional associations, is influenced by international forces. This is because no single economy can operate in separation from other economies and fully sustain its citizens. The economy needs other economies to provide market for its surplus and provision of resources or inputs that are not found in it. No single economy has all the prerequisite resource for steady economic growth and development; thus the need for globalization. This globalization trend has forced changes in the existing institutions in order to continue utilizing the accompanying opportunities. Those institutions resistant to change or those that make inappropriate changes fail to adapt the posed challenges and thus endangered for collapse. This leaves the burden for the government to protect her economy industries. Because of numerous responsibilities facing the government, the professional and trade associations become handy. They mostly comprise of experienced and professional people who aid in thorough research, to provide the information required to formulate appropriate policies for the benefit of the country and industries therein. They propose the appropriate technology to be employed, the new markets to venture into and favorable trade agreements to be signed. The associations unite several organizations and entrepreneurs of the developing economy. They identify their needs and formulate strategies such as training and educational programs, which aid in the attainment of member goals and need satisfaction. They work together with the government in provision and improvement of the necessary infrastructure

Interleukin-6 Levels in Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis

Interleukin-6 Levels in Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis Study of Interleukin-6 Levels in Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis Dr. Sonawane Vijay B., Dr. Mehkarkar Nitin S., Dr. Jadhav Pradnya B., Dr. Gaikwad Sonali U., Dr. Kadam Nitin N. Department of Pediatrics, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, INDIA ABSTRACT Introduction: Neonatal septicemia is one of the commonest causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Interleukin-6 Levels appears to be one of the most promising candidate cytokine for early diagnosis of neonatal septicemia. The aim and objectives of this study was to study the role of IL-6 levels as an early marker for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and to compare IL-6 levels with other septic markers. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital based prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of IL-6 as an early diagnostic marker of neonatal sepsis. Eighty neonates, delivered in the hospital, having risk factors for neonatal sepsis, along with those coming to hospital with signs and symptoms of sepsis up to 28 days of life (as study group ) along with normal newborns admitted to the postnatal ward without high risk factors (control group) were enrolled for this study. Results: IL-6 Levels has shown maximum Sensitivity of 95.83%, Specificity of 87.50%, Positive Predictive Value of 92 %, Negative Predictive Value of 93.33 % and Accuracy of 92.50 %. E.Coli was the most common organism responsible for sepsis. CRP was reported to be highly sensitive(84.21%), and CBC was highly specific (75.00%), IT ratio has sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity of 56.25% while Micro-ESR has shown sensitivity of 50.0% and specificity of 62.5%, Out of 80 cases, blood culture (BacTalert) showed growth in 48 cases in study group while two cases in control group. Thus blood culture positivity was 60%. Conclusion: IL-6 test has maximum sensitivity as well as specificity in comparison with other septic markers. Blood culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of septicemia.CRP is most sensitive while CBC is most specific marker in neonatal sepsis. KEY WORDS: Neonatal Sepsis, Diagnostic Markers, Mortality, IL-6 Levels. INTRODUCTION Neonatal Septicemia is the leading cause neonatal mortality and morbidity in India. It is estimated that 20% of all neonates develop sepsis1 and is responsible for 30-50% of total neonatal death in developing countries2. Accurate and timely diagnosis of neonatal sepsis still remains a major challenge to the pediatricians and neonatologists. Mortality due to neonatal sepsis is preventable and if diagnosed early the outcome is better. Several indicators have been evaluated as septic screen for the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis like CBC, CRP, Micro-ESR, IT ratio, and Blood Culture. There is a constant search for better and ideal diagnostic marker. Ideal marker should be sensitive, specific and easily available. Its results should be immediate and reproducible. Recently various new markers are being studied such as IL-6, TNF-ÃŽ ±, Procalcitonin, G-CSF etc. IL-6 is an inducer of hepatic protein synthesis which promotes production and liberation of CRP and can be detected early when t here is bacterial bloodstream invasion. It appears to be one of the most promising candidate cytokine for early diagnosis of neonatal septicaemia.3,4 In the present study conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, IL-6 levels were assessed in normal healthy newborns as well as newborns with high risk factors for sepsis and the usefulness of IL-6 was evaluated as an early marker for sepsis detection and its effectiveness was compared with other septic markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study Design: A prospective study design was used to evaluate the efficacy of IL-6 as an early diagnostic marker of neonatal sepsis. This is a hospital based study conducted in M.G.M Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai. Study Period: July-2005 to August-2007 Sample Size: Eighty neonates, delivered in the hospital, having risk factors for neonatal sepsis, along with those coming to hospital with signs and symptoms of sepsis up to 28 days of life (as Study Group) also normal newborns admitted to the postnatal ward without high risk factors (Control Group) were enrolled for this study. Newborns were treated with antibiotics for clinical evidence of sepsis positive septic score as per neonatal sepsis score system (Table 1). Table 1: Neonatal sepsis score system5 Score1=risk of infection, Score2=need septic work up to exclude, Score 3 or more=investigate and treat A detailed history was taken and examination was done. Following laboratory tests were done as soon as presumptive diagnosis of sepsis was made based on septic score system and on clinical grounds. All investigations were done within 24 hours of birth or at presentation before starting antibiotics like IL-6 levels, CBC, CRP with titer, Micro ESR, Immature to Total (IT) ratio, peripheral smear for toxic granules and band forms, blood culture (BacTalert), x-ray chest, CSF whenever indicated etc. Soon after birth, 1 ml of venous blood was drawn for blood culture. Also 5 ml of venous blood was collected for TLC, DLC, peripheral blood smear, micro-ESR and CRP. CRP was sent at 12 hours of life in newborns with high risk factors for sepsis. This study was approved by Ethical Committee of this hospital. Informed Written Consent was obtained from parents before entry into this study. Information of selected neonates including detailed history and clinical examination was recorded on a predesi gned proforma. Interleukin-6 Levels Determination3,4 : 1 ml blood was collected in plain bulb and serum was tested by Chemiluminescent Immunometric technique in IMMULITE Machine1000 (Table 2). IMMULITE 1000 IL-6 is a solid phase, enzyme labeled, Chemiluminescent sequential immunometric assay. The use of an ultracentrifuge is recommended to clear lipemic samples. Volume required – 100  µL serum, EDTA or Heparinized Plasma (Sample cup must contain at least 250  µL more than the total volume required). Interpretation6,7: Table 2 – Interpretation Guide for Immune Monitoring DATA ANALYSIS Data was collected, classified, tabulated and analyzed. Tests of significance were applied at appropriate places and interpretation was done accordingly. To evaluate the difference between the categories, McNemar Chi Square test was used as a test of significance. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Of total of 80 cases, with risk factor and clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis (40 cases as study group) and normal healthy newborns without risk factors (40 cases as control group). The study group consists of 28 males (70%) and 12 females (30%) while control group consists of 21 males (52.50%) and 19 females (47.50%). Among 40 babies of study group, 24(60%) are blood culture (BacTalert) positive and 16 (40%) are blood culture (BacTalert) negative while in control group, 1(2.50%) is blood culture (BacTalert) positive and 39(97.50%) are blood culture(BacTalert) negative (Fig. 1). Fig. 1: Bar Chart Showing Distribution of Cases According to Blood Culture In study group, E-coli comprised the maximum number of cases accounting for sepsis i.e. 7 (17.5%) followed by 5 cases (12.5%) of Acinetobacter baumanii, 5 cases (12.5%) of Klebsiella Pneumoniae, 2 cases(5%) each for Citrobacter and Staphylococcus aureus and 1 case (2.5%) has shown Pseudomonous Sp., Burkholderia cepacia and Fungus while no growth in 16 (40% ) cases. In control group, only 1 case (2.5%) shows growth of Acinetobacter baumanii and 39 cases (97.5%) are sterile (Fig. 2). Bhargava et al8 noted in their study that the incidence of E.Coli as the causative organism of neonatal sepsis was 45%. Mirfet al9 in their study of 50 cases also showed similar results. McCraken10 , Faridi and Gupta11 , Kumar GD et al12 have also reported that gram negative septicemia is more common than gram positive septicemia Study Group Control Group Fig. 2: Pie Chart Showing Distribution of Cases According to Microbiological Growth on Blood Culture Out of 40 cases in study group, CBC is abnormal in 13 cases (32.5%), Blood Culture (BacTalert) was positive in 24 cases (60%) and 4 cases (10%) has CBC abnormal with sterile blood culture. In this study CBC had low sensitivity (37.50%) and high specificity ( 75.00%). Chan and Ho13 revealed in their study that abnormal CBC had the lowest sensitivity and PPV while abnormal ANC had the lowest specificity and NPV among them. (Fig. 3) Fig. 3: Bar Chart Showing Distribution of Cases According to CBC Out of 40 cases in study group, CRP is reactive in 31 cases (77.5%), Blood culture is positive in 24 cases (60%) and 15 cases (37.5%) are having CRP reactive with sterile blood culture. In this study CRP was reported most sensitive (84.21%) but low specific(28.57%), Franz AR et al14 showed that there is generally a delay of up to 24 hours between onset of symptoms of infection and a rise in serum CRP. Sensitivity of the test at presentation is only 40% that is, 60% of subsequently proven sepsis episodes will have a normal initial CRP. (Fig. 4). Fig. 4: Bar Chart Showing Distribution of Cases According to CRP Out of 40 cases in study group, IT Ratio is abnormal in 22 cases (55%), Blood Culture is positive in 24 cases (60%) and 7 cases (17.5%) are having IT Ratio abnormal with sterile blood culture. In our study IT ratio was reported NPV of 50.0%. Ghosh et al15 studied 103 high risk neonates having predisposing perinatal factors or clinical suspicion of sepsis and found that an abnormal immature to total neutrophil (IT) ratio were the most sensitive indicators in identifying neonates with sepsis showing high negative predictive value over 94%. (Fig. 5) Fig. 5: Bar Chart Showing Distribution of Cases According to IT Ratio Out of 40 cases in study group, Micro-ESR is abnormal in 18 cases (45%), Blood Culture is positive in 24 cases (60%) and 6 cases (15%) has Micro ESR abnormal with sterile blood culture. In our study Micro-ESR has shown sensitivity of 50.0%, specificity of 62.5. K.K. Diwakarand Rosul G16 studied on 114 term neonates for early neonatal sepsis. The sensitivity and specificity of the revised Micro-ESR was 62.5% and 60.9% respectively in diagnosing culture proven sepsis. (Fig. 6) Fig. 6: Bar Chart Showing Distribution of Cases According to Micro-ESR Among 40 babies of study group, 25 (62.50%) has IL-6 Test positive and 15 (37.50%) has IL-6 Test negative while in control group, 3 (7.5%) has IL-6 Test positive and 37 (92.5%) has IL-6 Test negative. In present study, neonatal mortality is seen in 4 cases (5%) of the total 80 cases. Of these 4 cases, all cases have shown elevated IL-6 levels. Hence, strongly elevated IL-6 levels in this study have found to be associated with bad prognosis as indicated by death. Statistical analysis of IL-6 levels concentration >100 pg/ml in this study of 40 cases (study group) yielded a sensitivity of 95.83% and specificity of 87.50 % whereas Positive predictive value and the Negative predictive value is 92% and 93.33% respectively. Many studies have also reported similar results. The recent study of IL-6 in early neonatal sepsis by Silveira et al17 using normal newborns as controls, showed similar sensitivity of 96%. Recently, Silveira and Procianoy18 reported that IL-6 and TNF-ÃŽ ± are likely cand idate cytokines for use in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. (Fig. 7) Fig. 7: Bar Chart Showing Distribution of Cases According to IL-6 Assay Out of 40 cases in study group, blood culture is positive in 24 cases (60%), IL-6 is positive in 25 cases (62.5%) and 2 cases (5%) have IL-6 positive with sterile blood culture. (Fig. 8) Fig. 8: Bar Chart Showing IL-6 Levels in Sepsis Same group of patients are tested with both Blood Culture (BacTalert) as well as IL-6 levels. Therefore McNemars (ChiSquare) test is used to evaluate whether results of these tests vary significantly from each other. It is observed that the results of both tests are not statistically significant from each other with x2 = 0.083, p-value equal to 1.00 and degree of freedom equal to 1. There is no statistically significant difference between Blood Culture (BacTalert) and IL-6 assay (p=1). Hence use of IL-6 levels for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis can be justified. (Table 3) Table 3 – IL-6 Parameters: Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV and Accuracy Chi-square (X2) = 0.083, Degree of Freedom = 1, p-value = 1.00 Thus, IL-6 test has maximum sensitivity as well as specificity in comparison with other septic markers in early detection of neonatal sepsis. (Table 4) Table 4 – Comparative Parameters: Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV and Accuracy Hence, it can be concluded that IL-6 concentration increases to significant level in the patient having bacterial septicemia. IL-6 test has maximum sensitivity as well as specificity in comparison with other septic markers. Therefore, IL-6 levels can be used as an early diagnostic marker for neonatal sepsis. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Thus, IL-6 has shown Sensitivity of 95.83%, Specificity of 87.5%, Positive Predictive Value of 92%, Negative Predictive Value of 93.33% and Accuracy of 92.5%. Neonatal mortality was seen in 4(5%) of the 80 cases studied. Of these 4 mortalities, all 4 cases showed IL-6 levels strongly positive. Hence, strongly elevated IL-6 levels, in this study, are found to be associated with bad prognosis as indicated by death. The result of the present study appears to emphasize that serum IL-6 levels increases to a significant level in the patients having bacterial septicemia. The level of rise depends upon the severity of the sepsis. Hence, it can be concluded that IL-6 levels can be used as an early diagnostic marker of neonatal sepsis. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Authors are thankful Dr. V. Kotrashetti for guidance during study period. We also express thanks to Mr. Dattatray Parle and Dr. Tabish Pathan for editing this study. Funding: None Conflict of Interest: None Permission from IRB: Yes REFERENCES â€Å"NNF Teaching Aids: Newborn Care† www.newbornwhocc.org/pdf/ teaching-aids/neonatalsepsis.pdf. Siegel J, McCracken G, â€Å"Sepsis Neonatarum† NEJM, 1981(304):642-646. â€Å"IMMULITE: IL-6† Manual on IMMULITE Published by Siemens Medical Solutions and Diagnostics, Los Angels, CA, USA, 2006. Saunders, B. M., Z. Liu, Y. Zhan and C. Cheers, â€Å"Interleukin- 6 production during chronic experimental infection† Immunol. Cell Biol. 1993(71):275-280 Gupte S., â€Å"The Short Text Book of Paediatrics† 9th Ed., Jaypee Brothers, New Delhi, 2001:559-561. Milenia QuickLine IL-6 Published by Milenia Biotec, USA SepsisNeoEnglish, 2005. de Bont, E., A. Martens, J. van Raan, G. Samson, W. P. Fetter, A Okken and L. H. F. M. de Lei, â€Å"Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 plasma levels in neonatal sepsis† Pediatr. Res., 1993(33):380-383. Bhargav SK, Gupta A, Bhargav M. Bacterial Infections in Newborn. Newer Development in Pediatric[A1] Research 1977; 1. MirfAmans and Khan SR. Neonatal sepsis; a review with study of 50 cases. Journal[A2] of Tropical Pediatrics 1987; 33(3):131-5. McCraken and Shinefield. Changes in the pattern of neonatal septicemia and meningitis. Am J Dis. Child 1966; 112:33. Faridi et al[A3]. Chest radiograph in neonatal sepsis. Ind. Ped[A4]. 1972; 29:871. Kumar GD et al[A5]. Bacteriological analysis of blood culture isolates from neonate in tertiary care hospital in India. J Health, Population and Nutrition, 2002; 20(4): 343-347. Chan DK and Ho LY. Usefulness of C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Singapore MedicalJournal[A6] 1997; 38(6): 252-5. Franz AR, et al. Reduction of unnecessary antibiotic therapy in newborn infants using interleukin-8 and C-reactive protein as markers of bacterial infections. Pediatrics 1999; 104:447-53. .Ghosh S, Mittal M, Jaganathan G. Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis using a hematological scoring system 2000;54(9):495-500. Diwakar KK, Rosul G, â€Å"Revised Look at Micro-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Neonates† Indian Pediatrics[A7] 1999; 36:703-705. Silveira RC, Procianoy RS, â€Å"Evaluation of interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1 for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis† Acta. Paediatr ,1999(88): 647-650. Renato S. Procianoy, Rita C. Silveira, â€Å"The role of sample collection timing on interleukin-6 levels in early-onset neonatal sepsis† J Pediatr (Rio J), 80(5):407-10, 2004. [A1]AS ABOVE [A2]BBR [A3]ET AL ONLY IF THERE ARE MORE THAN SIX AUTHORS, PLEASE CHECK [A4]CORRECT AS ABOVE; NO FULL STOPS AND CORRECTLY ABBREVIATED NAMES OF JOURNALS. [A5]CHECK ET AL [A6]Sing Med J [A7]Abbr

The Presidential Election of 2000 Essay -- Politics Political

The Presidential Election of 2000 Presidential election cycles are always three-ring circuses, and the 2000 election has become one of the biggest circuses ever. With a two-term president unable to seek re-election, the House of Representatives clearly up for grabs, and Democrats counting on major Senate gains -- even hoping to win control -- there is a lot at stake in this year's elections. Republicans' optimism is based on their view that they will take back the White House after an eight-year hiatus. GOP insiders believe that Americans are tired of Bill Clinton, have doubts about Vice President Al Gore and are ready for change. Republican turnout was down in 1998, which helps account for the party's poor showing in the off-year elections. And even the most loyal Republican will agree that the party's recent presidential nominees, Bob Dole and former President George Herbert Walker Bush (in 1992), failed to excite Republicans and Independents. GOP strategists think that strength at the top of the ticket in 2000 wil l help all Republican candidates. Democrats have reasons to worry about the presidential race. While Republicans held the White House for three consecutive terms from 1980 to 1992, voters often grow tired of one party after two terms. Ethics questions and controversies involving Clinton and Gore have also given Republicans ammunition. And recent history isn't with the Democrats. Only four sitting vice presidents -- John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Van Buren and George Bush -- were elected directly to the presidency in the entire history of the nation. Al Gore is hoping to make it five. The GOP presidential nominee, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, recovered after a shaky start during the primary season and tried to establish education as his most important issue. Surveys throughout the summer showed him with an early lead, which grew dramatically just before the GOP's national convention. Those same polls showed voters gave him high marks on his ability to handle key issues, including traditional Democratic ones such as health care, education and Social Security. Even more important, those same polls showed him with a significant advantage over the vice president in the area of leadership. But Gore changed all that with his performance on the last day of the Democrats' Los Angeles national convention. Whether it was the highly publiciz... ... seats and still win control of that body. The Reform and Green Parties still remain a question mark. While the Reform Party was split early on between its Pat Buchanan and John Hagelin wings, Buchanan was finally awarded the $12.6 million in federal funds that the party was due. But Buchanan, who was thought to be a headache for Bush, has proved to be a non-factor. Hagelin is the Natural Law Party's nominee, though he is also on some state ballots as the Reform nominee. Meanwhile, Ralph Nader, the Green Party nominee, has become a factor in the presidential contest. While he clearly lost some support after the Democratic convention, he seemed to gain steam during October, increasing his vote in key states, such as Oregon and Washington. The presidential race appears to heading toward a showdown in about a dozen states, with the outcome in Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Northwest most important. It's very clear that there is a lot at stake in the 2000 elections. But the voters don't seem passionate about one party or the other. That means that all the races -- from president down to the House -- will focus on individual candidates and their campaigns.

Should Fred Hire Mimi Despite Her Online History?

In this case â€Å"We Googled You†, googling candidates before hiring often takes place in many companies. Sometimes people’s online histories revealed by googling affect hiring decisions of employers. Fred Westen, the CEO of Hathaway Jones, a luxury appeal retailer, is looking for a candidate who can lead flagship stores successfully in China. Fred met Mimi Brewster and thought that she fits the position because she had grown up in China and she speaks both Mandarin and a local dialect. Mimi graduated from Berkeley University as a cum laude, and majored in modern Chinese history. Hathaway Jones needs creative employees like Mimi who can renovate the image and product line of the company. Fred knows that the brand image of the company is getting old fast according to the firm’s market research. However, the Vice President of HR, Virginia Flanders googled Mimi and found her online information related to protest activities against China. She opposes hiring Mimi because Mimi might get the company into a trouble in the future. If Fred hires Mimi, the company will have a leader who is aggressively creative but potentially risky. On the other hand, if Fred does not hire her, the company can avoid the potential risk but miss a great candidate. Should Fred hire the candidate? From my perspective, Fred Western should talk to Mimi to explain her protest activities, and hire Mimi if the potential risk related the online history can be preventable. He should clarify her point of view about her past protest involvements and how those views have changed rather than making a judgment only from digital information. Online information can be easily falsified so it is important to clarify the situation. If her opinions toward China have changed in positive ways, potential risk can be removed by posting her current point of view on the online. Executives who take responsibility to hire employees should pay more attention to candidates’ potential job abilities than focusing too much on an individual’s online presence. Important hiring standards should focus on what they will do and how they can handle problems in the future rather than what they already did in the past. Fred’s instinct tells him that letting Mimi go to a competitor will be a catastrophe to Hathaway Jones because of her potentials. He cannot realize his ambitious plan to expand on China’s luxury goods market with only people who always play safe. John G. Palfrey’s article, †Should Fred Hire Mimi Despite Her Online History† (p. 42), says that there is no reason to fear bringing Mimi in based on the results of a Google search. Legal issue may arise only if Hathaway Jones discriminates against Mimi. Palfrey argues that if CEOs are looking only for people who are total saints, then maybe they are hiring only uninteresting people at the end of the day. I agree that hiring standards of Virginia have to be revised. Otherwise, companies may miss young great candidates. The young generation called â€Å"digital natives† share much more information on the Internet than the older generation called â€Å"digital immigrants†, who have not plunged themselves into digital environments. If CEOs only hire people who do not have online histories, the companies will suffer from a lack of leaders in the future. Coutu, D. (2007) We Googled You. Harvard Business Review, pp. 37-41. Palfrey, J. (2007). Should Fred Hire Mimi Despite Her Online History? Harvard Business Review, p. 42.

Spains Arab Connection Influenced the Language

Spain's Arab Connection Influenced the Language If you speak either Spanish or English, you probably speak more Arabic than you think. Its not real Arabic youre speaking, but rather words that come from the Arabic language. After Latin and English, Arabic is probably the biggest contributor of words to the Spanish language. A large portion of English-Spanish cognates that dont come from Latin come from Arabic. Spanish Words and Arabic Origins If you know much about etymology, the English words youre most likely to think of as Arabic origin are those that start with al-. This includes words such as algebra, Allah, alkali, and alchemy. These words exist in Spanish as lgebra, Al, lcali, and alquimia, respectively. But they are far from the only Arabic-derived words in Spanish. A variety of other types of common words such as coffee, zero, and sugar (cafà ©, cero, and azà ºcar in Spanish) also come from Arabic. The introduction of Arabic words into Spanish began in earnest in the eighth century. But even before then, some words of Latin and Greek origin had roots in Arabic. People living in what is now Spain spoke Latin at one time, but over the centuries, Spanish and other Romance languages (such as French and Italian) gradually differentiated themselves. The Latin dialect that eventually became Spanish was highly influenced by the invasion of the Arabic-speaking Moors in 711. For many centuries, Latin/Spanish and Arabic existed side by side. Even today, many Spanish place names retain Arabic roots. It wasnt until late in the 15th century that the Moors were expelled. By then, literally thousands of Arabic words had become part of Spanish. Although it is believed that the English words alfalfa and alcove, which originally were Arabic, entered English by way of Spanish (alfalfa and alcoba), most Arabic words in English probably entered the language by other routes. Keep in mind also that Arabic has changed substantially since the 15th century. Some Arabic words from then arent necessarily still in use, or they have changed in meaning. aceite - oilaceituna - oliveadobe - adobeaduana - customs (as at a border)ajedrez - chessAl - Allahalacrn - scorpionalbacora - albacorealbahaca - basilalberca - tank, swimming poolalcalde - mayorlcali - alkalialcatraz - pelicanalczar - fortress, palacealcoba - bedroom, alcovealcohol - alcoholalfil - bishop (in chess)alfombra - carpetalgarroba - carobalgodà ³n - cottonalgoritmo - algorithmalmacà ©n - storagealmanaque - almanacalmirante - admiralalmohada - pillowalquiler - rentalquimia - alchemyamalgama - amalgamaà ±il - indigoarroba - symbolarroz - riceasesino - assassinatà ºn - tunaayatol - ayatollahazafrn - saffronazar - chanceazà ºcar - sugarazul - blue (same source as English azure)balde - bucketbarrio  - districtberenjena - eggplantburca - burqacafà © - coffeecero - zerochivo - billy goatcifra - cifraCorn - Korancuscà ºs - couscousdado - die (singular of dice)espinaca - spinachfez - fezfulano - whats-his-namegacela - gazelleguitarra - guitarhachà ­s - hashishharà ©n - haremhasta - untilimn - imamislam - Islamjaque - check (in chess)jaque mate - checkmatejirafa - giraffelaca - lacquerlila - lilaclima - limelimà ³n - lemonloco - crazymacabro - macabremarfil - marble, ivorymasacre - massacremasaje - massagemscara - maskmazapn - marzipanmezquita - mosquemomia - mummymono - monkeymuslim - muslimnaranja - orangeojal - I hope, God willingolà © - bravoparaà ­so - paradiseramadn - Ramadanrehà ©n - hostagerincà ³n - corner, nooksandà ­a - watermelonsof - sofasorbete  - sherbetrubio - blondtalco - talctamarindo - tamarindtarea - tasktarifa - tarifftrtaro - tartartaza - cuptoronja - grapefruitzafra - harvestzanahoria - carrotzumo - juice

Private Limited Company Essays

Private Limited Company Essays Private Limited Company Paper Private Limited Company Paper Being a sole trader is the easiest and most common form of business to set up. If Donald Powell decided to operate as a sole trader, he would be the owner and manager of his own business. Being a sole trader has its advantages and disadvantages.  If Donald Powell were to become a sole trader, he would receive all of the profits his business has generated. Donald Powell, as a sole trader, would also be able to make all of the decisions in his business.  Privacy is also an advantage for Mr Powell as all business affairs would remain private.  As a sole trader, Donald Powell can quickly change trade if his previous one proves to be unsuccessful. This can happen overnight.  However, there are also some disadvantages to being a sole trader. Unlimited liability is one of them. Ultimate responsibility for any debts will lie solely with Donald Powell. This would have to be repaid by his wealth or personal possessions. Since it is very unlikely that any single individual will posses all the required qualifications and business acumen to a run a successful enterprise, Donald Powell may find it impossible to compete with traders employing people specialising in different aspects of the trade.  As a sole trader, Donald Powell may find the responsibility of owning, managing and working the business a heavy burden.  Working hours may also be a disadvantage as Donald Powell would be likely to have to work long hours. If Donald Powell was to become sick or was to die, the business may collapse.  The last disadvantage would be lack of growth. It would be difficult for Donald Powells business to grow, as the money invested in the business (capital) is likely to be very limited.  If Donald Powell was to operate as a sole trader, he would experience a lot of advantages such as receiving all of the profit, making all of the decisions e.t.c. He also has a lot of serious disadvantages such as not being able to advertise his shares, lacking business skills e.t.c. E.g. If Donald Powell lacked necessary business skills, he would find it very difficult to cope and be successful. This is why I have come to the conclusion that this type of business is unsuitable for Mr Powell. Forming a partnership with at least one person and a maximum of twenty can lessen some disadvantages experienced by a sole trader (Donald Powell). This is a popular type of business. This type of company has many advantages and disadvantages.  Each partner will invest capital into the business and this will increase Donald Powells business financial resource.  Partnerships can take advantages of larger scale businesses opportunities. This is a good advantage for Donald Powell  The responsibilities of the business would be shared between all of the owners known as partners. This would take a little weight off Mr Powells shoulders. In a partnership, business affairs would remain private between the partners. This could increase Donald Powells business awareness as well.  With several partners working within the business, each one can specialise in what they are best at e.g. accountancy e.t.c (Speacialition increases productivity) This could be very useful for Mr Powell as he may lack some business skills. Therefore, he can do what he is best at.  There are four main disadvantages to being in a partnership. The first one is unlimited liability. All partners are equally liable for any debts the business builds up. Therefore, Donald Powell can lose all of his personal wealth and possessions to repay debts. With shared decision-making, there is always a likelihood of Donald Powell or any of the other partners disagreeing to someones decision. However, this can be solved with a legal document called a Deed of Partnership. This outlines how decisions should be made, profits shared e.t.c  As the number of partners is limited, so is the capital. This can hinder the business growth. This is a disadvantage for Donald Powell. I think operating in a partnership would be quite a good choice of business for Mr Powell as it has many advantages such as specialisation, more capital e.t.c However, there are also a few disadvantages such as disagreements, unlimited liability e.t.c And although it seems that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, I still think this is not the most suitable type of business for the needs of Donald Powell. If Donald Powell decided to operate as a plc, (public limited company), he would be the owner and manager of his business perhaps along with a few other people. Being an owner of a plc has its advantages and disadvantages.  The liability of the owners such as Donald Powell to pay the debts of the company is limited only to the money invested in shares. This would encourage share ownership, as Donald Powells personal wealth is kept secure, should the company fail. Shares can be advertised and sold through the stock exchange. The shares can be sold to any member of the public. This can allow Donald Powell to raise a vast amount of capital.  If Donald Powell made a mistake which proved to be very serious, his business would be sued, not Donald Powell himself.  As Donald Powells business becomes larger, there will be a lot more scope for specialisation. Specialist in different jobs could be employed. Employees will concentrate on only a few tasks they are good at. Not only will this allow Donald Powells business to run things much more efficiently, but also Mr Powell will not need to worry whether he lacks certain business skills. (Specialisation increases output). As Donald Powell will be running a larger business, banks will be more willing to lend larger business loans, as he will be likely to repay them on time. Loans with a lower rate of interest may be obtained. As Donald Powells business will be a lot larger, he will be more likely to buy things in bulk. Hence, the unit cost of production will fall. (Get cheaper).  Any owner that purchases more than 50% of the companys shares can be said to have taken over the business. This can happen anytime if shareholders (such as Donald Powell) are willing to sell their shares. E.g. BMW mounted a successful take over of Rover. Large businesses can be difficult for Donald Powell to control and manage leading to inefficiencies e.g. managers wasting money and leading to disagreements and industrial action. This can lead to rising unit costs in production known as diseconomies of scale.  Donald Powells interests e.g. growth, market share may differ from shareholders interests e.g. profit leading to higher dividends  The setting of a PLC is time consuming and costly.

Letter to my son Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Letter to my son - Essay Example Your dad and I decided to visit the subway for something to eat and as soon as we were done, he moved to another store, as I was moving out of the subway. While moving out, I tried to call your dad to establish his location, and that was when you announced your arrival. It was thirty minutes past noon, and I was rushed to the hospital by your dad. What your father and I underwent in the whole process was not only challenging but also unbearable. The moment you were delivered and placed on my arms, we both cried tears of joy. Your birth was the most cherished moment of our lives. Everybody in the family was happy for having you as a gift from God. I can recall that day when you were born was a Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah and we named you Nathaniel meaning a gift from God. At birth, you resembled your uncle Radik very much, and people started referred to you as ‘mini-radik’ but as days went by, you again begun to resemble your aunt Emily. You also had large eyes and long lashes like me. Your changes because of physical development always made my heart melt with joy plus the numerous smiles from when excited. Even though am not sure if I have been a great mother to you, but you were a blessing to me. You were always my reason for happiness as well as a happy marriage with your dad. As days passed by things begun to get difficult and at times I found myself with hard and straining tasks. The non-stop crying since you wanted to feed within a three-hour period, how you dirtied yourself; as a result either urine, excreta or vomit and your refusal to suck when being breastfed. When breastfed you only held to the breast without sucking, you were too lazy. This shocked several people including the lactation consultant and he advised that the milk had to be put in the mouth for one to can drink. The most devastating of all times came when you were sick. We had to see the Doctor severally from when you were

Gandhi's view on western civilization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Gandhi's view on western civilization - Essay Example The phrase â€Å"Home Rule† is an English explanation of the previous word â€Å"swaraj† which is in the Gujarati language and means the self-rule of the people, both as individuals and as local communities, free from the rule of the British. Gandhi rejects the idea that western countries are civilized and India is not. Things which are treasured in the west, like technology and high levels of education are seen as being only good for the rich because they never reach the poor, and even when they are used in poor areas, the poor people suffer from them. One example he uses is the way that machinery takes away the jobs of the poorest people: â€Å"Machinery is the chief symbol of civilization; it represents a great sin.† (Chapter 19, page 63) He compares machinery to â€Å"a snake-hole which may contain from one to a hundred snakes† (Chapter 19, page 64) He sees the negative effects of modern scientific progress and argues for a more human and less extreme kind of progress that takes account of the needs of all the people, and not just the profits of the wealthy industrialists. There is one thing missing in western civilisation, when it is seen from an Indian point of view, and that is the spiritual or moral dimension. Christianity was seen as part of the conquering colonial culture, and Gandhi prefers the gentle way of Hindu morality, which stresses individual conduct in harmony with society and the world around. He sees western civilization as pure materialism: â€Å"Many problems can be solved by remembering that money is their God†¦They wish to convert the whole world into a vast market for their goods.† (Chapter 13, page 32) In contrast, the concept of duty is important to Indians, and Gandhi links this with his idea of what civilization should be: â€Å"Civilisation is that mode of conduct which points out to a man the path of duty† (Chapter 13, page 45) Gandhi uses the dialog form to debate issues, since the two speakers ask each other questions and answers them, showing two sides to every argument. This approach uses reason to show how harmful western civilization is. Another method is to use images and parables from Indian culture which illustrate the dangerous nature of western people and ideas, for example: â€Å"When a tiger changes his nature, Englishmen will change theirs.† (Chapter 4, page 25). Some of this danger is a moral danger: â€Å"the Mother of Parliaments is like a sterile woman and a prostitute.† (Chapter 4, page 27) The power of western civilization is called a vortex which hypnotizes people and draws them in (Chapter 4, page 29). Gandhi argues that the concept of civilization that the western nations have is not healthy for the people, and mechanized industry allows great exploitation of workers so that â€Å"Their condition is worse than that of beasts† (Chapter 4, page 30) The provision of material goods in huge quantities is described as a for m of slavery, because people toil to get them, but they have to endure terrible working conditions to get even a tiny portion of them. Other words describing modern westernized civilization are â€Å"monster† (Chapter 8, page 33); â€Å"cursed† (Chapter 13, page 46); and â€Å"godless.† (Chapter 13, page 46) Some of criticisms of western civilization are very harsh, for example he notes that Muslims call it â€Å"