Data warehousing and storage systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Data warehousing and storage systems - Essay Example These types of warehouses help in attaining different range and level of storage of data in a computing device. A data warehouse is useful because it can maintain replica of information from the source. This architectural convolution provides the prospect to alleviate the problem of database isolation level lock conflict in operation processing systems that is caused by long or large running attempts and queries related to analysis in the processing database of transaction (Silvers, 2008). The uses of data warehousing is not just limited to one prospect it also helps in compressing data into a single source from multiple sources so that only one query engine can be used. Data warehousing increases the efficiency of working and it improves the data quality by maintaining data history accurately even when the source transaction is unable to keep the record. It helps in keeping information secure and also updates if any alteration is done on any data. This is very important because stor age of data should always be in a secured mode in order to avoid isolation of information. The concept of data warehousing was brought forward in the later part of 1980, in order to deliver an architectural model for flow of information from operational systems to decision support systems (Becker, 2002). Data warehouses in order to obtain analytical access patterns are optimized. They involve in selecting specific fields of function unlike operational systems that use a common type of access pattern. Due to these differences analytical databases get benefited from column-oriented data base management system and operational database get benefited from row-oriented data base management system. Operational systems only maintain a picture or frame of business related information however data warehouses maintain the entire history that is implemented from ETL processes. The evolution of data warehousing in organization use is very sophisticated. There are mainly four levels of warehouses.

Arab Family and Customs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Arab Family and Customs - Essay Example The ethnic identity of any group is usually subject to the convergence of two key factors that are the immigrant culture and the host culture. There exists a scramble for dominion between the two factors irrespective of what the ethnic affiliation might be. Eventually, these two factors accommodate each other and a compromise where both cultures find space becomes evident. The interaction between the host and immigrant cultures dictates the characteristics of the ethnic identity (Zogby 77). The Arab-American identity becomes built on an intricate weave of both the immigrant Middle East culture and the American culture leading to a unique situation for the second generation of Arab-Americans. A dialectic relationship between the host and immigrant features result in a dynamic culture that has both American and Arabic elements. Whereas the intertwined culture cannot be equated, the immigrant culture is more often than not the more influential of the two. Focus group studies carried out in Dearborn, Michigan, which hosts the largest population of Arab Muslims in the United States, shed light on the identity taken by the studied lot and the reasons behind the identities taken. Since the two cultures are diverse and different on so many levels, the only way to forge forward is to adapt to the new foreign way of life keeping principal elements of your Arabic heritage (Zogby 65). Gender and religion emerged as vital elements of the Arab identity. An Arab has to be of a certain religion with vast differences in what becomes expected of the various genders. Gender is especially a thorn in the flesh of many Arab Americans who become somewhat confused by how the respective immigrant and host cultures view gender. Whereas the host culture boasts a sense of equality between the genders, the immigrant culture faithfully subscribes to the opposite view

Rheumatoid Arthritis Essay Example for Free

Rheumatoid Arthritis Essay Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) belongs to a class of autoimmune disorders that cause chronic joint inflammation as well as inflammation of the tissues surrounding the joints (Goronzy Weyand, 2001, p. 55). Other organs in the body are also affected when the cells fail to differentiate self from non-self. The failure of the immune cells to differentiate the body’s own cells from the foreign or intruding cells leads to autoimmunity where the immune cells attack the body’s own cells. Usually, the immune system is organized in a way that it seeks and destroys the body’s invaders particular the pathogens. The antibodies in patients with autoimmune diseases always target the body’s own tissues and cause inflammation. The effects resulting from the self-attack spreads to multiple body organs and this condition is commonly referred to as rheumatic arthritis (Arthritis Foundation, 2010). Epidemiology Rheumatoid arthritis is perhaps the commonest of all rheumatoid diseases and it affects about 1. 3 million people in the U. S alone (Arthritis Foundation, 2010). Women are three times as riskier than men to be afflicted by the disease although the disease is common among all races in equal magnitude (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 1). The numbers of women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are currently on the increase despite the recorded decline in numbers a few decades ago. The use of contraceptive pills containing insufficient estrogen as birth control measures has been blamed for the reduced immunity among women thus the increased cases of RA (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 5). Environmental factors such as cigarette smoking are also to blame for the increase in disease cases among women. Although the general smoking rates have declined in the United States, the rates of women smokers, separately considered, have not declined though. While genetic factors such as the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 alleles have for long been suspected to cause aberrations in proteins in immune cells, this has not been proved yet (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 5). The risk among women has also been linked to the deficiency of vitamin D. Rheumatoid arthritis usually afflicts individuals of a wide range of ages although it is commonly begins after one has attained the age of 40 although it is rare beyond the age of 60 (Silman Pearson, 2002, p. 267). It has also been shown that rheumatoid arthritis can occur in multiple members of the same family. This observation suggests the propensity that the disease is inheritable (Goronzy Weyand, 2001, p. 55). A specific gene is suspected to be the underlying reason for the strange behavior of the immune cells attacking the body’s own cells. Pathophysiology and Pathogenesis Arthritis refers to some form of inflammation that occurs at the joints. Joints are points where two bones join each other and are critical for locomotion process. Rheumatoid arthritis results to the inflammation of the joint which is accompanied with severe pain, swelling, redness and stiffness in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to severe inflammation in tissues surrounding the joints such as ligaments, tendons and muscles. Chronic inflammation in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis can result into complete destruction of the bones, cartilage and ligaments thus leading to serious joint deformities. Usually, destruction of the joints can occur in early stages if development but gets worse as one advances in age (Arthritis Foundation, 2010). The main cause of RA is not well known although bacteria, viruses and fungi have for long been in the suspect list without any of the biological agents been proved. As for this reason, intensive research efforts are being invested in the identification of the causal agents for RA. Genetic causes and environmental infectious agents have been associated with the deranged immune system which goes out of control and attacks the body’s own cells (Goronzy Weyand, 2001, p. 55). The deranged immune system results into massive joint and organ inflammation which leads to rheumatoid arthritis. The common organs affected include the eyes and the lungs. Specifically, the activation of lymphocytes marks the start of the process of inflammation. In the inflamed cells, a number of chemical messengers are expressed including the interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (Gupta Fomberstein, 2002, p. 3). Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experience episodic inflammatory symptoms depending on the extent of individual tissue inflammation. The disease is overly active following extensive tissue inflammation and becomes inactive after inflammation has subsided. The condition undergoes remission following treatment or spontaneously and this can last for several days to years. In remission stage, patients feel well again until the conditions flares (return of symptoms and course of the disease). Active symptoms of RA include energy loss, lack of appetite, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, stiffness and low-grade fever. The reddening and swelling of the joints at the point of inflammation is indicative of RA. The joints also become tender and overly painful and the synovium, which is the tissue lining the joints, gets inflamed leading to overproduction of joint fluids or synovial fluid (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 26). The inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) results mainly from its thickening. A number of organs and other body parts are affected in rheumatoid arthritis because the disease is a systemic condition. Specifically, the disease affects several body joints which are inflamed in a symmetrical manner mainly involving the small joints of the wrist and the hands (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 12). The wrists and the hands are affected and the patients afflicted by the disease get it difficult to even open jars and turn door knobs. RA also affects a number of small joints of the feet. However, when a single joint is affected, the arthritis presents as joint infection or gout. Damage to tissues, bones and cartilages results from chromic inflammation and this can eventually lead to a complete cartilage loss and bone and muscle weaknesses and erosion. Joints will become deformed, destroyed or may completely lose function. The vocal cords can be affected to a level of influencing the voice tone. The effect to the cricoarytenoid joint has been suggested to influence the voice tone and cause voice hoarseness of the afflicted individuals. Inflammation of the glands located in the mouth and eyes often cause dryness, a condition known as Sjogren’s syndrome. Chest pain associated with shortness of breath, deep breathing or coughing results from pleuritis or the inflammation of the linings of the lungs (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 18). Lungs tissues may become scarred, inflamed or rheumatoid nodules may form in the lungs. The pericardium or the tissues that surround the heart may become inflamed (pericarditis) and lead to massive chest pain especially when afflicted individuals lean forward or lie down (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 19). The total erythrocytes and leucocytes count immensely reduces and a reduction in red blood cells leads to anemia while a decrease in leucocytes results to the enlargement of the spleen, a condition known as the Felty’s syndrome (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 17). The region around the fingers and elbows may experience firm lumps known as the rheumatoid nodules (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 16). While rheumatoid nodules do not lead to any significant symptoms, they can be infected occasionally. In RA patients, the nerves may become pinched around the wrist area and result to carpal tunnel syndrome. While it is rare for patients to suffer from vasculitis, the condition is one of the serious complications associated with RA and can totally impair the supply of blood to the tissues and lead to necrosis or tissue death. In vasculitis, tiny black spots around the beds of nails or ulcerations of the legs are commonly visible. Treatments To date, there is no specific known treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. However, modern interventions have been directed towards reducing pain and inflammation of the joints and maximizing the functioning of the joints. With proper management such as X-ray monitoring, the damage to joints and improvement of joint functions can be achieved. A combination of medication, sufficient rest, joint protection, patient education and exercise to strengthen the joints has been proved effective (Clair, Pisetsky, Haynes, 2001, p. 146). The treatment plan is not uniform among all patients but depends on the disease activity, general health of the patient, the age and occupation of the patient and the type of joints affected by RA. In all the treatment plans, there should be total cooperation between the patient, doctor and the family members. There are two main classes of drugs used in the management of RA: the first-line drugs or the fast-acting drugs and the second-line or the slow acting drugs. Among the first-line drugs include aspirin and corticosteroids such as cortisone which are used in the management of joint inflation and pain. Second-line or slow acting medications, also known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) include agents such as methotrexate, hydroxycholoroquine and gold (Arthritis Foundation, 2010). These agents increase the chances for disease remission and prevent any progressive destruction of the joints but do not act as anti-inflammatory agents (Arthritis Foundation, 2010). Since the level of destructiveness from RA varies with individuals, treatment options also differ among individuals. For instance, patients with less destructive forms of RA can be advised to have sufficient rest or given analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage the condition. Second-line medications can be administered in a timely manner to improve the function and minimize joint destruction and disability within a short period following disease diagnosis. However, a great percentage of individuals suffering from aggressive form of RA require second-line drugs like methotrexate as well as the anti-inflammatory drugs. Different second-line drugs can also be given in combination regiment. In severe deformities of the joints, surgical procedure may be recommended to correct the deformities (Arthritis Foundation, 2010).

The interpretation of images

The interpretation of images Does the person (or people) who produce a work (image, film, artwork etc.) ultimately control its meaning and interpretation? The relationship between a person and/or people controlling a piece of work, and thus its meaning, are closely inter-related. Photographers, for example, hold multiple theories. One photographer may concur with the notion of inter-relation, whilst another may hold an idea contradictory – theories that support a negative interpretation of, in this case, an image. Throughout this essay I will be looking into different photographers views on meanings of a piece of work and authorship. I will be doing this by comparing the photographers’ views, concluding the questions answer s and then explaining my opinion and summarising the essay. I believe most photographers agree that they have full control of the meaning or interpretation of an image, when we look at an image and read then read the concept behind it we are led to believe that, that is the intended meaning of that piece of work. However, sometimes when we are looking into contradicting and deceiving images that is when the public eye notice that the concept may not be what the photographer intended to show through his photographs. It is common practice for photographers to use various methods to analyse the meaning and interpretation of an image. They have a choice as to the method employed, which can give results ranging from the qualitative, to the quantitative. Kevin Carter’s Pulitzer Prize, given for an award-winning image of a malnourished Sudanese child, is one particular example of how the intended meaning of an image can actually be interpreted. The image signified no celebration – a child barely surviving, and a vulture eager for carrion. However, this image which epitomised Sudan’s famine would go on to win Kevin Carter fame, from previous hopes of a career built on hounding the news, free-lancing in war-ravaged countries, and waiting anxiously for assignments amid dire finances; he would stay in the line of fire for that one great image. The photograph was sold to ‘The New York Times’ where it appeared on 26 March 1993, as a ‘metaphor for Africa’s despair’. Overnight, hundreds contacted the newspaper to ask if the child has survived. As a result, the newspaper ran an unusual special editors’ note explaining to the public that the girl did have enough strength to get away from the vulture, but that her ultimate fate was unknown. Journalists within Sudan were requested not to touch victims of famine due to the risk of disease transmission. Despite this, Carter came under aggressive criticism for not helping the girl. The‘St. Petersburg Times’in Florida wrote â€Å"The man adjusting his lens to take just the right frame of her suffering might just as well be a predator, another vulture on the scene.’’[1] The approach that public opinion doomed on Carter was not only that of taking the image instead of immediately chasing the vulture away, but also the element that he did not help the small girl afterwards who clearly needed help. Then again, as Carter explained later that he left her in such a weak condition to continue the march by herself towards the feeding centre. Kevin Carter committed suicide two years after receiving the Pulitzer Prize. We are led to believe that Kevin Carter’s suicide note is as followed: â€Å"Im really, really sorry. The pain of life overrides the joy to the point that joy does not exist depressed without phone money for rent money for child support money for debts money!!! I am haunted by the vivid memories of killings and corpses and anger and pain of starving or wounded children, of trigger-happy madmen, often police, of killer executioners I have gone to joinKenif I am that lucky.†[6] Joanne Cauciella Bonica, Massapequa, New York expressed her feelings to the world by saying â€Å"It is ironic that Kevin Carter won the Pulitzer for a photograph which to me is a photograph of his own soul and exemplifies his own life. Kevin is that small child huddled up against the world, and the vulture is what we could call ‘the angel of death’. I just wish someone would have chased that evil from his life. Im sure that little child surrendered to death just as Kevin did. Both must have suffered significantly.†[7] This is a prime example of whether the photographer, the producer of the image, has ultimate control over the meaning and interpretation of their work. An analysis into Kevin Carter’s ‘vulture stalking a child’ image reveals that his intentions were only to show a bird spreading its wings. On the contrary, the result was much more haunting – on the most basic level, it is interpreted as an image of a predator and its prey, by the viewers. Following such observations and information requests to The New York Times, the viewers altered the meaning of the image, from one that should have shown a vulture spreading its wings, to one which displays a cruel, heart-breaking, and cultural issues image. â€Å"He heard a soft, high-pitched sobbing and saw a tiny girl trying to make her way to the feeding centre. As he crouched to photograph her, a vulture landed in sight. Trying careful not to disturb the bird, he positioned himself for the best possible image. He later then said he waited patiently for about 20 minutes, hoping the vulture would spread its wings. However it did not, and after he took his photographs, he claimed to chase the bird away, yet still watched as the little girl continued her struggle to the feeding centre.†[2] Therefore, when we look back at the question, does the person (or people) who produce a work (image, film, artwork etc.) ultimately control its meaning and interpretation? We can look at this question in many different ways when we begin to deconstruct the image bit by bit, so we can observe many different individual parts of this image to interpret. When we look at this image whole, what we are pushed to believe that the image is representing a malnourished Sudanese child that is crying for help, you could say the image is showing awareness of what is happening in different areas of the world. However, if we were to deconstruct this image, the concept of the photograph is completely changed to a wild animal looking for its pray to pounce on. Which then relates to wildlife/documentary photography. Then again, if we were to deconstruct the image the other way around we would see a raising awareness image of the people of Sudan needing help, instead of the journalist photography that Kevin Carter is so highly known for. ‘’The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guidelines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section.’’[3] When looking into the rules of thirds we frame the photograph and imagine it divided into 9 individual parts of the image, as a photographer when using the rule of thirds properly we try to position the main parts of the photograph near the lines and intersections of the grid. Therefore, when we look at Kevin Carters image using this method, we see that the vulture and child meet the criteria of the rule of thirds rules, the main aspects of the image line up with the main centre lines of the grid. This could be known as a perfect picture, if you will. However, we are told that Carter’s intentions of this image was to take a picture of the bird ‘spreading its wings’ and flying away. Carter must have been set up in a position where if he did take the image it would be seen as a perfect image, then again because this was the image he produced instead, this one turned out to be ‘The perfect image in photography rules.’ Stephen Bull Discourses are infamously tricky to evaluate. Ever since the 1970’s this idea of disclosure has perfected, absorbed and if you will replaced the theory of ideology. Its use in the analysis of photographs, ideology generally devises from the writings of the French philosopher Michel Foucault. However in summary of Foucault’s work the definition of disclosure is known as ‘a groups statements which structure the way a thing is thought, and the way we act on the basis of that thinking,’[4]. All of the elements around a certain photographs or photographic practice’ are its wide-ranging perspective that is produced and then how it is thought about. Therefore to illustrate this idea, it is useful to scrutinise thoroughly many different theories such as Martin Parr’s conservative ‘Midsummer Madness’ party has been expressed through a number of discourses, the originally meaning has been re-interpreted, sometimes subtly, other times significantly in its process. The cost of Living conservative Midsummer Madness is part of the documentary discourse – where ‘things as they are’ are shown. Many writers such as John Tagg would have been more likely to argue that the arranging of the photographs in this particular imagery is within the disclosure of documentary, which produces the idea that they portray the reality of the middle class consumerism in the 1980’s in Britain. Then again Parr’s work is involved in a development of the discourse documentary where the photographer allows more of a personal, independent viewpoint throughout their image of choice. (Bull, 2010). Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright Many images produce meanings, however meanings of a piece of work do not are not, strictly speaking, fully interpreted in the work itself, this is where the producer of the piece of work has placed its individual elements for the viewer to uncover them. The meanings and interpretations of work are based besides the image itself and the producer of the image. Then again, images have what we call the ‘dominant’ better known as a shared meaning. The image can also be interpreted and seen in many ways that do not adapt to its originally meaning. However, it is important to realise that not all work of arts and media productions do not speak to all viewers the same, rather, a piece of art speaks to specific viewers who are drawn into the image when being viewed. For example, style, content, the world it builds and the issues it raises. When a viewer is interested in a photograph they say the image speaks to them, perhaps because they can relate to it or know of someone who they can relate it to. ‘Just as viewers create meaning from images, images also construct audiences.’[5] Normally most images we view have some sort of concept behind them that their producers have tried to show throughout the image this could be a small or large aspect of the image. For example, advertisers look into audience research to ensure that the product they are advertising to sell is directly focused at the right age group or gender for the best selling point. Artists, graphic designers, filmmakers and many other people in this industry use images that the viewer will read interpret to their satisfaction. (Sturken, Cartwright, 2001). To conclude, does the person (or people) who produce a work (image, film, artwork etc.) ultimately control its meaning and interpretation? After looking into different online and library book resources such as ‘Stephen Bull PHOTOGRAPHY’ who expresses how an individual photograph is thought about and portrayed, I have found that all the recourses I have read through have one thing in common, the theory of a viewer creates meaning from images and the image creates the audience. Even though I have mentioned throughout my essay that the producer of the work attempts to show the meaning he intends to give throughout his/her image/images the main aspect in my opinion is the viewer and their opinion of the image and how they are drawn into it, how they interpret the image and relate to it. I believe from the research I have found that the person/people who produce the work do not have full control of the image. The producer attempts to show meaning throughout the image/images, process but how it is seen is the main element of this question. In summary, if the producer had full control there would be no need to have a research team in all advertisement of artist, graphic design and photography industries. The producer would not need to look into his target audience or age category, he/she would just take the picture and broadcast it. However this is something that is vital throughout the photographic industry. We direct our work to a specific audience to what the images concept illustrates. Therefore, â€Å"the audience will change the images interpretation†[8]. Bibliography Kevin Carter. (2011). Manic Street Preachers. Available: http://www.learningfromlyrics.org/KevinCarter.html. Last accessed 09/03/2015. Kevin Carter. (2011). Manic Street Preachers. Everything must go. 7 (4), 34. Pete Williams. (1999). Rule of Thirds. Available: http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/rule-of-thirds. Last accessed 11/03/2015. Stephen Bull (2010). PHOTOGRAPHY. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. 43. Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright. (2001). Viewers Make Meaning. In: Practices of looking. United States, New York: Oxford University Press. 45. Macleod Scott. (12 December 1994). The life and death of Kevin Carter. Available: http://content.time.com/time. Last accessed 20/03/2015. Joanne Cauciella Bonica. (10th august 2005). The ultimate in the unfair. Available: http://flatrock.org.nz/. Last accessed 20/03/2015. Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright. (2001).Practices of looking. New York: Oxford University Press. 45.

Graves Disease Essay -- Graves disease Biology Essays

Graves' Disease The disease was first noted in 1786 by Caleb Hillier Parry 1755- 1822, physician from General Hospital, Bath, England. His account was published posthumously in 1825. However Graves' disease is named after the Irish physician who described several cases in London Medical Journal in 1835. Graves' disease is also known as Parry's disease. In Europe, the disease is known as Basedow's disease. It is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis (the morbid condition due to over activity of the thyroid gland). The disorder has three major manifestations: Hyperthyroidism with diffuse goiter Ophthalmopathy and Dermopathy The three manifestations need not appear together. Indeed one or two never appear, and moreover, the three may run courses that are largely independent of one another. Graves' disease can occur at any age but is unusual before puberty. It most commonly affects the 30 to 50 year age group. The disease is more frequent in women, the ratio of predominance in women may be as high as 7 : 1. Genetic factors play a role. There is an association between the disease and the genes HLA ( human leucocyte antigen) B8, -DRw3, -Bw36, -Bw46. Indeed, a 50% concordance is found between identical twins. This means that if one individual in an identical pair of twins is afflicted with Graves' disease, the likelihood of the other sibling coming down with Graves' is 50%. Being an autoimmune disease, there is a clinical and immunologic overlap between Graves' disease and other diseases with prominent autoimmune features. These include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, pernicious anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE), rheumatoid arthritis ( RA), insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus ( IDDM), and Addison's disease. Thyroid hormones are important mediators of growth and differentiation. The absence of which leads to cretins in childhood. The hormones are also responsible for the regulation of the various metabolic pathways which are vital for life. They are necessary for the normal function of many organ systems. In the thyroid gland, multiple follicles make, store and release thyroid hormones into the surrounding capillaries. These little vessels then bring the hormones to the rest of the body where they are needed. "Thyroid hormones" refers mainly to two hormones T3 and T4, which are single, amino acids containing iodine. They are p... ...tient is willing to take replacement Thyroxine for life, the simplest approach may be the use of radioiodine. There are arguments for and against giving radioiodine to children and young persons who plan to have children. Previously, clinicians are unwilling to advise its use under the age of 45. This restriction is now rapidly being laxed as there is no convincing evidence that there is significant increase in the incidence of cancers occurring in adulthood secondary to its usage. Radioiodine can ensure that mothers are not taking anti- thyroid drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, an argument can be made for using this treatment method for all age groups except when pregnant or breastfeeding. Relapse of Graves' disease after medical therapy may be managed with a second course, but at this point radioiodine is preferred. During pregnancy and breastfeeding periods, PTU ( propylthiouracil) appears to be the safest drug to use. And surgery is advised in cases with the presence of concomitant suspicious nodule. Each of the 3 major treatments ( anti- thyroid drugs, surgery and radioactive iodine) has their own advantages and disadvantages compared to the others.

Pass the Potato Chips Essay -- Health Nutrition Food Papers

Pass the Potato Chips Has mankind discovered some fantastic substitute for fat to enable people to eat as many snacks as possible without gaining weight? Recently, Proctor & Gamble developed Olestra (sucrose polyester), a zero calorie fat-based substitute, at a cost of $200 million. This product has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) with warning labels. What is olestra? The olestra molecule differs from a fat molecule in that it has six to eight fatty acids on a sucrose core, as opposed to three fatty acids on a glycerol core. The bulkier olestra molecule is not digested, absorbed , or metabolized, and thus provides no calories† (Stern & Hermann-Zaidins ,1992 ). It has the same taste and texture of fat, and even retains this texture in deep frying. One ounce of potato chips with olestra contains only 70 calories, as opposed to the usual 160 calories (http://plainfield.bypass.com/%7Etwilbur/olestra.html). What is the purpose of olestra? The purpose of olestra is two-fold. Consumers believe they can cut calories eating products containing olestra. Since this fat substitute decreases fat intake, the result is weight loss. More importantly, less fat in a person’s daily diet cuts down the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. What products will contain olestra? Developed by Proctor & Gamble, olestra will be used in potato chips, in corn chips, in crackers, and in other snack foods under the name Olean. Consumers who are interested in purchasing olestra products should try Frito-Lay’s MAX line of snack foods (only sold in limited test markets in the United States). Frito-Lay MAX products will eventually be offered nationwide if test market consumers place these snacks in ... ...n. June 1996, Volume 63, No. 6, 891-895. Greenberg, E., Robert, M.D., et al. Mortality Associated with Low Plasma Concentration of Beta Carotene and the Effect of Oral Supplementation. Journal of American Medical Association. March 6, 1996, Volume 275, No. 9, 699-703. Seddon, Johanna M., M.D., et al. Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, and E, and Advance Age-Related Macular Regeneration. Journal of American Medical Association. November 9, 1994, Volume 272, No. 18, 1413-1420. Stern, Judith S., Hermann-Zaidins, Mindy G. Fat Replacements: A New Strategy for Dietary Change. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. January 1992, Volume 92, No. 1, 91-94. Weststrate, Jan., Van hef Hof, Karin H. Sucrose Polyester and plasma carotenoid concentrations in healthy subjects. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. September 1995, Volume 62, No. 3, 591-597. Pass the Potato Chips Essay -- Health Nutrition Food Papers Pass the Potato Chips Has mankind discovered some fantastic substitute for fat to enable people to eat as many snacks as possible without gaining weight? Recently, Proctor & Gamble developed Olestra (sucrose polyester), a zero calorie fat-based substitute, at a cost of $200 million. This product has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) with warning labels. What is olestra? The olestra molecule differs from a fat molecule in that it has six to eight fatty acids on a sucrose core, as opposed to three fatty acids on a glycerol core. The bulkier olestra molecule is not digested, absorbed , or metabolized, and thus provides no calories† (Stern & Hermann-Zaidins ,1992 ). It has the same taste and texture of fat, and even retains this texture in deep frying. One ounce of potato chips with olestra contains only 70 calories, as opposed to the usual 160 calories (http://plainfield.bypass.com/%7Etwilbur/olestra.html). What is the purpose of olestra? The purpose of olestra is two-fold. Consumers believe they can cut calories eating products containing olestra. Since this fat substitute decreases fat intake, the result is weight loss. More importantly, less fat in a person’s daily diet cuts down the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. What products will contain olestra? Developed by Proctor & Gamble, olestra will be used in potato chips, in corn chips, in crackers, and in other snack foods under the name Olean. Consumers who are interested in purchasing olestra products should try Frito-Lay’s MAX line of snack foods (only sold in limited test markets in the United States). Frito-Lay MAX products will eventually be offered nationwide if test market consumers place these snacks in ... ...n. June 1996, Volume 63, No. 6, 891-895. Greenberg, E., Robert, M.D., et al. Mortality Associated with Low Plasma Concentration of Beta Carotene and the Effect of Oral Supplementation. Journal of American Medical Association. March 6, 1996, Volume 275, No. 9, 699-703. Seddon, Johanna M., M.D., et al. Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, and E, and Advance Age-Related Macular Regeneration. Journal of American Medical Association. November 9, 1994, Volume 272, No. 18, 1413-1420. Stern, Judith S., Hermann-Zaidins, Mindy G. Fat Replacements: A New Strategy for Dietary Change. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. January 1992, Volume 92, No. 1, 91-94. Weststrate, Jan., Van hef Hof, Karin H. Sucrose Polyester and plasma carotenoid concentrations in healthy subjects. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. September 1995, Volume 62, No. 3, 591-597.

The California-Illini Manufacturing Company’s (Ci)

The California-Illini Manufacturing Company's (CI) Q1. What is the firm's competitive strategy? Does the strategy seem appropriate? In the strictest sense, competitive strategy refers to how a company can gain a competitive advantage through a market while finding a distinctive way of competing. California-Illini Manufacturing Company is able to compete in the Global industry because they are handmade tillage and cultivating tools and they are American made; they use expensive metal pieces and are hand metal forged, along with using manual electric arc welders.There is in most every market the opportunity for handmade products, for example Lamborghini cars are hand made vehicles, which are more expensive, but because of the extensive labor they are considered to be better built. The industry however, is very competitive in American and the global market, and there are cheaper options available. With that said I think there is still a substantial market for the rugged, handmade, Ameri can tools and they should stick to their design strategy and use their family built, third- Generation Company known for the quality of tools as their trademark. Q2.What motivated the cost reduction strategy? Did the cost reduction strategy work? Why? The cost reduction strategy occurred because during the early to mid 1980’s during President Reagan’s first term an economic downturn struck companies, this depressed market caused many businesses like CI to struggle. Their inventory was down and the cash flow was poor, the company began to look into cutting cost, increasing prices, technology and productivity. In the short run (1989) the cost cutting strategy failed, operating expenses were up 20%, along with increased inventories by 24% and net profits continued to slip!Q3. How did CI's standard cost system affect the cost reduction strategy? CI’s cost system was developed to measure performance and profit potential, each materials and labor input is given and pr oduction managers are demanded to meet or improve the standards. In the end the new PCIC manager suggested increasing the job lots from 100 to 150 rather than the 6,000. The company decided to remain loyal to their old performance cost system instead of taking an alternative approach which may have helped CI. The process seems to be broken and they are just blindly following the approach to measuring performance.The cost reduction strategy seemed to be well meaning, and had the opportunity for success BUT, CI was chained to old ideas and old ways of thinking, past successes don’t always ensure future success. Q4. What is the role of work-in-process in the cost reduction strategy? The work-in process was important in the implementation of the cost reduction strategy. In General, there are three stages of cost of goods: Raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods. The cost of each stage includes materials cost, labor cost, and overhead. The cost reduction strat egy needs to cut the cost from every stage.Work-in-process is very important. There are always many steps during work-in-process, such as setup and Assembly. We can cut cost by using economic sizes, shorting routine time, and decreasing variances. In this case, the company planned to increase batch sizes to improve productivity. The short-time result was impressive because plant efficiency measures rose about 15%. But it also caused some negative effects. In order to improve efficiency measures, departments kept processing large lots regardless of current demand. It brought much storage expense, overtime expense and it made scheduling difficult.All these costs play a negative effect in the cost reduction strategy. Q5. Is the new (PCIC) manager on the right track with the smaller lot sizes? Yes, the PCIC manager is on the right track. Now the company has a big problem:Inventories increased by 24% and net profits continued to deteriorate. The current level of processing job lots 6. 00 0 is a main reason to cause this problem. It produced large batches when the demand is not that high. So it is an effective way to solve the problem by reducing the processing job lots. But the big change from 6000 to 100 or 150 cannot make sure the stability of the company.It needs to be reconsidered. By managing the constraints, they are not over producing and building inventory levels for products that won't sell. Q6. What steps is the PCIC likely to take now? The final goal is to increase the profits. The most important things are to improve operations and increase sales volume. Firstly, reduce the processing job lots and control lead times. The company should not produce and build inventory levels for products that won't sell. They should provide the high quality productions to customers as soon as possible. Secondly, restore domestic sales. As reported that domestic volume decreased by 11. %.The company should find the reasons and get back the domestic share. Thirdly, open up new international markets. Q7. What type of cost system should be used at CI? CI should implement a cost system that would be flexible and adhere to the changing market situations and that would be the ABC cost system. Importance should not be based so much on the amount that a company would produce at a given time. CI may have saved so much in input costs while producing a lot within a shorter time but if these products are not what the market needs or wants, everything would just be a waste.