Corporate Governance Essays - Corporate Law, Management,

Corporate Governance CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The Oxford English Dictionary defines governance as the act, manner, fact or function of governing, sway, control. To govern is to rule with authority, to exercise the function of government, to sway, rule, influence, regulate, determine, to conduct oneself in some way; curb, bridle (ones passions, oneself), or to constitute a law for. Governing is, therefore, a whole range of actions, initiatives and response patterns - from rule through influence to self-control and self-regulation. By inference it includes driving as well as steering. Therefore, in seeking to define governance and the purpose it is to acheive, it is necessary to give adequate consideration to its antitheses freedom and individualism. Governance as such has been largely taken for granted in the past. Something that does not require a systematic and detailed analysis, efforts or commitment of resources. For most of human existence governance has been imposed on the majority by a small elite, this form of governance depended on curtailing the freedom of the ruled in order to maximize the power of the rulers. The monopolizing of power by rulers made it virtually impossible for defects in governance either to be recognized by the ruled or to be challenged by them. Governance has gone by default since regimes did not share decisions with their subjects but left them to suffer the consequences of failure. In more recent times the growth of democracy together with the waning of communism and other extreme regimes has led to increasing concern at undue concentrations of power and its misuse. The loss or depreciation of long accepted models has created intellectual turmoil and a search for better processes of governance. Thus emerged the modern concept of governance based on the foundation that untrammeled personal freedom is akin to lawlessness. Such an employment of personal freedom requires a strict internal discipline or self governance that is rare. If we admit the concept of original sin, we are faced with the need for a code of morality and a process of self governance. As Geoff Mulgan suggests morality is a word that can be notoriously abused. Thus making self governance an imperfect art and a shaky foundation for the governance of groups . As corporates realised this, new models of governance came to the fore. Muller defines governance thus: Governance is concerned with the intrinsic nature, purpose, integrity and identity of an institution with a primary focus on the entitys relevance, continuity and fiduciary aspects. Thus Governance involves monitoring and overseeing strategic direction, socioeconomic and cultural contexts, externalities and constituencies of the institution. Thus, the primary goal of governance is making sure the right questions get asked at the right time, at the right place, by the right persons, to the right persons and in the right manner. It is not a coincidence that the worst corporate performers are the ones that had once been so securely on top that they stopped asking questions. Governance is usually delivered through an agreed constitution, through a complex web of customs and practices, underpinned by a shared system of ethics, to a range of stakeholders from the shareholder to the customer in that institution. Styles of governance vary depending on the nature and size of the body concerned. At one extreme is the rule-based style adopted by public sector bodies, which may be concerned with conformity rather than performance. At the other extreme are the churches and clubs where governance is based on trust. Most corporate bodies have an amalgam of both trust and rules in appropriate proportions. The Logic being that trust can only work with open governance. The basic prerequisite to achieving successful and effective governance is the establishment of certain criteria for systematic governance. As a minimum these are likely to be: 1. the identity of the body 2. definition of its purpose 3. how the purpose is to be achieved 4. membership criteria (both explicit, such as shared interests, and implicit for example shared values) 5. how the body is to be administered 6. how the body relates externally 7. how success is measured 8. termination arrangement In practice the constitutional details of most organizations will be more complex , interrelated and overlapping, but the basic elements need to be present in order so as to

Create a 30, 60, or 90-day plan for your job search.

Create a 30, 60, or 90-day plan for your job search. The average job search can take anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on factors like your industry, your experience, and the economy. That’s a lot of ambiguity- and if you’re feeling a time crunch, it’s not a very helpful statistic. If you’re seeking to put the job hunt timeline on your own terms, there are things you can do to maximize the time you do have. Let’s look at three different job search plans to make the most of your valuable time. The 90-Day PlanLet’s say you’ve given yourself three months to find a new job. It can a pretty spacious timeline, allowing you to take your time on all of the necessary elements. You can use some of that time at the start to figure out what you want to do.Ask yourself:Are you looking for the same kind of job you had/have now?Are you thinking about a career change?What would you like to do next?A less urgent timeline helps here, and gives you the opportunity to really consider what you r next steps are.Your SearchWith 90 days, you have the time to do a deeper dive. Translation: you’re not just blitzing every related job opening you can find with your resume. You have time to research potential target companies and adapt your application materials (resume, cover letter) accordingly. Now is also the time to start really looking at your network to see if there are the kinds of targeted job opportunities you can pursue over the next 90 days.Your SkillsWith 90 days, you don’t have all the time in the world to learn how to do something from scratch, but you do have time to boost skills, or take a refresher. The average online course is eight to nine weeks, so this gives you time to work on some next-level skills- especially if the class is self-paced.Your ResumeTake the time to overhaul your resume. Seriously, do it. You’ve got a few months in your plan, and if you really want to get the most out of it (and maximize your interview-stage potential), your resume has to be spot-on. Start from scratch- no shortcuts!Your NetworkIt’s about quality, not quantity. If you haven’t already, start reaching out to targeted people who may be just outside of your network, friends of friends, or someone you met once and added to LinkedIn, but who now just happens to work at the company where you want an â€Å"in.† Because so much hiring is done based on who you know and not always what you apply for, as much time as possible in your 90-day plan should be devoted to bolstering your network. Hiring expert Lou Adler recommends spending 60% of your time networking if you want to score a new job within 90 days.Your Interview PrepBuild in a little interview preparation every day. This could just be five minutes as you’re getting ready in the morning, or a few quiet moments before you hit your pillow at night. Things to work on in the meantime, so that they come naturally when the time comes:Your handshake. Grip is key he re (think confident, but not arm wrestler), so it can take practice to get the right combination of strength and moderation.Your body language. Things like eye contact and posture can be your best assets in making a good initial interview impression.Your outfit. You have time to think about what your go-to interview outfit(s) will be, and then make sure they’re cleaned, pressed, and ready to go as soon as you get that â€Å"hey, come meet us and talk about the job† email.Your talking points. Take your resume and come up with real-life examples for each bullet point. Practice talking about them, ideally with a trusted friend or family member, so that you get comfortable talking about yourself and your achievements.By putting extra effort into the pre-work and crafting a strong base for your job hunt (serious consideration of job openings and companies, a rebuilt resume, time spent building skills and personal habits that will benefit you in the future), you’re ma king the most of those 90 days.The 60-Day PlanIf you have about two months before you’d like to see yourself settled in a new gig, you’ve still got buffer time to do some quality building when it comes to your application package.Your SearchLike with the 90-day plan, you have time to focus on particular areas or companies and do your research. But because 60 days will pass quickly, it’s time to increase the intensity. Your job search should be highly focused, with you looking for the best-fitting opportunities that align with your goals. If you’re unsure about what you want to do next or what job openings you want to go for, take the time to reflect on your goals for this job search (beyond â€Å"get a job†) and your immediate professional goals. It takes some time up front, but will save you time later on in the 60 days.Your SkillsSixty days can be enough time to brush up on skills on your resume that could be stronger, or to revisit old skills th at you want to feature for a particular job. Self-paced online courses can help you get the crash course you need, or even just a self-study program where you’re intensively researching things online, reading up on new trends, etc. And let’s face it- there’s a YouTube video for everything these days, so there’s no shame in using those for your skill-building! The most important thing here is, again, focus. It’s not really enough time to say, â€Å"hmm, maybe I really should start to learn HTML.† It’s more like, â€Å"Okay, I have these basic HTML skills. What do I need to bump them up on my resume?†Your ResumeWith 60 days on the table, it’s still worth it to rebuild your resume from the ground up- it doesn’t have to be a long undertaking, just a focused one. You’ll also want to take the time to take another editing pass and optimize your resume, which can help you get more out of applications.Your NetworkCu ltivating people in your network by having email conversations or even having a coffee IRL is great, but there’s no replacement for human contact. However, with 60 days to meet your goal of getting a new job, there might not be that luxury. That’s why networking tools become so handy in this two-month window. LinkedIn is a good starting point to start focusing your networking efforts. Are there people who work at your target companies? An old friend who you know happens to be married to someone in your field who might be hiring? It’s time to harness the power of what you’ve already got.That’s not to say you should neglect starting new relationships, but on your more aggressive timeline it’s most important to maximize what you have.Your Interview PrepLike the 90-Day plan, you have some time to prep. Practice your body language skills especially, and rehearse your talking points. And the earlier in the two-month window you have that interview suit dry cleaned and ready to rock, the better.The 30-Day PlanIf your plan is a 30-day one for whatever reason (like economic urgency, or you need out now of a terrible gig), then that’s a daunting goal, but a do-able one. There just isn’t much wiggle room or time for blowing things off. If you’re serious about getting a new job in a month, then that means your focus has to be on the job hunt.Your SearchIt’s time to come up with a hardcore job hunt time budget. With such an aggressively short window of time, you really don’t have the luxury of saying, â€Å"Oh, maybe I’ll do that this week.† Instead, write down your list of job search goals for the week and attach specific days/times to them. For example:Monday: Check saved job searches, research job openings at ABC Company.Tuesday: Call Karen about potential referral for ABC Company.Wednesday: Follow up with HR at XYZ Company about application.Whatever time you have available, figure out how you can set a time budget and stick to it. The closer you stick to that plan, the less likely you’ll be to fall off schedule, and discover that 20 days have gone by before you hit your early checklist goals. Figure out where you can devote chunks of time (ideally each day) to check things off on your list.Your SkillsAt this point, you need to go with the skills you have, or ones that you can learn very quickly by researching online or playing with programs (like finally learning how to do a vlookup, or revisiting how to use Adobe Photoshop). Focus on the core skills you want to feature most prominently on your resume and in interviews.Your ResumeIt’s definitely crunch time, which means you don’t really have a week to write, edit, and seek feedback on your resume. So let’s truncate that a bit. Start with some of the great tools that are already available, like resume templates you can use as a starting point.But- and I can’t emphasize this enough- never skip the proofreading step. If you have zero time, give it the most thorough check you can. And if it’s at all possible, have someone else read it. They may notice mistakes that passed right under your hurrying eyes. Simple mistakes can put your resume in the â€Å"no thanks† pile quickly, so even with a short schedule, you need to take the time for those extra steps.Your NetworkWhoever you have on your side now, that’s the squad you’re taking into battle. Focus on the people you already know who can help you with your job search. Use LinkedIn, Facebook, or any professional contacts you have, and don’t be shy about letting people that you’re on the lookout for a new job. Though that comes with a caveat: if your search is on the DL because you don’t want your current boss to find out, you’ll still want to be a little discreet. No blaring Facebook posts saying, â€Å"I’m looking for a job!†Your Intervi ew PrepAs with other aspects of your job search, your interview prep should be laser-focused on the resources you have. Identify your most interview-ready outfit, and get it ready to go: dry clean, fix any messy bits (like loose threads or saggy hems), and dust off your lucky interview shoes. Your schedule is so aggressive that you need to be ready to go almost immediately for interviews- if you get an interview tomorrow, you may not have time to rush around getting ready.It’s also important to know your resume points backwards and forwards, so you can speak to any aspect of it on short notice.However much time you’ve assigned to your job search plan, the most important thing is to maximize whatever time you do have. Coming up with a goal-oriented plan is a great start, and will help you make the most of the coming weeks. Good luck!

Action Learning and Governance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Action Learning and Governance - Essay Example He must be a person who can understand the need of the hour, possesses insight for the future, can plan rationally and can get the work done by the subordinates satisfactorily. He is no more an authoritative director who was supposed to give orders and merely direct subordinates as in the past. Today's fast growing world has new and revolutionary demands for leaders. A leader today has to be a charismatic being who does not shy away from doing work himself, rather enjoys putting valuable effort in the teamwork. Action Learning helps in producing such leaders. The practical approach of the Action Learning motivates the leaders to indulge in the work themselves to better perceive the situation. It makes them realize that they cannot win a war by standing on the edge. They will have to step into the arena to understand the demands of particular events and to decide and direct their subordinates accordingly. They will have to observe their own actions, analyze their motives and scrutiniz e their own experiences in order to find out the ways to improve their performances further. Thus, action learning teaches men to use their insight along with their knowledge and intelligence to perform better. And these very attributes have let Action Learning emerged as one of the most influential and valuable tools that is used worldwide for developing leaders nowadays. Now the question arises, which leadership style is to be followed that is most compatible with Action Learning (Gold, Thorpe, & Mumford, 2010). Let us first analyze the classical Leadership Styles offered by Kurt Lewin in 1939. According to Lewin, â€Å"there are three basic leadership styles: Authoritarian, Participative and Delegative†. The Authoritarian style asks the leaders to be autocratic and solely decide the course of action. Being the lone task master, such a leader shows less creativity and has to take the full accountability of entire group’s future prospects. Delegative style asks the le aders to let the workers do as they wish and offer no guidance. On the other hand, Participative style of leadership supports an environment with close collaboration of the leader and the workers. It is a productive situation where the actions are mutually analyzed and where the decisions are made together. The leader uses his intelligence and superior knowledge whereas the workers use their experience to find out the solution of every problem. Action learning only conforms to the Participative style of leadership to some extent unless the leader does not back away from the work himself and contributes his share willingly (Marquardt, 2004). . Today, there are numerous leadership styles in use that give rather detailed specifications of the duties and responsibilities of the leaders and the subordinates. One of these is Situational Leadership Style proposed in 1950 that supports the use of a style alterable according to the situation. The Emergent Style believes in the rise of a lead er from the subordinates who can comprehend their problems easily. The Transactional Style lays emphasis on the strict follow of the rules and regulations whereas the Transformational Style focuses the change in four variables: our self, others, groups and organizations. This style believes on the charisma of the workers and the vision of the leaders to be the road to success. Strategic leadership supports the notion of creating an atmosphere of competition among the subordinates to urge them to work harder. Team Leadership Style is a newly emerging style that lays stress on the importance of team work. 'Faceless Boss' is also a newly proposed style that diminishes the need of a prominent leader among a group to make the members feel comfortable in sharing their

Book Analysis Evironmantalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Book Analysis Evironmantalism - Essay Example Richard white view on environmentalism is that nature can act multipurpose to provide for human beings. This is evident by the fact that humans get food from the Columbian river and they generate hydroelectric power from the river. His view is the division of nature into different parts to maximize productivity and enhances development from nature. Richard White has evidently addressed with humans controlling nature to profit them, there are many consequences accompanied with it. Some people start wars claiming they own certain parts of nature and this erupts to social and political wars. This evident when the some people in Colombia tried to divert the course of the river to suit their social and political interest. This kind of actions results in struggles and oppositions about certain forms of nature. These struggles show that humans are fighting and claiming something they have not created and they do not have full rights of that natural resource. Richard perilously emphasizes th at what was supposed to happen did not happen in accordance to nature. Richard’s environmental concept is that humans can get all forms of energy from nature and use it for development purposes. This is emphasized through the generation of hydroelectric power for electricity, and the salmon fish that provide calories for human beings. He argues that the natural resources can provide the needed energy in the making of political and financial decisions that will enhance the developmental process3. Richard white addresses the misfortunes of human beings of trying to over control nature. With an aim of getting profits from nature, human beings have tried to dominate nature, which is not practical. This has resulted in conflicts between nature and human beings, as nature is not ready to conform to man’s ideas. Both nature and human begins end up becoming losers because they are unable to connect. This is because humans are trying to divide nature so as to maximizing profit thus forgetting the social values that should be upheld. Edward Abbeys Form of Environmentalist Edward Abbey’s form of environmentalist is one that advocates for the preservation and protection of the environment and natural resources. This is addressed by how the author brings out characters that are ready to protect a desert from the exploitation of developers.4 The characters in this book are in the move of stopping developers especially those who are in construction areas. These characters are stopping road buildings by destroying the equipments involved in the construction of roads. Edward is advocating for the preservation and conservation of the environment. The author has practically shown how he is ready to protect the environment fully. He is in the campaign of burning down billboards that are advertising construction projects, and he intentionally sabotages the bulldozers that are constructing roads in the quest of protecting the environment. Edward Abbey worked as a forest wanderer whose main aim was the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources.

American economy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

American economy - Research Paper Example The government plays an important role in the economy, as is the case in all countries. From the founding of the Republic, the United States federal government has strongly supported the development of transportation. It financed the first major canal system and later subsidized the railroads and the airlines. It has developed river valleys and built dams and power stations. It has extended electricity and scientific advice to farmers and assures them a minimum price for their basic crops. It checks the purity of food and drugs, insures bank deposits and guarantees loans. America’s individual 50 states have been most active in building roads and in the field of education. Each year the states spend some $33,31 million on schools and provide a free public education for 29.1 million primary-school pupils and 11.4 million youth in secondary schools. (In addition, 8.3. a million youths attend private primary and secondary schools.) Approximately 60 percent of the students who graduate from secondary schools attend colleges and universities, 77,2 percent of which are supported by public funds. The United States leads the world in the percentage of the population that receives a higher education. Total enrollment in schools o higher learning is 13.4 million. (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2003) Despite the fact the United States government supports many segments of the nation’s economy, economists estimate that the public sector accounts for only one-fifth of American economic activity, with the remainder in private hands.

Kushta Abrak Safaid Physicochemical Properties Study

Kushta Abrak Safaid Physicochemical Properties Study STUDY OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF KUSHTA ABRAK SAFAID PREPARED BY DIFFERENT DETOXIFICATION METHODS Mohd Tariq, Khaleequr Rahman, Shahid Shah Chaudhary, Mohd Zakir Corresponding author. Mohd Tariq (M.D) Abstract Background: Kushtas are organo-mineral nano-particles made by treating mineral with several herbs and subjected to precise heat treatment. In classical Unani text, various methods for the detoxification of abrak (Mica) are described. The end product of these methods is considered to be same but scientifically this claim has not been validated. Objective: The present study was aimed at comparative physicochemical evaluation of kushta abrak safaid (KAS) prepared by two different methods of detoxification, using classical as well as modern scientific parameters. Materials and Methods: Abrak was detoxified by two methods mentioned in Unani literature. After detoxification, both kushtas were prepared in furnace due to isolation of material heated, cost effectiveness and controlled heating system. Both finished products were comparatively evaluated for physicochemical characteristics including preliminary tests. Results: Floating and fineness test were positive for both the kushtas indicated correct preparation of KAS. Bulk density (0.50 ± 0.00 and 0.49 ± 0.00 gm/ml), tapped density (0.83 ± 0.00 and 0.83 ± 0.03 gm/ml), Hauser’s ratio (1.69 ± 0.00 and 1.65 ±0.01), compressibility index (40.23 ± 0.24 and 40.25 ±0.41%), loss of weight on drying (0.095 ± 0.00 and 0.094 ± 0.00%), pH of 1 and 10 % solution (9.96 ± 0.01, 9.60 ± 0.01, and 10.87 ± 0.00, 10.30 ± 0.01) total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash (93.04 ± 0.05, 5.98 ± 0.01, 6.59 ± 0.07 and 97.26 ± 0.03, 6.84 ± 0.01, 7.48 ± 0.00%); extractive values in petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and water (0.00 ± 0.00, 0.46 ± 0.03, 1.43 ± 0.03, 5.23 ± 0.03 and 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.6 ± 0.00, 1.73 ± 0.03, 2.4 ±0.06%) were reported in KAS1 and KAS2 respectively. Conclusion: Results suggests that physicochemical constants of both kushtas were similar without any significant difference. Hence, the study scientifically validates the claims of Unani scholars that different detoxification methods of abrak do not have any significant effect on physicochemical properties of its kushtas. Key words: Detoxification, kushta, Mica, physicochemical, Unani medicine. 1. Introduction Unani means medicines which are a symbol of life. The name is derived from the word Ionian which originated in Greece. It is a time tested system of medicine dating back 5000 years.1 This system has vast description of useful metals and minerals. Earlier there was a disbelief that minerals are incompatible to humans, but now it has been reported that numbers of metallic compounds are essential for body.2 In Unani and other alternative system of medicine these metals and minerals are mostly used in calcined form called as kushta. Kushta is known by various vernacular names like Rasayana,3,4 Elixir4, Kimiya,4 Ikseer3,4, Bhasma5 etc. It is an organometallic substance treated with a quantum of heat to induce thermal decomposition in drug which produces rapid remedial effect after entering in the body. 6 In Unani system Mica (abrak) is used effectively since millennia for the treatment of various disorders. Internally, it is used in the form of kushta. But before making its kushta, it is always subjected to detoxification in order to enhance its therapeutic actions and remove the unwanted or toxic properties.7 Various detoxification procedures of abrak are mentioned in classical texts, which are still in practiced. Unani scholars claim that different detoxification methods do not implicate significant effect on physicochemical properties of the end products. However, this claim is never scientifically studied. Therefore, the present study was aimed to prepare kushta abrak safaid by detoxifying it by two different methods and comparatively inscribe the physicochemical properties of both the finished product and to observe that whether the two kushtas significantly differ from each other or not. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1 Materials Abrak safaid and milk were purchased from the local market in Bangalore. Ghekwar (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) was procured from the herbal garden of National Institute of Unani Medicine. Shora Qalmi (Potassium nitrate) was purchased from Shrinivasa chemical shop, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore and was of analytical grade. 2.2 Methods of detoxification (Tasfiya) of abrak safaid Before subjecting to kushtasazi, abrak safaid was purified as per classical literature. Most of the raw drugs are procured from the mines, so there is more chance of impurities, toxicity and heterogeneous qualities. Tasfiya (detoxification) is indicated to eliminate all such impurities and to induce certain good qualities to enhance its pharmaco-therapeutic properties.8 This process results in the conversion of impure mineral into pure or organomineral form, ready to be calcined.9 If ‘tasfiya is not performed, their use is said to be injurious to the individual.10 First method of detoxification The layers of abrak were first separated by pounding with mortar and pestle (Fig 1). The small pieces of abrak were tied loosely in a bag of thick cotton cloth along with date (Phoenix dactylifera) seeds. The bag was then dipped in lukewarm water and rubbed vigorously (Fig 2). Small particles of abrak were then squeezed out of the bag. The process of dipping the bag in hot water and rubbing was repeated till all the particles of abrak were squeezed out of the bag. The particles of abrak were allowed to settle down at the bottom of the vessels and the water was decanted. The abrak particles were collected and allowed to dry. The dry particles are called abrak mahloob (Fig 3).11 Fig 1: Raw abrak Fig 2: Dhanab process Fig 3: Abrak mahloob Second Method of detoxification Abrak was heated on fire (Fig 4) until red hot (Fig 5) and then dipped in 100 ml milk (Fig 6). The procedure was repeated seven times.12 Fig 4. Raw Abrak  during heating Fig. 5 Abrak after  red hot stage Fig. 6. Abrak safaid  after dipping in milk 2.3 Method of preparation of Kushta Abrak safaid KAS was prepared as per method mentioned in Kitab ul taklees6 but with a slight modification, that instead of using the cow dung cakes it was prepared in furnace because being a closed chamber furnace gives better temperature control,9,13 isolation of material being heated, saves time and labour,13 Twelve gram abrak safaid musaffa was dipped in luab gheekwar (Aloe barbadensis) (Fig 7) and placed inside Muffle Furnace and heat was given (Fig 8). For the operation of heat, thermogram of 12 kg of cow dung cakes given by Kumar G et al was followed14 as same quantity of cow dung cakes are used for the preparation of KAS. Afterwards self cooling, 18 gm shora qalmi dissolved in 20 ml water was added (Fig 9) and again heated (Fig. 10) by following same heat pattern. After self cooling, kushta was removed and dipped in one liter water (Fig 11) and kept undisturbed for 2-3 hrs so as to remove shora qalmi. Afterwards water was removed and kushta was dried on heater. After complete drying, KAS ( Fig 12) was stored in an air tight bottle. Fig. 7 Abrak flakes dipped Fig. 8. After 1st puta (Heating) Fig. 9. Shora dissolved  in Aloe barbadensis in water added Fig. 10. After 2nd puta (Heating) Fig. 11. Kushta dipped in water Fig. 12. Final kushta abrak safaid Physico-chemical parameters The prepared kushtas were evaluated for classical parameters like organoleptic properties, classical parameters of kamil kushta (ideal kushta) like floating test, 15 grain floating test,16 fineness test15 as well as modern scientific parameters like bulk density,17 tapped density,17 Hausner’s ratio,18 Carr’s compressibility index19 in density tester by LABINDIA model no. 1025. pH in 1% and 10% solution20 by digital pH meter by Eutech instruments model no. 1544421, loss of weight on drying20 in hot air oven by LABLINE, Anmatrix instrument technologies. Total ash,21 acid insoluble ash,22 water soluble ash22 and extractive values23 were also evaluated. 3. Results and Discussion Ideally kushta should be tasteless, odorless and lusterless. Both KAS were tasteless, odorless, smooth to touch and lusterless (Table no.3). KAS1 was yellowish white and KAS2 was complete white. Floating, grain floating, finger and wall stick test were positive for both kushtas (Fig.13-18). These findings implies that both the kushtas were ideal (kamil) as per classical Unani literature. Fig.13 Floating test (KAS1) Fig.14 Rice floating on KAS1 Fig. 15.Finger test KAS1 Fig. 16 Floating test (KAS2) Fig. 17 Rice floating on KAS2 Fig. 18 Finger test (KAS2) The mean value of bulk and tapped density of KAS1 and KAS2 were 0.50 ± 0.00 gm/ml, 0.83 ± 0.00 gm/ml and 0.49 ±0.00, 0.83 ± 0.03 gm/ml respectively (Table no.4). Bulk density is the mass per unit volume of a loose powder bed. It is an essential parameter for process development of solid dosage manufacturing. It indicates the amount of powder that can fit in a space.18 The tapped density represents the random dense packing of the material and is generally higher for regularly shaped particles (i.e. spheres) as compared to irregularly shaped particles such as needles.18 The mean value of Hausner’s ratio and compressibility Index of KAS1 and KAS2 were 1.69 ± 0.00, 40.23 ± 0.24% and 1.65 ± 0.00, 40.39 ±0.25 % respectively (Table no.4). Compressibility index is a measure of relative importance of inter-particulate interactions. In a free flowing particle, these interactions are generally less significant; so bulk density and tapped density values are closer. For poo rly flowing materials, there are frequently greater inter particle interactions, which results in lower bulk density and a greater difference between bulk and tapped densities. These differences in particle interactions are reflected as compressibility index.18 Compressibility index of kushtas were greater than 37 indicated that both kushtas have very, very poor flow properties.24 However, the compressibility index of KAS1 was less than that of KAS2 indicating that KAS2 was more compressible than KAS1. Fig. 19. Comparative Bulk density, tapped density and Hausner’s ratio of raw abrak, KAS1 and KAS2 pH value of both kushta were alkaline. The pH value of KAS1 and KAS2 was 9.96 ± 0.01 and 9.60 ± 0.01 respectively in 1% and 10.87 ± 0.00 and 10.30 ± 0.01 respectively in 10% aqueous solution (Table no.4). These results are in accordance to the fact that the pH value of water solutions of metallic oxides are basic.25 The percentage of loss of weight on drying at 105 °C was found to be 0.095 ± 0.00 and 0.094 ± 0.00 in KAS1 and KAS2 respectively (Table no.4). Shelf life of kushta as mentioned in classical literature is infinite and they become more and more potent with the advent of time. This negligible moisture might be the factor responsible for high shelf life as it would not provide any medium for the growth of the microbes and restricts the chemical reactions. The mean percentage values of the total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and water insoluble ash in KAS1 were 93.04 ± 0.05%, 5.98 ± 0.01 %, 6.59 ± 0.07% and 86.45 ± 0.07 % respectively and for KAS2 were 97.26 ± 0.03 %, 6.84 ± 0.01 %, 7.48 ± 0.00 % and 89.77 ± 0.04% respectively (Table no.4). High ash value in both kushtas showed the presence of very high inorganic content. However, KAS2 showed higher quantity of inorganic matter than KAS2. Fig. 20. Comparative total ash (TA), water insoluble ash (WIA), acid insoluble ash (AIA) and water soluble ash (WSA) of raw abrak, KAS1 and KAS2 The mean percentage of the extractive value of KAS1 in petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and water were 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.46 ± 0.03, 1.43 ± 0.0and 35.23 ± 0.03 respectively and for KAS2 were 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.6 ± 0.00, 1.73 ± 0.03 and 5.73 ± 0.03 respectively (Table no.4). Extractive values help in the determination of the adulteration and is an index of the purity of the drug. In case of kushta extractive value is performed to extract out organic matter if present.26 Low extractive values were indicative of very low organic matter and maximum quantity of inorganic substance in both kushtas. Fig. 21. Comparative extractive values of KAS1 and KAS2 in petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and water Table 1: Observations while detoxification of abrak Table 2: Physical Constants of raw abrak Table 3: Preliminary tests of raw abrak, KAS1 and KAS2 Table 4: Physicochemical parameters of raw abrak, KAS1 and KAS2 *LOD- Loss of weight on drying, AIA-Acid insoluble ash, WIA- Water insoluble ash, WSA- Water soluble ash 4. Conclusion The data of the present study suggests that the physicochemical characteristics of KAS1 and KAS2 were similar without any significant difference. Hence, the study validates the claim of Unani scholars that difference in detoxification methods does not have any effect on the action and uses of kushtas. Further, these kushtas should be analyzed through sophisticated analytical instruments like XRD, Particle size distribution, SEM, TEM, Energy Dispersive X Ray, AFM methods. Furthermore, work needs to be done using various animal models to evaluate the extent of absorption and their elemental effect at tissue level. References Dubey N, Dubey N, Mehta RS, Saluja AK, Jain DK. Quality Assessment of Kushta-e-Gaodanti: A Traditional Unani Medicine. Asian J. Research Chem. 2008; 1(1):46-50. Dandiya PC, Vohora SB. Research and Development of Indigenous Drugs. New Delhi: Jamia Hamdard; 1989:297 Kareem BH, Ferozuddin CH. Miftahul Khazain. New Delhi: Idara Kitabus shifa; YNM: 6, 194. Mahdihassan S. Indian Alchemy or Rasayana. New Delhi: Vikas Publication House; 1979: iii, 20,51, 52, 60, 63, 65,66. Bajaj S, Vohora SB. Anti-Cataleptic, Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Depressant Activity of Gold Preparations used in Indian Systems of Medicine. Ind Jour of Pharmacol. 2000; 32: 339-346. Kabeeruddin HM. Kitabul Taklees. New Delhi: Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine; YNM: 23, 46, 68 Khaleefatullah M, Rasheeda AM. Ilmul sayadala- The Unani pharmacy. 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Pharmaceutical standardization of Jala shukati Bhasma and mukata shukati Bhasma. An Int Quar Jour of Res in Ayur. 2012; 33(1): 136–142. Tariq M, Chaudhary SS, Imtiyaz S. Introduction to kushta: a herbo-mineral Unani formulation. Jour of pharma and sci inno. 2013; 2(1): 14-17. Mohaptra S, Jha CB. Physicochemical characterization of ayurvedic bhasma (swarna mashika bhasma): An approach to standardization. Int Jour of Ayur Res. 2010; 1(2): 82-86. Ahmed N, Niharika G, Deepak P, Nazan S, Mohammed SA. Formulation design, characterisation and in vitro Evaluation of bilayered tablets containing Telmisartan and hydrochlorthizide. Int Jour of Biopharma. 2013; 4(1): 1-9. Qui Y, Chen Y, Zhang GZ. Developing solid oral dosage forms: Pharmaceutical theory and practice. USA: Academic press, Elseviers; 2009: 168-70. Ghosh TK, Jasti BR. Theory and practice of contemporary pharmaceutics. USA: CRC press; 2006: 299 Anonymous. Physicochemical Standards of Unani Formulations. Part 4. 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Free Essays - Ode to a Nightingale :: Ode Nightingale Essays

Ode to a Nightingale One must be armed with a little knowledge of Greek mythology before taking on Keats; Hyperion, for example, is filled with allusions to Milton's Paradise Lost. After reading and re-reading Ode on a Grecian Urn I decided that it would be best to only comment on Ode to a Nightingale (because I'm baffled with Keats). I found him very hard to understand. You can't just sit down and read Keats like a Grimm's fairy tale. Keats must be read with great scrutiny; otherwise, you'll miss his point. I only pray that my readings and poor mind will give some sort of justice to Keats's monumental work: "Ode to a Nightingale." The poem begins with Keats's, with his complaint about humanity. He is filled with "heartaches and a drowsy numbness pains" and a feeling of forgetfulness as if "hemlock I had drunk." Life has brought him to a state of forgetfulness and is bewildered to find a "light-winged Dryad [Nightingale] of the trees" that is "being too happy in thine happiness" and singing "of summer in full throated ease." Keats would love to join the song of the Nightingale but has no way except through death, but even death is painful. Keats doesn't want any more pain that life has to offer so he talks about a "vintage [wine] that hath been Cool'd a long age. . . With beaded bubbles winking at the brim" and he hopes that he "might drink, and leave the world unseen, And with thee fade away into the forest dim." With the wine Keats hopes to "Fade far away. . . [from] The weariness, the fever, and the fret" of life. Man's drink is his only escape from this life but then he writes that he doesn't want to j oin nature and "fly to" the Nightingale "charioted by" wine but of poetic imagination. Because too much wine would bring pain in the morning and would only stop pain for a while. Once the drug has run its final course he would be in more pain then before. If only this world could fade away so that he could join the world of nature where he could be "too happy in thine happiness." He wants to leave this world: "That I might drink, and leave the world unseen," he wants to "Fade far away, dissolve, and quite forget" everything.