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. Andhra Pradesh : Academic Publisher; 2009: 27. Neeralagi RM. Physico-Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antibacterial And Antifungal Activity Of Sasyaka Bhasma. Dissertation submitted to the Rajiv Gandhi university of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka; 2010:13. Tariq M. Comparative Physicochemical Analysis of Kushta Nuqra Prepared by Different Methods of Detoxification. Dissertation submitted to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka; 2013: 68. Chopra RN, Chopra IC, Handa KL, Kapur LD. Chopra’s Indigenous Drugs of India. 2 Nd Ed. Calcutta: Academic Publisher; 1982:461-464. Anonymous. The Unani Pharmacopoeia of India. Part-II. Vol. 1. New Delhi: CCRUM, Ministry of H F.W. Govt. of India; 2007: 270-271. Hafeez A. Sanatal Takless. New Delhi: Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine; YNM: 87. Chaturvedi R, Jha CB. Standard Manufacturing Procedure of Rajata Bhasma. An Int Quar Jour of Res in Ayur. 2011; 32(4): 566–71. Kumar KG, Galib, Patgiri BJ. 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. New Delhi: Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine; 2006: 39, 142-145. Anonymous. The Unani Pharmacopoeia of India. Vol. 2. New Delhi: GOI. Dept. of AYUSH; 2007: 116. Anonymous. The Unani Pharmacopoeia of India. Vol. 3. New Delhi: GOI. Dept. of AYUSH; 2007: 134. Anonymous. Quality Control Methods for Herbal Materials. Switzerland: WHO; 2011: 29-31 Aulton EM. Aultons Pharmaceutics. London: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier; 2009: 176-178. Qasmi IA. Kitabul Taklees. Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University; 2003: 13-17. Rasheed A, Marri A, Naik MM. Standardization of Bhasma: Importance and prospects. Jour of Pharmacy Res. 2011; 4(6):1931-1933.

Psychology and Christianity Essay

An integrative approaches to Psychology and Christianity by David Entwistle explains the fundamental question whether Christians can take a place in psychology. By marrying both scientific and theological disciplines, the author takes a stand to argue that psychology and Christianity can help an individual to serve the Lord within the parameters of duty to love. In this book, Entwistle gives a concise understanding for the interplay between theology and science by taking us through the historical analysis of psychology and how it explains how individuals have their characteristics, qualities and talents which help them serve God and society (p 35-37). Arguably, a person cannot be an effective psychologist without the basis of what is right with is captured in Christianity as a moral concept. With regard to these, our society is shaped by history as well as environment. The knowledge we acquire throughout our existence is inspired by our past experiences. Significantly, Christianity has facilitated how we structure our mindsets over various moral issues in the society. To bridge the gap between Christianity and psychology, Entwistle argues that there are five important paradigms that show the interplay between theology and psychology. This includes spies, enemies, neutral parties, colonialists as well as allies as elements serving ones master called sovereign (p39). The argument presented by Entwistle articulates the concept that psychology resembles theology in line with goals and serve fundamental human purposes of improving as well as giving meaning to the life of a human being. The two disciplines revolves around human functioning and nature hereby, an integrative approach to psychology and Christianity underscores that when it comes to dealing with human life and truth, there should be a unified approach that uses both secular and sacred elements of thinking. With regard to these, both psychology and Christianity need to be integrated because life at large revolves around helping others with issues that promote quality lives and harmony in the society. Critical and Concrete Responses After reading an integrated Approach to Psychology and Christianity, I was led to thinking that the understanding of God and psychology relates coherently to the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I agree with the argument because my experiences in the past have acquired as a result of my environment and needs as a human being which moves closer to the relevance of psychology in the life of human beings. Similarly, the feeling of self-actualization is realized through a Christian’s association with God through divine moment of prayer, fellowship and engagement in charitable works because the Bible stipulates that such gestures will grant one an eternal life. On the same note, psychology understands that self actualization is a need that must be met after all the other seven basics ones have been met. Entwistle asserts that both eternal life and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs portend single ideas of achieving in life and feeling the sense of achievement. The truth revealed in the word of God and the various works of Jesus Christ as well as the Christian ministry is something that is characterized in my life. Arguably, life revolves around all these and it is somehow impossible to separate it from life in a Christian perspective. Equally, my life experiences have led me to conclude that certain things in life should be done in my own way. Accordingly, there are many times I have learnt from my experience and have faced many consequences as a result of my choices. In view of this, Entwistle asserts that doing things the way we want articulate the psychological belief of emotions, socialization, intelligence and human needs. However, this argument raises the question of conflicting forces between our beliefs and human desires. As Christianity stipulates how we should behave in line with morality, psychology justifies why we must attend to our human desires. As such, an integration approach to life should cover both Christian teachings and the sentiments echoed by psychologists (pg 59-63). I was a temperamental person who for years reprimanded people for wronging me. Although I justified my case by arguing that I respect my feelings and that is me, God called upon me to change my temperament by managing anger so that I can accommodate others. God’s intervention in this case harmonized how I lead my life because; I was able to strike a balance between my religious beliefs and human desires. Most significantly, managing a balance, or rather moving my hot tempers to reasonable levels necessitated the intervention of counseling services. Accordingly, I embarked on regular counseling with gave me an insight on how to understand other and tune my emotions to the levels that accommodate others feelings. This way, the book an integrated approach to psychology and Christianity, underscores the importance o integrate theology and psychology. Somehow, psychology helps Christians to understand their human face and through services such as psychotherapy, counseling, a Christian will be able to moderate the psyche of the soul as well as the soul of psychology. Personal Reflection Although Entwistle advocates for s linkage in the two disciplines and goes ahead to propose that Christians should integrate science theology in viewing issues of life, it becomes critical to the Christians because one question that is raised is how can Christians be motivated to use psychotherapy and counseling services as a way of integrating psychology and Christianity. Entwistle asserts that moral concepts of live are well explained in Christian doctrines and through psychology, such moral doctrines can be well explained and a Christian will consciously understand the essence of being a Christian. However, the book fails to recommend how counseling can be promoted and how psychotherapy and other psychological services can be enshrined in the Christian education. Accordingly, the question of how we as Christians should accomplish the goal of promoting the integration of science to theology takes the center stage of the entire debate that Entwistle engages in concerning reaping the full benefits of integrating psychology and Christianity. Arguably, Entwistle uses words that further complicate the message of integrative approach to psychology and Christianity. In essence, this makes it difficult for an average reader to appreciate the information being conveyed let alone retention. In addition, it plausible to note that as a reader I found it hard to grasp the interests as well as concept of integrating psychology and Christianity because of the fact that the book is written broad view hence it seems to argue in circles around the importance of using both psychology and Christians teaching. Recommended Action Owing to this weakness of language and jumping around ideas, there are measures that can be taken to help us benefit from the Christian psychological integration. Advising others on how to benefit from counseling will form the fundamental action that spearhead the campaign for integrating Christianity and psychology. In this view, sharing some of my experiences with regard to how I have benefited from counseling to succeed in my Christian faith and life at large will work in helping in the whole initiative of promoting such kind of integration. If possible, all counselors who happen to be Christians should uses their positions to root the belief of integrating Christianity and psychology into other Christians and equally work with other counselors to devise methods of overcoming challenges that may come with their initiatives. At the same time, the basis of my intervention will revolve around moral maturity. As such, it is recommended that encourage Christians to search for the truth and thus understand for themselves how best they can use psychology to succeed in their lives and Christian works. In a nutshell, Entwistle espouses that it is only through a concise integration of both science and theology that Christians will embrace the concept of togetherness. In other words, they will understand how humans functions and thus structure their spiritual beliefs in a realist way to avoid the self conflict that is always inherent among many believers. Psychology signifies the many teachings that are typical to Christianity such as values. Reference Entwistle, D. (2004). Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christian. New York: Wipf & Stock Publishers

Maple Leaf Foods Essay

In the summer of 2008 there was a widespread outbreak of listeriosis linked to deli meats produced in a Maple Leaf Foods, Inc. (Maple Leaf) plant in Toronto, Canada. The outbreak claimed over 20 lives and sickened hundreds. This reaction paper will take a deeper look at the crisis, analyze the company’s response, and address ethical issues related to the case such as responsibility, honesty, and transparency. Similar cases involving recalls made by Menu Foods, Tylenol and Mattel will be discussed as a contrast. Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is a common bacterium found in all sorts of food plants but is dangerous at high levels, especially for adults over fifty, pregnant women, newborns, and people with a weakened immune system. The listeria at Maple Leaf was found in two of its industrial sized slicers. The experts believe it was buried deep inside the machines where it couldn’t be cleaned during sanitation. Hospitals and retirement homes were providing the contaminated Maple Leaf meats to their patients and residents respectively. Seniors, vulnerable to the bacteria, became ill and some eventually died. Michael McCain, Maple Leaf’s CEO, offered a sincere apology immediately after the officials confirmed the link between the outbreak and Maple Leaf products. He described the crises as â€Å"the toughest situation we’ve faced in the 100 years of this company’s history.† He then, as a precaution, expanded the recall to include all 220 products produced at the Toronto plant. The costs were estimated at $20 million. So who was responsible? Obviously, the listeria was linked back to Maple Leaf, but what about the regulators? Shouldn’t they have set more stringent policies to prevent such occurrences? Or maybe situations like this can’t be avoided since listeria can’t be fully eliminated from food plants like Maple Leafs. Maybe the hospitals or retirement homes should be more careful with the food they provide to people with weak immune systems. Some of the points given might be stretching it but they are valid arguments, nevertheless. Maple Leaf had a choice to make; it could have tried to defend itself and divert responsibility by pointing fingers or it could have taken responsibility. Mr. McCain made the choice to take full responsibility. â€Å"We had a breach, and we took accountability† he says in an interview with Maclean’s magazine. He expanded the recall to include all 220 products produced at the plant, which cost an estimated $20 million. He committed to implementing safety standards that are amongst the most conservative in the world. Finally, he decided to handle lawsuits as promptly as possible by giving people what they wanted for the most part. The decisions that Mr. McCain made seem to be costly ones, at least in the short run. It can be argued that Maple Leaf, being a public company, has an obligation to maximize shareholder first and foremost. Increased costs could negatively impact shareholder value. So did Mr. McCain make the right choice? To answer this question we use Menu Foods, Tylenol, and Mattel as examples and summarize using Tucker’s five questions. In March 2007, Menu Foods, a manufacturer of over 90 brands of dog and cat food, recalled 60 million cans of pet food after it was discovered that the pet food contained wheat gluten tainted with melamine and cyanuric acid. The combination of the chemicals caused kidney failure and death in some cases. The source of the toxic chemical was traced back to Chinese pet food manufacturer, ChemNutra. The company did not handle the recall in a timely manner and it failed to assume full responsibility. Rather the CEO tried to portray the company as a victim. Ultimately, the recall cost Menu Foods an estimated $53.8 million and the company faced multiple lawsuits. The company’s stock price fell as much as 91% within a year of the recall and was eventually purchased by Simmons Pet Food in August 2010. In 1982, several people died as a result of taking Tylenol, which was contaminated with cyanide. After investigation it was discovered that the Tylenol were tampered with. Johnson and Johnson, the parent company, recalled all 31 million bottles and created a tamper-proof bottle. The recall and the new bottle design cost Johnson and Johnson over $100 million. It was a costly move for the company in the short-run but it was a smart and ethical strategy in the long-run as it helped rebuild costumer confidence in the company’s products. Similarly in August 2007, Mattel recalled 20 million Chinese manufactured toys that had potentially toxic lead paint and magnets that could be dislodged. Mattel’s CEO took personal responsibility and the company aggressively notified the public about the recall. Mattel handled the recall quite well and was able to maintain a good brand reputation. From the three examples provided above, the observation can be made that consumers react much more favourably to companies that take full responsibility when they make a mistake, work quickly to resolve the problem, compensate those affected fairly, and act in an honest and transparent manner. Tylenol and Mattel might have made costly decisions in the short run but were able to restore customer confidence and improve shareholder value in the long run. Tucker’s five questions is a useful way to assess Mr. McCain’s decision to take full responsibility and take costly measures to improve the safety program of Maple Leaf. First, was the decision profitable? In the short run no, but in the long run yes the decision was profitable as sales levels were maintained. Two, was it legal? Yes. Three, was it fair? Yes, for the most part it was fair. The people that lost family members will not get them back, but impacted individuals were compensated as fairly as possible. Furthermore, the consumers and shareholders were communicated to in an honest, genuine, and transparent manner. The fourth question asks, was it right? Yes, the right thing to do in a sensitive situation like this was to admit to the mistake and act in the most virtuous way possible to correct the wrong. The final question asks, was it sustainable? Maple leaf committed to making its safety standards among the most conservative in the world. This commitment was a long-term decision that has helped foster a culture of high standards that will enhance sustainability in the long run. In conclusion, Mr. McCain’s decision to take full responsibility and act in an honest and transparent manner was the right and ethical decision to make. He was able to restore customer confidence in the company and increase shareholder value in the long run.

Sample How to Write a Discussion Essay - 997 Words

Abstract This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of disciplining children. Firstly, it will consider the disadvantages of disciplining children in terms of injuries, children taking revenge and broken relationships. Equally, it will consider the advantages of disciplining children in terms of having more respectful children, appreciation and learning life lessons. Finally, the essay will conclude that disciplining children will eventually lead to a better society in the future. Children can be quite a handful to deal with at times. Disciplining children, no matter what methods are used, will always come to mind. The concerning subject are the advantages and the disadvantages that may concern people who are in authority†¦show more content†¦Next, disciplining children will teach them about appreciation. Children may learn to value what is given to them. For example, it can be assumed that consequences will arise when parents’ instructions are not followed. Consequences work when the child is trying to get the parent s attention by misbehaving and when children fight, dawdle, and fail to do their chores. Consequences can be used to get children to school on time, to meals on time, and to take responsibility for homework. The child learns that if he doesn t pick up his toys, he can t go out and play; if he doesn t wash his hands before meals, he won t be served any food; and if he fights with his brother while in the car, the car will be stopped until calm resumes. (Telep 2009, N.P.) Thus, children appreciating valuable things and understanding the consequences of misbehaviour is an advantage when disciplining children. Finally, life lessons can be learned through discipline. These life lessons can possibly determine the child’s future. For example, disciplining a child to complete school work before engaging in leisure activities will teach the child the importance of education. Another example is disciplining a child for being very careless, to prevent serious future injuries. Therefore, an advantage of disciplining children is that children may learn very important life lessons through discipline. The issues of disciplining children both have advantages and disadvantages. ThoughShow MoreRelatedAshford MAT 222 WEEK 1 TO 5 Essay1280 Words   |  6 Pagesup the two ratios and write your equation choosing an appropriate variable for the bear population. 2. Complete problem 10 on page 444 of Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. Show all steps in solving the problem and explain what you are doing as you go along. 3. 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