What is Osteoporosis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

What is Osteoporosis - Essay Example After the maximal bone mass is achieved at the age 30, the pace of bone misfortune for both sex is roughly 0.5% every year, and it increment to around 1% every year or more in menopausal ladies. This is so on the grounds that, estrogen demonstrations in a roundabout way to stifle bone re-sorption, an activity diminished/missing during menopause. Poor sustenance or an age-related lessening in intestinal assimilation of calcium as a result of inadequate initiation of nutrient D is a guilty party of the pervasiveness of Osteoporosis among old. In the United States, 10 million individuals as of now have osteoporosis. Millions more have low bone mass, or osteopenia, putting them at expanded hazard for progressively genuine bone misfortune and resulting fractures.Hip cracks are normal and are regularly crushing in the geriatric populace. Other hazard factors saw as related with this ailment incorporate, smoking, liquor ingestion and hereditary inclination. Similarly as with the current cas e understanding Hunt showed practically the entirety of the demonstrated hazard factors, having had hysterectomy at the age 45 instigating early menopause, smoking and liquor utilization and the vast majority of every one of the, a past filled with calcium and Vitamin D lack as prove by Rickets sickness in her adolescence. Weight-bearing activities like running, strolling, paddling and weight lifting are significant in keeping up bone mass. Studies have shown that pre-menopausal ladies need more than 1000mg and post-menopausal ladies needs 1500mg of calcium day by day (Andrews. 1998). This implies grown-ups should drink 3 to 4 glasses of milk every day or substitute different nourishments that are high in calcium (Bukata and Rosier. 2000). Calcium supplements and a day by day admission of 400-800 IU of Vitamin D is suggested in light of the fact that the last enhances calcium assimilation and restrains parathyroid emission, invigorating calcium re-sorption from the bone (Weinstein and Ullery. 2000). Estrogen Therapy is the absolute most impressive mediation to decrease the rate and movement of osteoporosis. Whenever initiated following menopause forestalls beginning period bone misfortune and gives advantageous impacts whenever regulated all through the multi decade of ladies' years (Gambert Et. Al. 19 95). Ladies with bosom malignancy, dynamic liver ailment, a background marked by blood clumps, or unexplained vaginal draining should, under no situation, go on HRT (Cooper). Furthermore ladies who have headache cerebral pains, high triglycerides, gallbladder or interminable liver infection, a past filled with malignancy of the uterus or ovaries, fibroids, history of endometriosis, or a background marked by presentation to the estrogen DES should go under cautious assessment before thinking about HRT (Hueseman, 2002). Dynamic treatment of osteoporosis utilizes four kinds of specialists; gonadal hormones (estrogen), calcitonin, fluorides and biphosphonates. Calcitonin can be utilized to diminish osteoclastic movement. Despite the fact that the danger of endometrial disease is expanded with hormone treatment, hazard is diminished with ensuing organization of progestin (Riggs and Melton. 1992). In the situations where break is included, the executives incorporates immobilization, torme nt drug, early ambulation and wound consideration. Careful intercession is accomplished for stable crack obsession that permits early reclamation of portability and capacities; this implies early weight bearing. Strolling and

Global Warming Issues Facing the U.S. Today Essay Example for Free

An unnatural weather change Issues Facing the U.S. Today Essay From the beginning of time, the quickest increment rate in the normal worldwide temperature has been recorded during the previous 50 years, and specialists further accept that the pattern is alarmingly quickening. An unnatural weather change is a mind boggling wonder, and its out and out results are hard to predict early. In any case, each year researchers acquire information on how an unnatural weather change is upsetting the planet, and many have a similar supposition that clear results are required to happen if present patterns continue. Except if Americans diminish a worldwide temperature alteration outflows, troubling and practically irreversible effect on the nation, planet and its life will be extraordinarily expected sooner rather than later. US Issues Air toxins, especially carbon dioxide that is collecting in the climate is gathering broadly, catching the warmth of the sun and making the earth warm up. Notwithstanding the way that Americans make up simply 4 percent of the world’s occupants, yet through non-renewable energy source consuming, they produce approximately 25 percent of the overall carbon dioxide contamination, which is extensively the biggest portion of any country (â€Å"Global Warming Basics†). In the United States, the biggest wellsprings of carbon dioxide are the coal-consuming force plants, delivering 2. 5 billion tons yearly; while cars running all through the country’s boulevards are the second biggest source, delivering right around 1. 5 billion tons every year (â€Å"Global Warming Basics†). In the United States, an unnatural weather change is now causing harm in its various districts. In June 2006, a board sorted out by the United States National Research Council, the main science arrangement body of the nation, communicated certainty that the planet is the most sizzling it has been in any event four centuries, and likely even the most recent 20 centuries (â€Å"Global Warming†). Snow development in the United States has declined by very nearly 60 percent and winter seasons have abbreviated in various areas of the Cascade Range in Washington and Oregon since the mid 1950s (â€Å"Global Warming Basics†). Oregon, Arizona and Colorado endured their most horrendous natural life seasons, and dry spell delivered persistent residue storms in Kansas, Colorado and Montana, and floods caused a huge number of dollars in obliteration in North Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Montana. No different, by the last piece of the century, an unnatural weather change is relied upon to additionally raise the average temperatures of the United States to three to nine degrees, which is required to influence a greater amount of the country’s species and natural life that can't bear hotter conditions. Americans prosperity is also in danger, as anomalous atmosphere changes may realize the spread of specific sicknesses, a more prominent chance of warmth stroke, poor air quality, and the flooding of the country’s chief urban communities. End America must take an authority work in comprehending the an unnatural weather change emergency. Innovations exist today that make power plants produce power from nonpolluting sources, vehicles consume less gas and run cleaner, and power utilization lower and progressively effective. Americans can pay attention to the underlying move in battling for vitality protection and assembling of increasingly effective apparatuses, just as increment their dependence on sustainable power sources, for example, geothermal, sun and wind. As of now, the test for the nation is to be sure that these arrangements are actualized. Lamentably, while the innovations are available, the country’s political and corporate will to place them into broad misuse are disappearing. Without question, each american must interest for it if improvement and natural supportability are wanted to be accomplished. Works Cited â€Å"Global Warming. † 2008. Standford SOLAR Center. 16 March 2009 http://sun powered focus. stanford. edu/sun-on-earth/glob-warm. html. â€Å"Global Warming Basics. † 18 October 2005. Normal Resources Defense Council. 16 March 2009 http://www. nrdc. organization/globalWarming/f101. asp.

When and How to Effectively Take a Mental Health Day

When and How to Effectively Take a Mental Health Day Stress Management Job Stress Print When You Should Take a Mental Health Day By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on September 10, 2019 RelaxFoto.de/Getty Images More in Stress Management Job Stress Workplace Bullying Effects on Health Management Techniques Situational Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress Everyone has to deal with varying levels of stress. This can be particularly difficult to manage if you also have symptoms of depression or anxiety. When you feel like youre stress levels have reached their peak, it might be time to take a quick break to reset. Sometimes taking a mental health dayâ€"a day off thats specifically geared toward stress relief and burnout preventionâ€"is the best thing you can do for yourself. While one day might not solve heavy underlying problems that lead to burnout, a mental health day can provide a much-needed break to pause, regroup, and come back with greater levels of energy and a fresh, less-stressed perspective. Unfortunately, employers are not always supportive of psychological issues that workers may face. Yet mental health issues take a serious economic toll worldwide.?? According to research conducted by the World Health Organization, anxiety and depressive disorders cost more than a trillion dollars globally in lost productivity each year. Whatever stressors you face, these tips can help you take a mental health day and make the most of it. Take a  Day Once you have decided to take a mental health day, the question then becomes when and how. Ideally, if you can schedule a day off ahead of time, ensuring that youve taken steps to rearrange your workload or find a replacement for the day, this is the best way to do it, so youre not feeling stress about taking the day off. However, if you wake up in the morning and just feel that you cant face the stress of the day, this may be a good time to take a mental health day and make the most of it. While there has been a growing movement to destigmatize mental health issues in the workplace, many employers still believe that mental health concerns are not legitimate reasons to miss a day of work. A survey commissioned by the British government found that 70% of employers did not believe that stress, anxiety, and depression were valid reasons for missing work.?? More than half of employees felt that their employer did not take mental health issues seriously. For that reason, many workers report faking illness in order to get time off to cope. The decision of when to take a mental health day really depends on your personal situation. If your employer is supportive and you are comfortable sharing your reasons, feel free to plan a mental health day out in advance. If you dont want to divulge your reasons for taking a day or if your employer is less understanding, dont feel obligated to share. You can: Plan to use some of your time offSchedule your mental health day for a day you already have offIf absolutely necessary, call in sick Weekends work well, too. While a traditional mental health day generally includes taking a day off from work, its not necessary to call in sick to take a day to focus on stress relief. How to Cope With Mental Health Stigma What to Expect Knowing what you can expect to get out of a mental health day is important. Its important to remember that it isnt a day to hide from your problems.   An effective mental health day can help you: DestressReset your perspectiveTake a step back to evaluateGet a handle on your emotionsRelaxRest Problems can seem harder to deal with when they seem close, overwhelming, and inescapable. Taking a mental break from work and spending some time on self-care can sometimes give you that mini-break you need to head back into things with a clear head. Decide What You Need Most Sometimes this one is a no-brainerâ€"if youre exhausted, your body will be screaming that it needs to rest; if you feel you cant face another day of hard work, you may just need to have some fun. However, if youre feeling overwhelmed, you may not be as aware of your needs. Take a minute and really reflect: would you benefit the most from some tension relief? Or from making a few changes that will relieve stress in the future? Some time with a loved one? Or just a change of scenery? As different stressors require different responses, different types of mental health days fill unique needs. If You Need to Relax Taking a mental health day often means taking time out to relax. That can mean watching TV  in pajamas for hours or puttering around the house and doing nothing, and as long as this isnt an everyday thing, thats fine. However, some activities can take a little front-end effort and feel immensely relaxing once theyre completed. Some things you can try include:?? Taking a walk in natureAttending a yoga classSwimming at the gymGetting a massage The key is to spend time doing an activity that you find relaxing, whether its taking a hike, exploring a museum, or just spending some time immersed in a good book. Things NOT to Do Binge-watch TVAvoid friends and familySmoke, drink, or use other substancesOvereat unhealthy foodsRuminate or wallow in negative emotionsSpend all day reading posts on social media There are plenty of ways to spend your day, whether you decide to catch up on some much-needed sleep, indulge in a hobby you love, or hang out with a friend. Spend your day on activities that boost your physical and mental wellness. Simple Ways to Relax If You Need Some Fun If you really need a change of scenery and a Ferris Buellers Day Off kind of mental health day, be sure you make the most of it. Plan at least one fun eventâ€"either something you normally love to do and dont do enough  or something youve always wanted to try. Take along a good friend, if possible, to really make the day memorable. If nothing grabs your attention, try to engage in gratifications  or activities that provide just the right type of challenge: hobbies, games, and the like. If You Need to Make Some Changes If the stressors seem to pile up and youre looking for a way to slow down and stop the noise, you may want to take a day to restructure things. You may not be able to eliminate all of your ongoing stressors in a day, but you might be able to make a significant reduction in a few areas, and that may create a lasting impact on your stress levels. Start by: Create a list of things that drain your energyWork from there on eliminating stressorsTake a look at your prioritiesCut out some of your larger stressorsWork on increasing job satisfaction Dont expect to be able to take on all of this in a single day. If you want to use your mental health day to make real changes in your life, use it as a chance to evaluate, plan, and get ready to work on those changes. If You Need More of a Break If you need more of a break than just one day, consider taking a staycation or vacation. You may also consider whether youre headed toward burnout.  If youre concerned that your overall stress levels are greater than a mental health day, a vacation, or online resources can help, you may want to bring up your concerns with your doctor, or talk to a professional. There are many steps that can be taken to help. The Best Online Therapy Programs A Word From Verywell Look for ways to keep stress levels low and so that you dont wake up one morning in dire need of an emergency mental health day. A mental health day can be useful on occasion, but you should also strive to make your mental health a priority every day. How to Maintain Balance

The Use of Digital Fabrication in the Architectural Design Free Essay Example, 3750 words

In order for a given geometric configuration to be realized through digital fabrication, a detailed geometry is required. A system of elements can then be obtained from based on the detailed geometry that is provided. Also, the digital fabrication process can be integrated with the iterative design process and the elements required may grow exponentially. This is as a result of the fact that as the design process advances, more geometric configurations are added and this add some details to the given surface. The description of the NURBS surface is defined systematically to create a supporting framework of ribs. Programming techniques can then be used to extract the geometric information that is contained within each NURBS surface. This is the final information that is used to generate templates that are used in the digital fabrication process (Piegl and Tiller, p. 48). It should be noted that digital fabrication has played an important role in redefining the traditional architectur al design process. Through the adoption of digital design principles, a designer can closely integrate the design process and the physical representations that are obtained. We will write a custom essay sample on The Use of Digital Fabrication in the Architectural Design or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page

A Problem Of Conflict Resolution - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1776 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/08/16 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Conflict Resolution Essay Did you like this example? Introduction While conflict can be difficult to deal with because it involves change, sometimes it can seem like a threat to the relationships involved. Let me explain briefly. Sometimes an Individual wants to make things work and the other person in conflict says they want the same thing, but only on their terms. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Problem Of Conflict Resolution" essay for you Create order Although the other person wants it only on their terms, they do not state it verbally, but behaviorally, or they may come to a verbal agreement but do not display the behavior or actions of the agreement. They may even forcefully state their demand upon the other Individual. This is not conflict resolution, it is manipulation, therefore making the conflict unresolvable. This may have a note of behaviorism, which is a theoretical approach that seeks to explain behavior in terms of learning principles, but without reference to inner states, thoughts, or feelings of the person who does want to work cooperatively and even in the one who just wants to work everything together for the good. (Baumeister Bushman) In other words, it is as James 4:1 states: What is causing all the quarrels and fights among you? Isnt it your desires battling inside you? (Complete Jewish Bible, Stern) While many different avenues could be approached, and addressed such as Parental Alienation, PTSD, normal family conflict, and many others, I want to direct our attention to a man of whom it is said, his life (book) is about the suffering of men, although it was really a conflict within Job and between Job and God. The conflict, I believe well discover was not a misunderstanding, nor coming to an understanding, but rather an understanding that it is normal to not understand (at times), but to trust and for God to reveal more of Himself, not only to those who hear, but who will look. Nagy, and Wolf outline a good source of possible strategies which may also become visible in the life of Job and his confrontations even with God. Body In the normal course of life, When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is negotiation to resolve the disagreement. (Nagy, Wolf) The goals of negotiation are: To produce a solution that all parties can agree to: To work as quickly as possible to find this solution: To improve, not hurt, the relationship between the groups in conflict. (Nagy, Wolf) These were all evident, or became evident in the struggle of Job. Conflict is often from a perceived disparity between at least two individuals, however, at times within the person themselves which may become the causation for an individuals behavior socially toward another or their own mental dilemma rooted within. Sometimes it is a misunderstanding of wrestling not against flesh and blood, but which the visible is the flesh and blood one is dealing with. How do we differentiate between the spirit and the person while yet forgiving the person without forgiving the thing we are wrestling with in that person or ourselves? The apostle Paul, in Romans 7 describes the inner human conflict, but also the resolution if the person will accept the resolution, while James describes the causation of the conflict. Jobs causation, however, was the way God (performed) was before Jobs trial and the way it seemed God (alienated) did not act on his behalf, or even acted against Job, as Job accused. In astounding, and probably unrealized agreement, Baumeister Bushman state, Interpersonally, if your inconsistent behaviors affect others, you may suffer social rejection and ostracism. (Baumeister Bushman) However, you should not feel obligated to behave consistently with a commitment that you were tricked into making. If it is not clear whether you were tricked into making a commitment, ask yourself this question: Knowing what I know now, if I could go back in time, would I make the same commitment? (pg 266) In other words, if you did not know you were deceived by the old nature but now am made aware of the resolution, you have a choice. Within this framework is a basis of conflict which requires resolution. Jobs situation was allowed by God. While it may appear to some (not to Job) that God tricked Job, he obviously would have made the same commitment. Job did not curse God and die, as suggested by his wife. Baumeister Bushman go on to say, If the answer is yes, behave consiste ntly with the commitment. If the answer is no, dont do it! (pg 266 Baumeister Bushman) To whom or what is your commitment to freedom or slavery, God, or self? Job was engulfed in conflict resolution, but mostly within and his three friends did not help. Job may have even been angry to some extent. God said he was blameless, Job knew he served God, and loved others, but his three friends kept him in conflict and Job wondered before God why and what is going on. Job was then confronted by a youth after Jobs three friends could not win an argument with Job, nor convince him of any wrongdoing. Remember, Job was blameless. Elihu said (with disgust) to all three friends of Job, I will not answer Job with your arguments and then let Job have it. We do not see anywhere that Job retaliated as he had with his three friends. We do see God interrupt Elihu to confront Job. When all was said and done, Job put his hand over his mouth, confessed, and repented before God restored his life. God even told Job to pray for his three friends (not including Elihu) because THEY did not speak right of God. What is it Job confessed though if he was blameless. Job s aid, Yes, I spoke, without understanding, of wonders far beyond me, which I didnt know. (Job 42:3, CJB) There is another reality Job recognized that brought resolution, or clarity to him in his conflict of which he sought resolution. It is found in Job 42:5, and it says, I had heard about you with my ears (faith comes by hearing the word of God), but now my eye sees you. (CJB) That was even before God restored everything x 2 to Job! Conflict resolution through negotiation can be good for all parties involved. Often, each side will get more by participating in negotiations than they would by walking away, and it can be a way for your group to get resources that might otherwise be out of reach. (Nagy, Wolf) Job experienced resolution through this conflict because he did not walk away, nor did he take his wifes advice, and though Job is the oldest book in the Bible, and probably the most desired if all other writings were lost, he still may have understood what Isaiah wrote in 1:18. That is the ultimate negotiation of God, the source of resolutions, and how Job was to get resources that might otherwise be out of reach. (Nagy, Wolf) Conflict resolution often speaks as having one in opposition to another, however, it also speaks of legitimate requests or expectations. Jobs three friends were obviously not legitimate accusations, but Elihus response was. We see four things at work in a situation in which there was conflict that found resolution. These four things may guide us in our own inner wrestle as well as our struggles with others. Those four things are stated as: I want it my way (unwilling to change or accept that change must occur. i.e. repentance) I have faith because Ive heard about you (the point of faith is that after, you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise) I dont understand and sometimes I dont need to BUT now my eye sees You. (Coming face to face with the One you really have an issue with) When we settle these four and come to the place of Job, even Christ, we may more assuredly walk out the many conflicts, yet with the understanding, in your anger do not sin. Apparently, Job did not. He just did not understand what was going on, before, during, and after. He just saw God and understood he did not understand, but God does. The conflict was quieted, not when God confronted him, but when he saw God, repented, and put his hand over his own mouth. Although God speaks of anger as something to not let linger, nor does it resolve anything, Baumeister Bushman say, Anger may therefore actually reduce aggression, compared to what the world would be like if people went directly into aggressive action as soon as they experienced conflict or frustration, which would say anger may be an avenue to resolution. (pg 200) Though we do not see the possible anger of Job, we do see his taunts toward his friends. Imagine if his friends responded in anger, assuming Job must have committed a crime against God. Job would have surely been put out of his misery and everyone else. Conclusion But how does this equate to living in the world and working with those who are slaves and those who claim to not be, yet obviously are using grace instead of repentance as their excuse to remain where they are? Grace gives favor to overcome, but learning the principles of repentance gives power, vision, and authority to be an overcomer. Repentance is effectively the hand that can grasp, and Grace is the glove that covers and is necessary to protect and comfort. We may also use the learning principles of forgiveness to not only offer grace to ourselves and others but walk in a humility and standard of repentance. The causation of most of our conflict is within our commitment to understand that not only is God not always understandable, but neither are we. However, resolution to the conflict is found with God, not in negotiating terms, but accepting His. Simply put, it is not the presence of conflict that stresses the relationship; it is the way one responds. (Berger) The resolution is not found without conflict, so both are necessary although not necessarily considered good to our emotions. Understanding that we do not need to understand, while still working through conflict, is able to bring resolution sometimes, all by itself within a person. Work Cited Baumeister, R.F., Bushman, B.J. (2017) Social psychology and human nature (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage. Berger, Marcia Naomi. Do Unresolvable Conflicts Doom a Marriage? PschCentral, World of Psychology, 2015, psychcentral.com/blog/do-unresolvable-conflicts-doom-a-marriage/. Stern, David. The Complete Jewish Bible. Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications, 1998. Print. Wolf, Rebecca, and Jenette Nagy. Section 6. Training for Conflict Resolution. Community Tool Box, University of Kansas, ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/provide-information-enhance-skills/conflict-resolution/main.

Technology vs. Values Environment Free Essays

Technology is what governs the aspect of being judged as a developed nation or country. To determine the effect that technology has on the true evolution of a society needs to be considered from two angles. First and foremost technological innovation is what brings about progress. We will write a custom essay sample on Technology vs. Values Environment or any similar topic only for you Order Now Technological advancements take place when a society needs to make their living more comfortable and safe. This brings up the other point handling technology, the second aspect. Mans needs and wants are rarely distinguishable. It happens quite often that man cannot outline his basic needs and requirements due to which the technology developed are not in sync with their values and cultures. Technological advancements affect all three spheres of a society- social, political economical. Therefore over-indulgence in technological progress will indeed lead to the neglect of social, economic and political values. Excess of everything is bad. To begin with technological progress is extremely costly and requires a very large investment. Large investments in this field would require the fiscal resources allotted to education and removal of poverty in developing nations especially to be decreased. An example of this scenario is the Indian National Congress. The INC made the nuclear deal with the USA. Despite the help being provided by the USA, India will still have to make large investments in setting up large nuclear plants equipment. Such investments will be made in the light, that even today majority of the population is illiterate and lives below the poverty line. Apart from people, persistent technological development poses a grave threat to environment. The present situation of global warming is completely attributed to mindless technological development. The extensive power consumption by factories in the USA is a matter of great contention in the United Nations, as it is a major contributor to global warming. Technology empowers us, true. But with great power, comes great responsibility! How to cite Technology vs. Values Environment, Essays

Summary of Taiho Plastics Industries Private Limited free essay sample

Taiho Plastics Industries Private Limited In 1976, Mr. Wong Ling Kah one of the co-owners of the family-owned Taiho Plastics Industries took over the management of the company and later became the managing director. Between 1978 and 1982, as the industry was trying to counter the effects of recession, Mr. Wong moved to invest for an approximate amount of $5. 2 Million to replace their outdated hong kong extruder, sealer, and cutter with more efficient Japanese machinery. These were financed through loans from financial institutions. Such a decision was considered unwise by people within the business community. Mr. Wong however, personally believed that the investment was justifiable taking into consideration the lower unit cost and the company’s plan to be competitive in the international market. The manufacturing of plastic bags consist of three basic processes: extrusion, printing and cutting, and sealing. The maximum working capacity of the machines is 350 tons per month. Cost of production has fallen from ,914,831. We will write a custom essay sample on Summary of Taiho Plastics Industries Private Limited or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 00 in 1980 to 3,846,254. 00 in 1981. To meet production date lines and high volume of orders, the company may increase the number of shifts per day. There may be from 1 to 3 shifts depending on the work load. Production is stopped once every two weeks to allow both man and machine to rest. Plastic resins are the main raw materials which form 65% of total cost in comparison to direct costing and overheads which account for 25% and 10%, respectively. These raw materials are imported through trading companies or subsidiaries of resin manufacturers. Shipments of these raw materials usually take two to three months and sometimes four months. Taiho is in good terms with its suppliers and so far has only experienced minimal problems, even during times of tight supply. The company however, does not practice any formal system of stock control. It restocks every 15 days, and if the company should require more, it will result to spot buying. For finished goods, the stocks are also low as the company can work up a stock equivalent to the volume of a shipping container within 15 days. Plastic bags used in Singapore include vest bags, carrier bags, garbage bags, food wrapping bags, industrial packaging bags, and market bags. On the local scene, Taiho is concentrating on these two segments: supermarket and emporiums where there is a demand for bags of a higher quality and print. Sales operate on a contractual basis and orders have been regular. Taiho enjoys a core of regular customers. It is not heavily dependent on any one of them in particular and believes in having at least two clients in every country it exports to. Mr. Wong supplies not more than 50% of each client’s requirements and this help to reduce dependence and risks. At present, Australia accounts for 80% of sales, Holland and the U. S. 10% and another 10% from domestic demand. Local sales, however, which previously accounted for 25% of total sales, have now dropped to only 10%. Mr. Wong believes that the key to expansion is to look west and is currently trying to establish contacts in the U. S. The introduction of a double tax reduction on 80% of advertising cost has encouraged mr. Wong to advertise in a few trade journals. The plastic bags industry in Singapore is characterized by large number of small competitors. On the other hand there are many small volume users and large volume users making it a highly fragmented market which results to a high company failure rate in this type of industry. In 1983 alone, sixteen companies went out of business and during this period, most if not all manufacturers were operating below capacities. Over 90% of these manufacturers have plastic bags as their sole product while a few have diverted to related activities such as the trading of plastic resins. In Singapore, there are two companies that stand out in terms of the size of operations and finances are Lamipak and Maya Plastics. Both of these companies invest in research and development to improve their production and with the recent development of automated machines that can be operated at lower unit cost. Traditionally, production of plastic bags has been labor-intensive. But due to technological advancement and innovation, one can produce bags economically by having a lesser number of employees to work for the over-all production process. Since 1979, the number of employees at Taiho has fallen from 150 to 65 due to lesser human labor requirement and with major changes in the industry. As a step in training, mr. Wong has sent three senior supervisors and six shift supervisors to courses at NPB. The production manager is also attending a two-year course in production management. Taiho has no immediate objective to compete head-on with Lamipak and Maya Plastics whose approaches are different from those of other local firms. Learning from example, Taiho is now paying more attention to the development of innovative bags. Mr. Wong’s future plans were to expand the company’s base in the U. S. market once he would come up with a strong financing.