Holistic effects

The development of theoretical chemistry ceased at about 1930. The last significant contributions came from the first of the modern theoretical physicists, who have long since lost interest in the subject. It is not uncommon today, to hear prominent chemists explain how chemistry is an experimental science, adequately practiced without any need of quantum mechanics or the theories of relativity. Chemical thermodynamics is routinely rehashed in the terminology and concepts of the late nineteenth century. The formulation of chemical reaction and kinetic theories take scant account of statistical mechanics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Theories of molecular structure are entirely classical and molecular cohesion is commonly analyzed in terms of isolated bonds. Holistic effects and emergent properties that could... 

The holistic thermodynamic approach based on material (charge, concentration and electron) balances is a firm and valuable tool for a choice of the best a priori conditions of chemical analyses performed in electrolytic systems. Such an approach has been already presented in a series of papers issued in recent years, see [1-4] and references cited therein. In this communication, the approach will be exemplified with electrolytic systems, with special emphasis put on the complex systems where all particular types (acid-base, redox, complexation and precipitation) of chemical equilibria occur in parallel and/or sequentially. All attainable physicochemical knowledge can be involved in calculations and none simplifying assumptions are needed. All analytical prescriptions can be followed. The approach enables all possible (from thermodynamic viewpoint) reactions to be included and all effects resulting from activation barrier(s) and incomplete set of equilibrium data presumed can be tested. The problems involved are presented on some examples of analytical systems considered lately, concerning potentiometric titrations in complex titrand + titrant systems. All calculations were done with use of iterative computer programs MATLAB and DELPHI. 

How do you then design an effective system There are several techniques you can use. Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Theory of Constraints (TOC) are but three. The FMEA is a bottom-up approach, the FTA a top-down approach, and TOC a holistic approach. 

Over the last decade our view of chemistry has evolved substantially. Whereas individual researchers previously focused on specific areas of chemistry, such as inorganic, organic, etc. we now take a more holistic approach. Effective and efficient research projects now incorporate whatever aspects of the chemistry subdisciplines that are needed to complete the intended work. 

In this introductory chapter, a broad overview is given of the history of chemical warfare on earth, and the compounds, species, and mechanisms involved. The impact of human-made compounds on the environment, which is the subject of this book, is an extremely recent event in evolutionary terms. It is important to take a holistic view, and to see the effects of human-made pollutants on the environment against the background of chemical warfare in nature. 

Because of their wide-ranging and holistic character, assays of behavioral effects have been used as screening procedures when testing for neurotoxicity (see, for example, Iversen 1991, Tilson 1993). They can provide sensitive indications of neurotoxic disturbances, which can then be traced back to their ultimate cause by using mechanistic biomarker assays. 

Another holistic parameter, the electrochemical measurements (pH, redox potential, resistance) yielded little to no effect in these apple and carrot studies. 

In this chapter we have explained several system-inherent factors of organic fruit growing that can improve fruit quality. However, with the intensification of organic fruit production currently under way worldwide (e.g. more intensive nitrogen application on horticultural crops), there is a risk of quality decrease. Therefore, technical progress in organic farming should be closely and scientifically monitored for (side) effects on food quality, possibly in a holistic view that also includes environmental, social and human health criteria. 

Sugiura, K., M. Goto, and Y. Kurihara. 1982. Effect of Cu2+ stress on an aquatic microcosm a holistic study. Environ. Res. 27 307-315. 

Johnson, M.S. et al., Effects of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in a holistic environmental exposure regime on a terrestrial salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum. Toxicol. Pathol., 28, 334, 2000. 

It will be apparent from this brief survey that both the models in which most investment has been made show promise, and each offer certain advantages. In both cases there is a need for further investment in research to develop a clearer and more confident understanding of how best these methods can be integrated effectively with other information relating to allergenic activity to provide a holistic assessment of likely sensitizing potential. 

Another perceived view about Western drugs is the adverse effects. Western medicine is sometimes viewed as a sledgehammer method rather than the more holistic approach using TM. The costs of Western medicine can be prohibitive as well, especially for patients in countries where there are no comprehensive healthcare systems. For example, treatment with pegylated interferon for hepatitis C or antibody for colon cancer can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year. Limitations of Western drugs in some cases, such as resistance to antibiotics, also highlight problems and pave the way for people to consider TM. See Exhibit 11.3 on how GlaxoSmithKline and... 

EFFECTIVE - Holistic integration of MCFC technology towards a most effective systems compound using Biogas as a renewable source of energy. 

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