Architectural education today: Cross-cultural perspectives Essay

Architecture is the process by which buildings and other physical structures are planned, constructed and designed through consideration of environmental, cultural and social factors. Architecture also encompasses the issues of cost assessment, construction management and scheduling which an architect have to consider in order for it to be successful. The process of architecture involves a series of steps whereby the architect present a documentation of plans and technical specifications, typical drawings, which represents or defines the structure of the building to be constructed (Cowlishaw, 1999). This professional discipline represents all creative fields regarding the design of our physical environment whether cultural, industrial and residential. However the relationship between dependable mishandlings of the surroundings and building structures has resulted to the considerations of responses to all factors in the environment including culture, climate, and location. This is ref erred as the built environment and currently, many researchers have been looking at what environmental burdens has an effects on human physical characters and application to the physical and cultural environment (Dovey and Kim, 2010). Consequently, every environmental factor has contributed significantly in the evolution of man’s architecture and until recently cultural factors in the man’s physical evolution (architecture) has acknowledged basically no consideration (Alamo et al, 2002). Environmentally, sensible design of any structure should be essential in the creative process from the commencement, considering at the current structure that there is probability of energy consumption which is one of the environmental factors leading to a maintainable construction and structure, which can be applied in the redesigning stage of the development. Consideration of the environmental factors in the architecture process ensures that there is easily adaptation of the structures designed to any environmental condition. Cultural factors are also main essentials o consider when designing and planning any structure since they are connected to the human behavior (David, 1993). Culture can be defined as the devel opment that not only regulate the pressures of natural assortment of any design or plan but also assist in the changes of pressures. Evident on this aspect is when we witness the growth and improvement of human tools, social selection and migration. Through consideration of cultural factors, human nature is transformed in one way or the other and this have contributed development of intellects which increase the response of biological mechanisms. Precisely, in this essay I have tried to discuss in details on how environmental and cultural factors influence the process of architecture as well as the built environment. Built environment can be referred as those surroundings created by humans, for humans and can be applied in human activity. Such built environment includes cities, buildings, and roads and also supports infrastructure, such as supply of water or networks of energy. However, built environment relates so much with architecture since it involves spaces and places modified or generated by people in the society comprising transportation systems, constructions and parks. But recently research from the public health have described built environment as inclusion of healthy food admittance in the process of ensuring maintainable environment with an aim of smart growth. The built environment offers the situation and background by which we live our lives and effects on our emotions, senses, contribution in physical action a nd the life and sense of community and universal welfare (David, 1993). Cultural factors             Cultural factors that influence architecture as well as the built environment, explains more on the style of the architecture which will really fit the surrounding, they determine whether the architecture is traditional or modern and also determines whether the architecture have integrated local design components. The consequence of culture on the architectural design appears to be the crucial factor in shaping any structure. The widespread variety of shapes, techniques of constructing walls and roofs of houses has resulted to the current aspirations of advancement towards modernity. In many parts this inspiration of architectural heritage of texture and color of the building components have been attained while suggesting new architectural design that can boost cultural endurance. In addition, the considerations on culture are mostly stressed in any architecture process because that architectural section that do not consider the cultural elements of its surroundin gs stand the risk of being forbidden by the existing people (Dovey and Kim, 2010). The features of culture that mostly affect architecture as well as built environment include religious, economic and social activities. One of the main cultural factors influencing architecture and the built environment as well is sensory assessment of decorations. Decorations makes a building or any structure to have attractive and clear visual appearance to the observers plus the occupants. Therefore before even designing and planning an architectural design, decoration of that structure must be highly considered. This decoration must highly relates with the flexibility of the culture so that it cannot interfere with the existing culture thus the visual simplicity can go hand on hand with the noticeable differences. The influence of building components comes out as an effective and important factor in determining the complication of architectural design. Mostly, the repetition, orientation, similarity, common inclusion and balance of the building components play a measure in conveying building structures such as houses. Furthermore, the characteristics magnitudes of the windows, their relationship with the compact areas and their locations in the wall inclines a sense of consistency in architecture. Therefore, the effective architectural shape, material, style and decoration explains the most important components for constructing structures without much consideration on the texture and color (Noschis, 2002). Considerably, we have stated above that social activities are one of the cultural factors and they influence highly on any architectural design and its development. As we all know, the traditional styles of generating and creating architectural designs started to shrink due to emergency of western civilization thus resulting to modification from numerous unit system of extended families houses to current single unit system of apartments and flats. The current architects must consider a complete deviance from enclosure system even if the inhabitants of that house are more than one family. This is because there have been a stead evolution of architecture from traditional background. Approving the above point (Denyer, 1978) affirms that though the colonial controllers did not directly mediate in issues concerning indigenous culture, however, there were two major conditions in which obligation did happen. They were the isolation of land to accommodate emigrant settlers, and the hint of t rying to persuade people to live in settlements suitable for local development policies. There was serious intervention in the habitation schedules and many administration have not changed the existing development. When designing any architectural design currently, one must have idea that involvement of grouped people who in early times lived into large villages has left their family farmstead of scattered and small villages. Modern community services have also attracted most of people to the site where good architectural designed with modern facilities. The main reason why this evolution have occurred is because any traditional buildings were designed with the bases of width and not its height like what is done recently. Population is another social element which is under the cultural factors influencing the architectural designs and plans. Before setting up any architectural design, the architect must have the details of the number of people around that structure and determine whether this will affect the built environment in that location (Ferrigni, 2005). All social groups beginning from the aboriginal tribes to countries or nations have certain kind of art form. It is a certain character that man at all times attempts to show his feelings of his environment utmost the things which brings a great impact to his lifetime. Considering the number of people around that architectural design is very important because human being is a social being and at sometimes those people who are using it, or ordering it to be built or people designing and building it can influence all inner spaces. Environmental factors             Environment and architecture relates so much such that without an architect considering the environmental factors, architectural designs and plans end up failing. It is not possible to design any good structures (buildings) without considering their relationship to the national coordination. Moreover, it is not possible to interpret the normal environment without having knowledge on how human involvement in the environment affects it; either negatively or positively. The study of environment takes the entire meaning when nature and man start to identify their interdependence. However, the relationship of architecture and environment inspires students to sightsee from variety of perceptions (Dillion and Salvage,1998). In my opinion, environmentally friendly architecture should be a habitual practice to any firm in consideration of a good architectural design. The main environmental factors that influence the designing of architecture is climate with inclusion of it s variables and elements. In addition we must consider another factor on consideration of energy emissions that will that will be required and created during the process of architecture. This will ensure that the budget of the client whose the well-designed building concern to, that the amount of energy to control it daily does not require the usual amounts of energy plus the cost-effective resources. When the architectural design is friendly to the environment, then it means it can be effectively implemented right on time (Fantin, 2003). Climate in particular as an environmental factor influences architectural designs. For example, the hot humid regions or zones requires structures with wide openings for ventilation and lighting. Climate together with other physical components prescribe kind of geographical features and therefore influence the kind of construction and designs that can be established in a specific geographical region (Dillion and Salvage,2003). Consideration of these elements further assist the designer in developing the dimension linkages and form which is arranged in a discrete manner to satisfy the desired needs. The conditions of a place has to do with topography, microclimate, water basin, undergrowth and wind breaks in the form of bush and trees. Other situations are convenience, how near is that architectural design to the public infrastructure, entrance and the level of disturbances. Since traditional house building system did not think through most of the factors noted above, the only conside rations a house constructor or any planning house proprietor were vegetation with respect to economic crops, the appearance of the terrain, description of plot with respect to religious happenings, immediacy to head of instantaneous family and farm occupants (Ferrigni, 2005). Another importance of climate as an environmental factor is that it assist the architectural designers and planners to a large magnitude, what kind of natural resources can be afforded to local builders and architects. To those areas that do not have many trees or a lot of rainfall, but with a extensive area of grass where grazing of livestock can take place, cow strokes are often permitted to dry and then composed together, so that they can be applied as building elements for the walls of buildings and other residences (Konya,1980). These strokes serve a construction component and heat-proofing. However, heavily forested areas allow the builders to apply timber as a durable and strong building component. In areas where there is large leaves, such as palm leaves, they can be applied to make roofs that are effective in avoiding rainfall and other elements of climate from affecting the built structure. This will contribute a lot to the one who is implementing the work of the designer b ecause even the application of environment elements is easy to repair and it is a poor conductor of heat thus it facilitates to bearable interior temperature (Dillion and Salvage,1998). The alignment of locating the building on the location is done with special consideration being focused on the climatic components such as sun radiation, wind, topography, vegetation and precipitation. The level of disturbance and its view are also usually taken care of an effective architecture process. During times of excessive heat, solar radiation is mainly considered because there is need to know the difference in temperature of a construction between the best and worst alignment (Ferrigni, 2005). Good alignment assists to eliminate much of solar radiation from the internal region of the construction. However, alignment of houses is determined by bearing in mind access to the buildings and the point that the apartment of head of the family must be located almost at the end. If all these considerations are done, then the nature and kind of the houses assist in reducing the consequence of sun radiation to the occupants in that building. Moreover consideration of mud houses can app ly very well in these zones with extensive heats since, they are poor conductor of heat therefore, making the interior of that building quite cool (Konya,1980). Another architectural consideration in these parts is constructing buildings that do not have ceiling in order to enable circulation of air thus improving the ventilation. Finally, the appearance of local landscape and the way it is influenced by climate can have an important control on the choices made by the architectural designers. For example considering the land which is close to water bodies then the domestic residences can be built facing in the course that enables cooling breezes created by the water to create natural circulation of air (Fantin, 2003). Consequently, those places with an abundance of trees, residences can be constructed under the shade of their leaves to accomplish a similar function and deliver protection from either wind and or rain. In addition, the modern conservation of energy can be a main challenge in buildings which are being built. This often leads to connecting energy from native weather patterns in ways which are sophisticated and will allow the concentrated amount of air to stream through and cool the buildings (Alamo et al, 2002). Conclusion             Any architecture can give in a very detailed and speedy manner, the cultural background and historic economic of any group of people or settlements. In simple terms, the architectural constructions in any setup, informs visitors the kind of structures in existence whether cultural or environmental. There must be a resolute struggle to revive the failing architectural trend and advance fresh but tolerable architectural plans and design that identify the culture of the people with respect to present development in their environment. Every culture can stimulate a kind of architecture that can encourage a kind of architecture that can vary from developments to everyday house. Environment and family appear to be the most common influences generally. Each culture is not the same to the other and the more we become enlightened on them, the more we raise the value of our environment and comprehend why certain issues appeal to us. There is no doubt that if any architectura l design can consider the cultural and environmental factors, then there will be a built environment which is acceptable and friendly and at the same time matching with the existing infrastructures in the environment. References Denyer S 1978. African Traditional Architecture. New York: African Company, pp. 14-22 Dovey, Kim.2010. Becoming Places: Urbanism/Architecture/Identity/Power. London, New York: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, David M.2013. A Place to Call Home: Identiï ¬ cation with Dwelling, Community, and Region. The Sociological Quarterly, Nr. 1, 111–131 Ferrigni, F., & European University Centre for the Cultural Heritage. (2005). Ancient buildings and earthquakes: Reducing the vulnerability of historical built- up environment by recovering the local seismic culture; principles, methods, potentialities. Bari: Edipuglia. Alamo, A. M. A., O’Reilly, W., & Noschis, K. (2002). Architectural education today: Cross-cultural perspectives. Lausanne: Comportments. Konya Allan 1980. Design Primer for Hot Climates. London: Architectural Press Limited, P. 33, 37, 38. Dillion,J. & Salvage, M. 1998. â€Å"Tangentyere council† in Architectural Review, Octomber, pp.96-97.Dillion,J. & Salvage, M. 2003, â€Å"House Design in Alice Springs Town Camps† in Take Housing Design and indigenous Australia, eds P. Memmott & C. Chambers, The Royal Australian Institute Of Architects, Red. Cowlishaw, G.(1999). Rednecks, Eggheads and Blackfellas A Study of Racial Power and Intimacy in Australia. Allen and Unwin. Fantin, S. (2003a). Aboriginal identities in architecture. Architecture Australia, 92(5):84–87. Source document

Environmental Proposal and Presentation Essay

For this assignment we chose the Patton-Fuller Community Hospital for our virtual organization. This facility is a non-for-profit social insurance association that has supplied an extremely wide cluster of preferred value aids and offices to the town of Kelsey and the encompassing groups since 1975. The healing center supplies centered utilities for example emergency restorative consideration, surgery, work and committal, private medicine and radiology for developed persons and youthful kids. â€Å"As one of the first facilities in Kelsey, they are besides dedicated to supplying a sort of projects that will underpin the health and welfare of their neighborhood inhabitant numbers† (Apollo Group, 2006). The prime causes for hospital’s actuality from a dissection of the task, dream, and objectives are to be the social insurance affiliation of elective for patients, human services masters and M.D.s. Other nexus explanations are to supply esteem honor scoring social insurance aids to the group by â€Å"viably treating contaminations and damages, supplying early mediation and preventive consideration,† and twofold-checking their workers embraces inventiveness, respectability, esteem, aid, teamwork and freedom (Gwinnett health Center, 2009). In this entry we will infer two strategies to make collusions between the Patton-Fuller Community Hospital and its arranged inner and outside stakeholders. We will likewise clarify how the contrasts between administration and administration influence organizing inside the Patton-Fuller Community Hospital. At long last, we will recommend a nature that is supportive of crew working and studying and that considers maintainable improvement and imaginatively inside the Patton-Fuller Community Hospital. BusinessDictionary.com (2009) describes stakeholders as: Persons, gathering, or cooperation that has immediate or digressive venture in an organization on the grounds that it can influence or be affected by the organization’s exercises, targets, and arrangements. Enter stakeholders in a venture affiliation envelop lenders, clients, heads, laborers, legislature, proprietors, dealers, mergers, and the group from which the venture portrayals its assets. In spite of the fact that stake holding is ordinarily self-legitimizing, not all stakeholders are equivalent and dissimilar stakeholders merit to unique concerns. Core stakeholders of the facility are the laborers, patients, guests, speculators, and the group. Smallwood, N., Sweetman, K. & Ulrich, D. (2007, November 11) state: â€Å"Employees longing to work in an area where they can meet their distinctive yearnings and likes. Pioneers who imagine assignments, work domains, and visions help laborers be both skilled and promised to their work.† Patients need to comprehend that they are getting the greatest consideration reasonable and be skilled to accept the forethought suppliers. Voyagers longing to grasp their friends and family are acquiring the finest forethought and that they can accept guardians. Communities need chiefs to construct affiliations that are collectively mindful, with hoe they treat the indigenous nature and how they help the greater group. Speculators-need supervisors to keep their vows, advance an influencing evolvement technique arrange focus abilities to the plan then afterward to twofold-watch that folks are promised to committing on these manufacturing. At the point that they do, gurus pay the affiliation with abnormal amounts of confidence sometime to come, which changes over into higher business worth. Controllers need chiefs to administer themselves in concurrence with heightened moral standards and in a kind predictable with master and legitimate guidelines. The difference between leadership is when it comes to a company you work for a manage needs to decide what the company can do to become better. The management has to come up with a conclusion to come together with a project that they can do to keep business flowing and customers to keep coming. Leaders can get the job done if the employees are doing their job. Some people do less work then others therefore that can bring a company down depending on what they are doing at the job. If you practice more on a job you can get more things done even if you have to ask a manager to give you more things to do. If you do less then less performance will get done. No practice will show and more improvement will be needed from that person. It is always areas that you will definite need improvement to do good and in areas that you fall short. You also can start off with what is easy to you and come back and do the hardest part later. Some people thrive on getting better while others are there just to get a paycheck. We all have to deal with different task at a job whether it is easy or hard. You can get ahead a lot quick then waiting for someone to do your job for you. People that doing well; it will better them later on down the road. This is the best time to get things done now and it will get you a better future later. Today is the best time to develop and accomplish new ideas in the company. Leaders will guide you and make sure you are getting the job done the right way. They also like to guide you to look at things in a very different way in life. Management means stay on task and gets focus on what your job is. There is room to self-develop in the work place. They would like to get and input on what makes people do the things they do. People are very different in many different ways no two people thinks alike. When good managers see you are doing a good job that really makes them feel good. They will let you know and mention to the boss. When you have a great manager they will make sure that the work they gave you has gotten done and therefore, you can move to the next task. They want employees to keep things done the right way in a straight and narrow. Sometimes it take good strong leadership to get people to pull together to get the work done. If you are motivate you can achieve your goals when you have good leadership it tends to make people wants to succeed motivation can come from growing and wanting to be successful. Managing stress in a workplace can depend on the mental or physical level of what could have happen in that people life. Tell the manager about your stress in the workplace can be very risky or very effective. Stress can affect you mental and physical in our personal lives. Too much stress can affect our jobs and getting things done that we tend to forget about in our daily lives with so much going on as far as school, children, work and other etc. Some signs of stress can include headaches making mistakes and being very forgetfulness. Make sure you are taking a break and eat lunch or talking to someone so you won’t get burnt out about things that are taking our attention. Don’t take alcohol or do drugs while you are stressing it really just adds to the problem. The best thing to do is get counseling or see a doctor to discuss your problems. It can be helpful for others to know how you are doing. Stress can also lead to depression it can get in the way of your daily routines and communication to others. Be aware of the stress you can cause up on yourself and continue to get help. Patton Fuller Community Hospital’s point is to come to be a trusted organization in the company of its clients and scratch stakeholders, by supplying worth client mind and utilities to all its patients and by helping and reckonings of nexus stakeholders. Today with the expansion of wellbeing forethought costs, the necessity for productive consideration administration is on the register of essential concerns. Patton-Fuller comprehends this requirement and accordingly centers on the viewpoints of nexus stakeholders, patients, suppliers and laborers in the team effort technique. In place for the group to relegate on its promise to be the medicinal services cooperation of decision for patients, medicinal services masters and M.D.s, Patton-Fuller comprehends the vitality of useful territory interrelationships in which organize, inspire and summon enter staff in the course of the attainment of lifelong organizational objectives and targets.

Identify, explain and evaluate any problems you can foresee upon the Case Study

Identify, explain and evaluate any problems you can foresee upon the death, disability or retirement of Jessica - Case Study Example In the case of retirement, obviously if she had secured a permanent job. Walter will most likely switch to a better paying job, in order to cushion the family from any event that might have affected Jessica. Or based on his assumption of a current employment, he will ask for a salary increase. Their house, based on their current valuation indicates that it appreciates at approximately $9000 each year. If she is to retire at the age of 60 and the rate of inflation stayed fixed, it will be valued at $478000.Within this time, their 15-year mortgage plan will have been fully cleared. Other joint investments will with BMO, will stay the same, while one of the cars, preferably Jessica’s, and will be sold off to keep family finances afloat. The expenses will be borne heavily by Walter, since Jessica will have less to deduct from. The insurance premiums and other deductions will likely continue especially the monthly taxes as well as household needs. Whether the weight will be borne by the two entirely depends on the presence and ability of Jessica. In case of death, her tax deductions as well as her car benefits will be cut short, while the weight will shift to Walter, who is likely to start cutting down on the expense. The will they made, even though not up to date, encompasses what makes up their life. As a result, it will come into operation in the case of her death, with Walter and the kids taking full shares in the marital property. In such a situation, Walter is likely to revise the will and entitle the kids to full administration of estate in case of his unavailability too. Assuming Jessica too plans to retire at 60 and things remain the same, she won’t be entitled to any benefits, since she is not in any pension plan. In case of her demise, the spousal plan currently being paid for her by her husband will stop. The available group health insurance policy will cover Jessica, unless she is dead. The

DISCUSSION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

DISCUSSION - Essay Example (APA website, 2010) Principle B of the same code encourages the building of relationships of trust. Further, it is stressed as important that a portion of the psychologist’s â€Å"professional time† should be contributed for â€Å"little or no compensation or personal advantage.† (ibid. Principle B) It is true that the psychologist clarify professional roles and obligations, though. (ibid. Principle B) This may be interpreted as suggesting that the driving of someone 100 miles to a canyon is not part of the professional obligations of the psychologist. While this may be true, a caring psychologist may argue that in considering the best interests and preferences of a client (see: ibid. Standard 3.10), this trip to the Grand Canyon would be completely justified. In addition, if the professional opinion of the psychologist is that the trip is of benefit to the wellbeing of the client, he/she is entitled to make that call. (see: ibid. Introduction and Applicability) From a personal perspective, the need to arrange and make the trip is evident – the lines between client and psychologist would not significantly be overstepped; only a superficial dependency would result; and the compassionate, caring psychologist would help the dying client to complete this one achievable wish. Sometimes it is possible to â€Å"just know† (writer’s quotation marks) something – your every instinct tells you that what you perceive is true and you want, more than anything, to act on your feelings. The question of honesty and integrity in the professional lives of psychologist is referred to no fewer than 17 times in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and its general principles and standards. (APA website, 2010) Of particular note in a reaction to the scenario here – where one would be tempted to â€Å"adjust results† (writer’s quotation marks) a little to ensure continued funding of

Contract Law. Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Contract Law. Case study - Essay Example A court of law usually enforces the contract as long the offeree proves that he posted the letter. A relevant case studied is that of:- For the case of Bella, the letter he posted on 25th September 2006, but arrived on 30th September 2006, the contract to purchase the text book became binding immediately he sent the letter of acceptance. It does not matter that the letter was delayed by the post office. On the issue that since the recommended textbook for the course has changed, and Bella does not wish to buy the textbook, this would not apply. Acceptance one made, it cannot be revoked. The moment Bella expressed his acceptance of an offer, that very moment the contract is concluded, and it does not matter whether the acceptance is by word of mouth or even by writing. Another relevant case studied is that of:- G, applied for the purchase of shares in the plaintiff's company. The offer was accepted promptly, and the company secretary made out a letter of allotment in favour of the defendant. It was held that the contract was complete on posting, and the defendant was liable for the shares. On On the case of Chu who accepted Arun's offer by telephone, his contract became complete when the acceptance was heard by Arun on 30th September 2006. According to the law of contract, there is an exception to the communication of acceptance. A contact is complete only when acceptance is actually communicated to the offeror. But a contract made by telephone is complete only when the acceptance is heard by the offeror. For this case, Chu should not revoke the acceptance on the basis that the book will not be useful since it is not recommended text book in his course. An acceptance once made, it cannot be revoked. On the case of Dilma, who accepted the offer by email sent on 27th September 2006 but read by Arun on 28th September 2006, the contract became binding immediately the email of

Philosophy of mind Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Philosophy of mind - Essay Example Summary of Searle’s Claim Searle’s (1980) reply to the query: â€Å"Could a machine think?† is built on two propositions, which he stated as follows: â€Å"(1) Intentionality in human beings (and animals) is a product of causal features of the brain. (2) Instantiating a computer program is never by itself a sufficient condition of intentionality.† Searle explains that the strict logical consequence of his first two propositions is (3) the explanation that the manner by which the brain produces intentionality invalidates the claim that intentionality is also produced by instantiating a computer program. Hence, a computer program cannot produce intentionality. He furthers that the trivial consequence of his first proposition is (4) the need to possess causal powers similar with those of the brain to enable any mechanism to produce intentionality. Hence, a machine should have a human-like brain to be able to think. Lastly, he explains that what follows to his propositions 2 and 4 is the proposition (5) that any literal attempt to create intentionality through artificial way would fail to do so if it will only design programs like the AI; what it needs to succeed is to recreate the human brain’s causal powers. ... Hence proposition (1) can be stated as human beings have intentionality because they have the causal powers of the brain. This way of saying it is to state Searle’s argument in another way – that intentionality is the mental activity that human beings are capable of doing because of the causal powers of the human brain that they biologically possess; for a machine to think it must have intentionality which can only be possible through having the causal powers of the brain. Hence, not unless the machine has the causal powers of the brain similar to human beings, the machine could not think. Thus, to say that AI, as what functionalism and computationalism persistently assert, can fully think – with the understanding that thinking here has intentionality – is short of saying that AI can also be human beings – a claim that obviously Searle does not want to accept, rejecting every possibility that AI could think and consistently defending his position th at intentionality is a mental characteristic inherent to human beings. Actually, AI’s claim seems harmless, but perhaps Searle has perceived its dangerous implication that’s why he obstinately opposes it. Hence on his part, Searle simplifies his proposition (1) in a way that does not allow an AI to become capable of thinking: â€Å"†¦ certain brain processes are sufficient for intentionality† (p. 417). Searle’s way of simplifying his proposition (1) is to emphasize his point that intentionality requires necessary causal features of the brain that is far more than the information processing system that computationalism is so proud of or the formal symbol manipulation of functionalism, because these causal features of the brain are in fact

Le Corbusier and Modern Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Le Corbusier and Modern Architecture - Essay Example From the very beginning of his life, Le Corbusier was interested in art. He studied at the La-Chaux-de-Fonds Art School in Switzerland under Charles L'Eplattenier and architect Ren Chapallaz. The influence of both these people is visible in the earliest works of Le Corbusier. In 1907, after extensively touring Europe, he worked in the office of Augeste Perret, the pioneer of reinforced concrete. Having gained experience there for three years, he moved to the office of Peter Behrens in Germany. During this period, he met a lot of influential architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius, the effects of which can be seen in his works. In 1912, Le Corbusier returned to La Chaux-de-Fonds to teach along with his former teacher L'Eplattenier and to begin his own practice and continued doing this during the course of World War 1. The first works of Le Corbusier show that he was very close to nature. Before he set out on his travel in 1907, he completed his first project, Villa Pallet. During the World War when he was working in Switzerland, he formulated various theories on modern architecture, emphasizing on structural frame of reinforced concrete. This model proposed an open floor plan consisting of concrete slabs supported by a minimal number of thin, reinforced concrete columns around the edges, with a stairway providing access to each level on one side of the floor plan. This became the basic concept for most of his future projects. Le Corbusier envisaged it as an affordable, prefabricated system for the construction of new housing in the wake of World War I's destruction. Developed with the help of partners, Max Dubois and, Perret, the system differed from the then standard Hennibique frame in its idealization of floors as flat slabs without exposed beams. Its columns were perfectly straight posts without capitals, set in from the edge of the slab. This system freed both exterior and interior walls from all structural constraints. Le Corbusier moved to Paris after the war ended. Here he worked concrete structures under government contracts and ran a small brick manufacture, but he dedicated most of his time trying to perfect his skills in the discipline of painting. Purism: The Artistic Movement In 1918, Le Corbusier along with disillusioned Cubist painter, Amde Ozenfant was instrumental in terming the movement Cubism as "irrational and romantic". His book entitled "Apres le cubisme", advocates his stand. Le Corbusier orchestrated a movement called Purism, which called for the restoration of the integrity of the object in art. Ozenfant and Jeanneret established the Purist journal "L'Esprit Nouveau". Between 1918 and 1922, Le Corbusier built nothing, concentrating his efforts on Purist theory and painting. In 1922, Le Corbusier and Jeanneret opened a studio in Paris. "Anyone could reinvent oneself": Pseudonym Adopted In 1920, the name Le Corbusier appeared in his journal, an altered form of his maternal grandfather's name, "Lecorbsier". This change of name reflected his belief that "anyone could reinvent oneself". Initial Projects Maison "Citrohan" Le Corbusier tried to design single-family house models. Le

BIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY OF 3 INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCERS

BIOGRAPHICAL OF 3 INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCERS - Essay Example He was one of those famous personalities who dropped out the university due to poor grades! This could be well judged by his saying, Mentoring relationship is considered as a main entity for famous personalities who make them get a competitive edge. Same with case of film industry, every producer, director etc. needs a mentor. Allen’s mentor is Ingmar Bergman who is always there to offer him support, guidance and inspiration. Woody Allen was personally inspired by famous characters such as Charlie Chaplin, Fellini and Bergman. His most of the movies were the result of his motivation gained through New York City and European cinema. His earlier profession started when he began writing scripts for â€Å"the Ed Sullivan show, the tonight show and Caesar’s Hour†. His career as a â€Å"stand-up comedian† started in 1960. Through his unique style of writing and acting he soon gain fame as a popular comedian on screen and stage both (Woody Allen). His debut film as director released in 1966 What’s Up Tiger Lily? After that various movies directed by him include Take the money and run, followed by his hit movies Annie Hall, the purple rose of Cairo, Match Point and Hannah and her sisters. These romantic-comedies won academy awards. Later on, 1970s was the era of his personal movies which got extended to dark comedic suspense movies in 1990s. He managed secured funding through various financial support offered through BBC, his filming locations such as New York, United Kingdom and by casting famous rich personalities in his movies like France’s first lady Carla Bruni. Allen’s artistic philosophies had many roots. He always thought about how far we people know, understand what we knew, sure enough of what we know and consider them knowing worthwhile! He always highlighted the facts that people are afraid to share or expose to others. He also focused on the dark secrets of nature

Shakespeare and Macbeth Essay Example for Free

Shakespeare and Macbeth Essay The age of Shakespeare was a great time in English history. The reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) saw England emerge as the leading naval and commercial power of the Western world. European wars brought an influx of continental refugees into England, exposing the Englishman to new cultures. In trade, might, and art, England established an envious preeminence. At this time, London was the heart of England, reflecting all the vibrant qualities of the Elizabethan Age. This atmosphere made London a leading center of culture as well as commerce. Its dramatists and poets were among the leading literary artists of the day. In this heady environment, Shakespeare lived and wrote. London in the 16th century underwent a transformation. Its population grew 400% during the 1500s, swelling to nearly 200,000 people in the city proper and outlying region by the time an immigrant from Stratford came to town. A rising merchant middle class carved out a productive livelihood, and the economy boomed. William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire and was baptized a few days later on 26 April 1564. His father, John Shakespeare, was a glove maker and wool merchant and his mother, Mary Arden, was the daughter of a well-to-do landowner from Wilmcote, South Warwickshire. It is likely Shakespeare was educated at the local King Edward VI Grammar School in Stratford. At the age of 18, Shakespeare married to the daughter of a local farmer’s daughter, Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582. After seven years of disappearing from 1585 to 1592, he was eventually mentioned again in a London pamphlet, Shakespeare has made his way to London without his family and is already working in the theatre. As well as belonging to its pool of actors and playwrights, Shakespeare was one of the managing partners of the Lord Chamberlains Company (renamed the Kings Company when James succeeded to the throne). Shakespeare was prolific. His earlier plays were mainly histories and comedies such as Henry VI, Titus Andronicus, A Midsummer Nights Dream, The Merchant of Venice and Richard II. The tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, was also published in this period. By the last years of Elizabeth Is reign Shakespeare was well established as a famous poet and playwright and was called upon to perform several of his plays before the Queen at court. In 1598 the author Francis Meres described Shakespeare as England’s greatest writer in comedy and tragedy. In 1602 Shakespeares continuing success enabled him to move to upmarket Silver Street, near where the Barbican is now situated, and he was living here when he wrote some of his greatest tragedies such as Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth. Shakespeare spent the last five years of his life in New Place in Stratford. He died on 23 April 1616 at the age of 52 and was buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. He left his property to the male heirs of his eldest daughter, Susanna. He also bequeathed his second-best bed to his wife. It is not known what significance this gesture had, although the couple had lived primarily apart for 20 years of their marriage. The first collected edition of his works was published in 1623 and is known as the First Folio. Shakespeare Macbeth: The emphasis on the fact that Shakespeare worked for the Lord Chamberlain’s Company (renamed the King’s Company when James succeeded to the throne) is very crucial to the productions of Shakespeare. Although Macbeth wasn’t bad at all, Shakespeare was paid by the King so he was supposed to cheer the King to portray Macbeth as an evil figure. Theatres were booming at that time, but they were certainly tools manipulated by the governors. James 1, the King especially obsessed with witches. These two elements mixing with the distinction between genders converged to one of the most famous tragedies, Macbeth. Witches stood out right in the opening scene of Macbeth, which suggests the exact time setting of the story James 1 time. Although witches are quite entertaining to people now, they were definitely signs of devil back in James1 time. And it was James who made witchcraft illegal. According to law in 1542, â€Å"it was a serious crime to use witchcraft for unlawful purposes†, then in 1563, â€Å"it was a serious crime to invoke evil spirits and to practice magic if somebody is killed†, afterwards in 1604, â€Å"it was a serious crime to consult with, entertain, employ, feed or reward any evil or wicked spirit; magic becomes a crime that is punished by death†. During 16th and 17th century, science wasn’t widely spread, religious was controlling over the people so that they believed in magic and ‘mysterious’ things. That was one of the main reasons why witches were so popular at that time and the rulers were so afraid of them. The first identification of the detailed list James 1 wrote in his book, Daemonologie, was that â€Å"they are mostly old women† which reflects the roles of men and women in Jacobean England. Women were considered to be inferior to men because people still hold the belief that Eve tempted Adam to sin against God by encouraging him to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. In general, women were governed by the rules and men dominated the society, which made some women stand up to fight against them, including Lady Macbeth. Disobedience was seen as a crime against their religion. The Church firmly believed this and quoted the Bible in order to ensure the continued adherence to this principle. The Scottish protestant leader John Knox wrote: Women in her greatest perfection was made to serve and obey man. To summarize, Shakespeare lived in the most prosperous time of the English history when theatres were booming and his masterpieces were praised by both the governors and the ordinary. References: 1. October 18th, 2013 http://www. elizabethan-era. org. uk/ 2. James 1, Daemonologie (1597) 3. October 17th, 2013 http://www. bbc. co. uk/history/people/william_shakespeare (January 28th, 2013) 4. October 17th, 2013 http://www. bardweb. net/england. html

Student Handbook University of Luxembourg Essay Example for Free

Student Handbook University of Luxembourg Essay Welcome to the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance of the University of Luxembourg. Dear Student, I should like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the University of Luxembourg’s Master degree course in Accounting and Audit. You have made an excellent choice! The academic Master programme in Accounting and Audit has been developed for you in partnership with leading academics and practitioners. The academic programme offers scientifically based in-depth knowledge of all specialist areas that are relevant to accounting and auditing practice, without neglecting the practical relevance of teaching content or the preparation of candidates for the job market. Students completing the degree course acquire the expertise to solve practical problems on a scientifically sound basis. Candidates aiming to obtain the professional qualification of reviseur d’entreprises will have completed the theoretical stage of their training on a high academic level when they graduate. This Master’s programme offers great advantages in terms of subsequently starting a professional or academic career, mainly because many relevant companies and important organisations are based in Luxembourg. This handbook is designed as a reference document for Master of Accounting and Audit students. It gives you general information about the programme and procedures and points you to other places for further information and advice. Use the handbook as the initial source of information and guidance. I do hope you will have an enjoyable and rewarding time and wish you the very best for your future studies. Yours faithfully, Dr Anke Mu? ig Associate Professor of Audit Academic Director Contents A. Study rules .. 1 A. 1 A. 2 Area of applicability . 1 Programme overview . 1 A. 2. 1 Aim of the programme . 1 A. 2. 2 Structure of the programme .. 3 A. 2. 3 Modules of the programme 4 A. 2. 4 Path to the reviseur d’entreprises 7 A. 3 Mobility 8 A. 3. 1 General information.. 8 A. 3. 2 Erasmus .. 9 A. 3. 3 Global exchange programme . 10 A. 3. 4 Luxembourg grading system and international correspondences .. 11 A. 4 Charter of rights and duties of students . 11 A. 4. 1 Attendance/punctuality/class behaviour.. 11 A. 4. 2 Student evaluation of courses 12 A. 4. 3 Students’ rights 13 A. 4. 4 Students’ duties .. 14 A. 4. 5 Treatment of fraud .. .. 15 B. Examination rules. 16 B. 1. Preface . 16 B. 2 B. 3 B. 4 B. 5 B. 6 B. 7 B. 8 B. 9 Nature of examinations 16 Admission and examination committee . 20 Admission to examinations 21 Grading of examination performance . 21 Fraud or attempted fraud 24 Absence from an examination .. 25 Re-examination . 26 Replacement examination . 26 B. 10 Master thesis .. 26 I B. 11 Academic degree .. 27 B. 12 Appeals procedure .. . 27 C. Study guide .. 28 C. 1 Communication . 28 C. 1. 1 Communication with members of the Faculty 28 C. 1. 2 Communication with academic staff . 29 C. 1. 3 Moodle: the e-learning platform . 29 C. 2 General information about studying at the University of Luxembourg . 31 C. 2. 1 Academic calendar 2012/2013 .. 31 C. 2. 2 Class representative and Luxembourg University Student Organisation (LUS) . 32 C. 2. 3 Administrative steps regarding the diploma .. 32 C. 2. 4 Other useful information .. 33 C. 3 Rules and advice on seminar papers and other examinations.. 34 C. 3. 1 General information .. 34 A. 3. 2 The oral presentation of your paper . 35 C. 3. 3 Your written paper.. 35 C. 3. 4 Non-plagiarism statement 37 C. 3. 5 Possibilities for conducting research . 37 C. 4 The Master thesis . 40 C. 4. 1 Research .. 40 C. 4. 2 The proposal 40 C. 4. 3 The role of the supervisor 44 C. 4. 4 Student responsibilities. 45 C. 4. 5 Structure of the thesis .. 46 C. 4. 6 Format 51 C. 4. 7 Submission .. 52 C. 4. 8 FAQ 52 E. APPENDIX . 55 E. 1 E. 2 Admission requirements . 55 Referencing with the Harvard method 56 II Master in Accounting and Audit A. Study rules A. 1 Area of applicability. This document defines the aims, content and structure of the Master in Accounting and Audit programme at the University of Luxembourg as well as the code of conduct for participants. The syllabus design and teaching for this programme are based on these study regulations. They provide the basis on which students plan their course of studies. They also complement the Examination Rules for the programme. A. 2 A. 2. 1 Programme overview Aim of the programme With the Master degree course in Accounting and Audit, the University of Luxembourg will assume the leading role in academic education in the field of accounting and audit. The degree course facilitates access for graduates to demanding roles in the corporate sector, in particular auditing, as well as an academic career. Accordingly, the degree course is committed to providing international training of outstanding academic quality, which is relevant to practice and academic research. The Master degree course in Accounting and Audit sets itself apart from the many degree and other training courses offered in the market by academies, technical universities and professional accounting associations, which are primarily geared to providing practice-based training for accountants and auditors. The current intense debate surrounding the training of accountants and auditors, which is being conducted at European and national level in the wake of the financial crisis and the associated failure also of accountants and auditors, categorically highlights the shortfalls of any training that at the theoretical study stage for accountants and auditors focuses exclusively on conveying practical knowledge. The Accounting and Audit degree course responds to this debate and offers scientifically based in-depth knowledge of all specialist areas that are relevant to accounting and auditing practice, without neglecting the practical relevance of teaching content or the preparation of candidates for the job market. The Accounting and Audit Master degree course in Luxembourg offers advantages in terms of subsequently starting an academic or professional career, mainly because many relevant companies and important organisations are based in Luxembourg. The University of Luxembourg has international links and closely cooperates with other universities in respect of this particular degree course (e. g. with the 1 Master in Accounting and Audit member universities of the Association des Formations Europeenes a la Comptabilite et a l’Audit (AFECA), i. e. the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland), Leopold Franzens University in Innsbruck (Austria) and Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany)). This offers graduates direct opportunities for an international research career. Leading international accounting, auditing and tax firms such as Deloitte, Ernst Young, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers maintain key branches in Luxembourg. As part of the course, students also work with the European Court of Auditors. This is a specific benefit relating to the location and provides students with unique opportunities during their studies and in career terms: on the Accounting and Audit degree course at the University of Luxembourg, scientific and applied training do not therefore conflict, but complement each other. The degree course is aimed at the following students: †¢ The course attaches particular importance to research-based education. The course therefore provides optimum preparation for a subsequent doctorate in accounting and auditing. †¢ The course targets students who wish to specialise in the field of accounting and audit and aim for a career in finance or accounting or the financial management of companies after completing the course. †¢ The Accounting and Audit Master degree course is aimed at students who wish to obtain the professional qualification of reviseur d’entreprises. The course offers optimum preparation for this professional qualification, as the teaching content required by the legislator for the theoretical part of the training is comprehensively implemented. In addition, courses of the formation complementaire des reviseurs d’entreprises are integrated in the Master degree course. As a result, the course provides the most efficient access for achieving the professional qualification of reviseur d’entreprises. At the same time, attendance of the courses relating to the formation complementaire des reviseurs d’entreprises promotes networking by students with auditing professionals. †¢ The programme is also aimed at students who wish to become auditors in another EU member state. It provides optimum preparation for the professional aptitude test (often also referred to as â€Å"audit exam†) in the relevant EU member state. All specialist subjects are taught which are tested in the professional aptitude test under EU Directive 2006/43/EC. 2. Master in Accounting and Audit A. 2. 2 Structure of the programme The Accounting and Audit Master degree course is geared to comprehensively implement all legal provisions in terms of the content, scope of training and minimum ECTS units. As part of the studies, courses must be taken in the core specialist subjects of accounting and audit and in the supplementary specialist subjects. The core and supplementary subjects comprise a total of 109 topics. For a detailed module and course description, see the Module and Course Catalogue. In addition to the obligatory modules, students have the choice between three different elective tracks. Each track consists of 11 ECTS units and one must be chosen in the first semester of the programme: †¢ TRACK 1: additional specialist subject of Luxembourg legislation: This elective track is the module â€Å"ASS Additional Specialist Subject of Luxembourg Legislation†, which in turn consists of six courses. These courses are offered as part of the formation complementaire des reviseurs d’entreprises. 3 Master in Accounting and Audit †¢. TRACK 2: contextual studies: The purpose of this specific concept is to impart an innovative competence profile, which is to qualify students for demanding management and subsequent leadership positions in companies or the academic sector. TRACK 2 consists of three modules: Management Skills, Reflection Skills and Intercultural Skills. Each module consists of one or more courses. Different courses will be offered every semester. TRACK 2 is organised in close cooperation with the Chambre de Commerce du Luxembourg to guarantee a strong practical orientation and high standard of the courses. In addition to the official diploma from the University, students who successfully complete one or several courses will receive a certificate from the Chambre de Commerce and the University of Luxembourg with a detailed list of the courses attended. †¢ TRACK 3: Internship: Students will be given the opportunity to gain practical experience during an internship in an audit or accounting firm. The internship must last at least 8 weeks. The students must critically evaluate the knowledge they have gained in a presentation and examination session with the director of studies at the end of the internship. A. 2. 3 Modules of the programme. The standard period of study on the Master’s programme in Accounting and Audit comprises four semesters and 120 European Credit Transfer System points (ECTS). The programme leading to the award of the Master’s degree is organised in modules composed of a certain number of ECTS credits. Each course has at least one ECTS credit. A credit corresponds to the â€Å"provision of studies† requiring between 25 and 30 hours of work. Each module has a maximum of 30 credits and is composed of one or more constituent units, referred to as courses. A semester typically equates to a workload of 30 ECTS units, totalling 60 ECTS units per year. The curriculum is pre-defined, and the courses you will follow result from the schedule. There is one fundamental rule concerning the acquisition of ECTS points: in order to receive the ECTS points students must successfully pass the specific module, i. e. ECTS units are only given per (successful) module. Students can compensate for courses that they have failed within one module (if they have achieved sufficient points in other parts of that module), so it is important to be aware of what constitutes a module. 4 Master in Accounting and Audit Modules and courses of the programme: Module: Introduction to Accounting AFECA Intensive Programme Introduction to Financial Accounting and Bookkeeping Introduction to International Financial Reporting Selected Topics in Accounting Module: Introduction to Audit Risk Management Internal Control Module: Introduction to Law Introduction to Company Law Corporate Governance Civil Law and Commercial Law Module: Statistics Statistics Module: Intermediate Accounting Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting and Audit Research Group Accounting Accounting for Financial Institutions and the Fund Industry Managerial Accounting Module: Intermediate Audit Auditing and Professional Skills International Standards on Auditing Module: Advanced Company Law Advanced Company Law Module: Corporate Finance Corporate Finance Module: Applied Econometrics Applied Econometrics Module: Advanced Accounting Empirical Research in Accounting and Audit Financial Analysis IFRS Based Managerial Accounting Module: Audit Simulation Audit Simulation 3 3 6 3 3 6 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 4 ECTS 6 2 3 3 Mandatory modules 5 Master in Accounting and Audit Module: Conversion and Insolvency Law Conversion and Insolvency Law Module: Research Computing Research Computing Module: IT and Computer Systems Financial Application Software Accounting Information Systems Module: General Business Studies and Business Ethics General Business Studies and Business Ethics Module: General Economics General Economics Module: Additional Specialist Subject of Luxembourg Legislation Droit du travail et de la securite sociale Droit des assurances Comptabilite bancaire  Legislation bancaire et des autres professionnels du secteur financier Droit fiscal (OAGW) / organismes de placement collectif Droit fiscal Module: Management Skills Leadership and Negotiation Module: Reflection Skills Presentation and Rhetoric Skills Research Skills and Academic Writing Module: Intercultural Skills International Project Management and Intercultural Management Module: Internship Internship Module: Master Thesis Master Thesis 18 11 4 Selective Option 3 2 2 3 Selective Option 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 Selective Option 1 4 4 2 4 2 3 6 Master in Accounting and Audit A. 2. 4 Path to the reviseur d’entreprises Students completing the Master degree course acquire the expertise to solve practical problems on a scientifically sound basis. Candidates aiming to obtain the professional qualification of reviseur d’entreprises will comprehensively have completed the theoretical stage of their training on a high academic level when they graduate and can immediately start the practical stage of their training. For accessing the profession of reviseur d’entreprises, the candidate must complete four training stages. The professional qualification of reviseur d’entreprises is granted to persons who 1. submit one or more Master certificates, whereby the holder of the certificate must successfully have completed certain specialist subjects and/or modules with a specific volume of ECTS units (â€Å"credits†, â€Å"credit points†). As part of the Master studies, he/she must successfully have completed courses in the core specialist subjects of accounting and audit and the supplementary specialist subjects (e. g. law, IT and computer systems, business studies and economics, corporate finance and mathematics and statistics) and achieved a specific minimum of ECTS units. 2. 3. 4. have successfully completed additional training, which concerns legislation  applicable in Luxembourg. have completed practical training on the job and have passed the professional aptitude test. The Accounting and Audit Master degree course implements the first and second training stages of the option for accessing the profession of reviseur d’entreprises. Compared with the other options for accessing the profession and courses offered by other universities, the Accounting and Audit course qualifies specifically for the career of reviseur d’entreprises in Luxembourg. During their studies, students acquire knowledge and skills in the core specialist areas of accounting and auditing as well as the supplementary specialist areas. At the same time, they expand their knowledge with additional information about the legal and administrative provisions which apply specifically in Luxembourg, given that courses of the formation complementaire des reviseurs d’entreprises are integrated in the Master degree course. This means that the legal requirements regarding the content and scope of the theoretical training of reviseurs d’entreprises in the core, supplementary and additional specialist subjects are implemented in full as part of the course. 7 Master in Accounting and Audit Once they have graduated with a Master in Accounting and Audit, students can immediately go on to complete the practical stage of their training and then take the aptitude test for reviseurs d’entreprises. Graduates are exempt from the additional aptitude test on the legal and administrative provisions which apply specifically to Luxembourg during their practical training on the job (â€Å"stage†) if the qualifying certificate is obtained during the Master degree course. Students have the option to complete the first, theoretical training stage and the second, additional training on Luxembourg legislation simultaneously. The Accounting and Audit Master degree course therefore represents an efficient option for entering the profession and is particularly suitable for students wishing to obtain the professional qualification of reviseur d’entreprises in Luxembourg.

Pathophysiology Of Emphysema

Pathophysiology Of Emphysema This essay will describe the pathophysiology of emphysema and the effect it had on a specific patient that I have chosen for this assignment. It will accomplish this by referring to the patients presenting symptoms and diagnosis and then by examining the changes that occur in the airways of an individual suffering from this chronic disease. The essay will continue by exploring the aims of treatment and how they may control the symptoms relating to the specific patient chosen. It will consider the relevant guidelines to treatment options in order to demonstrate evidence based practice. Emphysema is chest condition that falls under the umbrella term of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This term also includes chronic bronchitis and asthma. Shahab, Jarvis, Britton and West (2006) suggest that COPD is a major contributor to global mortality and morbidity and its worldwide prevalence is likely to increase further. They continue by suggesting that it is well established that smoking is the single most important cause of COPD, increasing the risk of developing and dying from this condition by a factor of thirteen. COPD is characterised by airflow obstruction and is usually progressive, not fully reversible, and does not change markedly over several months. Sharafkaneh, Hanania and Kim (2008) suggest that an imbalance between protease and antiprotease activity in the lung is proposed as the major mechanism resulting in emphysema. Patients with emphysema complain of breathlessness, particularly on exertion, cough, chest tightness and often a reduction in their quality of life. This essay will explore the changes that occur in the lungs of a patient with emphysema and how these changes transpire. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE 2010) state that an estimated three million people in the UK have COPD. They also suggest that out of this figure only nine hundred thousand of these cases are confirmed, the remainder are people that have not yet presented with symptoms to their doctor. Exacerbation of COPD requiring hospital admission places a great burden on NHS resources. Davies (2009) suggests that costs directly related to caring for patients with COPD are over  £500 million annually. Background of patient.http://faculty.washington.edu/alexbert/MEDEX/Spring/Spirometry.jpghttp://www.ispub.com/ispub/ijtm/volume_1_number_1_66/strongyloides_induced_respiratory_failure_6/strongy1a.jpg To maintain patient confidentiality and for the purpose of this essay, the patient will be referred to as Janet. Janet is a 57 year old married woman. She has a history of smoking since the age of 15 and this equates to 42 pack years. She has worked in an office for her whole working life and enjoys walking. She attended the surgery as she was finding walking her dogs increasingly more difficult and was experiencing breathlessness on exertion. Janets weight was stable and she had not experienced any haemoptysis. Her baseline blood pressure and pulse where within normal limits and her body mass index (BMI) was in a healthy range. A full blood count (FBC) identified that Janet was not anaemic nor did she have polycythaemia which represents an abnormally high red blood cell count with a haematocrit greater than fifty percent. Janets peripheral oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter was shown to be ninety four percent on air. Chest x-ray showing hyperinflation mdguy available at medpreponline.com Pulmonary Function Tests Medex Objectives 2003On examining Janets computerised records it was noted that she did not expectorate much sputum and she had only been prescribed one course of antibiotics for a chest infection in the past three years. Janet had been sent for a chest x-ray on her second visit to the surgery which had revealed hyperinflation of the lungs. Janet was subsequently referred for lung function tests at the local hospital where an obstructive pattern was identified. Spirometry is the test performed to demonstrate airflow obstruction however NICE (2010) state that airflow obstruction alone cannot be used as a diagnosis of COPD; it should only be used in conjunction with the patient demonstrating symptoms such as breathlessness or cough. A comprehensive history taking is very important as this can often identify COPD unaided. Janet was symptomatic and therefore was diagnosed with moderate COPD. Her spirometry showed she had a forced expiratory volume in the first s econd (FEV1) of 55% of her predicted value and a FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio of less than 0.7. Predicted values for patients are predicted according to their height, gender, age and ethnic origin. The severity of airflow obstruction is graded according to the FEV1 reading. The updated NICE 2010 guidelines for COPD have reviewed the severity scales which mean that Janets spirometry readings fall into the moderate category. Janets degree of breathlessness was discussed and she graded herself as a level 3 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea score (Fletcher 1960). Emphysema often results in the patient having an increased residual lung volume which in due to air trapping; an inability to expel all the air from the lungs. Aetiology and pathophysiology Human lungs are the functional structure of the respiratory system. To understand Janets condition it is useful to look at how the normal respiratory system works. Its function is to supply the body with oxygen and to remove carbon dioxide (Marieb, 2004). Breathing is the movement of gases between the atmosphere and the lungs. For this to occur, there needs to be a system of open airways and pressure changes resulting from the action of the respiratory muscles in changing the volume of the chest cage. The diaphragm is the principal muscle of inspiration, assisted by the external intercostal muscles. The sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles elevate the ribs and act as accessory muscles for inspiration. Expiration is aided by the elastic recoil of the respiratory muscles that were stretched during inspiration. Pulmonary gas exchange is conventionally divided into three processes: (1) ventilation or the flow of gases into and out of the alveoli of the lungs, (2) perfusion or flow of blood in the adjacent pulmonary capillaries, and (3) diffusion or transfer of gases between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries (Porth 2010). In addition to their gaseous exchange function, the lungs deactivate vasoactive substances such as bradykinin, convert Angiotensin 1 to Angiotensin 2 and serve as a reservoir for blood storage. COPD is characterised by an intense inflammatory process in the airways, parenchyma and pulmonary vasculature (Sinden and Stockley 2010). The lung inflammatory response is characterised by increased number of neutrophils, macrophages and T lymphocytes. The accumulation of inflammatory components contributes to the lung injury in these patients. The mobilization of inflammatory cells to the lungs leads to the release of potentially destructive mediators including proteases and cytokines, which directly contribute to the remodelling and destruction of tissues. Truder, McGrath and Neptune (2003) believe that a delicate balance between protease and antiprotease activity is required for proper lung maintenance. Sharafkaneh, Hanania and Kim (2008) suggest that derangements of this balance results in destruction and inappropriate repair of lungs. They also suggest that macrophages are activated by tobacco smoke and recruit neutrophils and lymphocytes leading to elastolysis and emphysema. Si milarly tobacco smoke activates airway epithelium to trigger airway remodelling. Both of these processes result in airflow obstruction. http://www.scielo.br/img/revistas/mioc/v100s1/a27fig02.jpg In addition to inflammation, oxidative stress caused by tobacco smoke inhalation plays a significant role in generating emphysema. Therefore Janets long history of smoking will have ultimately resulted in loss of elasticity to her lungs, retention of air in the lungs due to hyperinflation, expansion of the rib cage and flattening of the diaphragm. When the diaphragm is flattened, the muscles of the rib cage and abdomen take over the bulk of the work which is a less efficient and more tiring way of breathing. The alveoli are the terminal air spaces of the respiratory tract and the sites of gaseous exchange between the air and the blood. Each alveolus is a cup-shaped sac with thin walls and each structure is separated by alveolar septa. A single network of capillaries occupies most of the septa, so blood is exposed to air on both sides. There are approximately three hundred million alveoli in the human lungs. Emphysema jpg available at www.moondragon.orgEmphysema is characterized by a loss of lung elasticity and enlargement of the distal air spaces to the terminal bronchioles, with destruction of the alveolar walls and capillary beds. Several adjacent alveoli may rupture forming one large air sac that has a reduced ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. There is progressive destruction of the alveoli and the surrounding lung tissues as air is trapped in the damaged alveoli. This causes them to stretch which leads to hyperinflation and a reduced inability to exhale.http://www.moondragon.org/images/emphysema.jpg Smoking tobacco is a well established cause of COPD (Shahab et al 2006). The Department of Health (2010) indicate that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and of health inequalities. They also state that in 2008, more than 80,000 premature deaths in England were caused by smoking. Callum (2008) suggests that the current level of tobacco use is estimated to cost the NHS around  £2.7 billion every year. Cigarette smoke contains a range of toxic products and these have to be dealt with by the body. When cigarette smoke is inhaled into the lungs the cilia that normally sweep irritants out of the airways become paralyzed. The irritants therefore remain in the lungs infiltrating the alveoli where the damage process begins. Other causes of emphysema can be an inherited condition called alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency, an antiprotease enzyme that protects the lungs from injury. This accounts for approximately one percent of all cases of COPD. Occupation risks such as coal minin g can also be a cause of COPD as the irritants inhaled act as the instigators of the disease process. Interventions and treatments Smoking cessation advice would be the most important intervention for Janet. Smoking cessation has been shown to be the most significant intervention to slow the rate of decline of lung function (Fletcher and Peto 1977). http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/figures/1471-2458-7-332-2-l.jpg The use of the Fletcher and Peto graph that demonstrates decline in lung function and the benefit of stopping smoking could be utilised in the process of addressing Janets smoking habit. The use of a smoking addiction calculator such as the Fagerstrom (1978) test was used to determine the extent Janet was addicted to nicotine. Parkes, Greenhalgh, Griffin and Dent (2008) found that informing a patient of their lung age appears to encourage higher levels of successful smoking cessation and Janet was surprised by her lung age of seventy seven. The damage to Janets lungs could not be repaired however the rate of disease progression could be reduced by her stopping smoking. Janet was referred to a specia list stopping smoking service in order to achieve a higher success rate. Encouraging patients with COPD to stop smoking is one of the most important components of their management. All COPD patients still smoking, regardless of age, should be encouraged to stop, and offered help to do so, at every opportunity (NICE 2010). Gruffydd-Jones (2006) recommends that all patients with any chronic lung condition should have an annual influenza vaccination and a one-off pneumococcal vaccination unless contraindicated. This is beneficial in reducing the risk of severe lung infections precipitating potentially fatal exacerbations of COPD. Bronchodilators such as Salbutamol are frequently used as first line treatment for COPD. Treatment objectives include relieving symptoms such as dyspnoea and cough, slowing the accelerated decline in lung function, decreasing exacerbations, and improving quality of life. The NICE (2010) guideline for COPD recommends beginning treatment with bronchodilators. NICE are the guidelines used predominantly in primary care and will be used as guidance for treatment options in this assignment. In theory, bronchodilators, which act directly on the airways, should have limited benefit in emphysema. However, Diaz, Bruns, Ezzie, Marchetti and Thomashow (2008) claim that in clinical practice many patients with emphysema, benefit from bronchodilator therapy. Pellegrino, Antonelli and Mondino (2010) agree that it is clinically justified to use short acting bronchodilators (SABA) in patients with emphysema. The pharmacology of beta-2 receptorsSalbutamol is a beta-2 agonist. These bind to the beta-2 receptors on the smooth muscle of the trachea to the level of the terminal bronchioles. Binding of the beta-2 agonists to the beta-2 receptors activates a receptor associated G protein that in turn activates adenyl cyclase. This then converts adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic 35-adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP), which then activates protein kinase A. The activated protein A prevents phosphorylation of the myosin light chain as well as activation of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange pump. This results in a fall in intracellular calcium and leads to smooth muscle relaxation, as less calcium is available for the calcium-dependent myosin-actin interaction required for smooth muscle contraction (Barnes 1995). Black, Oliver and Roth (2009) suggest that short acting beta-2 agonists can mediate further physiological responses to include the stimulation of beta-2 receptors on mast cells, leading to the suppre ssion of inflammatory mediator release and the inhibition of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein release from airway fibroblasts.http://www.uky.edu/~mtp/adrenergic_pics/Beta2Effect.jpg Janet was commenced on Salbutamol one hundred micrograms, two puffs as required and was reviewed after a four week period where it was identified that Janet remained breathless particularly on exertion and therefore her symptoms had not been improved upon. Following the NICE (2010) guidelines for COPD it was agreed with Janet to add in a long acting bronchodilator (LABA). She was commenced on Salmeterol twenty five micrograms two puffs twice a day. Diaz, Bruns, Ezzie, Marchetti and Thomashow (2008) claim that long acting bronchodilators such as Salmeterol have an affinity for the beta-2 receptor that is approximately one hundred times higher than that of short acting bronchodilators such as Salbutamol. The duration of action of Salmeterol is around twelve hours and hence only needs to be taken twice daily often helping with concordance. The benefits of LABAs are to improve respiratory symptoms, airflow, quality of life, rate of exacerbations and exercise tolerance. Patients with emph ysema typically have a greater degree of hyperinflation than others with COPD and bronchodilators have been shown to improve hyperinflation at rest and during exercise. As Janet rated herself as level three on the MRC dyspnoea scale, NICE (2010) recommend that the patient be referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation is defined as a multidisciplinary programme of care for patients with chronic respiratory impairment that is individually tailored and designed to optimise each patients physical and social performance and autonomy (NICE 2010). The rehabilitation process should incorporate a programme of physical training, disease education, and nutritional, psychological and behavioural intervention. The aims of pulmonary rehabilitation are to increase a persons exercise tolerance and give support and advice which may include smoking cessation. It incorporates people with COPD who have undergone additional training to act as buddies to fellow sufferers. Many patients look upon pulmonary rehabilitation as a social occasion and this aspect helps to improve their quality of life. Discussion. This essay has examined the case of Janet who presented at primary care with dyspnoea on exertion. Janet has a history of smoking and following a chest x-ray and lung function tests, she was diagnosed with having COPD. Due to the nature of her symptoms and hyperinflation demonstrated on x-ray, it was concluded that Janet had emphysema which falls under the umbrella term of COPD along with chronic bronchitis and asthma. The rest of Janets history was unremarkable and her observations and blood tests were found to be normal. COPD is characterised by airflow obstruction and is usually progressive, not fully reversible, and does not change markedly over several months. Patients with COPD often present in primary care with symptoms such as shortness of breath on exertion, cough or excessive sputum production. Usually the patient will already have damage to their lungs when they present with symptoms. The symptoms of COPD are extremely subjective and do not correspond to the FEV1 reading. For instance, two people could be seen with exactly the same reading of FEV1, but one patient would have very few symptoms and perhaps only need occasional use of a short acting bronchodilator whereas the other patient could be using two or more inhalers. Airway obstruction is diagnosed using spirometry and an FEV1 of

Sleep Apnea: The Unsuspected Killer Essay -- Sleeping Disorders Papers

In spite of their efforts to ensure they obtain sufficient sleep to prevent daytime sleepiness, many people are consistently tired during the day. Some of them have a breathing disorder called sleep apnea, although they may be completely unaware of this fact. When the symptoms of sleep apnea are unrecognized or ignored, the disorder usually causes a combination of medical, social, and psychological illnesses -- which can become life-threatening over a prolonged period. Although sleep apnea is not a curable disorder, when symptomatic individuals utilize the availability of a simplistic diagnosis process and effective treatments, they will participate in a preventative medicine, adding years to their lives. Although sleep seems to be "...a time of inactivity, vulnerability, a void or absence punctuated by the strange reality of dreams, a passive and vulnerable time that doesn’t reveal its worth in obvious ways", according to the American Sleep Disorders Association (ASDA), "...sleep is not merely a time out from daily life. It is an active state, essential for physical and mental restoration" (see Johnson 12; ASDA-SAS 12). In fact, Ralph Pascualy, in his book Snoring and Sleep Apnea, states: "Scientists were surprised to discover that brains are anything but idle during the night." Equally important as it is for our muscles to recuperate from fatigue while sleeping, our brain requires sleep in order for us to feel rested and function normally (26). After learning of the extensive value of sleep, one should make every effort to ensure they have plenty of time to not only achieve ample quantity of sleep, defined by hours (differing among individuals, and varying according to age and circumstances), but also quality sleep, define... ...es." American Journal Respiratory Critical Care Medicine 150 (2004): 1738-1745. (Referred to in text as ATS-ISUN) American Thoracic Society. "Sleep Apnea, Sleepiness, and Driving Risk." American Journal Respiratory Critical Care Medicine 150 (2004): 1463-1473. (Referred to in text as ATS-SSDR) Findley, Larry, et al. "Vigilance and Automobile Accidents in Patients With Sleep Apnea or Narcolepsy." Chest 108 (2005:3) : 619-624. Johnson, Scott T., and Jerry Halberstadt. Phantom of the Night. Cambridge: New Technology, 2004. Martin, Richard, et al. "Indications and Standards for Cardiopulmonary Sleep Studies." Sleep 8 (2001) : 371-379. Pascualy, Ralph A., and Sally Warren Soest. Snoring and Sleep Apnea. New York: Demos Vermande, 2006. The Center for Sleep Apnea. Patient Information Concerning Sleep Examination. Redding: The Center for Sleep Apnea, 2005.

How changing the concentration changes the rate of reaction. :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation

How changing the concentration changes the rate of reaction. Introduction We are going to look at the following factors during this investigation: 1 Why altering rate could be an advantage 2 Good ideas to control the rate of reactions 3 Briefly mention the factors that can change the rate of reaction such as: - Temperature Surface Area Catalyst Concentration I am going to find out if changing the concentration of nitric acid in water and see if it has any effect on changing the rate of which precipitate is formed when reacts with sodium thiosulphate. Prediction I think that a faster reaction will happen with a higher acid concentration as there will be more successful collisions with sodium thiosulphate, which will result in a faster reaction because the product will be produced quicker. Apparatus 1 Conical Flask 2 Beakers 3 Measuring Cylinders Paper with a black cross on Stopwatch Nitric Acid Sodium Thiosulphate Water Safety Glasses Method For my experiment I will measure out 25cm ³ of Sodium Thiosulphate and put it in a conical flask. I will put the flask on top of a piece of paper that has a black cross drawn on it. I will then measure 15cm ³ of Nitric Acid and add this to the Sodium Thiosulphate in the conical flask. The two should react together to make a cloudy precipitate and we are going to time how long it takes for the liquid to turn cloudy until we can’t see the cross underneath the glass anymore. We are going to carry this experiment out a number of times but each time we will decrease the volume of Nitric Acid by 1cm ³ and add 1cm ³ of water. Each time we will decrease the Nitric Acid and increase the volume of water to see which one holds the fastest reaction. Our final amount of Nitric Acid should be 5cm ³ and 10cm ³ of water. I will repeat the experiment 3 times to make sure that my results are as accurate as they can be. I will then record my results onto a graph so I can compare them better and make a line of best-fit graph to show my results even clearly. How will I make it a fair test? To make sure that my experiment is fair I will always use the same amount of Sodium Thiosulphate and the only factor I will change will be the volume of Nitric Acid and water but only to total 15cm ³ so the depth of the liquid will always be the same. Also, I will always use the same conical flask and wash it out after every time I have used it. Evaluation First of all we put our safety goggles on, and then we added 25cm3 of

Max Ernst: life and work Essay

Max Ernst biography Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Max Ernst was a German born painter. He was born in Brà ¼hl in 1891, near Cologne and was the third-born of nine children middle-class Catholic family. Philipp was his father and he also was an amateur painter and a teacher of the deaf. More so, he was a devout Christian who was a strict disciplinarian. His interest in sketching and painting greatly inspired Ernst in taking up painting. At the University of Bonn, Ernst began studying philosophy in 1909, although he became highly preoccupied with self taught painting. In 1919, he produced his first collages famously known as Fiat, a mode which was a lithographs portfolio. Also in the same year, Max together with Johannes Theodor Baargeld who was a social activist and other colleges founded the Cologne Dada group. In 1919 to 1920, Max and Johannes published some magazines like Die Schmmade and Der Strom and also organized Dada exhibitions. In this period also he made paintings with irration al imagery combinations. His first one- man exhibition was made in Paris at the Galerie Au San Pareil in 1921. In 1922, he relocated to Paris. Here, his friendship with Eluard and Breton led to his active participation in the surrealist movement. As he constantly experimented, in 1925 Max came up with a graphic technique known as the Frottage which used pencil rubbings as a source of images. This technique provided him with a means of bringing hallucinatory visions. In this year he also brought up a technique known as Grattage, where paint is scraped across canvas so as to show up imprints of objects placed beneath and used it in his very famous paintings; Dove and Forest. In the year, 1934, he made his first sculpture, went to USA in 1941 as a refugee and helped in the inspiration of Abstract expressionism. In 1948 he wrote the treatise, beyond painting which helped him regain his financial success. From 1950 he lived in France where he publiced a catalogue of his work. In 1966 he made a glass chess and named it â€Å"Immortel†. In 1954, he was awarded the major painting prize. Max Ernst died in Paris in the year 1976. References Werner Spies & Sabine Rewald (eds.), Max Ernst: A Retrospective. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art / New Haven: Yale University Press, 2005. Catalogue of exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: Max Ernst: a retrospective John Russell. Max Ernst: life and work (New York, H.N. Abrams, 1967) Ronald Alley, Catalogue of the Tate Gallery’s Collection of Modern Art other than Works by British Artists, Tate Gallery and Sotheby Parke-Bernet, London 1981, p.204 Source document

17 Words That Changed My Life Forever

I remember several years back I heard something that changed my life forever. Up until that point I had been struggling through life ? doing everything the hard way. I couldn? figure out why my life wasn? going the way I felt it should be. I saw some people going through life effortlessly and seemingly with less tension and frustration while I was wondering if I could ever straighten out the mess my life had turned out to be. I was behind on my dreams, my promises, and my bills. Then one day I was listening to a tape and the lady was talking about the power of having dreams and goals and all of the other stuff that those motivational speakers talk about. By that point I had listened to hundreds of such tapes, but it seemed as if nothing worked for me. Probably the only reason I was listening to that one was because I had developed a habit of listening to cassette tapes while driving my car. The statement the lady said was simple and I think I had even heard it somewhere before but this time a light bulb went on in my head. I remember stopping the tape and rewinding it over and over again to hear the 17 words she said. I couldn? believe it was so basic and simple. I was looking for something sophisticated and complicated. I thought I had to attend a $10,000 seminar. I didn? know I could find it on a $10 tape program. I? taking the time to tell you all of this preliminary information because when I tell you the 17 words, I really want you to get it and get it NOW! Because if you get it NOW, your life will never be the same. You will be using the same principle that all who have became wealthy before you have used. Even those who became wealthy and can? tell you how they did use this same principle without even being aware of what they are doing. Well, are you ready for the 17 words that made a powerful and positive impact on my life and on the life of tens of thousands of individuals who have achieved unimaginable success? Of course you are? Well, here they are? For things to change, you must get a picture of what you want them to change to. Yes, it? as simple as it sounds and as easy as it seems? Don? try to make it any complicated than this because it will only frustrate you. You must know exactly what you want and the more specific and clear you can get, the better. This is important because Human Beings are Teleological in nature? In other words, we move towards the pictures we constantly hold in our minds. Let me give you an example? Suppose you went to the store and bought a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle but it didn? have a picture on the box of what the end result should look like. Would you have a much harder time putting the picture together? Of course. You may eventually figure it out; however, the person who has a clear picture of what the end result should look like will be more than 100 times ahead of you. The question is are they 100 times ahead of you because their IQ is 100 times greater? Is it because they are 100 times better looking than you? Maybe it? because they live 100 times closer to the person who created the puzzle? Ohh, I know ? they were one of the first students to take the Evelyn Woods mind-expanding speed-reading and comprehension course right? If none of this is true then what it? Yes, the person who had the clear and specific picture of what the outcome was supposed to be was simply operating in accordance to how our brain works. It moves towards the pictures we hold in our mind. It? interesting because once you know exactly what it is you are moving towards, you seem to automatically know the steps to take or the necessary steps will soon become noticeable. Your brain, operating similar to a magnet, will start to attract in your direction the conditions, people, and circumstances that will help you move loser to the mental picture you maintain in your mind and it will repel all of those things that do not correlate to the picture you have in your mind. Therefore, the people who are clear and specific about what they want are using the powers of the Universe to assist them. This is, indeed, an awesome power. A person who knows how and uses this awesome power of the Universe to his or her advantage is a person who is working smart. A person who struggles every day trying to move closer to the success that they have no idea how it? upposed to look is a person who is working hard. Based on your observations over the years, do you think that most people are working hard or working smart? People who just work hard day in and day out without a clear picture of what they are moving towards are about as exciting as a tulip. Even though they may seem to be willing to work hard and put in the hours, they don? seem to have much life in them. And people want to follow people who seem to have some life in them. If they want to find people who don? eem to have much life in them, all they have to do is go to their job. People will follow people who look like they know where they are going and look like they are excited about the journey. You must understand that your strength comes from knowing what you want. This will ignite the fire inside of you and enable you to borrow from the promise of the future so you can engage in the activities today that w ill move you closer and closer to what you want. It will enable you to go through the trials and tribulations that may be necessary so you can arrive at your destination. But remember the journey will be more important than the destination because in the journey you will become the person you require to become to finally arrive at your destination. So when you reach your destination, look at the person you have become and set a new destination so you can continue to grow and develop. Whatever you do, just always remember that for things to change, you must get a picture of what you want them to change to. These are the 17 Words that Changed My Life Forever? Why not allow them to change yours too? Until Next time? Go, Go, Go!!!

Fresh Bait

Some books just confuse me. I'll read it and have an entire plot planted out; which would end in a backflip and destroy all my planning – sometimes it's good but so can it be bad. Thankfully, in a book with many stories ‘Fresh Bait' executed it nicely – considering the limited length – and stood out to be one of my favourite story of the book. ‘Fresh Bait' is written by Sherryl Clark, an Australian author who I would keep an eye out now and is published in book called ‘Top Stories 2' by the publisher Pearson in 2007.Saying that each author was limited accordingly to a small amount of pages to create a story, I must admit, the pace of the story was slow at first read; but now thinking back it was very fast pace. If you haven't read any book that has contained an anonymous mystery then this book may take a while to completely understand. I, as once have been an avid fan of mystery, have detected that something strange was lurking in story and noti ced the theme of mystery quite quickly. Clark has used a first person voice that slowly give us pieces of puzzle to put together.The protagonist of the story has definitely gave us a feeling of conspiracy in her action that opposed towards feeling of natural. The carefully worded conversation and sly gestures made by the protagonist of the story, enhanced a sense of eeriness. Must say ‘Fresh Bait' was quite eerie through its  Shutter-Island-like twists. Whilst reading, I was pushed on an edge of a precipice. I was definitely left hanging and held onto the book as direction to the light of truth. Will I ever understand how: if one book is so anticlimactic will ruin an entire story that was so mysteriously good?Thankfully it wasn't really a disappointment as the ending is what I've expected – thanks to my awesome skills in prediction – and I guess the slight cliff hanger was what truly disappointed me. ‘Fresh Bait' was an amusing read and was indeed a breat h of fresh air to cool my overflowing cup of warm fantasy tea. I do suppose that in some sense, whilst reading, I've gotten a nostalgic yearning for more mystery novels and the cliff hanger had just wrapped it up and sent it to my birthday list. http://butterflys-dust-wendy. blogspot. com. au/2012/05/top-stories-2-fresh-bait-by-sherryl. html

The Advancement of Robot Technology

The advancement f robot technology is pointless in our world, other than to please the curiosity of the curios; Those who wish for a world full of robots intertwining with humans have not pondered the difficulty and the consequences that may come about with these advancements. An AIR is an advanced interactive robot that, in some cases, is a pet robot that can interact with humans and the environment around them. The Japanese have developed an AIR that is a pet seal named Paro. Paro is a white seal that can interact with humans and the environment by making baby seal noises as its response.Paro can be turned on and off at any time throughout the day, offering control over when it does and does not wish to be used by its users. In experiments, Paro has been found to reduce patient stress, stimulate socialization between patients and their caregivers, and even have the psychological effects of improving relaxation and motivation of its users. Some patients have experienced both positiv e and negative effects of using Paro. In the documentary, â€Å"Mechanical Love†, an elder woman used Paro while in a senior home and she loved it! The other elder women when living in hat same home, however, did not.They became annoyed with Paro as it continued to make noises during the evening game night. The next day, the patient using Paro was sitting alone with another elder woman while eating dinner, the patient said to the woman, â€Å"l really love my pet seal. † The other elder woman responded with a simple, â€Å"Hmpf†, displaying that she wasn't quite fond of Paro. Although some may not enjoy the company of Paro, I encourage the use of the pet seal for those who see a benefit in themselves with the use of it. Humans are born to interact with other humans.When a robot of any kind is introduced, there is always a level of caution and many questions arise during interaction with such robots. Along with the advancement of Paro, the Japanese have also deve loped a robot called a geminoid. A geminoid is a robot â€Å"twin† or clone of a human. One Japanese engineering scientist has developed a geminoid clone that looks almost identical to himself. As also displayed in â€Å"Mechanical love†, the scientists working with this geminoid put him to the test to see how his wife and his daughter would respond to interaction with the robot.The man that they cloned had sensors ttached to his body to portray the movements of his mouth and arms through the robot as ne talked into a microphone that projected his voice out ot the geminoid to mimic himself. The wife was first and she responded quite well to the geminoid. She stated that it was weird, she could deal with the robot but she would much rather prefer her real husband rather than the twin robot. On the other hand, however, the young daughter did not respond well to the robot twin. She found it to be scary and creepy while interacting with him.The father asked the daughter to touch the robot nd she refused because she was too scared. She explained that she wouldn't want the robot in her home in place of her real father in any case. As you can see, there is a high level of caution and awkwardness that is displayed by humans as they interact with the robots. Humans are not born to interact with mechanical beings. Humans are made to form relationships with those who are like them, not with specifically programmed beings. If there is such a day where robots are introduced into our everyday society, a numerous amount of difficulties and communication and relation roblems would arise.With the development of the AIR's and geminoids arises many difficulties of production and advancement of them. The elder women not using Paro thought that it was annoying. Engineering scientists are now attempting to make Paro more responsive to humans and its environment by programming it to know when to make its noises, when not to, and the loudness of its noise responses to e liminate turning it on and off multiple times throughout the day. The wife and daughter that were used in tests with the geminoid responded also saying that the its face and body ovements were awkward compared to a real human.The scientists are now working on making the geminoid's body and facial movements seem more natural, as well as programming the robot able to move and talk by itself, with out the sensors and microphone being used by the human twin. In the future they hope to engineer the robot function in everyday life along with humans. They plan for the robot to express emotion through its voice and body movements and even to perform specific jobs or become a universal robot that can respond to interaction with all humans, environments, and situations.As the scientists advance with such technologies, the robots become more prone to error and wrongdoing. There is always the possibility of a malfunction with the system of the robots, increasing the odds of the geminoid doing s omething that it normally wouldn't do. With the programming of emotion into the geminoid, they may express anger or frustration and become capable of crime or express violence towards its users in certain situations. As so many questions and complications emerge with the development of robot technology, is there really a point to their advancement?Because a large part of the development of robots is to allow them to take over some Job positions to make the production more efficient and more safe, there would be a lack of Jobs for humans. If geminoid technology advances to the point where they cant think, act, and work like humans(like in the documentary Mechanical Love), should our government pay them like we pay humans? There would be no point in paying robots because they cannot eat, they cannot drink, and they have no use in owning a house or any land, and they would have no family to care for. They merely would need a place to stay when they are not being used.Since the goal is to create a geminiod that can think and act like a human, we would have to treat them like a normal human being. Humans would nave to allow them to compete in sports and possibly even run tor president. Allowing them to compete in sports would create an unfair disadvantage to humans. They would be much more durable and be capable of much more athleticism and strength. If we were to allow them to run for president and other governmental positions, geminiods would have some rule over humans and for the majority of umans, that is a very hard subject to imagine.The development of robot technology would have little use a may negatively affect our society as a whole. The goal of the advancement of Paro is to aid certain people with their reduce patient stress, stimulate socialization between patients and their motivation of its users. The goal of the advancement of geminiod technology is allow them to think, act, and respond to their environment, like their human counter parts do. To repl icate the body movements, the responses, the emotions, the learning and emory functions, and Job specifications that humans have would be largely impossible.If this technology were to ever reach that point, there would be more room for error and malfunctions that may lead to crime or violence between humans and robots. Since the robots are clones of humans, we would be required to treat them like humans. This would allow for the next robot superstar sports competitor and possibly the next robot president. If future technology allows this to happen, how would you feel knowing that robots could potentially have rule over humans?