Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 20

Reflection - Essay Example ent stages; the first stage is usually characterized by individual centered ideas whereby each persons views life negatively and tend to behave in horrible manners. The second stage is caused by cultural characteristics which make people perceive their lives as unattractive. Consequently, the third stage of tribal development involves a situation whereby people tend to develop positive feelings about their lives and tend to think it is great while in the real sense it is not. The fourth of tribal development is characterized by a situation where individuals are united by similar positive achievements that are distinct from other tribes hence view themselves as great. Lastly, in the fifth stage people perceive life as great and come together to make decisions that affect the entire tribe. I also learnt that leaders have a great influence on the lives of each individual tribe member and has the responsibility to reach all the members especially at stage one of tribal development in order to enable the tribe to move to the second stage. Leaders also have the responsibility to connect the tribe with other tribes through interaction and consultation with the others. To begin with, I will apply the knowledge on consultation between different tribal leaders to conduct consultation with other leaders in order to facilitate the attainment of my group’s objectives as well as goals. In planning of the Group’s activities, I would conduct meetings with my group members in order to formulate common development objectives hence reducing conflicts that may occur. This knowledge has also increased my understanding that it is imperative for leaders to unite their groups with other groups in order to promote peace and development. These two documents discusses one common skill that is imperative in the improving workers’ performance in various fields; the Transdisciplinarity document discusses the importance of the ability of workers to integrate knowledge and skills from

Changes In Health Care Policy Health And Social Care Essay

Changes In Health Care Policy Health And Social Care Essay Medicaid is the federal governments largest single welfare program for the poor. Its costs now exceed the costs of all other public assistance programs- including family assistance, SSI, and the food stamp program. Medicaid was established in 1965 and grew quickly into the nations largest welfare program. Since then, there have been many policy changes in the program implemented by the government, like the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, because of the issues rising in the series of its implementation and based on the evaluations done by research organizations of government, private institutions, and interest groups. The way government implements and administers such programs for the welfare of the public can be best illustrated with the process of Policy making, their evaluation, and the issues arising out of their implementation. Public policy is said to be what the governments wish to do or not to do. Governments implement several laws which may or may not be accepted by the people. It provides many services, facilities, and entitlements, in lieu of some taxes. Thus, the policies implemented may regulate the way people behave, provide services, and collect taxes. Thomas R. Dye has cited other definitions of Public Policy by several political scientists and philosophers: David Easton, a political scientist, defines public policy as the authoritative allocation of values for the whole society; Harold Lasswell, a political scientist and Abraham Kaplan, a philosopher, define public policy as a a projected program of goals, values, and practices, and political scientist Carl Friedrick says, It is essential for the policy concept that there be a goal, objective, or purpose' ­ (Dye, 2008). There are other ways of defining public policy by breaking down this general notion into various component parts. This was brought about by a political scientist Charles O. Jones, proposed the distinction among various proposals (specified means for achieving goals), programs (authorized means for achieving goals), decisions ( ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­specific actions taken to implement programs), and effects (the measurable impacts of programs) be considered. (Dye, 2008) Models of Politics A model can be a way of illustrating some aspect of the real world. In politics, political scientists use a flow chart to show how a law is derived from a bill. The models used or employed for studying policy are conceptual models which make it easy and clear to know about politics and public policy, recognize the important aspects of policy problems, derive explanations for public policy and predict its consequences. (Dye, 2008) The different policy models used to examine public policy are: Institutional model Process model Rational model Incremental model Group model Elite model Public choice model Game theory model Here the Policy is reviewed, using the Incremental model of politics. The Incremental model is a conservative model, in which, considering the existing programs, policies, and expenditures as a base, attention is concentrated on new programs and on increases, decreases, or modifications of existing programs. The process can be exemplified with budgetary policy for any government activity or programs for a given year. This process is preferred for many reasons, first being, economic hardships, absence of details on demand survey, authenticity or inappropriate statistical feed-back from the relevant fields and time required to investigate all the alternatives in the existing policy. The others are, legitimacy of the existing policies is accepted by policy makers, since they do not want to try any new programs due to lack of enthusiasm and creativity in the bureaucracy, fearing the uncertain consequences of the new policies. Then, the existing policies, which are deep-rooted enough, bec ause of heavy investments, make it difficult for the policy makers to take any radical decision. Lastly, policies like these are accepted easily compared to new policies. Thus, incrementalism is important in maintaining stability and preserving the political system in almost status-quo with sight variations. The issues being addressed here may not be totally termed as correlated with this incrementalism model, since they are budgetary policies being addressed by the New York state government, with utmost care and dedication with profound application of sincerity. Thus, the programs Medicaid and Affordable Care Act, which have been successful mostly in serving most of the needy, had a few challenges which aptly require only few changes. Contrary to the rational changes, which require a lot additional resources, the solutions provided appear to be easier and less expensive to implement, like the ones suggested by the Medicaid Redesign Team, for the New York State Budget for the year 2011-2012. The Policymaking Process The process of policy making is a process of how policies are made, in a step-by step sequence, but these processes never occur in a sequence in reality. Problem identification: Though the society may sustain many issues, only a few are considered to become a policy, to become an agenda for the government. This is influenced by the interest groups, pressure groups, media who communicate the issues to the government. Thus influencing the decision making process. If such groups do not come up with any objections on a certain policy implemented by the government, it is considered that the policy has been accepted by most people. Thus the mass media, interest groups, citizen initiatives, public opinion become the major participants of this step (Dye, 2008). Agenda Setting: The process by which ideas or issues are brought up by the various political channels to be considered by a political institution such as legislature or court. Moreover, the administrative agencies of a government often generate and formulate proposals, which may be incorporated into the executives legislative recommendations for a careful consideration by the legislative body (Shafritz, E. W. Russell, Borick, 2008). Non decision making: Though there may be many public issues arising, politicians try to suppress them from becoming policy issues. Non decision making occurs when some powerful elite groups which always keep an eye on Government policies, implementation programs and reactions of the people, act openly or covertly to suppress an issue because of the fear that if attention is focused on certain policy issues, something will be done and it may not be in their interest (Dye, 2008). Formulating policy: It is way of drafting a document on policy alternatives for dealing with issues in the interest of public welfare and development on public agenda. It takes place in the government bureaucracies; offices agencies of interest group/pressure- groups; legislative committee rooms; meetings of special commissions appointed by the Government; and policy planning organizations otherwise known as think tanks. These are considered to be the central coordinating points in the policy making process. Some of them are the Council on the Foreign Relations, the American Enterprise Institute, Heritage Foundation, and the Brookings Institution. They can influence a wide range of important policy areas. Other policy planning groups-the Urban Institute, Resources for the Future, the Population Council, for example -concentrate on a particular policy area. Interest groups: The interest groups influence the government policy in a variety of ways like Direct lobbying, Contributions made through Political Action Committees (PACs), Interpersonal contacts, between government offices and the industries and organizations representing them, Litigation designed to force changes in policies through the court system, and grassroots mobilization efforts to influence Congress and the White House by encouragement from individual constituents and campaign contributors (Dye, 2008). Policy Legitimation: The process by which a public policy is enacted into a law, after verification by all the legal institutions. The people involved with this process are called proximate policy makers, who include the president, congress, courts, federal agencies, congressional committees, White house staff, and interest groups. They are the ones responsible for bringing a public policy into action, by putting up a bill in the congress, or by any other way. Policy Implementation: It includes all of the activities designed to carry out the policies enacted by the legislative branch. These activities include the creation of new organizations- departments, agencies, bureaus, and so on -or the assignment of new responsibilities to existing organizations. They must translate laws into operational rules and regulations. They employ and deploy personnel, draw up contracts, sanction required funds and perform tasks. The bureaucrats or executional bodies of public administration in Government play a major role in this process, since the political leaders give only broad instructional outlines in the legislature meetings to the Government to define these policies and set rules at the basic level (Dye, 2008). Policy Evaluation: It is the process which helps the Congress, the President, interest groups, bureaucrats, the media, think tanks know whether or not the policies implemented by them are achieving their stated goals; at what costs; and with what effects, intended and unintended, on society. Thus evaluations of current policy may recognize new problems and restart the policymaking process. It may be mostly impressionistic rather than systematic, where impressionistic would indicate the complaints and the media stories about the laws passed and implemented, and systematic evaluation indicates what is done by the government in a systematic, careful, objective, scientific assessment of the current and long-term effects of policies on both target and non-target subjects or groups, and the costs and benefits involved (Dye, 2008). Medicaid Medicaid is the United States health program for people and families with low incomes and resources. It is a program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, and is managed by the states (Overview-Medicaid Program General Information). Being the federal governments largest single welfare program for the low income group as a pure welfare measure, its costs now exceed the costs of all other public welfare/ developmental programs- including family assistance, Social Security Income, and the food stamp program. It was begun in 1965 and is now the nations largest welfare program (Dye, 2008). The Medicaid serves certain U.S. citizens and resident aliens, including low-income adults and their children, and people with certain disabilities. Poverty alone may not necessarily qualify someone for Medicaid. It covers almost one-third of the total child population, and deliveries also, most of them from families at or below the Federal poverty level. It also covers 8 million people with disabilities, and only one-fourth of the poor young adults, since their eligibility is higher. Medicaid also supports Medicare enrollees by paying their Medicare premiums and a few critical services that are not included in Medicare (The Kaiser Commision on Medicaid and the Uninsured, 2011). The Program can be said to have served the maximum number of people, and when needed, like during the economic recession in the years of 2007-2009. The enrollment increased by nearly 6 Million during the Recession. This also put additional burden on the state budgets. The increased enrollment in-turn led to a rise an increase in the spending for Medicaid. It was of great help to the individuals who lost their jobs during this period and forced into poverty (The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, 2011). Medicaid also helped the people in other ways, being a large source of the federal funding, and fuelling the economies of the states, and thus in turn increasing the number of jobs, like physician, pharmacists, nursing staff, and other auxiliaries. Eligibility: The individuals or groups eligible for Medicaid are decided by the states. The eligibility groups will be considered one of the following (Medicaid At-a-Glance 2005 Medicaid Data Sources): The Categorically needy, The Medically needy, or The Special groups. A brief description of each of the key eligibility groups included is given, though these descriptions may not include all groups. The Categorically Needy Pregnant women and children under age 6 whose family income is at or below 133 % of the Federal poverty level. Children ages 6 to 19 with family income up to 100% of the Federal poverty level. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients (or, in certain states, aged, blind, and disabled people who meet requirements that are more restrictive than those of the SSI program). Individuals and couples who are living in medical institutions and who have monthly income up to 300% of the SSI income standard (Federal benefit rate). The Medically Needy The medically needy have too much money (and in some cases resources like savings) to be eligible as categorically needy. If a state has a medically needy program, it must include pregnant women through a 60-day postpartum period, children under age 18, certain newborns for one year, and certain protected blind persons. States may also provide Medicaid to: Children under age 19 who are full-time students can be categorized by deciding the age-limit Caretaker relatives (relatives or legal guardians who live with and take care of children). Aged persons (age 65 and older). Blind persons (blindness is determined using the SSI program standards or state standards). Disabled persons (disability is determined using the SSI program standards or state standards). Persons who would be eligible if not enrolled in a health maintenance organization. Special Groups Medicare Beneficiaries-Medicaid pays Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB)-individuals whose income is at or below 100% of the Federal poverty level and whose resources are at or below twice the standard allowed under SSI. There are additional groups for whom Medicare related expenses are paid by Medicaid-Medicare beneficiaries with income greater than 100% but less than 135% of the Federal poverty level (Medicaid At-a-Glance 2005 Medicaid Data Sources). The Affordable Care Act The Affordable Care Act, which was passed by the Congress and put into law by the President Barack Obama in March 2010, puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will hold insurance companies more accountable, lower health care costs, guarantee more health care choices, and enhance the quality of health care for all Americans. The Act gives an individual better control of his own decisions about his health coverage, like, to get the health benefits through work, buy insurance for himself, or if he has small business and desires to provide health coverage to his employees, who are on Medicare, or do not have an insurance (About the Affordable Care Act / HealthCare.gov). This act soon makes insurance more affordable by providing small businesses with a tax credit to provide coverage, and by 2014, by providing tax credits to those who need help in buying insurance representing the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history (About the Affordable Care Act / HealthCare.gov). This Act was aimed at helping reduce the costs of insurance premiums for millions of American families and small business owners who are not eligible for the Medicaid, thus making health coverage affordable. The Affordable Care Act will ensure that most of the uninsured individuals are brought under coverage by 2014, and if they do not have access to affordable employer coverage, they will be able to purchase through a health insurance exchange. It also imposes new regulations for employers who do not provide coverage for their employees, by levying new penalties and taxes, with exceptions for small employers. Medicaid may also be expanded to 133% of the Federal poverty level for all individuals under 65. Discussion In spite of being the most successful public programs implemented by the government, the Affordable Care Act and the Medicaid programs had challenges. A few of them have illustrated here. Though the Affordable Care Act is deemed to extend the health insurance coverage by both expanding Medicaid eligibility and offering premium subsidies for the purchase of private health insurance through state health insurance exchanges, the eligibility, by definition, for these programs is sensitive to income and can change over a period of time with fluctuating income and changes in family composition. Since the law specifies no minimum enrollment period, subsidy levels will also change as income rises and falls. (Benjamin D Sommers, 2011) The author estimated using national survey data that within six months, more than 35 percent of all adults with family incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level will experience a shift in eligibility from Medicaid to an insurance exchange, or the reverse; within a year, 50 percent, or 28 million, will. The states and the federal government should adopt strategies to reduce the frequency of coverage transitions and to mitigate the disruptions caused by those transitions, so that it minimizes the effect on continuity and quality of care (Benjamin D Sommers, 2011). The greatest achievement of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 has been its ability to deliver a guarantee of access to affordable health insurance. This is accomplished by the law through two principal pathways. The first being, expanding Medicaid eligibility to all nonelderly citizens and eligible legal residents whose family income does not exceed 133 percent of the federal poverty level, then, enabling Medicaid-ineligible people with incomes up to 400 percent of poverty to receive premium subsidies through tax credits for health plans offered through state health insurance exchanges (Benjamin D Sommers, 2011). Though the Affordable Care Act helped subsidize the cost of health insurance, it had impact on income-related eligibility, because of the fluctuating incomes, and changing family sizes and compositions. As there was no specification in the Act, regarding minimum enrollment period, there was a constant change in the eligibility and subsidy levels with fluctuations in incomes. Moreover individuals are required to report changes in income frequently, more than once a year, thus eligibility can cease in any month. This potential for movement between Medicaid and exchange coverage was discussed previously by many authors like Short. P F, Graefe. D R, Schoen, C. in 2003, and Gerry Lynn Fairbrother, Heidi Park Emerson, Lee Partridge in 2007, can be thought of as an update to the classic problem of churning (frequent changes back and forth, in and out of Medicaid), a problem with which Medicaid has long grappled. Thus, issues like these may cause a disruption in the Medicaid coverage within a short period. Though Affordable Care Act may be rectifying the total loss of coverage when the individual loses eligibility for Medicaid, by providing an alternative source of coverage, there have been challenges in the implementation of the two programs, like increasing the administrative costs. The author Benjamin D Sommers, also proved the increase in the administrative costs and also the adverse effects on the access to the health coverage. There has also been a controversy in the public opinion regarding the Affordable Care Act, since it also made it necessary for all Americans to have coverage by the year 2014. And moreover, it had opposition from Political candidates such as Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, on his presidential campaign trail, tried to use the laws unpopularity for his benefit. He also said in one of his statements, that he would be repealing the acts, if he became the president. (Oliphant, 2011) Options The author Benjamin D Sommers suggests some options for these issues: Reduce likelihood of frequent eligibility changes: this may be achieved by setting a minimum eligibility period, the governments can use annual re-determination procedures rather than the frequent ones, in practice now. This was recommended by the Medicaid Redesign team, have been brought about in the New York State Budget for the year 2011, like allowing the aged and permanently disabled with fixed incomes to be automatically renewed based on cost of living increases. Currently, Medicaid recipients must complete and mail-in a renewal form once a year in order to continue to receive health care coverage. (Medicaid RedesignTeam, 2011) Another policy decision regarding the Act was established, that is introducing a standard 5% disregard in the income, furthermore expanding the Medicaid coverage, by raising the eligible income from 133% of poverty level to 138% of Poverty, which is to be implemented by 2014. Individuals with incomes between 139% and 400% of poverty, who are not covered by employer or any public plan, will be eligible for tax credits, if he buys private insurance through new state based Health insurance exchanges. (Focus on Health Reform, 2011) Efforts should be made to align the markets and the provider networks in such a way, that they offer coverage under both plans. The individuals facing the shifts between the programs should be supported appropriately. Conclusion Thus, these issues illustrate about how a policy, implemented by the government can have some advantages and disadvantages and affects the public, and how it is brought out in the limelight by the media. This illustrates the evaluation part of the policy making process, and how it was corrected by the government by implementing corrections to the program in the recent State Budget of New York State, for the year 2011,which can be considered as drafting a new policy again. A Public Policy is deemed to be successful when it serves the society without causing any further burden on the public and the government. And the media and the public should project such drawbacks and see that they are corrected by the government. The Affordable Care Act and the Medicaid, were beneficial to the public in many ways, like they provided coverage to many uninsured, and also to those who were pushed into poverty because of the Economic Recession in years 2007-2009, and they covered many children and the child births, the elderly, and those conditions which were not covered by most of the private plans and the individual was not eligible for Medicaid, directly. They also became a large source of federal funds, providing employment and creating a market. Though issues can rise in any major policy decisions, if they can be corrected, like the issues of eligibility, they will definitely prove more successful. Thus Policy making process can be called a never ending process, since issues keep on coming, in the process of their administration.

Confucianism And Raise The Red :: essays research papers

What has happened to Confucianism. For a long time, Confucian was accepted as the idea that a healthy society depended on a solid traditional family. Confucius himself, for example, called for people to put principle above selfish desires. People supported hierarchy. The rulers moral example would inspire the people to live good lives. But one begins to detect a new theme emerging in society especially amongst the Chinese reformers: the theme of individualism oppose to familialism. Today, would the Confucian family be more and more aware of abuse to women and children? The rituals and traditions can be seen as both positive and negative. The ways in which women suffered affirm that some rituals were abusive. There are multiple signs indeed that something has gone badly wrong with the Chinese family traditions that led to family instability.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To begin with, one of the major problems that hindered the Chinese family is customs and rituals. On the other hand, some of these family traditions allowed the family to flourish as a group. In the movie Raise the Red Lantern, many types of customs and rituals were shown. For example, according to the master’s tradition, lanterns are lit outside the house of which the master chooses to join for the night. Each night the wives wait to be honored with his presence, bowing in resignation when they aren’t chosen, often scheming to be noticed next time. The women soon begin to compete for the lanterns. They are jealous of one another and double cross one another. This brings out a darker side of the women capable of anything in order that their needs are met. This example shows a negative aspect. It is a humiliation of the neglected mistresses. The positive aspect may be the power of the wife who gets chosen. Her needs are being met and she gets to pick the meal for the night.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are documents that show actual life in the Confucian family in late traditional times in China before the advent of modern Western ways. In the last sixteen century by one of the elders of the Miu lineage made a set of practical instructions. These help people run their household. The main purpose of these rules is to protect individual family members and help united the family. One very important rule of the Confucian family is that under no circumstances should birthdays become pretext for heavy drinking (Document 2 p.

Malaysia Chinese Culture

Malaysia's cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture, and the cultures of Malaysia's two most prominent trading partners throughout history–the Chinese, and the Indians. These three groups are joined by a dizzying array of indigenous tribes, many of which live in the forests and coastal areas of Borneo. Although each of these cultures has vigorously maintained its traditions and community structures, they have also blended together to create contemporary Malaysia's uniquely diverse heritage. Populated by the three (3) major races found in Asia, Malaysia culture is a melange of Indian, Malay and Chinese influence The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. All people living away from home go back, becoming the busiest time for transportation systems of about half a month from the Spring Festival. Airports, railway stations and long-distance bus stations are crowded with home returnees. The Chinese character â€Å"fu† (meaning blessing or happiness) is a must. The character put on paper can be pasted normally or upside down, for in Chinese the â€Å"reversed fu† is homophonic with â€Å"fu comes†, both being pronounced as â€Å"fudaole. † What's more, two big red lanterns can be raised on both sides of the front door. Red paper-cuttings can be seen on window glass and brightly colored New Year paintings with auspicious meanings may be put on the wall. Waking up on New Year, everybody dresses up. First they extend greetings to their parents. Then each child will get money as a New Year gift, wrapped up in red paper. People in northern China will eat jiaozi, or dumplings, for breakfast, as they think â€Å"jiaozi† in sound means â€Å"bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new†. Also, the shape of the dumpling is like gold ingot from ancient China. So people eat them and wish for money and treasure. Burning fireworks was once the most typical custom on the Spring Festival. People thought the spluttering sound could help drive away evil spirits. However, such an activity was completely or partially forbidden in big cities once the government took security, noise and pollution factors into consideration. As a replacement, some buy tapes with firecracker sounds to listen to, some break little balloons to get the sound too, while others buy firecracker handicrafts to hang in the living room. People in different places follow various customs, but all show their love and longing for a better life. Today people will enjoy the full moon and eat moon cakes on that day. The moon looks extremely round, big and bright on the 15th day of each lunar month. People selected the August 15 to celebrate because it is a season when crops and fruits are all ripe and weather pleasant. On the Mid-Autumn Festival, all family members or friends meet outside, putting food on tables and looking up at the sky while talking about life. How splendid a moment it is! | There are many legends about the evolution of the festival, the most popular of which is in commemoration of Qu Yuan. People will dragon boat racing, eating zongzi and drinking realgar wine on that day. On Dragon Boat Festival, parents also need to dress their children up with a perfume pouch. They first sew little bags with colorful silk cloth, then fill the bags with perfumes or herbal medicines, and finally string them with silk threads. The perfume pouch will be hung around the neck or tied to the front of a garment as an ornament. They are said to be able to ward off evil. | The Qingming Festival sees a combination of sadness and happiness. This is the most important day of sacrifice. Both the Han and minority ethnic groups at this time offer sacrifices to their ancestors and sweep the tombs of the deceased. Also, they will not cook on this day and only cold food is served. On each Qingming Festival, all cemeteries are crowded with people who came to sweep tombs and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to the cemeteries becomes extremely jammed. The customs have been greatly simplified today. After slightly sweeping the tombs, people offer food, flowers and favorites of the dead, then burn incense and paper money and bow before the memorial tablet.

Modelling a Frame Subjected to Multiple Loading Conditions Essay

In this experiment the main aim was to modelling a frame subjected to multiple loading conditions and record how the force and strain vary to different loads. The frame represented a simple roof trusses and the loading conditions are similar to what a typical roof would undergo. In this experiment a universal fame was used with load cells to provide the load and digital force and strain instruments to record the data. As the load was increased the strain went up linear showing a linear relationship between loading and strain. After analysing results it was found that the results for experimental forces compared to theoretical forces were very close showing that this experiment was very accurate, with very small uncertainty, the reason for this is due to very sensitive equipment as a change of 1 µ? is equivalent to change of 6 N (using young’s modulus) and other factors described in detail in the report. Table of Contents Summary 1 Introduction Pg 4 2 Theory Pg. 4 3. 1 Apparatus Pg 6 3. 2 Experimental procedures Pg 8 4 Observation and results Pg 8 4. 1 Results Pg8 4. 2 Observations Pg11 4. 3 Discussion Pg11 4. 4 Sources of error Pg11 5 Conclusions Pg12 References Pg13 Appendices Pg13 Introduction The aim of this laboratory was to carry out an experiment to measure the strain in members of a frame, where load was being applied in different loading conditions. This experiment was carried out to put to use the theory learnt in lectures and see how they actually perform in a real life model. By doing this it is possible to appreciate the limit of theoretical approach to these loading conditions and compare the errors. The model used in the experiment was that of an idealised roof truss, a roof must withstand a lot of force over a long time during its lifetime. Three 3 different loading scenarios will be modelled and the strain forces are expected to be within the range of the calculated theoretical forces. Main aims were: 1. Measure the strain in each member and record results 2. Calculate theoretical values for the experiment 3. Compare theoretical values with experimental results and calculate percentage error Theory In a frame model where there is a load being applied members of the frame will feel a compressive or tensional force. The value of the force can be worked out by resolving the forces in horizontal and vertical directions and taking moments. This is done by analysing each of the joints of Fig 1 separately. In a rigid static frame the sum of the vector forces add up to zero Fig 1 model of experiment The first loading model has is simulated with a load of 500N. First work out the value for the reaction force at the supports. Then use these values to calculate the tension in each member of the truss. Hand written theory in appendix (1) Apparatus The apparatus used in this experiment are by Tecquipment STR8 Pin-jointed Frameworks Digital force display -500N to 500 N Digital strain display- 1Ãâ€"10-9 ? Load cell – 0-500N range Screwdriver Experimental procedures Test 1 1. Calibrate the load reading instruments to measure zero on channel 1 on the digital load display, if the display shows load being applied then adjust the appropriate load cell W1 by rotating the appropriate knob. Test 2 1. Carefully remove the pin that is holding load W1 and reinstate load W2 2. When no load is being applied to the members check the digital strain display, there are 13 channels one for each gauge. Each gauge must be reading zero if not use adjust the reading to read zero as close by using a small screw driver. 3. Make sure the load cell W2 does not interfere with the frame. 4. In table 1 record the strain values of each member from the digital strain display. 5. Next apply a load of 100N to the load cell W1 by turning the handle anti clockwise then read the digital strain display for channels 1 to13 and record in the table. 6. Repeat steps 5 for loads 200N, 300N, 400N and 500N 7. After recording all values reduce the load to zero by rotating clockwise. 8. Using the values of strain for 500N load calculate their equivalent member forces and record them in table 3 using the following equations : Test 3 1. For this model both load cells must be loaded on to the frame 2. In table record the strain values of each member from the digital strain display when no load is being applied 3. Next apply a load of 500N to the load cell W1 by turning the handle anti clockwise then read the digital strain display for channels 1 to13 and record in the table. 4. Switching to channel 2 on the digital force display apply a load of 100N then read the digital strain display for channels 1 to13 and record in the table 5. Repeat steps 4 for loads 200N, 300N, 400N and 500N on load cell W2 6. After recording all values reduce the load to zero by rotating clockwise. 7. Using the values of strain for 500N load calculate their equivalent member forces How to use the strain to convert into force is described in the appendix (2) 4. Results and observations 4. 1 Results CENTRAL LOADING Angled loading Multiple loading The sum of experimental forces for loading of 500 N in loading 1 and 2 4. 2 Observation Allow the equipment to stabilise by waiting 5 minutes in order to eliminate and uncertainty due to heat affecting resistance values. There are no significant health and safety risks in this experiment. 4. 3Discussion A way in which to improve the results of the experiment would be to take repeat readings of the strain for each gauge at least three times in order to eliminate any anomalous results. Another addition would be having different loading conditions on the frame and see how they affect the two gauges EF and IJ as they experience any strain which could lead to the question are these members required and do they make any difference. In loading condition 3 by having 2 load cells you create a model where there are members which are superimposed. When analysing table 8 and looking at the sum of the experimental values are larger than the theoretical value, when looking at member AH the values are notably are different when superimposed. 4. 4 sources of error The main sources of uncertainty will come from the calibration of the device as the digital strain reading instrument has an accuracy of  ± 0. 5Ãâ€"10-10 ? and the digital force display has an accuracy of 0. 5 N. These are very small values; it is difficult to zero the strain display which lead to a poor accuracy. The strain values is calculated by the change in resistance of the wire when it is under tension or compression, however change in temperature would affect the length of the wire therefore giving a different value of resistance leading to inaccurate strain reading. 5. Conclusion After analysing the results in detail it is shown that the difference in theoretical and experimental results is not significantly different and therefore using the theory of resolving forces it is possible to gain an accurate value of true member forces and equally important to simulate and model the situation in real life scenario to gain a true understanding of what is going on. Also analysing table 3 shows that is also possible to calculate the force on a complex load by adding the forces individually. References Mechanics structures and thermo dynamics –university of Warwick Mechanics lectures by Dr. T. Karavasilis http://www. tecquipment. com/Datasheets/STR8_0213. pdf 29/12/2013 Appendices Pin jointed lab briefing sheets Theory (1. ) (2). Stress strain thoery

The Great Gatsby as a social critique. essays

The Great Gatsby as a social critique. essays The Great Gatsby, a novel that illustrates society in the 1920s, should definitely be considered as a social critique. Scott Fitzgerald wrote this novel to demonstrate the social flaws and the social attitudes in the 1920s and 1930s or the Jazz Age, which is a time of prosperity and a booming economy. In this novel, Fitzgerald is criticizing the corruption of the American Dream, the immorality of the 1920s and injustice in society. The most criticized issue in this novel, is the one of the corruption of the American Dream. The American Dream was based on the assumption that anyone, no matter what their social class is, could have prosperity if the have effort and skill. This novel is about what happened to this American Dream and how the pursuit of wealth corrupted it. The characters in this novel are in constant pursuit of money, glamour, success and excitement to feel complete about themselves. For example, Tom and Daisy are very materialistic, they want a big house, expensive items and everything that seems valuable. Scott Fitzgerald wasnt criticizing the American Dream itself, but the death of it. He wanted to show how the immoral people, who havent put in hard work and cheated, have all the money. For instance, Jay Gatsby got his fortune through his dealings with organized crime, which was a empty form of success. Gatsby needed his enormous mansion, his money and his fame before he could feel confident ab out winning Daisy back. His transformation from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby shows how people can change themselves according to their ambition for wealth and prosperity, even if it has to do with criminal activities. This showed how the American Dream pushed people who were crazy about money into crime or any immoral behaviors. Jordan is another character in the novel the shows immoral traits, such has cheating during one of her golf tournaments or encouraging Daisy to have an affai ...

Does the GEICO Gecko Need a Grammar Lesson

Does the GEICO Gecko Need a Grammar Lesson Today I heard a GEICO commercial that included a line something like this: To show our appreciation, call within the next 15 minutes This sentence contains a grammatical error!   Was it intentional? The thing is, these sorts of sentences are all-too-common in the writing I see every day.   GEICO might have intended this one, or the error may have been an oversight   but many of my clients make these errors frequently and unintentionally. You may be saying to yourself, WHAT grammatical error?   Looks okay to me! Let me explain. Take a look at the the first half of GEICOs sentence: To show OUR [Geicos] appreciation Ask yourself, who is the natural subject of this sentence?   What would naturally follow from the first half of the sentence?   If you think carefully, youll see that it would be something relating to whom? To GEICO of course!   GEICO is the natural subject of the sentence. A grammatically correct sentence might read, To show our appreciation, we are offering you a NEW CAR with FREE insurance for the vehicles lifetime! Now *that* would be a great sentence.   Yes, I like that sentence. Another alternative would be to write a different first half of the sentence that would naturally lead toward making the customer the subject of the sentence.   For instance: To show YOUR appreciation, call us within the next 15 minutes and tell us how adorable the gecko is! Id call to praise the gecko in an instant.   Hes pretty cute.   And he gives great car insurance.   If he looked at me just right with those beady little eyes, Id probably even forgive him for having his grammar a little mixed up. Do you think the GEICO gecko needs grammar help? Or do you think GEICOs ad people made this error intentionally?   Please take our 1-Question Survey and/or share your opinion below. And if you need writing help, please contact The Essay Expert for a FREE 15 minute consultation.   Well make sure you dont make it into someone elses grammar rants. Category:Grammar Writing TipsBy Brenda BernsteinNovember 22, 2010

Installing Gems from Git Repositories

Installing Gems from Git Repositories Many gems are hosted on git repositories, such as the public repositories on Github. However, to get the latest version, quite often there are no gems built for you to install with ease. Installing from git is quite easy though. First, you have to understand what git is. Git is what the developers of the library use to track the source code and to collaborate. Git is not a release mechanism. Its important to note that the version of the software you get from git may or may not be stable. Its not a release version and could contain bugs that will be fixed before the next official release. The first thing you have to do in order to install gems from git is install git. This page of The Git Book explains how to do this. Its rather straightforward on all platforms and once its installed, you have everything you need. Installing a gem from a Git repository is going to be a 4 step process. Clone the Git repository.Change to the new directory.Build the gem.Install the gem. Clone the Git Repository In Git lingo, to clone a git repository is to make a copy of it. Were going to be making a copy of the rspec repository from github. This copy will be a full copy, the same the developer will have on their computers. You can even make changes (though you wont be able to commit these changes back into the repository). The only thing you need to clone a git repository is the clone URL. This is provided on the github page for RSpec. The clone URL for RSpec is git://github.com/dchelimsky/rspec.git. Now simply use the git clone command provided with the clone URL. $ git clone git://github.com/dchelimsky/rspec.git This will clone the RSpec repository into a directory called rspec. This directory should always be the same as the final part of the clone URL (minus the .git part). Change to The New Directory This step, too, is very straightforward. Simply change to the new directory created by Git. $ cd rspec Build the Gem This step is a bit more tricky. Gems are built using Rake, using the task called gem. $ rake gem It may not be that simple though. When you install a gem using the gem command, silently in the background it does something rather important: dependency checking. When you issue the rake command, it may come back with an error message saying it needs another gem installed first, or that you need to upgrade a gem already installed. Install or upgrade this gem using either the gem command or by installing from git. You may have to do this several times depending on how many dependencies the gem has. Install the Gem When the build process is completed, you will have a new gem in the pkg directory. Simply give the relative path to this .gem file to the gem install command. Youll need administrator privileges to do this on Linux or OSX. $ gem install pkg/gemname-1.23.gem The gem is now installed and can be used just as any other gem.

Secular and religious expression in israeli performing arts Essay

Secular and religious expression in israeli performing arts - Essay Example Modern arts have developed in various directions. They include expansion of fork dance style, which accompanied early frontiers in the construction of their old homeland and organization of the art dance that led to stage production produced by trained choreographer. Professional dancers performed it. Currently more than ten professional performing art companies came up with varied collection throughout Israel and abroad. Israel is today vibrant reflection of sounds, ideas, tastes, sights, cultures and people. They focus on events and facts, neglecting intense living standards and dynamics that existed. They integrate the ideas of culture and arts; however, they explore the exciting vision of Israel. Performed culture and arts reflect the pulse of the society and the heart of the Israelis. They show the ideas and themes that may not be expressed in other ways. They mostly serve as an explanation of particular arts and cultures by featuring on various circumstances at a given place an d time. The artists comment on society and culture of Israel through visual arts poetry, literature, music, film, theater performance and various artistic expressions gave educators resources to dig into Israel society in a way that explore the minds of the students and also to their souls and hearts it is by the common communication by art that appreciation of the art and society in deep sense. The education reformers and philosophers stated that culture and art expresses life of a society. In order to explore the distinctive identity of Israeli, legendary Israeli-born sabra is studied. The initial native Israeli in a current land view themselves as different type of Jews. They believed that they are patriotic, direct, young, and innocent group of Jews. The famous symbolic and representation of the sabra was available in newspapers. Many bloggers and editors gave various views of how typical Israeli. Because of the subjectivity in their discovery of the multiplicity and

CAD drafting software Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CAD drafting software - Essay Example One of the reasons why autoCAD is ranked top among other CAD softwares is the fact that it is packed with features within the tool bar which are relatively easy to use and navigate. AutoCAD has all the relevant and necessary features which make usability easy while improving compatibility at the same time. It allows the user to customize the tool palettes consisting only of the tools required for the current project. AutoCAD supports a myriad of files which requires no conversion during import or export (Cohn, 16). The software is not easy to use and in addition to time consumption, there is difficulty in figuring how to use some of its features. AutoCAD is supplemented with a wide range of help and support options besides the online knowledge-base present on the website. SolidWorks is considered to be an extensive software that is meant for corporate environment and large production. SolidWorks has extensive design capabilities which makes it a very complex system. Despite the complex and extensive designs in cataloging and tolerance control, the user interface has been kept as dynamic and simple as possible. The design makes SolidWorks a design software suitable for users at all levels. SolidWorks is quite expensive; Premium version goes for $7,995, Standard for $3,995 and the Professional version at $5,490. There is minimal training required for a user to become productive and knowledgeable of SolidWorks. Besides, there is a good production demonstration video which offers design lessons (Cartwright, 12). SolidWorks has an electrical package which is highly used in electrical engineering field in designing complex circuits. It has a wide range of electrical design functionality suitable for design professionals. Google Sketch Up is free but can be upgraded to Pro version at a cost of $485 which comes with email technical support and export options. It’s a simple CAD software for sketching models in a 3 D space. Google Sketch up is

Critical Analysis for Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Critical Analysis for Managers - Essay Example Disneyland is the first theme park in the world which was built under direct supervision and guidance of Walt Disney. Disneyland Park proclaims to be the â€Å"happiest place on earth.† As this theme park witness largest cumulative visitors attendance as compared to any other amusement parks in the world, it is evident that operations and maintenance of the park is delegated in the hands of a large number of managers who are directly or indirectly responsible for the grand success of the theme park since 1955 (King, 1981). The paper will explore the prevailing distinction in cultural and systems in Disneyland and effect of globalization into the organizational patter and mechanism of employees as the key consideration of analysis. Organizational culture is a significant aspect that aims to standardize values, norms and practices within an organization whereas the objective of organizational system is to ensure smooth functioning of all the operations of the organization. According to Alvesson (2012), organizational systems are more inclined towards strategy implementations and successful coordination among managers for executing such strategies. Cameron and Quinn (2011) have identified that in this era of globalization, assimilation of employees from different cultural dimensions and from different race, religion, societal status and background, have been very much prominent within any organization operating in the international circumference. Therefore, it becomes necessary for all such organizations to establish a definite and distinct culture that may integrate all the employees within the organization. In contrast, research of Gupta (2000) has shown that the organizational system must be contingent in nat ure i.e. it must vary according to the prevailing business scenario and requirement. As technological progression and continuous skill development take place at a rapid speed, not much time has been

Scenario Analysis - Filling you toolbox Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Scenario Analysis - Filling you toolbox - Essay Example In the workplace worries scenario illustrated in this paper, I can use the problem solving tool as discussed by Hicks (2010). Hicks discusses that there are seven steps in resolving issues in the workplace. The first step is on identifying the issues – to clearly identify what the problem is, while noting that different people may have different views on what the actual issues are (Hicks, 2010). In applying this step to the current issue, I need to identify the actual issue in this scenario. The way I see it, the issue is about the uneven distribution in workload. The low pay and the heavy workload in the nursing profession is already an identified given in the current health care practice. My role as a manager would now be geared towards using the tools I currently have in order to ensure the effective running of the paediatric care unit. Short of increasing the salary of the nurses and addressing the nationwide nursing shortage problem, the only means left in my arsenal are the solutions which are within my power and authority to effectively and realistically implement. By identifying the problem as improper work distribution in the paediatric unit, I am able to set it apart from the other problems which nurses perceive as their issues. The next step in the problem-solving process is to understand everyone’s interests. These interests are the needs which I would like to satisfy based on any given solution; in some cases, we often get do not take notice of our genuine interests because we have become obsessed or fixated with one particular solution (Hicks, 2010). It is important to note that the best solution which can be applied is one which would satisfy everyone’s individual interests and in order to come up with the best solution, the manager and the subordinates need to actively listen to each other, to put aside their differences, and to find a common ground which would satisfy all their needs (Hicks, 2010). In this case, my

Exposure to Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Exposure to Media - Essay Example However, with the changing time and age, this has become a reality which is difficult to change course, and has lasting impressions on their minds and bodies. Adolescent development is an important subject that needs to be given the consideration that it richly deserves and within the spectrum of the ever-changing youth attitudes, it attains even more mileage for a number of reasons. The readily available films, music, books and videos have actually put the elders in a quandary. They have felt the plunge because exposure to media has become explicit and the issue has become magnanimous. The adolescents have therefore relied more on their environments than their parents and guardians (MacKinnon, 2006). They have felt the pressure from their peers and this has been represented through the different manifestations which they have been getting into time and again. The risk element has become stronger with the passage of time where some adolescents have shown susceptibleness to attitudes and beliefs which are unbecoming of their age and stature. These books and other available materials have made the elders feel wary of them because their young ones know much more than they did at their age (Sebald, 1992). This has put the ball back in their court as far as their raising up domains is concerned. The emphasis has gone directly on how they have been brought up and how their domains have been hijacked by the elders who are indeed their parents and guardians. These adolescents have been exposed to such images which have more or less disturbed the elders. These adolescents believe that their development is being done the right way since they are in line with what the media has been projecting and what they are learning at the end of the day (Kim & Lennon, 2007). What they seem to forget is the fact that the media is giving out wrong and illicit behaviors which these young ones are easily getting hooked on to for a

Analyse the impact of factors that influence health and Essay

Analyse the impact of factors that influence health and well-being.(Health and Behaviour) - Essay Example Education serves as the most effective platform to not only empower people but also to introduce changes so that children can meet new challenges of the time with higher efficiency and adaptability. This is especially true for people with disability who have to face multiple barriers in the mainstream schools which are distinct in their lack of facilitating environment and insensitive approach to their needs and requirements. The various barriers to their inclusion in the mainstream schools necessitate social support and wider awareness of their needs and requirements that promotes or hinders their participation in the mainstream activities. Carrington & Holm, (2005) assert that in Australia inclusive education has evolved from the notion of integrating students with disabilities into regular schools. The paper would be discussing the myriad practices within the social support that may be adversely impacting the successful inclusion of children with disability into the mainstream Aus tralian education system. Health and environment have emerged as major social issues that are significantly impacted by the social parameters (hhb, 2011). WHO (2005) has broadly defined health as not merely being absence of disease or infirmity but a complete physical, mental and social well-being. Thus, holistic aspect of health becomes an important issue which incorporates the environment paradigms that influence the overall well-being of the individual. Key & Dowrick, (2001) claim that people with disability have always been marginalized in every sphere of life including education, employment and community living. The discrimination has adversely impacted not only their participation in the mainstream life but it has also been detrimental to their development as an individual. Thus the social model of disability has emerged as vital input that redefined disability in terms of facilitating environment that promotes their

Exposure to Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Exposure to Media - Essay Example However, with the changing time and age, this has become a reality which is difficult to change course, and has lasting impressions on their minds and bodies. Adolescent development is an important subject that needs to be given the consideration that it richly deserves and within the spectrum of the ever-changing youth attitudes, it attains even more mileage for a number of reasons. The readily available films, music, books and videos have actually put the elders in a quandary. They have felt the plunge because exposure to media has become explicit and the issue has become magnanimous. The adolescents have therefore relied more on their environments than their parents and guardians (MacKinnon, 2006). They have felt the pressure from their peers and this has been represented through the different manifestations which they have been getting into time and again. The risk element has become stronger with the passage of time where some adolescents have shown susceptibleness to attitudes and beliefs which are unbecoming of their age and stature. These books and other available materials have made the elders feel wary of them because their young ones know much more than they did at their age (Sebald, 1992). This has put the ball back in their court as far as their raising up domains is concerned. The emphasis has gone directly on how they have been brought up and how their domains have been hijacked by the elders who are indeed their parents and guardians. These adolescents have been exposed to such images which have more or less disturbed the elders. These adolescents believe that their development is being done the right way since they are in line with what the media has been projecting and what they are learning at the end of the day (Kim & Lennon, 2007). What they seem to forget is the fact that the media is giving out wrong and illicit behaviors which these young ones are easily getting hooked on to for a

Art and technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Art and technology - Essay Example Many classrooms have highly integrated both photography and video production or editing. This is through using technology in order to find better ways of helping students to improve their learning skills. Pijnappel (2000) points out that educator should find varied ways of integrating technology in the classroom in order to help students improve their learning of art skills. This is because use of technology in arts is vital as it enables students to meet acceptable standards concerning video production, editing and photo shopping. The impact of digital use has transformed varied artistic activities such as designing, editing, painting and sculpture work into virtual reality. This has highly become recognized in the artistic practices. The use of technology in art and design work such as film production has significantly increased its use in the contemporary society. The digital artists employ varied electronic sources of information in producing creative work. It is easier for stude nts to generate acceptable and valuable artistic features through the use of technology. For instance, students can be able to generate valuable work when they display visual art features on a monitor and mathematically translate information into the accepted computer graphics. This is essential because it will reflect on the way they may draw, using the pencil and piece of papers, valuable designs. The images displayed on the monitor will be easier to translate on the virtual environment; thus increasing the ability for photographing. Technology integration in classrooms has enabled teachers to reach the required standards of state regarding art study. It has allowed many educators to educate students easily because it makes students understand easily on varied artistic issues. In the contemporary society, many students are nowadays using computer technology for varied activities. This is because technology makes the work simpler. For instance, students use technology outside their classrooms for varied activities such as playing video games, listening to music, connecting with their friend and other varied activities. Therefore, integrating technology in art classrooms would be beneficial to both students and their educators. Teacher should address the significance of technology in creating varied art features. Integrating technology into varied art programs can be extremely beneficial to students. This is because it can enable students to design perfect shapes and improve their art skills (Braun, Gromling and Bleher, 2005). Providing students with a chance to use technology in designing photographs will be very useful in improving their drawing skills. Therefore, teachers will educate students on the way to apply technology in video art. For instance, educators can assign students to use computers in designing artistic features. This is essential because it will enable students become familiar with the use of technology in designing varied artistic features . Problem Statement Art is becoming one of the new literacy subjects that are is more valued in the society. Since the medieval era, art and design was valued because it donates more revenues to the country. This is through distribution of art collections to various places, which form tourist attraction centers; thus, generating revenues to the country. Therefore, incorporating technology in the art classroom is significant because it enables the

Importance of Nutrition in Patient Care

Importance of Nutrition in Patient Care Nutrition and hydration are essential human needs that should be the main focus of the nurse in the care of the patient/client. If the nutritional state of the patient is inadequate or unbalanced the effect of therapeutic medical interventions can be ineffective therefore nutrition is as important as medication in the recovery from chronic diseases, wounds, infections and surgical operation. The lack of a balanced diet can lead to malnutrition which is considered to be a major risk for morbidity and mortality among the elderly (Webb and Copeman, 1996). Research done by the European Nutrition for Health Alliance (2005) found that four out of 10 older people admitted to hospital are malnourished on arrival and six out of 10 are at risk of becoming malnourished or their condition worsening. Florence Nightingale stated that, thousands of patients are starved in the midst of plenty, from the want of attention to the ways which alone make it possible for them to eat (Webb and Copeman 1996) . It is vital for nurses to implement a patient centred care to develop trust as meeting the needs of the elderly can be challenging. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2008) acknowledges that nurses should make the care of people their first concern treating them as individuals and respecting their dignity therefore providing food and help with eating are important elements in maintaining dignity. This essay is going to focus on the importance of nutrition in the care of adults mainly the elderly as care for the elderly is different in that a childs main focus is growth and maturation while that of the elderly is maintaining a healthy physical status, building strength and avoiding excess weight. It is going to look at the definition of nutrition, some of the essential nutrients, ways of nutritional support, malnutrition, role of nurse in preventing malnutrition and barriers faced. This report is going to have different materials that back up evidence based practise and support the importance of nutrition in patient/client care. Essential nutrients Williams, (1999) describes nutrition as the sum of the processes involved in food nutrients, assimilating and using them to maintain body tissue and provide energy which is the foundation for life and health. There are different types of nutrients which are responsible for regulating different functions, providing energy, enable growth and maintain cell tissue. There are two categories of nutrients which are classified as macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients Protein is an essential nutrient needed by every human being as it is vital for the growth and repair of tissues (Quinn et al 1987). It is responsible for making hormones, enzymes and antibodies which help fight infections as well as deliver oxygen and transportation of other nutrients to the body. Nurses should encourage strict vegetarian patients to take a complementary protein to ensure they have a sufficient supply of amino acids as the lack of these can lead to protein- energy malnutrition (PEM) (Beck 1985). Evidence from a systematic review (Potter et al 1998) suggests that protein and energy supplementation improves outcomes in the elderly patients with multiple medical and surgical conditions. Enough energy intakes is required to help in restoring and preventing loss of fat stores which provide cushioning against pressure in patients with wounds and pressure ulcers (Thomas 2001). As people age their energy and calorie intake declines because of the decline in metabolic rate, lean body mass and physical activity. The Food Standard agency (FSA) (2001) emphasises that patients with wounds and pressure ulcers should be encouraged to have a carbohydrate source with each meal. Fibre is a form of indigestible carbohydrate which increases the muscle tone in the digestive tract and lowers the risk of developing bowel cancer, constipation, piles and osteoporosis which are common in the elderly (BDA, 2003). Fat provides a store of concentrated energy, heat, insulation and protection from injuries. Fats, especially mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids are responsible for reducing the incidences of heart diseases, brain function, regulating mood and lower depression. They are helpful in preventing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary thrombosis (COMA, 1992). High levels of saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet may increase the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases while reducing fat in the diet may deplete levels of serotonin in the brain causing mood changes and depression (Beck et al, 2005). Micronutrients As people age they need more vitamins and minerals to support their general wellbeing. Vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products, meat and fish. Vitamin B12, B6 and folate are examples of water soluble vitamins which are good at fighting heart diseases, cancers and prevent declining neurological deficiencies such as memory loss and anaemia. It is important for nurses to recommend five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and supplements for patients who cannot receive enough from their normal diet. Minerals are responsible for hormonal, enzymatic, transportation of molecules and electrolyte balance. Calcium is an example of a mineral found in the bones and teeth responsible for the function of muscles, nerves and blood clotting. Fluid intake is a vital nutrient needed for the maintenance of healthy tissues, regulating temperature and transportation. Patients who have an imbalance in fluid are unable to efficiently oxygenate vital organs or carry waste products to be excreted. As the kidneys function deteriorate with age this can impair the renal function in regulating salt and electrolyte balance and this can lead to dehydration (Nursing standard 2009). This can cause renal and cardiac problems especially in patients who have suffered from stroke and Alzheimers disease who can be insensitive to thirst (Water UK 2006). It is important for nurses to encourage frequent sips of water to vulnerable patients as some may have lost a sense of thirst from medication. Types of nutritional supply Food can be administered through oral feeding using modified foods; food fortification moulded foods, finger foods, snacks as well as using enteral (tube feeding inserted in the nose directly to the stomach) and parenteral feeding (intravenously using a sterile liquid) (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2006). Malnutrition NICE (2006) defines malnutrition as, a state in which a deficiency of nutrients such as protein, energy, vitamins and minerals causes measurable adverse effects on body composition, function and clinical outcome. Elderly patients are at risk of malnutrition caused by hospital diet, processes and shortcomings known as iatrogenic malnutrition (Coates 1985). Some of the factors that increase the risks are poor dentures, hearing difficulties, chronic diseases, surgical treatments and other degenerative diseases. Social factors such as isolation, poverty, culture and bereavement can also contribute to the risk. This could lead to a number of deficiencies which may include reduced immunity, impaired function of the heart and lungs. This can increased the risk of admission to hospital and length of stay. NICE (2006) stated that if poor dietary intake or complete inability to eat persists for weeks the resulting malnutrition can be life threatening. Patients are usually screened on admission using their dietary history or screening tools such as the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) to check if they are malnourished, at risk of malnutrition or obese (British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) 2003). This screening tool consist of a five step guide based on the patients body mass index, weight loss, illness score, overall score and management guidelines. It is important in guiding the carers on which steps to follow which can help to develop and manage an individual care plan. There are a lot of campaigns that are on going to help reduce the number of malnutrition in hospitals such as Hungry to be heard (Age concern 2006) and Nutrition Now (Royal College of Nursing (RCN) 2007). Nutritional screening done in 2007 found that 28% of hospital patients were at risk of malnutrition, of which 22% were considered to be at high risk and 6% at medium risk (BAPEN 2008). Role of nurses and barriers they face The Roper, Logan and Tierney model for nursing states that the nurse has a primary role , within the multidisciplinary team, in ensuring that patients receive food, fluids and adequate nutrition whilst they are in their care and health education regarding a healthy diet (Holland et al 2008). It is important for the nurse to have relevant physiological knowledge and understanding of what makes a balanced diet and different constituent food groups (Docherty and McCallum 2009). Assisting patients to eat is regarded as a fundamental nursing skill that nurses need to develop for the health and wellbeing of patients as well as prevention of diseases. The nurse plays a big role in meeting the nutritional needs of patients by assessing them on admission, monitoring, providing help, advice and referrals. It is the role of the nurse to ensure that collaborative care with other multidisciplinary team such as dieticians, rehabilitation nurses, social workers and occupational therapists is implem ented as soon as possible in cases of malnutrition, anorexia or obesity disease (Docherty and McCallum 2009). The Caroline Walker Trust (2004) recommends that staff should be present and involved at mealtimes, respecting individual preferences, making sure that patients are sitting in an upright position to encourage normal digestion and making the environment pleasant by removing bed pans and commodes to enhance a good appetite. Nurses, in collaboration with the catering staff should respect individual cultural preferences such as providing Kosher for Jews, meat free dishes for vegans/vegetarians and recognising any food allergies and intolerances such as gluten (NMC 2008). Nurses should identify patients who need assistance using the red tray initiative as directed in the Nutrition Now campaign (Royal College of Nursing (RCN) 2007). It is important for the nurse to imply good interpersonal communication skills with the patient as this will encourage the patient to eat. The nurse should also check that all records are well documented such as care plans; food and fluid balance charts as it is a good way of communicating with the other staff and gives a clear nutritional outcome. From the experience I had at my placement the red tray initiative was a good form of identifying patients who needed assistance. It gave me the chance to be aware that meeting nutritional requirements of older patients can be more challenging as the patient declined to be assisted in feeding (Docherty and McCallum 2009). Barriers faced by nurses lack of nursing time, lack of nutritional training, lack of communication, trust and respect within the multidisciplinary team. Conclusion In conclusion providing good nutrition is important in the prevention of malnutrition, degenerative diseases and overall well being of patients. It is vital for nurses to develop good nutritional knowledge and interpersonal skills to be able to provide holistic quality care towards the recovery of patients.

Green Grass, Powerful Women Essay -- essays papers

Green Grass, Powerful Women White culture misinterpreted, ridiculed and even outlawed native beliefs. Natives, in turn were forced to live according to the absurdities of the white man. In Green Grass Running Water, King portrays these absurdities through four old Indians and a coyote that are trying to fix the world. This task becomes very difficult for them, when the Christian God appears and messed everything up. Now they are confused and the world is in chaos. King shows how illogical and foreign the natives found the Christian religion; especially in it’s views on Women’s inequality. It all started â€Å"in the beginning.† Everything was fine with this [Indian] beginning until that crazy Christian God (or dog) got a hold of the world and mixed everything up. So, there was a Sky World and in that sky world was a woman. Big woman. Strong woman. First Woman. First woman falls from the sky world into the water world and decides she better make some land. G O D thinks this is ok, but a garden would be better. First woman makes a garden and lives there with Ahdamn. Nobody knows were Ahdamn came from, but things like that happen, you know. (King, 40) At first this novice Christian G O D does not realize that there is anything wrong with First Woman being called Strong Woman. Naturally, no (Christian) G O D in their right mind would let a woman have a name with that much power. This new G O D also does not realize the insignificant role that Adam plays or the humiliation that he brings with a name like â€Å"Ahdamn†. Aside from his name, Ahdamn is a foolish man. While First Woman is busy finding them something to eat, Ahdamn is naming the animals. You are a microwave oven, Ahdamn tells the Bear. We got to get you some glasses, says the Bear. You are a telephone book, Ahdamn tells the Cedar Tree. You’re getting closer, says the Cedar Tree. You are a cheeseburger, Ahdamn tells Old Coyote. Everything is fine and G O D does not think anything is wrong until First Woman comes across that forbidden tree. It has all sorts of goodies such as apples, melons, bananas, hotdogs, fry break, corn, potatoes, pizza, and extra-crispy friend chicken. But G O D does not want anybody eating his food and so his Christian rules are made and women are suppressed. In this next story G O D has more control over the situation and is... .... She has to grab his face to keep his attention; and second, Alberta’s control over him. She holds all the cards, he is just a player in her game, and he’s about get loose. She doesn’t really need him, in fact, if she can find a way to do without him, it’s done. She would rather have a one-night stand or be artificially inseminated than to have a man tag along. It is clear that the role of a man is very diminished, not needed to make the baby and not wanted to raise the baby. This is outside of the social Christian norms, but Luckily Alberta is a Strong Woman, an Indian woman and has the economic means to support a child on her own, which is more than she can say for Lionel. Poor Lionel is left in the dark with no role to play but that of a child whose fate is controlled by the women around him. The four old Indian’s must have done something right, despite the Christian G O D getting in the way of their culture and messing up their story. Even outside of this novel, we live in a chaotic world of mixed up stories and combined religions. We are a Christian nation (thanks to the Christian G O D) but we also hold true to our Native origins of female superiority.

The Personal Strife of Tennessee Williams :: Biography Biographies Essays

The Personal Strife of Tennessee Williams      Ã‚  Ã‚   Tennessee Williams was a well renowned playwright, who highlighted his personal experiences in his plays and stories. He had a colorful life and he enjoyed writing about what was considered taboo subjects in the 1940's, 1950's and the 1960's. Williams explored homosexuality, alcoholism, violence, greed and sex.      He also infused humor into his work. Williams dissected the traditional American family, and he penned many stories about dysfunctional and volatile families. In the journalist Bruce Smith's memoir on Tennessee Williams entitled Costly Performances, Tennessee is quoted reminding his readers, "I have had a life of required endurance, a life of clawing and scratching along a sheer surface and holding on tight with raw fingers to every inch of rock higher than the one caught hold of before...." (Smith, 6) Williams was born Thomas Lanier Williams in his maternal grandfather's rectory in Columbus, Mississippi on March 26, 1911.      His father, Cornielus Coffin Williams, was a shoe salesman at a shoe factory. He was an alcoholic and he was often verbally abusive to his family. Williams's mother's name was Edwina Lanier Williams and she encouraged the young Thomas to write. Williams later based the character of Amanda from his play "The Glass Menagerie" on his mother.      He had a sister named Rose, who was two years older, and when they were growing up they were very close. Rose was a very sensitive child and by her early twenties she was classified as a schizophrenic. She was later institutionalized and eventually given a lobotomy. His sister's condition devastated Williams, and he was afraid throughout his life that he would succumb to madness as well. He based the character of Laura from "The Glass Menagerie" on his sister Rose. Williams had a younger brother named Dakin, who was eight years younger.      Their father doted on the younger brother, and there was a great deal of sibling rivalry between them. He actually based Brick and Grooper's relationship on his tumultuous dealings with Dakin. Also, Williams had a great interest in people who lived on the fringes of life, like Rose. He considered himself to be "different" and he was not popular in his youth.      Thomas was teased as a youth by a boy named Brick, and Williams added that the character was weak minded and flawed.

Earhquake in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia

On December 26, 2004, mass destruction and devastation was the result of a large earthquake off of the West Coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake began in the early morning on Sunday at 7:58:53 AM, and wreaked havoc on thousands in the affected areas. BBC News reported on the earthquake, stating that â€Å"Sunday’s tremor – the fourth largest since 1990 – had a particularly widespread effect because it seems to have taken place just below the surface of the ocean, analysts say† (BBC News). The earthquake had significant effect on the region and the people living in these regions. Not only was the earthquake damaging and devastating, but the quake was also the cause of a correlated tsunami that caused even more damage and destruction to the area. â€Å"This earthquake is the largest event in the world in 40 years, and produced the most devastating tsunami recorded in history† (Lay). â€Å"Coastal communities across South Asia – and more than 4,000 km away in Africa – were swept away and homes engulfed by waves up to 10 m high after the quake created a tsunami that sped across the ocean† (BBC News). The geographic location of the Earthquake in absolute location is 3. 316? North, 95. 854? East; and the relative location of the quake was off the West Coast of Northern Sumatra, which was 155 miles South Southeast of Banda Aceh, Sumatra Indonesia, and 185 miles West of Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia (USGS). The earthquake that shook the West of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, as well as many other neighboring countries, was of a great 9. 0 magnitude on the Richter scale. â€Å"At the source of the earthquake, the interface between the India plate and the Burma plate dips about 10 degrees to the east-northeast. The subducting plate dips more steeply at greater depths†(USGS). The quake occurred when the Earth’s crust, a 1,200 km segment of the crust, shifted beneath the Indian Ocean, as far as 10 to 20 meters below (Marshall). As the crust shifted and the quake went into motion, a substantial amount of energy was released. Energy released by this overwhelming earthquake was an â€Å"estimated 20X10^17 Joules, or 475,000 kilotons (475 megatons) of TNT, or the equivalent of 23,000 Nagasaki bombs† (Marshall). All of this stored elastic energy that was released by the earthquake, in turn initiated the† uplift of the seafloor and the displacement of billions of gallons of seawater† (Marshall). These events lead to a massive tsunami. â€Å"Over a period of 10 hours, the tsunami triggered by the quake struck the coasts of over 12 countries† (Marshall). â€Å"The region where the great earthquake occurred on 26 December 2004, marks the seismic boundary formed by the movement of the Indo-Australian plate as it collides with the Burma subplate, which is part of the Eurasian plate† (Pararas-Carayannis). â€Å"For millions of years the India tectonic plate has drifted and moved in a north/northeast direction, colliding with the Eurasian tectonic plate and forming the Himalayan Mountains. As a result of such migration and collision with both the Eurasian and the Australian tectonic plates, the Indian plate’s eastern boundary is a diffuse zone of seismicity and deformation, characterized by the extensive faulting and numerous large earthquakes† (Pararas-Carayannis). â€Å"Previous major earthquakes have occurred further north, in the Andaman Sea and further South along the Sumatra, Java and Sunda section of one of the earth’s greatest fault zones, a subduction zone known as the Sunda Trench. Slippage and plate subduction make this region highly seismic† (Pararas-Carayannis). In addition to the Sunda Trench, the Sumatra Fault is responsible for seismic activity on the Island of Sumatra. This is a strike-slip type of fault which extends along the entire length of the island† (Pararas-Carayannis). East of northwest Sumatra, â€Å"a divergent plate boundary separates the Burma plate from the Sunda plate† (Pararas-Carayannis). â€Å"More specifically, in the region off the west coast of northern Sumatra, the India plate is moving in a northeastward direction at about 5 to 5. 5 cm per year relative to the Burma plate† (Pararas-Carayannis). The region where the earthquake occurred –and particularly the Andaman Sea- is a very active seismic area. Also Sumatra is in the center of one of the world’s most seismically active regions. Earthquakes with magnitude greater than 8 struck Sumatra in 1797, 1833, and 1861† (Pararas-Carayannis). It is obvious that Indonesia is an area that is highly susceptible to earthquakes, because of the shifts and movements of the tectonic plates that Indonesia lies on. â€Å"Indonesia is surrounded by four major tectonic plates, the Pacific, the Eurasian, the Australian, and the Philippine plates. All these major tectonic plates and their subplates are presently active. Major earthquakes and tsunamis can be expected in the semi-enclosed seas and along the Indian Ocean side of Indonesia. Major earthquakes in the semi-enclosed seas can generate destructive local tsunamis in the Sulu, Banda, and Java Seas. Major earthquakes along the Sunda Trench can generate tsunamis that can be destructive not only in Indonesia but to other countries bordering the Indian Ocean† (Pararas-Carayannis). The major tectonic feature in the region is the Sunda Arc that extends approximately 5,600 km between the Andaman Islands in the northwest and the Banda Arc in the east. The Sunda Arc consists of three primary segments; the Sumatra segment, the Sunda Strait Segment and the Java Segment. These locations represent the area of greatest seismic exposure†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Pararas-Carayannis). â€Å"In the immediate vicinity off Northern Sumatra, most of the stress and energy that had accumulated were released by the crustal movement that caused the 26 December 2004 earthquake. The subduction of the India tectonic plate underneath the Burma plate cause upward thrusting of an extensive block and generated the destructive tsunami† (Pararas-Carayannis). As the Burma plate â€Å"snapped upward, it was a huge geologic event. The dislocation of the boundary between the Indian and Burma plates took place over a length of 745 miles and within three days had set off 69 aftershocks† (Elliot). â€Å"The aftersocks represent nature’s way of restoring stability and temporary equilibrium. It is unlikely that a destructive tsunami will occur again soon in the same region, however caution is advised for coastal residents in Northern Sumatra and in the Nicobar and Andaman Islands. If an afterschock is strong enough and it is strongly felt, evacuation to higher elevation is advised. In fact, strong shaking of the ground is nature’s warning that a tsunami may be imminent† (Pararas-Carayannis). The natural disasters also create natural warning signs that more damage may be upcoming. The aftershocks suggest that the earthquake rupture had a maximum length of 1200—1300 km parallel to the Sunda trench and a width of over 100 km perpendicular to the earthquake source† (USGS). Many things can be taken into account, analyzed, and hopefully used in the future to reduce the number of casualties and losses as a result of an earthquake of such magnitude. The importance of this earthquake and its effects on the communities devastated by this earthquake are many. â€Å"According to the latest official reports (Ministry of Health) 166,320 people were killed, 127,774 are still missing and 655,000 people were displaced in Northern Sumatra. A total of 110 bridges were destroyed, 5 seaports and 2 airports sustained considerable damage, and 82% of all roads were severely damaged. The death toll is expected to rise† (Pararas-Carayannis). â€Å"There were many lessons already learned from this tragic event in Southeast Asia. Many more lessons will be learned in the near future as this tragedy unfolds and reveals the many failures to value and protect human life in this neglected region of the world. Indeed a bitter lesson was already learned that great earthquakes and destructive tsunamis do occur in this region† (Pararas-Carayannis). The communities of people living in this region that is highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis could learn important information about the somewhat safer areas to reside, or safety techniques to carry out and be aware of while in the midst of a natural disaster. â€Å"The magnitude of the tsunami disaster could have been mitigated with a proper disaster preparedness plan and a functioning early warning system† (Pararas-Carayannis). â€Å"However the strong shaking by the earthquake should have been nature’s warning for local residents that a tsunami was imminent and they could have run to higher ground to save their lives. A simple program of public education and awareness of the potential hazard could have saved many lives in the immediate area† (Pararas-Carayannis). It would be imagined after having at least four earthquakes of 9. 0 magnitude or greater in the region, that residents, public officials, and even tourists could easily find or allowed , much less given, information needed to promote awareness for the possible catastrophes and preventive methods for any type of damage that can be sustained and anticipated. For the more distant coastlines of India, Shri-Lanka, and other locations in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, there was ample time to issue a warning –if only an early warning system existed for this region of the world and if there was a way of communicating the information to the coastal residents of threatened areas. No such warning system exists at the present time –the lack of disaster awareness or preparedness is appalling. A simple educational program on hazard awareness could have prevented the extensive losses of lives –particularly of children. One third of those that perished were children† (Pararas-Carayannis). The severity of damages resulting from the earthquake and subsequent tsunami is devastating, and what makes this natural disaster even more tragic is to know that some preventive measures could have been taken. There are adequate instruments and warning systems that have been developed and are currently being used currently in other locations around the world where devices sufficiently predict and send signal out for the warning of tsunamis. It is often because of insufficient funds or simple neglect for an organized plan of action to take in cases of emergencies as such. â€Å"India and Shri-Lanka are not members of the International Warning System in the Pacific and they have not shown interest in joining any regional early warning systems. An erroneous belief has persisted that tsunamis do not occur frequently enough to warrantee participation into a regional tsunami warning system. Local government authorities in the region did not even have a plan for disseminating warning information to threatened coastlines –even if a warning had been provided. There was not even a basic educational plan for disaster preparedness. It should be obvious that such a program is necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future† (Pararas-Carayannis). â€Å"In Sri-Lanka alone, more than one million people are displaced and aid workers are under pressure to ensure they have clean water and sanitation to prevent an outbreak of disease† (BBC News). This earthquake is significantly important to the people affected in the surrounding communities, as well as the geologic setting of this disaster. â€Å"Five main reasons why this disaster was so deadly: 1) High population density on low-lying coastal areas of the Indian Ocean, 2) Short distance from tsunami source to populated low lying coasts, leaving little time for warning, 3) No tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean, 4)Poor and developing countries with vulnerable infrastructure and minimal disaster preparedness, 5) Little public awareness of tsunami hazard† (Marshall). It is impossible to be able to prevent natural disasters from occurring, but there are some measures that can be taken to help prevent the cause of some injuries and deaths. The measures that can be taken to prevent more harm than already caused may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of the disaster, yet the smallest preventive measures and knowledge to be aware of certain signals to promote safety awareness, such as knowing when to move to higher ground after initial shaking or some basic understanding of simple, but possibly life-saving medical treatments. It is apparent that Indonesia and surrounding countries are vulnerable to earthquakes with possible tsunamis that may cause mass destruction. Residents in Indonesia and surrounding countries should be informed and aware of the potential disaster zones they live in, in efforts to take some sort of preventive procedures such as building more secure homes on more stable location, to keep medical aid kits stocked and easily accessible, and emergency plans of action if disaster strikes and a family is separated for example. The damage resulting from the 2004 Sumatra, Indonesia Earthquake was remarkably widespread, causing extensive devastation to the land, buildings, and communities including hundreds of thousands deaths and injuries across thousands of kilometers It is also obvious that Indonesia and majority of the adjacent countries need to significantly work to create a disaster plan, educational programs to make people knowledgeable about nature’s hazards, and to adapt a system to detect and transmit information and messages for early warning signs. The great amount of destruction and loss of human life due to these kinds of natural hazards cannot be prevented, but the amount of devastation suffered would be substantially less if these precautions were taken advantage of and actually put into effect.

Critical Analysis: Life of Pi

By examining the novel Life of Pi, the three part novel by Yann Martel, one can observe the psyche of a man who has gone through a horrendous tragedy that has affected his life dramatically.   Martel chose the differing setting of India, Canada, the Pacific Ocean, and briefly in Mexico during the nineteen seventies.   From the conflicting cultures of the setting, the protagonist, Pi must deal with many adversities, yet he has survived all of them.   The novel is narrated in first person with Pi taking on the role of narrator. This gives an insight into the working of Pi’s mind.   A privileged glimpse of how an individual responds to the task of survival makes one wonder how he/she would respond in a similar situation.   It also shows what an individual will do to deal with the events that are just too horrible to accept. The plot is told in flashback and as a framed story.   The exposition is established early in the novel.   We learn that Pi is a man from India who now resides in Canada.   It is obvious that there has been some tragedy in his life, but it is not revealed until later.   Pi is married with a son and daughter.   The author discovers that he has a passion for cooking with lots of spices. This could be a way for him to connect with his past in India.   He uses so many layers of spices that it is just too intense for the author.   His overly spicy food is symbolic of his past.   Pi has tolerated his circumstances, but it is just too tragic for others to be able to identify.   As part one unfolds, Pi relates the history of his childhood in India.   His father had run the Pondicherry Zoo, and that is where he learns about the nature of animals as well as how human nature can parallel animals.   Pi is convinced that the animals are better off in the zoo that in the wild because some one must take care of them.   He also learns the way a human can achieve dominance over them. The conflict of the novel is established in the trip to his new home and the completely different culture he will encounter.   Pi’s family is killed in a shipwreck and he is the lone survivor.   He must now fight the forces of nature to stay alive.   Then he must learn how to deal the events that he has endured.   Another conflict in the story deals with religion. Pi was born into a Hindu family and throughout the novel he states that he considers himself primarily a Hindu.   Along the way, he discovered Christianity and a priest convinced him that he needed to become a Christian and Pi agrees.   His parents attend his baptism even though they do not accept the religion.   Finally Pi meets a Muslim and is persuaded to convert to Islam.   Again he embraces another religion.   Pi decides that he can be all of the religions. The rising action of the novel quickly becomes evident when Pi begins to relate his voyage to Canada.   His father decides that the family must move because of political unrest in their homeland.   Most of the animals are sold and the ones that couldn’t be sold are taken of the boat with the family.   After an accident, the boat sinks.   Pi, however, is the only one from his family to survive the shipwreck.   He and a zebra escape on a lifeboat, but the zebra is injured in the fall. Shortly after the life boat falls into the water, Pi spots his father’s tiger, Richard Parker.   The human name of the tiger is symbolic of the animalistic instinct of man.   The three survivors are soon joined by a hyena and an Orangutan.   At first all of the animals coexist with each other.   It is not long before the hyena chews the leg of zebra for a meal.   He then basically eats the animal alive.   The symbolism of the savagery of survival is evident in this incident. The hyena soon turns on the Orangutan and kills her as she is looking for her two sons.   Pi is amazed how human like she behaves.   Pi and Richard Parker become weary and dehydrated.   Pi learns how to fish and make drinking water out of sea water.   He uses his basic instincts for his survival.   The tiger finally kills the hyena, and even though Pi is glad that the hyena is gone, he becomes fearful of the tiger.   He realizes that he must gain dominance of the animal. He resorts back to the knowledge he gained at his father’s zoo.   Pi and Richard Parker are joined by another man and while Pi is suffering temporary blindness due to dehydration.   After battling hunger, lack of water, and the elements of nature, Pi’s lifeboat comes ashore in Mexico.   Richard Parker escapes into a wooded area and Pi is taken to the hospital. Two Japanese officials come to the hospital to interview Pi to gain information about the sinking of their ship.   He recounts the whole story of the sinking and his survival on the lifeboat.   After they listen to the story they leave to discuss the information they have just received.   They return after a short while and inform Pi that they do not believe his story. He then relates the story of his survival only substitutes humans for the animals.   They are horrified and he then asked them which story they prefer.   The men admit that the one with the animals was easier to accept.   It is then that the climax becomes evident.   The whole story of the animals was made up by Pi so that he could deal with the events that had happened to him.   The zebra had been a sailor, the hyena was an insane cook, and the orangutan was Pi’s mother.   Richard Parker is symbolic of   Pi’s animal instincts.   He finally gains dominance over them and it is his animal instincts that can alone help him survive. The falling action comes about when the two Japanese officials write their report.   They realize that Pi has no knowledge that can actually help them understand the wreck of their vessel.   They resolve that Pi’s survival with a ferocious tiger was unique story.   They, along with Pi, did what they had to do in their mind to be able to accept what had actually happened. Pi is a character that embodies the whole idea of survival.   All people go through adversity, and all have to learn to survive.   Many times it is painful.   An individual must come to grips in his/her own mind with what they must accept to continue on with daily life.   Martel takes this into consideration when writing this story.   Not only does he engage the reader by using suspense and the element of surprise, but he teaches mankind that we do what we have to do to cope. He also makes the point that even though humans have come so far with their scientific knowledge and technology yet they still have animalistic instincts when it comes to survival.   He could have set the story in the distant past, but instead he set it in the recent past.   There was an immense amount of technological and scientific knowledge in the nineteen seventies.   If our society were to lose our modern conveniences in a natural disaster, people would still revert to their instincts for continued existence. Works Cited Martel, Yann.   Life of Pi.   Canada: Random House of Canada, 2001.