Sun and Late Evening Light

Not a cloud sailed on that particular Sunday evening. The climbers, John and Mary had reached the tops of the cliffs as the sun was setting. They looked over the town to one side and the water on the other. The whole scene appeared strikingly beautiful in the late evening light, for it was sunset. Their hearts began to fill with emotions as the vast open sky started to turn from a baby blue to an autumn red, the clouds changed from cotton white to a flaming yellow orange giving the clouds a fluorescent laser lined effect.Birds chirped melodiously while flying away to their homes in the pleasant breeze, they too enjoying the spectacular sight. The crystal clear water sparkled like diamonds. Everything was almost still and the effect of the light made the scene look like one in a painting. It was so perfect. The climbers gazed upon the picturous scene as the autumn sky turned darker. The sun seemed to be at peace, making the climbers feel good and warm.The sun slowly began to fade away , as if it were about to fall off the edge of the water. John and Mary suddenly began to feel alive as they sat on the hill to take in the epic event right before them, they felt alive, reborn and inspired. They slowly watched the autumn red sun disappear behind the murky blue sea and said to themselves, what a glorious sunset. One that would be etched in their memories for life.

Conventional and organic food products Essay

While conventional food products are still dominating American market, the phrase â€Å"healthy eating† is gradually gaining popularity. To supplement this new trendy belief, a wave of organic products is sweeping across this nation’s grocery stores. But do people really realize the differences between conventional and organic products as they mound their shopping carts? Do they know that the main differences between the two categories of foods actually lie in their processing procedures, advertising strategies, and product ingredients? When people look at an organic product, the first thing they are most likely to notice is its cost. Which, under normal circumstances, is remarkably higher than average products. Since people have the misconception that the word â€Å"organic† on food labels means â€Å"all natural,† they accepted this phenomenon as a necessary price to pay for a healthy life, but it merely indicates that the product is minimally processed and is preservative free. The true reason behind the intimidating price of organic product is because organic production prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides as well as genetic manipulation of plants. These standards require greater labor input from organic farmers to provide a purer product, and at the same time help to protect our environment. People expect a â€Å"fair price† for conventional foods, because they are well informed of its manufacturing process. Modern machinery allows factories to undergo mass-production, thus little manual labor is required. This not only leads to increments in the yield, but also lowers the overall cost of production. Though the reasonable price of conventional products is beneficial to one’s budget, chemical preservatives are used during the manufacturing process. Conventional cropping practices may also include a combination fungicide/insecticide treatment to protect the seed from soil diseases and insects, which poses potential harm to our health and environment. Since the prices of organic products are far from alluring, and at the same time tend to have less variety, organic producers advertise their products by their nutritional appeals. Ostentatious statements such as â€Å"good for  life†, or â€Å"nature’s best† are printed unsparingly on the packages; accompanied by idealized pictures of nature. TV commercials for organic products are rarely seen; if people happen to see one, they will find themselves viewing a beautiful field of crops or a lively farm with cows mooing and chickens cackling. A middle-aged man in agrarian overalls will then come along to accentuate the freshness of their products with earnest. The popular demand for conventional food generates large profit for conventional food producers, which enables them to innovate more varieties of products and to advertise their products more efficiently on TV commercials. The majority of these commercials take place away from rural settings; they are either in a nice house, a fancy restaurant, or some imaginary land. While the well-dressed actors and actresses are feasting on the food products, a confident male voice will pop up in the background to announce that their products are better than those of others. Other than well-animated TV commercials, imagery also plays a key role in packaging. The producers wrap their products up in boxes that are covered by bright colors and decorated with popular food icons to attract consumers’ attention. Messages such as â€Å"50% more volume† or â€Å"free CD inside† can also be found on packages for promotion purposes. Nutritionists are placing an unprecedented amount of emphasize on organic products, which makes people feel compelled to read the list of ingredients before buying it. That’s when the buyers will be pleasantly surprised to discover that they can actually understand the list. For instance, the ingredients of organic milk are simply: certified organic grade A milk, and Vitamin D3. This unique feature not only helps consumers to identify an organic product, but also provides a sense of security when people consume the product. When people pick up a conventional product, they glance at it to check for defects, and then toss it into the cart. It is unlikely that anyone is going to read the ingredient list closely. Not only because people are so used to the products they use, that they tend to neglect the details, but also because the ingredient list of a conventional product is nearly meaningless  to the consumers. Reading the ingredient list of a processed food is like reading data from a chemistry book; it is incomprehensible and boring. For example, a simple bottle of conventional milk can consist up to four kinds of added chemicals. Therefore, the long list of scientific components does nothing more than bewilders the customers. Even though organic foods differ from conventional foods in many aspects, study shows that there are no substantial differences between their taste and safety. Buying an organic product is more of an act of protecting the environment than promoting one’s own health. If consumers’ budget allows, they should buy more organic products, because it is a simple way of giving back to the Mother Nature, and help to preserve biological stability on earth.

Global e-business ( two question in the sources) Essay

Global e-business ( two question in the sources) - Essay Example Many successful businesses are revamping their existing business structure and adding e-business components to their primary business model in order to enjoy the opportunity created by the disruptive web technology. Nonetheless, the extent of adapting to electronics business varies according to the companies, as some of them employ entire electronic business models and some only adopts support functions, like, communications. The purpose of this project is to devise the way in which Azinsu, an apparel brand with a niche market, can use benefits of internet based technology, so as to expand its market and modify traditional business structure, thereby going global. The aspects of e-business, which will be covered in the course of discussion, are design and manufacturing department and also, supply chain logistics. The appropriate mode of the company to cater to the needs of foreign customers will also be elaborated. Azinsu is an apparel company that has been extremely successful in creating its own brand in the female clothing industry. The product of the company has been highly popular among clients of the upper-end market, like, celebrities. The company has successfully created a niche market, where it has been consistently selling quality products. The traditional mode of operation of the company is, however, creating a constraint in sales. This is because products that are produced by the company are in huge demand all over, but lack of global presence is restricting them from having a global customer base. Presently, the company is devising new line of products, like, shoes and fragrances, which greatly appeal to the current target market, mainly consisting of fashion conscious women, who have the wherewithal to purchase the company’s products. In order to understand the juxtaposition of e-business in the traditional business model of

Communication theory application assignment Essay

Communication theory application assignment - Essay Example Professor Maguire succeeds in gaining Will’s trust and confidence by revealing his own weaknesses, strengths, intimate emotions and true self to him. Different relationships shown in the movie reveals different communication theories. Will’s relationship with Professor Lambeau shows the expectancy violation theory in action. Social penetration theory can be seen in the interactions between Will and professor Maguire. Interactional view theory is evident through interaction between Will and his friend Chuckie. The movie is an excellent example of how being open and honest in a relationship can help in reducing the pain of life and gain meaning in personal and social life. The expectancy violation theory says that anything that happens according to the expectation does not attract attention (Littlejohn 135). People tend to notice mostly those behaviors or actions that violate their expectation (Littlejohn 135). The violation of the expectation arouses their interest and grabs their attention (Littlejohn 135). In the movie ‘Good Will Hunting’, expectation violation theory is evident in interaction between Will and professor Lambeau. Professor Lambeau writes a math problem on the board outside the class and expects that no one will be able to solve it. However, Will solves the problem and in a sense, violates the expectations of professor Lambeau. This act of Will solving the mathematical theorem is taken positively by professor Lambeau as he is impressed with Will’s genius (Good Will Hunting). Secondly, when he tries to approach Will with the idea of getting him trained and utilize his skills to solve different theorems, Will refuses to co-operate (Good Will Hunting).. This arouses the professor Lambeau and makes him to take attention of his behavior (Littlejohn 135). According to the ‘expectancy violation’ theory, the violation of expectation is not always

Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease...What do you know about them Essay

Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease...What do you know about them - Essay Example Discussing gestational diabetes is relevant to me as the disease runs in the family. In addition, it has relevance to the goals that I want to take in the future: becoming an obstetric nurse and an endocrinologist. Health practitioners believe that prevention is better than cure and that pregnant women must be taught on how to improve their health and their baby through early prenatal care and regular prenatal visitation. However, I believe that educating them about risk factors and preventive interventions will not immediately create awareness towards action to prevent gestational diabetes. Instead of focusing on risk factors and preventive strategies, why not inform pregnant women of the complications of gestational diabetes to them and their baby? This may create fears or worries but surely, pregnant women will take immediate action to avoid complications and inquiry about risk factors and necessary interventions follow. Gestational diabetes poses some life-threatening and chronic conditions both on the pregnant women and newborns. Women with gestational diabetes and who are obese may develop type 2 diabetes later in life. They have also increased susceptibility and mortality to other illnesses such as pneumonia and influenza. Women with gestational diabetes have marked biochemical imbalances which may lead to life-threatening conditions diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar (nonketotic) coma, and high blood pressures. In addition, women with gestational diabetes tend to deliver babies via cesarean section and acquire birth injury (trauma) due to large infant size. Meanwhile, babies are also harmed if the mother has gestational diabetes. According to the CDCs 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 5% to 10% of babies suffered from major birth defects while 15% to 20% of fetuses are spontaneously aborted if women developed diabetes early in pregnancies (9). There is also a slight

Frank Lloyd Wright's Hanna House Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Frank Lloyd Wright's Hanna House - Essay Example Architects have delivered their inputs towards achieving tremendous structures that do not only offer purpose, but also meet the expectations placed on the outlook of the structure. Architects have applied the principles used to achieve stability in a structure, and incorporated them with design principles that uphold design. Frank Lloyd, 1867-1959 was an architect who applied the required components in his designs to achieve a consistency required to create an identity in his designs. The American architect and Interior designer based his concepts in designing structures that incorporated human comfort with the environmental features. His philosophy, later appreciated as organic architecture led to the advancement of a school of technique identified today as Usonian style (Twombly 270). He applied the concept in the early 30s in times when economic recession was at its peak to apply affordable materials to apply his skill. His structures were based on the need to deliver social tran sformation that humanity had learnt to appreciate. Of his famous structures stand the Hanna House situated at Stanford University in San Francisco. The design of the structure was unique because it was amongst the first structures that he completed and lacked rectangular forms. This paper highlights Frank Lloyd’s Hanna House in San Francisco with the concepts he applied its completion and significance. Concepts and style applied The Usonian house concept applied in the Hanna House had distinctive features that could be related to the structure (Wright, Mumford, Pfiffer and Wojtowicz 188). These structures were erected on gridded concrete with sandwich walls containing layers of wood pieces and building papers, contrary to the framed walls. The outstanding feature was flat roofs, mostly devoid of basements. An additional feature within the structures included small kitchen spaces situated to be adjoining the dining. Hanna House situated at the Stanford University has gained a reference to the Honeycomb building. This name was generated due to its outstanding features that employed hexagonal unit adapted by Wright from his octagonal building style. Purpose, contents and materials used The construction of the building began in 1937, and it saw its expansion in the next 25 years. The hexagonal design it applied gave a plan featuring six sided angled at 120-degrees to integrate the house with its setting witnessed in a sloping typographic form. Wright had designed the premise for Paul Hanna and Jean, his wife who had been famous educators at the university (Quinan 242). The design that he had initially created was meant to be accommodated in flat terrain that failed to meet its target. The structure of the building and he design incorporated in its completion led to the identity of its architect, Wright into a renowned American architect, and the building’s rank raised to be a National Historic Landmark. The distinction by Wright to develop a structur e that included a peculiar setting to deter from the recognized rectangular plan (Langmead 218). This had come at a time when the concept alter the dimension of the structure and incorporate stability that would ensure a unique building completion. The applied material to complete the structure was witnessed in the wooden finish that Hanna house depicted. Wright had applied the term Wooden House to call his invention, but the material applied on close inspection included red brick incorporated with

Shakespeare Macbeth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Shakespeare Macbeth - Essay Example ns, he feels threatened by the number of nobles fleeing Scotland and he again seeks out the words of the witches, wanting reassurance that his reign is secure. This continued reference to witches throughout the play prompts one to learn more about why Shakespeare might have included them, how they were envisioned in his England and how an understanding of them might provide greater understanding of the play itself. According to David Linder (2005), â€Å"Scotland’s witch-hunting had its origins in the marriage of King James to Princess Anne of Denmark.† According to the story, James and Anne were planning to be wed in Scotland, but Anne’s ship was forced to turn back from its voyage because of bad storms which were blamed upon the actions of witches back in Denmark. James then traveled to Scandinavia for the wedding ceremony, which did take place, but, upon the couple’s return voyage to Scotland, bad storms again made the crossing difficult and were again blamed on witches. â€Å"Back in Scotland, the paranoid James authorized torture of suspected witched. Dozens of condemned witches in the North Berwick area were burned at the stake in what would be the largest witch hunt in British history† (Linder, 2005). This illustrates the importance of the witch issue within contemporary English society as James first wrote his Demonology and pursued witches in Scotlan d and then, with his coming to the British throne, brought his ideas of witchcraft to England. Given that the play was written with James in mind, James claimed to be a descendent of Banquo, one should probably expect to find elements of both English witch lore as well as Scottish witch lore within the play. Indeed, there are several elements of both English and Scottish conceptions of witches found throughout the first act of the play. One example of this is the witches’ association with animals found at the very beginning of the play. The first witch says, â€Å"I come, Graymalkin!† (I, i, 8)

Teenage pregnancy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Teenage pregnancy - Term Paper Example According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States government could save $9 billion dollars annually if teenage pregnancy were prevented. As a result of increasing cases of teenage pregnancy, most of the funds are spent primarily in foster care, health care, and incarceration costs. Teenage pregnancy is a matter of concern in the State of Mississippi, which is among the top five states with the highest number of teenage pregnancies (Klemas et al., 2009). The majority of teenagers who were pregnant are those of non-Hispanic origin. In a survey study conducted in 2006, Mississippi was the leading in teenage pregnancies amongst the 50 states (Klemas et al., 2009). Additionally, Mississippi was the leading with teen births all over the country and it has led to a loss to the State government of Mississippi due to heavy spending on various programs aimed at addressing the challenges (Klemas et al., 2009). From the above discussion, teenage pregnancy is a topic o f concern in the American society. It has attracted the attention of all the stakeholders including the health, government, and nongovernmental organizations. Additionally, the government has spent considerable millions of dollars derived from the public funds to finance the health care and other incarnations related to teenage pregnancy (Klemas et al., 2009). Teenage pregnancy affects everybody, and its a duty of everyone to rally support to stop the issue. The most important solution to the problem includes the government use of resources to offer education to the targeted group and the use of media to educate and inform on the consequences of teenage pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy can stop if the government increases awareness amongst the targeted group through the use of its resources to campaign against the vice. Many of the teenage pregnancies are unplanned for and mostly occur due to poverty and lack of

Crime show #5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Crime show #5 - Essay Example The staffs were surprised by the drastic increase in the number of deaths in the hospital. The staffs carried out an investigation and eventually Majors was caught (Neer 211). Lynn was arrested and taken to court where he was convicted of six murders and sentenced to three hundred and sixty years in prison (Huffington Post Site). When Lynn was working in the hospital the number of deaths increased four times every year (Neer 212). This made the authorities to suspect more than one hundred people could have been killed by Lynn (Alpers 312). Investigators think that Lynn even consoled the families of the victims after they had died in a sick display of power (Huffington Post Site). It is ironical that Lynn Majors was one of the popular nurses among elderly patients in the hospital and yet killed the elderly (Neer 212). He also said that he was kind and tender but went ahead killing the elderly patients (Alpers 312). In conclusion, the story has moral lessons and teaching us about our daily lives. Before one is employed as a nurse for example, there is need get more information about the person. The credentials should be confirmed whether they are

Multistate Regulation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Multistate Regulation - Essay Example g practice is expanded on a daily basis through technology, and the new modalities in place that encourage the practice by nurses, wherever they are, or might go (Hann, 2007). This paper will examine the pros and cons of multistate regulation on the health care fraternity, and what it means to have rules in place to regulate the profession over state lines. Once one is a licensed medical practitioner, it is their right to practice their profession in any state they want to practice. This is one advantage brought on by the multistate regulation. If a medical practitioner is willing to conduct their business electronically, or physically, it is their right to do so, provided the licensing board in their state has approved of their practice (Hann, 2007). Also, if their practice is in agreement with the procedures and guidelines of the state in which they want to practice. Under mutual recognition, the multistate regulation ensures that medical practitioners may practice their profession across state lines (Hann, 2007). This is if there are no restrictions. Another advantage of the multistate regulation is the creation of diverse experiences. The nursing profession essentially benefits from the enhancement of opportunities created through regulation. It is imperative that medical practitioners get the exposure from different areas so as to bring diversification to the table. This is possible through multistate regulation policies. Health insurance companies are incurring tremendous losses as they tend to obey the different guidelines in the respective state (Milstead, 2013). This is a different scenario present, because, if these insurance companies would comply with a single regulatory body, it would be easier to conduct business. They would incur fewer costs by getting compliance from a single body, than multiple regulatory standards, which each state requires. The costs incurred drive up a company’s expenses, which are unnecessary. If the insurance companies

Collective unconscious Essay Example for Free

Collective unconscious Essay Carl Jung was born in Kesswyl, Thurgau, Switzerland on July 26, 1875. His father was kind but weak, while his mother was an insecure woman but with two personalities: (a) kind and loving (b) harsh and aloof. Jung was lonely at childhood making him introvert. In 1906 he published The Psychology of Dementia Praecox, a psychoanalytic treatment of schizophrenia. He first met Freud in 1907 and Freud regarded Jung as his son and they travelled and worked together that lasted until 1913. Freud and Jung had an argument that ended their friendship. Freud considered it as the â€Å"Great Loss†. Jung is the first president of International Psychoanalytic Society. Jung established his own school of psychology named â€Å"Analytical Psychology†. Jung begun the structure of personality and made the ego, personal unconscious and the collective unconscious. Dynamics of Personality Carl Jung conceived that the personality or psyche as being a partially closed energy system. Energy from the outside sources must be added into the system and the system will only be perfect and stabilized if it is completely closed. He called psychic energy as the energy by which the work of personality is performed. Psyche – refers to all psychological processes: thoughts, feelings, sensations, wishes, etc. It is also another term for personality. Principle of Equivalence – states that if a particular value weakens the sum of the energy represented by the value will not be lost from the psyche but will reappear in a new value. Principle of Entropy – states that the distribution of energy in the psyche seeks equilibrium and balance. Structure of Personality. 1. Ego – it is one’s conscious mind. It serves as the organized conscious mediator between the person and reality especially by functioning both in the perception of and adaptation to reality. 2. Personal unconscious – the material in the personal unconscious comes from the individual’s past. It consist f experiences that was once conscious but have been repressed. 3. Collective unconscious – is the part of the collective psyche that is unconscious. It is the storehouse of latent memory traces inherited from one’s ancestral past. Archetypes – it is the universal thought form or predisposition to respond to the world in a certain way. It emphasizes potentialities; it represents different potential ways in which we may express our humanities. The Self – it represents the unity of all parts of the personality. It is the central archetype. Self Ultimate unity of personality (the central archetype) Persona Mask or Social Role Shadow Animal instincts or the opposite of Persona Anima Feminine side of male psyche Animus Masculine side of the female psyche. The Persona – refers to the social role that one assumes in society. It is a mask that one wears to adjust to the demands of society. The Shadow – encompasses those unsocial thoughts, feelings and behaviours that we potentially posses and other characteristics that we do not want to accept. The Anima – feminine side of the male psyche. The Animus – masculine side of the female psyche. Word association – a test used by Jung to detect complexes. The test is composed of a list of words; as each word is presented, the patient responds with the first word that comes to his or her mind. Complexes – an organized group of thoughts, feelings and memories about a particular concept that has power to draw new ideas into it and interpret them accordingly. Basic Attitudes Extroverted attitude: a standpoint characterized by an outward flowing of personal energy — an interest in events, in people and things, a relationship with them, and a dependence on them. Introverted attitude: characterized by an inward flowing of personal energy—a withdrawal concentrating on subjective factors. The Four Functions Thinking gives meaning and understanding; actions are a result of an intellectually considered motive; life is based on principles. Feeling a rational function that weighs, values, and attaches a proper value to things. Truth is seen as inter-subjectivity. Sensation emphasis on perception through the senses. It is a reality functions because it yields facts and the representations of the world. Intuition tells of future possibilities and gives information of the atmosphere which surrounds experience. Causality vs. Teleology For Jung both past and the future standpoints are important in determining the present behaviour. Teleology explains the present in terms of the future while causality explains the present in terms of the past. Individuation process of restoring wholeness to the psyche in adult development. Transcendence Function – is capacity to unite all of the opposing trends of the several systems to work toward the perfect wholeness. Self realization – is process of development that involves individuation and transcendence. In the process, the systems of the psyche achieve their fullest most complete differentiation and harmonious blending of all aspects of a human’s total personality. Strengths Jung’s theory as the first to discuss the process of self actualization. He was the first to emphasize the importance of the future in determining human behaviour. He stressed the attainment of selfhood as the main motive in human behaviour. Weaknesses Jung’s method was not systematic and puts too much emphasis on occultism, spiritualism and religion. His theory was said to be unscientific, unclear, inconsistent and contradictory. His self actualization is only applicable to the highly intelligent, well educated and those who have plenty of time to reach a degree of individualism. Sources: Engler, B. (2006). Personality Theories: An Introduction. USA: Houghton Mifflin Company. Hall, C. , Gardner, L. (1975). Theories of Personality. USA: John Wiley Sons, Inc. Burger, J. (2008). Personality. Belmont, California, Wadsworth Clonniger, S. (2004). Theories of Personality: Understanding Persons. USA: Pearson Prentice Hall Mitchell, G. Carl Jung Jungian Analytical Psychology. Retrieved from http://www. trans4mind. com/mind-development/jung. htmlÃ'Ž

The Use Of Technology To Improve Mathematics Education Essay

The Use Of Technology To Improve Mathematics Education Essay This project is based on the use of technology to improve mathematics in secondary schools of Mauritius. It discusses about the various theories associated in the application of new means of communication and teaching-learning mathematics, as well as the available technological tools and their applications. After much research work, this project has been successfully completed and applied on a sample of Lower six students. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Mathematics is a very important subject at the primary and secondary educational level. The subject finds its own place in all sciences, accountability, economics and technology. To be able to understand concepts or application of statistics in the latter subjects, a good foundation in mathematics is highly recommended. Also, after completion of secondary education, a student is required to give evidence of a good analytical and numeracy skill through his/her mathematics results so as to qualify for a seat for most of the field of the tertiary education locally or overseas. Consequently, teachers and the school administration should leave no stone unturned in creating an efficient teaching-learning environment and incentives for their students. THE PROBLEM Mathematics is a subject which has been regarded as being very difficult by many students and parents. This stereotype way of thinking has acted as a demotivating factor and has lead to a downfall in the performance of students in mathematics, especially in upper secondary classes (Form 4 Upper 6). Many students take the subject as a burden since it is a compulsory subject to their study stream. Hence, Mathematics, including Additional Mathematics, is neglected resulting in homework undone or uncompleted and poor performance in assessments and exams. JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY At the start of every academic year, lots of problem are faced by teachers and school administration to convince students and explain to them the importance of mathematics in their subject combination for Lower Six. Also, after the first few weeks of following Additional Mathematics classes, many students wish to drop the subject, but since the subject is mandatory for science, economics and technology streams, students find no alternative. This situation arises because students are being exposed to more abstract mathematics than the basic. As a solution to this mathematics crisis, efforts have to be done to develop the educational psychology and mathematical pedagogy. Technology is the tools or the ways used by individuals to improve the standard of living or comfort of living in their civilization. The youngsters of this era are highly and easily fascinated by technology. In other words, it can be said that it is the fashion of technology; consequently, technology can be more easily used as a teaching-learning tools to achieve educational goals. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The use of technology in teaching mathematics will attract students towards liking the subject, thus motivating them to work harder, get a clearer understanding of concepts, develop their reflex, logical thinking and problem-solving skills, and improve their performance as a whole in the subject. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY Despite all the theories and technological tools existing, it is very depressing that due to limiting resources, materials and finance in our educational system, it is very difficult to apply all instantaneously. Also, though technology is reaching the society very fast, there are still families who cannot afford to provide their children with all technological facilities. Therefore, children from such families would feel very underprivileged if technology is fully applied to teaching and learning. For instance, these children will be deprived if any computer-based or internet-based homework is given. SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTERS (Yet to be written) CHAPTE TWO LITERATURE REVIEW PSYCHOLOGY AND PEDAGOGY IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION Piaget and the learning of Mathematics Jean Piaget (1896 1980) was a Swiss developmental psychologist and philosopher known for his epistemological studies with children. He placed great importance on the education of children. Piagets theory is a theory of intellectual development rather than a theory of learning, teaching, instruction or curriculum in general or with respect to mathematics in particular. But much writing and many investigations have been directed toward hypothesized implications of Piagets theory for mathematics learning, teaching and instruction, for the nature and sequence of curricular content, and for classroom structure, organization and management. Also, concerns have been expressed regarding ways in which Piagets theory has been applied to different aspects of education and mathematics. Very often it has been suggested that certain Piagetian tasks (conservation tasks, for instance) provide a good basis for determining students willingness for learning one aspect or another of school mathematics. But Hiebert and Carpenter (1982) have indicated that the available research evidence suggests that Piagetian tasks are not useful willingness measures. The hypothesis was that Piagetian tasks can be used to identify children who would be unable to benefit from instruction in mathematics, but all the available evidence clearly suggested that the hypothesis was null. Instead, many children who fail Piagetian tasks are able to learn mathematical concepts and skills. Kirby and Biggs (1980) indicated that Cognition returned to psychology in the 1960s and flourished in the 1970s, permeating most areas of psychology. Its metaphor, information processing, became dominant in that discipline. More directly to the point, Groen and Kieran (1983) pointed out that A few years ago, research on childrens mathematics was dominated by Piaget. To many in the field, the task was to extend Piagets theory or reinterpret it. Information-processing theory, broadly conceived, has replaced the Piagetian framework as a broad explanatory model. The significance of information-processing theory in cognitive development has grown concurrently with a retreat from the Piagetian framework. Within the present-day context of cognitive science, emphasis is placed upon understanding and comprehension. The learning of mathematics and research associated with such learning is more and more commonly being described or explained in relation to a system that includes provision for the intake of information, for its compilation within a working memory, and for interaction with other information stored within and retrieved from a long-term memory. Latest research associated with the learning of mathematics is much more likely to focus upon individuals than upon groups. It looks beyond observable performance related to behavioral objectives for its data base. Romberg and Carpenter (in press) have indicated that internal cognitive processes are acknowledged. Rational task analysis, which is based on a logical analysis by experts, has evolved to empirical task analysis, which focuses on what children actually do when they solve mathematics problems. Some of this doing may be observable in a students explicit actions, but much of the doing may be not only terms of a students observable but self-reportable thinking. The term metacognition refers to a persons awareness of and sensitivity to her or his own thought processes, and includes the ability to monitor and control such processes to some degree. There is growing evidence that learning associated with problem solving is facilitated or enhanced by a students increased awareness of metacognitive aspects of the problem-solving process. Also, there is evidence that some of the differences between expert and novice problem solvers may be attributed to differences in metacognitive skills. Romberg and Carpenter (in press) believe that We currently know a great deal more about how children learn mathematics than we know about how to apply this knowledge to mathematics instruction. Research is clearly needed to explore how knowledge of childrens learning of mathematics can be applied to the design of instruction. Furthermore, Although the emphasis in research on learning has changed dramatically in the last 15 years, the connection between theories of instruction and theories of learning remains an issue. Cognitive Guided Instruction Cognitively Guided Instruction is a professional development program based on an integrated program of research on the development of students mathematical thinking; instruction that influences that development; teachers knowledge and beliefs that influence their instructional practice; the way that teachers knowledge, beliefs, and practices are influenced by their understanding of students mathematical thinking. CGI is an approach to teaching mathematics rather than a curriculum program. At the core of this approach is the practice of listening to childrens mathematical thinking and using it as a basis for instruction. Research based frameworks of childrens thinking in the domains of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, base-ten concepts, multi-digit operations, algebra, geometry and fractions provide guidance to teachers about listening to their students. Case studies of teachers using CGI have shown the most accomplished teachers use a variety of practices to extend childrens mathematical thinking. It is a belief of CGI that there is no one way to implement the approach and that teachers professional judgment is central to making decisions about how to use information about childrens thinking. The research foundation on childrens mathematical thinking upon which CGI is based shows that children are able to solve problems without direct instruction by drawing upon informal knowledge of everyday situations. For example, a study of kindergarten children (Carpenter, et al., 1993) showed that young children can solve problems involving what are normally considered advanced mathematics such as multiplication, division, and multistep problems, by using direct modeling. Direct modeling is an approach to problem solving in which the child, in the absence of more sophisticated knowledge of mathematics, constructs a solution to a story problem by modeling the action or structure. The motivation for learning Another crucial assumption regarding the nature of the learner concerns the level and source of motivation for learning. According to Von Glasersfeld (1989) sustaining motivation to learn is strongly dependent on the learners confidence in his or her potential for learning. These feelings of competence and belief in potential to solve new problems are derived from first-hand experience of mastery of problems in the past and are much more powerful than any external acknowledgment and motivation. This links up with Vygotskys zone of proximal development, where learners are challenged within close proximity to their current level of development. By experiencing the successful completion of challenging tasks, learners gain confidence and motivation to embark on more complex challenges. EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY The term educational technology is often associated with, and includes, instructional theory and learning theory. Educational technology, also known as e-learning, instructional technology and learning technology, is the use of technology to support the learning process. It is an innovative way to design, deliver, facilitate, and manage instruction for learners of all ages, whether it is face-to-face in a classroom, online, or a combination of methods. While instructional technology covers the processes and systems of learning and instruction, educational technology includes other systems used in the process of developing human capability. It includes, but is not limited to, software, hardware, as well as internet applications and activities. Although technology is widely used in the administration, management of education and in research, educational technology is only concerned with the impact of technology on the learning process. In other words, technology is used as a tool or su pport to deliver learning materials, to facilitate communication and to provide assessment and feedback. In this present information age, the demand for knowledge is growing at a very fast rate leading to the emergence of e-learning at a much higher pace. Some of the various types of technologies which can be used in todays traditional classrooms are: Computer With a computer in the classroom, a teacher would be able to demonstrate a new lesson, present new material, illustrate how to use new programs, and show new websites. Class website In todays society, children know how to use the computer and navigate their way through a website. Therefore, a class web page is an easy way to display students work. Once a web page is designed, the teacher can post homework assignments or other student works. Class blogs and wikis Blogs allow students to maintain a running dialogue, such as a journal, thoughts, ideas, and assignments. They also provide for student comment and reflection. Wikis are more group focused to allow multiple members of the group to edit a single document and create a truly collaborative and carefully edited finished product. Wireless classroom microphones Noisy classrooms are a daily occurrence, and with the help of microphones, students are able to hear their teachers more clearly. Children learn better when they hear the teacher clearly. The benefit for teachers is that they no longer lose their voices at the end of the day. Mobile devices Mobile devices such as clickers or smartphone can be used to enhance the experience in the classroom by providing the possibility for professors to get feedback. SmartBoards An interactive whiteboard provides touch control of computer applications. These enhance the experience in the classroom by showing anything that can be on a computer screen. This not only aids in visual learning, but it is also interactive, that is, students can draw, write, or manipulate images on the SmartBoard. Online media Streamed video websites can be utilized to enhance a classroom lesson, for instance, United Streaming, Teacher Tube, etc. Podcasts Podcasting is a relatively new invention that allows anybody to publish files to the Internet where individuals can subscribe and receive new files from people by a subscription. The primary benefit of podcasting for educators is quite simple. It enables teachers to reach students through a medium that is both the new style of todays youngsters, as well as a part of their daily lives. For a technology that only requires a computer, microphone and internet connection, podcasting has the capacity of advancing a students education beyond the classroom. When students listen to the podcasts of other students as well as their own, they can quickly demonstrate their capacities to identify and define quality and develop their creativity. This can be a great tool for learning and developing literacy inside and outside the classroom. Podcasting can help sharpen students vocabulary, writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills. Students will also learn skills that will be valuable in the working world, such as communication, time management, and problem-solving. There are many other tools being utilized depending on the local school board and funds available. These may include digital cameras, video cameras, document cameras, or LCD projectors. EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP Educational leadership, also known as school leadership, is the process of enlisting and guiding the talents and energies of teachers, pupils, and parents toward achieving common educational aims. Educational leadership came into attention in the late 20th century since demands were made on schools for higher levels of pupil achievement, and schools were expected to improve and reform. These expectations were accompanied by calls for accountability at the school level. The concept of leadership was favored because it conveys dynamism and proactivity. The school head is commonly thought to be the school leader. However, school leadership may include other persons, such as members of a formal leadership team and other persons who contribute toward the aims of the school. CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY THE MAURITIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM BRIEF HISTORY The education system in Mauritius, prototyped after the British model, has improved greatly since independence. After the country became independent in 1968, education became one of the main preoccupations of the Mauritian Government to meet the new challenges awaiting the country. New dimensions have been added to education, which have gradually democratized the whole system. The government made an effort to provide adequate funding for education, occasionally straining tight budgets. Considerable investment of resources, both human and material, has been put into the Education sector and impressive progress has been achieved in terms of free and universal education. Since 1976, education has been free for all and from the year 1991, education has become compulsory for both boys and girls. As from the year 2005, with the introduction of 11-year schooling, education has been free at all levels and compulsory for all up to the age of 16. STRUCTURE From Primary school onwards, education has been structured in a 6-5-2 system, whereby a child follows a minimum of 6 years free and compulsory Primary Schooling leading to a Certificate of Primary Education (CPE). This is followed by a minimum of 5 years Secondary Schooling which is free and, compulsory until the age of 16. This 5 years schooling leads the pupil to a School Certificate (SC) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level, which henceforth enables him to pursue another 2 years schooling leading to a Higher School Certificate Advanced Level (HSC), which is the key towards Tertiary Education, either locally or overseas. Students who fail to attain a CPE are admitted to pre-vocational schools set up specially by the government to enable them to learn only basic subjects such as Mathematics, English and French, and some skilled works such as plumbing, electrical, handicrafts, art and painting, agriculture, etc. MASTER PLANS Today the education sector is being marked by a series of reforms based on innovation and creativity from pre-primary to tertiary level. The reforms are aligned on developments worldwide and they focus on empowering the Mauritian child to face the challenges of the new millennium and to use information and technological tools available. One of the main components of the reforms is the National Curriculum Framework for primary and secondary education. It brings about an all-around development of the individual, hence allowing him to lead a balanced, active and productive lifestyle together with an understanding of the biological, physical and technological world. Education would also make the child conscious of the notions of equity and social justice. As concerns secondary and tertiary education, innovations brought are mainly designed to enable schools and institutions to respond effectively to local, national and international priorities. Further, the new reforms 2010 aim to meet individual learning needs of all students, provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and instill in all learners the skill they need to adapt to an ever-changing world. The curriculum framework for secondary education is based on the need to engage students in meaningful and integrated learning experiences. Sustainable development, citizenship, developing and maintaining a culture of peace and coping with stress are elements that will cut across the learning process. The curriculum base programme at the secondary level has been broadened with emphasis on the teaching of science and technology to those not intending to take science as their field of study in higher classes. General Science will become compulsory till Form V for students not opting for a pure science subject in view of the increasingly important role of science. Changes at the secondary level also comprise the vocationalization of the curriculum through the introduction of new subjects like Travel and Tourism, Physical Education, Marine Science and Environmental Management and the pedagogy will be reinforced by the use of ICT and multimedia. The inclusion of extra and co-curricular activities for all in secondary schools is also proposed by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Human Resources. Thus students will have activity time during which they can choose from a range of co-curricular activities. These activities include arts and crafts, computing, debating, drama, dance, music, singing and a wide range of physical activities. Students at the end of Form III will be initially assessed at national level in literacy in English and French, Numeracy, ICT and Social Studies, leading to a National Certificate of Achievement. This certificate will provide a statement of the level achieved by each student in these core competencies. The new secondary education curriculum has been developed by keeping in view the following key characteristics: Holistic Flexible Contextually relevant Promoting global awareness Integrated with other disciplines Acceptable to the community Thematic / Spiral in approach Fair to the learner Despite the fact that major innovations have been introduced into the system, there are still a number of challenges that need to be faced and overcome as a complement to the reforms undertaken. Today, the major challenge is the reorganization of the secondary education to ensure the fostering and development of the skills and knowledge required for socio-economic growth. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT Since the year 1991, all state schools have been equipped with a television set and VCR player so that educators could make the most of the tools in the process of teaching and learning, by providing more visual support. Lately, the VCR players have been replaced by DVD players and schools have been provided computers and projectors. For the past 5 years, most schools even have internet connection to enable teachers to do their research work in preparation of their lessons. Also, students are allowed to use internet in school libraries to improve their research skills. However, only 33% of secondary schools in Mauritius have ADSL connection and others are still using the dial-up connection. In 2009, the Ministry of Education launched the EDU-WEB project. This project enables live broadcast and interactive session in real time between the Minister and senior officials and heads of both primary and secondary schools and the education staff. Furthermore, two State Secondary schools have been equipped with Interactive Whiteboards by the Ministry of Education on a pilot base. Subsequently, the government, in collaboration with the Sankorà © Project, is coming with the setting up of at least one Interactive Whiteboard in each of its primary and secondary schools by the end of this year. The Sankorà © Digital Education for all in Africa programme is part of the French contribution to the Franco-British partnership designed to achieve the Millennium objectives in education in Africa. In its 2010 2015 programme, the Sankorà © project is providing digital classroom equipment, resource creation and sharing, professional and schoolmaster training. The equipments provided include computers, projectors and Interactive Whiteboards (IWB). AIMS OBJECTIVES PROCEDURES Synchronous and asynchronous Learner-centered environment ANALYSIS There is a growing body of evidence that young children invent or construct much of their own mathematical knowledge, and that they come to school with some well-developed, although understandably immature ways of dealing with various mathematical situations. We do not seem to take full advantage of childrens conceptions in our programs of mathematics teaching and instruction. ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS VISION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT SURVEYS QUESTIONNAIRES SURVEY RESULTS EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS EMPHASIS ON TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION The ultimate objective of any educational enterprise is to improve student achievement so that individuals may fulfill their personal aspirations and become contributing members of society. This requires meaningful change in the way educators do their work. It requires new structures, new tools and new knowledge. But more than anything, the culture of the education system must change. And creating a culture of achievement throughout an education system requires a different mindset altogether. MOTIVATION AND COMMITMENT ON APPLYING TECHNOLOGY RECOMMENDATIONS Equipment Lab Internet LMC Training of teachers and students

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression as it causes moods to shift between mania and depression. It may also be classified as a biological brain disorder causing severe fluctuations in mood, energy, thinking and behaviour. This disorder results in frequent anxiety and low frustration level in the young people (CABF 2007). Depression, in this situation, means a situation where you feel very low while mania would refer to a situation where you feel very high (NHS 2009). Sometimes, symptoms of mania and depression can also occur simultaneously (CABF 2007). These episodes can last for several weeks or longer. The high and low phases of the illness are often so extreme that they interfere with everyday life (NHS 2009). In bipolar disorder, the depression phase often comes first. One can be diagnosed with clinical depression before having a manic episode. The manic episodes usually take place after some time, after which the diagnosis might change. These episodes of depression may lead to overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, which often lead to thoughts of suicide. The manic phase may make you feel very creative and view mania as a positive experience. This is the time when you may also have symptoms of psychosis. During this phase you may feel very happy and have lots of ambitions, plans and ideas. Lack of sleep and appetite are other also common characteristics of bipolar disorder (NHS 2009). People with bipolar disorder fluctuate between intense depression and mania, interspersed by periods of relative calm (Macnair 2008). The causes of bipolar disorder arent completely known, but are often hereditary. A cluster of factors both genetic and environmental, such as personal traumas or stress, can highly influence systems. The initial manic or depressive episodes of bipolar disorder usually take place early in the teenage years or early adulthood (Macnair 2008) At least half of all cases start before age 25 (Kessler et al., 2005). The symptoms of the disorder can be fairly subtle and may result in being overlooked or misdiagnosed. This could result in unnecessary suffering while on the other hand, with proper treatment and support; a fulfilling life can be lived (Macnair 2008). In severe forms of mania, there are chances of a person becoming psychotic, with delusions. There is a conflict in perception and reality and there may be hallucinations and delusional beliefs about being persecuted. In some of the worst cases, people in mania become unintelligible and neglect themselves. The symptoms have varying patterns, frequencies and order. While in some case, where symptoms of mania are followed by symptoms of depression in a predictable pattern, some people have mixed symptoms its possible to have many of the symptoms of mania and also suffer from severely depressive thoughts (Bhugra and Flick, 2005). Although theres no cure for bipolar disorder, many people find that an understanding of their illness and what triggers episodes can help them live a relatively normal life Macnair 2008). Patients could monitor their moods and thoughts and ask someone they trust to help them cope with the disorder. But, sometimes some people have extreme mood swings that cant be managed by monitoring alone. There may be a need for antidepressants, antipsychotic medication, drug lithium, which seem to stabilise mood swings. High level of lithium in blood can be poisonous while too little will have no effect. So, its important to be seen regularly by the mental health team and have the blood levels checked (Smith et al., 2009). Johns Condition John had a bipolar disorder with first episode happening when he was 19. At 28, John had evidently had manic episodes, as he had been known to contact his colleagues and clients at odd hours to discuss novel ideas. He kept enthusing about his designs being imaginative and original. At the workplace, clients and colleagues would complain about Johns unprofessional behaviour suggesting a lack of understanding on the part of his workplace. Johns denial of his illness further aggravated his situation. John had already quit two excellent jobs because of his condition. Johns younger brother, Michael, managed to get John back to his consultant psychiatrist and pushed him to take his medicines regularly. With continuous support from his brother, John started responding well to the treatment. Although medication seemed to have positive effect on John, he would give up the medicines as soon he started feeling better. This resulted in relapses and repeated episodes. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with the patients ability to function (Smith et al., 2009). John did not participate actively in social activities making it difficult for others to recognize his needs. John could not focus on his work due to his medical condition being too unstable. John was not offered any job at the five places he had applied despite an impressive CV. This was due to the fact that John had mentioned his illness on all the forms raising doubts in Johns mind about disclosing his illness until it was specifically stressed upon. Work labelling and stereotyping Theory of stigma Stigma is the difference between the virtual social identity and the real social identity. Stigma has three forms, which can be characterised as external, personal and tribal. The first form of stigma relates to external or overt deformations like scars, leprosy, physical disability and social disability. The second form relates to deviations in personal traits, including mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism and criminal backgrounds. The third form, tribal stigmas, are imagined or real traits of ethnic groups, nationalities or religions that are deemed to constitute a deviation from what is perceived as to be the prevailing ethnicity, nationality or religion (Geoffman 1963). eoffman (1963) also went on to describe 3 levels of deviance. He described them as primary, secondary and tertiary deviances. Primary deviance would refer to original violation/deviance/and societal reaction to this non-conformity to societal norms. The secondary deviance is the deviants reaction to the negative societal reaction and the tertiary deviance is the reaction of the stigmatised person to the stigma from other leads to master status. The secondary deviant attempts to re-label certain behaviours as normal rather than deviant. This is an attempt to create a label that overshadows all other characteristics. The stigmatised person is seen as inferior by others and seen as having a perpetually flawed social identity and is thus discriminated. The stigmatised individual might also have additional imperfections imputed to them on the basis of the original stigmata thus creating stereotypes (Geoffman 1963). Stigma can also be differentiated as felt and enacted. The felt stigma is the condition where one feels the shame of being identified with a discrediting condition and the fear of encountering enacted stigma. Enacted stigma is the actual episode of discrimination, both formal and informal against people with stigmata solely on the grounds of their having a stigmatising condition (Scambler 2004). Scrambler (2004) through the Hidden Distress Model highlighted that people with a stigmata are fearful of experiencing enacted stigma and pursue an active policy of non-disclosure. The stigma has a far more disruptive effect on their lives as this also increases the stress of managing their disorder. The socio-cultural values can be viable in influencing the level of felt and enacted stigma. According to Geoffmanns (1963) classification of stigma, John fell in the second form due to hid bipolar disorder. As stated by Geoffmann (1963), John was ill treated and faced discrimination, which is quite evident from the behaviour of his clients and colleagues at work. Sociology of Health and Illness The sociology of health and illness argues that socio-cultural factors influence peoples perceptions and experiences of health and illness, which cannot be presumed to be simply relations to physical bodily changes (Nettleton 2006). Defining Health and Disease In the constitution of WHO established nearly half a century ago, health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (Saracci 1997). Temple et. al., in 2001 proposed a definition of disease though the approach did little to improve on previous attempts. They defined disease as a state that places individuals at increased risk of adverse consequences. Adopting this definition, every activity involving voluntary action carry a risk of adverse consequences. The problem with the concept of health and disease is that it is associated with social concepts such as normality and abnormality, normality and abnormality being relative terms. In common parlance, disease means a deviation from the established norm, consequently abnormal, with connotations of weirdness, strangeness, repulsiveness, viciousness, sickness, derangement, impairment, and disorder (Landy 1977). Conditions may be characterised as normal or abnormal based on the arbitrary diagnostic criteria as in most common diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc. A condition is considered to be normal if it is prevalent amongst the population largely. But this issue seems to be complicated by the question of medicalization versus criminalization of abnormal social behaviour (Rosen 1968 and Foucalt 1972). Often the clinicians diagnosis is influenced by social views on mental diseases. In cases where mental disorders are involved, judging a sick person is to be avoided at all costs. Instead, the situation and the effects of the disease should be judged (Scheff 1979). The patient is worried with his own private and particular condition, while the doctor tries to make a diagnosis in the same way a zoologist or a botanist does with a specimen under the microscope: to weight individual variances against general signals and symptoms that agree with those of a recognized category of disease (de Avila Pires 2008). Failure to Recognize Mental States and Provide Required Support Radley (1994) reported that it was very difficult to live with illness in todays world where health is more than meeting the demands of specific tasks or fulfilling particular duties. Mental disorders may lead to the patient becoming socially isolated as was seen in Johns case. Figure 1. The patient suffering from chronic illness faces various modes of adjustment. (Figure adapted from Radley and Green 1985, cited in Radley 1994) According to the modes of adjustment to the chronic illness put forward by Radley and Green in 1985 (cited in Radley 1994) John was in the phase of active denial. He resisted the illness symptoms and participated in the normal life, treating his illness as of little importance. Even his colleagues failed to recognize his condition and complained calling Johns behaviour unprofessional. Factors that Pushed John to Seek Medical Help Despite Johns being a talented architect, he had already quit two good jobs. The reasons attributed to this may be an atmosphere of discriminative behaviour in the workplace. John had developed a stage of Bipolar disorder where regular attacks of mania took place. He might also have developed psychosis suggested by the novel ideas and strange behaviour. Johns brother, Michael actually got John to go back to the medicines. He tried to know what had happened and made sure John took his medicines regularly. Michael also managed to get John back to his consultant psychiatrist. So, it may be perceived that it was support of his brother, family support coupled with a discriminative behaviour at the workplace that pushed John to medications. Social Inequalities Disability and social inequality go hand in hand. The proof is well documented and evident in socio-economic circumstances (Nettleton 2006). Disabled people face many problems in their working life. In certain cases like accidents, a person may loose his value overnight while as, in case of recurrent illnesses, the patient goes through a gradual downfall Blaxter 1976). Lack of support from other people (family, friends, colleagues) often aggravates the medical condition of the patient (Radley 2004). Johns medical condition became a cause of concern for his employers and clients alike. He had to quit two jobs to cope with the situation. Despite having experience and impressive CV, John was not able to get a job at any of the five places he had applied to. Evidently, his revealing his bipolar disorder would have put his future employers on alert and thus the discrimination. Instead, of understanding Johns condition and helping him overcome his disability he was rejected every time. Community Care The World Health Organization recognizes primary health care to be effective in preventing illness. There has been a shift from primary health care to community care and this shift could be a result of three factors therapeutic, economic and reforms in the medical model (Busfield 1986, cited in Nettleton 2006). The entire concept of community care relies on the priority being given to the patient and not the disease. Social perceptions about the disability or the disabled, plays an important role in community-based rehabilitation. The term community care is used both in a perspective sense to related to how people should meet the health and social needs of the dependent people and also a description of the set of services that are currently provided (Stevenson 2008). Many people often object to being referred to as disabled. It leads to the segregation and often discrimination (Blaxter 1976). As was seen in Johns case, despite being an impressive architect he was refused job at five places, which he thought was because of him disclosing his bipolar disorder. The local authorities along with voluntary bodies are responsible for looking after the social needs of a disabled. This concept is based on the fact that community has to be involved in deciding the social needs of a disabled member and then making sure that those needs are taken care of in local conditions (Blaxter 1976). Michael, Johns brother played a major role in Johns rehabilitation. He understood his needs and convinced him to see his doctor. As is the concept of community care, Michael gave priority to his brother and his needs rather than his disease. The same cannot be said about his colleagues or his clients. Instead of understanding Johns special needs, they deemed him unfit to work with them. Cognitive Therapy of Depression Beck et al., (1979) defined cognitive therapy as an active, directive, time-limited, structured approach used to treat various mental disorders. The rationale behind this definition is based on how a disabled person perceives and structures the world. His previous experiences and relation with other people affect his cognitions. For example, if a person interprets all his experiences in terms of whether he is competent or adequate, his thinking might be dominated by the schema, Unless I do everything perfectly, I am a failure. In such case he would react to all situations in terms of his competence even if those situations were not related to his competence in any way. Johns getting rejected at five interviews, despite of an impressive CV, made him feel disadvantaged. He thought it was due to his mental disorder. These inequalities made him want to conceal his illness and not reveal it unless it was specifically asked about. Chronic Illness People experience serious chronic illness in three ways: as an interruption of their lives, as an intrusive illness, and as immersion in illness. Rather, from their perspectives, illness disrupts their lives; it intrudes upon the day-frequently each day; it engulfs them (Charmaz 1997). Johns illness was an interruption in his life. He had to quit two jobs because of his illness and was further rejected a job at another five places due to his illness. Parsons Sick Role Theory According to Parson (1951), sickness is not merely a condition or a state of fact, it is rather a specifically patterned social role. The sick people have the right to be exempted from the normal social role. They cannot be blamed for their medical condition and have to be taken care of. On the other hand, they are expected to seek professional guidance and show a willingness to get well. The disabled people are either vulnerable and are often exploited by others or they may adopt deviance to evade responsibilities and can prove to be threat to the society. John was vulnerable. He tried to get well and used to take medication as well, but his colleagues blamed him for his condition. They often complained against him. Moreover, after quitting his job, he could not get another job due to his disability. Zolas Theory According to Zola (1973, cited in Scambler 2008) most of the patients would over look their symptoms for quite some time before consulting a doctor. He also found that there had to be something else a trigger apart from the symptoms to convince patients to seek medical intervention. The characterised five types of triggers First, the occurrence of an interpersonal crisis (e.g., death in the family), second, perceived interference with social or personal relations, third, sanctioning (pressure from others to consult), fourth, perceived interference with vocalization or physical activity, and fifth, a kind of temporalizing of symptomatology (the setting of deadline). Moreover, patients personal and social circumstances also affect the patients decision to seek help. Applying Zolas theory to Johns case, one would realize that John did overlook his symptoms. He used to deny his illness and stop his medication as soon as he felt better. It was sanctioning (pressure from his brother Michael) that acted as a trigger and convinced him to consult his psychiatrist and start his medication again. Conclusion A certain medical condition or disability refers to be presented with problems and face problems earning ones living or any other day to day activities. Many disabled people find it hard or lack the willingness to participate in the social activities. They isolate themselves from the society and in certain cases from family as well. But constant support from family and friends coupled with proper medication can help the patient recover and rise above his disability (Blaxter 1976). Bipolar disorder being a chronic mental disorder has serious consequences on patients in particular and their families and societies in general. Effective treatment for bipolar disorder is available, but patients often hesitate to report their condition due to various social, economic and personal barriers. Patients often go into self-denial and try to remain away from social activities. There are two ways of caring for the bipolar disordered person; one, primary healthcare, that is consulting a general physician or a psychiatrist and second being community care. Concerted efforts on all levels (patient, family, community, healthcare provider and government) are required to improve the quality of care among the bipolar community (Bhugra and Flick, 2005). Apart from the professional help, self-help can greatly improve the condition of a person with bipolar disorder. The patient should learn about his condition. It will help him understand his needs better as well as help him in recovery. They should try and avoid stress, participate in social activities and indulge in hobbies. The patient should keep a track of his mood swings and watch out for the symptoms that have deleterious effects on their mood. Doing so would help them prepare better for adverse conditions. Maintaining a healthy schedule (healthy food habits, exercising, and proper sleep) can greatly influence the moods of a patient (Smith et al., 2009). References: Beck AT, Rush AJ, Shaw BF, and Emery G. 1979. Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York, The Guilford Press Bhugra D. and Flick GR. 2005. Pathways to care for patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder 7; 236-245 Blaxter M, 1976. The meaning of disability. London. Heinemann. CABF (Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation), Educating the Child with Bipolar Disorder, 2007 Charmaz K. 1997. Good Days, Bad Days-Illness and Time. USA, Rutgers University Press de Avila-Pires FD. 2008. On the concept of disease. Revista de Historia Humanidades Medicas, Vol. 4, No. 1 Foucault M. 1972. Histoire de la folie à   là ¢ge classique, Paris, Gallimard Goffman E. 1963. Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identities Kessler RC, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. 2005. Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 62(6):593-602.) Landy D. [Ed.], 1997. Culture, disease, and healing. Studies in medical anthropology. NewYork, Macmillan Macnair T. 2008. Bipolar disorder. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/bipolar1.shtml [Accessed on 12/01/20101] Nettleton S. 2006. The Sociology of Health and Illness; Cambridge, Polity Press NHS 2009. Bipolar disorder. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bipolar-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx [Accessed on 12/01/2010] Parson T. 1951. The Social System. New York, Free Press. Radley A. 1994. Making sense of illness. London, SAGE Publications  Ã‚   Rosen G. 1968   Madness in Society. Chapters in the historical sociology of mental illness, New York, Harper Row Saracci R.1997. The world health organisation needs to reconsider its definition of health BMJ1997;314:1409 Scambler G, 2004. A jigsaw model of health-related stigma, University College of London Scambler G. [Ed.] 2008, Sociology as applied to medicine. (6th ed.) Saunders, Elsevier Scheff T. 1979. Decision rules, types of error, and their consequences in medical diagnosis. In Albrecht G. and Higgins P. [Eds.] Health, Illness, and Medicine. A reader in medical sociology, Chicago, Rand McNally, pp. 313-326. Smith M, Segal J, and Segal R. 2009. Understanding bipolar disorder. Available at: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm [Accessed on 13/10/2010] Temple LK, McLeod R, Gallinger S, and Wright J. 2001. Defining disease in the genomics era. Science, Vol. 293, No. 5531, New York, pp. 807-808

Hypertext as a Rhizome :: Literature Literary Essays

Hypertext as a Rhizome Hypertext is an innovative writing form that has been applied to many different facets of the internet. It provides flexibility for both authors and readers because of the way ideas are linked to one another. One of the most experimental forms is the hypertext novel. Until recently, readers were limited to only linear text. The introduction of hypertext allows for non-linear forms of text, which allow readers to move from one point in the text to another simply by clicking a link. One of the main features of hypertext is this interconnectivity. The way in which the parts of text are linked is best described as a rhizome. The first step in comparing hypertext to a rhizome system is to understand just what a rhizome is. The philosopher Gilles Deleuze came up with the idea and Janet Murray applied to hypertext. A rhizome is a tuber root system in which any point may be connected to another point. â€Å"Deleuze used the rhizome root system as a model of connectivity in systems of ideas† (Murray 132). One simplified example of this is the prewriting technique of making a web. There is one central idea and then several thoughts that branch out from it. These thoughts can be connected to each other so that the writer can move easily between them when creating a piece of writing. The rhizome system has also been applied to the notion of an allusive text system that is not linear like a book, but boundaryless without closure. Hypertext is one example of this phenomenon. In following with the web analogy, there is one main idea of the story and then many other branches that are embedded in the text. The reader does not necessarily have to move on to the next one on the list, but can choose from any of the available options. There is an opportunity later to come back to any ideas that the reader may have missed or skipped over. This format makes the text circular instead of linear. There is no start or finish, just a never-ending loop of information that changes order depending on the reader This rhizome feature of hypertext makes it interesting and creative for readers. They can choose which direction they want to take and essentially create a new story every time they explore the text.

gatillus Unattainable Illusions in The Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays

Unattainable Illusions in The Great Gatsby      Ã‚  Ã‚   The work of Fitzgerald is the product of the "Jazz" era, a time when all gods had been declared dead, all wars fought, and all faiths in men had been shaken.   Fitzgerald's style is a combination of American idealism and nihilistic pessimism.   In The Great Gatsby, whose originally proposed title was 'Among the Ash-Heaps and Millionaires,' we also find a narrator and style that make moral judgements through the narrator Nick, a constant overseeing moral vision that is symbolized by the ever-watchful "eyes" of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg.   Despite the glittering appearances and material ostentation of West Egg, something is perceived as being not quite right with the conventional American dream and those who achieve it.   Nonetheless Nick opens the novel by remembering his father's advice:   "Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope.   I am still a little afraid of missing something if I forget that, as my father snobbishly suggested, and I snobbishly repea t, a sense of the fundamental decencies is parcelled out unequally at birth"   (Fitzgerald   1).    The main character Gatsby, despite the appearance that he has achieved the American dream, is actually a man alone who tries to turn back the clock and win his true love Daisy.   However, despite the glittering parties and material luxuries of Gatsby's world, Fitzgerald's style admits a serious stream of cynicism that is pervasive throughout the novel.   When Daisy tells Nick her baby might be a girl she says "And I hope she'll be a fool-that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool"   (Fitzgerald   17).   This cynicism and world of false appearances are significant to Fitzgerald's style, especially because the author discovered in his own existence that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.   As much as Gatsby loves Daisy, she is far from a paragon of virtue.   As much as Gatsby is admired for his material success only two people attend his funeral.   The cynicism and nihilism in the novel are products of an era that was discovering that even the "American dream" is an illusion.   In Fitzgerald's style this is true even for heroes like Gatsby, a man who is described at the beginning of the novel as being in control of life to the point where he even owns a piece of nature: "Something in his leisurely movements and the secure position of his feet upon the lawn suggested that it was Mr.

Nuclear Waste Management Essay -- essays research papers

Nuclear Waste Management   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nuclear energy harnesses the energy released during the splitting or fusing of atomic nuclei. This heat energy is most often used to convert water to steam, turning turbines, and generating electricity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, nuclear energy also has many disadvantages. An event that demonstrated this was the terrible incident at Chernobyl'. Here on April 26, 1986, one of the reactors of a nuclear power plant went out of control and caused the world's worst known reactor disaster to date. An experiment that was not properly supervised was conducted with the water-cooling system turned off. This led to the uncontrolled reaction, which in turn caused a steam explosion. The reactor's protective covering was blown off, and approximately 100 million curies of radionuclides were released into the atmosphere. Some of the radiation spread across northern Europe and into Great Britain. Soviet statements indicated that 31 people died because of the accident, but the number of radiation-caused deaths is still unknown.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The same deadly radiation that was present in this explosion is also present in spent fuels. This presents special problems in the handling, storage, and disposal of the depleted uranium. When nuclear fuel is first loaded into a reactor, 238U and 235U are present. When in the reactor, the 235U is gradually depleted and gives rise to fission products, generally, cesium (137Cs) and strontium (90Sr). These waste materials are very unstable and have to undergo radioactive disintegration before they can be transformed into stable isotopes. Each radioactive isotope in this waste material decays at its characteristic rate. A half-life can be less than a second or can be thousands of years long. The isotopes also emit characteristic radiation: it can be electromagnetic (X- ray or gamma radiation) or it can consist of particles (alpha, beta, or neutron radiation).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Exposure to large doses of ionizing radiation causes characteristic patterns of injury. Doses are measured in rads (1 rad is equal to an amount of radiation that releases 100 ergs of energy per gram of matter). Doses of more than 4000 rads severely damage the human vascular system, causing cerebral edema (excess fluid), which leads to extreme shock and neurological disturba... ...relatively low in cost compared to storage in a pool of water and can be moved around if necessary. Another way to dispose of radioactive wastes is through geologic isolation. This is the disposal of wastes deep within the crust of the earth. This form of disposal is attractive because it appears that wastes can be safely isolated from the biosphere for thousands of years or longer. Disposal in mined vaults does not require the use of advanced technologies, rather the application of what we know today. It is possible to locate mineral, rock, or other bodies beneath the surface of the earth that will not be subject to groundwater intrusion. A preferred place would be at least 1,500 feet below the earth's crust, so that it may avoid erosion for the specified period of time. None of the preceding methods offers a complete solution to the problem of nuclear waste. They only bury it, temporarily shoving it out of our current view for a latter generation to solve. Maybe the future inhabitants of this world will find a solution to this problem, for as we chose to continue the use of nuclear power, more and more waste will be accumulated, emitting deadly radiation long after we pass away.

Britain’s Social Policy

Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), set up by the Department of Heath in July 1848 as a healthcare provision, is based on its citizen’s needs not ability to pay. The Department of Health oversees the NHS with funds provided through taxpayers (History of the NHS, n. d. ). Launched as a single organization, the NHS was founded around 14 regional hospital boards in three segments consisting of hospital services; family doctors, dentists, opticians and pharmacists; and local authority health services, including community nursing and health visiting (Ibid).As with any public service agency, changes are imminent. Since 1948, the NHS has undergone major changes in the organizational structure of the agency and in the manner in which patient services are provided. While the NHS proved beneficial to Britain’s citizens, there remained negatives in the program. In spite of improvements and successes, the NHS food was still rationed, building materials were short, and t here was a significant economic crisis and a shortage of fuel. In spite of efforts to improve conditions, the war created a housing crisis in addition to the post-war reconstruction of cities.The New Towns Act (1946) created major new centers of population, but each center was in need of health services. During the period from 1948 to 1957 (History of the NHS), the agency underwent administrative difficulties, financial problems, criticism over minimal fees charges to recipients (e. g. â€Å"a flat rate of ? 1 for ordinary dental treatment†) (Ibid), problems balancing all responsibilities and demands of the government and public, and maintaining medical professional and community health issues. By 1960, the NHS began to see positive changes. The introduction of improved drugs lead to better treatment to citizens.It was during this period that the polio vaccine was introduced along with â€Å"dialysis for chronic renal failure and chemotherapy for certain cancers were develop ed† (NHS, n. d. ). As time progressed, through 1967, problems concerning doctor’s pay arose. However, some of the problems were resolved through the Royal Commission. Like the reformation in pay structures, improved management conditions also became a significant concern. In fact, the NHS introduced a Hospital Activity Analysis to enable medical professionals and managers â€Å"better patient-based information† (NHS, n.d. ). Furthermore, the 1960s brought about a change in segmentation as medical staff was divided into specialty groups, leading to additional criticism (e. g. the 1962 Porritt Report called for unification) (NHS). Also launched in 1962 was Enoch Powell’s Hospital Plan, a ten-year program approving the development of district general hospitals for areas with populations of about 125,000 (NHS), advocating new postgraduate education centers, and giving nurses and doctors a better opportunity for education and future employment and stability.In 1967, recommendations for developing a senior nursing staff structure and moving forward with advancements in hospital management were made in the Salmon Report, while the Cogwheel Report marked the first report on the organization of doctors in hospitals. By 1968, the NHS boasted clinical and organization optimism. However, the optimism was short-lived. Medical progress was notable (e. g. inclusion of endoscopy and Computerized Axial Tomography scanning), including an extension of investigative groups.Also prevalent during the period of 1968 to 1977, transplant surgery became widely used, pharmaceutical improvements were evident, and intensive care units gave the NHS a renewed sense of how medical care would be provided to its citizens. This renewed spirit was short-lived with the mergence of Lassa Fever. The general practice charter encouraged the formation of primary health care teams, new group practice grounds and a rapid increase in the number of health centers.Additionally, t his period saw a change in the Government’s Hospital Plan as new hospitals began to provide even more people with improved and local services. Also indicative of progressive changes is the arrival of information technology through â€Å"health service computerization and clinical budgeting† (NHS). Nevertheless, advancements did not remove the continued debate concerning the organizational structure of the NHS. In 1974, a new system was introduced, but conflict continued combined with an increase in inflation.When inflation reached 26 percent, a wage restraint was enacted. According to the NHS, â€Å"industrial action hit the NHS while consultants were also alienated by proposals to reduce private practice within the service† (NHS, n. d. ). NHS historical sources relate that by 1978 the NHS â€Å"had become a victim of its own success† (n. d. ). Changes were imminent. The introduction of new technology and multifaceted treatment methods led the NHS and its governing forces to realize additional advancements were imperative.By the late 1980s, the NHS reported highly recognized advances, including the areas of primary health care, genetic engineering, successful drug advancements, and the introduction of the MRI of which the agency states: â€Å"the number of operations for fractured neck or femur and osteoarthritis of the hip was reaching almost epidemic proportions†¦increasing numbers of heart and liver transplants were being performed and surgical treatment for heart disease was becoming more common† (n. d. ).In spite of the positive changes, the NHS continued to face on constant dilemma –financial stability. Increasing demand for services exceeded the resources available, leading to the mandated audit process of what NHS professionals were doing. By 1987, the NHS’s medical staff was in debt (NHS, n. d. ), waiting lists were increasing, and hospital wards were being closed (n. d. ). The NHS reports the peri od of 1988 to 1997 as its â€Å"most significant cultural shift since its inception with the introduction of the so-called internal market† (NHS, n. d. ).A 1989 White Paper, Working for Patients, was passed into law (Community Care Act 1990). Leading up to the beginning of the 1990s, the NHS saw the emergence of the internal market while health organizations became NHS trusts (independent, competing organizations with their own managements). By 1991, the NHS reported 57 Trusts, with all care provided by Trust at the end of 1995. All of the changes marked what the agency calls the â€Å"New NHS† and defines this change as â€Å"modern, dependable† (NHS, n. d. ). The new NHS operates under â€Å"six principles† of which include:†¢ The renewal of the NHS as a genuinely national service, offering fair access to consistently high quality, prompt and accessible services right across the country; †¢ To make the delivery of healthcare against these new national standards a matter of local responsibility, with local doctors and nurses in the driving seat in shaping services; †¢ To get the NHS to work in partnership, breaking down organizational barriers and forging stronger links with local authorities; †¢ To drive efficiency through a more rigorous approach to performance, cutting bureaucracy to maximize every pound spent in the NHS for the care of patients;†¢ To shift the focus onto quality of care so that excellence would be guaranteed to all patients, with quality the driving force for decision-making at every level of the service; †¢ To rebuild public confidence in the NHS as a public service, accountable to patients, open to the public and shaped by their views. (â€Å"Six Principles†) Of all influences on the changes in the social policies of Britain the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 has had the greatest impact. In fact, before the Act, most of Britain’s health and public services were pla nned and provided by health and local authorities (Commissioning the New NHS, 1998).The Act divided the role of health and local authorities by changing their internal structure thereby giving local authority departments responsibility for assessing the needs of the local population and then purchasing the necessary services from providers (1998). However, under the terms of the Act, a select number of health and social services authorities opted out of what would mean competing with other providers to work together in other sections of the community (e. g. voluntary groups and housing associations) (1998).Under a â€Å"mixed economy of care† (NHS), social policies evolved to also include a service specification inviting providers to â€Å"tender for the contract to provide those services† (Commissioning the New NHS, 1998). This mixed economy was intended as a tool to give citizens a variety of health care choices. However, according the Department of Heath’s re port (1998): Some local authorities chose to purchase services as part of a ‘block contract’ (where a certain service is provided for a fixed price and a fixed length of time).Purchasing services in this way may actually reduce choice for the individual, as frequently no alternatives (outside those provided by the block contract) are made available. Key Elements of Housing Policy Post-war housing policy is believed to have been a â€Å"notable success† (Ball, 1983). Since the days following the war, the physical housing situation in Britain has improved dramatically. In the period of the 1950s to 1980, Britain had seen a significant net gain of 200-250,000 dwellings each year (p. 2).In fact, Ball (1983) reports that â€Å"millions of slums have been demolished† and â€Å"thousands of other dwellings have been renovated to [meet] modern standards† (1983). Britain’s housing conditions have seen a significant improvement, specifically into the 1 980s. In fact, the change was so dramatic that less than 5 percent of dwellings were overcrowded. Improvements in housing includes the inclusion of a bath/shower and an inside toilet. Of all policies in post-war Britain, the 1977 Housing Policy Review was the best moment of all changes in housing provision.By the early 1980s, however, satisfaction disappeared and a growing housing crisis became a concern once again. According to Ball (1983), Britain’s post-war housing record has been poor compared with other West European countries. While all experienced a housing boom from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, Britain’s population size resulted in its trailing behind other countries’ house building rates (see Table 1), most predominately those with a similar welfare state social democratic tradition. Key elements of the housing policies includes the Department of Health’s responsibilities to:†¢ Identify local market information on the supply of housing , care and support services for older and disabled people; †¢ Access support on developing and implementing regional and local housing with care action plans; †¢ Obtain advice on public and private sector capital and revenue streams to inform business investment decisions; †¢ Disseminate guidance on the DH’s Extra Care Housing fund and grant allocation arrangements; †¢ Facilitate the adaptation of good practice to local settings; †¢ Support successful applicants with the development process and share their learning with unsuccessful applicants;†¢ Access knowledge management tools to support practice development and service improvement. †¢ Secure funding to research, test and evaluate new and innovative models of housing with care solutions support; †¢ Offer training and consultancy resources to support service development and change management processes; and †¢ Convene regional LIN meetings to identify and share what works (Departm ent of Health, 2007). According to Gummer (2005), in the 25 years since the UK’s â€Å"right to buy† housing policy, approximately 2 million families have become homeowners, changing the way Britain’s housing policies and market is perceived.The â€Å"right to buy† policy opened opportunity to â€Å"a whole new group† giving them â€Å"a stake in the community that they had never had before† (p. 69). However, in spite of the positive changes, Gummer (2005) reports that Britain continues to receive criticism with the most cited concern being â€Å"that the sale of council houses means there is a shortage of homes to let† (p. 69). Contrary to the positives, negative critism has surfaced, including a Contract Journal article (Penny, 2005) stating that â€Å"social housing schemes could be about to receive a much-needed shot in the arm — as well as a much-needed boost from the private sector† (p.40). Penny (2005) argues the impracticability of Britain’s urging to commit to a social housing PFI. â€Å"Unless you know exactly what you are taking on, anyone involved in such a scheme could be taking a huge risk,† argues Penny (p. 40). The author, among others, believe that the proposed new NHS LIFT approach indicates the public sector retains an interest in the scheme of which Penny also argues will â€Å"sidestep tenants’ objections to being put into the hands of a firm being run solely to generate profit† (Ibid).Despite obvious objections, the Contract Journal (Penny, 2005) does see positive aspects of moving to NHS LIFT-style management and asserts that a move flexible program would benefit the public in more ways than better housing alone. Based on references concerning LIFT-style initiatives (NHS LIFT Guidance, 2007; Penny, 2005; Millet, 2005) the program addresses almost all concerns in social housing, including the continued coverage of health and schools. As time progres ses, Britain’s housing policy changes continue to be focus of debates on just how much of the changes are for the good of citizens and how much is political agenda.One must question the validity of various housing programs, including the current and forthcoming plans for housing for the elderly. One such program is the Wanless Telecare proposal (Housing LIN Policy Briefing, 2006) that the Audit Commission defines as â€Å"any service that brings health and social care directly to a user, generally in their own homes, supported by communication and information technology. Data is collected through sensors, fed into a home hub and sent electronically to a monitoring center† (2006, p.1). According to the Briefing document (2006), Britain’s government believes the Telecare program can help older people to remain in their homes for longer (p. 1). However, while the program proposal defines the costs associated with implementing the program as â€Å"modest† (20 06, p. 2), they are high, specifically to the homeowner. The set up fee of a basic home safety package costs about ? 360 plus monitoring costs of ? 5 per week. Home health monitoring is more expensive, around ? 700 and ? 10 per week monitoring costs.Given these high figures, combined with the already luminous housing problems with the elderly, how can such a program benefit citizens? According to the Audit Commission’s review of the Telecare housing safety program, â€Å"Telecare equipment and services provide the opportunity to react to hazardous events and to alert and prevent deterioration in an individual’s ability to care for themselves† (2006, p. 3). One specific pilot study (West Lothian: Opening Doors for Older People, 1999 quoted in Department of Health White Paper, 2006) for the inclusion of Telecare surveyed 10,000 households in the West Lothian district age 60 or over.The survey purpose was to reveal the validity of Telecare inclusion as a possible m eans of â€Å"reengineering† services for older people to include the development of extra care housing and changes to home care services. According to the survey, implementing Telecare on its own without wider system improvements is a wasted opportunity. In fact, the survey revealed: †¢ Telecare is not a cut price alternative to personal care, but sits alongside it †¢ A technology driven approach does not work †¢ A focus on cost saving/shunting does not work †¢ A high level of commitment at senior level is required†¢ West Lothian has found ‘minimal interest’ from the local NHS in telecare/telemedicine possibilities (Department of Health, 2006; Audit Commission, 2004; Brownsell et al, 2001). Understanding the changes in Britain’s housing policy since 1979 enables its citizens to better equip themselves for what future changes may come. In fact, Britain’s housing policies have fluctuated, indicating a positive change and decl ining to criticism and little faith of its citizens. While the government is consistently working toward bettering its housing policies, there remains many avenues yet to be explored. References:Audit Commission (2004). Older People: Implementing Telecare. London: Audit Commission. Ball, M. (1983). Housing Policy and Economic Power: The Political Economy of Owner Occupation. Methuen: London. Brownsell, S et al (2001). An attributable cost model for a telecare system using advanced community alarms. Journal of Telecare and Telemedicine, Volume 7. _______________ (1998). Commissioning the new NHS, 1999/2000. Department of Health, HSC (98) 198. Department of Health (2007). Official website. Crown, retrieved January 11, 2007 from http://www. dh. gov. uk/Home/fs/en Department of Health White Paper (2006).Our health, our care, our say: a new vision for community services. London: The Stationery Office. Gummer, J. (2005, Nov 5). â€Å"Right to buy† was the right move for everyone. E states Gazette, Issue 544, 69. Millet, C. (2005, Oct 10). Social housing set for LIFT-style deals. Contract Journal, Vol. 430 Issue 6545, 1. ______________ (2007). NHS LIFT Guidance. Crown, retrieved January 10, 2007 from http://www. dh. gov. uk/ProcurementAndProposals/PublicPrivatePartnership/NHSLIFT/N HSLIFTGuidance/fs/en Penny, E. (2005, Oct 10). Editor’s Comment. Contract Journal, Vol. 430 Issue 6545, 40. United Nations Statistical Yearbook 1978