Monday, September 30, 2019

Leaders and Followers: The roles we each play Essay

Introduction Throughout nursing history there have been great leaders. In every nurses career there are leaders we work with that we come to admire and may even attempt to emulate. As I continue my journey to becoming a Masters prepared nurse I will need to step up as a leader. It is a role that The Nurse Leader: New Perspectives on the Profession is providing the information and understanding of how I will need to progress. The question â€Å"Are you a leader or are you a follower?† is one I will now be able to answer. Followership Style Am I a leader or a follower? If I am a follower what type of follower am I? Followership is a term I had not heard before beginning this leadership class. Taking the Followership Style Test provided by Grossman & Valiga (2009, pg. 56-57) was interesting. Scoring a 3.7, my personal followership style is described as moderately participative or Independent worker; does not need close supervision just a bit of feedback. I actually was not surprised by the results of the test. I am an experienced nurse with more than 20 years working in and around surgical services. At this point in my career I am expected to function independently and work as a leader and resource for my peers. The * With information from the Learning Resources in mind, what implications does this score have for your role as a leader? I am independent of management in my daily work ethic†¦ * Were you surprised by the outcome of the test? If yes, explain how. If the results were consistent with your expectations, offer evidence to support that assertion. * How can information gained in this survey help you become a more effective follower? Role of a Follower * Describe a role in your professional life in which you would portray yourself as a follower. As a member of the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) I am a follower. I utilize the standards established by AORN in my daily practice. My work ethic is an example to other staff members and peers. †¦. Based on what you know now about attributes of leadership, what are some things you might want to focus on in terms of developing more effective leadership skills? Grossman & Valiga (2009) describe nurse leaders as self-confident with a high degree of self esteem, and are visionary. Experienced nurses are looked to as resource nurses and mentors. Moving forward toward my goal of becoming a nurse educator I need to step forward into a leadership role more often than I do now. I need to develop a better sense of my leadership style and practice. ANA Bill of Rights and Leadership * Briefly, explain how the ANA Bill of Rights might be of value to you as follower or as a leader. The ANA Bill of Rights provides a frame work for nursing practice. A frame work of what is expected of us as professionals and what we can expect from employers, facilities and patients. Conclusion The answer to the question â€Å"Am I a leader or a follower†, is I am both. At this juncture of my career I tend to be a follower. As a future educator and mentor I am expected to be a leader. Lead by example and inspire those I work with to achieve more than they believed possible. was never one I considered before I began. know where I fall into each of these two distinct categories. Where do my strengths lie? What are the areas of improvement I need to examine so that I can become a leader and follower . References Grossman, S. C., & Valiga, T. M. (2009). Followership and empowerment. In S. C. Grossman & T. M. Valiga (Eds.), The new leadership challenge: creating the future of nursing (pp. 35-59). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Distinguish between Power and Authority

Power is the ability to coerce or force someone to do your will even if in some cases they may not want to. Authority is the skill of making people willingly do your will. It also the right to give orders, enforce obedience or make decisions.2. Compare and contrast the features of the leadership of bands, tribes, chiefdoms and state societiesA chiefdom is a form of hierarchical political organization in non-industrial societies usually based on kinship, and in which formal leadership is monopolized by the legitimate senior members of select families or houses. These elites form a political ideological aristocracy relative to the general group.3. Compare and contrast rank based societies and stratified state societies Power or privilege for some groups over the other it is called social stratification. It is a system by which society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy social stratification is based on four basic principles.4. Discuss the dimensions of social stratification and how these dimensions define state society  refers to a system by which categories of people in society are ranked in a hierarchy. For example of the Titanic to show the consequences of social inequality in terms of who survived the disaster and who did not. Four principles are identified which help explain why social stratification exists. First, social stratification is a characteristic of society and not merely of individuals. Second, social stratification is universal but variable. Third, it persists over generations. And, fourth, it is supported by patterns of belief.5. What means are used in various societies to maintain social control? Cite  example to support your generalizations Societies have developed both informal and formal means of dealing with conflicts and the disorder that results from conflict. Informal means of social control include ridicule and ostracism. Formal means of social control include formalized laws and sanctions. Methods for judicial settlement of such laws range from the formal song duels of the Inuits to the formal court system of the United States.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Louis Vuitton Case Study Essay

The global luxury goods’ marketplace in the past decade has experienced nothing short of a complete evolution and transformation. This industry has endured global economic downturns in advanced economies such as the United States requiring them to branch out of their comfort zones and expand into emerging markets specifically the BRIC countries. These Asian nations possess high GDP rates that are anticipated to increase significantly in the upcoming years. Luxury goods were once a possession of strictly the wealthy, brand conscious consumer with a high disposable income. Within these developing economies reside a â€Å"new breed of young entrepreneurs and noveau riche consumers†, offering large potential within the middle class market for luxury brands (Pan). Although these countries offer significant promise, access will come at the cost of fierce competition, potential of counterfeiting and international trade barriers. Bernard Arnault, the head of the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy brands, recognizes that penetration, growth and development in these emerging markets are a critical part of the brand’s long-term global strategy. LVMH is the parent company of around 50 sub-companies that run autonomously and implements the Star Brand formula. The company is determined to capture the growing Asia market with particular focus on China, Japan, South Korea and India. Although these areas are quite affluent and familiar with Western luxuries, LVMH faces difficult challenges such as raising consumer awareness, counterfeiting, and emphasizing purchase within one’s own nation state. The recommendations of this case analysis addresses each of the challenges and offers both a short term and a long-term implementation plan. If LVMH executes the suggested recommendations, the organization will be a global powerhouse by both western and eastern standards. LVMH’s Mission, Vision and Core Values LVMH Mission: To represent the most refined qualities of Western â€Å"Art de Vivre† around the world. LVMH must continue to be synonymous with both elegance and creativity. Their products, and the cultural values they embody, blend tradition and innovation, and kindle dream and fantasy. Five Fundamental Values: Be creative and innovative Aim for product excellence Bolster the image of brands with passionate determination Act as entrepreneurs Strive to be the best in all they do Challenges Maintain Status as the Leader in the Luxury Goods Market Part of LVMH’s mission is to be the leader in the global market for luxury goods. LVMH is the world’s largest and most profitable player in the luxury goods market. They have established this with a product life cycle that emphasized product elegance, quality and uniqueness. The challenge is to stay on top. The vision of the company is to maintain its customer’s loyalty and its strong brand name, while finding new markets worldwide. LVMH is working hard at keeping its star brands in the limelight and constantly reinforcing the value of its brands. Economic Downturns Threat of New Entrants: Multiple distributions channels/marketing strategies Brand loyalty and recognition of larger companies Large investment cost for initial entrance Government intervention (import tariffs) A plethora of distribution channels are available for new entrants into the luxury goods industry. These marketing strategies include but are not limited to franchising, mergers and acquisitions. Many of today’s largest luxury concerns have achieved their success globally through implementation of these approaches. Although opportunity exists for new entrants, barriers are quite high in regards to qualitative and quantitative measures. Mature and established luxury goods brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, have a strong brand loyalty and recognition amongst consumers, suppliers and retailers (Manning-Schaffel). Luxury goods raise awareness and sales to the public through marketing tactics, which are quite costly. With any product in the early stages of the product development there is a substantial initial investment required to create brand consciousness. This is most felt by small and or independent brands. A typical global advertising campaign is extremely costly and ultimately drives sales (Wittner). Lastly, depending on the country a luxury good is looking to penetrate government intervention and import tariffs may act as a barrier, especially in the Asian market. In China alone, import duties have increased from 10% to 30% since 2007 (hktdc.com). Regardless the amount of tariffs imposed and transportation costs make it quite difficult for new entrants into the  luxury goods global market place. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Various suppliers available Independent sourcing initiatives Supplier bankruptcy Within the luxury goods industry, a suppliers’ role is to provide materials such as fabric, and raw goods in order to create the end high quality end products. The number of suppliers varies based on geographical location and specific material need. Hence supplier power can vary but in most cases is quite high. Therefore because some raw materials are limited and/or more costly across the globe many concerns are taking matters into their own hands. The brand Hermes is a perfect example of this. In the past the group had worked with crocodile suppliers in Louisiana, but due to high charged costs this changed (Wheeler). Instead the luxury group now breeds its own crocodiles in Australia independently in order to address global demands for the Birken handbag (Jlieman). During the current economic times and conditions many suppliers have been forced to file bankruptcy. This has a detrimental effect on many luxury concerns. According to one article, â€Å"the company would lose time trying to buy materials directly, resulting in a delay in the construction† (Jieman). The time it takes to switch suppliers is also one that is quite costly to the luxury concern. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Global economic & security crisis Brand recognition and perceived value High concentration of distribution channels There have been several notable economic and security crises that have occurred globally, which have had significant impact on the luxury goods market place. Therefore buyers (consumers) have a significant possess a tremendous amount of power. The last few years have shown that no country is invincible to recession. This point is evident in the Asian financial crisis, the current United States recession and most recently, the debt crisis of the European Union. Strict financials are not the only woes causing decrease sales in the luxury goods industry. Decline in travel is also attributed to security issues. These security concerns include the terrorist attack on the United States in 2001, as well the SARS outbreak and chicken flu within Asian in 2003. Each of these events has had a detrimental effect on the luxury goods market (Prince Associates 2008). Security measures have escalated tremendously and are conducted far more thoroughly therefore increasing travel. The luxury goods market therefore has seen considerable growth (Prince Associates 2008). Many residents within Asia will travel internationally for western goods due to perceived quality and value associated with specific brands, such as Louis Vuitton (Chadha). There is a high concentration of distribution channels of luxury goods ranging from high-end retail chains to privately owned boutiques. Due to the global recession, buyers within these channels have a substantial amount of bargaining power. It is important to note that this bargaining power varies significantly around brand. For example, Louis Vuitton and Hermes offer no sales or discounts to their products regardless of geographical location. Therefore there is little bargaining power possessed by buyers. It is this lack of negotiation to both consumers and buyers that increased the perceived value of brands (Noor). Threat of Substitutes: Counterfeit merchandise presence Increase in discounted designer goods Purchase of designer goods overseas versus in home country Although many financial opportunities exist for luxury brands to expand their availability internationally, there is also a presence for threats of counterfeits. These risks are most often associated to Asian markets, in particular China and Hong Kong. According to a USA Today article, it has been calculated that 80% of all confiscated counterfeit luxury goods originate from China (O’Donnell). This imitation merchandise is available through an array of distribution channels ranging from the street vendors to online store sites. These outlets allow for individuals to purchase these goods at a low cost regardless of geographical residence. Therefore, threat of substitutes is radically high. In a time of global recession, many designers have adjusted their products to a cost effective strategy. Products such as Prada and Gucci for example allow for their high-end merchandise to be sold at a discounted price in order to reduce inventory. In addition, designers such as Vera Wang and Dana Buchman have created lines to be sold at retailers such as Target and Kohls to appeal to the middle class (Coffey). Jimmy Choo who also offers a special line to H&M in certain geographical areas implements this sales strategy (Sibbles & Pidd). Louis Vuitton as mentioned above does not offer sales or discounts on any fashion or leather goods merchandise and therefore runs a high risk of substitution to price sensitive consumers (Noor). Prices are raised internationally in order to offset the price of import tariffs to certain geographical settings. For example for European luxury brands in order to import goods to the Asian market the price of the good significantly greater than one would pay in a European country. This has caused the threat of substitutions to rise. Competitive Rivalry: Large concerns economies of scale Availability of counterfeit merchandise Shift from â€Å"superluxe to simpleluxe† (Wheeler) Competitive rivalry is exceptionally high globally in the luxury goods market. This occurs because of the existence of many large economies of scale, availability of designer counterfeit merchandise, low cost designer products, and a shift from expensive elaborate brands to more simplistic less expensive ones. One reason in particular is that there are several large concerns of economies of scale. These concerns include but are not limited to Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey, Gucci and Cartier. According to hoovers.com, â€Å"Large companies have advantages in economies of scale in operations, can more easily raise capital, and have strong name recognition†. It is with this available capital that successful advertising campaigns have been launched, driving market share and consumer brand loyalty. As mentioned previously, the availability and demand of counterfeit designer goods is on the rise. Availability of this merchandise decreases sales of the legitimate designer products. According to one article by Donald Brown a journalist from the Independent, â€Å"Research has found as many as seven out of 10 buyers of luxury goods are willing to â€Å"mix and match† designer brands alongside known fakes. And evidence has emerged of a soaring market for â€Å"lookalike† goods in which cheaper products are passed off as the real thing, simply without the designer label† (Brown). The depressed global economy has been named the main culprit in even the rich and wealthy seeking â€Å"simpleluxe vs. superluxe† (Wheeler). This transition defined in an article by Karen Wheeler is that many people, â€Å"†¦are looking for now is simple-luxe – smaller, accessibly priced luxuries that improve everyday life rather than flaunting your wealth† (Wheeler). This phenomenon has been seen across continents, as individuals are not willing to spend a month’s salary on a luxury good, therefore impacting the luxury goods industry tremendously, especially on sales of their bigger price tag items. Alternatives LVMH should introduce security labels to eliminate counterfeiting and for â€Å"gray-market† protection. Pros: Implement â€Å"intelligent security labels†, a unique label that will identify genuine Louis Vuitton products from counterfeited products. Louis Vuitton created the signature monogram Canvas to prevent counterfeiting. The company takes counterfeiting seriously and employs a team of lawyers and special investigation agencies that are actively pursuing offenders through the courts worldwide. LVMH is allocating a significant budget amount to counteract piracy of its goods. The company closely controls the distribution of its products; Louis Vuitton sells its products strictly through its own retail stores, small boutiques in high-end department stores and online through its website. Cons: Louis Vuitton is one of the most counterfeited brands in the fashion world  due to its image as a status symbol. LVMH faces a †gray-market† in Asia, where handbags cost 40% more in Japan than they do in France. Arbitrage business of handbags – people fly to France to buy handbags for the purpose of resale through parallel channels in Japan. LVMH should increase the number of Duty free shops and airport stores presence around the world. Pros: Over 100 million of Chinese travel annually and Duty-free shops are important shopping locations for Chinese travelers. On average Chinese travelers spend $928 on shopping in duty-free shops and airport shopping during their outbound trip. Shopping is considered a â€Å"must-do† by most Chinese travelers when traveling overseas. Chinese outbound travelers tend to be young (20-39 years old), well educated and with higher income, working professionals, tech-savvy and fashionable (interested in cutting-edge gadgets and latest fashions). Confectionery, fashion, fashion accessories and cosmetics are the most popular or international branded items purchased by Chinese travelers during their foreign overseas trips. India has been ranked as one of the fastest growing travel and tourism economies in the world both for inbound and outbound travel. India has an increasingly affluent middle class with growing disposable income willing to spend on luxury items. The product categories mostly purchased by the Indian outbound travelers on their trip abroad are confectionery, fragrances/perfumes, fashion and accessories, leather goods and cosmetics. Duty-free shops and stores at overseas airports are the most frequented purchasing places for Indian travelers. Shopping at Duty-free shops and airport stores is more impulse driven than pre-planned for Indian travelers which they expect to see various offers available such as exclusive fine gifts or exclusive fashion collections. There is not much else to do at most airports other than walk around window-shopping and occasionally making purchases. Cons: Price difference can be quite large from one duty-free to another, depending on its location, sometimes for the same size, brand and product purchased. Even though Duty-free shops do no apply local or national taxes and duties, shoppers may still have to pay duties in their home country on items purchased from a duty-free shop. LVMH should reach out to the middle-class  customers who are willing to purchase luxury items. Pros: Sales of luxury products are on the rise in Asia-Pacific area. Growing middle class in India and China is increasingly buying designer goods. In India, shoppers mainly comprise of â€Å"status seekers† and â€Å"technology savvy†. Cons: In order to make their products more affordable for middle-class consumers, LVMH might have to compromise on quality, by lowering labor costs or moving production offshore. Using less skilled workers and the ability to provide more merchandise lines to their stores, could make the brand less exclusive in the long run because of increase in popularity and mass appeal. Open manufacturing plant for handbags in India Pros: Reduce/Eliminate tariffs and transportation costs. India has an English-speaking population. Improved social and political stability in India. India has cheap labor force and will cost the company less to manufacture the handbags. Growing middle-class with disposable income willing to spend on luxury items. Cons: â€Å"Made in France† was an important selling point at LVMH, although 2 of 14 factories were in Spain and one in California. Customers expect western quality. Buyers in India are concerned with being offered the latest products and designs. The myth of the brand is linked to where the product is manufactured. Compromise on quality by slashing labor costs and making the products in India. Conditions in operations in India are not promising. Create new markets and advantages by introducing LVMH brands to children/teenagers Pros: Introduce LVMH brands to kids – they become lifetime customers. Create new markets by offering merchandise specifically to children/teenagers. These offerings will allow for womb to tomb mentality and increase customer lifetime value as well as brand loyalty. Cons: Investment and research is costly. Very risky. Small market segment. Recommendations Combat Counterfeiting Diversification of product lines and innovation is essential for LVMH to stay ahead in the luxury goods market. One-way LVMH to achieve this is to extend their customer base to include children and teenagers. â€Å"Many reports indicate luxury buying is supported more from Baby Boomer grandparents and relatives who are eager to spare no expense. Some experts even theorize that the lavish spending and pampering is due to an opposite psycho-economic creation to a person’s own strict upbringing,† (Mesa). Parents are also experiencing higher incomes and tend to save on certain items the families consume but are â€Å"trading up on products for loved ones – specifically children and pets,† (Mesa). Children also have more say in regards what products they prefer. Children and teenagers are experiencing higher allowances than we’ve seen in the past (Mesa). Louis Vuitton would not be the only luxury goods brand when launching children’s and teenage product line. Luxury goods producers such as Dolce & Gabbana and Versace embraced this opportunity and broadened their product lines by launching clothing lines. Dolce & Gabbana launched the ready-to-wear line D&G Junior and â€Å"offers a unique 2004/2005 collection aimed at newborns and pre-teens,† (Mesa). Versace rolled out a clothing line that target kids ages 4 to 14 (Mesa). This strategy may prove to be risky and LVMH will have place investments towards research and development and eventual marketing and advertising costs upon launch. The children’s market, although potentially lucrative for a business, is a small segment. However, Louis Vuitton, among other luxury brands, has already entered in the baby market through products like baby bags. This will provide LVMH with leverage in that particular product segment. â€Å"Since baby bags are more about a fashion accessory with functional benefits for parents to carry, it is not surprising that luxury handbag makers have jumped on the baby bandwagon,† (Mesa). Many products such as mini-handbags, jewellery, and shoes can be diversified and included in the children’s product line. Works Cited (2009). DATAMONITOR: LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA SWOT Analysis, 1-8. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database. Boorstin, J. (2005). Louis Vuitton Tests a New Way to Fight the Faux. Fortune, 151(10), 34. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database. CLCB Website (2009, October 22). LVMH Acquires Chinese Traditional Spirits Distillery: Could Westerners Be Sipping Baijiu In Coming Years? Retrieved February 21, 2010, http://chinaluxculturebiz.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/lvmh-acquires-chinese-traditional-spirits-distillery-could-westerners-be-sipping-baijiu-in-coming-years/ EU Business Website (2007, March 31). India in Advanced Talks with EU to ‘Correct’ High Liquor Duties. Retrieved February 23, 2010, http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/trade/india-eu.34 Fitszimmons, E. (2008, September 8). LVMH to Boost Awareness. Retrieved February 21, 2010, http://www.media.asia/searcharticle/LVMH-to-boost-awareness/2008/32488?src=relate Foster, D. (2007, February 21). Dressing Lean: Louis Vuitton Edition. Retrieved, http://www.evolvingexcellence.com/blog/2007/02/dressing_lean_l.html Haisma-Kwok, C. & Jones, G. (2009). Arnault Bullish On LVHM, China. WWD: Women’s Wear Daily, 197(109). Retrieved from Business Source Complete database. Kerns, J. LVMH Moà «t Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA. Retrieved February 20, 2010, http://www.answers.com/topic/lvmh-mo-t-hennessy-louis-vuitton-sa

Friday, September 27, 2019

Money and Banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Money and Banking - Essay Example This is because the financial crisis has deeper roots. The global credit crunch has been traced by economists and media pundits to be caused by the sub prime mortgage crisis which has disrupted the US financial system, which effect has impacted many of the advanced economies of the world. According to the article, the ‘financialization’ of the US economy by speculative activities in order to hoard capital is the major reason for the global crisis—where the economy has overcapacity of capital but no increase in production in order to back it up. In order to understand it better, the authors have linked first the global financial crisis to the subsequent events that has appeared which may have been the trigger, but not the sole cause of it. While according to the article, this financialization process which is caused by speculation of capital increased the supply of capital in the economy, and not because of faster growth of production may have taken place a couple of decades ago, the trigger has occurred when asset bubbles appeared and the Fed has started ‘to make preemptive attacks.’ The trigger starts back after the 2000 stock market crash. According to the article, there are several policies which aimed to prevent â€Å"economic catastrophes† from happening. When the housing bubble occurred in 2006 at the same time interest rates are increased by Fed in order to regulate inflation, the housing sector as well as mortgage-backed securities faced a meltdown. This has been the start of the chain of events that lead to the global financial crisis. However, according to the authors, Fed’s efforts in order to address the crisis by bailing out several financial institutions will result in the effect that it aims to promote because the problem lies in a much deeper issue. While many economists and media pundits trace back the

Thursday, September 26, 2019

433Mod4Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

433Mod4Case - Essay Example Usability needs to be assessed on the basis of three important factors- semantics, features and operations. Semantics denotes that a particular software or tool can be considered to possess high usability if its entire approach is user friendly in nature. In relation to features usability is judged on the basis of absence or presence of certain elements in user interface. The other important component is operations and this helps in evaluating affective and performance levels of certain tasks (Usability First, 2011). Software usability needs to be analyzed from both ends that are from view point of users as well as experts. This would help in determining the overall scenario in terms of effectiveness and efficiency of software or a program. Verification and validation process in normally conducted in the final phase of software implementation. The documentation that is prepared by HCI experts comprise of various elements that defines relevant instructions associated with the software (User Interface Design and Usability, 2009). There are different assessment criteria’s for different software tools on the basis of their programming and objective. However end users are a key component in the entire evaluation process. HCI experts are involved in selecting tools and methods that would help in determining loopholes present in the software. There are two major techniques that are incorporated by users in evaluation process that are early life cycle techniques and late life cycle techniques. The early life cycle technique can be regarded as heuristic evaluation which helps to identify usability issues before implementation phase. These issues are the resolved and implemented in the iterative design process. On the other hand late life cycle technique is applied after the software implementation process has been completed (Nielsen, 2011). This technique is usually in the form of

Crisis Action Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Crisis Action Plan - Essay Example The main concern about a nuclear-armed Iran is a potential security threat to the region. The country has an aggressive foreign policy, particularly towards Israel and moderate U.S allies in the Arabian Peninsula. Iran can, therefore, use nuclear weapons against Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and America together with its interests in the region. Iran is also known to support terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, which opposes the existence of Israel. Iran can share its nuclear technology with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, which governs Gaza Strip. If Iran is not disarmed immediately, there will be catastrophic security consequences to its perceived enemies in the Middle East and Europe. Iran has ballistic missiles in its arsenal that are capable of hitting targets in the neighboring countries. The first course of action is to bomb precisely some nuclear production facilities located in different parts of the country. The aim of such bombings would be to get Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani’s attention and to deter him from resorting to nuclear weapons in the future. Targets could include buried nuclear facilities in Natanz, near Tehran and Fordo, near the holy city of Qom. The uranium conversion facility at Isfahan and the heavy-water production plant in Arak could also be targeted. The desirability of this choice is that it could be mounted swiftly and with minimal risk to the American forces involved. The artillery for selection would be Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles fired from the navy submarines and warships. The COA is adequate; it can accomplish its mission of forcing Tehran to give up its nuclear ambitions. The attacks could be mounted swiftly and with minimal risks to the U.S forces involved. If Tehran learns that there is a credible risk of further military attacks, it will accept a peaceful means to destroy its nuclear weapons stockpiles and give up further development of the lethal weaponry. Thus,

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Parkinsons Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Parkinsons Disease - Essay Example According to the essay "Parkinson’s disease" findings, usually the patient experience â€Å"resting† tremor. The tremor, however, may disappear when the patient moves voluntarily and when he sleeps. Other symptoms include rigidity of cogwheel type which is due to stiffness and increased muscle tone (Miller & Stein 2000). What happens with rigidity is that the signal coming from the brain is disturbed thus the muscle remains tensed and contracted. As a result, the patient may feel pain when he moves. The muscle also becomes weak because the opposing muscle is relaxed with the same altered brain signal. The patient may also experience bradykinesia characterized by slow automatic movement (Stein & Miller 2000). The movement could be unpredictable. At one time the movement is easy but other times it could be difficult needing assistance. This makes the simple activity like dressing or washing takes time for a patient. Stooped posture is also evident with Parkinson patients characterized by leaning forward and backward. Having this kind of instability may lead to impaired balance and coordination which might cause fall or bumps. As the disease progresses, the patient may also develop shuffling propulsive gait. He may also have the relaxed arm swinging while walking with the bent trunk. Thus a Parkinson patient is said to resemble a car without a break (Hladysz n. d). All of the syndrome effects is a result of the overstimulation of the postural muscle of the neck trunk, and upper limbs.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Are Democracies Inherently Peaceful Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Are Democracies Inherently Peaceful - Essay Example The main reason people oppose monocracy and military rule is that countries led by such ruling systems are more likely to engage in wars and other type of international conflicts as compared to democratic system. Citizens of those states cannot obtain a peaceful living environment and this situation adversely affects their quality of living. As compared to monocracy, oligocracy, or military rule, democracies are inherently peaceful unless they are unjustifiably attacked by external powers. Giving specific focus to the era of World War I & II, this paper will discuss how democracies are inherently peaceful. Democracy and Peace Many authors opine that democracies strive to provide a peaceful living situation to their people and ensure that living standards of citizens are improved continuously. Undoubtedly, a country’s citizens are the primary stakeholders of a war as they actually bear the miseries of engaging in or financing wars. Therefore, common people are less likely to su pport wars or cross border intrusions. In a democratic country, people have more say in making decisions, and hence they can successfully veto individuals’ decision to fight and finance wars. In contrast, king is the sovereign ruler in monarchies and people have little participation in decision making. As a result, kings can individually take decisions to start or support wars with little personal risk. In order to improve this worse situation, leaders worldwide are strongly supporting democracy. In the opinion of Bass, the Clinton administration’s efforts to form a global ‘community of democracies’ was an attempt to bring peace to the whole world and it was greatly encouraged by many nations. As Bass notes, in their book ‘Electing to fight’, political scientists Edward D. Mansfield and Jack Snyder opine that emerging democracies are often unstable and are more likely to fight wars. To justify their claim that new democracies without having fu lly formed domestic institutions are aggressive, the authors cite the examples ranging from France’s attack on Prussia in 1870 and Vladimir Putin’s ongoing monstrous clampdown in Chechnya. However, sometimes even fully formed democratic countries become warlike because of several reasons. To explain, it is better to consider the 1959 attack on Egypt by Britain, France, and Israel or Bush administration’s invasion of Iraq. Those wars were fought because the democratic governments often found it difficult to trust dictators for serious negations. Similarly, the US attack on Afghanistan in 2001 was in response to the 9/11 terror attack by Afghan militants. More clearly, some wars or interventions organized by democratic countries cannot be termed as aggressive or unpeaceful because they are ultimately aimed at the protection of fundamental democratic notions. As Buchanan points out, Elihu Root, Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary of state stated in 1917 that â₠¬Å"to be safe, democracy must kill its enemy when it can and where it can† (np). The democratic peace theory, often referred to as democratic peace, strongly supports the argument that democracies are inherently peaceful. According to Pace, the democratic peace theory states that democracies are not likely to engage in armed conflict with other identified democracies (269). The democratic peace is contrast to the theories describing war engagement and it can be considered as a ‘theory of peace’ explaining motives that discourage state-sponsored violence. The democratic peace theory is mainly based on the premise that democratic leaders are to bear the responsibility of war losses and they are responsible for answering a voting public. In order to retain their public support, democratic leaders

Monday, September 23, 2019

How to make the registration of property more efficient to Essay

How to make the registration of property more efficient to entrepreneurs in Beirut Lebanon - Essay Example Currently, there exist lengthy procedures in obtaining license for property and businesses making registration process more difficult. The government of Lebanon can make registration process more effective and faster by minimizing the procedures involved in acquiring licenses for property. License acquisition is an imperative step in registration of property and if the government of Lebanon can minimize its process as aforementioned, it would have an efficient and reliable legal system. Moreover, Lebanese government should eliminate the current tradition of delaying licensing of property amongst registration authorities. Eliminating the delays would directly result into reduction of the days needed for obtaining property license. Consequently, Lebanon property registration process would be more efficient and reliable. It is imperious to understand that high taxes levied on government legislation process directly contribute to its inefficiency. Lebanese government authorities that directly engage in property registration process including tax authority and land registry should significantly lower registration fees to increase efficiency of the processes. Lowering property registration fees would also attract more entrepreneurs (World Bank Group 1). The most amicable property registration process prides in free corruption and embezzlement of funds. Apparently, property registration process in Lebanon has remained inefficient and expensive to entrepreneurs due to constant corruption and mismanagement of funds buy Lebanese land registry and tax authority (Haidar 1). Lebanese government should establish fundamental strategies that would aim at eliminating corruption within the property registration system to make the process more accessible, efficient, and inexpensive. Haidar, Jamal Ibrahim. Business Regulations In Lebanon: Where Are We? Where Do We Go Now?. August 1, 2013. Web. November 22, 2014. Accessed

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The Timucua Indians of Northern Florida Essay Example for Free

The Timucua Indians of Northern Florida Essay The Timucua Indians: All were settled agricultural peoples, as skilled with their hoe as they were with canoes or with bows and arrows. They lived in villages, where they cultivated corn, beans, and other crops. Noted warriors, they fiercely resisted early attempts to bring them under submission, but co existed peacefully with the Spaniards for most of the first 198 years of Spanish occupation. Source: Muller, Peter O., Gannon and Fernald, Edward, A. â€Å"Florida† Microsoft Encarta 2006 (DVD), Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation 2005 The Cherokee- were divided into seven matri lineal clans that were dispersed in war and peace moieties (half-tribes) The people lived in numerous permanent villages, typically placed along rivers and streams. Some villages belonged to the war moiety, the rest to the peace moiety. Cherokee families typically had two dwellings: rectangular summer houses with cane and walls and bark or thatch roofs, and cone shaped winter houses with role frames and brushwork covered by mud or clay. The Cherokee crafted pottery as well as baskets. The bask, or Green Corn Ceremony, was a time of Thanksgiving, Forgiveness, Rekendling of Sacred Fires and Spiritual Renewal. It was held in Mid-to late summer, when the corn was ready for roasting. Source: Waldman, Carl â€Å"Cherokee† Microsoft Encarta 2006 (DVD). Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation 2005 (Writer’s notes: These are the only pictures I got) Source: University of Washington Libraries, Digital Collections. Comparing the Timucua and Cherokee Indian tribes. Both of them are engaged in Agriculture. I think, the Timucua are the warrior type. Mentioning their skills with canoes and bow and arrow. The attitude of resisting early attempts to bring them under submission. For me, it is a rigid culture and thinking. While the Cherokee, who were subdivided Into seven matri lineal clans or half tribes, were the flexible type of people. Since being a warrior means to kill people, who are supposedly the enemy. The Cherokee, though, they also have their warrior clans. But the practice of Green Corn Ceremony made them the exact opposite of the Timucua Indians, who are more on skills, this is about physical attributes. While the Cherokee is on non-physical attributes. To be a warrior, means being engaged in wars or warfare, which means about being fierce and destructive. But on the other hand, for the Cherokee,I consider them to be the constructive, and productive type of people. Though, the Timucua, for being resistive against their enemies must have spent a lot of time developing and training for the skills in war. It is like choosing two things. You resist, but you will become less productive, yet if you submit, then you will learn something new and perhaps will have a much better life. Now, what it means to submit to a superior force, who were their enemies at that time, is it becoming a slave and their self-respect gone. Perhaps, for the Timucua, it is better to fight and die. At this moment, presently we have the advantages in terms of education. The Indian tribes, are then considered as ignorant, but history is actually the judge of which each of us shall learn something. For me, a warrior thinks differently. And it is something which is unique for a tribe, or a culture, something inherent, of which one cannot take away or get rid of it. The only way perhaps, is to find a way to help him change his mind.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Operation of the Power Transformer

Operation of the Power Transformer CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Overview A factor of main economic importance and safety in electrical utilities and industrial customers of electricity is dependent on the operation of the power transformer. In the current economic situation, most of the supply utilities and industries tighten their control on production spending of capital and make savings in maintenance as well as ensuring the reliability of electricity supply. A power failure can increase the electrical loads. These loads will defer purchasing additional plant capacity and can cause the stress on the transformer increases. Thus, monitoring should be conducted to ensure the reliability of the net effect of the thermal voltage, electrical and mechanical service requirements brought about by the increase. Regular sampling and testing of insulation oil taken from the transformer is a valuable technique in the preventative maintenance program. The transformer can be used longer if a proactive approach undertaken based on the transformer oils condition. During an operation of a power transformer, transformer oil is subject to form electrical and mechanical stresses. Besides that, there are also contaminations caused by chemical interaction with windings and other solid insulations, catalysed by high operating temperature. Consequently, the original chemical properties of transformer oil changes gradually, cause it no longer function effectively after many years. Therefore, this oil should be tested periodically to ascertain its basic electrical properties, and make sure it is suitable for further use or necessary actions like filtration has to be done. The details of conducting these test is available in the standards issued by the IEC, ASTM, IS, BS. 1.2 Background Problem The dielectric strength of insulating oil is the oils ability to withstand electrical stress without failure. This test is done by applying a controlled ac voltage to two electrodes which are immersed in the insulating oil. The gap between two electrodes placed in a specified distance. The voltage recorded when the current arc across this gap is the dielectric strength breakdown strength of the insulating liquid. Contaminants such as water, carbon, sediment and conducting particles can reduce the dielectric strength of insulating oil. Clean dry oil has an inherently high dielectric strength but this does not indicates the absence of all contaminates, it may indicate that the amount of contaminants present between the electrodes is not large enough to affect the average breakdown voltage of the liquid. Power transformers are often operated under aged conditions. Thus the moisture content in oil increases, aging products become dissolved and particles are dispersed. Besides that, transformers are operated under novel environmental conditions, were low or high pressures exist. A safe service necessitates the thorough investigation of these influences. 1.3 Problem Statement Monitoring system of transformer oil existing is usually done in periodically. Duration of each use of transformer oil has been established within a time period for the replacement of the new transformer oil. So, the used transformer oil cannot be fully ensured in accordance with the standards set and this could cause a disruption in the operation of transformer. In addition, the monitoring system of transformer oil existing is expensive as well as the impact of waste oil is hazardous and cannot be disposed of. Thus, a permanent monitoring system of transformer oil with minimal costs should be established to ensure the transformer oil is always good quality to use. 1.4 Objectives The objectives of the project are important to ensure the research will fulfill the solution of the problem of the research. There are intentions conducting the research are shown below:- To study on the transformer oil and the maintenance procedures. To design a dielectric test device for transformer oil with using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment. 1.5 Scopes The scopes of the project are important to ensure every step is followed in completing the research. The scopes also could be important reference to gain related data or information of the research. Those are the scopes of the project:- To study on the quality of transformer oil. To study on the dielectric strength of transformer oil. To study the maintenance of oil immersed distribution transformer. Literature research about the monitoring of Dielectric Breakdown of transformer oil. To design a Dielectric Strength testing circuit. To analyze the result of Dielectric Strength testing. 1.6 Thesis Outline In preparing this project, the development of any information obtained should be gathered and described in each chapter are contained in the project report. Each chapter will discuss some important issues. Through this project, Chapter 1 as an introduction to the project discuss on overview of the project, background problem and problem statement. The objectives and scopes of the project were also discussed in this chapter. Then, Chapter 2 will explain in an inclusive literature review of transformers, transformer oil, the methods of monitoring and maintenance of transformer oil, equipments or tools required and software programming suitable for design the Dielectric Strength testing circuit. Next, Chapter 3 will describe the methodology used in preparing this project. This chapter is important to ensure that methods and tools used systematically and effectively. Chapter 4 will give an explanation and analysis of the circuit to be designed. This chapter also includes the methods and results of tests carried out by using the circuit designed. Problems occur in doing this project and steps to overcome the problems also discussed in this chapter. Finally, Chapter 5 which is the last chapter in this project as the conclusion of the project and some suggestions for further research on this project. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction Transformer is one of the most useful appliances ever invented. Transformer can raise or lower the voltage or current in alternating current (AC) network, the circuit can be isolated from one another, and to increase or decrease the apparent value of a capacitor, inductor, or resistor. Furthermore, the transformer allows us to transmit electricity long distances and to circulate safely in factories and homes. (Electrical Machines, Drives, and Power Systems, 6th Edition). The cost of a transformer is high. The failure of one transformer resulted in a loss in terms of the price of one transformer or in terms of energy supply disruptions to consumers. Therefore, to monitor the transformer oil is one the right way and good for detecting the causes of damage to transformers. 2.2 Transformer Transformer is one of the most important electrical devices. Transformer is widely used in power systems and electronic devices. Transformer can also raise and lower voltage levels and the alternating current to suit application. Transformer can transfer power from one section to another on the same frequency but different voltage levels and currents. Transformer basically consists of two coils of a conductor which acts as an inductor electrically separate but magnetically attached. Transformer consists of two loops wrapped around the core base, core and coil which are a part of the transformer structures. Figure 2.1 shows the general structure of a transformer. When alternating current connected to the transformer primary windings, current will flow through the primary winding. Alternating current flows will create an alternating magnetic flux in the transformer core. The magnetic flux can flow to the secondary winding of the transformer through the transformer core. According to the Faraday law, the electromotive force or voltage is induced in the coil-winding transformer when the flux is changes in value. Because of the magnetic flux in the transformer core is an alternating flux whose value is constantly changing over time, the electromotive force or voltage is always induced in the coil-winding transformer. Electromotive force in the primary winding is known as the self-induced electromotive force is due to the flux generated by the coil itself. While the electromotive force induced in the secondary winding is known as mutual induction electromotive force due to the induced electromotive force is caused by magnetic flux generated from the primary winding. In an ideal transformer, the induced voltage in the secondary winding (Vs) is comparable to the primary voltage (Vp), and is given by the ratio of the number of turns in the secondary (Ns) to the number of turns in the primary (Np) as follows: VsVp= NsNp (2.1) By the selection of the ratio of turns, a transformer thus allows an AC voltage to be stepped up by making Ns greater than Np, or stepped down by making Ns less than Np. There are many types of transformer are designed to meet the specific industrial applications. These include autotransformer, control, current, distribution, general-purpose, instrument, isolation, potential (voltage), power, step-up, and step-down. To avoid rapid damage of the insulating materials inside a transformer, sufficient cooling of the windings and the core must be provided. Indoor transformers below 200 kVA can be directly cooled by the natural flow of the surrounding air. The metallic housing is equipped with ventilating louvres so that the convection currents that can flow over the windings and around the core. Large transformers can be constructed in the same way, but the forced circulation of fresh air must be provided. Such as a dry-type transformers are used inside the building, away from the hostile atmosphere. Distribution transformers below 200 kVA are usually immersed in mineral oil and sealed in a steel tank. Oil carries the heat away to the tank, which it is lost by radiation and convection to the outside air. Insulating oil is much better than air, consequently, it is often used in high voltage transformers. As the power rating increased, external radiators are added to increase cooling surface of the tank contains oil. Oil circulates around the transformer windings and moving through the radiator, where heat released into the surrounding air. For still higher levels, cooling fans blow air over the radiators. For transformers in the megawatt range, cooling can be effected by the oil-water heat exchanger. Hot oil drawn from the transformer tank is pumped into the heat exchanger where it flowing through the pipes that are in contact with cold water. Such as heat exchanger are very effective, but also very expensive, because water itself must continuously cool and recirculated. Some large transformers are designed to have multiple ratings, depending on the cooling method used. Thus, the transformer may have triple ratings depending on whether it is cooled by: the natural circulation of air (AO) for 18000 kVA, or forced-air cooling with fans (FA) for 24000 kVA, or the forced circulation of oil accompanied by forced-air cooling (FOA) for 32000 kVA. These elaborate cooling systems are nevertheless economical because they enable a much greater output from the transformer of a given size and weight. The type of transformer cooling is designated by the following symbols: AA dry-type, self-cooled AFA dry-type, forced-air cooled OA oil-immersed, self-cooled OA/FA oil-immersed, self-cooled/forced-air cooled AO/FA/FOA oil-immersed, self-cooled/forced-air cooled/forced-air, forced-oil cooled The temperature rise by the resistance of oil-immersed transformers is either 55Â °C or 65Â °C. The temperature must be kept low to preserve the oil quality. By contrast, the temperature rise of dry-type transformer may be as high as 180Â °C, depending on the type of insulation used. 2.3 Transformer Oil Transformer oil or insulating oil is usually a highly refined mineral oil that is stable at high temperatures and has excellent electrical insulating properties. It is used in oil-filled transformers. Transformer oil is like the blood in the body of transformer. It must be periodically tested to monitor condition of the transformer. Transformer oil serves three basic functions which are to insulate, to cool and maintain the transformer functions at all times. To keep these functions the industry has agreed on certain standards. The two leading transformer oil specifications in the world are IEC 60296 and ASTM D 3487. In these standards there are many specific requirement and limits based on physical and chemical properties. Many of these properties and their limitations derived from the chemistry of refined mineral oils in combination with application specific requirements of electrical insulation. In an age when alternative to mineral oil being developed, it is important both to know what is desirable and what is likely to achieved in technical terms. Whereas some brands of transformer oil could only meet the specifications, the others excel. In the end, transformer oil consumers should decide which properties are most important to their intended use. Technical specifications also have an impact on issues such as asset management, maintenance planning and investment budget. To help make decisions in these areas it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the science underlying specifications and limitations. In Malaysia, mostly used transformer oil is mineral crude oils (uninhibited mineral oils) which contains Paraffic, Naphteric or mixed. It is supplied by Hyrax Oil Sdn. Bhd. 2.3.1 Transformer Oil Properties The main function of transformer oil is insulating and cooling of the transformer. Thus, it should have the following properties: High dielectric strength and good dielectric properties resulting in minimum power loss. Low viscosity improves cooling. Freedom from inorganic acids, alkali, and corrosive sulphur. Resistant to emulsification. Rapid settling of arc products. Low pour point. High flash point resulting in low evaporation losses due to high thermal stability. High resistivity gives better insulation values between windings. Excellent interfacial tension for quick water separation. Proven resistance to electrical stresses. High electrical strength. Remarkably low sludge and acidity formation in both ageing and oxidation tests gives longer life to oil and equipment during storage and service. 2.3.2 Theory of Transformer Oil Parameters a) Water Content The standard for measuring water content in oil is IEC 60814. (Marcel Dekker, 1990). The important function in transformer oil is to provide electrical insulation. When oil has higher moisture content, it can reduce the insulating properties of the oil, which can cause dielectric breakdown. This is the particular importance with fluctuating temperatures because, transformer will cools down if any dissolved water will become free and this oil become poor insulating power and fluid degradation. (Azliza binti Mohd Jelan,2009). b) Breakdown Voltage Dielectric strength is one of the important characteristic in insulation field. Breakdown voltage of the insulating material is the maximum electric field strength that it can be withstand intrinsically without breaking down and without failure of its insulating properties, dielectric strength also means that a certain configuration and electrode dielectric material that produces minimal damage to the electric field. (Rohaina bt Jaafar, 2003). Breakdown strength in liquid according to various factors influenced in the experiment which is electrode material and surface state, geometry electrode, the presence of chemical pollutants, the presence of physical pollutants, oil molecular structure, temperature and pressure. There also various factors in the theory of voltage breakdown which is like electronic theory, suspended particle theory, cavitations theory and bubble theory were postulated. (Olive Oil from the Tree to the Table). Dielectric strength also depends on the time and method of tension, purity materials, the type of tension as well as experimental and environmental parameters, until set of dielectric strength unique to the specific material is difficult, a range of values can be found and used for application purposes. (Noraniza binti Toriman, 2003). 2.3.3 Types of Transformer Oil a) Mineral Transformer Oil (Mineral Based Oil) A mineral oil is a liquid by product of the petroleum refineries to produce gasoline and other petroleum based products from crude oil. A mineral oil in this sense is transparent and colourless oil composed mainly of alkenes and cyclic paraffin, related to. Mineral oil is a substance of relatively low value, and it is produced in very large amounts. Mineral oil is available in light and heavy grades, and can often be found in drug stores. There are three basic classes of refined mineral oils: Paraffinic oils, based on n-alkenes. Naphthenic oils, based on cycloalkanes. Aromatic oils, based on aromatic hydrocarbons. Table 2.1 Properties of Mineral Transformer Oil (http://www.substech.com) b) Silicon Transformer Oil (Polydimethylsiloxane based fluid) Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) belongs to a group of polymeric organosilicon compounds that is often referred to as silicones. PDMS is the most widely used silicon-based organic polymer, and is known for its unusual rheological properties. PDMS is optically clear, and, in general, is considered to be inert, non-toxic and non-flammable. It is called dimethicone and is one of several types of silicone oil (polymerized siloxane). Its applications range from contact lenses and medical devices to elastomers; it is present, also, in shampoos, caulking, lubricating oils, and heat-resistant tiles. Table 2.2 Properties of Silicon Transformer Oil (http://www.substech.com) c) Synthetic Transformer Oil (Organic Esters Based Fluid) Synthetic oil is a lubricant consisting of chemical compounds which are synthesized using chemically modified petroleum components rather than whole crude oil. Synthetic oil is used as a substitute for lubricant refined from petroleum when operating in extremes of temperature, because it generally provides superior mechanical and chemical properties than those found in traditional mineral oils. Table 2.3 Properties of Synthetic Transformer Oil (http://www.substech.com) 2.3.4 Transformer Oil Testing Regular sampling and testing of insulation oil taken from the transformer is a valuable technique in the preventative maintenance program. The transformer can be used longer if a proactive approach undertaken based on the transformer oils condition. Hence, transformer oil must be periodically tested to ensure its basic electrical properties. These tests can be divided into: a) Liquid Power Factor The IEC standard method for this test is IEC 247. This involves measuring the power loss through a thin film of liquid test. Water, contamination, and the decay products of oil oxidation tend to increase the power factor of oil. (A Guide to Transformer Oil Analysis, by I.A.R. GRAY) b) Dielectric Breakdown Strength The dielectric breakdown voltage is a measure of the ability of the oil to withstand electric stress. Dry and clean oil showed the inherent high breakdown voltage. Free water and solid particles, especially the latter in combination with high levels of dissolved water, tend to migrate to areas of high electric stress and dramatically reduce the breakdown voltage. The measurement of breakdown voltage, therefore, serves primarily to indicate the presence of contaminants such as water or conducting particles. A low breakdown voltage can be indicating that one or more of these are present. However, a high breakdown voltage does not necessarily indicate the absence of all contaminants. This test was conducted in accordance with IEC 156. (A Guide to Transformer Oil Analysis, by I.A.R. GRAY) c) Moisture The purpose of dielectric tests are conducted is to ensure the monitoring moisture can be done directly. IEC 733 is a well established and can measure the moisture down to the low part of the million levels. While the acceptable values have been set by the voltage class for moisture, these are somewhat misleading. A truer picture of moisture in the transformer must be taken into account so that percentage saturation of the oil by moisture and percentage moisture by dry weight of the solid insulation can be calculated. (A Guide to Transformer Oil Analysis, by I.A.R. GRAY) d) Neutralization Number (Acidity) This value, measured by IEC standard method IEC 1125A reported as mg KOH / g sample, reports the relative amount of oil oxidation products, especially acids, alcohol and soap. As oil continues to oxidize, the acid increased gradually, generally over the years. Running the acid number regularly provides guidance as to how far oxidation of the oil has proceeded. The acceptable limit by the test is usually used as general guidelines to determine when the oil should be replaced or reclaimed. (A Guide to Transformer Oil Analysis, by I.A.R. GRAY) e) Interfacial Tension The test methods for interfacial tension (IFT), IEC 6295, measuring the strength in mN/m from the interface that will form between service aged oil and distilled water. Because the decay products of oil oxidation are oil and water soluble, their presence would tend to weaken the interface and reduce the interfacial tension value. (A Guide to Transformer Oil Analysis, by I.A.R. GRAY) f) Colour/Visual Field inspection of liquid insulation (IEC 296) includes examination for the presence of cloudy or sediment and the general appearance as well as a colour inspection. As oil ages, it will be darken gradually. Very dark oil or oil that changes drastically over a short period of time may indicate a problem. Any cloudiness or sediment indicates the presence of free water or particles that may be harmful to continued the equipment operation. Taken alone, without considering the past history or other test parameters, the colour is not very important to diagnose transformer problems. If the oil has an acrid or unusual odor, consideration should be given to carrying out further tests. (A Guide To Transformer Oil Analysis, by I.A.R. GRAY) g) Sludge/Sediment The IEC 296 test distinguishes between the sediment and sludge. Sediment is an insoluble substance present in the oil. Sediment may consist of insoluble oxidation or degradation products of solid or liquid materials, solid products such as carbon or metallic oxide and fibres or other foreign matter. Sludge is polymerized oxidation products of solid and liquid insulating material. Sludge is soluble in oil up to a certain limit. At sludge levels above this, the sludge comes out of the solution contributing an additional component to the sediment. The presence of sludge and sediment can change the electrical properties of the oil and prevent the exchange of heat, so encouraging damage to the insulating material. (A Guide to Transformer Oil Analysis, by I.A.R. GRAY) h) Inhibitor Content Inhibited oil deteriorates more slowly than uninhibited oil so long as active oxidation inhibitor is present. However, after the oxidation inhibitor is consumed, the oil can be oxidized at a higher level. Determination of oxidation inhibitor remaining in the in-service transformer oil is based on IEC 666. (A Guide to Transformer Oil Analysis, by I.A.R. GRAY) i) Dissolved Gas Analysis The purpose and functions of the DGA is to provide an indication as to whether there may be an active or incipient tran

Friday, September 20, 2019

Patient-Nurse Relationship: Alcohol Dependency Care

Patient-Nurse Relationship: Alcohol Dependency Care Diagnosis J.H was admitted to Unit 9 with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence causing induced mood disorder with depressive features. The diagnostic criteria outlined by the DSM-IV for substance dependence states that three or more of the following impairments must be seen in the patient, a tolerance for the specific substance, withdrawal symptoms if the substance stops being taken, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut back or control substance use, reduction or even cessation of important social, occupational, or recreational activities, and substance use in spite of knowledge of having a substance abuse problem (Austin Boyd, 2008). The etiology behind substance abuse is still being researched but the evidence suggests that there are both psychological and biological aspects to addictive personalities. It is also evident that substance abuse and dependence can lead to problems in all parts of the biopsychosocial well being. The interaction took place on unit 9 of the QEH hospital on September 24th at approximately 1530 hrs. The client and the student nurse had discussions in the pantry area of the unit as well as in the common area the conversation of focus took place in the common area. Preceding Critical Events The student nurse had met the client once before and had already started the orientation phases of the nurse-client relationship. The client was cleaning the pantry area of the unit while making himself a cup of coffee. This is when the student nurse approached the client and began a conversation which led to the discussion of focus. Phase of the Nurse-Client Relationship During the conversation of focus the student nurse and the client were in the working phase of the nurse-client relationship. They were in this phase because the client was beginning to outline areas of his illness that needed to be worked on in order to recover. Client and Nursing Partnership Goals Client Health Goals Short Term 1.) Client wants to get into an addiction center outside of PEI. The client has already tried the addiction center at Mt. Herberts and feels that the program does not work for him. This goal was identified by asking the client about the various treatments he has used in the past few years and he mentioned his application to a treatment center in Ontario. 2.) Client also wanted to go on a three hour pass that evening in order to complete some errands at his home. This goal was established after I asked the client what his plans were for the rest of the day. Long Term 1.) Client wants to gain control over his alcohol dependence by attending more AA meetings and getting the proper psychiatric treatment including medications and group work. 2.) Client wants to better his relationship with his two daughters but feels that he first needs to get control of his illness. 3.) Client wants to finalize his divorce, at the current time he is legally separated in order to complete the d ivorce the client must speak to his lawyer and finish some paperwork. Nursing Partnership Goals Short Term 1.) Establish a nurse-client relationship by defining boundaries, assuring confidentiality, and explaining the purpose of the relationship. 2.) Provide client with information regarding treatment center in Ontario. 3.) Gain enough trust with the client so that he feels comfortable to discuss his illness and his history with the student nurse. What I Observed Client was in the pantry area of the unit cleaning while making a cup of coffee. He seemed a little anxious and somewhat rushed (it was later observed that this is simply a part of the client personality.) When I entered the room J immediately greeted me saying Hello Greg, Im just making myself a cup of coffee. I like to try and do my part to keep the place clean his tone, volume, and rhythm were all within normal limits and he seemed to be in a pleasant mood. The client then said Oh, I dont clean up that often the other people here are pretty good at cleaning up after themselves I just like to keep busy. After the patient finished making his cup of coffee he moved to a couch in the common area. His mood was still pleasant and he was very talkative. After J was finished he said something that really caught my attention I know I have a problem but I only binge drink, its not like I drink all the time. Pause Well I shouldnt say that because it is bad enough to just binge drink and I ne ed to get better At this point the patient started to ask questions about me such as where I was from, what I thought of the nursing school, and a few other things. The client was now very relaxed in the couch with his feet up on the coffee table drinking his coffee. What I Thought and Felt When the client greeted me so quickly and in such a pleasant tone I felt that the nurse-client relationship was developing very well and that it was time to start the working phase of the relationship. By the way the client talked about his co-patients and the staff I could tell that he was quite comfortable on the unit. I felt that this would be a good time to start a conversation. I thought that now would be a good opportunity to ask J about what brought him to the unit and to explore his diagnosis. I felt a little nervous thinking of what to say I feared that I may be asking something to private this early in the relationship I was surprised at how easily J opened up about his history and I was slowly starting to feel more comfortable with asking questions about his illness. Again I felt that J was being very honest with me and I could sense that he trusted me as a nurse.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

HIV and Aids in Sub Saharan Africa :: HIV in Africa

HIV and Aids in Sub Saharan Africa Introduction Sub Saharan Africa has a very serious HIV / AIDS epidemic with millions of its people living with the disease. It has now become a human tragedy in many areas of the world, but most affected is sub Saharan Africa. It is no coincidence that the countries suffering most with HIV / AIDS are also the poorest. HIV / AIDS is now considered to be the single most important impediment to social progress to many countries in Africa .This report will analyse the current situation using up to date sources from articles, books and the World Wide Web. UN Millennium development goals At the start of the new millennium, all 191 UN member states pledged to meet all the UN Millennium goals by the year 2015. These goals covered such issues as, poverty, hunger, education, aid, gender equality, child mortality, pre natal care, environmental sustainability and HIV / Aids. All UN states have agreed to, "Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS." (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/). At Present, the HIV prevalence rates are still rising in sub Saharan Africa. The rate is seven ties higher in developing countries than it is in developed countries. Many different schemes are trying to reverse this trend. These schemes include,à ¢? ¦. Oxfam, who work to help ease developing world suffering believe that the only scheme that will help reduce HIV / AIDS in developing countries is to cancel world debt. "Unsustainable debt represents a huge barrier to progress in the fight against HIV / AIDS. Repayments to creditors by some of the poorest countries in the world are diverting the resources needed to respond to current suffering." (http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_we_do/issues/debt_aid/bp25_debt_hivaids.htm) Oxfam and other similar organisations believe that countries with high prevalence rates could help them selves to solve the aids epidemic if they did not have to meet large debt repayments to the developed world. Concurring the epidemic Unfortunately this disease is not easily concurred. The disease is still today considered to be taboo, making it difficult to talk to

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Aerobic Dancing and Weight Control Essay -- essays research papers fc

Flat stomachs, tone arms, nice, firm buttocks, and nice shapely legs. This sounds like a familiar dream for many women in the world. Most do not think it is possible for them to achieve, but clearly all it takes is time. Aerobics dancing is one of the most effective aids in weight control, with the added benefits of improved self-esteem and confidence. Many people cannot enjoy life due to their weight and other problems brought on by being overweight. Those who are overweight cannot mentally handle the thought of going out and being seen. That is why solutions for keeping weight within an appropriate range for height, sex, and age are essential. One of the most effective ways of reaching appropriate weight level is through aerobic dancing. Physical changes in one’s life can be beneficial, but that is not what makes a person. A person’s mental health makes one who she is. There are many ways to improve mental and physical health. Dancing burns as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle. A half-hour of dancing can burn between 200 and 400 calories. One factor that determines how many calories are expended is the distance traveled. In one study, researchers attached pedometers to square dancers and found that each person covered five miles in a single evening. (Dance for the Health of it) The physical changes that can be beneficial to one’s health weigh more than those of the mental state. Even so, it has been proven that the way one feels about ones’ self is better than how one actually is. The point I am trying to get at is self-esteem. Additionally self-esteem can really mold person ality and can determine how a person’s life will end up. For many careers, individuals need to have a lot of self-esteem. Certain available jobs may hire depending on the applicant’s social status and how well he or she can associate with people. People who are not very social because of the fear that they will be made fun of, or are afraid because of their appearance, may allow their weight to interfere with future Hernandez 2 opportunities. â€Å" Because it makes you feel good, you like what you see on the outside and you like yourself more.† (Missett, 21) This tends to help individuals to stand up and be confident enough to go through with public appearance and not care what other people are thinking. When combining aerobic exercise and dance, it is considered a... ...nditions that the patient might have that may cause further risks before advising any workout regimen. People should really start their aerobic Hernandez 6 exercise at a pace that is comfortable with their beginning level of condition, and then gradually accelerate the tempo and frequency of their workouts as they adapt to their new lifestyle. In a short time, people will begin to recognize many health benefits that aerobics can do for them and feel great too. Works Cited Aerobics for health  © Arnot Ogden Medical Center, 1997 Colgan, Michael Ph. D., Optimum Sports Nutrition, Chapter 9, Page 95. Dance for the health of it! Mayo clinic health letter. January 1994 . Last Updated: Sunday, June 23, 1996 Physical Activity and Health 1998 Baltimore County Public Schools Polley, Maxine. Dance Aerobics New York; Macmillan Publishing Company, 1981 Sheppard Missett, Judy. The Jazzercise Workout book New York; Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1986

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Reality Tv

In today’s world our society is constantly being bombarded by television shows and programs. As such, we ourselves, as members of this society must look at both the pros and cons of these shows and programs. Of all of the pros and cons of these shows, the ones that are really pronounced are teamwork, drinking, ethics, doing drugs, family orientated activities, and partying. As we progress on our time here on Earth, we are constantly considering these possibilities and the effect they have on ourselves and our children.Teamwork and drinking are two of the most commonly discussed and featured part of our world. No matter where we go or what we do there is always the constant reminder of teamwork. When you look at an ad on the billboard or see a commercial on the television we are always thinking and questioning our values. We value our friendships as a team and what we can do for each other. On the other hand, we are always seeing those commercials on the television about how it is illegal to drive drunk.Take a look at the television show Family Guy. This show has been out for about eight seasons and you can see how much of both teamwork and drinking there is in it. Depending on the severity of the situation Peter, the main character, has an excessive amount of beer in his system. Although beer is bad, when Peter is drunk he is more of a comedian and we laugh at how funny he is acting. We can see all of this occurring in season 1, episode 1. Other factors that subliminally affect our lives are ethics and doing drugs.If you really think about it, life itself is an ethic. How do people choose whether or not to start another life? Looking at the reality TV show, 16 and Pregnant, we can see how the young men and women at the ripe age of sixteen have to make a choice that will affect them the rest of their lives. A huge decision at such a young age really makes you grow and learn as a person fast. Even as a kid, you are introduced to drugs; whether it’s a cigarette that someone’s parents are smoking or whether you see a high school kid smoking a blunt.The things we see and do at our age affects our lives forever. Making the conscience decision to give life to a baby that you made is a major part of our life. One of those reasons affects me the most. Having two daughters of my own, I watch that reality TV show and it brings its own version of reality to me. I do not even want to begin to think about when my daughter will get pregnant. Hopefully my daughters will not become pregnant by a guy that does drugs!No matter what situation, we are constantly subliminally reminding ourselves of our ethics and our personal views of drugs. Family oriented activities and partying are the shell to our egg. As we look at the reality TV show Run’s House, we can learn and teach as a family together. You know most of the things that you have learned in life to this day came from some member of your family. Whether it was a parent or bro ther, cousin or nephew we all learn our basic skills in life as a family.Being able to identify those things from a reality television show just goes to show how much of an impact this has on our life. Partying is a major thing that is not portrayed in Run’s House; we can see how the parents try to prevent their kids from getting involved with partying all day every day. Nevertheless, these parents also demonstrate to their kids that although partying can bad for you it still is good to have in small quantities or at least party the right way. Instead of going out with your friends every weekend try and stay at home with your family.Watch a reality TV show together and try to discuss how much your own family can learn things from their family. Maybe sometimes these ideas and feelings will bring a family unit closer together. So before you decide to just look at one side of the argument or the other consider this. How much affect do these television reality shows have on my fa mily? In turn how do these issues affect the affect I am having on my children. Whichever one you decide remember how these ads and programs can affect our judgment. Reality TV IntroductionReality television is defined in many ways.   The closest, if not the clearest definition given to this genre, is that it is a show with no scripts and no real actors but only ordinary people placed in different and sometimes, funny situations.   No one has come close to tracing back its true origin, though some claimed the genre already existed back in the early years of television.   However, the first television show made known as reality tv was Candid Camera (Rowen, 2000).It first came out in 1948 and the idea of the show sprang from its creator and host Allen Funt’s similar radio show, Candid Microphone, in 1947.   Labeled as the granddaddy of reality tv, the show played pranks on ordinary American people and have quite enjoyed showing their funny reactions on television.   The entertaining and comical format of Candid Camera was a big break from the gore and pain viewers used to watch during the years of war.   Similar radio shows also made it to the television in the 1950s.   Truth or Consequences, like Candid Camera, surprised contestants by putting them in situations where they never knew what would happen to them.   Both shows have been successful in catching people unaware and surprised.Brief history of Reality TVPerhaps the first contemporary reality show aired was An American Family.   It was a documentary  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of the Loud family, Bill, Pat, and their children (Reality TV, Introduction, 2006).   Week after week viewers have followed the family’s travails and witnessed the dramatic secrets within the family unfold.   The most sensational footage of the family’s drama was the divorce of Bill and Pat and the decision of their son, Lance, to admit in public that he was gay. It was that particular shocking television moment that the show was finally named a reality tv.During the late 1980s, a new type of reality television emerged.   Cops became a hit because it showed real police officers on duty arresting criminals.   The show, which aired in 1989, followed cops on duty as they track down suspects and chase after drank drivers.   Cops was the first show to use camcorder, its small and light built making it easier to be on the cops trails the entire time.   Despite the presence of violence on some episodes, viewers watched the show because it served as an emotional protection for them, being fully aware those criminals and society’s lawbreakers were being caught.The early 1990s brought different formats of reality television.   These include game shows, talent competitions, dating contests, home and self-makeover, job competitions, and talk shows.   The idea of placing complete strangers in one house stemmed from The Real World, an MTV production, in 1992.   The participants were monitored through microphones and cameras set up all around the apartment where they lived (The Real World: New York, 2006).   Similar to the experiences of the Loud family in An American Family, The Real World had its shares of twists and turns, with the relationships of participants either gone pleasant or sour as they lived their own lives in each other’s companyThe presence of reality tv shows in Europe, Australia, and Canada has also established the genre’s acceptance and success in the world.   Not only were they able to have their own versions of reality tv from America, but they were also able to create original formats of reality programming. Changing Rooms, a British show, which started in 1996, initiated the first home makeover/improvement.A group of professional and amateur designers re-designed and re-organized a family’s home with help from the homeowner’s friends and neighbors.   Viewers have enjoyed the delight and disappointment of the homeowners as they saw for the first time their newly renovated home.   The show’s success led to the franchise of the format by tv networks worldwide, among the famous ones was the American shows Trading Spaces.  Ã‚   Australia had their own show based on the televised life of the Loud family.   In 1992, Sylvania Waters came out with the Baker-Donaher family’s private lives and personal controversies shown not only in Australia but in the UK as well.During the turn of the century, new reality tv shows debuted which brought huge unexpected changes in television industry (Reality Television (US), 2004).   The outset of Survivior, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and Big Brother amazed the entire globe with its interesting format and fresh episode concepts.   As the war in terror brought by the September 11 attacks in New York terrified the world, these shows, like Candid Camera, provided a perfect diversion from the everyday scenes of capturing terrorists in television.   People have also grown tired and weary of the endless drama portrayed in daily sitcoms and soap operas.   The funny line s of comedy series no longer amuse them.   Thus, they craved for something much more different, fresh, and original.There were predictions made that the excitement over this genre would soon fade out but the success of these shows was a painful proof for the drama and comedy producers that reality tv is here to stay (Reality Shows Changing, 2003).   The negative, and even severe impacts of this occurrence was felt most by television writers and actors, whose careers relied more on the scripts written and the fees paid for them.Television producers have felt these talented people’s strife, but in order for a network viewership  Ã‚   to rise, difficult changes have to be made.   The audience, after all, is the primary life of a television.   They have to be supplied with shows and stories captivating enough to grab their attention for the next six to twelve months. The only possible solution to the decline of soap operas and television series was reality tv.Survivor o riginated the theme of competitiveness.   There were no individual dreams to pursue in the show, as The Real World portrayed.   Rather it was a test of physical strength and endurance to win a million dollars (Boarts, 2002.). Participants were willing to overcome and win the challenges, which include eating insects and raw animal meat. The title itself conveyed the whole concept of the show.   Only one winner would survive all the challenges, squabbles, and eliminations created on their stay in an isolated place.After the arrival of Survivor, television producers created more reality game shows, with each program’s format based on the winning prize.   Dating competitions such as The Bachelor, Joe Millionaire, and The Bachelorette  Ã‚   captured viewers because of its love theme.Participants determined to find love and money at the same time took their chances on the show to compete against each other.   There were surprising twists too, for not only was it a compe tition for them but also a test of loyalty, faith, and love.   The most controversial dating show was Temptation Island, a competition of relationship’s commitment.   Viewers have been witness to several couples’ infidelities and breakups during their stay in an island.Talent shows have also increased.   American Idol, a singing competition, became such a phenomenon that countries from almost every continent in the world have produced their own local Idol shows. Dancing competitions such as So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars have been hits, too.   In the year 2003, not only were singing and dancing shows have attracted producers.   Those who have the skills and talents for modeling, business, and fashion design have been given a chance to shine on the shows like America’s Next Top Model, The Apprentice, and Project Runway, respectively.The format of Candid Camera was also not completely forgotten.   MTV created their own version wi th Punk’d, with a goal of making practical jokes on famous actors, athletes, and performers.   Girls Behaving Badly targets ordinary people and is hosted by a group of talented women. One funny show, which the audience found entertaining, was Scare Tactics.   Viewers laughed hard at the reactions and expressions of people as scary pranks were being played on them.Perhaps one of the most successful reality show was Big Brother.   The European audience had a first taste of the show on television in 1999. A group of people in Holland was confined in one house and their every word and action were heard and seen by the public 24 hours a day.   These were ordinary people trying to compete and make allegiance with each other (Schechter, 2002).Their greatest challenge for being in the show was their secludedness from the outside world.   No television sets, radio, computers, telephone, and newspapers were placed inside the house.   The only thing they have is each otherâ €™s company and a 24-hour stay inside the house for the next 100 days.   There were different contests provided for the participants, or housemates, inside the house. Everyday, viewers watched the funny and interesting things that transpired among the housemates.Each season of Big Brother entertained the viewers as relationships, romantic and hostile, formed.   The relationships were important for a housemate to stay longer in the house.   This could save them from elimination, which the audience had the right to vote the person they wanted out of the show.   The show’s audience has spread across the world, as different countries eventually bought a format of the show for their own version of Big Brother.Reality TV todayToday, as we look at our television and notice a majority of reality shows in every network, it comes as no surprise why this genre have been here for so long now. We could include ourselves in the fanatic viewers who never got tired of stalking th eir favorite reality shows on television.   We might not admit it to ourselves, but there is something entertaining in watching people compete, and even fight against each other to win an ultimate prize.In addition, we get a free laugh over their innocence and misfortunes. The younger generations would also honestly claim that reality is like the new thing, a trend that must be followed and pursued. Soap operas and comedy series, which were such hits before reality tv, were now considered old, to the point of being boring, lengthy and dragging.Television networks and producers saw these needs in us.   They studied ways and different concepts in order not to lose viewership (Reality Television Economic Factors, n.d.). They pursued reality tv and were happy with the results.   Not only have they gained back the interest of viewers but they have also discovered the inexpensiveness in spending for these shows and the sudden attention given by the advertisers.   High ratings and high advertising were a perfect combination for a successful long-term television show.Downside of Reality TVHowever, there was always a downside for the emergence of reality tv.   As television critics constantly pointed out, reality tv is first and foremost an invasion of privacy, which every participant on the shows have a right to. As Federmann (2000) wrote, the only important thing that mattered to the creators of these shows is the amount of money they could get out of ordinary people’s unscripted and televised lives.There is no value in these shows, both for the winners and losers of every competition.Everybody who joins these game shows get out of it emotionally beaten up and used by the networks. Losers get the shame and winners’ celebrity status would eventually fade out.No one really gets the blame of the negative consequences of these reality shows. Viewers love to watch it, and as long as there were supporters like these, television networks would never stop creating new game shows for public viewing.   Not only that, the participants of the shows also play a great factor in the life of reality tv.   The undeniable attraction for money, fame, and success drive them to compete and to survive, sometimes for the risk of getting injured, humiliated, and manipulated.ConclusionDespite the critics bash on the bad effects of reality tv, there would always be shows that teach good values and human sensitivity (Burgess, 2004). They could be funny at times, but somewhere along the road, human dignity stands outShould there comes a time when this genre of television starts to decline, people could always go back to traditional television format that they were used to before the emergence of reality tv. There would always be a list of talented writers and actors who are more than willing to be a part once again of documentaries, films, soap operas, and comedy series.ReferencesBoarts, C. (2002) Taking a look at four popular reality TV shows. [online]. Available [Accessed 16 October 2006].Burgess, S.   (2004). Forced to Watch: Reality TV. [online] Thetyee.ca. Available from:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   .[Accessed 18 October 2006]Federmann, G. (2000). Darwinism in Reality-Based TV Shows. [online]. Available from:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   < http://www.nyu.edu/classes/keefer/nature/feder.html>.  [Accessed 16 October 2006].Music Television. (2006) The Real World: New York [online] Shows. MTV Networks.   Ã‚   Available from: < http://www.mtv.com/shows#/ontv/dyn/realworld-season1/summary.jhtml>. [Accessed 18 October 2006] Reality TV IntroductionReality television is defined in many ways.   The closest, if not the clearest definition given to this genre, is that it is a show with no scripts and no real actors but only ordinary people placed in different and sometimes, funny situations.   No one has come close to tracing back its true origin, though some claimed the genre already existed back in the early years of television.   However, the first television show made known as reality tv was Candid Camera (Rowen, 2000).It first came out in 1948 and the idea of the show sprang from its creator and host Allen Funt’s similar radio show, Candid Microphone, in 1947.   Labeled as the granddaddy of reality tv, the show played pranks on ordinary American people and have quite enjoyed showing their funny reactions on television.   The entertaining and comical format of Candid Camera was a big break from the gore and pain viewers used to watch during the years of war.   Similar radio shows also made it to the television in the 1950s.   Truth or Consequences, like Candid Camera, surprised contestants by putting them in situations where they never knew what would happen to them.   Both shows have been successful in catching people unaware and surprised.Brief history of Reality TVPerhaps the first contemporary reality show aired was An American Family.   It was a documentary  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of the Loud family, Bill, Pat, and their children (Reality TV, Introduction, 2006).   Week after week viewers have followed the family’s travails and witnessed the dramatic secrets within the family unfold.   The most sensational footage of the family’s drama was the divorce of Bill and Pat and the decision of their son, Lance, to admit in public that he was gay. It was that particular shocking television moment that the show was finally named a reality tv.During the late 1980s, a new type of reality television emerged.   Cops became a hit because it showed real police officers on duty arresting criminals.   The show, which aired in 1989, followed cops on duty as they track down suspects and chase after drank drivers.   Cops was the first show to use camcorder, its small and light built making it easier to be on the cops trails the entire time.   Despite the presence of violence on some episodes, viewers watched the show because it served as an emotional protection for them, being fully aware those criminals and society’s lawbreakers were being caught.The early 1990s brought different formats of reality television.   These include game shows, talent competitions, dating contests, home and self-makeover, job competitions, and talk shows.   The idea of placing complete strangers in one house stemmed from The Real World, an MTV production, in 1992.   The participants were monitored through microphones and cameras set up all around the apartment where they lived (The Real World: New York, 2006).   Similar to the experiences of the Loud family in An American Family, The Real World had its shares of twists and turns, with the relationships of participants either gone pleasant or sour as they lived their own lives in each other’s companyThe presence of reality tv shows in Europe, Australia, and Canada has also established the genre’s acceptance and success in the world.   Not only were they able to have their own versions of reality tv from America, but they were also able to create original formats of reality programming. Changing Rooms, a British show, which started in 1996, initiated the first home makeover/improvement.A group of professional and amateur designers re-designed and re-organized a family’s home with help from the homeowner’s friends and neighbors.   Viewers have enjoyed the delight and disappointment of the homeowners as they saw for the first time their newly renovated home.   The show’s success led to the franchise of the format by tv networks worldwide, among the famous ones was the American shows Trading Spaces.  Ã‚   Australia had their own show based on the televised life of the Loud family.   In 1992, Sylvania Waters came out with the Baker-Donaher family’s private lives and personal controversies shown not only in Australia but in the UK as well.During the turn of the century, new reality tv shows debuted which brought huge unexpected changes in television industry (Reality Television (US), 2004).   The outset of Survivior, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and Big Brother amazed the entire globe with its interesting format and fresh episode concepts.   As the war in terror brought by the September 11 attacks in New York terrified the world, these shows, like Candid Camera, provided a perfect diversion from the everyday scenes of capturing terrorists in television.   People have also grown tired and weary of the endless drama portrayed in daily sitcoms and soap operas.   The funny line s of comedy series no longer amuse them.   Thus, they craved for something much more different, fresh, and original.There were predictions made that the excitement over this genre would soon fade out but the success of these shows was a painful proof for the drama and comedy producers that reality tv is here to stay (Reality Shows Changing, 2003).   The negative, and even severe impacts of this occurrence was felt most by television writers and actors, whose careers relied more on the scripts written and the fees paid for them.Television producers have felt these talented people’s strife, but in order for a network viewership  Ã‚   to rise, difficult changes have to be made.   The audience, after all, is the primary life of a television.   They have to be supplied with shows and stories captivating enough to grab their attention for the next six to twelve months. The only possible solution to the decline of soap operas and television series was reality tv.Survivor o riginated the theme of competitiveness.   There were no individual dreams to pursue in the show, as The Real World portrayed.   Rather it was a test of physical strength and endurance to win a million dollars (Boarts, 2002.). Participants were willing to overcome and win the challenges, which include eating insects and raw animal meat. The title itself conveyed the whole concept of the show.   Only one winner would survive all the challenges, squabbles, and eliminations created on their stay in an isolated place.After the arrival of Survivor, television producers created more reality game shows, with each program’s format based on the winning prize.   Dating competitions such as The Bachelor, Joe Millionaire, and The Bachelorette  Ã‚   captured viewers because of its love theme.Participants determined to find love and money at the same time took their chances on the show to compete against each other.   There were surprising twists too, for not only was it a compe tition for them but also a test of loyalty, faith, and love.   The most controversial dating show was Temptation Island, a competition of relationship’s commitment.   Viewers have been witness to several couples’ infidelities and breakups during their stay in an island.Talent shows have also increased.   American Idol, a singing competition, became such a phenomenon that countries from almost every continent in the world have produced their own local Idol shows. Dancing competitions such as So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars have been hits, too.   In the year 2003, not only were singing and dancing shows have attracted producers.   Those who have the skills and talents for modeling, business, and fashion design have been given a chance to shine on the shows like America’s Next Top Model, The Apprentice, and Project Runway, respectively.The format of Candid Camera was also not completely forgotten.   MTV created their own version wi th Punk’d, with a goal of making practical jokes on famous actors, athletes, and performers.   Girls Behaving Badly targets ordinary people and is hosted by a group of talented women. One funny show, which the audience found entertaining, was Scare Tactics.   Viewers laughed hard at the reactions and expressions of people as scary pranks were being played on them.Perhaps one of the most successful reality show was Big Brother.   The European audience had a first taste of the show on television in 1999. A group of people in Holland was confined in one house and their every word and action were heard and seen by the public 24 hours a day.   These were ordinary people trying to compete and make allegiance with each other (Schechter, 2002).Their greatest challenge for being in the show was their secludedness from the outside world.   No television sets, radio, computers, telephone, and newspapers were placed inside the house.   The only thing they have is each otherâ €™s company and a 24-hour stay inside the house for the next 100 days.   There were different contests provided for the participants, or housemates, inside the house. Everyday, viewers watched the funny and interesting things that transpired among the housemates.Each season of Big Brother entertained the viewers as relationships, romantic and hostile, formed.   The relationships were important for a housemate to stay longer in the house.   This could save them from elimination, which the audience had the right to vote the person they wanted out of the show.   The show’s audience has spread across the world, as different countries eventually bought a format of the show for their own version of Big Brother.Reality TV todayToday, as we look at our television and notice a majority of reality shows in every network, it comes as no surprise why this genre have been here for so long now. We could include ourselves in the fanatic viewers who never got tired of stalking th eir favorite reality shows on television.   We might not admit it to ourselves, but there is something entertaining in watching people compete, and even fight against each other to win an ultimate prize.In addition, we get a free laugh over their innocence and misfortunes. The younger generations would also honestly claim that reality is like the new thing, a trend that must be followed and pursued. Soap operas and comedy series, which were such hits before reality tv, were now considered old, to the point of being boring, lengthy and dragging.Television networks and producers saw these needs in us.   They studied ways and different concepts in order not to lose viewership (Reality Television Economic Factors, n.d.). They pursued reality tv and were happy with the results.   Not only have they gained back the interest of viewers but they have also discovered the inexpensiveness in spending for these shows and the sudden attention given by the advertisers.   High ratings and high advertising were a perfect combination for a successful long-term television show.Downside of Reality TVHowever, there was always a downside for the emergence of reality tv.   As television critics constantly pointed out, reality tv is first and foremost an invasion of privacy, which every participant on the shows have a right to. As Federmann (2000) wrote, the only important thing that mattered to the creators of these shows is the amount of money they could get out of ordinary people’s unscripted and televised lives.There is no value in these shows, both for the winners and losers of every competition.Everybody who joins these game shows get out of it emotionally beaten up and used by the networks. Losers get the shame and winners’ celebrity status would eventually fade out.No one really gets the blame of the negative consequences of these reality shows. Viewers love to watch it, and as long as there were supporters like these, television networks would never stop creating new game shows for public viewing.   Not only that, the participants of the shows also play a great factor in the life of reality tv.   The undeniable attraction for money, fame, and success drive them to compete and to survive, sometimes for the risk of getting injured, humiliated, and manipulated.ConclusionDespite the critics bash on the bad effects of reality tv, there would always be shows that teach good values and human sensitivity (Burgess, 2004). They could be funny at times, but somewhere along the road, human dignity stands outShould there comes a time when this genre of television starts to decline, people could always go back to traditional television format that they were used to before the emergence of reality tv. There would always be a list of talented writers and actors who are more than willing to be a part once again of documentaries, films, soap operas, and comedy series.ReferencesBoarts, C. (2002) Taking a look at four popular reality TV shows. [online]. Available [Accessed 16 October 2006].Burgess, S.   (2004). Forced to Watch: Reality TV. [online] Thetyee.ca. Available from:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   .[Accessed 18 October 2006]Federmann, G. (2000). Darwinism in Reality-Based TV Shows. [online]. Available from:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   < http://www.nyu.edu/classes/keefer/nature/feder.html>.  [Accessed 16 October 2006].Music Television. (2006) The Real World: New York [online] Shows. MTV Networks.   Ã‚   Available from: < http://www.mtv.com/shows#/ontv/dyn/realworld-season1/summary.jhtml>. [Accessed 18 October 2006]