Architecture and spaces influencing human being to socialize

Architecture and spaces influencing human being to socialize Sociology is the understanding of the human society, which this essay is forcing more towards the sociology among family members. Moving on into studies to explore the various solutions on how things around the context of a family can feed off each other. Things like spatial qualities that will affect the familys social interaction. Exploring into different avenues in the design contexts like the balances between the private and public spaces within a home to solve the issue of bonding and interaction. An in-dept analysis of a few different case studies, local and international will to help understand and broaden the perspective of the various practical techniques on how this few designers explore the spatial quality to prove the point that spatiality do plays a part in the social interaction among family members. Therefore the main objective is to express the point that sociology is the aim and the dream of reviving once more the closeness, warmness and most harmonious type of socia lization bond between family members. The main definition of sociology is a series of development; structure and a functioning of understanding the human society. Therefore from the understanding of the word, looking into the various possibility of the definition, expanding into sub issues that will lead back to sociology. One of them is social problem, problems that occur in society around us no matter being in a big or small society. The reason for this problem to occur is due to the fact that each individual member of a society in this case focusing more into the family circle group, that lives close enough together will have conflicts. It is virtually impossible to avoid having conflicts among close family member who are staying together in the same house. They do not always get along seamlessly as each individual has their own unique character. From this sector it is important to acknowledge that social problems will affect the social interaction within the family society. Hence social interaction is another possibi lity section that will lead back to sociology. The in-depth studies of the importance of social interaction will be illustrated in the next part of this essay. But in the mean time from these two various possible issues in sociology, conclusion can be made that sociology is the aim and the dream of reviving once more the closeness, warmness and most harmonious type of socialization bond between family members. From this conclusion further studies will be made to explore the various solution on how other things around the context of a family can feed off each other. Things like spatial qualities that will affect the familys social interaction. Exploring into different avenues in the design contexts like the balances between the private and public spaces within a home to solve the issue of bonding and interaction. Moving on further into the essay studies will be made on a few different case studies, local and international. These case studies will to help understand and broaden the pe rspective of the various practical techniques on how this few designers explore the spatial quality to prove the point that spatiality do plays a part in the social interaction among family members. Allowing the family to socialize without being intermitted. Theories will be presented to support the study of how spatiality is blend with sociology. Therefore this essay will elaborated the in-depth understanding of a few key points that will help achieve the main objective for a closeness, warmness and harmonious family lifestyle in a home. Sociology The term social interaction refers to particular forms of externalities, in which the actions of the family members affect an individuals preferences. Therefore, the observation of large differences in outcomes is the balance between the interpersonal dynamics and the home environment. It is critical to organize the effectiveness of interaction that happens among the family member. From this many of social interactions exhibit strategic complementarities, which occur when the marginal utility to one person of undertaking an action is increasing with the average amount of the action taken by one family member. Consequently, a change in fundamentals has a direct effect on behavior and an indirect effect of the same sign. The direct effect on behavior will change toward the direct change in fundamentals. Although the family is made up of a group of very like-mindful people, there are still certain ways to control the functionality of the family and the behaviors within them, which make individual family distinguishable from others. In the case the head of the family will of course be the father following with the mother second, as a partner they are to set a good example in their sociality among each other so that the childrens at home will also be influence by their action and behavior, sometime unknowingly. Therefore, the father as the head of the family is the one who keeps order by setting rules and enforcing on them. Hence if a family does not have the sociality quality in their values it will have a chain reaction in their behavior, leading the family to face more sociology problems causing their behavior to influence other society out there being in their working environment or their friends in schools. Social interaction can also seen in the way of which it is an action that will lead up to a reaction. It is not only a one-way traffic but it takes two parties to work holistically together to achieve the successful outcome. There are sustain hierarchy withi n the family society and each family member has his or her societal roles to play. There is some ideal issue that the family should study or know. They should distinguish between the understanding of a correlation of the individual characteristics within the family society, to the influences of the society that occur outside the boundaries of the home allow the family to recognize the key traits that from their own unique family society. Therefore, Bott (1957: 99) argues that the immediate social environment of urban families are best considered, not as the local area in which they live, but rather as the network of actual social relational maintain, regardless of whether these are confined to the local area or run beyond its boundaries. From this argument maintaining an active social interaction within the family help balance a healthy social relationship among individual family members. Hence is will also decrease the tension in the interaction of matters in their socialization b ring together a number of elements such as solidarity, commitment, mutuality and trust. By having this healthy social relationship, no boundaries will be generated, allowing them to have the two-way traffic of interaction. Another point that will help maintain this healthy social relationship is the physical spatial environment. Form the research that was made, physical spatial environment do play a part in determining the interaction with social space that will affect the humans social behaviors and the ability of a social individual to influence others. These spatial elements such as the buffer zones between the private and general space, surveillance within the family and shares the common pathways that affect the social interaction in the house. These buffer zones are flexible to change over the physical function such, as it can be a formal social interaction area or an informal one. On the other hand segregation of spaces can also be a part of a family that from this separation they will function better as a whole. There are some activities that individuals will be far more comfortable performing them in their own space. As Schelling [1978] demonstrated that when an individual can chose the location and the presence of these interactions. Results in segregation across spaces may occur, even in situation where the typical individual would be content to live in integrated space, which in this solution are their own individual rooms. Therefore, to my opinion a statement can be made that spatial quality does influence the social behaviors unknowingly. Design Behavior comes to mind as a recurrent theme in our interests, overlapping concerns such as the architecture expression and their complexity of the relationship that capital and generational change. Hence, it is an attempt to understand the patterns and influence of the transformation of behavior over time. Behavior could also be the central to a hypothesis, which is the understanding of the correlations between the human life, nature and the built environment. Each individual building can be viewed as a sentient creature, endowed with their own unique intelligence and a defining set of living characteristics. Analyzing the input from research, physical design does influence social interaction in a static way by some of these factors. Firstly, is the informal social factor, factor that focus on the social dynamic that is the relationship between individuals and individual in groups. Secondly, is the formal social factor, which is the management of communal spaces that allows interaction to occur. Thirdly, the personal factors that is the pro-community and the pro-socializing attitude with similar values and norms. Lastly, the physical design factors, which is the density of proximity. The division of spaces that has a buffering zone between the private and general spaces, the shared pathways is one for the factor that affects social interaction among family members. Another factor is the communal spaces that have the quality and accessibility to allow family member to come together as one to have common activities together with out feeling intimidated. Therefore, how the family members perceive and understand the physical environment can determine the frequency and quality of their social interaction. The psychosocial buffer zone between individuals and the physical environment plays an important role in determining how the interaction unfolds. The social interaction and the layout of space reciprocally influence each other. The plan is the generator that has order and willfulness; it also holds itself the essence of sensation. The mass and surfaces are elements by which architecture manifests itself. Therefore, the mass and surfaces are determined by the plan. The plan is at its basis. As Le Courbusier quote Without plan there can be neither grandeur of aim and expression, nor rhythm, nor mass, nor coherence. Therefore the plan is calls for the most active imagination and the critical discipline too. What determines everything is the plan as the among of interaction the family will achieve or the social problems that the family will face. Therefore, to make a plan is to determine the main objective and fix ideas. Looking at the Schroeder house for inspiration, it is a house that perfectly demonstrates how spaces could help bring family member together to share and have their social interaction bond. It is a house, which have the plan-less idea that has been a very powerful idea in the development of architecture since modernism. The transformable and plan-less idea allows a logical way of working whereby the members are either all having their private spaces of they are all gathered in to one common space. The study of the plan informed us that is can be achieved by simply having partitions, that can be moved in a manner such that the spaces could only make sense when every family member is having the same kind of privacy level. From this way of planning it will increase the social interaction among member in the family, as they are unknowingly focus to work and interact in a common space. The balance between the common spaces that is open incorporates the focus point of the main house. The expression of openness and closeness can also be achieved through the careful alignment of furniture with the help of openings and walls. Furniture acts as a jig, positioning the human body to react, while sharing the same space together. It supports and encourages social interaction by the arrangement in space to remove barriers between family members. It is also good to have the design element such as blurring the boundaries between the human life, nature and the built environment. Case Studies Local Looking all the back into history on the planning of the traditional kampong houses in Singapore, how they are layout as a community to maximum the social interaction among families living there. The kampong were layout in the way where they will have a common areas in which people gathered, mixed around and spend time with each other. Spaces flow into each other freely with few boundaries or obstructions. The kampong with no physical barriers allows a flexibility in accommodate two or more needs of extending when needed, which is not available in our modern housing estate today. Studying in-depth for the interior layout of a kampong enable us to see that the architecture plays with a lot of voids, opening and have an open plan with minimum partition. This self-drawn diagram is my analysis of a kampong house. The house can be broken down into three sectors. First sector acts as a transition space between the open public and private sectors. It is also the sector where the family will entertain their guests. The second sector will be the private area where all the private family activities happen. The living area is a common open area where family members are able to see the movement of each other. Lastly will the kitchen, the reason of having a bridge that separate the living area and the kitchen is because the kitchen is often used by the womans community as a space where they can chat and socialize therefore the bridge is there to set the boundaries for the public. The kitchen is also a semi-private area because there is a second entrance from the back to access to the house. From this analysis, we can see that the layout of a typical kampong house has a clear hierarchy system that segregates the public zone and the private livi ng area. We can adapt a few key points from this study, the hierarchy system and the open plan that they have. Moving on to the study of our modern HDB flats. HDB was first development to replace the kampong living style in February 1960. The reason for doing so was Singapore was facing an acute housing shortage at that period of time. Therefore, the government decided to build HDB units for the low-income group of people. Through the years residences had to adapt to the emphasis of the housing program, the shifted from quantity of housing to quantity of life. Studying the typical interior layout of a modern HDB allows me to understand better why family now a day space lesser social interaction time with each other. The reason is that the spaces within a house layout is clearly defined by solid walls which break the visual connect that is an important part that allows social interaction to happen. The percentage of the common area in the house is always lower than the percentage compared to the individual private space. But however, common corridor does exist in some HDB units but the functio n of it seems to just be a connector to the private spaces rather then a space where family members interact. Is there a problem with the size of the corridors, giving the prescription as just a path for walkway and not a space to interact? Comparing this two local case studies, the traditional kampong house to our modern HDB flats we can see that the quantity of living is different. As for the modern house, we have family members that are all separated from one another by walls, which discourage interaction and by not interacting family member will lose the healthy socialization values. Compared to the traditional kampong layout where they have an open living and common space where visualization are not broken among family members. International Case Studies The project for a brick country house done by Mies Van de Rohe in 1923 demonstrates the idea of using walls to divide the space but does not go as far as to divide them off into rooms. By doing this it suggests spatial divisions by setting up relationship with the site from within. On the other hand, his Barcelona Pavilion of 1929, uses walls as the element to set up views and suggest spaces but they are not dividing the space as the whole pavilion is open-air. Compared to the Schroder House that as built in 1924, by Gerrit Rietvield. Different method has been used to demonstrate the plan-less theory. In this case, all the main services are positioned on the perimeter of the house and next to them are retracted sliding partitions, which can be pulled out to divide the spaces into rooms. Such as the space acquires more possibilities, compared to when the screens are close, there is no one name to label the spaces. However, these walls provide only a certain amount of prescribed flexib ility. If these walls are completely independent of the structure, the moveable walls will become screens, which is essentially furniture. Therefore, western architecture has various ways and method to tackle the issue of social interaction. The freedom within the layout of the interior allows ways to alter to ones needs hence it is adaptable to the engender bonding between the occupants and the building through continuous physical involvement. By doing this the interaction level within the family can be adjustable to the function that is formed at anytime opening up the partition to allow each family member to remain the visual connect that will allow social interaction to happen. Not knowing focusing them to start a conversation as there is isnt any physical wall. Interestingly enough in Japan, the Japanese traditional house takes on an entirely different attitude to spatial division and living pattern. While planned as the same meaning as the Western architecture, walls do not. In a typical Japanese screened house, the rooms other than the service rooms have on one purpose. Within these the functions takes on the meaning of the activity that is performed and their functions can be changeable with the activities. Quoted from Nishihara explanation of the difference of the Western thinking compared to the Japanese thinking is the Western thinks in terms of function and makes his rooms accordingly, whereas the Japanese simply set up zones. In Japan, when it is time for dining, a portable table and food will be brought out; when its working time a writing desk will be taken out; and when it is time for bed, bedding that are typically stored in the cupboard will be unrolled and rolled back to be stored in the morning. Leaving the space to be purpos eless and multi-purpose at once. From these two case studies, we can see the how two different cultures approach the understanding of an open-less plan concept. Here is an illustration of the comparison diagram between the Japanese concept and the western concept. Image taken from, Works Cited Bibliography Work Cited http://www.helium.com/items/629105-family-values-the-importance-of-strong-family-bonds http://www.doccentre.org/docsweb/urban-issues/hawkers/hawkers13.htm http://www.sacred-texts.com/asia/sby/sby02.htm http://www.sageofasheville.com/primary_prevention.html http://www.fashioncentral.pk/living-lifestyle/home-garden/story-25-home-interior-decoration/ http://scienceblogs.com/framing-science/2007/11/au_students_debate_the_interne.php http://www.malaysiasite.nl/kampong.htm http://www.infed.org/community/community.htm http://www.sjsu.edu/people/thomas.leddy/courses/c2/s1/Le_Courbusier.doc

Petrol Prices Have Seen A Shocking Hike Economics Essay

Petrol Prices Have Seen A Shocking Hike Economics Essay The petrol prices have seen a shocking hike of Rs.7.5 on the 23rd of May. The increase is the first since December, 2011. It went up to INR 78.16 per liter. The RBI was having a tough time coping with the rising inflation and this increase in petrol prices will make it very difficult for them to manage. The rise in price will also hit the common man who is trying very hard to make ends meet. The rate of inflation (annual), based on monthly WPI, stood at 7.23% for April (over April 2011) compared to 6.89% for the previous month The Petrol prices in the four major metros after the hike are as follows: Metro Before petrol hike After Petrol Hike Delhi 65.64 73.14 Mumbai 70.66 78.16 Kolkata 70.03 77.53 Chennai 69.55 77.05 The increase in fuel prices directly or indirectly affects all the major sectors of the country. It affects the transportation, textiles, auto, FMCG, manufacturing, agriculture sectors and so on.   The impact of the indirect effect is that the prices of daily basic commodities get affected and this increase in price of goods would gradually force people to spend more and save less. 58.4% of the Indian population belongs to the agricultural sector and their contribution to the total GDP is only about 18%. Such small amount of income being distributed over a large population have a huge impact on them as even a slightest fluctuation would make them poorer which will further the gap between the rich and the poor. The graph below shows the petrol price fluctuations over the past two decades. cid:[emailprotected] About 50% of the total Indian exports earnings is spent on buying petroleum, particularly, crude oil, this has a negative impact on the countrys overall economy. In the past five years, the amount of imports of the petroleum products is almost 40 per cent of the total exports of India in the last six years. For the year, 2011-12, it has been as high as 51.2 per cent. Such large quantities of imports will exert huge amount of pressure on Indias current account deficit. This increase in the crude oil imports is not just because of the increase in the price but also because of the increase in demand of fuel in the country. The amount of petroleum imports has increased from 82 million tons in 2002-03 to 164 million tons in 2010-11, thus increasing the import bills in terms of rupees by over 500 per cent between 2002-03 and 2010-11. These imports are one of the causes of the depleting foreign exchange reserves. In 2002-03, the percentage of petroleum imports with respect to the foreign exchange reserves were 23.18 and it went up to 34.80 per cent in 2010-11. This should be a major source of concern as a large chunk of the countrys foreign exchange earnings are spent on import of a single commodity. The  ownership of vehicles in India is growing at compound annual growth rate of 12%  for the two wheelers.71% of vehicles are two wheelers, and they run on petrol. Also the sale of two wheelers is around seven times more than the sales of car within the country. Two wheelers essentially provide mobility to the aspiring and the middle class. This gives us a fair idea about the huge amount of petro consumed by the people. India was the worlds fifth largest importer of oil. It imports more than 2.2 million bbl/d, i.e. around 70 percent of its consumption.  Its major imports come from the Middle East (34%), Saudi Arabia (18%) and Africa (22%). cid:[emailprotected] From the below table we can see that, the price of petrol has risen over the period of five years in different countries. Indias and the emerging economies like Russia and Chinas petrol price has grown over by 60% during the past 5 years while the developed economies have   only a max of 20% price growth over the past 5 years. Country and Currency 2007 2012 % increase India (INR) 48.38 78.57 62.4 USA (US$) 0.87 1.02 17.98 Russia (Ruble) 16.79 25.41 51.34 China (Yuan) 4.94 8.33 68.62 Japan (Yen) 136.7 149.4 9.29 Germany (Euro) 1.394 1.631 17 UK (Pound) 1.40197 1.68137 19.92 Both oil and petroleum products are scarce commodities. Therefore both demand and supply are less elastic. The demand-supply and other factors   like cartel, hoarding, supply shocks etc., the prices are   fluctuating (increasing) to such great levels causing demand pull, as well as cost push inflation. The inflated oil prices not only affect the poor people of the country but also rich people. But the impact is more significant on the poor people. Increase in the international oil price leads to a domestic inflation, which thereby decreases the foreign exchange reserves. The supply of the foreign currency reduces thus appreciating the value of the foreign currency and depreciating the local currency which in turn increases the prices of imports. It also deteriorates the balance of trade of the country. All these factors push a country into the poverty trap. International oil price hike affects both the public and the government. It brings in inflation and reduces the purchasing power of the people. It also affects the governments revenue and expenditure. Government being the biggest consumer, it has a negative effect on the real GDP, on the foreign exchange reserves; it increases the total foreign debt of the country and also further deteriorates the current account deficit of the country. With the increase in the fuel prices, the price of consumer products increases because oil is an essential component of the industrial and the manufacturing sectors, also petrol and diesel is used for the transportation of goods, thus creating an inflationary pressure. The government can take a few initiatives which can help in the long run. For e.g. there could be a fuel shift from petrol, diesel to Hybrid, CNG, non-motorized transport etc. Also we could undergo a modal shift i.e. from road freight transport to rail freight transport. The government can also make fuel more affordable by targeting more on subsidies and improving the already existing schemes. Also the vehicles fuel economy standards can be improved there by making it fuel efficient. People can take a few demand side management initiatives like car pooling etc.

Roman Religion In A Romans Everyday Life Vs. Religions Effects On Tod :: essays research papers fc

"We Romans", said Cicero, "owe our supremacy overall other peoples to our piety and religious observances and to our wisdom in believing that the spirit of the gods rules and directs everything." Roman rites and observances took two main forms. One was the domestic reverence of the spirit or genius of the family. The other was the public attitude to the gods and goddesses by whom the destiny and welfare of the Roman people as a whole were supposed to be guided and controlled. During the Classical period, religious observance accompanied all important private and public events and transactions and, no successful outcome went without a vow of thanks or public dedication. Temples, priests and sacred rites were provided by the State. Nothing in the nature of religious services as we know them, in which the body of worshipers as a whole were able to participate, seems to have been celebrated in the temples. Any set forms of prayers, hymns or chants were performed sole ly by the official priests whose secrets they remained. The ordinary Roman man or woman had little personal part to play in such rites (Handbook To Life In Ancient Greece). While they were being undertaken and fulfilled it was the duty of the ordinary citizen not to interfere or make any disturbance and to refrain from any business affairs. When religiously minded Roman dropped in to a temple in order to worship the god or goddess whose house it was , they had some practical object in view : some personal favor or advantage. They came and perhaps burn incenses. When praying they stood with upturned palms. Sometimes they got as close to the image of the god as they could in order to whisper their pleas; the feet of some of the images were worn by the kisses of generations of worshipers. In addition to paying a fee for admission, the grateful petitioner for divine aid also brought sacrifices and thankful offerings to the temples. Enormous numbers of livestock and cattle went to augmen t the wealth of the temples, and to swell the incomes of the priests and attendants, many of whom became extremely wealthy. Temple worship was no essential part of Roman life. If it had been, it is difficult to understand why there were not more than about a hundred within the city confines, which is no large number in a city of some million inhabitants.

Reassemblage: Challenging the Relationship between Women and Visual Ple

Reassemblage: Challenging the Relationship between Women and Visual Pleasure Visual pleasure, derived from images on film, is dominated by sexual imbalance. The pleasure in looking is split between active/male and passive/female. In her essay "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema" Laura Mulvey asserts the fact that in mainstream films, women are simultaneously looked at and displayed. That is to say, the woman is both an object of desire and a spectacle for the male voyeuristic gaze. The male's function is active; he advances the story and controls the gaze onto the women. Interestingly, the spectator identifies with the male through camera technique and style. In an effort to reproduce the so-called natural conditions of human perception, male point-of-view shots are often used along with deep focus. In addition, camera movements are usually determined by the actions of the male protagonist. Consequently, the gaze is dominated by the active male while the passive female exists to support desire within the film. In an attempt to change this structure, Mulvey stresses the importance of challenging the "look." One way this is accomplished, is in the film Reassemblage, where the look of the camera is free from male perspecti ve and dominated more by passionate detachment. In doing this, the filmmaker, Trinh Minh-Ha attempts to destroy the satisfaction and pleasure derived from images of women in film, by highlighting the ways Hollywood depends on voyeuristic and fetishi...

Social Science Essay -- Research Methods, Objective Research

According to the dictionary of Merriam-Webster, Objective is defined as "expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations". And the Cambridge Dictionary has the similar definition: â€Å"based on real facts and not influenced by personal beliefs or feelings.† It is obvious that to be objective, personal opinions on the research question or hypothesis have to be eliminated in the research design, research process and report method. It is the aim of any kind of research to be objective, which means the result can show more effective information and can be generalized to more situations. Almost all the books about social science research method discuss the research should be objective, and more focus on how to be objective. They declare that the research method can determine the research results are objective or not (Fowler, 2009. etc.). In particular, the research methods such as randomly selected participants, Latin Square for inter-subject experiment levels arrangement, and double-blind experience, etc. are designed to make the research objective. It seems that the objectivity is an "automatic assumption if the tools are sufficiently scientific". (Cassel, 2002). However, the paper which discusses the probability of the research results are not objective can hardly be found. Considering the research of social science focuses more on the complex human behaviours (Jackson, 2007), conflict study as one subject of the social science, in my opinion, is impossible to be objective. Because human behaviours are complex, which are effected by changing of mood or emotion, situations around themselves and the information from outside, the inter-personal interac... ...ls as possible in the quantitative research paper, and discover the certain factors which related to the conflict, such as cultural background, religion, economics situation and so on. Then it will be easier for the following research to compare the research results, and obtain more information. Nowadays, the subjective evaluation is a popular research topic, such as the subjective evaluation on happiness, on workload and on stress. I suppose this kind of research approach may be suitable for the studies on conflict situation, because conflict situation is related to human’s emotion and behaviours, thus it should be more effective to ask the subjects to evaluate their own subjective levels, and do the statistics with the values based on subjective evaluation. The results can also be compared between groups, and obtain the â€Å"subjective† conclusion based on data.

Diabetes Education Plan

Introduction According to Johnson and Raterink (2009), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major global chronic health issue. Though, it is found that the condition is largely preventable as many of the risk factors for developing the disease such as excess weight, poor diet, inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, are modifiable behaviours (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011).A client newly diagnosed with Type 2 DM may be unaware that the illness can be effectively self-managed with changes to diet, lifestyle and if necessary the inclusion of oral hypoglycemic agents (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2008). Therefore, the aim of the education plan is to assist the client to make educated lifestyle choices and changes that will improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of diabetic complications. The education plan will develop evidence-based client education strategies that focus on diabetes management and the modification of unhealthy lifestyle b ehaviours.According to Funnell, Anderson, Austin, and Gillespie (2007), developing appropriate indvidualised educational strategies that increase client knowledge enables the client to make self-directed behavioural changes that aid in effective self-management and improved health outcomes. Background Diabetes care and self-management education needs to be tailored to the individual (Funnell et al. , 2007). The client, in whom this education plan is tailored for, is a 50 year old male with a body mass index of 32 who has been newly diagnosed with Type 2 DM.In designing the education plan it is also important to assess and include extended resources of support for the client (Goldie, 2008). Resources of support may include client’s family and friends, utilisation of local community services and allied health care providers such as social workers, dieticians and podiatrists (Hunt & Grant, 2010). For the client to make informed choices they need to be educated on the disease pro cess and possible complications. Diabetes is an illness that occurs when the body in unable to maintain normal levels of glucose in the blood (McKenny & Short, 2011).Type 2 DM is a progressive disease, characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in the secretion of insulin (AIHW, 2012). Chronic hyperglycemia affects function of cells and tissues and may result in cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss and lower limb amputations due to neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease complications (AIHW, 2008). Treatment of Type 2 DM is complex with evidence emphasizing the need and importance of a collaborative healthcare team approach (Robertson, 2011).Initial treatment for those newly diagnosed involves nutritional therapy and exercise to aid in weight loss (Zisser, Gong, Kelley, Seidman, & Riddell, 2011). However, as Type 2 DM is a chronic progressive condition, pharmacotherapy is usually required (Tsang, 2012). Oral hypogylcaemic agents are typically the first p harmacological intervention to improve glycaemic control and these agents include Biguanides (Metformin), Sulphonylureas, Acarbose, Meglitinides, and Thiazolidinediones (Phillips & Twigg, 2010; Sanchez, 2011). Tsang (2012) argues that Metformin is recommended as the first line of treatment.In addition, due to the progressive nature of the condition most clients will require insulin therapy to achieve and maintain adequate glycaemic control (Nyenwe, Jerkins, Umpierrez, & Kitabchi, 2011). Newly diagnosed clients require substantial guidance and education regarding disease self-management (Johnson & Raterink, 2009). Self-management issues the client and family may have include adhering continually to a daily regime of monitoring blood sugar levels and the self regulation of diet, exercise and medication (Long & Gambling, 2011).Clients and their families also need to know how to manage the complications of diabetes including foot hygiene and the management of hypogylcaemic or hyperglyca emic episodes (Sanchez, 2011). Specific focus of education Through the identification of self management issues and potential areas of knowledge deficit, the nurse is able to tailor an education plan that focuses on the individual learning needs of the client and their family, resulting in mutually agreed upon short and long term goals (Aranda, 2008).Therefore, client and family education will focus on positive lifestyle modifications to increase physical activity and improve eating habits (Bartol, 2012). The lifestyle modifications of healthy eating and increased activity levels improve blood glucose control, aid in weight management, improve general health and may reduce the need for oral hypoglycemic agents (Sanchez, 2011; AIWH, 2012). In addition, education on the self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) focuses on self-management strategies.Education should focus on how to perform the test with the use of a blood glucose meter, how to care for equipment and how to manage a high or low blood glucose reading (Sanchez, 2011). SMBG is an important component of diabetes management as it enables the client to learn and evaluate the effects of diet and exercise on blood glucose levels which should aid better adherence to treatment regime (Nyenwe et al. , 2011). Client knowledge deficit in relation to oral hypogylcaemic medications and insulin therapy should also be addressed.Medication education should provide information regarding what each medication is, dosage, possible side effects and if they interact with any other medications (Bullock & Manias, 2011). Education that focuses on medications is important as it can enhance clients understanding and willingness to take it (Bartol, 2011). Lastly, due to the increased risk of foot ulceration and lower limb amputations, it is important to provide an educational intervention that focuses on foot hygiene and care (Ogrin & Sands, 2006).Diabetes education on foot care aims to prevent foot ulceration by focusing on sel f management strategies to improve foot care behaviours (The National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC], 2009). Education Strategies Before educational strategies can be implemented you must first identify possible challenges and any potential barriers to learning your client may have (Beagly, 2011). According to Beagly (2011) â€Å"barriers that inhibit patient education are age, literacy, language, culture and physiological obstacles† (p. 31). Preferred learning style, language, cognitive ability and literacy level are determined during the assessment process (Funnell et al. , 2007). As the client is a 50 year old male, the principles of adult learning should be applied when choosing an appropriate educational strategy (Bullock & Manias, 2011). The principles of adult learning highlight that adults bring life experience with them and adults generally prefer self-directed, problem-based education that is relevant and applicable to their lives (Clapper, 2010).One-on -one discussion is one educational strategy found to have positive effects on lifestyle changes and increasing knowledge for clients with diabetes (NHMRC, 2009). One-on-one discussions enhance application of new information through the provision of relevant and practical advice, thus reflecting the principles of adult learning (Bullock & Manias, 2011). These discussions also enable feedback on progression and application of theory into practice (Kaufman, 2003). Discussions should also include individual and group family education sessions.Mayberry and Osborn (2012) have found that when family members are educated on diabetes management, improvements in clients self-care behaviours, weight and glycaemic control were noted. Providing education through demonstration is another effective adult learning strategy and should be used for educating the client on SMBG and foot care. Demonstration is an effective strategy for my client as according to the theory of self-efficacy, â€Å"observ ing other people can strengthen our beliefs that we can perform similar tasks, even when the task is unfamiliar† (Kaufman, 2003, p. 14). Furthermore, both discussion and demonstration are effective strategies for my client as most middle aged adults still have the cognitive function and ability to learn new skills (Crisp & Taylor, 2009). Diabetes management is multi-disciplinary and requires a collaborative healthcare approach (Hunt & Grant, 2010). As a result, referring the client to a dietitian for review is an important education strategy to aid in positive dietary modifications (Sanchez, 2011).This education strategy draws on the evidence-based practice guidelines for the nutritional management of Type 2 DM (Dietitians Association of Australia [DAA], 2006). The guideline highlights that the primary responsibility of the dietitian is to determine a nutrition plan in collaboration with the client’s needs and goals (DAA, 2006). Referring the client to local community s ervices that provide free group exercise programs is also an important education strategy to be incorporated in the plan (Van Dijk, Tummers, Stehouwer, Hartgens, & Van Loon, 2012).Kaufman (2003) argues that according to social learning theory people learn from one another through observation, imitation and modeling behaviour. Visual material including handouts, information packs and website resources are also effective educational strategies for adult learners as they assist self-directed learning (Beagley, 2011). Self directed learning is an effective intervention to facilitate behaviour changes as it enables the adult client to be responsible for their learning, promotes autonomy and can be shared and discussed with family and friend support networks (Funnell et al. 2007). Conclusion / Recommendations In conclusion, type DM is a self-managed chronic disease that requires those affected to be actively involved and informed in their own health care. This education plan has provided relevant information and identified appropriate evidence-based educational strategies that can assist the client newly diagnosed with type 2 DM to make positive lifestyle modifications and reduce the risk of complications. The education plan also emphasizes the importance of extended family and community support to assist in positive health outcomes.The translation of knowledge, willingness to change and sustain positive self-care behaviours is now the overall goal with diabetes management requiring ongoing education and support from healthcare professionals to help clients implement and sustain lifestyle changes (Long & Gambling, (2011). It is recommended that the client has regular reviews and health checks then modification of educational needs and strategies can be assessed and implemented as the disease process changes and the needs to the client changes (Bartol, 2012; Funnell et al. , 2007). Diabetes Education Plan Introduction According to Johnson and Raterink (2009), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major global chronic health issue. Though, it is found that the condition is largely preventable as many of the risk factors for developing the disease such as excess weight, poor diet, inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, are modifiable behaviours (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011).A client newly diagnosed with Type 2 DM may be unaware that the illness can be effectively self-managed with changes to diet, lifestyle and if necessary the inclusion of oral hypoglycemic agents (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2008). Therefore, the aim of the education plan is to assist the client to make educated lifestyle choices and changes that will improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of diabetic complications. The education plan will develop evidence-based client education strategies that focus on diabetes management and the modification of unhealthy lifestyle b ehaviours.According to Funnell, Anderson, Austin, and Gillespie (2007), developing appropriate indvidualised educational strategies that increase client knowledge enables the client to make self-directed behavioural changes that aid in effective self-management and improved health outcomes. Background Diabetes care and self-management education needs to be tailored to the individual (Funnell et al. , 2007). The client, in whom this education plan is tailored for, is a 50 year old male with a body mass index of 32 who has been newly diagnosed with Type 2 DM.In designing the education plan it is also important to assess and include extended resources of support for the client (Goldie, 2008). Resources of support may include client’s family and friends, utilisation of local community services and allied health care providers such as social workers, dieticians and podiatrists (Hunt & Grant, 2010). For the client to make informed choices they need to be educated on the disease pro cess and possible complications. Diabetes is an illness that occurs when the body in unable to maintain normal levels of glucose in the blood (McKenny & Short, 2011).Type 2 DM is a progressive disease, characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in the secretion of insulin (AIHW, 2012). Chronic hyperglycemia affects function of cells and tissues and may result in cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss and lower limb amputations due to neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease complications (AIHW, 2008). Treatment of Type 2 DM is complex with evidence emphasizing the need and importance of a collaborative healthcare team approach (Robertson, 2011).Initial treatment for those newly diagnosed involves nutritional therapy and exercise to aid in weight loss (Zisser, Gong, Kelley, Seidman, & Riddell, 2011). However, as Type 2 DM is a chronic progressive condition, pharmacotherapy is usually required (Tsang, 2012). Oral hypogylcaemic agents are typically the first p harmacological intervention to improve glycaemic control and these agents include Biguanides (Metformin), Sulphonylureas, Acarbose, Meglitinides, and Thiazolidinediones (Phillips & Twigg, 2010; Sanchez, 2011). Tsang (2012) argues that Metformin is recommended as the first line of treatment.In addition, due to the progressive nature of the condition most clients will require insulin therapy to achieve and maintain adequate glycaemic control (Nyenwe, Jerkins, Umpierrez, & Kitabchi, 2011). Newly diagnosed clients require substantial guidance and education regarding disease self-management (Johnson & Raterink, 2009). Self-management issues the client and family may have include adhering continually to a daily regime of monitoring blood sugar levels and the self regulation of diet, exercise and medication (Long & Gambling, 2011).Clients and their families also need to know how to manage the complications of diabetes including foot hygiene and the management of hypogylcaemic or hyperglyca emic episodes (Sanchez, 2011). Specific focus of education Through the identification of self management issues and potential areas of knowledge deficit, the nurse is able to tailor an education plan that focuses on the individual learning needs of the client and their family, resulting in mutually agreed upon short and long term goals (Aranda, 2008).Therefore, client and family education will focus on positive lifestyle modifications to increase physical activity and improve eating habits (Bartol, 2012). The lifestyle modifications of healthy eating and increased activity levels improve blood glucose control, aid in weight management, improve general health and may reduce the need for oral hypoglycemic agents (Sanchez, 2011; AIWH, 2012). In addition, education on the self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) focuses on self-management strategies.Education should focus on how to perform the test with the use of a blood glucose meter, how to care for equipment and how to manage a high or low blood glucose reading (Sanchez, 2011). SMBG is an important component of diabetes management as it enables the client to learn and evaluate the effects of diet and exercise on blood glucose levels which should aid better adherence to treatment regime (Nyenwe et al. , 2011). Client knowledge deficit in relation to oral hypogylcaemic medications and insulin therapy should also be addressed.Medication education should provide information regarding what each medication is, dosage, possible side effects and if they interact with any other medications (Bullock & Manias, 2011). Education that focuses on medications is important as it can enhance clients understanding and willingness to take it (Bartol, 2011). Lastly, due to the increased risk of foot ulceration and lower limb amputations, it is important to provide an educational intervention that focuses on foot hygiene and care (Ogrin & Sands, 2006).Diabetes education on foot care aims to prevent foot ulceration by focusing on sel f management strategies to improve foot care behaviours (The National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC], 2009). Education Strategies Before educational strategies can be implemented you must first identify possible challenges and any potential barriers to learning your client may have (Beagly, 2011). According to Beagly (2011) â€Å"barriers that inhibit patient education are age, literacy, language, culture and physiological obstacles† (p. 31). Preferred learning style, language, cognitive ability and literacy level are determined during the assessment process (Funnell et al. , 2007). As the client is a 50 year old male, the principles of adult learning should be applied when choosing an appropriate educational strategy (Bullock & Manias, 2011). The principles of adult learning highlight that adults bring life experience with them and adults generally prefer self-directed, problem-based education that is relevant and applicable to their lives (Clapper, 2010).One-on -one discussion is one educational strategy found to have positive effects on lifestyle changes and increasing knowledge for clients with diabetes (NHMRC, 2009). One-on-one discussions enhance application of new information through the provision of relevant and practical advice, thus reflecting the principles of adult learning (Bullock & Manias, 2011). These discussions also enable feedback on progression and application of theory into practice (Kaufman, 2003). Discussions should also include individual and group family education sessions.Mayberry and Osborn (2012) have found that when family members are educated on diabetes management, improvements in clients self-care behaviours, weight and glycaemic control were noted. Providing education through demonstration is another effective adult learning strategy and should be used for educating the client on SMBG and foot care. Demonstration is an effective strategy for my client as according to the theory of self-efficacy, â€Å"observ ing other people can strengthen our beliefs that we can perform similar tasks, even when the task is unfamiliar† (Kaufman, 2003, p. 14). Furthermore, both discussion and demonstration are effective strategies for my client as most middle aged adults still have the cognitive function and ability to learn new skills (Crisp & Taylor, 2009). Diabetes management is multi-disciplinary and requires a collaborative healthcare approach (Hunt & Grant, 2010). As a result, referring the client to a dietitian for review is an important education strategy to aid in positive dietary modifications (Sanchez, 2011).This education strategy draws on the evidence-based practice guidelines for the nutritional management of Type 2 DM (Dietitians Association of Australia [DAA], 2006). The guideline highlights that the primary responsibility of the dietitian is to determine a nutrition plan in collaboration with the client’s needs and goals (DAA, 2006). Referring the client to local community s ervices that provide free group exercise programs is also an important education strategy to be incorporated in the plan (Van Dijk, Tummers, Stehouwer, Hartgens, & Van Loon, 2012).Kaufman (2003) argues that according to social learning theory people learn from one another through observation, imitation and modeling behaviour. Visual material including handouts, information packs and website resources are also effective educational strategies for adult learners as they assist self-directed learning (Beagley, 2011). Self directed learning is an effective intervention to facilitate behaviour changes as it enables the adult client to be responsible for their learning, promotes autonomy and can be shared and discussed with family and friend support networks (Funnell et al. 2007). Conclusion / Recommendations In conclusion, type DM is a self-managed chronic disease that requires those affected to be actively involved and informed in their own health care. This education plan has provided relevant information and identified appropriate evidence-based educational strategies that can assist the client newly diagnosed with type 2 DM to make positive lifestyle modifications and reduce the risk of complications. The education plan also emphasizes the importance of extended family and community support to assist in positive health outcomes.The translation of knowledge, willingness to change and sustain positive self-care behaviours is now the overall goal with diabetes management requiring ongoing education and support from healthcare professionals to help clients implement and sustain lifestyle changes (Long & Gambling, (2011). It is recommended that the client has regular reviews and health checks then modification of educational needs and strategies can be assessed and implemented as the disease process changes and the needs to the client changes (Bartol, 2012; Funnell et al. , 2007).

Danger, Death, Boredom and Reporting from Iraq Essay

The war in Iraq is arguably the most significant news story of our time; a relentless show of bloody violence that has dragged on for six years and claimed thousands of civilians’ and foreigners’ lives. Unfortunately, it is perhaps the most underreported war at least in certain inside story aspects due to the danger that its bloody violence poses on journalists. It is not easy to be a news reporter in Iraq. While many of them make a valiant attempt to penetrate the most dangerous turfs and report the real story, only a few of them manage- and live to tell the tale. As the war progresses, foreigners –majority of who are journalists- have increasingly become the prime target of the militia. For years, Iraq has been ranked by the Committee to Protect Journalists as the deadliest place for the media to work in worldwide- and the figures are telling. As of 2007, a total of 133 media support workers and journalists had lost their lives; 83% of them locals who were linked to the Western media. Fast forward to 2009 and the figures are likely to be higher than that. The most disturbing fact about these deaths is that the journalists are not hapless victims caught in a cross fire but are actually the targets of these attacks. While some journalists, especially those embedded in the US and British armies are killed in combat, murder remains the leading cause of death for journalists in Iraq (Ricchiardi, 2007). Cockburn (2007) has noted that due to the difficulty faced by journalists in unearthing and reporting the real story, it is easy for politicians to say anything they want, usually to their advantage and get away with it since the truth cannot be established. This is very frustrating for journalists since they cannot verify the real situation on the ground without risking their lives; essentially they cannot do their work. The main reason why journalists have become the prime targets is because they are regarded as spies out to collect information for the enemy camp. Unfortunately, the nature of the journalism trade requires them to actually be in the field where the crossfire is taking place and to constantly expose themselves to danger in an attempt to get an inside story. Thus they have been felled by bullets, roadside bombs, rockets or they have been kidnapped for ransom. Some of those kidnapped have ended up being beheaded. Undoubtedly, urgent steps have to be taken to protect the lives of journalists. Some media houses have taken great lengths to protect their correspondents by offering them tight security while on the ground but even then, it is not a guarantee that they are fully protected and an ambush is always lurking somewhere. Thus other media companies have pulled out altogether with some opting to use local correspondents who stand a slightly better chance of security than their foreign counterparts (Cockburn, 2007). The Iraqi war started in earnest and for months on end dominated the newsrooms as dramatic events such as the capture and execution of Saddam Hussein unfolded. However, even the most sensational story loses its luster with time and the Iraq war is no exception. Having dragged on for years and with no end in sight, it slowly slipped into oblivion as journalists tired of reporting the same old bloody story and the public grew numb to the coverage. A study by the Project of Excellence in Journalism reveals falling Iraq news coverage, 24% to 1%, by cable networks. Print media have also reduced coverage, from 457 stories related to Iraq as of September 2007 to 49 as of March 2008. Clearly, interest in the Iraq coverage seems to be declining. This has been attributed to several factor such as the danger faced by journalists in Iraq, declining budgets in the face of high maintenance costs for Iraq correspondents, competing stories and war fatigue (Ricchiardi, 2008). Personally, I tired of following the Iraq war coverage quite a while back. This is because there is nothing new. Day in day out, we listen to the same old bloody story and sadly, we have become used to it. With no end in sight, I have had found myself letting go of the Iraq war and shifting focus to other events. Maybe it is time for the U. S government and its army to do the same.