Chapter 3 The Invitation

By the time Harry arrived in the kitchen, the three Dursleys were already seated around the table. None of them looked up as he entered or sat down. Uncle Vernon's large red face was hidden behind the morning's Daily Mail, and Aunt Petunia was cutting a grapefruit into quarters, her lips pursed over her horse-like teeth. Dudley looked furious and sulky, and somehow seemed to be taking up even more space than usual. This was saying something, as he always took up an entire side of the square table by himself. When Aunt Petunia put a quarter of unsweetened grapefruit onto Dudley's plate with a tremulous â€Å"There you are, Diddy darling,† Dudley glowered at her. His life had taken a most unpleasant turn since he had come home for the summer with his end-of-year report. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia had managed to find excuses for his bad marks as usual: Aunt Petunia always insisted that Dudley was a very gifted boy whose teachers didn't understand him, while Uncle Vernon maintained that â€Å"he didn't want some swotty little nancy boy for a son anyway.† They also skated over the accusations of bullying in the report – â€Å"He's a boisterous little boy, but he wouldn't hurt a fly!† Aunt Petunia had said tearfully. However, at the bottom of the report there were a few well-chosen comments from the school nurse that not even Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia could explain away. No matter how much Aunt Petunia wailed that Dudley was big-boned, and that his poundage was really puppy fat, and that he was a growing boy who needed plenty of food, the fact remained that the school outfitters didn't stock knickerbockers big enough for him anymore. The school nurse had seen what Aunt Petunia's eyes – so sharp when it came to spotting fingerprints on her gleaming walls, and in observing the comings and goings of the neighbors – simply refused to see: that far from needing extra nourishment, Dudley had reached roughly the size and weight of a young killer whale. So – after many tantrums, after arguments that shook Harry's bedroom floor, and many tears from Aunt Petunia – the new regime had begun. The diet sheet that had been sent by the Smeltings school nurse had been taped to the fridge, which had been emptied of all Dudley's favorite things – fizzy drinks and cakes, chocolate bars and burgers and filled instead with fruit and vegetables and the sorts of things that Uncle Vernon called â€Å"rabbit food.† To make Dudley feel better about it all, Aunt Petunia had insisted that the whole family follow the diet too. She now passed a grapefruit quarter to Harry. He noticed that it was a lot smaller than Dudley's. Aunt Petunia seemed to feet that the best way to keep up Dudley's morale was to make sure that he did, at least, get more to eat than Harry. But Aunt Petunia didn't know what was hidden under the loose floorboard upstairs. She had no idea that Harry was not following the diet at all. The moment he had got wind of the fact that he was expected to survive the summer on carrot sticks, Harry had sent Hedwig to his friends with pleas for help, and they had risen to the occasion magnificently. Hedwig had returned from Hermione's house with a large box stuffed full of sugar-free snacks. (Hermione's parents were dentists.) Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, had obliged with a sack full of his own homemade rock cakes. (Harry hadn't touched these; he had had too much experience of Hagrid's cooking.) Mrs. Weasley, however, had sent the family owl, Errol, with an enormous fruitcake and assorted meat pies. Poor Errol, who was elderly and feeble, had needed a full five days to recover from the journey. And then on Harry's birthday (which the Dursleys had completely ignored) he had received four superb birthday cakes, one each from Ron, H ermione, Hagrid, and Sirius. Harry still had two of them left, and so, looking forward to a real breakfast when he got back upstairs, he ate his grapefruit without complaint. Uncle Vernon laid aside his paper with a deep sniff of disapproval and looked down at his own grapefruit quarter. â€Å"Is this it?† he said grumpily to Aunt Petunia. Aunt Petunia gave him a severe look, and then nodded pointedly at Dudley, who had already finished his own grapefruit quarter and was eyeing Harry's with a very sour look in his piggy little eyes. Uncle Vernon gave a great sigh, which ruffled his large, bushy mustache, and picked up his spoon. The doorbell rang. Uncle Vernon heaved himself out of his chair and set off down the hall. Quick as a flash, while his mother was occupied with the kettle, Dudley stole the rest of Uncle Vernon's grapefruit. Harry heard talking at the door, and someone laughing, and Uncle Vernon answering curtly. Then the front door closed, and the sound of ripping paper came from the hall. Aunt Petunia set the teapot down on the table and looked curiously around to see where Uncle Vernon had got to. She didn't have to wait long to find out; after about a minute, he was back. He looked livid. â€Å"You,† he barked at Harry. â€Å"In the living room. Now.† Bewildered, wondering what on earth he was supposed to have done this time, Harry got up and followed Uncle Vernon out of the kitchen and into the next room. Uncle Vernon closed the door sharply behind both of them. â€Å"So,† he said, marching over to the fireplace and turning to face Harry as though he were about to pronounce him under arrest. â€Å"So.† Harry would have dearly loved to have said, â€Å"So what?† but he didn't feel that Uncle Vernon's temper should be tested this early in the morning, especially when it was already under severe strain from lack of food. He therefore settled for looking politely puzzled. â€Å"This just arrived,† said Uncle Vernon. He brandished a piece of purple writing paper at Harry. â€Å"A letter. About you.† Harry's confusion increased. Who would be writing to Uncle Vernon about him? Who did he know who sent letters by the postman? Uncle Vernon glared at Harry, then looked down at the letter and began to read aloud: Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, We have never been introduced, but I am sure you have heard a great deal from Harry about my son Ron. As Harry might have told you, the final of the Quidditch World Cup takes place this Monday night, and my husband, Arthur, has just managed to get prime tickets through his connections at the Department of Magical Games and Sports. I do hope you will allow us to take Harry to the match, as this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; Britain hasn't hosted the cup for thirty years, and tickets are extremely hard to come by. We would of course be glad to have Harry stay for the remainder of the summer holidays, and to see him safely onto the train back to school. It would be best for Harry to send us your answer as quickly as possible in the normal way, because the Muggle postman has never delivered to our house, and I am not sure he even knows where it is. Hoping to see Harry soon, Yours sincerely, Molly Weasley P.S. I do hope we've put enough stamps on. Uncle Vernon finished reading, put his hand back into his breast pocket, and drew out something else. â€Å"Look at this,† he growled. He held up the envelope in which Mrs. Weasley's letter had come, and Harry had to fight down a laugh. Every bit of it was covered in stamps except for a square inch on the front, into which Mrs. Weasley had squeezed the Dursleys' address in minute writing. â€Å"She did put enough stamps on, then,† said Harry, trying to sound as though Mrs. Weasley's was a mistake anyone could make. His uncle's eyes flashed. â€Å"The postman noticed,† he said through gritted teeth. â€Å"Very interested to know where this letter came from, he was. That's why he rang the doorbell. Seemed to think it was funny.† Harry didn't say anything. Other people might not understand why Uncle Vernon was making a fuss about too many stamps, but Harry had lived with the Dursleys too long not to know how touchy they were about anything even slightly out of the ordinary. Their worst fear was that someone would find out that they were connected (however distantly) with people like Mrs. Weasley. Uncle Vernon was still glaring at Harry, who tried to keep his expression neutral. If he didn't do or say anything stupid, he might just be in for the treat of a lifetime. He waited for Uncle Vernon to say something, but he merely continued to glare. Harry decided to break the silence. â€Å"So – can I go then?† he asked. A slight spasm crossed Uncle Vernon's large purple face. The mustache bristled. Harry thought he knew what was going on behind the mustache: a furious battle as two of Uncle Vernon's most fundamental instincts came into conflict. Allowing Harry to go would make Harry happy, something Uncle Vernon had struggled against for thirteen years. On the other hand, allowing Harry to disappear to the Weasleys' for the rest of the summer would get rid of him two weeks earlier than anyone could have hoped, and Uncle Vernon hated having Harry in the house. To give himself thinking time, it seemed, he looked down at Mrs. Weasley's letter again. â€Å"Who is this woman?† he said, staring at the signature with distaste. â€Å"You've seen her,† said Harry. â€Å"She's my friend Ron's mother, she was meeting him off the Hog – off the school train at the end of last term.† He had almost said â€Å"Hogwarts Express,† and that was a sure way to get his uncle's temper up. Nobody ever mentioned the name of Harry's school aloud in the Dursley household. Uncle Vernon screwed up his enormous face as though trying to remember something very unpleasant. â€Å"Dumpy sort of woman?† he growled finally. â€Å"Load of children with red hair?† Harry frowned. He thought it was a bit rich of Uncle Vernon to call anyone â€Å"dumpy,† when his own son, Dudley, had finally achieved what he'd been threatening to do since the age of three, and become wider than he was tall. Uncle Vernon was perusing the letter again. â€Å"Quidditch,† he muttered under his breath. â€Å"Quidditch – what is this rubbish?† Harry felt a second stab of annoyance. â€Å"It's a sport,† he said shortly. â€Å"Played on broom-â€Å" â€Å"All right, all right!† said Uncle Vernon loudly. Harry saw, with some satisfaction, that his uncle looked vaguely panicky. Apparently his nerves couldn't stand the sound of the word â€Å"broomsticks† in his living room. He took refuge in perusing the letter again. Harry saw his lips form the words â€Å"send us your answer†¦in the normal way.† He scowled. â€Å"What does she mean, ‘the normal way'?† he spat. â€Å"Normal for us,† said Harry, and before his uncle could stop him, he added, â€Å"you know, owl post. That's what's normal for wizards.† Uncle Vernon looked as outraged as if Harry had just uttered a disgusting swearword. Shaking with anger, he shot a nervous look through the window, as though expecting to see some of the neighbors with their ears pressed against the glass. â€Å"How many times do I have to tell you not to mention that unnaturalness under my roof?† he hissed, his face now a rich plum color. â€Å"You stand there, in the clothes Petunia and I have put on your ungrateful back -â€Å" â€Å"Only after Dudley finished with them,† said Harry coldly, and indeed, he was dressed in a sweatshirt so large for him that he had had to roll back the sleeves five times so as to be able to use his hands, and which fell past the knees of his extremely baggy jeans. â€Å"I will not be spoken to like that!† said Uncle Vernon, trembling with rage. But Harry wasn't going to stand for this. Gone were the days when he had been forced to take every single one of the Dursleys' stupid rules. He wasn't following Dudley's diet, and he wasn't going to let Uncle Vernon stop him from going to the Quidditch World Cup, not if he could help it. Harry took a deep, steadying breath and then said, â€Å"Okay, I can't see the World Cup. Can I go now, then? Only I've got a letter to Sirius I want to finish. You know – my godfather.† He had done it, he had said the magic words. Now he watched the purple recede blotchily from Uncle Vernon's face, making it look like badly mixed black currant ice cream. â€Å"You're – you're writing to him, are you?† said Uncle Vernon, in a would-be calm voice – but Harry had seen the pupils of his tiny eyes contract with sudden fear. â€Å"Well – yeah,† said Harry, casually. â€Å"It's been a while since he heard from me, and, you know, if he doesn't he might start thinking something's wrong.† He stopped there to enjoy the effect of these words. He could almost see the cogs working under Uncle Vernon's thick, dark, neatly parted hair. If he tried to stop Harry writing to Sirius, Sirius would think Harry was being mistreated. If he told Harry he couldn't go to the Quidditch World Cup, Harry would write and tell Sirius, who would know Harry was being mistreated. There was only one thing for Uncle Vernon to do. Harry could see the conclusion forming in his uncle's mind as though the great mustached face were transparent. Harry tried not to smile, to keep his own face as blank as possible. And then – â€Å"Well, all right then. You can go to this ruddy†¦this stupid†¦this World Cup thing. You write and tell these – these Weasleys they're to pick you up, mind. I haven't got time to go dropping you off all over the country. And you can spend the rest of the summer there. And you can tell your – your godfather†¦tell him†¦tell him you're going.† â€Å"Okay then,† said Harry brightly. He turned and walked toward the living room door, fighting the urge to jump into the air and whoop. He was going†¦he was going to the Weasleys', he was going to watch the Quidditch World Cup! Outside in the hall he nearly ran into Dudley, who had been lurking behind the door, clearly hoping to overhear Harry being told off. He looked shocked to see the broad grin on Harry's face. â€Å"That was an excellent breakfast, wasn't it?† said Harry. â€Å"I feel really full, don't you?† Laughing at the astonished look on Dudley's face, Harry took the stairs three at a time, and hurled himself back into his bedroom. The first thing he saw was that Hedwig was back. She was sitting in her cage, staring at Harry with her enormous amber eyes, and clicking her beak in the way that meant she was annoyed about something. Exactly what was annoying her became apparent almost at once. â€Å"OUCH!† said Harry as what appeared to be a small, gray, feathery tennis ball collided with the side of his head. Harry massaged the spot furiously, looking up to see what had hit him, and saw a minute owl, small enough to fit into the palm of his hand, whizzing excitedly around the room like a loose firework. Harry then realized that the owl had dropped a letter at his feet. Harry bent down, recognized Ron's handwriting, then tore open the envelope. Inside was a hastily scribbled note. Harry – DAD GOT THE TICKETS – Ireland versus Bulgaria, Monday night. Mum's writing to the Muggles to ask you to stay. They might already have the letter, I don't know how fast Muggle post is. Thought I'd send this with Pig anyway. Harry stared at the word â€Å"Pig,† then looked up at the tiny owl now zooming around the light fixture on the ceiling. He had never seen anything that looked less like a pig. Maybe he couldn't read Ron's writing. He went back to the letter: We're coming for you whether the Muggles like it or not, you can't miss the World Cup, only Mum and Dad reckon it's better if we pretend to ask their permission first. If they say yes, send Pig back with your answer pronto, and we'll come and get you at five o'clock on Sunday. If they say no, send Pig back pronto and we'll come and get you at five o'clock on Sunday anyway. Hermione's arriving this afternoon. Percy's started work – the Department of International Magical Cooperation. Don't mention anything about Abroad while you're here unless you want the pants bored off you. See you soon – Ron â€Å"Calm down!† Harry said as the small owl flew low over his head, twittering madly with what Harry could only assume was pride at having delivered the letter to the right person. â€Å"Come here, I need you to take my answer back!† The owl fluttered down on top of Hedwig's cage. Hedwig looked coldly up at it, as though daring it to try and come any closer. Harry seized his eagle-feather quill once more, grabbed a fresh piece of parchment, and wrote: Ron, it's all okay, the Muggles say I can come. See you five o'clock tomorrow. Can't wait. Harry He folded this note up very small, and with immense difficulty, tied it to the tiny owl's leg as it hopped on the spot with excitement. The moment the note was secure, the owl was off again; it zoomed out of the window and out of sight. Harry turned to Hedwig. â€Å"Feeling up to a long journey?† he asked her. Hedwig hooted in a dignified sort of a way. â€Å"Can you take this to Sirius for me?† he said, picking up his letter. â€Å"Hang on†¦I just want to finish it.† He unfolded the parchment and hastily added a postscript. If you want to contact me, I'll be at my friend Ron Weasley's for the rest of the summer. His dad's got us tickets for the Quidditch World Cup! The letter finished, he tied it to Hedwig's leg; she kept unusually still, as though determined to show him how a real post owl should behave. â€Å"I'll be at Ron's when you get back, all right?† Harry told her. She nipped his finger affectionately, then, with a soft swooshing noise, spread her enormous wings and soared out of the open window. Harry watched her out of sight, then crawled under his bed, wrenched up the loose floorboard, and pulled out a large chunk of birthday cake. He sat there on the floor eating it, savoring the happiness that was flooding through him. He had cake, and Dudley had nothing but grapefruit; it was a bright summer's day, he would be leaving Privet Drive tomorrow, his scar felt perfectly normal again, and he was going to watch the Quidditch World Cup. It was hard, just now, to feel worried about anything – even Lord Voldemort.

High Feeding Costs Limit Dive Time Essay

Despite their massive appearance, the largest whales (and also the largest predators) have shorter dive time compared to other smaller fishes. Our hypothesis is that ‘lunge-feeding’ (the whales’ feeding behavior), is energetically expensive resulting to inability to dive at lower depths and at longer time intervals. This study is aimed at determining how and why the largest whales exhibit shorter dives by examining how lunge-feeding affects their behavior and dive duration. Methods In order to determine how and why the largest whales exhibit shorter dive times compared to other fishes, we have to study how its lunge-feeding behavior affects whales’ overall behavior and their dive time limit. In gathering data, we used remote sensing techniques. In this experiment, we used the TDR â€Å"time/depth recorders† technique since it is the most applicable method considering that the subjects were not in a controlled environment. The TDRs actually recorded the oxygen level of each tagged whale. After some time, the TDRs were collected and the results were analyzed through specialized software that translates the data from the TDRs. Results showed that the whales move faster when at the ascent (or climbing) portion of the dive while it showed that whales move significantly slower during descent. Recovery time spent at the surface was also viewed as an important factor in determining the effect of lunge-feeding. Our tests showed that there is a correlation between the number of lunges and the time spent recovering at the surface. Finally, using optimality models, we were able to compare the results of the actual study to the predicted outcome. The result was a common cost for lunge dives which indicated the high energy cost during lunge dives resulting to shorter dive duration. Results and Discussion Results of this experiment showed that there is a relationship between the number of lunges and the surface recovery intervals. The TDR analysis showed that whales move faster during ascent and move significantly slower when at descent. This indicated that lunge-feeding is energetically expensive. We were able to measure the high energy cost of lunge-feeding using the remote sensing technique. Whales usually recover at the surface after each dive and the length of stay at the surface is relative to the number of lunges it makes during the dive. The more lunges the whales make during feeding, the more time it spent at the surface for recovery. The optimality models showed the relative differences between the lunging-costly model versus the no-cost model. In the lunging-costly model, observed forage depths, vertical speed, number of lunges, time spent recovering at the surface, are some of the variables that were examined to provide an outright solution. Conclusion Based on the results of this experiment, it has been found out that lunge-feeding in large whales is an energetically expensive activity. Using the TDR technique to record the energy cost of lunge, we were able to deduce that the more lunges a whale makes, the more time it spends recovering at the surface, usually regaining oxygen levels. Therefore, the high energy requirements of lunge-feeding limit the dive time and depth of dive in large whales. Reference: Acevedo-Gutierrez, A. , Croll, D. A. , and Tershy, B. R. (2002). â€Å"High Feeding Costs Limit Dive Time in the Largest Whales†. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 205, 1747-1753.

International transport Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International transport - Essay Example So, International transport compliments the human activity of producing products perfectly, and this paper will look at their role in sending garments from manufacturing plants in India to the destinations in Netherlands. Garments, important necessity of people all over the world, are being manufactured from time immemorial as form of cover, protection, style, comfort etc. From casuals to formals, many garments have been manufactured in different parts of the world and one of the best known places for garments manufacturing especially knitted T-shirts is Tiruppur in India. T-shirts manufactured in Tiruppur are marketed throughout the world. â€Å"It is called the Knits Capital of India as it caters to famous brands and retailers from all over the world. Nearly every buyer of knitting in the world comes to Tiruppur†¦ Walmart, Switcher, Diesel, ARMY, Tommy Hilfiger, M&S, FILA, H&M, Pink Lemonade, HTHP, Whale, Reebok† (Wikipedia). After the garments or T-shirts comes out of the manufacturing plants in packed boxes, Tiruppur based logistics companies will take over it, for the shipment process. Logistics companies, contracted by the manufacturers, will have a fleet of vehicles or containers using which only, the packed T-shirts will be transported to the nearest port. Even though India is dotted with many ports on both its coasts, Port Cochin on the western coast is the preferable port for the Tiruppur garment manufacturers. As Cochin is in another Indian state of Kerala, the vehicles from Tiruppur (which is in Tamil Nadu) have to face some practical problems, which can prolong the normal duration of 6 hours. That is, the distance of 109 miles can be covered in 6 hours by the vehicles like the Lorries and vans, but it can get prolonged due to government check posts, other natural and artificial eventualities. As trans-state crossing needs some government

Popular Culture(2-1) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Popular Culture(2-1) - Assignment Example According to the 2009documentary film Tyson, the young man frequently engaged in petty crimes and took to street fighting on frequent occasions. However it was under the guidance of D’Amato that Tyson started performing well at amateur boxing matches and was admitted to the 1982 Junior Olympic Games. Although it was the case that Tyson only won a silver medal, according to the 2009 documentary Tyson became a phenomenon after he scored the fastest knockout in an Olympic bout at approximately 8 seconds. It was upon this foundation that Tyson made his professional debut in 1985 where according to Cyber Boxing Zone (2010) Tyson won twenty six of his first twenty eight bouts by either knockout or technical knockout, most of which ended in the first round. The man became a powerhouse the likes of which the boxing community had not seen for a long time and quickly became known to most athletics fans across the world. However this career which brought great heights ended up hitting rock bottom. Tyson stood accused of sexually and physically abusing his wife Robin Givens during his marriage in the late eighties. After the divorce Tyson was accused and convicted of raping a young woman in Indiana and according to Berkow (1995) served three years of a ten year sentence. As pop cultural consumers I think it is natural that we are fascinated with te rise and fall of celebrity. It is the case that during the height of his career, Mike Tyson was an unstoppable force and a near perfect boxing machine. However in his personal life he brought about a type of ruin that the man self described in the 2009 documentary about his life as being â€Å"A tragedy†. As with many pop cultural phenomenon’s we tend to view. As far as my analysis is concerned, very few people remember Tyson for his boxing career anymore and simply focus on his failed personal life which is a trend we have seen spread across many different pop

Internal Memorandum of Law Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Internal Memorandum of Law - Research Paper Example In order to file a case against the appeal to be filed by Debbie Evans and others, and to evaluate the opponent’s chances of success in this endeavor, the bigamy laws of Utah and other relevant legislation, as well as the decided case law, have to be examined. Debbie Evans wanted to marry a married man Aaron, with the consent of his wife, Barb Conway. They had applied for a marriage license, which was denied, and their plea in the trial court for being provided with such a license was rejected. They wanted to file an appeal in the upper court against this order, challenging the State’s power to interfere with their religious freedom and curtailing their right to polygamous marriage, which in accordance with their religious customs. The Mormon Church, openly promoted polygamy, until the year 1890, when it discontinued this practice. This volte-face was occasioned by Utah territory’s attempt to obtain statehood, and as Congress was insistent that the presence of anti-polygamy legislation was essential for admission into the Union. Since that point in time, the Mormon Church has desisted from actively supporting polygamy, amongst its members. In its efforts to prove that it is opposed to the practices of the 30,000 odd polygamists, who reside in various places in the West, the Mormon Church has resorted to the excommunication of its members who practice polygamy (Cosgrove - Mather, 2004). The state of Utah was witness to a polygamy case that attracted considerable attention. This was the case of State of Utah v. Green, wherein the defendant had maintained conjugal relations with several women and had thereby fathered 28 children (the State of Utah v. Thomas Arthur Green, 2004). His conviction by the lower court was upheld in the Supreme Court of Utah.

Rap music's effect on American culture Research Paper

Rap music's effect on American culture - Research Paper Example Corporate brands such as Nike, Coca cola, Sprite, McDonalds, in addition to many more corporate giants have been able to capitalize on this phenomenon. Despite the fact that hip hop and rap culture critics seem to be fixated on messages like violence, harsh language, and sex, the genre has a plethora of positive tenets ascribed to it. This art form has substantial potential of mending ethnic relations (Dill 2009). Between 1950 and 1960, the ‘beat culture’ acted in challenge of the status quo in a manner that has greatly unified individuals (the youth in particular), across a diverse ethnic spectrum. Recent years have seen mounting controversy surround rap music, and at the heart of the American media. From the West Coast-East Coast hype that marked the murders of rappers Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur, to the castigation of modern music in light of Littleton Colorado’s school shootings, it appears that media and political groups have quickly blamed rap for an ap parent trend of youth violence. Rap music, in a similar fashion to other music forms, cannot be comprehended until it is studied minus the frame of its social and historical context. Today, rap music ascribed its origin to the hip hop culture of urban, working-class, young African-Americans, and its roots in the oral traditions of Africans. Its function is seen as the voice of an otherwise underrepresented group, and its popularity has grown along with appropriation and commercialization by the music industry. The paper herein discusses the rap music as a genre and its influence on America (Dill 2009). Rap’s commercial history can be traced back to 1979, the year during which ‘the Sugar Hill Gang’ released the considerably successful song known as ‘Rappers Delight’. Contemporary rap music’s beginning can be traced back to the mid-1970s in the Bronx. Rap music was a way for the urban black youth to express themselves rhythmically. Rap music together with

Marketing plan for Harrods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marketing plan for Harrods - Essay Example While PESTLE will evaluate the external environment surrounding the fashion retailer in United Kingdom, Porter’s analysis will provide a deeper understanding of the fashion industry in United Kingdom and ways in which industry factors affect strategies and functioning of Harrods. SWOT analysis helped in evaluating internal strengths and weaknesses and external threats and opportunities. The major marketing objective of Harrods was to improve brand awareness and establish itself in the foreign market. The brand implemented an integrated marketing campaign involving all promotional and marketing activities. The IMC campaign consisted of advertising and media, promotional strategies as well as use of latest media strategies for maximum penetration. The current global fashion industry is defined by intensive competition as well as frequent implementation of creative marketing strategies and tactics. This is a direct result of increasing competition and necessity for creating a sustainable marketing advantage. Fashion industry consists of different fashion seasons, each characterized by new style or design of clothes. Nevertheless, these hyped fashion periods are short lived among fashion enthusiasts. Owing to the huge demand of fashion brands, control of the top fashion retailers over the industry is way more compared to political bureaucrats (Aaker, 2009). However, recent changes have witnessed a fall in demand for luxury fashion products. The current report will evaluate current positioning of Harrods and ways for the company to implement strategies for future growth and development. Harrods is a globally recognised upmarket departmental store established in Chelsea and Kensington, London. The brand has also diversified itself to other sectors such as, Harrods Estates, Harrods Bank, Air Harrods and Harrods Aviation. The stores in London are the biggest departmental stores in entire Europe with space of 20000 meter squares or 5 acres. The selling space

Polo Activity in Wellington Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Polo Activity in Wellington - Assignment Example On the other hand, the National Horse Show brings in another $8.5 million which further highlights the importance of these three events not only in the tourism but also the real estate and other services industry in Wellington (Palm Beach County Club 1). The discussed origin of how Wellington becomes synonymous with polo shows that the economy has directly and indirectly invested in this revenue generating activities. Before the height of its popularity, initial investment has amounted more than just monetary but intensive and extensive marketing campaigns in order to promote these activities. Currently, these initial investments are being continued through the form of expenses in order to finance taking care of horses which are used for the race. Economic Research Associates estimates that Palm County Beach Equestrian residents are pouring in $121 million each year for the care of their 11,000 horses (Gasset and Gasset 5). With the vibrant outlook for the polo events in Wellington together with the expected increase in the GDP of the community, induced investments are also projected in the medium term. Among this is Mark Bellissimo's plan of the making the showground in Wellington part of a "multi-billion dollar 140 acre show facil ity with varied year round Equestrian events" (Gasset 3) adding that he wants to make this the "Center of The Equestrian Universe" (Gasset 3). The magnitude of how these investments in ensuring that these polo events will be as exciting, prestigious, and attractive to tourists and fans together with the revenue generated by the events can be measured by looking at these at an economic standpoint. It should be noted that the investments poured in as well as revenues generated are magnified when taken into account how these are used and passed on to the different economic players in the community. Economically speaking, the total amount of revenue and investment brought in Wellington by polo should be multiplied by Keynes' multiplier in order to really calculate how much wealth it created for the community (Brue and McConnel 225). In the case of Wellington, the huge number of fans which devote their time and money in watching the tournaments do not only shore in direct income but promoted the creation and development of vibrant service, real estate, and tourism industries which gives livelihood and revenue to Wellington. The role of investments in pump priming the economy can be illustrated by the plans of making the community an even more developed venue for polo events. For instance, when Mark Bellissimo finally puts into practice his plan of renovating the Wellington showground, we assume that this will be in an amount of $1 billion for simplicity. This amount of investment will be used to finance the sourcing of input, payment for labor, machinery, and other necessities. Thus, this $1 billion is passed on to these economic players in forms of payments, salaries, and wages. As a result, they will have a higher disposable income which they can spend for the purchase of goods and services. On the other hands, goods and other service providers will have higher revenue where they can use in order to produce more of their products. This process of wealth creation goes on and on. As an example, this paper will look at how investment creates

The Political and Economical Differences Between the Spanish and English Colonies Essay Example for Free

The Political and Economical Differences Between the Spanish and English Colonies Essay The Spanish and English colonies both moved to North America seeking opportunities. The difference is that the Spaniards sought gold, while the English colonists sought freedom, religiously or otherwise. Therefore, the Spanish settlements in the Southwest and the English colonies in New England had very different approaches to both politics and economic development. The Spaniards had ventured to the United States region of America from their previous Latin America area. They expected to find the same success they did in South and Central America. However, they encountered a few problems that affected their type of political development. The main problem was that there was hardly any gold. The Spaniards had relied heavily on this income and that was mainly their point of being in the Southwest. Since they were mainly after gold and converting Native Americans to Catholicism, they brought over few women and had little to no permanent settlements. They were there to do their jobs, get rich with gold, and go home. Because of this, they had few issues with their government being autocratic. This means that the royal crown had overall control of all the colonial decisions. The crown kept tight control of the Spanish settlements because like I stated above, they were there to do their job, and therefore this form of political control worked for the Spanish. However, the autocratic type of government did not work for the English settlements. Many colonists came to America for religious freedom, and a new chance for a better life. They also brought over families. This allowed them to create permanent settlements with schools and churches and eventually new generations. The English settlers came primarily with joint stock companies and not sent by the crown, unlike the Spanish. Therefore, the English colonies had established a form of self-government and later had the early beginnings of a democracy with assemblies and several elected officials like governors in some select states. The Spanish had little economic development in their settlements. This was mainly because of their hunt for gold. That’s what they were spending all their time on so they couldn’t create a thriving trade and businesses started. That coupled with few natural resources led to this slow economic development that is vital to survival of colonies. In contrast to the Spanish, the English colonies created a flourishing trade and consequently had great economic development. Because families had moved and towns were set up, the colonies could establish complex businesses and figure out how best to use their land. The colonies used their resources to create a good lumbering, fur trade, and fishing industries, which again furthered their economic development. Simply put, the English colonies had greater economic development and the Spanish had a very different approach to their politics and governing. All of these differences stemmed from who travelled to the colonies and why.

Attachment Theory Essay Example for Free

Attachment Theory Essay Hunting and Fishing has been a part of the past and present of America. It plays a vital role in the history. Even in the society today, hunting and fishing contributes a lot in the society. Centuries ago, hunting and fishing are means of survival for the ancient people. But as years pass development began, and the traditional ways of surviving has also developed. The number of hunting and fishing had also decreased. People using hunting and fishing for survival become lesser because of agricultural and industrial development. The purpose of hunting and fishing was also changed, as a survival means to sports. Hunting and fishing was said to be a significant activity in the history and to the society of today. But how does hunting and fishing began? And how it evolved from survival means to a popular sport? Hunting was a way of killing wild animals to obtain something, during the ancient times a person hunts to obtain food, clothing and shelter. It was a necessity during those times; hunting was the primary source of the basic needs of the people. A person hunts to be able to provide the family food, fur and leather for clothing, and hide for shelter. Those times having a good source of the group’s needs makes a strong foundation, it helps a tribe or a group survive. Through the centuries development had occurred and also changed the ways of people, one of these ways is hunting. Hunting gradually lost its purpose as the primary source of food due to agricultural development and manufacturing. But because of the challenge and excitement it offers, people enjoyed hunting and considered it as a past time which later become a sport. Egyptians, Greeks and Romans considered hunting as a sport. For the Greeks, hunting develops a healthy body and well-being. It is not only now that hunting has regulating law, during the 13th century Kublai Khan, a Mongol emperor restrained his subjects from hunting. As well as the Feudal Lords during the 5th-15th century, they restricted the noble people from hunting (it was a popular past time for the nobles). But during the 14th century, the traditional method of hunting was changed when the gunpowder was invented. Instead of using trap, snare, bow and arrow, hunters began to use rifles and shotguns. Rifles and shotguns was easier to use, and has longer range. Though modern methods of hunting was introduced, some hunters still prefer the original weapons used in hunting for the reason that it was more challenging than the modern method. Hunting then became a very popular sport, too popular that it became widely known. But as its popularity arises, the hunted animals became fewer. In 19th century, some of the hunted animals became endangered species. The government to cope with the decreasing number of wildlife regulated the game of hunting. In some state hunting was not allowed anymore, but in some state limitations are set. People are allowed to hunt but during the hunting season only, and there is only a limited amount of animal that can be killed per hunter. Due to the restrictions imposed the number of â€Å"game animals† and endangered species were increased. But this also became a problem; the wild animals became over populated and have to allow hunting again to regulate the amount of the animals. Since then hunting became legal and became a very popular sport. Hunting was considered a recreational activity and increased the tourism of the country. Fishing on the other is the same as hunting; it was known as a source of food. Ancient people use pieces of bones as hooks and the vines as line. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans are the civilization that already uses fishing during those times. An Egyptian writer even wrote some tips on how to fish. In the 2nd and 3rd century a Macedonian wrote about the use of artificial flies to lure fish. In the 15th century â€Å"sport fishing† was introduced. It was not only become popular in America but also in Europe. When it was introduced as a â€Å"sport fishing†, there was already a written book about how to use a fishing rod, how to tie knots in fishing lines and using artificial lures and flies. Many people become very interested in fishing, and these written books made fishing more popular. The â€Å"sport fishing† was not a popular sport only for men but also for women. The participation of women in the â€Å"sport fishing† increased the people’s interest in it. Some organizations are even built to protect the fish habitats. Just like hunting, fishing also undergone the same evolution the hunting had gone to. Through Fishing the tourism and business of the country was increased. Both hunting and fishing was already a necessity in ancient times, people gained many benefits through these methods. It even becomes a tool for survival. Until now, even though hunting and fishing were already considered as a sport or recreational activity the society still gains many benefits from it. Hunting and fishing helps the government in protecting and conserving the wildlife habitat of the country. Because of the popularity of these two sports, the government managed to gain funds to maintain the wildlife reserve. Through the system imposed, taxes are imposed on the manufacturer of weapons used on these methods and on the fuels. There also hunting and fishing fees, these system helps in regulating the wildlife habitat of the country. It even attracted hunters and fishers to create a private group to protect the fishing and wildlife habitat. Because of the protection and conservation, the country managed to maintain an abundant wildlife habitat and increased the tourism of the country. Whether in past or present, hunting and fishing had really played a vital role in the society. In continues to help the country, first for survival and then became for tourism. Hunting and fishing became a part of the culture of the America. These two sports not only provide pleasure and enjoyment, but also protection to the wildlife habitat. Maintaining these two sports was really a great help, not only for the sake of an individual but for the whole society. Sources: The Legally Structured Role of Hunting and Fishing in the US and Abroad. Available at: www. huntingreport. com. Hunting. Available at: www. encarta. msn. com. â€Å"History of Fishing†. Available at: www. activeangler. com.

Facial Prosthetic Adhesives Effect On Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers Biology Essay

Facial Prosthetic Adhesives Effect On Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers Biology Essay Maxillofacial prosthetic discipline plays an important part on patient treatment that has suffered facial disfigurement caused by accidental trauma, tumour, cancer, diseases and congenital malformation (Sanchez-Garcia et all 2010). The sucess of maxillofacial silicone elastomer depends on factors such as stability, support and retention (Dahl and Polyzois, 2000; Sanchez-Garcia et al., 2010). The retention and its methodology is of primary importance and is based upon four categories (Dahl and Polyzois, 2000) : skin adhesives, mechanical ( Magnets, spetcles ) (Lemon et al., 1995 ; Goiato et all, 2009), anatomical ( undercuts) and implants (Dahl and Polyzois, .2000). Adhesive retention is communly used in U.K which was identified by Hatamlesh et al (2010) by use of questionnaires. Of the 220 working maxillofacial prosthetic technologists surveyed, has been found that in 1193 prosthetic contructed, adhesives communly retained 48% of orbital prosthetics and 45% of nasal prosthetics (Hatamlesh et al 2010). However its use was influenced by adhesive chemical constituition and the patient skin condition (Sanchez- Garcia,. et al, 2010). Nevertheless, by refering to patient satisfaction and quality of life (Goiato et al, 2009), adhesive retention of facial prosthetic has a negative impact, due to difficulties of removable which results in skin irritation (Dahl and Polyzois , 2000) or damage to the prosthetics, compared to implant retained prostesis (Goiato et al, 2009), which is costlly (Cheng el al ,2002), however, despite of costs, 70% auricular implant are commonly made ( Hatamlesh et al ,2010) to retain the prosthetics. 1.1 Definition of adhesive-adhesion An adhesive is an essence that holds materials together trough surface attachments (Holland and Turner, 1983). During surface interaction between an adhesive and subtracts is termed adhesion. When the two subtracts comes in contact by a third substance on its interface is termed adhesive joint (Hulland and Turner, 1983) (Figure 1.0) or bond, which is depend upon the wetting and the spread of the adhesives (Thomas, 2003). According to Wu (1982 cited in Nenakhov, 2008 p 20) adhesion is where two different materials comes in close contact interfacially, so that a load could be transferred between adherent and substrate to the adhesive joint. Flexible adherent Subtract Fig1.0 The adhesive Joint However, many issues are responsible for adhesion which is described by the skin factors and many underlying general theories. Facial prosthetics retention factors Skin is the largest organ of the human body and has many heterogeneous and anisotropic tissue layers. The three main tissue layers are: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis or adipose fat tissue. This tissues work in support to each other and differ in thickness by function of age and the area where is found (Pailler-Mattei et al, 2008; Pailler-Mattei, and Zahouani, 2006; Wood and Bladon,1985). The epidermis is found at the outer layer of the skin and subsequently subdivided by differentiated five sub layers, called stratified squamous epithelium (fig 1.1) which varies in thickness by 30 ums and 4 mm (Wood and Bladon, 1985). It contains blood vessels, diverse types of cells and keratin protein (Wood and Bladon, 1985). The outer sub layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) contains dead cells which is water resistant. The dermis is found beneath the epidermis and it is further divided into two parts (Wood and Bladon, 1985): Papillary region The outer area that contacts the epidermis, and is composed by loose areolar connective tissues; Reticular region- The deep area that contacts the hypodermis, and is composed by irregular connective tissues trough it, weaves collagen and elastic fibers. The dermis functions to reduce the pressure and tension of the body under exterior excitation (Pailler-Mattei, and Zahouani, 2006). The hypodermis is found below the dermis and is consisted by loose connective tissue and elastin fibers. Its main function is to attach the upper layers to muscles and bones and to supply blood vessels and nerves (Wood and Bladon, 1985). Generally different components can be found in the surface of the skin: fingernails, toenails, hair follicle, sweet glands and sebaceous glands. Skin is consisted by: water, protein, lipids, and different minerals and chemicals. It has a variety of functions, (Wood and Bladon, 1985) such as: It protects from bacterial invasion by keeping our insides (muscles bones ligament and internal organs) intact ; Evaporation control provides a semi permeability barrier to fluid loss; Storage for lipids and water ; Absorption- Oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide can diffuse into the epidermis in small amounts; Isolation by regulating the temperature and sensation. Fig 1.1 schematic illustration of skin (Ivyrose ,2003) Hair Pore Epidermis Stratified squamous epithelium Stratum corneum Stratum lucidium Stratum granulosum Stratum spinosum Stratum basal Stratum corneum Stratum lucidium Stratum granulosum Stratum spinosum Stratum basal Stratum corneum Stratum lucidium Stratum granulosum Stratum spinosum Stratum basal Dermis Hair follicle Sebaceous gland Blood capillaries Sweat glands Nerve endings Sensory receptors Hypodermis Artery and vein Capillaries Adipose tissue Therefore for adhesion process to proceed, it is important to have an account of skin factors such as, hair follicles, (Kiat- Annuay et al 2008) perspiration, skin lipids and the sebum, which are the main culprits for the difficulties that the adhesive may encounter when in contact with the epidermis of the skin (Wood and Bladon, 1985). Also these factors may vary between the different ethical groups (Kiat- Annuay et al 2008). However, In order to understand the adhesive behavior on health applications, human skin is modeled as viscoelastic material (Pailler-Mattei, and Zahouani, 2006; Renvoisea et al, 2009). Still for accepting it as an elastic, mechanical tests has been performed, and the results showed that its young modulus varies between, 0.42Mpa -0.85 Mpa for torsion, 4.6 Mpa 20 Mpa for tensile, 0.05 Mpa -0.015Mpa for suction and between 0.0045 Mpa -0.008Mpa for indentation (Pailler Mattei, and Zahouani, 2006). Therefore it can be thought that the skin is highly deformable up to a limit. Skin deformation should be minimized when testing adhesives. Theories of adhesion The theories of adhesion have been classified into three categories ( Hulland and Turner, 1983): Mechanical bonding The theory is based on the factor that all the surfaces to be bonded are rough at microscopic level.  Ã‚  The low viscosity adhesive will flow and penetrates into the cracks, crevices or pores of the rough subtract surfaces. As the adhesives hardens it keys into those surfaces and a strong bond results. However, the bond joint strength between the adherent and substrate is limited, both by the adhesive strength and the roughness of the surface (Hulland and Turner, 1983). Chemical bonding the theory is based on the formation of primary chemical bonds between the adhesive and the surface of the substance which invokes the formation of covalent, ionic and hydrogen bonds also secondary bonds may influence by van der walls forces in the interface (Hulland and Turner, 1983) Physical bonding Adhesive bond formation may be attributed trough the energy on the interface between adhesive and the substance which in turn is determined by physical process during contact : Electrostatic -is based on difference in electro negativity between the two subtracts when in contact. Adhesive strength is given by: the transfer of electrons across the interface resulting in a negative and a positive charge, creating double layers thus attracting one another (Hulland and Turner, 1983). Diffusion -is based on adhesion that is formed trough diffusion of molecules in the adhesive and adherent. However the theory is only applicable when both the adhesive and adherent are soluble and having similar long-chain molecules that are capable of kinetics (Hulland and Turner, 1983). Absorption is based on adhesion which results from molecular contact between an adhesive and the adherent known as wetting. The wetting is considered in terms of free surface energy and is determined by measuring the surface contact angles (fig1.2). Thus, high surface energy a near Zero angle of contact may occur, so the liquid wets efficiently over the subtract surface. However, at low surface energy a higher contact angle may be produced which results in inefficiently surface coverage by the liquid (Hulland and Turner, 1983). Fig 1.2 The effects of surface energy of a subtract on contact angles of a liquid droplet (Hulland and Turner, 1983, p 403). High surface energy so lower liquid contact angle indicated by the arrow Low surface energy so higher liquid contact angle indicated by the arrow (Hulland and Turner, 1983 , p 403). Surface wet ability of a prosthetic material The prosthetic material that contacts the skin must have a good wettability (high surface energy- hydrophilic) for efficient adhesion, however according to Water et all (1999) when comparing silicone elastomers used in maxillofacial with that of an acrylic denture base resin, statistically found that the silicone elastomers has a lower surface energy, thus resulting on surface that is poor wetted (low surface energy- hydrophobic). Nevertheless, no significance statistically difference has found between the silicones elastomers, but only demonstrating a quantitative difference contact angle mean raging between 79.31 to 83.18 degrees and the surface energy raging between 25.11 and 28.45. In addition to that, the researchers concluded, the low wettability found may cause friction and micro trauma to the supporting tissues, as the wettability did not achieve the lubrification needed (Water et all,1999). However, the surface of the silicone elastomer may be modified to improve wetting wit hout affecting the material bulk and mechanical properties as Aziz et all (2003) demonstrated. The experimenters concluded, that if the silicone elastomer was treated with argon plasma and followed by chemosoption of ethyneopoxy functional silanes it proved an effective way to improve wetability demonstrated by the reduction of contact angle (Aziz et all, 2003). Requirements of medical adhesives Adhesives that are used in the facial prosthesis are pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) which needs a slight pressure to adhere at room temperature and it possess two essential requirements which are: That they should stick firmly to a difficult subtract (skin) (Chivers, 2001; Webster 1998), which varies in dryness and wetness. That they should be easily removed from subtract without causing any damage by stripping the skin, or leaving adhesive residue (Chivers, 2001; Webster, 1998) during de-bonding process. With this two requirements in mind, PSA is proposed to show an adhesive failure when the skin is a subtract, however to verify this requirements a peel test at different angles, usually at 900 or 1800 degrees, is employed which is one of the standards used to evaluate the strength of adhesive bonds, therefore the higher the test value (energy per unit area), the stronger the bond. Assessing Pressure sensitive adhesives 1.6.1Pressure sensitive adhesive factors During assessing the mechanical properties according to Chivers (2001) the requirements in 1.5 are constantly in conflict, so to resolve it, he approaches trough using chemical means and physical procedures during peeling of PSA that is used for dressing of wounds. The chemical means consist of an adhesive that contains a mix of a hydrophilic base polymer (alkyl vinyl ether) with a water soluble tackifying agent (ethoxylated alkyl phenol part of polyethelne glycol) in 1:1 or 1:2 ratios which gives on a dry state its tackiness (Chivers, 2001). However by wetting with water the peel strength has seen to be reduced by 90%. Also he explains if an additive of a crystallisable polymer side chain is incorporated into the making of a PSA adhesive the effect of strength may be reduced by increasing the temperature so melting the additive above its use temperature. Though, Mcguiggan and et all (2008) demonstrated that the peel strength of the PSA decreases with increasing temperature consecutively the peeling rate is decreased at peeling angles of 900 and 1800 degrees. Also PSA may be activated by visible light or to a low ultraviolet light on a switch of mechanism to lower peeling strength, so that it does not traumatize the skin (Webster, 1999). By act ivating by this mechanism cross-linking process occurs with the free radical exposure of the side groups, thus the adhesive polymer will produce a bond of the prosthetic material to the skin (Chivers, 2001). The physical procedures that Chivers (2001) mentioned showed that, if the angle of peel of polyester backed PSA on a stainless steel subtract is increased up to 1350 degrees, the peeling force will automatically decrease. 1.6.2 Comparison of adhesives bonds on different subtracts A number of studies were published to compare adhesives bond strength on facial prosthetics elastomer to the skin (Wolfaardt et all, 2005; Kiat-Annuay et all 2004; Polyzois, et all 1993 ) , and one of the studies was to compare four types of adhesives (Dow Corning 355 medical adhesive, PSA 1, Daro and 9874 3 M) with five room temperature vulcanized silicone facial elastomers (Silskin II, MDX4- 4210, Cosmesil, Cosmesil HC2 and RS 330 T-room temperature Vulcanized (Polyzois, et all 1993). Polyzois , et all (1993) prepared the elastomers strips specimens of 50x 50 x 3 mm dimension on stone moulds. These specimens were tested on the inner aspect of the right forearms of one subject. And before each test, the attachments sites were cleaned with ethyl alcohol. A total of 160 peelings were carried out on the universal testing peeling machine that was previously calibrated to a 4 N load and the rate of 1mm/ minute of peeling. With this experiment the researchers concluded, that the tensile b ond strength is depended upon both the elastomers and the skin adhesives and the results showed that the Down corning 355 adhesive had the highest bond and the 9874 3M the lowest (Polyzois, et all 1993). The MDX 4 4210 silicone elastomer had the strongest bond and the RS 330T-RTV had the weakest in all adhesives (Polyzois, et all 1993). The material used for adhesives are based on silicones and resin formulation. Benedek (2000) explained that the resin adhesives exhibited from low to higher adhesion to skin and silicones from low to moderate skin adhesion. However, the adhesives used may have caused damage to the skin but according to Kiat -Annuay, et all (2000) if a skin protective dressing is used then trauma will be reduced. Nevertheless, the researchers experimented the protective dressing and a remover manufactured by Smith and Nephew on two adhesives, (Daro epithane 3 (E-3) water based and factor II secure medical adhesive (SMA) silicone based with the backing of MDX 4 4210 silicone elastomer. They applied to 20 subjects on the volar surface of the arms, and at 900 degrees of peeling observed the adhesives on its own, without the dressing and found that SMA was 4 times more retentive (adhesion mean = 96.3 Nm) than E-3 (adhesion mean = 24.1 Nm), however with the prep, E-3 increased by 27% in contrast SMA increased only 15%. Also it was observed a residual adhesive on prosthetics (skin interface) and the skin (prosthetic interface) (Kiat -Annuay, et all 2000). However the remover did not affected the bonding but helped only cleanin g the skin. Though, Kiat Annuay, et all (2001) indicated if a second application of adhesive was applied over the existing paste within a time period between 0 and 4 hours to secure the prosthetic, then at 4 hours interval the peeling bonds strength increased for SMA. Although it was observed the bond strength of silicone elastomer to the skin was decreased over an 8 hours interval. Anyways, when investigating a single and multi adhesive layering at 900 degrees of peeling, on 30 subjects has found the combination of SMA/ E3 had significant higher adhesion to the skin followed by SMA alone, E3/SMA and E3 alone (Kiat Annuay el all 2004). The investigators agreed that if a sandwich of adhesives was used then the margins of the prosthetic will not be visible (Kiat Annuay et all 2004) therefore improving esthetics (Karayazgan B et all 2003). However when peeling the device out, the margins may tear, so by incorporating of tulle it would improve its strength (Karayazgan B et all 2003). According Kiat-Annuay, et all (2008), when evaluating the strength of SMA and E-3 adhesive on silicone MDX 4 4210 with urethane liner and the chlorinated polyethylene elastomer, backed with skin prep, found that there were no significant interaction differences between silicones, however they observed that the adhesive failure occurred at the interface. Nevertheless of the 26 subjects tested it was found significant statistically difference in bond strength for gender, amount of hair in volar surface of testing subjects and ethnicity. However, age of the volunteers did not affect the bond strength of the adhesives. Volunteers with no Hair had a higher bond strength compared with subjects with arm hair. In addition, the mean adhesive bond strength of strips applied to the African -american subjects (n=8) was statistically greater than of the Hispanic, white and Asian volunteers (Kiat- Annuay et all 2008). Thought by reviewing the literatures, peeling experiments still is carried out on Humans volunteers which conflicts with the ethical issues, and on stainless steel which gives false adhesion values, as it does not relate to skin. So for this reason Nussinovitch, A. et all., (2008) and Renvoise, et all (2009) produced artificial skins to test adhesion of adhesives, anyways adhesives should be chemical clear before testing on humans. 1.6.2.1 The rational of Biocompatibility Therefore biocompatibility is of prime importance (Dahl and Polyzois, 2000). For the clinical clearance of adhesives, patch tests have been developed to scrutinize, the constituents of the adhesives such as solvents and takifying agents, which may irritate the skin (Dahl and Polyzois, 2000). According Dhal and Polyzois (2000) they suggested a new in-vitro test by use of hens egg test chororioallatoic membrane method. The researchers concluded that the organic solvent ethyl acetate contained into the adhesive gives severe irritation reaction. For this reason, a new PSA adhesive was formulated by Sanchez -Garcia, et all (2010), and it was based on acrylic monomers. They found that the formulation B3, synthesized by water based emulsion, presents a good alternative for patients that have suffered severe facial damage. 1.6.3 Adhesive failure Most of adhesive boding joint failures can be placed into 4 groups (Messler, 2004) they are: Substrate Failure:  Substrate fails before the adhesive and this depends on the adhesive strength Cohesive Failure:  Adhesive fails down in the middle, adhesive remains on both substrates. Interfacial Failure:  Adhesive fails from one of substrate.   Mixed failure : characterized by interfacial and cohesive failure Fig 1.3 Subtract failure Fig 1.4 Cohesive failure Fig 1.5 interfacial failure Fig 1.6 Mixed failures Figures 1.3 ,1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 (Messler, 2004) 1.7 Research objectives The objective of this study was to measure the force needed to remove strips of room vulcanized silicone elastomer from a rigid material such as stainless steel, treated with acetone. Four different skin adhesives were measured on a universal testing machine (Hounsfield H50KS Universal Testing Machine) at 1800 peel (Figure 1.7) according to ISO 8510-2-2010 standard. Figure 1.7 Schematic diagram 1800 peeling (ISO 8510-2-2010) Material and Methods Twenty silicone abacus strips 250 x 25.0 x 2mm were processed from a mix of 50% stone/gypsum moulds. The surfaces of the moulds were treated with an alginate separator before pouring a mix of 100 grams of silicone abacus and 10 grams of the activator, as of manufactures instructions. See table 2.1, for the materials used in this study. The elastomers strips were allowed to cure at a room temperature for 24 hours before testing. For the rigid material five stainless steel sheets 250 x 25.0 x 1.6mm were cut. The surface attachment of the stainless steel was cleaned with the acetone and allowing to dry before each test. The Hounsfield H50KS Universal Testing Machine was calibrated with a load cell of 8N at a crosshead speed of 100mm/min (Fig 2.2). Four types of adhesives were studied. The spray (Down corning B, Hollister 7730) and the liquid adhesives (Pros- aide and PSA 1b) were applied to 120 mm area in length, in a thin layer of each of the twenty silicone elastomers, and allowed to dry according to each specific adhesive manufacturing instruction (Down corning B- 1 minute; Hollister 7730- 5 minutes; pros aide -3 minutes; principality- 3minutes). The elastomer specimen was attached to the stainless steel and a thumb pressure to the silicone was applied for 30 seconds. The unattached silicone elastomer was placed into the grip of the universal testing machine and the peeling at 1800 was carried out. A total of twenty (five of each adhesive type) peeling was made. The point of adhesive failure (cohesive, mixed or interfacial failures) was noted. The average maximum, minimum, normal average force and the energy of peeling were recorded as a function to the distance peeled. SPSS Statistical package software version 17.01 was performed to analyze the data through a combination of a paired T test of adhesives and the maximum force of peeling data was used to conduct it. Table 2.1 some of the material used in this study and its drying time Type Material Drying time Manufacturer Silicone facial elastomeric + activator Abacus 24 hours room temperature Abacus Silicon Technology Pte Ltd Skin adhesives Dow Corning medical adhesive B 1 minutes Down corning corporation, midland, USA Hollister 7730 medical adhesive 3 minutes Hollister limited, aurora Ontario Pros -aide Adhesive 3 minutes Pros-Aide ®, a division of ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc. Northvale, New Jersey 07647 USA PSA 1b Adhesive 3 minutes Principality Fx Newport U.k Results The maximum, minimum, mean, standard error and standard deviation of the maximum bond strength in Newton per millimeter (N/mm), measured by four adhesives (Dow Corning, Hollister, Pro aide and PSA1b) backed with silicone elastomer strips, at 1800 degrees peel on a stainless steel subtract, is shown on table 3.1. Five peelings (N=5) of each adhesive was performed and a total 20 pulling was made. The mean value varied from 4.12 N/mm to 10 N/mm and the standard deviation ranged from 1.62 N/mm to 4.40 N/mm. The bar chart /error bar on figure 3.2 shows graphically, that PSA 1 b had highest maximum bond strength comparatively to Dow Corning, Hollister and Pro aide adhesives, thus Dow Corning and Hollister adhesives had lower bond strength of peeling and the pro aide an intermediate. Acetone use to remove the adhesive did not influence the bonding, however De- bonding of adhesives was at stainless steel level as the residues was left on the prosthetic strips, however one specimen of Down co rning adhesive had de-bonded on the prostheses strips so the majority of residues was left on the metal substructure (table 3.2 ) (Fig 3.1) Fig 3.1 Dow Corning adhesive had mixed failure cohesive and interfacial (residue left on prosthesis and on the metal) Fig 3.2 Maximum adhesive bond strength mean and the standard error of the means Dow Cor Maximum adhesive bond strength to the stainless steel Table 3.1 The maximum bond descriptive statistics Descriptive Statistics N Minimum ( N/mm) Maximum ( N/mm) Mean ( N/mm) Std. Deviation ( N/mm) Statistic Statistic Statistic Statistic Std. Error Statistic P/M Dow Corning B 5 2.50 6.62 4.12 .72567 1.62 4/1 Hollister 7730 5 2.48 5.72 3.91 .53729 1.20 5/0 Pros Aide 5 3.10 8.45 5.22 .96437 2.16 5/0 PSA 1B 5 5.11 14.95 10.00 1.96904 4.40 5/0 Valid N (leastwise) 5 Key: P/M residue left on the prosthetic P or in the stainless steel M A paired t test from SPSS Statistical analytical software tool, table 3.2 revealed that there was a statistical difference between the pairs : Dow Corning and PSA 1b; Hollister and PSA 1b as the Sig(2tailed) value = pà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤0.05 at 95 % of chance. Adding on, no statistical difference was found between: Dow Corning and Hollister; Dow Corning and Pro aide; Hollister and Pro Aide; Pro aide and PSA 1b as the sig (2 tailed) value = P >0.05 at 95 % chance. Table 3.2 SPSS statistical analysis of Paired t test between adhesives groups Paired Samples Test Paired Differences t df Sig. (2-tailed) Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error Mean 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference Lower Upper A B .21040 2.29084 1.02450 -2.63406 3.05486 .205 4 .847 A C -1.10380 1.97320 .88244 -3.55386 1.34626 -1.251 4 .279 A -D -5.87980 4.73267 2.11651 -11.75619 -.00341 -2.778 4 .050 B C -1.31420 3.11820 1.39450 -5.18595 2.55755 -.942 4 .399 B D -6.09020 4.10128 1.83415 -11.18261 -.99779 -3.320 4 .029 C D -4.77600 5.84121 2.61227 -12.02881 2.47681 -1.828 4 .142 Key : A Dow Corning B B Hollister 7730 C Pros Aide D- PSA 1b Discussion The approach of retention methodologies of facial prosthesis from pressure sensitive adhesives are important, so its development and research, to make a more compatible, toxic free and less irritable to employ it on skin contacts. Testing machines has been used to experiment adhesives for its tackiness such peel tests at certain degrees but its use remains controversy as it tests on volar surfaces of the arms or other type of substrates such stainless steel which gives misleading information. However, according Wolfaardt et all (1992) used a custom made machine to perform in vivo testing of tree facial prosthetic adhesives (PSA1, Pro- Aide, Dow Corning 355) on Cosmesil silicone elastomer. He tested the adhesives on one of the cheeks region of two subjects and obtained the data by repeating the experiment. A load of 900gm was applied for 20 seconds. Stretching, twisting and its combination tests were carried out. The data was analyzed trough the student Newman keuls statistical method and found that Down corning 355 had the strongest bond during stretching and twisting, however PSA 1 during stretching was the weakest nevertheless PSA1 and Pro Aide adhesive was found no statistical difference during twisting test methodology. Adding on, Polyzois and et all (1993) also found that Down corning 355 had a stronger bond strength during peeling at the volar surface of the arm during tension by use of ANOVA and Duncan statistical test methodology. Its results however varied between the types of silicone elastomer used. Nevertheless, Wolfaardt et all (1992) and Polyzois and et all (1993) experiments showed that Down Corning adhesives had higher bond strength but the methodology used was different from the present study, so a detailed comparison would be invalid or difficult. Adding to, the two researchers did not disclosed what angles that the peeling was performed and also the experiments was conducted in vivo. Despite of these facts, according to Benedek (2000), resin adhesives such as the PSA1 b and the Pro Aide water based formulation would exhibit a lower to higher adhesion and silicone from lower to moderate skin adhesion and this are all depended upon to its curing time and the number of applications. Indeed, according to Sanchez Garcia, et all (2010) water based acrylic adhesives is the most effective for the patients with severe facial damage, thus this adhesive can stand a variety of loads consequently suitable for its use in maxillofacial prosthesis. The research results in figure 3.2 and table 3.1 from peeling at 1800 degrees on a stainless steel subtract indicated that the PSA1 B had a maximum retention (mean =10.00 N.mm), approximately 2.5 times more retentive than Down Corning (mean 4.12 N.mm) and Hollister (Mean 3.91 N.mm). Pro aid showed approximately 2 x lower retention (mean=5.22N.mm) than the PSA1B. Pro Aide had an intermediate retention between the adhesive tested. Nevertheless to illustrate the most retentive adhesive a Paired T test ( table 3.2 ) indicated that the statistically paired combination of adhesives : Down corning (A) and Hollister (B) t(4)= 0.205, p=0.847Down Corning (A) Pro aide (C) t(4)=1.251, p=0.279; Hollister (B) Pro Aide (C) t(4)=0.942, p=0.399 ;Pro Aide (C) PSA 1B (D) t(4)=1.828, p= 0.142 has found no significant difference as p values were > than 0.05 at 95% chance difference. However, statistically paired combination of adhesives: Down corning (A) PSA 1 B (D) t (4)=2.778, p=0.050; Hollister (B) PSA 1 B (D) t(4)=3.320, p=0.029 has revealed statistically significant as P values is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ than 0.05 at 95 % of chance difference. Also the use of acetone did not influence in the bonding. Furthermore, only one specimen Silicone/Dow Corning had a mixed failure (cohesive and interfacial) as some residue left on metal and the prosthetics. The rest of adhesives failed at metal interface (residue left on prosthesis). Thought the results was expected PSA 1 B and Pro Aide are based in water and resin emulsion therefore it gave a higher adhesion to the skin compared to Dow Corning and Hollister which are based in silicones (Benedek, 2000). However the higher peeling was depended upon the curing time (monomer cross linking)

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul :: essays research papers

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul is the first of seven editions of the Chicken Soupseries. It is loved and admired by everyone that reads it. It has become a popular book all over the world. The author, are various people-was a struggling single mother when she started the Harry Potter series. She spent time in a cafà © in England to write the books. She did a fabulous job, she has been the recipient several awards for the series, and the first book will be transformed into a movie, which should be released in November of 2001. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Harry Potter, and I plan on reading the rest of them. From what I have read in just the first book I am sure that I will enjoy all the rest. The author has a very creative way of writing that is easy enough to understand, but also involved so that the reader isn’t bored stiff. This is partially why I feel that it has had such great success. Another big reason for its success is because it can be read and enjoyed by all ages. If you are young, you can relate to the first years; if you are older you can think back and it brings out the child in you. This magnificent story is about an eleven year old boy who has been deprived of practically everything all his life. Harry Potter lived in a cupboard under the stairs with his â€Å"muggle† relatives. Muggle refers to humans who lack any sort of mystical power. His Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia treated him very poorly because they refused to accept him for whom he is: a very famous child with great potential as a wizard amongst the magical world. As he grew up he never got anything of his own, even on special occasions. He received his spoiled cousin Dudley’s old clothes, which were all too big for Harry. At school Harry was bullied around, at home he never got a full dinner, and his birthdays were often forgotten. Needless to say, he lived a very depressing life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fortunately things changed. Harry received an envelope in the mail, but Uncle Vernon did not allow him to read it. Another letter came; once again Harry was not allowed to read it. More and more letters came, it was apparent to Harry that someone was trying to contact him and would not stop until he got the message.

Functions of Management Essay example -- essays research papers

Functions of Management What are the four functions of management and how do they relate to my organization? The Management Process... as refereed to by our text describes four basic functions – Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling. While each of these functions on their own play an important role in management applied correctly they can be key to the success or failure of your organization. The first of these functions is that of planning. Planning is more than merely setting goals and deciding on a course of action. The text explains planning as â€Å"developing rules and procedures, developing plans (both for the organization and for those who work in it), and forecasting (predicting or projecting what the future holds for the firm)†. The process of this first function is performed on many levels of the organization. In our organization the process of planning generally starts with the Senior Leadership Team and then works its way thru the organization. During this annual process goals are determined, plans are developed and budgets forecasted. As the process cascades thru the organization each functional area is identified. Tasks are aligned with goals, and goals are aligned with tasks. Projects are aligned with plans and plans aligned with budgets. The second of these functions is organizing. The text explains organizing as â€Å"identifying jobs to be done, hiring people to do them, establishing departments, delegating or pushing authority down to subordinates, establ...

Explain the psychological basis for well-being Essay

The literal meaning of Psychology from its Greek Etymology is â€Å"study of the soul†. A more contemporary definition from Chambers Dictionary is â€Å"science of the mind† or â€Å"the study of mind and behavior†. A fuller description is offered by the NHS â€Å"Psychology is a science based profession and is the study of people; how they think, how they act, react and interact. It is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivation underlying them†. The idea that there is a connection between the mind and well being can be traced back to Greek philosophers in the 4th Century BC. The Physician Hippocrates theorized that mental disorders were of a physical (rather than divine) nature. Aristotle investigated psychological phenomena in De Anima and a loosely related collection of short works called the Parva Naturalia It seems that early Greek Philosophers appreciated that a specialist study of the soul/mind could help the physician and natural scientist to better understand human physical existence. Psychology largely remained as a subset of Philosophy from it’s Greek origins through to the late 16th Century when the latin word ‘psychologia’ emerged in Germany in relation to a separate science of investigation and understanding of the mind.In 1694 the French Philosopher Rene Descartes published â€Å"The Passion of the Soul†. It introduced the idea of dualism, which asserted that the mind and body were two separate entities that interact to form the human experience. This publication directly influenced scientists such as the physician Steven Blankaart (1650 – 1704) to develop Empiricism within his scientific research and who is also credited as being the first author to use the English word Psychology. Psychology developed rapidly during the 20th Century and established many new disciplines such as Psycho Analysis, Behaviorism, Personal, Developmental, Humanist and Cognitive. The work of Sigmund Freud and his controversial model of Psychoanalysis exerted significant influence on the development of 20th Century Psychology, and in particular the Development and Personality Theorists. The Psychological theories that this essay will examine in detail arise from 2 different disciplines: Humanist Psychology – Abraham Maslow ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ Unit M2c 1.3 Developmental Psychology – Erik Erikson â€Å"Psychosocial Development† A brief review of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross 5 Stages of Grief is also included. This essay accepts the definition of wellbeing contained within health and social care standards:- â€Å"a subjective stage of being content and healthy†. Psychologists generally agree that wellbeing is multi-faceted and made up of a number of components including Social, Emotional, Cultural, Spiritual, Psychological, Physical, and Environmental. The value of the selected Psychological theories is that they bring a conceptual framework for understanding human development and personal growth from both Social and needsbased perspective. They provide, by implication, some ideas to hypothesize about a service users behavior in particular situations. This idea will be explored further at a later point in this essay. It’s important, however, to appreciate the limit to ones skill and not use a modest knowledge about Psychological Theory to ‘diagnose‘ a service user. Children’s Services has access to specialists such as Child Psychologists and sometimes a ref erral will be the most appropriate and safest decision to take. According to humanist psychologist Abraham Maslow, our actions and behaviours are motivated in order achieve certain needs. Maslow first introduced his concept of a hierarchy of needs in his 1943 paper â€Å"A Theory of Human Motivation† and his subsequent book Motivation and Personality. This hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other, more advanced needs. This hierarchy is most often displayed as a pyramid. The lowest levels of the pyramid are made up of the most basic needs, while the more complex needs are located at the top of the pyramid. Needs at the bottom of the pyramid are basic physical requirements including the need for food, water, sleep, and warmth. Once these lower-level needs have been met, people can move on to the next level of needs, which are for safety and security As people progress up the pyramid, needs become increasingly psychological and social. Soon, the need for love, friendship, and intimacy become important. Further up the pyramid, the need for personal esteem and feelings of accomplishment take priority. Maslow emphasized the importance of self-actualization, which is a process of growing and developing as a person in order to achieve individual potential. Types of Needs Maslow believed that these needs are similar to instincts and play a major role in motivating behavior. Physiological, security, social, and esteem needs are deficiency needs (also known as D-needs), meaning that these needs arise due to deprivation. Satisfying these lower-level needs is important in order to avoid unpleasant feelings or consequences. Maslow termed the highest-level of the pyramid as growth needs (also known as being needs or B-needs). Growth needs do not stem from a lack of something, but rather from a desire to grow as a person. Physiological Needs These include the most basic needs that are vital to survival, such as the need for water, air, food, and sleep. Maslow believed that these needs are the most basic and instinctive needs in the hierarchy because all needs become secondary until these physiological needs are met. Security Needs These include needs for safety and security. Security needs are important for survival, but they are not as demanding as the physiological needs. Examples of security needs include a desire for steady employment, health care, safe neighborhoods, and shelter from the environment. Social Needs These include needs for belonging, love, and affection. Maslow described these  needs as less basic than physiological and security needs. Relationships such as friendships, romantic attachments, and families help fulfill this need for companionship and acceptance, as does involvement in social, community, or religious groups. Esteem Needs After the first three needs have been satisfied, esteem needs becomes increasingly important. These include the need for things that reflect on self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition, and accomplishment. Self-actualizing Needs This is the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Self-actualizing people are self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with the opinions of others, and interested fulfilling their potential. Maslow subsequently revised his model to include stages of Cognitive and Aesthetic need that precede Self Actualization; and Transcendence that follows Self Actualization. While the theory is generally portrayed as a fairly rigid hierarchy, Maslow noted that the order in which these needs are fulfilled does not always follow this standard progression. For example, he notes that for some individuals, the need for self-esteem is more important than the need for love. For others, the need for creative fulfillment may supersede even the most basic needs. Whilst Maslow’s theory is subject to criticism due to a lack of scientific basis, it is still a popular model within Psychology and other fields such as Education. Regardless of the criticisms, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs represents part of an important shift in Psychology. Rather than focusing on abnormal behavior and development, Maslow’s humanistic Psychology was focused on the development of healthy individuals. Returning to the definition of wellbeing, it can be seen that Maslow has provided a model that recognizes and values the actuality of Social, Emotional, Cultural, Spiritual, Psychological, Physical, and Environmental needs and concerns. The relevance of this model to Social Care is that it separates out individual needs from the usual age-related development models such as Attachment Theory, and Psychodynamic models of Personality Development. It provides the practitioner with a simple tool to review the care that is being planned or provided for any age service user. For example – do we know that the service user has all of their physiological needs met? Can we be certain they have enough food to eat and somewhere appropriate to sleep? Do we know that their basic drives to eat, drink, sleep and excrete are all working normally? If the answer is YES – the practitioner can move up the pyramid and consider the service users safety needs. If the answer is NO – the immediate priority will to arrange basic physiological needs before considering anything else. This is certainly the experience of Camilla Batmanghelidj, CEO of the highly respected charity Kids Company, who understands that all children need love, food, safety and warmth before expecting them to do anything else. A practitioner experienced in working with Looked After Children will recognize that Esteem Needs are frequently an influence within the young person. It is widely recognised that LAC have low levels of self esteem and self confidence which in turn impact on t heir Cognitive (Academic) experiences. Maslow provides a very useful model to  establish Outcomes related to Social needs in order to create a stronger foundation for Esteem needs. Maslow, in this respect, chimes with common sense. How can we expect a young person to do well academically if they have low self esteem and do not feel loved and valued in their social world? Maslow clearly demonstrates that wellbeing has a Psychological basis and provides the practitioner with a model to develop positive outcomes for individuals. Erik Erikson – Psychosocial Development. Also known as the 8 stages of Development. Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is one of the best-known theories of personality in psychology. Much like Sigmund Freud, Erikson believed that personality develops in a series of stages. Unlike Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages, Erikson’s theory describes the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan. One of the main elements of Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory is the development of ego identity. Ego identity is the conscious sense of self that we develop through social interaction. According to Erikson, our ego identity is constantly changing due to new experiences and information we acquire in our daily interactions with others. When psychologists talk about identity, they are referring to all of the beliefs, ideals, and values that help shape and guide a person’s behavior. The formation of identity is something that begins in childhood and becomes particularly important during adolescence, but it is a process that continues throughout life. Our personal identity gives each of us an integrated and cohesive sense of self that endures and continues to grow as we age. In addition to ego identity, Erikson also believed that a sense of competence motivates behaviors and actions. Each stage in Erikson’s theory is concerned with becoming competent in an area of life. If the stage is handled well, the person will feel a sense of mastery, which is sometimes referred to as  ego strength or ego quality. If the stage is managed poorly, the person will emerge with a sense of inadequacy. In each stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict that serves as a turning point in development. In Erikson’s view, these conflicts are centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. During these times, the potential for personal growth is high, but so is the potential for failure. Each stage builds upon the successful completion of earlier stages. The challenges of stages not successfully completed may be expected to reappear as problems in the future. However, mastery of a stage is not required to advance to the next stage. Erikson’s stage theory characterizes an individual advancing through the eight life stages as a function of negotiating his or her biological forces and sociocultural forces. Erikson believed that the stages of a person’s development are linked to their social and cognitive development rather then being purely led by their physical needs. He was also interested in how the culture and society an individual lives in could influence their development.The following table, sourced from summarises the 8 Developmental Stages; the Basic Conflict that is to be mastered; Important Events of the Stage; and the potential Outcomes. One enduring value of Erikson’s theory is that it illuminates why individuals who have been thwarted in the healthy resolution of early phases (such as in learning healthy levels of trust and autonomy in toddlerhood) can experience such difficulty when the same Basic Conflict arises at later developmental stages. This is very apparent to practitioners working with Looked After Children who have been badly let down by care givers in their first years of life. There is frequently an issue of mistrust towards an individual practitioner and the entire service that is providing their care and support. It is widely recognized that the trust that may have taken weeks to establish can be lost in an instant. Erikson’s theory can provide an insight into the behavior of service users. For example disruptive behavior linked to new social or academic situations may indicate earlier issues in the Industry/Inferiority Stage. The skillful practitioner may wish to be mindful to always encourage and commend the young person for their accomplishments and abilities and ensure that colleagues and teachers are also involved in this process. The purpose will be to help the young person to develop a belief in their own competence rather than continue to feel a failure and inferior. Erikson’s theory also provides a useful guide to assess caring practices in terms of their ability to nurture and facilitate healthy emotional and cognitive development. Erikson clearly demonstrates that wellbeing has a Psychological basis and provides the practitioner with a model to develop positive outcomes for individuals. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross was a Swiss American medical practitioner and psychiatrist. She was a pioneer in near death studies and the author of a ground breaking book ‘On Death and Dying’ (first published 1969). The book discussed her theory of 5 Stages of Grief. Kubler-Ross was born in 1926 and died in 2004. The 5 stages of grief is a hypothesis which argues that when a person is faced with the reality of impending death or other extreme, awful fate, he or she will experience a series of emotional stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The stages are popularly known by the acronym DABDA. The hypothesis was inspired by her work  with terminally ill patients. Motivated by the lack of curriculum in medical schools, at the time, addressing the subject of death and dying, Kubler-Ross  started a project about death when she became an instructor at the University of Chicago’s medical school. This evolved into a series of seminars; those interviews, along with her previous research, led to her book. Her work revolutionized how the U.S. medical field took care of the terminally ill. In the decades since her book’s publication, Kubler-Ross’ concept has become largely accepted by the general public; however, its validity has yet to be consistently sup ported by the majority of research studies that have examined it. Kà ¼bler-Ross noted that these stages are not meant to be a complete list of all possible emotions that could be felt, and, they can occur in any order. Her hypothesis holds that not everyone who experiences a life-threatening/-altering event feels all five of the responses, as reactions to personal losses of any kind are as unique as the person experiencing them. The 5 stages include: Denial — â€Å"I feel fine.†; â€Å"This can’t be happening, not to me.† Denial is usually only a temporary defense for the individual. This feeling is generally replaced with heightened awareness of possessions and individuals that will be left behind after death. Denial can be conscious or unconscious refusal to accept facts, information, or the reality of the situation. Denial is a defense mechanism and some people can become locked in this stage. Kubler Ross recommends that family members and health professionals not prolong denial by distorting the truth about the person’s condition. In doing so, they prevent the dying person from adjusting to impending death and hinder necessary arrangements, for social supports, for bringing closure, and for making decisions about medical interventions. Anger — â€Å"Why me? It’s not fair!†; â€Å"How can this happen to me?†; ‘†Who is to blame?† Once in the second stage, the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue. Because of anger, the person is very difficult to care for due to misplaced feelings of rage and envy. Anger can manifest itself in different ways. People can be angry with themselves, or with others, and especially those who are close to them. It is important to remain detached and nonjudgmental when dealing with a person experiencing anger from grief. Bargaining — â€Å"I’ll do anything for a few more years.†; â€Å"I will give my life savings if†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The third stage involves the hope that the individual can somehow postpone or delay death. Usually, the negotiation for an extended life is made with a higher power in exchange for a reformed lifestyle. Psychologically, the individual is saying, â€Å"I understand I will die, but if I could just do something to buy more time†¦Ã¢â‚¬  People facing less serious trauma can bargain or seek to negotiate a compromise. For example â€Å"Can we still be friends?..† when facing a break-up. Bargaining rarely provides a sustainable solution, especially if it’s a matter of life or death. Depression — â€Å"I’m so sad, why bother with anything?†; â€Å"I’m going to die soon so what’s the point?†; â€Å"I miss my loved one, why go on?† During the fourth stage, the grieving person begins to understand the certainty of death. Because of this, the individual may become silent, refuse visitors and spend much of the time crying and grieving. This process allows the dying person to disconnect from things of love and affection. It is not recommended to attempt to cheer up an individual who is in this stage. It is an important time for grieving that must be processed. Depression could be referred to as the dress rehearsal for the ‘aftermath’. It is a kind of acceptance with emotional attachment. It’s natural to feel sadness, regret, fear, and uncertainty when going through this stage. Feeling those emotions shows that the person has begun to accept the situation. Acceptance — â€Å"It’s going to be okay.†; â€Å"I can’t fight it, I may as well prepare for it.† In this last stage, individuals begin to come to terms with their mortality, or that of a loved one, or other tragic event. This stage varies according to the person’s situation. People dying can enter this stage a long time before the people they leave behind, who must pass through their own individual stages of dealing with the grief. Kà ¼bler-Ross originally developed this model based on her observations of  people suffering from terminal illness. She later expanded her theory to apply to any form of catastrophic personal loss, such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or income, major rejection, the end of a relationship or divorce, or drug addiction. Supporting her theory, many (both sufferers and therapists) have reported the usefulness of the Kà ¼bler-Ross Model in a wide variety of situations where people were experiencing a signiï ¬ cant loss. The application of the theory is intended to help the sufferer to fully resolve each stage, then help them transition to the next – at the appropriate time – rather than getting stuck in a particular phase or continually bouncing around from one unresolved phase to another. The subsections below give a few speciï ¬ c examples of how the model can be applied in different situations. These are just some of the many beneï ¬ ts that Kà ¼ bler-Ross hoped her model would provide. The value of the Kubler-Ross Model for the social care practitioner is, as with Ericsson and Maslow, to provide a useful framework to to better understand the behavior and emotional reality of a service user. Furthermore, it is intended to be a collaborative model that the practitioner and the service user can discuss together. Conclusion All of the Theories demonstrate that wellbeing has a Psychological basis. They each demonstrate that â€Å"a subjective stage of being content and healthy† is related to the history of a person’s life and their current situation. They provide the creative practitioner with a framework to better understand the behavior of a service user and are therefore better equipped to consider their immediate and long term care to ensure positive outcomes. Bibliography http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/psychological-therapies/careers-inpsychological-therapies/psychologist/ http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/arist otle-psychology/#7 http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Krstic/marulic.htm http://psychology.about.com/od/historyofpsychology/a/psychistory.htm http://psychology.about.com/od/psychology101/u/psychology-theories.htm http://www.ekrfoundation.org/five-stages-of-grief/