Public Relations Techniques and Cases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Public Relations Techniques and Cases - Essay Example A case study is a preferred strategy when ‘how’ or ‘why questions are being posed when the researcher has little control over events. The focus is always on contemporary phenomena within some real world context (Center et al., 2008). The researcher is enabled to research on real life events that cannot be controlled in the laboratory setting (Yin, 1994).The case study should use multiple evidence sources to increase validity (Jaques, 2008). The case study below highlighted the communication activities in the first phase of Phare and took an in-depth look at the model communication program developed in November 1997. The model was developed by Brussels-based public affairs consultancy to be used by the EU delegation to the 10 EU member countries. The model can apply to many other economic and political situations and cultural variables of a country. It emphasizes on one-on –one communication rather than involving the mass media. In the first years of operation from 1989-1994, the Phare program provided expertise to the member countries from a wide range of organizations ranging from non-commercial, public and even private. It acted as a multiplier by stimulating investments and responding to needs that cannot be met by other organizations. Phare also acted as a powerful catalyst for unlocking funds from other donors studies, guarantee schemes, and credit lines. It gives priority to the development of the private sector, restructuring of state enterprise and environment protection.

Goal Setting Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Goal Setting Worksheet Essay Review this week’s resources (for example SMART criteria, and the Career Plan Building Activities). Respond to the following in 50 to 100 words each: 1.Describe one academic goal that you have created using the SMART criteria. How do SMART criteria contribute to your academic goals? One academic goal I’ve created using the SMART criteria is trying to submit all assignments on time. The SMART criteria contributes to my academic goal by teaching me to keep myself positive. Even though I may come to a bump in the road, SMART teaches me to stay humble and tell myself that I can do it, I can achieve any goal(s) I set for myself. 2.Describe one professional/career goal you have created using the SMART criteria and Career Plan Building Activities results. How did the results of the Career Interest Profiler and Career Plan Building Activity on Competencies contribute to your professional goal development? One professional/career goal I have created using the SMART criteria and Career Plan Building Activities result was to find at least three or four people in the Healthcare Administration field, get their general outlook of the field, and see if any volunteer work is available. By doing this I will gain much knowledge, and get a chance to experience what I plan to do as my dream job. 3.Describe the stress and time-management strategies you have learned this week that will help you achieve your goals. This week I’ve learned to schedule myself to achieve any goals I set. I learned to make schedules for everything for the week and attempt to follow them. With never knowing how or what will happen throughout the week especially being eight months pregnant, writing everything down always help. For instance, to help me achieve my participation points and my discussion question responses credit, I write my responses to the discussion questions down, and throughout the week I respond to my fellow classmates responses. I do that, and then on Friday and Saturday, I type up my responses to the discussion questions and submit my homework assignments, so that’s less stress on me on making sure I receive full participation credit. 4.Describe how you will balance academic expectations and your personal and professional responsibilities. I will keep myself on a schedule, and keep myself organized to balance all my responsibilities. With academic expectations I would take at least six or seven hours out of my day a week to mainly focus on nothing but all my school work. Doing that I feel I will have ample enough time to focus on my personal and professional responsibilities. When it comes to my responsibilities, I always set aside more than enough time. I do that so if anything unexpected comes up it will not interfere with nothing else I have planned or scheduled. 5.How can understanding the importance of SMART criteria and your career interests and competencies help you move towards your career and academic goals? I feel that knowing this vital information will help me move towards my career and academic goals by motivating me. I say that because its always good to know your strengths and weaknesses. It’s good to know what you are good in or what more you can put up with, so once you get into your professional career you know what type of situations, people, and jobs to avoid. For example, if you are a person who doesn’t have the tolerance for elementary or middle school children, but your major is education, its best you get a job as a high school teacher, college professor, or work at the department of education. You wouldn’t want to get a job in the field you love, but hate the work you have to deal with, so its always good to find out what you can put up with so everyone will be happy.

Joseph Stalin Essay -- Russian History, Politics

Joseph Stalin ruled the Soviet Union from 1922 until his death in 1954. He is widely recognized as a dictator, an oppressor, and a ruthless ruler who took the Soviet Union from economic shambles to a superpower, but with the high cost of human sacrifice and his paranoia of opposition. Stalin saw himself as the natural successor of Leninism-Marxism, but in actuality he created a system of his own which did not go according to the philosophy of Karl Marx and Engels. Stalin’s early political career began just like everyone else who gained prominence in the Bolshevik takeover of the Russian Empire. Lenin had successfully launched his revolution in October, 1917 and became the leader of the Russian Communist Party until his death in January 1924. Stalin played only a minor role in the October Revolution and a relatively inconspicuous part in the Civil War (Lee 1). Stalin was sent to exile in Siberia for committing crimes in Russia, and after his return he became a member of the Cen tral Committee of the Bolshevik Party in 1912. Stalin worked to gain support in the Communist party during its early stages. He created close contacts that he would later betray, and others which he would use to help him become the next leader of the Soviet Union. He accumulated the posts of People’s Commissar for Nationalities in 1917, liaison official between the Politburo and the Orgburo in 1919, and General Secretary of the Party in 1922 (Lee 1). Soviet books and propaganda always portrayed Stalin having a close relationship with Lenin, as seen in textbooks, propaganda posters, and Stalin himself who always spoke highly of his friendship with Lenin. However, Lenin and the Bolsheviks thought differently of Stalin. The 1920s and early 1930s saw the rise a... ...’s unorthodox rise to power, to his brutal economic policy, it was a form of true dictatorship and turned the Soviet Union into a totalitarian state. Karl Marx wrote that the techniques of exploitation by the bourgeoisie would lead to a violent revolution by the proletariat, and it would change the economic and social order of the state. In this case, Stalin exploited his proletariat and acted as a bourgeoisie, using the labor force for his personal gain and what he thought would be the best way the Soviet Union would ever become a superpower. Joseph Stalin took the idea of Marxism and added his own theory to it, distorting it and creating a new system of politics that is coined â€Å"Stalinism.† It has its similarities, but largely it is a split in ideology that would cause the deaths of 20 million people during his rule, something Karl Marx, or Lenin never intended.

Merciless Death in Katherine Anne Porters The Jilting of Granny Weathe

Merciless Death in The Jilting of Granny Weatherall      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall," Katherine Anne Porter gives readers a glimpse of the thoughts of a woman about to die.   Lying in her bed in her daughter Cornelia's house, eighty-year-old Granny Weatherall drifts in and out of consciousness.   Through her thoughts of events both current and bygone, it is learned that Granny has worked hard all her life, and frequently tells herself that she did a good job.   She thinks of events that made her stronger: digging holes for fence posts, "riding country roads in the winter when women had their babies" (311), taking care of sick animals and sick children.   Though Granny Weatherall tries to assure herself that her life has been rewarding, she is in fact unsatisfied in her last hours because of things left undone, being treated like a child in her old age, and loved ones she has lost.   When it becomes apparent to her that her time is running out, Granny realizes there are many things left undone that she meant to do.   Granny thinks of tomorrow, a time that is "far away" and ...

Wind Energy And Hydroelectric Energy Environmental Sciences Essay

Wind energy is among the universe ‘s fastest-growing and most normally used beginnings of energy.From this portion, wind energy ‘s advantages like its low cost and being environmental will be explained in item. 2.1 Low-cost Energy Harmonizing to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, clean air current power costs $ 50 megawatt per hour.That means, tackling air current energy is really inexpensive as compared to the dodo fuels that have skyrocketing prices.To give an illustration, coal energy costs $ 104 and atomic energy costs $ 107 megawatt per hr ( U.S Department of Energy ) .So, air current energy has become low-cost plenty to vie with fossil fuels.If a family used air current power for % 25 of its demands, it would pass merely $ 5 dolars per month for it and the monetary value is still dropping. ( Renewables-Wind Energy ) . Furthermore, wind power has no fuel costs and negligible costs for maintenance.In air current energy, there is no fuel usage like other energy beginnings, it is merely utilizing air current which is ever available and costless.While other energy beginnings needs tonss of money to keep, weave energy is really economical.Building a atomic works or a watering dike may necessitate a immense sum of money , but wind farms and air current turbines are inexpensive.Moreover, air current energy has no clean-up costs.So, there are no C revenue enhancement or C cap and trade system which make C emanations more expensive like the other energy sources.To sum up, wind energy is rather low-cost energy beginning with supplying cost benefits.2.2 EnvironmentalOne of the best and most valuable advantages of air current energy is that it is wholly pollution free.Compared to the environmental effects of traditional energy beginnings, the environmental effects of air current power are about not existing.Firstly, wind energy does non bring forth waste merchandises that require disposal or gas emanations which contribute to air pollution and planetary clime alteration. Besides of course produced, CO2 is besides produced when fossil fuels like coal and natural gas are burned to bring forth electricity.However, utilizing air current to bring forth electricity reduces CO2 emanations. Harmonizing to a stud y, weave energy saves about 122 million dozenss of CO2 every twelvemonth ( Global Wind Energy Council ) .As we use more and more of air current energy, less and less fossil fuels will be burnt. This, in consequence, means less pollution. Wind energy besides does non devour or foul water.While other energy beginnings like hydroelectric energy that needs H2O to run or atomic energy which drops its waste into H2O, wind energy brings us healtier seas and lakes.Another environmental benefit of the air current energy is, it uses merely a fraction of the land.So, bing land utilizations such as agriculture and graze can go on unaffected. â€Å" Wind turbines can be built on farms or spreads, therefore profiting the economic system in rural countries, where most of the best air current sites are found. Farmers and ranchers can go on to work the land because the air current turbines use merely a fraction of the land, † states the National Renewable Energy Laboratory ( U. S. Department of Energy, April 2005 ) .Having said these, it will non be incorrect to state that wind energy provides electricity without harming the environment.III.HYDROELECTRIC ENERGYHydroelectric energy is known for being widely used signifier of renewable energy which uses H2O to bring forth electrical power.Although it is believed that hydroelectic energy provides benefits, it besides comes with the large disadvantages such as dike failures and relicensing.3.1 Dam FailuresBecause big conventional dammed-hydro installations hold back big volumes of H2O, a failure due to hapless building, terrorist act, or other cause can be ruinous to downriver colonies and infrastructure.Also good design and building are non an equal warrant of safety.Dam failures have been some of the largest semisynthetic catastrophes in history.To give an illustration, the Banqiao Dam failure in Southern China straight resulted in the deceases of 26,000 people, and another 145,000 from epidemics ( Application of the Meth od of Characteristics to the Dam Break Wave Problem, Chanson, H.,2009 ) . Millions were left homeless. Besides, the creative activity of a dike in a geologically inappropriate location may do catastrophes such as 1963 catastrophe at Vajont Dam in Italy, where about 2000 people died ( The Vajont Dam Disaster,2006 ) .In decision, when it comes to failure of a dike, hydroelectric energy can make an uncontrallable catastrophe.3.2 Relicensing ComplexityEvery 30 to 50 old ages, private hyrdoelectric dikes are re-evaluated.In this measure, relicensing is a really complex process.Relicensing was infrequent until 1993, but so The Hydropower Reform Coalition formed to take advantage to reconstruct river ecosystems through the relicensing procedure ( Renewables-Hydroelectric Energy ) .When doing relicensing, non merely the power coevals of a dike is considered, but besides protection of wildlife, equal renewal to energy conversation and protection of the environmental quality.Taking everything into history, constructing a dike costs you a batch money and clip, but relicensing may be take long plenty to reactivate it.IV.ADVANTAGES OF WIND ENERGY OVER HYDROELECTRIC ENERGYAfter adverting air current energy and hydroelectric energy, it is clip to compare these two most normally used energy beginnings.4.1 Cost/Efficiency RateFirst of wholly, both energy beginnings have negligible cost when they are compared to other energy sources.For case, wind energy costs merely $ 5 dollars for a family every month and hydroelectric energy ‘s cost of electricty is constant.But when they are compared in electricity produced, weave energy stairss frontward. Most modern turbines installed today are estimated to hold a 20 twelvemonth life during this clip, major constituents have been designed to run 24 hours a twenty-four hours during this clip period. In general, a individual air current turbine will change over about 20 per centum of the energy in air current to electricity. The most efficient production occurs between five and 20 stat mis an hr of air current speed.This means wind energy is more efficient than any other energy beginnings ( AWEA ) .However, hydroelectric dikes have a burden capacity which means after a point, dam capacity is reached and it can non keep more H2O to conversation.In short air current energy provides more electrical power with less cost than the hydroelectric energy.4.2 Building ProcedureWhen constructing a new energy beginning, its edifice procedure is an of import factor.A big fraction of land is required to keep a H2O dike, and it can non be ever found easily.Hydroelectric dikes should be established near H2O beginnings such as lakes or seas.It besides requires tonss of clip to construct it.It takes months or possibly old ages to set up merely one hyrdoelectric dam.Also its licensing is a procedure which requires some time.On the other manus, air current turbines are so simple to construct and they can be established about anypla ce in the universe, it merely needs air current and it needs such a small time.As it is clear from the comparing, there is no uncertainty that the air current energy has no negative effects on budget and environment, in resistance to the bad effects of hydroelectric energy.

the Suez Canal Crisis Revoluti essays

the Suez Canal Crisis Revoluti essays Nasser's Rule to the Suez Canal Crisis Revolution of 1952 Nasser's Rule to the Suez Canal Crisis Egypt's policies and their international context The aim of this essay is to establish to what extent the Egyptian leadership influenced the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1952-67. It discusses the foreign policy of the Egyptian State and its implications for the development of the conflict. The body of the essay is divided into two parts, which are grouped in chronological order. The part, portrays the person of Nasser, since he was a very significant figure in Arab politics. It also shows the political and social restraints imposed on the new leadership, and their projection onto the conflict. This chapter emphasises the external involvement into the decision made by the Egyptian elite. The second part pictures Nasser's struggle for power in the Middle East and Egyptian attitudes towards Jewish State. Moreover, it shows how these affected the relations between Israel and other countries of the region. All the information presented here were gathered from historical publications, all of which, apart from one, were secondary sources. The only primary source is the memories of the Egypt's foreign Minister and is discussed in detail in the main body. The other sources have been written by respectable historians, who are experts in this field. Therefore, they can be considered as reliable sources. The background reading was done on the more general books, often targeting the wider publicity, hence they do not necessarily contribute much detailed knowledge. As a conclusion, I must say that Egypt's leadership was an important factor in the development of the Arab-Israeli conflict in years 1952-67. It is true that both wars in the region were the direct result of Egypt's deeds. However, Nasser's involvement was not a result of any long-term policy aiming at confrontations with Israel, but a side effect of internal or inter-Arab policies emb...

Transactional and Transformational Leadership

Transactional and Transformational Leadership Free Online Research Papers What are the Principal distinctions between transactional and transformational leadership? Transactional Leaders 1. Transactional leaders motivate their followers in the direction of established goals by also clarifying role and task requirement (OB: Robbins Judge pg437) 2.Transactional leadership is based on a transaction or exchange of something of value the leader possesses or controls that the follower wants in return for his/her services.e.g job for votes or subsidies for campaign contributions 3. Transactional style is precisely what happens in contracting scenario. The contractor provides the specified service purchased. 4Transactional leadership style only works well when both leader and led understand and are in agreement about which tasks are important 5. From R.Kegan’s six stage development theory –Transactional leaders for example are stage 2 leader what they do for the organization is done for whatever the organization has promised in return for the persons output. 6. Transactional leader used higher order level to persuade their follower although their beliefs and goals typically have not change (Bass, 1985) 7. They are active in management style to make sure the led does not deviate from rules and standards, if otherwise they take action (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 437) 8. Management by exception they look unconcern until when standards are not met-passive (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 437) 9. They avoid taking responsibilities in order not to make any decisions-Laissez-faire. Transformational leadership 1. From R.Kegans six stage developmental theory –Transformational leaders are stage 4 leaders who have internalized a sense of commitment to their goals and articulate this in such a way to their followers so as to convert them to a high level of commitment as well 2. They influence their followers by providing vision and sense of mission instills pride and eventually gains respect and trust from them (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 347) 3. They create inspirational motivation by communicating high expectations through the use of symbols to focus their effort. (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 347) 4. They promote intellectual capability and solving initiative among their subordinate. 5. They give personal attention to their employee and treat them of such (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 347) 6. They do more than simply lead; stimulate others to transcend their own needs and interests for a common goal. Examples of transformational leadership are Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela, Andrea Jung at Avon, Richard Branson of Virgin Group to mention a view. How Transformational leadership create a higher level of moral aspiration for followers and leaders alike? This can best be explained by what Bass and Steidlmeier gave a warning â€Å"Transformational leadership is seen as immoral in the manner that it moves members to sacrifice their own life plans for the sake of organizational needs and there is no moral justification for the vision of the CEO becoming the future sought by the employee† But in order to overcome such situation the leaders agenda must be uplifting and as Burns said â€Å"Transforming leadership ultimately becomes moral in that it raises the level of human conduct and ethical aspiration of both leader and the led, and thus it has transforming effect on both†. Although Transformational leadership may be double – edged, however, with high moral values as ethics supported by both leader and led, the dark side is mitigated and forces for good are championed. Is there a Link between transformational leadership and Emotional intelligence? Transformational leadership has high emotional intelligence (EQ) and they often rely on it to motivate and transform their followers more than transactional and laissez-faire leaders Dr. Martin Luther king Jr. and Nelson Mandela are unique men who have had a similar, transformational effect upon their followers .They are able to turn their vision into reality .This is a power of emotional intelligence in leadership What Makes a teams so Successful The followings can be attributed to what makes teams to be successful or effective (Fast Company, 2000 Carl Moore) Moore groups them into Purpose, Context, Size, Membership, Leadership and Process, although from OB-Robbins Judge, Pg 344 it was brought into more focus model namely: Context, Composition, Work design and Process, Both idea are similar. Purpose The most essential ingredient of a successful team is a cause that everyone agrees on. That’s what spurs people on and drives them to excel. It is likely to be expressed as a â€Å"shared vision† or a â€Å"common goal.† The team members need to be driven by the team’s results, not by individual results. 2. Context One quality that most good teams share is the culture in which the team exists. Is the culture one that rewards groups? Is it one that rewards individuals? Or is it a culture where no one gets rewards? 3. Size Think small. Ideally, your team should have 7 to 9 people. If you have more than 15 or 20, you’re dead: the connections between team members are too hard to make. The team has to be as small as possible. 4. Membership No delegates. You don’t want people who have to take the team’s ideas back to someone else to get authorization. You want the decision-makers. The team has to be diverse. The team should be made up of people who think differently too. Current team members can’t be afraid of new talent or new ideas. New talent can force everyone to a higher level. A successful team has mutual respect among team members. If everyone on the team is able to say, â€Å"I can work with this person† about everyone else on the team, then you’ve got a good thing going. Selfish people doom a team effort. At the end of the day, team members have to like one another and they have to like what they’re doing. 5. Leadership A team works better when people are at ease with the leader. Members are more likely to say what’s on their minds. The team leader must always be on the lookout for distractions, tangents, and unproductive or ancillary issues. A good team leader will create an environment in which people can practice and make mistakes before they’re pressured to produce. A skilled leader will focus on managing the interactions between people, as opposed to managing individual behavior. That allows individuals to manage their own behavior. A good leader recognizes that everyone is competitive to some degree. There’s no need to stop people from competing, but that rivalry has to be channeled into cooperative competitiveness. The team leader is at the service of the group. It should be clear that the team members own the outcome. 6. Process Bring in a facilitator. Someone from the outside. A facilitator may be just what team members need to make the most of their diversity, and to help them overcome any personal agendas or conflicts. It takes shared space to create shared understandings. People will stick out an unpleasant assignment, but they won’t do it again. Don’t shortchange your startup. Take the time to understand what you’re going to do and how you’re going to deal with the possible bumps along the way. Are teams always the correct answer to organizational effectiveness? Teamwork are not always the best option for Organization to be effective, Some situations actually demand for the job to be done individually, therefore, before we conclude to implement teamwork in any given task we should carefully assess whether the work actually requires or will benefit from collective effoct.Robbins Judge in OB suggest that 3 test should be carryout to see if a team fits the situation namely: (1) Can the work be done better by more than one person? (2) Does the work create common purpose or goals and lastly are the members of the group interdependence, because team will only be more effective where there is interdependence between tasks to be carryout. Therefore, the benefit of using teams have to exceed the cost like time, resources, and conflict management that goes with it before it can be justifiable. How do you motivate a diverse team to achieve results? A team in a multicultural or diverse environment can be motivated through the following: 1. Recognize individual differences- for instance employee individual needs are different so is their culture, so we don’t have to treat them the same 2. Use goals and feedback- the set goals should be well known by the employee as well as feedback on attaining the goals 3. Allow Employee to participate in the Decisions That Affect them- such as work goal, benefit/rewards, etc that could motivate them and make them more commitment to work 4. Link Rewards to Performance-Approach to Rewards should be open and proportional to performance. 5.Check System for Equity- It should be seen has been justified with different in peoples performance as relate to experience,skill,abilities etc.(OB:Robbins Judge Pg 247) Bibliography organizational behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 7: 467-505. NY: Xicom. Tosi, H.L., Rizzo, J.R., Carroll, S.J. 1986. Organizational Behavior. New York, OB Textbook by Stephen P.Robbins Timothy A. Judge 12 Edition Carl Moore, Fast Company, November 2000, What Makes Teams Successful thecommunitystore.com/pdf/resWHAT_MAKES_TEAMS_SUCCESSFUL.PDF TalentSmart, 2007. Whitepaper: Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership by Dr.Travis Bradberry, Lac D.Su, and Saakshi Arora. Colonel Mark A.Homrig, 21 Dec, 2001: Transformational Leadership, Bass, Bernard M. and Paul Steidlmeier, â€Å"Ethics, Character, and Authentic Transformational Leadership,† Center for Leadership Studies, School of Management, Binghamton University, and Binghamton, NY. On-line. Internet, revised 24 September 1998. Available from http://cls.binghamton.edu/BassSteid.html. Research Papers on Transactional and Transformational LeadershipBringing Democracy to AfricaUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesOpen Architechture a white paperPETSTEL analysis of IndiaThe Project Managment Office SystemThree Concepts of PsychodynamicDefinition of Export QuotasBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XEffects of Television Violence on Children

Last Supper essays

Last Supper essays Da Vinci's "Last Supper" is a priceless piece of art with much hidden meaning. Under the study of Verrocchio as a painter and a sculptor, he was able to use his skills in creating a very detailed and a very naturalistic piece of work that would be remembered for hundreds of years. He was also able to create characters with amazing individuality. Not only was his portrayal of the characters magnificent, but also the symbolism he used which emphasized the story being told in the "Last Supper". Lodovico Sforza chose Da Vinci to create "The Last Supper" in the refectory of the Dominican Church of St. Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The Abate of the St. Maria delle Grazie saw Da Vinci work from morning until night on "The Last Supper" without eating or much sleep. Although there were times he would stop painting for days at a time, or would work on a specific character for just a few moments and then leave to continue working on it later; He ended up worked on it from 1495 thru 1498. Before Da Vinci began painting the actual portrait, he put down a substance, which was suppose to absorb the tempora and protect the tempora from the moisture on the wall. Unfortunately, the substance was proven unsuccessful, and by 1517 it began to deteriorate. In May 1556 a painter Giovanni Batista Armenini said that the painting was so badly affected that nothing is visible but a mass of blots. The painting has continued to decay in the following centuries. It was further damaged by restorations made by careless artists and by the addition of a doorway put in the lower part of the painting. Yet even to this day his painting "The Last Supper" is widely known and visited by many tourists each year. The remembrance of the "Last Supper" could be due to the sacredness of the parting meal. It is quite obvious that the skill used in the creation of the "Last Supper" was magnificent. Although, the way Da Vinci allows its viewers to depict the scene from a ...

Chose a good topic for me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chose a good topic for me - Essay Example Learning and horning effectual business writing skills can potentially have an immensely positive impact on my career advancement. Effective communication channels are a vital component in the successful running of any business organization. The use of professionally written writing material that is sent through these communication channels has been seen to improve an organization’s productivity as well as increase the ability of all the organization’s key functional areas to work together. This is especially so with the impact of globalization that has resulted in increasing global workplaces where collaboration is the usual norm (Small business Para 1). The development of professional courtesy is one of the benefits of enhancing my business writing skills. In this age of constant text messaging, formal writing is being severely affected and most leading companies have been seen to assume that poor writing skills is actually a sign of laziness. If a business document comes across to the recipient as being too abrupt, it can commonly be misconstrued as a sign of the recipient being not important enough for the sender to take the time out to carefully check the document’s spelling and grammar as well as write complete sentences. Conversely, if an email message is carefully written, it becomes more impressive than a letter because of its added advantage of rapid transmission. The email’s recipient assumes that the sender considers him to be important enough for him to ensure that the message arrived quickly(Small business Para 4). Good business writing skills help in actively persuading customers to buy a company’s products or services. This is an essential skill that is especially vital in the field of sales and marketing and may help a company in increasing its sales turnover figures (Small business Para 2). Business associates and supervisors who have

Joe Orton and the Counter Cultural Movement in the 60's Essay

Joe Orton and the Counter Cultural Movement in the 60's - Essay Example The hardship during the days of the Second World War gave birth to the newest possible philosophies that state it is obvious to follow the trend of open market economy with all its perception of high yielding materialism. This hard cored materialism and pro life oriented attitude was previously known in the western world but now it came into a maximized form which sociologist refer as a pro active action against the mass destruction and insecurity of the last great war. The latest philosophy was to obtain as much as possible that life has to offer. Every social aspect changed with it and along with it changed the world around them. Plays and writer were no different. Colours became more vibrant and approach became more outrageous to keep up with the society. Joe Orton's plays were a product of this period. The funny side of this approach was however different from the basic perception of the life styles of the 1950's through the later 1960 were a confluence of conflicting philosophies. ... (Fletcher, 135-9) It is a well known fact and it has been shown time and again by many literary historians and researchers that the main targeted audience were the baby boomers who had all the opportunities to take all the advantages of almost any and every marketing gimmicks. But Joe Orton's plays had their own vibes even though they supported the antiestablishment norms of the time. Joe Orton was born in 1933 at Leicester and is famous for his social satires in modern playwright history. His career actually span only five years from 1964 to 1967 but within this short time he amused, shocked and outraged the audience with his prolific sense of black comedies that are predominantly scandalous in nature. His major plays include The Ruffian on the Stair, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Loot, The Erpingham Camp, The Good and Faithful Servant, Funeral Games and What the Butler Saw. During his short term as a successful playwright Joe Orton depicted in his plays what was going around in the outer world but he presented them in his own unique manner. (Fletcher, 221-26) Entertaining Mr Sloane was first presented on 1964 and this play appears to be a sexual innuendo with the treatment of a dark presentation. Here we find the characters indulge themselves in murder and rimes associated with murder with little or no repent at all. The sexual approach appears to be reflecting the course of action of the 1960s and ethical values are just not entertained at all. More in alignment with the context of the antiestablishment principals the characters are not will the authority to bring or reach to the aspect of justice but they are more concerned with the living and tend to extract the most out of

Personal statement about translation (English-Arabic)

About translation (English-Arabic) - Personal Statement Example Moreover, a translating major would land me into a great career. A major in translating Arabic to English will be great for me. This is because the English language is the most recognized international language. It has surpassed languages such as Russian, German and French and Arabic. English language is the most used language in the business world globally. On the contrary, a major in Arabic to English would enhance me to understand the western civilization as well as the language for me. This means that I can fit in any English speaking country and that which uses English as a second language around the world. On the other hand, it would land me into a great career opportunity. For instance, I could get at a job in the Hague as an Arabic to English translator. I can also pursue a career as a lecturer in the university teaching English literature. I could even end up in the media industry as well as a career in the government as a diplomat in an English speaking nation and also in a country using the English language as a second language (Dickin s 2002). Therefore, a major in Arabic to English language translation would take my career to a whole new level. It would help me understand and appreciate the western civilization, culture and English language. English language is the most spoken language around the globe and most accepted language to transact international businesses. Above all, it would land me into great careers in the world such as translation jobs in the Hague, lecture job, media or even a government job. Therefore, it is my sincere hope that a major in English translation would be great for me not to mention the broad career it would offer me in the

Australia taxation law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Australia taxation law - Essay Example The first task identified was the determination of whether, for tax purposes, the Finlays are considered residents of Australia. The determination was made that the Finlays were considered residents based upon the residency test. According to Australian Tax Law the Finlays are considered residents because they were in Australia for 6 months or more during the 2006/2007 tax year. They also meet residency requirements because they met one or more of the three statutory residency tests. They are considered residents because they maintain a residence in Australia, have resided in Australia for 6 months during the tax year, and they contribute to the superannuation retirement fund. The biggest question to answer about residency and foreign income is what is taxable and what is not taxable. It has already been determined that the Finlays meet residency requirements for tax purposes. Although the tax forms ask for foreign income and foreign taxes paid on those earnings, the tax forms do not explain why. The first determination was that the income was earned in a country that has already taxed the income. If the foreign income was earned but not taxed it would be subject to taxation by the Australian Government. ... d States and Australia was created for "the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income" (Australian Taxation Office website). This protocol covers all aspects of income earned in the United States. Most specifically, relating to this case study, income earned within the United States is taxed by the United States. Any income not taxed is considered taxable income in Australia and residents of Australia are subject to taxation on that income earned. It is very important for the individual to report foreign income and whether or not it was taxed. All records relating to the income and taxes paid should be kept as proof of income earned and taxes paid. Taxation also applies to dividends earned, interest earned, royalties, and capital gains earned in the United States. In this case study Andrew's earnings were taxed but dividends, capital gains, and interest earned in the United States were not taxed so they are subject to taxation i n Australia. Other instance where income may not have been taxed by the United States include the following: 1) the income is less than the amount where taxation begins 2) the income falls into an exempt category in the foreign country 3) a memorandum of understanding exists 4) The income consists of supplements paid by the Australian Staffing Assistance Scheme 5) The foreign country levies a tax but does not have a system in place to collect those taxes TaxPack and Forms. This case study was completed using the Australian Taxation Office's "TaxPack" retrievable from their website at www.ato.gov.au. The TaxPack for individuals, supplement section, and Business and professional items schedule for individuals 2007. In addition, the rental property worksheet was used to

The Reglatory & Econ Envirnmnt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Reglatory & Econ Envirnmnt - Essay Example Gist includes supply chain services and management mainly in the UK (Lines of Business online). Being a capital-intensive business, BOC's profitability hinges on its sustained investment in technology to develop new products and services across all businesses and novel uses for existing products, as well as to design efficient methods for manufacturing industrial gases such that economies of scale could be achieved (Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Group Profile, 16; Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Risk Factors, 39). For example, for its PGS business segment, better plant reliability has led to a 16 per cent improvement in total revenue and an 11 per cent increase in total adjusted operating profit for the first half of 2006 (BOC Interim Report 2006, 2). Other than plant reliability, investment in new production facilities will also affect the profitability of PGS as such investments are critical in securing long-term supply contracts (Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Group Profile, 18). For the ISP business, BOC is planning the construction of a helium production plant in Au stralia. When completed, it will be only one of its kind in Australia (Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Group Profile, 20). This monopoly of the Australia market should be beneficial to profits. Furthermore, state-of-the-art technology to efficiently use power has delivered tremendous savings (Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Social, Environmental and Ethical Performance, 31). Technology can also be viewed from the perspective of its customers. Technological developments in industries where customers operate can increase the profitability of BOC. For example, success with major flat panel fabs in Korea has led to a soar in materials consumption and equipment demands, which brings about the strong vacuum equipment market share (Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Research, Development and Information Technology, 36; Merrill Lynch Chemicals Conference, 12). On the economic front, energy costs are particularly influential on profits, especially for PGS (BOC Interim Report 2006, 2) and ISP (BOC Interim Report 2006, 2). Domestic revenue depends on the manufacturing economy and pension costs (BOC Interim Report 2006, 2), while revenue and profit in the US and Canada hinges on demand from the oil and gas sector in the western region (BOC Interim Report 2006, 2). Exchange rate movements are also particularly influential on profitability (Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Operating Review, 40; BOC Interim Report 2006, 3) since BOC operates worldwide such as the UK, US, Europe, China, Asia, Australia, and Africa (Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Group Profile, 18; BOC Interim Report 2006, 2-3). Lastly, BOC is affected by the semiconductor business cycle as manufacturers in the semiconductor industry form the bulk of BOC Edwards' customer base, and BOC Edwards' profitability is directly influenced by the demand of these manufacturers for vacuum e quipment, services and industrial gases (Annual Report and Accounts 2005: Risk Factors, 38) There are many factors in the legal environment that are particularly influential on BOC's profitability. These factors include compliance with accounting, safety, health and environmental regulations and laws. They are discussed in the

Australia taxation law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Australia taxation law - Essay Example The first task identified was the determination of whether, for tax purposes, the Finlays are considered residents of Australia. The determination was made that the Finlays were considered residents based upon the residency test. According to Australian Tax Law the Finlays are considered residents because they were in Australia for 6 months or more during the 2006/2007 tax year. They also meet residency requirements because they met one or more of the three statutory residency tests. They are considered residents because they maintain a residence in Australia, have resided in Australia for 6 months during the tax year, and they contribute to the superannuation retirement fund. The biggest question to answer about residency and foreign income is what is taxable and what is not taxable. It has already been determined that the Finlays meet residency requirements for tax purposes. Although the tax forms ask for foreign income and foreign taxes paid on those earnings, the tax forms do not explain why. The first determination was that the income was earned in a country that has already taxed the income. If the foreign income was earned but not taxed it would be subject to taxation by the Australian Government. ... d States and Australia was created for "the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income" (Australian Taxation Office website). This protocol covers all aspects of income earned in the United States. Most specifically, relating to this case study, income earned within the United States is taxed by the United States. Any income not taxed is considered taxable income in Australia and residents of Australia are subject to taxation on that income earned. It is very important for the individual to report foreign income and whether or not it was taxed. All records relating to the income and taxes paid should be kept as proof of income earned and taxes paid. Taxation also applies to dividends earned, interest earned, royalties, and capital gains earned in the United States. In this case study Andrew's earnings were taxed but dividends, capital gains, and interest earned in the United States were not taxed so they are subject to taxation i n Australia. Other instance where income may not have been taxed by the United States include the following: 1) the income is less than the amount where taxation begins 2) the income falls into an exempt category in the foreign country 3) a memorandum of understanding exists 4) The income consists of supplements paid by the Australian Staffing Assistance Scheme 5) The foreign country levies a tax but does not have a system in place to collect those taxes TaxPack and Forms. This case study was completed using the Australian Taxation Office's "TaxPack" retrievable from their website at www.ato.gov.au. The TaxPack for individuals, supplement section, and Business and professional items schedule for individuals 2007. In addition, the rental property worksheet was used to

The Government of Finland and Spain Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Government of Finland and Spain - Case Study Example The two countries have some disparities in the accounting standards adopted. Moreover, the manner in which the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) are adopted by these countries differ greatly. The level of adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in Spain is much slower than that of Finland. In Spain, a very strong legal culture persists where the administrative law is used to administer the public sector. The central government is the accounting regulator and any reforms in accounting standards. Any accounting standards that have to be incorporated in the countries accounting standards have to pass via a process of scrutiny according to Spanish laws. The adoption rate is also slow because the influence from accounting professionals is weaker compared Anglo-Saxon countries (Brusca, Isabel, Vicente, and Danny 440).Looking at Finland, it has a very fast adoption rate as compared to Spain. Finland customs and tradition ensure that th ere is a common law that provides for the diffusion of accounting standards in the country. During the period of New Public Management, the Finnish government was among the first countries to like this type of accounting in the public sector. Also in this era, the Finnish government began to adopt the accrual-based type of accounting (Oulasvirta 277). This accounting model was more based on historical costs. Stressing on the historical cost principle, Finnish government stated its resources at the amount, which the business was acquired.

Air Pollution Essay Example for Free

Air Pollution Essay Air Pollution is another major problem that is yet to be solved. The air is 99.9% nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and inert gases. We as humans depend on the air around us to live, without it we would die. Although we rely on this as an essential source for living, it is still littered and polluted with chemicals. Pollution of the atmosphere and the air around us is air pollution, and this is becoming more popular everyday. There are several main types of air pollution that include smog, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and holes in the ozone layer. The types are extremely harmful to the environment and could result in serious damage. There are many causes of air pollution and there are many to blame. The first type of air pollution is smog. The word smog came from a newspaper article almost 50 years ago. The word is slang for smoke and fog, and that is indeed what smog is. Smog is a form of air pollution created by the photochemical reaction with sunlight and the chemicals in the air, and than this deadly mixture is released into the atmosphere. An example of how fatal smog was in 1952 with the incident, Londons killer smog. This incident happened in December of 1952, when a deadly wave of smog hit London killing over 10,000 people. Citizens walked through the streets with surgical masks on, waiting for a wind to raise and blow this terrible wave of pollution away. There wish came true on December 10, after almost a week of terror and many injured and dead people. Smog alone is just as fatal and dangerous as the other forms of air pollution. The other major types of pollution are acid rain, greenhouse effect, and holes in the ozone layer. Acid Rain is any precipitation that has an abnormal acidic amount. Acid rain is formed when chemicals are released from places like cars and factories, these chemicals rise and mingle in the clouds, and than return to earth in the form of precipitation. The Greenhouse effect is another import issue in air pollution. The Greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat and energy due to the gases that form a barrier in the atmosphere. The gases will let heat in but will not let all heat out. This is similar to what happens in a greenhouse. The ozone layer  is also at great risk. In places like Antarctica the ozone layer is disappearing rapidly. Scientists have different theories about that, saying that it is due to chemicals made on earth, the extreme temperature in Antarctica, and some believe it is a solar activity to blame. In any case it is obvious to see that the ozone layer is in danger . CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS There are numerous causes to air pollution. There are two main causes of air pollution; fuel burning in residential, commercial, and industrial places is one cause. The other cause is automobiles creating immense amounts of carbon monoxide and other toxic fuels. The burning of chemicals releases fumes in the air polluting the atmosphere. Large factories are at blame in this case due to their large amounts of chemicals burned and of their large smoke stack which pumps these fumes into the air. Inside many factories they burn fossil fuels, these fumes than are sent into the atmosphere, further contributing to the air pollution problem Another major cause of air pollution is car fumes. Inside the engines of cars, fossil fuels are being burned, and than these vapors are omitted out through pipes in the car. The major chemical being pumped out of the car is carbon monoxide; this is a very toxic material and can be fatal if enough is in taken. Diesel engines are also very toxic. These engines contain over 450 different chemicals and about 40 of the chemicals exhaust are considered toxic air contaminants by the State of California. Air Pollution also imposes the biggest threat of all; our health. Our health is the most precious thing to us and air pollution endangers this greatly. The people that are most vulnerable to the air pollution risk are young children, people with breathing problems, and elderly people. Short-term effects to air pollution include irritated eyes, nose, throat and upper respiratory system and other symptoms include headaches and nausea. Some long term effects of air pollution exposure are chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart diseases and damage to important organs such as the brain. Although there are many problems there is also a number of solutions. By completely eliminating the pollution would solve all these problems, so by doing little things we all can make a big difference. Since cars contribute a great deal to the air pollution problem, by using them less would lessen the problem. By not using things like Styrofoam, which are made in a factory that had to burn fossil fuels, you are also helping your community. To eliminate pollution indoors always use clean and clear ventilation machines and filters. Lawmakers should also make more laws on air pollution and pass more bills pertaining to this subject. CONCLUSION There is many to blame when it comes to air pollution. There is the citizens who use cars (that give out carbon monoxide) and use material made in a factory. There are the factory owners, who let their factories run, although they know theyre polluting the air everyday. Than there is the government. Although the government is trying to stop it, they also contribute to the problem by not passing more laws about this situation. Everyone is at blame for the air pollution problem, but if we all work together we can fix our mistake and save the atmosphere. Air Pollution is an extremely serious matter that is not taken seriously. The future of the earth is in our hands and we should treat this with respect. We have the opportunity to change our future, the opportunity to alter the way generations live, we should treat this opportunity with care and kindness. We should be more aware of the things that are happening in the world and what we are doing when the car revs up and puff the smoke. As we drive away in our cars, we are driving our future generations into a tangle of trouble. Soon people will have to wear surgical masks when walking down the street. We cannot let this happen to our society! We must be aware, prevent, and do it. We must be in action at all times trying to save the ozone layer and trying to stop smog from occurring in great masses. Lets drive away from air pollution and drive into a smog-free life!

Chronic Pain Management: An Insight Into Neuropathic Pain

Chronic Pain Management: An Insight Into Neuropathic Pain Many people suffer from chronic pain. In these patients, the most common wish is to be pain free. Even though modern Medicine has advanced at an unprecedented rate over the past century, approaches to chronic pain management is still not completely satisfactory. I have recently seen a patient who has been living with neuropathic pain for many years. Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that is considered to be the most difficult to treat and manage, due to its complex nature in etiology and clinical manifestations. Despite the improvement in scientific understanding of pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, and utilization of newer pharmacological, surgical and cognitive approaches, diagnosing and treating neuropathic pain still poses a challenge clinically. This essay will be presenting a case history of a patient with neuropathic pain being treated at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital and this case will form the basis of discussion on the current understanding of neuropathic pain m echanisms and its management. Patient case Mrs L is a 58 years old medically retired office worker who has a 25-year history of multiple sclerosis. She has been coping well until 8yrs ago when her left foot suddenly experienced a shooting pain on weight bearing. At first, she was maintained on paracetamol and nurofen by her GP with limited pain relief and then referred to the podiatrist, where an ultrasound scan revealed the presence of Mortons neuroma (a benign swelling of the intermetatarsal plantar nerve causing neuropathic pain), which was causing intense pain with a severity 10/10 across her left forefoot. To help alleviate the pain, it was initially decided that surgically removing the neuroma could achieve adequate pain relief, but this was proven to be an unrealistic goal. During the surgical intervention period, she had altogether three neuromas removed on separate occasions, with additional shaving off the bones to reduce compression on the nerve and resultant inflammation. She was then referred to be managed at the pain clinic. While Mrs L has been under the care of the pain physicians, she was given local anaesthetics steroid infiltration into her forefoot, cryotherapy (ice cold packs applied to tibial nerve), guanethedine block, lumbar chemical sympathectomy (with midazolam fentanyl), acupuncture, lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream, duloxetine and co-codamol. Despite temporary pain relief provided by these therapies, there was not a long-lasting effect that allowed Mrs L to stay pain-free. Understandably, living with an excruciating pain chronically can severely damage an individuals psychological as well as physical health. She could no longer enjoy her hobbies, such as dancing and going to antic fairs; even daily activities such as shower would make her scream in pain. As a result, she became extremely depressed and suicidal. Currently, she is receiving a multidisciplinary input from her GP, the specialist pain physician, specialist pain nurse, clinical psychologist, and physiotherapists and is maintained on gabapentin and diclofenac for her neuropathic pain, citalopram for her slowly recovering depression and baclofen for controlling her ongoing multiple sclerosis symptoms. She is also regularly attending chronic pain management programs, through which she believes that she gains better appreciation for her condition and is in a better position to be in charge of her own symptoms. This case nicely demonstrates the difficulties encountered in clinical practice in treating chronic pain. First of all, neuropathic pain is exceptionally difficult to treat, with unpredictable outcomes; secondly, most methods of pain management can only provide symptomatic relieve of pain temporarily, rather than offering a permanent cure; thirdly, chronic pain is an extremely debilitating condition to live with and its psychological impact should not be underestimated; and finally, to enable the best pain management a multidisciplinary approach is evidently the most successful and gives the patient most control over their symptoms. What is pain? We are all familiar with the term pain. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as: An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. (IASP 2007). It is important to note that pain is a very subjective experience, which varies enormously from one individual to the next. To emphasize on the subjectivity of pain perception and the need for individualized approach to pain management, Margo McCaffery who specialized in pain management nursing in 1968 described pain as whatever the experiencing person says it is, existing whenever the experiencing person says it does (Rosdahl Kowalski, 2007). It is undeniable that psychology and physiology are interwoven in the perception of pain. To understand pain, it is helpful to know what causes pain; as mentioned above, normally our perception of pain is triggered by a specific stimulus, such as hot, cold, or sharp objects, which could cause potential tissue irritation or injury. It is obviously advantageous in evolutionary terms to be able to sense the potential cause of injury and act via spinal reflexes to achieve self-protection, e.g. withdrawal of fingers from hot pan. This form of pain is called nociceptive pain, where the stimulus is known to be harmful in nature. This type of pain warns us of impending damage; therefore, it is regarded as the good type of pain. Of course, most of the long-term pains are certainly not good or friendly. What distinguishes between friend and foe in the field of pain is determined by the time-course, the intensity, the cause of and the social and economic consequences of the pain. An excellent example of a bad pain is neuropathic pain (Figure 1): Figure 1. Diagram showing the mechanisms behind the processing and perception of three different types of pain. Phase 1= nociceptive pain; Phase 2= inflammatory pain; Phase 3= neuropathic pain. (Cervero F, 2009) Neuropathic pains are resulted from disease or trauma to the central or peripheral nervous system; common causes include stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, surgery, diabetic neuropathy, and herpes zoster virus (Jensen et al., 2007). The Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group (NeuPSIG) of the IASP has recently redefined neuropathic pain as pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system (Treede et al., 2008). As a result, neuropathic pain produces very unusual pain sensations beyond the range produced by the normal nociceptive system; these include spontaneous pain, reduced pain thresholds, and mechanical allodynia (Cervero F, 2009). As illustrated in figure 1, abnormal sensory processing is one of the landmarks for diagnosing neuropathic pains; patients often experience pain in the absence of any noxious stimuli (allodynia) and additionally produces an abnormally heightened sensory input, changing a non-noxious stimulus int o a painful stimulus, producing a state called hyperalgesia. Therefore, the main characteristic is the nearly complete lack of correlation between peripheral noxious stimuli and pain sensations perceived. There are many types of neuropathic pain (Table 1), which can be broadly classified into four groups based on their aetiology and anatomy: peripheral nervous system focal and multifocal lesions, peripheral nervous system generalized polyneuropathies, central nervous system lesions, and complex neuropathic disorders (Freynhagen Bennett, 2009). It is outside the scope of this essay to discuss these different types of neuropathic pain in further detail; rather, neuropathic pain as a distinct group of pain will be explored. Table 1. Examples of neuropathic pain syndromes (Freynhagen Bennett, 2009). How is neuropathic pain diagnosed? Despite its frequent occurrence, neuropathic pain still constitutes as a major diagnostic problem in clinical practice because it can present with a variety of signs and symptoms, which vary greatly even within one particular disease entity (e.g. in postherpetic neuralgia) (Geber et al, 2009). Clinical examination and expert judgment is still the best way to make a clinical diagnosis of neuropathic pain, despite the recent development of various screening tools, such as the LANSS questionnaire (Bennette, 2001) and the Neuropathic Pain Scale (Galer and Jensen, 1997) that assist in making a diagnosis. Bedside examinations for hyperalgesia and dysthesia include assessing the effect of the same stimuli on painful areas compared to the contralateral side or an unaffected site. Allodynia is demonstrated by the experience of pain when performing light touch with cotton wool; exaggerated painful response to pin prick suggests hyperalgesia, therefore lowered pin-prick threshold. These are the typical components that define a pain as neuropathic type. Patients are most likely to present with a mixture of pain types with a neuropathic component to it. It is important to identify the presence of such a component as the treatment recommendations are different for these. With the introduction of the new grading system for neuropathic pain by NeuPSIG group (Treede et al 2008), it is becoming increasingly recognized that chronic pain is often presented as a combination of different types of pains, rather than a clear-cut nociceptive or neuropathic type of pain. In Treede and colleagues new recommendation for the diagnosis of neuropathic pain, options of definite, probable or possible are available for the diagnosis of a component of neuropathic pain in the disease presentations in the clinical setting, which aims to aid more accurate diagnosis of neuropathic pain (Figure 2). Figure 2. Flow chart of grading system for neuropathic pain. The grading system is based on four criteria: pain distribution (criterion 1), the link between pain distribution and the patients history (criterion 2), confirmatory tests of neurologic status demonstrating positive or negative sensory signs confined to the innervation territory of the lesioned nervous structure (criterion 3), and further confirmatory diagnostic tests to identify the lesion or disease entity underlying the neuropathic pain (criterion 4). Criteria 1 and 2 must be met to initiate the working hypothesis of possible neuropathic pain. *Patient requires follow-up and/or additional confirmatory tests. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  The point at which the diagnosis of possible neuropathic pain should be abandoned has not been defined (Treede et al 2008). Mechanisms of neuropathic pain Broadly speaking, neuropathic pain arises from the peripheral nervous system (ectopic impulse generation due to abnormal sodium channel expression), or from the central nervous system (central sensitization, disinhibition and plasticity) (Scadding, 2003). The key behind the generation of neuropathic pain is the abnormal neurological changes to the sensory system resulting in an abnormal hyperalgesic state, achieved through three processes: 1) the activation and sensitization of peripheral nociceptors, which are responsible for sensing peripheral noxious stimuli; 2) the abnormal amplification, rather than the suppression as in the normal states, of the central nervous system, known as central sensitization, caused by the strengthening of the synaptic connections between the peripheral and central nervous systems, producing a persistent pain state; 3) the change in the central actions of the undamaged afferents, so that a non-noxious tactile stimulus sensed by these receptors are converted into nociceptive information and processed as pain, rather than a light touch (Cervero F, 2009). This also further leads to secondary hyperalgesia, which means that instead of relieving the nociceptive pain by rubbing on the painful area (tactile stim ulus), the tactile movement of rubbing will actually produce the opposite effect of enhancing the existing pain. Figure 3. The pain signaling and modulation pathways. F Cx: frontal cortex; SS Cx: somatosensory cortex; Hyo: hypothalamus. (Ro Chang, 2005) As shown in Figure 3, the physiological pain mechanisms include the pain signaling pathway from nociceptors to peripheral nervous system to spinal dorsal horn cells to thalamus and finally to the cortex, and the pain control system from the cortext to periaqueductal grey to raphe nucleus to spinal dorsal horn (Ro Chang, 2005). In normal circumstances, there is a balance between signal transduction and pain modulation, therefore the individual recovers from that episode of pain. However, when this balance is disturbed, i.e. when there is a lesion within the primary somatosensory system, then the individual experiences neuropathic pain. The lesion may occur anywhere along the pathways of the somatosensory system, and it could be as a result of compression, inflammation, ischaemia, trauma, tumour invasion, nutritional deficits, or degenerative processes to the neurons (Ro Chang, 2005). Some of these important mechanisms will be discussed individually below. Local nerve injuries After the occurance of local nerve damage, in an attempt to repair, a neuroma forms at the proximal stump of the damaged nerve. A neuroma is a tangled mass of regenerating axons embedded in connective tissues. The axons within a neuroma not only fail to regenerate properly, but also develop abnormal electrical activities (England et al, 1996). This neuroma sprout then begins to fire abnormal signals with a heightened excitability, which stimulates regenerating C-fibers. After a period in the growth of these fibers, erratic impulse generator will develop, which sends abnormal signals into the central nervous system, perceived as dysthesia, parasthesia, itching or electrifying sensations (Liu et al, 2002). Sodium channel accumulation Sodium channel density is increased in areas of axons proximal to the injury site, as shown by England et al (1996) when the excised neuromas were studied from patients who suffered from painful traumatic neuromas (Figure 4). This specific type of sodium channel accumulated have a faster recovery time after inactivation, therefore, they are able to conduct ectopic impulses in neuropathic states. The ectopic activity then maintains the central sensitization process, resulting in great amplification of peripheral afferent signals. In neuropathic pain, there is a change in ionic channels composition and functions, such an accumulation of sodium channels which leads to hyperexcitability of these nerve terminals. These are found to be accumulating in neuropathic damaged areas of the nerve, such as in neuromas and demyelinated areas (Devor, 2006). In a normal axon, the transportation of sodium ion channels is preprogrammed via endoplasmic vesicles along the axons to be distributed in the n odes of Ranvier and peripheral sensory endings; there is a low density of sodium channels on the myelinated axonlemma. However, as a consequence to neuropathic damage, the set program of ionic channel settlement is disturbed, and these ion channels end up being located at a high concentration at the areas of neuromas, demyelination and sprouting (Aurilio et al, 2008). Such important roles played by sodium channels means that by blocking these channels, neuropathic pains could be reduced. Indeed, sodium channel blockers open up a major therapeutic channel for neuropathic pain treatment. Figure 4. Sodium channel immunocytochemistry of neuromas. (a, b, c) Sodium channel-specific immunoreactivity is present throughout the axons of th these neuromas. (d) Control showing the nonspecific immunofluorescence. Scale bar = 10 micrometer (England et al, 1996). Calcium channels and signaling in injury Calcium channels are also involved in contributing to neuropathic pains, as intracellular calcium determines the phosphorylation of the membrane proteins (Aurilio et al, 2008). The inflammatory neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP), are released from injured nerve endings. They have a role in acting as co-transmitters in the spinal cord, therefore are involved in the central sensitization and hyperalgesic states found in neuropathic pain. An in vitro study identified that the release of CGRP entirely depended on the presence of extracellular calcium ions; this process involves particularly the N- and L-type calcium channels (Kress et al, 2001). Selective calcium channel blockers, such as gabapentin and lamotrigine may have significant potential in treating neuropathic pain. Cytokines in neuropathic pain Cytokines such as interleukins and tumour necrosis factors are well known mediators of inflammatory responses. Additionally, they are involved in neurogenic inflammations and are thought to play a role in the generation of neuropathic pains. In an established experimental model of neurogenic hyperalgesia and allodynia, mice with chronic constrictive injury to one sciatic nerve, the usage of interleukin-1 antagonist has been found to significantly yield in a reduction in the pain responses (Sommer et al, 1999) (Figure 5). Since TNF- Ã‚ ¡ immunoreactivitiy is found to be higher in nerve biopsies from patients with neuropathic pain, directing treatments to reducing the level of cytokines in the nervous system may also be helpful in relieving neuropathic pains (Empl et al, 2001). Indeed, combined neutralizing therapies against IL-1 and TNF- Ã‚ ¡ produced additive effects in experimental models (Schafers et al, 2001). Figure 5. Hyperalgesia to thermal stimuli following unilateral sciatic nerve injury in six groups of mice. a negative difference score is an indicator of hyperalgesia in the experimental/treatment limb. Hyperalgesia is present throughout the experimental period in the sham-treated group of mice. Treatment with anti-IL1 reduces hyperalgesia in a dose dependent manner (Sommer et al, 1999). Central inhibition inefficiency and sensitization The pain transmission system is under continuous inhibitory control from the brainstem centers, such as periaqueductal grey and locus coeruleus. Many studies have been conducted in laboratory animals for studying the pain mechanisms in neuropathic pain. It is found that in animals with neuropathic pain their central descending inhibition is nearly 50% lower than normal (Zimmermann 2001). Additionally, there is a hypersensitized central nervous system in neuropathic pain. Normally central sensitisation process would return back to baseline level when the tissue heals and inflammation subsides (Dworkin et al, 2003), but in neuropathic pain states this is not the case. The plasticity and sensitisation following peripheral nerve injury was thought to be caused by the long-term potentiation mechanism (Liu Sandkuhler, 1995). It is thought that after local nerve damage peripherally, growth factors such as nerve growth factors (NGF) can no longer be taken up into the dorsal ganglion neurons; this alters the nervous system at the transcription and protein synthesis level. NGF is a trophic molecule essential in the development maturation of the nervous system, and it is found to be elevated in conditions which pain is a predominant feature. This change to the composition to the nervous system also results in changes in the activities of aspartate and NMDA, which leads to an i nflux of calcium ions that indirectly contributes to the sensitisation and hyperalgesia of the spinal cord dorsal ganglion cells (Ro Chang, 2005). Peripheral inhibition inefficiency In addition, there also is a reduction in the response to endorphin molecules in patients with neuropathic pain than other pain mechanisms (Terenius 1979); therefore, there is a reduction in the sensation of pain relief centrally. Peripheral nerve lesion was simulated in rats by rhizotomy, a technique which severs the spinal roots, and this has demonstrated a decreased opioid receptor binding in the spinal cord (Zajac et al, 1989). Living with neuropathic pain From a patents perspective, pain is something they have to learn to live with, however bad it is. Patients who suffer from chronic pain not only have to go through the physical anguish exerted by the pain, but being in pain also hinders them from normal day to day functioning; from not being able to stay independent or taking care of themselves, to losing jobs, family and friends, lack of support and results in social isolation. A patient has once told me that: because what Im going through (pain) is not readily recognized by others, the way other people acted towards me put me under lots of frustration and made me socially unaccepted. It is crucial to bear in mind the wider impact of living with neuropathic pain when formulating a management plan for that individual. Not surprisingly, neuropathic pain is linked to significant reduction in the patients health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as well as creating substantial costs to the health service. It is reported that generally, patients with neuropathic pain have higher pain rating scores and lower HRQoL (Jenson et al, 2007). In a cross-sectional evaluation of the impact of neuropathic pain on patients and their quality of life conducted in the Spanish population, it was found that pain substantially interfered with work and family life in these patients. Over 95% of the 1519 patients recruited for this study had either neuropathic pain or a mixed neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Younger patients tend to report a lower quality of life than that of the elderly population in both the physical and mental components of life (Figures 6a 6b); possibly due to having fewer comorbidities in younger patients helps to exaggerate the perceived deleterious effects of neuropathic pain on their daily functioning. Using the Sheehans disability scale, the younger patients are also shown to have generally a higher perceived stress compared to the older patients (Galvez et al, 2007). It is important to analyse the effects that neuropathic pain exerts upon its sufferer, not only because we start to appreciate the level of impairment on the quality of life this chronic illness can cause to the patients, but also to further explore areas that could be perhaps better dealt with in terms of treatment (Jenson et al, 2007). As was reflected by the outcome of the Spanish study, 43% of patient had extreme disability; these included disability for work (51%), 47% for social life, 42% for family life. 38% of the patients also reported extreme stress and 19% perceived that they received little or no social support (Galvez et al, 2007). This shows that living with neuropathic pain is not just leading to physical disability, but also psychological and social dysfunctioning. Having known this nature of neuropathic pain, it important to consider both a pharmacological and psychosocial approach when prescribing treatment and formulating management plans. Figure 6. Scatter graph showing the linear relationship between age (years) and quality of life of the patient; physical (6a) and mental (6b) components, given as a standardised score relative to the reference Spanish population (SDS). SDS score is shown for each patient adjusted for type of neuropathic pain, center, and present pain intensity, age, and sex. SD, standard deviation; 95% CI, 95% confidence interval. (Galvez et al, 2007) b. a. Management of neuropathic pain The management of neuropathic pain involves a number of well-established pharmacological therapies, as well as utilizing the psychosocial aspects of the neuropathic pain nature fully to best control the patients pain symptoms. Non-Pharmacological approaches As the symptoms of pain are not just derived purely from a physical entity, psychotherapy should be considered as part of the management program for neuropathic pain. At an early stage, patients should be educated on the nature of the condition and to have realistic expectations with regards to treatment options; especially the current management for neuropathic pain is still mainly palliative in nature, with main aims to reduce symptomatic complaints of pain, but not a curative fix. To be able to alleviate the pain and achieve symptomatic relieve, even if only temporarily, may be the only attainable goal (CREST, 2008). Since non-pharmacological treatments have the lowest risks of adverse side effects these must be offered early. These include a combination of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy and pain management programs that are adjusted to the individuals psychological and physical needs. The main aims for physiotherapy is to provide pain relieve wherever possible, but also focuses on the restoration of normal functioning and helping the patient to return to normal physical activities, such as going back employment (Serpell et al, 2008). The low risk physiotherapy modalities include TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and acupuncture are offered, along with appropriate education, advice and exercise. Functional difficulties in areas of personal care, work and leisure could be managed best by the input of occupational therapists, who may work around the needs of the individual in adjusting the arrangements at home/work to best allow the patient to function despite t he pain. In Mrs Ls case, she had shower rails and hand-held tools to pick up distant objects without exerting strain on her back/affected limbs; these were extremely helpful to her. Of course, to maximize the outcome of pharmacological treatment, psychological therapy is essential in addressing the disability, emotional impacts and general life interruptions that are consequences of neuropathic pain. Apart from pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy is the best evidence-based therapy for the treatment of chronic pains like neuropathic pain (Morley et al, 2000). Additionally, patients living with chronic pain often suffer from other comorbidities. Frequently these are not treated alongside the treatment for the chronic pain, therefore, a limited effect of the pain treatment may be observed. Behavioral and psychiatric conditions are especially common in patients with neuropathic pain; recognizing and treating these will aid in improved quality of life and better pain relief overall (Fishbain, 1999). An recent eight-week study of the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on chronic pain-induced insomnia has found that patients who received CBT exhibited significant reductions in sleep latency, number of awakenings during sleep and overall quality of sleep (Jungquist et al, 2010). This offers further hope for patients who suffer from pain-related insomnias. Finally, the Pain Management Program is a multi-disciplinary approach to pain control that is tailored to each patients individual needs. Patients are typically referred to this program if they have been living with chronic pain for a number of years and suffer from significant physical, social and psychological functional difficulties. Many have become dependent on medications and acquired a number of side effects from these medications which are slowly eroding the quality of their lives. In the pain management programs, the goals are to reduce the subjective experience of pain, learning new coping strategies to control pain and improve physical and emotional functioning. Indeed, the pain management programs have been found to achieve a reduction in medication and enhanced rates of returning to work (CREST 2008 NRH 2009). Pharmacological therapies for neuropathic pain In most cases, patients with neuropathic pain will need to be started on analgesic medication after failure to respond to non-pharmacological treatments. Although opioid and non-opioid analgesics, such as codeine and diclofenac respectively, have a role in dampening pain transmission in within the CNS in neuropathic pain states, it is far more effective to target the sodium, calcium and NMDA receptors, which are altered during nerve injury. Generally speaking, the clinical effectiveness of these drugs is limited by their narrow therapeutic indexes, i.e. the difference between the number needed to treat (NNT) and the number needed to harm (NNH) is very small (Rice Hill, 2006). Neuropathic pain is appreciably a very complex condition and treatment for this can be a real challenge, as most patients do not respond to conventional analgesics. The main problems lie within the inadequate diagnosis, lack of understanding of the pain mechanisms, inappropriate selection of therapies, and insufficient management of comorbidities that could delay the response to neuropathic pain therapies (Ro Chang, 2005). Recently a review of the guidelines by OConnior Dworkin has resulted in the formulation of a stepwise approach to neuropathic pain management in primary care (Table 2). It is important to highlight that the first step of the management plan includes the identification of comorbidities, and relevant patient education as discussed above in the non-pharmacological managements of neuropathic pain to fully prepare the patient for adequate treatment. Table 2. Stepwise pharmacologic management of neuropathic pain (OConnor Dworkin, 2009) According to a recent review and recommendation by Dworkin et al, three lines of pharmacological treatment have been advised for neuropathic pain treatment. The first line treatments include tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI), Ca2+ channel ligands (e.g. gabapentin pregabalin) and topically applied 5% lidocaine; second line treatments including opioid analgesics tramadol; and third line treatments are the other antiepileptics (e.g. Carbamazepine, lamortigine), other antidepressants (e.g. citalopram), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and topically applied capsaicin (Dworkin et al, 2007 and OConnor Dworkin, 2009). TCAs The administration of TCAs such as amytriptyline and nortriptyline will benefit patients with neuropathic pain as TCAs have been shown consistently to be more efficacious than placebos in a number of randomized controlled trials (Saarto Wiffen 2007), and especially beneficial for patients who have a comorbidity of depression. They act via histaminic, muscarinic and serotoninergic receptors both peripherally and centrally. However, one should note that the possibility of cardiac toxicity hinders its administration in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions, especially arrhythmias; they should also be avoided in patients who have suicide risk or poor impulse control (Serpell et al, 2008). A large, retrospective cohort study reported that there was an increased risk to sudden cardiac death at dosages higher than 100mg/day (Ray et al, 2004). Because the recommended dose of TCA can range from 25mg at the starting dose to 150mg/day as the maximum dose (Dworkin et al, 2007), administ ering TCA should be a cautious exercise. In general, TCAs should be started at low dosages, administered at night to minimize sedative effects, and titrated up slowly to be continued for 6-8 weeks to allow analgesic effects (OConnor Dworkin, 2009). SSRNIs SSNRIs such as duloxetine and venlafaxin are less effective than TCAs, but have a better safety profile. Duloxetine has consistently demonstrated efficiency in treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (Dworkin et al, 2007), although its effects in other types of neuropathic pain have not been studies extensively, therefore its efficacy in those types of pain are still uncertain. Calcium channel ligands Calcium channel ligands, e.g. gabapentin and pregabalin, bind to the voltage-gated calcium channels at the ÃŽÂ ±2- Ã‚ ¤ subunit to modulate neurotransmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals (Figure 7). Both drugs have been shown to be efficacious South Africa: Language and Culture South Africa: Language and Culture What is South African Culture? South Africa is known as the rainbow nation as it has complex and diverse cultures. (South African Languages and Cultures. It is a melting pot of culture; here are a few cultural aspects to admire about South Africa: Mapungubwe, Limpopo Province, is one of the richest archaeological sites in Africa. Two globally important battles namely, The Anglo Boer War and the Anglo Zulu War were both fought on South African soil. Since the freedom from Apartheid, dance has become a prime means of artistic expression. The Magaliesberg mountain range is said to be the oldest mountain range on earth. The Drakensberg mountain range runs the length of the country and is a Unesco World Heritage site. The Vredefort Dome is the oldest and largest visible meteorite impact site in the world. South Africa has a celebration for every event, place, art form, food, drink and agricultural commodity. South Africa has a wide variety of arts and crafts, as well as a wide range of craftwork styles; tribal designs, Afro-French wirework, wood carvings, world-class pottery and bronze casting, stained glass, basket weaving, clay and stone sculpting, dung paper and waste ornaments. The Drakensberg mountain range is the worlds largest art gallery and is a monument to the San Bushmen. Jukskei, a game which involves a player throwing a wooden pin at a peg in the ground. It has been identified as one of the seven indigenous games that should be encouraged and developed. After the Apartheid era, the youth of South Africa started to find their own voice in a style of music called Kwaito. Nguni cattle, they are indigenous to South Africa and might possibly be the most beautiful cattle in the world with their variously patterned and multicoloured hides. The Owl House, Nieu Bethesda, is a fascinating world of sculptures made from concrete and glass. The Cradle of Humankind has one of the worlds richest concentrations of hominid fossils. The Quagga, was extinct but has been rebred. It is a zebra-like animal but only has stripes on the front half of its body. Mark Shuttleworth was the first African in space. South Africa is home to seven Unesco World Heritage sites. South African cultural villages allow visitor to experience firsthand the cultures and traditions of our country, including food, drink and accommodation. South Africa produces 3.1% of the worlds wine and ranks number nine in overall volume production. The above text was referenced from: The A to Z of South African Culture 2010:1 During the Apartheid era, the government divided this diverse country into four population groups, namely white, black, coloured and Asian. (South African culture is impossible to capture in a nutshell, as the country is home to a rich variety of cultural groups of diverse ethnic and national origins. [sa]) These population groups were grouped as follows: White: English, Afrikaans, Jewish, Portuguese, Greek and Lebanese. Black: tribal groups, namely Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, Swazi, Tswana and Sotho. Coloured: people of mixed origin, mainly Afrikaans speaking and also a lot closer to the white cultural trends. Asian: people of Indian decent. The above text was referenced from: South African culture is impossible to capture in a nutshell, as the country is home to a rich variety of cultural groups of diverse ethnic and national origins. [sa] South Africa has eleven official languages, namely English, Afrikaans, Tsonga, Zulu, Tswana, Xhosa, Venda, Swazi, Southern Sotho, Ndebele and Sepedi. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) South Africas language distribution is as follows: Figure: Language distribution chart (South Africa Info) Xhosa Language: The word Xhosa is derived from the Khoisan language, which means angry men. South African Languages and Cultures [sa] There are about eighteen percent of Xhosa speaking people in South Africa, and are mainly found in the Eastern Cape. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) This makes Xhosa the second most spoken language in South Africa. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) There are nine Xhosa speaking groups, some chiefdoms are larger than others, but there is conformity among them, the conformity can be seen in the homestead layouts. (Magubane 1998:10) Culture: The Xhosa speaking people were one of the first chiefdoms to be exposed to European explorers, hunters, traders, missionaries, soldiers and colonial administrators. (Magubane 1998:12) This exposure therefore altered the culture of the Xhosa people. Xhosa marriage is a polygynous affair as the chiefs and wealthy men, who had lots of cattle married more than one woman and in some instanced has as many as four wives. (Magubane 1998:20) These wives were distinguished in rank according to different houses. (Magubane 1998:20) The Great Wife was responsible in bearing a son, and of course heir who would eventually take over his fathers possessions, i.e. cattle. (Magubane 1998:24) Labola is a big part of the Xhosa culture, labola also meant that different groups could forge alliances as marriage within a clan is prohibited. (Magubane 1998:28) In a modern day Xhosa marriage negotiation it is common that money instead of cattle will be accepted. (Magubane 1998:25) Traditional rituals are performed throughout the life-cycle of the Xhosa people, from birth to puberty, marriage to menopause and filly to death. (Magubane 1998:32) One of these rituals is that of male initiation through circumcision. This ritual came about as men had to be circumcised to become a warrior, and had to be a warrior before he could marry. (Magubane 1998:33) Architecture: Dwellings consisted of a circular frame of poles and saplings, which were bent and bound in the shape of a beehive and thatched from top to bottom with grass. (Magubane 1998:18) this structure was then plastered with a mixture of mud and dug to provide adequate insulation. (Magubane 1998:18) screened off cooking areas, had an earthen oven for baking. (Magubane 1998:18) Zulu Language: Zulu people form the largest ethnic group in South Africa (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) and therefore Zulu is one of the most spoken languages in South Africa and is also understood by half of the South African inhabitants. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) South African English has adapted and was also inspired by many of the Zulu words, and therefore incorporate it into the English language. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Culture: The Zulu nation arose in the 16th century; the Zulu warrior Shaka raised the nation to prominence in the 19th century. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) The classic novel Chaka, by Thomas Mofolo, reinvents king Shaka into a heroic figure. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) The current monarch is King Goodwill Zwelithini. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) the present kings powers are essentially symboliche carries a sacred axe on important state occasions and he presides over key rituals, (Magubane 1998:37) Zulu children are exposed to nature at an early age which encompasses a deep understanding and empathy for the environment they live in. (Magubane 1998:45) Traditional foods include amasi (curds of milk) which is eaten either with maize meal or vegetables. Maize meal is either boiled into a thick porridge or eaten with vegetables. Meat was only eaten on special occasions, such as a wedding. (Magubane 1998:47) The Zulus are very crafty. The women are responsible for mat-making, beadwork and pottery. The men do woodwork and specialise in spoons, meat trays and milk pails which are crafted out of one piece of wood. (Magubane 1998:47) Traditional medicines in the Zulu culture are ancient, these medicines are divided into two parts, the Traditional Herbalist who administers medicine made from plants and animals, and the Diviner who smells out the complaints using bones, shells, seeds or other artefacts. (Magubane 1998:61) A category in the Diviners is the isangoma, who is a medium that makes contact with the ancestral spirits and prescribes medicine according to their dictates. (Magubane 1998:62) Music, song and dance have always been important in Zulu culture as it helps maintain a sense of group solidity especially in times of strees, joy and change. (Magubane 1998:62) The Zulu society had many stringed instruments, such as the uGubu which stringed bow with a calabash attached to the end. (Magubane 1998:62) Architecture: The extended homestead was roughly circular in form and was build on sloping ground facing east wherever possible, with the slope falling away to the main entrance, so that the chief dwelling would be on the highest ground. (Magubane 1998:40) In the centre of this homestead would be the cattle byre which is also linked to the temple, which is where traditional rituals would take place. (Magubane 1998:40) The building of these dwellings were the mens job and would often be a social event where the women would brew beer and neighbours, even passers-by, would come and lend a hand in erecting these dwellings. (Magubane 1998:43) The dwellings were either beehive or dome shaped. Saplings would be embedded into a circular dug trench; the saplings were then bent over and tied down to create framework which would then be tightly thatched. (Magubane 1998:43) There were no windows but the door was very low, people had to entre on their hands and knees. This door was then closed at night by means of a wicker door that was fastened with a cross-stick. (Magubane 1998:43) Afrikaans Language: Afrikaans is spoken by a majority of South Africans, either as a first or second language. Afrikaans is a rich cultural languages with much heritage from the Dutch, Afrikaans even means Africa in Dutch. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Afrikaans is mainly spoken by white Afrikaners, coloured South Africans and a section of the black population. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) Venda Language: Venda is also known as Luvenda or Tshivenda and is mostly spoken in the Northern parts of South Africa. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) The people who speak Venda have a Royal Family and show women great respect, therefore women are allowed to become Queens and Chiefs of their own tribes (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Culture: For a Venda person, music is one of the most important aspects to their culture, especially drum beats. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) They are hard working people but after working all day on a field, there is always music, a few drinks and dancing. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) A drum, named Ngoma Lungundu, is the centural feature in Venda culture. (Magubane 1998:82) Status and power are expressed through music, dance, and song. (Magubane 1998:87) Venda people use many musical instruments, even instruments that have vanished from other cultures in Africa; they use xylophones, thumb pianos, reed flutes, and three different types of drums. (Magubane 1998:87) The Venda pottery style was established in the 14th and 15th Century. (Magubane 1998:82) The young Venda men and old Venda men were highly regarded, as the Venda people believe that the young men are still close to the ancestors, while the old men are about to rejoin the ancestors. (Magubane 1998:84) Initiation played a big role in Venda culture, as with most South African cultures. (Magubane 1998:84) Initiation ceremonies were held for the many stages in life and would be made possible through external forces such as the ancestors, good and bad spirits, as well as witches. (Magubane 1998:84) A python, in Venda culture, is associated with fertility and the movements of a baby in the womb. (Magubane 1998:87) Venda women were held in much regard, unlike most African women. (Magubane 1998:89) venda women were in absolute control if in her courtyard, and elderly women played an important role in Venda society by telling the children traditional stories. (Magubane 1998:89) Venda women are able to own property and can become ruler of a clan if there was no male heir. (Magubane 1998:89) Architecture: Traditional Venda villages are surrounded by stone walls, which can still be seen near/under cliffs. (Magubane 1998:84) These villages are laid out so that the King is on the highest part of the land, with his wives and children around him, who are then surrounded by the rest of the inhabitants, who will protect the King and his family if there were to be a threat. (Magubane 1998:84) Ndebele Language: Ndebele language is split into two chief dialects namely, Southern Ndebele and Northern Ndebele, but the more common spoken dialect is Southern Ndebele. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Ndebele is only spoken at home, and therefore only moves through generations, therefore it is thought to be a vanishing language. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Culture: To tourists, the Ndebele culture is best known for their vibrant geometric patterns which decorate their houses, clothes and can also be seen in their beadwork. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) These vibrant patterns embrace a variety of forms and symbols, such as natural objects, geometric forms and now days letters of the alphabet, numbers, representations of urban buildins, windmills and aeroplanes. (Magubane 1998:76) Ndebele life is characterized, life many other African groups, by the spirit world. (Magubane 1998:67) The spirit world is made up of the Ndebele ancestors who require constant sacrificing to keep them placid. (Magubane 1998:67) The Ndebele society is patriarchal; this was intensified by the white farmers who looked to Ndebele family labour where the men had to work for the white farmer. (Magubane 1998:70) The Ndebele man then moved away from the white farms and started their own businesses as taxi drivers or builders. (Magubane 1998:70) The Ndebele women would work as domestic servants in Pretoria but always returned home to look after the children and set up the homestead. (Magubane 1998:70) While the women were at the homestead, they would be supported by their husbands as well as making and selling beadwork, mats and dolls. (Magubane 1998:70) There is much deliberation on if the adornments worn by the Ndebele women are strictly for their own sensuality or whether their husbands want their wealth to be shown on their wives. (Magubane 1998:76) The most popular adornemnts worn by Ndebele women are the beaded wire hoops and/or copper or brass rings that they wear around their necks, arms, legs and stomach. (Magubane 1998:77) Sepedi Language: Sepedi is also known as Sesotho or Northern Sotho. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) But this language is best known for their wedding ceremonies. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Culture: In the Sepedi culture, it is well known that the brides father ask the groom for lebola. Lebola is item/s exchanged for their daughter, for example money or livestock. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) The wedding is held at the brides or grooms home, but before the ceremony, the bride (dressed in a cows hide dress) has to go down to the river and collect water and wood for the ceremony. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Once the ceremony is done, a sheep is then slaughtered in the back yard and the meat is equally divided between both families. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Setswana Language: Setswana is commonly known as Tswana, which is related to the other Sotho languages. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Setswana was mostly spoken in Botswana, but migrated into North Western South Africa. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) Dr. Robert Moffat built the first school in Botswana and realised that he needed to use and write Setswana in his teachings, therefore Setswana was the first Sotho language to be in a written format. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) Culture: Setswana is part of the Sotho-Tswana division, which use totems to contact their ancestors and these totems symbolise the sacred creature which is not to be hunted, the Setswana totem is a fish. (Magubane 1998:11) In the Setswana culture, wealth is measured by how many cattle they have in their possession; this is then ranked and put into a document called the Setswana Forbes, which lists all the names of the wealthy Setswana people. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Setswana culture is also widely known for their Traditional healers, or sangomas, which play an important role in their culture. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Southern Sesotho Language: Southern Sotho is spoken by more than five million South African inhabitants. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) It is a very complicated language, but once you get to understand it, it is a beautiful language. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Sesotho originally was spoken in Lesotho, but moved into South Africa. It was also one of the first African languages, along with Setswana and Zulu, to be put into a written form as well as into literature. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) Culture: Southern Sotho is part of the Sotho-Tswana division, which use totems to contact their ancestors and these totems symbolise the sacred creature which is not to be hunted, the Southern Sotho totem is a crocodile. (Magubane 1998:10-11) The Southern Sotho culture is one that believes strongly that Children benefit from serving their elders. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Marriages are more often than not pre-arranged but in todays day and age, this has become less of normality as they are now able to pick their life partners. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Swati Language: The Swati language is also known as the Swazi language. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) It is a very similar language to the Ndebele, Xhosa and Zulu language, and often gets confused with these languages. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) The language and culture of the Swati was highly influenced by the Zulus. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Culture: The Swatis have many traditional events and the culture is one of colourful outfits with red feathers, carrying shields and wearing multicoloured necklaces. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) The Reed dance festival is one of their great festivals. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) The ceremony is held for eight days which runs through the end of August till the beginning of September. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) This ceremony is for all unmarried women and is to protect the womens chastity (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Tsonga Language: The Tsonga language is spoken throughout southern Africa. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Tsonga is a language that does not use the English alphabet, but instead the Latin alphabet. (South African Languages and Cultures [sa]) Therefore it is a difficult language to learn or understand. Culture: The first Tsonga speaking people were traders of cloth and beads for ivory, copper and salt that was eventually joined by co-linguists pushed from the coast by Nguni raiders. Magubane 1998:90 The birth of a child is a great time for all Tsonga speaking people. (Magubane 1998:95) Babies are doctored with medicines and decorated with charms and beaded bangles. Magubane 1998:95 A Tsonga marriage is not just a relationship of two individuals, but an agreement and new relationship between the two families. (Magubane 1998:96) There is a sacrifice before the bride leaves her family and her ancestors to join her new family, her new family will now take her in as one of them and she will have to learn their etiquette and rules of behaviour. (Magubane 1998:96) Most of the agricultural work was done by women, but the harvesting was done in collaboration with the surrounding communities, with the owner/host of the land providing beer and refreshments therefore making it a festive occasion. (Magubane 1998:98) Venison was a vital part in Tsonga diet, so was fish as fishing was an important community activity. (Magubane 1998:98) Tsonga men have through the ages started working in the South African mines and send money home to their families. (Magubane 1998:99) They have to spend copious amounts of time on busses and trains, and have to live in hostels near to the mining towns. (Magubane 1998:99) The Tsonga people are able to play wind, stringed and percussion instruments, the string instruments being the most important. (Magubane 1998:99) The two other instruments they are able to play, but fall out of the mentioned catagories is the hand piano and the xylophone. (Magubane 1998:99) The stringed instruments they are able to play: Vibrating Bow Stringed bow attached to a calabash Hollow reed bow Wire stringed bow with a thickened handle plucked with a flat piece of wire The above text was reference from: (Magubane 1998:99) The wind instruments they are able to play: Cross flute Shepherds pipe Antelope horn trumpet The above text was reference from: (Magubane 1998:99) The percussion instruments they are able to play: Tambourines Drums The above text was referenced from: (Magubane 1998:99) Architecture: A Tsonga homestead comprises of the man, his wife/wives, their children and their sons families. (Magubane 1998:94) The houses are cylindrical with earthen walls and conical thatched or reed roofs. Magubane 1998:94 The homestead is generally circular with a central cattle byre and a main entrance on the eastern side, there may also be sub-entrances on the side of the water and fields. (Magubane 1998:94) English Language: South African English is rich and peculiar as it is influenced by most of the other ten languages. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) For example: ..cars stop at robots, not traffic lights. A pickup truck is a bakkie, sneakers are takkies, a hangover is a babbelas, (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) English is understood across South Africa and is generally the chosen language in business, politics and media. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) English is only spoken by 10% of South Africans, but is the primary language tought at primary, secondary and tertiary educational centres. (Languages of South Africa 2010:1) What artefacts are unique to each culture? Archaeology is important as it is able to tell us when and where people settled and how they lived. Archaeology is also able to link different cultural groups through the artefacts they leave behind. (Magubane 1998:8) Archaeological time periods and artefacts found from each period: Early Stone Age stone artefacts such as hand axes and cleavers. Middle Stone Age stone artefacts such as points and scrapers, as well as grindstones. Later Stone Age new technologies made way for the bow and arrow, and traps and snares. Early Iron Age new technology made way for hoes, axes, decorative pots and bowls, ornate metal work and complex terracotta sculptures. The above text was referenced from: Magubane 1998:8 The Bantu-speaking people have been thought to emerge from the Iron Age communities; the bantu-speaking people are divided into two groups, the Nguni speaking and the Sotho-Tswana speaking people. (Magubane 1998:10) These two groups are linguistically and culturally distinct (Magubane 1998:10) What is a Boutique Hotel? There are a number of characteristics and attributes that constitute a Boutique Hotel. Firstly a Boutique hotel is much smaller than a chain-hotel as the maximum amount of rooms a Boutique Hotel has is one-hundred. (Nobles Thompson 2001:1) Atmosphere is very important in a Boutique Hotel as it creates a memorable experience. (Nobles Thompson 2001:1) Management and staff need to anticipate guests needs and wants, knowing what a guest wants, when they want it and how they want it. (Nobles Thompson 2001:1) Unique and interesting themes, design and architecture. (What is a Boutique Hotel? 2003 2010) Stylish appearance (What is a Boutique Hotel? 2003 2010) Equally appropriate for business, honeymoon or vacation. (What is a Boutique Hotel? 2003 2010) Target market for Boutique Hotels is 25 55 age range and middle to upper income level. (What is a Boutique Hotel? 2003 2010) Boutique hotels offer a completely unique experience. Boutique Hotels can be hip and happening or historic in theme. (What is a Boutique Hotel? 2003 2010) Boutique Hotels offer comforts, such as bathrobes and fireplaces; spa-like services, such as healthy food choices, mind and body cleansing; the latest technology, as well as on-site dining, bar and lounge areas that are open to the public. (What is a Boutique Hotel? 2003 2010) How do you reuse an old building to create a new exciting interior? By preserving historic buildings and by updating the building and its interior for a new use (Bijelic 2006:1), the population and generations to come will be able to understand and appreciate South African heritage and culture. (The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1) By reusing existing buildings and transforming them into a new purpose, the architects and designers are in essence being environmentally responsible. (The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1) Existing buildings are in essence energy efficient as they already exist and therefore there is no need to create new building materials, which leave a carbon footprint behind. (The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1) Minor modification to the exterior or interior of these historical/existing buildings are possible and plausible as this will then create a new use for these buildings as well as upgrade these buildings in order to meet the modern building requirements and codes. (The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1) Converting historical buildings to meet modern demands might be a challenge, but there are advantages as clients will eventually realise the potential financial, cultural and marketing advantages of preserving architectural history. (Bijelic 2006:1) Practical benefits of preserving existing/historical buildings: Preservation of the history and authenticity. Increases the commercial value of the building and its ornaments/material which are more often than not high quality and not affordable. Sustainable building practice as there is less construction and demolition, and less need for new building materials as the existing infrastructure will be used. Energy efficient as there will be no energy waste on demolition and new construction. The above text was referenced from: The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1 Identify, Investigate, Develop, Execute and Educate are the five basic steps of preserving a historical building. (The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1) The four treatment approaches for historic buildings are: Preservation maintenance, stabilisation and repair of existing historic materials. Rehabilitation to alter or add to historic property. Restoration depicting the property at a particular period of time while erasing the evidence of other eras. Reconstruction re-creates non-surviving parts of the property. The above text was referenced from: The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1 Before preserving or reusing an existing building, the architect and/or designer needs to make sure that the original function of the building and the proposed new function of the building coincide and/or are compatible in order to reduce the deconstruction of the historic materials and ornaments. (The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1) In order to maintain the integrity of the historical building, the following preservation design goals need to be implemented: Update building systems this requires striking a balance between original building features and accommodating the new technologies and equipment. Life safety and security needs accommodate new functions, changes in technology and improved standards of protection. Comply with accessibility requirements provide access for persons with disabilities while meeting preservation goals. The above text was referenced from: The WBDG Historic Preservation Subcommittee 2010:1 Relevant Codes and Standards Previous research that has been done on the topic Field Research Data capturing I have sent out questionnaires to a number of architectural firms and travel agencies, as well as the Department of Tourism, Department of Home Affairs, The City Council of Johannesburg and the City Council of Tshwane. Explain in detail who, what, where, how and why The above mentioned parties will be able to advise me on (1) if there is a need for Boutique hotels in South Africa and (2) how to go about reusing/renovating existing buildings in order to preserve the environment as well as create a new, fresh Boutique hotel with the correct regulations.