Roundal Wright Retirement Homes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Roundal Wright Retirement Homes - Essay Example This concept of continual quality improvement can be as useful in defining quality for a service business (such as the Roundal Wright Retirement Home). Quality is thus at least partially defined by the constant need to improve operations, as Winder (1996) suggests, "quality is the ongoing process of building and sustaining relationships by assessing, anticipating, and fulfilling stated and implied needs . . . it is fundamentally relational" (my emphasis). In the case of the retirement home, "quality" can thus be defined as the quality of life being provided to and being perceived by the residents of the home. Perception is the important matter here. While in theory a service may be perfectly adequate, the actual test of it is whether the customer sees it is as adequate. There is something personal and emotional to the idea of quality that, while apparently counter to the "data" driven model of Shewhart's vision, is in fact an integral part of it. The "emotional" factor is part of the data. Thus within the concept of quality, "you cannot separate the process and the human factor . . . when Quality is built into a product, it generates emotions and feelings within those who have taken part . . . you'll know it, they'll know it, and each of you will prosper from it" (quality digest, 2006). Thus within the home both the old people and the employees will be happy with the service being provided. In particular, if genuine quality was being provided by the cook he would know it, rather than making excuses and giving explanations for the old people's complaints. B) Which quality assessment tools would you use to analyse the situation at the home and why The tow main tools that will be used are qualitative and quantitative in approach. The first tool will be a survey of all residents to discover the overall satisfaction (or lack thereof) that exists with regards to the quality of their lives within the home. The survey will be a mixture of close and open ended questions. Thus a series of multiple-choice, "The home is clean, quite clean, quite dirty, very dirty" etc. questions will be mixed with ones that ask for input from the residents: "how good are the meals", "what suggestions would you make for meal improvement and management of meal-times." There are several reasons for such a survey approach. First, it moves away from the ad hoc, essentially anecdotal evidence that has thus far been collected. Thus, Sandy has conducted research into what the residents think, but it is likely that only those who have something to complain about talked to her. People do not go out of their way to praise a business in the same way that they will to complain about it. The proportions between positive, neutral and negative comments can thus be determined. Second, the survey approach will involve the residents in improving quality. Thus, if they see that some of their ideas have been implemented, they will feel that they have an empowered role within their own living situation. This is an aspect of the "relational" nature of quality. The old people must feel that there is a

African Americans Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

African Americans - Thesis Example The slave trade was a legal practice in America from the early days of colonialism. By 1877, therefore, a considerable number of Africans had settled in the United States as a result of the slave trade. The blacks who established themselves in the United States by the end of the slave trade intermarried and gave rise to the African Americas. The second significant event within this given timeframe was the world war. In both world wars that ended in 1945, Africans played a central role in the battle for supremacy between nations. African soldiers were trained and deported on battlefields to defend the United States. The world wars were a significant turn of events as many Africans in America died, and those who survived remained with permanent physical and emotional scars. Between 1945 to present, events that took place in African history in the United States included the great second migration. Although it started in 1941, it was a significant all through 1945 to 1970. Africans moved into states like California, where job opportunities were being offered in the defense industry. This movement was in search of employment opportunities and better living conditions. The second event that took place in the United States was the Urban Settlement, where most Africans settled in major cities and towns in the United

Biohybrid Devices Essay Example for Free

Biohybrid Devices Essay Biohybrid devices. Biohybrid devices are implantable medical contraptions that undergo vascularization inside the body before the normal human cells (such as islet cells of Langerhans) can be placed inside them. They provide local immunosuppression that ensures that the normal human cells are not rejected by the host’s immune system or the graft versus host disease (Dorian). Biohybrid devices can be used to prevent diseases such as liver failure and diabetes. For persons at risk of developing type I diabetes mellitus (such as genetically predisposed individuals) or pre-diabetic individuals, their islets cells of Langerhans can be protected by biohybrid devices (Ricchie). These biohybrid devices are designed using nanoencapsulation technology into conformal polymer biomaterials that form a scaffold over the population of islet cells of Langerhans in the endocrine pancreas; thereby preventing the auto-antibodies from accessing the islets cells, and, causing irreversible injury to the cells by auto-immune reactions that ultimately lead to cell death, and, absolute lack of insulin production (Lucy et al). For the pre-diabetic individuals on immunomodulatory medications, the biohybrid scaffold locally concentrates the drug thus increasing its pharmacologic efficiency and reducing its systemic toxicity. The biohybrid scaffold also improves nutrient distribution across the islet cells and reduces stress encountered by the islet cells of Langerhans (Nazek). Liver failure caused by autoimmune hepatitis can be prevented by biohybrid devices, which form an, intricate conformal scaffold on the hepatocytes surface thereby blocking the auto-antibodies from interacting with the hepatocytes, and, causing immune-mediated liver necrosis (Nazek). Oxygen diffusion is critical for hybrid artificial organs because the normal human cells within them require oxygen for aerobic oxidative respiration and reduced oxygen diffusion may cause hypoxia (a form of cell injury) that leads to impaired physiological processes within the cells and ultimately to cell death(Lemburt et al). This necessitates that the biohybrid device be made of optimal design that allows adequate oxygen diffusion and consumption by the normal human cells (Dorian). These designs are based on experimental mathematical models (Provust). The characteristics that influence the rate of oxygen diffusion across the biohybrid device are geometry (for instance, the spherical organoid biohybrid artificial liver [BAL] was observed to consume oxygen at rates that approximate normal hepatocytes oxygen consumption, while, the hollow tube model of BAL consumed oxygen at rates several magnitudes lower than normal hepatocytes), thickness of the biohybrid device(for instance, models of biohybrid blood vessels made up of hollow fiber scaffold exhibited correlation between increasing scaffold wall thickness and reduced oxygen perfusion) and permeability of the biohybrid device surface to oxygen. This oxygen permeability is a function of the intrinsic property of the polymer that is used to construct the scaffolds of the biohybrid device; also, the nanoencapsulation design influences oxygen permeability albeit to a smaller extent (Silvius). There are several differences between intravascular and extra vascular biohybrid devices as explained below. Intravascular biohybrid devices are placed within the large blood vessels where they act as stents, or, they connect several blood vessels thereby acting as a biocompatible immunoprotective shunts; thus, the normal human cells within such devices obtain nourishment directly from the circulating blood. Extravascular biohybrid devices are placed outside the vascular compartment, for example, planar macro-capsules (extravascular devices) are placed in the peritoneal cavity; the normal human cells in these devices depend on diffusion to obtain the necessary nutrients and oxygen. The extravascular devices are easily implantable and retrievable, but, the intravascular devices would need surgery in order to implant or retrieve them (Triavek). The geometry of biohybrid devices affects their efficiency because the normal human cells within them require an appropriate three-dimensional structure that maximizes the effective surface area in order to obtain adequate nutrition, oxygen and eliminate metabolic wastes. Geometry also influences the population of human cells that can be placed inside a biohybrid device. Geometry of biohybrid device also affects the interaction between the device and the human immune system (Nazek).

A Review of Of Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

A Review of Of Mice and Men Essay Of Mice and Men was written by John Steinbeck in 1939, during the Great American Depression. It tells the story of two men striving to understand their own unique place in the world. Traveling in search of work, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie have nothing in the world except each other and the dream they share: to one day settle down in a farm of their own and count out their days. Eventually they find work on a ranch, their hopes are doomed as Lennie becomes a victim of his own strength leaving their dream to be crushed. Much of Of Mice and Men is based upon Steinbecks life and experiences. He highlights many social issues which he experienced first hand. For example, the climatic changes in the West of America resulting in destruction of fertile land, this had supported the homesteaders represented in the novel by the promised joy dreamt of by the workers in the story. Another problem shown in the novel is the great financial collapse of 1929 which heralded the Depression that increased unemployment and poverty through the United States. Because of these problems intinerant American workers were exploited by farm owners on low pay and appalling conditions. They were only in demand for short periods of time causing them to have to save enough from seasonal work to support for the rest of the year and their extreme mobile lifestyles. Most of the characters in the book face many of these problems or are suffering from them especially the main characters, George and Lennie. George is a small, intelligent man. He is very strong-minded but also like most of the characters in the book very dreamy. He is very keen to change the monotomy of his present situation. Lennie, is a huge, lumbering, kind but child-like man. Although he has a terror of violence he is a man of great physical strength, something he is quite unaware of causing him to be clumsy. Lennie has an obsession with petting small animals that occurs throughout the book. He is very passive it is for this reason, in my opnion that George and Lennie are the incomplete halves of one whole person. George keeps Lennie by his side partly for comfort and friendship, but mainly as he is very strong and can work on a farm better than most people. Lennie is both an advantage and hindrance to George. George also supports Lennie, helps him and puts ideas in his head, wh ich keep him motivated but mainly acts as a fatherly figure. On arrival at the ranch one of the first characters George and Lennie meet is Candy, the oldest ranch worker who is coming to the end of his life. Candy is a very warm character in my opnion. He shares the dream that George and Lennie do, and therefore they become attractive friends to him. He is a gossip and tells the newcomers of the ranch workers and owners. He tells George and Lennie about Curley and his newly wed wife. Curley is a small man, because of his height disadvantage he dislikes tall men. He is continually agressive and always trying to show his masculanity. He is humilated by his wifes disastifaction and needs to boost his confidence. Curleys wifes name is never mentioned in the book it is for this reason she comes across as Curleys possession. She is portrayed in the book as a tarty, flirtatious woman, who is friendly to the men who work on the ranch. She claims not being understood in the book. Curleys wife has often been caught by other members of the ranch giving S lim and Carlson the eye. Slim is a friendly and gentle character compared to the others. He is a dignified master craftsman. Slim in my opnion is descibed by Steinbeck as an idealised character, however, his words and actions are quite realistic. Carlson is the more agressive character, we do not know that much about him but he usually appears in violent scenes. He is not a very sensative man. One of my favourite characters is Crooks. Crooks is a literate black cripple who tends horses. He interests me because his natural personality has been taken away from him by years of racism which I am very against. He is a very lonely character and has been automatically rejected in the novel by the other characters. My other favourite character is Lennie because of his unusual personality and need for a father figure despite being a fully grown man. In my opnion one cannot help but to feel sorry for Lennie. Within the story their are many themes, important ideas that run through the book. One of my favourites is dreams, each character has their own dream which is used throughout the book. The majority involve the American Dream, to be able to live off the fatta the lan. Curleys wifes dream revolves around Hollywood and being a moviestar but her dream she believes was ruined by her mother. She is also lonely just like many of the other characters, this is another theme in the book. Each of the workers is an induvidual and works for themselves. They all seek comfort in different things such as Candy in his dog. However, quite early on in the book Candys dog is killed, this is the first mention of violence. Throughout the book the world of the men is filled with unneccesary violence. The killing of the dog is quite similar to that of Lennie at the end of the book. Alot of authority is shown within the book aswell such as the condition of the workers living area and the Bosss clothes, black and severe. However I feel the book is centred on the idea of mutual dependence. Each of the main two characters depends on each other hugely. But this relationship, at the end of the book, is breached and George takes advantage of Lennie who trusts him, and kills him, so that his dream is secured. The book is written in an easy to read form, it is not in the country language they would of spoken, but in proper English the majority of the book. The story is out of date of course, but the actual language and style used in the book is quite modern. I really like the way that Steinbeck at the beginning of each chapter gives you a vivid description of the surrondings. It is for this reason that although there have been many films made of this book nothing can compare to the pictures the pages of this book generates inside your minds eye and as you turn the final page these pictures stay with you. At first glance the story was not very enthralling but as I got deeper into the plot I started to really enjoy it. As I got more into the book I started to think more about the themes and characters of the book which drew me in to it even more. It is the kind of book that is not only a story but also holds an interesting background behind it and applies to the history of America and the Great Depression. It is for this reason I feel it deserves its title as a classic and I would recommend it to any reader.

Nelson Mandelas Role In Fighting Apartheid Cultural Studies Essay

Nelson Mandelas Role In Fighting Apartheid Cultural Studies Essay Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 to the Madiba Clan in Mvezo, Transkei (The Life and Times). He was born with the African name of Rolihlahla Mandela, but later received the Christian name of Nelson while attending primary school (The Life and Times). Mandela began a successful career at an early age when earning numerous degrees, becoming an active member of the African National Congress, and forming the ANC Youth League. During Mandelas early life, Apartheid, a movement that discriminated against blacks in South Africa, was strictly enforced. Nelson Mandela is a man remembered for his extreme efforts in fighting Apartheid and the leadership positions he took on in Africa. Nelson Mandela played a significant role in the Anti- Apartheid movement by forming the ANC Youth League, being imprisoned, and becoming President of South Africa. Nelson Mandela began his efforts in the Anti-Apartheid movement by joining the African National Congress in 1944. The African National Congress was formed as a black nationalist political party, but later banned by the South African government for their actions against apartheid. The ANCs main goal is to create a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society (Unwembi). As an active member of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela was able to help the efforts made to gain equality for black in South Africa, including traveling to other countries and attending conference meetings. One branch under the ANC is called the African National Congress Youth League. Mandela formed the Youth League in 1944 in hopes of getting the youth of Africa to join the Anti-Apartheid movement (Mandela and South Africa). The ANC Youth League hosted many strikes and protest on the new apartheid laws put in place by the South African government. Nelson Mandela gave extraordinary effort toward the ANC and the Youth League, including his long imprisonment. Mandelas formation of the ANC Youth League created a way for the youth of Africa to not only contribute to the fight for racial equality during Apartheid, but still has impact on society today. The ANC Youth League currently has close to 400,000 members (Unwembi). One of the events that Mandela is most recognized and honored for is his imprisonment for twenty seven years on Robben Island. Mandela left South Africa in 1962 under the ANC to travel to other African countries and help spread the word of their movement and efforts (Vail 45). Mandela had an amazing experience on his trip and was successful in his goals of reaching the attention of other independent African countries. Mandela once said, Wherever I went, I was treated like a human being (Vail 48). When Mandela returned to Johannesburg in 1962, a native gave a tip to the African police, leading them to the capture of Mandela. Mandela was soon brought to trial, and charged with inciting strikes and leaving the country without valid travel documents (Vail 48). Mandela made the decision of conducting his own defense, considering his degree in law and as creator of South Africas first black law firm (Mandela and South Africa). Mandela was found guilty on both charges and was served ten yea rs of hard labor. During Apartheid, the African government banned the ANC from its constant protesting against the government and the new laws. The African police then received an anonymous tip that the African National Congress was located on the Rivonia farm. Several leaders were arrested, including Mandela. The arrested group members of the ANC all attended trial in 1963, and each were found guilty of, attempting violently to overthrow the government (Vail 50). As a result of the trial, Mandela was sentenced to life in prison under maximum security at Robben Island. Mandelas arrest caused panic and loss of hope for current Africans in search of racial equality. It made the cause even more significant and personal for those fighting Apartheid with Mandela. The Robben Island prisoners lived in harsh conditions, which Mandela experienced for twenty seven years of his life. Mandela was placed in a seven foot square where he had a mat and a few other items to survive from. The guards of the prison constantly taunted Mandela and made statements such as, Youre going to die here (Vail 53). Mandela was awakened at five in the morning every day for a cold shower and tasteless food. His family visits were limited, leaving his wife Winnie Mandela in a state of shock and confusion. Mandela never used his position or popularity to gain an advantage in the prison, but was treated fairly with the other prisoners, a great example for Mandelas views on equality. While Mandela was in prison, his whole family was affected and changed. Winnie was later arrested under the new Terrorism Act, which gave police authority to arrest anyone suspected of committing or even inspiring actions that endangered law and order (Vail 55). Winnie was eventually set free and became known as the Mother of the Country. With efforts and uprisings of the African natives, the white government was almost overthrown, giving back rights and equality to the blacks. Some agreed that the only way South Afr ica would positively be affected would be if imprisoned African National Congress leaders were set free from prison. Mandela was set free in 1990 and soon became the most influential South African leader, including the title of President of South Africa. After Mandelas release he continued to fight for the ANC and equality within South Africa. One accomplishment made in 1991 by Mandela was his signing to the National Peace Accord, pledging to put a stop to violence and paving the way for a transition from Apartheid (Mandela and Apartheid). In 1993, Mandela is awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize. Nelson Mandela gained the trust and popularity of South African natives, earning him sixty two percent of the votes for ANC in the 1994 election, leading to his presidency (Mandela and Apartheid). Mandela put an end to the apartheid laws put in place by the previous African government. Mandelas wife Winnie also supported and helped the ANC during the Anti-Apartheid movement. Winnie was arrested several times under the ANC, banned, and frowned upon by the government during the years of Mandelas imprisonment. Mandela included Winnie in his presidency when concerning the people and ANC efforts. Not only did Mandela help fight for equality and dem ocracy to in South Africa by fighting Apartheid, but also as president, he brought attention to AIDS when his eldest son died from the disease. AIDS was not recognized at the time and many refused to believe that one could die from this disease. Now AIDS is most commonly found in South Africa and other surrounding areas and efforts are made to help the people protect themselves from getting AIDS. Mandela had a popular and successful presidency, but 1999 he resigned. After his presidency, Mandela continued to make beneficial contributions to Africa. He formed the Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and the Mandela-Rhodes Foundation (The Life and Times). Nelson Mandela made many achievements in his lifetime. His leadership in South Africa took on a significant role in helping create equality for South Africans. Mandela is recognized today with websites, memorials, and he even earned his own day known as Mandela Day. Mandela is currently ninety four, and still asks the generations ahead to fight for social justice (The Life and Times). Mandela is an epitome of a hero for South Africans and played a major role in creating democracy and equal rights for blacks. Mandela is honored for his fight against apartheid, including forming the ANC Youth League, being imprisoned for twenty seven years, and becoming president of South Africa.

Global Warming Essay -- Climate Change, Greenhouse Gases

Global Warming   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We should all be very concerned about our future on Earth as human beings. We may not be at such an immediate risk of burning to death, but our future descendants are. Every year, the overall temperature has gone up slowly. Eventually Earth will be too hot to live on, and the human race will become extinct! The best way to save our future is to start now. Americans should be conscientious of global warming and should watch their CO2 emissions because increasing CO2 concentrations means an increase in Earth’s temperature.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Being conscientious of global warming means making smart decisions on fossil fuel burning. As we all know fossil fuels are a nonrenewable resource that produces CO2, which is detrimental to our atmosphere. We, Americans should take the initiative to use renewable resources such as battery power, or solar power. Automobile companies have already created state-of-the-art solar power and electronic cars as an alternate to gas powered cars that burn lots of fossil fuel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We use automobiles every day as transportation. Unfortunately automobiles emit so much carbon dioxide. In fact as Bill McKibben says â€Å"we emit so much more carbon dioxide now than we did a decade ago in part because our fleet or cars and trucks actually has gotten steadily less fuel efficient for the past 10 years† (325). The media has always had an impact on many people’s lifestyles, and in this day and age, where hip-hop culture has been highly advertised, driving large SUV’s has become very popular. Rap artists sing about their Cadillac Escalades, Lincoln Navigators, and their Hummers. In Bjorn Lomborg says â€Å"we have been indoctrinated by the media, where we see the TV characters as reference points for our own lives† (328). Little do they know that their SUVs they drive burn so much more gas than a car. SUVs release a tremendous amount of CO2 into the atmosphere and are very unnecessary to most of the population who drive th em.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As McKibben states that we live in a â€Å"heedless, supersized society† (325). People are buying these vehicles based on looks, rather than having concern about gas mileage and the amount of CO2 the vehicle emits. Especially since automobiles have become a major part of daily life, we need to be aware of the gas mileage of the vehicle because there are so many thousands of cars on the road emitting so much CO... ...e.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In all, we need to be conscientious of global warming. This means having knowledge that our future descendants and our planet Earth could become overheated from global warming, thus killing off all life on this wonderful planet. We do not want to wait till the last second, when things are too late. We are at a time where we can make a difference. Choosing cars with low gas mileage is a good idea. These cars are environmentally friendly and that’s what we need. If we have the option to walk to work, we should do so. Like Alan Durning argues, free parking should be completely abandoned. Lets keep the cars on the road to the minimum because cars emit CO2, which is harmful to our Earth, and CO2 only increases global warming. We should advertise to the public how dangerous global warming is. Educating youngsters, the future of us, about global warming is an excellent way to go.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Imagine all the beautiful things on Earth, gone. Gone because of the fact we did not act now, and gone because of the fact we weren’t conscientious of global warming. Lets start doing something, baby steps that in the long run will be very productive in our war against global warming.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Violence in the Media :: essays research papers

It often seems like everywhere one looks, violence rears its ugly head. It is seen in the muggings on the streets, physical assaults in back alleys, shootings at schools, and even at home. The last of these, surprisingly, is a major source of violence. In most living rooms there sits an outlet of the most violent behavior and it often goes unnoticed. It is the television and the children who view it are often pulled into its realistic world with sometimes devastating results. More parents are using television as a means of entertaining their children when they are unable to, and the amount of television that children are watching is a growing concern in our society. In 1950, only 10% of American homes had a television and by 1960 the percentage had grown to 90%. Today, 99% of homes have a television. (Note 1) The results of many experiments and research have all shown that television is a major source of violent behavior in children and that the two do, in deed, go hand in hand.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As much as society would like to ignore the fact, violence in the media does affect children. In New York, a 16-year-old boy broke into a cellar. When the police apprehended him and asked him why he was wearing gloves, he replied that he had learned to do so from television as to not leave fingerprints. In Alabama, a nine-year-old boy received a bad report card from his teacher. He suggested sending the teacher poisoned candy in retaliation as he had seen on television the night before. In California, a seven-year-old boy sprinkled broken glass into the stew his family was to eat for dinner. When asked why, he replied that he wanted to see if the results would be the same in real life as they were on television. These are certainly sobering examples of how television can affect a child.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The average child spends approximately 28 hours a week watching television; twice as much time as is spent in school. By the age of 18, one child will have witnessed over 200,000 acts of violence on television, to include 16,000 murders. (Note 2) One might argue that these are impressionable children with no sense of right and wrong; however, some psychologists and psychiatrists feel that continued exposure to such violence might unnaturally speed up the impact of the adult world on the child.