Workplace Ethnography Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Workplace Ethnography - Assignment Example Within this company description includes the prevention of company financial waste through developing accounting procedures that reduces and discovers these elements within corporate and business partners. The firm also functions to aid companies in detecting potential fraud based activities through providing internal auditing services that allow companies to self-regulate themselves and meet government accounting standards and regulations. The general functionality of the accounting firm can be understood in terms of its modes of investigation, as it works to evaluate and examine corporate and business information systems to ensure that the accounting procedures conducted therein remain functional and efficient. In these regards, entities within the firm also investigate management procedures and a variety of internal control mechanisms to ensure functionality and adherence to regulation. While these are the general company operations, there also exist specialized entities within th e firm. In these regards, the firm has separate sections that work to aid corporate and business entities in terms of environmental accounting, information technology, and general compliance. Physical Description The physical description of the workplace environment has a number of elements that can be symbolically interpreted. As the firm is large it is divided into departments. Each department is located within a different section of the organization, divided by either long hallways or situated on an entirely different floor of the building. It seems there are few qualitative assumptions that can be made regarding the placement of the differing departments, as in the past they have been changed without few if any functional change. The firm’s computer department, which handles both internal computing needs as well as the external company needs, is situated centrally so that the other departments are able to access it with alacrity. It seems that other departments are locate d adjacently to each other along lines of efficiency. For example, the special service divisions are located next to each other. Furthermore, the higher level executive offices are situated on a floor that is literally above the lower level offices. In these regards, one can symbolically interpret the placement of these offices above the rest of the company as a means of indicating that the individuals residing therein are both hierarchically above the rest of the company in terms of power and control, as well as being located there for the practical purpose of workplace efficiency. In terms of the computer department of the accounting firm, cubicles are built in a square like section with four individuals connected through a compartment that is divided into four contiguous units, separated by a divider. Each unit is contains desk space and a computer for the employee. There is minimal qualitative purpose for the individual employees being situated together in a unit, as oftentimes individuals who are responsible for different elements within the computer division are grouped together. Rather, placement is determined based along space needs and employee seniority. Surrounding each department are office units. In the office units are managers and supervisors of the specific accounting departments in which they surround. The qualitative significance of this placement can be determined to function by allowing employees efficient access to the office units, which are enclosed to add increased privacy. Their position on the exterior of the department room also allows the managers and supervisors inside a privileged perspective on the on-goings of the department floor. This can be argued to function to motivate employees to at least give

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR - Essay Example 1). In this regard, the current essay hereby aims to discuss the business problem and apply the motivational concepts discussed in Robbins and Judge (2008). The problem identified in the study focused on the inability of organizations to appropriately and effectively design an incentive program that would relatively and directly increase work performance. As proffered, â€Å"numerous researchers have studied the impact of incentives and related programs for at least 100 years without establishing a clear consensus among business circles as to whether or not incentive programs deliver measurable and meaningful performance results† (Stolovitch, Clark, & Condly, 2008, par. 3). To address this dilemma, the authors specifically sought to answer four questions, to wit: â€Å"Do incentives increase work performance (and under what circumstances)? Which incentive programs are most effective? What types of organizations need incentives? And what model best expresses how to select and implement successful programs?† (Stolovitch, Clark, & Condly, 2008, par. 4). the authors further sought to establish conclusive findings through conducting surveys on the Internet and telephone from 145 U.S. organizations that have been evaluated to use incentive systems (Stolovitch, Clark, & Condly, 2008, par. 7). Accordingly, through the application of relevant motivational concepts such as the use of rewards to motivate employees and engaging employees or increasing involvement in the work setting. As indicated, incentives programs had the ability to: (1) improve performance; (2) engage participants (consistent with the theory of employee involvement; and (3) attract quality employees. Concurrently, other findings that were revealed were: (4) longer-term programs outperform short-term programs; (5) both executive and employees value incentive programs; and

Impact of Poor Services on Healthcare Organization

Impact of Poor Services on Healthcare Organization Assessment 4 Issue 1: Effect of Poor services On Reputation of Kindly Residential Care Rest Home Generally, the reputation of an institution, particularly elderly care facilities, is very essential in order to make known to concerned clients and their families how firm the institution is in offering quality health care services. In order for an institution live up to their reputation or even exceed the expectation of the clients and be more competent than other neighboring competitors, series of quality improvement measures are then conducted all year round. The first step or approach in quality improvement is to be able to identify certain factors that have a potential or a likelihood of contributing to the rise and fall of an institution’s reputation. Patient safety Safety for the client is always considered the highest priority and is the topmost factor to consider. Issues such as shortfalls, injury, elderly abuse and the like are indicators that help measure the quality of service rendered by the institution. If and when complaints in relation to these issues start skyrocketing, that is when measures for legislative amendments are called for. When the safety of a resident is at risk in an institution that is reputed to have substandard services and management, the said institution will be subjected to disciplinary action set by the Ministry of Health. Management The essential component of a healthy institution is quality satisfaction derived from both the staff and, most importantly, the customer or client. And the driving force of an institution is the operational team or the management. Any quality of service rendered by the staff and level of client satisfaction would greatly reflect on the management’s performance. Poor management over staff, facility and its services would lose the trust of its staff as well as its clients. Quality assurance The quest for an institution’s outstanding reputation doesn’t happen only once. Over periods of time, a series of audits, surveys, investigations, studies and statistics are continuously conducted to ensure that an institution lives up to its reputation. Quality assurance is there to make sure that the institution still served its purpose. At some point, certain issues within the institution have been overlooked and what has been known to be reported to responsible parties doesn’t seem to reflect the raw evidence that may arise from poor quality assurance. This would then lead people to think otherwise about entrusting themselves with the institution. On Accountability of Private Sectors and Public Sectors Private sectors are at an advantage when it comes to accountability. The public sector accounts more than the private sector, since most legislations and policies governing private institutions are stipulated by the public sector. When poor services are noted from the public sector, consumers or clients tend to rely more on the private sectors due to their extensive services and features. Because the government has minimal or little involvement over private sectors over quality improvement measures, the private sector may have the opportunity to expand the boundaries of their services in order to improve better client outcomes. There is no formal organizational structure compared to the public sector. Therefore, in the event that poor services may arise from Kindly Residential Care Rest Home, it may turn to be more of a challenge in order to gain competency in the health care industry. Stakeholders They are the persons who have a â€Å"stake ‘’ in any organization. They may be called: Internal Stakeholders in the Kindly Residential Care Rest Home, the Internal Stakeholders are the Owners or the Healthcare Providers, the carers, the nurses, and all who work for the well- being of the elderly especially those persons with dementia. The External Stakeholders include the Government and Non- government organizations which contribute their time, treasure and talent to help the Residential Care Rest Homes deliver quality service. â€Å"Quality of Care’’ is a difficult concept to measure particularly within the context of residential aged care, which involves lifestyle issues as much as health issues. One example is the Australian Accreditation Standards having been credited with contributing to improve care. Though they represent only minimum standards of quality, they do not focus on clinical outcomes. Individual facilities might only be assessed against these standards every 3 years; and within these years, much scope for quality variations may go unnoticed. Hence, collecting and analyzing comprehensive clinical data from aged care facility residents constitutes an essential step in the process of monitoring quality environment. Ways to Improve The USA has introduced and continued to refine, a compulsory technioque of assessment within its nursing homes aimed at monitoring quality of care and clinical outcomes. There is a Minimum Data Set/ Resident Assessment Instrument which is a system of forms to be completed at certain intervals to meet a number of purposes such as care planning, case mix funding and quality monitoring. This uses Quality Indicators as a means of implementing quality assurance and improvement within residential aged care. Residential facilities had been subsidized by the Commonwealth Government since 1962, but funding was not regulated. Initiatives relevant to residential care have included a standardized system of assessment (Resident Classification Scales) to determine resident care needs and a formal system of Accreditation to ensure quality service delivery. Because quality of care is a multi – dimensional concept, no single area of assessment can provide an accurate indication of quality. Thus, an effective assessment should contain as many items considered relevant to quality care. Hughes et. al suggested that quality measures should be integrated into routine clinical practice. The Australian Society for Geriatric Medicine described the Residential Classifications Scales as the â€Å"antithesis of a funding system that generates incentives for quality health outcomes.’’ Government –appointed bodies responsible for assessing residential care facilities compliance with standards improved quality of care within residential care facilities. Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency was introduced in 1998 that compels residential aged care facilities to seek accreditation for funding. Clark and Bowling (32) suggested that quality of life in residential care could be ascertained by looking at measurable indicators such as general health, functional status, mental health, comfort, emotional wellbeing, privacy, choice and autonomy. When considering quality assessment for residential aged care facilities, indicators of quality should encompass areas of clinical care directly related to residents’ physical health, as well as quality of life and lifestyle-related issues such as activities and family involvement. Issue 2: Quality Management Theories Pareto Analysis This is a simple methodology by which prioritization of potential changes through determining the problems that can be addressed and resolved through making necessary changes. Through this technique, the organization can make prioritization according to the individual alteration that could improve the scenario. This quality management tool utilizes the Pareto Principle or the 80:20 rules. This rule utilizes the concept of 20 percent cause that could produce to 80 percent outcome. The Kindly Residential Care Rest Home will use the following approach while taking into consideration the principles of Pareto Analysis to achieve the best practice in healthcare services of the said organization. Problem Identification and List it First, the problems and potential threats are listed down. In this step, possible inputs from clients and members of the Kindly Residential Care Rest Home (KRCRH), and conduct surveys to identify the existing problems in the organization. The root cause of problems are identified In this stage, methods are utilized that warrants the team to identify the root causes of threats and problems. Score Problems In the third step, the organization prioritizes the problems according to its severity or effect on the healthcare practices of KRCRH. Problems are grouped according to their root cause. The identified problems are put in to a group according to their root causes. Add up Scores In this step, scores are added up and identify which of the group has the highest and lowest score. Through this, prioritization is according to scores are done. Take Action In the final step, KRCRH will take actions in addressing the highest priority according to the group or problem that got the highest score. William Edwards Deming Dr. William Edwards Deming proposed the plan-do-check-act, also known as PDCA. It is a four step methodology by which used by the organization to control and improve the services and product of an organization. Kindly Residential Care Rest Home will also make use of this kind strategy to improve the healthcare services of the healthcare organization. The end result of this would be a high quality of services by the facility to the residents and staff of the organization. The following are the Steps of PDCA that the facility will make use: PLAN Objectives and processes are established which are necessary to deliver the outcome in to the expected results. The KRCRH will have a clear view of their target and their goals in achieving their proposed target in this initial phase. DO The plans from the initial phase are implemented in the second step. Data collection is also vital in this phase because the data collected will be used in the later stage of the process. CHECK The KRCRH will do evaluation of the data gathered during the DO stage. These will be charted and analyzed by the facility to identify which needs to improved and which are well in the health care services of the KRCRH facility. ACT Corrective actions are done in phase. The differences between the actual and planned results are analyzed and the root causes are determined. The corrective actions are implemented to achieve the planned outcome of the KRCRH. Issue 3: Quality Management Tools Total Quality Management Behind success of Kindly Residential Care Rest Home are the people who are hand in hand managing an organization, determined to make change for rendering the best of its healthcare services. Through years that Kindly Residential Care Rest Home offers quality of care to its residents and proves its Excellency by garnering prestigious awards, positive feedback and unending trust from stakeholders, family and community its success does not end instead continuity of more complete, comprehensive and structural way of management by enhancement of strategies to improve the quality of services is their big secret towards success or the so called â€Å"total quality management†. Kindly Residential Care Rest Home utilizes total quality management to ensure that giving the quality of care for their residents will not be compromised which can lead to poor health outcomes and downfall of the organization due to improper management. Using the total quality management Kindly Residential Care Rest Home first identify the problem and plan what to do. Second is to implement the solution then evaluate or check if it resolves the problem. And lastly integrate the solution if it works upon further evaluation. As a result Kindly Residential Care Rest Home identified the following problems and able to resolve and improve its quality of service. Falls Risk – most of the common problem that arises among the elderly due to physical restriction like inability to walk or unsteady gait, mental incapacity, side effect of a drug, and in relation to disease condition like poor vision, etc. To prevent this happen solutions are the following: use of sensor mat, call bell, mattress, assistive devices (walker and gutter) , side rails (as necessary and with GP`s order) UTI outbreak – another problem that is commonly and easily acquired by elderly due to low intake of water and poor hygiene. To address this problem the following should be implemented like hand washing, proper hygiene, use of PPE, hand sanitizer to each room and even corridor, health education or information dissemination (mass production of pamphlets regarding UTI prevention), infection control, and proper waste disposal. Patient satisfaction – one of the most important thing to be prioritize because patients are the ones who receives care and they should be satisfied or even exceed the expectation of the services being rendered to them. To be able to improve the quality of care makes the patient satisfied and happy the following are being implemented to have quarterly auditing of services rendered, quality assurance, suggestion box or feedback forms. Incompetent staff – to give a quality of care means to have enough knowledge and skills to handle the patients and assist them according to their needs. Incompetent staff is another problem identified that contribute in poor healthcare delivery service and patient`s injury. For example clinical error, and negative feedback. To address this problem the following are being implemented like comprehensive recruitment and selection, trainings and seminars, disciplinary action, continuous evaluation and staff appraisal. Lean Management Lean Management is all about encouraging everyone in the facilities from the top management down to the staff to be involved in helping to participate in the improvement of quality care, and reducing errors. First, you have to identify the problem and acknowledge that the problem exists and why it is a problem, willingness to change and you can now find ways on how to solve that problem. In Kindly Residential Rest home we value our residents, respect our residents and continue to provide quality of care. We have to understand the voice of our clients, where they coming from, and made sure to meet their needs and put into action. The most important thing in lean for healthcare organization is that the errors and mistakes are being corrected nor improve, the amount of time taken is being valued, productivity increases, and so it is easy for the staff to work easier by eliminating those waste that can provide good quality of care and productivity of the staff. Here are some of the common Errors: Clinical Communication – In electronic patient record, if there is any laboratory test results needed instead of waiting for a week wherein referral needed from the attending physician of the patient and then sending back the result from the physician, the system is being made to remove any unnecessary stages instead laboratory people sends electronic results so he can access right away and evaluate the result. So, it saves time and effort of the patient from travelling. Waiting time/ Getting Appointment – Appointment System is an agreement to meet with the physician at a specific time and day and it is used also to control the demand and the problem is on the mismatch on the capacity of the patients and the physician. In order to avoid this problem the system must be monitored or may provide different type of consultation to accommodate everyone. In result, the patient is being examined on the day she wanted to be seen, less stressed for the staff. Overproducing – spending so much time on something that is not important for the patient Defects – wasted time and effort for the inspection of something that has been already done or inspected In KRRH we value our residents the most, we have to eliminate those wastes and focus to what is important to our client and be able to maintain the quality of work and our commitment to our profession and to the residents as well. Issue 4: Continuous Improvement System It is important to maintain a continuous improvement system for delivery of service to geriatrics. Quality management is one way to improve the system and it is composed of costumer focused organization, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, system approach to management, continual improvement, decision making, and mutually beneficial supplier relationships. In order to perform quality improvement an organization must consists of team that has a deep understanding of an area that requires enhancement. Organization like the Kindly Residential Rest Home is determined to continue finding solutions for the present problems as well in the future that may arise. By continuous improvement of the system there will be a positive result that will lead to a better healthcare service it will ensure the high standard of care that is cost effective and accessible to all. Organization must be sensitive to the needs of the patients and therefore must understand and ensure that there will be a plan of action to meet those needs. This is the result when an organization is costumer focused. Secondly is the Leadership, this is the action of leading a group of people and the leader should know how to unite people that will be involved in achieving the organization’s goals. Thirdly, is the involvement of the people in the organization at any level must do their part in their full capabilities in order to have a successful outcome that can be used for the benefit of the organization. Continuous improvement is necessary because there is no permanent in this world, even the facility in some point changes. Given an example is the technology; people depend on computers and this help in many ways like documentation, auditing and research. Many facilities depend on computer and internet because they make the job easier and efficient. Trainings and seminars a re also another way of improving the system. Developing and enhancing the skills of employees will lead to better healthcare delivery. A well knowledgeable and trained staffs has so much to offer that will benefit not only the clients but also the organization. They will be more confident as well as an important member of the facility. The residents will be satisfied with the care that they are getting from the healthcare providers and as the result they intend to stay longer. The facility will gain a good reputation and the business will be successful. This will attract more people to invest in the health care industry. By frequent assessment and analysis of the problem or changes there will be an ideal plan of action. Continuous improvement in an organization is part of duties and responsibilities of management. To achieve highest performance and success adapting to changes is essential. There is no such thing as constant especially when it comes in dealing with lives of people. Different approaches must be applied depending on the person’s character, behaviour or needs.

Geronimo :: essays papers

Geronimo Geronimo's grandfather, Maco, had been the chief of the Nedni Apaches. He had been of great size and strength. When Maco had been chief his principle wars had been against the Mexicans. They were seldom at great length of peace with the Mexicans. When Maco's son (Geronimo's Dad) became a warrior, Maco died. Geronimo's father could not become the chief of the Nedni's, because he married a woman from the Bedonkohe Apaches. The two had 8 children- four boys and four girls, including Geronimo. The possibility that one of the boys would become chief of he Bedonkohe was very slim. His mother taught him the legends of his people; taught him the sun and sky, the moon and stars, the clouds and storms. She also taught him to kneel and pray to Usen fir strength, health, wisdom, and protection. When the children were young they would play with each other and sometimes with their mother and father. When they were grown up enough to do real services they went to the field with their parents: not to play, but to toil. They did not cultivate tobacco, but they found it in the wild. All of Geronimo's tribe smoked, both men and woman. No boy was allowed to smoke until he could hunt alone and kill large game such as; wolves, bear, deer, etc. Geronimo's father died when Geronimo was at a young age. They wrapped his father in his finest clothes, painted his face, wrapped a rich blanket around him, saddled his favorite horse, bore his arms in front of him, and led his horse behind, repeating in wailing tones his deeds of valor as they carried his body to a cave in the mountain. They then slew his horses and gave way all his property, as was customary in our tribe, after which his body was deposited in the cave, his arms beside him. Geronimo's mother never married again, which was not a custom to the Bedonkohe Apache. In 1846, when Geronimo was 17 years of age, he was admitted to the council of warriors. If a war had started between tribes he could go on the warpath with his tribe. Geronimo had long desired to fight with his warriors. What he was the happiest about was that he could marry Alope, the daughter of No-po-so. The two had been with each other along time before. So when he got the news that he was in the council of

How Accurate Is the Label “Era of Good Feelings”?

Prior to the war of 1812, the United States was riddled with domestic political conflicts between the Federalist and Republican parties and diplomatic conflicts with Britain and France. The Federalist and Republicans’ opinions differed in every subject and diplomatic policies against Britain and France divided the nation. At one point, disunion was so apparent that during the Hartford Convention in 1814, New England almost seceded from the Union. After the war of 1812, from 1815 to 1825, some Historians claimed that the nation embraced an Era of Good Feelings due to the destruction of the Federalist Party (but not its ideas) and the numerous nationalistic improvements. However, a better name for the post war years of 1815 to 1825 is an Era of Mixed Feelings because although there were improvements stimulated by nationalism, there were also conflicts created by sectionalism. After the war of 1812, the people of the United States felt enormous pride in winning a war against the almighty Britain and used their nationalism to inspire improvements. Beginning with James Monroe’s election in 1816, Monroe (Republican) won the election with an outstanding ratio of 183 electoral votes to his opponent Rufus King’s (Federalist) 34 votes. Then in 1820, Monroe had no formidable opponent and acquired every vote expect, thus marking the end of the Federalist Party. The nation was more untied than the pre-war era due to the emergence of the National Republican Party which had a hybrid of both Federalist and Republican beliefs. During Monroe’s presidency, the Monroe Doctrine was created and Florida became U. S. territory, both of which bolstered U. S. supremacy in the Western Hemisphere. In 1819, the U. S. acquired Florida from Spain for $5 million, which basically secured U. S. power in North America. Then in 1823, the Monroe Doctrine constituted U. S. supremacy in the Western Hemisphere by stating that European powers have no right to interfere in Western affairs, and are not allowed to have further colonization within the Americas. The doctrine was especially important because it helped to proclaim U. S. independence since Monroe chose to not align U. S. with Britain and took a firm position against the potent European powers. (Doc. H) Both of these events created positive vibes in the country as the U. S. ecame more and more of a superpower. At a cultural level, people rejoiced with nationalism and celebrated national holidays such as Independence Day with vanity. (Doc. C) Francis Scott Key’s Star Spangled Banner gained ubiquitous popularity and became the national anthem and many great works of literature such as Washing Irving’s short stories illu strated American culture and values. In addition, the nation’s economy prospered due to Henry Clay’s American System, which promoted protective tariffs to protect and create industry and internal improvements such as roads, turnpikes, and canals to enhance internal commerce and unity. The internal improvements were especially important because as Calhoun puts it, â€Å"the extent of the republic exposes us to the greatest of calamities—disunion,† thus by binding â€Å"the republic together with a perfect system of roads and canals†, the U. S. can economically grow in unity. (Doc. B) By examining the prevalent post-war accomplishments and improvements, it is evident that from the period of 1815 to 1825, the U. S. enjoyed a period of nationalism and prosperity. On the contrary, although the years 1815 to 1825 had numerous improvements due to nationalism, sectionalism and the 2nd B. U. S. ilemma caused many conflicts for the United States. First off, despite the fact that President Monroe won the elections of 1816 and 1820 with little to no opposition, by 1824, there were four candidates from the north, south and west; Andrew Jackson from Tennessee, John Q. Adams from Massachusetts, Henry Clay from Kentucky, and William Crawford from Georgia were representing different sections of the United States with unalike interests. (Doc. I) One of the main differences in interests was the issue of slavery, which Thomas Jefferson had predicted that one day it would be â€Å"the [death] knell of the Union. (Doc. E) The North’s economy had little to no use for slavery while the South’s economy depended on the slavery; especially after Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, which allowed the production of cotton thus increasing demand for slaves. The Missouri Comprise of 1820 was a chief example of how slavery separated the people. The Missouri Comprise allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine to enter as a free state in order to fashion a balance of power and created a 36-30 latitude line border that unofficially established the North as anti-slavery states and the South as pro-slavery states. Undoubtedly, the compromise damaged the nationalistic feelings of the nation and created sectionalism since the North and the South refused to give up political power that would put their region’s interests at stake. Economically, the nation’s wealth did increase but the issue of protective tariffs brought disunion because the North supported it while the South opposed it. Many people of the South shared John Randolph’s view that it was â€Å"unjust, to aggravate the burdens of the people for the purpose of favoring the manufactures. † (Doc. A) Furthermore, the Panic of 1819, which was chiefly the fault of the 2nd Bank of the United States, hindered the nation’s growth. Initially, the 2nd B. U. S. was run by William Jones who issued more banknotes than there were species and allowed employees to steal from the bank. When Jones was replaced by Cheeves, Cheeves stopped issuing bank notes so he could stop the distressing inflation. This course of action damaged businesses and farms throughout the country thus people could not pay their loans. As a result banks foreclosed people’s properties but even then, banks could not sell the mortgages. This dominoes effect destroyed the nation’s economy and stymied the national pride. Due to the sectionalist conflicts of slavery and economic issues, it is palpable that the years 1815 to 1825 was not completely an Era of Good Feelings but bad feelings as well. Shortly after the war of 1812, the United States experienced many improvements culturally, economically, politically, and diplomatically. The nation celebrated its culture and virtues, adopted Henry Clay’s American System, was united politically until the years prior to the election of 1824, and made auspicious declarations with European powers. However, disregarding the accomplishments and improvements were the sectionalist conflict of slavery that divided the north and the south, the 2nd B. U. S. internal improvements such as roads, turnpikes, and canals to enhance internal commerce and unity predicament that caused the devastating Panic of 1819, and the issue of protective tariffs. In the end, because the years 1815 to 1825 had both good and bad feelings, improvements and conflicts, it is best to label the period as an Era of Mixed Feelings characterized by nationalism and sectionalism.

Analyzation of Emily Dickinson’s Poetry

Succeeding in life, or achieving one’s own goals, seems to be the central theme in everyone’s life as is in Emily Dickinson’s poetry. Dickinson expresses the lessons learned in life throughout her poems. There can be many hardships and obstacles preventing one from their own succession. The prevailing of these obstacles leads to one’s success is life. In the poem â€Å"’Hope’ is the thing with feathers†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Dickinson uses a bird metaphorically as hope. The feathers as she tells are the hope in a person.The feathers create the wing and let the bird fly so in a sense it’s as if hope is lost in one place and can be found in another, as if flying to a new hope. In another sense somebody’s wings, or hopes, can be broken down by life’s hardships which can lead to a sense of hopelessness. Hope perches in the soul which Dickinson uses as the home of the bird, perch, and the soul metaphorically. The bird lives from suppo rt of its perch; one’s hope is within one’s soul.Without the support of the perch the bird’s nest will fall. Without the soul, one loses hope in everything that means something to them. And sings the tune without the words; and never stops-at all†. Dickinson continues to use a bird as a metaphor for hope, but in this stanza she speaks of the bird’s singing. The bird’s song is also used for hope. The bird â€Å"never stops-at all† is referring to the song and one’s never ending hope. â€Å"And sore must be the storm†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is used to refer to the guilt and pain somebody or something that crushes the hope that others will feel. â€Å"I’ve heard it on the chillest land; And on the strangest Sea; yet, never, in extremity; it asked a crumb of me† (Dickinson 9-12).Rad also  We grow accustomed to the darkIn the last stanzas of the poem, Dickinson, refers to hope as being able to be found everywhere, or in the ch illest land or on the strangest sea. Hope will be there for you and won’t ask anything from you. There should be hope in everyone who has a soul. This hope that is felt is for the continuance of one’s life because without hope, one does not succeed in what is to be accomplished; life. Success is the goal and key to life. Success can differ from person to person based on what they want to achieve. â€Å"Success is counted sweetest; by those who ne’er succeed†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Dickinson 1-4). This can also be made as a reference to envy.People want what they do not have. To feel success at its sweetest, â€Å"to comprehend a nectar† one must feel the â€Å"sorest need† or great hardship either through failure or with obstacles. Overcoming these obstacles will lead to one’s success and to some, success is the sweetest to those who cherish the opportunity. The â€Å"Purple Host† who took the enemy flag does not know victory better than the defeated enemies. â€Å"As he defeated-dying; on whose forbidden ear; the distant strains †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Dickinson explains in the last stanzas of her poem that the defeated army understands the success of victory better than the victors.The reasoning behind this is that in order to understand the feeling of succeeding one must feel failure first to truly understand triumph. The victors do not know failure, which in this case is death, which Dickinson states will prevent them from understanding triumph or success. Succeeding in life to some is to become recognized and to be known by the public or achieving fame. â€Å"I’m nobody! Who are you,† Dickinson was not known by the public through her lifetime and she dreaded her infamous life. â€Å"Don’t tell!They’d banish us-you know† refers to not being accepted by society and being out cast for being different than others. â€Å"How dreary-to be-Somebody; how public-like a frog; to tell your name-the livelong day; to an admiring bog! † (Dickinson 5-8) is a reference implying that her private secretive life is of her preference. Being secluded is better than being in the mess of things. â€Å"How public like a frog to tell your name the livelong day†, so she’d rather not have to worry about keeping a good name if it’s going to be a nuisance to her, â€Å"To an admiring bog†, which she refers to as the judging public.The success she wishes to achieve is for her and not for anybody else. Achieving life’s goals should be for one’s own satisfaction. Emily Dickinson’s poetry can be referenced to many things in life. Succeeding in life, to one’s preference, seems to be the central theme in her poetry. Whether it’s hope in succeeding, failing to learn to succeed, or achieving fame from your success, everyone has goals to achieve. These goals will lead the succession in life.

An investigation in to the effect of temperature on the release of pigment from beetroot tissue Essay Example

An investigation in to the effect of temperature on the release of pigment from beetroot tissue Essay Example An investigation in to the effect of temperature on the release of pigment from beetroot tissue Essay An investigation in to the effect of temperature on the release of pigment from beetroot tissue Essay I think that the increase of the temperature on the beetroot will affect the diffusion of the colour dye in the beetroot. The colour dye is held together by the membrane structure and this maintains the red rich colour in the beetroot. I believe that with the increase of temperature applied onto the plasma membrane, the structure of the membrane will become damaged and the membranes of the protein will eventually denature. Scientists know that cell membrane have the following general characteristics: -* 40% Lipid* 0 10% carbohydrate (as prosthetic groups)* 50 60% protein.You can see from above that proteins are major constituents of membranes. In membranes there are intrinsic and extrinsic proteins.Intrinsic membrane proteins pass through the lipid layers. They have a variety of functions; one of them is assisting the transportation of molecules through the membrane. These proteins have both an extra and intracellular part. Extrinsic membrane proteins are embedded in the outer laye r. They can often act as chemical receptors for the cells.The majority of the proteins in the membranes are globular. This will mean that the 3 dimensional shape of the structured protein held together by the hydrogen bonds can eventually be broken if high enough temperatures are applied onto them this is called denaturisation of proteins. I am working specifically on beetroot, it is known that proteins in plants are more likely to withstand higher temperatures and therefore denature at a higher temperature. So I would expect for the proteins in beetroot to denature at about around 50 degrees Celsius. Once the proteins are denatured they are no longer able to maintain the precise shape and carry out the functions. This will mean that the denatured proteins can possibly cause holes in the membranes.I will also take into account that lipids can also become liquids if high temperatures are applied onto them. This will also have an effect on the overall function of the plasma membrane and cause ruptures in the membrane(s).Having explained the effects temperature may have on the membrane proteins and lipids, I must also take into account the proteins that are present in the cytoplasm of the beetroot cells, where the red sap is also held together in the cytoplasm. These proteins can also be denatured when high enough temperatures are applied onto them. This could also have an effect on the release of red pigment. If part of the cells cytoplasm is disrupted (the proteins being denatured), it can possibly contribute to further release of the red pigment out of cells. This is because the red sap (pigment) will not be held together as well inside the cytoplasm as it otherwise will be if higher temperatures are not applied and the proteins are not affected.I have considered the structural components of the membranes that may be affected due to the increase of temperature; there is an external factor to consider. This factor is the increase of kinetic energy that will ce rtainly be present where there is an increase of temperature. The increase of kinetic energy is going to effect the rate the red pigment leaves the cells through the membranes. As the input of kinetic energy increases, the particles move even faster, so the particles of the red pigment will move faster out of the cells.I predict that as the increase of temperature is applied, there will also be an increase in the release of red pigment out of the beetroot cells. I predict this because the increase of kinetic energy will inevitably speed up the diffusion rate of the red pigment, therefore there will be more release of red pigment out of cells. I predict this to be the main cause of any increase of release of red pigment at the start of the application of temperatures (i.e. from 10 to about 40 degrees Celsius). From above about 40 -50 degrees Celsius, I believe that the damaged structure of the membrane and the denatured proteins of the cytoplasm will also have a part on the increase of the release of red pigment out of the cells. Soon as it hits the approximate 40 -50 degrees Celsius mark, I believe that the denaturing proteins will cause the membrane to be more permeable. Later on as the temperature increases to about 60 -70 degrees Celsius the lipids will also cause ruptures in the membranes. This will cause the membrane to be more permeable and the release of pigment will increase, along with the additional increase of kinetic energy also contributing to the cause of the further release of red pigment. And presumably at the higher temperatures the completely denatured proteins will be causing bigger holes will also contribute to the further release of red pigment due to the membranes increasing permeability.Safety Aspects of the investigationBefore I start the experiment I am going to note down the safety precautions that I will take.* I will use safety goggles throughout the experiment so that any hot fluids or beetroot juice will not go into my eyes, as th is may cause harm or distraction especially whilst handling apparatus.* I will take extreme care whilst handling with glass and hot substances by using tweezers whilst transferring test tubes to and from water baths. I will bring test tube holders towards the area near the water bath to provide a short distance between the hot test tubes and the test tube holder for safe transfers.Having to share water baths, I will not perform tests on particular water baths, where there are already seven people doing investigations. This is to prevent any accidents from occurring.Apparatus* 15 test tubes* Colorimeter* Ruler* Thermometers* Stop Clocks* Water baths* Beetroot* Test tube holder* Small beakers* Water* Safety goggles* Cork borer* Tweezers* White tile* CuretteMethod (Introduction)I will be applying different temperature ranges on beetroot pieces to test if the increase of temperature does have an effect on the release of anthocyanin. I will be using a colorimeter to measure the amount of light absorption from substances taken from which beetroot pieces have been left under controlled conditions in the water baths.In this experiment the temperature is the independent variable and the amount of the colour that diffuses out from the beetroot cells into a test fluid is the dependent variable.Before planning the investigation in greater detail I would like to note down some points to make the idea behind the experiment as fair as possible. The points are written below in the Fair Test section.Fair testTo make the investigation as fair as possible I will:* Use both the same beetroot sizes for every test that I will perform.* Put the same amount of beetroot pieces for each test I will perform.* Use the same amount of water for each test, where the beetroot pieces will be submerging in.This will mean that I will not be testing, how the increase of water effects the diffusion rate of red pigment, and will not be making the water an independent variable. It will only simply be a fluid to help test the independent variable that is the increase of temperature.* The same applies with using the same fluid (water) for the beetroot(s) to submerge in. As scientists have discovered, temperature is not the only factor that can affect membrane structure, it can also be solvents and their pH. With water the substance is neither acidic nor alkali, it is a neutral pH 7, it will not be made an independent variable as it will not affect the membrane structure, and the release of red pigment. What the affects of pH, whether being too acidic or alkaline is that it can break bonds of proteins and denature them.* I will make sure that each test I will perform will have the same amount of time spent in the water bath (e.g. 5 min) by using a stop clock to measure the time.I will keep the distance when testing each test fluid using a colorimeter as short as possible. These points are to ensure that substantial amount of extra time are not given to other test fluids other t hat the first of the same temperature range. This is because, if extra is given, the hot test fluids are given a chance for their particles (of red pigment) to diffuse either further out of cells or within the fluid more than others due to the kinetic energy likely be present.Method (in greater detail)I am going to use 5 different temperature ranges. I have chosen to use 10 C, 30, 50 C, 70 C and 90 C. I have decided to use these temperature ranges to give me valid and reliable enough results to analyse and draw conclusions from, using the time available and equipment available.I did not choose O C or any lower than 10 C because I will have to use ice which may lead to damaging effects. I say this because the cold temperatures can lead to the burst of the membranes of the beetroot cells, which will destroy the idea of the investigation.I chose the 20 C difference between each temperature range mainly because it will enable me to investigate the effects of higher temperatures that I h ave proposed to do with my highest temperature being at 90 C. This is at all times considering the limited time and equipment available. I especially needed the temperatures ranges to be at least over 50 C 80 C, to conclude whether the denaturing of proteins and the liquification or lipids had an effect of an increase of release of red pigment or not.I will need to set the water baths at my set temperature range. I will perform three tests for each temperature range; therefore I will need 15 beetroot pieces and 3 test tubes. I have decided to conduct three tests for each temperature range to enable me to get a mean of 3 readings. I feel this will help me get a more accurate result for each temperature range. This is because, with only one reading or two readings, the readings could have been achieved or affected by other factors, and not achieved solely due to my independent variable the increase of temperature. With three readings and getting a mean, it will be more believable to conclude that the results are evened out, and can also possibly prevent from getting anomalous results.Before I can actually start my investigation, I will obviously need to cut all my 15 beetroot pieces at the beginning of the practical investigation being the organised and less distracting way to do so. I will use a cork borer to cut uniform cylinders. I have decided to cut the beetroot pieces from sideways on. This will enable me to gain more pieces than using other ways. I will cut the beetroot pieces by placing the beetroot onto 10 cm white tile, whilst holding the beetroot down and cutting uniform cylinders using the cork borer. This is much safer, as it holds the beetroot firm into position. It also helps to ensure that the cut pieces are cut accurately and precisely.I will also need to set the test tubes containing water to be at the correct temperatures using the water baths for the beetroot pieces to submerge in. I will prepare 15 test tubes with 10cm water in each of the m to make it fair. I will leave the test tubes onto test tube holders, whilst filling different test tubes with water. Once I have filled the test tubes with the correct amount water I will distribute them onto the inside of the water baths, 3 test tubes in each water bath of a proposed particular range. This is with the exception of the 30 degrees Celsius tube, where I will simply be putting test tubes in a rack as room temperature is at around 30 degrees Celsius (27 C). I will have to wait for almost all of my temperature ranges to reach to its required temperature to enable me to perform the tests.I have decided to put two 1/2 cm pieces of beetroot in each test tube. This will mean that I will have to cut 30 pieces of beetroot altogether of 1/2 cm size in length. The reason behind putting two beetroot pieces in each test is that I feel it would increase the surface area that it will come in contact with the heat water, so diffusion rates of the red pigment will occur more effect ively in the limited time available.When the water baths meet the required temperature ranges, measured using thermometers, I will start to perform the tests. However due to the fact that I am working alone, I am only able to perform tests for a particular temperature range at a time, for example I am not able to let tests carry on for both 30 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius, although they would be at different water baths. This is because I want to make the investigation as fair as possible to ensure careful monitoring of the stop clocks so the tests will not exceed the set and allowed time for them to be inside the water baths.To perform the tests I will need to submerge the beetroot pieces by using 10 cm of water contained in each test tube for each test. I have chosen no less than 10 cm because I believe that to get enough diffusion rates happening, that particular amount of water is suited for the limited time available to perform the investigation. I will time the test tubes to be in the water baths for the beetroot pieces to submerge in for 5 minutes. I feel 5 minutes is valid enough for sufficient diffusion to occur. And that if any more time is given, especially with the higher temperature ranges (i.e. 90) could possibly exceed the colorimeter readings due to the possible high intensity of light absorption. I will use a stop clock to time the 5 minutes. After performing the tests of a particular temperature range, I will use a colorimeter to measure the amount of light absorption obtained from test fluids of each test (liquid substance in the test tube).To measure the amount of red pigment that has been released out of the cells and onto the water, I will need to use a colorimeter. I will actually not be directly testing the amount of release of red pigment; I will really be testing the amount of light absorption obtained through the test fluids. I will actually need to produce a blank standard where water is placed into a curette as a control. I will first put the blank standard curette inside the colorimeter. It should set the colorimeter at 0 light absorption. This will ensure that the colorimeter machine functioning correctly. After finishing the control test, I will start measuring the amount of light absorption from the real test fluids. I will have to follow the same procedure as I had done with my blank standard control test, except of course that I will be expecting the readings of my real test fluids to be more than 0 light absorption as they will be real test fluids. I will have to follow exactly the same procedure for all of my to be 15 test fluids. I will of course note my results (the readings of the light absorption) from each test fluid.Note: There will be only be a limited amount of curettes available, so it essential for myself to rinse the curettes as clean as possible if they have been used for other tests so that they will not affect the readings of other test fluids. I will do this if necessary, duri ng the time I leave the test tubes with the beetroot pieces inside of the water baths. I will do this using the sink nearest to the particular water bath, as this way the stop clock will be of close distance. This way I will be able to monitor the amount of time the test tubes have been in the water baths as well as clean the curettes this saves valuable time that is limited.N.B. When I mentioned that I would do a blank standard curette as a control for the colorimeter before starting to test the real test fluids. I will do this each time before testing each set of test fluids for each particular temperature range. This is to ensure that the colorimeter has not been affected in any way, possibly from too much testing, and my planned procedure will ensure that the colorimeter is functioning properly, ready to obtain accurate results for each of my particular temperature range.ResultsResults tableColorimeter ReadingsTemperature1st2nd3rdMean Average10 C27 C0.110.110.120.1150 C72 C1.18 1.281.681.3890 CN.B. The colorimeter readings have all been rounded up to decimal places including the mean averages. This is fair and I can get enough accurate results by this.Modifications that I have made in my investigationUnfortunately it was not entirely possible for me to use all of my proposed temperature ranges for my tests. I have had to use the closest I could get of the planned temperature ranges in the time available for my investigation. For my proposed 10 C temperature range, I have used, with 30 C, I have used, with 50 C, I have used, with 70 C, and with 90 C I have used. This was mostly due to the basic water baths.Whilst actually cutting the beetroot pieces, I discovered that it was easier for me to cut out the pieces into the required length after having cut each cylinder. I had first cut the pieces into 1cm pieces, and then I cut the 1cm pieces into 1/2 cm pieces using a ruler to measure it.What I had also done is to perform the tests at a very high temperature r ange around the beginning of the investigation (i.e. 70 degrees Celsius for my second testing of temperature ranges). This was to check if it would exceed any colorimeter readings (too much of light absorption), if it had done so, there would be not point in carrying on with higher temperatures (i.e. such as 90 degrees Celsius) However the results did not exceed the colorimeter readings, I was able to carry out tests at the higher temperature range(s) as well as having valid results from the tests of the 70 degrees Celsius temperature range.There were other problems encountered, these were keeping the distances between the testing the curettes with the hot fluids onto the colorimeter as short as possible. This meant that the test fluid, say for example for 50 degrees Celsius, may have had 10 seconds of difference between the other test fluid of the same temperature range. This will mean extra diffusion may have occurred whilst being left with kinetic energy from the temperature incr ease, having further effect than the other test fluids both for the same temperature range and for the whole of the tests of the investigation.For the actual graph that I will plot for my analysis from the results I have obtained, it will be a graph plotted showing the amount of light absorption against temperature.I will probably most likely need to draw lines of deviation of my results for each temperature range. As I have said from above that there were problems that I had encountered which made the investigation to be not entirely fair. However to get round analysing results that should be considered reliable, I will not dismiss free standing results (other than the mean) to help draw accurate conclusions. The lines of deviation will furthermore be discussed in the analysis section.AnalysisOverall the graph and table of results does show a positive correlation between the increase of temperature and the increase of release of red pigment (increase in light absorption). Therefor e I believe my hypothesis is very correct. The crosses or dots of the graph can actually create the effect of a scatter graph. By this you can clearly see that the overall result to state of what would be a correlation, is that it is of a positive correlation. This is in terms of where the increase of heat (temperature is applied) onto the beetroot pieces, there is an increase in the release of red pigment.Although the start of the curve of best fit does not completely my theory given in the hypothesis. However I cannot miss the other freestanding results (readings) of tested from each of the different temperature ranges. This is the reason why I have plotted all of my readings onto the graph, also along with calculated mean averages of the readings. The curve of the best fit has been constructed through the plotting of the mean averages.To explain further of the importance in showing the deviation, I will draw combinations of what could have been the main collection of results, tha t are possibly reliable enough for analysis and drawing conclusions. Below is the table of results copied from the original table of results.Results tableColorimeter ReadingsTemperature1st2nd3rdMean Average24 C0.100.110.150.1230 C0.110.110.120.1139 C0.190.090.130.1456 C0.220.270.340.2760 C0.240.340.510.3672 C1.181.281.681.3878 C1.501.701.721.64Imagine if I had only taken one reading of each of the temperature range, the 1st of the colorimeter readings for all the 7 different temperature ranges are: 0.10, 0.11, 0.19, 0.22, 0.24, 1.18 and 1.50. This would have perfectly matched with my hypothesis. It could possibly be correct to say that my first recordings of each temperature range were actually the most accurate group of results due to the problems encountered.Analysis (the scientific background)I have agreed and the results seem to overall agree with my hypothesis, saying that as the increase of temperature has been applied, the release of red pigment increases. The higher the temp erature increase, the increase occurs of red pigment out of beetroot cells. Although I have anomalous results, I still believe that the strength of my other results can back me up.At first as the increase of temperature is applied, from 10 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius I would not expect any of the components of the membranes (lipids and proteins) to have become damaged or denature. This is because I believe that these temperatures are not high enough to damage or denature the proteins and/ or lipids. What I believe has caused the increase of red pigment is the increase of input of kinetic energy due to the increase of temperature(s) applied. This theory having already been explained in the hypothesis, where scientist know that there is an increase in kinetic energy there will also be an increase in diffusion rate of particles as they move faster (in this case with the particles of red pigment). As the red pigment particles move faster they are able to diffuse out of the mem brane at a faster rate, increasing more as the temperature increase due to more kinetic energy.However once the temperature reaches over 50 degrees Celsius I will need to take into account the factor in which proteins may be denaturing. There does seem to be a slight increase in the steepness of the curve of best fit, where it is over 50 degrees Celsius, which concludes that the increase in the input of kinetic energy is not the only factor behind the increase of release of red pigment. The proteins in the cytoplasm of the cells may also be denaturing. So far from looking at the graph there has been a steady positive increase in the correlation, however when it does start to reach the recordings (readings) of 70 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius, the curve of best fit starts to have a more steeper curve. This actually does show that membrane structure is certainly affected, and the increase of release of red pigment is not only due to the increase of input of kinetic energy.Aga in not forgetting the proteins of the cytoplasm should likely been affected too. I had not expected a steeper rise in the curve than what I had got off my graph of results at this particular stage (between 70 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius). This is because I strongly think that the components of the cell membrane have not been completely damaged. Although I do feel that the majority of the proteins have been denatured, there will still be the components of the proteins that are at or close to the membranes, which may still cause blockages of the holes. There is also the factor that lipids may not have been made into liquids at 70- 90 degrees Celsius. The lipids of the membrane(s) of beetroot cell(s) may still holding the structure of the membrane well.From this I can conclude at this high level of temperature that the membrane lipids and proteins (or the components that are left of them) are especially sensitive to any increase of temperature, as it has already collapsed an d deteriorated, they (or the components) are able to deteriorate even more.There is one thing that I have not mentioned, this is one of the components of cell structure or wall to be precise is cellulose. I do not think cellulose had been affected because it takes over 90 degrees Celsius for it to have any effect on dismembering the structure and hence the increase of release of red pigment.EvaluationThere were problems encountered, these problems was especially due to the hardship of keeping the variables under control. It was extremely hard to get the correct temperature range and to keep the distances from testing the test fluids using the colorimeter as short as possible. It was also quite difficult to find out whether the beetroot pieces were of the same mass or not. The problems are what I would call minor due to my circumstances.The different temperature ranges that I had used were due to the limited apparatus I had available. My classmates and myself had only 5 water baths t o share from. We had to all agree on using the temperature ranges that I had original planned for our investigations. Although the proposed temperatures did have a 20 degrees Celsius difference between them, I did manage to get a substantial amount of temperature difference between each temperature range.The main problems were not able to achieve the correct temperature ranges, however, tests were conducted under the same conditions. And with the problem of keeping the distances apart from testing the test fluids of the same particular temperature range, the actual test tubes were taken out of the water baths as prompt as possible between one another- with hardly any amount of extra time given. Although they may have been more delay whilst transferring and testing test fluids using the colorimeter, the actual test fluids are out of the heat of the water baths. To take note if extra time may have been given in between testing the test fluids using the colorimeter could have possibly been helpful. However it was recorded whether which ones were taken either, first, second or third, so comparisons and assessing reliability of the results can be drawn from there.Although, I did say that I did not entirely know if the mass of the beetroot pieces were entirely the same. It was of the same size, although not exactly of the same weight, the same amount of surface area did come into contact with the same amount of water and at the same amount of time given. Although I did not weigh the pieces to ensure that the mass were the same, the beetroot pieces were all cut using the same way through cutting sideways of the beetroot to obtain uniform cylinders- it was likely to have the same composition of cells. Though it was possible, altough rare that they would be exceptions, hence causing anomalous results. If I was to repeat the experiment again and start to consider weighing the pieces, I would have to use specialised weighing equipment. There would also be the problem of what to do if the pieces weights did not match one another could it be that I would have to cut a bit of the piece, hence making the surface area contact with the water to later be different and unfair during the tests.If I were to make further improvements of the investigation I would have more than one person working in my group for the investigation and would also give my myself more time. I would have also like more water baths so I could have more temperature ranges to work from. This will enable me to analyse more precisely what would have happened between the temperatures that I had done. It could have been that between 60 degrees Celsius and 65 Celsius, the liquification of lipids had actually blocked the route of the release of red pigment a little, and a decrease of light absorption would have been evident.I would have also have liked to perform more than 3 tests say about 5 at least, with enough colorimeters and hands to make it fair, and would get a very accurate mean of results from. As this would prove that the results obtained are most likely not obtained due to an external factor.

Curium Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements

Curium Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements Periodic Table of the Elements Curium  Basic Facts Atomic Number: 96 Symbol: Cm Atomic Weight: 247.0703 Discovery: G.T.Seaborg, R.A.James, A.Ghiorso, 1944 (United States) Electron Configuration: [Rn] 5f7 6d1 7s2 Curium Physical Data Atomic Weight: 247.0703 Element Classification: Radioactive Rare Earth Element (Actinide Series) Name Origin: Named in honor of Pierre and Marie Curie. Density (g/cc): 13.51 Melting Point (K): 1340 Appearance: silvery, malleable, synthetic radioactive metal Atomic Radius (pm): 299 Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 18.28 Pauling Negativity Number: 1.3 First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): (580) Oxidation States: 4, 3 References: Los Alamos National Laboratory (2001), Crescent Chemical Company (2001), Langes Handbook of Chemistry (1952), CRC Handbook of Chemistry Physics (18th Ed.) Return to the Periodic Table Chemistry Encyclopedia

Types of Problem-Solving Assignments

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Why Problem Solving Assignments Are Important The purpose of problem-solving assignments is to get students accustomed to dealing with real world situations. The answers in the workplace will not be handed to someone on a silver platter, one needs to find a solution independently. A person must be confronted with a problem and understand what it takes to solve it and do it systematically. What works for one will not work for all. However, a person should be able to explain how they have come to the conclusion and solved that problem. THE ART OF EFFECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING Problem solving is used in every industry. The more comfortable a person is utilizing their own critical thinking skills, the better prepared they are for a career. Problem solving involves strong mental capabilities and can be used for something as simple as a math problem to something more elaborate and complex regarding a person’s future goals. Whatever the problem or issue may be, a workable solution should be met. 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Informational problem solving is like a puzzle. A student must break each piece out so it is clear what the problem is. Again, students must analyze the problem at hand and be able to clearly communicate the problem and its solution. Argumentative Problem-Solving Assignments Argumentative problem-solving assignments involve students ability to state a claim and back the claim up with supportive evidence. A student may not always be asked to formulate their argument based on what they stand for. They may be asked to formulate their argument based on a con to get them to analyze both sides of the problem. Reflective Problem-Solving Assignments Reflective problem-solving assignments involve students ability to look at past experiences and reflect upon them. This is often an assignment to get the student to think what they have learned from a situation. Expressive Problem-Solving Assignments Expressive problem-solving assignments involve students ability to express how they feel regarding a situation. This will require a student to use their reflective problem-solving skills. PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS Tips for Tackling Problem-Solving Assignments There is not just one method of solving problems. However, there are basic procedures a person should follow to break down what the problem is and how to formulate a solution. Here are a few very important tips on dealing with problem-solving assignments: Tip 1. Students should lay out a map in their heads to think what approach they should take. Pinpoint the issue and start formulating a thesis statement to concentrate on the problem. Tip 2. When formatting the assignment, ensure they have validated that there is a problem. This includes a thorough statement of the problem, any cause and effect relationships, who the problem affects, and the reason a new solution should be met. Tip 3. Next, evaluate all possible solutions. This may include stating what tactics have been tried in the past if it worked or did not work, and what solutions may have worked better than others, and why. Tip 4. Finally, when formatting the assignment, clearly define the solution, why it is the best solution of possible solutions available, and what resources are needed to make it work. Tip 5. Students should realize that not all solutions to a problem will be the most amiable. It’s important to analyze the good and bad. Tip 6. Students could view the problem as a puzzle. They can create an idea or storyboard and break the facts out. They can use whatever methods necessary to link ideas to possible solutions. Illustrations go a long way. Tip 7. An important key with problem solving is to always ask why, when, where, who, and how. Why did the problem occur or exist? When did the problem occur? Where did the problem occur? Who caused the problem or is affected by it? How can the problem be rectified? Tip 8. A student should not be afraid of taking risks. Again, there are advantages and disadvantages of problem solving and their solutions. Problem-solving assignments are meant to boost students critical thinking skills. It helps them become organized. Critical thinking is used in everyday life situations and is primarily useful once a student starts their career. If a student can remember to answer the basic why, when, where, who, and how questions, they will be able to formulate the majority of the problem-solving assignment. PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES At we provide assistance with problem-solving assignments as well. If youve come to grips with a problem assignment that you are unable to tackle, wed be glad to assist you. We have assisted dozens of students through their problem-solving tasks, so feel free to contact us! We will select the writer with a suitable background, who will help you through your problem-solving assignment and will ensure it contains proper language, formatting, flows nicely, is fully original and fully matches your requirements. is happy to be your academic advisor! Just place an order and get your professionally written paper on time.

To investigate and analyse the tax avoidance of Starbucks in UK Essay

To investigate and analyse the tax avoidance of Starbucks in UK - Essay Example The failure of the world major corporations to honour their tax responsibilities is not a new case of challenges facing the establishment of ethics  in  the business community. The extent of the implications of tax avoidance reflects accordingly across all nations, from the poorest to the most developed. The United Kingdom is not exception with corporations such as Amazon and Starbucks among others facing such cases. The case of such occurrences elicits angry comments and reactions from the residents and protest groups of human rights, as the tax dues constitute a key cause of implied financial crisis in the country. Starbucks Corporation is a US based coffee giant retailer (Behar & Goldstein, 2007, p 23). The coffee menu famously baffles the customers (Simon, 2009, p 56). The corporation has functioned in the UK for over 14 years since entering the markets in 1998. The Starbucks Corporation, since entering the UK market it has established over 750 stores and employs about 8500 employees in the country (Gilbert, 2009, p 65). The company also enjoys a warm reception in the country, engaging in its daily operations accordingly. However, in recent years, reports of its non-remittance of taxes have continued to cause confusion as to the profitability of the corporation (Pham-Gia, 2009, p 21). Consequently, the company continues to suffer from the claims as they extensively impact its reputation and operations. The failure of the major corporation to honour its tax pay cuts constitutes both legal and ethical issues of business operation. In view of the evidence realized in the cases that ensued in the corporation operations, the key factor of consideration includes the tax liabilities of the company, irrespective of the profits they realize. Notably, the corporation has in recent years been registering a steady growth curve, with an increase in profits. This trend in growth reflected

Nursing negligence and malpractice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nursing negligence and malpractice - Essay Example Hence, prompting both the institutions and respective professionals incur huge expenses when the affected decide to lodge pricey as well as complicated lawsuits demanding justice. It is due to this reason regimes like US has come up with reforms meant to govern and even determine these incidences for appropriate restitution of the affected people. However, due to the complexity of these incidences and their extending factors have rendered them multifarious to the extent the involved parties some do not get justice. Since, numerous cases end up dismissed besides the accused that include the professionals and their respective employers incur extremely high defense expenses. According to Carroll, Parikh and Buddenbaum (2012), US regimes that have ever took power their core concern encompassed ensuring accessibility of the healthcare by masses but not in ensuring balance in all its sectors. This is especially in terms of either negligence or malpractice cases whereby to date there are no effective factors meant to ascertain equitable restitution. Since, once there is a malpractice case and results to dismissal, dropped or withdrawn end up being approximately seven times pricey compared to that has gone to trial. Hence, to the side of insured and insurer turning to be a shortcoming without considering when the incident occurred one may not have resulted to doing it calculatedly. Carroll, A. E., Parikh, P. D., & Buddenbaum, J. L. (2012). The Impact of Defense Expenses in Medical Malpractice Claims. Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 40(1), 135-142.

Review the theoretical relationship between market structure and bank Coursework

Review the theoretical relationship between market structure and bank performance - Coursework Example The relationship between the structure of the market and performance of the bank exists due to various reasons. For instance, there is the advice that company executives (specifically, the chief executive officers) acquaint the government and bank officials. Such advice is vital for establishing better pricing strategies and focusing on the income within a certain period. It is vital for the Chief Executive Officer’s undertake their usual duties considering the relation established between the market and performance of the bank. The main concern of this paper is to portray the relationship between the market structure and bank performance. Theoretical relationship between market structure and bank performance Market structure is a commonly used marketing term that gives a description of the level of competition that various business organizations lie under. There are two named variables of the market structure responsible for ascertaining a good relation between banks and mark et structures. To begin with, there is market awareness, used when measuring the assets of the banks in relation to the liabilities (Gelos & Roldos 2004, p. 41). They help ensure that the liabilities do not outweigh the assets. This is significant as it helps maintain the profits and financial statement of the banks. Market share is the second variable and acts as an element measuring the deposit of banks within certain periods. The performance of the bank brings about accomplishing banking activities, which are necessary especially when bank executives aim at creating better relations with the outside market. Since long time, people have had the urge to acquire more knowledge on operating business entities. They have also had concerns about the relationship between their businesses and the government. This is evident through the collapse of the privatised banks in Mexico (Graf 2013, p. 165). Top most leaders in any business industry should aim at ensuring that their businesses oper ate smoothly without much loss on the finance department. This is necessary in enhancing the relationship between them and banks. This is due the fact that hindering losses denotes a business operating in a situation where the activities generate more profits, necessary to be deposited in the banks. Individuals dealing with banking operations need to evaluate the performance of the activities undertaken within and outside the bank. Scrutiny of the external and internal banking factors is necessary. This is because it enables executive employees of a particular bank to acquire vital knowledge about overall bank performance. The relationship may also exist through an assessment the operations of business industries. This is crucial especially in a case where the executives demand to know what other businesses contribute to the banking sector. Effects of market structures on bank performance The existence of a good relationship between market structure and banks is an essential element in setting strategies for dealing with the action involving the setting of prices. The relationship has resulted in positive effects on banks. For instance, well-established market structures play the role of increasing finance due to the reason that the individuals operate through to accomplish set objectives. This then leads to an increase in bank finance as the business partners have to increase general savings. The reason why banks opt to relate to

Transfer Funds Business Miscommunication Case Study

Transfer Funds Business Miscommunication - Case Study Example This cae study researches the issue of miscommunication that may happen while transfering of the funds. The researcher provides the explanation of the situation as following. There was miscommunication in the transfer of funds. The manager forgot to indicate the U.S dollars currency as the right transfer funds currency. The organization clerk did not clarify from the manager the proper currency to be used in the funds transfer. The finance department moved to right the wrong transfer funds act. The message receiver should exert enough efforts to clarify any vague or confusing message by contacting the message sender. The finance department should ensure that the message is vividly transmitted from the message sender to the message receiver. The researcher tries to conclude the research presented in the case study and suggests that summarizing the important points of the discussion mentioned in the case study, communication incorporates message sending issues. It is analyzed that the wrong message sending can and should be prevented. Understanding the special business communication principles enhances message clarity for employees. The message sender and receiver must do their best to ensure that the message receiver accepts the message in the same way that the message sender aims to. Evidently, all these parties must contribute to the clear message sending process of business communication and ensuring the business communication messages are received in crystal clear manner.

Islamic Culture (week 9) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Islamic Culture (week 9) - Essay Example By following this etiquette of differing the Muslim society can maintain the characteristics of love and brotherhood between Muslims (Al-Hashmi, 2007). It is easy for the people to control themselves during the situation of agreement and behave in proper manner. However, when people enter into any kind of disagreement it gets difficult for them to behave in appropriate manner. In order to justify their argument and point of view people indulge in unethical way of arguing which at times also leads to fighting. It is acceptable to have a different opinions regarding any specific topic or matter. The acceptable disagreements allow the people to get hold of different viewpoints with strong evidence and increase their knowledge. However, there are some etiquette of differing in the Muslim society which should be followed by the Muslims. Some of these etiquettes are as follow (Al-Hashmi, 2007): Muslims should use appropriate and good words while arguing and debating with other people and should avoid the use of harsh words, as mentioned in Holy Quran: ‘And Speak good to the people’. [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:83] The purpose of discussion should be to get clarification and to identify truth. The reason behind the discussion or differing opinion should not be for the purpose of satisfying ego or for feeling proud. Lastly, the parties and people involved in debate or discussion should respect the opinion of other people and if no agreement or mutual result is achieved the debate should be ended on positive notes (Baianonie, 1998). Islam has provided the concept of harmony, peace, love, and brotherhood between the Muslims and whole mankind. The concept of brotherhood and harmony among the Muslims is an important element in Islam and huge emphasis have been placed on it from the very start. It is important and essential to maintain the characteristics of love and brotherhood between Muslims because it

Virtues that pharmacists should possess 2 Literature review

Virtues that pharmacists should possess 2 - Literature review Example Many of the decisions that pharmacists make are life and death ones, and so we require a strong code of ethics from them. Like many other important professions they are respected but they are also held to high standards. According to Peterson (2004), virtues are core characteristics that are valued by philosophers and religious thinkers which add value to the character possessed by an individual to make them suited to perform in a task, vocation or leadership position. Peterson suggests that although the virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, humanity, temperance and transcendence may be in conflict in the psyche of an individual, these virtues add to the character of a person to make them suited to a position or a vocation. Peterson goes further to state that character strengths are the psychological ingredients that are represented in virtues. For example, wisdom depends on creativity, curiosity, love of learning, open mindedness and having a big picture of life. The nature of professional roles demands a virtue ethic, which emphasises doing good based on the nature and moral significance of such a role. A virtuous agent in a professional role must be able to act in a way that improves society (Oakley, 2003). Oakley argues that a ‘regulative ideal’ is desirable and actions in situations are right only if an agent with a virtuous character would do the same in the circumstances. Thus, according to Oakley, the virtue of benevolence is desirable in pharmacist, a doctor or a health worker because such a virtue results in a desire to save lives. Clearly, a practising pharmacist who deals with patients in need of drugs that can cure, but also kill due to dangerous side effects, needs to act in the best interest of a patient in a wise, benevolent and tempered manner. The Kantian Categorical Imperative presents standards of correct behaviour for professional agents. Indeed, under this scheme, only certain

Islamic Culture (week 9) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Islamic Culture (week 9) - Essay Example By following this etiquette of differing the Muslim society can maintain the characteristics of love and brotherhood between Muslims (Al-Hashmi, 2007). It is easy for the people to control themselves during the situation of agreement and behave in proper manner. However, when people enter into any kind of disagreement it gets difficult for them to behave in appropriate manner. In order to justify their argument and point of view people indulge in unethical way of arguing which at times also leads to fighting. It is acceptable to have a different opinions regarding any specific topic or matter. The acceptable disagreements allow the people to get hold of different viewpoints with strong evidence and increase their knowledge. However, there are some etiquette of differing in the Muslim society which should be followed by the Muslims. Some of these etiquettes are as follow (Al-Hashmi, 2007): Muslims should use appropriate and good words while arguing and debating with other people and should avoid the use of harsh words, as mentioned in Holy Quran: ‘And Speak good to the people’. [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:83] The purpose of discussion should be to get clarification and to identify truth. The reason behind the discussion or differing opinion should not be for the purpose of satisfying ego or for feeling proud. Lastly, the parties and people involved in debate or discussion should respect the opinion of other people and if no agreement or mutual result is achieved the debate should be ended on positive notes (Baianonie, 1998). Islam has provided the concept of harmony, peace, love, and brotherhood between the Muslims and whole mankind. The concept of brotherhood and harmony among the Muslims is an important element in Islam and huge emphasis have been placed on it from the very start. It is important and essential to maintain the characteristics of love and brotherhood between Muslims because it

Native Americans in the United States Essay Example for Free

Native Americans in the United States Essay Today, race is seen less as culture and history and more as your intelligence, wealth, morals, and how you should act. Unfortunately, racism, stereotypes, and prejudice have been around so long its become some what subconscious of us to pair actions and personalities with a skin color. In Princess Oreo Speaks Out by Dwan Carter, people around her are shocked by how she acts and even go as far as calling her â€Å"white† or â€Å"not black enough. † Carter states, â€Å"It seems that, for a lot of people around me, being black is an attitude. † In society today, people, especially young teens, are pressured to act a certain way based on how they look to feel accepted and ‘normal. ’ A personality that may be perfectly fine if you were one race is found weird and strange in another. In reality, though, race is only skin deep and the color of your skin can not affect how you choose to act. Indian mascot controversies have been going on for years and years. Teams with mascots and names many consider offensive towards Indians exist from high school teams all the way up to professional leagues. Some examples include the Illini Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and Cleveland Indians. Redskins team owner Dan Snyder says, â€Å"After 81 years, the team name Redskins continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come. † Even though the name has traditions, it nevertheless has a negative impact and should be retired. The term ‘Redskins is defined in dictionaries as an offensive racial slur. You shouldn’t be using a racial slur to sell a sports team to America and especially not for entertainment. The word is degrading and in a way dehumanizing because of the imagery that goes along with it. The name that claims to be honorable in fact actually leads to negative stereotypes of Native Americans. In arenas across the nation you will witness war chants, face paint, animal feathers, and savage like behavior in the stands. Theses images suggest that Native Americans act like they did 150 years ago. We are ignoring who Native people are today and we are treating them as objects of the past rather than people just like us. Racial integration in schools is very important for kids to be exposed to different races. In Why Are American Schools Still Segregated, studies are showing that schools seem to be falling back towards their segregated pasts. Racial integration in schools is not only important because of unfair educational opportunities and outcomes, but I believe it is also important for kids to be exposed to different races. The studies are showing that the minority races are slowly becoming the majority and that White population is getting smaller. This is even more reason for students to need to learn how to interact in a diverse environment. There are also advantages of having students work with others who are not of the same background. We live in a country founded on the principle of equality of all people regardless of race, but we still struggle to meet that ideal. Some people think we should be colorblind to peoples race, but on the other hand other people think you should pay attention to race because people of different races have encountered different things that need to be taken into account. Kids in highschool who are just starting to figure out who they are have lots of pressures to be someone that they might not necessarily be just because of how they happen to look. I think it’s important to know someone as an individual rather than a person of a specific race. It’s also important to recognize racism in life wherever you may encounter it like on tv, in books, and even things people say and then even start challenging it.

Development of Heat Resistant Chocolate

Development of Heat Resistant Chocolate PRALINE The term ‘cocoa’ comes from the word ‘cacao’ that is taken directly from Mayan and  Aztec languages. Chocolate has been derived from cocoa beans, present in the centre to the fruit of cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao, which originated from the South American region.(Afoakwa 2010) Chocolate is one of the most popular products throughout the world. The fact that it is solid at room temperature but melts in the mouth, giving a smooth delicate taste, makes it one of the most yearned product. From a more technical point of view, chocolate is a complex food made of solid particles of cocoa powder, sugar and milk powder in a continuous fat phase. The production of chocolate consists of multiple steps among which tempering are one of the most important step. During this the temperature of the chocolate will be varied to get the right crystalline form of the fat. Chocolate pralines are a lot more complex product since they also contain a soft  filling which will interact with the chocolate shell. Migration can happen from the filling to the shell which can result in structural damages like cracking. Another effect can be fat bloom which is a grayish haze on the praline surface. This occurs due to the migration of the liquid fat through the shell to the surface and crystallizing. Cracking and fat bloom are two major issues that lead to reduced shelf life in chocolate  pralines. The main suggestions for crack formation are that cracks form due to moisture or  ethanol migration through the chocolate shell, or due to an unbalanced distribution of  moisture in the filling that causes some parts to shrink and other to expand. (SLETTENGREN 2010) Most of the fat inside chocolate must be cocoa butter. Cocoa butter consists of different triacylglycerols (triglycerides), each of which will solidify at a different temperature and at a different speed in correlation with time. To make it more complicated there are six different ways the crystals can pack together. If the fat is present is not right or if the chocolate has not been crystallized properly, then fat bloom occurs. All fats are made of mixtures of triglycerides i.e. they have three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. In cocoa butter there are three main acids which account for over 95% of those present. Almost 35% is oleic acid (C18:0) and almost 26% is palmitic acid (C16:0). Since the cocoa butter has few main components that it melts rapidly over such a small range of temperature range i.e. between room and mouth temperatures. POSt molecules are palmitic acid (P) in position 1, oleic acid (O) in position 2 and stearic acid in position 3. If the stearic and oleic acids are inverted then this would become PStO, which is quite atypical even though the constituents are similar. The stearic and palmitic acids are saturated acids i.e. the hydrocarbon chain which makes up the fat does not have any double bonds. In unsaturated fats this chain has one or more double bonds, as is the case for oleic acid. About 80% of the cocoa butter has oleic acid as the middle acid. 1% to 2% of cocoa butter has saturated long chain trisaturatedtriglycerides (SSS) where the saturated fat is mainly palmitic or stearic and the melting point is high. From 5% to 20% on the other hand consists of two oleic acids and is mostly fluid at room temperature. When the above two have been combined then fat of the cocoa butter will be partially fluid at room temperature. If the temperature is raised fat will melt according to the proportions of the different types of fat present. The property of to crystallize every time differently is known as polymorphism. As the structure becomes denser and gets lowered in energy, it becomes more stable and harder to melt. Polymorphic forms are solid phases of the same chemical composition that differ among themselves in crystalline structure but yield identical liquid phases. Because of their shape the fat molecules fit together with other molecules like stacking chairs which can be done in two ways i.e. via double chain packing and triple chain packing. There are basically 3 polymorphs (ÃŽ ±,ÃŽ ²,ÃŽ ²Ã¢â‚¬â„¢) each with their own specific properties. The melting range and stability of the polymorphs are in the following range: ÃŽ ±Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. The least stable polymorph will crystallize first and transform to a stable polymorph as a function of time. Cocoa butter has six polymorphs. However the chocolate industry numbered them as I to VI. Forms V and VI are the most stable and are triple chain packing whereas the other forms are double. Form V is good for confectionary products as it is responsible for the hardness with a good snap, glossy appearance and the resistance to bloom. (SLETTENGREN 2010) Mixing different fats (Fat eutectics) It is important that after mixing two or more fats the final product should sets at a suitable rate and has the correct texture and melting properties in the mouth. An unstable structure can form when other fats have been mixed with cocoa butter. Even though the fats are triglycerides it will be like fitting another size of chairs within the stacks. Disruption would be less if only a less amount of other fat is present. The actual hardness can be near to the expected one. When cocoa butter is mixed with vegetable or other fat in equal proportions then the softening effect is largest. The original vegetable fat made by Unilever and many other that are now in the market are known as cocoa butter equivalents. These are like cocoa butters and can be put in any proportion without causing any major softening or hardening effect. Other fats can be used only if almost all the cocoa butter is replaced and these are known as cocoa butter replacers. The vegetable fat should crystallise in the same way as cocoa butter (i.e. using the chair analogy, have the same size and shape chair) so that it can be added to the cocoa butter without causing eutectic effect. Cocoa butter contains palmitic (P), stearic (S) and oleic (O) on a glycerol backbone, with the majority of the molecules being POP, POSt, and StOSt. From nuts or seeds of fruits generally two types of fractionation are used to obtain the easy melting and the hardest melting fraction. In dry fractionation the fat is kept at a more predefined temperature and then by pressing and filtering the liquid part is separated from solid. In solvent fractionation the fat is dissolved in acetone or hexane. After this the higher melting triglycerides are crystallized and filtered out. The StOSt and the increased amounts of POSt are hard to obtain. By altering the proportions of StOSt it is possible to make the chocolate so that it will not melt until the temperature is several degrees higher than the normal cocoa butter, but cannot put behind the feeling of stickiness in the mouth. (SLETTENGREN 2010) Legislation: In June 2000, the European parliament agreed to permit the use of vegetable fat other than cocoa butter in chocolate. This directive came into force on August 2003 and for the first time, harmonised chocolate legislation across all the member states of Europe. A number of restrictions were placed on use of vegetable fat by the EU in terms of where oils should be sourced from, and what processing methods have to apply. To maintain miscibility and compatibility with cocoa butter (as is required by the EU Directive) it is necessary to use vegetable fats which contain a similarly high levels of these triglycerides. This means that a) these triglycerides would often need to be concentrated by fractionating the permitted base oils and b) the resulting fats would be needed to blend together to get an optimum mix of the three triglycerides. Even though the CBEs show equivalence with the cocoa butter at all compositions but they have been restricted to a maximum level of 5% of the total compo sition in EU chocolate.(Geoff Talbot 2008) Development of Heat Resistant Chocolate using high melting fat Chocolate generally melts at 33.8 °C when solid cocoa butter transitions to liquid and the crystals of cocoa butter are in stable form V. The development of heat resistant chocolate would allow it to be enjoyed in tropical and humid climates. Three main methods have been developed to make heat resistant chocolates: enhancement of the microstructure of the materials, addition of a polymer and increasing the melting point of the fat phase. The approach that is used for the development of heat resistant chocolates for this thesis is to incorporate fats with higher melting points. (Stortz and Marangoni 2011) (Stortz and Marangoni 2011) One specific example of this was done by Jeyarani and Reddy (1999) and focused on using mahua (Mahua Latifolia) and kokum (Garcinia indica) fats to increase the melting point of cocoa butter blend. The kernels found in the fruits of mahua trees consist of semi-solid fat. Conversely, kokum kernels contain a hard, brittle fat with a melting point 39-43 C. The oils are fractionated and then blended. After that these fats were evaluated for their ability to increase the melting temperature of and replace the fat phase in chocolate products. Fractionation were used to separate the stearin fraction from kokum and mahua fats because it was reported that addition of fats rich in 2-oleodistearins to cocoa butter can increase the solid fat content (SFC) , increase the melting point and decrease the tempering time of chocolate. The meted successfully produced a fat phase that achieved higher SFCs at elevated temperature than conventional chocolate. However, once the temperature reached 37.5 C the SFC of most of the blended fats was less than 20% indicating that the heat resistance of the chocolate would be lost at temperatures higher than this. Another attempt was done to improve the heat resistance via replacement of some cocoa butter with kokum fat. Kokum fat was refined but not fractionated. It was blended with cocoa butter at different levels. The chocolate had good sensorial properties. However, the heat resistance of the chocolate was not as desired considering the melting temperature is only 34.8C with 5% inclusion of kokum fat. Finally , the chocolate formulas exceeded some countries’ legal limits for inclusion of NCVF.(Stortz and Marangoni 2011) Gel Filling: Hydrocolloids: Hydrocolloids are a heterogeneous group of long chain polymers (polysaccharides and proteins) which are characterised by their property of forming viscous dispersions and/or gels when dispersed in water. Presence of large number of hydroxyl (-OH) groups increases their affinity for binding water molecules which results in hydrophilic compounds. Further, a dispersion is produced which is intermediate between a true solution and a suspension, and the properties exhibited are that of a colloid. Considering these two properties, they are aptly termed as hydrophilic colloids or hydrocolloids. The important reason behind the ample use of hydrocolloids in foods is their ability to modify the rheology of food system. This includes the two basic properties of food system namely, flow behaviour (viscosity) and mechanical solid property (texture). The modification of texture and/or viscosity of food system modify its sensory properties, and thus, hydrocolloids are used as important food additives to perform specific purposes. Hydrocolloids have a wide range of function. These include thickening, gelling, emulsifying, stabilisation, and controlling the crystal growth of ice and sugar through the basic properties for which hydrocolloids find extensive use as thickening and gelling. Hydrocolloids disperse in water to give a thickening or viscosity producing effect. This water thickening property is general for all hydrocolloids and is the primary reason for their overall use. Gel formation is the phenomenon that involves the association or cross linking of the polymer chains to form a three dimensional network that traps or immobilises the water within to form a rigid structure that is resistant to flow. In other words, it becomes visco-elastic showing both the characteristics of a liquid and a solid. The textural properties (e.g. elastic or brittle, long or spreadable, chewy or creamy) of a gel vary widely with the type of hydrocolloid used. The other sensory properties such as opacity, mouth feel and taste also depend on the hydrocolloid employed. (Saha and Bhattacharya 2010) Gels: Gels may be defined as a form of matter intermediate between solid and liquid and show mechanical rigidity. They consist of polymer molecules cross linked to form tangled and interconnected molecular network immersed in a liquid medium, which in food system is water. Food technologists use the word ‘gel’ for high moisture foods that are more or less retain their shape when released from their container. A gel is a visco elastic system with a storage modulus (G) larger than the loss modulus G†. Hydrocolloids form gels by physical association of their polymer chains through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic association and cat ion mediated cross-linking and differ from synthetic polymer gels, which normally consisted of covalently cross-linked polymer chains. Hence hydrocolloid gels are often referred as â€Å"physical gel† The knowledge of the conditions required for gelling of particular hydrocolloid dispersion, the characteristics of the gel produced and the texture it confers are very important aspects to design a specific food formulation. The formation of gel involves the association of randomly dispersed polymer segments in dispersion in such a way so as to form a three-dimensional network that contains solvent in the interstices. The associated regions known as junction zones are formed by two or more polymer chains. The gelation process is mainly the formation of these junction zones. Hydrocolloid gelation can engage the hierarchy of structures, the most common of which is the aggregations of primary inter chain linkages into â€Å"junction zones†, which forms the basis for the three-dimensional network characteristics of a gel. The physical arrangement of these junction zones within the network can be affected by various parameters like temperature, presence of ions and inherent structure of hydrocolloid. For the gelation of hydrocolloids, the three main mechanisms proposed are ionotropic gelation, cold-set gelation and heat-set gelation. Ionotropic gelation occurs via cross-linking of hydrocolloid chain with ions, typically a cation mediated gelation process of negatively charged polysaccharides. Ionotropic gelation is carried out either by diffusion setting or internal gelation. In cold set gelation, hydrocolloid powders are dissolved in warm/boiling water to form a dispersion which on cooling results in enthalpically-stabilised inter-chain helix to form segments of individual chains leading to a three-dimensional network. Gelatine gel is formed by this mechanism. Gelatin: Gelatin is substantially pure protein food ingredient, obtained by the thermal denaturation of collagen, which are the structural mainstay and most common protein in the animal kingdom. Today gelatine is usually available in granular powder form. Ref: website Gelatin forms a thermo-reversible gels with water, and the gel melting temperature ( Various factors affect the gel formation by hydrocolloids which include concentration of the gelling agent, pH of the medium, molar mass/ degree of polymerisation, temperature, ionic composition and solvent quality. Rheological characteristics of gel involves characterizing a gel n the basis of various parameters like modulus of elasticity, yield stress, shear modulus, storage and loss modulus, complex viscosity , gel strength and compliance. These parameters are usually determined by conducting tests like compression test, dynamic oscillatory rheometry, creep and texture profile analysis, etc by employing instruments like universal texture measuring system, controlled shear rheometer. Addition of sucrose results in an increase of true rupture stress in all these gals. The gel sweetness is related with mechanical properties of gel like gel strength, rupture stress, rupture strain and particularly with the amount of deformation required to break the network and its resistance to deformation. Besides co-solutes like sucrose, concentration of hydrocolloid, shear rate and temperature are also important variables that influence the rheological status of hydrocolloid gels. The blending of different polysaccharides offers an alternative route to the development of new textures. The major interest lies in the development of synergistic mixtures with improved or induced gelation.(Saha and Bhattacharya 2010) References: . Afoakwa, E. (2010). chocolate science technology. Geoff Talbot, H. S. (2008). Cocoa butter equivalents and improvers Their use in chocolate and chocolate-coated confectionery. Focus on Chocolate vol 19 n 3(May/June 2008): 28,29. Saha, D. and S. Bhattacharya (2010). Hydrocolloids as thickening and gelling agents in food: a critical review. Journal of Food Science and Technology-Mysore 47(6): 587-597. SLETTENGREN, K. S. (2010). Crack formation in chocolate pralines. Stortz, T. A. and A. G. Marangoni (2011). Heat resistant chocolate. Trends in Food Science Technology 22(5): 201-214.