Monday, September 30, 2019
Interim Report Example Essay
Introduction: This document contains the interim report of ââ¬â This report will tell what has been achieved, what still needs to be done in every department in the organization and in which timeframe. The employees of the RB company have been working greatly and putting a lot of effort to be a stable company and ultimately grow into a successful company. This report will show the companies past activities and if they have been completed successfully. Moreover, this report will also include our future goals and perspectives. Overview Review Rainy Business was established in last semester and experienced a whole new process of running a business. The marketing department has taken part in the process of developing products and finding the right way to price, promote and to sell the products. Selling technique In the business plan the Marketing and Sales Department illustrated a specific analysis about the 4pââ¬â¢s. Especially in promotion, the focus was on substantially expanding the selling channel of the company. We thought about selling the different kinds of raincoats through twitter, facebook, personal selling, direct marketing and selling through a website, but eventually personal selling turned out to be the best selling technique for our product. Target group At the start of the life of the company the idea was to focus especially on tourists as target group. By selling our products in the city-center of Amsterdam the company discovered that everyone who needs a poncho fits our target market. Since tourists were not really willing to buy our companyââ¬â¢s ponchos including the city-centre map Rainy Business decided to change our product line. Therefore the company does not focus on tourists anymore but on every person in crowded places who is in need of a poncho. Goals & Objectives Sales The company has bought several kinds of rain ponchos at the beginning of the 2nd period. After trying to sell the rain ponchos, Rainy Business discovered that the disposable rain ponchos were selling a lot easier. So the marketing department decided to focus on the disposable ponchos, simply because that generates the quick sales, which our company could really use, with concerning the financial position at the moment. Valentineââ¬â¢s Day The marketing department started to think of new proper dates to sell our rain ponchos and came up with the idea to sell on Valentineââ¬â¢s Day. The reason why Rainy Business is to believe that there will be a lot of sales that day, is due to the fact that our company will order ponchos in red and maybe in white, which represent the colors of love. Our marketing department believes that when you sell the ponchos in these colors at that very moment, that it will sell much better than normal. Market fair The annual Market Fair is coming up, so the marketing department thought of a way to attract people to our stand. And they came up with a few solutions, the first one was: create an Easter theme around the stand and maybe have some people dressing up as an Easter bunny. The second idea was: that the members of Rainy Business could have real live mannequins walking around with our ponchos in all different colors in order to attract people to our market place and of course in order to get the attention of the ladies and gentlemen walking around. End of year By the end of this year the company hopes to have sold enough ponchos to make a good profit. Another important goal is getting satisfaction of the shareholders, which could possibly lead to an after live of the Rainy Business. Production department Overview In the last couple of months, the production department has putted a lot of effort in satisfying the companyââ¬â¢s expectations. The department did a lot of research, like researching different kind of products that we can sell. The production department first thought of producing and selling only one product, but then Rainy Business decided that it was better to sell different kinds of products, which are the disposable rain poncho, the basic rain poncho, the basic rain poncho with a belt and a basic rain poncho with a map. The production department was also responsible for holding the stock. What we achieved with the research process The ultimate test was when we found out that there were two companies who are also selling rain ponchoââ¬â¢s. We had to make sure to make our product more recognizable and unique. And with secretly approaching our competitors we were capable of screening their product, so we were aware and strong enough to compete with our competitors. We achieved a bigger market share when we came to the conclusion to sell different kinds of products. Instead of one kind of raincoats we have four variants. Our customers can choose from different rain ponchos and feel free to compare them, when it comes to the quality and the prices. The production department worked together closely together with all the departments in the Rainy Business but especially with the marketing department. This made both departments became more effective and efficient to get to understand how the customers would like their rain ponchos. This information is important to keep updated of the wants of our targeted customers. The production department can respond to them with the rain ponchoââ¬â¢s who are the closest to their desire to keep their satisfaction on a high level as we try to make profit in such a short term. This gives us space to stay innovative without disappointing the customers. It also gives us a bigger chance to extend our profits for now and in the future. What do we want to achieve. The production team has its own set of goals, where we work hard and contribute to our part of the company. Now that our company has been established some time ago, we have to see where we can add value to the current products to increase profit margin of the company. Goals & Objectives At this moment the production team will cut a product out of our current line, because it decreases our profits, since the sales of that product are not what we expected. However, the production department is already working on a formula to add value to our current products. And the goals for department these couple of months is to create new products, so that we can continu1e our companyââ¬â¢s growth and to maintain a stable flow of products against the lowest prices, but a new strategy is required as well, since the one we used up till now didnââ¬â¢t work as we thought it would, the new strategy should be focused on what the customer wants instead of finding a reason for a customer to buy our products. In a few months from now, our department will create new stars for the company where we can rely on, and successfully turn them into cash cows. The final and maybe one of the most important goal of the production department is that we will create satisfaction by giving the cust omers something they need and want. How will we achieve that The production team is always thinking about new innovative ideas. Because one of our products did not sell as well as we thought it would sell, we decided to drop the product, which means that we will focus on the disposable poncho. At this moment, we are going to vary our product line by brighten up the ponchos. Rainy Business is planning on selling the product in several colors such as: red, orange and green. This way, the poncho will be more appealing and will get the consumersââ¬â¢ attention which will lead to a more profitable product. Another idea is to give our customers something extra so they will have another reason to buy our poncho. This will, of course, be something that suits our product and adds extra value to the product. Financial Department Overview During the first semester, there was a high level of uncertainty within the Financial Department. The main cause of this was that the amount of shares was constantly changing, and we do not have a bank account due to the delay of ABN AMRO. So we have been using one of the employeesââ¬â¢ account, which makes us difficult to track on every transaction that the shareholders pay and the revenues we have earned. The financial department has tried to cooperate with the other departments as much as possible. This to figure out for example the exact costs, the final profit that indicates how many dividends can be declared to shareholders at the end of the year. Being aware of what influences the other departments may have an impact on the decisions that will be made in the financial department. Moreover, we had to deal with dropouts, which meant loosing shares and not being able to spend the reserved amount of money on the marketing department. Lastly one of our biggest issues was that shareholders did not pay on time. This gave us financial uncertainty of whether they were going to pay or not in the near future. As of now, shares are still not completely sold. After finding a cheaper supplier, Rainy business has been able to finance the products. This happened in November, which is shown in our financial plan. Goals & Objectives The previous financial plan indicated that Rainy business is planning to issue 75 shares. As a result, we got only 50 shares, gaining a startup capital of 1000 Euros. With this starting capital, the decision was made to order 140 pieces raincoat for first semester. 100pcs for disposable raincoats and 40pcs for the normal ones. The product costs for raincoat is 196.83 Euros. The Average Selling price for disposable raincoat was 2 Euro ,for normal raincoat was 4.99 Euro, for raincoat with belt was 5.99 Euro, for raincoat with map was 6.99 Euro. The revenue for the entire business year will approximately be 442 Euro if we sold all of the 140pcs of raincoats. Now, we have already earned the amount of revenues of approximately 282 Euro. Achievements & Failures 1. Product After effort of one semester, our sales are doing quite well. We have learned how to work as a team, communicating with international people who comes from different countries, learn their culture, as well as how consumers establish a good relationship, in which also encountered many difficulties. For example, miscommunication, money are missing sometimes but we have accumulated valuable experience. 2. Marketing Expense We did not spend anything for marketing, even market research. The thing we only have to do is to persuade customers to buy our products. 3. Shares Unfortunately, the goals of attaining 75 shares have not been achieved. At the moment, Rainy Business only has 50 shares in total with a capital of 1000 Euro. This is due to the dropped out of employees during the business year. Even though these problems occurred, we still have enough. 4. Revenue Fortunately, our sales are doing quite well. We have already earned an amount of 294 Euros this includes some money which is going to be received soon. We still have enough capital to sustain and also order new products. If everything stays on track, our company will make a lot of profit at the end of the business year. Human Resource Department Overview The Human Resource Department has been a crucial element to the functioning of the organization. Rainy Business has recognized the importance of the working relations inside the company from the beginning on. Therefore the department has gone through a number of affairs with the personnel. These will be further detailed in the following paragraphs. Contract of employment The department has engaged in preparing the contract of employment. The contract embraces the demerit system and includes restrictions regarding apparel, absence and responsibilities. The contract has been signed during one-on-one conversations with the employees. Personal conversations During the confidential conversations the Human Resource department was able to evaluate the mindset of each individual. Their motivations, abilities, concerns, frustrations and ideas had a primary focus in midst of the conversations. The evaluations have been recorded in personal profiles and considered in the development of the organization. Satisfaction survey Also, all employees have been requested to fill in a survey appealed to value their level of satisfaction in the organization. On basis of views on the organizationââ¬â¢s managers, employeesââ¬â¢ contributions, task division and other criteria the Human Resource Department was given the opportunity to better the company as well as the working relationships among employees. Demerit system To maintain continuity and the ability to progress, the Human Resource Department has had to occupy in attributing demerits. The department has chosen to limit itself to demerits solitary since its main aim is to motivate employees to participate in the progress of the organization. A merit system would not be necessary and is therefore replaced by employee of the month announcements. Sales pitch Once the other departments had concluded their business activities regarding the attainment of shareholders and the stocking of supplies, the Human Resource Department decided to organize a sales pitch. In this sales pitch selling ideas and former experiences from all employees were brought forward. Team-building activity To both conclude the first few months of existence and to learn on a personal level about each colleague, the Human Resource Department organized a team-building activity. The activity consisted of a laser gaming trip and a dinner at a restaurant. Goals & Objectives When we take a look into the future, it looks very promising. The core competence of the Human Resource Department is that we want the employees to continue feeling comfortable with each other. To achieve this the Human Resource Department will try to build a stronger relationship with the employees. When an employee will feel as a part of the company, he or she will do his or her best to achieve the maximum of productivity. To achieve this goal the Human Resource Department will keep the same working-methods which we saw in the past. Demerit-system and the employee of the month: The Human Resource Department will keep working and using the demerit system and we will announce an new employee of the month. At the end of each month the new employee of the month will be introduced to the group members and the employee will receive a certificate. We use this method to show our employees that we appreciate that they deliver good work. Unfortunately that will not always be the case; sometimes an employee can miss a deadline or be too late at meetings. This can happen to everyone, but to make sure that this will not repeat more often the Human Resource Department set up rules where there is a part which says that missing one deadline a employee will receive 10 demerits and being late without notification will give you 2 demerits. The reason for receive 10 demerits for missing a deadline is because being late with finishing your task can damage the whole company. Everyone works together and everything is linked to each other, so if one person will miss the deadline the others can not continue doing their job. If you have 10 demerits you will get one official warning. If you get another 10 demerits you will get your second official warning. And if you get 10 demerits again, the employee will leave no other choice for the company but to let him or her go. When the employee get 10 demerits they will get a appointment with one of the members of the Human Resource Department who will guide the employee through the process, and they have to represent their new goal which has to be SMARTER and present that to the member of the Human Resource Department. Build/maintain the relationships with the employees: In the past we saw good results from this system, and want to maintain the improvements. One of the most important task for the Human Resource Department is to build trust with the employees and a good relationship, so if there will be conflicts in the company the employees will feel comfortable to communicate with one of the members of the Human Resource Department. To achieve this goal the employees of Rainy Business will get appointments with one or more member from the Human Resource Department, where the employee will get some questions about how they feel at work and if the want to say anything. The Human Resources department believe s that if we maintain delivering good quality to the company, this will lead the company into an positive and interesting future.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Quality Of Life Elderly Osteoarthritis Health And Social Care Essay
Health and quality of life are of course interrelated. This gives rise to the construct of Health-related quality of life ( HRQOL ) . HRQOL is a multidimensional construct that covers a wide facet of wellness and good being of a individual both the constructive and unconstructive facets of life. . Harmonizing to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( 2000 ) , HRQL is regard as the most suited facet of quality of life ( QOL ) for probe in footings of which facet of QOL have the impact of a disease or any medical status, and defined it as ââ¬Å" an person ââ¬Ës or group ââ¬Ës sensed physical and mental wellness over time. â⬠. By analyzing HRQOL of a disease, it will be possible to mensurate and show the impact of wellness on quality of life scientifically. HRQOL covers many facets of good being including the emotional, physical, societal and subjective feelings that reveal patients ââ¬Ë appraisal and response to their unwellnesss. It is suited particularly in look intoing on the functional wellness position and wellbeing which are perceived and self-reported by the persons. DeSalvo, Bloser, Reynolds, He, Muntner ( 2002 ) showed that self-reporting by persons on their wellness position has proved to be a important forecaster of mortality and morbidity compared to other nonsubjective steps of wellness. Therefore, it has been recognized as a suited wellness index and service demands index in many diseases including arthritis. Problems that are associated with arthritis are simply non merely in medical unwellness. It besides has significant impacts on patients ââ¬Ë functional capacity and QOL. Escalante and Del Rincon ( 1999 ) had emphasized that the joint stiffness, changeless hurting, and joint harm due to arthritis cause important physical disablement and give negative influence in many facets of the patients ââ¬Ë lives, including functional disablement, work, relationships, and psychological impact. It has been shown that populating with arthritis is associated with decreased in QOL ( Nadal, 2001 ) . Harmonizing to WHO ( 2003 ) , arthritic diseases which include degenerative arthritis ( OA ) are the chief cause of morbidity throughout the universe and the diseases have an of import influence on the single wellness and quality of life. OA is peculiarly common among older people. Longitudinal surveies have found that incidence of degenerative arthritis increased with progressing age ( Sowers, Zobel, Weissfeld, Hawthorne and Carman, 1991 ) . The bing QA continues to come on in a long tally with the rate of patterned advance increased as the person aged. No uncertainty that in both the development and developed states where the life anticipation has increased in recent decennaries and with the alterations in the life style and diet, a rise in the incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases which includes the OA has present. This phenomenon is markedly seen in developing states which show betterments in wellness results. Statistically, WHO ( 2003 ) claimed that the prevalenc e of OA is that 10 % of the universe ââ¬Ës population who are 60 old ages or older. It besides claimed that about 40 % of the aged age of 70 old ages and above enduring from OA of the articulatio genus, and about 80 % of patients with OA have restriction of motion in assorted grade, and worst of all, about 25 % of patients with OA can non execute their major day-to-day activities of life. Osteoarthritis is the most common signifier of arthritis and is considered as one of the stressful, chronic unwellness and extremely prevalent in our society. Arthritis including OA is one of the major chronic unwellnesss that affect the morbidity of Malaysian ( Doris Padmini, et al. , 2010 ) . The prevalence of OA is in the Asia Pacific part is about 10-20 % of the grownup population. In all populations studied so far the prevalence of articulatio genus OA is higher than that of hip OA but this is more pronounced in Asiatic populations ( WHO, 2003 ) . The similar status occurs in Malaysia in which the most common signifier of OA is the articulatio genus OA ( Veerapan, Wigley and Valkenburg, 2007 ) . Although there is no exact figure of patients with knee OA, the Community Orientated Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases ( COPCORD ) survey showed that 21.1 % of grownup Malaysians complained of arthritic hurting and the ailment rate increased with age those as shown as the prevale nce of OA was 53.4 % in those over 65 old ages. The exact prevalence of articulatio genus OA in Malaysia is non known. There is merely one survey done in primary attention puting in Malaysia and the survey showed that patient with articulatio genus OA go toing the authorities wellness clinic had comparatively hapless QOL in their physical wellness but there was less in their mental wellness. ( Zakaria, Bakar, Hasmoni, Rani and Kadir, 2009 ) There is a batch of information proposing that musculoskeletal diseases including OA have a negative consequence on HRQOL. One big wellness study ( Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey ) done yearly in United States of America ( USA ) by CDC Atlanta incorporating informations from 32,322 grownups in 11 provinces showed that those persons with arthritis had about three times higher HRQL damage compared to those without the creaky disease ( 28.6 % vs. 8.3 % ) . They besides accounted a significantly larger figure of yearss when usual activities were restricted and physical and mental wellness was hapless ( Cook, Pietrobon and Hegedus, 2007 ) . Therefore, their creaky status made it difficult for them to populate in state of affairs they wanted. In the other states, assorted survey done on OA, for illustration in Korea in which the findings noted that OA are common in the elderly grownup population with the prevalence of 37.3 % for radiographic OA and 24.2 % for diagnostic OA, and significantly more in adult females ( Inje, Hyun, Yeong, Jin and Dong, 2010 ) . In Greece with prevalence of diagnostic OA of 8.9 % showed similar findings in gender, where OA was significantly higher among adult females and it increased with age significantly. Similar state of affairs occurs in Britain, in which the most normally reported ground of morbidity among persons aged 65 old ages and over peculiarly among adult females, is the upset of the musculoskeletal system ( Brown, Bowling and Flynn, 2004 ) . Findingss from the IQOLA Project Group ( 2004 ) gave groundss that legion surveies have shown that patients with musculoskeletal diseases have worse HRQOL, but the worst HRQOL was reported by patients with OA, Rheumatoid Arthritis ( RA ) , Oste oporosis and Fibromyalgia ( Picavet and Hoeymans, 2004 ) . These similar findings were seen in a survey done in Hong Kong which concluded that patients with knee degenerative arthritis had more impact on the HRQOL than other chronic diseases ( Lam and Launder, 2000 ) .Problem StatementThis survey is designed to analyze the wellness related quality of life in aged with OA go toing authorities wellness clinics in Kuala Lumpur. OA is chiefly an unwellness of aged individuals presented as moderate to severe symptoms ( McCarty, 1989 ) . For those who have mild symptoms normally will non seek medical attention. Harmonizing to Brown et Al. ( 2004 ) , the factors that may act upon the HRQOL in patients with OA are the demographic factors such as age, gender and socioeconomic position ; the OA conditions ( illness-related stressors ) that can impaired the patients ââ¬Ë day-to-day activity and the intervention for the status could besides impact people ââ¬Ës wellness perceptual experien ce. These factors will be studied as the dependent variables. The illness-related emotion and the header schemes that the patients have, would be the go-between variables.Theoretical ModelHarmonizing to Ventegodt, Merrick and, Andersen ( 2003 ) , Quality of Life ( QOL ) indicate ââ¬Ëa good life ââ¬Ë , which imply a life with a high quality. HRQOL is one of the studied constituents of QOL, by and large referred to ââ¬Ëa good life ââ¬Ë patient/client- based outcome indexs of wellness and societal attention engagement. OQL is a multi-level and obscure construct. It is accepted as the terminal of the rating of public policy. Although the cardinal spheres of QOL were identified in the literature are applicable to grownups of all ages, most of the research community has accepted no unequivocal theoretical model of quality of life, and no individual research model has been utilised in its probe ( Brown et al. 2004 ) . However, Ventegodt, et Al. ( 2003 ) presented a theoretical model of ââ¬Ëthe integrative theory of the quality of life ââ¬Ë ( IQOL theory ) refering facets of a good life which is showed in Figure 1. This integrative theory is an overall theory or meta-theory embracing eight more factual theories including the theory aspired by Maslow, in a subjective-existential-objective spectrum. By presenting this IQOL theory, a strength into the wellness and societal scientific disciplines is a measure towards a new recognition and regard for the profusion and complexness of life. Using the IQOL and Stress Coping Model ( Lazarus and Folkman, 1984 ) , the conceptual model for this survey will be based on. The HRQOL manifests itself as the index variable. The header schemes and the stressors ( assessment of demands and end ) will be the go-between. In this survey, the internal and external resources will non being studied. The constituent that being written boldly in the theoretical account above is the chief elements that will be look into.JustificationThe HRQOL has ne'er been studied in an urban scene in Malaysia boulder clay today, except in Putrajaya which has different population composing compared to other province. Kuala Lumpur being the most urbanised metropolis in Malaysia and populated by about 72,345 aged ( Department of Statistic Malaysia, 2010 ) . The composing of races and age is about similar to other urban puting in Malaysia The figure of aged with OA in Kuala Lumpur is non known. By put to deathing this survey, the basal line of prevalence of OA go toing the authorities wellness clinics can be obtained. Another ground why analyzing HRQOL in OA patients is of import because harmonizing to Woolf and Pfleger ( 2003 ) , musculoskeletal upsets are the most common cause of terrible long-run hurting and physical disablement, and it affects the societal operation and mental wellness of the patient and later diminishes the patient ââ¬Ës HRQOL. Arthritis diseases which include OA are one of the groups of diseases that cause a major public wellness job. Not merely are they progressive enfeebling diseases with no known remedy, but they besides have a annihilating impact on HRQL. This disease affects the patient ââ¬Ës capableness to populate a full and active life. In the study of The Bone- and Joint Decade 2000-2010, it has highlighted the significance of bettering the patients ââ¬Ë HRQOL with musculoskeletal upset. With the outgrowth of ageing population in Malaysia, the incidence and prevalence of people who suffer from chronic diseases such as OA, RA, osteoporosis and low back hurting, will go on to increase. The musculoskeletal upsets will and hold taken up a big proportion of healthcare resources compared to other chronic diseases, ( Osborne, Nikpour, Busija, Sundararajan and Wicks, 2007 ) . Clinicians and public wellness decision makers are concern about the wellness attention resources effects of arthritis ( March and Bachmeier, 1997 ) . Normally the results in wellness attention have been determined by the medical appraisal but the perceptual experience of the patient is besides an of import variable. Therefore, the importance of measuring wellness attention has shifted increasingly towards ratings of medical/health-related results from the patient ââ¬Ës position. This can supply excess information more than what being obtained by the traditional wellness measurings, and, therefore is valuable in assisting to understand the OA conditions.Significant of StudyFor Malaysia Ministry of Health, quality of life betterment is an indispensable public wellness end. The policy involvement in quality of life in older age is illustrated in the Malaysia National Policy for The Elderly, in which one of its purposes is ââ¬Å" To develop the potency of the aged so that they remai n active and productive in national development and to make chances for them to go on to populate independently â⬠. Therefore, HRQOL can be a national wellness criterion which can associate different subjects and other services. By mensurating HRQOL, the ministry will be able to supervise the national wellness advancement, in carry throughing the national wellness aims. To do alterations in some federal policy, the information on HRQOL needed to complement current public wellness ââ¬Ës traditional morbidity and mortality measuring because HRQOL is related to both self-reported chronic diseases and their hazard factors- giving valuable new penetrations on the relationships between HRQOL and hazard factors. Other than that, it can besides assist to happen out the load of chronic diseases, place which subgroups in population that have hapless perceived wellness and this will assist in steering intercessions to better their state of affairss and prevent more serious effects. Wi th all the information gathered, it can assist in placing the demands in the wellness policies and statute law, aid to administer resources consequently based on unmet demands, conduct the strategic programs development, and supervise the effectivity of the intercessions. Since OA is one of the chronic diseases with high morbidity, survey in its impact on the HRQOL may change the policy devising of the chronic diseases. Besides that, HRQOL appraisal is an of import public wellness tool for the aged. As mentioned above, informations from the appraisal will able to find the hazard factors of chronic diseases. In this epoch, when the life anticipation is increasing, the figure of aged will be increasing. It is the purpose of the public wellness that the aged will hold healthy ageing despite the overall wellness effects related to normal ripening and pathological disease processes. It is expected to be concerned with easing the aged in keeping their mobility, prolonging their independency and go oning their active engagement in society. The aged should be able to respond expeditiously to the physical, psychological and societal challenges of ageing. In other words, the consequence of all the activities should add quality to old ages of aged life. The information from HRQOL can be interpreted into the cognition, consciousness and pattern taking towards healthy ageing that will be executed to the communit y. The information from the survey will be able to assist physicians and wellness attention givers in placing the demands of patients with chronic diseases. It shall better their services and could be more patient-centred. As betterment in interventions and pull offing patient with OA take topographic point, new and better ways will emerge to back up the patients in take part a more active function in commanding their disease. Consequently, betterments in the HRQOL of OA patients can be seen in the hereafter old ages. The pathological definition for degenerative arthritis is of a status characterized by focal countries of loss of articular gristle within the synovial articulations, associated with hypertrophy of the bone ( osteophytes and subchondral bone induration ) and inspissating of the capsule. However in this survey merely the diagnostic OA will be studied which based upon the American College of Rheumatology standards. The chief standards is joint hurting with at least 3 out of these 6 clinical findings nowadays: age more than 50 old ages, crepitus, stiffness more than 30 proceedingss, bone tenderness, no tangible heat, bony expansion and bony tenderness ( Altman et al, 1986 )Health Related Quality Of LifeHarmonizing to CDC ( 2000 ) , HRQOL is defined as a wide multidimensional construct of quality of life that normally includes self-reported steps of physical and mental wellness by the inidividuals. To mensurate the HRQOL, the survey will be utilizing outcome survey of 36-item short signifier ( SF-36 ) . It is a multi-item graduated table that step eight wellness constructs.Illness Related StressorAny signifier of emphasis that derived from the disease. Illness-related stressors are traveling to be measured by the six subscales utilizing the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales. The subscales are: Permission to carry on the survey in the authorities wellness installations need to be requested from the Ministry of Health, before pursues the survey. All the aged with OA that will be registered by the wellness personal will be informed about the survey and requested to take part in it. For those who agree to take part, the wellness personal will necessitate to hold the participants to subscribe the written consent. The wellness personal will carry on and help the aged in replying the questionnaire that will be taken topographic point in a one to one unfastened interview session. The questionairres will be prepared in three linguistic communications which are Bahasa Melayu, Chinese Language and Indian Language. If the aged does non able to understand the inquiries proposed to them due to linguistic communication barrier, the research worker will name a linguistic communication transcriber.Data CollectionThe research workers will ab initio inquire the permission from the Ministry o f Health in July 2011 to utilize their installations to carry on this survey, and informing the authorities wellness clinics sing the survey. In December 2011, the research worker will name at least 13 helpers to assist carry oning this survey. The helpers will be the wellness attention personals in which they are good verse with the medical footings and conditions. The helpers will be informed sing the aims, the consent needed from the aged, the information needed, the entry of informations in informations sheet and every bit good trained and brief on the behavior of the survey in footings of utilizing the questionnaires. The research workers and helpers will be carry oning the survey in 1 January 2011 boulder clay 30 June 2011 manually. The aged who fulfil the inclusion standards will be accepted in the survey whereas those who fulfil the exclusion standards will be excluded. The research workers and helpers will inquire the consent from the aged before questioning them. The consent signifier shown in Annex 2. The informations collected from the interviews will be collected and natural informations will be entered in SPSS statistical programme by the research worker. The information will be cleaned and edited. The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales ( AIMS ) . The graduated tables used are scored in a consistent manner so that a low value indicates a high wellness position. The trial for dependability showed that the Guttman graduated table coefficients for scalability is more than 0.6. Whereas, the Guttman graduated table coefficients for duplicability is more than 0.9. The internal consistence by Cronbach ââ¬Ës alpha is more than 0.60 for each of subdivisions. The points in AIMS are based on the constituent of the Rand Health Survey Questionnaires, the Quality of Well-Being Scale, and Katz ââ¬Ës Index of Activities of Daily Living. Factor analysis identified three factors that have been replicated in following surveies. ( Meenan, Mason, Anderson, Guccione and Kazis, 1990 ) The Stress Questionnaire. The questionnaire has 16 points included in the four subscales of injury, challenge, menace and benefit. It is used to mensurate illness-related emotions which show how people review their nerve-racking brushs. Folkman & A ; Lazarus ( 1986 ) stated that high alpha coefficients between 0 80 to 0-87 for these graduated tables and maintain for their concept cogency via a factor analysis attack, the Cronbach alpha coefficients of 0.76 to 0.85 The Jalowiec Coping Scale ( JCS ) . JCS content cogency has been evaluated by expert panels and it is supported by a broad theoretical and empirical foundation. Construct cogency has been calculated. The 60 points in JCS are categorized into eight subscales, with concept cogency runing from 94 % on the Supportive subscale to 54 % on the Emotive subscale. The dependability of the graduated table is evaluated with Cronbach ââ¬Ës alpha coefficients. Based from consequences of 24 different surveies the Cronbach ââ¬Ës alpha coefficients for the usage subscales ranged from 0.48 to 0.81 and for the effectivity subscales from 0.48 to 0.82. ( Sigstad, Pedersen and Froland, 2005 ) .
Saturday, September 28, 2019
The History of Love Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
The History of Love - Essay Example The novel has two main characters who also act as narrators of their specific sections. The first narrator is Leo Gursky, an 80year old Polish immigrant in New York. We are first introduced to Leo Gursky when he believes his life is coming to an end, living alone in a small apartment in Manhattan ââ¬Å"I often wonder who will be the last person to see me alive. If I had to bet, Iââ¬â¢d bet on the delivery boy from the Chinese takeout. I order in four nights out of seven. Whenever he comes, I make a big production of finding my wallet. He stands in the door holding the greasy bag while I wonder if this is the night Iââ¬â¢ll finish off my spring roll, climb into bed, and have a heart attack in my sleepâ⬠(Krauss 3). He is scared of dying on a day when nobody has noticed him and says and believes he has to persuade himself of his existence by making himself noticeable. This drives him to mildly attention-seeking behavior like creating a disturbance by dropping his change in a shop or trying on shoes that he does not intend to buy. Gursky passes for a man without much of a life, but we later learn that he was once a man very rich in art and love. He was once in love with a woman called Alma back in Poland, but due to the chaos and tragedy of war while making his way to America, he is separated from his true love Alma who ends up marrying somebody else. Leoââ¬â¢s art is manifested when we are told of a novel he wrote in Poland, The History of Love, but entrusted it to his friend Zvi Litvinoff who later told him that it was lost. The second character is Alma Singer a fourteen year old girl living with her widowed mother, Charlotte and her brother. We later learn that Alma was named after the heroine of a book her father, David singer loved and that Leo Gurskyââ¬â¢s book was not lost after all but it was published in Spanish in Chile and thatââ¬â¢s how it ended up in the hands of David singer Charlottesââ¬â¢ husband. Almaââ¬â¢s mother is tran slating a novel called The History of love she was given by her husband from Spanish to English. Kraussââ¬â¢s novel centers on the book that was written by Leo in Yiddish, in which all the girls are named after his love Alma. According to Gursky, just the same way Eve was the first woman in the bible is the same way Alma will be the first girl (Krauss 38). As Alma grows up, she is determined to find the real life Alma whom she was named after. Her detective work spurred after a mysterious stranger sends her mum a letter requesting her to translate the Spanish version of ââ¬Å"the history of loveâ⬠into English. She sets out to bring back her mother into loving again and decides that the mysterious stranger who commissioned the translation of the history of love into English might be a love interest for her mother and she does sets to find out who the stranger could be. As the novel progresses, we start to get passages from Gursky's novel laid out within the Kraussââ¬â¢s novel. Krauss is able to connect the two levels of fiction - the novel within and the novel without. Gurskyââ¬â¢s tone is a disappointed, dry voice while Alma's tone is more engaged and naive with most of her expedition written as a comedy. In the young Alma's story we find a charming girl emerging into adulthood
Friday, September 27, 2019
HR Developing People Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
HR Developing People - Essay Example Finally, the project recommends the development of people model in group working. Steps in Developing People Model in Group Working Factors influencing and affecting the design of a learning event The most component in the design principle of a learning event is congruency. The presenter of the even must practice what he preaches. If he preaches to listen and support, then he must ensure that he himself does so. The next step in the learning event is developing a shared mission which defines the team. It primarily provides the purpose for which the group works. The purpose is to realise that all efforts coming from the members of the team are directed towards attainment of the group objectives and aims. The next step involves defining the roles and responsibilities of the respective members of the team. Each member must know exactly what is expected of them. Without the expectations, members are not able to develop mutual trust or accountability within the team (MIT, n.d.). The expec tations of the group must be made very clear, based on which members would be able to meet the expectations. There can also be a group leader who would be responsible for coordinating the efforts of the entire team and also providing guidance to the team in the process. The emphasis was to create a demonstration of the skills that were being imparted. The reason for choosing the method was to make the individuals learn from practice. It also allows them to accept and realise feelings. The motive is to make people learn while they are at work. It also enhances peopleââ¬â¢s confidence and appreciates the works of others. In the process they can help each other out which consequently helps to increase their problem solving skills (Krantz, 1997, p.1). The process of evaluation includes learners to demonstrate their learning. This way the skills of the candidates were evaluated. The demonstration is reviewed focussing on the factors which helped build up the skills of individuals. It would show the benefits of learning that has been generated and also highlight on the loopholes or drawbacks in the process. An effective way of redesigning the session would be to allow individuals to identify and bring forth their own problems. They would also be given the chance of self evaluation. They would be given the authority to judge their own leanings and the learning module that was prepared. Based on the evaluation their feedback would be collected. This feedback in combination with the listenerââ¬â¢s feedback would be evaluated for results. The most crucial aspect in working as a team is effective communication. Team members must be communicated well what is expected of them. Members must be encouraged to develop practices for open communication. Communication here requires that members listen carefully and respectfully and then respond positively to the ideas generated from other members. If a particular idea is not clear and needs clarification, members must not s hirk from asking for additional information and clarification of the ideas (MIT, n.d.). It is also the role of the team members to create an environment which encourages members to share ideas among themselves. ââ¬Å"Most great ideas are built by teams building on an initial thoughtâ⬠(MIT, n.d.). This should also be accompanied by treating the ideas of each member with
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Four Seasons Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Four Seasons - Research Paper Example 3). Vivaldiââ¬â¢s Four Seasons is distinctly one of the most outstanding works done by Antonio Vivaldi. The song has been used in various movies like; A view to kill, Tin cup, White Chicks among others (Atrium Musicologicum Para. 1). Four seasons has four distinct musical pieces from an orchestra and solo violinist. It signifies the different activities, sounds, atmosphere and weather of the four seasons; Summer, Spring, Winter and Autumn. Despite them being different and each complete by itself, they are designed to perform together (Squido.com, Para. 5). Notes and Historical information Four Seasons by Vivaldi was published in 1725, in a concerto composed of twelve sets referred to as The Test of Harmony and Intervention. Each concerto is in a separate variety of fast-slow-fast movements. Four Seasons by Vivaldi appealed more to the French. That is why King Loius XV loved the ââ¬ËSpringââ¬â¢ and authorized it to be performed at the most unanticipated moments (Green Para. 2 ). The period when the Four Season was produced was known as the Baroque era. This era came after the renaissance and middle Ages where there was a large audience for European music that was accompanied with religious hymns. The Baroque era was attributed by the existence of secular vocal music, opera and orchestral music. Based on their texture, the four seasons were unique in the manner that; ââ¬Å"Springâ⬠being one of the seasons was characterized with a Tutti. This represented the arrival of the season, next was the first solo which depicted the greeting from the birds, it followed that the next episodes were related to breezes and a thunderstorm. The solo was also characterized by the existence of a second set of violins. This represented the sound that was produced by the leaves and branches and the viola in the set represented his ââ¬Å"faithful dogâ⬠as it was constantly repeated in the set. It should also be noted that the ââ¬Å"barkingâ⬠was not original ly part of the sonnet but part of the viola part instructions. The set also had an amazing dace part where it represented the inclusion of droning basses. ââ¬Å"Summerâ⬠season set was showcased by the opening bars and represented by the sun and a sweltering ââ¬Å"man and flockâ⬠(Laphil, ââ¬Å"Antonio Vivaldiâ⬠). The first solo consisted of a violin which was accompanied with ornamented and unique cuckoo notes. It was then followed by a turtledove and goldfinch, and rustling of the gentle zephyr breeze, which is joined by the violent north wind (Laphil, ââ¬Å"Antonio Vivaldiâ⬠), where the wind has a theme that characterizes the smooth entrance of a shepherd. The shepherd is describes by the music as being fearful that a storm is about to hit the earth and this fearful state was depicted in the form of diminished musical chords. Summer was also characterized by the onset of buzzing insects in the air and the shepherd was listening to them with the mentality a nd thought of the thunderstorm that were about to be experienced. The final set of this portion was that that was related to the actual storm. ââ¬Å"Autumnâ⬠was the next season among the four seasons by Vivaldi. It was initially depicted by a dance that was linked to harvest. The individuals enjoy the harvest and they win and dance. They also enjoy the fresh air and rest as they reap their hard
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Exam questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Exam questions - Coursework Example There are different types of financial systems without which simple transactions such as trading and investment are thought to be impossible. The financial systems in different societies include those that operate locally or regionally and those that control company transactions internationally(Mike & John, 2004). The financial system pull together, maintain and give a detailed report on economic transactions. Financial systems support the relationship between internal and external financial transactions and financial reporting. They also play a role in helping manage, plan and budget finances available. Financial systems play a role in the allocation and distribution of resources, mainly by directing household savings to the corporate sector and investments among firms. This allows the smooth flow of goods and services between households and firms. Well-structuredfinancial systems are necessary for economic and financial stability in a state of increased working capital. The lack of a financial lead to major changes because there would be no access to components such as credit, no monetary value for exchange of goods and services hence becoming a major barrier to economic transactions. Weak financial systems are inadequate and they create issues such as inflation and debts. They are also faced by the threat of fraudulent manipulation by malicious people and above all may lead to a serious financial crisis. A financial center is a market or city that meets the major part of the demand for financial services of both domestic and international market and it is a key component of a financial system. Most developed countries have a major financial center for example in Europe; London, Paris, Frankfurt in the United States the financial center is based in the New York. Such financial centers are facing competitions hence most of them are unstable(Berger & David, 1997). There is
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Substance abuse course Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Substance abuse course - Essay Example Many lives and families have been ruined due to alcoholism like in the case of Ben in the film under consideration. It is a common responsibility for each member of the society to face the menace of alcoholism as it translates to high cost in terms of loss of life and ill-health. The ensuing frustration from wasted life and loss of job sinks victims even deeper. This is evident in the movie which portrays Ben as having been abandoned by the wife and children, isolated by friends and eventually relocates to Las Vegas to drink to death. Finding a solution to this problem requires in-depth knowledge of the stages of its development. Understanding the source of the drinking habit can be attributed to genetic and social environment factors. However, there are appropriate measures that can help in prevention of the problem in respect of each cause. Initiation stage is critical in averting the possibility of addiction. Recovery also tends to be delicate since there are high chances of relapse. It is therefore important for the society to sustain the campaign against substance abuse. This calls for public-private partnership to consistently create awareness in attempts to mitigate the consequences of substance abuse in the
Monday, September 23, 2019
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Essay
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) - Essay Example It is, however, not far from criticisms. The major problem with the RCRA is that the implementation of RCRA rules and regulations requires huge amount of paper work which sometimes become quite frustrating for the corporate managers Introduction The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was enacted in 1976. This act was introduced as an amendment to the then existing Solid Waste Disposal Act. Household as well as hazardous solid wastes are regulated by RCRA. Since its initiation, this act has been amended by a number of times. The years which experienced amendments to this act are 1978, 1980, 1984, 1988 and 1996. Most of this amendments caused significant coverage areas of the act. Most of the programs under RCRA have been designed to offer risk-free handling of hazardous as well as non-hazardous wastes. This paper seeks to offer a detailed discussion on the history, coverage, current status and shortcomings of the Resource Conservation and Recovery act. At the end, it will make an attempt to provide some solutions to the problems associated with RCRA. (Dennison, 1993). History of RCRA Earlier, state and local governments use to assume the responsibilities of regulating solid wastes generated by households and industries. Particularly, .before 1965, there was no such regulatory authority for that could handle the issues relating to solid wastes. During this time, most of the solid wastes were deposited through the method of open dumping. This kind of open dumping had not at all been environment friendly. In 1965, the Solid Waste Disposal act was enacted to deal with waste disposal methods. It started to look for environment friendly options of waste disposals. In order to reduce negative impacts of open dumping of wastes, it provided financial aids to local and state governments to appropriate waste disposal methods. In 1970, the Solid Waste disposal Act was amended to become the Resource Recovery Act and then in 1976, it was further amended to form the Resour ce Conservation and Recovery Act. (Dennison, 1993). The goal behind the enactment of RCRA was to eliminate all the remaining loopholes in environmental regulations with respect to disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes on land. Through the enactment of this act along with the subsequent amendments, federal government tried to address a set of requirements. First of all, through this act the government placed its focus on the importance of systematic management of households and industrial wastes. Second, the government made an attempt to recognize the requirement of special arrangements in dealing with wastes of hazardous nature. Finally, the act took into account a number of provisions for encouraging conservation of resources as well as their reuse or recycling. (Teets et al, 2003) Coverage of RCRA RCRA comprises of four different types of programs in order to implement the goals that as set up at the time of its initiation and subsequent amendments. The first program has been designed for encouraging states to build and promote plans for managing household non hazardous wastes. The second program has been directed towards setting up of a ââ¬Ëcradle to graveââ¬â¢ mechanism in order to monitor and control the deposition of hazardous non-household wastes. The third program has been introduced to regulate storage in underground tanks with the help of a program known as the Underground storage Tank program. The fourth
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Wildlife & conservation statistics Essay Example for Free
Wildlife conservation statistics Essay Extinction of Species â⬠¢ Every 20 minutes, the world adds another 3,500 human lives but loses one or more entire species of animal or plant life at least 27,000 species per year. (Source: PBS) â⬠¢ At the present rates of extinction, as many as 20% of the worlds 7-15 million species could be gone in the next 30 years. This rate of extinction has been unprecedented since the disappearance of dinosaurs 65 million years ago (Source: WWF). Habitat Destruction (Source: Animal Alliance, unless stated otherwise) â⬠¢ Human population reached 1 billion by 1800. Over 6 billion by 2000. Conservative estimates predict that our population will reach 9 billion people by 2050 (Source: Population Reference Bureau). â⬠¢ The hourly destruction of an estimated 240 acres of natural habitat is directly attributable to the growth in human populations. â⬠¢ 80% of the decline in biological diversity is caused by habitat destruction. Plight of Rhinos (Source: International Rhino Foundation) â⬠¢ Of the dozens of species of rhino that once roamed the earth, only 5 now exist. â⬠¢ Where there were once over 100,000 black rhinos on the plains of Africa, there are now only 2,707 on the entire continent. â⬠¢ The staggering decimation of the rhino population is due to poaching, to satisfy the demand for the horn for use in Eastern traditional medicines and as dagger handles. â⬠¢ Prices up to US$40,000 a kilo have been recorded for the much prized rhino horn more than 5 times the price of gold. The African Elephant (Source: CITES) â⬠¢ 5 -10 million African elephants existed in 1930. Less than 1% of that number (approximately 600,000) remained when they were added to the international list of the most endangered species in 1989. â⬠¢ Demand for ivory combined with loss of habitat from human settlement led to these huge declines in population. African Wild Dog (Source: American Museum of Natural History) â⬠¢ Listed as one of the worlds most endangered canids, and the most endangered predator in Africa, there are now only between 4,000-5,000 African wild dogs in the wild. â⬠¢ A century ago, African wild dog packs numbering a hundred or more animals could be seen roaming the Serengeti Plains. Today, pack size averages about 10, and the total population on the Serengeti is probably less than 60 dogs. â⬠¢ Due to their large home ranges, African wild dogs are particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction. â⬠¢ They are widely regarded as pests, and poisoned, shot, trapped and snared in many areas. â⬠¢ Their most serious threat, though, is introduced diseases. Burgeoning human populations have brought the African wild dogs into frequent contact with domestic dogs, many of which carry canine distemper and rabies. The African Lion (Source: Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary) â⬠¢ The African lions numbers are diminishing rapidly due to habitat destruction, persecution by livestock farmers outside of protected areas, and human greed. 10,000-15,000 free-roaming African lions remain, down from 50,000 a decade ago. â⬠¢ The willingness of Asians and Westerners to pay handsomely for lion head trophies combined with the urgent need for revenue among African locals means that these great predators are increasingly hunted for sport. â⬠¢ Trophy hunting not only depletes the population of the African lion, but threatens its gene pool as well. Killing the dominant male of a pride (normally the target of a trophy hunt) sets off a chain of instinctive behavior in which the subsequent dominant male kills all the young of the previous male (6-8 estimated deaths result from each male shot). Cheetahs (Source: The Cheetah Spot) â⬠¢ In 1900 there were about 100,000 cheetah worldwide present estimates place their number at 10,000 -15,000 with about one tenth of those living in captivity. â⬠¢ Throughout recorded history a cheetah pelt was a badge of wealth for its human owner. The animal was killed for its skin by some and captured for its hunting skills by others. More recently, increasing human populations have squeezed cheetahs and their prey from their natural habitats. Definitions â⬠¢ Poaching is the illegal hunting, capture, or collecting of wildlife. Snaring is a common form of subsistence poaching and can lead to the maiming of many animals not intended for consumption. (Source: Bagheera: Glossary of terms ) â⬠¢ Canned hunts are commercial hunts, which take place on private land under circumstances that virtually assure the hunter of success. The animal is often fenced in, or has been habituated to eating at a feeding station at the same time every day. Canned hunts are prevalent in the United States and South Africa. (Source: Animalunderworld. com).
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Wooden churches in Eastern Europe Essay Example for Free
Wooden churches in Eastern Europe Essay Wooden churches in Eastern Europe represent distinctive feature of regional cultural heritage and are probably the most valuable contribution of this land to the world art treasury. In this research we will make an attempt to make in-depth analysis of relationships between architecture and design of these historical constructions in the light of local traditions and lifestyle. The study is divided into two parts illustrating materials and techniques used to create these fascinating buildings and key design principles tightly associated with regional culture. Construction materials and techniques. In Slavic world wooden constructions were dominant until mid-1950s. Vast territories covered with forest provided cheap, solid, and easy-to-access building material used for domestic, industrial, economic, defensive, public, and religious units. Most ancient architectural monuments of that area trace their roots back to early 10th century which is also recorded in chronicles and modern ethnographic materials. Traditionally architects recognize three styles of Eastern European wooden churches including Hutsul style (originated from the name of ethnical group in Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains), Gothic style, and Baroque churches adopted from western civilization . Hutsul churches have brought to us the oldest manner of Eastern European church building based on the principle of trinity ââ¬â a church has three parts, three sections, and three towers. A Baroque tower gave name to 22 Baroque churches in this area. Churches with high spires and turrets represent the famous Gothic style in local communities. All wooden sacred monuments are based on log construction allowing various solutions in terms of horizontal planning and exterior design. Apart from quadrate frame, unique polygonal constructional forms are observed here especially in altar rooms. Fir, spruce, and pine were widely used in constructing non-load-bearing parts of the building while oak, red spruce, and yew were applied while creating bearers and ribbands for the construction. Typically, buildings were placed on strong foundation stones joined together by clay, lime, and sand. Older generations remember seeing eggs, bullââ¬â¢s blood, and breast milk combined together as an admixture for making the building stronger and more resistant to rains and storms . Initially for religious reasons no nail was used to make timber works and other constructional elements firm. This practice was very common to many wooden churches throughout entire region and some parts of Russia where this architectural phenomenon was present. Numerous conducted studies and artifacts found show that no-nail technique undoubtedly has to do with associations with crucifixion. To solve this problem local craftsmen were trying to create climate-friendly unions to keep construction in one piece. Their invention of unique blazes on assembling unions made it possible to start building churches without iron nails with decreasing use of even oak wedges. Unlike Slavs, German tribes preferred pole and light-frame constructions. This type of wooden temples can be encountered in England and Northern Europe including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Similar architectural style has spread in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland. The second biggest heritage of wooden temples is possessed by Norway and has strong historical roots directly connected with era of Vikings and their friendly relationships with Slavs . Exterior and interior design. One of the most distinctive features of monumental architecture is triple design symbolizing Trinity. Significant number of wooden churches consist of three parts emphasized by three towers. The middle log of the temple is the biggest construction with square shape which has altar room inside. The front part is a shorter copy of the middle log and serves as an assembly hall for nuns. The back part behind the altar room is the highest one and since it is always facing east as the beginning of a new day and life it has become a landmark for many travelers. Traditionally, location of all three parts corresponds to laws of symmetry which means that horizontal axis of the wooden church intersects with its vertical axis in the very middle of the building . In Middle Ages this so-called ââ¬Å"triple styleâ⬠was popular throughout entire territory of Kyiv Rus being applied on concrete churches as well. Irrelevant of construction material or religion practiced in the church Slavs would always build their churches on top of a hill or in some remote area. Only rare spiritual architectural monuments are located in the village downtown. People from Eastern European community still believe that both wooden and concrete churches are too sacred to be situated somewhere close to the city downtown full of noise and turmoil. Sacral buildings in Eastern Europe (primarily east of Slovakia and west of Ukraine) frequently had pronounced decorations on shingles. Wood carving ornaments covered approximately two thirds of the entire exterior design of the church. Rich decorations were stipulated by great number of carpenters and craftsmen who polished their talents on regular basis due to never-ending forests in the area. Many are still fascinated by remarkable iconostasis as a key and most valuable part of any church interior design. In wooden churches iconostasis is placed in altar room separating it from back part of the building. Iconostasis is a wall picturing sacred paintings decorated with gold. Together these paintings represent iconography which requires strict observance of holy rules and selection of topics. Typical iconostasis in wooden churches have three exits. The main one is located in the middle and is designed especially for the main priest. Two other ones house secondary priests and deacons which are not allowed to use the main exit decorated with carved vermeil. Many wooden temples in modern Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine preserved ornamental conical, A-line, and pyramidal domes. Impacted by baroque, quadrangular roofs acquired four more corners turning into octagonal domes. Regardless of refusal from iron nails metal was still used to create additional functional details including crosses, gates, and window ironwork. Metal crosses placed on the top of each dome embodied creativity and talent of local artists. Apart from esthetic purposes, exterior and interior designs of wooden temples performed educational function as well. Artists painted walls using simple tools to educate people with Old and New Testaments. To do that they chose the finest wall of the temple with no windows or doors. Then using simple paint and brushes to make foliated lines on the wall they pictured Jesus, Maria, prophets, disciples, and evangelists. Interestingly enough, non-religious episodes were also portrayed on those walls which corresponded to feelings and thoughts of people at that time rather than specific sacral motives. Some icon illustrations were linked to specific life situations and peculiarities of local community which perceived some saints as guarantors for their existence and prosperity. Most frequent images included St. George who based on local beliefs was helping farmers, St. Nicholas who protected houses from fire and guaranteed well-being for carpenters, St. Michael as a sky warrior, and many other religious spirits. Such icons are marked with particularly exuberant ornament and thoroughly selected colors . Some of wooden temples in eastern part of Europe were not saved due to weather impacts and other negative influences. This is especially concerned World War I and World War II. Also active migration of local communities had negative effect on architectural monuments in general. However, once the church was built by permanent local community it was being taken care of appropriately. Experts in the field of sacred architecture say, Eastern Europeans created design and architecture for their religious buildings that would remind them of closeness with nature and necessity to enrich inner world on regular basis. This is the reason why interior design alongside with its iconostasis and paintings are so exuberant and rich. Unlike Latin churches, wooden temples in this part of the world fascinate by its perfect combination with surrounding environment. Color scheme here plays one of the most important parts since green forests and deep brown represent perfect match . Because of the painful losses in local wooden architecture the cultural value of each saved church has considerably increased and all wooden churches constructed in traditional manner are to be protected irrespective of age. In conclusion it would be appropriately to note that wooden churches in Eastern Europe symbolize peculiarities of local communities including religious beliefs, lifestyles, and geographical location. They represent special interest in comparison to other highlands such as the Alps which offer no architectural contribution whatsoever. Educative function of wooden temples remains very valuable even today since wall paintings provide better view of historical reality. Due to its geographical location eastern regions of Europe have been equally influenced by neighboring cultures but still managed to preserve their own architectural identity. Works Cited Bragg, Rick. Wooden Churches: A Celebration. New York: Algonquin Books, 1999. Patterson, Joby. Wooden Churches of the Carpathians: A Comparative Study. Bratislava: East European Monographs, 2001. Sopoliga, Miroslav. Pearls of Folk Architecture. London: Brand House, 1996
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