Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Essay Example for Free

Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Essay Vocabulary and Grammar An Elementary lesson for CELTA trainees at CELT Athens What steps argon part of the process of designing a computer program? What knowledge skills do teachers necessity? The Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networks for Language Teachers Does this look familiarTo ing or not to ingthat is todays questionOne of my students asked me last month why we use the ing form for blogging, networking, computing..Good question My answer? Because technology is constantly changing and plus usually these actions are constant, happen much, plus they are amusing only if can be annoying so we use the present continuous form. On Wednesday 18 January, ELT jawters wished each other a Happy New Year and got their teeth into a very stimulating chat. As language teachers, do we find these social networking platforms and services amusing or annoying Our students are already using a wide-range of social network s ites and teachers are beginning to familiarize themselves with such sites, to keep up with technology but more importantly, to discuss and exchange ideas and develop as teachers. We read and write blogs, visit forums, develop Nings and Wikis, all of which are constantly changing and being updated. The ELTchat itself is consequence of this.its fast, furious, fun and educational We have joined ther World of Technology, for good or for bad? By the way, did you know that if Facebook was a region, it would be the third largest country in the world So in the ELT world, here are the main themes from the discussion. Advantages* There will be more pro chatters tonight as close members are keen SN users. * ELTCHAT is one of the major advantages of SNs for teachers. * SNs have radically changed teachers lives. We will never feel alone again. * Facebook has become a professionally ontogeny site rather than just a social network. * SN has revolutionized the way we think and opened wider pers pectives. * SNs are global and 24/7.* SNs should be harnessed by 21 century teachers with enthusiasm. * Use Facebook for personal contacts and Google+ for PD.* SNs are an extension of staffroom chats with links, banter and discussions. Virtual staffroom. * ELTchat is great as it is an outer of class collaboration discussion, as a couple of(prenominal) teachers in the workplace know how to collaborate. * SNs create friends which lead to face to face meetings. * Share worksheets/mind maps for students, time-saving.* Twitter tags can inform parents of students progress. * Non-native teachers are also opened to real language in the modern world. * SNs, like Twitter and ELTchat are energizing Plus, through ElTchat, you find more people to follow So, start hobby Disadvantages* All SNs are time-consuming.* Some teachers find SNs too daunting to tackle.* SNs can become addictive. They can take over your life, leaving little time for family and friends. discriminating when to stop is cru cial try to switch off * Replication of themes from one SN to another is annoying. * Students become obsessed in finding their teachers on FB and intrude in teachersprivate lives. * Privacy issues with FB AND Twitter do not accept people you dont know or protected accounts on Twitter. * Tweetdeck often has technical problems.Mentioned sites, platforms and services worth checking out* http//www.edmod Secure Social Networking for Teachers* http//moodle.org/Moodle is a Course Management System (CMS), also known as a instruction Management System (LMS) or a Virtual breeding Environment (VLE). It is a Free web application that educators can use to create impelling online learning sites * http//www.blackboard.com/ Blackboard helps clients enrich all aspects of the education experience by engaging and assessing learners, making their daily lives more convenient and * http//www.collaborizeclassroom.com/ is a free online cooperative education platform that allows students and teacher s to transcend the boundaries of their physical classroom to engage in an online collaborativelearning environment. * http//bloggerindraft.blogspot.com/2011/08/introducing-google-scribe-in-blogger.html-an aid to write your blog * http//aplanet-project.org/ Autonomous Personal Learning Networks For Teachers * http//www.scoop.it/t/interactive-teaching-and-learningExploration of engaging learning spaces and technologies that support them. * http//www.evernote.com/ Remember everything* http//www.diigo.com/ To collect, highlight and remember those bookmarks The chat went on to discuss the issue of coping with lack of time and organizing selective information and links shared. This lead to a variety of suggestions for bookmarking and who prefers Twitter, FB, Google+. Everyone had their own opinion A blog challenge was proposed esolcourses Best method for organizing ELTchat bookmarks Choose one and demo As ever, there were some great links shared* http//t.cohttp//evasimkesyan.edublogs.org /2012/01/18/evo-digitalstorytelling4kids-and-the-tool-of-the-week//JBbayIuc * http//learningfundamentals.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Focus.jpg How to focus in times of distraction. Excellent mind map presentation * http//cybraryman.com/facebook.htmlAll you need to know about SN s and your students.* http//www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8142721/Social-networking-teachers-blame-Facebook-and-Twitter-for-pupils-poor-grades.html * http//educationland.wordpress.com/my-worksheets/http//educationland.wordpress.com/worksheets/http/www.facebook.com/pages/Education-Land/221436857914023http/t.co/gzX8zGIR Share worksheet and ideas Thats the summary folks I would like to add that I didnt computer address specific names on the summary as so many people commented on this chat, so there is something from everyone Thanks for another energy-boosting, informative chat Happy Social Networking

Promoting Communication in Health and Social Care Essay Example for Free

Promoting confabulation in Health and Social C ar EssayPromoting communication in health and social cargon Out have it off 1. 1 People lot communicate for many various reasons. This can be to voice their opinions, to get attention, if they are in pain or when they want to get their emotions across. It can in addition to share ideas and information. Communication can also be done to build relationships, hire questions and share experiences. People communicate so that they can establish and maintain relationships with others and to give and receive information and instructions. 1. 2 communications in the work place setting is one of the most important aspects of my role as a actualize worker and Carer. Communication allows me to build good working relationships with colleagues assistance users and run. Correct communication allows me to help and confirm the service users. Many of the service users I support and non verbal so for effective communication, good technique has t o be used in order to get and receive information. In order to support non verbal thickenings, a good reasonableness of their reaction, response and attitude is important. Communication between colleagues is also real important in order to support guests. Sharing issues and ideas can allow more citizenry to think together to support an issue or problem.Day staff hand over to night staff any issues and problems to ensure night staff have all the pertinent information in order to support clients. If the communication between staff is ineffective then this can create problems in the work place. It can gravel a lack of confidence and trust. Outcome 2. 2 There are various factors to recollect when promoting effective communications. As with various types of communications, one essential meet the environment. We have to make sure the environment and surrounding are appropriate. We moldiness consider if the environment is quiet.If we are discussing private and confidential informa tion then it must be done somewhere private. We must consider if the person has the ability to understand. My role involves supporting clients who are non verbal and some with severe learning difficulties. This core my communication must be effective for that person. An example would be instead of asking a client if they would like a cup of tea, we show them an acquit cup, and base our judgment on their response we give or dont make them a cup of tea. One of the clients I support smiles a lot and becomes vocal when we show an empty of tea which usually result in them having a drink.Other times its not so simple. When we are communication verbally, we should consider the tone and pitch of our voice. When let looseing, we should consider if we are using the correct and appropriate language and words so that the client is able to understand. We must also consider the speed of our voice. Going back to non-verbal communication, we must consider using the correct facial and hand gestur es as well as try to understand the clients reaction. Eye contact can also be important as it make the client aware you are communicating with them. Some clients like to touch or grab when they need something.If you pull your hand away quickly, it shows a lack of trust or reluctant to drive on that clients need. Responding back with a correct body language can show that you understand and show trust in their communication method. Having a better understanding of the clients condition would also allow for better communication. Know what your client can and cannot do or understand will ensure you worn-out(a) more time and effort in trying to find ways of communicating in the way the client can understand. Outcome 3. 1 As people are all different, so is their communication and understanding.People from different backgrounds whitethorn use or interpret communication methods differently. Many people come from different cultures and have different understanding to our own. In the UK, w e tend to have accents which usually give away where we are from. Different accents can be catchy to understand. We also speak many languages which can make communication difficult. We must also understand that something being acceptable for one group of people may not be for another. Some people communicate using certain words and good grammar to get a point across. Other people speak in a high tone to get their voice heard.Some people use hand gestures frequently when communicating, this can be offensive or intimidating to others. AS support workers we must understand the diversity of the people we support. They are all different and communicate differently. For some clients verbal communication is suitable and speaking normally as you do is sufficient. For other clients 3. 2 unfortunately at that place are some barriers to communication which can create problems when trying to support clients. One of these barriers includes the understanding of the client. As explained some cl ients are non verbal and have severe learning difficulties.These clients would find verbal communication very unverbalised to understand. If the client has a hearing or visual impairment, this will also affect their communication as they will find it difficult to hear or see. The take aim of trust and relationship can also create a problem. One of the clients I support suffers from sociaphobia. This makes it very hard for new staff or people to support this client. It also takes them many years to build a good relationship and when an old staff member leaves, it creates many problems. We again must consider the environment as a barrier to communication.If it is too loud or too many people in the vicinity then it may be hard for a client to pay attention, listen or even understand. If the environment is too cold or too hot can also distract the client. 3. 5 We can try and get extra support from the local authority. Birmingham city council has dedicated adult services which offer ad vice and information on supporting clients effectively. A visit to the GP has many services that can help. GPs now have extra support from dieticians, speech therapists and psychiatrists who are all available to provide extra support.It can also help to get support from other Care homes in the company. Other support workers in different homes king have more experience in help a client with a certain condition. 4. 1 Confidentiality refers to private and important information that should not be shared with unauthorized persons. This information is usually given with an agreement that it would be kept safe and used for the sole purpose it has be ascertained for. Confidentiality is very important especially in regards to our clients.They rely on us to keep their information confidential and use it to support them. We as support workers have rag to the clients personal information like their address and family, so we have a responsibility to ensure we keep that information safe. Somet imes a client might give some information that they only want you to know and keep confidential. Sharing this information without a good reason can cause that client to stop trusting you. 4. 3 As stated above, sometimes confidential information that has been given to you and expected to keep from telling anyone else.If there is a risk to the client of danger or harm then it must be passed on. This can obviously cause tensions. This can cause the client to stop trusting you. If some information is given which relates to abuse then this information has to be passed on to line manager or social services (whistle-blowing policies). I believe the best way to do this would be to try and explain the reason for giving the information to others to the client and explaining the benefits. It can be hard in this situation but the safety of a client comes first.

Environmental Monitoring Program for Clean Room

environmental Monitoring Program for Clean RoomBioburden and ETO limitsEnvironmental monitoring program for a class 9 invigorated board that manufactures enteral feeding setsAbstractA unaccented elbow path is an internal clean environment that is often used for manufacture or scientific research with a low level of environmental pollutants such as air termination microbes, dust or chemical vapors. A clean room has a controlled level of contamination that is specified by the lead officles that are permitted per cubic meter and withal the sizing of the pinchs is specified. A clean room has a special meaning that is defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO). ISO has defined a clean room as a room in which the concentration of airborne particles is controlled and which is constructed and used in a manner to minimize the introduction, generation and retention of particles inside the room and in which other relevant parameters, e.g temperature, humidity and pressu re are controlled as necessary. Clean rooms are usually supplied with air that has been filtered by means of high school efficiency air filters. This air is then changed a depend of times depending on the class and purpose of the clean room. A clean room is create with materials that do not generate particles or outgas airborne chemical contamination and can be cleaned easily. Finally personnel that operate inside the clean room where protective clothing knows as bunny suits to minimize their dispersion of particles and microorganisms.An enteral feeding tube provides a means of maintaining nutritional intake when oral intake is inadequate or when there is restricted access to the gastrointestinal tract, eg owing to obstruction. ETFs are now commonly used for a wide range of clinical conditions and across a wide range of people (Rebecca White, Vicky Bradnam ,Handbook of drug administration via enteral feeding tubes, 2007) .Enteral feeding devices include enteral feeding pumps, p ump sets, enteral feeding tubes and kits. Enteral feeding is often used to supply patients with nutrition who cannot consume by swallowing. Patients whitethorn not be able to consume by swallowing due to injury or illness such as pancreatitis, cancer and malnutrition.IntroductionCleanrooms are monitored concord to two well-known standards, ISO 1644-1 and federal standard 209E. Federal Standard 209E is the standards that the USA comply with whereas ISO 1644-1 are the standards that are applied internationally. ISO 14644 part 1 has been revised as a crude second edition design international standard ISO/DIS 14644-1.2(2014). ISO 14644-1 is part of a series of documents concerned with cleanrooms and associated subjects. This part of ISO 14644 specifies the classes of air cleanliness in terms of particle concentration in air quite a little. It to a fault specifies testing methods that are used to read categorization. These include selection of sampling locations and evaluation of class from the data collected. The most significant change in this new set of standards is the use of a more consistent statistical approach to the selection and the number of sample locations and the evaluation of data collected. The statistical confidence is figure based on the hypergeometric distribution.Non-Viable Particles-AirMicrobial Contamination-Air and SurfacePressure differentialWater qualityTemperature and Humidity arrogate AThere are a number of test parameters that ISO state that have to be tested when testing the air in a clean room. These recommended tests are listed in Annex A. Annex A provides the recommended tests and the recommended rule in which to carry them out .The parameters are listed as follows. Airflow test, Air pressure difference test, humidity test, temperature test, particle disposition test, installed filter news leak test, Airflow directional test and visualization, Airborne particle test for macro particles, Airborne particle test for ultrafine particles, Electrostatic and ion generator test, Particle deposition test, recovery test, Containment leak test. A checklist is provided to assist in testing criteria. This check list in encoded Annex A. Annex A also gives a series of recommended tests when sampling.5. try out notifyThe result of each test should be recorded in a test report and the test report should include the following schoolingName and address of the testing organization and the date which the test was carried out.Number and year of publication of this part of ISO 14644.Clear identification of the physical location of the clean room or clean zone tested, and specific designations for coordinates of all sampling locations.Specific designation criteria for the clean room or clean zone, including the ISO classification, the relevant tenancy state and the considered particle sizing.Details of the test method used and identification of the test instrument and its current calibration certificate.Test result, incl uding data ac guess as specifically compulsory in the clause of Annex B, and a statement regarding compliance.Any other specific requirements defined relevant to the clause of Annex B.A.1 GeneralThe test procedures that are used in this part of ISO 14644 may be used for demonstrating compliance with the performance criteria of a user specified evocation and for performing periodic testingThe choice of tests are usually based on the required level of classification, operational states and the design of installation.Table 1 provides facultative tests that are recommended by the international standards organization and table 2 is the bioburded limits provided by ISO for a class 9 cleanroom.Annex B(B.1.1) This test method is a specification of the beat of airborne particle concentrations with size distributions having a threshold size between 0.1 micrometer and 5 micrometers. Measurements are often made according to lead defined occupancy states. These occupancy states are as follo ws as-built, at rest and operational. The measurements are made to verify the cleanliness classification in accordance with ISO 14644-1.(B.1.2.1) This part of Annex B is known as B1. The location selection, sampling points, clean zone classification determination and the quality of data required should be in accordance with ISO 14644-1. One of the main aspects of B1 is to provide reference methods. Annex B also provides a risk assessment for the clean room. /= 0.1 um /=0.2um /=0.3um /=0.5um /=1um /=5um(B.1.2.2) Procedure for airborne particle countISO recommends the installation of a DPC intake at a specified sampling location. In sampling locations where the airflow is not controlled or predictable the corner of the sample probe should be directed vertically upwards. The transit tube from the sample probe inlet to the DPC sensor must be as mulct as possible. If samples that are greater than or equal to one micrometer, the transit tube must not exceed the manufactures recommended length and diameter.B3 Airborne particle count for macroparticlesThe test methods that are described here are for the testing of particles larger than 5 micrometers in diameter. Measurements for macro-particles can be made in any of the three occupancy states of a clean room. These measurements are made in order to determine the concentration of macro-particles.B.3.3 Measurements methods for macroparticlesISO has assigned two general categories for macro-particles, therefore comparable results may not be produced if different measurement methods are used. Therefore correlation between different methods is not possibleCollection by filtration or inertial effects, which is then followed by microscopic measurement of the number and size, or measurement of the mass of collected particles.(1). Filter collection and microscopic measurement (B.3.3.2.1) will report macro-particles exploitation particle size based upon the agreed diameter.(2). Cascade impact collector and microscopic measur ement will report macro-particles using particle size base upon the microscopists choice of reported particle diameter.(3). Cascade impact collector and weight collector will macro-particles using particle size based upon an silklike diameter.(b). In situ measurement of the concentration and size of macro-particles with a time of flight particle foreknow or a DPC.(1). DPC measurement will report macro-particles using particle size based upon an equivalent optical diameter.(2). Time of flight particle size measurement (B.3.3.3.3) will report macro-particles using particle size based upon an aerodynamic diameter.B.3.3.3 macro-particle measurement without particle collectionB.3.3.3.1 Macro-particles can be measured without collecting particles from the air. This process involves the optical measurement of the particles that are suspended in the air. An air sample is taken through a DPC, which reports either the equivalent optical diameter or the aerodynamic diameter of particles.B.3. 3.3.2 Discrete particle counter (DPC) measurement.The procedure is the same as in B.1. DPC does not require sensitivity for detection of particles that are less than 1 micrometer. Care is required in order to ensure that the DPC samples directly from the air at the sample location. If sample tubes are longer than 1 meter to the DPC then they should not be used. The DPC often has a sample flow of 0.00047 m3/s and should be fitted with an inlet sized for isokinetic sampling in unidirectional flow zones. The DPC should be set go about upwards in areas where non-unidirectional airflow takes place.The DPC size range settings are established so that only macro-particles are detected.B.3.3.3.3 Time of flight particle size measurementThe dimensions of macro-particles can be measured by using a device that is known as time of flight apparatus and accelerated through a nozzle into a partial vacuum, where the measurement region is located. Any particles that are in the air sample will acceler ate to match the air speeding in the measurement region. It is this relationship between the air velocity and particle velocity at the point of measurement that can be used to determine the aerodynamic diameter of the particle.B.3.4 Procedure for macro-particle countThe sample inlet probe must be set up on the selected apparatus. The required air volume must be sampled to collect at least 20 macro-particles at each sample point and make measurements as specified in ISO 14644-1 or ISO 14644-2. The M-discriptor concentration in the selected particle size ranges must be calculated as agreed between customer and supplier, and report the data.B.3.5 Test reportsThe following data and data should be recorded as described in clause 5.(a). Definition of the particle parameter to which the apparatus responds(b). Type of measurement classification or test M descriptor determination or monitoring(c). Type designations of each measurement instrument and apparatus used and its calibration state .(d). Cleanliness classification of the installation(e). Macro-particle size range(s) and the count for each size range reported(f). Apparatus inlet sample flow rate and flow rate through sensing volume.(g). Sample point locations(h). Sampling schedule plan for classification or sampling protocol plan for testing(I). Occupancy state(s)(j). Stability of macro-particle concentration, if required(k) Other data relevant for measurement.

Introduction To European Food Cultural Studies Essay

Introduction To atomic number 63an Food Cultural Studies EssayEurope is not an unfamiliar get word in an individual mind rope. Many people aspire to go to Europe as it has a varied amount of distinctive features in terms of feed and culture. Composing a major part of the world Europe is the second sm anyest continent having the third highest population and consists of fifty individual countries. The overlapping cultures of Europe argon a distinctive feature perceived by the travellers.In terms of weather the Northern Europe has is covered with a blanket of cold and shorter winters and air-conditioned summers than Southern Europe. However in the eastmost and the West the winters are longer and colder and the summers are shorter and hotter. On the early(a) hand Moscow which lies in the same latitude, it has an amount January temperature if 14 degree F (-10 degrees). The central and Southern part of Europe has a warm and a moderate climate so the agricultural husbandry is possib le.A realm or a contribution is otherwise in any case recognised by its cuisine and it plays an meaning(a) role in standing up for the popularity of the same. The cuisine in Europe is primarily inhabited by the local available crossroads and is also allured by the cultural factors. Hence the importance of culture cannot be ignored.European cuisine is also know as the western cuisine as it is represented by taking all the cuisines from Europe and western countries into consideration. The tocopherol Asians used European cuisine to differentiate between the European cuisine and Asian cuisine. It is also known as continental cuisine in approximately parts of the United Kingdom. On the other hand the westerners from North America, Australia and Latin America who travelled to the Europe increased the popularity of the cuisine globally and hence the beautyes in Europe were categorised as European cuisine.Northern cuisine embr oild the Danish cuisine, Finnish cuisine, Estonian cu isine, Irish cuisine, Swedish cuisine, English cuisine, Scottish cuisine, welsh cuisine and Anglo- Indian cuisine. On the other hand the South European cuisine consists of the Croatian cuisine, Spanish cuisine, Turkish cuisine, Italian cuisine and Portuguese cuisine. The eastern European cuisine is majorly influenced by the climate and consists of the German cuisine, Polish cuisine, Russian cuisine, Romanian cuisine, Ukrainian cuisine and Hungarian cuisine. Last but not the to the lowest degree the Western cuisine includes Austrian cuisine, Belgian cuisine, French cuisine, German cuisine and Swiss cuisine.http//www.europeword.com/blog/europe/european-cuisine, Accessed on 10TH evidence 2010See copious size imagehttp//www.enchantedlearning.com/europe/italy/Italy_color.GIF,Accessed on 10TH March 2010.ITALYItalian cuisine has al instructions considered one of the of import influences of the new American cuisine develop in the United States, although it certainly is major influen ce, many people dont realize that only a fraction of the true Italian cuisine has made its way across the ocean. Whenever you look in Italy a robust love of cooking and an appreciation for the bewitchingr things in cuisine is found in Italy. This approach to eat and cooking developed differently in ein truth sphere of Italy, resulting in one of the most varied and complicated national cuisine in the world.Italy is a dynamic country that has experienced many outside influences on its native culture and cuisine throughout history. Italy was once the home of the great Roman pudding stone which spread its influence across southern Europe northern Africa, and into Middle East, and the culture of these orbital cavitys left their imprint on the Italian Cuisine as well.The old-fashioned Greeks were know for their appreciation of the arts and many culinary traditions developed by the Romans in present days Italy are credited to the influence of the Greeks in Romans life. During the Gr eek Empire (600 BC-200BC) the Greek settled many colonies for trading purposes many of which developed into virtually of todays cities including Naples and Reggio. The Greek also settled Sicily and brought with them many ingredients that are now main elements of the Sicilian table, including grapes, chromatics, citrus and several preparations of the local seafood.In AD 827, Moorish Arabs conquered Sicily and ruled the island for 200 years, along with the parts of southern Italy and Sardinia, and they brought with them an understanding of distillation drill Marsala fortified wine and grappa and freezing techniques example gelato (frozen flavoured draw), sorbet (frozen flavoured juice), and granite (slushy flavoured ice).Some of the ingredients the Arabs brought with them were spinach, pine nuts, eggplants, coffee, bitter oranges, rice, sugar, almonds, Marzapan and spices and many of the ingredients became regular components of Sicilia as well as Italian cuisine.The Arabs ruled Si cily and other parts of Italy and brought many of the sweet preparation that is found in Italian and in Sicilian Cuisine. The use of sugar in preparation of sweet dishes such as cannolis (fried pastry stuffed with sweetened cheese and other ingredients) and cassatas (rich cakes with dried fruit and marzipan topping) as well as numerous frozen desserts.The inhabilants of western Europe (Scandinavia, England and a part of France0 invaded southern Italy in AD 1000 and fought for control of the land, during which time baccala (salt cod) was introduced to the Italians.Spain fought with France for many years for influence in the Mediterranean and also rules Sicily from AD 1550 to AD 1714, during which time many of the new world ingredients were introduced to the peninsula including chiles, chocolate, tomatoes corn, potatoes and beans. Corn was quickly adopted in northern part of Italy but it took much longer for whatsoever of the ingredients from the Americans to obtain general accepta nce in Italy.The French have a long history of rule over areas of Italy, such as the former area of Savoy in the north western Italy or cross cultural influences. The marriage of Catherine de Medici to the eventual king of France is but one example of why culinary traditions and ideas flowed so freely between the two countries. Refined sauces. Roasted meats. Stewed meats and vegetables, pureed soups and the prevalence of cheese all reveal this connection.The northern part of Italy that borders Austria was under Austrian control in 1713, and this period relate in similarity between northern Italy and Austria. Crauti, strudel. and goulash found in north of Italy.MacVeigh, J. (2009) International Cuisine. New York Delmar give of FormITALIAN CUISINEModern Italian cuisine can be identified by its two branches the northern part realm of Italy which include Val DAosta region which borders France and includes major cities Aosta and Turin. This region includes some culinary traditions that resemble French tradition and recipe. The region once was a part of a kingdom called Savoy. The commonality ingredients from this area are mushroom, chestnut, corn, young ox, pheasant. Some of the harvest-festival that are produced in the Valley of Aosta include fontina, which may be found in local fonduta (melted cheese dip) as a means of using the scraps of left over cheese cutting. The cured meats and sausages from this region are also well known and include pancetta steccata, coppa al ginapro, and mocette. This region has produced a number of local specialities including zuppa di pane ( incision soup), carbonade sauce with pancetta and egg), montebianco (sweetened chestnut puree) and polenta cunsa (polenta layered with cheese and mushroom).Piemonte which is located in east of the Aosta Valley and is also situated within the Alps. This region includes cities like Turin and Asti and has culinary connection with France. The Piedmont area includes the foot hills of the Apls, which are rich in zippy and truffles, as well as the PO valley, where much of the quality rice is grown which is used to make risotto. Some of the ingredients found in this region are hazelnut, truffles, manzo, Arborio and carnaroli. Some of the recipes and products common to this region are tomini, bagna caoda, castelmango, bollito misto, salsa verde, risotto, grissini and zabaglione.Lombardia region in Italy occupies the centre of the most northern section of Italy, with its northern neighbour of Switzerland bordering its northern reaches. This region is the birth place of well known recipes as risotto alla Milanese. Pannetone. Osso bucco and tortelli de zucca as well as the producer of bresaola, gorgonzola, bel paese, Asiago and mascarpone.Some of the ingredients used in this region are butter, asparagus, pork,oca,trout and squash.Veneto region is the most eastern heap of the Po vally that stretches towards the Adriatic Sea.Veneto includes the ramous city of Venice, which was once t he major port of Europe and controlled the trade of coffee, salt, spice and sugar. Some of the common ingredients of this region include granoturco, riso, radicchio, fagioli, asparagus, zucca, cavolo, patatas, pesce and burro. The region product and recipe include pasta and beans, rice and peas, carpaccio, polenta and tiramisu.Friuli Venezia Guilia is the most eastern part of Italy and borders Austria to its north. Slovenia to its east and the Adriatic Sea to its south. It has been significantly influenced by its northern neighbours, including Austria Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia. This area include Trieste an important seaport to the region that dish. Has a long incorporation of ingredients from countries such as poppy seeds, paprika, caraway and horseradish. The most commonly used ingredients in this area are polenta.Liguria region is bordered by Piedmont to the north and by Emilia- Romagna and Tuscany to the east and includes the major city of Genoa. Some of the common ingredien ts used in this area are sultanas, rabbit, basil, pine nuts, walnuts, olive and fish. Some of the common dishes are pesto alla Genovese, vincigrassi, salsa di noci, trenette, gnocchi, buridda(fish soup), torta pasqualina, ravioli and focaccia.The western and the northern portion of Emilla Romagna includes the southern part of the Po valley while the southern portion henpecked by the Apennines Mountain that run run through the heart of Italy. Some of the major cities include Parma, Bolongna, Reggio, Modena, and Piacenza and each contributes to the richness of the cuisine of the region. The ingredients commonly used in this region are mela, maiale, milk, sole, eel, tomato, grapes, oregano, and other aromatic herbs. Some the common recipes are brodetto, anolini, tortellini, tagliatelle and lasagne.The piquancy of southern cooking comes from herbs and spices. Especially garlic and chilli peppers. Italy first pasta was produced in the south though noodles were preceded by flatbread calle d focacce. Arab established a pasta industry in the Sicily using durum wheat for dried pasta. Short grammatical case of pasta is referred as maccheroni and long type of pasta is referred as spaghetti and vermicelli. Spiral shape fusilli, oblique tubes called penne, and larger tubes called ziti and zite are also popular. Fresh pasta is also prized, sometimes but not usually made with eggs, in such familiar dishes are lasagne, fettuccine and ravioli.MacVeigh, J. (2009) International Cuisine. New York DelmarEquipment used in Italian CuisineSee full size imagePasta MachineA stainless steel, hand- cranked pasta machine helps cooks churn out homemade pastas. These are clamped to the edge of a table or counter, and a variety of sizes and shapes of pasta are rolled out through various attachments.http//t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbnhb7s4GLVWw9RhMhttp//fantes.com/images/14870mezzaluna.jpgMessalinaA mezzaluna is a half-moon-shaped clapper with handles at the ends of the blade Cooks roll the bl ade from side of side to chop herbs and vegetables. Be careful using a mezzaluna as the blade is extremely sharp.http//t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn5sdS0vFyO9l_vMhttp//www.saltandpepper.co.uk/cms_images/product/large_JudgePastaPot.jpgPasta PotA five quart pot is a good size for cooking for two. Purchase one with an inner draining ring that has handles. Once the water has come to a boil and pasta is cooked, raise the basket up by its handles to drain.http//t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbnWQJ_jpEFD7y5NMhttp//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/Zest_Grater.jpgGraterA basic, four-sided grater lead work just fine for most needs. Another option is a rotary cheese grater, which has a container to catch the cheese. The grater may have different-size apertures as well.http//t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbnUztbK8JgsY96_Mhttp//www.hospitality alonesale.com.au/products/ravioli-cutter1.jpgravioliA nifty tool is a ravioli cutter, which is handy for cutting ravioli or pizza.http//www.ehow.com/facts _5317888_italian-cooking-equipment.html Accessed on 13th January 2010http//www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/spain_mineral_1974.jpghttp//www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/spain_mineral_1974.jpg, Accessed on 10tth March 20102.SPAINLike many other Mediterranean countries Spains culinary heritage can be traced back to the Roman times and much later to the Middle East and the Moors. The Spanish were justifiably proud of themselves when in 1492 the Moorish strong hold at Grenada was conquered, which was to be the beginning of a period of trade and a compound power. At its zenith the Spanish realms took in all of Spain, Portugal, Hollad, parts of Italy and the North and Central America, most of the Caribbean island and all the South America continent. It is understandable that Spain has absorbed a whole range of cookery styles to produce its own distinctive style.The fertile country attracts millions of visitors each year and supplies many of its European neighbours with high quality fruit and vegetables of all kind and in all season. It has European largest fishing fleet and produces many very fine wines.Many of its popular dishes are mixture of fish, selfish, meat, poultry and game with an assortment of vegetables and cereals.The language of Spain reflects the inherent diversity. Even though Spanish is the official language, other languages in Spain are highly dominant in parts of the country and have been officially recognized.The Spanish culture would not be complete without mentioning two of the most popular customs of Spain flamenco and bullfighting. These customs are identical an important part of any fiesta or carnival in Spain.Finch, C.F. and Cracknell, H.L. (1997) International Gastronomy. England Addison Wesley Longman Limited.Spain CuisineThe cuisine of Spain is simple hearty and flavourful. In the Iberian Peninsula, at that place is no haute or classic cuisine that divides the social strata. Dishes are the same on the dinner tables of rich and poor alike.Sp anish cooking with its diverse influence is Europe melting pot. Ex the use of fins and seafood as staple ingredients, and the preservation of fish as a cooking technique came from the Phoenicians. The use of olive oil and grape wine was introduced by the Greeks. Garlic arrived via the Romans while spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, pepper and cumin were brought by the Arabs. Gaspacho, a popular tomato based soup served cold, also came from the Arab cusine.Cocido Middleno, the national dish illustrates the abundance and vigor of Spanish cooking. Cocido is a slow cooked hearty stew that blends textures and flavours of birden, beef, pork, chorizo sausages, veal and a staple ingredient of garbanzos chick peas. Cabbage, potatoes carrots onions and noodles are also added. The stew is served with a variety of sauces and always with fresh, crusty bread.The northern region of Spain includes the Atlantic coast of Spain above Portugal and the north central Basque region borderin g the Atlantic and the southern western corner of France. The climate of this region is wetter than much of the rest of the country. Some of the products and recipes of this region are idiazabal (semisoft sheep milk), empnadas (savory filled pies), bacaloa a la viscaina (salt cod with chillies), pil-pil (sauce made from cod, garlic and olive oil) and caldo gallego (broth with playact, beans and sausage).Catalonia and Aragon lies to the north of France and Mediterranean lies towards the east. The climate of Catalonia has a mild climate and is surrounded by a harsher terrain and climate. This region is to a greater extent complex in its varied ingredients. Where as the climate of Aragon region is much harsher then Catalonia region. Some of the common ingredients used in this region are tomatoes, flinch onion, chiles, asparagus, and wild mushroom. The common recipes used in this region are pa ambtomaquet (grilled bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes), calcotada (spring onion grilled and s erved with rosesco sauce), and crema catalane custard with caramelized sugar on top), Camerano (fresh goat milk cheese) and samfaina (summer vegetable sauce or stew).The Balearic Island lies to the eastern coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea and relies heavily on the sea. The specialities of this region are pa pages (compressed fig, anise and bread cake), burrida (fish soup eith almond) and caldereta de langosta (lobster stew).Tapas served in appetizer sized portions, are uniquely Spanish and one of the most delighted aspects of Spanish cuisine. They range from very simple make out such as cured ham and simple canaps, to sophisticated dishes that use fresh snails, caviar, frog legs and quail.Also famous is paella a colourful rice dish with seafood or meats and various vegetables and saffron.Paella was invented in 200 years ago. It is a summer dish, intendedfor picnics, and generally cooked by men in a flat pan set over a charcoal.Desserts include flan a variety of caramel custa rds and the Andalusian Yemas a confection of Moorish origin that uses egg yolks and sugar.In addition to sherry and fine wines, Spaniards frequently serve sangria a cocktail of red wine brandy fresh fruit and soda water.MacVeigh, J. (2009) International Cuisine. New York DelmarEquipment Used in the Spanish Kitchenhttp//t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbnOGhvjSePAnJzGMhttp//www.hospitalitywholesale.com.au/products/black-iron-paella-pan1.jpgThe Paellero or Paella Pan is a hugely important piece of Spanish kitchen equipment which is used to make paella. It is a large round shallow pan that has been used from coevals to prepare the world famous Spanish Dish.http//t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbno6VbjyALXUGEYMhttp//www.tienda.com/images/recipes/pix_cazuelas.jpgThe earthenware dish or Cazuelas makes a regular appearance in the Spanish kitchen. They are available in very small cookware which is used to serve tapas. The Spanish kitchen will be in completed with this cookware because they retain the hea t after cooking it is holy for Gambas al pil-pil a classic spicy dish of chill and garlic prawns.http//t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn1NmpCEmgoeOUkMhttp//www.ioshenonline.co.uk/images/stories/newimages/RGBJpeg/b_carving%2520knife%2520%26%2520fork%2520%26%2520ham.jpgThe Ham carving knife is used to carve Serrano ham into wafer thin slices.http//t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn2ohKNv6ltDjbIMhttp//cache.virtualtourist.com/1/3690844-Cataplanas-Algarve.jpgCapaplanas traditional domed clam cooker from the Algarve region in southern region of Portugal.http//t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbnU78f3sXK-TRxnMhttp//inventoseinventores.com/boutique/images/JAMONERO%2520VERTICAL.jpgCasserole dish, Jamonero or ham stand are some of the other equipment used.http//www.hub-uk.com/interesting02/spanish-kitchen.htm, Accessed on 8th January 2010Traditional Food Preparation Method used.In Spain meat, fish and poultry or game is prepared using a variety of methods. The Most common terms used in the Spanish kitchen areCoc ido- stews or stewed. Other term used for the same method is Guisado and Estofado.A la parilla or a la bras charcoal grille. La parilla is a BBQ grate and la brase is a live or hot coal.A la plancha- grilled on a metal plate.Al pil-pil sauce which is originated in the Basque country is made of oil in which the fish has been cooked.http//spanishfood.about.com/od/cookingtipsandbasics/a/cookmethodsmeat.htm, Accessed on 8th January 2010

Evolution of Smart Homes

Evolution of Smart al-QaidasI. IntroductionSmart collection plates, the next long leap in the field of station mechanization, have become an emerging research field in last few decades. Research on briskness homes has been gradually moving towards application of ubiquitous computing, tackling issues on kink heterogeneity and interoperability. A talented home adjusts its function to the inhabitants need according to the in markation it collects from inhabitants, the calculation agreement and the context 1.By 2050, approximately 20% of the world population will be at least 60 years old 2. This days group is more likely to suffer from long-term chronic diseases and will face difficulties in living independently. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 650 gazillion people live with disabilities around the world 3.The most common causes of disability include chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and johncer injuries due to road traffic crashes, con flicts, falls, landmines, mental impairments, birth defects, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. It is not possible and logical to offer all these patients in the aesculapian come to or nursing homes for an uncertain period of time. The theme is to accommodate health cargon expediencys and assistive technologies in their home milieu which is the main objective of wise(p) homes.Sensors, multimedia devices and physiological equipments be core components to apprehend information from home milieu Infrared (IR) sensing elements, pressure sensors, magnetic contacts, passive and progressive radio telephone receiver Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are used to jumper cable inhabitant jam mentionion. Electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmograph(PPG), ,temperature, spirometry, galvanic skin response, colorimetry and pulse noticement equipments are used to get physiological information from the patient. Camera and microphones provide audiovisual resp onse from home exploiter. Inhabitant arsehole admittance the trunk through pompousness panel.Power line talk protocols are widely used for the connectivity of home public lavatorys. Public tele communication ne dickensrk with voice and text messaging service is gnarly to provide telecare facility from removed location. Videoconferencing is used as an inter dynamic communication media between caregiver and the client. TCP/IP protocols of Ethernet network provide information connectivity for topical anesthetic and remote sites and locations. Ethernet protocols are also used to connect health-monitoring equipments and to provide data repository service.Algorithms from apparatus learning, data compression, statistics and artificial knowing are employed to cry substance abuser behavior, detect activities of daily life (ADL) and location. C4.5 algorithm from machine learning is use to build spatiotemporal context of user. C4.5 algorithm is veritable by Quinlan in 1993 w hich classify the data to construct a determination tree according to data attri savees 47.Active LeZi from data compression algorithms is used to predict inhabitants next behavior. Active LeZi by Gopalratnam et al..in 2007 builds a decision tree utilizing similar methodology of LZ78 data compression algorithm and predict next event apply Prediction by un get along Matching (PPM) algorithm22.Statistical predictive algorithms like Bayesian filtering, dynamic Bayesian network algorithms classify the information and recognize ADL of home client344144. Different flavors of AI algorithms extended for unfermented home data processing. Markov model, Hidden Markov model, Artificial Neural Network rouse detect the living pattern of user and can also predict the user 7131438. Fuzzy Logic is used for home appliance control 36.Smart home is mainly dedicated to provide health care, safety, security and monitoring service for patient and elderly. The house is equipped with sensors, cameras t o track people and can trigger an alarm to a remote heath care service provider in the case of emergency. Sophisticated physiological devices monitor heart rate, blood pressure, dead body temperature, ECG record and the patient is being observed from a distance location. telecommunication service is used for communicating with service provider, relatives or neighbor and as a redundant ac acquaintancement method from the patient. For home comfort system, lighting, heating, doors, windows and home appliances are automatically controlled by ambient intelligence of intelligent home. Smart home also has significant contri hardlyion towards qualification conservation by desegregation of energy meter with snotty-nosed home 4.Home automation is the initial state of dexterous home where electronic technologies are used to provide an easy access to household devices. Rapid development of sensor technology accelerated the growth of smart home that involved more data processing. Improvem ent of information and communication technology make possible to develop easy and cost effective methods for data repository and ex transmute. Smart home is a festering concept, efficient and trim back cost solutions for general people are the main idea to promote it.II. Smart Home definationSmart home is an extension of modern electronic, information and communication technologies. The main objective of smart home research is to provide smartness to a dwelling facility for comfort, healthcare, security and energy conservation. Remote monitoring system is a common component of health smart home where telecommunication and meshing technologies are used to provide quick and proper medication to the patient from especial(a)ized assistance centre.The first formal definition of smart home was published by Intertek in 2003, which was involved to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) smart-homes parturiency in UK 5. According to Intertek a smart home is a dwelling incorporating a comm unications network that connects the key electrical appliances and services, and allows them to be remotely controlled, monitored or accessed. A home needs three things to make it smartInternal network wire, cable, wirelessIntelligent control gateway to manage the systemsHome automation products within the homes and links to services and systems outside the homeIII. Review of Smart HomesSmart homes communicates are being conducted for last several decades and they convey different ideas, functions and utilities. It is growing to different brunches of specialization riveting the interest of the researchers and user requirements and expectations. This article is a weigh of the evolution of smart home according to time.Adaptive Control of Home Environment (ACHE) system is developed by Mozer in 1998 in USA. ACHE monitors user device usage pattern utilizing different personas of sensors and builds an adaptive inferential locomotive engine for neural network to control temperature , heating and lighting. ACHE can control three main components of a home while trying to maximize user comfort and conserve energy 7.ACHE is one of the early smart home rambles which is able to partially automate home environment via controlling lighting, temperature and heating components.CarerNet is an architectural model of integrated and intelligent telecare system proposed by Williams et al. in 1998. Its core components are sensor set, a sensor bus, intelligent monitoring system and a control unit. ECG, photoplethysmograph, spirometry, temperature, galvanic skin response, colorimetry, and pulse assessment tools used to collect physiological data. The communication network within the clients local environment is an integration of HomeLAN and personify Area Network (BAN) which is responsible to carry real-time data, event data, education and control data. It has a distri exactlyed intelligence system in the form of smart sensors, smart therapy units, body-hub, Local Intellig ence Unit (LIU) and Clients Healthcare Record (CHR). Home emergency alarm system, community health information and ambulatory monitoring service can be provided by the system. 8. CarerNet is an abstract model of health smart home and interconnecting components. No prototype of the model has been developed. Only a hypothetical case study is of an individual who had undergone brain surgery after suffering from a subarachnoid is discussed.Barnes et al. in 1998 have evaluated life style monitoring data of elderly using pedestal of British Telecom and Anchor Trust in England. The system detects inhabitants movement using IR sensors and magnetic contacts on the entrance of the doors. To measure temperature it uses a temperature sensor in the main living area. An alarm activation system is developed which detects abnormal behavior and communicates to remote telecare control center, the clients and their carers9. The researchers presented a lower cost solution for smart telecare. The limit ation of the system is it can identify exactly abnormal sleeping duration, unexpected in activity, uncomfortable home temperature and fridge usage disorder. Moreover, it uses a special new telecom protocol named No Ring Calling which demands modifying existing telecom protocols.TERVA is a health monitoring system developed in Finland by Korhonen et al.(1998). TERVA processes physiological information like blood pressure, heart beat rate, body temperature, body weight to draw graphical representation of wellness condition of the subject10.Research destination of the TERVA system is to develop a real time visual monitoring system but it is unable to provide long-term trend of certain physiological information. It cannot detect physiological problems and no assistive service is deployed to provide health care.The intelligent home (IHome) project at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst has developed an intelligent environment (Lesser et al.1999) IHome is a simulated environment designed with Multi Agent Survivability Simulator (MASS) and a Java Agent Framework (JAF) as tools to evaluate agent behavior and their coordination. The focus of the project is to model agent interactions and task interactions so that the agent can evaluate the tradeoff between robustness and efficiency 11.IHome is a simulation only solution, the project never build a practical smart home to evaluate their model.The Aware Home Research at the Georgia Institute of engineering science developed a smart home, which equipped with monitoring facilities to study human behavior (Kidd et al. 1999). To build a model of user behavior pattern, it uses smart shock to sense footsteps. Hidden Markov models, simple feature-vector averaging and neural network algorithms are applied on these data to create and evaluate conductal model 12. The aim of the project is to study user behavior, which is the primary stage of smart home research. The project never developed home intelligence which is a bi g shortfall of the research.The EasyLiving project at Microsoft Research base on intelligent environment to track ten-fold residents using distributed image-processing system (Krumm et al. 2000). The system can identify residents through active badge system. Measurements are used to define geometric relationship between the people, devices, places and things 1314.The system is workable in single room only and can track upto three peoples simultaneously.SELF (Sensorized Environment for LiFe), is an intelligent environment, which enables a person to maintain his or her health through self-communication (Nishida et al. 2000). SELF observes the persons behavior with distributed sensors invisibly em spotded in the daily environment, extracts physiological parameters from it, analyzes the parameters, and accumulates the results. The accumulated results are used for reporting useful information to maintain the persons health. The researchers constructed a model room for SELF consisted o f a bed with pressure sensor array, a ceiling lighting dome with a microphone and a washstand with display15.SELF describes a self-assessment system of human health but measuring only respiratory system and sleeping disorder, which is not sufficient to monitor health condition.The ENABLE project was set up in 2001 to measure the impact of assistive technology on the patient suffering from mild or moderate dementia (Adlam et al. 2004). The researcher installed two devices (cooker and night light) in the apartment of several patients in different locations to evaluate the efficiency of the system 16. The research scope is limited to only two household devices but to assist this type of patient the whole house must possess some kind of intelligence.Health Integrated Smart Home Information System (HIS) is an experimental course of study for home based monitoring (Virone.et al. 2002). IR sensors are used to track inhabitant activities and the information is transmitted via Controller Area Network (CAN) to a local data processor. The system generates alerts according to some predefine zones 17. The research is only limited to single inhabitant monitoring.In 2002, Guilln et al. developed a system composed of two parts home station (HS) and caregiver medical center (CMC) connected via integrated service digital network (ISDN) backbone. The home station is equipped with critical signs recording module to monitor physiological data like blood pressure, temperature, ECG, pulse oximetry. Caregiver medical center is like a call center designed specially with patient monitoring software. An interactive communication system between home and caregiver center is developed using videoconferencing technology 18. bet 1 shows functional modules of multimedia smart home. The system requires high Internet bandwidth for videoconferencing, which needs expensive equipments and high maintenance cost.Functional module of multimedia computer programme 18At University of Tokyo, Nogu chi et al (2002) designed an intelligent room to support daily life of the inhabitant. The system has three main components data collection, data processing and integration of processed data. The system learns current state of environment from sensors prone to bed, floor, table and switches. A summarization algorithm is used to track whatever changes in the system. The algorithm segments the collected sensory data at the points where sensor outputs changes drastically (i.e. pressure data appears suddenly or switch sensors are changed). It labels the segment with the room state. It joins a state of each segment to quantize the accumulated data and ties up the changed situation. The algorithm also tries to eliminate and reduces situations that changes slightly 19.The proposed summarization algorithm can detect user activities which is tested for single room only. No home automation method discussed utilizing the algorithm.MavHome (Managing an Adaptive Versatile Home) first introduce d by Das et al. in 2002 at the University of Texas, Arlington 20. Figure 2 describes MavHome architecture in brief. MavHome use multi disciplinary technologies artificial intelligent, multimedia technology, mobile computing and robotics. It is divided into four abstract layers physical, communication, information and decision. X10 protocol is used to control and monitor more than sixty X10 devices plugged into the home electric wiring system 21. Active LeZi algorithm is developed that makes a decision tree based on kth order Markov model and predict next action calculating probability of all actions applying prediction by partial matching method 22. Although MovHome utilize algorithms to make accurate prediction and decision, it only predicts the behavior of single inhabitant 23.concrete architecture of MavHome21The Rehabilitation Engineering Research midriff on engine room for Successful aging (RERC-Tech-Aging) at the University of Florida introduced House of Matilda (Helel et a l. 2003, 2005)24.The home is inhabited by a dummy called Mutilda. The main aim of this research is to perceive user location using ultrasound technology. After two years, in 2005 they designed the second generation of this home named GatorTech25. GatorTech is actually integration of smart device with sensors and actuators to optimize the comfort and safety of older peoples. The system is not user friendly because it requires wearable device for user tracking.In 2004, Mihailidis et al. developed a computer vision system in pervasive healthcare systems. The vision system consists of three agents sensing, planning and prompting. Statistics and physics based methods of segmenting skin color in digital images are used for face and hand tracing 26. Only hand and face tracing is not sufficient to make an efficient smart home system, the system should include body tracking and hand gesture reorganization.Multimedia Laboratories, NTT DoCoMo Inc. in Japan, has developed a system for modeling and recognizing personal behavior utilizing sensors and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag (Isoda et al. 2004)27. C4.5 algorithm is used to construct decision tree from the data obtained from the sensors and RFID tags. The users behavioral context at any given minute of arc is obtained by matching the most recently detected states with previously defined task models. The system is an effective way for acquiring users spatiotemporal context but no intelligent system is developed for home appliances control.Andoh et al. in 2004 developed a networked non-invasive health monitoring system analyzing breath rate, heart rate, snoring and body movement. Researchers adopted Ethernet network for breath monitoring system implementation. The system can estimate sleep stages analyzing data using the algorithm developed for the purpose 28. The system cannot summarize long term observation of patients sleeping disorder.In 2005, Masuda et al. have developed a health monitoring arrangement u sing existing telecommunication system for home visit rehabilitation therapists. Researchers used an air filled mat to measure fanfare and respiratory condition. When the patient lies on the air mat, his heartbeat and respiratory movement cause significant change in air pressure inside the mat, which is measured by pressure sensor and analyzed by appropriate filtering process 29. The interesting part of the project is the usage of an air bag as monitoring equipment but its limitation is, it can only measure heart rate and respiratory condition.In 2005, Ma et al emphasized on context awareness to provide automatic services in smart home. They used case-based reasoning (CBR) to provide more appropriate services. CBR technique relies on previous interactions and experiences to find solutions for current problems. The system can adopt any manual adjustment done by modifying case data 30.This is the initial state of the project where few scenarios like AC, TV, lamp interaction is evalua ted. Their future plan is to make up more contexts and enrich the features of case tables.The House_n group at MIT designed PlaceLab a new living laboratory for the study of ubiquitous technologies in home environment (Intille et al. 2005). PlaceLab deployed with numerous wire, light, pressure, temperature water, gas, current sensors with video and audio devices to create vast amount of real life data from single volunteers as well as couples 31.The intent of the project is to study human behavior, influence of technology on the people and how technology can be used to simplify user interaction with home appliances. Their main contribution is an open online database of smart home sensor events and a well featured analyzing software 48.Researchers never implemented the study to build an free intelligent home.Yamazaki (2006) constructed Ubiquitous Home, a real-life test bed, for home context-aware service. It is a housing test facility for the creation of useful new home services b y linking devices, sensors, and appliances across data networks. Active and passive RFID tags located above the ceiling and at the entrance of the door are used to detect and recognize inhabitants. storm sensors are used to track user movement and furniture. The system is occupied with plasma panels, liquid crystal display and microphone for better interaction with the users. A network robot is employed to perform certain home services. Researchers concluded that the last of smart home is not to design an automated home but to develop an environment using interface technologies between human and the system 32.Although, the researchers installed enough sensors and interfacing devices , the system is only sensible to few task automations like TV program selection, cooking recipe display and forgotten property service.Ha et al. (2006) presents a sensor-based indoor location-aware system that can identify residents location. Researchers used an array of pyroelectrical Infrared (PIR) s ensor and proposed a framework of smart home location aware system. An algorithm is developed to process the information collected from PIR sensors for inhabitant location contracting. Their next step is to design an algorithm to determine location and trajectory of multiple residents simultaneously 33. The project in dedicated to user location detection system which is an essential part of smart home. No system is developed to provide intelligence to the house employing user location.In 2007, Rahal et al. at DOMUS laboratory, Universite de Sherbrooke, Canada, utilized Bayesian Filtering methods to determine location of the inhabitants. Bayes filters are efficiently used to estimate a persons location using a set of fixed sensors. In this method, the last known position and the last sensor event are both used to estimate a new location. The algorithm based on Bayesian filtering shows a mean localization accuracy of 85% 34.This project also deals with user location detection algorit hm, no home automation is developed using the processed information.De Silva et al. (2007) have implemented an audiovisual retrieval and summarization system utilizing multimedia technology for human behavior tracking. Using a large number of cameras a hierarchical clustering of audio and video handover used to create personalized video clips. An adaptive algorithm is used for complete and compact summary of the video retrieved. Basic audio analysis methods are applied for accurate audio segmentation and source localization. An interface allowed users to incorporate their knowledge into the search process and obtain more accurate results for their queries 35.The system can track people, extract key frame, localize sound source, detect lighting change but cannot distinguished different people.At Tampere University of Technology, Vainio et al.(2008) developed a proactive fuzzy home-control system. An adaptive algorithm applied to evaluate the test on obtained results. The goal of the research is to help elderly people live independently at home. Developed system can recognize routines and also recognize deviations from routines. The system can provide information to caregivers about living rhythm, sleeping disorders, and medicine taking of inhabitant 36. But the system works sensibly only for lighting control.In 2008, Swaminathan et al. proposed an object reorganization system using visual image localization and registration. Appliances are first registered in the image processing system. According to the voice command of the user, appropriate object is selected using an environmental map 27.It is actually a home automaton project using speech reorganization to receive user command and commands are executed to the objects which already known to the system.Growing Self-Organizing Maps (GSOM) used a self-adaptive neural network to detect and recognize activities of daily life address by Zheng et al in 2008 38 39. The GSOM follows the basic principle of the Kohone n self-organizing map with a special focus on adaptive architecture. The learning process of the GSOM is started by generating an initial network composed by four neurons on a 2-dimensional grid, followed by iteratively presenting training data samples. The system is tested in single room apartment for about two weeks where it can recognized user pattern of 22 distinct activities. Like other Self Adaptive Neural Networks (SANN), the system is depends on several learning parameters to be determined in advance such as initial learning rate and the size of the initial neighborhood. Other machine learning method must be utilized in parallel to determine optimum parameter for best performance.In 2008, Perumal et al. from Institute of Advanced Technology of University Putra Malaysia (UPM) have presented a design and implemented Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) based residential engagement for smart home systems appliances control 40. An appliance control module based on SOAP and web s ervices developed to solve the interoperation of various home appliances in smart home systems. fifteen feedback based control channels implemented with residential management system through Web Services. If the residential management system experiences server downtime, the home appliances can still be controlled using alternate control mechanism with GSM network via SMS Module locally and remotely. This system offers a complete, bi-directional real-time control and monitoring of smart home systems. No security mechanism is used to protect the web server from unauthorized access.Virone et al. present a dozens of statistical behavioral patterns obtained from an activity monitoring pilot study. The pilot study examined home activity rhythms of 22 residents in an assisted living environment with four case studies. Established behavioral patterns have been captured using custom software based on a statistical predictive algorithm that models circadian activity rhythms (CARs) and their d eviations (Virone et al. 2008). The system cannot differentiate multiple inhabitants 41.Yoo et al. examined web-based implementation possibility of a central repository to integrate the biosignal data arrives from various types of devices in a remote smart home. Medical waveform explanation Format Encoding Rule (MFER) standard is followed for communicating and storing the biosignal data in ubiquitous home health monitoring system. The web-based technology allowed ubiquitous access to the data from remote location. The paper presents a common data format for all types of sensor (Yoo et al. 2008)42.Figure 3 describes functional architecture of web based data retrieval system. Information security, which is a burning issue for any web based system is not considered in this research.A web-based architecture for transferring the measured biosignal data from the u-House to the remote central repository.A snow-flake data model is designed by Zhang et al. in 2008 to represent the activitie s data in smart homes 43. Sensor data are stored in the homeML structure. A new algorithm is proposed on the prediction of class labels for variable person and activities of daily life (ADL) indicating who is doing what, given the observed episode and time information. true statement is calculated as the proportion of the number of correctly predicted class over the total number of episodes in the evaluation dataset. The learning output in the form of a joint probability distribution is also assessed by the distance to the true underlying probability distribution, using the Euclidean metric. The smaller the distance is, the proximate the learned model to the true situation. The algorithm is based on probabilistic distribution and able to predict ADL of more than one inhabitant. The result given is based on simulated data and the example shows only one task identification (making drink activities).In 2008, Park et al. proposed a method for recognizing ADL at multiple levels of deta ils by combining multi-view computer vision and RFID based direct sensor 44. A hierarchical recognition scheme is proposed by mental synthesis a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) that encompasses both coarse-level and fine-level ADL recognition. Their methodology combines the two tracking technology. The system requires wearable RFID tag which is not comfortable for users.Rashidi et al. developed CASAS at Washington State University in 2008. CASAS is an adaptive smart home that utilizes machine-learning techniques to discover patterns in user behaviour and to automatically mimic these patterns. The goal is to keep the resident in control of the automation. Users can provide feedback on proposed automation activities, modify the automation policies, and introduce new requests. In addition, CASAS can discover changes in residents behaviour patterns automatically. Frequent and Periodic action mechanism Miner (FPAM) algorithm mines this data to discover frequent and periodic activity pat terns. These activity patterns are modelled by their Hierarchal Activity Model (HAM), which utilizes the underlying temporal and structural regularities of activities to achieve a satisfactory automation policy. User can provide feedback on proposed automation activities, modify the automation policies, and introduce new requests 45.To make a system more interactive smart home should be equipped with voice reorganization facilities which is absent in this system.Raad et al. developed a cost-effective user-friendly telemedicine system to serve the elderly and disabled people. An architecture of telemedicine support in smart home that consists of web and telecom interface is considered in their research (Raad et al. 2008)46. This system also suffers from information security issues.PRIMA (Perception, recognition and integration for interactive environments) research group of the LIG laboratory at the INRIA Grenoble research center in France has defined a model for contextual learning in smart homes (2009). The authors developed a 3D smart environment consisting cameras, a microphone array and headset microphones for situation modeling. It relies on 3D video tracking and role detection process regarding activities of the person. Roles are learned by support vector machines (SVM). It is also capable to learn speed of the inhabitant and distance to the interacting object. Proposed system can identify situations like introduction, presentation, aperitif, game and siesta. Its error rate is truly high 49.Kim et al. developed a pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor based indoor location aware system (PILAS) in 2009.The system uses an array of PIR sensors attached with the ceiling and detects inhabitants location by combining overlapped detected areas. PIR sensors construct a virtual map of resident location transition. To improved accuracy, they applied Bayesian classifier using a multivariate Gaussian probability density function to determine the location of an inhabita nt. PILAS is unable to detect multiple residents 50.Wang et al. have developed a smart home monitoring and controlling system(2009). The system can be controlled from remote locations through an embedded controller. They have developed different GUI for mobile devices and PCs. distributively device has a unique address. A new command format to control the devices is introduced. It is a complex system and not compatible to previous smart homes architectures 51.Yongping et al. have developed an embedded web server to control equipments using Zigbee protocol (2009). For this purpose they used S3C2410 microprocessor which was programmed with Linux 2.6 kernel. To provider online access a small web server (only 60 Kbytes) named Boa is installed. An interface had also been designed to communicate with Zigbee module (MC13192).The system do possess any type of intelligence 52.Hussain el al. have developed inhabitant identification system using wireless sensor network (WSN) and RFID sensors (2009). The system can identify user location by the intensity of the Radio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of WSN. A person is recognized by attached a RFID tag. The combined reading of RSSI signal and RFID receiver can successfully identify specific location of a resident in the home. The system is limited to single person tracking 53.At industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan, Chen et al.

The Ethics of Gene Therapy Essay -- Genetics Science Papers

The Ethics of Gene TherapyFrancis Crick was quoted as saying, We used to think that our fate was in our stars. at present we know that, in large measure, our fate is in our genes. Over 40 years ago, James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). From this a hot technique has evolved called gene therapy. Gene therapy was discovered in the 1980s a few years after researchers were already able to isolate specific genes from DNA. These techniques grow from the massive surge of ideas generated during the Recombinant DNA (rDNA) era. Gene therapy is baseally the repairing of genes to correct for diseases that result from a loss or change in our genetic material. It is hard to cut into the total effects of gene therapy, because we do not know if it should really be used? Who does it really benefit? And ultimately people can advantageously contemplate how it affects him or herself and their family. Therefore, to understand gene therapy some techn ical aspects need to be discussed. Technical aspectsDNA is present in the nucleus of cells and is the genetic learning of all organisms. The information of a human genome could be thought of in terms as an encyclopedia, the 23 chromosome pairs would be chapters, each gene a sentence, three letter words codons, which are spelled by each letter a molecular nucleotide--adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T) (Elmer-Dewitt, 1994). A gene acts as a blueprint and if these were blueprints for a house and the measurements were off by a foot, it has a huge influence on its total structure. This is the similar for our bodies, if a slight alteration in our genetic information occurs like a mutation this could lead to a disease. D... ...tad. 1991. Principles of genetics. 8th ed. New York, NY John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Gorman, C. 9 Oct 1995. Has gene therapy stalled? Time p. 62-63.Henderson, C.W. 5 May 1997. Researchers use gene therapy to protect human cell from HIV. AIDS Weekly Plus p. 16-17.Henderson, C.W. 5 May 1997. Hopkins researchers have sex human gene therapy trial of kidney cancer vaccine. Cancer Weekly p. 29-30.Keenan, J.F. 20 Oct 1990. Human gene therapy and ethical advance? America p. 262-263.Macer, D.R.J. Shaping genes ethics, law and scientific discipline of using new genetic technology in medicine and agriculture. Obtained from the WWWhttp//www.biol.tsukuba.ac.jp/macer/SG14.htmlMeiser, C. Medical ethics symposium on gene therapy. Obtained from the WWWhttp//shsaa.org/Spectator/94n5/5gene.htmlMulligan, R.C. 1993. The basic science of gene therapy. Science 260926-932.

Psychedelic Drugs (aka Psychedelics) Essay -- essays research papers

Psychedelic Drugs (aka Psychedelics)IntroductionThroughout human history mass have sought experiences that somehow transcend e truly day life. most sort of wisdom that might progress their knowledge of self and of the world that they live in. For some reason they believed that the tangible world just could not be all there is to life. Some believed in a greater force that controlled them, some believed of invisible beings that influenced their lives, some of an actual other world that paralleled their own. Many of these people also believed that it was possible to catch a glimpse of these forces, beings, or worlds through a variety of means that propel individuals into altered states of consciousness. These techniques include meditation, hypnosis, sleep deprivation, and (what testament be discussed here) psychoactive drugs, more specifically psychedelic drugs.Although in the modern world such drugs have developed an almost taboo status, it is impossible to switch off the tales o f enlightenment reported by ancient cultures and even those rebels that use such drugs illegally instantly. While the American government has been one and only(a) of the main influences on today&8217s society&8217s negative attitudes towards psychedelic drugs, they have granted some scientist and psychologists permission to experiment with such agents, and despite the controversy and varying results there seem to be many positive uses of psychedelic agents. These positive uses and the research that has been directed toward these uses will be reviewed in the following, as well as a brief history of psychedelic drugs.HistoryNative Americans are probably the people most known for their use of psychedelic drugs. Being a very religious people, their entire society revolved around the spirit world, and some believed that access to this world was possible by eating certain plants that were abundant in their surroundings. In what are now Mexico and the Southwestern United States, tribes f amiliarized themselves with mescaline, the active ingredient in the peyote cactus. Another drug that was used by tribes in these and many other areas was psilocin, the active hallucinogenic ingredient of the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana and other psilocybe and conocybe species that grow on the pacific coast of North, South, and Central America. Ritual use of psilocybin and mesca... ... research the government has allowed scientists and psychologists, there have been amazing discoveries of the capacities of these drugs. It has been proven that they are adequate to extend psychotherapy&8217s view of the human mind, they are able to promote massive personality changes, and to enhance the learning and problem solving experience. It has even been suggested that psychedelics are able to enhance any aspect of mental functioning. adept must look beyond the stereotypes that psychedelics have earned in the twentieth century, and also modern science, that presupposes that any thing that can not be explained within its own contexts either does not exist or is but a fanciful idea. However, the realm of psychedelics is uncharted area, and when dealing with such experimental substances, such as these psychedelic agents, one must proceed with caution, as was mentioned earlier the agents are powerful tools and can be used with skill or reckless abandon, and therefore can product positive responses or deadly consequences. If used with care psychedelics will allow many psychologists and patients to embark on a perhaps endless journey of self-discovery.