Friday, July 26, 2019
Eduaction in Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Eduaction in Texas - Essay Example In the same year, a new law that permanently set aside two million of the ten million dollars in the five United Statesââ¬â¢ Indemnity bonds received from the settlement with Texasââ¬â¢ boundary was established. After the Americaââ¬â¢s civil and reconstruction, Texas introduced a new constitution of 1876 that provided 45 million acres of the public domain towards supporting public schools. Moreover, the law directed that income obtained from the new permanent school funds to be invested in bonds (Kemerer and Walsh 56). This law was rewritten in 1884 whereby it created the state superintendent office and affirmation of the state ad valorem tax. Additionally, in the same year, a law that required funds from permanent schools to be invested to other bonds and county towards increasing the income was enacted. After about 100 years, in the 1983, Texas voted and approved constitution amendment that guaranteed district school bonds by the Permanent School Fund (Preuss 144). The education commissioners later approved this amendment leading to proper issuing of bonds by school districts and the same was guaranteed by the Fund corpus. Currently, the local school districts obtain approximately 765 million dollars as income from the Permanent School Fund. Numerous additional laws in Texas and its related towns have ever guaranteed Texas freedom in the administration and development of its schools and led to independence of school districts. The Texas school systems have been credible since 1885 when its high schools sent selected test papers examination to the University of Texas (Shirley 102). Since then, the Texas schools have been affiliated with Texas University, and graduates from these schools send their graduates to Texas University without admission examinations (Preuss 37). The 1911 rural school law established education
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Impact of social media on project stake holder management Research Paper
Impact of social media on project stake holder management - Research Paper Example It forms an important part that leads to smooth completion of the project that has been undertaken. This is a very important discipline that is mostly addressed by successful people they believe that the opinions and ideas of these stakeholders are very much fruitful for the overall project development and in the majority cases leads to the success of the project rather than failure. There are various reasons that lead to failure of a project; however, the factor that is taken into consideration in this research study is the communication factor. An effective communication platform and coordination are the most important pillars of stakeholder management. As the stakeholders need to be aware of every possible detail of the project so that they are able to contribute towards such project so that it results in a success. Social media in the present scenario is not only bounded within Facebook, Twitter, etc., but it has proved itself to be a beneficial tool when there is a requirement t o improve upon the level of communication amongst the team members and also amongst all the other stakeholders who play an important role in the success or failure of a project. There are various approaches in social media platform that helps in enhancing communication and applying such principles in a project helps to manage effectively the stakeholders, facilitates better collaboration, beneficial for problem-solving. Social media as a model helps an individual to focus on how information is being shared, used and aggregated.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Experiences of nurses working in palliative care Dissertation
Experiences of nurses working in palliative care - Dissertation Example I wish to express my gratitude to my supervisor, Mike for being there for me and taking time out of your busy schedule to meet up with me and giving me valuable advice and guidance, once again a massive thank you. A special thank you to my family in Cameroon, especially my mother who have been my pillar of strength, and her unending prayers for my success. To my sister Quinta and my brother Collins, thank you all for your support and encouragement and I pray and wish for better things for you both. Finally to my better half Tiga, thanks for your enduring patient and coping mechanism when I was really down and stress, thank you so much for your understanding. Abstract The aim of this critical literature review aim is to investigate the experiences of Nurses working in the field of palliative care. It will examine at length using qualitative methods and only primary research papers. The objectives inherent in this field of nursing include symptom suppression as well as psychological su pport for patients and families alike. This review will provide the reader with current literature on the identified subject. The process will involve choosing a topic, search relevant literatures pertinent to the chosen topic, gathering reading and analysing the literature. Three theme chapters will emerge from the review which will be looked into in depth. Palliative nursing is a relatively new specialization requiring greater understanding and advocacy. The Supportive care model is emphasized as a description of the objectives necessary for this specialization. The most prevalent pathology leading to the need for palliative care is cancer, but there are other chronic illnesses that also put patients in need of this form of support. Finally, nurses themselves require a proactive emotional support structure to avoid compassion fatigue and burnout. Table of Contents Title Page Acknowledgement Abstract Introduction Background Methodology Theme Chapter 1 (Challenges in palliative care ) Theme Chapter 2 (Trust in palliative care) Theme Chapter 3 (The wellbeing of palliative nurses) Discussion of Finding Limitation of study Limitations of the Literature Review Process Conclusions and Summary Implications For Practice Reference List. Appendix 1 Dissertation Proposal Appendix 2 Timetable For the review Appendix 3 A Structure for appraising Qualitative Research Matrix Table CHAPER 1 1:1 Introduction. This critical literature review will explore nurses working in palliative care and their experiences. According to the World Health Organization, 60% of the 56 million people who die somewhere in the world every year would benefit from palliative care during their final months (WHO, 2002). Among these people not all are among the elderly. There is ample evidence that a caring approach which embraces psychological, psychosocial and spiritual support is highly effective and is valued by both patients and families (Beaver et al, 2002. This reviewââ¬â¢s purpose is to provi de the reader with adequate and most current literatures on the identified subject (Cronin et al, 2008) the processes involved a literature review, identifying a topic, search relevant literature, gathering, reading and analysing the literature and writing the review (Cronin et al, 20
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Economic science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Economic science - Essay Example In order to fully comprehend the phenomena of transaction cost and/or evolutionary economics, it is imperative that the concept of management accounting be fully understood as well. Management accounting may be defined in various manners. It is basically related to the use of accounting information by managers of organizations. It helps them in making prudent and timely decisions to run their businesses in an efficient and effective manner. "Transaction Cost Economics concerns itself with markets and hierarchies as alternative governance mechanisms for completing a set of transactions. Market forms of governance tend to rely on prices, competition, and contracts to keep all parties to an exchange informed of their rights and responsibilities it is based on two assumptions about economic actorseconomic transactions are intendedly rational, but only limitedly so and economic actors seek self-interest with guile." (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3933/is_199811/ai_n8812605/print) According to Williamson (1996), this type of economics is basically related to the, "governance of contractual relations" and it consists of three levels which can be easily understood by means of the schematic diagram shown below: The institutional environment helps us to understand and define that "rules of the game". This includes all those factors that may influence or result in a change in the "comparative governance costs leading to a reconfiguration of economic organization". Williamson has basically defined governance to be of three types; market, hybrid and hierarchy. The individual basically is a, "result of the strict assumption of opportunism (i.e., self -interest seeking with guile) and human cognition is subject to bounded rationality (i.e., "intendedly rational, but only limitedly so"). In addition, TCE views governance as the means, "by which to infuse order, thereby to mitigate conflict and realize mutual gains the key purpose of organization on which transaction cost economics focuses is that of adaptation, of which two kinds were distinguished: autonomous adaptation in response to changes in relative prices, and cooperative adaptation accomplished through administration. Not only do transactions have differing "needs" for adaptations of these two kinds, but governance structures have differing capacities to supply autonomous and cooperative adaptation". (Williamson 2000, pp. 12, 19-20) New Institutional Theory Oliver Williamson is popularly known as the founder of the New Institutional Theory (also called the Evolutionary Theories of Economics) and he also coined the term "institutional economics" in 1975. However, its origins can be traced back to the works of Coase (1937), Hayek (1937, 1945), Chandler (1962), Simon (1947), Arrow (1963), Davis and North (1971), Alchian and Demsetz (1972), Macneil (1978), Holmstrm (1979) and others. Various definitions for the new institutional theory can be found in literature. Rosenberg (2000,p. 70) has defined it as, "a mechanism blind variation and natural selection that operates everywhere and always throughout the universe." "The new institution
God of Small Things Quotes Essay Example for Free
God of Small Things Quotes Essay Extended metaphor: ââ¬Å"Perhaps Ammu, Estha and she were the worst transgressors. But it wasnt just them. They all broke the rules. They all crossed into forbidden territory. They all crossed into forbidden territory. They all tampered with the laws that lay down who should be loved and how. And how much. The laws that make grandmothers grandmothers, uncles uncles, mothers mothers, cousins cousins, jam jam, and jelly jelly. Rahel and Estha live in a society with very rigid class lines. ââ¬Å"Commonly held view that a married daughter had no position in her parentââ¬â¢s home. As for a divorced daughter ââ¬â according to Baby Kochamma, she had no position anywhere at all. And for a divorced daughter from a love marriage, well, words could not describe Baby Kochammaââ¬â¢s outrageâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Chacko told the twins that, though he hated to admit it, they were all Anglophiles. They were a family of Anglophiles. Pointed in the wrong direction, trapped outside their own history and unable to retrace their steps because their footprints had been swept awayâ⬠The concept of Anglophilia is a big one in this book, from the way everyone fawns over Sophie Mol, to Chackos cocky attitude about his Oxford degree, to the whole familys obsession with The Sound of Music. But its pretty clear that the thing they love also holds them down. When Chacko says their footprints have been swept away, he is making a reference to the way members of the Untouchable caste have to sweep away their footprints so that people of higher classes dont pollute themselves by walking in them. Even though by Indian standards their family is of a relatively high social status, they are of a low social status in relation to the British. Pappachi would not allow Paravans into the house. Nobody would. They were not allowed to touch anything that Touchables touched. Caste Hindus and Caste Christians. Mammachi told Estha and Rahel that she could remember a time, in her girlhood, when Paravans were expected to crawl backwards with a broom, sweeping away their footprints so that Brahmins or Syrian Christians would not defile themselves by accidentally stepping into a Paravans footprint. In Mammachis time, Paravans, like other Untouchables, were not allowed to walk on public roads, not allowed to cover their upper bodies, not allowed to carry umbrellas. They had to put their hands over their mouths when they spoke, to divert their polluted breath away from those whom they addressed. (2.270) This quote speaks volumes about the experience of the Untouchables, and it helps us appreciate the kinds of deeply ingrained attitudes that drive so much of the prejudice and hate we see in the novel. Then [Baby Kochamma] shuddered her schoolgirl shudder. That was when she said: How could she stand the smell? Havent you noticed? They have a particular smell, these Paravans. (13.129) Like Mammachi, Baby Kochamma has a heap of prejudices against other social classes, and these prejudices run deep. By disparaging Velutha out loud and saying that his smell must have been intolerable, she tries to show just how high class she is. Mammachis rage at the old one-eyed Paravan standing in the rain, drunk, dribbling and covered in mud was re-directed into a cold contempt for her daughter and what she had done. She thought of her naked, coupling in the mud with a man who was nothing but a filthy coolie. She imagined it in vivid detail: a Paravans coarse black hand on her daughters breast. His mouth on hers. His black hips jerking between her parted legs. The sound of their breathing. His particular Paravan smell. Like animals, Mammachi thought and nearly vomited. (13.131) Again, we see just how deeply Mammachis prejudices run. She doesnt see Ammu and Veluthas relationship as love between two people, as it might look to us. As far as she is concerned, it is as low as two animals going at it in the mud. The idea of a coolie (lower-class laborer) having sex with her daughter is so repulsive to Mammachi that it almost makes her puke. Still, to say that it all began when Sophie Mol came to Ayemenem is only one way of looking at it. Equally, it could be argued that it actually began thousands of years ago. Long before the Marxists came. Before the British took Malabar, before the Dutch Ascendancy, before Vasco da Gama arrived, before the Zamorins conquest of Calicut. Before three purple-robed Syrian bishops murdered by the Portuguese were found floating in the sea, with coiled sea serpents riding on their chests and oysters knotted in their tangled beards. It could be argued that it began long before Christianity arrived in a boat and seeped into Kerala like tea from a bag. That it really began in the days when the Love Laws were made. The laws that lay down who should be loved, and how. And how much. (1.207-210) This quote is full of what might seem like obscure references, but what its basically doing is pushing us to think about what caused everything to fall apart for Estha and Rahel. Did everything come crashing down because Sophie Mol came to Ayemenem? Or do the events of the novel happen as a result of decisions, actions, and rules that were made thousands of years before any of our characters were even born? Do things happen for a reason, because theyre part of this huge plan, or do they just happen because the world is fickle like that? [Estha] knew that if Ammu found out about what he had done with the Orangedrink Lemondrink Man, shed love him less as well. Very much less. He felt the shaming churning heaving turning sickness in his stomach. (4.245) We can be pretty sure that if Ammu ever found out that Estha was molested, she wouldnt be upset with him. Shed be unbelievably angry at the Orangedrink Lemondrink Man, but she would never actually blame Estha. Yet, in Esthas mind, what happened to him is his fault, and he carries it around as his shame Ammu touched her daughter gently. On her shoulder. And her touch meant Shhhh.Rahel looked around her and saw she was in a Play. But she had only a small part. She was just the landscape. A flower perhaps. Or a tree. A face in the crowd. A Townspeople. (8.48-50) This moment turns the way Rahel understands her role at home upside-down. All of a sudden, things are totally different than they usually are. Rahels realization that theyre in a play shows us that everyone here is playing a part to some extent ââ¬â they arent being themselves. Sophie Mols arrival topples over Rahels reality; she goes from being one of the leads to being the nobody in the background. Now, all these years later, Rahel has a memory of waking up one night giggling at Esthas funny dream. She has other memories too that she has no right to have. She remembers, for instance (though she hadnt been there), what the Orangedrink Lemondrink Man did to Estha in Abhilash Talkies. She remembers the taste of the tomato sandwiches ââ¬â Esthas sandwiches, that Estha ate ââ¬â on the Madras Mail to Madras. (1.10-12) Rahels ability to remember things that happened to Estha and not her tells us a lot about their joint identity and how profoundly she understands him.
Monday, July 22, 2019
British Politics and Society Essay Example for Free
British Politics and Society Essay Between 1947-51, there was a considerable degree of economic recovery from the severe crisis of 1945-57. Nationalisation of key industries, and creation of the welfare state Ernest Bevins work as the Foreign Secretary ensured continuation of special relationship with USA and the formation of NATO After losing power in 1951, labour only had two terms until Tony Blairs landslide victory in 1997 History of British politics society between 1951 1997 was framed by Attlees govt and the beginning of Blairs administration. Trends Developments 1951 1973 sustained periods of employment relative popularity the long post-war boom 1973 1979 oil price crisis 1979 1990 Thatcherism, industrial unrest, and privatisation of nationalised concerns. Post-war years= extensive social cultural change, with emergence of a youth culture, the advance of women, vast developments in the mass media the growth of multiculturalism. Politics Govt 1951-64 was marked by dominance of moderate Tory govts under Churchill, Eden Macmillan Between 1964 79, it was a period of mainly Labour govts under Wilson Callaghan, interrupted by Tory govt, under Heath 1970 4. 1979 97 era of Thatcherite conservatism During those years Labour fell into decline due to internal divisions and the formation of SDP 1969 98 problems of security in N.Ireland Foreign Affairs Period marked by slow uneven retreat from empire, with further decolonisation. Continuance of cold war enhanced Britains special relationship with USA , whilst relationship with Europe grew more complex Britain joined EEC 1973 Section 1 Dilwyn Porter that of a post-war consensus that the sense of national unity, which developed during and because of Peoples War was continued and consolidated by Attlees government Legacy of war years Post-war consensus after WW2 Attlee, Churchill Eden worked together in war time coalition PMs until Wilson in 1964 fought in WW1 Tony Blairs background fitted in with Tory mould as well or even better than Heath Right-winged Tories argued that continuation of Attlee legacy was a tragic socialist mistake Left-winged Bevanites argued Atlee legacy not socialist enough Political Tensions labour was subjected to a series of intense internal divisions and personality clashes throughout post war history post war labour didnt move with the post war consensus west Germany 1959, key turning point when SPD reformed and dropped Marxist ideology for modernisation and democracy Thatchers successful rebellion against Heath in 1975 marked the conservative party s shift from the post war consensus Thatchers election success marked the degree of part divisions Politics Tories could hardly be called right winged in the 1950s Both Churchill and Eden made radical movements to alter the relationships between the government and the trade unions Steel industry was denationalised in 1953 No attempt to reverse what the labour government had done between 1945 51 Macmillan government did more to consolidate the post war consensus than to challenge it 1959 Macmillans government continued to follow centrist policies Economic Policy continuation of the post war consensus under the government was referred to as butskellism Butler was a key figure in the conservative party (chancellor of exchequer) and was a serious contender for leadership in 1957 Butler clashed with Bevan over the costs of the NHS 1963 Gaitskell became leader of the labour party Gaitskell had open feuds about with the left wingers in his own party especially over nuclear disarmament a key feature of butskellism was the ideas that Butler and Gaitskell had much more in common with each other than rival wings in their own parties Foreign Policy Foreign policy was a major element of the Attlee legacy and the post war consensus which was summed up as a commitment to maintain both the welfare state and national greatness An issue was the dissatisfaction of the alliance with the USA, and large scale commitments such as the independent nuclear war deterrent and anti soviet policies of the cold war Labour politicians were sensitive about the claims that the socialism was unpredictable and unreliable and they wanted to prove the opposite Bevan had battle with the left wing and communists during the thirties Bevan was a supporter of Churchill and was proud of his successes such as the formation of NATO and wanted to keep their special relationship in good repair Many left wingers werent happy with the policies but were never able to do over turn them Post war consensus was put under strain due to the Suez crisis Macmillan read the lessons of the affair and was quick to mend bridges with the US Macmillans wind of change speech led the way to rapid decolonisation across Africa Macmillan applied to get Britain in the EEC which got declined due to De Gaulle Under the government of Wilson is when Britain was accepted into the EEC The significance of the 1964 The labour campaign made much of the theme of modernisation Public mood of expectancy in 1964 , reflected the sense that 1960s Britain was going through fundamental social and cultural change There was no change in political direction, in 1964 the labour governments under Wilson Callaghan succeed in carrying on with their radical promises Labours policies werent that different from what the conservatives would have done and there was emphasis on the economic modernisation Why were the labour governments between 1964 and 1979 unable to achieve more success? When Harold Wilson came into power in 1964 optimism among the labour supporters was high, Wilson seemed to be a talented leader who had a wide support in the country
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Marula Wine Making Process Environmental Sciences Essay
Marula Wine Making Process Environmental Sciences Essay The name chosen for the marula wine produced in this activity is a combination of the first names of both manufacturers. It sounds exotic and thus makes the wine more attractive to potential drinkers. The Chemical Process of Fermentation Fermentation is an enzyme-catalyzed chemical process in cells whereby large organic molecules, such as glucose, are decomposed anaerobically. Simpler molecules are produced and energy is yielded (Fermentation, 2010). In the context of industrial fermentation, suitable microorganisms and specified conditions are necessary to begin reactions that produce products such as alcohol and glycerol. During alcoholic fermentation, enzymes from yeasts added to fruits are used to convert sugars and starches into alcohol. Carbon dioxide and energy are also yielded from the reaction (Fermentation, 2008). At the end of the process, yeast or other microorganisms no longer convert sugars in the solution into alcohol. Dead yeast cells will then remain suspended in the wine, which should be removed. During the manufacture of wine and beer, fermentation is evident in the production of foam, which is the carbon dioxide that is yielded from the reaction. In order to manage the reaction effectively for the best possible outcome, various factors should be carefully controlled. If the temperature of the surroundings is too high or too low, this will kill the yeast. The temperature needs to be approximately between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius for the yeast to thrive (The Fermentation Process, 2007). If too much sugar is added, a stuck fermentation will occur soon after the process starts, due to the inhibition of the yeast (The Fermentation Process, 2007). It will then only be able to tolerate a low concentration of alcohol. The solution should be diluted in order to reduce the sugar concentration and reactivate the yeast. The fermentation may not start if the solution is too acidic, or if there is not sufficient acid. If the fruit solution is too acidic, the wine will taste bitter and should then be neutralized using a potassium carbonate solution. If the wine lacks bouquet and tastes insipid, there is too little acid. Two teaspoons of citric acid should be added per 4, 5 litres of wine (The Fermentation Process, 2007) to improve the taste of the wine. The taste and bouquet of the wine can negatively be affected by certain elements during the wine-making process. A bacterial infection can easily occur if the mixture has not been properly sealed, or if the wine-making equipment has not been adequately sterilized. The wine will easily acetify and form vinegar as a result of bacterial spoilage. The addition of a small amount of sodium metabisulfite in the early stages of fermentation is necessary to kill all bacteria and thus prevent oxidation and the resulting expiration of the wine. However, the mixture may smell like rotten eggs if too much sodium metabisulfite has been added. It will react with the yeast and cause an excess of sulfites to be released (The Fermentation Process, 2007). The clarity of the wine will be reduced if the yeast remains suspended in the solution (The Fermentation Process, 2007). The wine should then be moved to a cooler area and potassium sorbate should be added to stabilize the mixture by killing the yeast. A pectin haze may also often occur due to the remaining cellulose from the fruit (How to make homemade wine step by step, 2009). A very small amount of pectin enzyme should be added in due time to decompose the pectin. The wine will then clear after a few weeks. If it lacks colour, there is not a high enough concentration of fruit. Tannin or acid needs to be added and the wine must then be left to mature further. If the wine is too bitter, there is excess tannin due to the high concentration of fruit in the mixture (The Fermentation Process, 2007). Importantly, carbon dioxide gas should be removed during the fermentation process so that the taste of the wine is not adversely affected by the production of any bacteria. However, if there is too little carbon dioxide, the taste of the wine could also be negatively affected. If the fermentation is still in process when the wine is sealed in a bottle, high levels of carbon dioxide may be dangerous. This may cause the bottle to burst or the cork or seal to be pushed off with great force due to the high pressure created inside the container. It is thus essential to make sure that fermentation has stopped before the wine is bottled. The process should either be allowed to run to completion (no more foam is present), or 1 gram of potassium sorbate should be added to every 4, 5 litres of wine. This inhibits the growth of yeast or other microorganisms that cause fermentation in the solution (The Fermentation Process, 2007). Procedural design Aim To produce 750ml of high quality wine by the controlled fermentation of the fruits of the Marula (Schleracarya birrea) tree. Hypothesis High quality wine will be produced by the controlled fermentation of ripe fruits of the Mpumalanga Marula tree. Abstract It was decided that a combination of recipes would be used in order to maximize efficiency for the purpose of making Marula wine. No specific recipes for Marula wine were found, but most instructions specified that any fruit from a certain category could be used in the recipe. 4 separate batches of marula wine were made. Each batch was tightly sealed in an opaque container. It was sealed in order to prevent more air and bacteria from entering. In this manner, aerobic bacteria would not survive in the container due to the low amount of oxygen available. The stimulation of bacterial growth by sunlight would also be prevented by the opaqueness of the container. A small quantity of sodium metabisulfite (Campden powder) was added to each of the wine mixtures in order to kill bacteria and preserve the wine (How to make homemade wine step by step, 2009). This was necessary in order to prevent acetefication due to bacterial infection of the solutions. A hole was made in the lids of each container so that a flexible plastic pipe could be inserted. The end of the pipe was placed in a container filled with water to allow for carbon dioxide gas to escape from the fermenting solution. No other gases were allowed to enter due to the placement of the pipe in the water. This should have further prevented bacteria from growing in the solutions. The wines were made, sealed and left to ferment on the 31st January 2010. Approximately a month was allowed for the fermentation of each of the wines. The best wine was then selected according to its bouquet, taste, clarity and colour. The very first batch was chosen. A very small quantity of pectic enzyme was added to the chosen batch after a month at the end of the fermentation process in order to decompose the pectin sediments that remained suspended in the solution. This should have improved clarity, taste and bouquet (Callec, C., 2006) Wine 1 (Chosen Batch) Apparatus à ±2kg ripened Marula fruit 4, 5 litres warm water 500ml refined white cane sugar crystals à ± 30ml Lemon juice 2 x ripe bananas, peeled and cut up à ¼ teaspoon sodium metabisulfite (Crushed and powdered Campden tablets) Pectic enzyme Large metal pot Sharp knife Chopping board Digital scale Large airtight, opaque container with small hole for pipe Dropper Flexible plastic pipe Nylon mesh straining bag Cooking oil filter Paper 2 x Jugs Sterilized, transparent wine bottle with lid Stirring spoon Funnel Method Collect ripened (yellow) marula fruit from across the Nelspruit region. Discard rotten marulas. Rinse marulas with skins on. Boil à ± 4, 5l water on stove in large metal pot. Add sugar and stir until solvent dissolves. Allow water and sugar solution to cool whilst peeling marula fruits. Cut cross in marula skins with sharp knife and peel. Discard rotten fruit and skins. Measure mass to obtain approximately 2kg peeled marula fruits. Add peeled marula fruit and warm sugar solution to large, airtight, opaque container. Add chopped bananas, lemon juice and sodium metabisulfite to solution. Stir mixture and make hole in lid. Seal lid on top of mixture. Place pipe into container through small hole in lid. Place the end of pipe into the water container. Place in a moderately warm, dry and dark room. Allow to ferment for 1 week. Remove marula pips and fruit sediment from mixture. Ferment for a further 3 weeks, checking every few days for bacterial infections and to make sure that fermentation is progressing properly. Use dropper to add 1 drop of pectic enzyme to mixture. Fermentation must be complete. Leave mixture for a further 2 days. Filter mixture twice using cooking oil filter paper, nylon staining mesh and jugs. Cover and place wine in fridge to cool. Leave for 1 day. Filter wine once more and use funnel to transfer the wine to sterilized wine bottle. Seal and keep cool in fridge. Presentation: The presentation was carefully planned according to appropriate wine-tasting etiquette. A plain white tablecloth and neutral tones were chosen in order to bring focus to the actual colour and clarity of the wine (Callec, C., 2006). Proper, clear wine glasses were used to present the wine. A single white candle was lit so that the clarity could be properly examined. Salticracks and assorted wine cheeses accompanied the wine as a palette-cleanser for the tasters. Tasteful, but simple cheeses were chosen so that the taste of the wine would not be overpowered. A spitting bucket was provided. Quality Marula Wine Wine batches 2 4 Wine 2 500g peeled marula fruit à ¼ teaspoon sodium metabisulfite Airtight container Wine 3 500g peeled marula fruit 500ml white sugar 2 litres warm water Airtight container à ¼ teaspoon sodium metabisulfite Pipe Medium plastic container Wine 4 1000g unpeeled marula fruit 4 litres water à ¼ teaspoon sodium metabisulfite Airtight container Pipe Analysis of results A large panel of wine-tasters judged Dalroch at a wine-tasting ceremony held at Penryn College on 25 February. The wines were judged according to bouquet, taste, clarity, colour and presentation. Various scientific explanations can be given for the overall results. Dalroch was lightly tinted in colour. The level achieved for this result was 3/7. This can be attributed to the fact that the concentration of fruit in the wine was too low. The solution was too dilute and the fermentation process did not occur efficiently enough to yield a wine with an intense, attractive colour. No wine yeast was added to the mixture, which would most certainly have had a detrimental effect on the fermentation procedure. The reaction would thus have been very slow or even stunted due to the lack of microorganisms to decompose the Marula fruit. Some fermentation may have occurred as a result of decomposition organisms in the Marulas, but not efficiently enough to yield an intensely attractive colour in the wine. Due to the preservation of the solution by sodium metabisulfite, the initial light, white colour that the marulas produced would have been maintained. The result obtained for the clarity of the wine was 5/7. There was no sediment in the wine, as pectic enzyme was added 3 days prior to the wine tasting. But the cloudy colour can be attributed to the fact that the pectic enzyme was added too late for proper decomposition of the pectin sediment to occur. The cloudy wine was also most likely as a result of bacteria spoilage. The equipment used may not have been sterilized properly, resulting in bacterial infections of the wine (The Fermentation Process, 2007). The solution was most probably oxidized because the container was not properly sealed to prevent air from entering. The container was opened too often, allowing bacteria to enter and reproduce in the wine mixture. The cloudy haze of the wine could also be attributed to the fact that fermentation did not occur properly, due to the omission of yeast in the mixture. The fruit would therefore not have reacted sufficiently with microorganisms to produce alcohol, leaving more sediment in the wine (The Fermentation Process, 2007). The slight cloudiness of the wine could not have been caused because the solution was not filtered properly. It was filtered enough times using proper filter paper and a nylon mesh bag. The result received for the bouquet of Dalroch was 4/7. The smell of the wine was slightly unattractive. Bacterial infection of the wine would have caused it to acetify, giving it an unpleasant smell akin to that of vinegar (The Fermentation Process, 2007). The wine tasted slightly like vinegar. Bacterial infections caused by improper sterilization of equipment and oxidation of the wine after exposure to air would have caused the wine to have a slightly sharp, unpleasant taste. The sodium metabisulfite that was added at the beginning of the procedure would have prevented the wine from acetifying further by killing most bacterias. More sodium metabisulfite could later have been added to help preserve the wine and prevent further acetefication (Callec, C., 2006). The sharp taste can also be attributed to the poor fermentation of the fruit. Insufficient microorganisms for reaction with the fruit sediment to produce alcohol would have resulted in insufficient and stunted fermentation. The prevalence of pectin sediment would have given the wine a very astringent taste due to the acidity of the tannin in the cells of Marulas. This problem could have been resolved by neutralizing the acidity with a potassium carbonate solution (The Fermentatio n Process, 2007). Because the presentation was properly planned according to the rules of wine-tasting etiquette, good results were received. However, it may have been improved by using music and a slide-show to create more ambiance. Failed wines: Neither of batches 2-4 was successful. Each had a notably bitter taste and an unattractive smell. Batch 4 was the least attractive. This can easily be attributed to the addition of skins to the mixture and bacterial spoilage. The levels of pectin and tannin were very high and the astringent solution was also very hazy. The heavy bitterness was thus as a result of acetefication and high acidity in the mixture. The clarity could have been improved with the addition of pectic enzyme to decompose the pectin sediment. Potassium sorbate could have been added to stunt fermentation and prevent too much alcohol from forming. No sugar was added to the second or forth batches. It can be deduced that insufficient nutrients were thus available to the microorganisms in these mixtures. Fermentation would not have occurred properly, even though some sugars from the fruits were available for the reaction. The very unpleasant tastes could have also been attributed to bacteria spoilage in the wine (The Fermentation Process, 2007). Evaluation of Process A more successful result could have been obtained if the wine-making process was planned more carefully prior to the making of the wine. The equipment could be sterilized properly in future to prevent initial bacterial infection and acetefication of the wine. A proper airlock could be used to prevent the entering of air into the fermenting solution. Bacteria would thus be prevented from reproducing and oxidation of the wine would not occur. Wine yeast should have been added so that the fermentation process would have been carried through properly, producing enough alcohol at a fast enough rate (The Fermentation Process, 2007). The pectic enzyme should be added a few weeks prior to the completion of the wine so that the pectin sediment could have been decomposed properly. The clarity of the wine would thus improve. Sodium metabisulfite could be added every two to three weeks to kill all bacteria and inhibit acetefication of the wine. Small amounts would be used to prevent the wine fro m smelling too sulfurous. At the end of the procedure, one gram of potassium sorbate would be added to the wine to stunt further fermentation and production of carbon dioxide. By doing this, the bottle would be in no danger of bursting (The Fermentation Process, 2007). Conclusions The quality of the wine produced by fermentation of Marula fruits was average. Fermentation was not controlled properly, resulting in bacteria spoilage and the consequential acetefication of some of the solution. Due to the omission of yeast and inadequate preservation of the solution, a stunted fermentation resulted early in the production process. It can therefore be concluded that the attempted control of fermentation of Marulas fruits was not effective, resulting in a wine of mediocre quality. The fermentation process should be controlled better in future to produce a higher quality wine. Uses of alcohol in our multicultural society Alcohol is a drug that affects the central nervous system. It belongs in a class with the barbiturates, minor tranquilizers, and general anesthetics, and it is commonly classified as a depressant. (Alcohol consumption, 2010). Alcoholic beverages are consumed in our multicultural society largely for their effects on the mind and body. Alcohol is often utilized within certain social contexts and even as a part of some religious practices (Alcohol consumption, 2010), as it is closely associated with enjoyment and as having symbolic value in celebrations. The effects of alcohol on the brain and body may vary greatly. For some, the substance may serve as an excitant. Under other conditions it can act as a sedative. When consumed as a beverage in high concentrations, alcohol becomes a depressant. This most often leads to a stupor and in more severe situations, coma (Alcohol consumption, 2010). As a food, alcohol effectively has very little nutritional value beyond its caloric content. However, people in general society drink alcohol to reduce feelings of tension and anxiety and often to experience exhilaration. Many discover that drinking can help to suppress overwhelming inhibitions and tensions that interfere with the need to function effectively in social or economic situations. The anxiety-suppressing action of alcohol is largely due to a function of muscle relaxation and the removal of social inhibitions. Alcoholic beverages are used to cause a loss of socially expected restraints. The shy become outgoing or bold. Well-behaved people become disorderly and fearful people may become brave. In most modern societies today, the capacity of alcohol to serve as a social aid is valued greatly. (Alcohol consumption, 2010). à Alcohol is important in pharmacology for use as a solvent for some active, more non-polar medicines (Alcohol consumption, 2010). Such medicines are not very soluble in water, which is comprised of polar molecules. These substances would more readily dissolve in alcohols, which are comprised of polar and non-polar parts. Alcohols with larger alkyl groups would be most preferable for non-polar medicines, as these are more non-polar than alcohols with smaller alkyl groups. It has been scientifically proven that alcohol can act as a mild anticoagulant and reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks, when just 15ml is consumed per day. The substance is also used for the prevention of what is known as delirium tremens (symptoms due to alcohol withdrawal) in alcoholics (Alcohol consumption, 2010). In some cultures, whiskey is used to treat colds and snakebites. Brandy is used to treat faintness. Spirits can be used as a tonic, beer for lactation and any other alcoholic beverage for the treatment of tiredness or overexcitement. However, these uses depend largely upon popular belief and not on sound medical fact. Physicians may prescribe an alcoholic drink to stimulate a sluggish appetite, to act as a vasodilator and to relieve premenstrual stress in women. Alcoholic beverages can be used to relieve aches and pains in elderly people (Alcohol consumption, 2010). However, these effects are once again more psychological than medically effective. Alcoholic beverages most often become central in important personal and social ceremonies. These include rites of passage in most religions and all African cultures, medicine, birth ceremonies, initiations, weddings, feasts, conclaves, crownings, magic rites, worship rituals, hospitality, war declaration, peace declaration and funerals (Alcohol consumption, 2010). In the earliest agriculturally dependant civilizations, alcoholic beverages had many uses. Firstly, they had nutritional value. Secondly, they were the most efficient kind of medication available to treat certain illnesses and particularly for relieving pain. It would have had the capacity to help the shaman or priest and other participants to reach a desired state of ecstasy or frenzy to be able to communicate with supernatural spirits or gods. The substances powers were attributed to the supernatural. Alcohol is still used in magic ceremonies in African cultures today due to the continuation of such beliefs. As in modern society, alcohol was used in keystone ceremonies and allowed for more enjoyable festivities. Ancient uses of alcohol have influenced its role in society today. A drink is still used symbolically to announce friendship, peace, agreement and used in business of political relations. In Judaism, consumption of alcohol is important in the celebration of circumcision of 8-year-old boys to celebrating weddings, toasting to the departed in funerals and on every Sabbath day. In these kinds of ceremonies, alcohol became synonymous with a strict attitude of respect for the importance of such occasions. Drinking too much is consequentially inappropriate. Becoming drunk in any social situation has thus become a rejected and negative practice (Alcohol consumption, 2010). In many other religions, red wine is used religiously to symbolize the blood of life and, in Christianity, to symbolize the blood of Jesus Christ (Alcohol consumption, 2010). In Islam, the Koran condemns the drinking of wine. Consequentially, devout followers of Mohammed all over the world have strictly prohibited the use of any kind of alcoholic beverage at all. Similarly, some Christian denominations have also attested to the prohibition of alcohol consumption due to the detrimental effects it can have on behavior and the body. It is believed that loss of inhibition caused by drinking is disrespectful to the body and to the God in question (Alcohol consumption, 2010). In South Africa and on the rest of the continent, maize, sorghum, bananas, honey, certain tree saps and many fruits have been fermented to produce a variety of exotic beers and wines. In the Zulu culture, for example, beer is made by the female and used to celebrate successful hunting trips or won battles by the males. It is also used by the Shaman and its consumption is not strictly controlled in these cultures (Alcohol consumption, 2010). à The South African government has shown recognition of the potential of newer, science-orientated approaches to alcohol use. Research, education and therapeutic activities are supported, often through special institutions. This is done to maximize control of alcohol use in our society today. (Alcohol consumption, 2010). Conclusively, the reasons for alcohol use can be summarized by its function as a facilitator of mood change in any desired direction. Abuses of alcohol in society Alcohol is commonly discussed in terms of its detrimental effects. The most serious and negative effect of alcohol on humans is alcoholism. The next most serious problems that may be caused are alcoholic diseases. Physical and mental problems arise directly or indirectly as a result of alcoholism or heavy drinking. Due to the negative effects that alcohol can have on the body and because of how it influences behavior when consumed in copious amounts, governments regulate its use by enforcing laws (Alcohol consumption, 2010). In South Africa and the rest of the world, there has been a steady increase in the amount of alcohol consumed over the last century. This has resulted from an increased availability and accessibility of commercial alcohols. Advertising has played a large role in the higher consumption and consequential abuse of alcohol in our society today (Parry, C.D.H.; Pluddemann, A., 1998). In modern society, social pressure can often cause people to abuse alcohol in order to fit in and become socially acceptable to their peers. This is considered highly problematic due to the severe and varying consequences that alcohol has on the mind and body, particularly when it is consumed in large quantities. The most common problems that arise are hangover effects, which include headaches, nausea, dizziness, gastritis and dehydration. Physical and mental incompetence may last as long as 24 hours after the alcohol consumed has been metabolized. Frequent or heavy intoxication of the body by alcohol can caus e severe disturbances to ones health. These disturbances may include cardiac arrhythmias, acute hepatitis, loss of memory, fainting, cancer of the esophagus, stomach and other organs, and other mental impairments which arise in the long-term due to the eventual shrinking of the brain (Alcohol consumption, 2010). Living in our society today comes with the heavy, unavoidable burdens of stress that are brought about by fast-paced, busy and unhealthy lifestyles. It has been scientifically proven that the rate of depression across the globe has increased very significantly as a result (Alcohol consumption, 2010). Many people choose to consume alcohol in order to escape from the reality of their social pressures. This often leads to abuse of the substance. Some drinkers who feel more socially acceptable when drinking are willing to suffer mild and even the severe aftereffects of drunkenness for the sake of temporary euphoria and loss of inhibition. Frequent intoxication, even of a moderate degree, has a severe and burdening effect on the drinker. It can cause severe liver damage and atrophy of the cerebral cortex in more vulnerable people (Alcohol consumption, 2010). It is often seen that the alcoholic experiences more social problems than the expected relief for which they drink. Due to the mental and physical impairment that alcohol causes when consumed in heavy amounts, alcoholics cannot function properly in the simplest of daily activities. For this reason, many alcoholics experience job loss and social rejection. The abuse of alcohol can cause serious aggression and result in verbal, physical and sexual abuse of others. The alcoholic will consequentially alienate even the people that matter most to them. Alcohol may be seen as the single greatest cause of the breakdown of family life (Alcohol consumption, 2010). If the problem is not attended to, poverty and even eventual death may result. The social and economic costs of alcoholism and heavy drinking are heavy in societies all over the world. The annual costs of serviced provided due to these problems are measured in billions of dollars (Alcohol consumption, 2010). A large fraction of the work of police departments and the cost of local courts and jails is attributed to arrests and prosecutions for public intoxication and other incidents in which alcohol is involved. It has become very necessary for governments to intervene in order to maintain some control over the use of alcohol in society today (Alcohol consumption, 2010). The drinking age in South Africa is 18 years by law, and it is illegal for any establishment to sell or provide alcohol to a minor. The government regulates this law due to the higher abuse of alcohol by more irresponsible adolescents and because of how studies show that alcohol consumption and abuse is skewed towards younger populations. Alcohol intoxication is closely associated with mortality and morbidity that are caused mainly by accidents and violence. According to Mr Jacob Zuma, alcohol has been associated with unsafe sexual practices and an increased risk of contracting HIV (Parry, C.D.H.; Pluddemann, A., 1998). In developing countries all over Africa, infectious diseases remain very viable causes of alcohol misuse. Studies associate this with poor nutrition and it can therefore be deferred that the consequential weakening of the immune system by such practices further increase susceptibility to opportunistic diseases (Parry, C.D.H.; Pluddemann, A., 1998). One of the most serious abuses of alcohol is drunk driving. It is illegal in South Africa to drive whilst the concentration of alcohol in any sample of blood taken from the driver is more than 0, 05 grams per 100 millilitres (Alcohol and Legal Implications of Drunk Driving, 2007). Alcohol mentally and physically affects the driver by causing their reactions to become sluggish and judgment of other vehicles and objects on the road to become impaired. Due to high speeds and the much higher chances of causing a collision on the road, it is a very serious offense to drive drunk. The lives of the driver many innocent people on the roads are endangered due to drunken driving and negligence that is so common amongst people in society today. The Arrive Alive campaign on roads is one of the many examples of attempts by the South African government to reduce and effectively end the abuse of alcohol and the consequential increasing death toll on our roads (Alcohol and Legal Implications of Drun k Driving, 2007). There is evidence that an expectant mother can endanger the development of the fetus by drinking even the smallest quantities of alcohol. Fetal alcohol syndrome may result from a variety of birth defects that arise as a result. The problem arises when people do not take medical advice seriously. Some negligent mothers are abusive to the lives of their children by consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The defects include disorders of the central nervous system, slower development, mental impairment and abnormal physical features. Some babies are so severely affected that they may die soon after birth. No amount of alcohol consumption should thus be considered safe during pregnancy (Alcohol consumption, 2010). It can be concluded that the abuse of alcohol in our multicultural society today should be avoided due to the many serious and negative implications that are associated with its intoxication of the body. It is essential for the governments of all countries to strictly regulate consumption for a safer, more efficient and productive society.
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