Nursing Management of a Chronic Illness: Diabetes

Nursing Management of a Chronic Illness: Diabetes Maddison Adams Over time, ineffective management of diabetes can lead to a number of health related problems such as damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. Diabetes is a rapidly growing health epidemic. Insulin is a hormone that is produced to regular blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a chronic illness that can be caused by the pancreas producing an inadequate amount of insulin; this is referred to as type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable and the cause is not known. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body ineffectively using the insulin produced by the pancreas. This type of diabetes occurs in approximately 90% of the individuals living with diabetes. It is mainly caused by obesity and lack of physical exercise. Another type of diabetes is referred to as gestational diabetes; this is caused by hyperglycemia during pregnancy. The incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes has made a dramatic increase in recent years. It is classified as one of the world†™s leading causes of illness and premature death. Powerlessness is referred to as the feelings expressed by an individual suffering from a chronic illness, it can occur at some point during their illness. There are numerous methods in which individuals with diabetes can control and be involved in their own healthcare. Nurses play a very important role in improving the health outcomes of individuals living with diabetes. Some strategies a nurse can implement to empower and facilitate self-management for patients and families or carers include: educating the client about correct administration of insulin and blood glucose monitoring, empowerment of the client in order for them to recognize and acknowledge the amount of control their have and require regarding their own health outcomes as well as assisting the client with the development of realistic and attainable healthcare goals. The client is in complete control of their healthcare requirements. Previous research has highlighted the importance of the role of the nurse and how they can improve client compliance and ultimately improve the quality of life in individuals living with diabetes. This improvement is influenced by education and empowerment techniques implemented by the nurse that enable the client to effectively self-manage their chronic illness. Diabetes is a worldwide health epidemic, therefore it is critical that individuals involved in the care of a client with diabetes take the necessary action to educate and empower the client with diabetes. Recent statistics has highlighted the prevalence of diabetes. In 2013, approximately 347 million individuals worldwide lived with diabetes. It is predicted that by 2030, diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death. Complications associated with diabetes includes kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy. Ac cording to WHO, in 2004 it was estimated that 34 million individuals died as a result of the complications of diabetes such as hyperglycemia. Poorly controlled diabetes contributes to other consequences other than the physical consequences. These include: the emotional impact on the individual and family or carer and the financial issues associated with living with a chronic illness. These consequences combine to result in the client with diabetes becoming less compliant and also experiencing a reduced quality of life. The negative consequence of living with diabetes exposes the client to the risks of lifelong financial and emotional issues. The nurse plays a diverse role in assisting their client with education regarding how to embrace their chronic illness with the aim to achieve the best possible quality of life. Introducing an explaining the medical interventions that are implemented in order to manage diabetes, such as insulin and blood glucose monitoring, encourages the creation of realistic and attainable goals as well as assisting the client to form what to self-manage and learn certain copying techniques in order to gain control over with health outcomes, avoiding the illness taking control are some strategies that allows the clients to make informed choice and changes to their healthcare in the future. The first strategy the nurse can implement is assisting their client with developing realistic and attainable goals in regards to their longtime diabetes management. Encouraging the client to create health care goals will not always lead to the client attaining them. The nurse must understand and be aware of the various problems related to helping their client develop health care goals that are realistic, and especially attainable. The goals the client creates must be specific and based on physical outcomes (e.g. not drinking sweetened beverages), measureable (e.g. running for half an hour twice a week), action orientated (e.g. exercise). The goals must be both challenging but realistic so that the client is not discouraged by the over challenging goals or has no sense of accomplishment due to ease of attaining goal. There are numerous barriers that are related to creating goals and may deter the client from achieving them. Knowledge deficit regarding the influence of lifestyle factors on diabetes management may cause clients to misunderstand the importance of setting health goals and prevent them from adhering to them. The client may also avoid changes to their health behavior goals due to emotional barriers such as lack of motivation. Another disadvantage the nurse may face when assisting their client with creating a goal is lack of finances and barriers in available resources. These barriers include lack of money and lack of social support systems. Clients may require assistance with planning ways to overcome difficulties to attaining health goals. These difficulties may include the inability to afford fresh fruit and vegetables to maintain a nutrient rich diet. It is important that strategies are in place for each barrier the nurse identifies in order to overcome them. This is due to some cli ents lacking the skills required to solve problems that may come in contact with when living with a chronic illness when consumed with other issues such as financial difficulties. Another strategy the nurse can implement is educating the client on the correct administration of insulin and blood glucose monitoring. Many barriers can impair the client’s ability to self-manage their diabetes in an effective manner despite having been educated on medication administration and blood glucose monitoring. Clients may be resistant to following a insulin administration regimen due to factors such as fear of administrating an injection, being uncertain about the correct injection techniques and being afraid of having a hyperglycemia or hypoglycemic episode. These concerns are shared among individuals with diabetes in regards to monitoring their blood glucose levels. According to H, the clients that became tolerant of daily blood glucose monitoring remain unaware of how to correctly interpret the blood glucose levels and were unaware of how to change their food consumption and contribution to physical activity, let alone determine when insulin administration was re quired. Current diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a short program that clients with diabetes complete and involves education regarding basic self-management skills. Further education and developments of these skills is required in order to allow patients to possess the adequate knowledge and the comfort required to effectively manage their illness for their lifetime. Another barrier related to educating the client on the correct administration of insulin and blood glucose monitoring involves lack of finances that are required to adequately maintain control of the client’s chronic illness. A client that has been diagnosed with diabetes will live with the illness for their entire life; therefore the financial impact on the client will be lifelong. The financial impact of living with a chronic illness such as diabetes can contribute to emotional and financial difficulties that may have a negative effect on the client self-management efforts. Issues the client may face living with diabetes includes the inability to afford the supplies required to maintain specific health goals. This financial difficulty can be caused by lack of health insurance or low socio-economic status and has the potential to put the client at risk of having reduced compliance and poorer health outcomes. According to Stys (2007), client’s living with diabetes that have health insurance can afford prescription medications and therefore are involved in better health outcomes compared to client without health insurance. Also, many clients are able to self-manage their diabetes but are unable to due to financial difficulties. The final strategy the nurse can implement is assisting the patient to develop copying techniques as well as empowering them to identify and acknowledge the control they have on their diabetes. Educating the client regarding ways to cope and empowering them to effectively self-manage their diabetes is an important role of the nurse. The client may experience stress as a result of the fear of the complications of diabetes, depression, tough medication and diet guidelines and the feeling of being overwhelmed is associated with the client being less likely to effectively self-manage their illness. Morbidity, mortality, limitation to function and reduced quality of life can been caused by emotional distress. The nurse must respond to stress experienced by their client quickly in order to adequate educate them on ways of coping with diabetes as well as encouraging the client to gain a reasonable understanding and acceptance of their illness. This is a requirement for patients living with diabetes and will result in the client feeling empowered and in control of their health. Despite advances in the treatment of diabetes, clients with the chronic illness have less than optimal control and therefore suffer from preventable complications associated with it. There are numerous methods in which individuals with diabetes can control and be involved in their own healthcare. Previous research has highlighted the importance of the role of the nurse and how they can improve client compliance and ultimately improve the quality of life in individuals living with diabetes. This improvement is influenced by education and empowerment techniques implemented by the nurse that enable the client to effectively self-manage their chronic illness. Being aware of the strategies that are effective in assisting a client with a chronic illness as well as the barriers they may face is an important aspect in improving the health outcomes of individuals living with diabetes. References Aldridge, V 2005, Facilitating self-management for diabetes patients, Practice Nurse, 29, 11, pp. 33-38, Health Business Elite. Asimakopoulou, K 2007, ‘’Empowerment in the self-management of diabetes: Are we ready to test assumptions’, Talking Point, 4, 3, pp.94-97. Cyrino, A, Schraiber, L, Teixeira, R 2009, Education for type 2 diabetes mellitus self-care: From compliance to empowerment’, Interface, 13, 30, pp.93-106. Funnell, M, Tang, T, Anderson, R 2007, From research to practice/DSME support. From DSME to DSMS: Developing empowerment-based diabetes self-management support, Diabetes Spectrum, 20, 4, pp. 221-226. Funnel, M, Anderson, R 2004, ‘Empowerment and self-management of diabetes’, 22, 2, pp.123-127. Heisler, M 2007, From research to practice/DSME support. Overview of peer support models to improve diabetes self-management and clinical outcomes, Diabetes Spectrum, 20, 4, pp. 214-221. Marrero, D, Ard, J, Delamater, A, Peragallo-Dittko, V, Mayer-Davis, E, Nwankwo, R, Fisher, E 2013, ‘Twenty-first century behavioral medicine: A context for empowering clinicians and patients with diabetes’, Diabetes Care, 36, 2, pp.463-470. Peyrot, M, Rubin, R 2007, ‘Behavioral and psychosocial interventions in diabetes: A conceptual review’, Diabetes Care, 30, 10, pp.2433-2441. Scambler, S, Newtown, P, Asimakopoulou, K 2014, ‘The context of empowerment and self-care within the field of diabetes’, Health, 1, 16, pp.1-16. Stys, A Kulkarni, K 2007, Identification of self-care behaviors and adoption of lifestyle changes result in sustained glucose control and reduction of comorbidities in Type 2 diabetes’, Diabetes Spectrum, 20, 1, pp.55-59. World Health Organization 2013, ‘Diabetes Program 2013’, retrieved May 5th, 2014, http://www.who.int/diabetes/en/> MADDISON ADAMS (211265503)

Feasibility Report for a Fast Food Restaurant

FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT PREAMBLE: We have taken out time to write this report for several reasons among which are: [pic] This project serves as part of the â€Å"private-sector participation initiative† drive embarked by our company [pic] Our desire to make you reconsider your present stand about not wanting to invest in the Nigerian economy, for now [pic] Our belief that this report can form a base for an enlarged feasibility report, which we hope you, would commission us to carry out [pic] Our desire to make you see the financial viability of this project [pic] Our desire to make you see the potentials of the Nigerian market [pic] Our desire to bring viable investments into this country [pic] Our desire to portray the true image of Nigeria to the outside world [pic] Our desire to see your company operational in Nigeria It is therefore our firm belief that after reading through this report, there will be a burning desire to reap the benefits of investing in Africa's biggest market, and partnering with us in i ts quest to touch hearts through the McDonald's heritage. TABLE OF CONTENT 1. DATA GATHERING 2. CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 3. SITE ANALYSIS 4. COMPETITOR ANALYSIS 5. FINANCIAL STATEMENT [pic] DATA GATHERING [pic]BASIC FACTS ABOUT NIGERIA: AFRICA's BIGGEST DEMOCRACY AND MARKET. FEDERAL CAPITAL: ABUJA COMMERCIAL CAPITAL: LAGOS POPULATION Nigeria with a population of 113,828,587 (July 1999 EST. ) is the most populous country in Africa. It has a Population Growth rate: 2. 92% (1999 EST. ) AGE STRUCTURE 0-14 YEARS: 45% (MALE 25,613,974; FEMALE 25,397,166) 15-64 YEARS: 52% (MALE 30,272,539; FEMALE 29,197,611) 65 YEARS AND OVER: 3% (MALE 1,678,732; FEMALE 1,668,565) (1999 EST. ) [pic]MARKET AREA We intend that McDonald's setup its first restaurant, in Lagos State. It has also pinned down any of these locations for its first restaurant, namely Broad and Marina Streets in Lagos Island, Awolowo Road in Ikoyi, and Akin Adesola and Ahmadu Bello Way, in Victoria Island. There is a school of thought that says that the Market in Lagos is bigger than the Market in other countries of West Africa put together. For people conversant with Lagos, these locations are prime locations, as they boast of the presence of Nigeria’s high rise buildings, Nigeria’s most successful shops and companies, with their attendant management and senior staff, who invariably are Nigeria’s creme de la creme. These locations can also be regarded as Nigeria’s Jugular vein in commerce. They also presently boast of hosting the best Fast Food Restaurants in Lagos. We are already looking forward to a healthy competition between you and them. Another feature of these locations is that they can be accessed within 5-10minutes of each other. It is therefore usual to see people working in Victoria Island moving over to a restaurant in Ikoyi, or Lagos Island, and vice versa. [pic]DEMOGRAPHY OF POTENTIAL CONSUMERS: Age: Infant – 60 and above (some fast food restaurants have playing pens for infants) Sex: Male: Female (55%: 45%) Income: $300/year and above Usage Rate: Worst Case Scenario: 500 consumers/day Average Case Scenario: 1200 consumers/day Best Case Scenario: 2000 consumers/day With McDonald's we expect figures to get as high as 1,500, 2,200 and 2,700 respectively. User Status: Ranges from first time users, Regular users and Occasional Users. For an average day in the 1ST year of operations: First Time Users: approx. 10% Regular Users: approx. 50% Occasional Users: approx. 40% Loyalty Status: Indifferent (None) 42% Medium: 35% Strong: 20% Absolute: 3% We are however confident that with McDonald's, consumers can be pulled from the indifferent categories, to being strong and absolute consumers with McDonald's. Occupation: Predominantly white collar workers, businessmen also form a sizable proportion of consumers. During weekends and evenings, the majority of consumers are whole families, couples, lovers etc. Educational Qualification: Secondary (High) school certificate holders to PHD holders. Religion: Predominantly Christian and liberal Muslims. This therefore means, a willingness/freedom to associate with people, including the opposite sex in public. Provisions for Takeaway snacks also allow the recluse patronize Fast Food Restaurants. Social Status: 80% of all classes of society BENEFITS: These are related to some kind of advantages looked for in patronizing any business. In the case of Fast Food Restaurants, the following parameters have been used to assess patronage: Economical Nature of Investment: Medium Rating Convenience: High Rating Prestige: High Rating Hangout Venue: High Rating LOCAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS: Lagos has a high traffic pattern. On a busy weekday afternoon in Lagos, traffic density is approx. 000 cars/sq. kilometers. [pic] CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Concept development means making decisions about the components of the fast food restaurant concept, including theme, menu, service style, hours of operations. Since this feasibility is for the setting up of an already established name, its concept would basically be c entered upon what is presently obtainable. It is however important to make some recommendations, as the data from the population in the market area would help in evaluating a fast food restaurant's concept that fits the area’s needs and preferences. Lagos Island and its sister island, Victoria Island, form what is called Lagos City or EKO. It is a city with a high rate of hustle and bustle. In some parts of this city, the lights never go out. It is a city in which 70 percent of its work force comes from smaller towns (3-70 kilometers) from within and outside Lagos State, on a daily basis. This scenario automatically creates needs in the minds of some migrants to Lagos City, which must be met, such as: 1. Where do we eat breakfast, considering that we might have to wake up very early so as to avoid the early morning rush, which results in traffic jams? 2. Where do we eat lunch, considering the fact the demands of work and the distance between workplace and home will prevent us from going home? 3. Where do we eat dinner, considering that we might need to allow the traffic jam caused by motorists leaving Lagos City, subside? Apart from these variables, fast food restaurants in Lagos play host to people who live in Lagos City, and also provide a conducive environment for businessmen. We would therefore recommend that hours of operation span from 6. 45am to 9. 45pm daily. [pic] SITE ANALYSIS Specifically, we would like to narrow down our site search to Akin Adesola Street, in Victoria Island. This road is directly linked to the bridge that connects Lagos Island at the Ikoyi and Old Ikoyi end of Lagos Island: a drive of less than 5 minutes. It is important to note that Old Ikoyi is the most expensive residential area in Lagos State, and it is followed closely by Victoria Island, which also houses the most expensive office apartments in Lagos State. What this means is that McDonald's would be neighboring the rich and tasteful people resident in Lagos State. Akin Adesola Street, which spans about 1. 1Km is directly linked to the major streets in Victoria Island such as Ahmadu Bello way, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Adeyemo Alakija, Adeola Odeku, Sanusi Fafunwa, Karimu Kotun and Bishop Oluwole Streets. It traffic density is not too high as the road is dualised. At the other end of this street is the famous Bar beach; with Kuramo beach around the corner. McDonald's would therefore benefit from people coming to the beach who require Take-away. The presence of the beach also guarantees a constant supply of fresh air. Presently, only one major fast food restaurant operator has an outlet on this major road. Around Victoria Island there are presently about six fast food restaurants and based on the potentials of this area of Lagos State it would be an understatement to say that that Akin Adesola Street, would comfortably house another restaurant, most especially the first McDonald's restaurant in Nigeria. It is important to note that apart from Lagos City, other towns in Lagos State, such as Ikeja and Apapa can comfortably host a McDonald's restaurant. [pic] COMPETITOR ANALYSIS Fast foods in Nigeria are as old as Nigeria itself. From the time of Nigeria’s independence fast food shops have been opened in the major towns of Nigeria. It was however not until 1986 that United African Company of Nigeria (UACN) in a diversification bid opened the first real fast food chain of restaurants in Nigeria. Since then a number of other operators have graced the fast food restaurant industry stage. Presently, it is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy and it would not be out of place to say that there is already a fast food craze in Nigeria, and this is just the beginning. In financial term, the fast food industry is approximately a $40 million dollar market, with over 83% of this market in Lagos State alone. In doing a proper competitor analysis, it will be appropriate to first identify the major competitors whose presence will bring out the best of McDonald's. The major players are MR. Bigg's (a fast food restaurant operated by UACN), Tantalizers, Tastees Fried Chicken, Sweet Sensations, Munchies, Favorites, Friends Eatery, Kas Chicken, Fingers (a fast food restaurant operated by United Trading Company), St. Elmo’s (a South African Franchise). For this analysis, only the three major fast food joints will be discussed. MR. BIGG’S This is a subsidiary of the big conglomerate, United African Company of Nigeria (UACN). It started operations in 1986, and is noted for being the first real operator of fast food restaurants in Nigeria. Presently, there are thirty-seven outlets spread all over Nigeria, with a massive twenty-two in Lagos State. Plans are on the ground to increase the total number of restaurants to fifty-seven by the end of the year. An estimated 1200 people visit an average Mr. Bigg's outlet per day. STRENGHTS †¢ Biggest financial muscle †¢ Brand Name recognition †¢ Good Knowledge of the Nigerian market †¢ Complete support of the UACN conglomerate as it is rumored to be the only subsidiary presently making a profit †¢ Strong emphasis on family and catching the young †¢ Formation of alliances with companies providing complementary goods †¢ Good use of the electronic and print media †¢ Starts operations as early as 6. 5am, with the intention of attending to people who want a good meal breakfast before working hours commence WEAKNESSES †¢ Its strength fizzles out at the arrival of the other major fast food operators to the neighborhood †¢ It is presently not noted for its excellent food, as it places emphasis on its snacks †¢ The initial excitement that heralded its entrance to the market seems to have been lost, as there seems to be â€Å"an out of fashion†, cover on it with the presence of the new entrants. This feeling is however peculiar to Lagos, as the opening of any Mr. Bigg's restaurant outside Lagos gives a feeling â€Å"at long last†, to the residents of these towns TANTALIZERS One of the most promising fast food restaurants in Nigeria. They began operations in the Festac area of Lagos State in 1995, and within the space of about six years have opened seven other outlets. The management of Tantalizers can be regarded as very aggressive marketers. Their marketing strategy seems to be directly aimed at their competitors. In the last four outlets they have opened, they have set up shops almost directly opposite or at best, a little close to their competitors in the process of drawing customers to their outlets. STRENGTHS: †¢ Effective Marketing Strategy †¢ Improving Brand Name Recognition †¢ Commendable Customer Service †¢ Vastly improving financial muscle †¢ Marketing emphasis is on catching couples and lovers WEAKNESS: Increasing complaint about the quality of their food †¢ Diversification into Africa Meals may be their undoing as they would be dividing their effort between the Fast food restaurant and the new African food restaurant †¢ There seems to be an emerging class distinctio n within the fast food industry, and the feeling is that Tantalizers falls within the middle class category. In other words, for serious minded businessmen and the upper-class, Tantalizers would naturally not come as their first choice of a fast food restaurant TASTEE FRIED CHICKEN It is one of the most promising fast food restaurants in Nigeria. It began operations in Surulere, Lagos State. It is attributed to be the second new generation fast food restaurant, after Mr. Bigg's. At the time of this report they have only three restaurants. When one considers the time they have spent in the fast food industry in Nigeria, and the fact that they only have three restaurants to show for it, one would want to mistakenly write them off as underachievers. Doing this will however be at ones peril as they seem to be carving a niche among the business and upper classes. STRENGTHS: †¢ Improving Brand Name Recognition †¢ Commendable Customer Service †¢ High taste and consumer conducive environment †¢ Regarded as having the best food in the industry Marketing emphasis seems to be on, catching the business class WEAKNESS: †¢ Ineffective class distinction. Class distinction which they claim to be their marketing strategy for luring the business and upper classes, has not seen them charging higher prices for their service with the belief that consumers who value t heir products and service will be willing to pay for it. In other words, even though it may seem that they are providing better products and service, it has not accrued to relatively bigger profit, as it seems that their expenses are relatively higher than their competitors, while the profit, which should be proportional to expenditure, is lower. †¢ Marketing is not aggressive [pic] FINANCIAL STATEMENT Financial Analysis will be based on the demography of potential consumers of McDonald's as arrived at in the demographic studies (USAGE RATE) on page 4 of this report. According to the survey carried out on existing fast food restaurants, Usage Rate: Worst Case Scenario: 500 consumers/day Average Case Scenario: 1,200 consumers/day Best Case Scenario: 2,000 consumers/day With McDonald's we expect figures to get as high as 1,500, 2,200 and 2,700 respectively per restaurant. Using these figures, assuming an average consumer spends $1. 5/visit/day, expected income: For Worst Case Scenario: 1,500 X $1. 5 X 360 days per year = $810,000 per year For Average Case Scenario: 2,200 X $1. 5 X 360 days per year = $1,188,000 per year For Best Case Scenario: 2,700 X $1. 5 X 360 days per year = $1,458,000 per year In reality, consumers presently spend between $0. 4 – $5 per visit, making our estimated income analysis of $1. 50 per visit very conservative. CONCLUSION: The nature of this report has made us only able to do extensive work on areas such as Data Gathering, Concept Development and Site Analysis. It has only been able to peripherally touch areas such as Competitor Analysis and Financial Statement. A proper analysis on areas such as Competitor Analysis and Financial Statement which form an integral part of any Feasibility work, will only be possible if the company for which this report has been done and sent to, finds it necessary to commission us on a more extensive feasibility study.

Spider Silk Is Natures Miracle Fiber

Spider silk is one of the most miraculous natural substances on Earth. Most building materials are either strong or elastic, but spider silk is both. Its been described as stronger than steel (which is not quite accurate, but close), more impenetrable than Kevlar, and stretchier than nylon. It withstands a lot of strain before breaking, which is the very definition of a tough material. Spider silk also conducts heat and is known to have antibiotic properties. All Spiders Produce Silk All spiders produce silk, from the tiniest jumping spider to the biggest tarantula. A spider has special structures called spinnerets at the end of its abdomen. Youve probably watched a spider constructing a web, or rappelling from a silk thread. The spider uses its hind legs to pull the strand of silk from its spinnerets, little by little. Spider Silk Is Made From Protein But what is spider silk, exactly? Spider silk is a fiber of protein, produced by a gland in the spiders abdomen. The gland stores silk protein  in liquid form, which isnt particularly useful for building structures like webs. When the spider needs silk, the liquefied protein passes through a canal where it gets an acid bath. As the pH of the silk protein is lowered (as its acidified), it changes the structure. The motion of pulling the silk from the spinnerets puts tension on the substance, which helps it harden into a solid as it emerges. Structurally, silk consists of layers of amorphous and crystalline proteins. The firmer protein crystals give silk its strength, while the softer, shapeless protein provides elasticity. Protein is a naturally occurring polymer (in this case, a chain of amino acids). Spider silk, keratin, and collagen are all formed of protein. Spiders will often recycle valuable silk proteins by eating their webs. Scientists have labeled silk proteins using radioactive markers and examined new silk to determine how efficiently spiders reprocess the silk. Remarkably, theyve found spiders can consume and reuse silk proteins in 30 minutes. Thats an amazing recycling system! This versatile material could have limitless applications, but harvesting spider silk isnt very practical on a large scale. Producing a synthetic material with the properties of spider silk has long been the Holy Grail of scientific research.   8 Ways Spiders Use Silk Scientists have studied spider silk for centuries, and have learned quite a bit about how spider silk is made and used. Some spiders can actually produce 6 or 7 kinds of silk using different silk glands. When the spider weaves a silk thread, it can combine these varied kinds of silks to produce specialized fibers for different purposes. Sometimes the spider needs a stickier silk strand, and other times it needs a stronger one. As you might imagine, spiders make good use of their silk-producing skills. When we think of spiders spinning silk, we usually think of them building webs. But spiders use silk for many purposes.   1. Spiders Use Silk to Catch Prey The best-known use of silk by spiders is for constructing webs, which they use to ensnare prey. Some spiders, like  orb weavers, construct circular webs with sticky threads to snag flying insects. Purse web spiders use an innovative design. They spin an upright silk tube and hide inside it. When an insect lands on the outside of the tube, the purse web spider cuts the silk and pulls the insect inside. Most web-weaving spiders have poor eyesight, so they sense prey in the web by feeling for vibrations traveling across the silk strands. A recent study showed that  spider silk can vibrate at a wide range of frequencies, allowing the spider to sense movements as small as a hundred nanometers—1/1000 the width of a human hair. But thats not the only way spiders use silks to catch meals. The bolas spider, for example, spins a sort of fishing line of silk – a long thread with a sticky ball at the end. When an insect passes by, the bolas spider flings the line at the prey and hauls in its catch. Net-casting spiders spin a small web, shaped like a tiny net, and hold it between their feet. When an insect comes near, the spider throws its silk net and ensnares the prey. 2. Spiders User Silk to Subdue Prey Some spiders, like  cobweb spiders, use silk to subdue their prey completely. Have you ever watched a spider grab a fly or moth, and quickly wrap it in silk like a mummy? Cobweb spiders have special setae on their feet, which enable them to wind sticky silk tightly around a struggling insect.   3. Spiders Use Silk to Travel Anyone who read  Charlottes Web  as a child will be familiar with this spider behavior, known as ballooning. Young spiders (called spiderlings) disperse soon after emerging from their egg sac. In some species, the spiderling will climb onto an exposed surface, raise its abdomen, and cast a silk thread into the wind. As the air current pulls on the silk strand,  the spiderling becomes airborne and can be carried for miles. 4. Spiders Use Silk to Keep From Falling Who hasnt been startled by a spider descending suddenly on a silk thread? Spiders habitually leave a trail of silk line, known as a dragline, behind them as they explore an area. The silk safety line helps the spider keep from falling unchecked. Spiders also use the dragline to descend in a controlled manner. If the spider finds trouble below, it can quickly ascend the line to safety. 5. Spiders Use Silk to Keep From Getting Lost Spiders can also use the dragline to find their way home. Should a spider wander too far from its retreat or burrow, it can follow the silk line back to its home. 6. Spiders Use Silk to Take Shelter Many spiders use silk to construct or reinforce a shelter or retreat. Both  tarantulas  and  wolf spiders  dig burrows in the ground and line their homes with silk. Some web-building spiders construct special retreats within or adjacent to their webs. Funnel weaver spiders, for example, spin a cone-shaped retreat in one side of their webs, where they can stay hidden from both prey and predators. 7. Spiders Use Silk to Mate Before mating, a male spider must prepare and ready his sperm. Male spiders spin silk and construct small sperm webs, just for this purpose. He transfers sperm from his genital opening to the special web and then picks up the sperm with his pedipalps. With his sperm securely stored in his pedipalps, he can search for a receptive female. 8. Spiders Use Silk to Protect Their Offspring Female spiders produce particularly tough silk to construct egg sacs. She then deposits her eggs inside the sac, where they will be protected from the weather and potential predators as they  develop and hatch into tiny spiderlings. Most mother spiders secure the egg sac to a surface, often near her web. Wolf spiders dont take chances and carry the egg sac around until the offspring emerge. Sources: Borror and Delongs Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th edition, by Charles A. Triplehorn and Norman F. Johnson.Encyclopedia of Entomology, 2nd edition, edited by John L. Capinera.ASU scientists unravel the mysteries of spider silk, Arizona State University,  January 27, 2013. Iowa State engineer discovers spider silk conducts heat as well as metals, Iowa State University, March 5, 2012.  Lowering pH regulates spider’s silk production,  Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, May 12, 2010.Stanford Researcher Sheds New Light on the Mysteries of Spider Silk, Stanford University,  February 4, 2013.  Bugs Rule! Introduction to the World of Insects, by Whitney Cranshaw and Richard Redak.Spiders, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History website. Spiders Listen to Their Webs, by Carrie Arnold, National Geographic website, June 5, 2014. Net-Casting Spiders, Australian Museum website.Purseweb Spiders, University of Kentucky Entomology website.

Developing, Using Organising Resources Within the lifelong...

Developing, Using Organising Resources Within the lifelong Learning Sector TASK 37 NAME: STUDENT ID: DATE: Table of Contents 1. Understand the purpose and use of resources 1.1 Explain the purpose of resources in teaching and learning Different types of resources are used in lifelong learning process so that the knowledge of the learners can be practiced and their learning can be progressed. The learners’ level of understanding and the areas they find difficult can be assessed and identified by providing them with the resources. Moreover, the learners with learning difficulties can be provided with differentiated tasks and additional support by providing resources. The additional explanations that are not†¦show more content†¦The duties and roles that have to be carried out by a resource developer are explained by the figure above. Individual needs of every student have to be identified and plans have to be developed in order to satisfy the learning needs of all learners. The next step is to design the resources according to the individual needs that are identified and deliver those resources to the learners. Once the task in completed by the learners the resource developer then can assess their pe rformance which will automatically enable the resource developed to identify the effectiveness of his resources. According to the information given by Turkish online journal of education technology (2009), two student groups are surveyed where one group of students provided with the lower level of teaching resources while second group of students are provided with the higher level of teaching resources. The surveys identified that the students who are provided with higher level of teaching resources have got much more positive outcome comparing to the other group of students. ‘We have found that when technologies are thoughtfully integrated with a sound pedagogical vision, students’ views of teaching and approaches to learning can be positively affected.’ The LeTUS report series (2003) also shows how important it is for the teachers toShow MoreRelatedInclusive Learning in Practice2696 Words   |  78 Pagesinfluence the learning of a group of learners, review legislative requirements relating to inclusive practice and consider their implications. Then furthermore, it will describe what I consider to be the most significant barriers to learning for the adult learners that I teach, and include a discussion of what myself and Nacro have done to overcome these barriers. Lastly, this piece of work will describe the systems that Nacro have in place to monitor the effectiveness of inclusive practice within the centreRead MoreThe Role of Adult Education in Womens Empowerment16079 Words   |  65 PagesNational Report on the Development and State of the Art of Adult Learning and Education in Botswana Ministry of Education and Skills Development 2008 1 FOREWORD Honourable Jacob D. Nkate Minister of Education and Skills Development The Fifth International Conference on Adult Learning and Education (CONFINTEA V) has motivated the nation of Botswana to accelerate its effort in the provision of adult learning and education. That kind of action was necessary because we firmly believe that we mustRead MoreUnit 009 Understanding Inclusive Learning and Teaching in Lifelong Learning4591 Words   |  19 Pagesreferred): ____________________Grade ______ Date __________ IQA’s name (if sampled) _________________________ Unit 009 Understanding Inclusive Learning and Teaching in Lifelong Learning Key Factors Influencing Inclusive Teaching and Learning The focus of this assignment is the key factors that influence inclusive teaching and learning and how it is incorporated into my specialist subject area. As individuals we all learn differently, this has been influenced by past educational experiencesRead MoreA Project on Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare16776 Words   |  68 Pagesproject is funded within the Sixth Research Framework Programme of the European Commission. The overall aim of WORK-IN-NET is to set up sustainable communication and co-operation channels in Europe between the still fragmented national and regional research activities in the area of work-related innovation issues. To cope with the lasting innovation, productivity and employment challenges in European countries, the focus of WORK-IN-NET lies on three key themes: qualitative human resource development corporateRead MoreCurriculum Development10775 Words   |  44 Pagesdate their skills. The Professional Teacher Defining what it means to be professional is problematic. However one characteristic of gaining professional status is the requirement of a period of specialised training. For teachers in the Lifelong Learning Sector (LLS), the requirement to undergo any form of training has a troubled history. Less than ten years ago, Hall Marsh noted the following: â€Å"There is much evidence that the role and status of teachers in society has diminished over theRead MoreHr Map13642 Words   |  55 Pageschapter 1 Developing Yourself as an Effective Learning and Development Practitioner In t r od u c t Io n This chapter begins with a look at what is required of LD professionals and how LD roles are specified. We discuss the CIPD HR Profession Map and how we can use it to assess our professional development needs. We then move on to look at how we deliver our LD service, considering: who are our customers, how well do we meet their needs and what can we do to improve our service delivery.Read MoreScience in Early Childhood Education3184 Words   |  13 Pagesnatural systems and the process whereby that body of knowledge has been established and is continually extended, refined, and revised. Both elements are essential: one cannot make progress in science without an understanding of both. Likewise, in learning science one must come to understand both the body of knowledge and the process by which this knowledge is established, extended, refined, and revised. (Duschl, Schweingruber, Shouse, 2007, p. 26) Dodge, Colker Heroman (2002) state that scienceRead MoreEu - History, Policies and Facts5310 Words   |  22 Pagesthe European Central Bank. The European Parliament is elected every five years by EU citizens. The EU has developed a single market through a standardised system of laws which apply in all member states including the abolition of passport controls within the Schengen area. It ensures the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital, enacts legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintains common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. A monetary union, theRead MoreDescribe with Examples How Schools May Demonstrate and Uphold Their Aims:14953 Words   |  60 PagesValues: ----------------------------------------------------------------- P206 1.1. Identify the main types of state and independent schools: Over the past ten years there are an increase in the types of school that are offering education within England and Wales. The new association’s government is focusing to expand educational provision to further and ensure every child and young person to have a range of choice to enable them to access a school that will meet their individual needs. Read MoreStrategic Human Resource Management72324 Words   |  290 PagesBusiness Management Study Manuals Advanced Diploma in Business Management STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The Association of Business Executives 5th Floor, CI Tower ï‚ · St Georges Square ï‚ · High Street ï‚ · New Malden Surrey KT3 4TE ï‚ · United Kingdom Tel: + 44(0)20 8329 2930 ï‚ · Fax: + 44(0)20 8329 2945 E-mail: info@abeuk.com ï‚ · www.abeuk.com  © Copyright, 2008 The Association of Business Executives (ABE) and RRC Business Training All rights reserved No part of this publication may be