Thursday, March 12, 2020

Therapeutic Technique of Heliox Therapy

Therapeutic Technique of Heliox Therapy Abstract This study analyzes heliox therapy as a medical intervention that is done using oxygen and helium to aid in the process of alleviating various respiratory distresses. Heliox therapy has been in use in the medical field since 1935 when it was first used in the treatment of asthma (Brandao Britto et al., 2011, p.948).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Therapeutic Technique of Heliox Therapy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is also used as a medical intervention of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (Allan Thomas et al., 2009, p.1175) and bronchiolitis. Before the use of helium as a carrier gas, nitrogen was used as the carrier gas for oxygen. This makes helium easy to inhale, hence facilitating rapid oxygen absorption in the blood stream. The study also presents a description of a psychological problem and in particular the problems experienced by acute asthmatic people in terms of carbon dioxide exchange. As a therapy option, a gas mixture of nitrogen and oxygen can be administered into the blood stream of a patient to supply the necessary oxygen deficit in the effort to minimize the work required to absorb adequate air to meet the oxygen needs of patients. Another alternative is to use helium-oxygen gas mixture in a therapeutic intervention referred as heliox therapy. Further, the study provides an overview of the associated diseases including clinical and physiologic effects. The study also provides the technical considerations when giving the heliox therapy. Besides, it offers the positive effects that the therapy has on acute asthmatic patients. Finally, the study provides the role played by a therapist when giving any therapeutic intervention. Description of the Physiologic Problem Acute asthmatic people have problems in carbon dioxide exchange. Before medicinal interventions are done, it is necessary for short-term interventions in the preparation of medicina l interventions to be conducted to ensure that patients awaiting treatment have sufficient carbon dioxide exchange. Among the alternatives available for physiologic experts are mechanical ventilations, bronchodilators, and ticosteroids among others. While attempting to address this problem, consideration of scholarly evidence on the effectiveness of heliox therapy in the treatment of respiratory infection is important. Yilmaz, Daglioglu, and Yildizdas et al. (2013) did a research on the effectiveness of heliox in acute respiratory distress syndrome where they found out that heliox is associated with positive responses of ARDS inflation apart from having positive impacts on the treatment of obstructive lung ailments (p.47). Since 1930s, heliox has been used in the treatment of reparatory ailments even before bronchodilators were invented. In the modern age, heliox is normally deployed in situations involving the narrowing of the large airway passages due to tumors (Yilmaz, Daglioglu Yildizdas et al, 2013). However, it is also used for medium airways, especially in case of asthma and COPD (Hess et al., 2006). Heliox is also deployed in other medical interventions involving difficulties in availing adequate oxygen to the patients’ body systems.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, upon studying the effects of shifts of breathing gas from air to heliox mixtures on the resolution of air bubbles in lipid and aqueous tissues of recompressed rats, Hyldegaard, Kerem, and Melamed (2011) concluded that there should be no delays in the deployment of heliox in the treatment of â€Å"air driving induced-decompression sickness† (p.2183). This suggests that heliox therapy can be utilized as a therapeutic intervention for all respiratory problems in patients waiting medical intervention since heliox has no curative effect. Overvie w of the associated Diseases including Clinical and Physiologic effects Heliox therapy can be used in the treatment of asthma and COPD. The application of heliox in the therapeutic intervention for asthma attracts controversy. In a meta-analysis research involving four random trials for treatment of acute asthma using heliox in an emergency care setting conducted on adults together with children by Rodrigo, Rodrigo, Pollack, and Travers as quoted by Chevrolet (2001), no evidence of the effectiveness of heliox was recorded (p.180). Studies done by Hurford and Cheifetz (2007) and Kneyber et al. (2009) record high rates of airflow when heliox is used in place of airox for patients who are not intubated. There is scholarly agreement that heliox has no curative impact on the treatment of crisis involving acute asthma. This implies that heliox should never be used as a replacement of corticosteroids therapy and/or bronchodilators. Chevrolet (2001) insists that heliox should be used as a t herapeutic intervention for acute asthma following the failure of bronchodilator therapy in managing the condition (p.181). Resorting to heliox on the failure of bronchodilator therapy eliminates the necessity of intubation. Chevrolet (2001) maintains that this procedure is an immensely dangerous therapeutic intervention for people suffering from acute asthma (p.182). However, heliox has also been used in patients who have been intubated in the medical history of treatment of asthma. For such patients, heliox has been found to produce positive outcomes through enhancing reduction of pressure of inflation (Chevrolet, 2001). This makes the therapy important for persons having ventilation difficulties accompanied by hemodynamic instability. Another associated disease for heliox is COPD. Heliox is used in COPDs who are intubated, or not intubated (Randsoe, Kvist Hyldegaard, 2008, p.1493; Myers, 2006, p.620). In the treatment of COPD, the standard medical approach is to start with NIV. When COPD patients are acutely decompensated, probabilities for respiratory failure increase often leading to high WOB (Palange Valli et al., 2004, p.1639).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Therapeutic Technique of Heliox Therapy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To minimize the chances of occurrence of fatigue of inspiratory muscles, NIV is administered. Scholars such Allan and Thomas et al. (2009) and Venkataraman (2006) confirm that WOB can be reduced further when NIV is combined with heliox. Heliox reduces the work of breathing in two major ways. It increases the tendency of laminar flow of oxygen within the respiratory system of a patient while reducing airflow resistance due to turbulence. Hess et al (2006) evidence this effect by arguing that where laminar flow occurs in small air passages, gas viscosity is directly related to the viscosity. In such passages, this suggests that heliox possesses minima l effects on WOB. However, in large passages, turbulence flow occurs. In such a situation, the resistance to flow of a gas is related directly to the density of the gas flowing through the passages (Hess et al., 2006). This means that heliox has incredible effects in reducing WOB. Technical Considerations of the Therapy Various scholarly findings exist on the effectiveness of heliox therapy in producing positive effects for persons suffering from respiratory diseases. However, certain difficulties may make the therapy not common in all hospitals across the world. Technical challenges are one of the difficulties. Successful administration of heliox therapy requires the possession of some prescribed technical expertise (Gupta, Grayck, Cheifetz, 2004, p.1041). The equipment deployed in the process is also expensive. Debate also continues to develop on the consideration of the overall benefits of heliox therapy when gas concentration levels differ. Particular interest is on the develop ment of guidelines on the specific levels of concentration of oxygen and helium that should be used for treatment of different respiratory ailments under specified circumstances. Technical expertise is important in the use of heliox therapy. When the mixture of the gases is used at less than 36 degrees centigrade, hypothermia may be experienced. There are technical difficulties of ensuring that the right amount of the gas mixture is delivered to meet the patients’ specific needs. Where heliox is used for patients who breathe spontaneously, pressurization of heliox in the ratio 78 (helium) to 22 (oxygen) is necessary (Chevrolet, 2001). Although helium is a largely profuse constituent in the world, its mining procedures are expensive. In this line of argument, Chevrolet (2001) puts the cost of a 60-liter tank for heliox (78:22 helium-oxygen mixtures at 200 bars) at 275 US dollars in Switzerland. Upon considering issues of uncertainness of the possible stay of patients in ICU an d the benefits of the use of heliox in the effective management of the patients’ respiratory diseases, reduction of this cost is necessary. This presents technical challenges in terms of looking for new cost-effective methods of production of heliox.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Positive effects of the Therapy Asthmatic people experience challenges of airflow obstructions causing hyperinflation of lungs. The challenges result in an increase in the work required for inhalation processes. This introduces mechanical disadvantages to the inspiratory muscles to an asthmatic person (Brandao Britto et al., 2011, p. 298). Helium provides an advantage compared to nitrogen due to its lower density (Hess et al., 2006, p.605). Over the years, heliox has been used for medical applications, which do not involve respiratory ailments. It is also used in the treatment of ailments such as fractional obstruction of airways due to growths associated with malignancy together with engorgement of the esophagus. Such swellings may be caused by allergic infections and/or anaphylaxis. Under such conditions, heliox finds applications in that it helps in the provision of the required oxygen levels while ensuring that such people do not incur the inspiratory muscle mechanical disadvan tages. Effectiveness of the use of heliox in medical interventions of asthma is enhanced by its properties compared to air. Its density is less than that of air. Consequently, compared to air, heliox has a lower resistance to flow in the airways. Ultimately, â€Å"WOB (work of breathing) is reduced† (Chevrolet, 2001, p.179). Many health institutions recognize the deployment of heliox in the treatment of respiratory related ailments to the extent that respiratory therapists encourage the keeping of gas cylinders of heliox within hospitals for emergency care services. Amid its effectiveness as a therapeutic intervention for respiratory infections, heliox administration is done with optimal monitoring and vigilance (Gupta, Grayck Cheifetz, 2004, p.1041). Monitoring is done using chest radiographs and various mechanisms of monitoring arterial gas in the effort to provide a means of determining lung volumes together with gas exchanges (Gupta, Grayck Cheifetz, 2004, p.1041). Gupt a, Grayck, and Cheifetz (2004) studied the effects of heliox and high-frequency jet ventilation on a five-year old infant suffering from acute conditions of respiratory failure due to gas trappings, acidosis, and air leak. Heliox therapy produces positive effects for patients with respiratory problems, which result in increased work of breathing. Myers evidences positive effects on the use of NPPV in the reduction of intubation rates for some patients who are carefully selected for treatment of acute respiratory ailments (2006, p.622). When Heliox is used in conjunction with NPPV, patients depict even better response rates, especially in case of those having COPD (Palange Valli et al., 2004, p.1639). While various studies such as Hess and Chatmonqkolchart (2000) present the benefit of increased survival rate on the use NPPV particularly for patients having respiratory failures related to COPD, deployment of heliox has positive effects when used in the treatment of patients having s evere obstruction of airways or asthma. Adverse effects/Hazards In practical applications of heliox therapy, no substantial effects on patients have been recorded. Indeed, according to Hunt, Wiliams, Frith, and Schembri, heliox mixtures are nontoxic and do not produce any long lasting impacts on the patients’ bodies (2010, p.30). The only determinant of the mixing ratio is the mixture flow characteristic. Airflow within airways occurs through laminar, then transitional flow, and finally through turbulent flow. High resistances characterize turbulent flow as evidenced by higher Reynolds number (Hess et al., 2006). While air may be enriched with oxygen for use in place of helium, it has a higher tendency of changing from laminar to turbulent flow in comparison with heliox since it has a higher density (Hess et al., 2006, p.605). The density of heliox at 1 atmosphere is 0.5g/l compared to 1.25 g/l for of air (Hunt, Wiliams, Frith Schembri, 2010). Low density ensures that a maxi mum amount of oxygen is delivered through the body systems of the patient with minimal work of breathing (WOB). Air, helium, and nitrogen are used as carrier gasses. A carrier gas should have minimal adverse effects on the patient if any. No negative effects on the patients have been recorded on the use of air, nitrogen and Helium as carrier gases. Hunt, Wiliams, Frith, and Schembri further inform that heliox gas mixture of 79 percent helium and 21 percent oxygen has equal viscosity to identical gas mixtures where nitrogen is used in place of helium where heliox has one-sixth of the density of the nitrogen oxygen mixture (2010, p.30). This inclusion of a high percentage of helium in the heliox gas mixture is influenced by the low-density property in comparison to nitrogen rather than medical effects or hazards. However, even though heliox has no adverse effects on the patient, Hess and Chatmonqkolchart (2000) maintain that it has adverse effects on the functioning of the respiratory care facilities and equipment (p.161) including function monitors for pulmonary, ventilators, nebulizers, and flow meters. Role of the Respiratory Therapist In case of heliox therapy, respiratory therapists are important. They make decisions on whether the therapy should be administered to patients. In an effective use of heliox therapy, therapists have to address the question of whether the physiologic problem revealed by patients can be treated at least in the short term before medicinal interventions are introduced through heliox therapy or a combination of various therapeutic interventions. The chart below shows how therapists go about administering the therapy for asthmatic people. Source: Reuben Harris (2004) From the chart above, respiratory therapists can play proactive roles in the diagnosis of the condition of the patient to determine the necessity of conducting other therapeutic interventions for patients with acute asthma before proceeding to the administration of hel iox therapy[1]. Respiratory therapists also determine patients’ heliox requirements. This helps in the determination of the right volumes of the heliox gas mixture that is necessary for administration to meet the requirements of patients. The chart also evidences that the process of asthma treatment entails decision-making processes based on the condition of patients. Such decisions require human decision-making interfaces. The respiratory therapist can only play this role. Conclusion Persons suffering from acute asthma require a breathing aid to minimize WOB, which is caused by increased mechanical load on the respiratory system muscles. While there are different therapeutic interventions to help in the achievement of this goal, the paper focused on the heliox therapy. Use of heliox therapy has been in the medical filed in 1930s. Although it was first deployed in the treatment of asthma, it has found other applications such as the treatment of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmo nary Disease) and bronchiolitis. The therapy involves deployment of helium as the oxygen carrier gas. Compared to air or nitrogen-oxygen gas mixture, helium-oxygen gas mixture in the ratio of 80:20 or 79:21 has low density. Hence, it results in low resistances of flow in large air passages where the flow resistance is directly related to the density. In such passages, the flow is mainly turbulent. Reduction in resistance of flow results in low WOB. This has an effect of immense relief to patients with breathing difficulties associated with asthma and brokerage of large air passages due to infections such as tumors. Although heliox therapy has no side effects in patients, the study revealed some technical difficulties associated with it together with looking for cost effective approaches to produce heliox gas mixture. Such approaches are necessary before the therapy can become common and/or a quick alternative in all hospitals across the globe. Reference List Allan, P., Thomas, K., et al. (2009). Feasibility of Noninvasive Ventilation with Helium-Oxygen Gas Flow for Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease during Exercise. Respiratory care, 54(9), 1175-1182. Brandao, D., Britto, M. et al. (2011). Heliox and forwards- leaning posture improve the efficacy of Nebulized bronchodilator in acute Asthma: a randomized trial. Respiratory Care, 56(7), 947-952. Chevrolet, J. (2001). Helium Oxygen Mixtures in the Intensive Care Unit. Critical Care, 5(4), 179-181. Gupta, V., Grayck, E., Cheifetz, I. (2004). Heliox administration during high frequency jet ventilation Augments carbon dioxide clearance. Respiratory Care, 49(9), 1038-1044. Hess, D., Chatmonqkolchart, S. (2000). Techniques to Avoid Intubation: Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation and Heliox Therapy. Int Anesthesiol Clin, 38(3), 161-187. Hess, D., Fink, J., Venkataraman, S., Kim, I., Myers, T., Tano, B. (2006). The History and Physics of Heliox. Respiratory Care, 51(6), 602-612. Hunt, T., Wiliams, M., Frit h, P., Schembri, D. (2010). Heliox, Dyspnoea and Exercise in COPD. European Respiratory Review, 19(115), 30-39. Hurford, W., Cheifetz, I. (2007). Should Heliox Be Used for Mechanically Ventilated Patients? Respiratory Care, 52(5), 582-591. Hyldegaard, O., Kerem, D., Melamed, Y. (2011). Effects of Breathing Gas Shifts from Air to Heliox Mixtures on Resolution of Air Bubbles in Lipid and Aqueous Tissues of Recompressed rats. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 111(9), 2183-2193. Kneyber, M., Heerde, M., Twisk, J., Ploz, F., Markhors, D. (2009). Heliox reduces respiratory system resistance in respiratory syncytial virus induced respiratory failure. Critical Care 13(3), 1-15. Myers, T. (2006). Use of Heliox in Children. Respiratory Care, 51 (6), 619-631. Palange, P., Valli, G. et al. (2004). Effects of Heliox on Lungs Dynamic Hyperinflation, Dyspnea, and Exercise Endurance Capacity in COPD Patients. Journal of Applied Psychology, 9(7), 1637-1642. Randsoe, T., Kvist, M., Hyldeg aard, O. (2008). Effect of oxygen and heliox breathing on air bubbles in adipose tissue during 25-kPa altitude exposures. Journal of Applied Physiology, 10(5), 1492-1497. Reuben, A., Harris, A. (2004). Heliox for asthma in the emergency department: a review of the literature. Emergency Medicine, 21(1), 131-5. Venkataraman, S. (2006). Heliox during Mechanical Ventilation. Respiratory Care, 51(6), 632-639. Yilmaz, S., Daglioglu, K., Yildizdas, D et al. (2013). The effectiveness of Heliox in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Annals of Thoracic Medicine, 8(1), 46-52. Footnotes Therapists play incredible roles in the process of evaluation of the requisite intervention by considering the appropriateness of various alternatives in the context of cost considerations and the condition of the patient prompting the administration of a therapy

Monday, February 24, 2020

Holocaust is fake david cole Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Holocaust is fake david cole - Essay Example As if to point out that there was no way faith would work and no such power greater than that of Hitler may intervene to alter this course of history, each victim could be inclined to contemplate with scorn that the fateful event was indeed meant to take place. Back then, how could it be said or thought that Holocaust was not a journey to death and merely a path back to a seemingly neglected spirituality, at least for the Jews? Certainly, one would only afford a weakening capacity to figure tormenting memories and horrible imaginings of all occurrences marked by the reign of ruthless terror as they transpired. To have fallen into the hands of pure evil, clearly, nothing remained of dignity, well-being, and perhaps even the last strands of faith and hope to hold on to for a multitude deprived of every inalienable right, like the concept of choice never existed. Even those who were far from bearing witness to the Holocaust could well identify and concretize deep in their assuming minds the type of Hitler’s injustice which only the lowest form of animal may dare accept as fair to suffer with. Nevertheless, for those who find the potential of gaining a more unique insight, such terrifying portion of history can be perceived with sensible meaning at another paradigm but should certainly not be held in denial as in Cole’s revision attempt. Through a more profound meditation, one discovers the possibility of pondering a moment when humans weren’t dull in senses, rather alive with mixed reflexes despite the pain severities. It appears equivalent to arriving at a point when every second of time counts and love for life or the desire to live is vividly strong that any tendency toward feeling emptiness and meaninglessness is driven

Saturday, February 8, 2020

The Social and Academic Impacts on Children with Disabilities who are Essay

The Social and Academic Impacts on Children with Disabilities who are Receiving Inclusion in Schools - Essay Example One of the initiatives of the No Child Left Behind initiative, as well as other educational initiatives that have been mooted in recent times, is to include children with disabilities into integrated classrooms, together with normal children. The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1990 was passed to guarantee equal access to education for children with disabilities. (Motwani, 2007). While the move towards inclusion is a recent trend, the debate on the merits and demerits of educational inclusion have been continuing for decades. This study proposes to undertake a literature review on inclusion in schools and to examine the ramifications of inclusion for disabled children, in order to assess its relative efficacy. This study is purely a literature review and will not support its findings with empirical data gleaned from individual participants. The focus of this research effort is to gain a general idea of the relative merits and demerits of inclusion and its potential or the lack thereof, in affecting the well being and successful integration of disabled students. Since the incidence of disability among students is becoming more widespread, this study is important because it examines one aspect of educational reform that could be effectively used for the benefit of these students, in order to integrate them as productive members of society. The lack of empirical support for this study is one of its limitations. Moreover, this study confines itself to studies that have been carried out after the period of 1996, although some prior material is also examined. The focus of this research effort is on the current findings in the literature and how best it can demonstrate the progress sand efficacy of inclusion. The findings in this study support the conclusion that there is a greater amount of research required into the merits and demerits of inclusion, in terms of ethnographic studies on disabled students. However, the literature review does

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Mini Position Paper Essay Example for Free

Mini Position Paper Essay Many schools exist that don’t create student success. In too many school systems today, students are deprived of the education they need to become successful in life. What is society doing to make sure these students find their way? What does it take for them to become successful participants of society? After reading Freire’s, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, I must say there is some truth to students being oppressed for they are being forced to matriculate in an educational environment they aren’t familiar with; can’t survive in; or don’t want to be in. Students who are in the predicament noted above are not able to thrive in a strong academic environment because, as Freire states, they don’t know their reality. If they knew their reality, they would be better prepared to adjust to what they need for academic success. My position is that students that will better succeed in vocational or magnet schools. The vocational option is best suited for students that are not college bound and need to learn hands-on job skills to work right out of high school. For the nontraditional student the magnet option can work well. As a dancer, I attended magnet performing art school and this opportunity allowed me to learn about my craft and move on to earning a scholarship to Temple University in dance and theater. It allowed me the option to get involved in a field that I love and having a love for what you do makes the difference in which you become. There is no denying that people are mentally in different places at different times in their lives. Whether they have been raised in a single parent home, or whether they grew up in an environment that isn’t conducive to learning, it is important that students know what they can handle in an educational setting. For some students, an advanced math class or AP courses may not be reasonable. There are some students that understand where they stand academically and know that they aren’t able to learn under the same conditions as other students. These students need to develop other avenues in which to become successful. Vocational and Magnet schools are a great source for students that aren’t ready for a rigorous academic curriculum. Although students will still get the core courses they need to graduate, they will also have a trade that will at least keep them employed and able to take care of them after graduating. There are students that have a love for cosmetology, auto mechanics or even plumbing. One important fact is that there are colleges that offer two year degrees in these vocational trades. It is crucial that today’s generation know that there are options outside of becoming a doctor or lawyer. While we always need lawyers, doctors, and teachers, the world also needs mechanics to fix cars, a plumber to fix leaks the correct way or even a specialist to make sure a heating or air conditioning system is properly working. It is important that today’s student be comfortable in knowing that being academically challenged is okay, and that choosing a vocational education is an option. Vocational Magnet educations are just as important and should be interjected in all of today’s schools for they too serve a vital function in preparing our students in life. â€Å"The Guardian†, a newspaper printed in the U. K. , ran an article in 2013 regarding vocational educations. It questioned the validity of the concept of vocational educations by asking the public if they value vocational skills. The article allowed people to give their opinions. Although most people were in support of vocational education, there were some that weren’t. One person commented that though he didn’t look down on vocational education, he would not consider the vocational route if he didnt get the grades needed to attend a university. He finished by explaining he would definitely go for A-levels because in his opinion, â€Å"they are far more respected by employers and universities†. In his opinion, having a career rather than a skill is more esteemed. After reading the article, I was stunned at the idea that vocational educations aren’t respected. That a plumber or custodian is not valued is a disrespectful and cocky position to take. Society will always needs someone to make sure offices are clean and bathroom toilets run properly. People underestimate that diverse careers are needed for the world to effectively revolve. Unfortunately vocational skills like plumbing, carpentry, and electricians have been downgraded in social status over the years. One of the biggest issues in education today is low graduation rates, low college entry and a growing rate of unemployment. Vocational education can be the resolution to this problem. What are missing in schools are alternatives like a technical baccalaureate, which offers valuable learning and real skills, and leads to real jobs for young people. Getting children in the right program for their learning needs is what leads to success. Vocational qualifications serve a need for particular kinds of students and are very important skills. Vocational education training provides career and technical education for students interested in jobs that are based upon labor-intensive or real-world jobs. The plus side to vocational education is that students have the opportunity to work in their field while in school; it requires less education than four year degree programs; the vocational fields are vast and varied such as, pharmacy and medical technicians, paralegals, medical assistants, office assistants, cosmetologists, mechanics and construction workers; it assists in higher graduation rates; increased employment; and overall student achievement. The objective in education is to assist students in their quest of having a stable life. A vocational education reinforces the connections between secondary and postsecondary education, and improves accountability for students.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

African Mythological Commonalities :: African Creation Myths Essays

African Mythological Commonalities Creation myths vary among African ethnic groups highlighting similarities and differences in belief systems and societal constructs. There are many factors that contribute to creation myths for each individual group. Survival issues dominate many my ths, suggesting the origins of land, the ability to cultivate land, and the benefit of existing off of what one has cultivated. Questions of where land came from, the purpose of man, and the relationship between the creator and the created are evaluated. The important issues of each African ethnic group became the focal point of their creation and origin myths. A predominant theme among African creation myth is the people's relation to the land, as a means of survival and origin. The shilluk myth, "An African Story of the Creation of Man" and the Yoruba people's myth, "The Creation of the Universe and Ife" state that man was first made from clay. Both creation myths indicate an awareness and a need for explanation of the physical differences among human beings. The Shilluk myth claims that there are different colored people because of the varying colors o f clay that Joak, the creator according to this myth, encountered as he wandered the world. The Yoruba people's myth explains the differences in the shapes of humans as a result of the god Obatala being drunk when he shaped man out of clay. In both myth s, the action of the creating god caused the variation in man's physical characteristics. The Shilluk myth attempts to explain why man's body is designed as it is. Each part of the body is designed, according to this myth, to fulfill a purpose related to survival.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Past Paper

NSS MATHEMATICS IN ACTION HONG KONG DIPLOMA OF SECONDARY EDUCATION EXAMINATION MOCK PAPER MATHEMATICS Compulsory Part Paper 2 Time allowed: 1 hour 15 minutes 1. Read carefully the instructions on the Answer Sheet and insert the information required in the spaces provided. 2. There are 45 questions in this book. All questions carry equal marks. 3. Answer ALL Questions. You are advised to use an HB pencil to mark all the answers on the Answer Sheet. Wrong marks must be completely erased with a clean rubber. 4. You should mark only ONE answer for each question. If you mark more than one answer, you will receive NO MARKS for that question. . No marks will be deducted for wrong answers.  © Pearson Education Asia Limited NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 There are 30 questions in Section A and 15 questions in Section B. The diagrams in this paper are not necessarily drawn to scale. Choose the best answer for each question. Section A 1. If n is an integer, then 33 n = 9 n ? 1 6. Which of the following statements about the equation 3( x ? 2) 2 ? 6 x ? 2 is true? A. It has distinct, rational real roots. B. It has distinct, irrational real roots. C. It has equal real roots. D. It has no real roots. 7. It is known that a polynomial g(x) is ivisible by 2x + 3. Which of the following must be a factor of g(4x – 3)? 2 n ? 1 A. B. C. D. 2. x 2 ? y 2 ? 2 xy ? 4 ? A. B. C. D. 3. A. B. C. D. 8. 1. 5. 8049. 8053. a = 3, b = ? 2 . a = 3, b = ? 3 . a = ? 2, b = ? 2 . a = ? 2, b = ? 3 . B. C. D. 9. Let p be a constant. Solve the equation ( x ? p )( x ? p ? 1) ? x ? p . A. B. C. D.  © Pearson Education Asia Limited NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 –2– 1. 1 . 6 –1. –2. ? Peter sold a vase to Mary at a profit of 15 %. Later, Mary sold the vase to David for $ 6400 and gained $ 420. What was the cost price of the vase for Peter? A. B. C. D. x ? ?p x ? p ? 1 ? ? p or x ? p ? 1 x ? ? p or x ? p 2x ? 3 4x ? 3 8x ? 3 8x ? 9 If x is an integer satisfying 4x ? 1 , then the 2(1 ? x) ? 6 x and x ? ?2 greatest value of x is A. If 5a ? 2b ? a ? 4b ? 11 , then A. B. C. D. 5. ( x ? y ? 2)( x ? y ? 2) ( x ? y ? 2)( x ? y ? 2) ( x ? y ? 2)( x ? y ? 2) ( x ? y ? 2)( x ? y ? 2) If f ( x) ? x 2012 ? 2012 x ? 2012 , then 2 f (? 1) ? 3 = A. B. C. D. 4. ?1? . ?3? 3n ? 1 . 3n ? 2 . 35 n ? 2 . $ 5200 $ 5970 $ 6877 $ 7780 10. The scale of a map is 1: 250. If the area of a playground on the map is 20 cm2, what is the actual area of the playground? A. B. C. D. 11. 5000 cm2 125 m2 625 m2 5000 m2 A.B. C. D. Let an be the nth term of a sequence. If a1 ? ?2 , a2 ? 1 and a n ? 2 ? 4a n ? 1 ? a n for any positive integer n, then a5 = A. B. C. D. 14. The circumference of a circle is measured to be 10 cm, correct to the nearest 0. 5 cm. Which of the following is a possible area of the circle? 15. 86. 66. 46. 26. In the figure, CDE and BDF are straight lines. If DF = DE and AB // CE, find ?ABD. 12. It is given that s varies jointly as t2 and u. If t is increased by 15% and u is decreased by 20%, then s A. B. C. D. is decreased by 8 %. is decreased by 5. 8 %. is increased by 5. 8 %. is increased by 8 %. 13. If z ? y and y 2 ? 4. 2 cm2 8. 55 cm2 8. 14 cm2 7. 11 cm2 A. B. C. D. 76? 104? 116? 128? 16. In the figure, a = 1 , which of the x following is true? III. z2 ? y2 1 x? y 2 3xz is a non-zero constant. A. B. C. D. I and II only I and III only II and III only I, II and III I. II.  © Pearson Education Asia Limited NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 A. B. C. D. –3– 40?. 45?. 50?. 55?. 17. In the figure, ABCD is a rhombus and FBC is a triangle. If FA = 2 cm and BC = 3 cm, find ED. 19. In the figure, a circular cone is cut into two parts A and B by a plane parallel to the base. 4 that of the 9 original cone, find the ratio of the olumes of A and B. If the base area of A is A. B. C. D. A. B. C. D. 1 cm 1. 2 cm 1. 5 cm 1. 8 cm 18. The figure shows a right pyramid with a square base and a slant edge of length 17 cm. If the total length of the edges of the pyramid is 132 cm, find the total surface area of the pyramid. 2:3 8 : 19 8 : 27 19 : 27 20. Through which of the following transformations, would figure A be transformed to figure B? I. Translation II. Rotation III. Reflection A. B. C. D. A. B. C. D. 544 cm2 608 cm2 736 cm2 800 cm2 II III I and III only II and III only 21. If the point P(7, –1) is rotated clockwise about the origin through 90? o Q, what is the distance between P and Q? A. B. C. D.  © Pearson Education Asia Limited NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 –4– 5 units 72 units 10 units 128 units 22. If a > 0, b > 0 and c < 0, which of the following may represent the graph of the straight line ax ? by ? c ? 0 ? 23. In the figure, 2BC = 5AC. Find sin ? . A. 2 29 A. B. C. B. D. 24. 29 2 cos(180? ? ? ) 1 ? ? sin(180? ? ? ) tan(90? ? ? ) A. B. C. D. C. 2 5 5 2 tan 2 ? tan ? 1 †“1 25. In the figure, O is the centre of the circle ABCD. Find x. D. A. B. C. D. 36? 40? 42? 45? 26. What is the area of the circle x2 + y2 + 12x ? y + 9 = 0? A. B. C. D.  © Pearson Education Asia Limited NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 –5– 9? 43? 52? 61? 27. Two fair dice are thrown once. What is the probability of getting a sum of 4 or 6? A. B. C. D. 1 6 2 9 5 9 5 36 30. The pie chart below shows the distribution of the nationalities of 60 students randomly selected from an international school. It is given that 9 of them are American. 28. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of the heights (in cm) of 40 students in a class. Find the number of students whose heights are between 145 cm and 150 cm. A. B. C. D. 5 10 20 30If there are 840 students in the international school, estimate the number of Australian students in the school. A. 196 B. 208 C. 216 D. 224 Section B 31. 29. {a , a, a + d, a + 3d and a + 6d} is a grou p of numbers. Which of the following must be true? A. B. I. The mean of the group of numbers is a + 2d. II. The median of the group of numbers is a + d. III. The mode of the group of numbers is 2. A. B. C. D. C. D. I and II only I and III only II and III only I, II and III  © Pearson Education Asia Limited NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 1? –6– ab b ? ? 2 a ? b b? a 2 1 a2 a2 ? b2 b2 a2 ? b2 a 2 ? 2ab ? b 2 a2 ? b2 32. Which of the following best represent the graph of y ? 2 log 3 x ? x 2 x ? 1 34. Solve 16 ? 2 ? A. A. B. C. D. B. 15 ? 0. 2 5 2 5 or –3 2 5 log 8 log 5 ? log 2 log 4 35. If a and k are real numbers and a ? 11i ? (2 ? 3i )(3 ? ki) , then A. B. C. D. C. D. NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 ? ? 1 . ? 1. ? ? 1 . ? 1. 36. Find the maximum value of P = 1 – x – 4y subject to the following constraints. 1 ? x ? 3 2 ? y ? 4 ? ? ?2 y ? x ? 2 ? x ? 2 ? ?2 y ? 33. If ? and ? are the roots of the quadratic equation 4 x 2 ? 5 x ? 3 ? 0 , find the value 1 1 + . of 2? 2? 3 A. ? 5 2 B. ? 5 5 C. 8 5D. 6  © Pearson Education Asia Limited a ? 3, k a ? 3, k a ? 9, k a ? 9, k A. B. C. D. –7– 3 4 6 7 37. It is given that three positive numbers x, y and z are in geometric sequence. Which of the following must be true? I. x3, y3, z3 are in geometric sequence. II. 3x, 3y, 3z are in geometric sequence. III. log x2, log y2, log z2 are in arithmetic sequence. A. B. C. D. 40. The figure shows a circle with centre O. BC and BA are the tangents to the circle at C and D respectively. If ? BAC = 42? , find ? BOC. I and II only I and III only II and III only I, II and III 38. Find x in the figure, correct to the nearest integer. A. B.C. D. 66? 72? 84? 90? 41. The figure shows a triangular prism ABCDEF, where both ? ABF and ?DCE are right-angled isosceles A. B. C. D. 12 13 14 15 triangles. If AB = 10 and BC = 5, find the angle between the line AE and the plane ABCD, correct to the nearest degree. 39. Solve 1 + sin? cos ? = 3sin2? for 0? ? ? ? 360?. A. B. C. D. ? = 45? or 225? ? = 135? , 207? or 225? ? = 45? , 153? , 225? or 333? ? = 135? , 153? , 315? or 333?  © Pearson Education Asia Limited NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 A. B. C. D. –8– 14? 17? 22? 45? 42. The figure shows a circle which is symmetrical about the y-axis. A(4, –1) nd B are two end points of a diameter of the circle. If the equation of the tangent to the circle at B is 4 x ? 3 y ? 31 ? 0 , find the coordinates of the centre of the circle. A. B. C. D. 3 (0, ) 2 (0, 2) 5 (0, ) 2 1 ( ? , 2) 2 44. A box contains 50 bulbs and 8 of them are defective. Two bulbs are drawn at random from the box without replacement. Given that at least one bulb drawn is defective, find the probability that exactly one bulb drawn is defective. 4 A. 13 3 B. 5 4 C. 5 12 D. 13 45. In a Chinese test, the standard scores of the marks obtained by John and Mary are †“1. 05 and 0. 8 respectively. Which of the following are true? I.II. III. 43. There are 2 different English books and 4 different Chinese books on a table. If all the books are put onto a shelf and the two books at the two ends must be of different languages, in how many ways can the books be arranged? A. B. C. D. A. B. C. D. 32 40 192 384  © Pearson Education Asia Limited NSS MIA 2012 Mock Paper (Compulsory Part) – Paper 2 Mary performs better than John in the test. Compared with John, the mark obtained by Mary is closer to the mean mark of the test. The mark obtained by John is below the 16th percentile of the marks in the test. I and II only I and III only II and III only I, II and III End of test –9–

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Virginia During the Civil War

The Confederate States of America (CSA) was founded in February 1861. The actual Civil War began on April 12, 1861. Just five days later,  Virginia became the eighth state to secede from the Union.   The decision to secede was anything but unanimous and resulted in the formation of West Virginia on November 26, 1861. This new border state did not secede from the Union.  West Virginia is the sole state that was formed by seceding from a Confederate state. Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution provides that a new state cannot be formed within a state without that state’s consent. However, with Virginias secession this was not enforced. Virginia had the largest population in the South and its  storied history played an enormous role in the founding of the U.S. It was the  birthplace and home of Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  In May 1861, Richmond, Virginia became the capital city of the CSA because it had the natural resources that Confederate government so badly needed to effectively wage a war against the Union.  Although the city of Richmond is situated only a mere 100 miles from the U.S. capital in Washington, D.C., it  was a large industrial city. Richmond was also the home to Tredegar Iron Works, one of the largest foundries in U.S. prior to the onset of the Civil War.  During the war, Tredegar produced over 1000 canons for the Confederacy as well as armor plating for warships.  In addition to this, Richmond’s industry produced a number of different war materials such as ammunition, guns and swords as well as supplied uniforms, tents and leather goods to the Confederat e Army. Battles in Virginia The majority of the battles in the Civil War’s Eastern Theater took place in Virginia, mainly due to the need to protect Richmond from being captured by Union forces. These battles include the Battle of Bull Run, which is also known as the First Manassas. This  was the first major battle of the Civil War fought on July 21, 1861 and also a major Confederate victory. On August 28, 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run began. It lasted for three days with over a combined 100,000 soldiers on the battlefield.   This battle also ended with a Confederate victory. Hampton Roads, Virginia was also the site of the first naval battle between ironclad warships. The USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia fought to a draw in March 1862.  Other major land battles that occurred in Virginia include Shenandoah Valley, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. On April 3, 1865, the Confederate forces and government evacuated their capital at Richmond and troops were ordered to burn all of the industrial warehouses and businesses that would be of any value to Union forces. Tredegar Irons Works was one of a few businesses that survived the burning of Richmond, because its  owner had it protected through the use of armed guards.  The advancing Union Army began to quickly extinguish the fires, saving most of the residential areas from destruction. The business district didn’t fare as well with some estimating at least twenty-five percent of the businesses suffering a total loss.  Unlike General Sherman’s destruction of the South during his March to the Sea,  it was the Confederates themselves who destroyed the city of Richmond. On April 9, 1865, the Battle of Appomattox Court House proved to be the last significant battle of the Civil Was as well as the final battle for General Robert E. Lee. He would officially surrender there to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on  April 12, 1865.   The war in Virginia was finally over.