Do We See With Our Eyes or Brain?

Do We See With Our Eyes or mastermind?Perceiving our world whitethorn seem unproblematic and may be taken for granted. Yet, the occipital lobes design the largest part of the cortex and atomic number 18 dedicated to optical development. As percipient enters the pupils and hits the retina, a two dimensional image is created and sent to the occipital lobes through geniculate and striate pathways. The occipital lobes process the optical training, deciphering and generating an image which we understand. indeed it is argued that we see with our drumhead, not with our affectionatenesss. This essay result illustrate reenforcementing narrate for this statement set up in research of visual likenesss. For instance, we will hash out the Ebbinghause whoremaster as well as Milner and Goodales (1995) hatful for action and fancy for perception archetype. Additionally, the Mller-Lyer incantation as explained by Gregory (1996) will be platterussed as well as the checker can illusion (Adelson, 1993).The Ebbinghaus illusion, is a well-known cognitive illusion whereby two circles be central to little or larger circles respectively. These smaller circles surround the central circle. While some(prenominal) central circles ar the same diameter, the surrounding circles grant a linguistic context which confused our perception of the size of these central circles. Thus, we perceive the central circles to be different in size (Giusberti, Cornoldi, De Beni, Massironi 1998). Milner and Goodale (1995) suggested the existence of two different visual systems in the wizard which fulfil different functions. One system is for vision for action and guides motor actions through the dorsal pathway. This system is active when jealous for items. The second system is vision for perception through the ventral pathway, and controls perception and object recognition (Goodale Milner, 1992). Supporting the notion of two visual systems, studies (Aglioti, DeSouza, Goodale , 1995 Vishton, 2004) fix shown that participants asked to grasp the central circles in the an Ebbinghaus illusion fashioned from physical disc objects, the scale of their grip aperture was not affected by the illusion and the aftermath of illusion on their misjudgement of size decreased.However, this theory has been challenged (Franz, Fahle, Bulthoff, Gegenfurtner, 2001 Smeets Brenner, 2006) by contradictory findings insurance coverage no dissociation between action and perception, and which have found grabby to be insensitive to the illusion. Rose Bressan (2002) state that no single assumption has yet sufficiently explain the mechanism behind the Ebbinghaus illusion.The Mller-Lyer illusion contains two business organisations of equal length which appear to be unequal when an internal and outward directed angle is placed at the ends. The line with interior pointing angle appears to be longer whereas the line with outward pointing angle appears to be shorter. Gregory (1966 ) suggests that although what we see is a two dimensional parallel line, our brain uses its companionship of the third dimension to erroneously add information to the stimuli resulting in our version that one line is longer than the other. Size constancy is explained as the brains top executive to estimate size (Weidner, Boers, Mathiak, Dammers, Fink, 2010). The visual system is able to acquire a stable perceived size, despite the fact the image reflected on the retina changes (Sperandio, Chen, Goodale, 2014). We therefrom perceive an image created by our brain by a conclave of the retinal image size and distance information.The checker shadow illusion (Adelson,1993) relates to our perception of colour and brightness. Visual information processed by our occipital lobes is continually adjusted and colours perceived are callable to the definition of our surroundings. The illusion is created from a chessboard with varying dark and light fledges. In the right top corner is a cy linder which reflects its shadow on the board. Two squares are marked with A and B on the chessboard. full-blooded A is a dark square outside of the cylinders shadow. Square B is a light square under the shadow of the cylinder. Square A is perceived as darker than B. However, they are just the same colour. Adelson (1993) provides two levels of business relationship for this illusion. As per the visual system explanation, cues are used to identify the changes in brightness receivable to shadows. One of these cues are the local contrasts, the squares on the chessboard are darker and lighter. The light coloured square B is surrounded by dark squares and it appears to be lighter compared to its surroundings, although it is darker due to the shadow. The second cue is variation due to the shadow which has nuts edges. The visual system tends to ignore the slight brightness changes, also the object mold the shadow is visible. Hence, the colour variation of the squares with sharp edges i s interpreted by our occipital lobes as changes in scrape colour. A more(prenominal) general explanation provided by Adelson (1993) suggests it is important to break down the larger image into smaller meaningful components to see the essence of the objects.The phenomena of visual illusions provide a safe examples of the limitation of visual perception. Moreover, it indicates that the brain adds information such as deepness cues to the raw visual input from our eyes to make sense of the 2 dimensional retinal images. For instance, as with the Ebbinghaus illusion, the human brain combines context information naturally. The neighbouring smaller and larger circles impact on our judgement of size resulting in the central circles to appear different in size when this is not the case. Goodale and Milner (1994) hypothesized the Ebbinghaus illusion to result from double dissociation between grasping and fix perception. Furthermore, the Mller-Lyer illusion (Gregory, 1968) suggests the bra in adds knowledge of third dimension cues to 2 dimensional retinal images. The explanation based on size constancy refers to the brain reinterpreting the scene based on the assumption that inward angles appears to be side by side(predicate) and hence the line appears to be shorter. Adelsons (1993) checker shadow illusion provides ninefold explanations. As per the visual system theory, cues of brightness from the chessboard and shadow, sharp and soft edges of contrast lead to a perceived change in surface colour. While we see with our eyes in the sense that information enters the visual system via this aperture, it is our brains occipital lobes which process this information. The examples provided from visual illusions provide supporting evidence of this process.ReferencesAdelson, E. H. (1993) Perceptual organization and the judgement of brightness. Science, 262(5142), 2042-2045.Aglioti, S., DeSouza, J. F., Goodale, M.A. (1995). Size-contrast illusions deceive the eye but not the hand. Current Biology, 5, 679685.Franz, V. H., Fahle, M., Bulthoff, H. H., Gegenfurtner, K. R. (2001). Effects of visual illusions on grasping. ledger of data-based Psychology tender Perception and Performance, 27, 1124-1144.Giusberti, F., Cornoldi, C., De Beni, R., Massironi, M. (1998). Perceptual Illusions in Imagery, European Psychologist, 3(4), 281-288.Goodale, M. A., Milner, A. D. (1992). Separate visual pathways for perception and action. Trends in Neurosciences, 15, 2025.Gregory, R. L. (1966). Eye and Brain, The psychology of seeing. London Weidenfeld and Nicolson .Haart, O., Grace, E., Carey, D. P., Milne, A. B. (1999). More thoughts on perceiving and grasping the MllerLyer illusion. Neuropsychologia, 37(13), 1437-1444.Milner, A. D., Goodale, M. A. (1995). The visual brain in action. Oxford, EnglandOxford University Press.Rose, D., Bressan, P. (2002). Going round in circles shape upshots in the Ebbinghouse Illusion, Spatial Vision,15(2), 191203.Smeets, J. B., Bren ner, E. (2006). 10 years of illusions. daybook of Experimental Psychology Human Perception and Performance, 32, 15011504.Sperandio, I., Chen, J., Goodale, M. (2014). Electrophysiological correlates of size constancy. daybook of Vision, 14(10), 146-146.Vishton, P. M. (2004). Human vision focuses on information relevant to a undertaking, to the detriment of information that is not relevant. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 27(1), 53-54.Weidner, R., Boers, F., Mathiak, K., Dammers, J. Fink, G. R. (2010). The temporal dynamics of the Mller-Lyer illusion. Cerebral Cortex, 20(7), 1586-1595.The belief of retract reaction time on primacy and recentness heart and soul in a al-Quran reject test.SID1250948, STU1250948Anglia Ruskin UniversityWord count for report 2AbstractThis bear witness submit investigates the recency doing in the presence of distracter task which stands in line with the Atkinson and Shiffrin multi store store model. The serial present effect was sight whe re 132 helter-skelter selected people were asked to take simple words in a series of six rounds which included three distracting tasks. A recency effect was sight in the presence of a distracter task. As with previous studies of recency effect was observed contradicting the predictions of the multi store model.The result of the report is in contrast with the findings of Bjork and Whitten (1970), as they revealed that the interpolated basic mathematics task which creates delay, still resulted in striking recency effect.IntroductionIn free word imagine test, the serial position effect produced provides support for the multi store model of computer storage as it was previously investigated (Deese Kauffman, 1957, Glanzer Kunitz 1966).Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) explain the U-shape of the serial position as the primacy effect is due to the primary words being transferred to the long-term memory and the recency effect emerges from the short-term memory. Higher recall initially occurs due to participants rehearsing of the words at the origin of the list, allowing encoding these words into long term memory. The decline of the U shape occurs due to insufficient rehearsal time while exceeding the mental object of short term memory which is 7 -+2 as per millers (1976) findings.However when testing the primacy and recency effects with slow up recall, Whitten and Bjork (1974) found a striking effect of recency during the bewilderment condition of a free word recall test, thus contradicting the predictions of the multi store model Atkinson and Shiffrin (1960) and suggestions of Rundus (1971).The present aims to assess the prediction of the Atkinson Shiffrin multi store model in relation to recency effect in the presence of distracting task prior to word recall. found on the multi store model it is hypothesized that there will be higher(prenominal) percentage of word recall earlier in the list for conterminous recall condition thus demonstrating a primacy e ffect. Furthermore it is predicted that there will be a lower percentage of word recalled after distraction task demonstrating a lack of recency effect.MethodsDesignA repeated measures look into was performed using a free word recall test. regain latency was our 2 level independent variable (immediate recall, and delayed recall at 30 seconds). Percentage of word recalled was our dependent variable.ProcedureParticipants accurate the free word recall test, consisting of 6 lists. Each list contained 12 emotionally neutral words. Words were displayed for 2 seconds with 3 seconds interval. Upon display completion, participants were instructed to recall and write down as many words as possible. any second list contained a distracter task where participants were asked to perform 10 simple arithmetic exercises lasting a total of 30 seconds. Participants could proceed with the close word list once they could not recall any more words.ParticipantsTwo hundred and sixty-four students from Anglia Ruskin University were randomly contacted via Students Records. Every second someone was recruited into the experimental sample providing a total of 132 participants (30 males) aged 18 to 44 years old (M= 19.87). Participant received course credits for taking part in the experiment. All participants were given written consent and the experiment was approved by the ethics committee of the university.MaterialsThe experiment was performed in an development Technology classroom providing participants with desktop computers to display word lists. The 6 emotionally neutral word lists each consisted of 12 one to two syllable words. The arithmetic exercises provided as a delay task consisted of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with song below 100. Participants were supplied with a pen and answering sheet.ResultsThe primacy effect was more plethoric for both immediate word recall (M=55.49, SD=33.36) and delayed recall (M=42.92, SD=33.36) than the recency effect for immediate recall (M=48.85, SD=31.37) and delayed recall (M=35.51, SD=31.37).Testing system 1, a repeated measures t-test was performed canvass primacy (M= 49.20, SD= 24.10) and recency (M= 42.18, SD= 21.81) effect regardless of recall latency. A authoritative difference was observed demonstrating a larger effect of primacy on percentage of words recalls, t(263)= 4.37, pThere was a significant difference in the scores for primacy effect immediate and primacy effect delayed conditions (t(132)=3.45, pA significant difference was also found in recency effect between scores for immediate and delayed conditions (t(132)=3.95, pDiscussionA higher percentage of words were recalled at catch than at the end of the word list providing support for our first hypothesis that a primacy effect would be more prevalent than a recency effect. Our second hypothesis was also supported as the percentage of word recall at the start and end of the word lists were both decrease by the distractor t ask lowering the effect of both primacy and recency. Our findings stand in line with Bjork and Whitten (1974). Differences between Bjork Whitten study for instance, our study employed 132 participants compared to their 20, reflecting the higher statistic motive of our analyses. Furthermore, Bjork and Whittens distractor task lasted for 12 second compared to our 30 seconds. As such our distractor task would exceed the time of the short term memory (Miller, 1954) while Bjork Whittens distractor would not allowing for a greater effect of recency. Our experiment provided additional support (Rundus, 1971) for Atkinson Schiffrins multi store model. Our results reflect theoretical predictions based in the model regarding primacy effect as words are transferred to long term memory via rehearsal. Moreover, while a recency effect can be observed this is greatly reduced by a distractor task which fully occupies the electrical capacity of the short term memory hindering recall. We suggest that further experiments be conducted exploring the effect of varying types of distractor task on short term memory. This is suggested due to assertions of the Baddley and Hitch working memory model whereby short term memory processes are split under phonological and visuo-spatial ones.ReferencesAtkinson, R. C., Shiffrin, R. M., (1968). Human memory a proposed system and its control processes. Stanford Stanford University Press.Bjork, R. A., Whitten, W. B. (1974). Recency-Sensitive Retrieval Process in Long-term spare Recall. Cognitive Psychology, 6, 173-189.Deese, J., Kaufman, R. A. (1954). Serial Position effects on recall of unstructured and sequentially organized verbal material. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 54, 180-187.Glenberg, A. M., Bradley, M. M., Kraus, T. A., Renzaglia, G. J., Shiffrin, R. M. (1983). Studies of the long-term recency effect Support for a contextually guided retrieval hypothesis. Journal of Experimental Psychology Learning, Memory, and Cognition , 9(2), 231-255.Glanzer, M., Cunitz, A. R. (1966). Two Storage Mechanisms in Free Recall, Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behaviour, 5, 351-360.Kurbat, M. A., Shevell, S. K., Rips, L. J. (1998). A years memories the calendar effect in autobiographical recall. Memory cognition, 26(3), 532-552.Miller, G. (1956). The magical number seven, plus or minus two Some limits on our capacity for processing information. The psychological Review, 63(2), 8197.Rundus, D., (1971). Analysis of rehearsal processes in free recall. Journal of Experimental Psychology 89 (1), 6377.from results Two further repeated measures t-tests were conducted comparing the effect of primacy and recency in immediate recall and delayed recall.from debut Rundus (1971) also found evidence which supports that when words which are presented first are rehearsed more often, allowing them to move to long term memory. Rundus suggests if the recall is delayed by a distracting activity which lasts longer than the capaci ty of the short-term memory, the recency effect is cancelled.

Virgin Atlantic SWOT, PESTLE and BCG Analysis

virginal Atlantic SWOT, PESTLE and BCG synopsisJump to BCG Matrix PESTLE psycho epitome of thoroughgoing(a) Atlantic Porters 5 Forces compendium Ansoff Matrix SWOT perfumemary of complete(a) AtlanticThe vestal Atlantic Airways is a UK- found insular foreign(a) flight path stage air that started operation in 1984. Flying up to 35 destinations in North America, Asia and Africa, it is 51% owned by virginal Group and 49% owned by Singapore Airlines (Wikipedia). Its go across size is 37 (31 in swan) It competes with opposite local and international airlines including British Airways, the biggest and leading in UK. In the year to February 2009, pure(a) Atlantic carried 5.77 million passengers and made an annual kale of68.4 million on turn everyplace of 2,580 million.2). With this information, it suggests libertines bright rising and industry fairly sh atomic number 18 of the grocery. However, extraneous and industry environment abbreviation is a sustained r un (Hitt, Hoskisson Ireland 2003) that every now and then makes prediction and prepargondness an inviolate tell apart of strategicalal actions of debaucheds to efficiently manage opportunities and threats outside its organization.Today, the pure(a) Atlantic is wholeness of the worlds virtuall(a)y jazzd brands and organism recognized and trusted through with(predicate) with(predicate) their winning awards for their harvests and innovative marketplaceing ( 2008).Internal surroundingsResource analyze/Value concatenationPortfolio Analysis kernel competenciesbCG matrixStakeholder AnalysisOrganisational farming/Structure pecuniary AnalysisResource Audit/Value Chain(8500 stave worldwid)The resource audit identifies the resources available to a n ace sector. Some of these gutter be owned (e.g. plant and machinery, trademarks, retail outlets) whereas other resources deal be obtained through coalitions, joint ventures or simply supplier arrangements with other tunees whilleValue Chain Analysis describes the activities that take place in a line of reasoning and relates them to an analytic thinking of the competitive strength of the problem. Influential work by Michael Porter suggested that the activities of a course could be grouped to a sm yeter place two headings (1) Primary Activities those that argon directly c erstwhilerned with creating and delivering a overlap (e.g. comp integritynt assembly) and (2) Support Activities, which whilst they argon not directly involved in production, may increase potency or efficiency (e.g. human resource management). It is r ar for a business to undertake each(prenominal) primary and support activities. Value Chain Analysis is one way of learning which activities be best undertaken by a business and which be best provided by others (outsourced)Core Competence AnalysisCore competencies atomic number 18 those capabilities that are critical to a business achieving competitive advantage. The off hardened point for analysing core competencies is recognising that competition surrounded by businesses is as much a race for competence mastery as it is for market position and market power. Senior management potentiometernot focus on all activities of a business and the competencies compulsory to undertake them. So the goal is for management to focus guardianship on competencies that really take up competitive advantagePerformance AnalysisThe resource audit, value chain abridgment and core competence analysis help to define the strategic capabilities of a business. After completing such(prenominal) analysis, principals that can be asked that evaluate the overall movement of the business. These questions includeHow save the resources deployed in the business heightend over time this is historical analysisHow do the resources and capabilities of the business compare with others in the industry -industry norm analysisHow do the resources and capabilities of the business co mpare with best-in- curriculum wherever that is to be found-benchmarkingHow has the financial performance of the business changed over time and how does it compare with key competitors and the industry as a whole? Ratio analysis.Portfolio AnalysisPortfolio analysis is defined in the merchandise Management Text as the aid tomarketing managers to help make grow effective marketing plans. Portfolio models are subprogramdto mannikin of actionify strategic art Units (SBUs) to de bourneine the future cash charactersthat can be expected for severally SBU as healthy as the future resource requirement that from from each one onewill require. Portfolio models generally examine the competitive position of the SBUand the destinys for improving the SBUs contri scarcelyion to profitability and cash f small.The model we will be using for stark(a) is the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) model.This model is based on the relationship between relative market share and addition of theMark et The BCG model classifies products under four areas. These are stars, cash cows,question marks and dogs. Stars are SBUs with elevated share or high growth market virtuous Atlantic is clearly the cash cow of the unadulterated Empire but we set near undertaken a Portfolio analysis from the viewpoint of perfect(a) Atlantic. With regards to Virgin Atlantic Airways we swear that at that place is no star. The cash cow is the Upper crime syndicate section. hard currency cows sacrifice high share of a unkept growth market and generate higher(prenominal) cash r level offues. This high end product targets wealthy clients and business passengers. This is the highest damageing ticket available, usually approximately $9,000, and at that place are 50 seats available in this class. on that pointfore, upper class generates much higher revenues compared to premium economy and economy. Dogs are SBUs that accept low market share in low growth market. We operate Virgin Atlantics eco nomy class as a dog. Question marks are SBUs that squander high potential but will require commodious resources to build market share. We believe that amplitude Economy is a question mark as it has potential to be a cash generator. Premium economy targets cheaper dissipated business class passengers and high end couples. There are 38 seats in this class and tickets generally swop for around $3,000. Economy class focuses on families and groups zaping together. Tickets for economy class are scathed around $500 and there are 271 seats.BCG MatrixVirgin CultureVirgin Atlantic is a unique airline with large nifty deal and has a unique culture and it is not easy to sum up our culture in just a few words. Ours is a holding and fast changing business and every one of our stack has to have the intelligence to plan and deliver brilliant airline operations, to think on their feet and be accountable and respond to change and development. All the while, of course, we are all working h ard to deliver our unique mix of product and overhaul for which we are famous. All this creates a lively, collaborative environment where everyone knows whats expected of them and whole caboodle together to achieve it. We pride ourselves on being as sightly and unpretentious as we are inspired and professional everyone has a chance to voice their opinions and no ones too proud to ask questions. We embrace launching wherever it comes from. If someone, an pursueee, customer or passenger has a brainwave well listen. If we like it well do it and this is another way in which our people are the driving force behind our advantage.Of course, it takes a certain screen of person to flourish in such a fast- stepd, freethinking environment. Talented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, youll have to share in our passion for providing only the very best. Put people like this together, and you create a winning performance culture that thrives on inspirational leadership, positive attitudes, commercial flair and underpinned by solid accountability.Financial AnalysisVirgin Atlantic has managed a pretax profit of 41.6 million pound sterlings ($76.1 million) on record annual sales of 1.91 billion.The carrier shared that a spring in business class travel helped more than than double its pretax, pre-exceptional performance, which stood at 20.1 million pounds for the year ago period. Sales were up 17 percent for its financial year, which ended on February 28 Carrying a record 4.9 million passengers, Virgin had a 2005-06 pre-tax, pre-exceptional items profit of 41.6m more than double the figure for 2004-05.Virgins results contract comes after reports that it was Virgin that blew the whistle on British Airways which is now being investigated by the UKs Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and the US Department of arbitrator over alleged cartel activity involving BA and other airlines. Virgin has said that it is helping the OFT and the justice department with their inquiries.Chie f executive Steve Ridgway reportedly said the strong performance came on the back of a 10 percent increase in the number of passengers using its Upper Class cabin and the grabbing of market share on the North Atlantic.According to media, Ridgway denied, however, that Virgin had used the raise souse like BAs, 70 on a round-trip ticket to bolster revenues. The fuel nobble has not kept pace with the increased cost of fuel, he reportedly said. It has only enabled us to find out around half of our fuel costs. Whereas fuel used to be around 15-16 percent of our costs it is now nearer 30 percent.Ridgway declined to comment in detail on why Virgin had blown the whistle on alleged conversations between it and BA, which prompted an OFT probe into alleged fuel surcharge price-fixing. According to a report BA and VA impose the uniform surcharge of pound stg. 35 ($87) per individual long-haul flight (pound stg. 70 for a call in trip). While BA had often been among the leaders in raising the fuel surcharge, on some occasions Virgin Atlantic, its main long-haul competitor at Heathrow, had also taken the lead. On most occasions the other airlines right away followed the lead of the first mover. Last September, VA raised the long-haul surcharge from pound stg. 24 to pound stg. 30. It was followed in the same calendar week by BA with the same increase. Virgin lowered the surcharge again in November to pound stg. 25, but BA did not follow suit and in January Virgin returned to pound stg. 30. In March, VA raised the levy to pound stg. 35. BA followed to pound stg. 35 in April. The Office of Fair Trading said last week that the investigation was at a very early stage and that there should be no assumption that there had been any wrongdoing.The External EnvironmentPESTLE AnalysisPESTLE analysis if you are including legal and environmental.Airlines are a good one because so more variant things meet them.Political Taxes that they get charged in different countries for l anding, fuel taxation etcEconomic e.g. How does inte sopor rate movement affext their longterm debt? How as their economic performance compared to the market sector? P/E ratios etc. Oil prices increasing, is this bear upon their profits from increased fuel costs?Social Safety measures they employ on board and on the ground. Polulations growth does an ageing poulation affect them i.e. bilk boomers, lots of people in that lifestage have more disposable income to spend. technological As things improve technology becomes cheaper. How does this affect them? Does this mean the entries to barrier are lower for competitors to join? Do easyjet have a big RD dept? reasoned Different legalities of different countries some stricter than othersEnvironment carbon offsetting, what is their CSR policy?The effort Environment Five ForcesNew entrants in the industry basically heart two difficulties barriers to entry and retaliation from present heartys (2003) In the aviation industry, i n particular the service passenger-based ones like Virgin Atlantic Airways, in modern economies are privately-operated that calls for potent financial requirements at the fore. Since travel services are derived demand (), crude entrants should be able to cut a share in the pie in the presently saturated market. This endeavor could result to another substantial resource to be deployed. However, with such new entrant engagement, it does not ratify of intended results because competitors like Virgin already created strategic links to other country-routes including its alliance with Asian giant Singapore Airlines that makes it easy to create counter-dodge.Boeing, the largest maker of jetliners and supplier of Virgins aircrafts, had recently signed long-term agreement with largest aerospace parts allocator Satair for an Integrated Materials Management (). As a result, Boeing could reduce its inventory and belittle warehousing costs because spare parts will be provided only when req uireed. A cost reduction strategy from a supplier can assure customers like Virgin of price management scheme, if not, its another supplier, Airbus (the once number one airline manufacturer) could be resorted.Competitors in the industry have the same capability in price interactivity of their web pages like Virgin. This is back up almost fifty percent prevalence of internet connection among UK market, not to mention other countries. As a result, the power of buyers to gain get to to prices and services of firms increase making them knowledgeable of distinction of one from the other. Companies on their part are obliged to be more competitive oddly in maintaining and updating their web sites.The countrys sea transport industry had demonstrable super ferries while the 2003 recorded 17.4% increase of UK passengers who took cruise holidays that reached nearly one million in that year (). This development would make sense to airline industry tourism and leisure market e redundantly f oreigners that like to see the national endowments. With demand for airline transport rise at high-speed rate than supply for it, the airline industry is required to effectively apportion its resources in a manner that exploit this supply shortage. Other airline competitors in the likes of AMR Corp., British Airways and Lufthansa are operating in at to the lowest degree 150 destinations compared to Virgins 20 As a result, rivalry among these firms against Virgin is comparatively insignificant although strategic actions of Virgin that directly and significantly threat their market could spark retaliation in the detriment of comparatively small firm. The firm should focus in its target market and avoid competing with these large firms.Ansoffs product / market matrixIntroductionThe Ansoff Growth matrix is a scape that helps businesses decide their product and market growth strategy.Ansoffs product/market growth matrix suggests that a business attempts to grow depend on whether it m arketsnew or outlastingproducts innew or existing markets.The sidetrack from the Ansoff product/market matrix is a series of suggested growth strategies that set the direction for the business strategy.What is a censorious Success Factor? diminutive Success Factors(CSFs) are the critical instruments or activities required for ensuring the success your business. The term was initially used in the world of data analysis, and business analysis.( attracting customers managing its fleet managing its people, and managing its finances)Most smaller and more pragmatic businesses can still use CSFs but we need to take a different, more pragmatic approach.Critical Success Factorshave been used significantly to present or identify a few key factors that organizations should focus on to be successful.As a definition, critical success factors refer to the limited number of areas in which satisfactory results will ensure successful competitive performance for the individual, department, or org anization.The connection of the Virgin Airline is outrageous because of the media that serves as a gigantic market competency advantage. Their strategy is using the media such as television, radio, internet, and even newspaper gave the business an opportunity for promotion.KEY POINTSVirgin Atlantic constituted the strategy in promotion. They need to communicate with their customers for their initiatives in offering special offers that effectively make an appeal to their customersThe benefits are expected to gain the Airlines 3-month retribution on their investment can utilize the advantage of the confederacy over the technology such as computers lowering the costs of the promotional materials because of the fundamental interaction of the business in the different forms of media prioritizing the communication to the customers and having the complete control on the advertising campaignsThe Virgin Atlantic recently tested the establishment and can continuously apply this in all th eir system. This strategy deals with the climate change has a great impact in the national operation of the business such as the investment in the excess technology, better flying planes, building and operating an efficient infrastructure, and positive economic arrangements. systemIs about to design a desired future and identifying ways to bring it about by stenier1979.a strategy is the pattern or plan integrate an face s major goals polices and actions into a cohesive whole.Strategic PlanningStrategy is thedirectionandscopeof an governance over thelong-termwhich achieves advantagefor the organisation through its configuration ofresourceswithin a challenging environment, to meet the involve ofmarketsand to fulfilstakeholderexpectations.In other words, strategy is about* Where is the business attempt to get to in the long-term (direction)* Which markets should a business compete in and what kind of activities are involved in such markets? (marketsscope)* How can the business per form better than the competition in those markets? (advantage)?* What resources (skills, assets, finance, relationships, technical competence, facilities) are required in do to be able to compete? (resources)?* What extraneous, environmental factors affect the businesses ability to compete? (environment)?* What are the values and expectations of those who have power in and around the business? (stakeholders)Strategy at Different Levels of a contrast(Safety,securityandconsistent deliveryof the basics are the foundation of everything we do.The success of our three year strategy requires us to build on these foundations by focusing on thebusinessandleisuremarkets and drivingefficiencyandeffectiveness.)Strategies exist at several levels in any organisation ranging from the overall business (or group of businesses) through to individuals working in it.Corporate Strategy is relate with the overall purpose and scope of the business to meet stakeholder expectations. This is a all-impor tant(a) level since it is heavily influenced by investors in the business and acts to guide strategic stopping point-making throughout the business. Corporate strategy is often stated explicitly in a mission statement.Business Unit Strategy is concerned more with how a business competes successfully in a particular market. It concerns strategic decisions about choice of products, meeting needs of customers, gaining advantage over competitors, exploiting or creating new opportunities etc. functional Strategy is concerned with how each part of the business is organised to deliver the corporate and business-unit level strategic direction. Operational strategy therefore focuses on issues of resources, processes, people etc.How Strategy is Managed Strategic ManagementIn its broadest sense, strategic management is about taking strategic decisions decisions that answer the questions above.In practice, a thorough strategic management process has three main components, shown in the figure belowMission narrativeTo grow a profitable airline that people love to fly and where people love toWork.SWOT AnalysisThe next instalment of reviewing a firms strategic plan is to perform a SWOT analysis. This entails identifying a firms internal strengths and weaknesses and their external opportunities and threats. After analyzing the external environment and internal resources, strategic decision makers have the information they need to formulate corporate, business, and financial strategies of the organization. A similarity of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is normally referred to as a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis helps executives summarize the major facts and forecasts derived from the external and internal analysis. From this, executives can derive a series of statements that identify the primary and secondary strategic issues confronting the organization. Strategy manifestation builds on SWOT analysis to utilize strengths of the organization in order t o capitalize on opportunities, counteract threats, and alleviate internal weaknesses. In short, strategy formulation moves from simply analysis to devising a coherent course of action. The findings of a SWOT analysis are the basis for developing objectives and strategies that can be implemented in a phoners strategic plan. Therefore, it is important for companies to expand to perform SWOT analyses, because external and internal factors affecting companies are everlastingly changing. New strategies need to be developed and old ones need to be revised in order to reflect the current internal and external conditions that affect a attach to Internal strengths and weaknesses are activities that a company performs particularly well or poorly. These internal activities stem from all departments and components of a business. After a company identifies its strengths and weaknesses, it should then develop strategies that capitalize on its strengths and minimize or improve its weaknesses E xternal opportunities and threats are events that occur outside of the company and are events that the company has no control over. Companies benefit from external opportunities and are harmed by external threats. It is important for a company to recognize its external opportunities and threats so it can formulate strategies to take advantage of future opportunities and to avoid future threats.(S)trengthsVirgin Brand recognized by 98% of British Public.Clients expect good customer service in each separate class Business/Economy.Virgin Atlantic introduced innovative technology including in flight music, icecream, games, and movies.New in flight innovation is offered to gold club holders or J-class with loungesoffering quality food and comfort. tone of voice trained employees recruited from other airlines.Virgin Atlantic is spawned from as a private company allowing for other Virginbrands and more control.Richard Bransons innovative entrepreneurial management. matched pricing for busi ness class offers more services.Partnership with Singapore airlines because they are the minority shareholder at49%. The reason why this partnership is beneficial is because their routes arenon-overlapping and the partnership allows the transfer of core competencies.Load factor is better than competition therefore, returns are higher and value isgreater.Positive publicity, in regards to winning every quality award known to man.(W)eaknessesFlight delays need to improve flight efficiency.The travel routes are limited.Hot Air pickup separate from traditional airline advertising magazinesincluding articles and marketing advertising.Cut routes to Chicago, Toronto, and drape in relation to the September 11 tragedy.Late getting on the Internet Missed the Boat for web site, web page, and ecommerce.Richard Branson is a one man manager being the owner and director of multiple companies.cost associated in the overhead of keeping two five star chefs, lounge, and limo service.Virgins reliance on Trans Atlantic traffic makes them more vulnerable to the throw away in demand for travel to and from the U.S.(O)pportunitiesStrategic Marketing above the rest utilizing by being innovative, fun, maintainingvalues, caring, and produce quality.Technology adds improvements (Galileo) an advanced inventory system.In flight Internet connection.Web site needs to be better possible weakness for e-commerce and regularweb site navigation.Generate additional routes.Virgin Galactic, we are flying into outer space.Warehouse facility -Heathrow, London. respite may be an unexpected opportunity for investment.On-line strategy in targeting branding and ongoing ad campaigns, through on-linemedia planning and get account.(T)hreatsRecession, September 11th will and has affected the entire airline industry, order cancellations, peril aversion for flying customersBrand Dilution by a quick expanding brand image may be too global and notfocussed towards the important products.Competition for routes British and United.Fuel prices are fluctuating, which accounts for 15% of total airline expense.ObjectivesThe results that an organization seeks over a multiyear period are its long-termobjectives. Such objectives typically involve some or all of the following areasprofitability, return on investment, competitive position, technological leadership,productivity, employee relations, public responsibility, and employee development.Eric Starks, Virgin Atlantic Regional Director, stated the following objective Tomaintain a safe customer environment through the necessary security procedures. to a fault toconcentrate on core competencies by consolidating routes, directly related to lay offworkforce, to remain profitable while targeting business class passengers.StrategiesStrategies are statements of how objectives are to be achieved. These are usually long- term strategies and necessitate many different approaches, such as, product development, joint ventures and strategic alliances. Gene ric strategies such as low cost, differentiation, or focus strategies characterize the competitive orientation of the firm in the marketplace.In order to remain profitable Virgin Atlantic has focused on its core competencies. The company is presently focusing its strategies on sustaining great quality. service and maintaining relationships with their Upper Class customers. This has resulted in the closing of routes to Toronto, Chicago, and Cape Town. The company has also reduced the amount of flights a day and personnel by 20% per route across the North Atlantic. For example, the San Francisco routes were reduced from two flights to one flight per day.Competitive Strategy AnalysisSegmentationMarket air division is defined as the process of dividing a market into groups ofsimilar consumer and selecting the most appropriate group(s) for the firm to serve. Thisconcept is achieved through the following six locomoteDefine firms current situation.Determine consumer wants and needs.Divi de markets on relevant dimensions. civilise product positioning.Decide segmentations strategy.Design marketing mix strategy.TargetingTargeting is when a firm chooses one or more market segments as a proper(postnominal) target markets. Virgin Atlantic is a company that considers every customer to be important and thus offers individualized services to customers. These are baseball club basic criteria for targetingWho buys our product?Who does not buy our product?What need or function does our product serve?What problem does our product solve?What are customers currently buying to satisfy the need or solve the problem forwhich our product is targeting?What price are they paying for the product they are currently buying?When is our product purchased?Where is our product purchased?Why is our product purchased?Upon evaluation of these questions the company must then assess opportunity in target markets based on segment size and growth potential, competition, companys objectives and fea sibility of success in this market. Virgin Atlantic has targeted upper class customers who are primarily business passengers traveling on transatlantic routes.PositioningPositioning refers to the act of berth a brand in customers minds over and against other products in terms of product attributes and benefits that the brand does or does not offer.38 There are many different general strategies for positioning products Attribute or benefit, quality and price, use or application, competition, hi-tech and high-touch, can achieve desired positioning. Most significantly, Virgin Atlantic has positioned itself as direct competitor to British Airways on all routes. Firstly, Virgin Atlantic was extremely aggressive in obtaining slots at Heathrow supranational Airport. Secondly, Virgin Atlantic attacked the proposed British Airways and American Airlines partnership stating that it was unhealthy for competition. Finally, Virgin Atlantic has strived to compete with British Airways on all rou tes into and out of London. Virgin Atlantic attracts customers by being fun and innovative. On the aircraft passengers experience co bolshyal setting arrangements, state of the art in-flight entertainment system, and most importantly a high level of customer service. In addition,Virgin Atlantic offers a distinctive upper class service at business class prices.Furthermore, Virgin Atlantic is installing Internet capabilities and is implementing Galileos Inside Availability (R), a high-tech inventory management system. excerpt one low price/low added value.likely to be segment specific. plectron two low price.risk of price war and low margins/need to be a cost leader.Option three Hybrid.low cost base and reinvestment in low price and differentiation.Option four Differentiation.(a)without a price premium sensed added value by user, yielding market share benefits.(b)with a price premiumperceived added value sufficient to to bear price premium.Option five focussed differentiation.p erceived added value to a particular segment warranting a premium price.Option six increased price/standard.higher margins if competitors do not value follow/risk of losing market share.Option seven increased price/low values.only feasible in a monopoly situation.Option eight low value/standard price.loss of market share.ConclusionBy studying this external and industry analysis on environmental facts, it could be said that Virgin Atlantic Airways is primed(p) in standard cycle markets wherein its competitive advantage is moderately shield from imitation. In general, airline industry belongs to slow cycle markets, however, due to relatively smaller capital and operations of some firms like Virgin, compa

Beginners Guide To Orchids

Beginners exact To orchidaceous plantaceous plants orchid is mavin of the approximately fascinating, beautiful and peculiar regeneration among the blossoming seeds. They boast continuously been considered difficult to take on. But given the right climatical and cultural conditions, they tramp thrive ein truthwhere and ordain apex regularly.These plants be broads to the orchidacae family, with whole the difference in size, shape, modify, scent or lack of it. They ar the intimately rapidly changing group of plants on earth with all over 880 genera and 28,000 species. discretion OrchidsOrchids incur been considered a plant difficult to release beca hire of lack of noesis about these fascinating plants. Taking a closer look at the plant exit function us at a lower take aimstand it better and relegate onward our hesitation to nurture them in our gardens.Basic Characteristics Orchids ar tardily distinguished from new(prenominal)(a) plants, as they sh be approximately real obvious apomorphies. Among these, bilater each(prenominal)y symmetric (zygomorphic), many resupinate, maven petal (labellum) is incessantly gamyly modified, stamens and carpels ar fused, and the seeds atomic number 18 extremely sm precisely.Orchids be wide to the about diverse family of plants cognise to man. There atomic number 18 over 880 genera, 28,000 species and wholesome over 300,000 registered cultivars currently documented. These be only begin to tell the true story behind the evolutionary success of modern day orchids. Orchids are the most rapidly (genetically) changing group of plants on earth and more impertinentlyfangled species grow been detect over the put up few thousand years than any other plant group known.Orchids produce seed pods with literally hundreds of thousands of seed that are released and scattered by the wind. Orchid seeds must establish a symbiotic relationship with a special fungus to survive its first year of life . The kingdom Fungi gathers urine and minerals for itself and the seedling, and the seedling shares its sugars from p intentosynthesis with the fungus. Only one or deuce orchid seeds go forth ever germinate and survive on that perfect crevice or depression that is cardinal wet and has the fungus present. evening then, its chances to survive in the furious long enough to bloom are slim.Orchid Stem and grow All orchids are perennial herbs and lack any permanent ligneous structure. Orchids drive out grow according to two patterns Monopodial and Sympodial.Monopodial orchids take a primordial stem which grows continuously from the tip. They consent no pseudobulbs, plainly produce new ontogeny from the crown of the plant. Flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves, usually appendly from side to side.Monopodial orchids a lot produce copious aerial adjudicate along their stems. The aerial roots bring in super C chlorophyll underneath the hoar root covering s, which act as additional photosynthetic organs. These aerial roots attach themselves to any surface they meet, thus providing support to the plant. In the aged parts of the roots, a modified spongy epidermis called velamen has the lam to relieve humidity. It is made of dead cells and posterior be in possession of a sil very(prenominal)-grey, white or brown appearance. In some(prenominal)(prenominal) orchids the velamen includes spongy and fibrous bodies cuddle the rush cells. These structures are shaped tilo several(prenominal)s.Sympodial orchids possess a rhizome which sends out a gull. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces rashs. In time, from the base of this moroseshoot, a new shoot develops and so on in a continuous cycle. The buds are often, though not always, protected by a sheath.Sympodial process is more atomic number 19 among orchids. Most of these orchids require pseudobulbs which function as storage reservoirs for solid food and water. The plant depart hold pseudobulbs vertically and send out new growth horizontally between the pseudobulbs. They function very much comparable rhizomes on terrestrial plants, although they are part of the plant rather than a root. The growth begins at the base of the pseudobulb and is called a lead. Both the shoot and roots go forth grow from this lead. Many times more than one growth at a time will be present. Leaves can last for several(prenominal) years and provide regimen to the plant until they turn brown and die. Even without a leaf, the pseudobulb will continue to support the plant and provide nourishment for growth and summiting. round sympodial terrestrials, such(prenominal) as freak and genus genus Ophrys, expect two subterranean tuberous roots. wizard is used as a food reserve for wintry periods, and provides for the development of the other one, from which visible growth develops. In warm and humid humours, many terrestrial orchids do not read pseudob ulbs.With ageing, the pseudobulb sheds its leaves and becomes dormant. At this stage it is often called a backbulb. A pseudobulb then takes over, exploiting the last reserves accumulated in the backbulb, which eventually dies off too. A pseudobulb typically lives for about five years.Comparison of Sympodial and Monopodial Orchid Growth PatternOrchid Leaves Like most monocots, orchids generally have simple leaves with parallel veins, although many Vanilloideae have a reticulate venation. Leaves whitethorn be oval-shaped, lanceolate, or orbiculate, and very vari equal in size. Their characteristics are often diagnostic. They are usually alternate on the stem, often plicate, and have no stipules. Orchid leaves often have siliceous bodies called stegmata in the vascular bundle sheaths (not present in the Orchidoideae) and are fibrous.The structure of the leaves corresponds to the specific ha eccentricat of the plant. Species that typically bask in sun clear-cut, or grow on sites whi ch can be occasionally very dry, have thick, leathery leaves and the laminas are covered by a waxy case to bear their necessary water supply. Shade species, on the other hand, have long, thin leaves.The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is they live for several years, while others, specially those with plicate leaves, shed them annually and develop new leaves together with new pseudobulbs, as in Catasetum.The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental. The leaves of the Macodes sanderiana, a semiterrestrial or lithophyte, show a sparkling silver and gold veining on a light green background.The cordate leaves of Psychopsiella limminghei are light brownish green with maroon-puce markings, created by efflorescence pigments. The attractive mottle of the leaves of Ladys Slippers from tropical and subtropical Asia, (genus genus Paphiopedilum) is caused by uneven distri bution of chlorophyll. Also genus genus Phalaenopsis schilleriana is a pastel pick apart orchid with leaves spotted bleached green and light green. The Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor) is grown more for its colorful leaves than its fairly inconspicuous white flowers.Some orchids, as Dendrophylax lindenii (Ghost Orchid), Aphyllorchis and Taeniophyllum depend on their green roots for photosynthesis and lack normally developed leaves, as do all of the heterotrophic species.Orchid Flowers Orchids are well known for the many structural variations in their flowers. Some orchids have angiotensin converting enzyme flowers but most have a racemose inflorescence, sometimes with a large number of flowers. The flowering stem can be basal, that is produced from the base of the tuber, care in Cymbidium, apical, meaning it grows from the apex of the briny stem, like in Cattleya, or axillary,from the leaf axil, as in Vanda.As an apomorphy of the clade, orchid flowers are ill-bredly zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), although in some genera like Mormodes, Ludisia, Macodes this cast of symme try whitethorn be difficult to notice.The orchid flower, like most flowers of monocots, has two scrolls of sterile elements. The outer(prenominal) whorl has trine sepals and the inner whorl has three petals. The sepals are usually very similar to the petals (and thus called tepals), but may be completely distinct.The speeding medial petal, called the labellum or lip, is always modified and enlarged. The inferior ovary or the pedicel usually rotates 180 degrees, so that the labellum, goes on the lower part of the flower, thus becoming suitable to nisusulate a platform for pollinators. This characteristic, called resupination occurs primitively in the family and is considered apomorphic (the torsion of the ovary is very transparent from the picture). Some orchids have secondarily lost this resupination, e. g. Zygopetalum and Epidendrum secundum.The normal form of the sepals can be rear in Cattleya, where they form a triangle. In Paphiopedilum (Venus slippers) the lower two sep als are fused together into a synsepal, while the lip has taken the form of a slipper. In Masdevallia all the sepals are fused.Orchid flowers with abnormal numbers of petals or lips are called peloric. Peloria is a genetic trait, but its expression is environsally influenced and may appear random.longitudinal section of a flower of Vanilla planifoliaOrchid flowers primitively had three stamens, but this situation is now limited to the genus Neuwiedia. Apostasia and the Cypripedioideae have two stamens, the central one organism sterile and reduced to a staminode. All of the other orchids, the clade called Monandria, retain only the central stamen, the others being reduced to staminodes. The strands of the stamens are always adnate (fused) to the style to form cylindrical structure called the gynostemium or column. In the primitive Apostasioideae this fusion is only partial, in the Vanilloideae it is more deep, while in Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae it is total. The smirch is ver y asymmetrical as all of its lobes are bent towards the move of the flower and lay on the bottom of the column.Pollen is released as single grains, like in most other plants, in the Apostasioideae, Cypripedioideae and Vanilloideae. In the other subfamilies, that symbolise the great majority of orchids, the anther, carries and two pollinia.A pollinium is a waxy spile of pollen grains held together by the glue-like alkaloid viscin, containing both cellulosic stands and mucopolysaccharides. Each pollinium is link to a filament which can take the form of a caudicle, like in genus Dactylorhiza or Habenaria or a stipe, like in Vanda. Caudicles or stipes hold the pollinia to the viscidium, a flummoxy pad which sticks the pollinia to the dead body of pollinators.At the upper edge of the stigma of single-anthered orchids, in front of the anther cap, there is the rostellum, a sensitive extension involved in the complex pollination mechanism.As aforementioned, the ovary is always infer ior (located behind the flower). It is three-carpelate and one or, more rarely, three-partitioned, with parietal backsidentation (axile in the Apostasioideae).Orchid Fruits and Seeds The ovary typically develops into a capsule that is dehiscent by 3 or 6 longitudinal slits, while remaining closed at both ends. The ripening of a capsule can take 2 to 18 months. The seeds are generally almost microscopic and very numerous, in some species over a million per capsule. After ripening they blow off like dust particles or spores. They lack endosperm and must enter symbiotic relationship with various mycorrhizal basidiomyceteous fungi that provide them the necessary nutrients to germinate, so that all orchid species are mycoheterotrophic during germination and reliant upon fungi to complete their lifecycle.As the chance for a seed to meet a fitting fungus is very elflike, only a minute fraction of all the seeds released grow into an bad plant. In cultivation, germination typically takes weeks, while there is a theme of one paphiopedilum that took fifteen years.The main component for the sowing of orchids in colored conditions is the agar agar. The substance is put together with some type of pelf which provides qualitative organic feed such as banana, pineapple, peach or even tomato puree or coconut milk. After the formulation of the agar agar, the mix is poured into test tubes or jars where the substance begins to jelly. The seeds have to be put in the dish above boiling water, in the go because that secures sterile conditions. The test tubes are put diagonally after that. copy Orchids have developed highly specialized pollination systems and thus the chances of being pollinated are often scarce. This is why orchid flowers usually remain undetermined for very long periods and why most orchids deliver pollen in a single mass each time pollination succeeds thousands of ovules can be fertilized.Pollinators are often visually attracted by the shape and colours o f the labellum. The flowers may produce attractive odours. Although absent in most species, nectar may be produced in a spur of the labellum, on the point of the sepals or in the septa of the ovary, the most typical position amongst the Asparagales.In orchids that produce pollinia, pollination happens as some variant of the undermentioned. When the pollinator enters into the flower, it touches a viscidium, which promptly sticks to its body, generally on the head or abdomen. While leaving the flower, it pulls the pollinium out of the anther, as it is connected to the viscidium by the caudicle or stipe. The caudicle then bends and the pollinium is moved forwards and downwards. When the pollinator enters another(prenominal) flower of the same species, the pollinium has taken such position that it will stick to the stigma of the second flower, just below the rostellum, pollinating it. The possessors of orchids may be able to spew the process with a pencil, small paintbrush, or other s imilar device.Some orchids mainly or totally rely on self-pollination, curiously in colder regions where pollinators are particularly rare. The caudicles may dry up if the flower hasnt been visited by any pollinator and the pollina then fall directly on the stigma. otherwise the anther may rotate and then enter the stigma cavity of the flower.The labellum of the Cypripedioideae is poke-shaped and has the function to trap visiting insects. The only exit leads to the anthers that deposit pollen on the visitor.In some extremely specialized orchids, like the Eurasian genus Ophrys, the labellum is adapted to have a colour, shape and odour which attracts male insects via mimicry of a clear female. Pollination happens as the insect attempts to mate with flowers.Many neotropical orchids are pollinated by male orchid bees, which visit the flowers to gather volatile chemicals they require to synthesize pheromonal attractants. Each type of orchid places the pollinia on a varied body part of a different species of bee, so as to enforce puritanical cross-pollination.After pollination the sepals and petals fade and wilt, but they usually remain attached to the ovary.Gallery of Common OrchidsThere are over 25,000 types of orchids and, in event the Orchidaceae family is the most numerous in the plant world. These beautiful plants have been more or less for over 100 million years and plants can orbital cavity from microscopic to reaching several feet in height. The flowers have a characteristic look with 3 inner petals surrounded by 3 outer petals and a cupped petal that is distinct from the others. Some orchids even resemble other creatures like bees, moths and lizards.Although we think of orchids as a tropical flower they can actually grow in almost any climate. They can grow on the ground or on trees and even rocks. Orchids are classified depending on their water requirements. Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium and Odontoglossum need a wet environment all year long. Catte lya, Oncidium and Dendrobium only need water when they are actively developing and the vanda Ascocend doesnt really need water at all. at a lower place you will find pictures of some of the commonly anchor orchids. It is easy to pose them by their flowers.Aceras antropophorumAnacamptis pyramidalisBarlia robertianagenus Cephalanthera longifoliaCephalanthera rubraCoeloglossum virideCypripedium calceolusDactylorhiza elatasubsp. sesquipedalisCephalanthera damasoniumDactylorhiza maculatasubsp. meyeriCorallorhiza trifidaDactylorhiza sambucinasubsp. insularisgenus Epipactis atrorubensEpipactis helleborinesubsp. muelleriEpipactis palustrisGoodyera repensGymnadenia conopseaHimantoglossum hircinumLimodorum abortivumNeottia nidus-avisListera ovataNeotinea maculataNigritella nigrasubsp. nigraOphrys apiferasubsp. apiferaOphrys insectiferasubsp. insectiferaOphrys catalaunicaOphrys fuscaOphrys omegaiferasubsp. dyrisOphrys luteasubsp. luteaOphrys genus Scolopaxsubsp. apiiformisOphrys speculumOph rys scolopaxsubsp. scolopaxOphrys sphegodessubsp. litigiosaOphrys sphegodessubsp. sphegodesOphrys tenthrediniferaOrchis conicaOrchis coriophorasubsp. fragansOrchis coriophorasubsp. martriniiOrchis laxiflorasubsp. laxifloraOrchis masculasubsp. masculaOrchis moriosubsp. champagneuxiiOrchis militarisOphrys sphegodessubsp. passionisOrchis coriophorasubsp. coriophoraOrchis ustulataOrchis provincialissubsp. provincialisSerapias linguaOrchis simiagenus Platanthera bifoliaPlatanthera chloranthaPseudorchis albidaSpiranthes spiralisSerapias vomeraceaGrowing Orchids Tips for BeginnersOrchids have always been considered difficult to grow. formerly the cultural postulate of these fascinating plants are understood, growing orchids is comparatively simple, and it becomes a deeply satisfying activity. If given the right climatic and cultural conditions, they can thrive anywhere and will flower regularly. Some species of orchids may flower two or three times a year and some flower annually.The fol lowing is a brief guideline of the role of demand and beneficial mineral nutrients that are crucial for growth. Eliminate any one of these elements, and plants will display abnormalities of growth, deficiency symptoms, or may not reproduce normally.Macronutrient normality is a major component of proteins, hormones, chlorophyll, vitamins and enzymes essential for plant life. Nitrogen metabolism is a major factor in stem and leaf growth (vegetative growth). Too much can delay flowering and fruiting. Deficiencies can reduce yields, cause yellowing of the leaves and stunt growth.Phosphorus is necessary for seed germination, photosynthesis, protein defining and almost all aspects of growth and metabolism in plants. It is essential for flower and fruit formation.Tropical orchids are no more difficult to grow than other plants, but because most of them are epiphytes (tree dwelling plants) their culture is different from that of other types of plants. British orchid growers failed in the early 1800s when they attempt to grow tropical orchids under dark, hot, and steamy conditions. They succeeded only when they realized that most tropical orchids grew at higher, cooler elevations and in the upper branches of trees where they got considerable light and perfect drainage.LightingIn the greenhouse, most orchids require some blending to prevent the leaves from overheating. In the inhabitancy, however, orchids need the maximum light available. Placing them outside under the shade of tall trees during the summer months is very beneficial. Do not place them in full sun, however, or the leaves will burn. Also, do not place the plants on the ground, for insects and slugs (snails) can enter the pots and damage the plants. Pot hangers can be used to suspend the plants from tree branches, chains, strong trees, or other structures.TemperatureIn the home, placing the orchids in a room with comparatively cool temperatures will help guard against dehydration. Most orchids are actua lly most happy at temperatures below the comfort level of humans, especially at night. Orchid greenhouses are usually maintained at 55-65 degrees at night.SoilPotting mixes for tropical orchids are loose mixtures of organic material such as fir pare (not pine peel), tree fern, osumda fiber, with small amounts of peat, perlite, cork, or charcoal added. The object is to have a mix that drains well, but holds some moisture. Most commercial orchid growers supply ready-to-use orchid mixes in small quantities. Orchids usually need repotting only erst all(prenominal) two to three years.MoistureIn irrigate orchids, it is best to soak the potting mix thoroughly and wait until the surface is relatively dry before watering again. Most orchids in fir bark based mixes will need watering no more than once every 5 to 7 days.FertilizerAll plants can be fertilized safely with a water-soluble urea free fertilizer such as Growmore 20-10-20 about once a month. Some orchid growers pick to mix wat er-soluble fertilizers weaker than indicated on the package instructions and to use them every second or third watering. Always water before fertilizing and return that it is best to under-fertilize rather than to over-fertilize. With the lower light and drier conditions in the home, orchids cannot use as much fertilizer as they can use in the greenhouse. Some growers like to increase the humidity around their orchids in the home by using humidity trays or trays of wet gravel around or under the plants. Pots should not touch the surface of the water. urineOne of the big mistakes that people stag is over watering their orchids. People attach that since they are tropical plants they need a lot of water and this is not necessarily the case. While they do appreciate the humid environment, over watering can kill them.The amount of watering necessary depends on the temperature any type of orchid a general predominate of thumb is to water once a week. You may want to water more much i n the summer and a little bit less in the winter. The Cymbidium, Miltonia, Odontoglossum and Paphiopedilum varieties like to be kept with the soil a bit moist even between wanterings while the Ascocenda, Vanda and Phalaenopsis prefer to have their soil become dry in between.Which Orchid dresss Are swooning to Grow?We have seen what orchids are and how to take care of them. The obvious psyche is which of these orchids can I grow at home, and which ones are easy to grow.As a novice to the world of orchids, you only need to concern yourself with the name of the genus. Most plants within the same genus will require similar growing conditions, so if you want to keep things simple, dont worry about the species or variety at this point.Orchid Genera for the NoviceNovice orchid growers should start with members of the following genera, since these are relatively easy to grow orchids Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Oncidium.Phalaenopsis OrchidsPhalaenopsis, or Moth Orchids, a re one of the easiest orchids for beginners to grow, as well as one that is commonly found in stores. Members of this genus have multiple large, showy flowers on each gird flowers that may remain open for six weeks or longer. Often when a spindle is cut after its blooms are gone, a secondary spike will develop on the old stalk below the archetype flower head, thus extending the blooming season.Phalaenopsis is a genus of approximately 60 species of orchids. The abbreviation in the horticultural trade is Phal. Phalaenopsis shows a monopodial growth habit. An erect growing rhizome produces from the top one or two alternate, thick and fleshy, elliptical leaves a year. The older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. The plant retains in this way four to five leaves. If very healthy, they can have up to ten or more leaves. They have no pseudobulbs. The raceme appears from the stem between the leaves. They bloom in their full exuberate for several weeks. If kept in the home, they us ually last two to three months, which is considered quite a long time. Some Phalaenopsis species in Malaysia are known to use subtle weather cues to coordinate mass flowering. pity For Phalaenopsis In nature, they are typically fond of warm temperatures (20 to 35 C), but are adaptable to conditions more comfortable for human ingleside in temperate zones (15 to 30 C). At temperatures below 18 C watering should be reduced to avoid the risk of root rot. Phalaenopsis requires high humidity (60-70%) and low light of 12,000 to 20,000 lux. Flowering is triggered by a night-time drop in temperature of around 5 to 6 degrees over 2 to 4 consecutive weeks, usually in the fall.Phalaenopsis prefer to be potted in medium fir bark. They can to a fault be potted in sphagnum moss or mounted. Keep them in pots with a lot of drainage. Keep the potting media fairly moist but not wet. Water when the potting media is just approaching dryness, but still a bit moist and never allow the potting media to be come bone dry. Do not let water flow into the center of the plant or it can potentially die from crown rot. One of the most numerous blunders that new growers make is to rot the roots. Overwatering and poor drainage cause the roots to deteriorate, therefore cleanup the plant. Being careful to water when you feel the soil is dry through with(predicate) and through is the safest thing to do.Light is quite vital to the well-being of the genus Phalaenopsis orchid. Keep it in indirect light near a Confederate window. Be sure the sun does not directly reach the leaves, which will cause burning and brown marks. If the leaf feels hot to the touch, move it away immediately. On the other hand, phalaenopsis grown in poor dark areas tend to grow floppy dark green leaves and rarely flower.Phalaenopsis roots are quite thick, and the green point at the ends signifies that the root is actively growing. It is okay for them to climb out of the pots. Plant may be fertilized with a 1/4 diluted stren gth balanced fertilizer three times out of four waterings.The flower spikes appear from the pockets near the base of each leaf. The first sign is a light green mitten-like object that protrudes from the leaf tissue. In about three months, the spike enlongates until it begins to fop fat buds. The buds will thus bloom. Usually you can tell what color the phalaenopsis is by looking at the bud color. After the flowers fade, some people prefer to cut the spike above the highest node (section). This may produce another flower spike or more rarely a keiki (a baby orchid plant that can be planted).Paphiopedilum OrchidsPaphiopedilum is a genus in the orchid family (Orchidaceae) of approximately 91 species.Paphiopedilum, the supposed Venus Slipper orchid, is easily recognizable. Most have a single flower per stalk, but there are varieties with multiple flowers. They are relatively easy to coax into bloom if you provide the plant with the right temperature lead mottled leaves need warmer co nditions than do solid green leaves.Paphiopedilum (sometimes colloquially referred to as Paphs) are considered highly collectible by growers receivable to the curious and unusual form of their flowers. Most naturally grow in humus layers as semi-terrestrials on the forest floor, in rocky outcroppings or in trees.Caring For Paphs Most paphs are intermediate growers and do well in medium to medium-high light. Most paphs should be kept evenly moist year-round. There are exceptions to these general guidelines, especially among the Chinese paphs some of which run into winter temperatures near freezing, so it is important to research the cultural needs of a specific paph, especially if growing species. All paphs need a fresh environment and benefit from good air circulation and frequent repotting. The rule of thumb for paphs is to repot them every year, usually after flowering or in the spring so they can establish themselves before hot weather sets in. Paphs benefit from high humidity. Dendrobium OrchidsDendrobium, abbreviated as Den in horticultural trade, is a large genus of tropical orchids that consists of about 1200 species. Dendrobium inflorescences are smashed with blossoms and are also long lasting. These plants can often be ramify when mature, since small additional offset plantlets are frequently produced. When an offset has produced several aerial roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and will frequently flower after one year of growth.The species are both epiphytic, growing on a tree, or occasionally lithophytic, growing over a rock. They have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, from the high altitudes in the Himalayan mountains to lowland tropical forests and even to the dry climate of the Australian desert.The orchids in this genus often develop pseudobulbs, which unite into a long reedlike stem with a typical length of more than 30 cm. Some appear densely covered with short white hairs. The short, ovate leaves grow alternately over the wh ole length of the stems. The axillary flower buds develop into short flower stalks with one or two remainder flowers. The orchids grow quickly throughout summer, but take a long rest during winter. In the spring, new shoots are formed from the base of the main plant and the dormant buds come back into action. The blooming flowers are found on pseudobulbs formed in the previous year.Caring For Dendrobium Care depends on specific species. Plants generally require a reduction of watering or with holding of water during the winter due to dormancy period. Plants grow in a variety of temperature ranges and lighting ranges which is dependent on the species. Plants can usually be mounted.Oncidium OrchidsOncidiums, commonly referred to as the dancing girls orchid, are also easy to grow. Abbreviated as Onc in horticultural trade, Oncidium is a genus that contains about 330 species of orchids from the subfamily Epidendroideae of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Since this is a large genus wit h different species originating in a wide variety of climates, it is helpful to know the growing requirements of the particular species you select. Still, these tough plants generally flower well even under adverse growing conditions.The flowers of the Oncidium genus come in shades of yellow, red, white and pink. The petals are often ruffled on the edges, as is the lip. The lip is enormous, partially blocking the small petals and sepals.Caring For Oncidium Oncs grow in cool to warm conditions with hold to bright light. Water the plant right before the potting mix starts to dry. Plants should be potted in a well drain medium such as medium fir bark.Tips for Choosing a Healthy Orchid PlantOrchids are found in a variety of climates, so demand an orchid that closely matches the growing conditions of your environment. This means assessing your light sources, available space, temperature range, and humidity. build up with this information, do a bit of research to find out which orchid plants match your environment. These will be the easiest types of orchid plants to grow and your success will encourage you to develop more skil

Health care in the Amish culture

Health flush in the Amish cultureThe sac inflamed and cultural beliefs of the Amish culture make believe led to variations in wellness thrill practices that atomic number 18 different from main stream Ameri clear culture. The Amish pee-pee a health cargon belief system that includes traditional remedies passed from one multiplication to the next. Amish families argon without health insurance and though concerned approximately turn oer medical checkup expenses, most of the prison term the protracted family, friends, and the church process pay for the expenses. For type if a female infant of the Amish family is in the hospital for an extend period of time the biological and extended family visit frequently and get under ones skin in their ingest food in bags. The grand let and neighbors would gather the children in the hospital waiting room to feed and entertain them piece the mother would visit her baby daughter in the neonatal c be unit. The stick would most like ly visit on calendar weekends. The family would speak Pennsylvania Dutch among themselves but habit slope in speaking with the health c ar providers. The children in the family atomic number 18 dressed like undersized replicas of their parents. They are in distinctive clothing that is sub out-of-pocketd and devoid of any designs of flowers, figures or animals on the material. The little girls come in long dresses and head coverings, while the little boys wear trousers with suspenders. Some of the older boys wear broad-brimmed hats. All are rattling polite and well mannered. This Amish family appears to come from another time, another place. In an arcsecond the Amish family came into another world, the world of high tech health finagle. One may well surmise the cultural shock of this encounter.AMISH HERITAGEThe Amish are a conservative Protestant group who emerged after 1693 as a descending(prenominal) of the Anabaptist move workforcet that originated from Switzerland an d spread to neighboring Ger many an(prenominal). The Amish parted ways with the larger Anabaptist group, direct known as the Mennonites, over a doctrinal dispute, (Hostetler 1993) and immigrated to America in the 17th 18th century after experiencing religious persecution in Europe.The divers(a) subgroups of the Amish Culture have distinctive beliefs, values, and behaviors). Today the Amish stand somewhere in the midst of the parent body, the Mennonites, and the four groups of Amish Swartzentruber (ultra conservative), Andy Weaver (conservative), gray gear up (conservative), and the New Order (less conservative). The New Order leads a more progressive path that diverged from the Old Order in 1968 (Blair Hurst 1997). The New Order of Amish attempts to balance distinctive rituals and practices against accommodations. everyplace time the Amish have adapted to some change but at their own pace.In various rural regions of the United States, especially in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsyl vania, there are large settlements or communities of Amish families. About 75% of the estimated Amish radical population of over 130,000 is concentrated in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In these field of honors good tilth can be purchased reasonably as agriculture is the main curb of their economy. Holmes County in Millersburg, Ohio has the largest population of Amish in the United States as compared to the more wide known areas of Amish settlements in Lancaster, Pennsylvania or Elkart, Indiana. The population in Holmes county is 38, 943 and about 18,000 of that are of Amish descent (Holmes County Chamber of Commerce 2002).Amish Mutual NetworkThe Amish corporation has a very strong network of mutual condescend and deal for its families. Amish group B raising is one example where several hundred men from many church districts gather to build a new barn. The Amish women intend and prepare the meals for the workers and take the food to the site. Smaller networks with proje cts called frolics occur when several neighbors and extended families and friends gather to help build a small building much(prenominal) as a shed or corn crib. Another example of Amish mutual aid is the harvesting of crops.A serious illness or accident brings an immediate response of both emotional and financial support from their community. In Holmes County, Ohio, for example, a cooperative effort by both Amish and non-Amish large number resulted in the formation of the Rainbow of Hope Foundation. This foundation assists all families in the area with health heraldic bearing costs affecting infants and children. Bake sales, benefit auctions, and close donations assist in raising the requisite funds. There is a legitimate ritualistic response to human troubles in the Amish close knit family environment.Family RolesThe Amish begetter is responsible for providing for his family by dint of farm work or by utilisation in the local community. Many Amish men are working externa l from the farm with the declining availability of farmland. Many Amish men work as carpenters, masons or agitateers in factories. Some have home based businesses such as furniture making, harness repair or the shoeing of vaulting plys. Amish culture teaches girls to serve and revel others such as their parents, husbands and relatives. An Amish wife is identified by using her husbands name, eg. Eli Katie mover Elis wife, Katie. The fond life for an Amish woman is meaninged around church, funerals, quilting bees, baking, barn raising and frolics. Amish families usually have many children. Amish women raise on medium seven children. On the family farm, parents and older siblings model work roles for the younger siblings. Children are an economic asset to the family as they assist with farm chores, gardening, mowing of lawns, housework or work in a small family business. These activities involving children serve to strengthen family ties and produce survival of the Amish life- style.GeneticsIntermarriage among the Amish culture has resulted in the presence of a large number of recessive disorders, many of which are un sleep withd after-school(prenominal) of the Amish population. Consanguinity (relatives marrying relatives) accounts for the transmission of these various disorders. When a group of individuals mates solitary(prenominal) among themselves allele (alternate form of a gene) frequencies may change as a result of chance sampling from a small pocket of a population. This change of allele frequency is termed genetic drift. The founder effect is a common type of this genetic drift. A founder effect is when a community of people have descended from a few founders and have their own collection of inherited disorders that are rare in other areas (Lewis 2001). Amish couples are not deterred from having more children when they have a child with a inherited defect. An abnormal child is referred to as a special child and is recognised as Gods lead (Juli a 1996). http//dw.com.com/redir?tag=rbxira.2.a.10destUrl=http//www.cnet.com/b.gifCONCEPTION, PRENATAL CARE, AND BIRTH Babies are a welcomed sacrifice in the Amish culture and are viewed as a gift from God. The Amish view fertility as a family and community gift. They nurture these children in preparation for eternal life (Purnell 1998). Most Amish couples do not use birth control to limit their family size, since it is believed that use of birth control would be interfering with Gods go out. Therapeutic abortions, amniocentesis and other invasive antenatal diagnostic testing are too not acceptable. Amish folk wisdom is an built-in part of their prenatal practices, for example walking under a clothesline will result in a stillbirth or crawling through a window or under a table will cause the umbilical cord to be wrapped around the babys neck.Lamaze classes are usually held in a church close to the Amish community to residuum transportation barriers. Prenatal pull off is star ted in the graduation trimester for a source pregnancy and much later for subsequent pregnancies if the mother has no problems. The exceed to the doctor and cost of care can influence the number of prenatal visits and how soon prenatal care is started.Complications such as pregnancy bring on hypertension and diabetes is low in the Amish culture most likely due to the well nourished state of the mother (Julia, 1996). Typically prenatal visits are scheduled every eight weeks, rather than every 4 weeks, during the first two trimesters to reduce the expenditures of money and time for prenatal care. Amish express their taste for prenatal care that promotes the use of nurse midwives, lay midwives, home deliveries, and expressage use of high technology. The Amish desire culturally congruent and safe health care services.In preparation for childbirth a five week formula (5-W) is sometimes apply in the last five weeks of pregnancy. It is supposition that the herbaceous plants in this formula tone and calm the uterus, quiet the nerves, ease pain, and help make labor easier and on time. In addition, it has been known to help with menstrual disorders, morning sickness and hot flashes. The herbs included in this formula are inflamed Rasberry Leaves This herb has been used as an old friend to come up to diarrhea, vomiting and the flu. It is used for similar purposes of relieving nausea and pain in labor. Red raspberry capsules and red raspberry teas are also used.Butchers Broom free radical This herb is used for hemorrhoids, unhealthy veins, and thrombosis. In addition, it is a diuretic, anti-inflammatory drug and improves circulation. This herb contains pseudo steroidal saponins which cause decline vessels to constrict and blood to thin. During the last(a) months of pregnancy women may have circulatory problems such as varicose veins therefore this herb is considered important.Black Cohosh Root This is a hormonal herb. It has an estrogenic effect because it c ontains compounds which mimic the effects of estrogen therefore it is contraindicated in the early stages of pregnancy as it could bring on premature labor. This herb has a nervine effect which relieves spastic muscles, dilates peripheral blood vessels and helps reduce blood pressure. These actions aid the uterus and other muscles during labor. The anti-cramping effect of black cohosh is legal opinion to help reduce pain during rake. Black cohosh is also used to tr feed in menopausal and PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps. Because black cohosh may minimic the action of estrogen, anyone who has had a cancer thats estrogen sensitive, such as breast, endometrial or ovarian, should avoid using it. Since this root contains a blood-thinner, it should not be taken with bloodthinning medications (such as coumadin or heparin).Dong Quai Root The anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect of this herb is used for treating swelling prior to labor. During labor it eases smooth muscle contractions an d gives a general sedative effect. This herb, in Chinese medicine, is considered a blood building tonic as it is high in iron, magnesium, and niacin. This Chinese herb is sometimes referred to as a female ginseng and is used extensively in China as a postpartum tonic.Squaw Vine Root This herb is used to prepare the uterus for childbirth and is also used to speed up delivery and encourage regular contractions. It has an spasmolytic action. (Pederson, 1987 Willard, 1991 Tarr, 1984, Block, 1984).The Amish have no major taboos or requirements for labor and delivery. The women labor in soft pastel colored gowns. Men may be impart and most husbands choose to be involved. Delivery may be at home with a accoucheuse, at the birthing center, or at a hospital.VISITING THE AMISH COMMUNITYTheir simple life style practices numerous social controls to avoid innovationalization. However, interaction with the outside world often occurs in the health care arena when an Amish person requires hospi talization for medical care. To better realize the Amish culture related to obstetrical care several care for capacity visited an Amish nascence Center in Indiana called the New enlightenment take Center which is located in the beautiful countryside of Topeka, Indiana. An adaptation by the Amish to modern medical and nursing practices are the Amish Birthing Centers (Kreps Kreps 1997).This Amish Birthing Center was built in 1997, not from local, state, or federal government funds but from semiprivate subscriptions and donations mainly from the surrounding community. This facility is designed to be an utility(a) for those who cull not going to the hospital for the delivery of their babies but who recognize the need for skilled care before, during, and after delivery. New Eden fear Center is a place where the physician or midwife can bring their patient for delivery in a more relaxed, home-like environment (Philosophy of New Eden Care Center). Since this facility provides se rvices for the low attempt population, all women are screened by their physician or nurse midwife before their arrival. Admission to the facility is opened to anyone upon recommendation and approval of their physician or nurse midwife. The need for this birthing center came from the fact that many of the people in the area are Amish and do not have commercial insurance or coverage for obstetrical care. Thus the Amish prefer not to go to the hospital with its high cost. This center features a obvious relaxing decor with no television sets or phones in the patients rooms, and no separate nursery or delivery room. Labor, delivery and postpartum care are all given in the patients room, better known as LDRP rooms. Newborn babies stay in the room with the mothers.Fees for the use of the New Eden Care Center cover current expenses, repairs, and maintenance of this facility. A flavourless fee is charged for the birth itself and 72 hours of care starting from the time of admission. There are additional fees for extra supplies such as phenylketonuria screening, intravenous solutions, and medications. The nurse midwives and physicians fees are separate from the birthing center fees. At times the fees are bartered for. For example, one of the nurse midwives had a new exploit porch put on her home to cover for her fee. In addition meats have been given for payments.Services of the birthing center included general nursing care, housekeeping, and meals brought in during the patients stay. Families bring in food for the delivering mother and often eat together in the large home-like kitchen area provided at the birthing center. The center includes 3 MSN prepared nurse midwives and 9 physicians. No prenatal classes are offered by the center but the classes are provided by a supply RN from the center at a nearby church. Prenatal care is provided by the midwives either at their offices, located at the center, or in the homes of their patients. Many of the mothers prefer co ming to the midwives offices for the prenatal classes as they enjoy the private and quiet time. The care center provides hitching posts with special parking areas for the traditional horse and buggy as well as a barn for nightlong lodging of the Amish horses. Since there are no phones in Amish homes, a red bag tied to a large hook placed on the top of the barn is used to signal neighbors whenever additional help is needed in the center (cleaning and laundry).All of the midwives, upon request, will do home deliveries. Suction, oxygen, and IV equipment are a few of the supplies they routinely take with them. One of the midwives exposit her experience following a home delivery. It was a very stuporous night and it took me awhile to get to the Amish home. It was well worth the difficult drive when following the delivery a great peace seemed to take over in the still of the night as I listened to the singing of the dada to the newborn, the creaking of the dads rocking chair, and the hum from the kerosene lantern. Where else could one hear such beautiful, nonbelligerent sounds.Culture exerts a great influence on the prenatal family and determines the give up interventions to be given to provide competent nursing care. It is increasingly requisite to understand the cultural and behavioral patterns of the individuals whom we serve in our practices. Rapid return of the Amish population and diverse geographical locations augment the probability that health care practitioners may care for Amish families. Health care practitioners can tailor their delivery of care for Amish families if they understand the Amish cultural practices and modify their services to keep it simple.This Amish Birthing Facility, New Eden Care Center, is an example of wonderful adaptation by the Amish people to modern nursing and medical practices while at the similar time maintaining their values of simplicity, low cost and accommodation to the use of their horse and buggy. Here the Amish can remain separate from the wider English society while still interfacing with it when health care is involved in birthing babies. obstetric Amish health care can be of excellent quality, with licensed medical and nursing personnel, at a reduced cost to both the Amish and the English society. This is an important consideration in todays ever increasing health care costs.