Memorial Park Essay Example for Free

Memorial Park Essay El Paso Texas has many tourism places for its society. Many of these historical places are more than 100 years old. And learn about their society as well. As an illustration the San Jacinto Plaza has been their for many years, but its famous for its alligators, and also known as Plaza de Los Lagartos. Plaza de Los Lagartos is use for touristic attraction amusements, and parades. Back in the 1880s through 1960s downtown El Paso featured an amusement in the center of the plaza, a pond filled with live alligators. That attract many people from El Paso. But they had to move the alligators, because they cant survive the cold weather nights. they didnt remove them completely, citizen work to put a sculpture made by Luis A. Jimenez. The alligators sculpture it what makes today history in The San Jacinto Plaza. The San Jacinto makes a tourism illustration that us the society still have history alive. Todays sculpture is used to remember the alligators as a tourist attraction. San Jacinto plaza Amusement Park has been used by many artists in the 1960s. The live alligators attracted people from all counties and was a main reason to come visit El Paso. There was 3 alligators and the amusement park showings were daily from morning to night. Also for example the San Jacinto plaza has been use for bus stops. People use it to rest and wait for the next bus. It also known as an amusement park because all the old buildings around the plaza. And back in the 80s people use it only to hangout and see the alligators. San Jacinto plaza has been known more for its colorful night parades on Christmas. People from El Paso decorate the plaza with colorful lights, and they also put an Christmas tree big enough so everybody can see. People make an long parade, this parade its only on nights, because they have surtain amount of light. The parades has an Santa clause, elfs, candies, deers, and much more stuff. And at the end of this parade they all end up in the Plaza de Los Lagartos where people can enjoy the shows, singing, food and Santa. And at the end of this show they throw fireworks to amaze the children. This parades are only on Christmas. PlazaSan Jacinto has been a pretty historical place for many people. Sometimes I wish I could live back in the 1880 to inform myself Why was the reason the government decided to put alive alligators? This place had cause many happiest especially on children in Christmas days. have experienced the live alligators because personally I have never seen one up close and it would be a great experience to watch them eat and roam around their habitat. However the parade is a very nice touch and makes for a great attraction to .

The Map Generalization Capabilities Of Arcgis Information Technology Essay

The Map Generalization Capabilities Of Arcgis Information Technology Essay Data processing associated with Geographical Information Systems is so enormous. The information needed from this data actually varies for different applications. Specific details can be extracted, for instance resolution diminished, contours reduced, data redundancy eliminated or features on a map for which application is needed absorbed. This is all aimed at reducing storage space and representing details on a map with a larger scale accurately unto another with a much smaller scale. This paper presents a framework for the Map Generalization tools embedded in ArcGIS (A Geographical Information Systems Software by ESRI) as well as the algorithm each tool uses. Finally, a review of all the tools indicating which is more efficient after thorough analysis of the algorithm used and the desired output result produced. 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Definition of Map Generalization As (Goodchild, 1991) points out, Map Generalization is the ability to simplify and show spatial [features with location attached to them] relationships as it is seen on the earths surface modelled into a map. The advantages involved in adopting this process cannot be overemphasized. Some are itemized below (Lima dAlge J.C., 1998) It reduces complexity and the rigours Manual Cartographic Generalization goes through. It conveys information accurately. It preserves the spatial accuracy as drawn from the earths surface when modelling A lot of Software vendors came up with solutions to tackle the problem of manual cartography and this report will be reflecting on ArcGIS 9.3 Map Generalization tools. 1.2 Reasons for Automated Map Generalization In times past, to achieve this level of precision, the service of a skilled cartographer is needed. He is faced with the task of modelling [representation of features on the earths surface] on a large scale map into a smaller scale map. This form of manual cartography is very strenuous because it consumes a lot of time and also a lot of expertise is needed due to the fact that the cartographer will inevitably draw all the features and represent them in a smaller form and also taken into consideration the level of precision required so as not to render the data/graphical representation invalid. The setbacks experienced were the motivating factor for the advent or introduction to Automatic Cartographic Design which is known as Automated Map Generalization. A crucial part of map generalization is information abstraction and not necessarily to compress data. Good generalization technique should be intelligent which takes into consideration the characteristics of the image and not just the ideal geometric properties (Tinghua, 2004). Several algorithms [set of instructions taken to achieve a programming result] have been developed to enable this and this report is critically going to explore each of them 1.3 Process of Automated Map Generalization As Brassel and Weibel (n.d.) Map Generalization can be grouped into five steps. Structure Recognition Process Recognition Process Modelling Process Execution Display The step that will be elaborated upon for the cause of this report will be Process Recognition [types of Generalization procedures] which involves different manipulation on geometry in order to simplify the shape and represent it on a smaller scale (Shea and McMaster, 1989) 2.0 Generalization Tools in ArcGIS 9.3 2.1 Smooth Polygon This is a tool used for cartographic design in ArcGIS 9.3. It involves dividing the polygon into several vertices and each vertice being smoothed when the action is performed (FreePatentOnline, 2004-2010). An experiment is illustrated below to show how Smooth Polygon works. Add the layerfile Polygon which has an attribute name of Huntingdonshire-which is a district selected from England_dt_2001 area shapefile that was downloaded from UKBorders. The next step was I selected the ArcTool Box on the standard toolbar of ArcMap, then I went to Generalization Tools which is under Data Management Tools and afterwards I clicked on Smooth Polygon. Open Smooth Polygon > Select Input feature (which is polygon to be smoothed) in this case Polygon > select the output feature class (which is file location where the output image is to be saved) > select the simplification algorithm (which is PAEK) > select the simplification tolerance. Fig 2.0: Display before Smooth Polygon Fig 2.1: Display after Smooth Polygon The table in Fig 2.1 shows the output when Polynomial Approximation Exponential Kernel (Bodansky, et al, 2002) was used. The other algorithm that can be applied for this procedure is Bezier Interpolation. Algorithm Type Simplification Tolerance(Km) Time Taken (secs) PAEK 4 1 Bezier Interpolation 112 Observation PAEK Algorithm: When this technique was used, as the simplification tolerance value is increased, the weight of each point in the image decreased and the more the image is smoothed. Also, the output curves generated do not pass through the input line vertices however, the endpoints are retained. A significant short coming of PAEK Algorithm is that in a bid to smoothen some rough edges, it eliminates important boundaries, to refrain from such occurrence a buffer is to be applied to a zone of certain width before allowing the PAEK Smooth algorithm to execute. (Amelinckx, 2007) Bezier Interpolation: This is the other algorithm that can be applied to achieve Smoothing technique on polygons. In this case, the parameters are the same as PAEKs except that the tolerance value is greyed out- no value is to be inputed and as a result the output image produced is identical to its source because the tolerance value is responsible for smoothen rough edges and the higher value stated, the more the polygon is smoothed. The output curves passes through the input line vertices. When this experiment was performed, it was noticed that its curves were properly aligned around vertices. Conclusion: After performing both experiments, it was observed that the PAEK Algorithm is better because it allows a tolerance value to be inputted which in turn gives you a more smoothed image around curves and this will be of more importance to cartographers that want to smoothen their image and remove redundant points. 2.2 Smooth Line This is the second tool we will be examining. This is similar to Smooth Polygon technique except that the input feature will have to be a polyline shapefile. The steps are repeated as illustrated in Smooth Polygon but under Generalization Tools; Smooth Line is chosen. Now under input feature (select gower1) which is a dataset provided for use on this report. Specify the output feature > smoothing algorithm selected (PAEK) > smoothing tolerance. Note: All other fields are left as defaults i.e. No_check/Flag Error meaning we do not want it to display any errors if encountered and fixed_Endpoint/Not_fixed which preserves the endpoint of a polygon or line and applies to PAEK Algorithm. Algorithm Type Simplification Tolerance(Km) Time Taken (secs) PAEK 1000 2 Bezier Interpolation 4 Fig 2.2: Display after Smooth Line technique was applied __________ (Before Smoothing Line) __________ (After Smoothing Line) Observation PAEK Algorithm: The tolerance value used here was so high to be able to physically see the changes made. PAEK Algorithm as applied on gower1 smoothed the curves around edges and eliminates unimportant points around the edges. This results in an image with fewer points as the tolerance value is increased. The output line does not pass through the input line vertices. This algorithm uses a syntax where the average of all the points is taken and for a particular vertex, which is substituted with the average coordinates of the next vertex. This is done sequentially for each vertex but displacement of the shape is averted by giving priority to the weighting of the central point than that of its neighbouring vertex. Bezier Interpolation: Just like in Smoothing Polygon, a tolerance value is not required and when this technique was performed in this illustration, points around edges were partially retained resulting in drawing smooth curves around the vertices. The output line passes across the input line vertices. Conclusion: From both illustrations just as in Smooth Polygon, PAEK Algorithm was considered most effective because it generates smoother curves around the edges as the tolerance value is increased. However, the true shape of the image can be gradually lost as this value is increased but with Bezier Interpolation; curves around the vertices are preserved but just smoothed and vertices maintained to as well. Simplify Polygon: This method is aimed at removing awkward bends around vertices while preserving its shape. There are two algorithms involved; Point Remove and Bend Simplify. The shapefile used for this illustration is the polygon (Huntingdonshire) district of England. Select Simplify Polygon (under generalization tools, which is under Data Management tools > then input feature as polygon > output feature> simplification algorithm> smoothing tolerance. Algorithm Type Simplification Tolerance(Km) Time Taken (secs) Point Remove 2 4 Bend Simplify 2 9 Fig 2.3: Display before Simplify Polygon Fig 2.4: Display after Simplify Polygon Point Remove Algorithm: This is a metamorphosis of the Douglas-Peucker algorithm and it applies the area/perimeter quotient which was first used in Wang algorithm (Wang, 1999, cited in ESRI, 2007). From the above experiment, as the tolerance value is increased, more vertices in the polygon were eliminated. This technique simplifies the polygon by reducing lots of vertices and by so doing it loses the original shape as the tolerance value is increased gradually. Bend Simplify Algorithm: This algorithm was pioneered by Wang and Muller and it is aimed at simplifying shapes through detections around bent surfaces. It does this by eliminating insignificant vertices and the resultant output has better geometry preservation. Observation: After applying both algorithms to the polygon above, it was seen that for point remove, the vertices reduced dramatically as the tolerance value was increased in multiples of 2km. This amounts to about 95% reduction while when the same approach was applied to Bend Simplify; there was about 30% reduction in the number of vertices. Bend Simplify also took longer time to execute. Conclusion: It is seen that Bend Simplify is a better option when geometry is to be preserved however when the shape is to be represented on a smaller scale, point remove will be ideal because the shape is reduced significantly thereby appearing as a shrink image of its original. Simplify Line This is a similar procedure to Simplify Polygon except that here the shapefile to be considered is a line or a polygon which contains intersected lines. It is a process that involves reduction in the number of vertices that represent a line feature. This is achieved by reducing the number of vertices, preserving those that are more relevant and expunging those that are redundant such as repeated curves or area partitions without disrupting its original shape (Alves et al, 2010). Two layers are generated when this technique is performed; a line feature class and a point feature class. The former contains the simplified line while the latter contains vertices that have been simplified they can no longer be seen as a line but instead collapsed as a point. This applies to Simplify Polygon too. However, for both exercises no vertex was collapsed to a point feature. To illustrate this, the process is repeated in previous generalization technique, but under Data Management tools > select simplify line > select input feature (gower1) > select output feature > select the algorithm (point remove) > tolerance. Then accept all other defaults because we are not interested in the errors. Algorithm Type Simplification Tolerance(Km) Time Taken (secs) Point Remove 8 7 Bend Simplify 8 12 Fig 2.5: Display after Simplify Line __________ (Before Simplifying Line) __________ (After Simplifying Line) Two algorithms are necessary for performing this operation; Point Remove and Bend Simplify. Observation Point Remove Algorithm: This method has been enumerated in Simplify Polygon. It is observed here that when point remove algorithm was used the lines in gower1 were redrawn such that vertices that occurred redundantly were removed and this became even more evident as the tolerance value increased such that the line had sharp angles around curves and its initial geometry is gradually lost. Bend Simplify Algorithm: This also reduces the number of vertices in a line and the more the tolerance value was increased, the more the number of reduction in the vertices. It takes a longer time to execute than the Point Remove. However the originality of the line feature is preserved. Conclusion: From the two practical exercises, Bend Simplify algorithm is more accurate because it preserves the line feature and its original shape is not too distorted. However, if the feature is to be represented on a much smaller scale and data compression is the factor considered here, then Point Remove will be an option to embrace. Aggregate Polygon: This process involves amalgamating polygons of neighbouring boundaries. It merges separate polygons (both distinct ones and adjacent) and a new perimeter area is obtained which maintains the surface area of all the encompassing polygons that were merged together. To illustrate this, select Data Management Tools > select aggregate polygons > select input feature (which is a selection of several districts from the England_dt_2001 area shapefile I downloaded) > output feature class > aggregation distance (boundary distance between polygons) and then I left other values as default. Fig 2.6: Display before Aggregate Polygon Fig 2.7: Display after Aggregate Polygon Aggregation Distance Used 2km Time Taken 48secs As seen from both figures, the districts in Fig 2.6 were joined together as seen in fig 2.3. As the aggregation distance is increased further, the separate districts are over-merged and the resultant image appears like a plain wide surface area till those hollow parts seen in fig 2.7 disappears. The algorithm used here which is inbuilt into the arcgis software is the Sort Tile Recursive tree. This algorithm computes all the nodes of neighbouring polygons by implementing the middle transversal method in a logical sequence from left to right. When this computation is complete, the result is stored as a referenced node. Now the middle transversal node in the tree is obtained and thereafter a mergence is calculated which spans from the left node to the right node until it get to the root of the tree (Xie, 2010) 2.6 Simplify Building: This process simplifies polygon shapes in form of buildings with the aim of preserving its original structure. To illustrate this, Simplify Building is chosen under Data Management tools. The appropriate fields are chosen; input feature here is a building shape file I extracted from MasterMap download of area code CF37 1TW. a b c d Fig 2.8: Display before Simplify Building Fig 2.9: Display after Simplify Building As shown above, the buildings in (a and b) in fig 2.8 were simplified to (c and d) in fig 2.9 where a tolerance value of 10km was used and the time taken to execute this task was 3secs. As the tolerance value is increased, the more simplified the building is and it loses its shape. The algorithm behind this scene is the recursive approach which was first implemented with C++ programming language but has evolved into DLL (Dynamic Link Library) applications like ArcGIS 9.3 The recursive approach algorithm follows this sequence of steps. Determining the angle of rotation ÃŽÂ ± of the building, computing nodes around a boundary and then enclosing a small rectangular area which contains a set of points The angle of rotation ÃŽÂ ± is set Determining the vertices around edges as regards the recursion used and thereafter to calculate the splitting rate  µ and a recursive decomposition of the edge with respect to those of the new edges. The shortcoming of this algorithm is that L and Z shaped buildings are culprits as they give erroneous shapes while it works perfectly on U and L shaped buildings (Bayer, 2009). 2.7 Eliminate: This technique basically works on an input layer with a selection which can either take the form of Select by Location or Select by Attribute query. The resultant image now chunks off the selection and the remaining composites of the layerfile are now drawn out. To illustrate this, eliminate is chosen under data management tools, the input feature here is England_dt_2001 area shapefile which has some districts selected and the output feature is specified, all other fields left as defaults. From Fig 3.0 after eliminated procedure was taken on the polygon (the green highlights being the selected features), the resultant polygon is shown in Fig 3.1. However the districts in Fig 3.1 now excludes all those selected in Fig 3.0 and this can be seen visually in labels a and b and therefore Fig 3.1 has fewer districts. a b Fig 3.0: Display before Eliminate process Fig 3.1: Display after Eliminate process The time taken for this procedure was 44secs. 2.8 Dissolve: The dissolve tool works similarly to the aggregate polygon except that in dissolve, it is the features of the polygons that are to be aggregated and not the separate polygons themselves. The features are merged together using different statistic types more like an alias performed on them. To illustrate this, click on Dissolve under Data Management tool, select input features- same used for aggregate polygons (features to be aggregated) > the output field (where the result is to be saved) > the dissolve field (fields you want to aggregate together) > statistic type > multi_part > dissolve_lines. The diagram below shows this; Observation: For this exercise, the dissolve field was left as default meaning no field was selected. Also, multi_part was used which denotes that instead of merging smaller fields into a large one-the features becomes so extensive that if this is displayed on a map, there can be loss of performance however the multi_part option makes sure larger features are split into separate smaller ones. Dissolve_line field makes sure lines are dissolved into one feature while unsplit_lines only dissolve lines when two lines have an end node in common. The algorithm for this technique is simply Boolean (like a true or false situation, yes or no). However there are shortcomings with this technique as low virtual memory of the computer can limit the features that are to be dissolved. However, input features can be dissected into parts by an algorithm called adaptive tiling. Fig 3.2: Display before Dissolve process Fig 3.3: Display after Dissolve process Time taken = 10secs 2.9 Collapse Dual Lines: This is useful when centric lines are to be generated among two or more parallel lines with a specific width. This can be very useful when you have to consider large road networks in a block or casing. It enables you to visualize them properly. To illustrate this, open Collapse Dual Lines under data management tools > select input feature (which is gower1) > select the output feature > select maximum width Maximum width (this is the maximum width of the casing allowed that contains the feature to be collapsed e.g. width of a road network) while the minimum width is the minimum value allowed to be able to denote its centric line from. In this exercise, maximum width = 4km Time taken = 4secs Fig 3.4: Display after Collapse Dual Line to Centerline __________ (Before Collapse Dual Line) __________ (After Collapse Dual Line) As seen above, it is observed that when this experiment was performed, those lines in blue are aftermaths of effect of procedure of operation on them because they had a red colour before. However those in red did not change because they did not have a width within the specified maximum width stated. However, this is going to change as the maximum width is increased or a minimum width is set. 3.0 Conclusion From the illustrations shown in this paper, we can see that various forms of generalization tools have their various purposes either in form of shape retention, angular preservation or simply reduction purposes so that a replica image shown on a larger scale can fit in properly on a smaller scale. However depending on the tool chosen, a compromise will have to made on these factors giving preference to what it is we want to be represented after performing the operation. Different algorithms were explored and it is inferred that when polygons or lines are to be simplified, point remove is accurate option when you want to represent them on a smaller scale, however if originality of shape is to be considered then bend simplify algorithm will work best while for Smooth technique on polygons and lines, PAEK Algorithm is better.

Healthcare Architecture Origin and Development

Healthcare Architecture Origin and Development Chapter 1: Healthcare Architecture History that Time Forgot To trace back the history of healthcare and hospitals were unknown as there were many evidences of origination for earliest hospitals across different continent, and all historical healthcare serve under as religious influenced. Physicians back than consists of religious figure from gods and witch doctor to monks and priest. Around 430BC, temples in Athens were dedicated to healing gods, Asclepius for treating the sick spread throughout Greece. These holy temples were known as the very first hospitals in the history of western civilization. Dream interpretations was the process of healing where priests would interpret the dreams visited by the god, is also known as incubation. Priest would take a holistic approach to treatment which include, mud, herbal remedies, psychotherapy massage, bathing treatments, set dislocated bones and opium to calm agony of patient which were prescribed according to the dreams they experience. One of the oldest architecture evidence of a healthcare centre which dated back to the 9th century AD at Mihintale, Sri Lanka were Buddhist monasteries. There is evidence of patient ward which measured 4m x 4m. These evidence Medicinal trough roughly 7 feet long and 30 inches wide have been found by archaeologist. It was suggested that it was used with mineral water and medicinal oil for hydrotherapy. Healthcare influenced by social environment Roman Warfare Era Many of mankinds greatest discoveries have been made within the frame of warfare. The Roman Empire was built upon the success of its legions, and the foundation of that success lies in the innovations and discoveries of Roman medicine in the battlefield. In the first century AD, the Roman Empire was in constant warfare with neighbouring country but the Roman legions did not have any organized medical units. It was only when the Roman Empire expanded to Greece that many Greek physicians came to Italy and Rome, because it was only during warfare that physician are able to practice and flourish their medical skill by performing surgeries and treating wounded soldiers. He who desires to practice surgery must go to war. Hippocrates (c. 460-377 B.C.) a famous Greek physician During the first and second century AD, Emperor Trajan established the Roman Military Hospitals, or valetudinarium after recognizing the importance of medical treatment to reduce wounded and sick soldiers during long military campaigns. Trained Roman medical officer would travel together soldiers To the battlefield and set up temporary groups of small tents and fortresses. Over time, the Roman ethic of military improvement reform temporary Military Hospital into permanent facilities. Roman military hospitals were originally built near river for the access of clean water and adequate sewerage for sanitation purposes. Later in order to have an effective army, the military hospital was incorporated into part of Roman fort architecture and were put near the other wall, so that soldiers could get treated and be back into the battlefield. The architecture of a standard Roman Military Hospitals is similar to most healthcare centre today, rectangular in shape and consist of four corridors connected by an entrance hall. Each corridors consists of number of small ward with ante room and large ward that holds three bed off the end. Other spaces in the valetudinarium include a reception ward, staff quarters, kitchen, dispensary, large hall and medicine facilities. Religion Influence Era But unlike modern hospitals, these military hospitals were only reserve for sick and wounded Roman soldiers as Roman soldiers were usually treated with respect and honour in daily life. Unfortunately, the poor receive no sort of medical care which raises the issue social stigma. Even slaves and gladiator receive medical care. After 310 AD, the concept of healthcare available to only soldiers and the rich changes when the Romans adopted Christianity as religion, which promoted a caring and social community, revolutionizing morality and social behaviour. Christianity contributed an immense role in expanding healthcare provisions for the public. Many churches and monastery were built not only as place for spiritual worship, but to cater for travellers, the poor and the sick. St. Basil of Caesarea founded the first large-scale hospital in 369 AD. The hospital consists of 300 bed to care for victims of the plague. It was during the late 8th centuries in the Dark Ages, which Emperor Charlemagne that a hospital must be built attached each cathedral and monastery. Benedictine Abbey of Cluny was founded in 910 became a dominant factor in hospital work. To help them as would Christ was the principle founded by the monastic hospitals. Patients ward would be placed near the altar The Cluny order had an enormous influence on the culture and Romanesque architecture during the time. The monastery was form by cloister of buildings to form an open central space. The cross shaped plan in the abbey was where patient ward were place, where light and fresh is easily penetrate into the whole plan. Patients is able to gain spiritual healing in assisting with their recovery in front of the altar. Danger of bad design Healthcare Architecture Hotel-Dieu was the oldest hospital in Paris founded in the 7th century situated next to the Seine river and serve originally as a refuge for the homeless and sick. It was during the 17th century, Hotel-Dieu became hospices where the poor and sick is treated. With 1,200 beds in total and over 100 beds in some ward, Hotel-Dieu was the largest hospital ever built at the time. Although being the largest hospital, the hospital was designed poorly. Most of the wards in Hotel-Dieu does not have adequate ventilation, it was also maintained poorly and unsanitary. During plague epidemics, it was the only place that provided healthcare facilities for the sick. The hospital was faced with problem of overcrowding when it requires to house 3500 patients at the same time during the period, which the hospital was inadequately able to provide. Up to six patients were force to share a single hospital bed and infectious airborne diseases were able to spread easily across the hospital. Poor architecture design combined with uncontrollable spread of disease resulted in a high mortality rate of one death in four patients. In 1785 numerous discussion, design modifications and reformation to the Paris hospital system were made when a large part of the Hotel-Dieu was burned down by fire in 1772. Dr Jacques Tenon was appointed with drawing up proposals for improving the hospitals of Paris. He visited forty hospitals during his time in England to detailed spatial, sanitary and administrative elements of it. During his visit in Greenwich, it was when Jacques Tenon paid unusual attention on the functions and service arrangement. Documenting every architectural element detail from dining rooms, cabins bed, woollen mattress, feather pillow, the distance between the corridors, fire precautions, iron doors, alarm bells and many more. Jacques Tenons published the book Memoirs on the hospitals of Paris based on his records. Jacques Tenon and Bernard Poyet (architect) came up for the design for the new Hotel-Dieu in 1785 next to Notre Dame Cathedral after the approval of scheme by the Academy of Sciences. The hospital introduces a circular design with wards radiating from the centre point. The design was prioritized on improving the ventilation and hygiene of the building. Although the radial design for the new Hotel-Dieu receive complimentary for its effort. The death rate remained unchanged in the hospital due to most of the citys serious accidents were admitted to the new Hotel-Dieu. There are still several issues regarding to the design of it. Radial design provides insufficient space to cater for all patient; ventilation and sun light is unable to penetrate efficiently into most of the wards room. The Turning Point of Hospital The modernization of hospital design began to flourish during the age of enlightenments. In the mid-18th century, hospitals were introduced to the pavilion design. With the improvement of medical facilities and knowledge, isolation and containing airborne infections has been the main focus in reducing mortality rate. taking the quest for the separation of pathologies and the desire to prevent contagion effects to the extreme The first Pavilion type hospital in England was the Royal Herbert Hospital designed by Sir Douglas Galton which was recommended by Florence Nightingale in 1865. Sidney Herbert which was the leader of War Office wishes to reduce military mortality rate of British veterans of the Crimean War. The main intention of the pavilion design was to improved sanitation, cleanliness and fire prevention. Semi- detached building separates the hospital into isolated complex. Each complex contains ward connected by a central corridor to all other parts of the hospital. All wards are raised from the ground to maximise cross ventilation (fresh air) and natural lighting (daylight penetration). The central complex is where the administration and services located. The pavilion plan spatial layout is an excellence respond to the lack natural ventilation and separation of contagious diseases. During an epidemic outbreak in the hospital, it is able to quickly shut down the infected block, isolating it from the rest of the building. The rectangular form of the Royal Herbert Hospital provides better efficiency in plate ratio maximizing number of wards in the hospital. The sharp decline in hospital mortality rates and rise in public health make the pavilion principle a trend for modern hospital design. Political Influence Healthcare Buildings In 1938 the Finsbury Health centre designed by Berthold Lubetkin was opened with his allegation that nothing was too good for ordinary people. The development of the NHS was an essential crossroads in British Social History, and the Finsbury Health Centre was that monument of a socialist idealism. Finsbury was once a thickly stuffed ghetto relieved by green space and filled with epidemic disease. Given the circumstances, local politicians were determined to redeveloped Finsbury into a model of social progress. Things had to be improved, housing, education, hygiene and health. The principle of Finsbury Health Centre was to make healthcare available for free at a single point of delivery and the spatial arrangement of the healthcare building was designed to accommodating many different kinds of medical treatment, as opposed to being scattered all through the borough. After six decades of National Health Service, many of Finsbury principle has been adopted which led to the belief of Ber thold Lubetkin that the building serves as an instrument of social improvement. The form of the Healthcare centre is design in a letter H with public spaces located in the ground floor plan. Core public spaces such as the reception, lecture theatre and services are located in the centre section of the building with ramped services provided from the garden entrance. Both wings on the side of the building are flexibly planned clinical accommodation with different healthcare spaces. The floor plates of the building is extended from ground floor to first floor. Emergency patients can access independently to the basement floor from the rear service courtyard. The building is built from reinforced concrete frame with glass block and curtain wall infill, tiled wall surrounds and asphalt roof. Built Environment Human Health The built environment influences health. As a species, humans need structures for physical shelter, as manifestation of social and cultural values, and as embodiments of spiritual and emotional needs. As population growth accelerates, the production of the built environment becomes more resource intensive, stressing indigenous building materials and methodologies beyond their sustainable capacities. Resource depletion, in turn, negatively impacts human health. Clinical medicine and public health do not always define health as the mere absence of disease. As stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that a person health is define in the state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Architecture and planning can promote this broader conception of human health and well-being. In the nineteenth century, infectious diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, typhoid, pneumonia, and rubella were responsible for the majority of deaths. To a large degree, these could be, and eventually were, controlled through environmental and clinical public health interventions. Many of these health improvements were achieve through urban planning and zoning mechanisms, reflecting a close partnership among urban planning, public health, and allopathic medicine. Moving into the twenty-first century, a long-term chronic illness such as cancer, heart disease, and strokes began claiming the most lives. In the last twenty years, chronic respiratory afflictions such as asthma and sick building syndrome have emerged as widespread threats to public health. While we have created a large allopathic medical structure to deal with these issues, growing evidence indicates that a renewed partnership among urban planning, architecture, public health, and medicine will be necessary to prevent these illnesses before they occur. Case Study Gaviotas Hospital If humanity is to survive, we must move out of the cities, and learn to live sustainably in areas where people have not tried to survive before. Paolo Lugari Introduction Colombia as a country surrounded by strife and harsh condition like violence, drug trafficking, sickness, gun wars and poverty exists a functioning utopia of sustainability and peace. Gaviotas, a village founded in 1971 in the remote savannas of eastern Colombia, Llanos region by Professor Paolo Lugari, is a self-sufficient community of about two hundred. The sixteen-bed, 7,266- square foot solar powered hospital was designed and built by community members between 1982 and 1986. Gaviotas Hospital, elegant in its pragmatic functionality manifests a humanistic core value that identify as an oasis of imagination and sustainability Utopia to Reality Gaviotas Hospital started out as an experiment by a group of local engineer, scholars and scientist in attempt to transform an empty and remote plot of land with no arable soil into a rich and self-sustaining productive community. One of the most remarkable process of developing Gaviotas was regenerate the soil (which had a high acidity in the soil, pH4) into growable condition for trees. Scientist found a solution by using Caribbean pine trees, which have a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungus that helps to keep them alive in acidic conditions. The pine tree help provide shade, reducing the ultraviolet rays penetrating the earth and with the increment of rain fall. All these combinations help created a fertile soil with a pH value of around 6.8. The community is now able to grow different rages of agricultural food. Key Disease Treatment Eighty percent of diseases in Colombia are water-related disease which include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, Typhoid Fever. All these disease causes the victims to exhibit signs of fever, jaundice, diarrhea, abdominal pain and sometimes death if left untreated. Considering all these diseases, the main causes of suffering for the local population is gastrointestinal disorders disease, which affect seventy- five percent of the population attributable to unclean drinking water. Lugari shifted his attention from curative to preventative medicine by supplying clean water straight from Gaviotas. The hospitals provision of purified water by using simple solar energy distillation technology to immediately reduced sickness and deaths previously plaguing the villages. Sustainable and Built Environment When a new building is found to show signs of water leakage into the new building, it is immediately seen as a design and construction fault by the architect or contractor and they are force to absorb the cost of repair. On the contrary, if there is excess heat in the building causing thermal discomfort to the user, the user will automatically assume its the weather and complain about it without further investigating on the design. Resulting in installing air conditioning systems for their house. Bioclimatic error is neglected in the end. The Gaviotas Hospital feed solely on clean energy by taking advantage of nature. Functioning as an off-the-grid structure, the hospital relies on solar, wind power, mini-hydraulics and biomass for the buildings modest energy demands, the hospital is able operate without consuming drops of oil or fossil fuel. All this was made possible by integrating passive design strategies for cooling. A series of underground ducts enabled the buildings interior to maintain cool temperatures by creating a convective loop: cooled underground air entered the building, and warmer air escaped through honeycombed shaped air channels in the double layered corrugated roof. Despite frequent 100 percent humidity, a passive dehumidification system inspired by the workings of a termite mound contributed to comfortable indoor conditions. The surgical room maintained 17 percent humidity year-round the lush landscape was replete with organic produce and medicinal herbs. People were kept connected to the outdoors through operable skylights, daylit spaces, and a retractable galvanized metal roof over patient areas which provide view at the night. Looking into Bioclimatic Technologies Underground Ventilation Duct- During the day of dry season, temperature is range between 17ÂÂ °C to 35ÂÂ °C. Ventilated air is circulated through 5 large underground thermal stabilizing ducts by wind and wind extractors at a constant temperature of 25ÂÂ °C. Heat is distributed through the duct within the garden, maintaining the temperature of the soil several degrees below average thermal weight of the region. Double Coolant Cover- The ceiling of the hospital consists of a double coolant layer which allows circulation of air. The upper layer absorbs heat and induces the circulation; the lower layer stays cool, avoiding infrared radiation from the upper layer. Sliding Roofs- The rooms in the hospitalization area have manual operating sliding roofs. These sliding roofs is operated by bicycle mechanism which allows to withdraw 60% of its cover during both the day and night. Utilizing the sliding roofs helps sterilize the room using radiation and also control exposure of sun to the patient. Wind Turbine References http://reps.chelseagreen.com/files/pdf/gaviotas_pr_LowRes.pdf Gaviotas: A Village to Reinvent the World, 2nd Edition http://www.nationalpost.com/sense+sustainability+utopia+made+real+colombia/1302554/story.html Nature and Healing Emotional, physiological, social and cognitive benefits are generated in contact with nature as demonstrated by researches in an assortment of fields over the course of recent years. All the benefits which include improvement of emotional functioning, attention capacity and feelings of self-worth, reduces mental and physical stress that effects people on the individual level. Social benefits are also evident from studies of recreational activities and gardening. Being in a natural setting strengthens group ties and promotes prosocial behaviours. However, the understanding of nature healing is not all equally beneficial. Tall large trees, water features and a variety of shrubs and flowers serves better healing purposes than spaces with only grass. Humans evolved in the a natural rather than artificial or human-constructed world. Biophilia developed as a genetic tendency because of our species long dependence on functionally adapting to the natural environment. Given the evidence of the health and well-being benefits that accrue from contact with nature, it is somewhat surprising that healthcare institutions have slowly incorporating nature into building and site design. Gardens, sunlight, and landscape views have positive effects on both patient and financial outcomes. To enhance connection to nature, healthcare buildings have incorporate more views of nature and sunlight in healthcare setting. Sunlight in patient rooms is also associated with a reduction in pain, stress, and depression and gives out positive moods. Case study Paimio Sanatorium The sanatorium is an establishment for the medical treatment of people who are convalescing or have a chronic illness. The Paimio sanatorium is a former tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Southwest Finland, designed by a Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Prior completion in 1932, the building served exclusively as a tuberculosis sanatorium till 1960s, and then converted into a general hospital. The building was soon nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance. Alvar Aaltos starting point for the design of the sanatorium was to make the building itself a benefactor to the healing process, which he referred the building as a medical instrument. Alvar Aalto utilized what was naturally available which was sunlight due to lack of medical advancement. Sunlight balconies was design on each floor of the building to improve lives of the tuberculosis patients in Paimio Sanatorium. Weak patients were able to pulled out of their bed to rest in an environment to be exposed to sunshine and clean air. Furthermore, the sun balconies are also a platform for patient to take pleasure in the generous views to the woodlands surrounding the place. Effectively incorporating these biophilic design elements in constructed buildings and landscapes to varying degrees and in various combinations can enhance human health and well-being. Biophilic design elements can guide healthcare designers and hospital developers in addressing the inherent human affinity for nature. Purified Air, Clean Air? Good Air, good Health There have been many developments in the science and practical application of improved indoor air quality. Most recently, these developments have been in the area of source control for which the industry has developed effective guidelines and best practices. Efforts began in the 1980s with the indoor air quality guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Using these guidelines appropriately, we can inform building owners and operators about the quality of the air in their facilities. Indoor air samples taken in a building pre- and post occupancy and during its functional life as part of an ongoing commissioning program, can be analysed for chemical concentrations. The goal is to design, construct, and operate healthcare facilities so that the indoor concentrations of chemicals of concern (carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, and chemicals with chronic or long-term health effects) are low enough to minimize their harmful effects and not impact the occupant health negatively. Four Design Principles for Healthy Indoor Air Quality Source control: minimize the indoor chemical concentrations by reducing or eliminating pollutant sources. For healthcare facilities, this involves two separate strategies: The building: Select and install building materials and finishes that minimize or eliminate indoor pollutant sources The buildings contents: substitute low-emitting furnishings, medical products, materials, and cleaning agents for the previously used, more toxic materials. Examples of this are the use of PVC-free furniture and window shades and the use of nonlatex gloves. Ventilation control: Provide adequate ventilation to dissipate and purge indoor air pollutants. Building and IAQ commissioning: This is a process used during design and construction to verify that a building is constructed as designed and operates as intended. Recommissioning should occur regularly to ensure that the building continues to perform as intended. Operations and maintenance: Perform regular inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of the building and its contents. Case Study University of California-San Francisco Osher Center for Integrative Medicine Numerous building products, including floor materials, wall panels and ceiling tiles in the Osher Centre for Intergrative Medicine have been reformulated chemically of building material to reduce chemical emissions based on these specifications. Many institution trade groups have begun developing or have already developed the same level of compliance certification. Breathing Easier Over the last twenty-five years, much attention has been paid to improving indoor air quality as a result of the practical application of scientific research with a new consciousness about occupant health, architects and engineers are producing new building designs, system, and specifications. The manufacturing industry is responding with both reformulated and brand new green products. Giving material specifiers more confidence in selecting healthy materials, and construction industry is responding by incorporating green construction methods. Scientific test proves and qualitative feedback from occupants of these enhanced IAQ buildings confirms that improved indoor air quality improves every breath staff, visitors, and especially patients take and how they feel. A larger healthcare infrastructure will mean more energy, more materials, more development. Without the transformation of the building sector in healthcare, continued system expansion will increase the ecological resource burdens within communities. The transformation of the materials marketplace in the service of indoor air quality will be challenging. Without the limitation from organisation limiting on the budget and purchasing power of healthcare industry, greener cleaning products, and improved indoor air quality can have a major impact on moving toward cleaner building.

The Grand Essay About Reconstruction :: essays research papers

The Civil War was inevitable and regardless of the outcome on the fields of battle, the reconstruction of the nation was equally inevitable because as much as the North and the South had irrevocable differences, it was in the mutual interest of the North, the South and the West to maintain a relationship based on symbiosis. The Civil War and the reconstruction of the nation were bound to happen. There was a great diversity throughout the nation within the three sections. Differences in opinions and rules in slavery, economic and civilization differences are all examples of causes of the Civil War. However, the reconstruction of the nation was necessary, because the three sections needed each other to survive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Civil war was inevitable. Because of the great diversity between the North and the South, the Civil War was bound to happen. Slavery was one of the many causes of the Civil War. It presented a moral issue, since it dealt with human beings and invaded individual freedom and democratic ideals. Slavery greatly distinguished the South from the North, and was the major issue dividing the two sections. The differences in economy also added to the cause of the Civil War. The South had become agricultural, and the North had become industrial. These economic differences led to sectional rivalry on issues such as slavery and the protective tariff. The interpretation of the federal Union differed between the two sections as well. The South insisted that the federal Union was created by the states; therefore, any state had the right to secede. The North thought otherwise; they believed that people created the Union and no state had the right to secede. The South favored, and the North opposed the extension of slavery into the West. Most of the West became tied economically to the North by a network of railroads and trade. Southerners realized that Western lands were not suitable for cotton culture, and realized that they were losing Western support, and the South would remain a minority section in the Union. The North and the South had differences in civilization. A small aristocracy of influential planter families dominated the Southern civilization, compared to the more dynamic and democratic Northern civilization. This difference in civilizations made understanding each other’s point of view difficult, which added to the causes of the war. Lastly, people in both the North and the South exaggerated differences.

We Can Stop Global Warming Essay -- Climate Change, 2015

As human beings begin life in the 21st century, the possibilities seem endless. The technological advancements of the past few centuries have rid us of many of the problems that once plagued our species, including deadly diseases and wide spread famine in many places, yet it is all of our technology that may ultimately prove to be our undoing. The byproducts of the modern, technology-driven world are carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and they are the leading cause of the current global warming crisis. The U.N. scientific panel of 2007 concluded that the evidence of global warming is  unequivocal.. Also, in agreement with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the U.N. scientific panel supports the claim that humanity is playing a role in the warming (New York Times). The evidence is all around and irrefutable; the Earth is warming: the only question that remains is what to do about it. America is a world leader, and so far we have done too little of signifi cance to mitigate this problem; it is up to the American people, as a concerned public and electorate, to bring about the changes necessary to spare the planet from global warming's potentially disastrous consequences. While many Americans do not fully understand global warming, or the processes behind it, we all notice changes that are occurring in the environment around us. Hotter summers, shorter winters, less snowfall, and changes in plant cycles are just a few of the climatic changes being caused by increased atmospheric temperatures: the result of greenhouse gases being emitted by human beings, also known as global warming (EPA). While the Earth does go through natural cycles of warmer and cooler weather, the current warming trend is different. The... ...hope that with determination the American people, through political and personal responsibility, can steer our nation on a better course, and avoid global warming's terrible consequences. Works Cited Environmental Protection Agency. 2015. United States of America. 2 April 2015. . National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2015. United States of America. 1 April 2015. . Natural Resources Defense Council. 2015. Issues: Global Warming. 7 April 2015. . The New York Times. March 8th 2015. Science Topics. 1 April 2015. . The White House. 2015. Energy and Environment. 9 April 2015.

Macbeth the Tyrant Essay

Macbeth is a man of many admirable qualities. He is brave and valiant, as addressed by the Sergeant and Duncan, following the killing of the traitor Macdonwald. However, evidently through the gruesome deaths of Duncan`s enemies, a fierce and merciless Macbeth is seen. Yet a strong sense of loyalty emanates as he fights for his king. On the contrary to this fierce and merciless image, Macbeth is regarded as an extremely kind man prior to the murder of Duncan. After reading the letter Macbeth had sent to Lady Macbeth, she says, â€Å"Yet I do fear thy nature, it is too full o`the milk of human kindness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1. . 16-17). She is saying that Macbeth is much too kind-hearted to do what is necessary to become king. This respectable and admirable side to Macbeth is short-lived. In his effort to obtain power, his moralities are pushed aside, resulting with the destruction of his admirable self. His weak traits and characteristics gradually surface as the play goes on. Macbeth, foll owing the introduction of Lady Macbeth, is seen as weak and indecisive as he yields to Lady Macbeth’s taunts and evidently questions his moralities. After cowardly killing Duncan in his sleep, his morality results with him to be guilt ridden. From here, his morality only continues to decline with his desire to stay in power. To do so, Macbeth takes precautions to remain as king and orders the death of Banquo and Fleance. The idea of friendship is evidently ignored, as whereas he felt remorse and guilt from killing Duncan, little to none remorse was shown for killing his long-time friend Banquo. Subsequently, what morality he has left extinguishes when he orders the death of Macduff’s innocent family without even contemplating about it. Whereas he was tormented by ghosts and voices for his past murders, the execution of an innocent child and wife does not even faze him. Morality is what keeps Macbeth in check and without it, Macbeth plummets from the levels of respect and admiration, to the depths where he is cursed at, despised, and consequently, defeated. The tragic hero of the play, Macduff, ultimately sacrifices his family and clear conscience for the liberation and prosperity of his country, Scotland. His passion and loyalty to Scotland, leads him to his quest to find the rightful heir to the throne and subsequently, leads to the death of his family. A family is something that everyone holds dear in their hearts and for Macduff to lose his family; Macduff is essentially losing a part of him. Distraught in Macduff is quickly apparent following the news that his family was brutally slaughtered. Macduff’s response to this crime is, â€Å"He has no children. All my pretty ones?†¦ At one fell swoop? † (4. 3. 216-218) and, â€Å"I must also feel it like a man. † (4. 3. 221). Macduff is saying that he will never be able to take proper justice as Macbeth has no children. This indicates that his son is clearly dear to him and essentially means a part of him disappears forever as his son dies. Furthermore, when he says he must feel it like a man, there is even more emphasis to the grievance, guilt and anger he is feeling. Of the mixed emotions he is feeling, this guilt is what ruins his once clear conscience for the rest of his life. Despite knowing the possible dangers that his family will encounter, he decides to go to England still. Thus, when his family parts to the afterlife, so does his clear conscience. Macduff is guilt ridden and lives everyday knowing he is partially to blame. Lastly, Lady Macbeth relinquishes her femininity, the ultimate sacrifice a woman can make, and relationship with Macbeth in order for him to obtain the crown. After reading the letter Macbeth sends her, she appeals to the spirits and calls for them to give her strength in order to persuade her husband to commit the murder. She calls to the spirits saying, â€Å"Come, you spirits†¦unsex me here, and fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty,† (1. 5. 40-43). It is here we see the beginning of the inner struggles she is destined to face as she continues down this path and knows she must sacrifice her femininity in order to help her husband. In addition to her already declining femininity, as she is undermining Macbeth and insulting his manhood, she mentions, â€Å"How tender tis to love the babe that milk me. I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums, and dash’d the brains out†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1. 7. 55-58). In this quote, she is saying that she would kill a baby if Macbeth commits treason. At first, Lady Macbeth presents the image of a loving, mother and child bonding, which expresses her feminine qualities. However, what femininity she expresses is quickly shutdown as she gives her disturbing example of her determination and thus, lack of femininity. In addition to her sacrifice of femininity, her relationship with Macbeth diminishes as well. After manipulating her husband to killing Duncan, there is a clear shift in power. Macbeth appears to require his wife less as he continues to be king and she slowly fades into the background. Whereas Lady Macbeth was completely involved in the murdering of Duncan, she was not even informed about the killing of Macduff’s family. Furthermore, Macbeth seeks guidance from the witches rather than Lady Macbeth, reinforcing her declining importance. By the end of the play, when she is broken and guilt-ridden, Macbeth receives information about his wife’s condition through a doctor rather than in person. At this point, it is not even a relationship and whether or not Lady Macbeth is Macbeth’s, â€Å"dearest partner of greatness,† is questionable.

Toyota Prius

1. – What micro environmental factors affected both the first generation and second generation models of the Toyota Prius? How well has Toyota dealt with these factors? The micro environmental factors are those forces close to a company, yet outside its internal environmental, that influence the ability of a business to serve its customers, forces such as customers, suppliers, competitors and other business that assistor influence a business’s ability to sell, distribute, promote and develop products or services.In regards the Toyota Prius case, the factors that the company dealt with are: Customers: Toyota launched the first generation in 2001 with a small, cramped and not attractive car into a market were the big SUV’s were dominating the business. They were bringing to the market a low consume, environmentally friendly and high tech vehicle. In my opinion, Toyota took a risk launching a vehicle that was fitting future need’s that customers were going to have with the upcoming economic situation (gas price increment).Toyota launched the second generation improving the fuel consumption and improving the lacks on the first version: style and capacity. The biggest success was to anticipate the customer needs. Suppliers: Without the support of suppliers, Toyota would not have be able to launch the first generation. Toyota needed the suppliers to be onboard on this risky project in which they were developing a new technology that requires a high capital investment up front with a high risk of failure.Competitors: First generation did not have direct competitors since it was the only hybrid vehicle on the market. I consider that the challenge for Toyota on the first generation was to create a market niche for this new vehicle concept. The scenario was different for the second generation were the market niche existed already and new competitors were getting into the business. Honda with the hybrid Civic, Mercury with the Mariner and Ford with the Escape were trying to make their first steps on this vehicle category but being a step behind Toyota in price and efficiency. 2. Outline the major macro environmental factors – demographic, economic, natural, technological, political and cultural – that have affected Prius sales. How well Toyota dealt with each of these factors? Demographic: American population has been growing at around 10% since 2000 as well as the GDP per capita. This lead to an increase on the demand for automobiles and to a more demanding costumer due to his higher purchase power. Economic: Toyota Prius was launched in USA in a growing economic environment but right before a scenario were gasoline price would start rising considerably.Looks like Toyota did not respond against trends and fads but did a good long term economic analysis going ahead in respect his competitors that just wait until gasoline price started rising to start taking fuel consumption into account as an important facto r during the vehicle development. Natural: December 1997 world’s leading nations meet Japan to discuss Kyoto protocol. Several months before, Toyota introduces in Japan the first hybrid vehicle. Consumers start to take into account environmental factors on their purchases. Another factor that push consumers toward lower consume vehicles is the gasoline price rise that occurs in 2004.Smaller SUV’s, cars and hybrids see their demand increase due to these two natural factors. Toyota, being aware of this factors, changed his targeted costumer investing $40 million dollars campaign on this set of customers, the environmental conscious. Technological: late 90’s is considered a high-tech boom. This may be the reason why Toyota targeted first on early adopters and techies who are attracted by car’s advanced technology. Political: Many states are rewarding the car owners with tax breaks amounting to thousands of dollars.Furthermore, some states government gave fur ther tax breaks, in some circumstances complementing the federal tax break. There were also some eco-friendly organizations involved in this incentive game such as Google, Timberland and Hyperion Solutions providing employees as much as $5,000 toward the purchase of hybrids. Many states even gave permission for the hybrids to use carpooling lanes which allow people to travel more quickly to work. Lastly, lots of insurance companies offer discounts to hybrid cars. Cultural: since the last decade, society is getting more sensitive in regards environmental issues.This is being reflected on customer decisions that are looking for environmental friendly product even at a higher price to them. 3. – Evaluate Toyota’s marketing strategy so far. What has Toyota done well? How might it improve its strategy? Marketing strategy consist of 4 P’s which are product, price, place and promotion: Product: Toyota brought to the market a new vehicle concept that fitted into the new economic, social and political scenario. Toyota identified the lacks on the first generation and incorporated the improvements on the second generation improving also efficiency.Price: Toyota Prius with Honda Civic were the only two Hybrid models in which customers were recovering the price premium and starting to save money after 75. 000 miles. Place: Toyota was aware of the difficulty of introducing a new concept to the market. Lack of customer information could induce to a mistrust toward the product. Toyota put emphasis training specifically to the dealerships to make sure customers were being properly informed. In addition, Toyota opened a site on the web where customers could share their questions and modifications they made to their Prius.Promotion: Toyota did not put too much effort on advertising this vehicle. Toyota used the dealerships as a communication line to the customers. In my opinion, the biggest success of Toyota comes from the long term strategy they planed that come up with a vehicle that fit perfectly to the changing economic and social context. In addition to the low consume advantage the Prius was, they continued improving their models to provide customers with the same comfort and capacity of vehicles that were dominating the American roads by increasing the capacity on his second generation for instance.Customers, in general, are afraid to invest in new concept products due to a mistrust on their performances. Battery life and maintenance were the biggest concerns that customers were having. Other automakers, such as Renault are offering to the customers a systems in which they take the responsibility of the battery life. Automakers own the batteries and customers just pay a monthly rent for the maintenance and replacement. I consider that this strategy offers more confidence to the new customers to invest on this new technologies. 4. GM’s marketing director for new ventures, Ken Stewart, says â€Å"if you want to get a lot o f hybrids on the road, you put them in vehicles that people are buying now†. They seems to summarize the U. S. auto makers† approach to hybrids. Would you agree with Mr. Stewart? Why or why not? American market is being currently dominated by big SUV’s and pickup trucks. Statistics display this customer preferences. The American auto makers are trying to provide to customers a more efficient vehicle keeping the current confront and performances.Obviously, the efficiency achieved is not the same as the one other auto makers are achieving by developing smaller hybrid vehicles. In my opinion, what they are doing is to find a short term solution to the current customer needs instead of anticipating the future ones which are smaller cars with even higher fuel efficiency. So, if the macro environment continues pushing auto makers toward the efficiency cars, they will continue being ahead the others because even if they are trying to improve efficiency, it is not the mai n goal for them right now.