Antonin Artaud: Theatre of Cruelty Essay

Antonin Artaud’s most profound piece of work was not a poem, not a play, not an acting role, but a theory: Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty. He began to form his Theatre of Cruelty theory after learning of the Balinese theatre that seemed, to him, to share qualities with his ideas about theatre. Artaud held a great respect for Balinese theatre which revolves around dance and actions to convey meaning (Encyclopedia Britannica). More traditional theatre revolves around words to convey meaning. Artaud believed that the specificity of verbal interpretations got in the way of true meaning and that using physical gestures to express thoughts was more effective (Encyclopedia Britannica). He looked at drama as more of a physical act than a recitation of a script. The entire form of theatre, in his view, needed to be different to suit his new idea that the purpose of theatre was to express the cruelty of human beings (Encyclopedia Britannica). Artaud was very liberal in his ideas for this new theatre. He was specific in what he wanted out of the new theatre. He had many plans for how it would function and many dreams of the effect it would bring to it’s audiences as well as the art form as a whole. Antonin Marie Artaud was born in 1846 in Marseille France to his Greek parents, Euphrasie Nalpas and Antoine-Roi Artaud. He was one of the two surviving children out of nine, but he was very ill. Many of his problems can be attributed to his early childhood illnesses and the way they were treated. As a child, Artaud suffered from meningitis of the brain, neuraligia, and clinical depression. Since he was an unhealthy child, he was treated with opium which began his life-long addiction. As a young man Artaud was smart, handsome, and capable. He wrote poetry, but his main focus was theatre. He also acted in plays and directed theatre. While he was never well-known, he gave his life up to writing and excelled at it. His aptitude for writing strange-yet-interesting pieces was a result of his demented mind. He had strange ideas that were both brilliant and misunderstood. The opium and mental illness that brought Artaud his skill in writing took a toll on his body and were his eventual downfall. Artaud spent some years of his life going in and out of mental hospitals. He lived a fast, short life nd he died at the young age of 52 in a psychatric clinic. People may never definitely know whether Artaud was really intellectually inspired by the drugs he was so addicted to, but one might hope that the drugs that took his life away from him at such an early age served some sort of useful purpose. Such an odd man would seem to be more well-known, when in fact Artaud and his theories are so obscure that little can be found on them in any reliable resources. To fully understand Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty completely, one must first understand the meaning Artaud puts into the word cruelty. He used the words in many different ways to express his own philosophies. Artaud, according to Lee Jamison, used the word cruelty to apply to many differerent philosophies and views of his. More specifically, she defines four different ways Artaud included the concept of cruelty in his theories. The first of Artaud’s conceptual definitions of cruelty is the â€Å"essense of human existence† (Jamison). This definition of cruelty is that human life has no meaning, which is a cruel thought indeed. This definition shows Artaud’s jaded persepctive of life. He believed that life had no meaning and that theatre should show everyone else the cruel fact that he knew to be true. The second definition is cruelty as a practice, the practice of cruelty being breaking away from â€Å"false reality† (Jamison). He believed that everyone was living a lie and should just accept reality rather than ignoring the truth. Artaud’s third cruelty concept is that he believed that the audience should be exposed to cruelty by means of the theatre experience. He did not just want the audience to see cruelty up on the stage; he wanted to put them in the middle of it all and to experience it themselves. He wanted all barriers to be erased and for the audience to become part of the action in drama (Jamison). In this way the audience could have a better understanding of the concept Artaud was so eager to put on display in the theatre. The fourth and last interpretation of cruelty is Artaud’s own personal views. He considered everything imaginable to be reality (Jamison). If it could be thought up, it was real. This ties in with the willing suspension of disbelief which means what the audience is experiencing in the theatre is real in a way. The characters become people that the audience cares about. Understanding the many meanings Artaud put on one word, cruelty, is vital to understanding his meaning in his theory of Theatre of Cruelty. Artaud’s theories could very well be the work of a misuderstood genious carrying a jem of precious intellect. He makes many valid points in his writing. Perhaps life is just a cruel, meaningless existence. One could never know without blind faith. There is no science to prove that life has a deeper meaning other than to live and reproduce. If facing the truth is cruel then Artaud believed that all people should stand up to cruelty and look it in the face. Artaud could be right in saying that people should not live a lie. Putting an audience in a dramiatic situation is a marvelous idea if not taken too far. His theories may have been the beginnings of improvisational theatre or may have even spawned the modern day house of horrors. Artaud could be right about saying that even things that exist only in the mind are real. Reality is merely perception. Whether one can think of something or tangibly experience it, it is real in their perception. Artaud had many excellent ideas and theories that carry on with humanity through today. Artaud’s theories very well may be the jumbled-up imaginations and creations of a drug-addicted mad man. Perhaps his mental instability made him look at life through a distorted looking glass. What he saw was there, he was merely twisting it. Life itself being cruel sounds exactly like an exaggeration a depressed person would make. Life can be wonderful in so many ways. Existence itself is no cruelty to mankind. Existence merely forces the living to eat and breath, nothing more. Society may be a cruelty to mankind, but then again civilization is not innate. That people tend to avoid the truth is a terribly large generalization to make. It sounds like it was just made up. There is no evidence put behind it at all. Putting an audience through cruelty by making them part of a play is very cruel indeed. It may be so cruel that it serves no purpose at all, except to drive people away from the theatre. Looking at it reasonably and scientifically, if something cannot be seen, smelled, heard, touched, or tasted, one can never know if it is actually there. It almost sounds like something that would come out of the mouth of someone mentally ill. The main problem with no one adopting Artaud’s theatre was that immense changes would have to be made to the art in itself. Buildings would have to be changed so that the audience could be part of the action in plays. Writers would have write in a way that demonstrated Artaud’s theories. His precise and thought-out ideas for the theatre were too specific to be conformed to easily. If the changes had not been so drastic, theatres very well may have adapted and become Theatres of Cruelty. Artaud was very particular in his theories. All of Artaud’s theories tied in very closely to one another. To conform to one of Artaud’s ideas without conforming to any other would be an immense challenge.

Dramatic Conventions

Dario Fo- Can’t Pay? Won’t pay! Can't Pay? Won't Pay! Is based on Dario Fo's â€Å"Non Si Paga? Non Si Paga! â€Å", a political work that he wrote to highlight the dilemma of ordinary Italian workers during the economic crisis of the 1970s. It is said that through Dario Fo’s plays he becomes both the peoples entertainer and the peoples spokesman. What is meant by this is that Fo better connects with his audience by entertaining them with their own thoughts. He speaks for the audience and stands up for the working class citizens and political injustice.His play implied that he had full support for the lower class workers even though they commit crimes. He believed that they had no other choice than to do so, they only did it to survive. Throughout Can’t Pay? Won’t pay! Fo uses various dramatic conventions. One Dramatic convention that Fo uses to better connect with the audience is the breaking of the fourth wall. In drama the fourth wall is the in visible wall that stands between the actors on stage and the audience, it separates the world and situations created on stage from our reality.What it means to break the fourth wall is that the actors have broken down the theoretical wall between the world on stage and reality, making the audience aware that they are in fact watching a play. The way that Fo breaks down the fourth wall is by the use of the same actor in multiple roles. The character of the sergeant, inspector, old man and undertaker was played by the same actor. Fo did this to create a realisation in the audience that they had seen the same man previously making them aware that they are in fact watching a play therefore breaking down the fourth wall.Another dramatic convention that Fo’s uses throughout Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! Is the use of slapstick humor. Slapstick is a type of comedy involving exaggerated physical violence or activities which exceed the boundaries of common sense, such as in the scene where Margherita and Antonia are convincing the inspector that Margherita is going into labour when she really just has stolen goods hidden underneath her shirt. By using this style of comedy Fo connects with the middle class working man. Though this style of comedy is extremely entertaining Fo in fact is distracting us from his real point.The point that he is trying to make by using this style of comedy is saying that the government is like the style of comedy how they exceed the boundaries of common sense. Another dramatic convention used throughout the play is black humor. â€Å"Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! † Also deals with death. This happens when the sergeant accidentally bumps his head and fall unconscious. Whilst trying to revive the sergeant Antonia and Margherita give the sergeant hydrogen, which does not revive him but causes his belly to swell.This makes them believe that they have killed a policeman. Black humor made up of domestic violence and death is one of the most unique assets of the drama. Coincidences also play an important role throughout the play. Using coincidences Fo brings comedy to his audience. One example of this is example is that when Luigi and Giovanni are having difficulty deciding where to hide the sacks without being caught by the authorities this is when the undertaker appears. So both Giovanni and Luigi decide to put the sacks into the casket so that they may not be found.At the end of the play, Giovanni and Antonia find both of them have stolen something and that both of them had hid the stuff in their house. Without This coincidence they would not have been lead them to apologize to each other in the end. Throughout Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! Fo integrated real political events in his play. This play is based on a true event He was inspired by a consumer revolt during the economic crisis of the mid-1970s in which people had declined to pay inflated prices.Increased living costs and higher unem ployment rates at the time made it difficult for the working class to survive. In this play, Fo let people of the lower class and working class such as housewives and factory workers, revolt to fight for their own rights of survival. For my practical work with a monologue from Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! I had played the character of Giovanni. I had recreated the scene from act one where Giovanni cleans up after Margherita’s water breaks. The character Giovanni is a man of integrity.He would rather die than steal and had even claimed he would kill his wife if he ever found out that she has stolen. He created Giovanni to mock those in society who obey the government under any circumstances. This scene perfectly illustrates his point. In this scene we see that Giovanni is quite naive to the process of childbirth and is willing to accept it even though it makes no sense whatsoever. This is shown in the line â€Å"Blimey, all this water! But what a strange smell, like vi negar†¦ yeah, sort of brine. I’ll be damned I didn't know that before being born we spent nine months brine? †.As we can see Giovanni is extremely gullible and will believe almost anything that he is told, this also adds to the comedic element of the scene. Dario Fo’s play â€Å"Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! † Has used various types of dramatic conventions such as black humor, the breaking down of the fourth wall, use of slapstick humor and coincidences. These features are why Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! Has become one of Fo’s most famous works of drama. Fo’s Trait of writing politically controversial plays about working class has changed views on political injustice and has successfully obtained the support of audiences everywhere.

According to Crapo Acculturation Essay

According to Crapo, Acculturation is what happens when members of one culture adopt the beliefs and/or behaviors of another group. Our textbook states †Although both societies may change as a result of prolonged contact, the politically or economically less powerful of the two is likely to experience the most dramatic acculturative changes as they adopt the language and certain other cultural traits of the dominant culture† (Crapo, 2013). My heart felt so heavy when watching this 40 minute film. I could not help but feel a rush of emotions and for what those children and their parents went through. As a mother, I could not imagine someone taking my child from me and shipping them away to a boarding school. Those children were tortured, beat, and worked to death, and the girls were even sexually assaulted. Once the children were released they had no self-worth. They felt like they were unable to fit in amongst society, and most importantly with their tribe. See more: The stages of consumer buying decision process essay The film never mentioned the actual reason the American Government decided to acculturate the Native Americans into Western culture. There could be several reasons they chose to do so. The first one that comes to mind is power. They also may have done this to use them for cheap labor. Another possibility as to why the American Government could have acculturated the Native Americans is because they feared what they were capable of. Acculturating others into another culture is justifiable as long as they aren’t being forced to do so against their own will. When someone is forced into acculturating it effects them badly, in a negative way. Also, it is unfair that individuals are punished for acculturating, especially when it was against their own will to begin with. References Crapo, R. H. (2013). Cultural Anthropology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education. Givens, S. F. (Producer). (2011). Indian school: Stories of survival [Video]. Lincoln Park, MI: American Indian Services, Inc. Retrieved from the Films On Demand database.

How have recent policy changes in school age education affected Essay

How have recent policy changes in school age education affected classroom practice and student achievement in Austrlia Focus on - Essay Example This is in pursuant with the COAG agenda to implement reforms in the education field, particularly related to gaining skills and growth in early childhood so that Australia as a nation could be enriched with human capital (DEEWR, 2011). The government identifies its role of paying attention to the early years of school children for their lifelong welfare and role in the country’s development. There is sufficient evidence that the early years play a dominant role in the overall growth of school age students (CAG, 2009). The Australian government has created a blue print of the strategy by working collaboratively on the shared vision for the growth of young children by 2020 to provide all resources to the school age students for their bright future as well as for the future of Australia. The government plans to arrange school age welfare services under the new framework through three segments: Focused regulatory arrangements A National Quality Standard including the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and quality rating system. Organization of a new national body collectively managed between the Commonwealth and the states and territories (CAG, 2009). Overview The first five years of a child’s life lay out the path on which the child grows into a fuller personality. The policy initiative of the Australian government to be jointly run by the territory and state governments would provide that required platform to the Australian children. Application of the National Quality Framework has been in progress since July 2010. Quality parameters would get heightened with the implementation of the framework on quality and regularity over the early childhood education and attention to their growth throughout Australia. The new changes are expected to better the services in the domains that impress on a child’s growth and enable families to take right decisions for their children (DEEWR, 2011). Policy changes have impressed upon the need of adhering to higher parameters of attending to children in the matter of learning skills, good health and their safety Parents are now better equipped with required knowledge about their children to select the services that are more pertinent to make the future of their children promising (DEEWR, 2011). Earlier, information regarding quality standards for early age children was not universal across all regions in Australia. With the new policy framework, there is no dearth of relevant information to assist parents in selecting the desired services for their kids (DEEWR, 2011). All services providers have increased their quality benchmarks related to child growth. Quality parameters have been raised for early childhood education for the better via: †¢ introduced better teacher to child ratios so that individual attention could be provided to all children †¢ added to the qualification level of teachers so that they possess the desired expertise to guide children in imbibing and developi ng †¢ initiated a novel quality rating system so that the Australian parents could view the information relating to their child’s progress pertaining to the standard of early education and tending services †¢

DWIGHT EISENHOWER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

DWIGHT EISENHOWER - Essay Example In 1944-1945, as the leader of the Western Front, Dwight Eisenhower managed to successfully invade and occupy Germany and France1.In 1951, he was appointed as the first military supreme leader of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.He also served as the Chief of Staff, under the Harry Truman presidency. Dwight Eisenhower entered the United States political arena in 1952, in order to counter the threats that came from communist Korea. He also engaged in politics in order to counter the non-interventionism policies that were drafted by Senator Robert Taft. During his first year of presidency2, Eisenhower managed to sponsor a coup in Iran. This led to the overthrow of Mohammad Mosadegh. This was after the Iranian government nationalized its oil reserves, which were mostly controlled by the British and American companies. On this basis, nationalization of the oil reserves would have impacted negatively on the American interests. One of the greatest achievements of Dwight Eisenhower wa s to convince China to stop the1950 to 1953 war that was between South Korea and North Korea. South Korea was supported by United Nations, while North Korea was supported by China. North Korea practiced communism as a system of governance. In this war, under the auspices of the United Nations, United States of America contributed more than 80% of the troops that operated in South Korea.

Contemporary Trust Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Contemporary Trust Law - Assignment Example If there are no beneficiaries with equitable interests in the trust assets, there is in theory no one "in whose favour the court can decree specific performance": Morice v Bishop of Durham (1804) 9 Ves.399. The complexity, of course, with this approach is that it frustrates the requirements of a settler or testator, who may want to profit a legitimate public object or useful social experiment which does not fall stringently within the definition of charity. A trust, for example, for the promotion of a particular sport (such as angling or yacht racing) is not charitable unless linked to education: Re Nottage [1895] 2 Ch. 649 and Re Clifford [1912] 1 Ch. 29. Similarly, a trust to be relevant income for the purposes of research into a proposed new alphabet also falls outside the description of charity: Re Shaw [1957] 1 W.L.R. 729. To what extent, however, is it legitimate to use the mechanism of a trust for the haulage out of mere purposes where there are no beneficiaries vested with equitable ownership in the trust property The law that a valid trust "must be for the benefit of individuals" (Bowman v Secular Society Ltd [1917] A.C. 406, 441, per Lord Parker) is not complete. A trust for charitable purposes is valid even with the absence of an equitable beneficial owner to put into effect the trust. Here, of course, it is the Crown (acting through the Attorney-General or the Charity Commissioners) who takes on the role of parens patriae on behalf of the public at large. Apart from this, there are several well-known "inconsistent" exceptions, classified by Lord Evershed M.R. in Re Endacott [1960] Ch. 232, where the trustee may perform the terms of the trust if he so wishes, but the court will not compel him to do so. These so-called "trusts of imperfect obligation" comprise (1) trusts for the creation of monuments and graves; (2) trusts for the saying of masses; and (3) trusts for the maintenance of particular animals. They will be valid (though unenforceable) provided they do not offend the rule against continuous trusts. Presumably, in the dearth of a beneficiary, the trustee is mutually the legal and beneficial owner of the trust property so that, if he fails or refuses to carry out the trust, the property will relapse back to the testator's residuary estate upon a resulting trust as to both the legal and equitable title. In reality, there is no trust here at all, rather a meagre power to apply for the stated purposes, with a contribution over or a resulting trust in evasion of exercise of the power. There are, of course, other cases where there may be a conviction despite the lack of an equitable owner. The understandable example is that of a discretionary trust in favour of a large class which is too large to list but, nevertheless, theoretically certain in definition. In the same way, there is no equitable title to the estate of a deceased person until such time as the administration is completed. The personal representatives are simply the legal owners during the administration

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 13

Psychology - Essay Example Likewise, if it is, as long as complete data sets, measurability, inference and hypotheses can be drawn, it is likely that the researcher is dealing with a form of science. However, the biggest obstacle to such measurability and data sets as a function of the field of psychology is the fact that such a great level of variance is oftentimes presented to the researcher. As opposed to a more environmentally centric approach or a more individualist approach (theology/religion), psychology works to explain both the external and internal determinants of human thought and behavior. In this way, a more complete understanding of what gives way to action and the causation of a multitude of factors is understood. Furthermore, through incorporating scientific approaches, psychology has a distinct advantage over the use of less structured and/or reliable means of understanding such as a theological approach (Haig 2008). Likewise, in the mind of this author, the practice and implementation of psychology should not be distinct from the other branches of science. Although its study deals with a divergent field of material, it is important that psychology work to minimize differences between itself and the other branches of scientific knowledge due to the fact that psychology actively employs the very same scientific methods as do the other forms of analysis and understanding of the other sciences. Likewise, with respect to the methodological approaches that should be employed, these will necessarily be based upon the particular field of specialty that is being analyzed and have a direct relation to what prior studies have concluded. Therefore, as long as the analysis is performed in a verifiably scientific and rigorous way, there is not one methodological approach that one can consider superior to another. Similarly, when a certain theory

Human Resources Managent - Workforce Diversiity and Labor Supply Essay

Human Resources Managent - Workforce Diversiity and Labor Supply - Essay Example The main task of the human resource management is to effectively recruit and maintain employees while improving the whole organization in the process. According to Jackson and Schuler (238), this department involves â€Å"specific human resource practices such as recruitment, selection, and appraisal; formal human resource policies; and overarching human resource philosophies, which specify the values that inform an organization’s policies and practices†. Moreover, the function of the human resource management is extended to the development, motivation and retention of its employees in order to secure the labor supply of the company. With these goals at hand, human resource professionals continue to discover ways to stabilize the labor supply by mounting ingenious recruitment process, developing attractive employee involvement programs to increase retention percentage, and hiring employees from non-traditional sources which in turn create a diverse workforce (Konrad and Deckop 273). Other programs like â€Å"sponsoring private-public partnerships with schools, offering employees flexible work arrangements, and conducting diversity training and mentoring programs† are also offered by the human resources department (Mirvis 43). Furthermore, work styles and values of employees belonging to different age, sex, beliefs or cultural groups can also affect the organization. As Lawsson (216) noted, â€Å"the demographic profile of the workforce† is changing â€Å"as the representation of generations and the result is that organizations are experiencing a necessity to change as well†. As a result, the increasing trend of workforce diversity in the future will affect the capability of the company to employ and retain people. Thus, human resource experts are responsible to properly answer the conflicts that diverse workforce may bring, to get the

The film Gandhi Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The film Gandhi - Movie Review Example One of the core precipitating factors of this film was that this film did not only promise to be a great historical venture but the movement occurred at a time where the threat of nuclear holocaust was surrounding the world. Even that did not stop Gandhi from fighting for the freedom movement and it also reminded us that humans are certainly capable of achieving the impossible through their imagination and through their civic rights.Mobilizing People for ActionThough it was initially ignored by the British rulers they soon realized that Gandhi has been able to ignite a spark among the Indians and had started a movement for liberty. The film is historically accurate in this regard as Gandhi went to hunger-strike and non-violent protests to achieve his motive but never tried to use violence to achieve his goals. There is even a scene in the film where several Gandhi followers march forward to be beaten to the ground by the British during their non-violent protest. According to Attenbor ough (1982), Gandhi did want to liberate India from the British but wanted to achieve this motive without any bloodshed and he did propel his citizens to follow the path of Satyagraha (The right path). Mohandas Gandhi stood at the epicenter of all the movement. However, there were some complexities which are implicit in this issue. Though India did liberate itself from the British it had all came at the expense of the conflict among Hindus and Muslims of India and Pakistan.

Biography of Rovin Jay and Jonathan Larson Research Paper

Biography of Rovin Jay and Jonathan Larson - Research Paper Example He wrote an autobiography, Tick Tick to express his disappointment. Billy Aronson a playwright collaborated with Jonathan on updating la Boh’eme a show that was later named Rent. They also wrote three songs together before separating. The Rent show was relevant to his generation and incorporated gays, those who are straight, battling with AIDS and loneliness. Alongside he also did other things, he wrote a revue about teen issues, produced a video for children called Away We Go. He won Richard Rodgers grant for Rent in 1994 and at the same time the New York theater workshop agreed to mount a studio production for him. He quit his waiter job and worked with his producers, project director Michael Greif, and theater artistic Jim Nicola. Shortly thereafter the show was cast and rehearsals began. Unfortunately, Larson died before his show could pick up. The show gained a lot of publicity and was transferred to Broadway. The show has won many awards including the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Four Tonys (Larson page 59) There is little information provided about Robin jay, however he an American based producer of rent and an Actor at Knotts Berry Farm. After rent moved to Broadway production it won Tony Award but the production closed soon after. The achievement of the show however led to several foreign productions. Later on the show moved to motion picture in which most of the early cast members were included. Among them were Director Rovin Jay, Choregrapher Sonya Randall and Music Director Brian Sherick. He acted as the Samaritan in a Christmas Carol, and Narrator 1 in the Gift of the Magi at the world famous Bird Cage Theatre. For eight years, he was the actor of Disneyland Resort, and in 2009 he performed as Naphtali the calypso singing brother and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Larson 24). For four months, he

Sources of Government Power in a Nation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sources of Government Power in a Nation - Essay Example In the introductory paragraph, the paper mentions two major forms of governments. These forms are the major sources of government power. Monarchical government is a form of government that is disliked by many nations due to its nature that one becomes the leader of a nation whether the Nationals like it or not. Citizens will always want to hear an individual’s ideological ability. Various nations have their cultural and political beliefs and would expect to have them maintained. With the hereditary monarchy, nationals are not able to evaluate and choose their leaders. An example is the Great Britain where the newborn King William has to become the next king. The king may not bother to maintain the doctrines of the nation because of the guarantee of leadership assured. Family leadership is a duplication of the same leadership since it comes from the same people. This means that the prince will emulate father’s governance, limiting the chances of change in the country. Ac cording to; â€Å"Globalizing Democracy† by Fierlbeck K., a potential leader proves to nationals of fulfilling the promises made to citizens, unlike hereditary monarchy. The promises one makes should be factual and ones that cope with the doctrines of the country. Once somebody has gotten into power, he/she gets the strength to either fulfill the promises made to nationals or not. This is because of the superiority one gets, overlooking the voters who took him/her to the same power. This now creates domination (Fierlbeck 22).

Coffee Shop Essay Example for Free

Coffee Shop Essay â€Å"Closing Time† has the meaning set out in section 1. 3; â€Å"Contract† means a formal written contract between the City and a Preferred Proponent to undertake the Services, the preferred form of which is attached as Schedule B; â€Å"Evaluation Team† means the team appointed by the City; â€Å"Information Meeting† has the meaning set out in section 1. 4; â€Å"Preferred Proponent(s)† means the Proponent(s) selected by the Evaluation Team to enter into negotiations for a Contract; â€Å"Proponent† means an entity that submits a Proposal; â€Å"Proposal† means a proposal submitted in response to this RFP; â€Å"RFP† means this Request for Proposals; â€Å"Services† has the meaning set out in Schedule A; â€Å"Site† means the place or places where the Services are to be performed; and â€Å"Statement of Departures† means Schedule C-1 to the form of Proposal attached as Schedule C. Instructions To Proponents 2 Closing Time and Address for Proposal Delivery Proposals must be received by the office of the: Kam Grewal, BBA, CMA Acting Purchasing AP Manager Address:6645 – 148 Street Surrey, BC V3S 3C7 on or before the following date and time (the â€Å"Closing Time†): Time: 3:00 pm local time Date: Monday, July 5, 2010. Submissions by fax [or email] will not be accepted. There will be no extension to the Closing Time for the submission of proposals. 3 Information Meeting An information meeting may be hosted by the City Representative to discuss the City’s requirements under this RFP (the â€Å"Information Meeting†). While attendance is at the discretion of Proponents, Proponents who do not attend will be deemed to have attended the Information Meeting and to have received all of the information given at the Information Meeting. At the time of issuance of this RFP a meeting has not been scheduled. 4 Number of Copies. Proponents should submit the original plus 5 hard copies (6 in total) of their Proposals. 5 Late Proposals Proposals received after the Closing Time will not be accepted or considered. Delays caused by any delivery, courier or mail service(s) will not be grounds for an extension of the Closing Time. 7 Amendments to Proposals Proposals may be revised by written amendment, delivered to the location set out above, at any time before the Closing Time but not after. An amendment must be signed by an authorized signatory of the Proponent in the same manner as provided by section 2. 3. Fax amendments are permitted, but such fax may show only the change to the proposal price(s) and in no event disclose the actual proposal price(s). A Proponent bears all risk that the City’s fax equipment functions properly so as to facilitate timely delivery of any fax amendment. 8 Inquiries All inquiries related to this RFP should be directed in writing to the person named below (the â€Å"City Representative†). Information obtained from any person or source other than the City Representative may not be relied upon. Kam Grewal, BBA, CMA Acting Purchasing AP Manager. Address:City of Surrey – Purchasing 6645 – 148 Street Surrey, BC V3S 3C7 Phone: 604-590-7274 Fax:604-599-0956 Email:[emailprotected] ca Inquiries should be made no later than 7 days before Closing Time. The City reserves the right not to respond to inquiries made within 7 days of the Closing Time. Inquiries and responses will be recorded and may be distributed to all Proponents at the discretion of the City. Proponents finding discrepancies or omissions in the Contract or RFP, or having doubts as to the meaning or intent of any provision, should immediately notify the City Representative. If the City determines that an amendment is required to this RFP, the City Representative will issue an addendum in accordance with section 1. 9. No oral conversation will affect or modify the terms of this RFP or may be relied upon by any Proponent. 9 Addenda If the City determines that an amendment is required to this RFP, the City will post a written addendum on the City website at www. surrey. ca (the City Website) and upon posting will be deemed to form part of this RFP. Upon submitting a Proposal, Proponents will be deemed to have received notice of all addenda that are posted on the City Website. 10 Examination of Contract Documents and Site Proponents will be deemed to have carefully examined the RFP, including all attached Schedules, the Contract and the Site (as applicable) prior to preparing and submitting a Proposal with respect to any and all facts which may influence a Proposal. 11 Opening of Proposals The City intends to open Proposals in private but reserves the right to open Proposals in public at its sole discretion. 12 Status Inquiries All inquiries related to the status of this RFP, including whether or not a Contract has been awarded, should be directed to the City Website and not to the City Representative. Proposal Submission FORM AND contents 2 Package Proposals should be in a sealed package, marked on the outside with the Proponents name, title of the Project and reference number. 3 Form of Proposal Proponents should complete the form of Proposal attached as Schedule C, including Schedules C-1 to C-4. Proponents are encouraged to respond to the items listed in Schedules C-1 to C-4 in the order listed. Proponents are encouraged to use the forms provided and attach additional pages as necessary. 4 Signature. The legal name of the person or firm submitting the Proposal should be inserted in Schedule C. The Proposal should be signed by a person authorized to sign on behalf of the Proponent. 1 If the Proponent is a corporation then the full name of the corporation should be included, together with the names of authorized signatories. The Proposal should be executed by all of the authorized signatories or by one or more of them provided that a copy of the corporate resolution authorizing those persons to execute the Proposal on behalf of the corporation is submitted. 2 If the Proponent is a partnership or joint venture then the name of the partnership or joint venture and the name of each partner or joint venturer should be included, and each partner or joint venturer should sign personally (or, if one or more person(s) have signing authority for the partnership or joint venture, the partnership or joint venture should provide evidence to the satisfaction of the City that the person(s) signing have signing authority for the partnership or joint venture). If a partner or joint venturer is a corporation then such corporation should sign as indicated in subsection (a) above. 3 If the Proponent is an individual, including a sole proprietorship, the name of the individual should be included. evaluation and Selection 2 Evaluation Team The evaluation of Proposals will be undertaken on behalf of the City by the Evaluation Team. The Evaluation Team may consult with others including City staff members, third party consultants and references, as the Evaluation Team may in its discretion decide is required. The Evaluation Team will give a written recommendation for the selection of a Preferred Proponent or Preferred Proponents to the City. 3 Evaluation Criteria The Evaluation Team will compare and evaluate all Proposals to determine the Proponents strength and ability to provide the Services in order to determine the Proposal which is most advantageous to the City, using the following criteria: 1 Experience, Reputation and Resources The Evaluation Team will consider the Proponents responses to items in C-2 of Schedule  C including supplementary information. 3 Technical The Evaluation Team will consider the Proponents responses to items (i) to (vii) in C-3 of Schedule  C. 5 Financial The Evaluation Team will consider the Proponents response to C-4 of Schedule  C. (d)Statement of Departures The Evaluation Team will consider the Proponents response to C-1 of Schedule  C. The Evaluation Team will not be limited to the criteria referred to above, and the Evaluation Team may consider other criteria that the team identifies as relevant during the evaluation process. The Evaluation Team may apply the evaluation criteria on a comparative basis, evaluating the Proposals by comparing one Proponents Proposal to another Proponents Proposal. All criteria considered will be applied evenly and fairly to all Proposals. 4 Discrepancies in Proponents Financial Proposal If there are any obvious discrepancies, errors or omissions in C-4 of a Proposal (Proponents Financial Proposal), then the City shall be entitled to make obvious corrections, but only if, and to the extent, the corrections are apparent from the Proposal as submitted, and in particular: (a)if there is a discrepancy between a unit price and the extended total, then the unit prices shall be deemed to be correct, and corresponding corrections will be made to the extended totals; (b)if a unit price has been given but the corresponding extended total has been omitted, then the extended total will be calculated from the unit price and the estimated quantity; (c)if an extended total has been given but the corresponding unit price has been omitted, then the unit price will be calculated from the extended total and the estimated quantity. 6 Litigation In addition to any other provision of this RFP, the City may, in its absolute discretion, reject a Proposal if the Proponent, or any officer or director of the Proponent submitting the Proposal, is or has been engaged directly or indirectly in a legal action against the City, its elected or appointed officers, representatives or employees in relation to any matter. In determining whether or not to reject a Proposal under this section, the City will consider whether the litigation is likely to affect the Proponent’s ability to work with the City, its consultants and representatives and whether the City’s experience with the Proponent indicates that there is a risk the City will incur increased staff and legal costs in the administration of the Contract if it is awarded to the Proponent. 8 Additional Information. The Evaluation Team may, at its discretion, request clarifications or additional information from a Proponent with respect to any Proposal, and the Evaluation Team may make such requests only to selected Proponents. The Evaluation Team may consider such clarifications or additional information in evaluating a Proposal. 10 Interviews The Evaluation Team may, at its discretion, may invite some or all of the Proponents to appear before the Evaluation Team to provide clarifications of their Proposals. In such event, the Evaluation Team will be entitled to consider the answers received in evaluating Proposals. 12 Multiple Preferred Proponents and Changes to the Proponent Team The City reserves the right and discretion to divide up the Services, either by scope, geographic area, or other basis as the City may decide, and to select one or more Preferred Proponents to enter into discussions with the City for one or more Contracts to perform a portion or portions of the Services. If the City exercises its discretion to divide up the Services, the City will do so reasonably having regard for the RFP and the basis of Proposals. Likewise, the City reserves the right to ask for changes in the member/s comprising the Proponent Team as it deems beneficial to the overall composition of the Team and without any obligation to justify its preference. In addition to any other provision of this RFP, Proposals may be evaluated on the basis of advantages and disadvantages to the City that might result or be achieved from the City dividing up the Services and entering into one or more Contracts with one or more Proponents. NOT APPLICABLE 14 Negotiation of Contract and Award If the City selects a Preferred Proponent, then it may: (a)enter into a Contract with the Preferred Proponent; or (b)enter into discussions with the Preferred Proponent to clarify any outstanding issues and attempt to finalize the terms of the Contract, including financial terms. If discussions are successful, the City and the Preferred Proponent will finalize the Contract; or. (c)if at any time the City reasonably forms the opinion that a mutually acceptable agreement is not likely to be reached within a reasonable time, give the Preferred Proponent written notice to terminate discussions, in which event the City may then either open discussions with another Proponent or terminate this RFP and retain or obtain the Services in some other manner. General Conditions 2 No City Obligation. This RFP is not a tender and does not commit the City in any way to select a Preferred Proponent, or to proceed to negotiations for a Contract, or to award any Contract, and the City reserves the complete right to at any time reject all Proposals, and to terminate this RFP process. 4 Proponent’s Expenses Proponents are solely responsible for their own expenses in preparing, and submitting Proposals, and for any meetings, negotiations or discussions with the City or its representatives and consultants, relating to or arising from this RFP. The City and its representatives, agents, consultants and advisors will not be liable to any Proponent for any claims, whether for costs, expenses, losses or damages, or loss of anticipated profits, or for any other matter whatsoever, incurred by the Proponent in preparing and submitting a Proposal, or participating in negotiations for a Contract, or other activity related to or arising out of this RFP. 6 No Contract By submitting a Proposal and participating in the process as outlined in this RFP, Proponents expressly agree that no contract of any kind is formed under, or arises from, this RFP, prior to the signing of a formal written Contract. 7 Conflict of Interest A Proponent shall disclose in its Proposal any actual or potential conflicts of interest and existing business relationships it may have with the City, its elected or appointed officials or employees. The City may rely on such disclosure. 8 Solicitation of Council Members and City Staff. Proponents and their agents will not contact any member of the City Council or City staff with respect to this RFP, other than the City Representative named in section  1. 8, at any time prior to the award of a contract or the termination of this RFP. 10 Confidentiality All submissions become the property of the City and will not be returned to the Proponent. All submissions will be held in confidence by the City unless otherwise required by law. Proponents should be aware the City is a â€Å"public body† defined by and subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of British Columbia. Schedule A. SERVICES 1. GENERAL This RFP is inviting potential Proponents to submit Proposals to act as the tenant and sole vendor for a proposed coffee shop (the â€Å"Coffee Shop†) at the Surrey City Centre Library (the â€Å"Library†), currently being constructed at 10350 University Drive, Surrey, BC. The successful Proponent will be responsible for the managing and daily service of the Coffee Shop located on the ground floor of the Library. There will be an opportunity for the successful Proponent to provide catering for meetings and other similar functions, although it is not mandatory for the client to use the Coffee Shop for catering. 2. BACKGROUND As part of the Surrey City Centre plan review and update, the Surrey City Council has approved the construction of a new 5-level library. While the project is currently in the design phase, construction has commenced due to the fast track nature of the project. Currently excavation is complete on the basement and the ground floor slab and reinforcement is being set. It will be poured by Friday June 18, 2010. The Library is conveniently located near bus loops, transit and SkyTrain. The Library will eventually become part of a plaza where community celebrations will take place. Once completed it will be Surrey’s largest library at 75,000 square feet. The City’s new Library will be a unique state of the art environmentally friendly landmark that provides access to the broadest range of information, learning opportunities, and diverse cultural experiences. The new Library will be: The centrepiece for Surrey’s City Centre; adorned in architectural excellence for the 21st century, the library will contribute to the vitality of the city and put Surrey in a class with other great cities. A foundation for the City’s future success by boosting economic and cultural activity and attracting visitors from all parts of the country. A source of pride and a great public space, where the community gathers to celebrate, reflect, connect and share information, knowledge and culture. 3. PROJECT GOAL The goal of this project is to identify a coffee and related food services operator for the Library. 4. THE COFFEE SHOP An exciting opportunity exists on the ground floor to operate a commercial Coffee Shop. The Coffee Shop is located in a high traffic area, between the two main entrances, elevators and new book display. The licence awarded to the successful Proponent would also include a seating area where customers can sit. The consumption of food within the Library itself is allowed. There are several meeting rooms and a large room which can host community events, along with teen areas, study areas, children’s areas and much more. It is also expected that the Library will be utilised by SFU students on a constant basis. 5. LIBRARY HOURS Library opening hours are: Monday to Friday9:30am – 9:00pm Saturday10:00am – 5:00pm Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm 6. 2009 PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC The following figures represent the estimated visits at all the public library branches for 2009. |BRANCH |VISITORS | |Cloverdale | 163,605 | |Fleetwood | 262,717 | |Guildford | 582,361 | |Newton | 357,045 | |Ocean Park | 193,167 | |Port Kells | 7,410 | |Semiahmoo | 305,162 | |Strawberry Hill | 357,166 | |Whalley | 276,406 | It is estimated that traffic for the Library will mirror that of the Whalley branch, and is expected to increase due to the development taking place in the area. 7. EXPECTATIONS OF THE SUCCESSFUL PROPONENT The City would require the successful Proponent to offer a variety of food and beverage choices that include healthy and nutritious options for all customers, many of whom are school-aged children. The Surrey Public Library Board has approved the policy (policy 3. 8 Healthy Food Options) that the Library provides a healthy food option for programs, special events and contests. No alcohol is to be allowed. There is to be no food smell generation if preparation is required and there is to be no electric grinding (e. g. coffee beans) on the Coffee Shop floor due to noise levels. All grinding can be done in the storage room, manually or prior to Library opening hours. Loading of stock for the Coffee Shop can be done via the west entrance of the ground floor or via the elevators from the underground parkade. Persons meeting in the conference rooms are permitted to cater from external companies although there is the opportunity for the successful Proponent to cater these functions if prior arrangements are made between the two parties. The opening date for the Coffee Shop is yet to be determined, however, it is expected to be up and running by early Summer of 2011. The Coffee Shop is expected to be operational during Library opening hours. Opening times for the Coffee Shop are to be from the Library’s opening time to half an hour prior to the Library’s closing. The successful Proponent would be able to enter the building half an hour prior to the Library’s opening time. The successful Proponent is to supply any equipment needed for the Coffee Shop to function including, but not limited to, coffee machines, refrigerator, signage, counter cooler case, etc. All business licences and food permits are the responsibility of the Proponent. 8. SUCCESSFUL PROPONENT’S WORK RESPONSIBILITIES a) Should there be any structural changes which have been reviewed and approved by the City prior to the execution of such changes, the tenant is to supply all tenant improvement plans signed and sealed by professional engineers or architects to be approved by the City. b) The tenant is to provide evidence of insurance for the City`s approval as specified in the License Agreement (refer to Schedule B – License Agreement). c) The tenant is expected to supply all equipment needed to sufficiently run the coffee shop including, but not limited to, coffee machines and espresso equipment, undercounter refrigerators, shelving in the storage room, display cooler case, paper towel dispenser, milk cooler, microwave, cash register and trash bins. 9. COLD DRINK BEVERAGES The City has an agreement with The Pepsi Bottling Group (Canada), Co. (â€Å"Pepsi†), for the exclusive supply of cold drink beverages for all City facilities, including the Library. Therefore, the successful Proponent is to work directly with Pepsi for the supply of cold drink beverages, including: †¢ Carbonated soft drinks †¢ Teas other than fresh brewed †¢ Juices. †¢ Juice-based products †¢ Lemonade †¢ Isotonics †¢ Sports drinks †¢ Energy drinks †¢ Bottled water Excluded Beverages: †¢ Milk †¢ Flavoured milk †¢ Cold coffee †¢ Branded or unbranded fresh brewed coffee or tea †¢ Hot chocolate †¢ Unbranded fresh squeezed juices †¢ Smoothies and milkshakes The agreement with Pepsi is to expire in 2011. 10. SNACK FOODS The City has an agreement with Ryan Company Ltd. (â€Å"Ryan Vending†), for the exclusive supply of a healthier snack foods program and vending services for all City facilities, including the Library. Therefore, the successful Proponent is to work directly with Ryan Vending for the supply of snack foods. 11. CITY’ RESPONSIBILITIES The City is to complete the Licence Area, as set out in Schedule B, in a good and workmanlike manner, at the City’s cost, using new materials and to the following extent: a) Interior wall taped and sanded drywall to code, painted white; b) Ceiling is to be painted concrete; c) The floor will be finished with a rubber covering; d) Counter tops on the horizontal front counter is to be a white laminate; e) The vertical section of the counters shall be an East Coast maple; f) The counter at the back of the shop floor containing the sink, and the backsplash, is to be white Corian; g) There will be an apple ply edging where the vertical edge of the counters meets the horizontal at the front counter; h) There is to be recessed lighting fixtures above the back counter, surface mounted fixture on painted concrete ceiling to light signage and menu and pendant fixtures at the front counter; i) All signage, including Menu board, must be approved by the City and the design team (Bing Thom Architects). The preferred signage for the Coffee Shop is electric flat screens, however, the design team is open to ideas regarding electronic signage from Proponents. This will have no impact on the evaluation of the Proponent’ Proposal; j) The City will provide the main sink and handwash sink located in the back counter; k) A 25mm domestic hot and cold water line with backflow preventor will be installed for refrigerator and coffee machine; and l) A 20mm domestic hot and cold water pipe and a 40mm sanitary drain will be installed for each of the two (2) sinks. term The Proponent will provide the Services set out in this Schedule  A and A-1 for a term not to exceed five years (including renewal) commencing in the early Summer of 2011 (the Term). A. The Licensor is the owner of those lands and premises located at 10350 University Blvd within the City of Surrey, Province of British Columbia, and more particularly known and described as: Parcel Identifier: 028-179-951 Parcel 1 Section 27 Block 5 N Range 2 West New Westminster District Plan BCP44240 (the Lands) on which is located theCity Centre Library. B. The Licensee wishes to obtain from the Licensor a licence to use those portions of the building located on the Lands as follows: 1. Area A Concession and Storage Room (Licence Area A) which area is approximately 141. 9 sq. ft. and shown on the plan attached hereto as Schedule A; and 2. Area B Seating Area (Licence Area B) as shown on the plan attached hereto as Schedule A (collectively the Licence Area) C. The Licensee intends to use the Licence Area for the retail sale of coffee, tea, and other products as outlined in this Licence. D. Licence Area A shall be for the exclusive use of the Licensee, and Licence Area  B shall be for the non-exclusive use of the Licensee. NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the sum of ONE DOLLAR paid by each of the parties to each other and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which each party hereby acknowledges) the parties hereby covenant and agree as follows: 1. In this License the parties agree that: (a)Additional Rental means the moneys payable hereunder, together with all other sums of money, whether or not designated as Additional Rental, to be paid by the Licensee whether to the Licensor or otherwise under this License save and except Minimum Rental and Percentage Rental; (b)Commencement Date of Term means ______________, 2011; (c)Gross Revenue means the entire amount of the sales price, whether wholesale or retail, for cash, credit, or otherwise of all sales of merchandise and services, and all other receipts and receivables whatsoever of all business conducted at, in, upon, or from the Licence Area, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, receipts and receivables in respect of any sale effected by the Licensee using any computer. Electronic, telephone, internet, or like system, where the Product is sent via the Licence Area or by the Licensee directly to a consumer, orders taken at or received at the Licence Area, although such orders may be filled elsewhere by the Licensee, deposits not refunded to customers, the selling price of gift certificates, charges to customers in the nature of interest or carrying or financing charges, sums, and credits received, and settlement of claims for loss of or damage to goods. No deductions shall be allowed for uncollected or uncollectible credit accounts. There shall not be included in Gross Revenue: (i)any sums shown separately from the price and collected and paid out for any direct retail sales tax imposed by any duly constituted governmental authority; (ii)the exchange of goods and merchandise between the stores of the Licensee, if any, where such exchange of goods or merchandise is made solely for the convenient operation of the business of the Licensee and not for the purpose of consummating a sale which has previously been made or agreed to be made at, in, from, or upon the Licence Area or for the purpose of depriving the Licensor of the benefit of a sale which otherwise would be made at, in, from, or upon the Licence Area; (iii)the Licensee’s original cost of returns to suppliers or to manufacturers; (iv)the amount of merchandise sold when such merchandise is thereafter returned by the purchaser and accepted by the Licensee, and a complete credit is given to the purchaser; and (v)the selling price of gift or merchandise certificates or coupons sold other than from the Licence Area, provided that such gift or merchandise certificates or coupons shall be included in the calculation of Gross Revenue at the time of their redemption. (vi)Each sale upon an installment or credit basis shall be treated as a sale for the full price in the month in which that sale is made regardless of the time when the Licensee receives payment, whether full or partial, from its customer; (d)Lands means as hereinbefore defined in recital A; (e)Licence Year means a 12-month period commencing with the first day of January in one calendar year and ending on the last day of December of that year, providing that the first Licence Year shall commence on the Commencement Date of Term and end on the last day of December next following and the last Licence Year shall end on the last day of the Term and commence on the first day of January preceding that date; (f)Licence Area means Licence Area A and Licence Area B; (g)Licence Area A means those portions of the building located on the Lands shown highlighted in pink and marked as Area A. Concession and Area A Storage room, which area is approximately 141. 9 sq. ft. ; (h)Licence Area B means those portions of the building located on the Lands shown highlighted in yellow and marked as Area B. Seating Area; (i)Minimum Rental means the minimum annual rental reserved hereunder payable by the Licensee; (j)Product means coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, pastries, sandwiches and related items as specified in the menu attached as Schedule C which menu may be amended from time to time with the agreement of the Licensor and the Licensee; (k)Percentage Rental means the percentage rental reserved hereunder and payable by the Licensee; (l)Real Property Taxes means all taxes, rates and assessments, whether general or specially levied or assessed for municipal, school, general or any other purposes by any lawful government authority payable by the Landlord in respect of the Demised Premises and shall include any other taxes payable by the Landlord which in the future are levied in lieu of or in addition to such taxes, rates and assessments the whole as finally determined for each calendar year as a result of assessment, appeal or judicial review, and shall include any legal fees, or appraisers fees incurred by the Landlord in respect of such final determination. (m)Rental means Additional Rental, Percentage Rental, if any, and Minimum Rental; and (n)Term means _______ (__) years commencing on the Commencement Date of the Term and ending on the _____ day of ________, 20__. 2. The Licensor hereby grants to the Licensee a licence to occupy and use Licence Area A on an exclusive basis and Licence Area B on a non-exclusive basis commencing on the Commencement Date of Term for Term unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. 3. To use Licence Area for the retail sale of the Products and to use Licence Area B to provide a seating area for the benefit of visitors to and staff of the City Centre Library and for no other purpose during the Term. 4. The Licensor covenants and agrees to pay to the Licensor, in lawful money of Canada, on the days and at the times hereinafter specified, Rental which shall include the aggregate of the sums required to be paid: (a)Minimum Rental and Percentage Rental: The Tenant shall pay the greater of: (i). Minimum Rental of $________ per month commencing on the Commencement Date of Term and the 1st day of each and every month thereafter throughout the Term; or (ii)the Percentage Rental which shall be ___% of Gross Revenue per Licence Year; (b)Additional Rental Any sums, costs, expenses or other amounts from time to time due and payable by the Tenant to the Landlord or to any third persons under the provisions of this Licence, including, without limitation, all amounts payable under Section 4. 3 and Article 5 and all amounts payable by the Tenant by way of indemnity, whether expressed in this Licence to be Basic Rent or Additional Rent or not shall be treated and deemed to be Rent and the Landlord shall have all remedies for the collection of such sums, costs, expenses or other amounts, when in arrears, as are available to the Landlord for collection of Rent in arrears. The Licensee shall also pay for: (i)the removal of garbage generated by the Licencee to the main garbage receptacle, cleaning of spills and pick up of litter in Licence Area B, and any other like service rendered to the Licence Area for the benefit of the Licensee and paid by the Licensor. (ii)the amount of Real Property Taxes applicable to the Licence Area in every Licence Year during the Term or any renewal thereof as and when prescribed by the Landlord.

Path Planning Strategy For Line Follower Computer Science Essay

Path Planning Strategy For Line Follower Computer Science Essay This paper presents the development of a line follower wheeled mobile robot. In this project, ARM cortex-3 based microcontroller is chosen as the main controller to react towards the data received from infrared line sensors to give fast, smooth, accurate and safe movement in partially structured environment. A dynamic PID control algorithm has been proposed to improve the navigation reliability of the wheeled mobile robot which uses differential drive locomotion system. The experimental results show that the dynamic PID algorithm can be performed under the system real-time requirements. Keywords embedded system, wheeled mobile robot, PID control algorithm. Introduction Embedded system includes many areas of knowledge, microcontroller hardware and software, interfacing technologies, automatic control theory, and sensor technologies etc. To speed up the learning process and motivate students to learn actively, the project-based learning approach may be applied in the embedded system design laboratory [1-4]. The low-cost wheeled mobile robot building, which is proposed in this paper, serves as a good example on which students can learn embedded system design skills. It covers not only common embedded system peripherals, but also energy control and real-time control firmware implementation. The process of the construction of wheeled mobile robot can give students the idea that hardware circuits and software algorithms are both mandatory for a successful embedded system design. The competition between student groups in the racing contest can also encourage them to explore in depth the skills acquired in this laboratory as well as give them lots of fun [ 5-7]. The remainder of this paper is organized as follows: The line follower robot structure and architecture issues and challenges along with their technical issues and problems are discussed in section 2. Programming details will be explained in section 3. Section 4 describes the integration of the complete system. LÄ ±ne follower wheeled MobÄ ±le Robot structure Generally, the line follower robot is one of the self-acting wheeled mobile mechanisms that follow a line drawn on the floor. The route can be a visible black line on a white surface or vice versa. The simple operations of the wheeled mobile line follower robot are shown below. Taking the line position data with optical sensors attached at the front end of the mobile robot. Most are using more than a few numbers of IR photo-reflectors. Therefore, the line sensing procedure needs high resolution and high robustness. Steering the wheeled mobile robot to track the line with any direction-finding mechanism. This is just a servo maneuver; actually, any phase recompense will be required to become stable following motion by applying digital PID filter or any similar servo algorithm. Monitoring the speed according to the path complaint. The speed is restricted during passing a turn due to the friction of the tire with the floor. From actually building the robot platform, to setting up, programming, and hardware or software fine tuning, everything needs to be taken into account when building a differential wheeled mobile robot. A mobile robot can be considered fundamentally as a combination of five main portions and subsystems. Chassis and body. Sensors and signal processing circuits. Microcontroller and interface circuits. Motor drivers Actuators (Motors and wheels) The Chassis and Body The Chassis would be the first part of a robots body. It is designed to handle all of the other components, transmission mechanisms, electronics and battery. It needs to be sufficiently large and provide adequate fixtures to furnish all necessary parts, as well as sturdy enough to cope with the weight of the parts along with additional loads which can appear in dynamic conditions such as vibrations, shocks or chassis torsion and actuators torque. There are some good materials for designing robots such as plastic, aluminum and carbon-composites. We must pay attention to the resistance, weight and mechanical ability for choosing one of them. In the designed robot, printed circuit board (PCB) has been used for chassis because of its lightweight and being strong enough for robot project. All components can be installed on the PCB to minimize the weight. It is noted that the performance is much more valuable than other issues. Sensors and Signal Processing Circuit Line follower robot uses Infrared Ray (IR) sensors to find the path and direction. IR sensors include an infrared transmitter and infrared receiver pair. IR sensors are often used to identify white and black surfaces. White surfaces effectively reflect well, but black surfaces reflect poorly. Hence, the distance between sensors and ground surface is important, and it is more valuable that how we put sensors near to each other. The distance between sensors and ground surface must be 2 to 10 mm, and the distance between each sensor is dependent on the line width. In the designed robot, we have used eight sensors, and they have a suitable distance between each other. If the line width is narrow, the distance between sensors must be reduced; otherwise, while curving the line, the robot will not be turned on time. Generally, the received signals from the sensors are analog and must be converted to the digital form. Therefore, the designed signal processing circuit can send the sensors signals to the microcontroller directly. Microcontroller We have used the TI Stellaris microcontroller LM3S811 in robot project. The LM3S811 microcontroller has a Reduced Instruction Set Coding (RISC) core. Internal oscillators, timers, UART, USB, SPI, pull-up resistors, pulse width modulation, ADC, analog comparator and watch-dog timers are some of the features [8]. With on-chip in-system programmable Flash and SRAM, the LM3S811 is a perfect choice in order to optimize cost. Motor Drivers A well-known and suitable motor driver is IC L298 which can be used to control two motors. It is a high voltage, high-current dual full-bridge driver designed to accept standard TTL logic levels and drive inductive loads such as DC and stepping motors [9]. Two enable inputs are provided to enable or disable the device independently of the input signals. L298 has 2 amperes per channel current capacity and it can support up to 45 volts for outputting. Moreover, L298 works well up to 16 volts without any heat sink. The Actuators (Motors and Wheels) There are many kinds of motors and wheels. Our choice depends on the robot function, power, speed, and precision. Actually, it is better to use gearbox motors instead of common DC motors because it has gears and an axle and its speed does not change towards the top of a hill or downhill. Motors are rated to operate at 1700 rpm at 7 volt nominal voltage. It is better to use wheels for line follower robots, instead of a tank system. We can use three wheels. Two of them are joined to the motors and installed at the rear of the robot and the other wheel is free and installed in front of the robot as a passive caster. To get better maneuver, robot uses two motors and two wheels on the rear and a free wheel on the front. The power supply is 7.6 V with a regulator. The designed robot has eight infrared sensors on the front bottom for detecting the line. Arm based microcontroller Stellaris and driver L298 were used to control direction and speed of motors. General view of the line follower robot that we built is shown in Fig. 1. The robot is controlled by the microcontroller. It performs the change in the motor direction by sending an appropriate signal to the driver IC according to the received signals from the sensors. Real Time Task Scheduling We built a light-weighted and high-speed robot because points are awarded based upon the distance covered and the speed of the overall robot. Therefore, we used two high speed motors and a highly sensitive signal conditioning circuit. The body weight and wheels radius have effects on the speed, too. The weight of the designed robot is around 300 gr. and it could be lighter. The photograph of the top and bottom views of the designed robot is shown in Fig. 1. The microcontroller sends instructions to the driver after processing the data received from sensors. The driver powers the motors according to the inputs. Actually the driver supplies positive voltage to one of the motor pins and negative voltage to the other. There are five states of movement: To move forward; both of the motors are turned on and rotate forward simultaneously. To move left; the right motor is turned on and the left motor is turned off. To move right; the left motor is turned on and the right motor is turned off. To move left fast; the right motor rotates forward and the left motor rotates backward. To move right fast; the left motor rotates forward and the right motor rotates backward. Most embedded system applications need to react to the inputs or environment changes in real time, which means that the accuracy of computations is as important as their timelines. Furthermore, digital control algorithms need a fixed sampling time interval for measuring inputs and delivering output commands. Therefore, the idea of applying interrupts for task scheduling is introduced in this work. IMAG0388 (a) IMAG0392 (b) Figure 1 Images show (a) top, (b) bottom views of the built line follower robot. The Quadratic Line-Detection Algorithm A better way of detecting the line position, compared to the other simple line-following robots, by using a quadratic interpolation technique is introduced. Eight reflective optical sensors were used, and the coordinate of the leftmost sensor was 0. To find out the correct position of the black line, we had to locate three consecutive sensors with higher output readings than the other five sensors as shown in Fig. 2. Assume that the coordinates of these 3 sensors are x1, x1+1, and x1+2, and the true shape of the sensor output values are in the range of [x1, x1+2] which can be approximated by a quadratic curve. One can then find the following relationships between the coordinates of the sensors and the output values: (1) (2) (3) The coordinate value, at which the output value of the quadratic curve is the maximum, is considered as the true position of the line. By using the basic calculus, one would know that the coordinate value is: (4) (5) (6) It is assumed that the coordinate for the center position of the line-following robot is 0. Therefore, the error e between the line position and the center position of the robot is e â‚ ¬Ã‚ ½Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  0â‚ ¬Ã‚ ­Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  x â‚ ¬Ã‚ ½Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ­x (7) Figure 2 The line detection algorithm via quadratic interpolation. PID Tracking Control Algorithm The popular proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller was introduced in this project to make the robot follow the racing track. The error between the center of the sensors and the track to be followed was then processed by the PID controller to generate velocity commands for the right and left wheels. First, the controller calculates the current position and then calculates the error established on the current situation. It will then send commands the motors to give a rigid turn, if the error is extraordinary or a minor turn, if the error is small. Basically, the amount of the turn given will be proportional to the error. Of course this is a consequence of the proportional control. Even after this, if the error does not decline approximately to zero, the controller will then growth the degree of the turn further and further over time till the robot centers over the line. This is the result of the integral control. In the process of centering over the line, the robot may overshoot the target position and move to the other side of the line where the above process is followed again. Thus, the robot may keep oscillating about the line in order to center over the line. To reduce the oscillating effect over time, the derivative control is used. The proportional term is only a gain ampli fier, and the derivative term is applied in order to improve the response to disturbance, and also to compensate for phase lag at the controlled object. Pseudo Code for the PID Controller; Kp = 10 Ki = 1 Kd = 100 offset = 45 ! Initialize the variables Tp = 50 integral = 0 ! the place where integral value will be stored lastError = 0 ! place where last error value will be stored derivative = 0 ! place where derivative value will be stored Loop forever LightValue = read sensors ! read sensors. error = -x ! calculate the error using equation (7). integral = integral + error ! calculate the integral derivative = error lastError ! calculate the derivative Turn = Kp*error + Ki*integral + Kd*derivative powerA = Tp + Turn ! power level for motor A powerB = Tp Turn ! power level for motor B MOTOR A direction=forward power=PowerA MOTOR B direction=forward power=PowerB lastError = error ! save the current error end loop forever ! do it again. PID controller requires the Kp, Ki and Kd factors to be set to match wheeled line follower robots characteristics and these values depends on robot structures, actuators, sensors and other electronic components characteristics. There is no equation given in the literature to calculate Kp, Ki and Kd factors. It requires experimental trial and error technique until you get the favorite behavior. We defined these factors according to following guidelines; Start with low speed and setting values of Kp, Ki and Kd to 0. Then, try setting Kp to a value of 1 and observe the robot. The goal is to get the robot to follow the line even if it is extremely wobbly. If the robot overshoots and misses the line, decrease the value of Kp. If the robot cannot navigate a turn or seems listless, increment the Kp value with small steps. Once the mobile robot is able to follow the path, set Kd value to 1 and then try growing this value until you see less shake. Once the robot is fairly stable at following the line, assign a value of .5 to 1.0 to Ki. If the Ki value is extraordinary, the robot will shake left and right rapidly. If it is too low, you wont see any perceivable alteration. Since integral is increasing, the Ki value has a substantial impact. You may continue to retuning process with adjusting Ki by .01 increments. Once the mobile robot is tracking the line with reasonable accuracy, you can increase the speed and see if it is still able to track the line. Speed disturbs the PID controller and will require rearranging as the speed fluctuations. Results And Discusion A line following robot is programed with simple (on/off) control as a comparison purpose in evaluating the performance of the dynamic algorithm controlled robot. The results of the experiment are summarized in Table-1. From the data in the table, it can be observed that dynamic PID algorithm controlled robot has better performance in every criteria listed in the table compared to simple (on/off) control robot. The dynamic algorithm controlled robot has higher velocity, consumes less time to complete one whole circuit, tracks the line smoother and has lower tendency to astray from line compared to uncontrolled robot. Therefore this system can be used in training undergraduate students on dynamic PID algorithm control system, its application and implementation in the real world and the advantages that it offers. Fig. 3 shows the designed robot during race pits test. Figure 3 The designed robot on the race pits. Table 1- Experimental result for Line Following Robot. Criteria Dynamic PID algorithm Simple (on/off) Time to complete one whole circuit 47.6s 71.4s Line tracking Smooth Not so smooth Velocity 0.2m/s 0.14m/s Tendency to astray from line Low High Conclusion The designed wheeled line follower mobile robot has eight infrared sensors on the bottom for detecting the line. The controller board includes Stellaris LM3S811 micro-controller and the motor driver L298 which were used to control the direction and the speed of motors. The proposed dynamic PID algorithm derives the line follower locomotion by adequately combining the information from sensor module. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can successfully achieve target following in various scenarios, including straight line and circular motion, sharp-turn motion and S-shape line tracking. We are working currently to develop a more sophisticated algorithm which can perform faster line tracking with less energy consumption.

Communication Skills in Social Work | Essay

Communication Skills in Social Work | Essay In the context of Social Work practice learning  (Childrens Services Assessment Team)  and the social work role discuss a particular piece of  practice, giving consideration to the skills and models of communication and empowerment that were used. Introduction Organized under the United Kingdom’s Department of Health, Children’s Services represents a division of Social Care which is administered in each region under the auspices of the Children’s Commissioner (Children Act 2004). Children’s Services is committed to the safeguarding and rights of children through high quality services over a broad array of provisions. The Children’s Assessment Team under the Department of Health has the responsibility for the handling of children and their families who have benne either referred and or have contacted their respective Child Care agency (London Borough of Barking Dagenham, 2006). The preceding includes the offering of advice and help while ensuring that the correct decisions are rendered with regard to the urgency dictated by the circumstances along with the proper response level. The preceding represents an ‘assessment’ as carried out in each individual circumstance, which requires skills, communication and the powers to carried the aforementioned out. This examination shall look into a particular area of practice concerning Social Work in the Children’s Services Assessment Team, giving consideration to the skills, models of communication and empowerment involved. The Referral and Assessment aspect of Children’s Services represents one of the most important areas of the many services offered by this Department in that it is responsible for acting upon referrals concerning children and their families that are in need of assessment (Southwark Council, 2006). The Referral and Assessment Team provides intervention as well as support and is responsible for the initial intake process covering the assessment of need and urgency, prioritizing said cases on an individual basis (Barnett London Borough, 2006). One of the most important areas, which includes child protection, legal proceedings and that children in need are looked after, is the initial process which identifies a child in need as opposed to child protection (Wrexham County Borough, 2001). The manner in which the referral was initiated has a bearing upon the type of skill, communication and application of techniques involved. In this instance, this examination shall utilize the exampl e of an abused child that has been brought to the attention of Child Services through calls made by a concerned citizen, or other means. The data and information gathered in the initial contact, regarding the allegation, requires immediate follow up to assess the truthfulness of the allegation and thus whether further action is warranted (Barnett London Borough, 2006). Said referral can come from a number of sources, such as neighbors, teachers, school nurse, and other sources (Barnett London Borough, 2006). Once the process has been initiated the most important aspect entails the skills, and communication techniques employed. The core mission of all social work is the promotion of social justice through its practice (Healy, 1998, pp. 897-914). Within this framework, social workers are in a system that promotes collaborative approaches representing analysis and prioritization (Healy and Mulholland, 1998, pp. 3-27). Once the decision has been made to see the child in question, as a result of either the suspicion or proof regarding action being warranted, the skills in communication as well as observation come into play. Thompson (2003, pp. 10) advises that the importance of communication is that it permits us to transmit information from one person to another and it represents â€Å"†¦ a complex, multilevel event†. In communicating with children as well as adults, social workers need to be well versed in interaction that accompanies communication and contact, and the complexities entailed, as well as the messages on a verbal and non verbal plane (Thompson, 2003. pp. 10-12, 33 – 34, 182-18 3). In those instances where there is an absence of external physical evidence or medical examination, the social worker has to be able to ascertain from conversations and observations with the child as well as the adults involved regarding tone of voice, eye movements, reactions, and other behavior whether truthful replies are being given. The preceding represents areas that encompass theory as well as practice. Adams et al (1998, pp. 253-272) state that the context of social work has changed over the past twenty years as a result of new public management systems that have decreased the value of theory along with the value driven aspects involved in human social work. In the context of children’s services the Referral and Assessment Team intercede on behalf of the child through policy decisions and active support when the initial interview uncovers need, depending upon the circumstances. This aspect represents item number six under Article Two, General Function, of the Children Act 2004 (Children Act 2004). The Department of Health (2006) provides for advocacy safeguards for children to protect them from abuse as well as poor practice. This aspect provides for children themselves to be a part of the process, having and active voice that can be and is heard to participate in reaching determinations (Department of Health, 2006). Under provisions as set forth, the standards and core principles that children can expect are identified as (Department of Health, 2006): The role of children in advocacy, policy context, equal opportunities, confidentiality, publicity, accessibility, independence, complaints, procedures, and the management and governance of services The preceding along with empowerment provides the child with a real voice as well as organization that is committed to ensure their well being as found under the Children’s Services Regulations 2005 of the Children Act 2004 (Children’s Services Inspection Regulations, 2005). Through a formalized inspection, review and analysis process involving â€Å"†¦ two or more inspectorates and commissions, the process is ensured of impartiality as well as adequate oversight. Articles 2.3 under this provision sets forth â€Å"†¦ that relevant assessments, inspections, reviews, investigations and studies †¦ are conducted on cases. These measures are a part of the framework of checks and balances incorporated into the process for the safeguarding of the child who comes to the attention of Children’s Services. Empowerment also provides for the offering of assistance, counseling and advice to parents in need of help in order to safeguard a child’s well be ing. The formalized process sets forth specific guidelines in all of the indicated areas, as well as a broader scope for a matter of such national importance. Conclusion Owing to the sensitive nature of services involving children, specific case studies or references to such are not available, for the obvious reasons. Under the context of the Referral and Assessment Team of social work, a hypothetical example was used as the broad framework for the examination of practice learning and the social work role with consideration given to the skills and models of communication and empowerment. The Children Act 2004 and the Children’s Services Inspection Regulations, 2005 set forth specific procedures, guidelines and framework for the handling of child cases providing oversight safeguards through redundancy features. Each regional Council works in partnership with the departments of Education and Health, as well as other social work teams to â€Å"†¦ ensure the co-ordination of assessment of needs †¦Ã¢â‚¬  leading to the â€Å"†¦ formulation of individual care plans and support packages† (Beacon Council, 2006). The process of referral and assessment is conducted under procedures that are of course subject to the individual expertise levels of the interviewers and case workers. However the safeguards of a multi-level internal review and follow up process catches any potential instances whereby a child might slip through the system due to any number of reasons. As is the case with any process involving humans and organizations, there are those occasions when the system or the person fails, however, given the multi level review and follow up process, such mistakes do not last too long. Bibliography Adams, R., Dominelli, L., Payne, M. (1998) Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates. Houndsmills Macmillan Barnett London Borough (2006) Supporting Families Division. Retrieved on 10 December 2006 from http://www.barnet.gov.uk/index/health-social-care/children-and-family-care/supporting-families-division.htm Beacon Council (2006) Children and Families. Retrieved on 12 December 2006 from http://www.bexley.gov.uk/service/social/childrenandfamilies/disabilities.html Children Act (2004) Children Act 2004. Retrieved on 10 December 2006 from http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2004/40031b.htm#1 Children’s Services Inspection Regulations (2005) Children’s Services Inspection Regulations. Retrieved on 12 December 2006 from http://66.218.69.11/search/cache?p=uk+children%27s+services+assessment+teamfr=yfp-t-501toggle=1ei=UTF-8u=www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/downloadableDocs/Childrens%20Services%20Inspection%20Regulations%20Consultation%20Document%20-%20PDF.pdfw=uk+childrens+services+assessment+teamd=IY3kv5IFNg0Eicp=1.intl=us Department of Health (2006) Department of Health: Children’s Advocacy. Retrieved on 11 December 2006 from http://www.dh.gov.uk/Consultations/ResponsesToConsultations/ResponsesToConsultationsDocumentSummary/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4017049chk=vFWybl Healy, K. (1998) Participation and Child Protection: The Importance of Context. Vol. 28. British Journal of Social Work Healy, K., Mulholland, J. 81998) Discourse analysis and activist social work: Investigating practice processes. Vol. 25, Number 3. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare London Borough of Barking Dagenham (2006) Children’s Services Children’s Assessment Team. Retrieved on 10 December 2006 from London Borough of Barking Dagenham Southwark Council (2006) Children’s Services. Retrieved on 10 December 2006 from http://www.southwark.gov.uk/Uploads/FILE_10982.pdf Thompson, N. (2003) Communication and Language: A Handbook of Theory and Practice. Palgrave Macmillan Wrexham County Borough (2001) Assessment Framework for Children in Need and their families. September 2001. Wrexham Social Services Department, Directorate of Personal Services, Wrexham, United Kingdom Aquatic Plants: Rate Of Photosynthesis Aquatic Plants: Rate Of Photosynthesis Acid rain is a known effect of global warming, which has damaged many aquatic environments and aquatic plants throughout the world. This study investigates the effects of acid rain on an aquatic plants rate of photosynthesis. The research question is How does the change in pH of an elodeas habitat due to acid rain affect the plants rate of photosynthesis? Samples of elodea were placed into two acidic solutions, 0.01 Molar solution of nitric acid and 0.001 Molar solution of nitric acid, in a photosynthometer. The control group is water in the photosynthometer with a pH of 7. Each trial took 24 hours and the experiment was done in a high school chemistry lab near a window ledge, away from direct sunlight. After each 24 hour period, the amount of oxygen released by the plants is measured to determine the rate of photosynthesis. As the environment becomes more acidic, the elodea samples volume of oxygen release decreases. The average volume of oxygen release for the elodea samples in the control water group is 0.57 mL, 0.29 mL for the pH 4.0 group, and 0.15 for the pH 3.5 group. The results from this study suggest that there are big differences among the three groups and that acid rain negatively affects the rate of photosynthesis. 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Rationale of Study Nowadays, global warming has become a big issue on the forefront of environmental problems. Its not simply the devastation of rising temperatures all over the world but other effects as well which can be much more dangerous and harmful to the human race. One of these effects is the increase in the acidity of precipitation, or acid rain. At present, acid rain affects large parts of the United States and is especially noticeable near large cities. The annual acidity value averages at pH 4 but values as low as pH 2.1 have been observed. It is confirmed that the increased use of natural gas and development of factories have been associated with the increasing acidity of precipitation and thus, efforts had been made to rely on more clean, renewable energy sources and the development of air quality emission standards. However, not all the economic and ecological effects due to the introduction of strong acids into the natural systems are known and therefore, this study looks into one of it s many harmful effects, the acidification of freshwater ecosystems. Studies suggest that no matter how small the change in pH of any aquatic ecosystem is, large amounts of magnesium and calcium would still be lost in the vicinity affected by acid rain. As a result of the loss of these vital elements, the response and recovery of any aquatic ecosystem toward the decrease in acid deposition would be delayed significantly. Because of this, any further reduction in pH of the ecosystem will bring about exponential increases in damage to any living organism within the affected area. Just like how damage to the human immune system would lead to significant, exponentially increasing damage to the human body in the form of diseases, the damage done to the recovery mechanisms of an aquatic ecosystem due to acid rain opens up possibilities for catastrophes that could be of a far worse magnitude. One such possible disaster is the harming of aquatic plants rates of photosynthesis. Alongside the endangerment of the population of crustaceans, insects, and fish within the aquatic ecosystem, the damage done to the aquatic plants rates of photosynthesis such as Elodea Canadensiss, can be one of the worst possible effects of acid rain and global warming. This study is worthwhile in that plants are the basis of the food chain and any damage inflicted upon the process of photosynthesis in general would surely mean that our very own existence is in jeopardy. 1.2 Aim The aim of this paper is to study the effects of the change in pH of Elodea Canadensiss environment on the plants rate of photosynthesis. In a broader context, this study investigates the effects of acid rain on aquatic plants. Hence, the research question is: How does the change in pH of an elodeas freshwater habitat due to acid rain affect the plants rate of photosynthesis? The rate of photosynthesis is measured with a photosynthometer in which oxygen released from the elodea samples are collected under differing pH environments. The elodea samples are placed in differing solutions of nitric acid, which are used to simulate elodea living in freshwater habitats affected by acid rain. Because oxygen is a product of photosynthesis and is correlated to the rate of photosynthesis, oxygen is then collected from the various experimental groups. Most experiments that require the measurement of the rate of photosynthesis of a macrophyte determine the changes in oxygen concentration of the system in which the macrophyte is kept in and thus, this study is done in the most popular manner. The volume of oxygen collected from each group would then be analyzed to determine the optimal conditions for an aquatic plant to live in and the effects of acid rain on the rate of photosynthesis. 1.3 Acid Rain Because the value for unpolluted precipitation is officially set at pH 5.65, the same value as distilled water, acid rain is a term that describes rain with a pH of less than 5.6. Man-made emissions of sulfur and nitrogen pollutants had always been blamed as a major cause of acid rain but a genuine cause-effect relationship has never been determined. However, it is certain that sulfur and nitrogen compounds react with the atmosphere to produce acids that would lower the pH of precipitation. There are also many natural sources of these sulfur and nitrogen compounds. For example, approximately 50 percent of atmospheric nitrogen compounds are produced by lightning discharges, which may bring about acid rain. The real importance of studying acid rain though is to study its effects on the natural ecosystems. One such ecosystem that is affected greatly by acid rain is the aquatic ecosystem. The chemical composition of lakes is heavily influenced by precipitation and many studies have suggested that acid rain has caused lake acidification. Most importantly, the changes in pH of these ecosystems due to acid rain appeared to have damaged aquatic plants metabolism, causing a decline in primary productivity. Because these aquatic plant communities are primary producers, any damage done to their metabolism mechanisms (photosynthesis) can drastically reduce the food supply and energy flow within the affected ecosystem. Thus, acid rain has the potential to reduce the supply of minerals and nutrients and endanger the existence of all organisms within an ecosystem, especially aquatic ecosystems. 1.4 Marine Photosynthesis The metabolism of plants is commonly referred to as photosynthesis. Photosynthesis involves two kinds of processes, photochemical and enzymatical, meaning that the rate of photosynthesis is a function of irradiance and enzyme activity. No enzymes are involved in the photochemical process in which the plant absorbs light in the range of 350 and 700 nm in wavelength. In this process, chlorophyll molecules absorb light and excites electrons, which go through the electron transport and end up producing ATP and NADPH. As its name implies, the photochemical process involves light and is purely chemistry. The other process is the light-independent enzymatical process of the Calvin cycle. This process occurs after the light-dependent reaction for it requires the ATP and NADPH to reduce CO2 to carbohydrate. At the start of this process, six carbon dioxide molecules attach to six 5-carbon ribulose biphosphate (RuBP) molecules to create six molecules of a 6-carbon compound. Each of these 6-carbon compounds splits into two 3-carbon molecules called phosphoglycerate (PGA). This results in 12 PGA molecules. Energy from ATP and electrons from NADPH are then needed to reduce each of these PGA molecules into twelve G3P (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate) molecules. Finally, two of these G3P molecules are used to form one glucose molecule and the remaining ten G3P are reassembled into RuBP molecules. Marine Photosynthesis also requires CO2 to start and this CO2 is acquired when CO2 is dissolved in water. This process is represented by the following formulas: CO2 + H2O ßà   H2CO3 CO2 + OH- ßà   HCO3- The dissolved CO2 in the water can either make the water increase or decrease in pH depending on the pH, temperature, and salinity of the environment. The concentrations of carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the aquatic environment form a complex equilibrium, which is needed to sustain optimal living conditions for its inhabitants; the two compounds play a vital biochemical role in the pH buffering system, which strongly affects photosynthetic organisms. 1.5 Elodea Canadensis Elodea Canadensis is an aquatic vascular plant that spends its entire life cycle under the surface of a body of water. It is a perennial with a flexible branches stem and fibrous roots. Its leaves do not have petioles and they are always in groups of three to seven spread out evenly along the entire length of the stem. The species of Elodea Canadensis is commonly known as waterweed and is abundant in North and South America. However, there are 17 species of the genus Elodea and these plants are common throughout the world with use as an aquarium plant. Its use in science experiments is fairly common as well due to its strongly photosynthetic, dense chloroplast structure. When exposed to a strong light source, the oxygen bubbles given off by the plant is clearly visible. Another reason for its use in science experiments is that it is able to live enough after being cut into smaller strands to be experimented on. 2.0 Variables 2.1 Independent Variable The elodea plants are placed in 2 different nitric acid solutions of varying pH and molarity. Strands of elodea with 10 leaves each are subjected to either a 0.001 molar solution of nitric acid with a pH of 4.0 or a .01 molar solution of nitric acid with a pH of 3.5. The solution and elodea are placed into the barrel of the syringe in the photosynthometer. Litmus paper is used to measure the pH of the acid solutions. 2.2 Dependent Variable The rate of photosynthesis of the elodea samples are affected by the varying pH of the solutions they are subjected to. The rate of photosynthesis is indicated by the volume of oxygen given off by each 10 leaf elodea strand and collected in the photosynthometer over a 24 hour experiment period. 2.3 Control Variable The control variable is tap water with a pH of 7.0, a neutral solution, in the photosynthometer. It is used to determine whether or not the acidic solutions the elodea strands are tested in actually have an effect on the plants rates of photosynthesis as compared to a neutral aquatic environment. 2.4 Constants All trials are done in the same chemistry laboratory next to a window ledge, away from direct sunlight. The room and the solutions inside the syringe of the photosynthometer are kept at a constant 26.4 ° Celsius. Each elodea sample is a 10 leaf strand. The same volume of solution is used for every trial in the photosynthometer. 3.0 Procedures 3.1 Preparation before experimentation 3.1.1 Test Trials Before any definite procedure of experimentation is made, test trials needed to be done first in order to see which acid solutions would not kill elodea in a 24 hour period. Strands of elodea are placed in test tubes with 0.001 molar, 0.01 molar, and 0.1 molar nitric acid solutions and are labeled. By the end of the 24 hour period, the elodea in the test tubes with the 0.1 molar nitric acid solution died since the leaves lost all of their green color and oxygen bubbles were not released from the leaves even before the 24 hour period. This meant that the plant could not perform photosynthesis anymore and was dead. The other two elodea samples were alive and thus, the 0.001 molar and 0.01 molar nitric acid solutions were used for experimentation to mimic the effect of acid rain on an aquatic plants rate of photosynthesis. 3.1.2 Nitric Acid Solutions Preparation The 0.01 Molar solution of nitric acid is made by mixing 1 mL of a 1.0 Molar solution of nitric acid with 99 mL of tap water in a graduated cylinder. The tap water is measured with the graduated cylinder and a pipette is used to hold 1 mL of the 1.0 Molar solution of nitric acid. 1 Liter of a 0.001 Molar solution of nitric acid is prepared by mixing 1 mL of a 1.0 Molar solution of nitric acid with 999 mL of tap water in a liter plastic laboratory bottle. 1 Liter of this solution is made since it is more convenient to create a large volume of an acid solution with a low concentration than it is to create a small volume of a highly diluted acid solution. 3.1.3 Apparatus Preparation The photosynthometer is assembled by connecting a syringe to a graduated 1-cm3 pipette with a short length of rubber tubing. The length of the rubber tubing is arbitrary as long as it is tight enough to secure the syringe to the pipette, preventing any liquid from coming out of either the syringe or pipette. The apparatus is fixed in a vertical position with the test tube clamp and ring stand (Figure 1), using the test tube clamp on the syringe and connecting that to the ring stand. 3.2 Method for Experimentation with the Photosynthometer 3.2.1 Application of Elodea Sample and Solutions into the Photosynthometer Before experimentation, a sample of elodea is taken by cutting a strand of elodea with 10 leaves. The mass of the elodea is recorded and measured in order to look for patterns after experimentation. The plunger of the syringe is then removed and the elodea sample is placed into the barrel of the syringe. Since any liquid placed in the syringe with the plunger off will fall straight through and out the apparatus, the elodea sample is placed in the apparatus first before anything. 30 mL of the 0.001 Molar solution of nitric acid is then poured into the barrel of the syringe and the barrel is immediately sealed with the plunger to prevent any more liquid from leaving the apparatus. No matter what, some of the solution would still leave the apparatus with the plunger off. Therefore, 30 mL of the solution is used in the barrel so that any excess amount of the nitric acid solution could be expelled by pushing down on the plunger until 15 mL of the solution is left in the barrel of the syri nge. With the apparatus removed from the test tube clamp and the open end of the pippette pointing upwards, any trapped air inside the syringe and pipette is expelled by slowly and softyly pushing the plunger into the barrel until all of the trapped air expelled, making sure not to have any of the solution leave the pipette. 3.2.2 Maintaining Constants When the apparatus is placed back onto the test tube clamp and ring stand, the temperature of the nitric acid solution inside the barrel of the syringe is measured with an infrared thermometer and recorded. The temperature is measured to make sure that the temperature remains constant for all trials since temperature does affect the rate of photosynthesis. To maintain constant temperatures and weather conditions as well, experimentation is done in one room for all trials and begins at the same time of day. In my case, experimentation was done in the schools chemistry laboratory, which was kept at a constant 26.4 ° Celsius, at 16:00 US central time. 3.2.3 Data Collection The volume (the location of the meniscus) of the nitric acid solution in the pipette of the apparatus is measured and recorded. The time is measured and recorded as well. The elodea sample is left in the apparatus for 24 hours. After that time, the amount of oxygen the sample of elodea gave off is measured and recorded by looking at the location of the meniscus of the acid solution in the pipette. All experimental procedures are then repeated with the 0.01 Molar nitric acid solution and tap water instead of the 0.001 Molar nitric acid solution. Table 4 4.7 ANOVA test The ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test is also used to further verify the difference of the results among the experimental groups. The result of this ANOVA test indicates whether the experimental variable (pH of the elodeas environment) causes significant difference on the elodeas rates of photosynthesis. Before the ANOVA test could be carried out, three assumptions are made: Observations are independent (the value of one observation is not correlated with the value of another observation). Observations in each group are normally distributed. Homogeneity of variances (the variance of each group is equal to the variance of any other group). The null hypothesis of this test is: there is no difference between the means of the different groups (pH 7.0, 4.0, and 3.5). Then, the statistic test is carried out to find the F ratio. F Ratio = Mean square between groups Mean square within groups If the computed F ratio is greater than the F critical value at the significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected. 5.0 Conclusion Graph 1 shows that the mean volumes of oxygen release among all the groups had significant differences. The average volume of oxygen release for the pH 4.0 group is 0.29 mL, which is about half of the mean volume of oygen release for the control group, pH 7.0, of 0.57 mL. The mean volume of oxygen release for the pH 3.5 group is 0.15 which is about half of the mean volume of oxygen release of the pH 4.0 group as well. As shown in Graph 2, this trend is shown to be of an exponential decline in mean volume of oxygen release as pH increases; as the environment becomes more acidic, the mean volume of oxygen release declines more sharply. According to Table 3, the average volume of oxygen release of the pH 4.0 group differs from the control pH 7.0 group by 49%. The average volume of oxygen release for the pH 3.5 group differs from the control pH 7.0 group by 74%. These values are large and again emphasize the significant difference of the results of the experimental groups to those of the control group. According to Table 5, ANOVA test results, there is a significant difference between the mean volumes of oxygen release between the pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 groups, as well as the pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 groups. However, there is no significant difference between the results of the pH 4.0 and pH 3.5 groups. From the ANOVA test results, the hypothesis that the elodeas rate of photosynthesis would be harmed in more acidic environments is supported. A change from an environment of pH 7.0 to pH 4.0 would greatly reduce an elodea plants rate of photosynthesis while a change from an environment of pH 4.0 to pH 3.5 would not bring about a significant reduction in an elodea plants rate of photosynthesis. The standard devation values from table 4 state on average how far the data varies from the mean. For each group, the standard devation is relatively low comparedto the averages of each trial and thus, the data collected and the methods used to collect the data is very precise. Increasing the acidity of an environment results in a number of physical, chemical, and biological changes. A chemical change that could occur is the change in the availability of carbon. With the pH of the environment at slightly acidic levels, the amount of dissolved HCO3- in the water drops. This dissolved HCO3- in the water is the plants source of carbon used for photosynthesis and it is proven that aquatic plants have the best rate of photosynthesis in slightly alkaline environments due to the availability of carbon in the dissolved HCO3-. The lower pH levels in the environment also affect the enzymes in the cells of the plant. If pH levels drop low enough, enzymes such as RuBP used in the Calvin Cycle would shut off and would no longer carry out the chemical reactions needed for photosynthesis. Not only would the acid in the environment kill the enzymes but the acid would also destroy the plant proteins, lipids, and membranes, causing plant cells to malfunction and a major redu ction in the rate of photosynthesis. Specifically, the lowered pH of the environment causes alterations in the chlorophyll molecules, which are highly essential to the process of photosynthesis. 6.0 Evaluation and Suggestions Possible random errors include the inaccuracy of the solution molarity stated, mass stated, and volume of oxygen release stated. These random errors may be caused by the inaccuracy of the measuring equipment. The equipment such as graduated cylinders and pipettes are fairly accurate though to an extent. One possible systematic error could be the different masses of each elodea sample. The mass of each strand may affect the volume of oxygen released for mass may determine the amount of chloroplast in each sample. Since each elodea sample was cut from a larger strand, this cutting may also cut each samples life. With a samples life cut short, the volume of oxygen collected from this experimentation may not truly reflect how plants act outside of these laboratory conditions. Also, the worst source of error in measuring the rate of photosynthesis with a gas collection method may be the gas storage within the leaves. If some oxygen is stored in the leaves, the oxygen collected in the photosynthometer may not fully represent the samples true rates of photosynthesis in the tested environments. Some measures that could be taken to prevent these errors could be to use more accurate equipment and using plant samples of similar mass as well as number of leaves. Total Word Count: 3,002