Wednesday, December 25, 2019

##ing Suffering Through Music An Analysis Of Sonnys...

Jameka Gaston Dr. Basaninyenzi English 102 11/29/17 Expressing Suffering through Music: An Analysis of â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† Written in 1957 by James Baldwin, â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† is a short story where music plays a dominant role in defining characters, specifically Sonny. The story has three main topics of discussion, family struggles, drug addiction and most importantly music. In the beginning Sonny’s older brother, a high school algebra teacher. He reads about him being arrested for selling heroin. He is disappointed and thinks about the future of his students. The narrator doesn’t talk to his brother until the tragic death of his daughter. After Sonny is released he moves in with the narrator and his wife. After being confronted about Sonny†¦show more content†¦Originating from the deep south, blues and jazz music is rooted from the African American culture. Blues is a musical genre that has its own musical progressions. There are many types of blues, as times moved ahead it devel oped more sounds. For example, there is Country blues, Delta blues, Chicago blues, Jazz blues and more. The central idea of blues is that one is able to overcome sadness and personal adversity. Blues originated on southern plantations, creators were slaves in the nineteenth century. These slaves found that this music was not always about their self-pity, but about saying what you feel and â€Å"letting your hair down.† It was away to have fun and escape the everyday life that slaves had to endure. Blues originally came upon the Mississippi Delta near New Orleans, but spread to other urban areas. After a while, blues became one of the biggest elements of African Americans well known music. Blues evolved from performances on the streets and juke joints to entertainment in theaters. People like Etta James, B.B. King, Billie Holiday and John Mayer made blues popular among the world. Sonny decides he wants to be a musician at a young age, something that his brother had a hard time dealing with. Sonny teaches his self how to play piano. His urge to play the piano was his way of showing that he was ready to let go of his suffering. â€Å"They certainly couldn’t throw him out. Neither did they dare to make a great

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Essay On No Child Left Behind Act - 1303 Words

No Child Left Behind Children are the future of this world. In an ideal universe, every child would have the intelligence and skills to become a doctor or lawyer; instead, we live in a world in which intelligence and skills are, across the board, different and unique in every student. In an attempt to create a common ground of intelligence throughout all students, the Bush administration passed the No Child Left Behind Act. Under this act, expectations were created for schools to produce a specific improvement status on a particular reading and mathematics assessment. Affecting more than just students, the No Child Left Behind Act has created both intended and unintended consequences. Influencing students, teachers, and parents, the No†¦show more content†¦110). Rather than observing students behavior and overall intelligence in the classroom, it has become an accepted standard, in public schools, to infer intelligence from a single test score. Private schools, however, never faced this issue due to the fact that they are not funded by the government. Conjointly, McCluskey (2015) points out that there is still an incredible number of variables that this test does not consider such as overall health, district policies, state policies, home environments, and determination levels. With this law, public schools now face the potential of being shut down or taken over if their students do not perform to a certain set of standards on a mathematics and reading assessment. School is not typically thought of as a team effort, but the No Child Left Behind Act depicts it as one. â€Å"Debating No Child Left Behind† adds, â€Å"Unless we educate all, all will be dragged down by those who we fail to nurture† (2003, para. 5). On a team, there is naturally a weak link that unintentionally brings the team down. As a team of parents, students, and teachers, the responsibility remains to help the weak links in any way possible. Because of this, schools are paying a lot closer attention to students who may have otherwise gone unnoticed. In a report by Jennings and Rentner,Show MoreRelatedEssay On No Child Left Behind Act1247 Words   |  5 PagesIn 2004, coinciding with the conclusion of President George W. Bush’s first term in office, United States Secretary of Education, Rod Paige, released an essay depicting the successes of his administration. Paige’s department spearheaded the initiative sparked by the No Child Left Behind Act, a set of policies enacted to reform education and provide students with an improved degree of learning more suited to the evolving job market. Paige brings light to the findings of his administration, presentingRead MoreNo Child Left Behind Act Essay1166 Words   |  5 Pages1. Definition of the Policy The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 8, 2002, is a comprehensive overhaul of the federal governments requirements of state and local education systems (www.nclb.gov). It reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and replaces the 1994 Improving Americas Schools Act. 2. General Background Information President Bush has made education his number one domestic priority (www.ed.gov). OnRead MoreEssay on The No Child Left Behind Act953 Words   |  4 Pagesare being left behind† (www.ed.gov). The â€Å"No Child Left Behind† Act expands the federal government’s role in elementary and secondary education. The NCLB act was enacted January 8, 2002, and has four reform principles to the act: Accountability, flexibility, Researched-based reforms and parental options. Accountability begins with informed parents, communities and elected leaders so we can work together to improve schools. The states will measure the progress by testing every child in grades 3Read MoreNo Child Left Behind Act Essay642 Words   |  3 PagesNo Child Left Behind Act Making the NCLB Act effective is quite a chore for the federal and state legislation. The positive influences for the act are quite controversial. Accountability standards are set and measured on a yearly basis by each individual state. The educator’s qualifications and standards are also state and federally mandated. Reading, math and writing are the key academic subjects that are measured. The goal is to close the gap among race, socioeconomic groups, and disabledRead MoreEssay On No Child Left Behind Act822 Words   |  4 Pagesof Nation at Risk in 1983, and the enactment of new federal law, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) by President Lyndon B Johnson in 1965 all emphasized or established high standards and accountability within the nation’s education system. In 2002, Congress amended ESEA into the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This act reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, affecting education from kindergarten through high school for over a decade. NCLB calls for increased accountabilityRead MoreNo Child Left Behind Act Essay1646 Words   |  7 Pages The No Child Left Behind Act was based on the Elementary Secondary Education Act of 1965. The act was established based on the promise of Thomas Jefferson to create a free public education system in Virginia (Hammond, Kohn, Meier, Sizer Wood, 2004). The act is now reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The purpose of the No Child Left Behind Act was to make sure that children were given a fair, quality education. The act set out to close the achievement gaps in educationRead MoreEssay on No Child Left Behind Act3562 Words   |  15 PagesThe No Child Left Behind Act Alexis Cross His 324 Dr. Stephan Law February 20, 2010 No Child Left Behind Outline: 1. Introduction a. What I will be writing about b. Why I chose my topic c. What will be covered 2. The NCLB Act d. How it came to be e. What was proposed f. How it has been enacted 3. The NCLB Act g. Arguments in favor of h. Arguments against 4. Statistics i. How the NCLB Act has had a positive impactRead More No Child Left Behind Act Essay1247 Words   |  5 Pages No Child Left Behind Act President Bush quoted, â€Å"Clearly, our children are our future†¦Too many of our neediest children are being left behind† (www.ed.gov). The â€Å"No Child Left Behind† Act expands the federal government’s role in elementary and secondary education. The NCLB emphasizes accountability and abiding by policies set by the federal government. This law sets strict requirements and deadlines for states to expand the scope and frequency of student testing, restore their accountabilityRead MoreEssay on The No Child Left Behind Act1440 Words   |  6 PagesInitiated in 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 intended to prevent the academic failures of educational institutions and individual students, as well as bridge achievement gaps between students. This act supports the basic standards of education reform across America; desiring to improve the learning outcomes of America’s youth. No Child Left Behind has left many to criticize the outcomes of the Act itself. Questions have risen concerning the effectiveness of NCLB, as well as theRead MoreNo Child Left Behind Act Essay710 Words   |  3 PagesThe No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, President George W. Bushs education reform bill, was signed into law on Jan. 8, 2002. The No Child Left Behind Act says that states will develop and apply challenging academic standards in reading and math. It will also set annual progress objectives to make sure that all groups of students reach proficiency within 12 years. And the act also says that children will be tested annually in grades 3 through 8, in reading and math to measure their progress.

Monday, December 9, 2019

Roly Polys free essay sample

In the world that we live In today, long distance relationships have become more numerous than any time In the history of our people. Not only that but with society how it Is, people are very often separated great distances from each other for work or military reasons. Design Incubations Centre has Invented a legendary product that will forever change how couples react through the distance that separates them. The Roll Poly Is designed to let two Individuals to sense the presence of each other no matter how far apart they may be from each other.The egg like shape acts in a technological manner than the average person would never even think possible. Each couple gets their own egg and place it somewhere near themselves. If one person touches their egg than the other reflects the movement, no matter if they are down the street or if they are on the other side of the world. We will write a custom essay sample on Roly Polys or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This type of technology is so different from everything else that has ever been made. Unlike the internet with all the messaging and video sharing applications, this Roll Poly offers a unique Instant movement, letting the couple feel as if they are right ext to each other.Although this product Is only about half way complete It still has made some huge ground In the idea Itself. For more Information you can find an article and even a video about this product In the source at the bottom of this paper. In the video you can see exactly what has been done and the boundaries of long distance relationships that have been broken. This device is extremely amazing and something that I hope to see in the near future.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Ovarian cancer my battle Essays - RTT, Gynaecological Cancer

Ovarian cancer my battle Ovarian cancer is a silent killer most cancers have sign or symptoms but with ovarian cancer a women never knows she has it unless she goes to her doctor and gets her yearly exam with out this screening 90percent of woman go undetected in life without never knowing they have ovarian cancer so please ladies do yourself and your loved ones a favor get your mammograms and pap smears routinely it's the only way to detect this silent killer. I was diagnosed at the age of thirty two I was a single parent of two boys who needed their mother . What do you say to your children when you find out that you have cancer, do you lie to them just to it seem all is good while inside your heart is breaking do you tell them the truth knowing that they will worry every time you walk out the door even to go get groceries will they be thinking is my mommy coming back, seriously what do you say to two small children even though you don't want to you do you look them in the face and reassure the That no matter what you will be there fighting every step of the way and that no matter what you are their mother and that you are going no where you will fight the fight as long as you can and that you need them by your side fighting it with you

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The Job Interviews 7 Deadly Sins

The Job Interviews 7 Deadly Sins Think you know exactly what it takes to land your dream job? Maybe you do. But do you also know what it will take to wind up eliminated from consideration? Unfortunately, even the most qualified candidates can sometimes make the wrong impression †¦ .and cost themselves a job in the process. Don’t fall prey to these seven deadly job hunting â€Å"sins.† 1. The Mass EmailBlindly sending out resume after resume to every job you see not only reeks of desperation, but is also a waste of your time. Sure, versatility is an admirable trait, but so is the ability to play to your strength. Hiring managers value flexibility, but they also prize focus. Not to mention: casting a wide net hauls up as many old fisherman’s boots as it does treasure.The more refined your job search and targeted your resume and cover letter, the more likely you are to hit on the keywords recruiters are looking for in order to advance to the next round.2. Stretching the TruthYes, your resume s hould present you in your very best light. However, it should also present your skills, experience and interests accurately. Even worse than a shoddy or incomplete resume for a hiring manager? One that misrepresents a candidate.Avoid exaggerating your background and/or skill set. Even if you make it past the recruiter, the longer-term consequences of fudging the truth on your resume can be dire if your employee finds out.3. Carelessness CountsIf you think being a few minutes late is no big deal, think again. Not only does showing up late for an interview convey disrespect for the interviewer, but it also demonstrates poor time management. If possible, do a test run before an interview to find out how long transit, parking, walking, etc. will take.Carelessness in appearance is also a deal-breaker for many employers. Keep the old adage in mind: â€Å"Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.† Select your interview outfit at least a day in advance. Is it clean? Pressed? Appropriate? As much as you might like to think that appearance doesn’t matter as much as skill, you will be judged on your appearance. Make sure to take a quick look in the mirror before you walk out the door.4. Lack of PreparationThe internet puts a wealth of information at the fingers of the average job searcher. Failure to use this information is an enormous and often unforgivable oversight. Take time in advance to research the company, industry, and even your interviewer. And be prepared to ask questions. Knowledge and curiosity both demonstrate the above-and-beyond qualities sought by today’s employers.5. Failure to Follow UpThe job interview doesn’t end when you walk out the door. Even if your interview was a slam dunk, you might end up fouling out of the game if you don’t send a thank you note. In fact, 59 percent of HR managers believe that it’s â€Å"very helpful† for promising job candidates to follow up with a thank you note afte r an interview.While a handwritten note on a piece of monogrammed stationery has timeless appeal, 87 percent of hiring managers now believe that email is an acceptable means of expressing your gratitude.How long do you have to send your thank you? Today’s job cycle can move quickly: within 24 hours is ideal.6. No NetworkingNetworking remains an essential part of the job hunt, but it’s an active process, not a passive one. if you attend networking events, make time for one-on-one interactions; these are far more meaningful than group settings.With the rise of social networking, job seekers have 24/7 opportunities for networking. Make sure your social media presence is appropriate and appealing. A quick Google search on your own name can turn up any areas of concern.If you don’t yet have a LinkedIn profile, get one: approximately 93 percent of hiring managers check out LinkedIn when looking for qualified candidates.7. A Single-Pronged ApproachToday’s job hu nt is anything but the linear process it was 20 years ago. There are many channels through which job seekers can interact with recruiting managers. A multi-pronged approach incorporating everything from networking at industry meetings to job boards.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Nanoflares Keep Things Hot on the Sun

Nanoflares Keep Things Hot on the Sun One thing we all know about the Sun: its incredibly hot. The surface (the outermost layer of the Sun that we can see) is 10,340 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and the core (which we cant see) is 27 MILLION degrees F. Theres another part of the Sun that lies between the surface and us: its the outermost atmosphere, called the corona.Its some 300 times hotter than the surface. How can something farther away and out in space be hotter? You would think it would actually be cooling off the farther away it gets from the Sun.   This question of how the corona gets so hot has kept solar scientists busy for a long time, trying to find an answer. It was once assumed that the corona heated gradually, but the cause of the heating was a mystery.   The Sun is heated from within by a process called fusion. The core is a nuclear furnace, fusing atoms of hydrogen together to make atoms of helium. The process releases heat and light, which travel through the Suns layers until they escape from the photosphere. The atmosphere, including the corona, lie above that. It should be cooler, but its not. So, what could possibly heat the corona? One answer is nanoflares. These are tiny cousins of the big solar flares that we detect erupting from the Sun. Flares are sudden flashes of brightness from the Suns surface. They release incredible amounts of energy and radiation. Sometimes flares are also accompanied by massive releases of superheated plasma from the Sun called coronal mass ejections. These outbursts can cause whats called space weather  (such as displays of northern and southern lights)  at Earth and other planets. Nanoflares are a different breed of solar flare. First, they erupt constantly, crackling along like countless little hydrogen bombs. Second, they are very, very hot, getting up to 18 million degrees Fahrenheit. Thats hotter than the corona, which is usually a few million degrees F.   Think of them as a very hot soup, bubbling along on the surface of a stove, warming the atmosphere above it. With nanoflares, the combined heating of all those constantly blowing tiny explosions (which are as powerful as 10-megaton hydrogen bomb explosions) is likely why the coronosphere is so hot.    The nanoflare idea is relatively new, and only recently have these little explosions been detected. The concept of nanoflares was first proposed in the early 2000s, and tested beginning in 2013 by astronomers using special instruments on sounding rockets. During the short flights, they studied the Sun, looking for evidence of these tiny flares (which are only a billionth of the power of a regular flare). More recently, the NuSTAR mission, which is a space-based telescope sensitive to x-rays, looked at the Suns x-ray emissions and found evidence for the nanoflares.   While the nanoflare idea seems to be the best one that explains coronal heating, astronomers need to study the Sun more in order to understand how the process works. They will watch the Sun during solar minimum- when the Sun is not bristling with sunspots that can confuse the picture. Then,  NuSTAR and other instruments will be able to get more data to explain just how millions of tiny little flares going off just above the solar surface can heat the thin upper atmosphere of the Sun.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Follow the Leader Case Study (On Colin L. Powell (Former Secretary of Essay

Follow the Leader Case Study (On Colin L. Powell (Former Secretary of State)) - Essay Example This could not be achieved without his leadership qualities. Leadership is one of the most important traits of human personality. Leadership is the ability in a certain person that influences people present in the environment for the attainments of goals. The concept of leadership however, continues to evolve as the needs of organizational changes take place. Leadership is dynamic and involves the use of different kinds of power. These powers are bifurcated into two main categories; position power and referent power. Many people might mix leadership with management thinking that every manager working at any post of any organization or state can be leader. This is not true at all. The ability to motivate people by your thoughts and personality is not a job everyone can do. Managers are just individuals who are bestowed upon the responsibility by the management to manage a certain task and possess a certain amount of position power; power that comes due to a person's position in the hierarchy. A manager can reward you, punish you or make you work just on the basis of his or her position. Leadership is more of an internal thing; it comes with the personality characteristics or a person's special knowledge. These qualities help the leader to command subordinates' identification with respect and admiration for the leader. These leadership qualities also helps in generating commitment from the subordinates which is different from the one generated by a manager. Commitment means that the people will sh are the leader's point of view and enthusiastically carry out instructions. Leaders usually possess certain personality traits that are considered instrumental in building up their overall personality. The idea was to understand what qualities make the leaders different from other people. These traits include alertness, originality, creativity, self-confidence, ethical conduct and personal identity to name a few. Apart from these traits, work related, social and physical traits possessed by leaders are also different from others. Further studies into this matter have led to the development of another important factor that helps to sustain or break leadership; that relationship is the one between the leader and his or her followers. All the characteristics make a leader different from the ordinary masses. However, one thing should be kept in mind that the leaders are just not born; leadership is a quality that can be introduced in certain people providing them with the right kind of environment. Usually it depends on the kind of environment people have been raised in. Collin L Powell Collin L Powell was born to Jamaican immigrants in 1937 who emphasized on the importance of education and personal achievement. During his early stages of youth, he was unsure of what he wanted with life or what he wanted to achieve. He entered the City College of New York to study geology and it was there he found out the path he wanted to pursue in his life. He joined the Reserves Officers Training Corps (ROTC). He graduated from there with the highest rank on can get at ROTC i.e. of cadet colonel. The army was also able to foresee his leadership skills and his maturity to handle such matters and he was promoted to the level of second lieutenant in the United States Army. He was awarded the Purple Heart

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Memory, Thinking, and Intelligence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Memory, Thinking, and Intelligence - Essay Example These are analytical, experiential and practical intelligence. The above listed behaviours for both academic and everyday intelligence fit into Sternberg's theory. Academic intelligence corresponds with both experiential and componential intelligence, as defined by Sternberg. Experiential intelligence essentially refers to the capacity to comprehend tasks, even novel ones, and execute them efficiently. In relation to academic intelligence, it references the capacity to assimilate knowledge, comprehend abstract terms and apply that knowledge, including the translation of the abstract into the practical. As regards componential intelligence, it essentially refers to problem-solving which, in itself, is predicated on the intellectual analysis of the problem and the selection of the optimal solution. In others words, insofar as the behaviours listed for academic intelligence ultimately derive from the capacity to assimilate and apply new knowledge, they correspond to Sternberg's theory of intelligence. As regards the behaviours listed for everyday intelligence, they correspond with Sternberg's experiential and practical intelligence.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Hris Replacement Essay Example for Free

Hris Replacement Essay Cost Plan Part of project management is the estimation of the project cost. The budget can be derived from the project plan by looking at the following criteria (Marchewka, 2009): * estimated duration of activities, * resources identified and assigned to tasks, and * wages and overtime rate for resources. In addition to hard numbers resource leveling is important. Resource leveling helps with accurately planning a project and will help identify if people are scheduled to have more work than hours in a day. Having too much work assigned to one person is a risk to the project. Figure 2 Riordan Budget Report illustrates the Riordan HRIS replacement project budget based on the resources allocated to tasks in the project plan. The budget report will be monitored weekly at the beginning of the project and daily as the project progresses. Additional cost factors such as material, facility cost, insurance, and other administrative costs will be added to the project budget cost to establish the overall project budget. Figure 2 Riordan Budget Report Performance Measurement It is important to not only to establish critical tasks and sub-tasks, but also to identify a means to measure current progress against estimated progress. Without a clear understanding of where the project is in regards to the timeline management is unable to identify potential trouble spots and delays that can drive up costs and derail the project. What Is Performance Measurement The U. S. General Accounting Office (GAO) provides the following definition of Performance Measurement: â€Å"Performance measurement is the ongoing monitoring and reporting of program accomplishments, particularly progress towards pre-established goals. It is typically conducted by program or agency management. Performance measures may address the type or level of program activities conducted (process), the direct products and services delivered by a program (outputs), and/or the results of those products and services (outcomes). A program† may be any activity, project, function, or policy that has an identifiable purpose or set of objectives. †(Performance-Based Management Special Interest Group [(PBM SIG)], 2001, p. 3). When undergoing a project or process there must be a method in place to judge or measure the progress and outcome, which will allow management to make intelligent decisions. Performance Measurement delivers that data management requires by applying a method of evaluating progress toward accomplishing predetermined goals, including information on the efficiency with which resources are transformed into goods and services (PM Solutions Center for Business Practices, 2005). Performance Measurement vs. Value Measurement In measuring performance, program management is trying to gather information to help them make decisions to affect change that, with any luck, will improve that performance. For example, project performance measures are initiated to provide crucial information to managers in order to provide purpose and direction over the project. Those measures must be pertinent and applicable to the organizational level that can immediately effect change based on information it learns in order to control the performance of the project. In measuring value, you are trying to demonstrate that decisions you made to implement change, through project management improvement initiatives, has indeed added value to the organization. This is actually measuring value rather than performance, which may not be the same. While improved performance can be translated into value, value measurement, provide information on the performance of the organization rather than performance of the project. Riordan Project Performance Measures Measurement Construct The Measurement Construct utilized in the Riordan Project is based on the adherence to estimate. Accurate project estimation is crucial in keeping project costs down and stakeholders happy. The Key Performance Indicator project managers want to minimize is expressed by the formula [(E-A)/E], where E = estimated Value to complete project and A = actual Value used to complete project. Project managers can substitute any value into the equation, such as hours or cost, to determine adherence to estimate. This will allow the project management team to spot trends early on during the project and then make the necessary adjustments. To better illustrate this concept figure 2 depicts the subtasks identified as Milestones. The project management has estimated the time required to complete the 1st phase of the project (Project Preparation) would require 10 days. Completion of the phase is signaled by the development of the Statement Of Works. The project management team could measure the performance of the project resources or team members by comparing the actual time required to complete the Milestone against the estimated time to complete the Milestone. Figure 3 Milestones Figure 2 depicts that the estimated time to complete phase 1 was 10 days. If the actual time required to complete phase 1 was recorded at 12. 5 days the performance measure would be as follows: [(10-12. 5)/12. 5]= -20% This value describes a value of -20% of efficiency of the performance of this task. Ideally the task performance would be 0%; the milestone would have been completed within the time estimated during the project inception. While many may feel it is better to come in under the original estimate, the goal is to optimize resources and organizational assets throughout the project. Over committing assets and resources on one project may have undesirable effects in other areas of the organization. The key is to have exactly the required assets and resources available when required and only when required. Project Baseline The project baseline is set when all of the details for the planned project are set. The project baseline in MS Project ® is set by selecting View Gantt Chart Tools Tracking Set Baseline Entire Project (eHow, 2011). The Riordan HRIS replacement project baseline is illustrated in Figure 3 Riordan HRIS Project Baseline Illustration. Figure 4 Riordan HRIS Project Baseline Illustration Evaluation Figure 5 Riordan HRIS Replacement Tracking Sheet Risk Analysis Reporting Project Evaluation and Reporting takes a key role in the process and collection of project information for all members involved in the project to track changes, maintain budgetary requirements, and complete objectives on-time. â€Å"Monitoring the progress of the project allows you to adapt the program as needed to ensure that you attain your objectives.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Searching for a Home :: Personal Narrative Essays

Searching for a Home I arrived "home" on Sunday night, from a two week vacation, which was nice in that we went to very nice places, and in that I had, for the first time in a while, the sort of vacation which did not involve a lot of driving around and which really succeeded in making me feel that I was gone, out of my real life, away, for a while. However, I did not succeed in accomplishing the mental task I had set out for myself for these two weeks. This task was I suppose a variant of the usual mental task I set for myself while traveling, anywhere, even for a short distance or a short time: to look at my life from as much distance as I can, to get a sense of the shape of the forest, removed from the detail/muddle of tree after tree, and to see what, if anything, needs to be changed, and maybe even how to change it. For me, actually, there always seems to be something that needs to be changed. This time in my travels, the questions I was trying to resolve, the new perspective I was trying to arrive at--not, by a long shot, for the first time--had something to do with the quotation marks I've put around the word home. To put it very simply, I don't feel at home here. I'd like to go home, but I'm not sure where that is. To make matters worse, I've been wondering about this for several years, like maybe fifteen or twenty years, trying one place after another. Nothing seems to fit. The fact that I know that this is at least 50% an internal problem (i.e., at least as much a matter of where I am psychologically as physically) does not, alas, help me to answer the question. It's clear to me I've come to focus on the question of place (the central question here being, where would I like to live for the rest of my life? where could I see myself living?) in the way that some people focus on Who Is the Right Person? or When/How/Why Must I Grow Up? Not that I don't obsess over these little matters, too, just that they don't take the central place in my reflections, most of the time.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

How Does Advertising Affect Food Choices Essay

When asked how people make food choices, many people say taste is the number one factor. Flavor, aroma, appearance and texture all work together to impact what you choose for your daily meals and snacks. However, decisions about food go beyond taste and smell, reflecting a complex web of social, environmental and economic influences adults and children may not even be aware of. We develop food preferences based on our family, region / country where we live, cost of food, and mainly how food is marketed / advertised to us. These days children on average are spending 53 hours a week in front of a screen and hence this has a definite impact on kids health and wellness. Exposure to food advertising is one of the powerful forces driving the relationship between screen time and obesity. More specifically, exposure to advertising may be altering children’s food intake. Children and adolescents are inundated with advertisements which promote unhealthy foods and beverages. It is estimated that US food and beverage companies spend roughly $2 billion each year to market their products to kids. The largest proportion of advertising expenditures – roughly 40% of all money spent on food and beverage advertising – came from fast food restaurants, followed by carbonated beverages (22%). By comparison, advertising of fruits and vegetables accounts for just 0.4% of all advertising dollars. Just 0.4% for advertisement of healthy food. TV advertising remains the primary channel through which companies reach children and adolescents. Advertising can have a powerful, subconscious affect on food choices for both adults and children. For example, according to research, TV commercials for snack foods increase consumption of these foods before and after airing. Early research has demonstrated that children exposed to food advertising consumed more total food energy compared to exposure to non-food advertisements. Elementary-school aged children consumed 45% more snack foods after watching a short cartoon which contained a food advertisement compared to children who watched the same cartoon with advertisements for other, non-food, products.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

How Soon Until We Are Back At War? Essay

The night before the thirteenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, President Barrack Obama gave a nationally televised address that focused on the United States’s campaign against the Sunni extremist group known as, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In his address, Obama authorized the use of airstrikes against ISIS in Syria. Obama also mentioned that he would be sending close to 500 military advisers to Iraq, where the United States have promised to help the government fight the militant group. Obama vowed to â€Å"degrade and ultimately destroy† ISIS with routine airstrikes in northern. Obama declared that â€Å"we will not get dragged into another ground war with Iraq.† On Tuesday, October 7, almost one month after President Obama’s speech, ISIS militants are now clashing with Kurdish fighters in the tiny town of Kobani in northern Syria. As the United States conduct airstrikes to aid the Kurdish fighters, it is becoming apparent that Kobani will soon fall. Rear Admiral John Kirby, the Pentagon Press Secretary and Chief Spokesman for the Department of Defense, candidly warned that the United States air-led campaign will not save Kobani, or any other Syrian towns that are under ISIS assault. â€Å"The ground forces that matter the most are indigenous ground forces, and we don’t have a willing, capable, effective partner on the ground inside Syria right now† he later added. ISIS fighters marching through Raqqa, Syria. (CNN) It is very unsettling to hear the spokesperson for the Department of Defense claim that the United States does not have any partnership with ground forces in Syria. With ISIS forces gaining ground in both Iraq and Syria, it  appears to be imminent that the United States will soon have to deploy ground forces and not rely solely on airstrikes to push back the militants. The biggest problem the United States faces, is trying to uproot and destroy the Islamic State’s army in Iraq and Syria, by using American airstrikes and without any ground troops. Many national security experts are claiming Obama’s strategy of systematic airstrikes to eventually fail. Thus, increasing the possibility of ground forces being deployed. While President Obama has already sent over five hundred military officers to advise and assist with the fighting in northern Iraq. However, some politicians and analysts insist that the president must get ground troops closer to the fighting. Retired Army General John Keane, an architect of the 2007 Iraq War troop increase carried out by General David H. Petraeus, expressed the need of American advisors being closer to the battle. â€Å"If we don’t ultimately send in American combat troops, we’re going to lose†, Keane later added in his interview with Marie Harf of Fox News. General Keane is not the only one expressing the need for ground forces to fight ISIS. General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that if the current situation with the fighting in Northern Iraq and Syria continue, he would recommend sending in ground troops to the president. President Obama has remained adamant in his stance of not deploying any U.S. ground troops to fight ISIS and will only useairstrikes to aid the fighting. President Barrack Obama discussing the situation in Northern Iraq with Joint Chief of Staff, Martin Dempsey (AP Photo/ White House) Many United States military officials have openly addressed the possibility of sending ground troops to the fighting. It is becoming more and more evident that we are slowly leaning towards eventually deploying troops back overseas. Thus, making Obama retract his statements about keeping U.S. troops out of the fighting against ISIS. Military officials are not the only ones publicly speaking against Obama’s use of airstrikes against ISIS. However, some Republicans have strongly urged the use of American ground troops, claiming it to eventually become necessary. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California, said on CBS News’ â€Å"Face the Nation† on Sunday that U.S. Special Forces will likely need to be deployed to determine how effective the air campaign is. â€Å"If we need Special Forces there – if that’s what the generals say, then we need to do it,† he later added. In a recent CBS News poll, it was found that sixty-five percent of Americans say that the United States will eventually have to use ground combat forces to remove the threat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria. But are Obama’s constant airstrikes considered an act of war? The poll resulted in 56 percent of American citizens who consider the current air campaign against ISIS a military action but not a war. As well as, 40 percent think that the United States are already at war. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to view U.S. airstrikes against ISIS as a war. It was also found that 53 percent of Americans are now concerned that U.S. intervention in Iraq and Syria will soon lead to a long and costly involvement in the area. How soon will it be before the United States has to establish a ground force to fight the threat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria? Retired Staff Sergeant Brad McVaugh, of Corolla, North Carolina, claimed the future deployment of U.S. combat troops to Iraq and Syria to be soon. â€Å"It is just a matter of time before ISIS adapts to the airstrikes and finds a new way to attack us,† he explained. McVaugh described how the militants would, â€Å"find a way to hide from the airstrikes and fire back at us.† McVaugh pointed out the impending fact, â€Å"Obama needs to do something before a future attack happens and before his term is over.† With the eyes of the world focusing on Iraq and Syria. Leaders are also looking to the United States for its next move. So far, President Obama remains firm on his stance of keeping troops at bay. However, as public opinion agrees with the eventual deployment of troops. Many military officials and politicians on Capitol Hill are becoming outspoken each day. On ABC’s segment â€Å"This Week,† Speaker of the House John Boehner spoke about the looming possibility of ground troops being deployed and how Obama’s airstrike strategy will soon fail. â€Å"At the end of the day, I think it’s going to take more than air strikes to drive them out of there. At some point somebody’s boots have to be on the ground,† he said. â€Å"That’s the whole point.†

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Frailty Thy Name Is Woman Essays - Characters In Hamlet, Free Essays

Frailty Thy Name Is Woman Essays - Characters In Hamlet, Free Essays Frailty Thy Name Is Woman John F. Kennedy,Theodore Roosevelt , and Bill Clinton all, at one time, have been considered powerful and influential men. These men all once obtained the most influencial job in the United States and argueably in the world. Although these men had a vast impression on the world, their wives had an even more awe-inspiring effect on the world. Women constantly have been underappriciated for the most difficult and monotomous jobs around. Finally, a woman named Jackyln Onasis stood up for what she believes in and demanded to be listened to. She paved the way for future women, like Princess Diana and Hilary Clinton and alllowed women to become wealthier, more powerful, and better icons for the world to see. Similarly, behind Claudius and Hamlet are two unappreciated women who lack the willpower to demand to be listened to. Instead, they both live their lives in the shadows of their controlling men. Therefore, both are seen by Hamlet as weak and frail women. Ophelia is characterized many times as a weak women espicially in the quote, frailty thy name is woman.(Hamlet, L ) Ophelia embodies the flaw of obiedence, but deeper than that, of dependence. Ophelia is completely dependent on her father and proves her dependence when she acts cruel to Hamlet, which goes against her true feelings toward Hamlet. Later Ophelia agrees to not see Hamlet anymore, I shall obey my lord, (Hamlet. L 136) which shows Poloniouss control over his daughter. Ophelias actions show that she will do anything to appease her father, even making a personal sacrifice which she doesnt agree with. Ophelias desire to appease her father leads her to be used as a puppet in order for the King and Polonious to spy on Hamlet, Ophelia walk you here-Gracious so please you, We will bestow ourselves. (Hamlet, L 43-44) Ophelias willingness to spy on a person she truly loves, depicts her true nature and her obiedience toward her father. Even when Hamlet harasses Ophelia ad tells her to go to a nunnery, Ophelia had the inability to defend herself. Unfortunately, Ophelias dependence on her father leads her to an unnatural death. When her father passes on, Ophelia is left by herself, with no one to give her guidence. Instead of trying to move on with her life, she calls for her brother hoping he will have a plan for her, My brother shall know of it. And so I thank you for your good counsel . ( Hamlet, L 71-72) Poloniouss controlling manner is irreplaceable and finally Ophelia realizes this: I would give you some violets, but they withered all when my father died. (Hamlet. L 187-188) The significance of the violets are that they symblolize faithfulness and they all died because she felt betrayed that her father left her. Ophelias death is in result of her dependence, which could be seen through her obiedience and overall weakness of character. Ophelias tradegy is a reminder that one should not put your faith in one person and always follow your heart. Similarly, Gertrude is also charcterized by the quote, frailty thy name is woman. ( Hamlet, L ) Gertrude, like Ophelia, depends on her husband for advice and insight to Hamlets attitude. Gertrude longing for the attention that she loses when her husband dies, quickly marries Claudius, her husbands brother.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Horatio Nelson Battle of Cape St. Vincent

Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Horatio Nelson Battle of Cape St. Vincent Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Conflict Date: The Battle of Cape St. Vincent was fought during the Wars of the French Revolution (1792-1802). Jervis won his victory on February 14, 1797. Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Fleets Admirals: British Admiral Sir John JervisCommodore Horatio Nelson15 ships of the line Spanish Don Josà © de Cordà ³ba27 ships of the line Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Background: In late 1796, the military situation ashore in Italy led to the Royal Navy being compelled to abandon the Mediterranean. Shifting his principal base to the Tagus River, the commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, Admiral Sir John Jervis instructed Commodore Horatio Nelson to oversee the final aspects of the evacuation. With the British withdrawing, Admiral Don Josà © de Cà ³rdoba elected to move his fleet of 27 ships of the line from Cartagena through the Straits of Gibraltar to Cadiz in preparation for joining with the French at Brest. As Cà ³rdobas ships got underway, Jervis was departing the Tagus with 10 ships of the line to take up a position off Cape St. Vincent. Having left Cartagena on February 1, 1797, Cà ³rdoba encountered a strong easterly wind, known as a Levanter, as his ships cleared the straits. As a result, his fleet was blown out into the Atlantic and forced to work their way back towards Cadiz. Six days later, Jervis was reinforced by Rear Admiral William Parker who brought five ships of the line from the Channel Fleet. His work in the Mediterranean completed, Nelson sailed aboard the frigate HMS Minerve to rejoin Jervis. Battle of Cape St. Vincent - The Spanish Found: On the night of February 11, Minerve encountered the Spanish fleet and successfully passed through it without being detected. Reaching Jervis, Nelson came aboard the flagship, HMS Victory (102 guns) and reported Cà ³rdobas position. While Nelson returned to HMS Captain (74), Jervis made preparations to intercept the Spanish. Through the fog on the night of February 13/14, the British began to hear the signal guns of the Spanish ships. Turning towards the noise, Jervis ordered his ships to prepare for action around dawn and stated, A victory to England is very essential at this moment. Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Jervis Attacks: As the fog began to lift, it became clear that the British were outnumbered nearly two-to-one. Unfazed by the odds, Jervis instructed his fleet to form a line of battle. As the British approached, the Spanish fleet was divided into two groups. The larger, consisting of 18 ships of the line, was to the west, while the smaller, made up of 9 ships of the line stood to the east. Seeking to maximize the firepower of his ships, Jervis intended to pass between the two Spanish formations. Led by Captain Thomas Troubridges HMS Culloden (74) Jervis line began to pass the western Spanish group. Though he had numbers, Cà ³rdoba directed his fleet to turn north to pass alongside the British and escape towards Cadiz. Seeing this, Jervis ordered Troubridge to tack to the north to pursue the larger body of Spanish ships. As the British fleet began to turn, several of its ships engaged the smaller Spanish squadron to the east. Turning to the north, the Jervis line soon formed a U as it changed course. Third from the end of the line, Nelson realized that the present situation would not produce the decisive battle that Jervis wanted as the British would be forced to chase the Spanish. Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Nelson Takes the Initiative: Liberally interpreting Jervis earlier order of Take suitable stations for mutual support and engage the enemy as coming up in succession, Nelson told Captain Ralph Miller to pull Captain out of line and wear ship. Passing through HMS Diadem (64) and Excellent (74), Captain charged into the Spanish vanguard and engaged Santà ­sima Trinidad (130). Though severely out-gunned, Captain battled six Spanish ships, including three that mounted over 100 guns. This bold move slowed the Spanish formation and allowed Culloden and subsequent British ships to catch up and join the fray. Charging forward, Culloden entered the fight around 1:30 PM, while Captain Cuthbert Collingwood led Excellent into the battle. The arrival of additional British ships prevented the Spanish from banding together and drew fire away from Captain. Pushing forward, Collingwood pummeled Salvator del Mundo (112) before compelling San Ysidro (74) to surrender. Aided by Diadem and Victory, Excellent returned to Salvator del Mundo and forced that ship to strike its colors. Around 3:00, Excellent opened fire on San Nicols (84) causing the Spanish ship to collide with San Josà © (112). Nearly out of control, the badly damaged Captain opened fire on the two fouled Spanish vessels before hooking onto San Nicols. Leading his men forward, Nelson boarded San Nicols and captured the vessel. While accepting its surrender, his men were fired upon by San Josà ©. Rallying his forces, Nelson surged aboard San Josà © and compelled its crew to surrender. While Nelson was accomplishing this amazing feat, Santà ­sima Trinidad had been forced to strike by the other British ships. At this point, Pelayo (74) and San Pablo (74) came to the flagships assistance. Bearing down on Diadem and Excellent, Captain Cayetano Valdà ©s of Pelayo ordered Santà ­sima Trinidad to re-hoist its colors or be treated as an enemy vessel. Doing so, Santà ­sima Trinidad limped away as the two Spanish ships provided cover. By 4:00, the fighting effectively ended as the Spanish retreated east while Jervis ordered his ships to cover the prizes Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Aftermath: The Battle of Cape St. Vincent resulted in the British capture of four Spanish ships of the line (San Nicols, San Josà ©, San Ysidro, and Salvator del Mundo) including two first-rates. In the fighting, Spanish losses numbered around 250 killed and 550 wounded, while Jervis fleet suffered 73 killed and 327 wounded. In reward for this stunning victory, Jervis was elevated to the peerage as Earl St. Vincent, while Nelson was promoted to rear admiral and made a knight in the Order of Bath. His tactic of boarding one Spanish ship to attack another was widely admired and for several years was known as Nelsons patent bridge for boarding enemy vessels. The victory at Cape St. Vincent led to a containment of the Spanish fleet and ultimately allowed Jervis to send a squadron back to the Mediterranean the following year. Led by Nelson, this fleet achieved a decisive victory over the French at the Battle of the Nile. Selected Sources British Battles: Battle of Cape St. VincentNapoleon Guide: Battle of Cape St. VincentHMS: Battle of Cape St. Vincent

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Internet Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing Essay

Internet Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing - Essay Example Only few years back, one could find large numbers of online grocery stores within Florida. Having large numbers of families and elevated levels of Internet penetration, this part of US was considered to be the perfect region to offer this type of facility to the consumers. (Gralla, 2006) However, most of such Net grocers are no more existing and only little grocery sales are carried through this contemporary service. According to a research, merely 20 to 25 per cent of early online shoppers are still using this latest channel. Most of the online buyers of grocery have gone back to conventional grocery shopping. (McAulay, 2009) What exactly was not right? Why have customers rejected online grocery shopping? What features of online shopping pushed them back to conventional way of shopping? And what characteristics of conventional way of shopping attracted them back? These questions will be discussed while evaluating Internet Vulnerability and Penetration within consumers. To answer above mentioned questions, 20 American families with children were chosen. They were asked regularly over the intervening period about their experience of shopping. Some anticipated findings of this piece of research are given below. Internet penetration for shopping is anticipated to increase in the beginning. Time is a crucial reason for choosing internet for grocery shopping – which will prove to be an inadequate resource available for families with children. (Napier, 2005) Online buyers are usually fairly willing to pay little more for the offered facilities of picking and delivering groceries so that they can utilize their valuable time on activities that are more significant for them. Most of the times, internet penetration for online shopping is due to its flexibility. Online buyers think they can buy anything anytime to suit their schedule, 24 hours a day. They do not have to wait for the shop to open or re-open when they have time to shop. Online buyers usually

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Youtility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Youtility - Essay Example This discussion declares that the biggest catastrophe that a business would cast upon itself is to assume that Youtility is a one-off project when it is in truth a process. The reason behind this assertion is that customers have a continued need for change in ideas over time. The fact that technology is growing and developing every now and then means that companies have to keep changing and improving their products at all times. Companies and businesses must adjust to, and keep up with, the changing preferences among their customer base if they harbor any dreams of success. Therefore, Youtility is an infinite process driven by customers’ desire for new and improved ways of making their lifestyles better.From this study it is clear that the measurement of Youtility can start with the number of users of the Youtility process within its application scope. Next, the frequency of forwarding the information is measured so that the needs of the customers can be met. Thirdly, a measur e of the number of people that are willing to buy the product and that of how many are willing to learn more is calculated. Lastly, the actual impact of Youtility on the revenue is then ascertained. The reason for these measurements is primarily to gauge and ascertain the effectiveness of the Youtility process. By so doing, the company is able to make adjustments where weaknesses arise.  Youtility is a primary driver of success within companies and businesses because of its ability to attract customers even where they seemed not to exist.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Buttled water Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Buttled water - Case Study Example The fact is that bottled water is operating in a very harmful market environment. This is especially true because the people who would be its primary consumers, such as health conscious people, also tend to be most acutely aware of the supposed problems of sustainability associated with bottled water. Many bottled water brands have good public images and popularity, but the fact remains that bottled water is an expensive commodity that people can easily get for free by buying home filtration units and a permanent bottle, such as aluminum ones that are becoming so popular. I would recommend that bottled water companies continue to support their primary product while simultaneously diversifying in order to be able to escape if the market continues to be more and more hostile to their product. Luckily, diversifying is somewhat easy. A bottled water company could make and market home filtration units with permanent bottles, building off of their brand popularity, and then marketing their traditional bottled water as an emergency or convenience item. They could also begin adding additives to their water, such as vitamins, minerals and nutrients, in order to make their product differentiated from what people could get at home. Bottled water, as an industry, may be on the decline, and i f that is the case companies need to prepare for the

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Human Hair Profiling with FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics

Human Hair Profiling with FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Profiling of Human Hairs using FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Technique AUFA MADIHAH BT MOHAMAD ANWAR Research Proposal Topic Profiling of Human Hairs using FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Technique. This research is about classifying human hair (subjects) using FTIR and Chemometrics. The subjects should be Malay, Woman and included in one of the age group required. (20-30, 31-40, 41-50, >60) Introduction Background Study Human hair is ÃŽ ±- keratin proteins and contains DNA which are collected as physical evidence in a crime scene. It can provide important information in assisting an investigation. Usually, the evidence (fiber) is obtained by physical contact between perpetrator with victim or/and perpetrator with surrounding or/and victim with surrounding. This theory is based on ‘Locard’s Principle of Exchange’ which states that â€Å"every contact leaves a trace†. The current forensic procedures use comparisons of hair morphology by microscopic examination and mitochondrial DNA analyses. Microscopic examinations of the morphological characteristics of human hairs indicate the thickness, color, shape, body area (e.g. scalp or pubic, axilla (chest, armpit and limb regions)), race and method of removal whether forcibly removed or naturally fall off. In addition, there is not enough data on human hair. There had been a research in differentiating human hair according to the race. Thus, to create additional data about human hair this research will be conducted on different age group. The subjects for this research should be Malay, woman and is included in one of the age group required (20-30, 31-40, 41-50, >60). 200 subjects will be needed and 50 subjects per age group are required. Hair sample will be taken from these 200 subjects and will be examine using FTIR- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy method. The data obtained will be analyze using Chemometrics. 3.0 Literature Reviews 3.1 Human Hair Hair starts from its root embedded in the follicle, through the dermis, epidermis, stratum corneum, skin, into a shaft and stops at the tip end. Human hair is usually 15-100 µ in diameter. There are three major of regions in human hair that are identifiable using FTIR-ATR (Figure 1). The core or medulla which is 5-10 µ in diameter is being wrapped by cortex which makes up the bulk of the hair. The outermost layer of hair is known as cuticle which it thickness is less than 5 µ. (Feughelman M.et al., 1997) Figure 1: Diagram of human hair cross section using ATR. 3.1.1 Cuticle The external layer of the fiber which consists of flattened overlapping scales is known as cuticle (Figure 2). Cuticle stabilizes the hair. Figure 2: Schematic diagram of illustrating the morphological of a human hair fiber Cuticle cell is separated by the cell membrane matrix (CMM) which is a strong adhesive layer. The CMM is made up of a central, polysaccharide ÃŽ ´-layer in between two ÃŽ ²-layers (lipid rich). Distinct layers, epicuticle, A-layer, exocuticle, and endocuticle can be found in a mature cuticle cell. The distinct layers have different levels of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Epicuticle is approximately 80% protein and 5% lipid and it is chemically resistant. The A-layer resists physical and chemical forces and is cystine rich (30%). An illustration of the cross section of developed cuticle cell is shown in figure 3. (Jolles P. et al., 1997) Figure 3: A schematic diagram of the developed cuticle cross section. 3.1.2 Cortex Cortex is covered and surrounded by cuticle. Cortex is responsible for the mechanical properties of the fiber. It is composed of elongated, spindle-shaped cortical cells packed closely that are parallel oriented to the axis of the fiber. Cortical cells are typically 100 µm in length and 5 µm in width aligned along the axis of the fiber. It is made up by fine micro fibrils that are comprised of ÃŽ ±-helical proteins. Macrofibrils (approximately 100-400nm in diameter) is made up of grouped microfibrils which are 7nm in diameter. 60 % of the cortex (by mass) was made up by macrofibrils which were embedded in an amorphous protein matrix. (Jolles P. et al., 1997) 3.1.3 Medulla Medulla is the inner part of the hair fiber. It is also known as core with a diameter of 5-10  µm. The medulla may be completely absent or a double medulla may be observed. It has high lipid content (citrulline). The structure of medulla has a porous structure formed by sponge-like keratin ad some vacuoles filled with air resulting from the differentiation process. The medulla was separated from cortex by CMM. (Jolles P. et al., 1997) 3.2 Chemical Structure 3.2.1 ÃŽ ±-Keratin Proteins Keratin is a part of fibrous structural proteins and is the important material making up the outer layer of human skin and it is also key structural component of hair and nails. In a single fiber, keratin constitutes about 85% of the mass. Condensation of L-amino acids formed polypeptide chains which were contained in high molecular weight polymer (keratin). Peptide bond (links the amino acid) was formed through the condensation. Multiple condensations will produce polypeptide chain which becomes the backbone of the ÃŽ ±-keratin fiber. The reaction was shown in Figure 4: Figure 4: Condensation reactions of amino acids. The side chains (R1 and R2 group) of the amino acid residues for ÃŽ ±-keratin are corresponded to different age group. (Feughelman M.et al., 1997) 3.3 Forensic – Hair as Physical Evidence 3.3.1 What is Forensic and Trace Evidence? Forensic was derived from Latin word forensic which is â€Å"of or used in courts of law†. It also denotes the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime. Forensic involves trace evidence which can also be defined as physical evidence of minute in the form fiber (textile, human or animal), soil, glass, fingerprints and tons other that needed to be analyze under microscopic comparison. The presence and recovery of trace evidence is crucial to help in an investigation. DeForest states that â€Å"trace evidence has an important role to play in both the investigative and adjudicative phases of a case†. ‘Locards Principle of Exchange’ stated that â€Å"every contact leaves a trace† is a fundamental theory on how trace evidence could exist in the crime scene. (Fido M. et al., 2003) 3.3.2 The Importance of Hair (Fiber) as Evidence Hair and fibre is important in providing valuable information in identifying the assailant or attacker. The discovery of hair evidence can help in distinguish race and sex. Even though hair is benign dead matter it still contains DNA to be extrapolated. Human hair is usually found in the crime scene as shown in Table 1. It can be naturally shed (normal hair-growth cycle) or forcibly remove. (Robbins C.R., 1994) Table 1: Histogram of the relationship between the frequencies with different types of trace evidence occurs in criminal cases. (Broad J., 1988) 3.4 Current Forensic Methods in Analyzing Hair Evidence 3.4.1 Macroscopic Analysis The hair evidence will first undergo visual examination followed by macroscopic examination of the hair morphology. The physical appearances (length, shape, root, tip, color, etc.) are observed and measured. (Phillips J.H., 1989) 3.4.2 Microscopy 3.4.2.1 Optical Light Microscopy and Stereomicroscopy Stereomicroscope, compound light/polarizing microscope, transmitted light comparison microscope and the laser confocal microscope are four types of microscopes used to examine the hair fiber (evidence). Through light microscope and stereomicroscope, racial origin, species and the somatic (body location) origin can be determined. The scanning laser confocal microscope is used to analyze the transverse cross-section which is important in determining the somatic origin or ethnicity. Comparison microscope is used for next step by comparing the evidence with known fibers from suspect. Conclusions are drawn from all these observations and analysis. (Ogle Jr. R. R. et al., 1999) 3.4.2.2 Scanning Electron Microscopy Scanning Electron Microscopy can be used to analyze trace physical evidence (fibers, paints, glass and gunshot residues. SEM highlights the surface topography of the external cuticle layer in great detail with greater depth of field than a stereomicroscope. (Taylor et al., 1971) SEM is more preferable than Optical Light Microscopy. SEM can identify the species of the fiber evidence. It can differ human fiber from animals or wools or etc. But, â€Å"SEM is difficult for comparison of human hairs because the variability in the surface topography, distribution and appearance of the scales within one head are great, according to the natural and cosmetic history†. Thus, SEM also lack in aiding the investigation involving human hair as evidence. (Kupferschmid T.D. et al., 1994) 3.4.3 DNA Analysis DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is human genetic code which no one will have the same. DNA is in the cell nucleus and in extra-nuclear organelles of the cell, known as mitochondria. It is responsible in determining our physical characteristics. (Davis C.L., 1998) In hair, there are two sources of DNA traces that can be analyze for forensic purpose which can be found at follicular tissue and the cells on the hair root. The hair that was forcibly removed from head has its root attached. However, most human fiber that found in the crime scene (ca. 90%) is in telogen phase (naturally shed) therefore the hair does not contain a growing root. There are three types of telogen hair: root without any soft tissues remnant root with a small amount of soft tissue attached root with a large amount of soft tissue attached Hair roots that have soft tissues attached contain some cell with nucDNA. A study was conducted to investigate the nucDNA content in anagen versus telogen hair fibers. No nucDNA copies were detected in the shed hairs while the plucked hair contains an average 25,800 nucDNA.(Andreasson et al.,2006) In 2001, a series of single Short Tandem Repeats (STR) typing steps and during consecutive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA that had been extracted from the hair was fixed onto a membrane. (Hellman A. et al., 2001) In 2010, a proposal of a new screening test to visualize DNA with 4-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) which is a fluorescent molecule that binds on the double-stranded DNA, between A and T base pairs. The visible nuclear DNAs can be count with the use of a fluorescence microscope and it can quickly discard hair that is less suitable for STR-typing. Thus, the attention was given to hair with highest potential for results. (Bourguignon et al., 2010) 3.5 FTIR Spectroscopy Fourier-transform Spectrometer is used in infrared absorption spectroscopy. Fourier-transform is a mathematical process. The term Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy is originated from the fact that a Fourier transform is needed to convert the raw data into the actual spectrum. Dispersive spectrometer which measure intensity over a small range of wavelengths at a time is different with FTIR spectrometer which simultaneously collects spectral data in a large spectral range. Thus, FTIR is more preferable. Figure 5 show a diagram that represents Michelson interferometer. From a broadband source a radiation strikes the beam splitter. Some the light is transmitted to a stationary mirror and some of the light are reflected to a movable mirror and the moving mirror is not in phase. A pattern called an interferogram which contains all the frequencies that make up the IR spectrum was produce by interfering constructively and destructively. The interferogram can be decomposed into its comp onent wavelengths which will resulted in a plot of intensity versus frequency. (Griffiths P.R. et al., 1986) Figure 5: Schematic diagram of the Michelson Interferometer. 3.6 Chemometrics and Forensic Science Chemometrics is the chemical discipline that uses statistical or mathematical methods to chemical data while forensic science is a discipline that formulates conclusions on a purely objective basis. It is compulsory for forensic scientist to follow strict and rigid statistical protocols in reaching a conclusion regarding analytical data. Thus, chemometrics is vital as it is capable in generating multidimensional data. By using chemometrics conclusions of research and analysis data can be obtained. (Bereton R.G., 2003) Chemometrics research can cover various areas of different methods and can be used in chemistry. There are methods for: Collecting data Optimization parameters of the parameter Experiments Design Calibration and signal processing Getting knowledge from the data Statistics Structure-property-relationship estimations Chemometrics helps in building a connection between the techniques and their application in chemistry. (Beebe K.R. et al., 1998) 4.0 Problem Statement These days when a crime occur it is hard to find the perpetrator due to lack of evidence. Although there is evidence but, there is no data that is available to describe the perpetrator. For an example, human fiber or hair can be found in crime scene. However without the data, the hair which is also evidence can’t be identified. Furthermore, there is no research in finding whether there is difference in human hair of different age group. Moreover, can FTIR and chemometrics helps in profiling human hair research. Objectives There are several aims or objectives that this research holds: To further the investigation regarding human scalp hair (fibers) to create new database about human hair in different age group. To determined and classified the differences of human scalp hair according to their respective age group. To analyze the FTIR data using Chemometrics.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Aids :: Free AIDS Essays

Aids The issue of HIV/AIDS has been a developing concern since the early 1980's. It is an issue that has sparked fear in everyone, but "society" has narrowed it down to certain people that can contract the AIDS virus. The stereotypical "AIDS" victim is not an IV drug user or a practicing homosexual; it is anyone, anyone who has unprotected sex, anyone who has had a blood transfusion in the past twenty years, or anyone who was innocently brought into the world by an infected mother. As unfair as it is, HIV/AIDS can attack someone whom society would have never "branded" as a stereotypical AIDS victim. This issue of HIV/AIDS needs to be addressed, and it needs to be addressed now. The epidemic of HIV/AIDS is on the rise in the state of Massachusetts. As many as 15,000 residents may be infected with the virus and not be aware of it and the majority of these victims are between the ages of twenty and forty. The only solution to this problem, as is the only solution to any problem, is preventio n through education. Of course it is easy to hand out literature and condoms to adults, but are they really going to listen? As a community, we can encourage HIV/AIDS testing, but will it be taken advantage of? Since these are adults being familiarized with HIV/AIDS, how to contract it, the consequences, and the raw statistics, they will probably disregard all of the information. Education on the issue of HIV/AIDS obviously needs to begin at an earlier age. HIV is spread most commonly by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum or mouth during sex. HIV also is spread through contact with infected blood. Prior to the screening of blood for evidence of HIV infection and before the introduction in 1985 of heat-treating techniques to destroy HIV in blood products, HIV was transmitted through transfusions of contaminated blood. Today, because of blood screening and heat treatment, the risk of acquiring HI V from such transfusions is extremely small. HIV frequently is spread among injection drug users by the sharing of needles or syringes contaminated with minute quantities of blood of someone infected with the virus. However, transmission from patient to health-care worker or vice-versa via accidental sticks with contaminated needles or other medical instruments is rare.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

James Moloney Gracy

Gracey is the second in James Moloney’s contemporary trilogy that deals with a range of issues facing Aboriginal society. In this text, Gracey finds herself confused about her identity, caught between the worlds of her Aboriginal background and the Anglo-Saxon environment of her exclusive boarding school. Gracey’s family has recently relocated to the outback town of Cunningham, however she feels estranged from the community.Gracey’s school friend, Angela, has come to visit and seems intrigued by Cunningham, however Gracey is impatient and embarrassed by her home. Intolerant of younger brother Dougy and the prospect of becoming yet another single Aboriginal mother in Cunningham, she is eager to return to Brisbane. Gracey lives and acts ‘white’. Dougy meanwhile uncovers a mass grave of aboriginal bones in the small town, prompting an outrage by the local black community.They wish to reclaim the land and demand answers surrounding the death of these men . Gracey too becomes enthralled by the mystery, researching mass killings of Aborigines. She is shocked by her discoveries but becomes impassioned for the first time about her people and her heritage. When Gracey’s mother dies, she returns home to Cunningham and assumes the matriarchal role, taking care of her two brothers. Raymond, her older alcoholic brother, drinks all of his social security money, leaving the family penniless.He is aggressive and lost. Dougy has also become more apathetic, spending much of his time roaming the town foraging through rubbish. As a result of the discovery of the mass grave, the Aborigines in Cunningham participate in a protest march which results in Raymond and Dougy being thrown into the watch house overnight. This is Dougy’s first brush with the law, however Raymond has spent many nights in the town jail. Despondent and depressed about his future, Raymond hangs himself in his cell.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Second Foundation Prologue

The First Galactic Empire had endured for tens of thousands of years. It had included all the planets of the Galaxy in a centralized rule, sometimes tyrannical, sometimes benevolent, always orderly. Human beings had forgotten that any other form of existence could be. All except Hari Seldon. Hari Seldon was the last great scientist of the First Empire. It was he who brought the science of psycho-history to its full development. Psycho-history was the quintessence of sociology, it was the science of human behavior reduced to mathematical equations. The individual human being is unpredictable, but the reactions of human mobs, Seldon found, could be treated statistically. The larger the mob, the greater the accuracy that could be achieved. And the size of the human masses that Seldon worked with was no less than the population of the Galaxy which in his time was numbered in the quintillions. It was Seldon, then, who foresaw, against all common sense and popular belief, that the brilliant Empire which seemed so strong was in a state of irremediable decay and decline. He foresaw (or he solved his equations and interpreted its symbols, which amounts to the same thing) that left to itself, the Galaxy would pass through a thirty thousand year period of misery and anarchy before a unified government would rise once more. He set about to remedy the situation, to bring about a state of affairs that would restore peace and civilization in a single thousand of years. Carefully, he set up two colonies of scientists that he called â€Å"Foundations.† With deliberate intention, he set them up â€Å"at opposite ends of the Galaxy.† One Foundation was set up in the full daylight of publicity. The existence of the other, the Second Foundation, was drowned in silence. In Foundation (Gnome, 1951) and Foundation and Empire (Gnome, 1952) are told the first three centuries of the history of the First Foundation. It began as a small community of Encyclopedists lost in the emptiness of the outer periphery of the Galaxy. Periodically, it faced a crisis in which the variables of human intercourse, of the social and economic currents of the time constricted about it. Its freedom to move lay along only one certain line and when it moved in that direction, a new horizon of development opened before it. All had been planned by Hari Seldon, long dead now. The First Foundation, with its superior science, took over the barbarized planets that surrounded it. It faced the anarchic Warlords that broke away from the dying Empire and beat them. It faced the remnant of the Empire itself under its last strong Emperor and its last strong General and beat it. Then it faced something which Hari Seldon could not foresee, the overwhelming power of a single human being, a Mutant. The creature known as the Mule was born with the ability to mold men's emotions and to shape their minds. His bitterest opponents were made into his devoted servants. Armies could not, would not fight him. Before him, the First Foundation fell and Seldon's schemes lay partly in ruins. There was left the mysterious Second Foundation, the goal of all searches. The Mule must find it to make his conquest of the Galaxy complete. The faithful of what was left of the First Foundation must find it for quite another reason. But where was it? That no one knew. This, then, is the story of the search for the Second Foundation!