Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Two problem questions on constitutional law of European Union Essay

Two problem questions on constitutional law of European Union - Essay Example The UK believes the section of the Directive has been drafted in too broad terms and it, along with a number of other member states, has been seeking clarification as to the technicalities of the possible operation of the guarantee scheme. There has never been any legislation in the UK on protecting workers pension payments by establishing financial guarantee institutions. A recent change of government, along with a worldwide recession, also mean that the UK is now opposed to the pension protection scheme in principle and, if it introduces the pension protection scheme, it will legislate to limit protections up to a ceiling of 5,000 pounds and restrict claims to those made within two weeks of an employers insolvency. The Commission has been examining the questions from Member States but has confirmed that it expects Member States to meet their obligations under the whole of the Directive. Adils security guard company becomes insolvent and he is made redundant after 30 years service and pension payments. He is told his pension fund is at risk and that he cannot pursue his employers in court for his pension guarantee as there is no money left in the pot after the company was wound up. A law student has told him that he may be able to enforce his EC law rights by other means. He comes to you for legal advice. Adil has been working in the security guard company for about 30 years. The fact that the specific firm had to be dissolved – because of the lack of funds for the continuation of the business activities – cannot justify the loss of pensions of employees – at least such a case would not be fair for employees that have invested all their pension funds on a specific corporate pension scheme. The problem is that existing UK law does not provide a specific legal framework that protects employees in cases of insolvency of their firm. Currently, the pensions of employees in Britain

Monday, October 28, 2019

The Journey of Man Essay Example for Free

The Journey of Man Essay It has long been debated both in religion and in science about the origin of man. One cites that man was created out from the flesh of some higher Being while the other has many theories regarding such issues. But whatever the most possible theory might be, there is no denying that over time, scientists have established a profound link between the genetic composition of man and how he has evolved over time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In his latest book, Spencer Wells tries to trace our evolution up to our very first ancestor. This book tried to answer some long-standing anthropological questions regarding the origin of humans and we were able to migrate. To answer and trace this, he relied heavily on science, specifically the modern techniques and developments in DNA research for support. He basically reiterated that the Y chromosome (that of the male) is the unaffected marker of the human heritage (Wells, 2004). From that basis, he worked backward through time and concluded that the earliest man can be found in Africa who lived between 31,000 to 79,000 years ago which he then called the â€Å"Eurasian Adam†. As time goes by, a subsequent population would grow and become isolated from its fellows who then gain new genetic markers that subsequently created a new (genetic) map in time and space. He also said that the first modern humans â€Å"left Africa only 2,000 generations ago† (Wells, 2004) who speedily crossed out to Asia, Europe and America. Utilizing the same indicators, he was quick to debunk the notion that the Neanderthals are our ancestors. Moreover, in this book, he was able to find unusual links between faraway peoples (which were not specifically named in the book) and was able to give evidences that all Native Americans can be marked out from a group of at least a dozen people. Throughout the book, he was able to elaborate his terminologies and methods which made the human tree seem easy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The book thus has compelling arguments with regard to the origin of man. Wells explicitly argued (and as can be seen from the title itself) that the origin of the human race is that of man; but he did not trace any blood samples of that of a woman. In lieu with this, a question may arise as to where was the origin of women per se come from. In regard to this argument, Wells did not give any hard evidences. Although his primary goal was to find the original male, the real revolution that he was able to illustrate is racial in nature. Racial in a sense that he was able to find links (no matter how odd it may seem) regarding the origins of certain populations today. But, as he elaborates further in the book, he stresses that what makes us distinguished form each other are purely cultural and not solely based on our biology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, the author utilized a new kind of archeology in his research. And this archeology does not dig into remnants or fossils but into human cells and genes. Accompanied by his revolutionary techniques, the author was able to give revolutionary details and insights as to where we came from and how we were able to migrate, our origin and more importantly, our races. With the numerous advancements that science and technology were able to develop, it is quite commendable in the author’s part to attack his research in a refreshing and more scientific approach. He is praiseworthy because he was able to apply his expertise and at the same time, use new methods that proved to be very successful and reliable. Instead of going through the conventional way of finding the origin of man, he was quick to turn to genetics to answer his queries. And thus, he was able to come up with new theories and some new arguments. It also helps that his arguments is backed up by his data by his own researches. Through this, he was able to refute ideas of some anthropologists who claimed that varying human races were subspecies that had its origin from different regions at different times. This further hardened by diagrams and maps that the author provided.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Maybe one of the more underrated topics included in the book was how our languages was spread. The author also gives us an idea how language was able to spread and evolve. Much like migration and mutation, language evolved from the addition of new genes throughout time. Analogous to the trail of how the Y chromosome has lead its way out of Africa, Wells says that language encountered that same route but as we develop a new culture, our respective languages are dying at a very fast rate. This means that the original language that we new are added with new meanings and it is slowly using its original sense; but this kind of evolution is not something to fret about for it only signifies that change (good change for that matter) is constant.   As new gene line-ups are added to every race and culture, so as the evolution of language is inevitable. Therefore, culture then is still a major factor to the growth of the race.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many new and refreshing take that one can find in this book. The author clearly gives us a new perspective and arguments regarding our origin. But, unlike many other theories where more questions arise, this book tries to answer its own (and other queries as well) questions. The author had the Y chromosome as his basis for tracking down our ancestors and he employed the latest in genetic mapping which proved to be very successful and reliable. It is also of good importance to note that not only does the author focused on the Y chromosome per se but also on how it migrated and its direction; which implies the migration pattern of the first humans and their journey to the outside world. Moreover, the author also added how language came about its development and evolution throughout time. Lastly, as from the book itself, races were formed from the influx/addition of new line of genes and the environment as they travel through different lands. As humans move from one place to another, they met other people that mostly added to their culture. And perhaps the most startling statement from the author is his argument that races does not exclusively came form genes but importantly, environment and culture were additional factors that contributed to the growth and development of races that we know today. References: Wells, S. (2004). The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey: Random House Trade Paperbacks.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Touch Of Evil Essay -- essays research papers

Touch of Evil Director: Orson Welles Producers: Rick Schmidlin, Albert Zugsmith Director of Photography: Russel Metty Writer: Orson Welles Editor : Aaron Stell, Walter Murch Poduction Designer/ Art Director: Robert Clatworkth Alexander Golitzen  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  AVF 10 –   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5/1/05   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Orson Welles’ classic film noir production Touch of Evil, a Mexican police officer named Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston), becomes the target of an American police officer named Hank Quinlin (Orson Welles), when Vargas attempts to expose Quinlin framing a murder suspect. Quinlin, a celebrity among police officers has become corrupt in his practices and is willing to go any lengths including committing murder to uphold his reputation. Vargas is an honest man who faces Quinlin’s corruption to protect the rights of the accused. In doing so, he puts his wife in danger, who ends up the victim of a plot against Vargas. Although Vargas appears to be the hero, the viewer experiences frustration with his character due to his negligence concerning his wife. Caught between the accuser and the accused, American deputy Pete Menzies (Joseph Calleia) is loyal to Quinlin but later helps Vargas when the truth is revealed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The tension between Mike Vargas and Hank Quinlin begins very early in the film. The scene in which the two meet for the first time, at the scene of the explosion, establishes Quinlin as a well-respected man whose appearance is larger than life. Quinlin’s arrival to the scene is much awaited based on the conversation between the other officers. When Quinlin finally does arrive the camera immediately jumps from one mans line which is shot at eye level, to a shot of Quinlin exiting his car from very low to the ground, accentuating his size. Quinlin is shot from below in this way for the majority of the film.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The scene edits back and forth from the scene of the explosion to Vargas’ wife who has been led into danger following her dismissal to the hotel. The fact that... ...he antihero die in his own filth. Quinlin at the point of his death has made his way down the bottom of a bridge and is surrounded by garbage. Tanya who had predicted Quinlin’s impending doom shows up as Quinlin dies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The film stays in line with classic noir in many ways. The usage of dark sets and high contrast lighting, which creates heavy shadows on the actors faces, makes the movie feel like it all happens at night and in dark alley ways. The story focuses on the inhumane parts of human nature. Each of the main characters experiences some kind of tragedy. For Vargas his tragedy was in dealing with Quinlin who has set out to frame him and his wife. For Quinlin his entire life represented a man consumed with darkness who lives his life with a â€Å"Touch of Evil.† Menzies was a hopeful man who looked up to Quinlin but was let down. For the viewer, film noir represents truth, even if it is not a truth that all people would like to hear.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Thursday, October 24, 2019

World War II Essay -- History, Pearl Harbor

America’s involvement in World War II has often been equated to the Japanese waking the â€Å"sleeping giant†, and is often thought of as an invincible superpower. The reality is that the United States’ invincibility has never been really tested. The United States’ is separated from the rest of the Western world by an ocean on either side of its borders and has therefore only had two attacks on native soil. While America’s invincibility is not easily tested, and therefore not easily discredited, whether or not the Japanese awoke the â€Å"sleeping giant† by bombing Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, is, however, debatable. The American public before the attack on Pearl Harbor were isolationists, they may have felt sympathy for the victims of Hitler, Franco, and Mussolini, but did not in fact care enough to get involved in another war. The congressmen they elected into office from the late 1930’s to the early 1940’s respected th e wishes of their constituents and therefore did everything in their power to prevent U.S involvement in World War II even after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In fact one of the only Americans to appear at all concerned with the horrific events occurring across the ocean was President Franklin Roosevelt, however, despite pleas from the heads of the allied forces, even President Roosevelt could not entirely commit to the need for U.S involvement and remained a wishy-washy figure up until the late 1930’s. It was not until 1940, that President Roosevelt was able to take a stand and begin the attempts to talk the American people into actively supporting the allied forces against Nazi forces. The Japanese may get the credit for waking the â€Å"sleeping giant†, however, it is in fact President Roosevelt and a small portion of t... .... War secretary Stimson believed it was necessary to â€Å"maneuver them into the position offering the first shot without too much damage to ourselves†. (515) Roosevelt may not have left the fleet at Pearl Harbor exposed intent ally, but he did seem aware that a sacrifice would be necessary to rouse the will to fight. This sacrifice came in the form of 2,403 men at Pearl Harbor on December 5, 1941. (522) Congress would declare war just three days after the Japanese attack, with only one dissenting vote. (523) The American people had finally realized what Roosevelt had been saying for years, that the Axis powers could not go unchecked or it could and would bring about consequences for Americans. The attacks had exactly the opposite effect that Yamamoto had intended, the American people were furious and cried out for vengeance against the â€Å"treacherous japs†. (523-524)

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Rapid Growth Of The World Populations Environmental Sciences Essay

The rapid growing of the universe population leads to energy demand on a rise particularly in developing states. In add-on, due to the limited ability to provide of non-renewable there are a figure of immense challenges that are posed to the population of the universe. This state of affairs leads to the hazard of depletion of inexpensive dodo energy and environmental pollution every bit good as clime alteration. Harmonizing to Loir, there will likely be sufficient oil and gas for this century, and coal for 2 or more ( Loir.N 2007, p.843 ) . Or Edwin Cartlidge reports â€Å" the one-year entire ingestion of energy beginnings by the universe population is about 1.4Ãâ€"1017 kWh, of which the proportion of the dodo energy has accounted for 90 % of the energy beginnings used † ( Physics World 7/2007 ) . Therefore, research workers around the universe have been invariably seeking to happen solutions to diversify energy beginnings and cut down harmful emanations and nursery emanatio ns into the environment and renewable energy beginnings have taken the limelight. Therefore, what is the renewable energy? The Oxford Dictionary ( ) defines renewable energy as natural energy that can be used once more and once more and will ne'er run out. There are four major types of renewable energy: solar, hydro, air current and geothermic energy. This paper will discourse advantages and disadvantages that renewable energy resource ( RES ) brings, every bit good as analysis the importance of RES to the universe ‘s hereafter.2. Discussion of findings2.1 Advantages of renewable energy resources ( RES )The usage of renewable energy has many possible benefits, including human existences and environment. First, one of the most importantA advantages of renewable energyA is that it is renewable. Kernel of RES is derivation from natural procedures so the energy is sustainable and ne'er run out. Truly, renewable energy is truly of import and necessary to human existences when dodo fuels are more and more dog-tired. With the ceaseless supply of renewables, we would experience secure when holding abundant supply of energy to last our planet, our human race and our economic systems, for coevalss and of all time. Khemani ( 2011 ) says: â€Å" Equally long as human life is at that place, there will be earth, Sun, air current and H2O, and the energy from these beginnings will besides be available every bit long as they are at that place † . With the copiousness from many renewable resources and development of scientific discipline and engineering, he strongly believes that renewable energy can run into the universe ‘s energy demands today and tomorrow. Second, another benefit of renewable energy engineerings is that ability of supplying a step of confidence of continued electricity supply at times when it otherwise might be threatened. In some fortunes, renewable energy engineerings can be more dependable than other signifiers of electricity. For illustration, solar electricity systems can be used after storms for response and recovery. Renewable energy engineerings such as generators powered by photovoltaics ( PV ) can provide electricity if the grid fails. Often the Sun comes out in the immediate wake of a annihilating storm. It can take hebdomads to mend the electricity grid and reconstruct power to all clients. If battery storage is added to the system, it can provide electricity even after the Sun goes down or through several cloudy or stormy yearss. Energy is needed to supply lighting, warming, air conditioning, cookery, conveyance and toA powerA all the engineerings in the household place or concern premises ( Parker 2010 ) Furthermore, renewable energy non merely is regarded as an limitless resource but besides plays an of import function to regional development. Renewable energy and energy efficiency can assist regenerate rural communities. For illustration, Wind turbines and solar panel systems can supply energy and supply rural communities with new revenue enhancement gross. Farmers on blowy lands can rent infinite to weave developers, gaining 1000s of dollars for each turbine every twelvemonth. One of the greatest alternate energy benefits is that it is so much better for environment than the usage ofA dodo fuels that contribute to a great extent to issues such as acerb rain, smog and planetary heating. On the contrary, renewable energy has little or no waste merchandises such as C dioxide or other chemical pollutants. Renewable energy systems produce much lower C dioxide emanations as opposed to carbon-intensive fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas while they are being used merely a little sum of fuel during the fabrication of equipment ( Walser 2012 ) . With renewable energies, energy is normally converted from one signifier to another without the creative activity of pollutants. Chandler ( 2006 ) takes solar energy as illustration, light energy from the Sun can be converted straight to electricity utilizing photovoltaic without the production of any pollutants like C dioxide or other nursery gasses. Similarly, air current power energy relies on traveling air an d converts it into electricity without fouling the environment. Therefore, it is obvious that the non-pollution or minimum impacts on environment are the positive advantages of renewable energy.2.2 Disadvantages of renewable energy resources ( RES )Although it is obvious to acknowledge the homo every bit good as environmental advantages of using renewable signifiers of energy, we must besides see some restricting sides from the energy. The biggest disadvantage of renewable energy is that the cost of the energy is comparatively higher than non-renewable energy. The initial costs of renewable energy still do many people ignore it wholly when comparing it with fossil fuel on two facets: entire cost and over the same clip period. For illustration, installing of solar energy H2O warmer costs many times in comparing with a warmer, so they decided to purchase warmers for hot H2O solution. Harmonizing Global Wind Energy Council ( GWEC ) ( 2008 ) reported that turbine installing costs $ 47.5 billion ; by contrast, we merely have to pass a much smaller sum of money to construct thermic power station about $ 2,25 billion ( Shah 2011 ) . He besides pointed that other incidental costs such as care costs and production costs cause monetary value increasing. By and large, it is monetary value that the ground has prevented approaching and utilizing clean energy as compared to the dodo fuel beginnings of energy. Another distinguishable disadvantage is trusting excessively much on conditions conditions and geographic locations to make energy ( Sinclair 2011 ) . Each types of renewable beginnings is merely better suited to some topographic points. This means that you can non utilize each of these renewable beginnings in all locations. For case, when utilizing geo-thermal energy, you must be in a location that provides the environment for geo-thermal energy to be produced. Likewise, we can non bring forth hydro-electric power without holding a fast-flowing H2O beginning, such as a river or waterfall. In add-on, the energy besides brings some inconvenient jobs. Take solar energy H2O warmer as an illustration, it is inefficient because in summer ambient temperature are high and the usage of hot H2O is non needed ; nevertheless, in the winter we could non hold hot H2O due to low visible radiation of the Sun. Shah ( 2011 ) claimed that â€Å" despite the fact that most renewable energy beginnings are more environmentally friendly they may still hold a negative impact on the environment † . He stated that hydroelectricity undertakings can do a dramatic alteration in the development of wildlife and ecosystem along the river and inundation hazards.2.3 Can renewable energy supply the World ‘s energy demands?With the important benefits from renewable energy, we ca n't deny that functions of it are more and more of import. Harmonizing to Pulsinelli ( 2012 ) , despite the universe economic crisis, China spent $ 52 billion on renewable energy in 2011 and the United States was close behind with investings of $ 51 billion. At present, renewable energy contributes about 20 % in electricity consumed worldwide ( Perkowski 2012 ) . It is apparent that the two states, which took the caput in renewable energy investing, have known exhaustively out the importance of renewable energy. Presents , by progresss and accomplishments of scientific discipline and engineering scientists are holding every assurance in bright hereafter of renewable energy. Harmonizing to the study of TheA Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC ) in 2011, renewable beginnings occupied about 13 per centum of the universe ‘s energy in 2008 and the proportion probably to hold risen. The study besides indicate out that within four decennaries renewable energyA could account for about 80 % of the world'sA energy supply. The statistics are wholly appeared in the close hereafter if we combine four chief alternate resources and utilize hydroelectric to make full in spreads, which makes easier to fit demand. â€Å" The most of import thing is to unite renewable energy beginnings into a package † ( cited in BERGERON 2011 ) . Particularly, in research ( Edenhofer et al. 2011 ) shows that by 2050, geothermic energy could run into more than 3 per centum of planetary electricity demand and about 5 per centum of the planetary heat demand, hydropower will lend about 30 per centum of world-wide electricity supply, air current power will turn to more than 20 per centum and solar energy becomes one of the major beginnings of energy supply with about 15 per centum.3. DecisionFrom all determination above, it is clear that renewable energy plays a function more of import with every passing twenty-four hours to both human existences and environment. By copiousness renewable energy is going an of import solution to the universe ‘s energy demand. Besides, renewable energy besides brings many positive impacts to protecting environment, decreasing effects of planetary heating or pollutions. Despite some drawbacks of the energy, there are besides grounds to believe the jobs will be solved shortly thanks to strong in vesting of authorities and attempts ‘ scientists. The exploiting and change overing from traditional beginnings into renewable energy resources is a favourable turning-point to us. ( Word count: 1560 )

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

manometry Essay Example

manometry Essay Example manometry Essay manometry Essay Patient Information on Anorectal Manometry What is anorectal manometry? Anorectal manometry is a test performed to evaluate patients with constipation or fecal incontinence. This test measures the pressures of the anal sphincter muscles, the sensation in the rectum, and the neural reflexes that are needed for normal bowel movements. PREPARATION FOR THE PROCEDURE Give yourself one or two [emailprotected] enemas 2 hours prior to your study. You can purchase the Fleet enema from a pharmacy or supermarket. You should not eat anything during the two hours prior to the procedure. If you are diabetic, this may involve adjusting your diabetic medications. You may take regular medications with small sips of water at least 2 hours prior to the study. THE PROCEDURE The test takes approximately 30 minutes. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. A technician or nurse will explain the procedure to you, take a brief health history, and answer any questions you may have. The patient then lies on his or her left side. A small, flexible tube, about the size of a thermometer, with a balloon at the end is inserted into the rectum. The catheter is connected to a machine that measures the pressure. During the test, the small balloon attached to the catheter may be inflated in the rectum to assess the normal reflex pathways. The nurse or technician may also ask the person to squeeze, relax, and push at various times. The anal sphincter muscle pressures are measured during each of these maneuvers. To squeeze, the patient tightens the sphincter muscles as if trying to prevent anything from coming out. To push or bear down, the patient strains down as if trying to have a bowel movement. Two other tests may be done: first, an anal sphincter electromyography (EMG), a test to evaluate the nerve supply to the anal muscle; second, measurement of the time it takes to expel a balloon from the rectum. After the examination, you may drive yourself home and go about your normal activities. Anal Sphincter EMG Anal sphincter electromyography (EMG) is recorded with a small plug electrode placed in the anal canal. The patient then is asked to relax, squeeze and push at different times. The anal sphincter muscle electrical activity is recorded and displayed on a computer screen. Anal sphincter EMG confirms the proper muscle contractions during squeezing and muscle relaxation during pushing. In people who paradoxically contract the sphincter and pelvic floor muscles, the tracing of electrical activity increases, instead of decreasing, during bearing down to simulate a bowel movement (defecation). Normal anal EMG activity with low anal squeeze pressures on manometry may indicate a torn sphincter muscle that could be repaired. Balloon Expulsion Test For this procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the rectum and then inflated with ater. The patient goes to the bathroom and tries to defecate (expel) the small balloon from the rectum. The amount of time it takes to expel the balloon is area. What can be learned from anorectal manometry? The anal and rectal area contains specialized muscles that are helpful to regulate proper passage of bowel movements. Normally, when stool enters the rectum, the anal sphincter muscle tightens to prevent passage of stool at an inconvenient time. If this muscle is weak or does not contract in a timely way, incontinence (leakage of stool) may occur. Normally, when a person pushes or bears down to have a bowel movement, the anal sphincter muscles relax. This will cause the pressures to decrease allowing evacuation of stool. If the sphincter muscles tighten when pushing, this could contribute to constipation. Anal manometry measures how strong the sphincter muscles are and whether they relax as they should during passing a stool. It provides helpful information to the doctor in treating patients with fecal incontinence or severe constipation. There are many causes of fecal incontinence. Weak anal sphincter muscles or poor ensation in the rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence. If these abnormalities are present, they can be treated. Biofeedback techniques using anal manometry and special exercises of the pelvic floor muscles can strengthen the muscles and improve sensation. This can help treat fecal incontinence. There are many causes of constipation. Some involve sluggish movement through the whole colon, whereas others involve the anal sphincter muscles. In some patients with constipation, the anal sphincter muscles do not relax appropriately when bearing down or pushing to have a bowel movement. This abnormal muscle function may cause a functional type of obstruction. Muscles that do not relax with bearing down can be retrained with biofeedback techniques using anal manometry. Risks of Anorectal Manometry Anorectal manometry is a safe, low risk procedure and is unlikely to cause any pain. Complications are rare: it is possible that a perforation (tearing) or bleeding of the rectum could occur. Equipment failure is a remote possibility. If you are allergic to latex, you should inform the nurse/technician before the test so that a latex free balloon can be used.

Monday, October 21, 2019

The Legend of El Dorado

The Legend of El Dorado El Dorado was a mythical city supposedly located somewhere in the unexplored interior of South America. It was said to be unimaginably rich, with fanciful tales told of gold-paved streets, golden temples and rich mines of gold and silver. Between 1530 and 1650 or so, thousands of Europeans searched the jungles, plains, mountains, and rivers of South America for El Dorado, many of them losing their lives in the process. El Dorado never existed except in the fevered imaginations of these seekers, so it was never found. Aztec and Inca Gold The El Dorado myth had its roots in the vast fortunes discovered in Mexico and Peru. In 1519, Hernn Cortes captured Emperor Montezuma and sacked the mighty Aztec Empire, making off with thousands of pounds of gold and silver and making rich men of the conquistadors who were with him. In 1533, Francisco Pizarro discovered the Inca Empire in the Andes of South America. Taking a page from Cortes book, Pizarro captured the Inca Emperor Atahualpa and held him for ransom, earning another fortune in the process. Lesser New World cultures such as the Maya in Central America and the Muisca in present-day Colombia yielded smaller (but still significant) treasures. Would-Be Conquistadors Tales of these fortunes made the rounds in Europe and soon thousands of adventurers from all over Europe were making their way to the New World, hoping to be part of the next expedition. Most (but not all) of them were Spanish. These adventurers had little or no personal fortune but great ambition: most had some experience fighting in Europes many wars. They were violent, ruthless men who had nothing to lose: they would get rich on New World gold or die trying. Soon the ports were flooded with these would-be conquistadors, who would form into large expeditions and set off into the unknown interior of South America, often following the vaguest rumors of gold. The Birth of El Dorado There was a grain of truth in the El Dorado myth. The Muisca people of Cundinamarca (present-day Colombia) had a tradition: kings would coat themselves in a sticky sap before covering themselves in gold powder. The king would then take a canoe to the center of Lake Guatavit and, before the eyes of thousands of his subjects watching from shore, would leap into the lake, emerging clean. Then, a great festival would begin. This tradition had been neglected by the Muisca by the time of their discovery by the Spanish in 1537, but not before word of it had reached the greedy ears of the European intruders in cities all over the continent. El Dorado, in fact, is Spanish for the gilded one: the term at first referred to an individual, the king who covered himself in gold. According to some sources, the man who coined this phrase was conquistador Sebastin de Benalczar. Evolution of the Myth After the Cundinamarca plateau was conquered, the Spanish dredged Lake Guatavit in search of the gold of El Dorado. Some gold was indeed found, but not as much as the Spanish had hoped for. Therefore, they reasoned optimistically, the Muisca must not be the true kingdom of El Dorado and it must still be out there somewhere. Expeditions, composed of recent arrivals from Europe as well as veterans of the conquest, set out in all directions to search for it. The legend grew as illiterate conquistadors passed the legend by word of mouth from one to another: El Dorado was not merely one king, but a rich city made of gold, with enough wealth for a thousand men to become rich forever. The Quest Between 1530 and 1650 or so, thousands of men made dozens of forays into the unmapped interior of South America. A typical expedition went something like this. In a Spanish coastal town on the South American mainland, such as Santa Marta or Coro, a charismatic, influential individual would announce an expedition. Anywhere from one hundred to seven hundred Europeans, mostly Spaniards would sign up, bringing their own armor, weapons, and horses (if you had a horse you got a larger share of the treasure). The expedition would force natives along to carry the heavier gear, and some of the better-planned ones would bring livestock (usually hogs) to slaughter and eat along the way. Fighting dogs were always brought along, as they were useful when fighting bellicose natives. The leaders would often borrow heavily to purchase supplies. After a couple of months, they were ready to go. The expedition would head off, seemingly in any direction. They would stay out for any length of time from a couple of months to as long as four years, searching plains, mountains, rivers, and jungles. They would meet natives along the way: these they would either torture or ply with gifts to get information about where they could find gold. Almost invariably, the natives pointed in some direction and said some variation of our neighbors in that direction have the gold you seek. The natives had quickly learned that the best way to be rid of these rude, violent men was to tell them what they wanted to hear and send them on their way. Meanwhile, illnesses, desertion, and native attacks would whittle down the expedition. Nevertheless, the expeditions proved surprisingly resilient, braving mosquito-infested swamps, hordes of angry natives, blazing heat on the plains, flooded rivers, and frosty mountain passes. Eventually, when their numbers got too low (or when the leader died) the expedition would give up and return home. The Seekers of This Lost City of Gold Over the years, many men searched South America for the legendary lost city of gold. At best, they were impromptu explorers, who treated the natives they encountered relatively fairly and helped map the unknown interior of South America. At worst, they were greedy, obsessed butchers who tortured their way through native populations, killing thousands in their fruitless quest. Here are some of the more distinguished seekers of El Dorado: Gonzalo Pizarro and  Francisco de Orellana: In 1541,  Gonzalo Pizarro, brother of Francisco Pizarro, led an expedition east from Quito. After a few months, he sent his lieutenant Francisco de Orellana in search of supplies: Orellana and his men  instead found the Amazon River, which they followed to the Atlantic Ocean.Gonzalo Jimà ©nez de Quesada: Quesada set out from Santa Marta with 700 men in 1536: in early 1537 they reached the Cundinamarca plateau, home of the Muisca people, which they swiftly conquered. Quesadas expedition was the one that actually found  El Dorado, although the greedy conquistadors at the time refused to admit that the mediocre takings from the Muisca were the fulfillment of the legend and they kept looking.Ambrosius Ehinger: Ehinger was a German: at the time, part of Venezuela was administered by Germans. He set out in 1529 and again in 1531 and led two of the cruelest expeditions: his men tortured natives and sacked their villages relentlessly. He w as killed by natives in 1533 and his men went home. Lope de Aguirre: Aguirre was a soldier on Pedro de Ursà ºas 1559 expedition which set out from Peru. Aguirre, a paranoid psychotic, soon turned the men against Ursà ºa, who was murdered. Aguirre eventually took over the expedition and began a reign of terror, ordering the murder of many of the original explorers and capturing and terrorizing the Island of Margarita. He was killed by Spanish soldiers.Sir Walter Raleigh: this legendary Elizabethan courtier is remembered as the man who introduced potatoes and tobacco to Europe and for his sponsorship of the doomed Roanoke  colony in Virginia. But he also was a seeker of El Dorado: he thought it was in the highlands of Guyana and made two trips there:  one in 1595  and a second in 1617. After the failure of  the second expedition, Raleigh was executed in England. Was It Ever Found? So,  was El Dorado ever found? Sort of. The  conquistadors  followed tales of El Dorado to  Cundinamarca  but refused to believe that they had found the mythical city, so they kept looking. The Spanish didnt know it, but the Muisca civilization was the last major native culture with any wealth. The El Dorado they searched for after 1537 did not exist. Still, they searched and searched: dozens of expeditions containing thousands of men scoured South America until about  1800 when  Alexander Von Humboldt  visited South America and concluded that El Dorado had been a myth all along. Nowadays, you can find El Dorado on a map, although its not the one the Spanish were looking for. There are towns named El Dorado in several countries, including Venezuela,  Mexico, and Canada. In the USA there are no fewer than thirteen towns named El Dorado (or Eldorado).  Finding El Dorado  is easier than ever†¦just dont expect streets paved with gold. The El Dorado legend has proven resilient. The notion of a lost city of gold and the desperate men who search for it is just too romantic for writers and artists to resist. Countless songs, stories  books, and poems (including one by  Edgar Allen Poe) have been written about the subject. There is even a superhero called El Dorado.  Moviemakers, in particular, have been fascinated by the legend: as recently as 2010 a movie was made about a modern-day scholar who finds clues to the lost city of El Dorado: action and shootouts ensue.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Prologue †English Literature Essay (100 Level Course)

The Prologue – English Literature Essay (100 Level Course) Free Online Research Papers The Prologue English Literature Essay (100 Level Course) What is remarkable in this passage is, first of all, the use of couplets with ten syllables and five accents in each line, and then the wealth of detail which Chaucer uses to describe the time of year when the pilgrimage took place. The month is April, when showers begin to fall, bringing new life to the earth, when Zephyrus (or the west wind) starts blowing over groves and heaths and the sun has already covered half his course in the zodiac sign of the Ram (i.e. Aries,’ astronomical references were frequent in medieval literature, as we find, for instance, in Dante). On the other hand, if we compare these lines with others from previous periods, we see how the new way of looking at nature has been emphasized. March, for example, is usually a cold wet month in England, so the reference to â€Å"the drought of March (1 2) as opposed to the showers of April is invented to underline the beauty of sp ring, another literary convention quite frequent in the Middle Ages. The image we infer from the first eleven lines is one of peace and serenity. We feel that there is a new harmony between man and his environment. Spring, in fact, is not only the season of pilgrimages (which would obviously have been rather more uncomfortable in other seasons), but of flowers and love as well. Inspired by the rebirth of nature, people long to go on pilgrimages† to seek spiritual regeneration. The pilgrimage, therefore, bringing new life to the soul, in the same way as April brings new life to the parched soil, turns into a symbolic journey towards spiritual salvation (which once more reminds us of Dante ‘s Divina Commedia), while also pre serving its peculiar aspect of holiday-making and amusement. The second part of the passage adds more information about the number of pilgrims (â€Å"nine and twenty , L 24), their varying social background (â€Å"sundryfolk†, l. 25), and the place where they meet (â€Å"in Southwark, at The Tabard, 1. 20). The initial setting is very simple: no longer palaces and Courts, but an inn, with comfortable rooms and stables (l. 28) where the â€Å"company† finds suitable accommodation. This company later allows Chaucer himself â€Å"to take the way to Canterbury† with them, thus turning him into a true eyewitness and adding credibility to his narrative. Research Papers on The Prologue - English Literature Essay (100 Level Course)The Spring and AutumnMind TravelThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductBringing Democracy to AfricaRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andWhere Wild and West MeetMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesHip-Hop is ArtAnalysis Of A Cosmetics Advertisement

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Crisis Communication in oil & gas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words - 1

Crisis Communication in oil & gas - Essay Example 3.The main focus of the company at this stage needs to be to incorporate a crisis communication department into their system. The Director General will head the department. It will include a Manager of communication, with supporting junior staff. There will be a spokesperson, who will directly report to the Director General but will work in collaboration with Manager of communication. The other directorates will access the communication department through the Manager. 20 Crises are inevitable realities in business organisations for which the organisation management must learn to prepare. This research paper discusses the role of public relations units, with a specific focus on the oil and gas industry which plays a crucial role in the economic development of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Traditionally, most organisations use public relations at the forefront to control, manage and minimise the damage of crises to their business operations. Previous crises such as the BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill in 2010 and the Exxon oil spill of 1989 have demonstrated that Oil and Gas companies are not always transparent and they often experience great communication difficulties when crises occur. This study examines the significance of public relations activities in crisis management in the Oil & Gas industry in general and in the UAE in particular. It reviews four major Oil & Gas operators in the UAE that have faced crises recently. Those companies engage over 3000 employees, excluding contractors, and operate in more than 20 fields across the country. Using structured interviews and data analysis this study research discusses their crisis management philosophy, their systems and procedures, and how these are communicated and makes recommendations for improvements. According to the Webster New Collegiate Dictionary, a crisis is defined as ‘an unstable or crucial state or state of affairs whose outcome will make a decisive

Friday, October 18, 2019

Mucicarmine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mucicarmine - Research Paper Example The end red color observed results from the combination of carminic acid and positively charged aluminium ions. The complex is the vital component of the dye that makes it feasible for use in tumor identification and subsequent cancer diagnosis in biochemical laboratories (Gupta et al., 2012). The cations in the complex are responsible for the final positive charge that characterizes the complex. Positive charge of the dye, a result of the complex formed between the carmic acid and ions of aluminium is the property that allows for its effective utilization in cancer diagnosis. Therefore, this explains the selectivity of the dye towards the negatively charged gastrointestinal mucins during staining (Myers, 2009). The most important component of the mucicarmine, carmic acid originates from cochineal group of insects. Specifically, scientists perform extraction of carmic acid from the female members of the genus Coccus cacti. Solvent extraction, which entails a series of stages, remains performed on the dried body parts of the female insects. The pigments contained in the bodies of the insects are varied but carmic acid remains the point of interest throughout the process. Dried insects are ground in a mortar; a specific amount of the powder is mixed in a methanol-water medium. The mixture is blended to form a homogenous solution. Solvent extraction in vessel containing selector water at about 80 0C follows blending. Mayer’s is a special stain that incorporates mucicarmine in its mode of action. The stain is usually alkaline due to the excess positive charges that result from the aluminium cations contained in the carmic acid and aluminium complex. The stain is more effective on the mucins, which are acidic due to excesses of negative charges. Mayer’s stain is very effective as positive charges attract negative charges causing excellent visualization of the target

History Midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History Midterm - Essay Example causes, influencing factors, and the events that led to the French revolution, critical differences in the arguments presented have been realized year to year. Edmund Burke cannot hide the hatred he harbored for France1. To Burke, the French revolution was set to be a total failure, and one that could see France move down the ladder in terms of social, economic, and political performance. Another person that closely moved towards this viewpoint is Alexis de Tocqueville. Alexis associated the French Revolution with some negativity across social, economic, political, and religious concerns2. Arguments and counterarguments on French revolution draw myriad claims as to what exactly the revolution was set to achieve. The anticipated ruins that the French revolution was set to realize did not come short of the expectations. If anything, these expectations were way much surpassed. In this respect, the concerns, arguments, and analysis of the situation were not expected to match or relate in any way. While some parties present before, during, and after the revolution felt that the revolution was actually set for a fundamental course, others felt that it was primarily destructive altogether. On the same note, personalities linked to the revolution had their personal issues and concerns to deal with in relation to the French revolution. All these combined brought for the discussions, debates, claims, and arguments made by Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, Alexis de Tocqueville and Napoleon Bonaparte among others. On his part, Thomas Paine was concerned about the uncertainty that surrounded the whole revolution process. It is important to highlight that French lasted for up to ten years, a period within which predetermining the upheavals involved would be critically uncertain. Most importantly, Paine focused on the actual aftermath of the French revolution on the society, religion, economy, and politics in France and all other nations that felt its impacts. On the other hand,

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Solar Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Solar Energy - Essay Example SPV technology have enabled creation of large amounts of energy from solar radiation in addition to the reduction of the costs of purchasing solar PV panels. This technology has various advantages and disadvantages in its use with implications in its future developments as explained in the following sections. The most significant advantage of the solar PV technology is that it produces environmentally friendly form of energy (Solanski, 2009). Solar cells produce silent and clean energy which illustrates the advantage of PV solar systems which do not produce harmful pollutants since they are only fueled by natural sunshine or solar radiation. In this regard, solar systems do not lead to depletion of natural resources and thus prevents endangering of human, animal and plant health (Goetzberger and Hoffmann, 2005). In terms of space, the solar PV systems have an advantage of being installed on rooftops especially in small scale energy production. Furthermore, solar PV systems have a benefit of long life span with limited need for maintenance (Solanski, 2009). Solar energy is also cheap because it is a renewable energy which illustrates that there is no need importation of fuel as it is locally available and free. More importantly, the solar PV technology allows for building of PV systems of any size depending on the energy requirements, whether large scale or small scale and thus these systems are scalable (Energy weekly News, 2012). Whereas the solar PV systems have been described as environmental friendly, it is important to note that there are some toxic elements or chemicals such as arsenic and cadmium which are used during the process of PV energy production. Nonetheless the environmental impact of these chemicals is relatively minor in addition to the fact that they would be controlled or managed through proper disposal and recycling (Solanski, 2009). Additionally, the solar PV technology presents with a disadvantage or significantly high cost of producing

Cameras make art less valuable Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Cameras make art less valuable - Essay Example nted images but people have started seeing it this way and for this reason Camera Art is becoming more popular and the painted art is becoming less valuable. It is easy to capture the same moment again but is it impossible to capture the same feeling again. With the introduction of camera art the audience is losing the general sense of imagination, a place that exists in real and can be seen by the naked eye. As compared to painted art which cannot be recreated, even if the same image is being reproduced by the same artist it will give another feel all together. The beauty of art is it explains the inner deep emotions of the painter, an image which might or might not exist in the real life, an imagination that might or might not create a meaning. The way we see things is interpretation of what we know or believe about it. From the image of sunset to the creation of the concept of heaven and hell, everything was assumed to be an imagination in the minds of the creator. Even if the sunset can be seen but the color and added creation was what made the painting an art. Art also evolved over time and when the definitions of the concepts changed the same was reflected onto canvas. We see a same person different and complete if we are in love with him, the feeling of love creates a perfect image because everyone wants to see a complete image of the person they fall for. The sight of camera art is limited to what we see in real life, they cannot create images that do not exist, they can create images that are special for one and ordinary for others, they can even create the feel of the place. They limit the imagination of the thinker and audience; they limit it because a person can use his five senses to actually see the place instead of thinking beyond. It isolates the thinking because it can only be thought of way it is projected; the click of the moment explains the essence of the picture taken. It is mechanically recreating of stimuli. When we see a painting we are

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Solar Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Solar Energy - Essay Example SPV technology have enabled creation of large amounts of energy from solar radiation in addition to the reduction of the costs of purchasing solar PV panels. This technology has various advantages and disadvantages in its use with implications in its future developments as explained in the following sections. The most significant advantage of the solar PV technology is that it produces environmentally friendly form of energy (Solanski, 2009). Solar cells produce silent and clean energy which illustrates the advantage of PV solar systems which do not produce harmful pollutants since they are only fueled by natural sunshine or solar radiation. In this regard, solar systems do not lead to depletion of natural resources and thus prevents endangering of human, animal and plant health (Goetzberger and Hoffmann, 2005). In terms of space, the solar PV systems have an advantage of being installed on rooftops especially in small scale energy production. Furthermore, solar PV systems have a benefit of long life span with limited need for maintenance (Solanski, 2009). Solar energy is also cheap because it is a renewable energy which illustrates that there is no need importation of fuel as it is locally available and free. More importantly, the solar PV technology allows for building of PV systems of any size depending on the energy requirements, whether large scale or small scale and thus these systems are scalable (Energy weekly News, 2012). Whereas the solar PV systems have been described as environmental friendly, it is important to note that there are some toxic elements or chemicals such as arsenic and cadmium which are used during the process of PV energy production. Nonetheless the environmental impact of these chemicals is relatively minor in addition to the fact that they would be controlled or managed through proper disposal and recycling (Solanski, 2009). Additionally, the solar PV technology presents with a disadvantage or significantly high cost of producing

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The current world order is characterized by the exploitation of its Essay

The current world order is characterized by the exploitation of its workers - Essay Example The current world order is characterized by the exploitation of its workers A sizeable number of people are of the opinion that capitalism is the best model for society. Karl Marx was one of these individuals who opposed fervently on the consequences of capitalism on society and a country. In his philosophical works, Marx detailed the adverse effects of this economic model. In his sociological theories, Marx defines capitalism as the key factor that divides society into classes (Rupert, 2003, p183). These classes are because of their relationship to the various factors of production available in the country (Hoffman n.d, p235). According to Karl Marx, capitalism thrives on profits derived from the factors of production available. Corporations exploit their laborers’ wages to derive these profits; the corporations cannot be profitable without exploitation of workers (Bacher, 2007, p37). This conclusion by the Marxists is correct in accordance to the labor theory of value. This theory claims that the value of the product is dependent on the amount of labor put into producing the product (Rupert, 2003, p187). The workers create the value of the product. The returns obtained from the sale of the product are divided into profits, wages and cost of raw materials. This division of the returns favors the cost of raw materials and the profits generated by the corporation (Reiff, 2013, p41). The workers’ wages are neglected and do not reflect the actual value of their input into the finished product.

European History World War I Essay Example for Free

European History World War I Essay The focal point of this essay is to evaluate and analyze the position of female nurses in World War I. The paper overall could be enumerated about the impact of World War I on the home front to the countries involving especially women. For the purpose references would be taken from predominantly four books. The first one is It’s a long way to Tipperary: British and Irish Nurses in the Great War by Yvonne McEwen and the second one used in this paper is Nurses at the Front: Writing the Wounds of the Great War by Margaret R. Â  Higonnet. The third and fourth book used for this paper would be The woman of Royaumount: A Scottish women’s hospital on the western front by Eileen Crofton and War and Gender: How Gender Shapes the War System and Vice Versa by Joshua S. Goldstein. Apart from all these an article by Margaret H. Darrow would also be used that was published in the American Historical Review Vol. 101, No 1 in February 1996 titled French Volunteer Nursing and the Myth of War Experience in WWI. All these texts would be valuable resources for determining the true position of women during the First World War. Yvonne McEwen book deals with the characters that are often overlooked while dealing with the greater perspective of a vast incident like the First World War. These are the people who practically work behind the scene but make tremendous contribution to the cause but more often than not are not mentioned by academicians. Such characters are the female nurses of the First World War. The author presents a testimony to all those nurses of the First World War who proved to be people with astonishing courage and ability to bear hardship. It is not only the soldiers of the First World War who showed all these qualities but the author mentions that it is the female nurses who went unsung after proving themselves to be no less dedicated to their country and service than the soldiers. The sacrifices of these people are hardly written down and thus the author is instrumental in presenting to us the untold stories of the female nurses and their position in the First World War. At the same time the author mentions the other side of this profession and service where the female nurses is mobilized in a large number to compete among rival nursing service agencies. The net result often proved to be uncalled for. This is because though there was a huge demand of female nurses in the First World War it was desirable that the female nurses participating and volunteering to serve are trained adequately. It is almost a certainty that due to this mobilization in mass numbers the quality of the female nurses was diminishing. In the same context it should also be said that this lack of practicable knowledge was often covered up by the will to serve and work extremely hard. However, the author indicates several accounts that show the humane aspects of the First World War female nurses and their position in the social order as they were viewed by the soldiers as saviors though in most cases they were only comforters at the most. But in a time of mass destruction and agony this was more than sufficient for a dying young soldier. The author narrates this aspect of the female nurses with great affection and indulgence. (McEwen, 2006) The second text by Higonnet reveals more of personal account of the two most famous nurses from the United States, Mary Borden and Ellen N. La Motte. Their personal views of the First World War, as brought for forward by the author between the same covers, shows the inner world of the female nurses during the period of the war. These are women who saw the war extremely closely and thus narrates the extremely difficult practice of military medicine under ruthless conditions. Their accounts are often haunting and both reflects the dilemma of treatment where the patient for whom the nurses work so hard would ultimately return to the war zone either to be killed or to kill. At this point the text becomes very touching and humane but at the same time shows us the true position of the female nurses during the First World War. It appears that the female nurses were, in a sense, just comforting medium or toll provided by the government to heal their killing machines. It is true that this cost of war is often difficult to digest with its harsh realities of death and decay of the human mind where most of the humane principals are drained off under unbearable circumstances. But the nurses depict their accounts not only from the point of view of observers but from a point where it appears that they are actually cursing their need of healing the blood river. There is a certain point of motherhood or motherly feeling involved in their accounts. Their text not only becomes extremely important for determining the true position of the nurses during the First World War period but also presents us with humane narratives that are inspirational, thoughtful and moving. (Higonnet, 2001) Eileen Croftons The Women of Royaumont, A Scottish Women’s Hospital on the Western Front is a story of a hospital in Royaumont which was within few miles from the western front during the First World War. This story also tells the account of Miss Frances Ivens who works as a surgeon in this hospital. Miss Ivens was also responsible for the set up of this fully equipped hospital to serve the wounded soldiers from the front. This is a wonderful story about the personnel of this hospital where death and pain became a regular feature during the First World War period these were the people who never loosed any hope and lead life with hardship and service from 1915 to the end of the war in 1919. Here we find the daily life of the female nurses with their fear and hope and determination. It is a interesting notion to read the parts where they are seen celebrating Christmas or other such festive moods along with their heavy schedule where doctors were allowed on about three hours of sleep due to rush of patients. Here we find the whereabouts of the female nurses with details accounts such a number of patients during a specific period of time in the middle of the war and the total number of treatments along with details of maladies along with their race and religions. The writer makes us aware that these are personnel who worked amidst shells and gun fires and still maintained their high level of professional skills. Here we also find the aspects of humor, like the festivals or games, helped their moral to continue the harsh days of the First World War period. We also come across the diplomatic situation where the management handled the matter with well formulated strategies to survive. Thus this text reveals a huge amount of details that is needed to determine the position of nurses in the First World War period. We can easily understand the high position these women occupied in the minds of the patients but sadly the same was hardly true when it came to bureaucracy and government. If judged from Eileen Crofton’s point of view it was the outsiders who never shared the life of the nurses and failed to pay their due respect. But at the same time it is true that while evaluating the position of the female nurses during the period of the first World War it becomes certain that the elite of the society hardly paid any respects to these brave service providers even though some of the noted female nurse came from this class. However, the main concerns to the nurses were the well being of the soldiers and there they were highly respected and honored. Goldstein’s text presents a different angle to the entire discussion and along with it places a very interesting point of view too. Goldstein aims at the perspective that states that the impact of gender difference and the significance of gender differences are most visible during the period of war. Yet controversial arguments, and the dispersion of erudition across scholastic regulations, have covered understanding of the nature of war and its implementation on the aspects of gender. According to the writer the affect war cause on gender and the gender difference affect the nature of war is mutual and simultaneous. To venture this mode of circumstances the author explores the aspect of war in general throughout the history of human conflict and notes in a lively yet very authoritative manner that almost always women were excluded from direct combat situation. The write even indicates that this has been the general norm and it is applicable for all race and culture. However the author did mention and evaluated the incidents where the women fought in direct battlefield with much success. In the same context the author also mentions the nature of male complexity in the parameters of social behaviors cause mainly due to secretion of testosterone. This part is a very interesting topic as it looks upon the basic aspects of the concepts relating to the construction of femininity and masculinity under the parameters of war and particularly the First World War. To explain the issue the author illustrates the book into seven broad chapters that deals various aspects of war and the subsequent affects on women in general. The first chapter is A Puzzle: The Cross-Cultural Consistency of Gender Roles in War where the homogenous nature of women’s position is discussed in the light of war. The second chapter is named Women Warriors: The Historical Record of Female Combatants where the role of active participation is noted. The third chapter is Bodies: The Biology of Individual Gender where the author looks into the details of the differences between the sexes. The fourth chapter seeks the social position of women and it named Groups: Bonding, Hierarchy, and Social Identity. The fifth chapter deals with the representation of war as a means of construction of male identity and thus it is named Heroes: The Making of Militarized Masculinity. The sixth chapter is named Conquests: Sex, Rape, and Exploitation in Wartime and it looks into the brutal aspects of male dominance during war and thus reveals the detrimental affects that war causes in the ramification of the women. The last chapter concludes the entire scenario and tries to venture into the connection of women and war and thus it is named Reflections: The Mutuality of Gender and War. It should be mentioned that according to Goldstein the First World War included greater participation of women than before predominantly as nurses. However she points out that it is not natural for a human being to kill but during the First World War it was found that women along with men were forced to commit this act and according to the author this was a direct affect of the War. To prove the points the author presents a number of illustrations that includes drawings, graphics, photographs and related materials from numerous scholarly texts that include diverse academic disciplines. This book by Goldstein is a unique approach in the context of content and approach and it could well be stated that it is a fascinating book to read apart from being a book on a distinct issue that reflect much about the position of women during the WWI. (Goldstein, 2001) The article by Margaret H. Darrow titled French Volunteer Nursing and the Myth of War Experience in WWI is a true text to conclude this entire paper. This is because this article emphasizes on the aspects of the First World War and the involvement of women, particularly female nurses in it. Though it predominantly describes the details of women of France it is nevertheless reveals the position of women during the First World War and particularly about the nurses unlike Goldstein who presents the total perspective and the relation between woman and war. Darrow mentions that women were very much involved in the First World War than previous battles but it was mostly indirect in nature. She mentions that the women joined the jobs that were left behind by their men and even took active participation ministry of military affairs but maximum and direct involvement of the women in the First World War was as nurse. The author clearly mentions this and emphasize that the position of the women at this war was almost equivalent and important as that of the male doctors and it could be further stated that a huge amount of inspirations were drawn from the dedication to the service by the female nurse during the First World War. This is the most important point to be mentioned and this is what makes the involving of the female nurses relevant in the context of the First World War. (Darrow, 1996) In conclusion it should be stated that the being a part of a noble profession it was the opportunity for the female nurses of the First World War to gain importance to their community and help substantially to the ultimate cause of the purpose. It is true that they were often treated badly or were not given their dues for their hard works but if we take into consideration the basic position of women in the society or the importance that they enjoyed before the First World War it could be a well placed statement that the First World War provided a respected position for the female nurses in the cantonment and in the society as well.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Non Cooperative Target Recognition Information Technology Essay

Non Cooperative Target Recognition Information Technology Essay One of the most important aspects of any combat situation is target identification or recognition. In aerial combat, the problem is compounded because of large ranges and similar looking fighter aircraft. Unless a threat is ascertained, counter offensive action cannot be initiated. The problem of target identification in the present air combat scenario has been further complicated due to the large range of the new generation Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles  [1]  . While in the yesteryears, procedural control and systems like Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) were in place, they did not guarantee positive identification, since they were not stand alone in nature  [2]  . Therefore there was need to develop a stand alone system capable of identifying airborne threats. 2. Thereafter Non Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) techniques were developed, which did not depend on any direct participation from the target for identification purposes. With the emergence of this technology, a big hope was created that this technique would be resolve all the identification issues. The NCTR technology started gaining momentum in the mid eighties and is yet to prove its capability, almost 25 years on  [3]  . Despite technological advances in computers, NCTR is yet to see the light of the day. Though many modern day Airborne Interception (AI) radars feature NCTR, it is still not being used as the primary means of target identification. NCTR at present is being used in conjunction with IFF and other procedural methods primarily due to its reduced reliability. 3. Incorporation of NCTR technology in the older AI radars may involve change of the radar itself. Considering this and the fact that NCTR technology has not fully matured, is NCTR really the most economically viable solution for airborne target identification at present? Or is there a better system available for this purpose? Methodology 4. Statement of Problem. Modern day air combat environment is dense with both friendly as well as hostile aircraft. Identification is a serious problem and this has been further compounded by significantly large ranges of new generation air to air missiles. Erstwhile methods of target identification like IFF have failed in many situations, leading to fratricides. Would employment Non Cooperative Target Recognition techniques alone resolve this issue? 5. Hypothesis. NCTR as a technology is very demanding on the computer hardware as well as software. So at present NCTR may not be the best solution for problems related to aircraft identification in a dense air combat environment. It is possible to get inputs from all available sensors like AI radars, AWACS, aerostats etc and integrate them to form an intelligent composite picture and identify friends from foes. However NCTR as a concept is still very lucrative. 6. Justification of Study. The requirement and importance of target identification is fairly obvious and history will bear testimony to the fact that most of the fratricides have been due to incorrect identification. Earlier systems have failed primarily because the onus of identification was with the target. Inability to prove himself for whatever reason, resulted in a friendly target being declared hostile. While NCTR as a concept seemed to be a good solution, the technological implementation of the concept has still not emerged fail proof. Also, integration of various other existing sensors in a networked environment to form an intelligent composite picture seems to be a more viable solution. 7. Scope. The scope of this paper is to examine as to whether NCTR is really the path ahead, as far as target identification goes. The paper will look into the complexities associated with database required for airborne target identification (3 dimensional space, multiple aircraft configurations etc.) and also the technical limitations associated with implementation of NCTR. The paper would also examine the feasibility of implementing other techniques of identification. The scope would be limited to logical analysis based on available information on the subject and would not involve any scientific experiment or mathematical computations. 8. Methods of data collection. NCTR as a subject has gained momentum only in the past few years and hence has very few publications giving basic insight. Most of the data has been collected on the internet including soft copies of the books and validated thesis by others. The sources are mentioned in the bibliography at the end of the paper. 9. Organisation of the Dissertation. It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:- (a) Chapter I Introduction and Methodology. In this chapter the subject is introduced. This chapter also defines the statement of problem, the justification for the research and the methodology involved. (b) Chapter II Need for Airborne Target Identification systems. This chapter brings out the requirement and complexities involved in airborne target identification. (c) Chapter III History of NCTR. This chapter gives a brief insight into the history of NCTR (d) Chapter IV How exactly NCTR Works. To appreciate the complexity involved in the airborne identification process, it is important to understand how exactly NCTR functions. This chapter brings out the complexities involved in the working of NCTR. (e) Chapter V Various Types of NCTR Techniques. This chapter brings out the types of NCTR techniques available for use. Though the chapter is technical in nature, it is important to assimilate the various techniques in order to understand the complexity and short comings of the system. (f) Chapter VI Database Generation. The efficiency of entire process involved in NCTR depends on an accurate and exhaustive database. This chapter brings out the methods available and the limitations in generating adequate database. Again this chapter like the previous chapter is slightly technical in nature despite best efforts of keeping it as simple as possible. (g) Chapter VII Technical Limitations of the System. While so far the paper dealt with the software aspects, this chapter would bring out the technical limitations of the hardware required by the radar for functioning of NCTR. (h) Chapter VIII Alternatives to NCTR. This chapter looks at the alternatives to NCTR for target identification. (j) Chapter IX Conclusion. This chapter concludes the topic. CHAPTER II NEED FOR AIRBORNE TARGET IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. SUN TZU Introduction 1. In any hostile situation it is important to identify the adversary. Without knowing who the enemy is, how can one fight? Same is true for aerial combat, only with added degree of difficulty. While in the earlier years, aircraft identification was mostly restricted to visual identification, with improvement in technology this was no longer possible. The increasing weapon ranges post World War II made it difficult to visually identify aircraft in air during combat. 2. And also, any given airspace may contain friendly, neutral as well as hostile aircraft. How can one fire at an aircraft without ascertaining its nature / intent. Therefore aircraft identification forms a vital part prior to weapon launch. Tragic Incidents. 3. History is full of tragic incident of misidentification in air. There are numerous examples of neutrals having been shot from the sky. There also many cases of fratricides even in the recent conflicts. Some of them have been enumerated below  [4]  :- (a) On 5 October 2001, a Russian Sibir Tu-154 Airliner flying from Israel to Russia was thought to have been shot down by a missile fired by Ukrainian troops in a military exercise. (b) In April 1994, 02 USAF F-15 aircraft under positive control, accidently shot down their own Army Black Hawk Helicopters in Northern Iraq  [5]  . Visual Identification of Aircraft 4. World War Era. In both the first and second world war, aircraft recognition did not pose any major problem. In this era, the kill solution was attained by use of guns and hence the weapon ranges were much closer as compared to the distances at which the targets were discernable. The aircraft were slow moving and it was possible to spot and identify the type of aircraft before commencing offensive action. The combat was largely within the so called Visual Bubble of the pilot/s. As can be seen from Fig 2.1, the aircraft can be visually recognized by identifying the distinct shape, colour and characteristic visual features of the aircraft. Due training was imparted for this. In fact, in United Kingdom, The Royal Observer Corps (ROC) was formed, which had civilian personnel specially trained for identifying aircraft  [6]  . Fig 2.1 : Aircraft of World War Ihttp://www.military-aircraft.org.uk/ww1-fighter-planes/nieuport-17.jpgRoyal Aircraft Factory SE5A World War One Aircraft 5. Post World War II. However post World War II, there was a rapid improvement in the fighters and weapon technology. With the advent of close combat air to air missiles and increase in weapon ranges, the hostile aircraft had to be identified by at least 2-3 km to initiate evasive action. Also the newer jets were similar looking in terms of shape and size. In the Fig 2.2, photos of F-15 and MiG-29 aircraft are placed side by side for comparison. While F-15 is an American fighter, MiG-29 is from erstwhile Russia. One can easily appreciate the similarity of features which may result in one being mistaken for the other. If this is the case at close ranges (20 30m), it would be reasonable to assume that visual identification would be almost impossible at ranges of 2 km and beyond. Fig 2.2 : Visual Comparison of F-15 and MiG-29 Fightershttp://www.atfx.org/photos/f15a.jpghttp://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/mig29/mig29_12.jpg 6. Post World War II, there also has been a significant increase in the speed of fighters engaged in aerial combat. This fact together with earlier mentioned aspects makes visual identification a passà ©. The use of radars did give some respite to the aerial fighters. However the weapon solution was still based on visual identification. With the advent of BVRs, the need for alternate means of identification gained importance. Without this, the full capability of BVR cannot be exploited  [7]  . 7. To tackle this problem of target identification, some techniques like the IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) have been developed so far. IFF systems are based on challenge response system. The system consists of a transponder fitted on the aircraft which replies in the form of suitable codes to any other IFF system. If the codes match, the aircraft is declared friendly. However should the code be incorrect or in case of no response, the aircraft is declared hostile. It should be kept in mind that response would not be possible in case of battle damage, loss of encryption keys, wrong encryption keys, or equipment failure. Therefore the major drawback of this system was that it was imperative on the part of the friendly aircraft to prove that he is friendly. In the event of faulty transponder, there are chances of fratricide. 8. Therefore there is a need to have a stand alone system capable of identifying and recognizing aircraft to take timely responsive action and also to prevent fratricide / shooting down of neutrals. CHAPTER III HISTORY OF NCTR Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories. SUN TZU 1. Need for a Stand Alone System. As can be seen from the last chapter, the IFF systems had a major drawback, that of requiring participation from the other aircraft. Inability to participate in the challenge response loop by other aircraft due to whatever reason was construed as Hostile by the system. This has resulted in many fratricides in the past. A number of such fratricides due to faulty IFF resulted in the need for a stand alone system. Some more cases of disasters due to faulty IFF are enumerated below:- (a) 1980. An Italian DC-9 passenger plane was shot down with a missile near Sicily. The missile was aimed by mistake because of incorrect IFF and discrimination of the type of plane. 81 passengers died.  [8]   (b) 1988. In the Persian Gulf, an Iranian Airbus was shot down by an SM-2 standard missile. The aircraft was erroneously recognized as an F-14 fighter aircraft. 298 people died.  [9]   (c) 2003. A glaring example of fratricide due to faulty IFF is that of two Royal Air Force Tornados returning after a mission in Iraq , which were shot down by US Patriot missiles on 22 Mar 03, in which both the crew were killed instantly. The investigating board attributed one of the causes as faulty IFF probably broken down due to power failure  [10]  . 2. These kind of mishaps led to the requirement of having a system which could identify aircraft without the active involvement of the unidentified aircraft. The concept of NCTR dates back from the mid seventies. A program started by the USAF code named Musketeer, introduced the idea of NCTR for the first time. In this program, the aircraft radar was used to count the fan blades in the engine  [11]  . This technology was later named as Jet Engine Modulation which would explained in detail in the subsequent chapter. The radar signature was unique to each engine. Since most aircraft had different engines, this technique was exploited for identifying the type of aircraft. 3. Though the concept was introduced in the mid seventies, the computational technology then was not adequate. The radar per se only gathers data and the extraction of useful information has to be done by the radar computers. Hence NCTR technology had to wait till mid eighties for the computer technology to catch up.  [12]  Thereafter the USAF had incorporated NCTR modes in the An/APG 63 radar of F-15 C aircraft. During the Gulf war in 1990- 91, use of this technique was made in conjunction with Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) for identifying hostile aircraft  [13]  . 4. Post Gulf war some progress was made in Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) systems. These systems did not restrict themselves to aircraft radars and were mostly ground based systems using millimetric wave radars  [14]  . The ranges of these radars were significantly lesser than airborne interception radars. While these radars were completely different in terms of technology and operating ranges, the basic concepts were similar. However the computations involved in aerial target recognition was much higher than ground targets. Though many experiments were conducted on ATR systems, the progress in NCTR was not at the same pace. 5. Post 1985, NCTR was tried and fitted on the USAF F-14, F-16 and F-18 aircraft. In addition, NCTR was also fitted on selected foreign F-15s (Israeli), British Tornados and French Mirage 2000-5s  [15]  . Today, in 2010, the technology has still not fully matured and still cannot be used in isolation for aerial target identification. CHAPTER IV PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION AND COMPONENTS OF NCTR Principle of Operation 1. Now before proceeding further, it would be prudent to understand how NCTR principles work. NCTR fundamentally relies on the returns from the target aircraft. Hence no active participation (as in IFF) is required from the target aircraft. Non Cooperative Target Recognition like any other identification process would in simple terms consist of first sensing the target. Then the relevant features of the target are extricated and compared with a database. Thus any NCTR system should essentially contain a Sensor, a Feature Extractor and a Classifier. 2. The principle of operation of NCTR is very similar to Optical Character Recognition (OCR) as in computers. The data from the target is collected by a suitable sensor and relevant data extracted. This is compared to the data existing in the library and then classified based on the results of the comparison. And for the success of this technique, a huge library of various aircraft profiles is required as database for comparison. The steps involved in identifying the target aircraft has been depicted in Fig 4.1. The flow chart of target recognition shows that the Recognition Algorithm takes two inputs namely measured target signature and signatures stored in the library and gives target identity as the output. Recognition Algorithms have been briefly explained subsequently. Fig 4.1 : Flowchart of Target Recognition SENSOR 3. Choice of Sensor. Choice of sensor is a very important part of this identification process. Without proper or adequate returns from the target, it would be nearly impossible to accurately classify the aircraft. For NCTR per se, a number of sensors are available Optical, Infra red, laser, acoustic and radar. However the optical, IR and laser sensors are prone to adverse weather conditions like moisture, dust etc. Also the detection ranges of these sensors are significantly lesser as compared to air to air weapon ranges especially in a BVR environment. Radar as a sensor has significant advantages as compared to the other sensors for the following reasons  [16]  :- (a) Aircraft are generally constructed by radar reflective material (even those with carbon composite have metal parts that reflect radar). (b) Radar can be used by day or night and is not affected by haze, fog, snow and rain. (c) Radar ranges are much higher than other sensors due to reduced atmospheric propagation attenuation.. (d) Radar has been one of the most extensively used sensors for aerial surveillance and the technology to generate, receive and process radar signals has been continuously refined for nearly 100 years. Hence radar is the optimum choice of sensor for NCTR on fighter aircraft. Moreover radars are already in place in all the modern generation fighters. Hence there would be no requirement to add a separate sub system on the aircraft. 4. Sensor Requirements. The radar capability required for the NCTR is specific. It is misnomer that any radar can be made NCTR capable. Suitable radar software is not the only thing that required for NCTR process. It is important that the radar design is appropriate to the type of measurement that has to be performed and to provide the type of target signature required. In order to obtain signatures of high integrity, the waveform must be carefully designed and the radar must support the transmission and reception of the signal without distortion  [17]  . The radar must be designed to minimize the effects of multiple reflections and clutter. The radar must also possess sufficient energy so that the returns from the target contain adequate data, required for the recognition process. Therefore it may not be possible to upgrade the existing radars with NCTR capability. Should it be possible, it may entail change of major components, which may not be the most economical solution for preventing fratricides. FEATURE EXTRACTOR 5. Function. The returns from the radar are simply electromagnetic pulses. It is of no use unless, relevant data is extracted from them. This is done by the Feature Extractor. Feature extraction is a process which happens inside the radar computer by means of suitable algorithms. These algorithms look for a specific attribute and isolate them for comparison. The algorithm for feature extraction would depend on the type of NCTR technique being employed for target recognition. Types of NCTR techniques are explained in detail in the next chapter. 6. Constraints. Feature extraction is a highly complex problem due to highly dynamic nature of fighter aircraft  [18]  . The radar returns from the aircraft are highly aspect dependent. More the aspect, more and stronger the radar returns, hence better feature extraction Aspect angle in simple terms is a measure of how much of the target aircraft is visible. When viewed from front / rear minimum area is visible and this is Zero aspect. When viewed from broad side, maximum area of the aircraft is visible. Now the aspect angles in 3D space are both in terms of elevation as well as azimuth. Due to highly aspect dependent nature of the scattered signature, the process of feature extraction becomes even more difficult. Also due to movement of the target, the radar signatures get distorted and this poses problems not only in feature extraction but also classification. These aspects are discussed in detail in Chapter 5. 7. After the radar has transmitted the pulses, detected and processed the return from the target of interest, the target signature is now ready for the recognition process. In order to perform correct target recognition, a lot of information needs to be known about the target. These information are contained in the form of a library in the radar computer. The details of database and database generation are discussed in detail in Chapter 6. CLASSIFIER 8. Classifier. The classifier in an NCTR system compares the extracted features of the target signature with the already existing library of aircraft signatures. The comparison is made with the help of recognition algorithms  [19]  . Recognition algorithms are mathematical techniques or formulae that compare the signatures which have been measured with the mathematical models of aircraft existing in the radar library. The algorithms are designed to analyse and assess how close a match a particular signature is to reference signature contained in the library. With the help of these algorithms, the classifier now assigns the most appropriate and closest identity to the target. Shown in the fig 4.2 is a target signature being compared with the three reference signatures. On close analysis though the target signature does not perfectly match any of the reference signatures, it is closest to Target C. Therefore the classifier would it assign the measured signature as Target C. Fig 4.2 : Target Signature Comparison with Reference Signatures 9. Target signatures have to be measured, modelled and analysed, to enable the attributes used for recognition to be identified. The techniques for reliably extracting these attributes from the target have to be determined. Libraries of target data have to be assembled, ordered, managed and updated as new targets emerge and more target signature data becomes available. The development of reliable recognition algorithms is clearly critical for developing a high-performance target recognition capability. 10. While a computer can easily identify various objects based on the size, shape, colour etcetera, it would still lack the ability to identify objects logically as the human brain does. Till the neural and genetic algorithms are not fully developed, it would be difficult to optimize NCTR for aerial identification.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Abolitionists: Their Ideology, and Their Relation with Lincoln and Poli

During the 19th century the religious revival led to a corresponding social reform that would transform the American Society. Reformers led various campaigns including a campaign to close all public places such as shops and taverns on Sundays. The religious revival also led to the Abolition movement, which aimed to eliminate slavery in America. During the time up until the Civil war abolitionists would try to influence both society and politics using ways some of which were similar to those of political parties. The relationship between abolitionists, their ideals and politics was key in reforming national policy related to slavery. Though President Lincoln was opposed to slavery he was not an abolitionist. However despite this Lincoln was strongly influenced by their ideas and they often made their way into his own writings. By agitating against slavery both in and out of politics they were able to change the opinion of a public that had previously rejected them. During the1830s abolitionism was anything but main stream, most abolitionists were either black or they were pious whites . Some of the first abolitionists (in both the United States and the Britian) were Quakers. They believed that God loved every human â€Å"regardless of colour, sex or station in life.† Due to this belief Quakers seemed likely to conclude that â€Å"Slavery,† as denounced by Benjamin Lay, â€Å"was the greatest sin against God’s will,† and that it should be abolished. Before the American Revolution, Quaker reformers such as John Woolman, Anthony Benezet and Benjamin Lay began to publish their views and bring up the issue of slavery at Quaker meetings. Even in the Southern states, where many Quakers owned slaves their actions led to an increased number of fr... ... being as inclusive as the abolitionist societies. Abolitionists had used all means they could access to send their antislavery message across the nation. They used traditional methods such as lectures and petitions, as well as the new technology of the steam press to print large numbers of pamphlets and newspapers, to inform the American public (Foner, 20). Works Cited Scott, Donald. â€Å"Evangelicalism as a Social Movement.† Divining America, TeacherServe ®. National Humanities Center, 1. Wyatt-Brown, Bertram. â€Å"American Abolitionism and Religion.† Divining America, TeacherServe ®. National Humanities Center. Foner, Eric. The Fiery Trial, Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc, 2011. Walters, Ronald G.. The Antislavery Appeal, American Abolitionism after 1830.Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press. 1976.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

The Metamorphasis by Franz Kafka Essay -- essays research papers

Early one morning, Gregor woke to discover he had transformed into a human-size bug. However, it was not him turning from a young man into a bug in the matter of one night that worried Gregor, but the fact that he was going to be late for work! After reading the first several pages, one might find themself bewildered as to why and how Gregor dealt with this transformation with such stride. No, Gregor had not lost his mind, nor had he expected this situation to ever occur (How could something so singular ever be anticipated for that matter?). It was instead, the mere fact that working as a slave to the relentless, capitalist society he knew as life had alienated Gregor to the point that such a change as becoming a bug was nothing more than a confirmation of his insignificant place in the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Attention. A simple word, yet without it, even the proudest slip into the darkest shadows of life. It is essential to human survival, and is the key concept towards understanding the ongoing transformation of Gregor throughout the story. Instead of worrying about their son and his new, awkward condition, Gregor’s parents worried about themselves, and how this tremendous change would affect their lives. What Gregor longed for, a chance to be loved and treated as a part of the family, was sadly what his own parents and sister failed to see all along. They paid no attention to his emotional or physical pain, but rather disowned the idea all together that thi...

Friday, October 11, 2019

Comparing blake’s london and wordsworths unpon west minster bridge Essay

How do the poets use Structure, language and form in the two poems to help present their visions of London? William Blake’s ‘London’ 1793 and William Wordsworth’s ‘Composed upon Westminster Bridge’ 1802 stage two contrasting views of London. Having both been written in the Romantic period, the two poets use their personal experience of London to illustrate the different visions of the city. Wordsworth adopted the Petrarchan pattern (abba abba cdcdcd) to create his flowing sonnet that describes the silent, undying beauty of London; the intimacy with his description could be inspired by classical poets such as Horaz, Virgil and Ovid. Blake however hardened to use a more harsh approach, delivering his dramatic reality of the dejected city. The two poems hold an expressive passion throughout and both have a deeper inner meaning than what’s seen at surface value. At a first glance, these two poems seem the complete opposite. One compliments the natural beauty of London whilst the other only states the traumatic situations faced through a sinister, dark city. This style could have been inspired by Blake’s surrounding of the French revolution which was imminent over London, there’s a possibility that the murder and violence could have encouraged Blake to give his reality of the capital in the 18th century. Despite the obvious differences, the techniques and narrative set out by both poets are similar. Both Blake and Wordsworth chose to underline their visions of London by using some sort of rhyming scheme and iambs to manipulate the sounds and rhythm. Wordsworth’s undoubted admiration of London is expressed through his constant use of elegant praises. He masters a faint use of a strange paradox through the first lines saying earth has nothing more ‘fair’ which exemplifies a tranquil, natural beauty, undisturbed by the obvious industrial city. The paradox having been established at the beginning of the octave stating the impossible unity of both a natural beauty and industrial development is explained towards the end through the line, ‘like a garment, wear’. This reveals that the city is wearing the natural ‘beauty of the morning’ rather than being it. This structural technique continues in his next lines completing his paradoxical image. The fact that the city is ‘bare’ relates back to the first contradiction by suggesting that London wears ‘the smokeless air’ that is the ‘fair’ beauty. Wordsworth uses the petrarchan pattern to compliment the imag e of the uninterrupted London. The poets emotion filled description of a motionless London implies that he rather prefers a non-industrializing, natural capital compared to the 19th centuries bustling metropolis. In his sestet (cdcdcd) the poet emphasizes the connection of whole poem has and how it coheres well together. He does this by using the sestet- steep, deep, asleep- to draw attention to that fact that the city is invalid in the way that the commerce of London has not yet awaken but is asleep. He keeps this in mind whilst still stating that the fact of the matter is, the city is more alive through its natural presence. The way he describes the river ‘glideth at his own sweet will’ gives the reader a sense of undisturbed freedom and also relates to the poets overflowing, relentless and poignant description. Wordsworth creates a more flattering image of London when he explains how the sun has lightened it perfectly, ‘Never did the sun more beautifully steep’. The line: ‘in his first splendour,’ makes the poet appear to be referring to ‘god’ through his supposedly absent minded mention of ‘his’ but he’s not because previously he mentioned that the never had the ‘sun more beautifully steep’. This makes sense as the idea of the sun steeping gracefully over London ties in with the poems overall goal to exploit the capital as some sort of wonderful place however the idle image of the originator who created ‘valley, rock, or hill;’ formulate the idea that Wordsworth is talking about ‘god’ as having the first insight into the capital and how it hasn’t changed through his eyes, looking past the ‘ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples’. Thus creating a more colloquial style of writing; however there is the fact that this poem was written in the 19th century where everyone would have believed in ‘god’. This idea could be the underlining of the word ‘sun’. I believe that Wordsworth’s sole adopted style is smooth and poetic, he holds a passion for the topics he chooses to write about which flatter his nature inspired manner. Other poems by Wordsworth which support my supposition are ‘I wander lonely as a cloud’ and ‘Three years she grew in Sun and Shower’. In the 4th stanza the tone of the poem suddenly changes into an ominous low mood with a lingering and menacing spell. The word ‘most’ has a lasting significance in the line as it institutes the fact that prostitution is causing this wild midnight rush. The changed tone of the poem and the imagery created in this stanza stands out as a dramatic close the blatantly sorrow-filled poem. Adding to the sharpness of the bitter ending, the tone that is usually poetic with a bouncy rhythm has stopped delivering the full force of what Blake calls ‘reality’.