Historical Maritime Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Historical Maritime - Research Paper Example New York harbor is the biggest harbor with most business activities in the United States. It has several boroughs including Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Queens and Manhattan. This study focuses on the Manhattan locale and evaluates various transformations that this port has undergone. Notably, it was the first to emerge while the emergence of the remaining ports was triggered by intense pressure from the civil war. Historical evidence affirms that Manhattan locale has undergone significant changes since 1800. The Manhattan port is considered one of the busiest ports in the New York harbor. It is comprised on the upper and lower Manhattan and hosts various commercial and business activities. In this regard, the gross metropolitan product from this area currently stands at close to one trillion dollars per year (Ascher 44). This is partly attributed to its location within the New York harbor. Seemingly, its centralized location increases its accessibility by business persons and ent ities. In addition, the port is comparatively popular than the rest because it is situated at the original New York harbor. The locale has an estimated 3.2 thousand hectares as office space (Ascher 44). A century ago, water transport was solely employed by the populations that bordered Manhattan. Through shipping, they were able to transport their goods and products from one continent to other (Ascher 44). In other words, the larger New York Harbor played an instrumental role in improving interactions between various populations. It is widely agreed that the Manhattan was relatively busy and supported a host of economic and commercial activities (Miller, 36). At this point in time, the populations that were both inland and those bordering the sea relied heavily on the harbor for conveyance of important commodities. Current trends indicate that activities in the port have eased. The ship traffic has also reduced considerably and seemingly and according to Rodrigue, the port is less c rowded (Rodrigue 54). Currently, statistical evidence indicates that less than 500 ships dock at the harbor on a monthly (Kellner 59). This is attributable to the technological developments that have occurred in the road and air industry. For this reason, the consumer population has shifted its perceptions and greatly appreciates the services of the road, air and rail industry as compared to the services provided by the shipping industry (Revell 38). This trend has further been enhanced by the technological advancements and especially the use of internet and mobile phones in information exchange. The mere reduction of shipping activities implies a great change in the shipping industry (Jackson and Ho 47). Arguably, this has had diverse implications for the profits and general returns of the industry. In this regard, these are less profitable than their counterparts. There have been significant demographic changes in the locale too. Likewise, these have had diverse various implicatio ns on the social and economic wellbeing of the same. In particular, the population has decreased by a significant 30% (Gannon 5). Besides indicating a change in the perceptions and attitudes of the populations about shipping, these changes also imply that the economic benefits have shifted to other areas. Most importantly, they indicate that other transport and communication options such as road and air are developing very fast (Malcom

Identification of Bacteria Essay Example for Free

Identification of Bacteria Essay The focus of this experiment was to identify unknown bacteria. The identification of unknown bacteria produces benefits for many aspects of the research of microorganisms and helps physicians correctly treat patients. Multiple biochemical tests were performed to provide the fermentation abilities, presence of certain enzymes, and certain biochemical reactions. Qualitative observations were made on the tests, which were compared to unknown bacteria identification key to aid with the identification process. And use of 16S rRNA gene sequences to study bacterial phylogeny and taxonomy has been by far the most common housekeeping genetic marker used for a number of reasons. These reasons include (i) its presence in almost all bacteria, often existing as a multigene family, or operons; (ii) the function of the 16S rRNA gene over time has not changed, suggesting that random sequence changes are a more accurate measure of time (evolution); and (iii) the 16S rRNA gene (1,500 bp) is large enough for informatics purposes. Finally the several amplified parts could be assembled together to have the entire sequence of the complete 16S rRNA. In addition to highly conserved primer binding sites, 16S rRNA gene sequences contain hypervariable regions that can provide species-specific signature sequences useful for bacterial identification. Species identification continues to be a challenge. The development of new methods for this purpose is essential. The acknowledged limitations of the 16S rRNA gene for resolving close interspecific relationships will inspire workers to investigate other genes such as recA, gyrB or GroEL as new targets for molecular assays.

Atheism as a historical philosophy and its relevance in contemporary Am

Disbelief in the existence of God is an enduring, worldwide phenomenon that is quite possibly also one of the most misunderstood belief systems in the world. For many, the term â€Å"atheism† immediately spurs negative imagery inspired by years of indoctrination – churches proclaiming the sins of the infidels, and how questioning God’s infinite love will result in instant damnation. Atheists are perceived as dark, nihilistic, immoral, amoral, pessimistic, and even evil, because without God, clearly they are also without morality and goodness. But if this disbelief is so negative, why would nearly 1 billion people globally, and more than 16 percent of the American population identify themselves as â€Å"nonbelievers†? In fact, a survey published in January 2007 by the Pew Research Center for the People & The Press found that â€Å"20 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 say they have no religious affiliation or consider themselves atheists o r agnostics – nearly double those who said that in a similar survey 20 years ago† (Abel). Surely there is something to be gained in denying one of contemporary civilization’s most accepted and cherished beliefs in order to garner the respect of (and often participation from) some of the greatest minds in human history. Indeed, for most nonbelievers, it seems the justification for atheism far outweighs the justifications for theism, which they view as moot, obsolete, and inaccurate. THE PHILOSOPHY Put simply, atheism is the belief that there is no God or gods. In this sense, it is true that atheism is a â€Å"negative† philosophy in that it is the negation of theism (the word is derived from the Greek ‘a’ - without, ‘theos’ - God). However, as we shall see, this perception of atheism as a negative w... ...008 . Martin, Michael. Atheism : A Philosophical Justification. New York, MI: Temple UP, 1990. Martin, Michael, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Atheism. New York: Cambridge UP, 2006. Mills, David, and Dorion Sagan. Atheist Universe : The Thinking Person's Answer to Christian Fundamentalism. New York: Ulysses P, 2006 Nielsen, Kai. God, Scepticism and Modernity. Boston: Paul & Company Consortium, Incorporated, 1989. Odell v. Koppee, 5 Heisk. (Tenn) 91. Religulous. Dir. Larry Charles. Perf. Bill Maher. Film. 2008. Thrower, James. Western Atheism : A Short History. New York: Pyr Books, 1999. "17th Century - Investigating Atheism." Investigating Atheism. 2008. University of Cambridge. .

Night World : Soulmate Chapter 10

The first sight of her broke through his animal state and gave him enough mind to stand up like a man. She reminded him of Hellewise. She had that same look of tender courage, that same ageless wisdom in her eyes. Any woman could be pretty by virtue of regular features. But Hana was beautiful because her soul showed in her face. Seeing her made him ashamed. Seeing her defend him, intercede on his behalf as she was so obviously doing, made him angry. He resisted when she sneaked him out of the cave and tried to send him back into the world. Didn't she understand? It was best for him to die. As long as he was loose, no child, no woman, no man was safe. Even as he stood there in the moonlight with her, he was trembling with need. The bloodlust was trying to unbalance his mind, and it was all he could do not to grab her and bite into her soft throat. When she offered him her throat, he almost cried. It wasn't a sacrifice to turn her down and walk away. It was the only right thing to do, the only thing he could do. And then the hunters came. His mind was unbalanced by the torture. It was that simple. Not that it was an excuse, there was no excuse for what followed. But during the endless time while Hana's clan burned and stabbed and beat him, he lost all contact with the person he thought of as himself. He became an animal, as mindless as the mob that was trying to kill him. As an animal, he wanted two things: to survive and to strike out at the people who were hurting him. And there was a way to do both. Throats. White throats, spurting dark blood. The image came to him slowly in his haze of pain. He didn't have to lie here and take this. He was wounded, but there was still a granite core of strength inside him. He could fight back, and his enemies would give him life. The next time a spear jabbed at him, he grabbed it and pulled. It belonged to the broad-shouldered hunter, the one who'd led the others to him. Thierry grabbed the man as he stumbled forward, wrestling him to the ground. And then, before anyone in the crowd had time to react, he darted for the hunter's throat, for the big vein that pulsed just under the skin. It was all over in a minute. He was drinking deep, deep, and gaining strength with every swallow. The dam of the Three Rivers was staring at him in paralyzed shock. It felt good. He tossed the dead man aside and reached for another. When several hunters came at him at once, he knocked them apart and killed them, one, two, three. He was a very efficient killer. The blood made him supernaturally strong and fast, and the bloodlust gave him motivation. He was like a wolf set loose in a herd of antelope-except that for a long time nobody in the clan had the sense to run. They kept coming at him, trying to stop him, and he kept killing. It was a slaughter. He killed them all. He was drunk with blood and he gloried in it, in the animal simplicity of it, the power it gave him. Killing was glory. Killing to eat, killing for revenge. Destroying the people who hurt him. He didn't ever want to stop. He was drinking the last drops from the veins of a young girl when he looked down and saw it was Hana. Her clear gray eyes were wide open, but the light in them was beginning to go dark. He'd killed her. In one blinding instant he wasn't an animal anymore. He was a person. And he was looking down at the one person who had tried to help him, who had offered him her blood to keep him alive. He raised his eyes and saw the devastation he'd left in the cave. It wasn't just this girl. He'd murdered ‘most of her tribe. That was when he knew the truth. He was damned. Worse than Maya. He'd committed a crime so monstrous that he could never be forgiven, never be redeemed. He had joined evil in the end, just as Maya had promised he would. No punishment could be too great for him-but then, no punishment would make the slightest difference anyway, not to these people or to the dying girl in his arms. For just an instant some part of him pushed away at the feelings of guilt and horror. All right, you're evil, it said. You might as well go ahead and be evil. Enjoy it. Have no regrets. It's your nature, now. Give in. Then the girl in his arms stirred. She was still conscious, although barely. Her eyes were still open. She was looking up at him†¦. In that moment, Thierry felt a shock that was different from anything he'd ever felt before. In those large gray eyes, in the pupils which were hugely dilated as if to catch every last ray of light before death, he saw†¦ himself. Himself and the girl, walking together, hand in hand through the ages. Joined. Shifting scenes behind them, different places, different times. But always the two of them, tied with an invisible bond. He recognized her. It was almost as if all those different ages had already happened, as if he were only remembering them. But he knew they were in the future. He was looking down the corridor of time, seeing what should have been. She was his soulmate. She was the one who was supposed to have walked with him through different lives, being born and loving and dying and being born again. They'd been born for each other, to help each other grow and blossom and discover and evolve. They should have had many lives together. And none of it was going to happen. He was an immortal creature-how could he die and be born again? And she was dying because of him. He'd destroyed it all, everything. He'd killed his destiny. In the enormity of it, he sat silent and stunned. He couldn't say, â€Å"I'm sorry.† He couldn't say, â€Å"What have I done?† There was nothing that he could say that wasn't so trivial as to be demeaning to her. He simply sat and shook, looking down into her eyes. He had an endless feeling of falling. And then Hana spoke. I forgive you. It was just a whisper, but he heard it in his mind, not with his ears. And he understood it, even though her language was different from his. Thierry reeled with the discovery that he could talk to her. Oh, Goddess, the chance at least to tell her how he would try to atone for this by spilling out his own blood.. . You can't forgive me. He could see that she understood his own hushed answer. He knew he didn't deserve forgiveness. But part of him wanted her to realize that he had never meant this to happen. I wasn't always like this. I used to be a person- We don't have time for that, she told him. Her spirit seemed to be reaching toward him, drawing him into her, facing him in a still and separate place where only the two of them existed. He knew then that she had seen the same thing he had, the same corridor of time. She was gentle, but so sad. I don't want you to die. But I want you to promise me one thing. Anything. I want you to promise me you ‘II never kill again. It was easy to promise. He didn't plan to live†¦ no, she didn't want him to die. But he couldn't live without her and he certainly couldn't live after what he'd done. He'd worry about it later, about how to deal with the long gray stretch of future waiting for him. For now, he said, I'll never kill again. She gave him just the faintest of smiles. And then she died. The gray eyes went fixed and dark. Unseeing. Her skin was ghostly white and her body was absolutely still. She seemed smaller all at once as her spirit left her. Thierry cradled her, moaning like a wounded animal. He was crying. Shaking so hard he almost couldn't keep hold of her. Helpless, pierced by love that felt like a spear, he reached out to gently push her hair off her face. His thumb stroked her cheek- and left a trail of blood. He stared at it in horror. The mark was like a blaze of red against her pale skin. Even his love was deadly. His caress had branded her. The few survivors of Hana's clan were on the move, surrounding Thierry, panting and gasping with their spears ready. They sensed that he was vulnerable now. And he wouldn't have lifted a hand to stop them†¦ except that he had made a promise to Hana. She wanted him alive to keep it. So he left her there. He picked up her still, cooling body and carried it toward the nearest hunter. The man stared at him in fear and disbelief, but he finally dropped his spear to take the dead girl. And then Thierry walked out of the cave and into the merciless sunlight. He headed for his home. Maya caught up with him somewhere on the steppes, appearing out of the tall, ripping grass. â€Å"I told you how you'd end up. Now forget that washed-out blonde and start enjoying life with me.† Thierry didn't even look at her. The only thing he could imagine doing with Maya was killing her†¦ and he couldn't do that. â€Å"Don't walk away from me!† Maya wasn't laughing now. She was furious. Her voice followed him as he kept going. â€Å"I chose you, Theorn! You're mine. You can't walk away from me!† Thierry kept going, neither slower nor faster, letting her voice blend into the humming of the insects on the grassland. But her mental voice followed him. I'll never let you get away. You'll always be mine, now and forever. Thierry traveled fast, and in only a few days, he reached home and the person he'd come to see. Hellewise looked up from her drying herbs and gasped. â€Å"I'm not going to hurt you,† he said. â€Å"I need your help.† What he wanted from her was a spell to sleep. He wanted to sleep until Hana was born again. â€Å"It could be a long time,† Hellewise said when he told her the whole story. â€Å"It sounds as if her soul has been damaged. It could be hundreds of years- even thousands.† Thierry didn't care. â€Å"And you might die,† Hellewise said, looking at him steadily with her deep, soft brown eyes. â€Å"And with what you've become-I don't think creatures like you are reborn. You would just†¦ die.† Thierry simply nodded. He was only afraid of two things: that Maya would find him while he was asleep, and that he wouldn't know when to wake up. â€Å"I can arrange the second,† Hellewise said quietly. â€Å"You're linked anyway; your souls are one. When she's born again, voices from the Other Side will whisper to you.† Thierry himself figured out how to solve the first problem. He dug himself a grave. It was the only place where he could count on being safe and undisturbed. Hellewise gave him an infusion of roots and bark and Thierry went to sleep. He slept a long time. He slept straight through the epic battle when Hellewise drove Maya and her son Red Fern out of the tribe and away from the witches. He slept through the origins of the Night World and thousands of years of human change. When he finally woke up, the world was a different place, with civilizations and cities. And he knew that somewhere Hana had been born in one of them. He began to look. He was a wanderer, a lost soul with no home and no people. But not a killer. He learned to take blood without killing, to find willing donors instead of hunting terrified prey. He looked in every village he passed, learning about the new world surrounding him, surviving on very little, searching every face he saw. Lots of communities would have been glad to adopt him, this tall young man with dusty clothes and far-seeing eyes. But he only stayed long enough to make sure that Hana wasn't there. When he did find her it was in Egypt, the Kingdom of the Two Lands. She was sixteen. Her name was Ha-nahkt. And Thierry would have recognized her anywhere, because she was still tall, still fair-haired and gray-eyed and beautiful. Except for one thing. Across her left cheek, where his fingers had smeared her own blood the night that he had killed her, was a red mark like a bruise. Like a stain on her perfect skin. It was a sort of psychic brand, a physical reminder of what had happened in her last life. A permanent wound. And it was his fault. Thierry was overcome with grief and shame. He saw that the other girl, Ket, the friend who had been with Hana in the last life, was with her again now. She had friends. Maybe it was best to leave her alone in this life, not even try to speak to her. But he had forgotten about Maya. Vampires don't die. Life is strange sometimes. It was just as Thierry was thinking this that a figure walked into the lobby. Still half in his daydream of the past, he was expecting it to be Circe, so for a moment he was simply confused. Then his heart rate picked up and every muscle in his body tensed violently. † It was Maya. He hadn't seen her for over a hundred years. The last time had been in Quebec, when Hannah had been named Annette. And Maya had just killed her. Thierry stood up. She was as beautiful as ever. But to Thierry it was like the rainbow on oil scum. He hated her more than he had ever imagined he could hate anyone. â€Å"So you found me,† he said quietly. â€Å"I knew you'd show up eventually.† Maya smiled brilliantly. â€Å"I found her first.† Thierry went still. â€Å"That amulet was a very good one. I had to wait around to catch her alone so she could invite me inside.† Thierry's heart lurched. He felt a physical wrench, as if something in him were actually trying to get out, trying desperately to get to Hannah-now. How could he have been so stupid? She was too innocent; of course she would invite someone into her house. And she thought of Maya as a friend. The ring should have offered at least a measure of protection from mind control-but only if Hannah had kept it on. Thierry realized now that she probably hadn't. His voice a bare whisper, he said, â€Å"What did you do to her?† â€Å"Oh, not much. Mostly it was just conversation. I mentioned that you were likely to get rough with her if things didn't go your way.† Maya tilted her head, eyes on his face, looking for a reaction. Thierry didn't give it to her. He just stood, watching her silently. She hadn't changed in thousands of years. She never changed, never grew, never got tired. And she never gave up. He didn't think she was capable of it. Sometimes he thought he should just tie himself to her at the waist and find a bottomless pit to jump into. Rid the world of its two oldest vampires and all the problems Maya caused. But there was his promise to Hannah. â€Å"It doesn't matter what you say to her,† he said stonily. â€Å"You don't understand, Maya. This time is different. She remembers and-â€Å" â€Å"And she hates you. I know. Poor baby.† Maya made a mock-sympathetic face. Her eyes sparkled peacock blue. Thierry gritted his teeth. â€Å"And I've come to a decision,† he went on evenly. â€Å"The cycle has to be broken. And there is a way to do it.† â€Å"I know,† Maya said before he could finish. â€Å"You can give her up. Give in to me† â€Å"Yes.† This time he cut her off. And the look of astonishment that flared in her eyes was worth it. â€Å"At least, yes to the first part,† he finished. â€Å"I'm giving her up.† â€Å"You're not. You can't.† â€Å"She's happy in this life. And she-doesn't want me.† There. It had been hard to say, but he'd gotten it out. â€Å"She remembers everything-I don't know why, but she does. Maybe because she's so dose to her original form. Maybe somehow the memories are closer to the surface. Or maybe it's the hypnosis. But in any case, she doesn't want me anymore.† Maya was watching him, fascinated, her eyes the violet of deep twilight, her lips parted. Suddenly, she looked beyond him and smiled secretly. â€Å"She remembers everything? You really think so?† Thierry nodded. â€Å"All I've ever brought her is misery and pain. I guess she realizes that.† He took a breath, then caught Maya's eyes again. â€Å"So I'm end-tag the cycle†¦ now.† â€Å"You're going to walk away.† â€Å"And so are you. She's no threat to you anymore. If you want something from me, the only person to deal with is me. You can try any time you like in Vegas.† He gazed at her levelly. Maya threw back her head and let out ripples of musical laughter. â€Å"Oh, why didn't you tell me before? You could have saved me some trouble†¦ but on the other hand, her blood was very sweet. I wouldn't have missed-â€Å" She broke off, then, because Thierry slammed her against the oak-paneled wall of the lobby. In one instant, his control had disappeared. He was so angry that he couldn't speak out loud. What did you do to her? What did you do? He shouted the words telepathically as his hands closed around Maya's throat. Maya just smiled at him. She was the oldest vampire, and the most powerful. In every vampire who came after her, her blood had been diluted, half as strong, a quarter as strong, an eighth. But she was the original and the purest. She wasn't afraid of anyone. Mel I didn't do anything, she said, answering him the same way. I'm afraid you were the one who attacked her. She seemed very unhappy about it; she even stabbed you with a pencil. Maya lifted a hand and Thierry saw a neat dark hole puncturing it, faintly ringed with blood. The power of illusion, he thought. Maya could appear as anyone and anything she wanted. She had talents that usually only belonged to werewolves and shapeshifters. And of course she was a witch. She really has extraordinary spirit, Maya went on. But she's all right-you didn't exchange as much blood as you ‘d planned. The pencil, you see. People were gathering behind Thierry, murmuring anxiously. They were about to interfere and ask him to please let go of the girl he was strangling. He ignored them. Listen to me, he told Maya, staring into her mocking golden eyes. Listen, because I'm never going to say this again. If you touch Hannah again-ever-in any life-I will kill you. â€Å"I'll kill you,† he whispered out loud, to emphasize it. â€Å"Believe me, Maya, I'll do it.† Then he let her go. He had to get to Hannah. Even a small exchange of blood with a vampire could be dangerous, and Maya's blood was the most potent on earth. Worse, he'd already taken some of Hannah's blood last night. She could be critically weak now †¦ or starting to change. He wouldn't think about that. You won't, you know. Maya's telepathic voice followed him as he made for the door. You won't kill me. Not Thierry the compassionate, Thierry the good vampire, Thierry the saint of Circle Daybreak. You're not capable of it. You can't kill. Thierry stopped on the threshold and turned around. He stared directly into Maya's eyes. â€Å"Try me.† Then he was outside, moving quickly through the night. Even so, Maya got the last word. And, of course, there's your promise†¦.

Hospitalized Chronic Schizophrenia Patients Health And Social Care Essay

The present survey was designed to measure the consequence of gestalt therapy on self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder. The research design is of import measure in research, as it is closely related to the overall model for carry oning survey. This chapter deals with the description of the research attack, design, puting, population, standards for sample choice, sample and sampling technique, development and description of tool, process for informations aggregation and program for informations analysis.3.1. RESEARCH APPROACHThe research worker has adopted quantitative research attack in this survey to analyse the impact of Gestalt therapy on self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder. This attack is a systematic procedure that involves the measuring of the input, procedure and the end product.3.2. RESEARCH DESIGNThe research design adopted in the present survey was Quasi experimental pre trial and station trial with control group design. Sel f consciousness was assessed among the patients with schizophrenic disorder before and after Gestalt therapy. Gestalt therapy was administered as an intercession to heighten the ego consciousness of the patients with schizophrenic disorder.FIG 2. SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF RESEARCH DESIGNQuantitative ApproachQuasi experimental pre trial and station trial with control group designTarget Population – Patients with schizophrenic disorderAccessible Population – Patients with schizophrenia hospitalized at krishna nursing placeSample size 16Tool: Situational Self consciousness graduated tableExperimental group ( N=8 )Hospitalized chronic Schizophrenia patientsControl group ( N=8 )Hospitalized chronic Schizophrenia patientsReceiving Routine nursing attention and Gestalt therapyReceiving Routine nursing attention merelyAppraisal of ego consciousness after intercessionDatas analysisFindingssReport/ thesis3.3. SettingThe survey was conducted in Krishna Nursing place, Coimbatore . It is a 28 bedded nursing place and de-addiction Centre.3.4. PopulationThe mark population for the present survey was patients with chronic schizophrenic disorder. The accessible population for the present survey was patients with schizophrenia hospitalized at Krishna nursing place.3.5. CRITERIA FOR SAMPLE SELECTIONThe samples were taken based on the undermentioned standards. Inclusion standards: Hospitalized patients with chronic Schizophrenia. Schizophrenic patients under the age group of 20-55. Schizophrenic patients with low ego consciousness Schizophrenic Patients who are willing to take part in the survey. Exclusion standards: Schizophrenia with any other physical or mental unwellness. Schizophrenic patients in acute stage. Schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms.3.6. SamplingPurposive sampling technique was used for sample choice. During the informations aggregation period 16 patients were admitted in Krishna Nursing Home. A sample of 16 patients with schizophrenic disorder were recruited in the survey.3.7. VARIABLES OF THE STUDYDemographic VariablesAge, Gender, Education, Marital position, Occupation, Monthly income, Place of abode, Family History of mental unwellness and Duration of mental unwellnessMugwumpVariableGestalt therapyDependant VariableDegree of Self consciousness3.8. MaterialThe tool consist of 3 subdivisions Section 1 Demographic Variables Section2 Situational ego consciousness graduated table ( Govern & A ; Marsh, 2001 ) Section3 Gestalt Therapy3.8.1. Section 1Demographic Variables: This is a self-administered tool which consist of personal information of the patients like age, gender, instruction, matrimonial position, occupational position, monthly household income, topographic point of abode, type of household, household history of mental unwellness and continuance of mental unwellness.3.8.2. Section 2Situational Self Awareness Scale ( Govern and Marsh 2001 ) : Govern and Marsh was developed in 2001 to quantify degrees of Public and Private Self consciousness. It consists of 9 statements related to overall feelings of Self consciousness. The points were answered on a 5-point likert graduated table denoting merely positive worded statements runing from strongly differ to strongly hold. Components 1, 5, 9 denotes Surrounding factor. Components 2, 6, 8 denotes Private factor. Components 3, 4, 7 denotes Public factor. The Mark ranges from 9-45 in order to construe the degree of ego consciousness. Reliability & A ; Validity: The dependability of the tool is measured utilizing the exploratory and collateral factor analysis and other statistical methods yielded consequences reveals correlation coefficient 0.7 bespeaking first-class stableness. The internal consistence of the three subscales is good ( Cronbach ‘s alpha = 0.82 for public factor, 0.72 for private factor and 0.72 for environing factor ) while the test-retest correlativity is 0.78 for public factor and 0.58 for private factor.A The tool has equal content cogency and concepts cogency. Administration: Initially the research worker maintained good resonance with the patients. The research worker obtained informed consent to affect the patients in the survey. The Situational ego consciousness graduated table was administered to the schizophrenic patients separately. This is a ego describing graduated table in which the participants were asked to click the options in each point as they feel. Scoring This graduated table is standardized, which consists of 5 likert type inquiries that measure the Self consciousness of patients with schizophrenic disorder. The responses of the 9 points are ranged from ( Strongly Disagree = 1, Slightly Disagree = 2, Neutral = 3, somewhat agree = 4 and strongly agree= 5 ) . The maximal mark in the tool is 45. Interpretation & lt ; 22 Low ego consciousness. 22-33 Normal 34-45 High ego consciousness.3.8.3. Section 3GESTALT THERAPYGestalt therapy was developed in 1940 by Frederick and Laura Perls in the fortiess. Gestalt therapy is a humanistic therapy where the research worker makes the patients to follow Gestalt therapy techniques which enhance the ego consciousness of patients with schizophrenic disorder. It tends to reflect a more experiential or subjective attack in bettering the ego consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder.Prerequisites OF GESTALT THERAPYThe undermentioned stairss should be taken by the research worker before disposal of Gestalt therapy. Explain the demand for the therapy to the patient and its utility. Explain the process to the patient. Get informed consent. Make a good resonance with the patient. Provide client a composure and quiet environment with good airing. Arrange 2 chairs to execute gestalt therapy techniques.GESTALT THERAPY TECHNIQUES:EMPTY CHAIR TECHNIQUE – The Chair in which the patient sits is a hot place and the chair is present in forepart of the patient is an empty chair. Patient is asked about his or her likes and disfavors towards his /her household members or relations. Patient imagines that the peculiar individual is sitting in that empty chair. Patient is asked to speak to that individual in forepart of the healer. This will better the emotional bonding and conflict declaration among the household members. Therefore, self consciousness is improved when the patient negotiations in such a fanciful manner to other individual. GUIDED FANTASY – Patient will be asked to conceive of a old event or topographic point already exposed in a systematic mode with the aid of the healer and imaginativeness is performed by the patient in a realistic mode. Devising ROUNDS WITH PATIENT- Patient will speak and mix with all Psychiatric patients in the infirmary premises. This attack will give consciousness towards the environment. REHEARSAL EXERCISE – It involves behavioral dry run where the patient function plays a new behavior that they have learned with a individual or people in their environment. This is done to cut down phase fear and anxiousness that may be felt if they feel they are non executing their new behavior right. This encourages spontaneousness and a willingness to larn and execute a new behavior.3.9. HypothesisH01: There is no important difference in the degree of self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder in experimental and control group before gestalt therapy. H11: There is a important difference in the degree of self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder in experimental group before and after gestalt therapy. H02: There is no important difference in the degree of self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder in control group before and after everyday nursing attention. H12: There is a important difference in degree of self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder in experimental group after gestalt therapy and control group after everyday nursing attention. H13: There is a important difference between the before intercession and after intercession mark in environing factor of self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder. H14: There is a important difference between the before intercession and after intercession mark in public factor of self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder. H15: There is a important difference between the before intercession and after intercession mark in private factor of self consciousness among patients with schizophrenic disorder.3.10. PILOT STUDYBefore the chief survey, pilot survey was conducted to look into the feasibleness, practicableness, dependability, and cogency. The survey was conducted in Krishna Nursing Home, Coimbatore. The eligible samples were recruited for pilot survey and the sample size was 5. The degree of ego consciousness was assessed among patients with schizophrenic disorder before intercession. Gestalt therapy was administered to patients with schizophrenic disorder. Gestalt Therapy was given for continuance of 40 proceedingss to five schizophrenic patients for back-to-back 10 yearss. Post trial was conducted the undermentioned twenty-four hours to measure the ego consciousness of patients with schizophrenic disorder after administrating gestalt therapy. Data analysis was done utilizing descriptive and illati ve statistics. Consequences showed that Gestalt therapy enhanced the degree of ego consciousness. Hence, the survey was operable and executable.3.11. MAIN STUDYThe chief survey was conducted for a period of 30 yearss. During the period of informations aggregation, 16 samples were drawn purposively. The research worker developed resonance with the participants and explained the importance and benefits of the intercession. Followed by this, consent was obtained. Initially, all patients with schizophrenic disorder were administered situational ego consciousness graduated table. The degree of ego consciousness was identified as low. Following this, gestalt therapy was administered to the patients with schizophrenic disorder separately for 40 proceedingss for each session with a sum of 4 Sessionss for each patient as one session per hebdomad. After 30 yearss a station trial was conducted to measure the ego consciousness of the patients with schizophrenic disorder.3.12. TECHNIQUES OF DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONAppropriate statistical tool such as descriptive and illative statistics were applied to analyse the information.

Free Essays on Hatshepsut - The Woman Who Was Pharaoah

The Woman who was Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of the ancient world’s most beautiful and intelligent women, is remembered as being the first woman to become King of Ancient Egypt. A woman of strong character, she acted as co-regent of Ancient Egypt for 20 years and worked hard to vastly improve the lives of all of her people. Her influence on the politics, trade, architecture and war during this time was immeasurable in the eyes and hearts of all who knew her and knew of her. Ancient Egypt was a peaceful civilization while Hatshepsut sat in the throne, dressed as a man to gather the admiration of her people. Peace rather than war found its way into Egyptian’s lives as they lived in harmony rather than tragedy. Tuthmosis III whom she shared the throne with led the army while she ruled the land. Wars were always businesslike and informative. This plan of attack resulted in no major wars while Hatshepsut was pharaoh. However, the forces were maintained efficiently despite the peaceful dent it carried. Many thousands of Egyptians lives were saved due to these 20 years of peace due to Hatshepsut’s keen political skills and her ability to jump every hurdle that came in her way. Hatshepsut ordered many trading expeditions during her time as King, which enabled Egyptians to live in domestic prosperity. Trade became an important part of her policy and many products returned in these expeditions can still be identified today in these lands. One of the most infamous trade expeditions was her voyage to Punt. Five ships sailed the Red Sea to Punt (now known as Somalia) with goods to exchange with the native people of Punt. Historians know of this voyage as the painted scenes of the expedition are seen today on the walls of her temple at Deir el-Bahri. Hatshepsut returned to Egypt with her ships carrying products Egyptians desired as dictated by the God Amon. The boats were laden with myrrh, frankincense, woods, resin, ivory... Free Essays on Hatshepsut - The Woman Who Was Pharaoah Free Essays on Hatshepsut - The Woman Who Was Pharaoah The Woman who was Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of the ancient world’s most beautiful and intelligent women, is remembered as being the first woman to become King of Ancient Egypt. A woman of strong character, she acted as co-regent of Ancient Egypt for 20 years and worked hard to vastly improve the lives of all of her people. Her influence on the politics, trade, architecture and war during this time was immeasurable in the eyes and hearts of all who knew her and knew of her. Ancient Egypt was a peaceful civilization while Hatshepsut sat in the throne, dressed as a man to gather the admiration of her people. Peace rather than war found its way into Egyptian’s lives as they lived in harmony rather than tragedy. Tuthmosis III whom she shared the throne with led the army while she ruled the land. Wars were always businesslike and informative. This plan of attack resulted in no major wars while Hatshepsut was pharaoh. However, the forces were maintained efficiently despite the peaceful dent it carried. Many thousands of Egyptians lives were saved due to these 20 years of peace due to Hatshepsut’s keen political skills and her ability to jump every hurdle that came in her way. Hatshepsut ordered many trading expeditions during her time as King, which enabled Egyptians to live in domestic prosperity. Trade became an important part of her policy and many products returned in these expeditions can still be identified today in these lands. One of the most infamous trade expeditions was her voyage to Punt. Five ships sailed the Red Sea to Punt (now known as Somalia) with goods to exchange with the native people of Punt. Historians know of this voyage as the painted scenes of the expedition are seen today on the walls of her temple at Deir el-Bahri. Hatshepsut returned to Egypt with her ships carrying products Egyptians desired as dictated by the God Amon. The boats were laden with myrrh, frankincense, woods, resin, ivory...

The Great Roman and Hans Empires essays

The Great Roman and Hans Empires essays Without a doubt, the Roman and the Han empires can be considered two of the greatest civilizations in world history. Both became very powerful and dominant in their respective areas. However, the Roman Empire developed into a higher, more advanced society because of its strong economic system, military prowess, and their free social structure. While both the Romans and the Hans developed complex economic systems, the system the Romans used was clearly superior. Though both the Romans and the Hans were obviously dependent of agriculture, the vast spread of the Roman Empire into different regions allowed for the trade of different goods such as European wine and African grains. Each individual area specialized in certain products, and these products could be taken by way of the Mediterranean to anywhere else in the empire. While they also had some variety of goods, the Hans, with their smaller empire, was limited to growing wheat and rice. Water transportation was crucial to the econom y of the Roman region, as it allowed fast and efficient movement of goods. Another aspect of the Roman economy was the use of slave labor, which is something that the Hans did not utilize. The Romans used their prisoners as slaves. The use of slaves, while not considered humane today, was an intelligent way of improving the economy because it provided a larger workforce. This increased workforce produced larger yields and more goods to trade. The Hans on the other hand, themselves worked the fields, and they saw no need for slaves. Both the Romans and the Hans demanded taxes from their citizens, but the Hans took large amounts of taxes even from the poor peasants. Both societies also employed the Silk Road as a means of trade with faraway lands, but the Hans, with their silk products, dominated this trade route. Overall, the Romans had a superior economic system when compared to the Hans. The power of an empire in ancient times depended solely on the pow...

Type I vs. Type II Errors in Hypothesis Testing

Type I vs. Type II Errors in Hypothesis Testing The statistical practice of hypothesis testing is widespread not only in statistics but also throughout the natural and social sciences. When we conduct a hypothesis test there a couple of things that could go wrong. There are two kinds of errors, which by design cannot be avoided, and we must be aware that these errors exist. The errors are given the quite pedestrian names of type I and type II errors. What are type I and type II errors, and how we distinguish between them?  Briefly: Type I errors happen when we reject a true null hypothesisType II errors happen when we fail to reject a false null hypothesis We will explore more background behind these types of errors with the goal of understanding these statements. Hypothesis Testing The process of hypothesis testing can seem to be quite varied with a multitude of test statistics. But the general process is the same. Hypothesis testing involves the statement of a null hypothesis and the selection of a level of significance. The null hypothesis is either true or false and represents the default claim for a treatment or procedure. For example, when examining the effectiveness of a drug, the null hypothesis would be that the drug has no effect on a disease. After formulating the null hypothesis and choosing a level of significance, we acquire data through observation. Statistical calculations tell us whether or not we should reject the null hypothesis. In an ideal world, we would always reject the null hypothesis when it is false, and we would not reject the null hypothesis when it is indeed true. But there are two other scenarios that are possible, each of which will result in an error. Type I Error The first kind of error that is possible involves the rejection of a null hypothesis that is actually true. This kind of error is called a type I error and is sometimes called an error of the first kind. Type I errors are equivalent to false positives. Let’s go back to the example of a drug being used to treat a disease. If we reject the null hypothesis in this situation, then our claim is that the drug does, in fact, have some effect on a disease. But if the null hypothesis is true, then, in reality, the drug does not combat the disease at all. The drug is falsely claimed to have a positive effect on a disease. Type I errors can be controlled. The value of alpha, which is related to the level of significance that we selected has a direct bearing on type I errors. Alpha is the maximum probability that we have a type I error. For a 95% confidence level, the value of alpha is 0.05. This means that there is a 5% probability that we will reject a true null hypothesis. In the long run, one out of every twenty hypothesis tests that we perform at this level will result in a type I error. Type II Error The other kind of error that is possible occurs when we do not reject a null hypothesis that is false. This sort of error is called a type II error and is also referred to as an error of the second kind. Type II errors are equivalent to false negatives. If we think back again to the scenario in which we are testing a drug, what would a type II error look like? A type II error would occur if we accepted that the drug had no effect on a disease, but in reality, it did. The probability of a type II error is given by the Greek letter beta. This number is related to the power or sensitivity of the hypothesis test, denoted by 1 – beta. How to Avoid Errors Type I and type II errors are part of the process of hypothesis testing. Although the errors cannot be completely eliminated, we can minimize one type of error. Typically when we try to decrease the probability one type of error, the probability for the other type increases. We could decrease the value of alpha from 0.05 to 0.01, corresponding to a 99% level of confidence. However, if everything else remains the same, then the probability of a type II error will nearly always increase. Many times the real world application of our hypothesis test will determine if we are more accepting of type I or type II errors. This will then be used when we design our statistical experiment.

Aircraft materials and hardware Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Aircraft materials and hardware - Essay Example The choice of the right material for a particular overhaul job stresses understanding of the common physical and chemical properties of different metals. Another aspect of aircraft maintenance and repair is that aircraft hardware is frequently ignored since of the insignificant size of the parts. But, selection of right hardware for the use in aircraft is very vital for the efficient operation and safety of any aircraft. The goal of this essay is to emphasize the importance of material, its various process and hardware selection for the use in aircraft structures (faa.gov, ND). Introduction The earlier aircraft materials must refer timber as the first materials used to create a power-driven aircraft. The Wright brothers involved mainly of Sitka spruce and bamboo fastened and bolted together to make a canvas-covered assembly. Aircraft made by wooden material were very successful in the initial years of flying. Currently, timber is only fit for fairly small aircraft. As the requirement for larger aircraft became unavoidable for the modern society, materials with superior specific strength come to be essential. Currently airplane consists mainly of aluminum alloys with steel, titanium alloys and polymer compounds. The equilibrium of materials does rest on on the kind of airplane as military fighter airplanes have much higher amounts of composites and titanium alloys. In this essay more emphasize is given to aircraft materials and its different processes. Pure aluminum and Aluminum alloys Airplane must be made of material with lesser weight to carry more loads and to reduce fuel consumption. The more travelers an airplane can transport the more income an aircraft corporation can create. At the same time as pure aluminum have less weight, very good corrosion resistance and exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity but it is weak and ductile to be used on aircraft structure in its pure form. The credit goes to Dr. Alfred Wilma, a German metallurgist, who found out that aluminum alloyed with copper and heat treated properly can be made much sturdier. The alloy of aluminum with 4% copper is said to be Duralumin and the heat treatment procedure is termed as precipitation hardening. After this Duralumin have characteristically little specific gravity and great strength (450 MPa). Since it is restricted to a maximum amenity temperature of around 660Â °C supplementary heat treatable aluminum alloys have been developed for aircraft use. These comprise a variety of intricate aluminum-zinc alloys which improve the maximum strength of several aluminum alloys. These alloys have used for contemporary aircraft design in which the skin of the fuselage and wings are stressed aluminum alloy parts that lessen the total heaviness of the aircraft. The disadvantage of the aluminum alloys discussed above have a drawback of not being as corrosion resistant as compared to pure aluminum. Therefore a thin coating of pure aluminum is usually fused to either sides of the alloy and is called Alclad aluminum alloy. Even though titanium is very costly it is used where great strength is required in load bearing applications for example, landing gear and engine escalating supports

Yanan Era (how did the Chinese Communist Party develop its political Research Paper

Yanan Era (how did the Chinese Communist Party develop its political strategy during the Yanan era) - Research Paper Example During the long march, the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and the red army created a well-established Yan’an spirit, which could later thrive in among the young revolutionaries. They had vision and desire for a better nation fighting for what they believed was a worthy cause, to defeat Japanese and Nationalist armies through the civil war for the revolutionary victory of 1949. The inspirational Yan’an era was fundamental in establishing the Peoples Republic of China through the 1950s. Therefore, in tracking the Chinese Communist Party development, it is essential for one to understand the Yan’an era, particularly the leadership of Mao, his theories and teachings, and ways of ruling like use of threats and elimination. The Yanan spirit played a great role in the Chinese Cultural Revolution, and it is even visible in modern day China. After the destruction of the Jiangxi Soviet, the red army marched to Yan’an in northern Shaanxi, where their communist ideologies could be reborn. Yan’an presented the ideal place to stage the communist revolution as it was a peasantry area that was famine and drought ridden. The peasant population worked for Mao and his group as they were easy targets that could accept revolutionary ideas in agriculture. The turning point of the Chinese Communist Party will always be attributed to the long march of the red army to Yan’an. The choice of Yan’an provided a base where the communist would reorganize and rebuild the resistance to the Guomindang Nationalists and the Japanese imperialist1. It was to be the center of communist teachings and development of the theory. After arriving at Yan’an, the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party was in a state of instability, and although Mao Zedong ascended to leadership, there was still more that needed to be mended. He had to deal with factions of the 28 Bolsheviks that had arrived from Moscow to

Credit analysis of potential customers of IBM Global Financing - Dissertation

Credit analysis of potential customers of IBM Global Financing - Current status appraisal and recommendations for future improvement - Dissertation Example Additionally, it has also hastened the credit approval process to a very short span which is inadequate to accurately arrive at a picture of the credit situation of the Company. This report examines the risks posed in the issue of credit and in financing arrangements, and also examines different kinds of credit models, applying them in the context of IBM Global, to examine its credit appraisal process and suggest recommendations to improve the efficacy of the credit rating process. CHAPTER ONE Aim and Objective of this Study: The recent financial crisis that has affected most of the world economies highlighted the grave problems that can arise when credit and financing arrangements are entered into indiscriminately, without a rigorous credit analysis system in place. IBM Global Financing is one arm of IBM that aids and assists credit worthy clients to develop a comprehensive investment strategy by offering them financing options for purchase of new IT equipment, or lease of equipment and other applications. This study proposes to examine the importance of assessing the risk of credit default risk and entering into a discussion of credit risk models, so that they can be applied in the context of the credit analysis process that is in use at IBM Global Financing. ... he IT systems that are already in existence at various organizations all around the world are legacy systems that are no longer optimum and effective in terms of functionality in a fast paced global environment. IBM Global Financing helps several corporations and businesses to acquire IT solutions that can help to meet the needs of the businesses in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible. It offers different kinds of financing options to address the unique needs of a particular organization and to help the said organizations to also manage their assets and cash flow as they carry on the process of improving and enhancing their IT systems. The Company does not merely offer It equipment at attractive financing rates, it also offers strategic financing for corporations to be able to survive in the current harsh economic climate that has plagued almost every region of the globe. The Company provides invaluable assistance to corporations in IT leveraging, commencing right f rom the beginning of the process when the decision is made to implement improved IT solutions. The corporations in questions are offered options to maximize their purchasing power, offered financial incentives and concessions as they implement and use the said systems and also in the disposal of IT systems when they are no longer effective or when they are upgraded by better systems. The clients of IBM Global Financing are aided in the process of making the right decisions. IBM Global Financing therefore offers short and long term loans, both for end customers as well as partnering options, offering financing on the basis of instalment payment plans, leasing options or through the use of factoring models, all of which are geared towards providing customers with a cost effective option to

Importance of Radioisotopes and Isotopes Research Paper - 1

Importance of Radioisotopes and Isotopes - Research Paper Example Some of the isotopes undergo radioactive decay over time, therefore, known as radioactive isotopes. On the other hand, those isotopes not been observed to undergo any form of decay are known as stable isotopes. In general, isotopes have similar chemical properties but different physical properties. For example, hydrogen has three different isotopes (fig 1); 1H, 2H, and 3H. Hydrogen 1 or protium is the most abundant isotope. As they all have similar chemical properties they can form similar bonds. H2O and D2O are some examples but they have different physical properties. H2O has melting point of 0.0oC and boiling point of 100.0oC but D2O melts at 3.82oC and boils at 101.4oC. (Stoker 55). Isotopes have various applications in different sectors. In the medical field, radioactive and stable isotopes are used in medical procedures for the purpose of diagnosis and therapeutic use. Isotopes have a significant application in biomedical research field as well as research in physics, biology, chemistry, geosciences and other branches of science and technology. Isotopes can be used in various ways in the various fields discussed above. They are generally helpful because of their emission properties. Isotopes with short half life decay and emit various radiations such as beta emissions which can be detected by various means. Therefore, they can be used as ‘tracers’. For example, scientists can measure the uptake of nutrients in a plant by using a radioactive isotope of phosphorous. 32P containing compound can be introduced in the soil which is taken up by the plant. It has a short half life of about 2 weeks and the rate of uptake can be found my measuring the time taken for it to appear in the leaves. It can be traced in the leaves by detecting the beta emissions. (Kotz, Treichel and Townsend 1086). Many other applications of radioactive isotopes apply similar technique. There are many applications of isotopes in the field of medicine. Iodine is an essential

E-government benefits Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

E-government benefits - Research Paper Example Convenience is also characterized by availability of many channels brought about by e-government that enables the citizens to choose where and when to receive government services. In addition, citizens with disabilities do not have the trouble of moving from one geographical area to the other seeking government services. Secondly, e-government has simplified application processes. Yigitcanlar & Baum (2006) asserts that citizens can easily apply for government services easily. Through the government websites, a citizen can get answers to his or her question without wading through hundreds of irrelevant information. With e-government, records can be signed digitally, certified legally and delivered electronically to the appropriate locations via the internet. Information can easily be accessed using a standardized feel and look using MassCares suite applications. A MassCares suite application has enabled citizens to serve themselves because routine work of government officials has been automated. In addition, citizens can visit many government agencies with a click of the mouse. With e-government, application process has also been made simpler through single-windows and single-sign –on. Third, e-government has increased citizen’s effectiveness and efficiencies. ... Citizens have found out e-government reduces the amount of time, money as well as materials spend on seeking government services. This is because correspondence between the government officials and citizens can be done via email, shot messaging services or chat rooms. Furthermore, e-government has reduced the chances of citizens making errors in application because automation informs the user in real-time when the error occurs and allow him or her to rectify it on the spot. Effectiveness and efficiency brought about by e-government has enabled some citizens to plan better their personal and professional work. Fourth, e-government has increased democratization. Citizens can easily express their opinions on government policies and activities via online surveys or blogs. In fact, it has been established that citizens especially those who are younger participate on online discussions of political issues and are appealed by e-voting procedures. The citizens can easily exert direct and pro minent influence to legislative processes by increasing their political participation on issues affecting them. According to Roy (2004), e-government allows citizens to interact with government officials as well as politicians on major issues affecting their lives. Instant-messaging, online interactive survey, audio/video presentations and blogging will allow government officials and politicians see and understand people’s views (Alston, 2003). Fifth, e-government has increased transparency and accountability in government agencies. With e-government, citizens (voter) are allowed to get insight on how government decisions and policies are made in real time basis.

Importance of Radioisotopes and Isotopes Research Paper - 1

Importance of Radioisotopes and Isotopes - Research Paper Example Some of the isotopes undergo radioactive decay over time, therefore, known as radioactive isotopes. On the other hand, those isotopes not been observed to undergo any form of decay are known as stable isotopes. In general, isotopes have similar chemical properties but different physical properties. For example, hydrogen has three different isotopes (fig 1); 1H, 2H, and 3H. Hydrogen 1 or protium is the most abundant isotope. As they all have similar chemical properties they can form similar bonds. H2O and D2O are some examples but they have different physical properties. H2O has melting point of 0.0oC and boiling point of 100.0oC but D2O melts at 3.82oC and boils at 101.4oC. (Stoker 55). Isotopes have various applications in different sectors. In the medical field, radioactive and stable isotopes are used in medical procedures for the purpose of diagnosis and therapeutic use. Isotopes have a significant application in biomedical research field as well as research in physics, biology, chemistry, geosciences and other branches of science and technology. Isotopes can be used in various ways in the various fields discussed above. They are generally helpful because of their emission properties. Isotopes with short half life decay and emit various radiations such as beta emissions which can be detected by various means. Therefore, they can be used as ‘tracers’. For example, scientists can measure the uptake of nutrients in a plant by using a radioactive isotope of phosphorous. 32P containing compound can be introduced in the soil which is taken up by the plant. It has a short half life of about 2 weeks and the rate of uptake can be found my measuring the time taken for it to appear in the leaves. It can be traced in the leaves by detecting the beta emissions. (Kotz, Treichel and Townsend 1086). Many other applications of radioactive isotopes apply similar technique. There are many applications of isotopes in the field of medicine. Iodine is an essential

Foreign Direct Investment for Developing Countries Essay

Foreign Direct Investment for Developing Countries - Essay Example 10) say that FDI is one of the key options for economic growth of developing countries. However, it is not all developing countries that are open to FDIs. The FDI helps these economies in terms of foreign capital in form of direct and also some cases indirect investment. Most of developing countries initially depended on loans from international financial institutions and banks but this started changing in the 80s when international banks started experiencing financial constraints. This forced most developing countries to shift the approach and change their investment policies in such a way that will be attractive to stable forms of foreign capital. The advantage of FDI is that developing countries easily get foreign capital without high risks that can be tagged to the debt. According Marchick and Slaughter (2008, p.2) governments have been reviewing their economic policies as an effort to attract MNCs through FDIs into their countries. It is important to note that FDI is directly affected by multinational companies (MNCs) who are the main participants. With that consideration, then we can easily conclude that factors that affect MNCs also affect FDIs. The capital flow from MNCs is directly injected to FDIs. Most of the times, the MNCs tend to expand their activates to foreign companies for several reasons which include; exploitation and utilization of economies of scales, utilization of particular advantages and at times very unprecedented reasons like just because their main competitors are actively involved related practices. Equally, governments are in competition to attract more FDIs in their nations. They do this by changing and at times compromising some of the key factors in their economic policies. Examples of such factors include corporate taxes, domestic labour market conditions among others. With all these activities surrounding FDI, MNCs have to be very analytical before making investments in such countries. There are determinants which are

Billy Queen Essay Example for Free

Billy Queen Essay â€Å"Under and Alone† by Billy Queen is an interesting and illustrative book that tries to provide an in-depth analysis of an undercover life. The underlying theme of this book is to illustrate the difficulties of the personnel of law enforcement agencies and how they put their life in dangers for the betterment of the society. The ultimate purpose of this book to realize people of the sacrifices that law-enforcement make to keep them secure. Bill queen narrates the moral, social and ethical dilemmas and other related pathos of an undercover agent. He further points out how an undercover agent had to change his identity to achieve his goals and this identity change sometime changes the psychological patterns and habitual formations of the agent and he starts thinking to resemble himself with outlaw personalities and phenomenon. Billy Queen is one such agent who after military service in Veitnam joins the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. He serves in various undercover positions in his career that spans over sixteen years but his entry into the South Californian chapter of the famous American gang Mongols (he calls them as â€Å"a tight-knit collective of crazies, unpredictable and unrepentant badasses) is the most prominent and dangerous part of his life. Mongols is a larger group with twenty chapters all across America with a headcount of 350 indulged in various activities such as murders, drug and arms trafficking, stealing motorcycles etc. in several states. The book does not look into the activities of the Mongol gang only but also provides an insight into the motives of such activities. Billy Queen discloses the fact that the motives for the formation of the gang was not looting and plundering but it was formed by the veterans of WWII who after the end of war was hankering after a life of adventures that could inflate a war lifestyle. Another important aspect of the book is that it presents the psychological conflict in the personality of undercover agents as they have to indulge in activities that they abhor and fight against in their real life. Billy Queen suffers from the same ambivalent personality as he has to perform evil act to win the confidence of the gang. Manifestation of this wickedness and fulfilling the demands of the gang blurs his own identity and changes his thinking and he starts considering himself as Billy St. John. Hew describes that he participated in gang activities life purchasing and selling narcotics, doing arms trafficking etc. but avoided such activities like rape, murder and dope taking at all costs. These activities form the main plot of the story but the most intense and interesting episodes of the story are related to Billy’s effort to thwart the pernicious activities. Billy’s style is intense as his humanity was at stake. The crux of the matter is that he never sacrificed duty at the altar of any hurdles, even his humanity. The duration of Billy’s activities as a undercover agent (almost 28 months) is an important factor that make us realizes the height of Billy’s contribution as he was totally cut off from all the social ties i. e. family, friends, colleagues etc. But he provides another facet of the story that the grave criminal activities, they (members of Mongol) use to share a genuine camaraderie and during his prolonged undercover, he use to enjoy the love and carte of gangsters. He says in this regard that â€Å"I had no doubt these guys genuinely loved Billy St. John and would have laid down their lives for him. But they wouldnt hesitate to murder Billy Queen. † But he succeeds in escaping from this tough life and with an accomplished mission as finally he triumphs in collecting evidence that dispatched eighteen Mongols to federal prison.

Cultures And The Globalization Of Mcdonalds Cultural Studies Essay

Cultures And The Globalization Of Mcdonalds Cultural Studies Essay In this essay I aim to develop a better understanding of globalization through studying something vital to globalizationMcDonaldization. I am focusing on a McDonald s in Bradford in the United Kingdom and the categories of people who frequent it and why they go there. Meanwhile, I will contrast the McDonald s in Bradford with McDonald s in China on the basis of questionnaires, observation, communications and memory, indicating whether McDonald s in the two countries is similar or different. By highlighting on customers as well as staff nationalities and behaviours, menu, decoration, I would advise that the influence of McDonald s as a symbol of American culture has been increasing throughout the world, and it is clear to realize that it comes under the heading of globalization. Subsequently, this study therefore gives some support to the cultural aspects of globalization including the theory about Mcdonaldization. Description of the ethnographic study in McDonald s I went shopping in the city centre of Bradford on 13th December 2009. I was attracted by the obvious logo of McDonald s, the striking festive menu drawing as well as free-wifi drawing in the transparent windows. Subsequently, I entered the restaurant, as usual in China in my memory and waited in the team line as well as prepared to order. Meanwhile, I found the menu in UK roughly the same in china except for a slight difference. For example, McDonald s hamburger in china will not directly put the raw cheese into hamburger. The staff with a Christmas hat and the McDonald s uniform smiled at me to help me order the menu. Surprisingly, the waiting time was relatively short, the same as the McDonald s in China. Thus, I am reminded of the four elements for the success of McDonald s business systems that refer to efficiency, calculability, predictability and control. The decoration in McDonald s is warm with golden, white or mirror walls, light ivory wooden table tops, blue or deep red cushion with golden blackboard wooden chairs and upholstered armchairs in deep red colours. Contemporary art or framed photographs handing on the walls are also attractive. It is worth mentioning that in the corner, many paintings are displayed on the walls around the children playground area, especially those of McDonald s Characters such as Ronald McDonald Grimace, Ham burglar and Birdie the Early Bird. In general, the decoration of McDonald s is aimed at making the store look more casual and sunny, which is similar to Starbucks. Compared with McDonald s in China, the decoration style is similar, but in the children playground area, there are more facilities like slides, wooden horses in China. Apparently the facilities are the same in Bradford and China. Behind the food serving area there are numerous technologies like automatic French fry machines and various c ertain products like happy meal which are available to the customers almost instantaneously through the carefully regulated and controlled system. With respect to people, there are several nationalities such as British, China, Pakistan, and Africa among the customers and the staff. Most people wear leisure clothes and overall the colours of people s clothes are drab. It is clear that the area of age is extensive, up to eighty- year- old people, down to two- aged children. Interestingly, the most frequent combination is an adult accompanied by her or his child, who plays the toy from happy meal as well as eats food. Meanwhile, McDonald s is the best choice for young people to enjoy the foods after shopping as the food is inexpensive and convenient. It is worth noting that both in Bradford and China I found people are more likely to be treated similarly in McDonald s, irrespective of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or social class. Accordingly, they have a high awareness to take the empty boxes and litters to the trash before they leave. Specifically, the staff with a smile to everyone and provide efficient goods and service s to meet the customer. A brief overview of the perspective A summary of my chosen theory of globalization would then follow. This is such a vast topic that I would have to focus on just a small part of globalization theory. I am particularly interested in theorizing the globalization of culture. Accordingly, I would be well-advised to consider the Mcdonaldization, as one of a number of globalization processes. Ritzer 2004 puts forward the view that globalization can be in general identified as the worldwide proliferation of practices, relations and social life, meanwhile, the people tend to share a new global consciousness across continents. In terms of the theorizing the cultural aspects of globalization, Pieterse (2003) suggests that there are three major approaches divided into cultural differentialism, convergence and hybrization. More specifically, first and foremost, with regard to lasting difference, Pieterse (2003) admits that the differences in culture perspective exist among the different regions and countries. To a great extent, in this theory area, some people like Huntington (1996) believe that the people tend to persist the local culture, civilization and remain culturally distinct. However, Ritzer (2004) believes that compare to the radically view of Huntington, the existence of a distinct attitude is due to a clash between the developed countries like the Unites States and the developing countries like China. With the advent of an increasingly modern development once the economic develop to a certain level, the developing countries like China will seek and adapt other cultures to enter the global market totally, while at the same time the developed countries tend to welcome what they provide. Therefore, in Ritzer s view, Huntington s opinion is likely to exist on the short time. Secondly, with respect to cultural growing sameness, Ritzer (2004) points out that global assimilation is a tendency, which means to some degree the cultures of the world are regarded as growing increasingly the same. To illustrate, Ritzer (2004) also figures that cultural convergence is characterized by the appearance of Cultural imperialism , westernization, Americanization, Mcdonaldization and world culture . Last but not the least, with regard to ongoing mixing of cultures, according to the view of Pieterse (2003), hybrization emphasized on growing diversity combination of the unique mixtures of local as well as global, thereby resulting in unique phenomenon in different areas. It is important to point out that to some extent it is the same meaning of the glocalization , which has been indicated by Robertson (2001). Also, Robertson (2001) distinguished the difference between globalization and glocalization, for example, the core concepts of globalization include capitalism, Americanization and Mcdonaldization whereas the main ideas of glocalization include hybrization, creolization and heterogeneization. To put it in another way, he believes that the outcome of globalization processes in future is likely to be the ongoing open-ended mixing that is glocalization. Accordingly, with respect to Mcdonaldization theory, it is critical to point out that the sociologist George Ritzer (1993) coins the McDonaldization in his book The McDonaldization of Society. He describes that McDonaldization is the process by which the beliefs of the fast-food restaurant seem to play a dominant role in the increasing number of sectors of American society and the rest of the world. On the one hand, Mcdonaldization is clearly closely related to a global cultural perspective as well as the influence of McDonald s and McDonaldization has a dramatic spread of the worldwide homogenization of societies. To illustrate, Bryman (2003) along with Ram (2004) indicates that McDonaldization is not only the extension of the sameness of food products but also the proliferation of a series of business principles as well as operation systems around the world. Moreover, it is worth noting that Big Mac Index is the significant index of McDonaldization, published by a prestigious magazine, the economist. It demonstrates the purchasing capacity of diverse currencies in the world dependent on the local price (in dollars) of the Big Mac as an identical basket of goods and services in each country. Meanwhile, Thomas (1999) in New York Times Magazine states that Big Mac Index creates the ubiquity and unique role of McDonald s around the world. On the other hand, Mcdonaldization may be considered as not only an illustration to drive the globalization process but also a major motor force in the future development of globalization. More specifically, according to the opinion of George Ritzer (2004), admittedly, a certain degree of glocalization happens with Mcdonaldization, but the majority of aspects of Mcdonaldization relate to globalization that the existence of homogeneity more than heterogeneity is related to the process of Mcdonaldization. For example, Robertson (2001) demonstrates that in glocalization theory, social processes are contingent and depend on the different geographic areas while in globalization theory, social processes are deterministic. Analysis of the McDonald s within Globalization model An analysis of McDonald s based on the theory of the globalization of culture as well as Mcdonaldization would then follow. To put it another way, the central issue would be discussed that the fact of ethnographic studies and a general sociological understanding of the globalization culture as well as Mcdonaldization, which is consistent or inconsistent. In terms of differences in cultures existing among the different regions and countries are demonstrated by Pieterse (2003), which is the same story. To illustrate, nowadays McDonald s for Chinese tends to be an excellent place to have fun together in particular the students group and parents comply with children while Mcdonald s for British is likely to be a convenient and inexpensive place to deal with hungry. More specifically, Mcdonald s for Chinese children is regarded as a pleasure ground more than a fast food restaurant. Thus, different cultures lead to the different decoration designs in the children playground area, which seems to provide more facilities like the slide and the wooden horse in China. However, whether Mcdonald s American culture will be constant in the long-term as suggested by Huntington (1996) or will last for in a short-term as indicated by Ritzer (2004) is still to be proved by time. It is worth noting the third possibility of Pieterse (2003), where it is may be likely to increase diversity association of the unique mixtures of local culture as well as Mcdonald s America culture and then leads to a unique phenomenon in Mcdonald s among different areas. With respect to Mcdonaldization and the influential globalizing flow, an illustration of global culture assimilation is argued by George Ritzer (2004), which is a true story. In the first place, it is universal acknowledge that McDonald s is the leading global foodservice retailer which occupies a central place in American popular culture. According to McDonald s official website, the statistics points out that McDonalds operates over 31,000 restaurants in 119 countries around the world and employs more than 1.5 million people. In the second place, in mentioning McDonald s worldwide operation system, the McDonald s staff in Bradford told me that in general McDonald s operation around the world is nearly the same because any McDonald s systems are associated with the centrally controlled system of American headquarters and every individual who is working in McDonald s knows what is expected of him based on uniform McDonald s operation and training manual. Specifically, the McDonald s staff in Bradford also told me some regulations and documents like 8 steps making a McDonalds Big Mac according to the McDonald s operation and training manual. Therefore, the situation in McDonald s for workers, customers and managers is around the same. For example, a year ago I lived in China or this year I live in England, McDonald s for me offers the best available way to get from being hungry to being full due to the similar convenience as well as efficiency both China and England. It is worth noting that it also corresponds to the theory of the dimensions of Mcdonaldization indicated by George Ritzer (2004), who claims that efficiency, predictability, calculability and control through nonhuman technology are the important elements of the McDonald s success. In other words, efficiency is generally beneficial to customers who are able to obtain what they need more quickly. As regards Mcdonaldization the core concepts of globalization demonstrated by Robertson (2001) during the observation, are found to be a little different. The main reason is that the local strategies of McDonald s in different countries reflect the integration of McDonald s American culture and local culture. For instance, McDonald s managers in 2008 realized that the spectacular Olympic Games would be held in Beijing began on August 8th 2008 at 08:08:08 PM, when the people around the world would be happy with excitement and pretension. Thus, McDonalds unveiled four new Olympic-themed television advertisements developing its im lovin it brand essence with the magic and ideals of the Olympic Games to attract people in particular Chinese. On the other hand, it is worth noting that George Ritzer (2004) who admitted there are some things which reflect the features of glocalization in Mcdonald s whereas the main characteristic corresponds to the globalization and the sameness more than difference in the process of Mcdonaldization in contemporary. To a great extent, it is true, that although there are some modifications based on different countries the demand for the marketing specific marketing strategies of Mcdonald s, the main business model and culture idea of Mcdonald s is constant like nonhuman technology service. Conclusion Overall, it is important to point out that the situation between McDonald s in Bradford and McDonald s in China was same similarities rather than differences, which takes into account abundant elements such as business system, nationalities, behaviour, menu and decoration based on the questionnaires, observation, communications and memory. Meanwhile, the fact of ethnographic studies and a general sociological understanding of the globalization culture as well as Mcdonaldization are likely to correspond with each other mainly. Subsequently, there are some points I am partial to reiterate as followed. First and foremost, admittedly, a comparison of McDonald s in Bradford and McDonald s in China on the basis of an ethnographic study reveals that McDonald s has become a symbol of American culture symbolising inexpensive, convenient and nonhuman technology service in people s minds with a global influence under the heading of globalization. Secondly, the situation of McDonald s and Mcdonaldization reflect the characteristics of global cultural homogeneity beyond the features of differentialism. To put it in another way, the Mcdonaldization is a type of the idea of worldwide homogeneity of societies through the influence of multinational corporations. Thirdly, in my personal perspective, the development process of McDonald s maybe considered as a process of dealing with the conflict of local culture and American McDonald s culture and assimilating each other in order to balance this paradox. Therefore, McDonald s paradox to a great extent can be considered as the rivalry between globalization and interregional in terms of cultural aspects. Last but not the least, nearly the same as Pieterse s (2003) opinion, as far as I am concerned, Mcdonald s in future may be likely to grow with diversity connection of the unique mixtures of local culture as well as Mcdonald s America culture and then create a unique phenomenon in Mcdonald s among different areas. Accordingly, the outcome of globalization processes is open-ended leading to a mixture in the future.

Thomas Edison :: essays research papers

Thomas Alva Edison Thomas Edison could probably be properly called Mr. Electricity because of the many inventions and millions of dollars that he used and invested with electricity. From the invention of the light bulb, to the invention of the phonograph Thomas Edison made electricity a reality for the masses. And one of his greatest influences was from his Father a very positive man. A long with the great influence he had upon Americans and the world. He sparked the movement of today’s computer ran world. Thomas Edison was born February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. He was the seventh and last child of Samuel Edison, Jr. and Nancy Elliot Edison. His parents had no special mechanical background. His mother was a former schoolteacher; his father was a jack-of-all-trades - from running a grocery store to real estate. When Thomas was seven years old, his family moved to Port Huron, Michigan. He was a very curious child who asked a lot of questions. "Edison began school in Por t Huron, Michigan when he was seven. His teacher, the Reverend G. B. Engle considered Thomas to be a dull student."(Allen pg. 22) Thomas especially did not like math. And he asked too many questions. The story goes that the teacher whipped students who asked questions. After three months of school, the teacher called Thomas, "addled". Thomas was pissed. The next day, Nancy Edison brought Thomas back to school to talk with Reverend Engle. The teacher told his mother that Thomas couldn't learn. Nancy also became angry at the teacher's strict ways. "She took Thomas out of school and decided to home-school him."(Allen pg. 34) It appears he briefly attended two more schools. However, his school attendance was not very good. So nearly all his childhood learning took place at home. Edison's parents loved to read. They read to him works of good literature and history. They had many books that young Tom eagerly devoured. Before he was 12, he had read work s by Dickens and Shakespeare, Edward Gibbon's Fall of the Roman Empire and Decline, and more. Nancy Edison encouraged her curious son to learn things for himself. His parents were dedicated to teaching their children. They did not force him to learn about things he didn't enjoy. So he learned about things that interested him the most. When Thomas was nine Nancy Edison gave him an elementary science book. It explained how to do chemistry experiments at home.

Moral Ambiguity in Heart of Darkness Essay

In _Heart of Darkness_, by Joseph Conrad, the character Marlow, through his actions and experiences, shows himself to be morally ambiguous in that he goes on the European’s malevolent expedition to Africa yet he seems to despise the events he sees there and in that he performs both noble and ignoble deeds. These experiences and actions drive Conrad’s theme of European influence and colonialism corrupting, in this case, Africa. Marlow is a sailor who is traveling through Africa on a steam boat and who works for a company that is attempting to gain riches for Europe. His moral ambiguity is shown by the fact that he is participating in this heinous expedition yet, at the same time, he seems to despise it. Marlow, as he sailed along the coast, saw â€Å"a man-of-war anchored off the coast†¦shelling the bush†¦There was a touch of insanity in the proceeding†¦ [which] was not dissipated by somebody on board assuring me earnestly there was a camp of natives â₠¬â€œ he called them enemies! – hidden out of sight somewhere.† (pg.18 ). Marlow’s word choice depicts the corrupting influence of Europe because it speaks of how he saw a man-of-war, a French ship, attack natives who were, in his opinion, unjustly called enemies. What truly shows this to be a corrupting influence, however, is his use of the word â€Å"insanity† to describe the event; insanity here is meant to show that this event, caused by Europeans, is unnatural to Africa and disrupts its calm. Next, Marlow spoke of other Europeans who came to Africa such as the â€Å"devoted band†¦called†¦the Eldorado Exploring Expedition†¦ To tear treasure out of the bowels of the land was their desire†¦with no†¦moral purpose at the back of it† (pg. 42). The Eldorado Expedition, as Marlow saw it, was the typical devoted European band which he felt was nothing but a bunch of dirty thieves -with no regard for the greater good- who, through their actions, would desecrate Africa by ripping away its riches. Finally, Marlow, as he was walking with Kurtz’s admirer, saw â€Å"heads on stakes†¦They showed that Kurtz lacked restraint in the gratification of his various lusts.† (pg. 81). Kurtz is a European who was sent by the company to get the treasures of Africa for Europe and to colonize it, but, when Marlow sees what Kurtz does he says that Kurtz is  unable to restrain his lust. This, in and of itself, may seem unimportant, but, it infers that all the Europeans going to Africa are driven by lust and the main function of lust is traditionally corruption, hence, the Europeans going to Africa will do nothing but corrupt it. In addition to utilizing Marlow’s experience, Joseph Conrad utilizes Marlow’s conflicting actions in order, not only to reinforce Marlow’s moral ambiguity, but to further depict the corrupting influence of Europe on Africa. The first thing the Conrad did was have Marlow take â€Å"the pose of a Buddha preaching in European clothes and without a lotus-flower† (pg. 8 ) Here Marlow acts like Buddha, a symbol of someone who is enlightened and good, which makes it clear that everything Marlow says is true and that his ul timate opinion, that being that Europe corrupts, is an absolute truth. Next Marlow empathetically said, â€Å"‘Nevertheless I think Mr. Kurtz is a remarkable man'† (pg. 88 ) Marlow’s action appears to contrast with the perfection given to him by his earlier Buddha pose because he is supporting and admiring Kurtz, the person who took his lust to the extreme and the person who represents the ultimate level of European corruption. Marlow, however, must be right about Kurtz’s remarkable nature in some way because he is portrayed as Buddha though, contrary to what one might think at the beginning of the book, this portrayal does not portend moral perfection on Marlow’s part as shown later in the book. The only way in which Kurtz is remarkable is in his excessive level of lust; hence, Marlow’s statement implies that Europe is a ceaselessly corrupting influence, varying only in the degree of corruption from person to person. Finally, Marlow, when observing Kurtz’s wife, sees, â€Å"the faith that [is] in herâ₠¬ ¦that great saving illusion [shining] with an unearthly glow in the†¦triumphant darkness† (pg 107). Marlow’s observation shows that in a world of corruption and darkness, the European world, Kurtz’s wife deludes herself by creating a world of light and good in her own mind, this fact is necessary in order to understand the importance of the exchange following this observation. The exchange between Marlow and Kurtz’s wife begins with Marlow unwisely saying, â€Å"I heard his very last words† (pg. 109) leading to Kurtz’s wife asking him to â€Å"‘Repeat them’†¦in a heart broken tone'† (pg. 109) and, although Kurtz’s true last words were â€Å"‘The horror! the horror!'† (pg. 109) Marlow told her that, â€Å"‘The last word he pronounced was – your name'† (pg. 109). The importance of this conversation is that it shows the reality  of Kurtz’s vision, that being â€Å"the horror†, through Marlow’s noble lie. It was already shown that Kurtz’s wife lived in an illusionary world, this, combined with Marlow lying to her when she asked for Kurtz’s last words, shows that what Kurtz saw of Europe, a horror, was the truth. Conveniently, Marlow’s act of not shattering Kurtz’s wife’s illusion contrasts with his support of Kurtz, which caused him to seem vile, thus making it impossible to legitimately argue that Marlow is wholly good or bad, only that he is right. Marlow, through his experiences and actions, is depicted as a moral ambiguity and this ambiguity is the tool with which Joseph Conrad develops his theme of European corruption on other peoples and places. Marlow participates in the heinous European expedition yet his opinion of the events he sees are negative thus demonstrating the corrupting influence of Europe, and his actions, which present him as both enlightened and morally ambiguous, also emphasizes the corrupting influence of Europe through the expression of his opinion. Ironically, his ambiguity is symbolic of the ambiguity of the Europeans themselves in that go to other places, such as Africa, with intentions akin to enlightening the people they encounter but, despite the fact that they may succeed in enlightening those people, they corrupt them as well.

Descartes and Hume’s Infinity Essay

The word infinity refers to several concepts but all pertains to something that is without bound or endless. Most of the time, it is used in the field of mathematics but the concept is also used in several other fields including philosophy. This paper will try to study Rene Descartes and David Hume’s concepts and views of infinity as well as the problems regarding their concepts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For Rene Descartes, the word infinity is attributed and is referred to a perfect being, to God. On the other hand, although most of his infinity raises most paradoxes that are really challenging for his empiricism, David Hume asserts that we cannot comprehend infinity. According to Descartes, infinity is the same as God or that God is the same as infinity. He also proves the existence of God by using the concept of infinity as an illustration. Descartes also said that he is able to see infinity because he is able to think and imagine a large object and as well as a larger object but not the largest object. Descartes stated the existence of god is proven by the use of infinity because according to him, if you have the idea of infinity and yet cannot witnessed it proves the existence of God. This is because our so called finite self will not be able to generate the idea of something like infinity and therefore the idea must then came from a somewhere or someone of infinite being, from God. The ability of God is also proven by infinity because according to Descartes, the continuity of thing should be conserved and therefore needs the continuous power that is supporting it. On the other hand, according to David Hume, because it is by faith that we know that God exist and so we will know his nature in the heaven. If there is a God with infinite attributes, then he is therefore infinitely incomprehensible without proportion to us human beings. Therefore Hume objects the concept of infinity because we cannot experience infinity; therefore we have no adequate idea of what infinity really is. Because of his belief and thinking, he even proposes to replace the notion of endless or unbounded, infinity, by a time and space theory. That every idea that we have is copied from a similar impression is the fundamental of Hume’s arguments. So according to Hume, our idea of God together with his attributes such as his infinite intelligence, good being and all his infinite abilities and characteristics are just products of our own mind, increasing that idea without limit those qualities. Therefore our notion and knowledge of god is not brought by any revelations or something that god put on us but rather by of us taking our normal attributes and increasing these attributes to infinity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The major problem regarding the theory and idea of Hume is that it contradicts some principles in geometry such as the Pythagorean theorem. David Hume’s theory includes the denial of the thesis that extension infinitely divisible. Still, how Hume critiques the idea of infinity is said to be a product of Enlightenment theory of Knowledge. Also the theories of Hume disprove the existence of God in which case most people will definitely disagree and critique and would say inverse that we does not create God but rather God created us. In this case it is certain that many people will be against Hume’s principles and ideology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The problem with Descartes ideas is that he needs the existence of a perfect being in order to be able to have a clear idea of what is infinity. Also the argument of Descartes is a circular argument because he proves the existence of God using the idea of infinity and at the same time his idea of infinity relies on the knowledge of God. The clarity of his ideas is relied on God and God on his ideas. Since Descartes infinity theory relies on the concept of having an infinite and perfect being in our mind, there surely be misconceptions and understanding on the concept since our mind is able to entertain several things that may include fiction or something that is untrue. Greek gods, goddesses as well as super heroes are some of the examples that we entertain in our minds that are far and/or not part of the real world. Also since different person have different views and as well knowledge and understanding, there could be as many interpretations of the word infinity as there are people. And how about those that did not believe in the existence of God? Does that mean that they are not capable of understanding what infinity is? Definitely not and therefore Descartes’ concept of infinity applies to limited people only. The main similarity and difference between Rene Descartes ideas of infinity to that of Hume is that both of them uses the concept of God making their argument. They both use the concept and knowledge of a so-called infinite being in their arguments. Also they are in different and in conflict because Descartes proves the existence of God by using the concept of infinity and Hume do the opposite, disproving the existence of God as disproving the concept of infinity. In Descartes statement, infinity exist although we cannot see it. The mere fact that the idea of infinity is in our minds prove that there really is an infinite being, a God that created all things and that sustains it by his infinite attributes. On the other hand, Hume believes that we cannot comprehend and understand infinity and it therefore there exist no such thing. It can be said that both Descartes and Hume have an idea of what infinity is. Their difference is the idea whether infinity is achievable or not. For Descartes, infinity or God exist although we cannot see it or even imagine it; that basically is infinity. On the other hand, Hume disapprove the concept of infinity saying that since we cannot see or visualize infinity, infinity does not exist and should be replaced by something that exist, something real like time and space. Although the two ideas are conflicting in can be said that they are truly believable and without further and close study of the matter, we may really be misguided. Still, whether we believe Descartes or Hume depends on us, no one will force us to believe someone. What is important is that we really have the basis of our beliefs. Reference Brown, R. G. (2007). God, Dog and Spark. Retrieved December 04, 2007 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.phy.duke.edu/~rgb/Poetry/hot_tea/hot_tea/node31.html Holding, J. P. (No Date). Humaen Understanding. Retrieved December 04, 2007 from http://www.tektonics.org/gk/hume01.html Leahy, J. P. (2000). Infinity and Eternity of the Universe. Retrieved December 04, 2007 from http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~jpl/cosmo/infinity.html