Wednesday, August 26, 2020

The Tennis Serve Essays - Anatomical Terms Of Motion, Elbow, Serve

The Tennis Serve Essays - Anatomical Terms Of Motion, Elbow, Serve The Tennis Serve The tennis serve is the stroke that places the ball in play and is frequently alluded to as the most significant stroke in the sport of tennis. It has become a guideline weapon of assault and is utilized to put the adversary on edge by driving an arrival from the frail side or by moving the beneficiary out of position. A decent solid serve can in some cases be the premise of dominating a match of tennis. I have included eight picture groupings to delineate the tennis serve. Spoken to in picture An is the position of the serve. In this piece of the serve, the individual needs to take a position sideways to the net, around three or four feet to the correct focus mark behind the standard. The left foot is a few crawls behind the line, the toes highlighting the net post. The back foot is corresponding to the gauge and spread similarly from the front. Pictures B and C speak to the arrangement stage. In these photos, the execution of the ball hurl is performed. The ball hurl is the way in to a first rate serve: a decent discharge reliably puts the ball in the best possible hitting position. A poor discharge can lose timing and at last reason an awful serve. In pictures D-F the activity stage is spoken to. In picture D of the activity stage, the elbow arrives at a position somewhat higher than the shoulder, at that point the elbow twists and the racket head drops down behind the go into what is known as the back scratching position. In picture E, the ball ought to be at its most extreme tallness of the hurl before striking it. In picture F, the remainder of the activity stage, the development of striking the ball is dangerous in an upward and forward movement until contact Pictures G and H speak to the finish. In the finish the activity is performed up and out, not down, toward the proposed target territory. The finish is a characteristic continuation of the stroke. A decent finish will help get ready for the subsequent stage in moving toward the net for an arrival. Kinematics is characterized as the investigation of movement. It is accumulated of various substantial planes and diverse joint movements. In the start of the serve, during the position (picture A), the feet are apparently pivoted. The hips and the storage compartment are broadened. The left shoulder is marginally flexed alongside the correct shoulder and the shoulder supports are somewhat snatched. Both of the wrists are pronated with the elbows marginally flexed. During the planning (pictures B and C) the feet are still in an apparently pivoted position. The hips marginally steal with the storage compartment still in full augmentation. The shoulders are kidnapped, with slight rise of the shoulder support. The two elbows are expanded, however the correct wrist remains in a pronated position and the left wrist is supinated. During the activity (pictures D-F) the correct foot deep down pivots alongside it performing grower flexion however the left foot remains in an ostensibly turned position. The hips are adducted however then they move to snatching. The storage compartment begins in hyperextension at that point get completely stretched out and marginally pivot to one side. The two knees flex however the left knee broadens while the correct knee stays flexed. The left shoulder goes from flexion to expansion while the correct shoulder performs high corner to corner adduction. The left elbow goes from expansion to flexion and the correct elbow goes from flexion to augmentation. The left hand goes from supination to pronation while the correct hand remains in a pronated position. At long last, during the finish (pictures G and H) the left foot deep down turns alongside some grower flexion. The correct foot deep down turns and returns to a normally level position. The two hips are flexed alongside the flexion of the storage compartment and it's revolution. The left shoulder stays in an all-encompassing position yet the correct shoulder finishes the high askew adduction, while both shoulder supports perform kidnapping. The correct elbow somewhat flexes yet the left elbow broadens. The knees go from flexion indeed of flexion. The kinematics of the tennis serve is a convoluted thing, it comprise of

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Internship Report free essay sample

Dear Madam, This is an extraordinary joy for me to present the Thesis paper on â€Å"Training advancement rehearses in banking area An investigation on Bangladesh perspective†. While setting up this paper, I attempted my best to adhere to the directions that you have given to me. The whole proposal depends on my hypothetical and down to earth perception of the bank. I have outfitted all the things what I have realized during the program. The paper endeavors to portray my perceptions, learning’s and encounters picked up in the distinctive Bank. In spite of the few compels, I have given my all endeavors to make this paper a total one. I will be profoundly supported on the off chance that you are sufficiently caring to get this report. Truly yours Farzana Akther STUDENT’S DECLARATION THESIS PAPER I here report that the broad examination entitled â€Å"Training advancement rehearses in banking segment: An investigation on Bangladesh perspective† (Conducted in the interest of Farzana Akther) Prepared in halfway achievement of the Requirement for the honor of the certificate Master of Business Administration From STAMFORD UNIVERSITY BANGLADESH It is my unique work and not set forward for The honor of some other degree/recognition/association Or other comparative term or respect Farzana Akther ID: MBA-04512627 CLARATION STAMFORD UNIVERSITY BANGLADESH To Whom It May Concern This is to guarantee that the internee report on â€Å"Training advancement rehearses in banking segment An examination on Bangladesh perspective† For the certificate Master of Business Administration (MBA) major in HRM from Stamford University Bangladesh completed by Farzana Akther ID: MBA-04512627 under my watch. The last express gratitude toward I might want to give Nhung, my four-year schoolmate at the college for her enthusiatic help so I can achieve this report. Official SUMMARY This report is a short portrayal of multi month intership completed as obligatory segment of Bachelor’s program at the college. In this report, I might want to introduce the fundamental data about Thang Long Technical Joint Stock Company where I had my entry level position, the work I did and the exercises I got a handle on during the temporary position just as my self-assessment on this entry level position. THE MAIN CONTENTS 1. Review OF THANG LONG TECHNICAL JOINT STOCK COMPANY AND THE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT: 1. 1. Presentation of Thang Long Technical Joint Stock Company: Thang Long Technical Joint Stock Company, known as ThangLong Tech is a little private endeavor situated on the Floor 1, DN 2, OCT2, Zone X1, North Linh Dam, Dai Kim ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi. Thang Long Tech is perceived as an autonomous specialist unit by Ministry of Construction. It registers to work in the field of assessment, legal assessment everywhere throughout the nation. It gives consultancy and building specialized administrations including: - Observation of geotechnics and twisting of built structures. Examination for soil conditions for development venture and hydrogeological examination. - Inspection of the nature of the finished structure works. - Testing development material, building structures. - Consulting and doing undertakings as far as estimating and making maps. - Surveying and assessment of the effects to the earth. Thang Long Tech is likewise one of not exactly a couple of organizations which have a research center normalized and recognized by Ministry of Construction dependent on the arrangement of standard lab of Ministry of Construction of Vietnam. The Laboratory, to be specific LAS-XD33 is ensured to do the tests in the accompanying principle fields: - Soil attributes: To do tests to decide the dirt qualities - Material for development: To test the standards as far as mechanics and material science of material, for example, sand, stone, concrete, steel bar, blocks, mortar, concrete solid, black-top cement †¦ - In-situ tests: To review the nature of solid structures on the site, to do the static burden tests, to do ultra-sonic tests for exhausted heaps, to quantify the settlement of the development works, to gauge the earth resistance,†¦ - Tests on built dikes and leveled grounds nearby: To decide the thickness, to gauge in-situ CBR, to gauge the evenness and flexure of the ground The association of ThangLong Tech is quickly delineated in the accompanying graph: 1. 2. Presentation of the Finance and Personel Department: In my temporary job, I was orchestrated to work in the Finance and Personel Department. Since Thang Long Tech is a little organization, one departmant is accountable for both Finance Department and Personel Department. The previous, Finance Department is responsible for the accompanying capacities: - Keep business record of businesss exercises of the organization under the Ordinance on Accounting and Statistics of the State . Sum up business results, get ready bookkeeping and factual reports, dissect business exercises for checking the usage of the plans of the organization . - Record and reflect precisely, convenient and efficiently the organization. s capital just as credits, repayment of assets for the preparation of provisions, materials, merchandise underway - Keep track of the companys obligation , reflect and propose plan of incomes and uses with money and different types of installment, perform inward work . - Draw the asset report quarterly, yearly on time And the last mentioned, Personnel Department is accountable for the accompanying capacities: - Manage all staff’s resumes, manage methodology and systems of enlistment, arrangement, excusal, discipline, reward, retirement Oversee work, staff’ pay rates, fabricate the complete pay support, affirm the compensation allotment, consumptions of the organization and the research facility - Manage regulatory reports, papers, records and corporate seal Implementation of basic stockpiling materials and significant archives . - Develop work plans, preparation plans, gatherings - Monitor participation of representatives of the organization - Prepare the corporate limit profile 2. Portrayal OF THE INTERNSHIP: The primary seven day stretch of the temporary position was gone through on getting familliar with the working style and making aquaintance with individuals in the office. I was unable to begin working without understanding the manner in which the organization works and becoming more acquainted with about different representatives. In this manner, from the start I needed to found out about the organizations and its exercises, at that point manufacture the relationship with my associates. My absolute first errand is to watch the activity of the Finance and Accounting Department. Ordinary the organization begins working at 8. 00 A. M and completions at 12. 00 A. M. , and contines at 1 P. M. what's more, closes at 5 P. M. All specialists need to press their finger in the unique mark time participation machine when working. This time and participation framework records when representatives start and stop work, so it empowers to have a full control of all workers working hours. In this manner, infrequently did I see the staff arrive behind schedule when working there. Ms Tam, my manager consistently tells the truth the room and make tea for everybody. She is well disposed and supportive. She bolstered me without a doubt. During working hours, aside from a twenty-minute break to unwind and visit, all are consistently occupied with their missions. I saw how they functioned, what they worked and attempted to contrast and the information I had learnt at the college: the likenesses just as the distinctions. My administrator gave me the archives relating this division, for example, official despatches, agreements, vouchers, etc to peruse before doling out me a particular assignment. She additionally told me the area and the best way to store these records so I could do when they were occupied or went out for work. When having gotten official dispatch, open the observing book of got official dispatch, record the quantity of the dispatch, the date of composing the dispatch, the date of accepting the dispatch, the substance of the dispatch, and the giving offices. At that point, the dispatch is put away in record arranged by the date of receipt. As far as sent authority dispatch, right off the bat, compose a dispatch as indicated by the mentioned content, at that point highest point it to the chief for his endorsement and mark. From that point onward, open the checking book of sent authority dispatch, record the quantity of the dispatch, the date of composing the dispatch, the substance of the dispatch, and the got organizations. A duplicate of the sent dispatch is additionally put away in record arranged by the date of receipt. At long last, the dispatch is sent to the got organizations. As to monetary agreements, Contracts are drafted dependent on contract layouts. When drafting the agreement, make sure to compose completely and precisely the gathering A, the gathering B, and the agreement esteem. Since leading material test for conctruction works is one of two significant administrations of ThangLong Tech, so each agreement for the most part incorporates the assessed cost and unit cost of testing. In the wake of being drafted, the agreement is submitted to the executive for his mark. At that point it is sent to the accomplice for their endorsement and mark. In the wake of having the mark and seal of both two gatherings, the agreement is made four duplicates, each gathering keeps two. In the wake of finishing all work in the agreement, liquidation of agreement will be put away alongside the agreement. After over seven days, I was very acquainted with these archive, I was doled out to draw up certain kinds of reports dependent on layouts including citation, demand for installment. While carrying out these responsibilities, I couldn't just get an opportunity to rehearse the information on business corresspondence I have been considering this semester, yet in addition upgrade my figuring abilities. Moreover, I additionally became accustomed to playing out some fundamental office undertakings, for example, noting telephones, replicating reports, filtering papers, appending the seals, or even how to fix a printer paper jam. From the start, I carried out those responsibilities ponderously in light of the fact that they were very unusual. Yet, up to this point I did them easily and even constantly. Despite the fact that these things appear to be extremely simple and are absolutely random to my stu

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Africans@MIT The Accra Experiment

Africans@MIT The Accra Experiment Emmanuel A. ‘18 is a member of my own class year (as is Pelkins A ‘18, who I covered last week) and therefore someone I’ve interacted with a lot while at MIT, from freshman orientation until now. I did not have the privilege of sharing a class with him, but we would meet at all our different community events and (of course) occasionally when working on psets at the student center. Emmanuel is also highly active in the African community at MIT, serving as Vice President of the African Students’ Association and the President of Sakata Afrique, an African dance team at MIT (trust me, he’s got some sick moves!) Emmanuel and other members of Sakata Afrique, in a photoshoot to publicize their spring show, AfroShake When I first sat down to talk to Emmanuel, that feeling of responsibility I’d observed across so many people was there again, unquestioning. “I mean, you know, giving back,” he said simply and nonchalantly, and went on to describe his ongoing project in Ghana. He also shared with me a personal anxiety: “I felt I should start something now so I can go back to Ghana sooner” he said, “once people get married or have children in the U.S., that’s it, they stay here.” While it might sound silly at first, Emmanuel was particularly moved by a documentary created by MIT alumn Arthur Musah ‘04, MEng ‘05 called Naija Beta, which details a first-generation Nigerian-American’s efforts to help his father’s community in ways his father, who ended up staying in the U.S., never could. There is a very real and powerful emotional entanglement that comes with “settling down”, so to speak, which is sometimes inevitable with time spent in the U.S. Emmanuel felt discomfort and urgency after watching the documentary, and was inspired to act quickly. Except that, initially, Emmanuel was not sure what he could do as an effective project in Ghana. He mulled over the problem for a while, keeping an open ear to the projects of other MIT community members. He was partly inspired by Bruke K. ‘19, for example, who was involved on campus in creating the [emailprotected] celebration. Hearing the practical, logistical steps of his process planning the enormous event gave Emmanuel some insight. Most importantly, it led to a key realization, which is easy to say but difficult to really believe: that a single person, including Emmanuel himself, could set in motion something great, with a widespread impact. It was then that Emmanuel began to think back to the previous year when, like many MIT students, he decided to participate in the MISTI program Global Teaching Labs (GTL). In the GTL program, MIT students can spend IAP teaching students in other countries. Emmanuel went to Israel with GTL, where he came into contact with the Ecological Greenhouse in Kibbutz Ein-Shemer. More than just a greenhouse, this organization allowed students across a wide age-range (from elementary school through high school) to participate in after-school programs where they conducted all sorts of applied science and engineering projects. Older children were guided in conducting small research projects, and learned the different skills needed for effective research. There were even some projects that taught 3D printing skills and design work, unrelated to the greenhouse or botany subjects altogether. Kibbutz Ecological Greenhouse and its programs left a strong impression on Emmanuel, who saw how it provided e ffective teaching and resources, which many Ghanaian and even American high school students didn’t have. “Every country that’s developed so far has invested heavily in research,” he said, “and I hate that our people are still dependent on others telling them about their own country.” Emmanuel understands the power of good research institutionswhich are first made by good researchers. He is also frustrated by how reams of research papers about African countries come from institutions outside the continent. Emmanuel felt strongly that this needed to changeespecially in Ghana. Education standards are certainly improving for sure, as both Ghana and the African continent grow at a breakneck pace. To handle this rapid growth, the recent emphasis in Ghanaian education is often on entrepreneurial thinking and development, like Ashesi University, whose founder quit Microsoft to build the school, and focuses heavily on entrepreneurship. “For every 3 college graduates, one should be an entrepreneur” seems to be the central principle guiding modern Ghanaian education. However, Emmanuel felt the careful process of quality research should be pushed forward, too. He felt the country couldn’t truly reach its full potential without measured scientific thinking, in addition to the emphasis on entrepreneurship. There were many things about Kibbutz Ecological Greenhouse that Emmanuel liked, from how it emphasized research to how it started kids so young. He saw the value in this. “I am a firm believer in the quote, ‘as the twig is bent, so grows the tree’. Teach small kids how to do things, and by the time they grow up they’ll be so good at it!” Spring of Emmanuel’s junior year, he started seriously working on trying to start something similar in Ghanaa research institute of sorts, for younger students. He wanted to teach students how to write papers and proposals, how to read papers, how to follow scientific methods and conduct quality research. He reached out to many people at MIT to get advicefrom Professor Hazel Sive, an incredible woman who leads the MIT-Africa initiative, to Professor Dennis Freeman, the Dean of Undergraduate Education at MIT. He scrambled to find funding to go and start partnerships in Ghana, finally securing a travel grant from the Public Service Center. This past January, Emmanuel’s Senior IAP, he found himself in Accra with a vague plan and a lot of running around to do. Some of his early partners helped tremendously, like Mawuenyega Dogoe, the Director of MISE Ghana, a youth research initiative focused on math that also supports the Ghanaian branch of International Math Olympiad. Mr. Dogoe became a huge resource to Emmanuel, and mentored him during his time in Ghana purely out of enthusiasm for the project. Other community partnerships fell through, like an attempt to connect with the University of Ghana’s Office of Research Innovation and Development (ORID), where the liability involved in teaching minors became a significant obstacle. So, unsure of where else to turn, Emmanuel followed the advice of Mr. Dogoe to reach out to a faculty member at the University of Ghana Legon, Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann. Emmanuel had actually known her from a high school quiz competition he’d participated in (and surprisingly, she remembered him!) Dr. Kaufmann agreed to help Emmanuel find other cooperative instructors at the University. Through her, he also met Professor Patrick Kobina, and both faculty agreed to support his program. The newlyand somewhat suddenlyformed team planned to host 20 students over the summer, with 4 graduate student supervisors each taking on 5 high school seniors. The age was moved up slightly higher than Emmanuel originally intended, to bypass liability issues for the pilot program. On his return to MIT, Emmanuel worked to construct a curriculum centered on research methods and find speakers for the program, something he’s still working on now. Another roadblock appeared in an issue with his U.S. visa, preventing Emmanuel from traveling out of the country this summer. He worried that after all this work, he wouldn’t be able to go back to Ghana for the summer to facilitate the program. Again seeking advice from the broader African community at MIT, Emmanuel was speaking with Brook E. ‘18 of Ethiopia, who suggested sending another MIT student in his place via MISTI. And, to Emmanuel’s surprise, not one but three other MIT students expressed interest, though the MISTI office could only send one student. Part of his current work now is arranging travel and facilitating his program remotely, via a classmatea beautiful example of MIT students supporting each other. Emmanuel still wants to be involved in the summer program even though he can’t physically be there. “I’ll be Skyping in,” he assured me. Going forward, there’s still a lot to sort out, and this project is a work in progresshe wants to find ways to take on younger students, like the Greenhouse that inspired him, and build up the volume of participants. However, he’s still excited about the potential the program brings, and ready to face the challenges of this first iteration. After the long, crazy process of starting this research initiative (tentatively named the Ghana Youth Research Program) Emmanuel was most moved by how many Ghanaians were quick to help him and work with him toward these goals. “It was nice meeting people from home who were so excited, and want to help in any way they can.” A brainstorming session with Mr. Dogoe and Jessica Q. ‘20, another student that became involved in the project.   Post Tagged #African Students' Association #[emailprotected] #GTL (Global Teaching Labs) #GTL (Global Teaching Labs) #MIT-Africa Initiative #Public Service Center #Sakata Afrique

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Walmart Debacle of Germany - 2078 Words

Wal-Mart in Europe Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Wal-Mart Background 2 Wal-Mart’s Culture 2 Wal-Mart’s Strategy 3 Problems/Criticism faced by Wal-Mart 3 Wal-Mart in Germany 4 Key Issue: Wal-Mart’s Failure in Germany 4 Situation Analysis 5 Porter’s 5 Forces Model 5 Wal-Mart: Germany vs. Britain 6 Challenges in Germany 7 Evaluation of Alternatives 10 Recommendations 10 Executive Summary The world economy has undergone a drastic revolution in the last three decades through globalization. This has made the world economy more efficient and competitive, by enhancing product quality, increasing the product variety and lowering price. With successful expansion in locations like Mexico and Canada, in†¦show more content†¦Key Issue: Wal-Mart’s Failure in Germany Wal-Mart’s strategy to replicate the successful U.S. formula of Everyday Low Price (EDLP) guarantee, efficient inventory control and distribution system resulted in significant cross-cultural issues with Germans consumers and suppliers. Moreover, the top management failed to anticipate the cultural differences between the German culture and the Wal-Mart culture. The key issues faced by Wal-Mart were: * Unable to recognize the German consumer behaviour and culture in comparison with US * Entry to German market by acquisition strategy * Laws and regulations – zoning and limited stores hours * Failure to deliver on its legendary â€Å"every-day low prices† and â€Å"excellent service† value proposition. * Underdeveloped supply chain relationship * Absence of local brand name * Poor relationship with suppliers Situation Analysis Porter’s 5 Forces Model Bargaining Power of Customers – Very High * German customers not accustomed to friendly atmosphere * Presence of strong German competitors * Low cost from competitors Bargaining Power of Suppliers – Very High * Poor suppliers network * Centralized distribution system not accepted by German suppliers * Suppliers with strong connection to local players * Low switching cost due to abundance of retail companies Competitive Rivalry – High * Huge competition from local players like Metro, Aldi etc. *Show MoreRelatedCase Study on Walmart681 Words   |  3 PagesUnited States, WalMart pulled the plug on its German operations and left that market with its business tail stuck between its legs. Headlined in the Times was the fact that WalMart, the worlds largest retailer, abruptly pulled out of Germany yesterday (Times, 2006). WalMart sold the 85 stores it owned and operated to a competitor writing off approximately $1 billion. This is an interesting case study in that there are a variety of reasons behind WalMarts failure in Germany; not least amongRead MoreBest Buy S Turn Around Strategy13959 Words   |  56 Pagesas the best buy.7 As Joly saw it, Best Buy had a lot of strengths on which to build, in spite of its disappointing financials. It sold far more consumer electronics than either of its largest competitors ($50 billion compared to ~$30 billion for Walmart and $14 billion for Amazon), and dominated the PC, camera, and tablet categories in terms of market share. It had state-of-the-art logistics, inventory, and support systems that enabled it to make same-day deliveries for online orders. Meanwhile,Read MoreWalmart Case Study4489 Words   |  18 PagesSeptember 30, 2005, the Company had 1,253 Wal-Mart stores, 1,876 Supercenters, 555 Sam’s Clubs and 95 Neighborhood Markets in the United States. Internationally, the Company operated units in Argentina (11), Brazil (151), Canada (261), China (49), Germany (88), South Korea (16), Mexico (730), Puerto Rico (54) and the United Kingdom (295). Executive Summary Wal-Mart has grown into one of the largest discount retail stores in the world and has proven that the type of operation that they have isRead MoreMonsanto: Better Living Through Genetic Engineering96204 Words   |  385 Pagesof a link between cochlear implants and bacterial meningitis (a potentially fatal infection of the lining of the surface of the brain). There were 43 such cases and 11 people died. There were reports that implants had been withdrawn from sale in Germany, France and Spain. On 25 July the FDA updated its warning and said it had now learned of 118 cases.12 Cochlear responded to the crisis quickly. Graeme Clark claimed that the infection was related to a design change by their competitor, Advanced BionicsRead MoreManaging Information Technology (7th Edition)239873 Words   |  960 PagesCity CASE STUDY I-5 Data Governance at InsuraCorp CASE STUDY I-6 H.H. Gregg’s Appliances, Inc.: Deciding on a New Information Technology Platform CASE STUDY I-7 Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (B): Cleaning Up an Information Systems Debacle CASE STUDY II-1 Vendor-Managed Inventory at NIBCO CASE STUDY II-2 Real-Time Business Intelligence at Continental Airlines CASE STUDY II-3 Norfolk Southern Railway: The Business Intelligence Journey CASE STUDY II-4 Mining Data

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) - The History of Domestication

Barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) was one of the first and earliest crops domesticated by humans. Currently, archaeological and genetic evidence indicates barley is a mosaic crop, developed from several populations in at least five regions: Mesopotamia, the northern and southern Levant, the Syrian desert and, 900–1,800 miles (1,500–3,000 kilometers) to the east, in the vast Tibetan Plateau. The earliest domestication was long thought to be that of southwest Asia during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A about 10,500 calendar years ago: but the mosaic status of barley has thrown a wrench into our understanding of this process. In the Fertile Crescent, barley is considered one of the classic eight founder crops. A Single Wild Progenitor Species The wild progenitor of all of the barleys is thought to be Hordeum spontaneum (L.), a winter-germinating species which is native to a very wide region of Eurasia, from the Tigris and Euphrates river system in Iraq to the western reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Based on evidence from Upper Paleolithic sites such as Ohalo II in Israel, wild barley was harvested for at least 10,000 years before it was domesticated. Today, barley is the fourth most important crop in the world after wheat, rice and maize. Barley as a whole is well-adapted to marginal and stress-prone environments, and a more reliable plant than wheat or rice in regions which are colder or higher in altitude. The Hulled and the Naked Wild barley has several characteristics useful to a wild plant that arent so useful to humans. There is a brittle rachis (the part that holds the seed to the plant) that breaks when the seeds are ripe, scattering them to the winds; and the seeds are arranged on the spike in a sparsely seeded two rows. The wild barley always has a tough hull protecting its seed; the hull-less form (called naked barley) is only found on domestic varieties. The domestic form has a non-brittle rachis and more seeds, arranged in  a six-rowed spike. Both hulled and naked seed forms are found in domesticated barley: during the Neolithic period, both forms were grown, but in the Near East, naked barley cultivation declined beginning in the Chalcolithic/Bronze Ages about 5000 years ago. Naked barleys, while easier to harvest and process, are more susceptible to insect attack and parasitic disease. Hulled barleys have higher yields; so within the Near East anyway, keeping the hull was a selected-for trait. Today hulled barleys dominate in the west, and naked barleys in the east. Because of the ease of processing, the naked form is used primarily as a whole-grain human food source. The hulled variety is used mainly for animal feed and the production of malt for brewing. In Europe, the production of barley beer dates at least as long ago as 600 B.C. Barley and DNA British archaeologist Glynis Jones and colleagues completed a phylogeographic analysis of barley in the northern fringes of Europe and in the Alpine region and found that cold adaptive gene mutations were identifiable in modern barley landraces. The adaptations included one type that was non-responsive to day length (that is, the flowering was not delayed until the plant got a certain number of hours of sunlight during the day): and that form is found in northeast Europe and high altitude locations. Alternatively, landraces in the Mediterranean region were predominantly responsive to day length. In central Europe, however, day length is not a trait which (apparently) had been selected for. Jones and colleagues were unwilling to rule out the actions of possible bottlenecks but suggested that temporary climate changes might have affected the selection of traits for various regions, delaying the spread of barley or speeding it, depending on the adaptability of the crop to the region. How Many Domestication Events!? Evidence exists for at least five different loci of domestication: at least three locations in the Fertile Crescent, one in the Syrian desert and one in the Tibetan Plateau. Jones and colleagues have reported additional evidence that in the region of the Fertile Crescent, there may have been up to four different domestication events of Asian wild barley. The differences within groups A-D are based on the presence of alleles which are differently adapted to day length; and the adaptive ability of barley to grow in a wide variety of locations. It could be that the combination of barley types from different regions created increased drought resistance and other beneficial attributes. U.S. botanist Ana Poets and colleagues identified a genome segment from the Syrian desert variety in Asian and Fertile Crescent barleys; and a segment in northern Mesopotamia in Western and Asian barleys. We do not know, said British archaeology Robin Allaby in an accompanying essay, how our ancestors produced such genetically diverse crops: but the study should kick off an interesting period towards a better understanding of the domestication processes in general. Evidence for barley beer making as early as Yangshao Neolithic (ca 5000 years ago) in China was reported in 2016; it seems most likely to have been from the Tibetan Plateau, but that has yet to be determined.   Sites Greece: Dikili TashIsrael: Ohalo IIIran: Ali Kosh, Chogha GolanIraq: JarmoJordan: Ain GhazalCyprus: Klimonas, Kissonerga-MylouthkiaPakistan: MehrgarhPalestine: JerichoSwitzerland: Arbon Bleiche 3Syria: Abu HureyraTurkey: Çatalhà ¶yà ¼kTurkmenistan: Jeitun Selected Sources Allaby, Robin G. Barley Domestication: The End of a Central Dogma? Genome Biology 16.1 (2015): 176. Dai, Fei, et al. Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Mosaic Genomic Origins of Modern Cultivated Barley. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 111.37 (2014): 13403–08. Jones, G., et al. DNA Evidence for Multiple Introductions of Barley into Europe Following Dispersed Domestications in Western Asia. Antiquity 87.337 (2013): 701–13. Jones, Glynis, et al. Phylogeographic Analysis of Barley DNA as Evidence for the Spread of Neolithic Agriculture through Europe. Journal of Archaeological Science 39.10 (2012): 3230–38.Mascher, Martin, et al. Genomic Analysis of 6,000-Year-Old Cultivated Grain Illuminates the Domestication History of Barley. Nature Genetics 48 (2016): 1089. Pankin, Artem, et al. Targeted Resequencing Reveals Genomic Signatures of Barley Domestication. New Phytologist 218.3 (2018): 1247–59. Pankin, Artem, and Maria von Korff. Co-Evolution of M ethods and Thoughts in Cereal Domestication Studies: A Tale of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare). Current Opinion in Plant Biology 36 (2017): 15–21. Poets, Ana M., et al. The Effects of Both Recent and Long-Term Selection and Genetic Drift Are Readily Evident in North American Barley Breeding Populations. G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics 6.3 (2016): 609–22.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Review of New Types of Relation Extraction Methods Free Essays

This is explained by the fact that patterns do not tend to uniquely identify the given relation. The systems which participated in MUCH and deal with relation extraction also rely on rich rules for identifying relations (Fought et al. 1 998; Gargling et al. We will write a custom essay sample on Review of New Types of Relation Extraction Methods or any similar topic only for you Order Now 1998; Humphreys et al. 1998). Humphreys et al. 1998) mention that they tried to add only those rules which were (almost) certain never to generate errors in analysis; therefore, they had adopted a low recall and high precision approach. However, in this case, many relations may be missed due to the lack of unambiguous rules to extract them. To conclude, knowledge-based methods are not easily portable to other domains and involve too much manual labor. However, they can be used effectively if the main aim is to get results quickly in well-defined domains and document collections. 5 Supervised Methods Supervised methods rely on a training set where domain-specific examples eave been tagged. Such systems automatically learn extractors for relations by using machine-learning techniques. The main problem of using these methods is that the development of a suitably tagged corpus can take a lot of time and effort. On the other hand, these systems can be easily adapted to a different domain provided there is training data. There are different ways that extractors can be learnt in order to solve the problem of supervised relation extraction: kernel methods (Shoo and Grossman 2005; Bunches and Mooney 2006), logistic regression (Kamala 2004), augmented parsing (Miller et al. 2000), Conditional Random Fields CRY) (Calcutta et al. 2006). In RE in general and supervised RE in particular a lot of research was done for IS-A relations and extraction of taxonomies. Several resources were built based on collaboratively built Wisped (YOGA – (Issuance et al. 2007); Depended – (Rue et al. 2007); Freebase – (Blacker et al. 2008); Wicking (Instates et al. 2010)). In general, Wisped is becoming more and more popular as a source for RE. E. G. (Opponent and Strobe 2007; Unguent et al. AAA, b, c). Query logs are also considered a valuable source of information for RE and their analysis is even argued to give better results than other suggested methods in the field (Passes 2007, 2009). 5. 19 Weakly-supervised Methods Some supervised systems also use bootstrapping to make construction of the training data easier. These methods are also sometimes referred to as â€Å"huckleberries information extraction†. Bring (1998) describes the DIPPER (Dual Iterative Pattern Relation Expansion) method used for identifying authors of the books. It uses an initial small set of seeds or a set of hand- constructed extraction patterns to begin the training process. After the occurrences of needed information are found, they are further used for recognition of new patterns. Regardless of how promising bootstrapping can seem, error propagation becomes a serious problem: mistakes in extraction at the initial stages generate more mistakes at later stages and decrease the accuracy of the extraction process. For example, errors that expand to named entity recognition, e. G. Extracting incomplete proper names, result in choosing incorrect seeds for the next step of bootstrapping. Another problem that can occur is that of semantic drift. This happens when senses of the words are not taken into account and therefore each iteration results in a move from the original meaning. Some researchers (Korea and How 2010; Hove et al. 2009; Korea et al. 2008) have suggested ways to avoid this problem and enhance the performance of this method by using doubly- anchored patterns (which include both the class name and a class member) as well as graph structures. Such patterns have two anchor seed positions â€Å"{type} such as {seed} and *† and also one open position for the terms to be learnt, for example, pattern â€Å"Presidents such as Ford and {X}† can be used to learn names of the presidents. Graphs are used for storing information about patterns, found words and links to entities they helped to find. This data is further used for calculating popularity and productivity of the candidate words. This approach helps to enhance the accuracy of bootstrapping and to find high-quality information using only a few seeds. Korea (2012) employs a similar approach for the extraction Of cause-effect relations, where the pattern for bootstrapping has a form of â€Å"X and Y verb Z†, for example, and virus cause Human-based evaluation reports 89 % accuracy on 1500 examples. Self-supervised Systems Self-supervised systems go further in making the process of information extraction unsupervised. The Knolling Web II system (Edition et al. 2005), an example of a self-supervised system, learns â€Å"to label its own training examples using only a small set of domain-independent extraction patterns†. It uses a set of generic patterns to automatically instantiate relation-specific extraction rules and then learns domain-specific extraction rules and the whole process is repeated iteratively. The Intelligence in Wisped (IPP) project (Weld et al. 2008) is another example of a self-supervised system. It bootstraps from the Wisped corpus, exploiting the fact that each article corresponds to a primary object and that any articles contain infusions (brief tabular information about the article). This system is able to use Wisped infusions as a starting point for training 20 the classifiers for the page type. IPP trains extractors for the various attributes and they can later be used for extracting information from general Web pages. The disadvantage of IPP is that the amount of relations described in Wisped infusions is limited and so not all relations can be extracted using this method. . 1 Open Information Extraction Edition et al. (2008) introduced the notion of Open Information Extraction, which is opposed to Traditional Relation Extraction. Open information extraction is â€Å"a novel extraction paradigm that tackles an unbounded number of relations†. This method does not presuppose a predefined set of relations and is targeted at all relations that can be extracted. The Open Relation extraction approach is relatively a new one, so there is only a small amount of projects using it. Texturing (Bank and Edition 2008; Bank et al. 2007) is an example of such a system. A set of relinquishment’s lexicon-syntactic patterns is used to build a relation- independent extraction model. It was found that 95 % Of all relations in English can be described by only 8 general patterns, e. G. â€Å"El Verb E â€Å". The input of such a system is only a corpus and some relation-independent heuristics, relation names are not known in advance. Conditional Random Fields (CRY) are used to identify spans of tokens believed to indicate explicit mentions of relationships between entities and the whole problem of relation extraction is treated as a problem of sequence labeling. The set of linguistic features used in this system is similar to those used by other state of-the-art relation extraction systems and includes e. G. Part-of-speech tags, regular expressions for detection of capitalization and punctuation, context words. At this stage of development this system â€Å"is able to extract instances of the four most frequently observed relation types: Verb, Noun+Prep, Verb+Prep and Infinitive†. It has a number of limitations, which are however common to all RE systems: it extracts only explicitly expressed relations that are primarily word-based; relations should occur between entity names within the same sentence. Bank and Edition (2008) report a precision of 88. 3 % and a recall of 45. 2 Even though the system shows very good results the relations are not pacified and so there are difficulties in using them in some other systems. Output Of the system consists Of tepees stating there is some relation between two entities, but there is no generalization of these relations. Www and Weld (2010) combine the idea of Open Relation Extraction and the use of Wisped infusions and produce systems called Weepers and Weeps . Weepers improves Texturing dramatically but it is 30 times slower than Texturing. However, Weeps does not have this disadvantage and still shows an improved F-measure over Texturing between 1 5 % to 34 % on three corpora. Fader et al. 201 1) identify several flaws in previous works in Open Information Extraction: â€Å"the learned extractors ignore both â€Å"holistic† aspects of the relation phrase (e. G. , is it contiguous? ) as well as lexical aspects (e. G. , how many instances of this relation are there? )†. They target these problems by introducing syntactic constraints (e. G. , they require the relation phrase to match the POS tag 21 pattern) and lexical constraints. Their system Revere achieves an AUK which is 30 % better than WOE (Www and Weld 201 0) and Texturing (Bank and Denton 2008). Unshackles et al. (AAA) approach this problem from another angle. They try to mine for patterns expressing various relations and organism then in hierarchies. They explore binary relations between entities and employ frequent items mining (Augural et al. 1993; Syrians and Augural 1 996) to identify the most frequent patterns. Their work results in a resource called PATTY which contains 350. 69 pattern sunsets and substitution relations and achieves 84. 7 % accuracy. Unlike Revere (Fader et al. 201 1) which constrains patterns to verbs or verb phrases that end with prepositions, PATTY can learn arbitrary patterns. The authors employ so called syntactic- ontological-lexical patterns (SOL patterns). These patterns constitute a sequence of words, POS-tags, wildcats, and ontological types. For example, the pattern â€Å"persons [ads] voice * song† would match the strings my Heinousness soft voice in Rehab and Elvis Presley solid voice in his song All shook up. Their approach is based on collecting dependency paths from the sentences where two named entities are tagged (YACHT (Hoffa et al. 2011) is used as a database of all Ones). Then the textual pattern is extracted by finding the shortest paths connecting two entities. All of these patterns are transformed into SOL (abstraction of a textual pattern). Frequent items quinine is used for this: all textual patterns are decomposed into n-grams (n consecutive words). A SOL pattern contains only the n-grams that appear frequently in the corpus and the remaining word sequences are replaced by wildcats. The support set of the pattern is described as the set of pairs of entities that appear in the place Of the entity placeholders in all strings in the corpus that match the pattern. The patterns are connected in one sunset (so are considered synonymous) if their supporting sets coincide. The overlap of the supporting sets is also employed to identify substitution relations between various sunsets. . 2 Distant Learning Mint et al. (2009) introduce a new term â€Å"distant supervision†. The authors use a large semantic database Freebase containing 7,300 relations between 9 million named entities. For each pair of entities that appears in Freebase relation, they identify all sentences containing those entities in a large unlabeled corpus. At the next step textual features to train a relation classifier are extracted. Even though the 67,6 % of precision achieved using this method has room for improvement, it has inspired many researchers to further investigate in this direction. Currently there are a number of papers ring to enhance â€Å"distant learning† in several directions. Some researchers target the heuristics that are used to map the relations in the databases to the texts, for example, (Takeouts et al. 01 2) argue that improving matching helps to make data less noisy and therefore enhances the quality of relation extraction in general. Hay et al. (2010) propose using an undirected graphical model for relation extraction which employs â€Å"distant learning’ but enforces selection preferences. Ridded et al. (2010) reports 31 % error reduction compared to (Mint et al. 2009). 22 Another problem that has been addressed is language ambiguity (Hay et al. 01 1, 2012). Most methods cluster shallow or syntactic patterns of relation mentions, but consider only one possible sense per pattern. However, this assumption is often violated in reality. Hay et al. (201 1) uses generative probabilistic models, where both entity type constraints within a relation and features on the dependency path between entity mentions are exploited. This research is similar to DIRT (Line and Panatela 2001 ) which explores distributional similarity of dependency paths in order to discover different representations of the same semantic relation. However, Hay et al. (2011) employ another approach and apply IDA (Belie et al. 2003) with a slight modification: observations are relation tepees and not words. So as a result of this modification instead of representing semantically related words, the topic latent variable represents a relation type. The authors combine three models: Reel-LAD, Reel-LDAP and Type-LAD. In the third model the authors split the features of a duple into relation level features and entity level features. Relation level features include the dependency path, trigger, lexical and POS features; entity level features include the entity mention itself and its named entity tag. These models output clustering of observed relation tepees and their associated textual expressions. How to cite Review of New Types of Relation Extraction Methods, Papers

Monday, May 4, 2020

Conclusion Of An Inspector Calls Essay Example For Students

Conclusion Of An Inspector Calls Essay JB Priestleys Play of An Inspector Calls is about a family called the Birlings. They are spending a happy evening celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft, a marriage that will result in the merging of two successful local businesses. In addition, just when everything seems to be going so well, they receive a surprise visit from an Inspector Goole who is investigating the suicide of a young girl. The questions he asks to each character are relating to the case, this reveals that they all have secrets that link them to the tragedy. The main core of the play is about the investigation of the Inspector into the death of Eva smith. Moreover, it is really a way of putting across the authors political thoughts. Priestley has put his own political message across and he has used the characters in the play to do this. Priestly has also used the Birling family and the investigation into their part in her downfall, to make it less like a straight forward political speech, and a way to engage the audience and win their empathy. The most distinguishable dramatic technique used is the way the characters show the authors way of thinking, in which they act. This can be seen through each member of the family, therefore each one has a special role representing to us, something that Priestley is trying to destroy. To embark on, the first character is the man of the house, Mr Arthur Birling. Mr Birling seems to be a rich, irritable, self-centred person. Birling is very much confident in himself; he feels that his success from his small business is due to the fact hes a hard-headed practical man of business. He is also confident that strikes and labour troubles would not be a problem in the future and refers to fears of war as silly little war scares. However, this play was first performed in 1946 after WW2, so Birlings predictions would have sounded pretty daft to the audience. As for the wider world, Birling thinks it is every man for himself, a man has to make his own way and look after the family. It is survival of the fittest. The other thing that is wrong with Birling is that he always thinks of himself first, and honestly believes that it is the only way to get through life. That makes it hard for him to understand other peoples opinions If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody wed ever had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldnt it? Birling is obsessed with how things appear to people. His main concern is his public image is going to be affected. He does not want the story to come out publicly and ruin him for good.

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Horror Story Essay Example

Horror Story Essay A Comparison Of The Bodysnatcher and The Blood Bay. How Do The Two Writers Create Different Styles Of Horror Story? The Bodysnatcher, written by R. L Stevenson, was originally published in 1878. The Blood Bay written by Annie Proulx, was first published in 1999, over one hundred years after The Bodysnatcher. Set in Debenham, Kent, The Bodysnatcher begins at its end, with its characters considerably aged compared to the main part of the story. Edinburgh is where the story takes place, a setting which had previously been the city in which Burke and Hares infamous bodysnatching had taken place, upon which this story is based. The Blood Bay was set solely in Wyoming, Texas during the years 1886-87. In this short-story, Annie Proulx portrays horror not only through the evilness of the characters but through animal nasties as well. R. L Stevenson was well known for his plagued sleep and it is thought that the horror which he experienced during his unconsciousness provided the inspiration for The Bodysnatcher. This horror story also has human nasties, however contains strong psychological components in the shape of Grays apparent resurrection. The Blood Bay uses aspects of black comedy to produce an atmosphere of horror whereas R. L Stevenson uses descriptive writing technique to create tension. The evil acts carried out in The Bodysnatcher are predominantly set during hours of darkness, it was bitter cold, windy, and frosty; the town had not yet awakened This gives the reader an impression of mystery, subtly in itself creating a sensation of horror. R. L Stevenson also uses many different contrasts to emphasise the feeling behind each setting, by the warm radiance of the bar-room window. The George thus brightly advertised itself to passers-by in the cold street. We will write a custom essay sample on Horror Story specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Horror Story specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Horror Story specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This description shows the audience how inviting The George appears to the public outside on the winter evening, creating the feeling of welcoming warmth and hospitality. R. L Stevenson also incorporates the weather to add to the sensation of horror, the incessant, strident pouring of the rain. It was pitch dark The phrase incessant, strident intelligently compares the weather to a harsh voice calling out, one which doesnt stop and as the reader, I instantly felt tension. The atmosphere is clearly set with this quote and I believe that the vivid description enhances the emotion felt by the reader. The author also cleverly mentions the fact that the scene is again in darkness which automatically creates fear and tension. Annie Proulx however uses completely different techniques to create the horror genre in her short-story, The Blood Bay. The Winter of 1886-87 was terrible. Every goddamn history of the high plains says so. This quote is the first two lines from the story and informs the reader immediately of the season and the years in which this story is set. One similarity between this story and The Bodysnatcher is that they both take place during winter months. By describing winter in such a way, the author cleverly injects a feel of tension, leaving the reader in wonderment of what is to happen. Blizzards and freeze-eye cold followed, the gaunt bodies of cattle piling up in draws and coulees. This metaphor freeze-eye cold gruesomely creates horror as one can clearly imagine it in reality. With its involvement of death, this quote blatantly sends out a message of fear to the reader and it is my opinion that this statement lays the foundations of horror in this story. One obvious difference in comparing these two stories is time. Where in R. L Stevensons short story the evil events for the most part occur during the night, Annie Proulx chooses daytime for the same theme. Sheets pulled out a Bowie knife and sawed through Montanas shins and lost most of the daylight getting them out. For me, as the reader, this daytime is not as effective at creating the horror atmosphere as evil scenes during the night. Annie Proulxs techniques are completely contrasting to those used by R. L Stevenson. In fact, the more relaxed scenes in The Blood Bay are set in hours of darkness. It was a fine evening, eating, drinking and playing cards It is my belief that in a horror story, this technique is not successful in creating the fear needed for this particular genre. However, Dirt Sheets was apparently eaten during the night. Seen as though Old Man Grices discovery was in the morning, up with the sun something that looked like a mans foot. It is my opinion that this does not add to the feeling of horror. Also the fact that the reader is well aware of who the feet actually belong to, fails to create tension. Sheets set his trophies behind the stove. Describing the feet as Dirt Sheets trophies implies that Sheets is also extremely proud of the action he took. This metaphor successfully induces a nauseous feeling within the reader thus creating a small amount of horror. In The Bodysnatcher the author includes two main characters, both of which are very complex. Fettes is first introduced at the very beginning of the story. Through description, he comes across as a mysterious man, who everyone knows by physical appearance, yet have no idea of the man he really is. had grown to be an adopted townsman. His blue camlet cloak was a local antiquity, like the church spire. This simile shows how integrated Fettes is with the town of Debenham, the church spire is part of the community, and I believe this quote shows just how accepted he is amongst his neighbours. In this statement, we are told of Fettes being recognised by his regular adornments. However, the following quote shows how little they actually know about him, we had no knowledge of his character and previous antecedents. I believe that this is a contradiction of what has previously been mentioned in the story. come rain or snow or frost, we four would be each planted in his own particular arm-chair. This quote suggests a close relationship between the four friends. Why wouldnt Fettes tell his closest friends about his past? This immediately evokes a feeling of fear within the reader, what exactly has Fettes done? The way in which the narrator speaks about Fettes also encourages the reader to think that he has been involved in something impure. We called him the Doctor, for he was supposed to have some special knowledge of medicine The way the townspeople nickname Fettes the Doctor, automatically produces an uneasy feeling within the reader. Dr Macfarlane is the second main character in this story. R. L Stevenson chooses to describe Macfarlane as totally contrasting to Fettes. The author intends Fettes to be perceived as a slow drunken old man, in a state of melancholy alcoholic saturation. Doctor Macfarlane however was alert and vigorous had an energetic countenance. and He was richly dressed This immediately brings about an image in the mind of the reader, one in which Macfarlane is completely the opposite of Fettes. Not only is Fettes a contrast to Macfarlane, he is also completely contrasting to his past self, as we find out later in the book. he was in those days well favoured, and pleased in his exterior. The fact that this quote points out Fettes used to be well favoured implies that an event occurred to change the opinion of those around him. made a dart like a serpent This simile encourages the reader to think that Macfarlane is evil. As snakes often symbolise evil, R. L Stevenson cleverly evokes a feeling of unease, therefore horror is created. When Fettes is first told that Macfarlane is in the town, he reacts strangely, as if recognising the name, and repeated the name Macfarlane twice, quietly enough the first time, but with sudden emotion the second This quote implies that Fettes has a past with Macfarlane, the fact that he spoke Macfarlanes name with sudden emotion makes the audience think about what evoked that feeling, what has happened between the two? This is a clever technique used by R. L Stevenson in which a strong feeling of tension is the product. Another contrast between Fettes and Macfarlane is the way in which they handle the events which unfold. At the beginning, when Fettes suspicions about how the bodies were provided in ample amount were first confirmed, he was haunted by his conscience, by nights of roaring blackguardly enjoyment; and when that balance had been struck, the organ that he called his conscience declared itself content. Simply meaning that Fettes drank himself into a stupor to escape his guilt, and only when had that been accomplished, could he try and forget about the vile dealings hed just been involved in. Macfarlane on the other hand appears to be calm and confident about the whole situation. if youre a lion, youll live and drive a horse like me When Macfarlane makes this statement to Fettes, it is a clear message that Fettes must be confident as well to survive the ordeal. R. L Stevensons excellent use of animal comparison produces a successful atmosphere full of tension and mystery, the very basis of a horror story. There are however psychological elements in this story, many creating the essential fear needed for a good horror story. A horrible sense of blackness and the treachery of fate seized hold upon the soul of the unhappy student. This fantastic quote shows just how plagued by guilt Fettes actually is. The full extent of his self-doubt is realised and the style of horror created is very effective. Mr K, a certain extramural teacher of anatomy gives the story a sense of fear due to the fact the character is based upon Dr Knox, the employer of Burke and Hare. His name was subsequently too well known skulked through the streets of Edinburgh in disguise, while the mob that applauded at the execution of Burke called loudly for the blood of his employer. As many people want this character dead, an instant sense of horror is obvious to the audience. The factual references in this story add to the well structured plot, bringing a sense of realism to the book, enhancing the fear. R. L Stevensons intention is for Macfarlane to be the stronger willed of the two main characters. However at one particular point of the story it becomes apparent that there is one other who is stronger, the only man that can control Macfarlane. This character is Gray. The cut of his features gave a promise of intellect and refinement upon further acquaintance, course, vulgar and stupid Why would a man such as this have a tight hold over Macfarlane? This is the question raised in the mind of the audience when reading this section of the story. This is an accomplishment in itself for the author as the uneasy sensations, and fear become greater. Who exactly is Gray? Is he the evil in the book? These points encourage the reader to find out exactly who this man is by continuing with the story. Grays return at the end of the story after supposedly being dissected, Richardson can have the head. This creates an overwhelming feeling within the reader. How? Is the question raised in the mind of the audience and it fails to be answered. This alone leaves the reader thinking about the twist to the story long after they have finished reading it and I believe this is the key technique in creating a successful horror story. As with Annie Proulxs story, R. L Stevenson lets the audience know what genre the story is going to be almost immediately. When the first characters are introduced, an undertaker is among them. He is simply referred to as the undertaker and this intentional use of language cleverly incorporates the theme of horror from the start. Annie Proulx uses an entirely different approach when writing her characters into the plot. Dirt Sheets, a cross-eyed drinker of hair oil is the main character of The Blood Bay. Just by the name, the reader receives an image of a dirty looking man. Proulx then goes on to describe that he has, no socks and curl-toe boots cracked and holed. This description in my opinion does not create much of a feeling of fear or mystery and only leaves the audience with a clear image of what this man looks like. However, the character of Dirt Sheets is somewhat different, Ill cut em off and thaw em after supper. This attitude toward the dead cowboy found on Powder Rivers bitter west bank is one of complete lack of respect. Or could it be that the cowpuncher does what he has to do to get by? As Dirt Sheets has no suitable footwear to brave the elements of the high plains then maybe this is the case. However, Proulx does cleverly use the character to produce fear. The fact that Sheets is willing to saw off another mans legs for shoes, leaves the audience wondering what else he would do. Old Man Grice is in my opinion the only other important character in The Blood Bay The first impression of Grice is of a friendly good natured old man, Come on in, puncher or rustler, I dont care. It is my opinion though, that as a first impression in a horror story, this is not successful in creating the atmosphere that is needed. Old Man Grices reaction to his horse apparently eating Sheets is one of complete lack of caring, Theres a bad start to the day, is what Grice says. As the reader, I found this reaction humorous, sick as the joke may be, and the fear that is essential for a successful horror story fails to be delivered. Secretly he was pleased to his own horse with the sand to eat a raw cowboy. This quote succeeds in delivering more emotion. As Grice is happy about the horse eating a human, we can see that he does have another side to his personality. One of horror and as the reader becomes aware of this; the horror genre in The Blood Bay begins to take shape. However it is most unfortunate that this is at the end of the story. The other two cowpunchers do show a side of their character, a cunning side in which they manage to con Old Man Grice out of forty gold dollars and three and four bits The two cowpunchers are well aware of the fact that their friend, Dirt Sheets, is very much alive, and after they leave Grices shack to meet up with Sheets they never mention the small fortune theyve just taken from Grice. When they saw Sheets but said nothing about blood bays or forty-three dollars and four bits. The arithmetic stood comfortable. As the two cowpunchers cant even tell their friend the truth, it leaves the reader wondering what kind of people these men are. Overall, the characters in this story did nothing to create the fearful and tense atmosphere required for a successful horror story, but instead transformed an uneventful anecdote into a farce consisting of black comedy. Throughout The Bodysnatcher the reader is well aware that the narrator is always a step ahead. The omniscient story teller knows the entire plot, and this detail leaves the audience wondering just who the narrator is. How does he/she know the story? R. L Stevenson uses both subtle and obvious approaches to inform the reader what is going on and this technique is very successful in creating his own style of horror story. Proulxs approach at interacting with the reader is very forward and leaves no after thought in the mind of the audience. Where as in The Body Snatcher the reader is left wondering just how the body of the dead and long-dissected Gray managed to resurrect itself. The ending of The Blood Bay is so abrupt that the reader can barely remember the events which have occurred previously!! It is my opinion that the moral behind The Bodysnatcher was that you cannot escape from your conscience. The fact that Gray was resurrected is the guilty conscience of both parties finally becoming too much for either to handle. Fettes, the long time sufferer of guilt tips over the edge as his mind gets the better of him. Macfarlane, the character in the story who always seemed so confidant, Seemingly Macfarlane was affected in the same direction The full extent of Macfarlanes actions suddenly catch up with him and the body of Gray is what I believe to be the guilt of both these characters following them. At the beginning of the story when Fettes and Macfarlane meet again, Macfarlane seems eager to make something up to him. We must do something for you Fettes. Blatantly ignoring his own and Fettes horrific past. Have you seen it again? The great, rich London doctor cried out This quote shows that Macfarlane is still haunted by his past therefore the confidant countenance he projected in his youth seems to have been permanently scarred by the events which took place. This is the skill required when writing a story, being able to make youre audience think further than the words you have written down. R. L Stevenson has this skill; the cliff-hanger ends the story in a very emotional scene thick with tension and fear. Proulx however does not allow her audience to think deeper into the plot of The Blood Bay. The words on the page are all the reader can go by and in a horror story; this style of writing isnt successful at all. In conclusion, I believe The Bodysnatcher to be a much better horror story than The Blood Bay simply because R. L Stevensons book contains a raw talent of horror story writing. His book is actually scary; at some points in the plot the emotions are so intense for the characters that they are palpable for the reader as well. Proulxs attempt contains humor of a kind that does not belong in a horror themed story. The fact that I laughed at certain descriptions completely contradicts the purpose of horror.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Music Therapy essays

Music Therapy essays Today there are many ways to deal with pain. Many people choose medicines to cure these pains. Another less known method used to manage pain is music therapy. Music therapy can be used to reduce anxiety and pain during childbirth as well as in dental hygiene. Music therapy has been used for a long time. Frequently music is said to be one of the most ancient healing techniques (OKelly 130). Plato said that different types of music could be used to relax or to bring out aggressive characters in people (qtd. in OKelly). Extensive research of music therapy did not begin until the early to mid 1900s. Musicians played for recovering victims of war to reduce anxiety (OKelly 130). There are many organizations that have been established for music therapy such as the US National Association of Music Therapy, The Association of Professional Music Therapists, and the British Society of Music Therapy. In America there are over four thousand music therapist. (OKelly130) In recent years music therapy has grown to become accepted in the reduction of pain, and its research has developed extensively (Browning 272). Research conducted by Eagle and Harsh suggested two psychoneurological connections between music and pain. [First,] both music and pain can be identified with sensory input. [Second,] since the limbic system is concerned with emotional output for pain and music, evidence suggests that the perception of both pain and music travels along similar neural pathways, each affecting the other. (Browning 272) A good definition of music therapy as described by Leslie Bunt is music therapy is the use of sounds and music within an evolving relationship between client and therapist to support and encourage physical, mental, social, spiritual and emotional wellbeing (OKelly 130). Many people fear going to the dentist due to the fear of experiencing large amounts of pain. &...

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Unit 6 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unit 6 - Assignment Example Imbalances in wage structure arise when there is a deviation from the optimum wage set by the self-regulating system in the economy. I feel there are imbalances in the wage structure in our economy. The labor market comprise of different types of workers differing from one another in a number of ways with the job differing in characteristics both in terms of wage and in terms of other nonmonetary attributes (Mankiw, 2011). In order to protect employees from exploitation by their employers, the government sets a minimum wage limit. This has been of help raising the wages of the less skilled compared to what they would have earned in a labor market that is unregulated. However, despite this, the wages of some workers have been set above the equilibrium level arising to disequilibrium in the labor market (Mankiw, 2011). We can also attribute this to compensating differentials which refers to the difference in wages which arises from other nonmonetary characteristics of various types of jobs which is quite prevalent in our economy. An example would be employees with similar qualifications but since one works during a night shift earns more. Employees deployed to work in hardship conditions may be compensated more compared to employees with similar qualifications but working under friendly environments. Human capital is the accumulation of investment in people with the most explication of it being education. The perspective of demand and supply postulates that there exists a correlation between high wages and the level of education. Additionally, firms demanding for labor tend to be more willing to pay more for the highly educated employees since they tend to have higher marginal productivity due to their proficiency (Mankiw, 2011). On the other hand, the suppliers of labor tend to also be more willing to pay the costs of becoming educated only if there is a reward for that. Thus the difference in wages between the highly educated

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Is there a different in attitude toward Cesarean section between women Dissertation

Is there a different in attitude toward Cesarean section between women in Iran and women in United kingdom - Dissertation Example The items in the questionnaire were all in English. Procedure. The questionnaire was distributed to participants in through two hospitals in Iran and one hospital in Britain. All participants were from the middleclass and were educated at pre or post university levels. The Iranian participants were all literate in English. Results. The results of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed two factors emerging from the questionnaire which were labeled as â€Å"Preference for CS† and â€Å"Misconceptions about CS†. Overall, the Iranian participants gave lower ratings on both factors compared to their British counterparts which imply more support for Cesarean Section. There was also a positive correlation between age and the two factors. Marital status and having children did not influence their preference for and misconceptions about the procedure. It was thus concluded that more effective information dissemination must be carried out about the advantages and disadvantage s of CS, to allow women to make more informed choice. Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction 6 1.1 Introduction 6 1.2 Background of the Study 6 1.2.1 Reasons for the Choice of CS 7 1.2.2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Influences to CS Choice 8 Prevalence of CS in Britain and in Iran 9 Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature 11 2.1  Ã‚  Ã‚   Introduction 11 2.2 Overview of Cesarean Section (CS) 11 2.3 Factors that Influence CS Choice Among Women in Iran 14 2.4 Factors that Influence CS Choice Among Women in Britain 17 2.5 Empirical Studies 21 2.6 Conclusion 28 2.7 Research Aims 30 2.8 Research Questions 30 2.9 Research Approach 31 2.10 Research Methodology 32 Chapter 3 Method 34 3.1  Ã‚  Ã‚   Research Design 34 3.2 Participants 34 3.3  Ã‚  Ã‚   Materials 34 3.4 Procedure 35 3.5 Data Collection Procedures 35 3.6   Ethical Considerations 36 3.7  Ã‚  Ã‚   Method of Data Analysis 37 Chapter 4 Results and Discussion 38 4.1  Ã‚  Ã‚   Introduction 38 4.2 Results 38 4.3  Ã‚  Ã‚   Discussion 46 Chapter 5 Conclusions and Recommendations 51 5.1  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conclusions 51 5.2  Ã‚  Ã‚   Recommendations 53 References 55 Appendix A – Survey Questionnaire 66 List of Tables Table 1. Principal component analysis of survey items. 38 Table 2. Cronbach Alpha: Factor 1 (Preference for CS). 40 Table 3. Cronbach Alpha: Factor 2 (Misconceptions about CS). 41 Table 4. Descriptive Statistics: Status x Having Children on Factor 1(Preference for CS). 41 Table 5. Between-Subjects Effects: Status x Having Children on Factor 1 (Preference for CS). 41 Table 6. Descriptive Statistics: Status x Having Children on Factor 2 (Misconceptions about CS). 42 Table 7. Between-Subjects Effects: Status x Having Children on Factor 2 (Misconceptions about CS). 43 Table 8. Descriptive Statistics: Cultural Groups on Factors 1 (Preference for CS) and 2 (Misconceptions about CS). 43 Table 9. Correlations: Age vs. Factors 1 (Preference for CS) and 2 (Misconceptions about CS). 44 Table 10. De scriptive Statistics: Having Children x Cultural Group on Factor 1 (Preference for CS). 45 Table 11. Between-Subjects Effects: Having Children x Cultural Group on Factor 1 (Preference for CS). 45 Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Introduction The present chapter is an overview of research related to the medical and psychological aspects of cesarean section, the risks involved, reasons for choosing cesarean section and the cultural attitudes towards choosing

Monday, January 27, 2020

The Geotechnical Engineering On Soil Engineering Essay

The Geotechnical Engineering On Soil Engineering Essay Many soils can prove problematic in geotechnical engineering since they can expand, collapse, undergo excessive settlement, have a distinct lack of strength or be corrosive. Thus different soils have different weaknesses and cause different problems this problems can range from a small crack in the wall to a sinkhole that destroys a town. During the viability analysis and planning stages of projects that involves infrastructure, it is important to identify problematic soils since this could save costs and/or redesign of the project later on. If it is noted before the project is started the project can be relocated or the soil adjusted to meet the projects demands. A portion of the Gautrain rail, approximately 16 km, from Pretoria to Centurion traverse on dolomitic grounds. Of this 16 km about 5.8 km of the rail were constructed on viaduct with the remaining portion directly on ground level. It is known that the construction on the problem soil dolomite is difficult. When a development is undertaken on dolomite it requires special investigations that are conducted by specialist in the investigation of dolomitic terrain. Developed areas such as Gauteng have high levels of urbanisation. The construction on dolomite in these areas poses a potential risk to the safety of many people and the structures in which they work and live. In this report the geology of dolomite, were it can be found, why the soil is considered problematic as well as the solutions and improvements that can be done to be able to build on dolomite will be discussed. 2. Location and distribution Detailed soil maps would be a first choice of information source in a civil construction project when information on the soil type is needed. But with the exception of certain metropolitan areas of the Western Cape and the Gauteng Provence, detailed soil maps are not often available (P Page-Green, 2008). A combination of aspects such as topography, climate and the soil pattern are the basic fundamentals of South African soil maps. There are two major dolomite occurrences in South Africa namely, in the Transvaal Sequence the Chuniespoort Group and in Griqualand west Sequence the Campbell Group (Wagener F von M, 1985). Soils that develop on dolomite have unique problems. These soils are best identified from standard geological maps. When constructing on dolomite it is crucial that the extent of the problem is identified well in advance thus the use of soil maps during construction is normally redundant. It is not always easy to detect dolomitic soils since it is not normally directly exposed to the surface. Roughly speaking about 25% of the Gauteng province, and parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Northern Province are underlain by dolomite. These areas can be seen on the geological maps below were the blue parts are the dolomite.http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSGUgF0OReutcRPt8uC2klISB-nMc-Adm_G0YlBqowa1WYU14FPZQhttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSGUgF0OReutcRPt8uC2klISB-nMc-Adm_G0YlBqowa1WYU14FP ZQ Figure : Distribution of dolomite in Gauteng Figure : Distribution of dolomite in South Africa (Council for Geocience, 2008) On the map bellow it can be seen that the area between centurion and Pretoria were the rail of the Gautrain was constructed is underlain by dolomite. The band of dolomite surrounds the granitic dome of Johannesburg Figure : Geological map of the area surrounding the Gautrain site (Gautrain,2009) 3. Geology of Dolomite Ancient carbonate rocks contains predominantly two minerals namely calcite (CaCO3) or dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2).  A carbonate rock is known as limestone if it is dominated by calcite (more than 95% with less than 5% dolomite), when it is dominated by dolomite (the mineral) it is called dolomite (the rock) (Warren, 2000). When dolomite is in a rock formation it contains more than 90% dolomite with the remaining portion being calcite, detrital minerals and chert. Very few sedimentary dolomites are strictly stoichiometric, i.e. CaMg(CO3)2, and can be better represented as: Ca(1+x)Mg(1-x)(CO3)2, by encompassing the range from calcian to magnesian dolomites (Warren, 2000). Dolomite is one of the 8 major problem soils (Expansive, Dispersive, Collapsible, Saline, Acid sulphate containing material, Compressive, dolomitic, and soils prone to liquefaction) found in South Africa (P Page-Green, 2008). Dolomite which is a rock containing calcium-magnesium carbonates have a distinctive elephant skin texture when weathered by even slightly acidic water. Figure : Elephant skin weathering of dolomite (Council for Geocience, 2008) This weathering occurs when water takes up carbon dioxide from either the atmosphere or the soil to for a weak carbonic acid. It takes up the most carbon dioxide from the soil since it contains 90% more than the atmosfhere. Dolomite has a higher solubility that other rocks with the significant solution observed in months or years since the dissolution processes is slowly in slightly acidic water. Elephant skin weathering of Dolomite This process may be represented with the following chemistry equation: CaMg(CO3)2 + 2 H2CO3  Ã‚   à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã‚   Ca(HCO3)2 + Mg(HCO3)2 The dissolution process thus leads to the formation of underground caves and or cavities. After this weathering process has taken place the formation of Wad, a complex residual soil mantle occurs which then overlays the dolomite bedrock. The known characteristics for this weak Wad material are low density, highly erodible and highly compressible. These characteristics of the soil make it unsuitable for foundation building on top of it. Within this Wad layer very hard chert can be found ranging from 7mm to 1m in depth. This chert (silica) forms bands that are discontinuous and since it is found in the soft Wad it is unsuitable to support a foundation. Within the soil strata flouters or otherwise known as boulders of solid rock are present. These flouters are formed due to pinnacles that have either fallen or have been undermined. The floaters are surrounded by soil making construction on it hazardous since the size of the floater and the strength of the soil undelaying it is not known. The bedrock of dolomitic strata consists of a series of rock pinnacles. These pinnacles are normally between 10 20 m in length. In boreholes drilled just 10 m apart the bedrock depth can differ by 30m or more. The depth of the solid bedrock from ground level can vary from a few meters to depths that are greater than 100 meters. In the case of the Gautrain the solid bedrock was found 30 meters below the ground surface at some of the sites. It is not easy to determine where the bedrock is. Thus specialised drillings (inspection holes) need to be made to determine the location of the solid bedrock. These holes are drilled to ensure that a foundation is not build on a floater or on the hard chert layer. 4. Why the soil is problematic Two of the mayor problems associated with dolomite are the formation of sinkholes and dolines. 4.1 Sinkholes As the dolomite dissolute cavities form which leads to the formation of cracks in the form of an arch. These cracks get wider and longer as the soil is eroded and the cavities get bigger. When the underlying soil is triggered in the middle by a disturbing agent or the cavities get big enough a sinkhole is formed. With small sinkholes the cross-section resembles a bottleneck as soil falls through a cavity. Sinkholes can occurs suddenly or over time and forms a hole ranging in sizes. The sinkhole can be classified in terms of its size as proposed by Buttrick and Van Schalkwyk, as shown in the table below. Maximum diameter of surface manifestation (m) Terminology Small sinkhole 2 5 Medium-size sinkhole 5 15 Large sinkhole > 15 Very large sinkhole Table 1. Suggested classification of sinkholes in terms of size (Buttrick Van Schalkwyk, 1995) Figure : the formation of a sinkhole The formation of sinkholes can directly be linked to the changes in the water table. Almost all sinkhole formations are due to human activities. These activities include the dewatering due to mines, leaking utility services and abstraction of ground water. Sinkholes can be disastrous and can lead to loss of property or live as noted in the past. 4.2 Dolines Dolines can be described as an enclosed depression. Dolines form as a result of the compression of the dolomite residuum at certain depths. There are two main types of dolines namely dewatering type and saturation type. There is another type of doline that is referred to as a partially developed sinkhole which is caused by the erosion of the subsurface materials (Council for Geocience, 2008). Dewatering-type Doline A dewatering-type doline occurs gradually till it forms a large enclosed depression at the end of the process. The mechanism behind the formation of this type of doline can be summarised as follow: Within the dolomite rock profile there is a zone that is deeply weathered which is filled with potentially highly compressible material. A part of this material is usually submerged below the existing groundwater level. When the groundwater level falls rapidly the previously submerged and unconsolidated soil is exposed which results in a decrease of the pore water pressure. The thick layer of wad that is exposed by the lowered water table may cause excessive compression and rapid surface settlement. A dip otherwise known as a depression of the surface is caused by the settlement. Due to deferential movement surface tension cracks occur in the surrounding area. Surface Saturation-type Doline Surface saturation type dolines are usually less than 5m in diameter thus relatively small. The mechanism behind the formation of this type of doline can be summarised as follow: Occurs in situations where compressible dolomitic material underlay an area at relatively shallow depths with the ground water table either within or below the compressible material. Varying depths of the ground water table does not influence the ground surface movement. The materials at the surface are not saturated by the ground water table but due to for instance poor drainage or a leaking pipe services. The water penetrates the surface and continues till it reaches the low density material. The deeper low density materials settle into a denser state since it is saturated. This causes a surface depression due to the increasing load on the near surface materials. When the cause of the drenching is stopped the movement will rapidly decrease in general. The size of the depression is determined by the saturated profile underlying the area. The factors include the thickness, the depth the low density material is present, the configuration, and the extent of the saturation and also the location of the bedrock dolomite. Partly developed sinkholes When the subsurface erosion due to the ingress water is terminated it may also result in settlement of the surface which can appear to be similar to a doline. 5. Solutions and soil improvements when soil is present There are many ways to construct foundations to make it feasible to construct on dolomite. Some of these methods include: 5.1 Piles Piles are constructed out of circular concrete forms that are reinforced and socketed into the hard dolomitic bedrock. The construction of piled foundations into rock is not usually favoured in dolomitic or karst conditions. This is because of the serious installation constraints concerning the presence of the chert bands, rock floaters and also due to the nature of the bedrock that forms pinnacles. Where space is a constraining factor, for instance when there is a need to build close to roads or major services, it is considered to use pile to rock construction. (Gautrain,2009) 5.2 Raft Foundations Unlike piles that sits directly on the bedrock, raft foundations are basically large pad footings that floats in the soil mass. As discussed below the soil mas on which the raft is constructed are usually pre-treated to improve its density and strength by means of ground improvements. Another way is to pile the rafts itself by extending down to a more competent established horizon. There are different raft foundation options available that can be considered namely: Raft that spans between pinnacles with the possibility of concrete fillings between the pinnacles; When the bedrock is less than 15m below the ground and the voids and cavities are grouted to reduce occurrence of sinkholes, soil improvements can be done and the raft placed upon it; Or the raft can be placed on unimproved soil but still with the voids and the cavities grouted to reduce the occurrence of a sinkhole. Methods on how the soil can be improved: The conventional method by making use of mechanical roller compaction. Dynamic compaction can be done by making use of a crane to lift and drop purpose made steal pounders on the soil. Another method is preloading the soil with an additional load by making use of concrete blocks. This additional load almost the same as those that would be imposed by actual viaduct foundations. Usually about 1000 concrete blocks that are specially manufactured for this purpose and that individually weighs 10 tons are used. 5.3 Piled raft foundation The piled raft is a geotechnical composite construction consisting of the three elements piles, raft and soil which is mostly applied for the foundation of tall buildings in an increasing number. The foundation concept of piled rafts differs from traditional foundation design, where the loads are assumed to be carried either by the raft or by the piles, considering the safety factors in each case. The method used in this project was conducted by firstly pre-loading a 20m x 20m area, were the structure will be placed on, by using concrete blocks. Thereafter the substrata within the 20m x 20m column, that was constructed, are improved by grouting. This is done to reduce the existing voids and cavities present that can lead to sinkhole formations. After completing the grouting works, the piles are then installed within these grouted columns. Finally concrete raft also referred to as a pile cap were then casted over the newly constructed pile. (Gautrain,2009) 5.4 Solution used in the project and interesting facts Since the traffic could not be interrupted during the construction over the 14/Jean Avenue and N1/John Vorster Drive interchanges in Centurion innovative methods was used. After all the geological investigations were done and bedrock depth was determined the concrete shafts or piles where constructed. The shaft foundations were approximately 7 m in diameter and on some cases reached depths of 30 m deep. After the pier is finally secured the placement of the viaducts can start. There were made use of a cast-in-place method by constructing the viaducts form both directions. The sections are constructed so that the span of the viaducts will be post tensioned. To conduct this method a sophisticated hydraulically controlled concrete shutter was used. The viaducts were placed at an angle so that the rail segment crosses the intersection diagonally. This asked for innovative engineering as the pears needed to be shaped elliptically to be slender enough to fit in the confined space available but strong enough to support the superstructure of the viaducts. Since the design is that of an arch the mid-spans are shallower that the segments that rests on the piers this gives the viaducts a graceful curve. To ensure that high strength concrete was readily available batching plants were erected at each site. The length of the viaduct over the N14/Jean Avenue is 571.5m longa and has 6 spans of which the longest is 121m long. The length of the viaduct over the N1/John Vorster Drive is 502.75m long with 6 spans of which the longest is 109.8m in length. 6. Two landmarks caused by dolomite The destruction of dolomite is not all bad. It also provides tourist attractions such as the Cradle of human kind and the Sudwala Caves. On December 2 1999 The Cradle of Humankind which consists of several  strips of dolomite limestone caves and the Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and Environs, were declared a World Heritage Site. It contains the fossilised remains of prehistoric forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids. This declared area is 47 000 hectares and extends roughly between Oaktree, Hekpoort, Broederstroom and Lanseria in Gauteng. Most of the site is on dolomite which leads to two major consequences- the formation of caves and the formation of fossils. These dolomite caves started out as coral reefs growing in a worm shallow sea about 2.3 billion years ago. Currently there are over 200 caves in total on the site with a possibility for more to be discovered. The Sudwala Caves contain the largest dolomite chamber in the world namely the Owen Hall. The caves have a chamber which is a naturally formed amphitheatre of approximately 37m in height and 70m in diameter. The caves have a floor surface of 14,000 m2 over a distance of about 600m that are open to the public. The tallest stalagmite in the caves is about 11m in length. The water table fluctuated as a result to the changes in the topography and climate. This caused acidic water to seep through the cracks into the dolomite thus slowly but surely dissolved the dolomitic rock. As a result a series of underground chambers eventually formed were the dolomite have bean dissoluted and the rock carried away in solution by the water seeping out, or where it occasionally found an escape route and flowed away. Thus the Sudwala Caves was formed and it is believed that the caves are much larger and that some of the chambers are still to be discovered.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

C.S. Lewis’ Reflections on the Psalms

Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis, best known for his slew of fantasy novels, Chronicles of Narnia, is undoubtedly one of the most popular and controversial Christian writers.   His unabashed use of Christian mythology and concepts in his literary works reflected the impact of his conversion late in life, though his background and interest in folklore and the occultist manage to shine through his texts time and again. In any case, it would be improper and an insult to consider Lewis a run of the mill Christian writer, whose literary products are expected to subscribe to the doctrines of the religion.   Though devoted and a staunch believer, Lewis’ intellectual take on the religion and its implications run against the grain of common Christian literature.   It is, therefore, imperative to view Lewis using this frame of mind, particularly in understanding his post-conversion writings. One must also take into consideration that Lewis’ unorthodox view of Christian teachings – though decidedly supportive and faithful – often elicits much controversy from various parties.   Being an Anglican Christian, his writings are often condemned for their perceived attack on Catholicism and Judaism.   It is with this viewpoint that most literary analysts and critiques pillory Lewis’ most controversial non-fiction Christian tome, Reflections on the Psalms. The book is the result of Lewis’ reading of the Book of Psalms in the Bible, and the result of his discussion is not as easily acceptable for most readers.   It is the culmination of both his Christian background and a genuine interest in the apparent contradiction that faith and religiosity can be the breeding ground for the worst forms of violence and anger. This study posits that C.S. Lewis’ Reflections on the Psalms is a misunderstood body of work that may not be a perfect discussion of the Book of Psalms but does represent the occasionally valid theological theories of the author himself.     Though it will be necessary to compare Lewis’ theological musings to the writings of his peers, one must take into consideration the fact that the book is essentially an encapsulation of Lewis’ own musings and comprehension of the Book of Psalms without proselytizing or seeking any religious influence over any reader. To prove this thesis, the study shall begin with a brief discussion of the contents of the book, primarily with regards to Lewis’ interests and understanding of the Book of Psalms.   Second, the study shall discuss the similarities and differences of Reflections on the Psalms as compared to other books or articles of similar vein.   Third, the study shall seek to understand the value of Lewis’ tome through its intended audience and the message he wished to deliver to his readers. Lastly, the study shall present an in-depth review of the strengths and weaknesses of the book, primarily through specific quotations from the text.   Only then can a valid judgment of the book be achieved.   It would, of course, also be a reliable standard through which the merit and validity of continued patronage for Lewis’ little known tome on the Psalms may be measured. First of all, what exactly is Reflections on the Psalms about?   In a nutshell, Lewis reads the Book of Psalms and finds both joy and fear in his readings.   He is alternately ecstatic and appalled by the combination of praise and vitriolic anger found in this Old Testament book, citing some areas as aberrations when taken against the standards of the Christian world. In the process of reviewing the Book of Psalms, however, Lewis unleashes some seriously controversial lines, such as the condemnation of Jews as worst than pagans in their vindictiveness and anger[1].   Despite his negative pronouncements about the Jews and their violent indignation, Lewis’ book also looks into the essence of praise and what it means to man. The Book of Psalms is essentially a collection of prayer songs.   These songs are filled with praise for God in the same way that man would sing praises of anything or anyone he cares about.   This concept is not lost on Lewis, who promptly dedicates a moving chapter to the power of praise.   Lewis presents a different point of view in the sense that he urges readers not to fall for the theological jargon and technicalities that essentially make the reading of the Bible tedious and academic. Rather, his main point in writing Reflections on the Psalms is to emphasize the love that drives man to sing praises to a higher power and a greater being.   It is this essence of the Book of Psalms that Lewis focuses upon, emphasizing the unique rapturous sensation that fuels the Psalmists’ songs of praise for God, even in all their imperfect glory. Lewis’ book on the Psalms, of course, is not the first or last one in the literary world.   Arthur Weiser’s The Psalms: a Commentary, for example, is a straightforward commentary on the writings in the Book of Psalms.   Without essentially dissecting the concepts within the book, Weiser presents a modern discussion of the Psalms in a manner similar to a literary addendum; his book is explanatory of the book in the context of history rather than straight theology. The result is more of an academic verse by verse explanation of the Book of Psalms.   For example, the book attempts to find a correlation between the promised power of the Israelite king and the known history of Israel.   In doing so, Weiser likens the kings of Israel to the ruler of Egypt, explaining the psalmist’s faith as a product of the historical submission to an unseen God prominent in the area during that period.[2] On the other hand, J.M. Smith’s The Religion of the Psalms is more focused on the significance of the Book of Psalms with regards to its effects on morality in the Jewish sphere.[3]   How did the Book of Psalms influence the moral and ethical standards of the Jewish community? In essence, it is less a theological discussion (as in Lewis’ Reflections on the Psalms) or a historical study (as in Weiser’s The Psalms: a Commentary) and more of a study on the ethical dimensions and impact of the Psalms.   What is most important to discuss, apart from the approach to the Book of Psalms, however, is the literary style employed by Lewis.   Both Weiser and Smith present a near clinical explanation of the Book of Psalms, rendering it completely academic in nature. With Lewis, however, the style of writing is entirely different.   Though the content may be controversial, Lewis’ writing style undoubtedly produces beautiful, free flowing prose.   Even in his damning critique of what he calls â€Å"Jewish prison of self-righteousness†, his words never fail to contain a certain degree of mastery that renders the reader speechless and enthralled. His use of imagery and metaphors – a feature not found in other studies and commentaries on the Book of Psalms – alternately brings to life the peaceful, rapturous bliss of praise and the scathing fire-and-brimstone speeches of anger and vindictiveness.   Lewis’ style leaves no room for doubt: he indicts, judges and rhapsodizes about every nook and cranny of the Book of Psalms, thereby presenting a delightful and visually stimulating analysis of the Old Testament’s ode to prayer.[4] It may be said that the style of writing itself speaks volumes about Lewis’ very message.   His use of vivid prose and occasionally harsh, unforgiving words essentially show that the book is far from a theological dissertation that begs readership from scholars of the same field alone.   Rather than an academic approach, Lewis has utilized a less formal yet no less insightful means to discuss his views of the Book of Psalms. As such, it may be surmised that the intended audience of the book are the masses – lay people who cannot be presumed to know enough of the Bible’s scholarly and theological debates.   Instead, the book is designed to appeal to and at the same time educate the ordinary people who wish to learn more of faith rather than spend their hours reciting prescribed prayers. It is a discussion made entirely accessible to ordinary people – an exercise in proletariat â€Å"education†.   It is not exactly an attempt to aid conversions or strengthen the proselytizing armies.   More importantly, Lewis does not write directly for the Christian readers, either, despite his subject matter.   Lewis’ intention is to move people towards action, towards moral indignation against illicit and immoral activities.[5] In essence, the target audience is anyone who cares about moral uprightness, and the Book of Psalms becomes a means for Lewis to deliver across his point.   Rather than a platform for theological proselytizing, the end of Lewis’ book emphasizes moral action rather than any actual alignment with any church.[6] As mentioned earlier, Reflections on the Psalms is a book both loved and hated.   First of all, its subject matter and brash approach render it quite prickly for many critics.   One significant weakness of the book is its blatant criticism against Jews that can easily be misunderstood as an attack on the Semitic community. For example, in explaining the vitriolic anger that populates parts of the Book of Psalms, Lewis indicted the Psalmists (Jews, inevitably) for their hatred and the devilish and vulgar images graphically present in the psalms.[7]   Indeed, if Psalm 9, which speaks of blessings for people who violently bash the brains of Babylonian babies, is anything to go by, Lewis is not at all far-fetched or exaggerating. Despite the reality of Lewis’ accusations of violence and sensationalism in the Book of Psalms, this becomes a weakness of his book, particularly since it is viewed as a biased indictment of one race rather than an accurate response to a literary piece.   Moreover, since Lewis is incapable of reading the original Hebrew version of the Book of Psalms, this is easily a weakening of his rhetoric. Though essentially accurate in his reaction to the contents of the Book of Psalms, his admission that he is no reader of Hebrew becomes more of a problem rather than a powerful disclosure.   While it does not entirely negate the validity of Lewis’ contentions (as reading from an English translation is also perfectly valid), it does become a thorn on the author’s side when issues of validity and objectivity arise. Perhaps in sharp contrast to this failed disclosure is Lewis’ admission that he is no theologian.   Rather than become a weakness of the study, this becomes a very powerful tool in Lewis’ defense of his writings.   As Lewis wrote, â€Å"One is sometimes (not often) glad not to be a great theologian.   One might so easily confuse it with being a good Christian†.[8]   In essence, this provides Lewis with a very good defense with regards to the allegations that he is bias on purpose, with an obviously anti-Semitic bend. Lewis does not claim any moral superiority in discussing the Psalms.   The essence of Reflection on the Psalms, therefore, is a very personal book written from Lewis’ own point of view and should not be taken as a tool for ethnic indictment or proselytizing. This concept is also highly related to the final and most significant strength of the book.   Despite claims that the book is biased and subjective, the greatest power of Reflections on the Psalms is its raw, honest discussion of the power of praise.   He wrote, â€Å"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express that same delight in God which made David dance†[9]. It is precisely this bliss that Lewis captures perfectly in his book, rendering it a bittersweet portrayal of human flaws and the love of God that continues to inspire even the most imperfect of humans to dance for joy and sing in bliss.   Though he does present a rather negative depiction of the Jews in the early part of his book, he acknowledges their flaws as human and present in everyone.   It is their ability to connect, love and be moved by the presence of God that makes them worth and even admirable in the eyes of Lewis. BIBLIOGRAPHY â€Å"Lewis on the Psalms†, TIME Magazine, 22 September 1958; accessed on 5 May 2008 available from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,863917,00.html Lewis, C.S.   Reflections on the Psalms.   New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1958 Meilaender, Gilbert.   Things That Count: Essays Moral and Theological.   Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, 2000 Smith, J.M.   The Religion of the Psalms.   Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1922    Weiser, Arthur. The Psalms: A Commentary.   Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1962    Wood, Ralph.   â€Å"Conflict and Convergence on Fundamental Matters in C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkie [1] â€Å"Lewis on the Psalms†, TIME Magazine, 22 September 1958; accessed on 5 May 2008 available from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,863917,00.html [2] Arthur Weiser, The Psalms: A Commentary,   (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1962) 111 [3] J.M. Smith, The Religion of the Psalms, (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1922), v [4] â€Å"Lewis on the Psalms†, 1958 [5] Ibid [6] Ibid [7] C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, (New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1958) [8] Ibid., p.57 [9] Ibid., p.45