Short questions answer Essays

Short questions answer Essays Short questions answer Essay Short questions answer Essay The objectives of the study give the study a direction. They act as guidance map by determining the procedures that will lead to eventual findings of the study. Objectives assist in determining the kind of data to use for the study and the procedures for collecting the data. Objectives determine the variables to measure in our study and, therefore, give the study a more definite purpose. Costs are easily estimated and planners are enabled to give a definite time frame in which to complete the study. Focus groups, as a source of data, are more of communicative and are qualitative. People are brought together and are stimulated to give opinions and express feelings. An example is where employees may be assembled to express their feelings towards their employer. Questionnaires are also qualitative since they ask for opinions. They are communicative since the researcher does not make observations.   A questionnaire can be used to collect data on income ranges of the respondents where the ranges are in categories.   Market tests is observational since the data recorded is captured as it occurs.   These are mostly quantitative, recording variation in market prices of commodities over time. Ethnographic study is qualitative and communicative.   It goes beyond mere observation by having the researcher totally involved in the experiences of the respondent. Biographies study can be both quantitative and qualitative but most are the latter.   Such studies are observational since there is no interaction that could amount to communication. Participant observation study is qualitative and involves more of observation of people behavioural patterns. Research that is intended to unravel corruption deals within a firm can conceal its purpose since this would raise suspicion among respondents.   Required information would not be obtained.   Market research companies may conceal the purposes of their study if they intend to find the strategies that work best for companies. Such information would be withheld by any company to avoid competition.   Some information for minorities is hard to obtain unless research purpose is concealed.   This is because minority groups feel like they are being intimated by gathering sensitive information from them. An independent variable can take a random value since its not being influenced by other factors.   A dependent variable’s value is affected by the value of another variable, the independent variable.   One such test is the Chi Square test of independence.   This test gauges whether any two independent variables have any association between them.   As an example the test can measure if there is any association between a respondent’s sex and their income levels where the income levels categorized into groups, (Downing, 2003). For the Chemist’s case, Chi Square Test would be used to test the independence of variables on the choice of a store by customers.   This would highlight the factors that influence a person’s choice of a store and advice would be given to the company on what to emphasize.   For the Publishing house survey, Chi Square Test would be used to determine the interactions between the factors.   The Chi Square Tests would indicate clear differences and whether or not the differences are significant.   This would enable us to either refute the null hypothesis or fail to reflect it.   For the jewelry stores study, T-Test best fits the study.   The T-test would show if there are significant differences in the average amounts spent and the sales.   T-test measures differences for continuous data (Downing, 2003).

All About the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City

All About the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City Located in the heart of Mexico City, Chapultepec Castle is a historic site and local landmark. Inhabited since the days of the Aztec Empire, Chapultepec Hill offers a commanding view of the sprawling city. The fortress was the home of legendary Mexican leaders including Emperor Maximilian and Porfirio Diaz and played an important role in the Mexican-American War. Today, the castle is home to the first-rate National Museum of History. Chapultepec Hill Chapultepec means â€Å"Hill of the Grasshoppers† in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. The site of the castle was an important landmark to the Aztecs who inhabited Tenochtitlan, the ancient city which would later become  known as Mexico City. The hill was located on an island in Lake Texcoco where the Mexica people made their home. According to legend, the other people of the region did not care for the Mexica and sent them to the island, then known for dangerous insects and animals, but the Mexica ate these pests and made the island their own. After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, the Spanish drained Lake Texcoco to control flooding issues. On the grounds near the castle, at the base of the hill in the park near the  Nià ±os Heroes  monument, there are ancient glyphs carved into the stone during the reign of the Aztecs. One of the rulers mentioned is Montezuma II.   The Castle After the fall of the Aztecs in 1521, the hill was largely left alone. A Spanish viceroy, Bernardo de Glvez, ordered a home built there in 1785, but he left and the place was eventually auctioned off. The hill and assorted structures upon it eventually became the property of the municipality of Mexico City. In 1833, the new nation of Mexico decided to create a military academy there. Many of the older structures of the castle date from this time. Mexican-American War and the Hero Children In 1846, the Mexican-American War began. In 1847, the Americans approached Mexico City from the east. Chapultepec was fortified and placed under the command of General Nicolas Bravo, a former president of the Mexican republic. On September 13, 1847, the Americans needed to take the castle to proceed, they did, then secured the fortress. According to legend, six young cadets remained at their posts to fight off the invaders. One of them, Juan Escutia, wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and leaped to his death from the castle walls, denying the invaders the honor of removing the flag from the castle. These six young men are immortalized as the Nià ±os Heroes or â€Å"Hero Children† of the war. According to modern historians, the story is likely embellished, but the fact remains that Mexican cadets did defend the castle bravely during the Siege of Chapultepec. The Age of Maximilian In 1864, Maximilian of Austria, a young European Prince of the Habsburg line, became emperor of Mexico. Although he spoke no Spanish, he was approached by Mexican and French agents who believed that a stable monarchy would be the best thing for Mexico. Maximilian resided at Chapultepec Castle, which he had modernized and rebuilt according to the European standards of luxury at the time with marble floors and fine furniture. Maximilian also ordered the construction of Paseo de la Reforma, which connects Chapultepec Castle to the National Palace in the center of town. Maximilian’s rule lasted three years until he was captured and executed by forces loyal to  Benito Juarez, the president of Mexico, who maintained he was the legitimate head of Mexico during Maximilians reign. Residence for Presidents In 1876, Porfirio Diaz came to power in Mexico. He took Chapultepec Castle as his official residence. Like Maximilian, Diaz ordered changes and additions to the castle. Many items from his time are still in the castle, including his bed and the desk from which he signed his resignation as president in 1911. During the Mexican Revolution, various presidents used the castle as an official residence, including Francisco I. Madero, Venustiano Carranza, and Alvaro Obregà ³n. Following the war, Presidents Plutarco Elias Calles and Abelardo Rodriguez resided there. The Castle Today In 1939, President Lazaro Cardenas del Rio declared that Chapultepec Castle would become the home of Mexicos National History Museum. The museum and castle are a popular tourist destination. Many of the upper floors and gardens have been restored to look as they did during the age of Emperor Maximilian or President Porfirio Diaz, including original beds, furniture, paintings, and Maximilians fancy coach. Also, the exterior is renovated and includes the busts of Charlemagne and Napoleon that had been commissioned by Maximilian. Near the entrance to the castle is a massive monument to the fallen during the 1846 Mexican-American War, a monument to the 201st Air Squadron, a Mexican air unit which fought on the side of the Allies during World War II  and old water cisterns, a nod to Lake Texcocos former glory. Museum Features The National Museum of History includes pre-Colombian artifacts and displays about ancient cultures of Mexico. Other sections detail important parts of Mexican history, such as the war for independence and the Mexican Revolution. Oddly, there is little information about the 1847 Siege of Chapultepec. There are numerous paintings in the museum, including famous portraits of historical figures such as Miguel Hidalgo and Josà © Marà ­a Morelos. The best paintings are the masterpiece murals by legendary artists Juan O’Gorman, Jorge Gonzlez Camarena, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Siqueiros.

The Power Of American Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Power Of American Media - Essay Example Even before America gained her independence in the late 18th century, Europe’s tabloid presses were already having a field day exposing sensational events that would put today’s reality media to shame. Stories like the gruesome attack on a businessman and the â€Å"deflouring† of his two daughters appeared in a Dutch pamphlet in 1601 and led to a crackdown on banditry. Tabloid reports on the adulterous escapades of England’s popular Queen almost sparked a revolt in the early 19th century (Economist 107). So powerful were newspapermen that Burke (1729-1797) coined the term â€Å"Fourth Estate† to describe them as a new and powerful social class in England. It was Burke who pointed out the duty of the press as guardians of public interest and watchdogs of government. He believed that newspapermen had a power all their own in government: the power to speak and the power to make others listen through the printed word, and to act as a check and balance to the other social classes (Lords, Clergy, and People) by upholding democracy and defending public interests (â€Å"A Vindication†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). But it was Carlyle (1795-1881), quoting Burke, who extended the description as to include the â€Å"Able Editors† and printers (â€Å"Heroes†), widening the Fourth Estate as to include the whole mass media. Carlyle, an individualist who vehemently distrusted democracy and legislators and hated industrialists, had in mind William Cobbett, England’s great newspaperman w ho denounced the political system as nepotistic, corrupt, and elitist and had to flee to America in 1818 to escape trial. Returning in 1820, Cobbett reported juicy tidbits of the King’s private life, in the process gaining popular support and acquittal for the embattled Queen.

Relationship between demand and price of house increasing in China Research Proposal

Relationship between demand and price of house increasing in China - Research Proposal Example The results from their research had suggested that the major push in the rising demand of housing in China is coming from the stimulus provided by the government. The government strongly regulates the prices of the housing market by adopting relevant polices. According to the research conducted by Rothman (2011 cited in Stohldreier, 2012) government in China wants to influence house ownership which explains the high demand of housing in the country. Researchers have pointed out that there are many factors which influence the housing prices. For instance the research conducted by Beltratti and Morana (2010) had pointed out that the main factors which influence the price of housing include variables like private consumption, rate of CPI inflation, interest rates of the economy, stock price and price of oil. Few researchers have focused on the impacts of monetary policy on the housing market. The results obtained from their study are however mixed and does not show convergence. The research work undertaken by Iacoviello & Minetti (2008) had focused on the impact of credit channel on the housing market. The results from the study had shown that house prices are heavily influenced by changes in the interest changes of the economy. However, this research was conducted in the Western countries namely Finland, Germany, UK and Norway. Researchers who have focused on the Chinese market specifically have found that rising income of the households is one of the strongest factors that have influenced the demand for housing in China. The past three decades of rapid economic growth in the country have had a huge impact on raising the income of the middle-income households including their disposable income (Chen, Guo and Wu, 2011). Additional factors that have influenced the house of pricing in China include high rate of population growth, rise in savings rate, investment in fixed as sets and rising construction

Graffiti Art Essay Example for Free

Graffiti Art Essay In the late 1960s’s, another art genre was recognized and developed although its lack of form and other basic aesthetic elements has been once a topic of debates as regard its acceptance in the artistic world. Obviously, it differs from the works of art found in museums and galleries and its kind are not found in those elite locations because its location is specific. The location of graffiti art has been actually a subject of oppositions as well as its bold, unexpected and unconventional presentation. Although still, its location, may it be illegal, does not disqualify it as art. Thus, graffiti art is a form of art despite criticisms on its legality, coherence and presentation. It is also argued that graffiti art is a form of vandalism, but this is true only if they appeared on private or public property without permission. Graffiti art is indeed another genre of visual masterpiece. Graffiti comes from â€Å"grafficar†, an Italian word for drawings, markings, patterns, scribbles, or messages that are painted, written, or carved on a wall or surface. Graffiti is the plural of grafficar. Grafficar also signifies a process meaning to scratch. Examples of which are different wall writings ranging from cave paintings, bathroom scribbles, or any message that is scratched on walls. In the ancient Egypt and Rome, in particular, graffiti has been visible in monuments and building walls which are now being explored. It is originally used to term inscriptions, figure drawings, and other carvings found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins. Examples are the Catacombs, or those found at Pompeii. (Whitford, 1992. pp. 137) In the modern era, present day graffiti is also associated to any unsolicited markings on a private or public property, usually considered to be vandalism. In the early 1970s young New Yorkers has started to adopt tags, signatures and signs using aerosol sprays and markers in public places. The youngsters, belonging to the black and Puerto Rican communities have initiated the tagging which eventually developed and soon covered the citys walls, buses and obviously in subway trains. Tags even cover the entire train. Some may contain screen names or reflections of the writer, comes in subtle and often cryptic messages. Taki, an artist of Greek-American descent, was the first modern identified tagger in New York. He signed himself Taki 183, the number probably derived from the number in his apartment block. Some names also made their appearances in some real urban murals painted with spray-paint. Tags such as Futura 2000, Dust and Pink gained fame and recognition in the world of hip-hops. There were also Basquiat and Haring who also started to work in the street and the subway but their works swiftly spread beyond the works of graffiti. Their works attracted the attention of influential dealers which put them in great demand although their works were considered one of the rare forms of graffiti art. (Graffiti†¦ 2007, p. 1) Tagging and graffiti differs from each other although arguments about this difference still arise. Tagging is associated negatively as gang-motivated and illegal because it is usually meant as vandalism. It is also viewed as too vulgar or controversial to have public value. On the other hand, graffiti can be viewed as creative expression, not to mention its usual link to politics. Main Types of Graffiti Art The main types of graffiti fall into different categories and have their own names which are recognized in cities all over the world. First is â€Å"Hip Hop Graffiti†. This is characterized by ‘pieces’ which hip hop graffitists create by aerosol spray paints. They are large and colorful works, usually including either a complex mix of letters or a cartoon-style picture. This type of graffiti often lacks much thought and planning in design and usually takes an extended period of time. Second is the â€Å"Opportunistic Graffiti† which location is selected impulsively, on the basis of low risk and low natural surveillance. Graffitists of this type usually use tags or scrawling to mark their territory. Third type is the â€Å"Gang Graffiti†. Gang graffiti is not art work but a sophisticated communication to publicize gang power, status, and territory. This type is somehow related to opportunistic graffitists because they also use tags or scrawling to mark territory. But in addition to this, gangs use graffiti to create notoriety or show off their defiance of the law and society, and as a mode of marking their presence. The fourth, the â€Å"Political Social Graffiti† is obviously of racial or political motivation. This is uncommonly regarded as part of the graffiti subculture, although it is recognized as damaging to property. The last type is the â€Å"Commercial Graffiti† which is an emerging civic problem. This involves huge compensations paid by private organizations to graffitists to spray advertising logos onto walkways and buildings for promotions of their products. This type is an illegal form of advertising that avoids normal planning laws. (Stowers 1997, pp. 1-2) Gang Graffiti: The Most Dangerous Graffiti The gang graffiti is the most controversial not just because of the characters of its writings but because of its social impact in the neighborhood. Gang graffiti is an indication of gang presence in the community. Gangs use graffiti as their newspapers, thus they usually call it â€Å"newspaper in the wall† as gangs use them to send messages. This is their way of marking boundaries and warning rival gangs. Graffiti may also be an instrument to advertise drug market or, as a memorial to a killed gang member. Symbols and cryptic writing style is exclusive in each gang. Death warrants and beat downs are known to be posted in graffiti. Upside down or crossed out graffiti generally means a put down or threat to a rival gang or person. (Bland and Read 2000) According to Michael Carlie (2002), graffiti is the most common method of gang communication and a major symbolism of their gang affiliation. Jonathan Kellerman (1994) as cited by Carlie referred to graffiti as â€Å"the hieroglyphics of rage† because of the violence associated with it. On the surface, a person who is not familiar with it might think of graffiti as a simple nonsense painting on the wall or in poles or elsewhere, or just a plain vandal. Carlie adds that among other things, graffiti communicates the â€Å"role call† or the roster of gang members, or the hierarchy of gang members. It also implies whos around, whos with who, whos disrespecting who, which gangs are claiming what territory and which areas are in dispute. It may be an announcement of current gang activities and whos getting ready to attack who, or whos already been killed. A familiar language, for example, is the â€Å"X† which if marked on a member’s name means he is the likely target for an attack or murder. (Carlie 2002, pp. 2) An important not on gang graffiti is, in many ways, it is a code and codes in general are subjects to analysis. Deciphering gang graffiti requires the understanding of the symbols, abbreviations, structure, that composes the gang language. In the United States, gang graffiti is usually based on two dominant styles the L. A. and Chicago styles which vary greatly and influence to some degree across the country. Some gangs use an exclusive style while others use a combination. For example, the Gangster Disciples originated in south-side of Chicago might combine L. A. style gang lettering with Chicago Folks Nation symbols. In New York, Latin Kings might use Chicago Latin King symbols but with New York tagger style graffiti lettering. (Graffiti 2010) These styles and some of the variations are seen throughout the country and a person who understands both styles is more likely to understand most, if not all, gang graffiti. Characters of gang related graffiti has sharp, angular stick letters, or mostly contains religious, even â€Å"satanic† imagery, or is done in one color of paint. Most of the times they are very simple and flat-out which make them easy to figure out. But no matter how simple they appear, it still requires some basic code-breaking skills. (Deciphering Gang†¦2010. p. 1) Figure 1: WS 18 St, HGS West Side Eighteenth Street (gang), Hoover Gangsters (a clique of 18th Street) Two-digit numbers, especially â€Å"13? , â€Å"14? , or â€Å"18? , signifies graffiti for a hispanic gang while three digits, especially if they are the area code of your neighborhood, it’s almost certainly not a hispanic gang, but a typical prison or street sort. Exception to this is numbers followed by â€Å"K† which means a threat from a rival gang. â€Å"WS18? (figure 1) is a tag for the (hispanic) West Side 18th Street gang out of California. â€Å"WS18K† means a threat towards 18th Street by a local gang. Note that â€Å"K† is short for â€Å"Kill†. If there are two digits, see if they’re prefixed by â€Å"N†, â€Å"S†, â€Å"E†, or â€Å"W† (or â€Å"NS†, â€Å"SS†, â€Å"ES†, or â€Å"WS†) which relate to the cardinal directions, and form part of the gang’s identity. Hispanic gangs more often use 13 and 14 the 13th letter of the alphabet is â€Å"M†, which generally stands for â€Å"Mexico† or â€Å"La Eme†, the Mexican Mafia and the 14th letter â€Å"N† generally means â€Å"North† that symbolizes which end of California the gang originated from. It is a division as gangstas from the north and south parts of California frequently clash. Figure 2: Lil Capone WS VSLC, crossed out BK, Crossed out PBGK Lil Capone (name of gang member) West Side Venice Shoreline Crips, Blood Killer, Playboy Gangster Killer (disrespect to rival gangs) Certain patterns appear without the numbers. As always, â€Å"K† is a threat to â€Å"(K)ill†, as are any crossed-out letters. â€Å"A† as in â€Å"Almighty† â€Å"N†, that virtually stands for â€Å"Nation† can be safely ignored. When seen together, which usually occurs, it show up that the gangs used to calling themselves the Almighty Whatever Nation. Figure 3: GD around Star of David with number six inside the star, pitchfork extending from the D Gangsters Disciples with six point star representing GDs and Folks. Pitchford represents GDs and Folks Gangs which are known in the country carry a finite code which makes them easy to identify. â€Å"GD† is the Gangster Disciples and â€Å"VL† are the Vice Lords. â€Å"LK† are the Latin Kings, and â€Å"LQ† the Latin Queens; sometimes when they’re getting along, they’re the LKQ Latin Kings and Queens. Crossed-out letters in gang graffiti usually mean a threat. Letters â€Å"B†, â€Å"C†, â€Å"F†, â€Å"P†, or â€Å"S† crossed-out in a piece of gang graffiti, it signifies a threat towards a gang whose name, â€Å"nation†, or nickname begins with that crossed out letter. In the Vice Lord tag, the letter â€Å"C† is not crossed out which tells you the local Vice Lords don’t have complaints with the (C)rips. Gangs should write very carefully because all too often, little slights in graffiti like crossing out letters, or painting over rival gangs’ tags, are a sure warning sign of impending gang war. Figure 4: CVLN Conservative Vice Lords Nation. Cane extending from the L is a CVL symbol. Upside down pitchfork shows disrespect towards Fold Nation gangs. Knowledge in deciphering gang graffiti introduced you to a neighborhood of gangs. In (figure 4) the â€Å"C† is short for â€Å"Conservative†. The â€Å"Conservative Vice Lords† are one of several dozen larger Vice Lord â€Å"sets† around United States. Some communities have taken a massive campaign against graffiti and also intensifies gang reduction. In Florida, the Florida Department of Corrections website posts information to help educate the public in reducing gang activities, which imposes threat to the community. Some gangs, the website says, even use graffiti as Death warrants to authorities specifically to police officers. Community awareness program in most part of America uses the 4 Rs of graffiti to intensify campaign against gangs and gang graffiti. The slogan says, â€Å"READ IT, RECORD IT, REPORT IT REMOVE IT†. (Deciphering Gang†¦2010, p. 1) Thus, citizens should read it and report it to police, and police will record it and then remove it. These steps are important but the removal of the graffiti is the most risky. Removal of graffiti manifests the neighborhoods refusal to be dominated or intimidated by gangs which is a language most gang members understand. Neighborhood residents who ignore graffiti and bother not to remove them are viewed as frightened and weak by the gangs who made them. At the worst, there are instances that gang members attack people who attempt to remove or cover their graffiti. Gang graffiti is the most dangerous of all graffiti and can usually be found around community rail stations. It marks territory and rival gangs usually challenge for territory by crossing out another gangs graffiti. It imposes real and great danger to the residents. Messages in graffiti are taken seriously by gangsters and the longer graffiti is, the greater the risk that the threats will be acted on. Graffiti is a gateway crime and membership in gangs certainly guarantees a criminal record. Since juvenile of minor age receives more lenience when it comes to punishment, the minors are the usual target of recruitment and the doer of crimes. Residents Against Graffiti Everywhere (RAGE) is a community group that looks at social issues and works with local councils and Governments towards promoting a zero tolerance policy on graffiti. (Bland and Read 2000, p. 179) By legal definition, graffiti is vandalism. It is the unauthorized application of markings on someone else’s property, especially without permission. Therefore, legality wise it is a crime. The manner that graffiti is regularly produced as illegal detracts it from the concept to be considered an art form. Very unfortunately that graffiti is responded with outrage over the abuse of someone’s property. This negative connotation may take away the value or impact of the artist’s original message. Perhaps, it would be better to get permission from the owner of the â€Å"canvas† to display the art. Yet, graffiti still elicits emotional response even in its illegal state. Furthermore, it is composed of lines, shapes, color, tones, and forms in a display that conveys a certain message and elicits an emotion. Therefore, it is safe to say that graffiti is indeed an art. As George Stowers (1997) presented four criteria as basis that some forms of graffiti become a work of art. First, the artists intention to produce a work of art separates graffiti art from everyday graffiti markings. Second, graffiti art established a history of development in style and technique. Third, the art world has already recognized graffiti as an art form. Fourth is the public response to graffiti art indicates that it is art. Regardless of the message it conveys, the fact that graffiti carry the aesthetic and creative symbolism and expression, public agrees that graffiti is a form of art. Like other art forms, graffiti art is a definite art when both the artist and the audience agree on the works ability to provide maximal aesthetic satisfaction. Graffiti is presently known as spray can art which is a form indeed recognized as art. It has form, color, and other base properties as any other art pieces. It also has as an arrangement of these elements into structures that qualify it aesthetically as being art. However, something that is done with spray paint might make it graffiti, but not necessarily qualify as art or graffiti art. Location and presentation still are the factors that hinder the general acceptance of graffiti art. However, the instances that the art world’s acceptance of graffiti art shows that conventional methods of presentation are not all that matters in determining graffiti as an art. Graffiti in the form of spray can art is art like any other work that might be found in a gallery or a museum. References Bland, N. Read, T. (2000). Policing Anti-social Behaviour. Police Research Series 123, Policing and Reducing Crime, British Home Office, London, UK. Carlie, Michael. (2002) Graffiti and Other Gang Identifiers. (Into the Abyss: A Personal Journey into the World of Street Gangs) Retrieved 23 May 2010 from http://faculty. missouristate. edu/m/MichaelCarlie/what_I_learned_about/GANGS/graffiti _and_other_identifiers. htm. Deciphering Gang Graffiti (2008). The Slugsite. com. Retrieved 23 May 2010 from http://www. slugsite. com/archives/825. Graffiti. (2007) The Huntfor. com retrieved 23 May 2010 from http://www. huntfor. com/arthistory/C20th/graffiti. htm.

The Eye And Laser Eye Surgery Essay -- essays research papers

A Functioning Eye (Emmetropia) The eye is the organ of sight. It is used in almost everything we do, from playing sport to reading. A normal and well functioning eye can focus objects and images, both near and far, perceive depth and adapt to changes in light. The perception of depth is due to having two separate eyes creating two separate images, while the ability to adapt to light change is attributed to the iris and the dilator muscles. However these two aspects of the eye are not involved in laser eye surgery and will not be discussed in reference. The focusing of objects and images is very much part of laser eye surgery. In order for a clear visual image to be formed the image must come to a point on the retina. Light rays do not normally travel toward each other, usually the light rays either travel outwards or almost parallel, for this reason the light rays must be refracted. The cornea is the primary place of refraction, the â€Å"bent† light rays then travel through the aqueous humor and the pupil to the lens. Here the light is one again refracted even closer together, the light then goes through the vitreous humor and is projected onto the retina. The focus of the lens should be aimed at the fovea centralis (a tiny pit in the middle of the macula). It is in this region that vision is most sharp. For this reason, instead of simply staring at one point the eye must constantly â€Å"scan† the area to focus the whole object or image. In order to accommodate the changing distances of the object or image the lens in the eye has to adjust, becoming thinner to focus distant objects and fatter to focus near by objects. This process, of changing the lens thickness is known as accommodation. In order for this to occur the ciliary muscles contract and relax. The contraction fattens the lens and the relaxation stretches the lens. The eye functions on much the same principle as a camera. The iris, or coloured portion of the eye, acts as a shutter to regulate the amount of light admitted to the eye. The cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) and the lens (located behind the pupil) serve to focus light rays from the object viewed onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina then transmits the "picture" of the object viewed to the brain where the object is "seen". Clear vision is the result of light rays passing through the cornea,... ...ubstantially reduced. 3) Post-operative visual acuity is restored within a few days rather than weeks. 4) Less corneal scarring in the long term, less change due to healing (regression) and thus greater stability of the correction. When comparing only the benefits of Lasik over PRK the first impression is that Lasik has the potential to be a superior procedure. There is however, a very significant list of potential complications or risks and these include: 1) Failure of automated instrument to leave a hinge on the corneal flap, with the first incision. 2) Loss of the corneal flap during the operation. 3) Loss of the corneal flap after the operation. 4) Slipping of the flap and healing off center. 5) First incision too deep (perforation of the eye) or too shallow, causing a hole in the flap. 6) Invasion of the surface tissue into the central tissue of the cornea. 7) Infection of the cornea. 8) Loss of visual acuity - from scarring or from decentration of the PRK. 9) Technical problems with complex and finicky automated diamond-cutting devices. 10) The procedure is much more dependent upon surgeon's operating skills, than the computerized precision of the PRK procedure.

Communication skills Essay

Communication is a vital human process that people practice and commit to everyday. Communication is used by people to in interacting with one another and in developing or establishing a particular relationship with the other participants involved in the communication process. Through communication, people are able to understand each other’s views and ideas. There are various types of communication used by people. As such, messages can be conveyed by using different ways and means of communicating with others. One of the important types of communication is through public speaking. We often see this type of communication among public officials when conducting their speeches and any person with authority rendering important messages. Public speaking is a form of mass communication devised to address a diverse group of people at one time. Public speaking is an art or process of addressing the public. It is also a form of an effective oral communication in front of an audience (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 2009). Public speaking is often regarded as an art just like acting and dancing. This misconception led us to alter or conceal the usefulness of public speaking. There are two types of art, aesthetics and useful arts. The two is far different from each other. Aesthetic arts aim to render entertainment, and as such giving pleasure is its main goal. On the other hand, useful arts aim to accomplish a material and useful ends (Dolman, 2008). Public speaking is a real communication between persons and is a form of practice of the useful art. In instances, public speaking may pave the way for a significant change. Public speaking is often neglected and overlooked by people who think it is not important for thinking that they will never be engaged in speaking in public. But sometimes, unexpected situations arise as we are called for a presentation of a topic in front of a large and diverse audience. It is no longer an issue if public speaking should be included in the comprehensive curricula of schools and universities. The place of public speaking in the campuses has long been established for its assumed relevance to the people once they have to face reality and its challenges. Teaching this course, maybe in one form or another, is important in a child’s education. It is assumed that students are not only trained to have knowledge in effective communication, but also teaches them rigid intellectual discipline (Winter, 2005). Regardless of your personality and what line of job you are doing, you will never know when the time to speak in front of an audience has risen. The training offered in schools serves as a preparation for the future needs for effective oral communication. It may be an academic presentation or a big company address. In both these fields, effective public speaking is required in addressing the audience. Some people do not give high importance in acquiring good public speaking skills thinking that the skill is designed for public officials and salesman. Good public speaking skill is the gem of good and effective communication skills and acquiring such skills may be essential in one’s career. Even if you are signing up for a new job, employers consider the communication skills both spoken and written and become part of their hiring decision. Skills in public speaking do not only prove as useful in addressing large audiences but it is also inter-related with the other communication skills of a person. As you improve your public speaking skills, you also improve your interpersonal communication with your peers and family. The skill in public speaking has become exceedingly useful to people and to the traditional and contemporary society. No one exactly ever knows who will be the next leaders of the society. Once leadership is achieved by an individual, the skill in public speaking is very important and indispensable. Every prominent man and woman in every field is often required to address different kinds of audiences once a while (Hayworth, 2005). There are a number of reasons why people should learn public speaking and why every student should take such course. First, almost every one of us will be required to be involved in public speaking at some point in our lives. It may be a simple class reporting or recitation or an inaugural speech, preparation and knowledge is vital to every person as they engage in such activity. In addition, employers value the skill in public speaking in finding their potential employees. Acquiring a skill or formal education in public speaking will give the person an edge or an advantage in finding a job. Lastly, being an effective speaker renders one the tool to significantly change and make a difference in your business or community (MoneyInstructor. com, n. d. ). A person may not know what type of career he or she will end up working. It may be in a fast food chain or in a big company, where constant communication with clients and customers require effective communication. Public speaking may be able to teach how to compose oneself in dealing with clients and customers and how to relate to them through various types of communication. Moreover, students will not only develop their communication skill when taking up this course. Learning the subject may offer them the ability and capacity to meet the demands of life. In the class, they will develop more poise and confidence that may help and enable them to face situations which require such skills and abilities (Hayworth, 2005). Learning public speaking skills will not only improve your communication skills but will also improve discipline, posture, and boost one’s confidence. Communication skills may continue to improve over the years, the key is constant practice and developing these skills. References Dolman, J. (2008). A Handbook of Public Speaking. Charleston, SC:BiblioBazaar, LLC. Hayworth, D. (2005). Public Speaking. USA: Kessinger Publishing. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. (2009). Public Speaking. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/public speaking. MoneyInstructor. com. (n. d). Introduction to Public Speaking. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from http://www. moneyinstructor. com/lesson/pspeakintro. asp. Winter, I. L. (2005). Public Speaking: Principles and Practice. USA: Kessinger Publishing.

Theme of Social Class in Great Expectations

One theme from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations is the great difference in social classes. Throughout the story the main character, Pip, goes from living in a small, poor village, destined to be a blacksmith to becoming a wealthy gentleman who lives in a large home in London. During Pip’s journey a clear divide can be seen between the wealthy, high class of England and the poor laborer class.This divide between classes is seen as soon as the first higher class person in the story is mentioned: Miss Havisham. When Mrs. Joe and Mr. Pumblechook discuss Pip visiting Miss Havisham’s house to play, Pip recalls, â€Å"I had heard of Miss Havisham up town – everybody for miles round, had heard of Miss Havisham up town- as an immensely rich and grim lady who lived in a large and dismal house barricaded against robbers, and who led a life of seclusion† (Dickens 50).Even though Miss Hivisham spends all her time in seclusion up town she is known for miles ar ound because of her high standings, which gives a sense that the high class led extremely different existences than the poor. This theme is seen again when Pip tries to teach Joe things he has learned from Miss Havisham: â€Å"What I acquired, I tried to impart to Joe. This statement sounds so well, that I cannot in my conscience let it pass unexplained.I wanted to make Joe less ignorant and common, that he might be worthier of my society and less open to Estella's reproach† (Dickens 109). Even with the small amount Pip has learned about being a gentleman he already feels like he is on a different level than Joe and that Joe would have something to gain from being more like him. The sharp division of classes appears many other times during Great Expectations and helps show how different life was for different groups of people in England. The book gives two distinct viewpoints for this time period.

Gorillas in the Mist essays

Gorillas in the Mist essays For my book report, I read the book Gorillas In The Mist by Dr. Dian Fossey. Dr Diane Fossey began what was to become one of the longest field studies of the Gorilla gorilla beringei or the mountain gorillas. This book tells the story of Dians life studying the gorillas of the African rain forest. Dian combines adventure with valuable scientific knowledge to make a truly wonderful and interesting book. The main purpose of this book was to inform people about the mountain gorillas and of all of the problems the mountain gorillas face today. Diane Fosseys interest in the mountain gorillas began when she was young. Diane first began studying the gorillas of the African Rain Forest at the Parc des Virungas in Zaire, but she soon had to move her study site to the Parc des Volcans in Rwanda. It was there where she set up the Karisoke Research Center. Diane began her studies of the mountain gorillas there in 1967. The mountain gorillas are endangered and are becoming closer and closer to extinction every day. Dr Fossey wanted to find a way to help these gorillas. She created a study of how all of the gorillas lived so that she could better understand them and what might be done so that the population downfall could recover. Diane found that poaching, bad land management, and captivity were the main problems the gorillas were facing. Diane found that like humans, the mountain gorillas are truly social animals. They rely heavily on social interactions. The mountain gorillas live in very social family groups. Each member of the family has a certain role. If something bad happens to one family member, it can put a lot of stress on the other members of the family and can have devastating results. When Diane observed this, she did everything she could in order to keep the families together. Poaching was one of the main causes for death in the gori ...

Random vs. Systematic Error Definitions and Examples

Random vs. Systematic Error Definitions and Examples No matter how careful you are, there is always error in a measurement. Error is not a mistake- its part of the measuring process. In science, measurement error is called experimental error or observational error. There are two broad classes of observational errors: random error and systematic error. Random error varies unpredictably from one measurement to another, while systematic error has the same value or proportion for every measurement. Key Takeaways Random error causes one measurement to differ slightly from the next. It comes from unpredictable changes during an experiment.Systematic error always affects measurements the same amount or by the same proportion, provided that a reading is taken the same way each time. It is predictable.Random errors cannot be eliminated from an experiment, but most systematic errors can be reduced. Random Error Example and Causes If you take multiple measurements, the values cluster around the true value. Thus, random error primarily affects precision. Typically, random error affects the last significant digit of a measurement. The main reasons for random error are limitations of instruments, environmental factors, and slight variations in procedure. For example: When weighing yourself on a scale, you position yourself slightly differently each time.When taking a volume reading in a flask, you may read the value from a different angle each time.Measuring the mass of a sample on an analytical balance may produce different values as air currents affect the balance or as water enters and leaves the specimen.Measuring your height is affected by minor posture changes.Measuring wind velocity depends on the height and time at which a measurement is taken. Multiple readings must be taken and averaged because gusts and changes in direction affect the value.Readings must be estimated when they fall between marks on a scale or when the thickness of a measurement marking is taken into account. Because random error always occurs and cannot be predicted, its important to take multiple data points and average them to get a sense of the amount of variation and estimate the true value. Systematic Error Example and Causes Systematic error is predictable and either constant or else proportional to the measurement. Systematic errors primarily influence a measurements accuracy. Typical causes of systematic error include observational error, imperfect instrument calibration, and environmental interference. For example: Forgetting to tare or zero a balance produces mass measurements that are always off by the same amount. An error caused by not setting an instrument to zero prior to its use is called an offset error.Not reading the meniscus at eye level for a volume measurement will always result in an inaccurate reading. The value will be consistently low or high, depending on whether the reading is taken from above or below the mark.Measuring length with a metal ruler will give a different result at a cold temperature than at a hot temperature, due to thermal expansion of the material.An improperly calibrated thermometer may give accurate readings within a certain temperature range, but become inaccurate at higher or lower temperatures.Measured distance is different using a new cloth measuring tape versus an older, stretched one. Proportional errors of this type are called scale factor errors.Drift occurs when successive readings become consistently lower or higher over time. Electronic equipment tends to be susceptible to drift. Many other instruments are affected by (usually positive) drift, as the device warms up. Once its cause is identified, systematic error may be reduced to an extent. Systematic error can be minimized by routinely calibrating equipment, using controls in experiments, warming up instruments prior to taking readings, and comparing values against standards. While random errors can be minimized by increasing sample size and averaging data, its harder to compensate for systematic error. The best way to avoid systematic error is to be familiar with the limitations of instruments and experienced with their correct use. Key Takeaways: Random Error vs. Systematic Error The two main types of measurement error are random error and systematic error.Random error causes one measurement to differ slightly from the next. It comes from unpredictable changes during an experiment.Systematic error always affects measurements the same amount or by the same proportion, provided that a reading is taken the same way each time. It is predictable.Random errors cannot be eliminated from an experiment, but most systematic errors may be reduced. Sources Bland, J. Martin, and Douglas G. Altman (1996). Statistics Notes: Measurement Error. BMJ 313.7059: 744.Cochran, W. G. (1968). Errors of Measurement in Statistics. Technometrics. Taylor Francis, Ltd. on behalf of American Statistical Association and American Society for Quality. 10: 637–666. doi:10.2307/1267450Dodge, Y. (2003). The Oxford Dictionary of Statistical Terms. OUP. ISBN 0-19-920613-9.Taylor, J. R. (1999). An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measurements. University Science Books. p. 94. ISBN 0-935702-75-X.

See attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

See attachment - Essay Example In this case, the African Americans used their different ideologies, as power. They therefore, promoted their ideologies, which included their beliefs and values that helped them make sense of the world, in the midst of domineering ideologies of the European. They mainly were able to embrace their ideologies, when they resisted most of the ideologies of the colonial masters, which were imposed on them. The African-American slaves utilized their material culture as a source of their power, and independence, and used this to shape their lives according to their preferences. To counteract the ideological power of the African-American slaves, the planters too used ideology as a way of covering up their exploitations of the slaves and blinding the African-Americans on the evils of slavery. They therefore, did this through different attempts to gain control over the material culture of the slaves. Instead of the slaves using their material culture, the planters offered them â€Å"nicerâ⠂¬  clothing, housing, and food. However, most of the slaves did not accept the material culture of their planters, but preferred their own. They therefore, used their own material culture as a source of their â€Å"dominance† and power (Ferguson 118-9). Therefore, by â€Å"ideological power†, Ferguson referred to the culture of the African-Americans, since they based on this to resist the exploitations and injustices of slavery. African-Americans were under slavery for many years, as the whites had more dominion over them. The whites were more developed, with an advanced culture and education, compared to Africans. Therefore, it was least expected that the African-Americans would get powerful to the extent of breaking free from slavery. The African-Americans had no powerful weapons to engage in a war with the whites, in pursuit of their liberation. African-Americans only had their culture at their disposal. Therefore, these used their distinct culture as a shield fro m most of the exploitations from their ‘masters.’ The African-American culture was stronger than the American culture, since this combined both the indigenous African culture and some aspects of the American culture, which was acquired through the interaction of the blacks with the whites (Ferguson 58-9). Some archaeological examples of African-American ideological power in colonial America examined in Uncommon Ground. The ideological power of the African-American slaves mainly lay in their material culture. This form of ideological power helped African-Americans to resist the oppression of the white masters. This also served as a basis for resistance for the inequalities and exploitations by the white masters. This ideological power of the African-Americans mainly linked their social meanings with power. Therefore, the archaeological research by Ferguson is essential in tracing the distribution of material culture and establishing the different ways through which the a doption of these by the African-Americans played the role of resistance to the white oppression and exploitation. By refusing to embrace the material culture of the whites, the African-Americans wanted to maintain their cultural and social identity, thus avoiding assimilation by the American culture. There is different archaeological evidence provided by Ferguson that reveals the African-American ideological power during slavery. However, all these lay in the cultural aspects of the African-Am