Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Essay about Energy and the Environment Fossil Fuels

Energy and the Environment: Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels are one of the most important things on this planet to the human race. Without fossil fuels we wouldnt have todays current means of transportation, we would have less heating for the general population, energy uses would be more expensive, and overall the economy and the world would not be able to sustain themselves. Even still, the fact that fossil fuels are on this planet will never change, but how we use them and what impacts their use has will always be an issue. Even though fossil fuels provide for the most percentage of energy usage in the world, there is still the issue of pollution and other environmental impacts. Just oil and natural gas alone provide for more than 60†¦show more content†¦Global warming is mainly caused due to carbon dioxide trapping the suns radiation and keeping it within the Earths atmosphere. The fact that burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide is why their use has such an impact on global warming. Over the last 150 years, burning fossil fuels has resulted in more than a 25 percent increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere (union of concerned scientists). This statistic gives enough support to the fact that fossil fuels and their use are fueling the global warming situation. Another issue related to the use of fossil fuels is acid rain. Acid rain is caused by sulfur dioxides in the air and has been increasing due to the burning of fossil fuels, especially coal, which ultimately pollutes the waterways. The main fact is that burning coal produces sulfur dioxide, an acidic gas that contributes to the formation of acid rain (Darvill). Coal is used to produce about 30 percent of the energy in the US. With this very large number, it can be seen that the amount of acid rain will be greatly reduced if we can burn less amounts or use cleaner burning methods in order to protect the environment. After learning a great deal about fossil fuels one can see that they are obviously NEEDED by the human population and that their use is inevitable. On the other hand, fossil fuels may lead to substantial, and irreversible,Show MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Fossil Fuel Energy On The Environment And The Pocket987 Words   |  4 PagesIn the last decades energy consumption has come to a time where people started noticing the climate changes and the effect of fossil fuel energy for not only being environmentally destructive, but also causing Global warming (the warming that occurs as a result of increase emissions of greenhouse gases) has become a very big issue worldwide. The fossil fuels (Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas) which is the main sources of the world’s energy sources, is also one of the main causes of the climate change.Read MoreThe Use Of Solar Energy Does Not Pollute The Environment Like Using Fossil Fuels?886 Words   |  4 Pagesit use to be. Use of solar energy does not pollute the environment like using fossil fuels. Although the damage on the ozone layer cannot be reversed, more pollution can only make it worse. The major source of transportation in O Town is electric vehicles that are fueled by electricity generated using solar energy . Gasoline is no longer the main fuel used to power vehicles. Electricity made by solar energy does not damage the earth like some other kinds of fuels used to produce electricityRead MoreAlternative Sources of Renewable Energy Essay1629 Words   |  7 Pagesthe need for energy is growing as well. We are accustomed to using fossil fuels as our central source of energy for everyday uses. Fossil fuels are a natural matter that is found in the ground of the Earth formed in a previous time period millions of years ago that are nonrenewable and are used for energy today. Fossil fuels have to be burned in order to produce energy. When nonrenewable resources have been used, they cannot restock themselves or ever be used again. Renewable energy is a supplyRead MoreFossil Fuels Are Bad For Our Environment889 Words   |  4 Pages Fossil fuels are bad for our env ironment, and in a economy that is struggling, there is no point in pouring billions of dollars a year into an energy source that is killing our other resources. This kind of spending and reckless destruction of our environment will eventually have to stop. The question is, when it does what will we do? There are many other forms of alternative energy that are accessible to us right now. These energy sources will eventually have to be used in the place of burningRead MoreFossil Fuel And Alternative Sources Of Energy1218 Words   |  5 Pages Energy Policy Jameisha Lyttle Gwynedd Mercy University Abstract The United States government, as well as many others around the world, have relied on fossil fuel as an energy source for a long period of time. The extraction, production, and development of these sources have contributed to the many issues with the environment. In addition to this, fossil fuel will not exist forever because there is a limited amount on earth and it cannot be restored. For this reason, the UnitedRead MoreFossil Fuels And Their Impact On The Environment862 Words   |  4 PagesFossil Fuels and Their Impact on the Environment The amount of fossil fuels being deposited into the air should be controlled. Not only do fossil fuels pose a threat to the environment, but also to human health. The problem is not only noticeable in the depletion of human health, but also in the air, water, and land. Emissions are a concerning contribution to other problems such as global warming and greenhouse gases as well. One of the major factors of fossil fuels are vehicles. VehiclesRead MoreThe Misconceptions Of Renewable Energy Vehicles1694 Words   |  7 PagesMisconceptions of Renewable Energy Vehicles Renewable energy is usually considered the future of technology and the next large advancement for society. The main reasoning for this, as a use for vehicles’ energy, is because many people believe that renewable energy is necessary to stop climate change. And these people believe this misconception because of green house gases, which are released from the use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels create most of the world’s power, which leads to the creationRead MoreAlternative Energy Can Effectively Replace Fossil Fuels1227 Words   |  5 PagesAlternative Energy Can Effectively Replace Fossil Fuels In the U.S. alone, carbon dioxide emission levels have risen thirty percent since 2005. If the emissions continue to rise at this pace, the temperature of the Earth may rise by at most, thirteen degrees. Temperatures rising to that height could cause chaos across the world. With more and more people burning fossil fuels every day, this unfortunate future is likely to occur. Fortunately, using pollution free alternative energy could alterRead MoreHow Can The United States Lessen Its Dependence On Fossil Fuels?1302 Words   |  6 PagesHow can the United States lessen its dependence on fossil fuels? Joan Milton Western Governor’s University How can the United States lessen its dependence on fossil fuels? Introduction The U.S obtains more than 84% of its energy from fossil fuels including oil, coal and natural gas. This is because people rely on it to heat their homes, power industries, run vehicles, manufacturing, and provision of electricity. It is apparent that the country’s transportation industry highly depends onRead MoreThe world depends heavily on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, and while700 Words   |  3 Pages The world depends heavily on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, and while the worlds population and energy consumption continue to increase, the non-renewable resources we need to produce energy will eventually be depleted. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the supply of oil left in the world will last us twenty five more years. One may say that twenty five years is a long time, and by then new sources of fuel will surely have replaced the nonrenewable

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Difference Of A Child s Comprehension - 860 Words

Description of the Study The purpose of this study was to examine the difference of a child’s comprehension when being read with a traditional book versus being read to with an electronic book. The independent variable is reading and the dependent variable is the comprehension and learning the child receives from the parent-joint reading. Also, the dependent variable is the background the children come from and the families learning history. In the study, by Marina Krcmar and Drew P. Cingel, there were multiple hypothesis and multiple research questions, but the main one I will be focusing on is hypothesis one. Krcmar and Cingel stated that the children will exhibit higher comprehension when their parents read to them using a traditional book compared to using an electronic book. Seventy parent-child dyads were recruited from child care centers. The children’s ages ranged between 24 and 60 months while the study did not report the age of the parents it did say nearly all of the parents were females. The data was collected with consent forms that the parents filled out before participating and took a brief questionnaire about the child’s reading experience. If the parents were not familiar with the iPad technology, they were trained by someone who was part of the research team. When parents were comfortable, the process of the study began. In the study, the independent variable (reading) was measured in a period of ten minutes. For the ten minutes, the parents would read toShow MoreRelatedTypes Of Learning Disorders And Their Signs Essay1657 Words   |  7 PagesLearning Disorders and Their Signs Could it be that your child struggles with school? Do you observe he or she avoiding reading out loud, tackling a math problem, or writing an essay? Certainly every child has trouble with homework from time to time, if a certain area of learning is consistently difficult, it might point to a learning disorder. By being knowledgeable on all you can about learning disabilities, you can make sure your child gets the adequate help to overcome classroom challenges andRead MoreReading Comprehension And The Key Pillars Of Reading Instruction1609 Words   |  7 PagesReading comprehension is the ability to read the text, process what you just read and then be able to understand what you read well enough to explain it to a fellow peer clearly and precisely. Reading comprehension is a link in the chain that is the five pillars of reading instruction. The first pillar being phonemes, second is phonics, third and fourth is fluency and vocabulary and finally the fifth is comprehension. Itâ€℠¢s the caboose of the pillars you might say. While all of the pillars are vitalRead MoreThe Genetic Disorder Of Trisomy 211481 Words   |  6 PagesCyprus method to examine patterns of fetal DNA methylation on chromosome 21, of which Down s patients have an extra copy. The researchers chose eight regions in which methylation levels differed most between people with and without Down s. They calculated a score for each case and used this to classify samples as unaffected or as Down s syndrome. The researchers accurately identified all 14 cases of Down s out of a pool of 40 samples† (Nature March 10, 2011). Most screening tests involve a bloodRead MoreChomsky s Theory For Learning Language1630 Words   |  7 PagesTo account for the observed differences across languages in their grammatical structure, UG has incorporated into its structure a number of language- specific variations â€Å"which children have to learn as part of the task of acquiring their native language (Britton Doake, 2005). Thus, language acquisition involves not only lexical learning but also some structural learning† (ibid, p.16) Chomsky’s theory for learning language applies to all aspects of language including nouns, verbs, consonantsRead MoreHow to Improve Reading Comprehension1212 Words   |  5 Pages How to Improve Reading Comprehension How to improve one’s reading comprehension? First, one must know what reading compression is, plain and simple it is the act of understanding what is being read. â€Å"Learning how to read is probably one of the most important skills that a child will acquire in his/her lifetime† (Pardo, 2011). Though it may sound easy, many people have difficultly remembering and understanding what they read. â€Å"To become a successful reader, a child must be able to decode theRead MorePiagets Theory of Cognitive Development959 Words   |  4 Pageshis main focus was on understanding the difference between children and adults. â€Å"Applying Piaget s theory of cognitive development to the education of children is another contribution that enables the effective teaching of children† (Kuhn, 1979). Piaget had a theory that children and adults shared equal intelligence; children just thought differently, Piaget set out to study the different levels of cognition and developed t his information into stages. Model(s) associated Piaget Piaget’s model wasRead MoreComprehension Is The Purpose Of Reading1039 Words   |  5 PagesThompkins (2016) comprehension is the purpose of reading, students need to understand and enjoy what they are reading to learn from it. It’s the creative process of activating prior knowledge, to explore and apply what is read. For example, if students need to know how to play a new board game, they read the instructions for direction. Comprehension implies different levels of thinking: from literal to inferential, then critical and evaluative. Literal is the first level of comprehension, where the readerRead MoreReading Achievement By Learning Disabled Students Essay1369 Words   |  6 Pagesreality. The summation of the study concluded â€Å"The primary outcome was that instructional setting had little differential effect on students’ performance in reading comprehension.† (Goldman et al., 1998) This study was conducted as an ANOVA to define the F values of a standardized K-TEA test for Reading Decoding and Reading Comprehension scores that was conducted on a group of 34 reading disabled boys around 11 years old who were pre-tested at the beginning of the school year and post-tested at theRead MoreA Child With Down Syndrome1328 Words   |  6 PagesPiaget believed that children went through stages of development at specific times. Child development is the biological and psychological changes that occur in human beings between birth and adolescence. Typical development refers to the milestones that a child reaches at a particular time during child development. Atypical development refers to not typical; not conforming to the type; irregular; abnormal: atypical behavior. Down syndrome is characterized as a chromosomal condition in which anRead MoreLiterature Is At The Heart Of The Australia English Curriculum And Literacy1180 Words   |  5 Pageschildren. Children’ s literature does not have a definite definition of what it is; basically, it is anything a child reads (Lerer, 2008). Children begin to learn what reading and writing are used for before even knowing how the system works. Children recognise the function of written language by seeing examples of written language that are being used around them. Many children know the difference between reading and talking, they are aware that written language is used to do things in this world (Emitt

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Wildlife Biodiversity and Net Deforestation Rates Free Essays

Around the world, forests are being logged for timber and paper pulp and cleared to grow mono-crops like soy and palm oil while they are deteriorating from the impacts of global warming. Deforestation is a major driver of global warming, responsible for up to 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions–more than all the cars, trucks, planes, boats and trains in the world combined. Deforestation doesn’t just threaten our climate, it threatens the livelihoods of 1. We will write a custom essay sample on Wildlife: Biodiversity and Net Deforestation Rates or any similar topic only for you Order Now 6 Billion people that rely on forests for food and economic activity. Forests also serve as habitats to rare and undiscovered animal and plant species and play a key role in providing water and preventing flooding and erosion. Ending deforestation and protecting forests will not only preserve biodiversity and defend the rights of forest communities, it is also one of the quickest and cost effective ways of curbing global warming. Greenpeace is campaigning for zero deforestation, globally, by 2020. Deforestation,  clearance  or  clearing  is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use. 1]  Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use. About half of the world’s original forests had been destroyed by 2011, the majority during the previous 50 years. [citation needed]  Since 1990 half of the world’s  rain forests  have been destroyed. [citation needed]  More than half of the animal and plant species in the world live in trop ical forests. [2] The term  deforestation  is often misused to describe any activity where all trees in an area are removed. not in citation given][neutrality  is  disputed]  However in  temperate climates, the  removal of all trees in an area[not in citation given]—in conformance with  sustainable forestry  practices—is correctly described as  regeneration harvest. [3]  In  temperate mesic climates, natural regeneration of forest stands often will not occur in the absence of disturbance, whether natural or anthropogenic. [4]  Furthermore, biodiversity after regeneration harvest often mimics that found after natural disturbance, including biodiversity loss after naturally occurring rainforest destruction. 5][6] Deforestation occurs for many reasons: trees are cut down to be used or sold as fuel (sometimes in the form of  charcoal) or timber, while cleared land is used as  pasture  for livestock, plantations of commodities and settlements . The removal of trees without sufficient  reforestation  has resulted in damage to  habitat,  biodiversity  loss and  aridity. It has adverse impacts on  biosequestration  of atmospheric  carbon dioxide. Deforestation has also been used in  war  to deprive an enemy of cover for its forces and also vital resources. A modern example of this was the use of  Agent Orangeby the United States military in Vietnam during the  Vietnam War. Deforested regions typically incur significant adverse  soil erosion  and frequently degrade into  wasteland. Disregard or ignorance of intrinsic value, lack of ascribed value, lax forest management and deficient environmental laws are some of the factors that allow deforestation to occur on a large scale. In many countries, deforestation, both naturally occurring and human induced, is an ongoing issue. Deforestation causes  extinction, changes to climatic conditions,  desertification, and displacement of populations as observed by current conditions and in the past through the fossil record. [5] Among countries with a per capita  GDP  of at least US$4,600, net deforestation rates have ceased to increase. [when? ][7][8] ————————————————- Causes According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, the overwhelming direct cause of deforestation is agriculture. Subsistence farming  is responsible for 48% of deforestation;  commercial agriculture  is responsible for 32% of deforestation;  logging  is responsible for 14% of deforestation and fuel wood removals make up 5% of deforestation. [9] Experts do not agree on whether industrial logging is an important contributor to global deforestation. [10][11]  Some argue that poor people are more likely to clear forest because they have no alternatives, others that the poor lack the ability to pay for the materials and labour needed to clear forest. 10]  One study found that population increases due to high fertility rates were a primary driver of tropical deforestation in only 8% of cases. [12] Other causes of contemporary deforestation may include  corruption  of government institutions,[13][14]  the  inequitable  distribution of wealth and power,[15]  population growth[16]  andoverpopulation,[17][18]  and  urbanization. [19]  Globalization  is often viewed as another root cause of deforestation,[20][21]  though there are cases in which the impacts of globalization (new ? ws of labor, capital, commodities, and ideas) have promoted localized forest recovery. [22] The last batch of sawnwood from thepeat forest  in Indragiri Hulu, Sumatra,Indonesia. Deforestation for  oil palmplantation. In 2000 the United Nations  Food and Agriculture Organization  (FAO) found that â€Å"the role of population dynamics in a local setting may vary from decisive to negligible,† and that deforestation can result from â€Å"a combination of population pressure and stagnating economic, social and technological conditions. [16] The degradation of forest ecosystems has also been traced to economic incentives that make forest conversion appear more profitable than forest conservation. [23]  Many important forest functions have no markets, and hence, no economic value that is readily apparent to the forests’ owners or the communities that rely on forests for their well-being. [23]  From the perspective of the developing world, the benefits of forest as carbon sinks or biodiversity reserves go primarily to richer developed nations and there is insufficient compensation for these services. Developing countries feel that some countries in the developed world, such as the United States of America, cut down their forests centuries ago and benefited greatly from this deforestation, and that it is hypocritical to deny developing countries the same opportunities: that the poor shouldn’t have to bear the cost of preservation when the rich created the problem. [24] Some commentators have noted a shift in the drivers of deforestation over the past 30 years. 25]  Whereas deforestation was primarily driven by subsistence activities and government-sponsored development projects like  transmigration  in countries like  Indonesia  and  colonization  in  Latin America,India,  Java, and so on, during late 19th century and the earlier half of the 20th century. By the 1990s the majority of deforestation was caused by industrial factors, including extractive industries, large-scale cattle ranching, and extensive agriculture. [26] [edit] Wildlife conservation  i s the practice of protecting  endangered plant and animal species  and their  habitats. Among the goals of wildlife conservation are to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy and to recognize the importance of  wildlife  and  wilderness  lands to humans. [1]Many nations are  government agencies  dedicated to wildlife conservation, which help to implement policies designed to protect wildlife. Numerous independent  nonprofit organizations  also promote various wildlife conservation causes. [2] Wildlife conservation has become an increasingly important practice due to the negative effects of  human activity  on  wildlife. The science of extinction. An endangered species is defined as a population of a living being that is at the danger of becoming extinct because of several reasons. Either they are few in number or are threatened by the varying environmental or predation parameters. ————————————————- Government involvement The Wildlife Conservation Act was enacted by the Government of India in 1972. Soon after the trend of policy makers enacting regulations on conservation a strategy was developed to allow actors, both government and non-government, to follow a detailed â€Å"framework† to successful conservation. The World Conservation Strategy was developed in 1980 by the â€Å"International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources â€Å"(IUCN) with advice, cooperation and financial assistance of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Wildlife Fund and in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco)†[9]  The strategy aims to â€Å"provide an intellectual framework and practical guidance for conservation actions. [9]  This thorough guidebook covers everything from the intended â€Å"users† of the strategy to its very priorities and even a map section containing areas that have large seafood consumption therefore endangering the area to over fishing. The main sections are as follows: * The objectives of conservation and requirements for their achievement: 1. Maintenance of essential ecological processes and life-suppo rt systems. 2. Preservation of genetic diversity. 3. Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems. * Priorities for national action: 1. A framework for national and subnational conservation strategies. . Policy making and the integration of conservation and development. 3. Environmental planning and rational use allocation. * Priorities for international action: 1. International action: law and assistance. 2. Tropical forests and drylands. 3. A global programme for the protection of genetic resource areas. Map sections: 1. Tropical forests 2. Deserts and areas subject to desertification. Importance Of Wildlife 37  Ã‚  6  StumbleUpon4 If you were of the opinion that cultivated plants and domesticated animals is what wildlife consists of, you are mistaken. Wildlife, in fact, comprises of the innumerous varieties of wild plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that exist on our planet earth, rather than just cultivated plants and domesticated animals. Knowingly or unknowingly, we largely depend on this wildlife for every elementary requirement in our life. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the medicines we consume, a variety of building materials used for construction, numerous chemicals used for manufacturing our necessities, all are extracted from the wildlife existing around us. A study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science indicates that as many as 40,000 species of plants, animals, fungi and microscopic animals benefit us in some way or the other. To know the various benefits that this wildlife provides us, read on further. Benefits Of Wildlife Benefits To People Wildlife and nature have largely been associated with humans for numerous emotional and social reasons. A simple stroll around the park amidst some birds provides a fresh breath of life and charges our batteries. Apart from bird feeder in the backyard, we can also take up other active pastimes, such as hiking, hunting, canoeing or wildlife photographing to relieve our parched nerves. Since prehistoric times, animals have been highly useful to us in providing food, clothing and source of income. Benefits To Natural Processes Wildlife plays an essential role in the ecological and biological processes that are yet again significant to life. The normal functioning of the biosphere depends on endless interactions amongst animals, plants, and microorganisms. This, in turn, maintains and enhances human life further. To add on, these ecological processes are vital for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other endeavors that support human life. Besides, there are several biological processes wherein wildlife plays a key role, such as pollinization, germination, seed dispersal, soil generation, nutrient cycling, predation, habitat maintenance, waste breakdown, and pest control. Benefits to Science, Agriculture, Medicine Studies indicate that woodpeckers are capable of destroying 90% of codling moth larvae residing under the bark of trees. This shows the significance of wildlife and wildlife habitat for preserving genetic diversity. Hence, places where agriculture, forests, and fisheries depend on crops or stocks can ensure that such living resources are enough to withstand the ever-increasing list of threats. Further, in medicine, development of new drugs and treatments are largely dependent on wildlife and wildlife habitat. Interestingly, most pharmaceutical products are a result of discovering or developing wildlife species and not discoveries through the traditional chemistry principles. Today, most medicinal remedies contain at least one ingredient derived from a wild plant or animal. How to cite Wildlife: Biodiversity and Net Deforestation Rates, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Advance Pathophysiology for Health Professionals-myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theAdvance Pathophysiology for Health Professionals for Burns. Answer: Thermal injury to the cell, mostly burns injuries have been widely reported in patients that require immediate rehabilitation through systematic interventions. Thermal injuries are common in patients when they come in contact with boiling water, fire and objects with the high thermal capacity to cause burns. The underlying pathophysiology of thermal burns is to be understood for clinical professionals for providing accurate care measures. In case of the first degree and second-degree burns, the cells appear to be red and develop blisters. In addition, there is swelling of the tissues. In case of third-degree burns, the cells are blackened or white in color in addition to a charred condition which appears numb (Stanojcic et al. 2018). The present understanding of the pathophysiology of burn cell injury focuses on three zones of injury; zone of coagulation, the zone of stasis, and zone of hyperemia. The zone of coagulation is the area suffering the most damage due to the injury. This has the zone of stasis surrounding it, indicating low levels of perfusion and increased inflammation. The zone of hyperemia has minimal microvascular perfusion with increased necrosis. Thermal injury to the cells is responsible for inducing an immunosuppressed state predisposing patients to complexities (CopsteadBanasik, 2013). The mechanism of cellular dysfunctioning has been linked with thrombosis of vessels because of vascular damage, up-regulation of inflammatory mediators and proapoptotic factors. The inflammatory action leads to rapid formation of oedema as a result of vasodilation, increased osmotic activity and increased extravascular osmotic activity. Further changes in interstitial tissue hold much importance (Nielson et al., 2017). References Copstead, L. C., Banasik, J. L (2013).Pathophysiology (5th ed.). St Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier. Nielson, C. B., Duethman, N. C., Howard, J. M., Moncure, M., Wood, J. G. (2017). Burns: pathophysiology of systemic complications and current management.Journal of Burn Care Research,38(1), e469-e481. Stanojcic, M., Abdullahi, A., Rehou, S., Parousis, A., Jeschke, M. G. (2018).Pathophysiological response to burn injury in adults.Annals of surgery,267(3), 576-584.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Access MBA Tour One-to-One Event in Singapore

The worldwide leader in One-to-One MBA events is coming to Singapore on April 10, 2019. Now the world’s top business schools are within your reach! At this exclusive One-to-One MBA event, you will: Hold personal meetings with Admissions Directors from prestigious business schools Get advice from our expert MBA consultants and GMAT instructors Take the chance to win over 2 million euros in scholarship opportunities By registering for the One-to-One MBA event, your profile will be carefully matched and selected for individual meetings with the business schools that correspond to your expectations. RESERVE YOUR PLACE HERE:  https://www.accessmba.com/link/ChR Some of the prestigious business schools participating in this Access MBA event: INSEAD, IESE Business School,  ESSEC Asia-Pacific,  Aalto EMBA Singapore,  IE Business School,  Strathclyde UAE, Singapore Management University,  Ã‚  Duke University The Fuqua School of Business and many more and many more! Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Time: From 5:00pm to 10:00pm (upon invitation) Place: Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands

Monday, November 25, 2019

Biology Word Dissections - Understanding Science Terms

Biology Word Dissections - Understanding Science Terms Pneumono-ultramicroscopic-silicovolcano-coniosis.Yes, this is an actual word. What does it mean? Biology can be filled with words that sometimes seem incomprehensible. Similar to how many biology students will dissect a frog, by dissecting these words into discrete units, even the most complex terms can be understood. To demonstrate this concept, lets begin by performing a biology word dissection  on the word above. Well take this long, seemingly impossible to understand word and break it down into its affix components to make it much easier for us to understand. To perform our  word dissection, well need to proceed carefully. First, we come to the prefix (pneu-), or (pneumo-) which means lung. Next, is ultra, meaning extreme, and microscopic, meaning small. Now we come to (silico-), which refers to silicon, and (volcano-) which refers to the mineral particles that make up a volcano. Then we have (coni-), a derivative of the Greek word konis meaning dust. Finally, we have the suffix (-osis) which means affected with. Now lets rebuild what we have dissected: Considering the prefix (pneumo-) and the suffix (-osis), we can determine that the lungs are affected with something. But what? Breaking down the rest of the terms we get extremely small (ultramicroscopic) silicon (silico-) and volcanic (volcano-) dust (coni-) particles. Thus, pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is a disease of the lungs resulting from the inhalation of very fine silicate or quartz dust. That wasnt so difficult, now was it? Key Takeaways Similar to how many biology students will dissect an animal, by performing a biology word dissection, even the most complex terms can be understood.Once you understand the common prefixes and suffixes used in biology, obtuse words are much easier to understand.For example, a large word like: pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis can be broken down into its constituent parts. After parsing, we realize that it is a disease of the lungs resulting from the inhalation of very fine silicate or quartz dust. Biology Terms Now that weve honed our dissection skills, lets try some frequently used biology terms. For instance: Arthritis(Arth-) refers to joints and (-itis) means inflammation. Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint(s). Bacteriostasis(Bacterio-) refers to bacteria and (-stasis) means a slowing or stoppage of motion or activity. Bacteriostasis is the slowing down of bacterial growth. Dactylogram(Dactyl-)  refers to a digit such as a finger or toe and (-gram) refers to a written record. A dactylogram is another name for a fingerprint. Epicardium(Epi-)  means upper or outermost and  (-cardium)  refers to the heart. Epicardium  is the outer layer of the heart wall. It is also known as visceral pericardium as it forms the inner layer of the pericardium. Erythrocyte(Erythro-) means red and (-cyte) means cell. Erythrocytes are red blood cells. Okay, lets move on to more difficult words. For instance: ElectroencephalogramDissecting, we have (electro-), pertaining to electricity, (encephal-) meaning brain, and (-gram) meaning record. Together we have an electric brain record or EEG. Thus, we have a record of brain wave activity using electrical contacts. Hemangioma(Hem-) refers to blood, (angio-) means vessel, and (-oma) refers to an abnormal growth, cyst, or tumor. Hemangioma is a type of cancer consisting primarily of newly formed blood vessels. SchizophreniaIndividuals with this disorder suffer from delusions and hallucinations. (Schis-) means split and (phren-) means mind. ThermoacidophilesThese are Archaeans that live in extremely hot and acidic environments. (Therm-) means heat, next you have (-acid), and finally (phil-) means love. Together we have heat and acid lovers. Additional Terms Using our new found skills, we should have no trouble with the following biology related terms. Angiomyogenesis (angio - myo - genesis): This is a medical term that refers to the regeneration of heart (myocardial) tissue. Angiostenosis (angio - stenosis): This term refers to the narrowing of a vessel, typically a blood vessel. Angiostimulatory (angio - stimulatory): Angiostimulatory refers to the stimulation and growth of blood vessels. Biotroph (bio - troph): Biotrophs are parasites. They do not kill their hosts as they establish a long-term infection as they get their energy from living cells. Bradytroph (brady - troph): This term refers to an organism that experiences very slow growth without the presence of a particular substance. Necrotroph (necro - troph): Unlike biotrophs, necrotrophs are parasites that kill their host and survive on the dead remains. Oxalotrophy (oxalo - trophy): This term refers to the metabolism of oxalates or oxalic acid by organisms. Once you understand the commonly used prefixes and suffixes, obtuse words are a piece of cake! Now that you know how to apply the word dissection technique, Im sure youll be able to determine the meaning of the word thigmotropism (thigmo - tropism).

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Cultural Forms and Rituals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cultural Forms and Rituals - Essay Example There are similarities between the Holy Bible and the Odyssey. The two masterpieces use singing to show joy. The two art masterpieces use singing to show praise. The three masterpieces use singing to the community’s unity. First, the Holy Bible and the Odyssey indicate the people use singing to express happiness. Homer (20) emphasizes the Odyssey culture states â€Å"He was singing of the return of the Achaeans, that bitter trip Athena made them take when they sailed home from Troy (Homer).† The verse clearly shows that the singer is happy with return of Achaeans. Just like people of the current 21st century generation, people sing whenever they are happy. In addition, another verse goes â€Å"There’s nothing wrong with this man’s singing of the evil fate of the Danaans, for men praise the most the song which they have heard most recently† (Homer 21). The verse clearly shows that the people use singing as a form of religious worship. The people use singing to add more color or persuasiveness to each religious ritual. In the same manner, the Holy Bible’s (Holman732) Psalm 105:43 states â€Å"So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.† The verse indicates that the people in the community are united. The united people sang for joy. The people gladly joined in the singing activities to prove they have the same intentions as the other members of a group. Second, the Holy Bible and the Odyssey indicate the people use singing to express love. Likewise, another verse indicates â€Å"At that point, the suitors switched to dancing and to singing lovely songs. They amused themselves until dark evening came.†(Homer 24). The verse clearly shows that the suitors are united. The suitors are happy to see the main purpose of their love, the women of their dreams. The girls will surely be enchanted by their suitor’s singing. The Holy Bible’s (Stebbins 254) 1 Samuel 17: 6†¦states â€Å"and it came to pass as they cam, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.† Third, the Holy Bible and the Odyssey use singing during their worship services. In the Odyssey story, the people will choose which song fits their current religious active ties. In terms of singing, the Holy Bible shows that the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah 12:27 was filled with â€Å"singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. The company of singers gathered together from the circuit around Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathifes.† (Hagen 442)The verse clearly shows that people around Jerusalem and from the nearby Netophathifes showed their happiness by singing. The Holy Bible’s Isaiah 52:9 states â€Å"Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people.† (Hagen 852). The verse clearly indicates that the people sing because they are in praise mode. Singing increases the level of the praying. Lastly, 1 Chronicles 16:7 indicates â€Å"Then on that day David first appointed the singing of praises to the Lord by A Saph and his kindred.† The Holy Bible’s (Holman 551) 2 Chronicles 20:27-278 states â€Å"Then Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be offered on the altar. When the burnt offerings began, the song of the Lord and the trumpets began, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. The whole assembly was worshipping, singing the song, and blowing the trumpets –

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Application - Essay Example It calls into question the true character and strength of resolve in a person while the journey towards self discovery places him in a position of having to make the tough choices in life. Most of the college students learn to grow up quickly and develop a sense of responsibility that their parents become truly proud of. That is because parents do not really know their children until they have left the family home and been given a chance to truly discover who they are apart from their parents, family, and friends. My journey of self discovery began at the tender age of 16. When I moved to Singapore from Indonesia after graduating from my junior year in high school. I lived independently in Singapore from 2006 to 2009. A total of 3 years wherein I embarked on a unique journey of finding myself and self discovery. Living independently has proven that I am not easily influenced by external and internal factors existing in my life. I was blessed to have experienced living among people of varied cultures and backgrounds who helped me realize the prejudices in the world. Our nationality does now define who we are as a person, we define that through our actions. That is the principle that I have come to develop over time for myself. I am a person who holds true to my own principles and beliefs in righteousness and truth. During the beginning of my journey towards self discovery, I found mostly the negative aspects of myself as a human being. Factors that I knew I disliked and worked hard to change. I knew that keeping those traits would potentially lead me down a path of self destruction. By living independently in Singapore, I began to understand what my true purpose in life was. This journey will be a life long experience. One where I will find the happiness that God meant for me to find in my

Monday, November 18, 2019

Aesthetic relativism versus aesthetic objectivism Essay

Aesthetic relativism versus aesthetic objectivism - Essay Example end the relation between aesthetic experience and value? Of late questions have arisen and have been likely to have a skeptical cast, as to whether the use of anesthetic is explicated without appeal to others, or whether the term answers any genuine philosophical purpose.The expressed skepticism by these questions did not hold until the end of the twentieth century. This fact prompted the question as to whether (a) notion of aesthetic is fundamentally problematic and has just become known, or (b) the notion is fine and has become cluttered enough for our imagination. Deciding between these possibilities needs a vantage from which to take concerning both early as well as late theories on aesthetic matters.The notion of aesthetic descends from the notion of taste.The reason why the notion of taste commanded a lot of philosophical attention in the eighteenth century was due to the theory of taste that had emerged of which was a corrective measure to the upraise of objectivism in regard to beauty. With this rise especially applied to virtue. While objectivism was against beauty, the judgment of beauty in the eighteenth century idea of taste was to be immediate, against self-absorption of virtue and held the desire of beauty to be disinterested (â€Å"Relativism vs. Objectivism† 1). In any given debate, arguments especially to do with relativism versus objectivism tend to separate leaving no in between. The Slippery slopes myth says that people who are on one side of any argument easily find it easier to blame people on another side of an argument. However, concerning the other side of slippery slopes can also be extreme. For example, the prevalent abortion debates that exist today. Furthermore, the relativism versus objectivism argument in philosophy is not altered either. Objectivists blame relativist of being subjectivists that look for ethical negativism by claiming that morality is up to the individualism; relativist blame objectivists of being absolutis ts of whom believe that all queries have a single right answer, regardless of culture or context. With such a debate, majority population holds the view of falling somewhere in between. Concerning relativism, this interpretation states that the moral principles are lawful, but vary in culture (conventionalism) or individuals (subjectivism). For instance, Ruth Benedict debates that different cultures have different principles, how can someone judge another person. Each of these moralities is equally legal. She goes on to argue from the angle of normality that each culture outlines what behavior is considered normal, in order to fit the majority’s behavior. The said majority population then describes normality as well as living by it, and the small minority is seen as abnormal. Ruth calls majority â€Å"socially convenient approved ways† and standard as â€Å"variations of good concepts.† Put differently, whatever social acceptable behavior is considered good and normal. While subjectivism is considered the extreme result of relativism. That being said we can say that morality is determined on an individual level and not at a social or even universal level. Therefore, moral principles that are viewed as valid are the ones a person believes in. Making all principles

Saturday, November 16, 2019

The Power Of Shakespeares Macbeth

The Power Of Shakespeares Macbeth The world of Macbeth explores the destructive nature of power and ambition through the collapse of individual identity and the Christian emphasis on the moral hierarchy. Published in 1623, nearly twenty years after it was first performed, Macbeth was written shortly after James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne, and Shakespeares play clearly supports his divine right to the throne. Shakespeare was inspired by Raphael Holinsheds Chronicle of the reigns of Duncan and Macbeth (A.D. 1034-57), but the invention of the framework of the witches who tempt both Banquo and Macbeth with prophecies of greatness are his own. A story of witchcraft, murder and vengeance, Macbeth can be read as a morality play which warns against the dangers of ambitious power. Clearly, Macbeth is a figure whose ambition and hubris result in his fall from power, echoing the biblical story of the fall from grace; however, the play also expresses a profound fear of feminine power as subversive and destructive. The very text of Macbeth itself reflects the single-minded ambition of its main character. With only 2,100 lines, Macbeth is one of Shakespeares shortest plays, and with the exception of such characters as the porter, is devoid of the subplots which characterise Shakespearean tragedies. Coleridge has noted that the play begins at an aggressive pace with Hamlets gradual ascent from the simplest forms of conversation to the language of impassioned intellect, and Bradley follows by describing the beginning of the play as one in which the action burst into wild life. Shakespeares typical tragic worldview represents a complex human world of infinite variety. Macbeth, in contrast, is sparse and single-minded because it is a symbolic play which resorts to soliloquy and symbolic locales to echo the dichotomous world of the Christian morality plays. The focus of Macbeth, like that of Shakespeares famous tragedy Richard III, is an egotistical man with measureless will power who murders his way to the crown and, in doing so, alienates himself from the very world which he wishes to rule. It is commonly said by Shakespearean critics that Macbeths tragic flaw is ambition, and he himself admits that he has no drive but vaulting ambition, but it is ambition without reason or application. He does not, like Shakespeares Tamburlaine, believe it to be passing brave to be sovereign king and ride in triumph through his kingdom, or even desire the power which he would then have over his comrades. Indeed, the sole drive behind Macbeths ambition seems to be the act of competition itself, which is clearly shown by his celebrated success on the battlefield. The audience is introduced to Macbeth through the description by the Sergeant in Act I Scene II. The description of the battle scene and Macbeths eruptive entrance into the horde of kerns and gallowglasses reveals Macbeths ambition and the violence of his power. Brave Macbeth well he deserves that name Disdaining fortune, with his brandishd steel Which smokd with bloody execution, Like valours minion, carvd out his passage Till he facd the slave; Which neer shook hands, nor bade farewell to him, Till he unseamd him from the nave to th chaps, And fixd his head upon our battlements (I.ii. 16-23) Macbeths fierce interruption into The fray and his ruthless domination on the battlefield are indicative of his insatiable thirst for power and status in the political arena. The rhetoric of the soldiers description paints a picture of an epic struggle of good versus evil, with the defiant Macdonwald and the villanies of nature swarming like flies, and Macbeths interruption is both violently brutal and magnificent. This introduction to Macbeth is fitting, for he is a character of decisive action and agency, and his ruthless domination of the battlefield foreshadows his ruthless domination of the political scene as well. However, unlike Macbeth himself, his wife does not have agency of her own, and must enact her own desires and drive through the action of her husband. Her power lies in the power to persuade, and indeed it is argued that the female characters in Shakespeares play hold the real power in the action of the play itself. In Act 1 Scene 7, Lady Macbeth tries to drive her husbands courage to the sticking point by questioning his manhood. She mocks him with the reminder that it was his initial idea to plan the murders, and if he fails to follow through he is weak and impotent. What beast wast then / That made you break this enterprise to me? (I.vii. 47-48), suggesting that it was Macbeths own evil mind which began the murderous plan, and the witches manipulated his ambitious nature rather than revealing him to be the victim of fate. Lady Macbeth herself describes her husband: I do fear thy nature: Thou wouldst be great; Art not without ambition, but without The illness should attend it; what thou wouldst highly, That wouldst thou holly; wouldst not play false And yet wouldst wrongly win Hie thee hither, That I may pour my spirits in thine ear, And chastise with the valour of my tongue All that impedes thee from the golden round Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem To have thee crownd withal (I.v.14-28) Lady Macbeth recognises that her husband has the potential for great power, but lacks the fundamental hard nature and cunning wit to achieve the high reaches for which they both aspire. She, however, has the necessary ruthless nature and calculating wit and vows to help her husband in his ascension to power. The characterisation of the relationship between Lord and Lady Macbeth, like that of the witches and Macbeth, reveals an anxiety of female power as manipulative and subversive. Macbeth is a murderer in thought if not in action at this point, and the lady acknowledges openly that his milk of human kindness will not dissuade him from attempting regicide, but only from catching the nearest way, that, executing it himself. Lady Macbeth, coming upon her husband as he finishes his soliloquy full of cold calculation of his success rate, questions his manhood as an attempt to persuade him to action. I dare do all that may become a man; / Who dares do more is none When you durst do it, then you were a man (I.vii. 46-7, 49). Lady Macbeth draws him on with the idea of decisive action, countering his doubts of the great taboos against the deed. Lacking the authority to both independently gain political and social power, and to enact the murders necessary to further their position, Lady Macbeth wields her powers of persuasion to manoeuvre her husband. According to Janet Adelman, the play strikingly constructs the fantasy of subjection to maternal malevolence in two parts, in the witches and in Lady Macbeth so that what the witches suggest about the vulnerability of men to female power on the cosmic plane, Lady Macbeth doubles on the psychological plane (Adelman 97). Critics have noted the parallel between Lady Macbeth and the witches in their attempt to subversively gain power over the male characters. In Macbeth, manhood is tied to ideals of strength and the force of will. Lady Macbeth uses the idea of manhood to manipulate her husband, knowing that in his desperate attempt to prove his manhood and advance politically he will do anything she tells him. Macbeth, under the influence of female power of both his wife and the weird sisters, murders Duncan, but his increasingly violent form of power is an attempt to escape from this manipulative feminine influence. Macbeth carries out the murderous intent which Lady Macbeth so shrewdly articulates, and despite his efforts to establish his own ambitious power, he embodies her fantasy of subversive power. And yet, Macbeth is unaware of his own manipulation and rejects the women in his life. To be dependent on a woman is to be threatened with a loss of autonomous selfhood, in essence emasculating him and stripping him of his source of masculine, martial power. Lady Macbeth, paralleled with the enigmatic power of the three witches, is representative of the cultures deepest fear of the subversive and destructive power of the feminine. Common critical opinion reduces Lady Macbeth to a fierce, cruel woman, brandishing a couple of daggers, and inciting her husband to butcher a poor old king (Jameson 369), and this sense of self-interested manipulation has shifted the culpability for the murder of the King away from Macbeth to the women whispering in his ear. Beyond the obvious concern with the problematics of political power as divinely bestowed, Macbeth is a play that explores the nature of masculine and feminine power. Lady Macbeth becomes the psychological force over her husband in order to arouse the initiative and violence for the deed, and in the act deprives Macbeth of his masculine power. Back to: Example Essays Works Cited Adelman, J. (1987) Born of Woman: Fantasies of Maternal Power in Macbeth in Cannibals, Witches, and Divorce: Estranging the Renaissance. ed. by M. Garber. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, pp. 90-121. Jameson, A. (1979) Characteristics of Women: Moral, Political and Historical, London: George Bell and Sons. Shakespeare, W. (1997) Macbeth. ed. by A. R. Braunmuller. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Three Estates :: Essays Papers

Three Estates The term Three Estates is used to describe the divisions of the European parliament. Parliament is defined by the Webster’s Dictionary as, "an assemblage of person (as members of nobility, clergy, and commons) called together by the British sovereign setting for a period of time and then being dissolved, and constituting the supreme legislature body of the United Kingdom." Parliament could also be defined as, "The 'image' and 'the thing in deed' of the mixed party (Alford 36)." The three different groups as mentioned in the definition by the Webster’s Dictionary are the estates that divide the parliament. The estates are not of physical property, but rather the separation of the society. One group was the clergy, which consisted of the bishops and priests, who were also called the prayers. Next there was the group of nobility which was formed by the kings, queens and knights, as so known as the fighters. And finally, the last group was the group of commons which were the average person such as the workers. The term three estates showed the fundamental view of the separation of society in medieval time s. This term Three Estates does not necessarily mean the three divisions of the parliament. This term could be, "as more effective synonym for 'both houses' ." (Alford 36) The two houses are the House of the Lords and the House of the Commons. This shows that the term is not a direct interpretation , but rather an idea of the separation. Parliament was used to "manage the Crown's business (Loades 90)." The parliament was also used to pass bills and legislature, but each time a bill was presented, it was mandatory that it would go through each house at least three times. As the age of the Parliament became older, it's procedures grew "more sophisticated, and more strictly enforced." (Loades 92) The Parliament also became a place at which "provided a very good platform for a monarch who wanted to say something of particular importance." (Loades 93) But the Parliament did also have its faults. It had a separation between the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of the Lords was closer to the court, highly spiritual, and made themselves to the hand of the monarch.

Monday, November 11, 2019

How to Get Software Requirements Right

How to get Software Requirements right Abstract The importance of getting the software requirement right has made big difference to so many major projects in the IT industry. Many techniques and solutions have been developed for understanding and getting software requirements right first time in the software development life cycle, but fewer people are taking these techniques into account and this is the reason why most of the IT projects are failing. I define here how to get software requirements right and why it has become some important to get software requirements right.Introduction Requirements Analysis is known as the process which allows us to understand the customer needs and expectation from proposed software. It is the first and one of the main stages in the Software Development Life Cycle model. Software requirements are functional and non-functional requirements of the system, which includes a brief description of how a system should behave as well as brief descriptions o f a system’s functions. Software requirements can state what an application is expected to do.Outsource2India pointed out that â€Å"the software requirement analysis process includes the complex task of eliciting and documenting the requirements of all the users, modelling and analysing the requirements and documenting them as a basis for system design†. There are different level and types of software requirement, which should be defined to get software requirements right. As shown in Figure 1, Business level requirements are there to define the business problem, business opportunities as well as what business is requesting as a solution of the problem.A user level requirement looks at the functionality of the software from user’s view. Product level requirements are where we define functional and non-functional requirements of the system such as the functionalities of the software and the usability needs it should meet. The reason why Software Requirements is known to be very important and major role in developing a project is because it gives the developer a brief description of what he/she needs to develop. It gives them better understanding of a system, which results in better system.Eliciting, analysing and writing good requirements is the hardest and most difficult part of building a software system because if you don’t get the requirements right, it doesn’t matter how well you do anything else. It is said Outsource2India that â€Å"Software companies are now investing time and resources into effective and streamlined Software Requirements Analysis Processes as a prerequisite to successful projects that align with the client’s business goals and meet the project’s requirement specifications†.If the requirements of software are incomplete, software practitioners will end up building software that does not meet the needs of the customer and the user. State of the Art As mentioned earlier, requirement analysis is one of the most important phases in the entire software development life cycle. It is very important to identify and understand the software requirement before moving on to other phases of software development life cycle. It was said by Pooja. R. Gupta that â€Å"When project managers plan for the software development they need to plan for adequate time and resource allocation for this phase†.Experienced requirement analyst like Hooks and Ferry has said that result of getting requirement right, early in the project, can save one-third or more of the overall project budget, which again states how important it is to get software requirements right in order to save time, money as well as achieve goals of the software. Another experienced requirement analyst Leffingwell points out that if you get your software requirements right at the beginning then it can save you the cost of fixing requirements errors as the cost of fixing requirements account for 70% to 80% of yo ur rework costs.Getting requirements right is the most critical aspect of the software development cycle. Software Productivity Centre mentioned that most of the companies come up short; studies point to a failure rate of more than 60% for IT projects, with poor requirements as one of the top five reasons. Moreover, when requirements are specified early in the lifecycle, 80% of the functionality is relatively unwanted by the users and 45% of these features are never used. These problems mean costly rework, compromised product quality, delayed delivery on current projects and start of new ones, lost credibility and lowered revenue opportunities.Developing and managing requirements at the start of a software project can provide significant benefits to the whole outcome: – Quicker and easier to develop and deliver high value products. – Greater insights into development capacity and capabilities. – Better understanding of the organisation and customer needs. â€⠀œ Higher business and user satisfaction with the overall product. – Closer alignment with business goals and expectations. – Cost saving – Result of the product is what the company actually required so get a product that meets the requirements of the system. Reduces rework and conflicts which would have come from unclear and ambiguous requirements. How to get the requirements right? According to Pooja. R. Guptam, in order to get the software requirements right, it can be very beneficial to cover all the following aspects of requirement analysis: 1. Define the problem and High level description of the solution: It is very important to understand the problem and the need for solution. The requirement analyst needs to understand how the new solution going to help and what benefits it is going to provide to the company. 2.Cover needs of all stakeholders and users of the solution: At this point, you must identify and understand the needs of the stake holders as well the users who are ultimately going to use the new system because you need to produce the system, which meets user requirements. 3. Define what the solution should and should not do: It is very obvious that we might know what the solution should do but we always forget the we also need to understand and define what the solution will not do so that requirements can be stated in a manner that we won’t be left with any imagination or doubts. 4.Define the features required: This is one of the main tasks of a requirement analyst. It is very important to define the functional and non-functional requirements of the software solution before starting to design the solution. Defining the functional and non-functional requirement is not all that needs to be done; you must also make sure that they are the correct requirements. 5. Capture all supporting information: It’s a good idea to include and record details of any processes followed, workflow, information flow, etc. It is also beneficial to record any other information which might be relevant to the solution.Conclusion In my opinion, I believe software requirements play quite a big role in the whole software development life cycle. The experience of developing such software project has made it so clear how important software requirement can be. Defining software requirements earlier in the project can provide the best solution of a system at the end. In my personal experience of developing software projects has given me the idea of how to get software requirements right, which are to firstly create requirement definition because it is the foundation of effective software delivery.Secondly, define requirements among stakeholders to address their needs, business problems and the vision of the software so that stakeholder’s goals and objectives can be met because if stakeholders requirements are not met or unclear then the developer will have difficulty building the solution without rework, which res ults in longer development lifecycles and higher costs. By investing more time on software requirements early in the software development process can save time, effort as well as money in the short and long terms.By following these paths in developing software projects can lead to a successful system. As mentioned earlier about the types of requirements that should be identified before moving to other part of software life cycle. It is very important to define all the business level, user level and the product level requirements because a developer needs all of these requirements in order to develop the right software. It is a very idea to follow the software development life cycles, which defines that requirement analysis is the first process of developing a project.In my previous projects, I believe a software development model has helped in defining the right requirements so it is a good advice to take this into consideration when designing any kind of software projects. Requirem ent Definition process also helps in defining the right requirement. References James A. Ward http://www. stickyminds. com/sitewide. asp? Function=edetail&ObjectType=ART&ObjectId=9150&tth=DYN&tt=siteemail&iDyn=2 Software Productivity Centre http://www. spc. ca/dc_software_requirements. htm Pooja R. Gupta http://ezinearticles. com/? Five-Tips-For-Getting-the-Software-Requirement-Analysis-Right-the-First-Time&id=1714473IBM http://www. utdallas. edu/~chung/RE/Getting_requirements_right-avoiding_the_top_10_traps. pdf Brianna Smith, delivery engagement manager, Rational software, IBM Software Group Lisa Garrity, technical professional, Rational software, IBM Software Group Theresa Kratschmer, senior software engineer, Rational software, IBM Software Group http://www. modernanalyst. com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1084/Getting-Your-Requirements-Right-Collaborate-With-Stakeholders-To-Work-Smarter. aspx My project Management http://myprojectmanagement. com /category/requirement-analysis/

Friday, November 8, 2019

The importance of fitness and exercise.

The importance of fitness and exercise. Good Health is More Than Just Looking GoodGood fitness and nutrition are key aspects not only in appearance but in living long, healthy lives. One may look fabulous, both fit and healthy, while being just as unhealthy as an obese person. The exact opposite is true, also. A person may be a little overweight but have a healthy heart and diet. My case and point: You cannot judge a person's health just by looking at them. The only way to find out if one is eating healthy and getting the proper amounts and types of exercise is by looking at their diet and activity level.It is important to first start with a good eating plan. Age, health issues, and level of physical activity are just a few factors that should be taken into consideration when writing a meal plan for a person. For example, a young, healthy, and active person can eat more freely than an older person with high cholesterol who does not get much physical activity.English: Healthy nutrition pyramid with 7 to 9 ser...On average, a person should try to eat 6-11 servings of grains, 3-5 servings of fruits, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-3 servings of dairy, 2-3 servings of meat, and consume fats and sugars sparingly each day. One should shoot for this range until he/she can have an eating plan written for them.The number of servings a person should consume daily is useless, however, unless he/she knows what amount of food is considered to be one serving, and what types of food are included in each food group. The following are examples of what can be considered to be one serving of different foods found in each food group:Bread/Starches (includes starchy vegetables such as corn, potatoes, and green peas):‚Â ½ cup cereal, grain, pasta, or starchy vegetables1 slice...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Eggplant Domestication History and Genealogy

Eggplant Domestication History and Genealogy Eggplant (Solanum melongena), also known as aubergine or brinjal, is a cultivated crop with a mysterious but well-documented past. Eggplant is a member of the Solanaceae family, which includes its American cousins potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers). But unlike the American Solanaceae domesticates, eggplant is believed to have been domesticated in the Old World, likely India, China, Thailand, Burma or someplace else in southeast Asia. Today there are approximately 15-20 different varieties of eggplant, grown primarily in China. Using Eggplants The first use of eggplant was probably medicinal rather than culinary: its flesh still has a bitter after-taste if it is not treated properly, despite centuries of domestication experimentation. Some of the earliest written evidence for the use of eggplant is from the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas, Ayurvedic texts written about 100 BC that describe the health benefits of eggplant. The domestication process increased the fruit size and weight of eggplants  and altered the prickliness, flavor, and flesh and peel color, a centuries-long process which is carefully documented in ancient Chinese literature. The earliest domestic relatives of eggplant described in Chinese documents had small, round, green fruits, while todays cultivars feature an incredible range of colors. The prickliness of the wild eggplant is an adaptation to protect itself from herbivores; the domesticated versions have few or no prickles, a trait selected by humans so that we omnivores can pluck them safely. Eggplants Possible Parents The progenitor plant for S. melongena is still under debate. Some scholars pinpoint S. incarnum, a native of North Africa and the Middle East, that developed first as a garden weed and then was selectively grown and developed in southeast Asia. However, DNA sequencing has provided evidence that S. melongena is likely descended from another African plant S. linnaeanum, and that that plant was dispersed throughout the Middle East and into Asia before becoming domesticated. S. linnaeanum produces small, round green-striped fruit. Other scholars suggest that the true progenitor plant has not been identified yet, but was probably located in the savannas of southeast Asia. The real problem in trying to resolve the domestication history of eggplant is that archaeological evidence supporting any eggplant domestication process is lackingevidence for eggplant simply hasnt been found in archaeological contexts, and so researchers must rely on a set of data that includes genetics but also a wealth of historical information. Ancient History of the Eggplant Literary references to eggplant occur in Sanskrit literature, with the oldest direct mention dated from the third century AD; a possible reference may date as early as 300 BC. Multiple references have also been found in the vast Chinese literature, the earliest of which is in the document known as the Tong Yue, written by Wang Bao in 59 BC. Wang writes that the one should separate and transplant eggplant seedlings at the time of the Spring equinox. The Rhapsody on Metropolitan of Shu, 1st century BC-1st century AD, also mentions eggplants. Later Chinese documentation records the specific changes that were deliberately wrought by Chinese agronomists in domesticated eggplants: from round and small green fruit to large and long-necked fruit with a purple peel. Illustrations in Chinese botanical references dated between the 7-19th centuries AD document the alterations in eggplants shape and size; interestingly, the search for a better flavor is also documented in Chinese records, as the Chinese botanists endeavored to remove the bitter flavor in the fruits. Eggplant is believed to have been brought to the attention of the Middle East, Africa and the West by Arabic traders along the Silk Road, beginning around the 6th century AD. However, earlier carvings of eggplants have been found in two regions of the Mediterranean: Iassos (within a garland on a Roman sarcophagus, ​the first half of the 2nd century AD) and Phrygia (a fruit carved on a grave stele, 2nd century AD). Yilmaz and colleagues suggest a few samples may have been brought back from Alexander the Greats expedition to India. Sources DoÄŸanlar, Sami. High resolution map of eggplant (Solanum melongena) reveals extensive chromosome rearrangement in domesticated members of the Solanaceae. Amy FraryMarie-Christine Daunay, Volume 198, Issue 2, SpringerLink, July 2014. Isshiki S, Iwata N, and Khan MMR. 2008. ISSR variations in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and related Solanum species. Scientia Horticulturae 117(3):186-190. Li H, Chen H, Zhuang T, and Chen J. 2010. Analysis of genetic variation in eggplant and related Solanum species using sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers. Scientia Horticulturae 125(1):19-24. Liao Y, Sun B-j, Sun G-w, Liu H-c, Li Z-l, Li Z-x, Wang G-p, and Chen R-y. 2009. AFLP and SCAR Markers Associated with Peel Color in Eggplant (Solanum melongena). Agricultural Sciences in China 8(12):1466-1474. Meyer RS, Whitaker BD, Little DP, Wu S-B, Kennelly EJ, Long C-L, and Litt A. 2015. Parallel reductions in phenolic constituents resulting from the domestication of eggplant. Phytochemistry 115:194-206. Portis E, Barchi L, Toppino L, Lanteri S, Acciarri N, Felicioni N, Fusari F, Barbierato V, Cericola F, Valà ¨ G et al. 2014. QTL Mapping in Eggplant Reveals Clusters of Yield-Related Loci and Orthology with the Tomato Genome. PLoS ONE 9(2):e89499. Wang J-X, Gao T-G, and Knapp S. 2008. Ancient Chinese Literature Reveals Pathways of Eggplant Domestication. Annals of Botany 102(6):891-897. Free download Weese TL, and Bohs L. 2010. Eggplant origins: Out of Africa, into the Orient. Taxon 59:49-56. Yilmaz H, Akkemik U, and Karagoz S. 2013. Identification of plant figures on stone statues and sarcophaguses and their symbols: the Hellenistic and Roman periods of the eastern Mediterranean basin in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry 13(2):135-145.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Seminar 1 bio nutrition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Seminar 1 bio nutrition - Essay Example - Shredded Wheat), and one that is NOT nutritious (e.g. – Oreos). Compare the following areas: Ingredient List, Daily Values, Nutrition Facts, and Health Messages. What would be the consequences of daily consumption of each of these cereals for a lifetime? Let us cite the most obvious ingredient between a cereal and an Oreo which is carbohydrates, protein, sugar and fiber content per serving. Oreo has 160 calories, 1g fiber, 14g sugar and 1 protein while shredded wheat has 128.6 calories, 3.5 fiber and 5.3 protein and 0 sugar. At least Oreo has no pretension to be a healthy food and rather capitalize on its taste and experience (evident with the gimmickry of its advertisements). Shredded Wheat on the other hand conveys the message that it is good for your heart and digestion and makes you lose weight. This is true when taken regularly because shredded wheat is fortified with omega 3 which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The high fiber content of shredded wheat can improve digestion because it â€Å"mops out† dirt in the intestine as well as oil in our system. The protein will build muscle provided a person will exercise. The net effect to person’s body with this diet is reduced weight and free from hypertens ion and cardiovascular disease. Oreo on the other hand when taken as diet, will make a person fat, diabetic and susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Phytochemicals are compounds produced by plants. They are chemicals produced by vegetables, fruits, grains and other plants. The most commonly known phytochemicals are beta carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), folic acid, and vitamin E (American Cancer Society, 2008). The good sources of phytochemicals are polyphenols and carotenoids. Polyphenols are plant chemicals found in a wide of fruits, grains and vegetables such as cabbage, eggplants, grapes etch. Carotenoids on the other hand are those plants and fruits that contain

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The economics of end stage renal disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The economics of end stage renal disease - Essay Example For ESRD patients, all medical expenses both relating to their kidney disease or other conditions are the responsibility of Medicare (Hirth, 2007). ENDR patients pay for their treatment in four ways: 1) a monthly premium ($78.20 in 2005), 2) 20% for covered outpatient facilities (copayment) 3) a deductible for inpatient care and 4) outpatient prescription drugs. In many cases, patients have private insurance that cover the copayment and prescription drugs. In low-income groups, people may have their premium and deductible paid for by the government too. The amount actually paid by ERSD patients is very low (Hirth, 2007). The Medicare plan provides payments depending on the service provided. There is a single composite rate for dialysis for patients that comprise dialysis including labour, equipment and supplies (Hirth, 2007). Physicians, generally nephrologists, are paid a fixed monthly amount for out-patient services where as hospitals are paid a fixed amount too for in-patient care depending on the diagnosis of the patient (Hirth, 2007). The decision by the American government to cover ESDR was motivated by the political and economic prognosis at the time (case study). The funding for the Medicare program is from wage taxes, general tax revenues and beneficiary premiums (Hirth, 2007). 76% of dialysis centres are private run (Hirsh, 2007) and two chains are responsible for all private dialysis centres in the US (Hirth, 2007). An example being Fresenius National Medical Care (case study). A study in Canada looked at the economic burden of ESRD in 2000 and found that the direct, mortality and morbity costs to the government in one year was $1857 million (Zelmar, 2007). In the US, $27 billion was spent in 2003 (USRDS from Hirth, 2007) and costs are still increasing (case study). Outpatient clinics need a large investment to be profitable (case study).The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has recommended

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 7

Research Paper Example Usually, views on contraception varying from positive to radically negative depend directly on religious views and beliefs. However, â€Å"demographic policies and cultural efforts along with other factors can only be effective in birth control when contraception methods are used† (Dezhkam & Darvishi Tafvizi). In fact, this means that family planning and at least partial freedom in fertility help people to create firm family ties, preserve good health of women and children, and prevent undesirable pregnancies. In this area, various denominations have their own specific opinions regarding different aspects of the issue, and I would like to focus on Islam’s attitude towards birth control and religion in order to provide general overview and demonstrate that even this fundamental religion has rather reason in its attitude towards birth control. In Islam, the core belief about family is that marriage, family and relations between women and men are initially intended to serve for procreation. Thus, Muslims see the primary purpose of their sexual relationships in procreation and conceiving a child. Numerous researches even draw parallels between higher fertility of Muslims and lower freedom in birth control given to women (Morgan et al.). However, the key holy scripture of the religion, Quran, contains no direct and explicit statements about birth control and moral aspects of contraception, yet it forbids killing one’s own children â€Å"for fear of want† and strongly encourages procreation and marriage. As a result, this creates ambiguity in perception of family planning and contraception use in Muslim society: some scholars advocate for it, whereas others argue that all family planning methods should be banned. Opponents of birth control believe that it is God’s prerogative to decide on the number of ch ildren in the family. On the other hand, contraception advocates appeal to the precedents of coitus interruptus use (also called ‘azl), which is believed to

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Investigating the Ratio Between Poly-Vinyl Alcohol Essay Example for Free

Investigating the Ratio Between Poly-Vinyl Alcohol Essay Introduction: Poly-Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer that will be used as one element to form the well know bouncing ball, along with Sodium Borate (borax), which has a variety of uses because of its weak base. PVA is ideal for this experiment because it is odorless, nontoxic, has high tensile strength and flexibility. The binder characteristics of PVA offer excellent adhesion to porous, water-absorbent surfaces. A local manufacturer wants to find a material to create a simple toy: a bouncing ball. Research institutions collaborate with local manufacturers and provide professional assistance with their projects. In trying to create a bouncing ball, one must find the appropriate ratio of the two that forms a solid for which have the properties that a bouncing ball consist. It is important that we find the correct ratio so that it is perfect shape, texture, and saltation. The main property that we are testing for is the products bounciness. Figure 1: The reaction of PVA and borax. In the above illustration, two PVA molecules are shown being cross-linked by a hydrated borax molecule. Four molecules of water are also produced. Hypothesis: In this experiment, I predict that if more Poly-vinyl Alcohol over Sodium Borate, then the appropriate bouncing solid will be formed. Methods: With the supplied solutions of PVA and sodium borate, my group and I took 100 mL of each solution. We measured out different ratios repeatedly to find the appropriate ratio. Start with a happy medium of 10mL (PVA) and 20mL (Sodium Borate) and examined the results. The results are not accurate so you have to test the extremes and then examine which way to continue. In my experiment, more of PVA is needed and less of sodium borate is needed. Continue testing until you get closer and closer to an adequate ratio with a good solid product, which we can to the conclusion that 4:1 as well 7:1 worked as good ratios to further test. We tested the ratio by cooling one and heating the other. By cooling the product it was able to harden and somewhat stay in shape. On the other hand, by heating it it doesn’t keep its form thus unable to be bounced. So to harden the heated product follow the theory of heating (50Â °c) to then immediately cooling (12Â °c) the product; this helps to harden the product inside out thus allow the product to keep its shape as well as bounce like a true manufactured bouncy ball. Results: Ratios – table 1 Trial(s)| Amount of PVA| Amount of Sodium Borate| Ratio| Description| 1| 10 mL| 20 mL| 1:2| slimy| 2| 3 mL| 30 mL| 1:10| watery| 3| 30 mL| 3 mL| 10:1| play-dough| 4| 20 mL| 1 mL| 20:1| foamy| 5| 10 mL| 2 mL| 5:1| rubbery| 6| 8 mL| 2 mL| 4:1| slightly crumbly| -| 12 mL| 3 mL| 4:1**| harder/shaped| 7| 15 mL| 5 mL| 3:1| slimy/not keeping form| 8| 7 mL| 1 mL| 7:1| too slimy| -| 14 mL| 2 mL| 7:1**| harder/shaped| Note: ** multiple tests (heated, cooled, heated and cooled) Bouncing Height – table 2 Ratio| Iced (12Â °c)| Heated (50Â °c)| Heated then Cooled| 4:1| 8-10 cm| -| 30-32 cm| 7:1| 9-11 cm| -| 19-20 cm| pH 8 weakly alkaline Discussion: A local manufacturer wanted my team to find a suitable ratio to create the well-known toy, the bouncing ball. In efforts to do so, our TA supplied PVA, along with sodium borate, to the students. Each group could only acquire so much at a time. My group acquired 100 mL of both PVA and sodium borate. To start, we did a 1:2 ratio just as a test to see if it would solidify into a ball. As a result, it came out slimy so we tried to up the amount of sodium borate (1:10 ratio), which lead us to a more watery product. Since increasing the amount of borax lead us in the wrong direction, we increased PVA and lowered sodium borate to a 10:1 ratio. This ratio gave us a play-dough outcome, which was closer to what we needed. Decreasing the amount of solution to a 5:1 ratio, we moved even closer. The 5:1 was starting to feel rubbery. After seeing how close we were with the 5:1, we tried the 4:1. Our 4:1 and 7:1 were fairly similar and the closet to our projected outcome but it was not quite there yet. So, by heating and cooling each result gave us a somewhat reasonable result. The result of cooling our 7:1 product for 30 minutes was a harder but still lacked shape as well as the 4:1 product that was cooled for 30 minutes. The 7:1 result was able to bounce 9-11 cm in height while the 4:1 product was able to bounce to a similar height of 8-10 cm. Both products heated would not bounce or keep form, so we immediately put both on ice. As most people should know, with the rapid temperature (from hot to cold), it causes an object to harden from the inside out. So, with this theory in mind, after the heated products failed we placed them on ice and let it sit there and harden. The products hardened over a 15-minute time frame and we could clearly see the difference between these and the rest of our trials. The heated then cooled product for the 7:1 ratio could bounce to a height interval of 19-20 cm, while the product from the 4:1 ratio could bounce to a height interval of 30-32 cm. Ultimately, we have to accept the best product for the manufacturer to mass produce and market so that the most money can be made. From the data collected, the ratio 4:1 is the closest to form a perfect product (bouncy ball) simply because it bounced higher which meant it was harder as well as kept its shape. But, from this experiment, we can conclude that either just cooling the ratio or by heating then immediately cooling the ratio product creates an adequate bouncy ball that when dropped it bounces like a true bouncy ball. References: Experiment 2. Polymers:. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2012. http://matse1.matse.illinois.edu/polymers/e.html. Polyvinyl Alcohol. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Aug. 2012. Web. 19 Sept. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_alcohol. Borax. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Sept. 2012. Web. 19 Sept. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borax.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Teaching The Noun Phrase In English English Language Essay

Teaching The Noun Phrase In English English Language Essay English syntax presents the nominal group or noun phrase (NP) as a basic constituent of the clause (S). Phrase Structure rules normally represent S as consisting of a Noun Phrase and a Verb Phrase (VP). (1) S Æ’Â   NP VP The constituents of the clause or sentence are then further broken down into their constituents. Yet the proposal of other theories to capture the constituents of S has resulted in more complex but more precise ways of explaining how the constituents of a sentence relate to each other. An extension on X-bar theory by Santorini and Kroch in their online textbook The syntax of natural language: An online introduction using the Trees program actually identifies NPs as Determiner Phrases or DPs. Although this paper will not delve into the layers of complexity advocated by such theorists, it does move away from the traditional strategies of teaching nouns and NPs and seeks to ratify approaches for introducing the teaching of NPs in the ESL/EFL context. We shall, therefore, describe the structure of the NP, mentioning the categories of count and non-count (or mass) nouns; and finally prescribe a viable teaching option with respect to the noun phrase. Nouns and the structure of NPs Traditional grammar defines the noun as the name of a person, place, animal or thing. This vague definition succumbs quite readily to criticism the moment we move away from holding it high in the canon of English grammar to one of closer examination. Huddleston (84) lists a few properties that help to classify this word class: It contains amongst its most central members those words that denote persons or concrete objects Its members head phrases noun phrases which characteristically function as subject or object in clause structure and refer to participants in the situation described in the clause, to the actor, patient, recipient, and so on. It is the class to which the categories of number, gender and case have their primary application It becomes significantly easier for us to define the noun and subsequently the NP by looking at its function and distribution in the clause. Brinton and Brinton (193) expand the NP in a table that has been reproduced below: Table 1. Expansions of NP NP Æ’Â   N dogs Det N the dogs Det A N the large dogs Det AP N the loudly barking dogs Det N PP the dog in the yard Det A N PP the ferocious dog behind the fence Det AP N PP the wildly yapping dog on the sofa Pro He PN Goldy In all of the expansions except the final two the head of the NP the noun (N) is obligatory. In the final two expansions the head has been substituted by a pronoun and a Proper noun respectively. These two are still subsumed under the category of noun so we can still say that the head subsists to some degree. The broadest expansion level of the NP, Det AP N PP presents categories that may be grouped in relation to the noun head of the phrase. Therefore, we may talk about pre-head dependents and post-head dependents. Huddleston asserts that an NP will consist of a noun as head, alone or accompanied by one or more dependentsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦pre-head and post-head dependents (85). He mentions that the pre-head dependents may be determiners and/or modifiers and that the post-head dependents consist of complements, modifiers and peripheral dependents. Where Huddleston calls these elements dependents (either pre-head or post-head), Downing and Locke, in order to simplify matters, label them modifiers (403). They locate the head of the phrase as the central element around which are located the pre-modifiers and post-modifiers. Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of the general constituents of the NP. Figure 1. Diagrammatic Representation of an NP Noun (Head) Post-modifiers Specifiers Pre-modifiers Although the number of determiners is quite limited (Huddleston (86) states that there are approximately three determiner slots), there seems to be less restriction on what can fill the modifier position. Determiners have the form of: (ÃŽÂ ±) determinatives the, some, which, etc (recall that determiner is used as the name of a function, determinative of a class); (ÃŽÂ ²) Poss Ps the dogs, your fathersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(ÃŽÂ ³) cardinal numerals: one, twoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(ÃŽÂ ´) embedded NPs expressing quantification: a dozenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a fewà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦An NP may contain up to three determinersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Huddleston 86). Downing and Locke (404) also suggest that the relatively restricted list of determiners (articles, demonstratives, possessives, Wh-words, distributives and quantifiers) can be put into three broad categories: Central determinatives: the articles, the demonstratives, the possessives, the quantifiers Pre-determinatives: all, both, twice, double, such Post-determinatives: the ordinal numerals and the semi-determinatives (same, other, former, latter, own) As said before, Santorini and Kroch in Chapter 5 of their online book argue a case for DPs. They believe that nounsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦cannot in general function as arguments on their own, but must be accompanied by a determiner. This makes sense even if there is a zero marker for the determiner. They go on to say to caution the reader: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the traditional term noun phrase is a misnomer since noun phrases are maximal projections of D rather than of N. Because the term noun phrase is firmly established in usage, we continue to use it as an informal synonym for DP. However, in order to avoid confusion, we will use the term NP only to refer to the subconstituent of a noun phrase that is the complement of a determiner. We will never use it to refer to an entire noun phrase (that is, a DP) The NP can also be called the complement of a determiner as suggested by Santorini and Kroch, but in order to keep concepts simple we should stick to the distinction as prescribed by the diagram above where the determiner position is synonymous with specifier. The pre-modifier position (labelled AP in Brinton and Brintons largest expansion above) can be filled with a number of classes: adjectives (and adverbs), nouns, participial forms of verbs and possessives. Due to the recursive property of this position, there is a complex ordering sequence of these classes. This can be seen quite clearly if we solely look at the ordering of adjectives (Parrot 54): Table 2. Order of adjectives in the NP 1 Size 2 Shape 3 Colour 4 Origin 5 Material 6 Use Noun a large white loaf a sleeveless blue woollen pullover Small Spanish serving dishes The order also places the opinion of the speaker (subjective aspect) before a description (objective aspect) of the object. The post-modifiers, on the other hand, can exist as complements, modifiers and peripheral dependents (Huddleston 93). X-bar theory accounts for these elements by the use of the terms adjunct and complement. In the diagram below, these post-head elements are shown to the right of the X circles. XP X X Specifier Adjunct Complement X X Head Figure 2. Template for an XP in X-bar theory Whereas adjuncts are seen as optional modifiers, complements are shown to be obligatory. The diagram shows their differing positions within the hierarchy of the phrase (XP), where the complement appears closer to the head. Although this information may be helpful for the teacher, it would be better to stay away from X-bar theory when trying to explain phrase formation to the student unless the student has already had interaction with it. One cannot mention the noun, and even the noun phrase, without mentioning an aspect of nouns that is relatively unique to them their countability. Allan mentions that the notion of countability varies and has to do with the perception of the speaker and listener: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦that which is countable is denumerable. Although countability is a linguistic category, it typically has perceptual correlations: the reference of what is linguistically countable is ordinarily perceived in terms of one or more discrete entities. What is uncountable is typicallyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦perceived as an undifferentiated unity. (565) The countability of the noun is linked to its ability to be inflected for plurality and is also linked to the use of certain determiners. Uncountable or mass nouns in English are not normally pluralised unless the speaker is using some type of jargon peculiar to a field. However, the notion of countability also carries across into the NP. If the noun, as head of the phrase, is countable, it also means that the NP would be countable as well. Teaching the NP to ESL/EFL students The NP should not be introduced explicitly to low-level proficiency ESL/EFL students. Although the students may have some unconscious knowledge of the NP in their own languages, it is a more appropriate approach to teach Upper-Intermediate and Advanced level students about the workings of the NP to improve their stylistic capabilities and also to improve their communicative options. The teaching of the NP, like everything else, must be contextualised and not necessarily bogged down by solely teaching the students grammar. It is quite important to link the teaching of the NP to previous knowledge gained by the students so that its syntactic structure can be used as a refresher for students with respect to things like count and non-count nouns, adverbials and determiners. Students can be taught inductively by teachers where sentences are put on the board and students can also be asked to identify the syntactic categories that make up the phrase and also the apparent rules for the ordering of categories. Nevertheless, an indispensible teaching tool in this area would be to let the students be these categories. What do I mean by be? Well, if we look singly at the AP constituent of the NP and wish to help students to grasp the order of the adjectives (as listed in the table above), the teacher can put an AP on the board containing quite a number of these adjectives. Then random students can be asked to come to the front of the class and the teacher can assign the students a word. The students can write this word on a page and stick it to their chests or hold them up. Subsequently, the teacher can ask the students to move around in a line to represent the phrase, swapping positions with each other and encouraging the class to read the phrase according to the new orders. The teacher will have to have some knowledge of APs and be able to explain why random ordering of lexical items is unacceptable in APs. This exercise can also be done with NPs to some extent. The teacher can use it to show the recursivity of the modifier positions especially (vis-à  -vis embedded clauses and other modifiers) and to solidify the ordering of the constituents. This kinaesthetic approach can also be complemented by a musical one where a song can be used to show the meaning as well as the functional use of NPs. Gardners Multiple Intelligences is a good tool to take advantage of when teaching these primarily grammar-oriented topics, but calls on a lot from the teacher in the realm of creativity and preparation.