Fidel Castro Is The Man Associated With The Failure And

Fidel Castro is the man associated with the failure and success of Cuba throughout the 20th Century. This essay will explore his role and influence in one of humanity s darkest moments, the Cuban missile crisis, which was a defining moment in Castro’s political life. As the leader of Cuba during the Cold War and Cuban missile crisis, he was responsible for defending Cuba sovereignty and interests amongst the superpower - the United States and Soviet Union. Memoirs would argue that former US President Kennedy believed Castro was a very important player in the Cold War while others believed he was Khrushchev’s pawn helping the Soviet Union carry out a proxy war in Cuba against the United States. Using memoirs and primary and secondary†¦show more content†¦As a result of this Cuban-Soviet partnership, Washington grew more concerned as communist ideologies and Soviet influence creeped close to American shores. The US feared Castro’s example of a thriving soc ialist state under a Communist party rule in the American sphere of influence would spark similar uprisings throughout Latin and South America. Castro’s alliance with the Soviet Union and socialist ideology would start the breakdown of US relations with Cuba. His strategic and military alliance with the Soviet Union would make him a threat to US principles and national security. In 1961 the White House’s high-level advisory group determined that â€Å"the US could not live with Castro†. The group concluded that the only solution, other than a full invasion of Cuba, was economic and diplomatic measures. There were numerous plots to overthrow Castro and some of them were extremely unusual. The CIA attempted to spray lysergic acid diethylamide (LDS) in Castro’s radios station, hoping he would babble incoherently and thus lose credibility. They tried to lace a box of his favourite cigars with a mind-altering drug, hoping he would smoke one before going on air. They hired a hitman from the Florida mob. They even dusted his shoes with depilatory salts, hoping that his hair and beard fell out so he would lose his domestic appeal. As you can see, none of these worked. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 was the most serious attempt byShow MoreRelatedCuban Writer: Reinaldo Arenas1499 Words   |  6 Pagesautobiographical in his work, and as it would appear in his New Yorker interview, this is where his passion and writing flourished. Reinaldo Arenas used his own marginalized voice as openly homosexual man in Cuba and commentary on Castro’s regime to challenge the persecution of the individual in Cuba. In 1961, Fidel Castro, Cuba’s dictator, introduced the Marxist-Leninist ideology to the Cuban people, â€Å"by grafting it onto the images, symbols, values, and concepts of Cuban nationalism† (Medin 53). This ideologyRead MoreFidel Castro5049 Words   |  21 PagesFidel Castro’s Influence on the Cuban Revolution, 1953-1959 The year was 1953 and Fidel Castro was a dashing and daring reformer that was determined to make a impact in a country that was ruled by an unjust president. With the Movement strong and confident, Castro delivered these strong words to his group of men: â€Å"In a few hours you will be victorious or defeated, but regardless of the outcome – listen well, friends – this Movement will triumph. If you win tomorrow, the aspirations of Martà ­ willRead More The Cuban Revolution Essay3088 Words   |  13 PagesAfter year of recruiting, training, plotting, Fidel was ready to launch his revolutionary offensive. â€Å"His rebel ‘army’ consisted of less than 200 men, and two women;† (Huberman 1960: 28) the group consisted of students or graduates, and nearly all of them were young people like himself and his brother, Raà ºl. Most of them were â€Å"politically active, articulate and impatient young men who had been drawn to the radical movements or to the ardently reformist Orthodox Party of Eduardo Chibas.† (MacgaffeyRead MoreBay of Pigs1627 Words   |  7 Pageswell as what intelligence failures were made which resulted in the failure of the invasion. I will discuss what impact the Bay of Pigs had on the United States Intelligence community and what changes was made. I will end this paper with any findings I have concluded to if the failure has any affect on how the U.S. conducts intelligence in today’s world. On April 19, 1961, the United States was ready to be a part of a missile attack. The mission became a complete failure and many people were killedRead MoreThe Bay of Pigs Essay1441 Words   |  6 PagesNew Year’s Day, 1959, Cuban Rebel forces, led by Fidel Castro, overthrew the existing government led by Fulgencio Batista. Castro immediately reformed Cuba’s economic policy, reducing the power of American companies over Cuba’s industry, as well as threatening American profits and influence in the area. This greatly irritated the United States as a whole, and caused the government, under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, to turn hostile towards Castro. Just a year after Castro’s rise to power, PresidentRead MoreDemocracy and Accountability: Making the Transition from an Authoritarian Regime1600 Words   |  7 Pageswon Cuba. A guerilla army, led by charismatic leaders such as Fidel Castro, had defeated a professional army. Where alliances had always been fragile between the left and the right, a growing fear of communist takeovers made the left increasingly vulnerable to political and social polarization. Even politicians in the center, often thought as the bridge between the left and the right, began to distance themselves from those associated with communism or socialism. Since the nineteenth century, LatinRead MoreThe Assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy2042 Words   |  9 Pageshours of death of John F. Kennedy. On the same day, Oswald was arrested in the few hours by policemen. Then, he was shot two days later in the building of the city police department. The one of the youngest president of the United States and the man who had to be charged with his murder, were buried in one day. John F. Kennedy mourned the world, shocked by the news of the tragedy. Oswald’s coffin was borne reporters - his funeral was attended by only a few relatives. After the assassination ofRead MoreCovert Action Essay3076 Words   |  13 Pagesevents has been difficult to say the least. What is even more difficult, is historically recording these events into categories of successes or failures. These operations are difficult to dissect because of their secrecy and although events have been recorded, some facts simply aren’t apparent. This paper will seek to identify the complex issues associated with covert operations. United States policy on covert action since World War II acknowledges two facts which are rarely taken into considerationRead MoreThe Reason USA got Involved in Vietnam1430 Words   |  6 Pagesattack the Catholic priests to try and keep Vietnam as a Buddhist country. As a result to the actions taken by the Vietnamese the French, in 1847, retaliated by attacking Danang to even the battle with the Vietnamese people. The French had a man called Dong Kanh lined up to be the emperor of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh was born in 1890 and throughout his childhood through to adolescence had lived in Britain, France, USA and briefly visited Russia (U.S.S.R) in 1924 where he studiedRead MoreHistory Notes on Cuban Missile Crisis and Protest in America in the 1960s4816 Words   |  20 Pagestime was viewed as safeguard against communism by the USA, but when revolutionary Fidel Castro overthrew him in 1959 they became suspicious. Castro introduced socialist reforms and started trade negotiations with the Soviet Union. ‘At the height of the Cold War, the existence of a communist country so close to the United States was viewed with great alarm. They secretly started to plan to invade Cuba and overthrow Castro.’ --gt; Bay of Pigs: In April 1961, with backing from the CIA, an armed force

Northanger Abbey And Frankenstein - 1842 Words

Both Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein are prominent novels within the gothic genre which deal with young people entering society for the first time, gaining maturity and finding identity in a world filled with threats and dangers. However, these novels differ in that Northanger Abbey features a female protagonist, Catherine Morland while Frankenstein features a male protagonist, Victor Frankenstein. Steadfast gender stereotypes exist within the gothic genre as reflected by the distinction between male versus female gothic. Female virtues were characterized by submissiveness and as a result, women were expected to assume domestic roles which Austen satirizes as â€Å"nursing a dormouse, feeding a canary-bird, or†¦show more content†¦Henry mentions how â€Å"in both, man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal† (74). The comparison made between dance and marriage sheds light on how in both situations, men possess the active agency to initiate advances while women only have the passive agency to refuse these advances. The contrast between the two types of agency reveals how female agency is essentially curtailed by male agency. Henry’s comment brings attention to how gender norms within his society deprive women of their agency in various aspects of their lives. By contrast, Frankenstein exerts agency to the extreme extent of assuming the role of a â€Å"modern Prometheus† in creating life. Frankenstein is a stark contrast to Catherine, who is highly conscious of social rules as seen by her astonished questioning of Mrs Allen who has previously given her permission to ride carriages with Mr Thorpe â€Å"why did you not tell me so before? I am sure if I had known it to be improper I would not have gone with Mr Thorpe at all† (100). On the other hand, Frankenstein acts completely according to his own judgement, defying his father’s command for him to marry and transgressing religious taboos as shown by his desire to play God by â€Å"renew[ing] life where death had apparently devoted the body to corruption† (36). Unlike Catherine, who adheres to the rules of society, Frankenstein shuns society becauseShow MoreRelatedComparing Northanger Abbey and Frankenstein Essay1792 Words   |  8 PagesWhen authors write a stor y they â€Å"tell a particular story to a particular audience in a particular situation for, presumably, a particular purpose† (Phelan 4). Northanger Abbey and Frankenstein came out in the same year, were both gothic novels, and were both written by female authors. Despite these similarities, the two authors produced very different works of fiction and have very different authorial intentions for their stories. Austen and Shelley both use gothic elements to portray their purposeRead MoreGothic Elements:The Castle of Otranto by Walpole and a Scene in Jane Austens Northanger Abbey1334 Words   |  6 Pagesthey might think of a sparkly vampire or a hunky Frankenstein in popularized films. This has led to parodies upon these adaptations of the gothic. This relationship between traditional gothic characters and parodies is not a new subject but a very interesting dynamic. I would like to discuss how one scene from the typical gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpo le, and a scene from Jane Austen’s parody of the gothic novel in Northanger Abbey contrast in many different ways to illustrate gothicRead MoreEssay on The Gothic Genre and What it Entails6177 Words   |  25 Pagesnineteenth century scientific advances were well documented and held in awe and even fear. It is significant that as a result fictional scientists - like Victor Frankenstein - were then added to the stock genre figures. This suggests an intimate dialogue with the environment. One distinct narrative strand of Frankenstein is a warning about the pursuit of science without any spiritual or moral interest. Shelley warns about the dangers of man trying to learn the secrets of Heaven Read Moreâ€Å"The Falls Of The House Of Usher† Is A Dark Short Story,1239 Words   |  5 Pagesculture and used these themes to influence their works. Another style of writing is Gothic, which became popular during the romantic period in the 1800’s. More popular writers that wrote in the style of Gothic were Mary Shelley’s â€Å"Frankenstein† and Jane Austen â€Å"Northanger Abbey† Poe’s stories are terrorizing, because of the circumstances that he writes about. He writes about emotions, and circumstances that people did not speak about in conversation. He wrote mostly about love, death or the loss of aRead MoreAnalysis Of Poe s The Falls Of The House Of Usher 1391 Words   |  6 Pagesculture and used these themes to influences their works. Another style of writing is Gothic, which became popular during the romantic period in the 1800’s. More popular writers that wrote in the style of Gothic were Mary Shelley’s â€Å"Frankenstein† and Jane Austen â€Å"Northanger Abbey† Poe’s stories were considered terrorizing, because of the circumstances that he wrote about. He wrote mostly about love, death or the loss of a loved one. Like in the â€Å"The Fall of the House of Ushers† Poe’s terrorizes his audiencesRead MoreEssay on Gothic Fiction2923 Words   |  12 PagesGothic fiction is erotic at the root according to Punter. From your reading of Frankenstein and Dracula how far would you agree with Punters interpretation. Gothic fiction is erotic at the root according to Punter. From your reading of Frankenstein and Dracula how far would you agree with Punters interpretation. In your essay you should consider: - · The authors portrayal of eroticism and sexuality (in all its forms) through characters. - · Relevant social/cultural concernsRead MoreThe Genre of Stokers Dracula Essay6296 Words   |  26 Pagesauthors such as Ann Radcliffe (The Mysteries of Udolpho, 1794), Matthew Lewis (The Monk, 1797), Mary Shelley (Frankenstein, 1817), William Beckford (Vathek, 1786). Almost everyone was writing Gothic stories at the time; the Bronte sisters, who produced an `examinationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ² of the dark side of human mind and passion, Jane Austen and her parody of the Northanger Abbey (1818), Edgar Alan Poe and his tales about perversity, catalepsy and necrophilia. By the middle of the 19th

My Endeavor free essay sample

Some people experience a pivotal moment during their upbringing, when they realize their life’s goal and devote themselves to achieving it. Through this epiphany people pursue their ideal career. As for most of my life, I went through a sporadic process of effortlessly deciding what occupation I would work towards. Each idea would find a warm sanctuary within my mind, but would be gradually pushed out into the cold by the newer incoming inhibitions. But during my freshman year of high school, one lodger eased its way into my thoughts, and stayed settled to this day. Mr. Milner, my physical science teacher, noticed my potential early on, and gave me the introduction to the career that has followed me through high school. Behind every successful student is at least one teacher that declared their recognition of that student’s talent. In turn, Mr. Milner gave me the confidence and motivation to righteously utilize my talent. We will write a custom essay sample on My Endeavor or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Consequently, I became interested in his frequent rants about how the brightest minds of my generation need to unite to sort out the mess the world has created for us. He specifically caught my interest when he synchronized this sermon with his explanation of the environmental and economical crises caused by the use of fossil fuels. I immediately developed the ambition to help solve this crucial conflict. Two years later, I enrolled in the Advanced Placement Environmental Science course offered at my school, with the hope of attaining a more thoroughly educated perspective on this topic and my future. As a result, my aspiration to benefit our society by making significant contributions to the research and development of alternative energy sources intensified. I am now committed and enthusiastic about studying renewable energy technology, for it will serve as the first step towards my professional life. Choosing the opportunities I hope to utilize is a pivotal fork in the road towards my future. Through the assessment of majors offered at various colleges, I have come to the conclusion that Cornell University provides the perfect path. Cornell originally grabbed my attention because of the variety of environmental majors offered through the different colleges. But when browsing through the website, I gained light of the Independent Major option and the energy studies conducted at Cornell. This discovery amplified my anticipation, for I had found a great means of engaging in the investigation of clean renewable energy. No longer am I lobbing darts at a board of professions. I have set my sights on a precise target and I am taking aim. My experiences as a student have taught me that the most fulfilling rewards in life come from activities that require dedication. My triumphs over academic trials have bestowed further motivation to pursue my goal. I have extended my reach consistently because if I do not challenge myself, I limit my potential. Thus, I have prioritized Cornell University as the mountain I will climb, with my profession at its summit.

Space Exploration and Colonization Essay Example

Space Exploration and Colonization Essay Space Exploration and Colonization: Using Technology and Human Enhancements in our Race for Space Since the beginning of mans existence on this earth, the night time sky has held awe and wonder. The questions of what may exist have long been pondered and are chronicled throughout the written history of our species. Technology and science allowed early scientists to prove the sun as the center of the solar system as well as many planets besides earth orbiting that very sun. It later allowed them to witness the stars as distant suns, each potentially holding planets which may, even if by a miniscule chance, hold life. Dreams of man traveling into space and exploring the universe were simply that, pipe dreams without the technology to support them. However, technology has shown a way of catching up with our dream. Explorers had better ships and star navigation to discover the new world, the Wright Brothers learned the intricacies of powered flight and finally allowed man to leave the ground. In a very short amount of time, technically speaking, man has achieved the once impossible and not only traveled into space, but walked on the moon. There are many reasons man has to explore the universe; natural resources, our natural exploratory nature, or seeking new life, man will eventually develop the technology necessary to make this a reality. Though moon walks and subsequent space stations are great achievements, ones never to be forgotten, the success of space travel has also raised a great many questions and concerns. These concerns raise disturbing questions as to whether man will ever achieve prolonged space exploration or colonization. The human body is a delicate machine which was built and designed through evolution to survive on the strict guidelines of this planet. We will write a custom essay sample on Space Exploration and Colonization specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Space Exploration and Colonization specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Space Exploration and Colonization specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Things like atmosphere and gravity, along with our susceptibility to solar radiation will make it very difficult to achieve our goals. In addition, the propulsion technology now at our disposal is woefully inadequate to reasonably assume we could use it for prolonged exploration. Best estimates assume a space flight to Mars would be 7-9 months in duration one way, with a stopover period of 500 days or so in order to realign the planet for a return trip. Including the 7-9 month return trip, that would be approximately a 3 year trip. In this paper, I will discuss the problems this poses with the human body. Bone and muscle loss from lack of gravity during travel, our need for atmosphere and the effects of its absence on our body, radiation and the pitfalls that poses. These are all issues which must be addressed in order to make space exploration and colonization a reality. In addition to discussing the dangers, I will also propose possible solutions given to us by some of the greatest minds and thinkers. These ideas may not all be conventional, but after all, humanity has been doing the unconventional our whole existence. The human body requires a delicate balance of environmental effects in order to not only thrive, but to survive. Without these conditions met, the body will break down internally and life will cease. The Earths atmosphere is where we experience our first problem in regards to humans in space and potentially on other planets, both within and outside our solar system. The Earths atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0. 5% water vapor, along with small amounts of other various trace gases. Though the levels of these gases will vary depending on variables such as temperature, altitude and humidity, humans have evolved over the millennia to rely on this particular mixture (Lujan White, http://www. sbri. org/HumanPhysSpace/index. html). Every breath you take draws this mixture of â€Å"air† into our lungs, saturating our blood with oxygen which is then carried to the different parts of our bodies and fueling our existence. As we exhale, carbon dioxide is expelled, completing the act of breathing. This mixture of gases is essential to human survival (Lujan White, http://www. nsbr i. org/HumanPhysSpace/index. html). In addition to the correct mixture of gases in our atmosphere, the pressure of our atmosphere is also vital to human survival. Atmospheric pressure measures the force exerted by gas molecules in the air with any surface in which they come in contact (Lujan White, http://www. nsbri. org/HumanPhysSpace/index. html). This atmospheric pressure pushes the air into your lungs while the lungs exert pressure pushing the waste carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This pressure is necessary to humans breathing, as the correct pressure allows us to breathe without effort when not exerting our bodies. Heavy or thin atmospheric pressure makes it difficult to breath, and if it becomes too much of one, the human body will not be able to function properly. This is why density of molecules is also important to human survival. Density refers to the number of molecules in relation to a given volume, while kinetic energy (speed at which molecules move) greatly influence pressure. A larger density of molecules means heavier pressure, something the human body is not accustomed to. However, a greater number of molecules also means that there are more collisions, which produces greater speeds resulting in more collisions. The faster the molecules move and interact, the greater the temperature that is produced. Pressure relating to breathing is a major concern when considering space exploration and colonization. A concern also worth mention when dealing with pressure and density is the heat, or lack of, generated from the collisions that occur. The human body runs optimally at a temperature of approximately 98. 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature too high above or far below this could result in the death of the human body. Most humans realize that air and atmosphere are essential for human’s survival, regardless of whether they know the exact reason why. The reason this is problematic when dealing with space travel and exploration comes from space itself. Space is considered a vacuum, which means any molecules that may be present are available in such small numbers that it is considered to have no atmosphere. We can create vacuums on earth in chambers designed to reduce atmosphere and pressure, but no laboratory on earth can create a vacuum as complete as that found in space (Lujan White, http://www. nsbri. org/HumanPhysSpace/index. html). Creating these vacuums on earth allow us to test theory and methods for combating the effects, particularly when testing new equipment or technology. However, to get a true gauge of whether technology and equipment is truly effective, space tests are still the best option. This means potentially putting humans in harm’s way in order to achieve accurate results. With these questions in mind, what are the options available to make space travel and exploration possible? Suits and vessels capable of sustaining the correct atmosphere and pressure have been in use for better than 70 years capable of allowing living beings to cope with the stresses involved with space. However, these technologies are not yet nearly advanced enough to consider prolonged exploration in terms of years or even decades. In order to allow humans to reach the deeper spaces, greater knowledge and technology will be necessary to allow for adaptation while en route to a destination. Oxygen and other essential gasses must be carried into space for use in breathing, not to mention renewable power sources, food sources and raw resources to allow for upgrading and repairing crafts. The technology present, though more advanced than ever seen by humans, needs to be better if thats what will be relied upon. Another option, though in its infancy in terms of testing and usability, would be that of genetic modification. The ability to alter human physiology could be essential to coping with stresses involved in space travel and planetary colonization. Allowing humans to thrive in various atmospheres, pressure ranges and heat or cold tolerance would allow us to not only possibly use current technology more effectively, but eventually possibly not need it at all. As it stands, the suits used to perform space walks and walking on the moon are heavy, cumbersome and not terribly efficient for precise and prolonged work. Genetic modification may allow us to create thinner suits which are not only more maneuverable, but better equipped to effectively work and explore. It may allow humans to carry less air if they are modified to survive and function with different combinations or amounts. There are creatures on this earth which function in both very thin atmospheres, as well as deep sea creatures surviving with little to no oxygen in extreme heat and heavy pressure. Its not unreasonable to think that these traits could eventually be used to alter human anatomy in such a way to make them more tolerant to extremes that would kill a normal person. Of course, this raises ethical and moral questions about whether or not these humans would be considered human after such changes. In addition to these questions, a human endowed with these traits may never be able to set foot on Earth again without the aid of suits allowing them to survive in this environment. In addition to providing life sustaining properties, the Earths atmosphere also serves another vital purpose, and that is to filter out the Suns ultraviolet (non-ionizing) and the more harmful ionizing radiation present in space. Radiation is simply energy that spreads along its path. There are many forms of non-harmful radiation present which we use in everyday life. These may include things like visible light from a lamp for instance, or radio waves which are picked up by your stereo, and are called electromagnetic (EM) radiation. â€Å"Other EM radiations include microwaves, infrared and ultraviolet light, X-rays and gamma rays (Lujan White, http://www. nsbri. org/HumanPhysSpace/index. html). Ionizing radiation can refer to EM radiation, or energetic nuclear particles capable of producing charged atoms known as ions as they pass through matter, and is known as ionization. Ionization happens when the atoms in a cell are bombarded by radiation and an electron is either added or taken away, resulting in the atom being given a charge (Lujan White, http://www. nsbri. org/HumanPhysSpace/index. html). This can cause a host of problems in the human body, such as chromosomes being destroyed or mutating cells which have been linked to certain cancers. This kind of radiation is plentiful in space, and upon arriving at the Earths atmosphere, the majority is filtered out before reaching the surface. Galactic cosmic radiation and solar particle radiation are the two types of radiation found in space, and both are dangerous to humans. Galactic cosmic radiation comes from outside our solar system, while solar particle radiation originates from the sun and the solar flares produced. It is thought that relatively short-term space exploration, even to a planet as close as Mars would not be possible due to the massive amounts of harmful radiation. With current technology, prolonged exposure to the radiation present in space poses a lethal problem to astronauts. However, there are a few alternatives to present technology in development that may allow us to reach not only within our solar system, but beyond it as well. Current technology relies on shielding composed of aluminum shells to shield astronauts from the effects of space radiation. Though this is effective for a relatively short amount of time, it is not viable in terms of multi-year missions. One such technology being studied relies on electrostatic charges to defeat harmful particles before they reach inside a manned spacecraft. The team behind the development of this technology is considering setting up multiple spheres surrounding the spacecraft. The center sphere, attached to the crew quarters, would hold a positive charge. The two outer spheres would carry a negative charge. This combination, in theory, should be enough to repel high-energy protons and electrons which would normally penetrate the spacecraft. It is also necessary to develop better suits if we wish to battle the effects of space radiation. The suits used to walk in space or the moon are effective for a short time. If we were to visit or colonize a planet such as Mars, the lack of atmosphere or magnetic fields would mean the radiation would be present in much higher amounts than previously seen. In order to assure our future as a species that is able to explore and colonize planets in our solar system and beyond, the technology to protect our astronauts needs to improve immensely. Another problem which needs to be overcome if humans are to spend large amounts of time in space is solving the gravity dilemma. Humans, as well as every other structure and being, are held to the Earth by the force of gravity. Gravity is a result of the attraction between two masses toward each other. Due to the Earths large mass, and our relatively small mass coupled with our close proximity, we are drawn to the surface. The farther a person or object moves from the surface of the Earth, the pull of gravity lessens. Spacecraft orbiting the earth are still under the effects of Earths gravitational pull; though a spacecraft moving at high velocity with very little atmospheric friction can overcome the downward pull of gravity. To better understand how gravity affects an object, consider throwing a ball at ground level. Assuming it could be thrown fast enough, the speed moving forward could be greater than the pull of gravity allowing the ball to seemingly orbit the Earth at a very low level. Producing enough velocity would not be the only condition to consider while in the Earths atmosphere, but the friction of particles in the atmosphere also hinders that possibility. Space is a near vacuum, allowing an object in motion at speed to maintain that speed without the need for thrust. This creates what is commonly called zero gravity, though it is not true zero g. The amount of ravity while astronauts are in orbit in so small that only the most precise instruments can measure the gravity present. The human body has evolved in an environment consisting of a constant gravitational pull. Everything from our bone structure, muscle mass, circulatory system and organs operate ideally with the constant pull of Earths gravitational pull. There are many problems within the body that arise from prolonged exposur e to near zero gravity. Bone density loss, muscle atrophy and strength loss, as well as effects such as fluid shift when dealing with the cardiovascular system (http://library. thinkquest. rg/03oct/02144/text/travel/body. htm). Our skeletal structure is designed to resist the gravitational pull, allowing us to remain upright in a high gravity environment. Without our bones to support us on Earth, activities such as standing, walking and simply moving at all would not be possible. The muscles we use give us the strength to move our body when in the pull of Earths gravity. Such simple things as walking, lifting your arms or anything requiring the use of muscle is done while resisting the pull of gravity. Our cardiovascular system operates by pumping bodily fluids to the vital areas of the body. Gravity tends to make the fluids settle near the bottom of the human body. â€Å"Various gravity opposing mechanisms force the blood and fluids back up to vital organs on a daily basis. The circulation of these fluids still happens in zero gravity, though the negative effects can include such things as headaches, stuffy nose or puffy faces† (Lujan White, http://www. nsbri. org/HumanPhysSpace/index. html). When dealing with bone density loss, it is of vital importance to remember that the effects of zero gravity begin immediately upon entering space. The removal of gravitational stresses means that the human body averages a 3. % bone loss after only 10 days (Lujan White, http://www. nsbri. org/HumanPhysSpace/index. html). The Calcium and phosphorous are excreted in urine and human waste at a rapid rate. The loss of bone density can lead to a severe weakening of the skeletal structure, making it not only difficult for the body to support itself when it reenters the gravitation al pull of earth, but a greater likelihood for fractures and breaks. There are drugs being used today that could help in dealing with bone density loss. Many people are treated on a daily basis for osteoporosis, a condition which leads to the weakening of bones. Bisphosphonates are medications used to slow the breakdown of bones. These drugs have been shown to slow the rate at which bone breakdown occurs, and are used particularly in elderly patients suffering from osteoporosis. However, these drugs have shown promise in helping astronauts deal with the issue of bone loss while in space. It has still not been determined if the effects of these drugs would be effective over a journey of many years, but it is a start in the right direction in regards to space exploration. Another option lies in genetic engineering and altering the human body to better handle the stresses space travel places on bones. In humans, the breakdown of bones, whether from osteoporosis or other conditions, is a fault of the aging human body. If humans could be engineered to have a consistent bone density which would not break down, regardless of the environment they are in, this could solve the problem at hand. A journey of years with no bone density loss would allow us to reach and explore distant worlds without the problem of being potentially unfit to explore once we arrived. The other main drawback of zero gravity is the amount of muscle loss which occurs. While on Earth, every movement is done with gravity as a major resistance component. Taking away gravity means that any movement done requires such a small effort that the muscle is not worked adequately. This leads to major muscle loss and atrophy. In space, an object which may take many people to move can easily be moved by the slightest touch of one person. This lack of movement and the problems it causes may not be readily apparent while in space, but becomes very noticeable as gravity is reapplied to the body. The goal would be to maintain muscle mass while in zero gravity, allowing us the ability to maneuver and operate effectively after long space flights. This can be done today, though the effects are not nearly enough to keep the muscle at full effectiveness. Exercise done by using machines with resistance bands or cords would help keep the muscle in tone. However, considering the amount of strength our muscles gain on Earth by doing anything requiring movement, exercise may not be a feasible long term solution due to the amount that would need to be done. Another technology being discussed as a potential solution is the use of nanotechnology. The ability for nanotechnology to produce or repair damaged tissue using healthy tissue could be a viable application. Tissue engineering uses artificially stimulated cell development to produce new tissues based on healthy cells. Advances in tissue engineering could not only be used in muscle maintenance, but may lead to the repair of damaged organs. Advancing this technology could not only lead to a healthier human, but may also lead to life extension, which would also be important when discussing long term goals of space exploration. The last technology when dealing with pitfalls of zero gravity would be to produce a means of creating artificial gravity. Producing artificial gravity is a relatively simple procedure, and can be done today. Centrifuges are used all the time to produce the effects of gravity. As they spin at high rates, the contents within are pressed outward away from the rotational axis. This force simulates the feel and effects of gravity. The ability to rotate an entire spacecraft could be more difficult, both with cost and engineering. The stresses place upon the structure of a ship could potentially tear it apart if it were not strong enough (http://science. nasa. gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2002/30sept_spacemedicine/). The use of an ultra dense object may produce a gravitational field, not artificial but natural, that could be used to for space travel. Considering that natural gravity is based upon mass of an object, this material would need to be small enough to feasibly fit within a craft while being dense enough to produce a suitable gravitational pull. Scientists believe that there are materials present in the universe that could fit this mold. One question that arises from using a material dense enough to produce gravity would be our ability to sufficiently propel it during space travel with our current propulsion technology. The physical effects on human kind during space travel are varied and extremely important to overcome. In addition to the problems we now face, the implications of problems unknown to us are just as daunting. We realize that the human body, as it has evolved on Earth, is not designed to survive at length in space. Many more issues are coming to light that will need to be addressed as well. How will humanity manage the body as it ages during long space flights? Life extension through genetic modifications will help humans during exploration reach further into the universe. The effects of children born in space is also an unknown factor. Will being born in zero gravity have major effects on muscle, bone or brain development? The science of space exploration has solved a plethora of potential problems faced by humanity, while its ongoing research continues to bring new and potentially hazardous problems to light. The psychological effects of living in space, both short-term and long-term, are well documented. Spending months, or potentially years, in an area not much larger than a small house with other astronauts is taxing in itself. Adding the stresses of zero gravity, mission objectives and distance from home to the equation, the psychological welfare of astronauts is an area that will need to be addressed. Anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation are all common problems experienced by astronauts while in space. This can lead to loss of motivation and be extremely counter-productive to what humanity is hoping to achieve in terms of deep space exploration and colonization (Kanas 2008). One possible solution to this is to provide adequate areas for astronauts to have privacy from one another. Privacy at this point of space travel is considered a luxury and not a necessity. Though social creatures, I believe this will need to be changed for the success of exploration to be realized. Due to cost and engineering, it may not be plausible to simply make larger spacecraft. A possibility to combat this problem would be virtual reality or virtual worlds. The idea that an astronaut could â€Å"plug† themselves into a virtual world, allowing for leisurely activities not possible on the spacecraft may help combat many of these problems. There are many virtual worlds available for computer users today, and the ability to experience new activities and places within this world are staggering. Though most of these virtual worlds are done while using a computer and screen, the next step in the evolution of this technology is to make them truly virtual. We see these worlds visually on our screen at present, but have the ability to interact with both the environment and people within it as if we are in that world. The ability to see this world not from a screen, but rather within our own minds may help give the sense of privacy needed to maintain psychological health. It is not something that is reality at this point, but the future of computers and technology are wide open and developing at a rapid pace. Virtual reality may well be the key to helping maintain mental health for our future explorers delving into the depths of space. The technology of propulsion systems may not seem to deal directly with human enhancements, but it is definitely associated indirectly with it. The current limitations of the human life must allow us to consider finding faster and more efficient ways to travel around not only our own solar system, but possibly the universe. Gene alteration and human enhancements may find a way to lengthen the human life, but finding faster methods of traversing space will be necessary regardless of our lifespan. Spacecraft today use rocket engines which are essentially combustion by using a solid, liquid or gaseous fuel with an oxidizer in an internal combustion chamber. The hot gas produced escapes through a nozzle designed to focus the energy and produce thrust. The nozzle accelerates the mass and converts the thermal energy to kinetic energy. This form of propulsion is very effective for breaking the Earths gravitational pull, however it is not terribly cost effective and the amount of fuel needed to sustain a long-term space exploration would be very difficult to store. Though rocket engines are successful for use in launching spacecraft into orbit, the feasibility of using these methods over distance would not be sufficient. The best option is to find a method which uses much less fuel, or relies on a renewable source for travel. Ion thrusters are a propulsion system in development that holds future promise, though the amount of thrust produced pales in comparison to present rocket engine technology. Ion engines accelerate electrically charged atoms, or ions, through an electric field. This push of ions pushes the spacecraft in the opposite direction, therefore producing thrust. Ion engines provide less thrust than conventional chemical rocket engines, which means ion engines are not capable of breaking the pull of Earths gravity and obtaining orbit on their own. The difference between ion engines and chemical engines can be seen once in space. Where a rocket uses most of its fuel to break through the atmosphere of Earth, ion engines are capable of producing a steady thrust for years. This thrust gradually accelerates the spacecraft until they are moving faster than conventional rockets. The only drawback is the amount of power necessary to run these engines is massive. The electric power source needed to both ionize atoms and produce the voltage needed to accelerate those ions to high exhaust velocities is both massive in size and impossible to keep powered, at least on craft capable of carrying humans across the vast expanses of space. New technology is being developed on ion engines which will both increase thrust as well as decreasing energy needed to operate. Another source of propulsion being contemplated by scientists is that of propulsion without the use of internal combustion or reaction. Space may be devoid of atmosphere as we know it, though it is not empty. Gravitational fields, magnetic fields and solar wind and radiation are all abundant within our solar system. In order to capture these energies, large sail like structures are being developed to harness these phenomena. The only drawback is the size of the sail needed, which needs to be proportionately large as these fields are relatively diffuse (http://www. humansfuture. org/space_colonization_propulsive_systems. php. htm). This form of travel would require little to no combustion to function efficiently, though coupling sail technology with conventional propulsion could make it much more effective. A method of travel which is supported by many scientists is the Generation Ship method. The name is self explanatory in how this concept works. For this idea to gain acceptance, it would be necessary to produce a spacecraft large enough to carry hundreds of people through deep space, hold enough fuel for the journey and be capable of producing a self sustaining environment. For Generation Ships, speed is not the necessary component for propulsion to achieve success, so concepts such as ion or solar sails could be plausible (Harland 2008). Of greater importance would be to assure that the subsequent generations of children born on the craft are healthy and capable of continuing the journey. This could best be achieved by gene manipulation or modification. Insuring that the generations born aboard the ship are physically and mentally superior, as well as ensuring each function of the ship could be covered in every generation. Producing offspring in this instance strong in sciences, math and physics would be extremely beneficial. Assuming that future science will hold the key to enhance the human brain well beyond current capabilities, Generation Ships are a very real possibility to spread humanity throughout the galaxy and colonize distant worlds. For the majority of our purposes, humans still use methods which were in essence developed thousands of years ago. China had developed fireworks, which in effect use solid fuel in a combustion chamber to produce thrust out of a single nozzle like end. The technology and fuels used today are much more advanced, though the principle is essentially the same. When looking at propulsion methods, it may be better to consider pairing technologies rather than relying on developing single modes of transport. By themselves, each form has positives and negatives which need to be considered. However, coupling combustion with ion, for example, would produce the ability to reach high velocity quickly while sustaining those speeds would require relatively small amounts of fuel provided by ion technology. In conclusion, it is easy to recognize the problems humanity faces with prolonged space exploration. There are a great number of physical, psychological and time related hurdles which will need to be addressed in order to make this a reality. The human body has evolved to survive within a very strict set of conditions. The Earths atmosphere and gravitational pull have shaped and molded our bodies over thousands of years. The first attempts at space travel have relied solely on technology to overcome the barriers of survival in space conditions. Spacecraft shielding, suits and atmosphere producing technology allow us to survive over short periods of time. If humanity is to delve into the outer reaches of our solar system, more must be done. Genetic enhancements and modifications are the most likely way to accomplish this. Finding ways to alter a person internally, in a way to evolve them through science, will be necessary to achieve true exploration. Stronger bones, more resilient muscle mass, organisms capable of repairing and building tissues; these are all things in development, whether through alteration or medical research, which are on the horizon. As technology continues to evolve and develop, new ideas will continue to develop. The space program, though having achieved great achievements to this point, is still in essence in its infancy. Technology has developed at such a rapid rate that the possibilities are endless. For thousands of years, man has dreamed of reaching the stars. The past one hundred years, man finally touched the edge of space. The future, man will not only reach into space, but spread our history to the heavens. We have only just begun to realize what is on the horizon, and with the ingenuity and drive humanity has shown, the possibilities are endless.

MONITORING AND OPTIMIZATION Essays - Computer Storage Devices

MONITORING AND OPTIMIZATION Essays - Computer Storage Devices MONITORING AND OPTIMIZATION PERFORMANCE MONITOR AND NETWORK MONITOR PERFORMANCE MONITOR Windows NT Object Counters in Performance Monitor OBJECTPURPOSE CacheL2 cache performance Logical diskMass storage performance, including network storage MemoryMemory performance and usage ObjectsProcess and tread counts Paging fileVirtual memory usage Physical diskHD performance Process Performance of executing processes Processor Processor(s) performance SystemWindows NT performance Thread Individual thread performance You will also see objects for each network service installed. MONITORING FOR PROCESSOR BOTTLENECKS MAJOR PROCESSOR RELATED COUNTERS TO WATCH: Processor: %Processor Time - How busy the microprocessor is. Processor is a bottleneck if sustained >80% Processor: Interrupts/sec - Rate of service requests from peripheral devices. If you have a high rate of interrupts/sec with no corresponding hardware functions then you may have a bad piece of hardware. Should be between 100 and 1000. Spikes to 2000 are ok. System: Processor queue length - Number of threads waiting to be serviced. >2 then processor is a bottleneck. Queue length will always be zero unless you are also monitoring a thread specific counter (Context switches/sec is number of threads switched/sec by the processor and is good to use). MONITORING THE DISK FOR BOTTLENECKS IF THE DISK LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME, YOU NEED MORE RAM More Ram will increase the size of the disk cache and decrease page swapping to disk and will increase the apparent speed of the disk. Logical disk vs. Physical disk Two different objects in Performance monitor. Logical disk measures performance of stripe sets, volume sets and mapped network drives. Physical disk measures real transfers to and from actual hard disk or RAID set. Used to compare disks and to provide specific information about a disk. MAJOR DISK RELATED COUNTERS TO WATCH: Memory: Pages/sec shows the number of memory pages swapped out to disk per second. Useful with %disk time: modify the size of the page file and watch the result of these two disk counters. %Disk time does not directly measure the disk. It shows how much time the processor is spending servicing disk requests. Use with Processor: %Processor Time to determine if the disk is eating up the processor. Disk bytes per second shows how fast your disk is. Copy a big file and see if your disk is way fast or a piece of junk. Average disk bytes per transfer shows how big the average transfer is. Larger transfers are more efficient. Current Disk queue length shows how much data is waiting to be transferred to disk. A long queue means you need a faster disk. NOTE: You must enable disk counters, they are disabled by default and will cause a degradation of about 2% in performance due to processor load of the counter. To enable disk performance counters: type diskperf -y at the command prompt to enable auto counter startup at boot. Reboot. To disable disk performance counters: type diskperf -n at the command prompt to disable auto counter startup at boot. Reboot. NETWORK MONITOR Is a trimmed down version of what ships with SMS. Is installed by adding Network monitor tools and agent through the services tab of the network icon in control panel. Can provide real time and cumulative saved data. FOUR MAIN SECTIONS Bar graph in real time. Session statistics shows cumulative data about conversations taking place on the network in real time. Station statistics shows information on each conversation. You must specify the machine (station) you want to monitor and is cumulative for the monitoring period. Summary statistics are cumulative and show network, captured, per second, NIC (MAC), and NIC error statistics. Data can be filtered by protocol, computer address, or protocol properties. Filter by computer address to identify a NIC sending data frames when not in use (bad NIC). Netmon can be dual password protected and will let you identify other instances of Netmon running on the network. This is to prevent unauthorized users from capturing data to which they do not have permission to access. Conflict Sybex Network Press: MCSE NT Server 4 Study Guide says, ?The limited version of network monitor that ships with Windows NT Server does not support promiscuous mode. Therefore, it can capture only packets sent to the server or to all stations.? But? Windows NT Online Help for Performance Monitor says, The Nework Monitor agent collects statistics from the computer?s network adapter card by putting it in promiscuous mode.?

Exercise in Using the Correct Forms of Irregular Verbs

Exercise in Using the Correct Forms of Irregular Verbs This exercise will give you practice in using the correct forms of irregular verbs. Before attempting the exercise, you may find it helpful to review these two articles: Introduction to Irregular VerbsPrincipal Parts of Irregular Verbs Exercise Complete each sentence below with the appropriate present, past, or past-participle form of the irregular verb in italics. When youre done, compare your answers with those below. Uncle Bert told me he had _____ (sell) his car for one dollar to a needy family.No one answered when Freddie _____ (ring) the doorbell.We nearly _____ (freeze) our toes off in a bedroom that wasnt heated.Jessica suddenly remembered that a week ago she had _____ (lend) her brother a hundred dollars.My sister left the birthday party early because she had _____ (drink) too much Coca Cola and made herself sick.Last Sunday morning we discovered that the old boiler had _____ (spring) a leak.John went to the blackboard and _____ (draw) a picture of the playground.Dont call the world dirty because you _____ (forget) to clean your glasses.Jobie had _____ (string) a clothesline from the top of the trailer to the woodshed eaves.The group had _____ (begin) to split up into cliques and factions.Buddy had never _____ (ride) in a limousine before.Habit is a cable; we _____ (weave) a thread of it each day, and at last we cannot break it. (Horace Mann)The paper reported that a major earthquake had __ ___ (shake) the interior of Mexico, killing thousands. When we were five years old, Mike and I solemnly _____ (swear) to remain friends forever.Moira had _____ (mean) to send her father a birthday card, but as usual she forgot.The force of the shock from the explosion _____ (break) every window in the old school building.Uncle Bert had _____ (go) to the post office at lunchtime but never came back.Trying to be good Samaritans had _____ (bring) us nothing but trouble.The student insisted that someone had _____ (steal) his sunglasses, but everyone could see that they were still sitting on top of his head.Walt Disney claimed that he loved Mickey Mouse more than any woman he had ever _____ (know). Answers   Uncle Bert told me he had  sold  his car for one dollar to a needy family.No one answered when Freddie  rang  the doorbell.We nearly  froze  our toes off in a bedroom that wasnt heated.Jessica suddenly remembered that a week ago she had  lent  her brother a hundred dollars.My sister left the birthday party early because she had  drunk  too much Coca Cola and made herself sick.Last Sunday morning we discovered that the old boiler had  sprung  a leak.John went to the blackboard and  drew  a picture of the playground.Dont call the world dirty because you  forgot  to clean your glasses.Jobie had  strung  a clothesline from the top of the trailer to the woodshed eaves.The group had  begun  to split up into cliques and factions.Buddy had never  ridden  in a limousine before.Habit is a cable; we  weave  a thread of it each day, and at last we cannot break it. (Horace Mann)The paper reported that a major earthquake had  shaken  the interior of Mexico, killing thousands.When we were five years old, Mike and I solemnly  swore  to remain friends forever. Moira had  meant  to send her father a birthday card, but as  usual  she forgot.The force of the shock from the explosion  broke  every window in the old school building.Uncle Bert had  gone  to the post office at lunchtime but never came back.Trying to be good Samaritans had  brought  us nothing but trouble.The student insisted that someone had  stolen  his sunglasses, but everyone could see that they were still sitting on top of his head.Walt Disney claimed that he loved Mickey Mouse more than any woman he had ever  known

Strategic analysis of IKEA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Strategic analysis of IKEA - Essay Example plistic style matches also the no-frills product lines and customer service ethos and chimes with the company’s origins as a small Swedish family business which started in 1958. In reality, however, the company has a sophisticated approach to its business, and this is built on a suite of interlocking strategies. This paper will consider five of these in turn: Alliances/Agreements, Human Resource Factors, Knowledge Management and Competencies, Cultural and Strategic Fitness, and finally Environment/Sensitivity issues and analyse the appropriateness and effectiveness of each. IKEA’s phenomenal success in expanding from Europe to America and Asia could not have happened without a network of well-chosen alliances and long term business relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and logistics operators. Planning of supply and demand across the whole operation is done centrally with the aid of computerized APS (advanced planning systems) and this requires advance agreements on volumes and capacities for both IKEA and the different suppliers. (Jonsson et al, 2008, p. 99). The aim of this approach is to make optimal use of resources throughout the whole chain and to minimize stock levels. Where possible, and when quality control processes are in place at the required level, suppliers are tied into a system of direct delivery to the point of sale. Johnsson et al. identify four main â€Å"enablers† for this planning process â€Å"planning organisation, data quality, software support and project and change management† (Jonsson et al, 2008, p . 100). The last of these entails significant time and resources spent by IKEA managers out in the field: â€Å"IKEA has over time struggled with achieving consistent result from its implementation efforts†¦ A Four-Step model has been defined clearly recognizing the need to create awareness in the first step, create interest in what is coming in the second step, making users try out the solution in the third step and finally adopt

Rising Cost of Health Insurance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rising Cost of Health Insurance - Essay Example An entire family's coverage can easily be lost because of retirement, divorce, or a simple switch from full to part-time work. USA Today claims: "Employers say there is no concensus on what to do, long term, to slow health spending," which proves that an agreement needs to be met soon. This issue seriously affects many different individuals, from company owners to the middle-class. Small business suffers especially, but often compensates by hiring young employees; eighteen to twenty-four year olds have the least health coverage in America. Some companies have "eliminated coverage for dependents, while others have canceled their medical plans altogether" (Porter). It is unfair that so many must suffer because of this cost. Two reasons health care is expensive are incredible advertisement costs and a need for advanced machines used for diagnoses. The need for costly medical machines makes sense, but it is unfortunate that countless people aren't receiving proper care due in part to the high prices of commercials. Costs can increase over ten percent in one year, and usually do not go back down afterward. It is disappointing to consider where some portions of health insurance money are headed and how much better they could be spent. Adding to the problem, premiums cut into funds mean

Pollution affects the health of all living thing. Essay Example for Free

Pollution affects the health of all living thing. Essay Many peoples, animals and plants depend on water for survival of life but because of water pollution all living things must suffer or die from the effects caused by water pollution. Man is busy inventing new things every day and the consequences of these inventions affect the land, air and stream and causes water pollution. Some of the causes of water pollution are industries trying to fulfill the need of consumers by inventing new products and creating jobs for people. Another cause of water pollution is the chemicals that people use on their lawns and gardens. Water pollution can also be caused by land movement, avalanche and erosion from the weather. Animal also causes water pollution but they are unaware that they are actually causing pollution to the stream, rivers and lakes. The effects of water pollution in our stream, lakes and ocean have a huge impact on the living creatures that uses the water for their habitat. When the beaches and lake are polluted, tourists do not spend time to visit there, animals also die from consuming garbage. Another effect of water pollution is the cause of an oil spill in the ocean which has a huge impact on the living creatures and wild life that uses the polluted water. It is important for individual living in this planet to prevent water pollution. The planet is very precious for all it living thing. People have to use the planet resources carefully, and prevent water pollution to it streams, lakes and rivers. We all share this plant it earth, air, land and water. When one of these characters of the p lanet is affected it also affects another. One can use water People can purchase items that they need and not want. They can reuse and recycle items that are useable. One can use organic material in their gardens and lawns. Farmers can reduce the use of chemical in their crops. One can walk, bike or use transit to get around. Individual should not put sediments, nutrients, toxic chemicals, pathogens in water. These are some of the thing people can do to prevent water pollution.

Biomechanics Essay -- essays research papers

The term biomechanics means the study of the structure and function of biological systems using the methods of mechanics. Biomechanics studies the process of kinematics and develops artificial limbs and footwear specifically to aid the body in performance. The study of biomechanics also includes the stress testing on crash dummies in car accidents and any sport where stress is placed on the body in order to produce performance. The type of stress specifically is the joint stimulation and bone modeling stress.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most common use of biomechanics is in the development of prosthetic limbs used for the handicapped. Most work on prosthetics is done in laboratories where scientists use calibrated machines to test stress and wear of artificial limbs. These days, prosthetics, are made of titanium and lightweight fiberglass to make a near perfect match with most people. The most common prosthesis is the replacement in a below the knee amputation. The American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) held a meeting at Clemson University of 1997 in order to develop a sports prosthesis that would stand up to every day flexing of the knee for performance in sports.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order to develop this prosthesis they had to go through two main phases, the analysis of a jogger wearing a standard walking prosthesis and computer simulation of the flexing of the knee on this walking prosthesis. They had to measure rotation, weight bearing, moments, and t...

Package Comparison Materials

Packaging Materials Comparison/G. King 1 Packaging Materials Comparison George King #3141824 Date: 24 Mar 2013 Dr. Carmen Mousel American Military University TLMT351 D001 Win 13 Introduction What are advantages and disadvantages within the supply chain for a paper- based shipping container, a wood-based shipping container and a plastic-based shipping container for use as a distribution package (a non-retail shipping package)? Advantages for using paper-based shipping containers are due to the corrugated box being a sustainable, versatile, and lightweight material.The paper-based shipping container can be used for multitudes of products and can be made into a custom-manufactured shipping container for those products. Typically these containers are used for transporting a wide range of goods such as packaged goods, produce, meat products, and etc. Corrugated box usages are good for the environment due to it being both reusable and recyclable. The paper product can be compostable which will be good for the environment since it will not end up in a landfill if properly handled.Since the product is biodegradable it is better for the environment. 1 Disadvantage for using paper-based shipping containers are due to the paper product coming into contact with outside elements such as being susceptible with wet weather conditions such as rain and snow. Stacking for long periods of time are not good since over time they will lose their shape without some sort of pallet or contour structure included into the design. 1 ? Advantages for using a wood-based shipping container is due to the sturdiness of the product for protecting the contents further.Having a wood container available will allow for it to be exposed to harsh climate changes and rough handling. Wood is less likely to fall apart due to outside elements and easier for movement in and around the warehouse. These containers are normally built for heavy products since strength is needed for moving heavy loads. Wood bo xes are also needed when stacking heavy loads. The wooden crates can be easily transported in and around distribution centers once skids are attached to the bottom for forklift accessibility, unlike boxes where a pallet is needed for movement.Modification to wood crates or containers can be easily modified with doors and ramps making it easy to move items in and out. They are also eco friendly for being able to use the wood crates more than once. 2 ? Disadvantage to using wood is that crates can get to extreme temperatures inside; they can get too cold and or too hot depending on location. Controlling temperature is an issue. Also, having free space for stacking and moving wood crates can be hazardous. Wood also begins to wear out if utilized multiple times.Pests are an issue, meaning termites may have a field day when wood is exposed over time. Pathogens are of some concern as food inside containers could be exposed to bacterium E. coli and salmonella. 2 ? Advantages for using plas tic based shipping containers are normally seen with the use of drums. These containers are high in molecular weight and density polyethylene. They can withstand temperatures and are corrosion resistant. They can be used for both food and chemicals. Plastic drums are self supporting and can be used horizontally or vertically.Plastic can be easily molded into the contents of the product for further securing of the product. Handles can be installed for ease of movement. The imagination can run for a long time for molding your requirement. They can store just about anything. Many industries use plastic containers for warehouse operations, because they come in large sizes and they are stackable. Plastic is durable, cost effective, and can last for a long time. 3 ? Disadvantages of using plastic containers are that they hold smells of past transported product; therefore it is expensive to clean plastic.Plastic can also be a health issue. Plastic is not bio degradable and many companies w ill not recycle plastics. When thinking of using plastic for different tasks then it may not be the best option. 4 References 1. Website, http://www. internationalpaper. com/US/EN/Products/Transport/ShippingContainers. html 2. Website, http://www. container-transportation. com/shipping-container-housing. html 3. Website, www. usplastic. com/catalog/item. aspx? itemid=22827&catid=459 4. Website, http://www. ehow. com/info_8562652_advantages-disadvantages-plastic-containers. html

Placement Proposal Niam Essay

(An Organization of Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India) Kota Road, Bambala (Near Sanganer), Jaipur-302033, (Rajasthan) Telephone: 0141-2795121/2795143, Fax: 0141-2771938, 2770595 Website: www.ccsniam.gov.in About the Institute The National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) is an apex level autonomous institute set up by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India in Agricultural Marketing which conducts training, research, consulting and educational programmes along with formulating policy inputs. With a view to developing Agri-business and Marketing professionals, NIAM conducts an AICTE approved two-year Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Agribusiness Management (PGDABM) since 2001. Our students imbibe knowledge, excellent academic strengths and also see things through a different perspective as imparted by our programme which is closely associated with institutions like IIM-A, IIM-I, XLRI, IIFT, MICA etc. with the constant support from our Director General- Shri. R.P. Meena (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture), Director-Shri. Kamal Mathur, Deputy Director-Dr. Hema Yadav and our experienced faculty members, PGDABM has become a flagship programme. In a recent survey NIAM has been ranked among India’s top sectoral B schools in ‘Outlook India’ B-School Survey 2011-12. About the Students The current batch (2011-13) is the ninth batch and has strength of 50 (40 boys and 10 girls) with varied qualifications. Serial No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Educational Background of Students Agricultural Engineering Biotechnology B.Sc. Agriculture B.Sc Commercial Ag. & Business Management Dairy Technology Fisheries Food Technology Horticultural Sciences Veterinary Sciences Total Number of Students 2 2 32 1 3 2 1 4 3 50 There are 7 students in this batch who have work experience. The students take field projects in rural areas, Agricultural markets and processing industries etc as Summer Projects, Live project, Individual projects and we have organized several Training and National /International Workshops. We have collaborations or association with FAO, CII, NABARD,  ASSOCHAM, UNSAID, WORLD BANK, APEDA, ADB, EXIM BANK, NCDEX, FICCI State Governments, National Cooperatives and many more International forum constituted for a particular purpose. Our students have proven their credentials in various events like B-Plan, Business quiz, Debate, AD Mania, Sports, etc. organized in several prestigious institutes like IIM-A, FMS, IIT-Delhi, IIT-Mumbai, AMITY, IBS Jaipur, TAPMI, etc. Recruitment Mode of recruitment is through campus recruitment which we could be initiating in the month of December-January. It would be a pleasure to be associated with your organization and we would like our students to begin their career in an esteemed organization/ company like yours. To invite you for the recruitment, we are sending you the corporate response sheet. We would be highly grateful to your organization if you send the duly filled sheet to us at the earliest. This will ensure your participation in recruitments.

Socially Just Whack! (SJW) Professor Ramos Blog

Socially Just Whack! (SJW) So there is a ongoing group of people in our online-society that really gives the human race a bad name, a bad image and a bad reputation. These so called â€Å"activist† are called Social Justice Warriors, and they go out into the worlds of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp and so on to put down the big   name trolls and get the social world back into order! But the problem is that when these warriors go into a battle unprepared, they tend to get slaughtered by the troll and it just looks like batman getting his back broken by his nemesis Bane but then getting his neck snapped and it’s all over, roll credits. If a group of people are going to do this at least know what consequences people like vigilanties face on a day to day basis which can lead to death threats, harmful acts, stabbings, shootings, innocent bystanders getting shot and killed themselves, rape, pillaging, genocide. But them knowing that probably would make them want to do it more since they are proba bly kids who are disobedient to their parents and when their parents say not to do something, they do it anyways. So what is a solution to ending these SJW’s and their crazy logic? Well I have a couple of ways that are amazing and one ridiculous way of doing things that’s also effective. So the first way off getting rid of the social dipshit warriors is to make them own up to their own words and make them have the title â€Å"warrior† added to their name and the same with the pussy-ass troll that wants to stir the pot and make controversy out of nothing for no reason, so they should fight like warriors and commanders and fight to the death in am arena they chose. These SJW’s promise warfare against these trolls and sometimes use methods such as swatting where a person calls a bomb squad to a person’s house or send malicious ware to open in a chat room or text message. So if its the warfare they want why can’t they agree to fight to the death? Why do they have to make the internet society so conflicting towards others who really don’t care about their useless banter back and forth. Why just let them argue when they can fight it out and to the death then the winner standing was the right one? That’s what we did in the old days and kinda still do now but with more subtle features. Next method is a more reasonable one, why don’t they consider their group as a political standing group and just pay taxes for their property of meet up and for having this group established? You know why? Because they won’t like to pay taxes when what they were doing before was just using their freedom of speech instead of making a conscious decision and saying this is what we believe in and we agree that our movement is helping the world so much we can pay for taxes like theses to not only help people in need in the internet but also around the real world. You’ll never hear that coming from any SJW-tard that only thinks about their own beliefs that are affected by the world. When you’re running with a one time line about something that you think should be corrected, then yeah use your god given right and use that first amendment, but if you are just going on every page and correcting what you think is politically incorrect, sorry for harsh words but get a life, stop being a piece of shit or kill yourself. That’s bitter and petty and the human race is way more respectable than that. So pay taxes and become a known group instead of a random person’s belief of nothing but try and do they right thing . My last sentence to get rid of this problem is to get a person of higher knowledge (like a Harvard graduate or Sefferino Ramos) to have the final decision towards the arguments. So when a dispute arises, there is a button that either one of the three parties in the discussion (the troll, the SJW, or someone just reading a comment) can click this button to call either one person who is qualified to be a final decision maker and he comes in to settle the argument once and for all. So the thread would stop and no further comments but the three parties will be posted while the outsiders can look in and see how the dispute is going. Now once the third party enters, there will be a wage that is placed upon their belief, any wage of choice, and the decider that is going to decide will lawfully make the wage placements legitimized through the courts and then will do academic research on both side to determine which party is right. After the decision is place wages will be distributed and who ever loses, gets their opinions and pages watched and over looked and if they share their opinion in the time that they are not supposed to then they will be fined which will help create jobs in the IT field and create more revenue for parks and recreational areas amongst communities in the USA. All in all as I conclude this wonder three idea page, to say to kill them all would be really mean and illogical to the human race, anyways they are going to off themself anywho in due time. What is being implemented is that we make them pay and help out the community by saying that what they believe in is right and they can choose to expand their ideas to people who think they are right and they can contribute or place wagers where their money then continues to play a big part in contributing to communities and helping grow more trees or something. If not they can be placed in the lions den and fight for what they believe is right compared to the lion who will be fighting for survival which is right with only using logic in the lion’s sense. Annotated Bibliography gladiator. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Britannica Digital Learning, 2017. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/ebconcise/gladiator/0?institutionId=5312. Accessed 10 Aug. 2018. I use this to know what gladiators fought for. And I learned they fought for pride and self righteousness. Not because someone offended them by saying a couple of words. That would be like so he uses words I use swords and stab the SJW. Crabtree, David E. taxes. Encyclopedia of New Jersey, edited by Maxine N. Lurie, and Marc Mappen, Rutgers University Press, 1st edition, 2004. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/rutgersnj/taxes/0?institutionId=5312. Accessed 10 Aug. 2018. I use this article to learn more about what kind of taxes besides property taxes are there when creating a group or club. I learned there are a lot of taxes that starting a group has to go through and that it takes time for things like that to process. Something those SJW don’t have to make their beliefs right. Walker, Michael, and MICHAEL WALKER. Gambling. The Elgar Companion to Consumer Research and Economic Psychology, edited by Peter E. Earl, and Simon Kemp, Edward Elgar Publishing, 1st edition, 1999. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/elgarcrep/gambling/0?institutionId=5312. Accessed 10 Aug. 2018. I read this article because I wanted to know more about the gambling aspect since I don’t really gamble in my free time. And I learned you can gamble on anything rather you think it is going to land on red or black or if the sky will have a purple tint to it at at twelve midnight. Lots of things to take account from this article.

Expedient vs. Expeditious

Expedient vs. Expeditious â€Å"Expedient† vs. â€Å"Expeditious† â€Å"Expedient† vs. â€Å"Expeditious† By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between expedient and expeditious? The words were originally synonymous, but their meanings diverged long ago, and the distinction is small but significant. Both words derive from the Latin term expedire, which means â€Å"disengage† or â€Å"prepare.† (The literal meaning is â€Å"free the feet.†) As you may have guessed, that’s also the source of expedition, in the original sense of â€Å"journey† and the associated meaning of â€Å"those on a journey.† (The adjective form is expeditionary.) From expedire came the word expedite, meaning â€Å"dispatch or issue,† â€Å"do promptly,† or â€Å"speed up.† (Expediate is an unnecessary variant.) Two adjectives developed from this term: Expeditious originally meant â€Å"fitting† or â€Å"useful,† but it later acquired the sense of â€Å"promptly efficient† and lost its original meaning, which expedient retains. Expedient has two connotations, once neutral and the other more common slightly pejorative: Something that is expedient may be suitable, but the word more likely reflects what is done out of self-interest or because it is most convenient rather than the best solution. The adverbial form of expedient is expediently; the noun forms are expedience and, better, expediency. The adverbial form of expeditious is expeditiously, and the noun form is expeditiousness. The unrelated word expeditation (the verb form is expeditate) is closer to the literal meaning of the Latin source; it means to declaw a dog or remove the pads of its feet to deter it from chasing animals the word is therefore almost an antonym of expedite and I hope it’s obsolete. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely?Driver License vs. Driver’s LicenseParataxis and Hypotaxis

Exclusionary Rule Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Exclusionary Rule Evaluation - Essay Example The Exclusionary rule is applied where a connection between illegal act by police or law enforcement authorities and the obtained evidence is proven. It is also applied when there is an indirect connection between the evidence and an illegal search. If evidence is collected in good faith, considering that the obtained search warrant is legally correct although it is not. Evidence is retained if the police officer is unaware of mistakes in the issued search warrant. There should be no legally significant mistake. However, technical mistakes can save evidence from being destroyed due to an incomplete warrant (Shestokas, 2008). The Exclusionary rule is widely criticized because in some way, it harms criminal trial proceedings. Due to the application of the Exclusionary rule, important evidence can be missed out due to lack of a search warrant or proper knowledge of police officers and the culprit might be unchained due to lack of legal evidence. Exclusionary rule diverts the attention of the court of law from the original case to details of legal and illegal evidence. Police officers have to work for more and more evidence so that if some of them will be considered illegal, others can work. This clearly depicts wastage of precious time. Cost of evidence collection is also a major issue. Although Exclusionary rule has brought more professionalism to the evidence search department of police and law enforcement agencies of society, it has done a lot to save the constitutional privacy of citizens of the state against professional misconduct of police officers, as it was observed in the past, in order to obtain evidence. Due to observance of the Exclusionary rule in criminal trials, society has to bear the greatest cost of this rule in terms of criminals that go unpunished because of excluded evidence (Lungren, 1996). Once freed from court of justice, culprit’s moral increases and this may consequently result in

Discussions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Discussions - Essay Example The health care law lobby’s for spending based on quality of health care received and not quantity. This has therefore led to improvement of the services being rendered in the health care centers and all these at a reduced cost. The new health care act is also making institution be more involved in health care issues and ensure that they device ways to improve the quality of health care and at the same time cut the costs. This has been evident in a hospital in Minnesota where the hospital has resorted to monitoring around 300 of its heart patients from home rather than having them in the hospital. This decision has reduced the hospitals spending associated with admissions and hence in the end saved the country several million dollars which is put into continual quality improvement of health. This therefore continues to be an indication that the new health care law; the Affordable Care Act is working as proposed which was to improve the quality of health care and reduce the

The development of travel and tourism industry Dissertation

The development of travel and tourism industry - Dissertation Example This paper outlines also the current developments of tourism. Low cost airlines â€Å"Evidence in the Europe and the U.S. indicates that the leading LFAs [low-fare airlines] fared significantly better than their full-fare rivals in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the U.S.,† wrote Thomas Lawton, author of Cleared for Take-Off: Structure and Strategy in the Low-Fare Airline Business, in the November 2003 Irish Journal of Management. â€Å"While established rivals cut staff, grounded aircraft and even collapsed into bankruptcy, the LFAs continue to open new routes and order new aircraft. LFAs are more resilient than traditional airlines to market downturns.† Europe deregulated its skies in 1997 and there has been no looking back as far as the travel and tourism boom is concerned. The low cost airline like Ryan Air, Excel Jet and Budget Air have offered the passengers no frill airlines and this has fuelled a lot of travel. This has exceedingly lowered the prices making holiday travels very affordable. For this reason these airlines have steadily gained market share. An old adage about cruises painted the typical passenger as "newlywed, overfed or nearly dead," but demographics for cruises are changing. A million children took cruises in 2002, double the number from 1998, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents 21 cruise lines. A five-day, $500 (or less) trip to a warm place (meals included), available in many markets; prices being affordable even for middle-class families.

Relationship Between Motivational Beliefs and Education

Relationship Between Motivational Beliefs and Education Background to Research Adequately meeting the varying needs of an increasingly diverse population of students is a major challenge for education. To face this challenge educational researchers have explored a variety of areas within the students educational experience to examine the effects on students. Many studies of the experiences, characteristics and needs of students at various grade levels and age groups have been conducted. There is a general consensus that the needs, interests, preferences and characteristics of the students change with the social, economic, and technological changes around them. Provision of the best environment and conditions that support better learning and development of students is on the educational reform agenda worldwide (UNESCO, 1998). Research has emphasized the need and importance of students views and opinions about their learning experiences, while planning and providing supportive conditions and facilities for learning (Leckey Neill, 2001, Nicholls, 2002). The Islamic Republic of Pakistan came into being in 1947. It has an estimated population of 164.8 Million (Population Census organization, 2008) with an overall literacy rate of 51.6 % (Government of Pakistan, 2005). Education in Pakistan is divided into five levels, Primary (grades one through five), Middle (grades six through eight), High (grades nine and ten, leading to Secondary School certificate), Intermediate (grades eleven and twelve, leading to a higher Secondary School Certificate), and Higher Education (education above grades 12) leading to a bachelor degree (BA/BSC) after two years of study mostly at affiliated colleges. A Masters Degree or Postgraduate degree is mostly undertaken at universities and requires another two years of study. At the time of independence in 1947 there were only two universities, the University of the Punjab, Lahore and the University of Dhaka. At present there are 67 universities in the public sector and 57 in the private (Higher Education Commission, 2005). Currently there are approximately 32, 8603 students enrolled in postgraduate programmes (MA/MSc) with more females (53%) than males currently enrolled (Government of Pakis tan, 2003). Since independence the quality of education at all levels has been a concern in Pakistan. Most of the efforts directed at quality enhancement have been targeted towards primary and secondary education, but during late 1990s higher education became the major concern of the government and this has been expressed in its policies and plans (Government of Pakistan, 1998, 2004, 2005). Responding to unprecedented expansion in higher education, formalized and systematic quality assurance mechanisms began to evolve in the early 2000s, with the establishment of Higher Education Commission (HEC). Most of the efforts at reform designed to improve the quality of higher education have been directed toward physical inputs, teacher training, and material resources (Government of Pakistan, 2004, 2005). There has also been increasing recognition that conventional approaches to curriculum, pedagogy and organization in higher education do not always lead to excellence and quality (Government of Pakistan , 2001). However what is missing in these discussion concerning strategies for enhancing quality of higher education in Pakistan is students opinions about their learning and their learning experiences. Being a part of the higher education community in Pakistan, issues of higher education quality have been of increasing concern and interest to me. My experience of teaching at the University of the Punjab (Lahore), Pakistan, during the last ten years have led to the development of an interest in the study of motivational beliefs and learning experiences of the postgraduate students. The University of the Punjab is one of the oldest and largest universities of Pakistan. Established in the 1882, the University is comprised of 4 Campuses, 13 Faculties, 9 constituent colleges, and 64 Departments and Centers. Currently students feedback about their learning is obtained at the level of individual units or courses but there is no systematic procedure for evaluating students overall experience of learning at the level of whole course or degree. In Pakistan postgraduate students join the university after completing 10 years of study at school and 4 years of study at college. Postgraduate stud ents who attend university in Pakistan are thus engaged in higher education for a minimum of four years. Their long academic experience means they are in a position to judge the nature and quality of their experiences of learning at university but they are never given a chance to do so except at the unit level and they are not asked about their goals, aspirations and motivations. Research in western higher education systems shows that the students are best placed to comment about many aspects of quality of education and their ratings are considered to be valid, multidimensional and reliable (Marsh, 1987; Ramsden 1991; Leckey Niell, 2001). Many studies have also been conducted on students motivational beliefs and learning in higher education and well developed instruments such as Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) have been employed to explore the motivational beliefs of the students and to study the impact of various other factors on the students experiences of teaching, curriculum and assessment and learning in western higher education. A systematic use of the findings of these studies has provided a strong basis for the improvement of the quality of student learning in higher education (Watson, 2003; Harvey, 2003). Much of the research on student learning and higher education has been conducted in developed countries like the USA, UK and Australia (Watson, 2003; Harvery, 2003, Pascarella Terenzini, 1998; Wilson .Lozzio Ramsden, 1997; Diseth, 2003; Diseth Pallesen, Hoveland Larsen, 2006) with very few studies be conducted in the Asian contexts (see Salili, 1996). No studies of this nature have been conducted in the Pakistani context. However the researchers in the field of motivation and learning have increasingly highlighted the importance of conducting research in different cultural and social contexts (Byrne Flood, 2008; Schunk, Pintrich Meece, 2008; Kaplan Maehr, 2006).According to Pintrich and Zusho (2007) cultural and social context can have mojor effect on the motivational beliefs as well as on the outcomes of education and research is needed to explore whether various models of learning and motivation can be generalized and do the various motivational constructs operate similarly among various cultures. Therefore findings and implications of the research on hig her education in western contexts, need to be explored further in the social, economic and cultural context of Pakistan. Such research is needed to get an insight into motivational profile and learning experiences of the student at the postgraduate level in Pakistan, where the percentage of female students at postgraduate level (53 %) is higher than male students. These figures for females sit in stark contrast to the lower literacy rate for females (39.2%) across the country (Government of Pakistan, 2005) and where future job prospects for qualified people are very low (Husain, 2005).The overall unemployment rate in Pakistan is 7.8 % (Government of Pakistan, 2008) whereas no statistics are available for different groups such as people with bachelors degrees, masters degrees and professional degrees. There is hardly any research conducted in Pakistan that could provide an insight into students motivational beliefs and their experiences of learning at the postgraduate level. A literature search identified just two recent studies about students approaches to learning in higher education in Pakistan. Siddiqui (2006) investigated study approaches of Pakistani students in tertiary institutions by using a revised version of the Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F). The sample comprised 13,331 students who appeared at 15 centers for National Postgraduate Scholarship Examination in December 2003. The results showed that the students predominantly had higher scores on deep approach. No statistically significant differences were observed on the basis of gender, age and highest qualification, but there were significant differences for various fields of study. Akhtar (2007) conducted a comparative study of approaches to study used by students in pre-service teacher education programs at th e University of the Punjab (Lahore), Pakistan and the University of Edinburgh, UK. The study showed that the students from both universities perceived their learning environment in a similar way, but that a surface approach to learning was found to be more dominant among the Pakistani students. Due to lack of research on higher education students in Pakistan, my proposed study of the motivational beliefs and the experiences of learning in various disciplines of study at the University of the Punjab is expected to be the first in Pakistan to investigate the relationship between the motivational beliefs and learning at postgraduate level in Pakistan. This study will provide an understanding of the factors affecting the learning processes at the University of the Punjab and may serve as a basis for the improvement of academic programs and students learning experiences in Pakistani universities more generally. In a range of Western countries, many research studies have established the impact of motivational beliefs on self regulation and educational achievement (Pintrich DeGroot, 1990; Eccles, Wigfield Schiefele, 1998); Pintrich Zusho, 2007) but no research has explored the relationship between motivational beliefs and experiences of learning at postgraduate level. This is a n important issue in Pakistan where postgraduates do not necessarily expect to find suitable work after completion of their qualification. The results of the study will also help to understand and suggest to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, some practical and feasible initiatives to highlight the importance of students views in the current efforts of the Government to enhance the quality of university education. Literature Review The following section discusses and examines the concept of students learning experiences in higher education sector. After a brief review of recent changes in the higher education and how the exploration of student experiences have been used to improve the quality of education, this review discuses various perspectives on learning to provide an account of how experience of learning has been conceptualized so far and what is needed to be explored further to develop our understanding of student learning in higher education. The Changing Face of Higher Education Worldwide there has been shift in the nature, structure, function and the financing of the university system (Biggs, 2003). In universities in developed countries these changes are quite evident through the expansion of technology, more diverse student population, increased demand for accountability and emphasis on research and performance related funding. Studies in Australia and other countries of the world serve to highlight some of the significant changes in the nature of student population over the last decade. For instance, in the UK 21% of full-time students at the start of their degree in 2005 were over the age of 21 (Robotham, 2008). Similarly, Studies by McInnis, James Hartley (2000) in Australia reveal other important changes when they note an increase in the proportion of full-time students who are working part-time and students seeking more choice in the subjects, delivery modes, assessment activities and facilities provided by the universities. Due to this growing diversity of the student population and rapidly changing social, technological and economic contexts, mass systems of the higher education in USA and Australia are now faced with the challenge of complexity of the student learning (James 2001, Pascarella and Terenzizni, 1998). According to Biggs (2003) a greater proportion of school leavers with diverse experiences, socio- economic status and cultural backgrounds are now joining higher education, they have to pay more tuition fees, study in large class sizes with fewer teachers and have to choose from more vocationally oriented courses. While discussing the challenge of the growing diversity of the student population and the influences of a number of demographic, institutional, economic and technological forces in the context of the USA, Pascarella and Terenzizni (1998) argue that these changes have significant implications for understanding the impact of college on students and require us to rethink about students experiences of learning. They further argue that these challenges require us to rethink students experiences of learning and redefine the outcomes of college and university education. In developed and developing countries like Pakistan more students are now aspiring to join institutions of higher education and there is a significant increase in the number of universities accommodating this new student population. Over the course of the later part of the twentieth century there was a world wide expansion of higher education institutions and enrollments. In 1900 roughly 500,000 students were enrolled in higher education institutions world wide, representing only one percent of college age population, whereas by the year 2000, this number had grown two hundredfold to approximately 100 million people, or 20 percent of the cohort worldwide (Schofer Meyer, 2005). At the time of the creation of Pakistan in 1947, there were only two universities, but after 1999-2000 there was a sharp increase in the number of public and private universities as the government showed the clear commitment to improving the higher education (Government of Pakistan 2004)., There was a significant increase in the spending on tertiary education (15.7% of the total Ed. Expenditure). At present there are 67 universities in public sector in Pakistan and 57 in the private. Despite the fact that only 3.7 percent of the 18 to 23 age cohort participates in higher education, the student enrollment at the University of the Punjab alone has increased from 10,000 to 30,000 over the last eight years (Iqbal, 2008). There are no empirical studies and little literature available on the demographic and economic characteristics, expectations, and experiences of students in Pakistani higher education institutions. To sum up, it can be said that as a consequence of the changes in the nature and context of higher education, the relationship between universities and students has also changed (James, 2001). Further, learning at university has become far more complex than it has been before. With the changing face of higher education, the factors that can have an impact on student learning in higher education have also become manifold, including personal factors (e.g. age, gender, prior experience and motivation of students) and contextual factors (e.g. teaching and learning activities, courses and content of study, facilities, resources and social environment. In other words, the impacts of wider changes in the context of higher education appear to be filtering down to the level of the individual student. Student Views and Quality of Higher Education Changes in the nature and provision of higher education have meant that the collection of feedback from students and the importance of students views and experiences of learning is on the agenda world wide. Students evaluations of courses and teaching are considered to be an important measure and indicator of educational quality (Marsh, 1987; Leckey Neill, 2001, Harvey, 2003). Universities in the UK, USA and Australia regularly collect student feedback to improve the quality of higher education. According to Leckey and Neill (2001) many papers have been written about students evaluation of teaching quality and many authors (such as Marsh, 1987, Kuh, 1999, Vesper Kuh, 1997) have published the review of these thereby supporting the continuing use of student evaluations. The importance of student feedback to universities can be seen in the growth of student involvement in university decision-making. For example in Sweden the Swedish government passed a bill in 2000 to give representat ion to students in university decision-making bodies (Swedish Government, 1999) In the UK a variety of mechanisms is being used both at the local level (faculty, school, course, and module) and institutional level (for example, graduate surveys) to get students feedback (Leckey Neill, 2001). At the national level, student surveys were introduced in 2005, to collect feedback from students on the quality of courses in order to contribute to public accountability, as well as to help inform the choices of future applicants coming to higher education (Harvey, 2003). In the USA there are three major types of surveys used to gather data on students experiences of learning, namely the College Student Experience Questionnaire (used since 1983 by about 500 colleges and universities), the College Students Expectation Questionnaire (used since 1996, with over 61,000 students at more than 60 institutions) and the National Survey of Student Engagement (began in 1998). The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) obtains, on an annual basis, information about student participation in programs and activities that institutions provide for their learning and personal development. The results provide an estimate of how undergraduates spend their time and what they gain from attending college (NSSE, 2003). Similarly, in Australia, since 1993 all graduates in universities have been invited annually to complete the Course Experience Questionnaire. As a result of various investigations and analyses of these surveys since then, many important aspects (e.g quality of teaching, availability of recourses and social climate of the institutions) of learning in higher education have been discovered. Differences in students evaluations have been noted within different subject areas and disciplines (Ramsden, 2003). The Graduate career Council of Australia (GCCA) considers students perceptions of curriculum, instruction and assessment as key determinants of their approach to learning and the quality of the outcomes of that learning. The CEQ is considered a valuable instrument for the purpose of improving the quality of teaching in universities and also for informing student choice, managing institutional performance and promoting accountability of the higher education sector (McInnis, Griffin, Jame s Coates, 2001). A synthesis of the literature from the above section shows that students self reported surveys and questionnaires are the most commonly used method for getting feedback from students and evaluating their experiences of learning. Self report questionnaires are considered to be very useful for assessing those outcomes of higher education that can not be measured by achievement tests (Kuh Vesper, 1997, Watson, 2003). Further Pike (1995) has argued that self reports of experiences were found to be highly correlated with relevant achievement test scores. The literature shows that student evaluation of teaching quality in higher education is a well-recognised practice in the developed countries. There has been growing support for the use of student satisfaction surveys as an indicator of teaching quality (Alridge Rowley, 1998). Furthermore, Murray (1997) reports that the use of these surveys has led to measurable improvements in teaching quality. As such, student feedback can be used as an effective tool for quality enhancement. Harvey (1995) also emphasised that student satisfaction goes hand in hand with the development of a culture of continuous quality improvement. In contrast to developed countries the concept of inclusion of the students in the mechanisms of quality improvement is comparatively new to the developing countries like Pakistan. Currently students evaluations of the individual teachers at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan are generally used as a means of providing feedback to the teachers rather than as means o f improving the quality of student learning. According to Byrne and Flood (2004) the evaluation of teaching at the course level (i.e. full course of study such as degree program) rather than at individual unit/module level is more positively accepted by staff and is considered to be more appropriate for maintaining and enhancing quality at institution level .My study of students experiences of learning may provide basis for the development of a systematic way of obtaining student feedback at the level of whole course/degree, on regular basis and to use it as a means for the improvement of quality of student learning at University of the Punjab. The Contemporary Perspectives on Learning Experiences The experience of joining an institution of higher education is a significant event or turning point for an individual (Wintage, 2007), in that it provides for a transition to another stage of education and life experiences. Research indicates that the early experiences of students in higher education systems are vital in establishing attitudes and outlooks that are carried forward throughout the course and that these views and beliefs are critical to success (Wintage, 2007). However, these effects sometimes do not show themselves until the second year of a program of study or even later (Wright, 1982). Most of the research on learning in higher education has been focused on the undergraduate students, while postgraduate students have been a comparatively neglected group (Lindsay, Breen Jenkins, 2002). Although a substantial number of studies (see Schevens, 2003; Meyer Kiley; 1998; Rowley Slack, 1998; Haggis, 2002) have been conducted with postgraduate research students and intern ational postgraduate students exploring the issues of cultural and academic adjustment in international universities, it is hard to find studies specifically conducted to explore the experiences of postgraduate students enrolled in taught degrees which is the case in Pakistan. However the research on various aspects of higher education has lead to a better understanding of student experiences of learning (i.e students needs, problems, preferences and choices) in higher education. Learning in higher education is considered to be complex and multidimensional in nature and it has been viewed from various perspectives as discussed in the following section. Approaches to Learning Perspective The origins of approaches to learning perspective can be traced back to a series of studies conducted by Marton and Sà ¤ljà ¶ in the late 1970s (Cuthbert, 2005). Using phenomenography, these researchers looked at the qualitative aspects of the university students learning. The group of researchers under this perspective focused on the outcomes of learning and described different categories of learning outcomes in terms of the intentions of the students in starting a learning task and the process used to carry out those tasks. Originally two approaches i.e. deep and surface were formulated by Marton and Saljo (1976) and subsequent research by Entwistle and Ramsden (1983) added to this pair the strategic approach. This perspective has provided an explanation of various outcomes exhibited by students. For example, a surface approach to learning was associated with a focus on rote learning, memorisation and reproduction, a lack of reflection, a preoccupation with completing the task an d extrinsic value, whereas a deep approach was associated with holistic style with an intention to understand, the use of a wide variety of information and intrinsic value (Entwistle Tait, 1990). Approaches to learning comprise both what students do (when learning) and why they do it. After the qualitative and experimental work carried out by Marton and Saljo in 1976, Entwisle and Ramsden (1983) and Biggs (1987) were considered to be among the first to develop quantitative tools such as Course Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ), Approaches to Study Inventory (ASI) and the Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) for looking at a broader sample of university students approaches to learning. According to Entwistle (1997) the approaches to learning perspective drew attention to the outcomes of learning, which are congruent with the aims of teaching and made us think about the quality of learning in higher education. This perspective is also considered to have provided a great deal of knowledge about leaning in higher education (Case, 2008). Whereas Cuthbert (2005) says that the approaches to learning perspective provided knowledge about differences in the quality of engagement of the learner such as, learning for understanding, learning for reproduction or learning for achievement and that the learners approach to the learning task is dependent upon his/her conscious choices for learning. He further says that intentions for different tasks depend upon the nature of the task and the context; therefore it is possible to manipulate students intentions and achievement by manipulating the task and the context of learning. There have also been several criticisms of the approaches to learning perspective. One argument is that this perspective pays too much attention to the learning context and too little attention to the importance of student context such as cognitive issues, gender and past experience (Cuthbert, 2005). Therefore it is considered to have greater impact on teachers to improve their practice (Prosser Trigwell, 1997). Similarly the recent longitudinal study conducted by Case and Gunstone, (2006) pointed out the limitations of the approaches to learning perspective in ignoring the influence of students emotional condition, awareness, control, motivation, and end goals. Similarly, I am concerned about the limitations of our understanding that result from these studies that rather narrowly conceive of the students learning experiences. My study is designed to explore how students perceive their learning experiences taking into account personal factors such as gender, motivational beliefs, personal goals and career aspirations. Alienation and Engagement Perspective In response to the criticism of the limited scope of the approaches to learning perspective, Mann (2001) proposed the concepts of alienation and engagement and argued that these provide a broader and more contextualized picture of the learning experience. The concept of alienation has been very narrowly defined in the literature. Several authors (Mann, 2001; Case, 2008) have referred the concept of alienation as the state or experience of being isolated from a group or an activity to which one should belong or in which one should be involved (Oxford English Dictionary). In explaining the concept of alienation Mann (2001) has pointed out that several factors, such as current socio-cultural conditions, pre-existing experiences, cost to individual, loss of creativity, distribution of power, and assessment practices lead to student alienation while learning in higher education. He argued that we should reframe our view of students experiences of learning, from a focus on surface/strategi c/deep approaches to learning to a focus on alienated or engaged experiences of learning in higher education. In contrast to alienation, engagement is concerned with point of intersection between individuals and things that are critical for learning (Coates, 2006). While discussing the concept of engagement Fredricks, Blumenfeld Paris (2004) refer to three types of engagement: behavioral engagement, emotional engagement and cognitive engagement with each type being associated with positive academic outcomes and persistence in education. Several factors such as classroom structure, relationship with peers and teachers, nature of task, assessment type, autonomy and support in learning, previous grades, family background and available facilities are considered to have an impact on the nature and quality of engagement in learning (Fredricks et al, 2004; Case, 2008). The concept of student engagement is considered to be a useful means for assessing and responding to the significant dynamics, challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions (AUSSE, 2008). This concept has recently gained considerable significance in the discussions about quality in education (Fredricks et al, 2004; AUSSE, 2008) and important reflections of this are to be found in the USA National Survey of student Engagement (NSSE) (NSSE, 2003) which started in 1999 and Australian Survey of Student Engagement (AUSSE, 2008) conducted for the first time in 2007. Although AUSSE and NSSE provide an insight in to the student learning in higher education by evaluating the experiences of academic challenge, active learning, relationships with staff, learning support and work integrated learning, they do not take account of motivational beliefs of the students, and how these impact on the students experience of learning in higher education. Though the concepts of alienation and engagement as discussed above and provide a useful picture of aspects of student learning in higher education, the critical dimension of how the students experience is formed and the students motivational profiles are not taken into account. Despite a great deal of knowledge and research about engagement there are several gaps in the literature and the definitions of the construct, measures and designs do not capitalize on what the concept of engagement can offer about learning (Fredricks et al, 2004). Therefore students experiences of learning and motivational beliefs need further exploration. The role of motivation in learning has been well established through extensive research at almost all educational levels (Schunk, 1982; Pintrich De Groot, 1990; Eccles, Wigfield, Harold Bluemenfeld, 1993). Motivation is the process by which goal-directed activity is instigated and sustained (Schunk,et al, 2008). Motivation can influence what, when and how we learn (Schunk et al, 2008) and it bears a reciprocal relationship to learning and performance (Pintrich, 2003; Shunck, 1995). Though the perspectives discussed above take into consideration the various aspects of learning higher education, the impact of motivational factors on the experiences of learning in higher education needs further exploration and research. Experiences of Learning from the Perspective of Motivational Beliefs In higher education, the experiences of learning can only be partially understood if the motivational beliefs of the students are not taken into account. There is thus a need to explore students experiences of learning in the context of motivation for learning. There have been several interpretations of the motivational beliefs of students, however in the literature on student motivation three motivational constructs of expectancy, value and effect are most widely referred to (Bandura, 1997; Pintrich and De Groot, 1990; Pintrich and Schunk, 2002; Wigfield and Eccles, 2000). These constructs have their roots in the social cognitive theory and work on the postulate that motivational processes influence both learning and performance (Schunk, 1995). Several achievement motivation theorists have attempted to explain peoples choice of achievement tasks, persistence on those tasks, vigor in carrying them out and performance on them (Eccles et al, 1998; Pintrich Schunk, 1996). One longstanding perspective on motivation is expectancy-value theory. In general expectancy-value theorists consider behavior choice, persistence and performance to be a function of the degree to which individuals judge their capabilities to perform designated courses of action (expectancy) and how they value these activities. According to expectancy-value theory three motivational components are very signifi