History- peasants in middle ages -book of hours Essay

History- peasants in middle ages -book of hours - Essay Example Those are good days. This morning, however, we all awoke and had to begin work without any food to prepare us for the long day ahead. My task for the day was to work on the land for the Lord of the manor, starting to plant some of the crops for the year ahead. My father died at the age of 27, but before this he was a skilled craftsman, carving all the tools necessary for the horses of the manor. It was said that he was the best of his age and many other Lords had tried to buy his services, but he died before I was born so I could not learn his skill. I am therefore relegated to mere farm work. It is cold today, as it is early Spring and my hands are so sore from the weather that it is hard to work quickly. It may mean a beating from the Lord as time is precious when it comes to crops, as the fertilization needs to start next week or the manor risks losing profit. I am wearing my best woollen tunic and have managed to wrap the animal skin I use for a blanket around me, but still the weather is bitingly cold and it is a relief to finally see the sun rise. After hours of work, which I can only estimate to be 8 from the pattern of the sun, it is time to head back to the stables to see what food I can find. The other serfs from the manor estate are there, and everyone seems pleased that the sun is shining and work seems to be going well. Even my work on the farm has sped up since my hands have thawed out with the arrival of some spring weather. There are even some scraps of meat to have with the bread for lunch, which makes this an unusual day but we all go back to work comparatively well-fed and work continues in much the same way as it had this morning. The sky falls dark after a few more hours of work, and I know this is a sign that I need only work for a few hours more. Using the moon as a guide, work begins to slow down as accurate planting is impossible. My mother is ill, so after

Service Request Essay Example for Free

Service Request Essay Section1 Complete Section 1 of the Service Request SR-rm-022 paper. Using the Service Request SR-rm-022, analyze the HR system. Prepare a 4- to 6-page paper that accomplishes the following: †¢What key stakeholders in Riordan Manufacturing would you gather requirements from? †¢Describe the information-gathering techniques and systems analysis tools you would propose for the project. †¢Identify the key factors that help ensure the information required for the project is gathered successfully. †¢Explain what project scope is and why it is important. Describe the areas of project feasibility that are examined in the analysis phase of the SCLC. †¢Cite and discuss 2 to 3 references, in addition to the required readings, that are relevant to the assignment. Include citations and references formatted consistent with APA guidelines. Submit Section 1 of the final paper. Note to Faculty: To assist faculty in scoring this benchmark assessment, scoring rubrics have been provided for Weeks 2-4 individual assignments. Please submit the completed scoring instrument into the Gradebook system with the student’s assignment grade. Faculty members are not required to use this instrument, and it may be adapted. Section2 Complete Section 2 of the Service Request SR-rm-022 paper. This week’s assignment incorporates the transition from analysis to design. Consider revising Section 1 based on faculty feedback. Note: The content of the Week Three assignment should not be changed because this assignment has been selected for the university’s Programmatic Assessment Project. As such, completed student assignments may be periodically sampled for program analysis purposes. Prepare a 4- to 6-page paper that includes the following: †¢Describe the application architecture and process design. Include a high-level description of the security controls you recommend for the design of this HR system. †¢Apply the tools of systems analysis to describe the information systems architecture in terms of data, processes, interfaces, and network. You can use a Microsoft ® Visio ®diagram to draw examples of flow charts, data flow diagrams, and any other design tools. †¢Cite and discuss 2 to 3 references, in addition to the required readings, that are relevant to  the assignment. Include citations and references formatted consistent with APA guidelines. Submit Section 2 of the paper. Note: To assist faculty in scoring this benchmark assessment, scoring rubrics have been provided for Weeks 2-4 individual assignments. Please submit the completed scoring instrument into the Gradebook system with the student’s assignment grade. Faculties are not required to use this instrument, and it may be adapted. Section 3 Complete Section 3 of the Service Request SR-rm-022 paper. This section incorporates the transition from design to implementation. Consider revising Sections 1 and 2 based on faculty feedback. Note: The content of the Week Four assignment should not be changed because this assignment has been selected for the university’s Programmatic Assessment Project. As such, completed student assignments may be periodically sampled for program analysis purposes. T Prepare a 4- to 6-page paper that accomplishes the following: †¢Describe the implementation stage for this project. †¢Include a discussion of the six major activities for the implementation stage as described in the text: Coding Testing Installation Documentation Training Support †¢Describe in the discussion of these six activities how each activity would be specifically planned for the individual project situation. †¢Discuss the benefits of using defined and repeatable processes for accomplishing these activities for the implementation stage. †¢Cite and discuss 2 to 3 references, in addition to the required readings, that are relevant to the assignment. Include citations and references formatted consistent with APA Guidelines. Compile Sections 1 through 3 into one final paper. Note: To assist faculty in scoring this benchmark assessment, scoring rubrics  have been provided for Weeks 2-4 individual assignments. Please submit the completed scoring instrument into the Gradebook system with the student’s assignment grade. Faculty members are not required to use this instrument, and it may be adapted.

Synthesis of a Potential Enzyme Inhibitor

Synthesis of a Potential Enzyme Inhibitor Delaram Salehifard Aim Synthesis and characterisation of Benzocaine. Introduction The Fischer esterification of 4-amino benzoic acid is catalysed by an acid is fully reversible. Method: 3g of 4-aminobenzoic acid was weighed out and placed into a dry 100cm3 round bottom flask (ensuring no residues are left inside the joint). 20 cm3 of methylated spirits was measured out and added to the 4-aminobenzoic acid in the round bottom flask. 3 cm3 of concentrated Sulfuric acid was measured out and added to the round bottom flask mixture (ensuring no residues are left on the joint), a condenser was fit onto the round bottom flask and the mixture was gently swirled. Using a heating mantle, the mixture was heated and upon boiling; refluxed for 30 minutes. At the end of reflux, the heat source was removed and the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature. Upon cooling, the mixture was gently stirred using a glass stirring rod and Sodium hydroxide solution (20%) was slowly added to the mixture until a neutral pH was attained. The mixture was allowed to stand for 5 minutes before the contents were poured into a beaker containing approximately 70 cm3 of ice, the reaction vessels was rinsed with distilled water and the washings were transferred into the beaker to reach an approximate volume of 150cm3. The product was filtered using a Buchner funnel (washed with some cold water) ensuring that the moisture is completely sucked out. The product was then transferred onto a watch glass and dried in an oven at a temperature no greater than 60oC. The dry mass was then noted and the product submitted for analysis. Steps1-10 were repeated using Isopropyl alcohol instead of Methylated spirits and the melting point for the product was attained. Mechanism of action Step one portrays the protonation of the carbonyl oxygen on 4-aminobenzoic acid where the Sulphuric acid acts as the H+ donor (the regeneration of this proton would establish the Sulphuric acid as a catalyst). This proton transfer results in a delocalisation of positive charge which gives rise to the presence of the three resonance structures portrayed in â€Å"step 1- resonance†. Of these three structures, the middle structure (where the positive charge is localised onto the carbon atom) allows for the esterification to proceed as its partial positive charge allows Nucleophilic attack by the Oxygen atom on Methanol; as seen in step two. Following this nucleophilic attack, a protonation and de-protonation occurs (which has a net effect of proton transfer) thus leading to the formation of a water molecule on the carbon atom which cleaves off in the hydrolysis in step 3. This hydrolysis results in a delocalisation of positive charge which gives rise to the presence of the three resonance structures portrayed in â€Å"step 4- resonance†. Of these structures, the middle structure where the positive charge is localised onto the carbon atom allows for a de-protonation to occur as the Hydrogen atom donates its electrons to the positive carbon thus neutralising the carbon and forming a double bond. This de-protonation also results in the regeneration of the Sulphuric acid proton which protonated the reactant in step 1 thus establishing Results Week one percentage yield: Mass of reactant: 3g Mass of product obtained: 2.38g RMM reactant: 137 RMM product: 165 Reactant/product moles: 0.022 Theoretical yield= 3.62g % Yield = (Actual yield / theoretical yield) * 100 = 65.75% Week two percentage yield: Mass of reactant: 3g Mass of product obtained: 2.79g RMM reactant: 137 RMM product: 179 Reactant/product moles: 0.022 Theoretical yield= 3.92 % Yield = (Actual yield / theoretical yield) * 100 = 71.18% Melting point: Experimental product 1MP: 85.9-88.4oC Literature product 1MP: 88-90oC Experimental product 2 MP: 83.5-84.1oC Literature product 2 MP: 84oC H NMR 4-amino benzoic acid Benzocaine 13CNMR 4-amino benzoic acid Benzocaine DEPT-135 4-amino benzoic acid Benzocaine Analysis The melting points for both products were average reading from three attempts and are reasonably within the literature range. This can be attributed to accurate measurements, clean utensils (thus avoiding impurities) and sufficient drying. At roughly 66% and 71% the percentage yields for products one and two respectively are reasonably low. This may be due to a number of problems such as, incomplete transfer of reactant into the reaction vessel, not transferring all of the reaction vessel washings for filtering, incorrect filtering technique where some product was allowed to pass through instead of being retained e.g. filtering too fast or incomplete transfer of the product from the filter paper after filtration. With reference to the HNMR tables, I have deduced corresponding H atom based on integration, splitting and chemical shift. The chemical shift of an atom depends on the extent of shielding it has, for example a H atom attached to an Oxygen (e.g. H atom number 6 on 4-amino benzoic acid) has less shielding due to the Oxygen atoms’ electronegativity whereas a H atom attached to a C atom has more shielding as carbon is not electronegative and in the case of H atoms number 2 and 3, they are also surrounded by other atoms which give them some shielding. I found locating H atoms 2 and 3 particularly tricky as their quintet splitting pattern and integration of 3 where very misleading however their chemical shift reaffirmed their identity as it is relatively to the left thus indicating a fair amount of shielding. With reference to the 13CNMR tables I was able to deduce the corresponding Carbon atoms based on two properties, chemical shift and peak height. The chemical shift (in accordance to the level of shielding/position of the C atoms) allowed me to locate peaks for carbonyl carbons (Carbon number 7 in both reactant and product) and more shielded carbon aand the height/integration of the peaks which corresponds to the number hydrogen atoms attached to the C atom in question. With reference to the DEPT-135 tables I was able to distinguish the difference between the C atoms in accordance with the different number of H attached to each C atom. This technique portrays CH and CH3 atoms as positively phased and CH2 atoms negatively phased. For atoms with the same phasing, I used the chemical shift ( as with 13 CNMR ) to distinguish between the C atoms in question. In this esterification, the product was maintained in a pH of 7-8. This was done in order to prevent a nucleophilic attack from hydroxide ions which would hydrolyse the product which and reverse the esterification thus converting the product back into the reactant. Rf values can be used to deduce the polarity of a molecule, where a low Rf value can indicate a polar molecule. This is based on how the molecule interacts with the mobile and stationary phases. For example; a low Rf value is a result of the molecule interacting with the polar stationary phase/silica and not travelling very far up the plate allowing us to deduce that its polar. Based on this theory and the fact that polarity increases with RMM; a larger molecule would be more polar and thus have a lower Rf. I would therefore predict that Isopropyl 4-Aminobenzoate would have a lower Rf value than Benzocaine due to its larger RMM making it more polar than Benzocaine. References UNCP. (2014). CNMR spectroscopy. Available: http://www2.uncp.edu/home/mcclurem/courses/chm550/nmr_lec4.pdf. Last accessed 06/03/2014.Chemspider. (2014).4-Aminobenzoic acid.Available: http://www.chemspider.com/953. Last accessed 06/03/2014. Chemspider. (2014).benzocaine.Available: http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.13854242.html?rid=752b9fda-5ccb-49f3-bf93-47ceb79356b4. Last accessed 06/03/2014. Jim Clark. (2002).THE MECHANISM FOR THE ACID CATALYSED HYDROLYSIS OF ESTERS.Available: http://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/catalysis/hydrolyse.html#top. Last accessed 06/03/2014. Chemspider. (2014).4 aminobenzoic acid.Available: http://www.chemspider.com/953. Last accessed 06/03/2014. Chemspider. (2014).Isopropyl 4-Aminobenzoate.Available: http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.78903.html. Last accessed 07/03/2014.

George Washington :: essays research papers

Washington was born in Westmore County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. He is the son of the late Augustine Washington and Mary Ball Washington. Augustine was a tobacco farmer and a stock raiser. Washington spent most of his early childhood on the Ferry Farm in Fredricksburg, Virginia. He attended school up until his fifteenth year. Washington married Martha Dandridge on January 6,1759. Washington spent his early adult years as a farmer and as a surveyor until he was appointed adjutant for the southern district of Virginia by Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddle. The next year he became the adjutant of the Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. In 1753, Dinwiddle warned the French to stop their infringements on the Ohio Valley land that was claimed by the king. Dinwiddle sent one messenger, but he failed. He gave Washington the order to warn the French on October 31, 1753. His party consisted of an interpreter, a guide, two men that were experienced traders with the Native Americans, and two others. Washington left in November from Cumberland, Maryland, and traveled to Fort-Le Boeuf. When he arrived, he discovered that the French would fight for their land. The party nearly escaped from the French. Washington was next appointed lieutenant colonel to an expedition to the Ohio Valley. In April, 1754, he set out from Alexandria with 160 men to reinforce a fort in southwestern Pennsylvania, only to find that the French took control of the fort and renamed it Fort-Duquesne. Washington then cautiously set up his own post within 40 miles of the French position. He attacked the French post on May 28,1754. He managed to kill the commander and nine others. They then took the rest prisoners. Washington immediently received a promotion to a full colonelcy. On July 3, 1754, the French drove him and 350 men into Fort Necessity. The French then took controlled of it with 700, men and forced Washington to surrender. They sent the unarmed colonials back to Virginia with honours of war. He had to then sign paper saying that he would not build a fort on the Ohio Valley for one year. In that same year he resigned his commission. Washington was elected to the House of Burgesses in 1758 and served for seventeen years. He was elected to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and to the Second Continental Congress in 1775 because of his service in the House of Burgesses and his response to the British policies.

World Bank

Reform internal Goverance A. Introduction: â€Å"The World Bank has undergone significant change in its purpose and membership since its inception in 1944† (world bank, 2003). As a result, there are many people criticize regarding its current governance and accountability. They are discussed that bank’s governance system is undemocratic, largely because borrowing countries that are impacted the most by bank projects have minimal voice in bank’s decisions about loan and projects and the selection of the bank president is unilateral. The World Bank also lack of transparency in its decision making.And then, critics argue the bank’s members are unaccountable. â€Å"In April 2010, Management presented a set of operational and institutional reforms aimed to enhance the overall effectiveness, efficiency, legitimacy, and accountability of the WBG† (WB, 2010). Some of these reform areas have direct implications on the governance of the institution, from the perspective of Board / Management relations, institutional accountability, and relations with external stakeholders. AS a result the Bank uses the methods to solve the current problems, such as reforming the voting system and presidential selection and makes the bank’s accountability.B. Governance: â€Å"Since the World Bank was established over 60 years ago, its role in supporting economic and social development has expanded and deepened with changes in the global context and the evolution in the financial architecture†(Jeff, 2007). The focus on strengthening internal governance systems and structures is driven by external and internal forces. There is little of bank basic structure has been altered, even though the World Bank’s members have been changed considerably.The main problem of the World Bank’s governance is that developing country has weak link with bank’s decision making process, because they do not have their own executive director. â €Å"The World Bank’s internal governance mechanisms reflect the political and power relation which dominated World Bank’s politics in the decades following World War II. The five large shareholders in the Bank is the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France which maintain more than two-thirds of the voting power, effectively ensuring that decision reflect the policy views of America and western Europe†(Leech, D. 2003)). Developing countries influence on the Board of Executive Directors is limited. â€Å"The remaining 16 Board seats are split among 177† (Leech, D. (2003), this has the consist with large number of individual countries. People suggest two ways: one is reforming current voting system, and another is selecting the bank’s president. 1. Reforming voting system: Many people argue the bank’s current voting system. When the executive board makes decision about loan or other policies, voting is not based on one vot e per country rule. Voting power is weighted and is based on a country’s quota†(Leech, D. (2003). Under the current quota, â€Å"each country has base of 150 votes, the country which has good economic can add votes, it means one additional vote for each share of stock held by that country, which depend on that country’s relative economic and financial strength†(Daniel Kalinaki, 2002). For example, United State is a large shareholder, and it holds 16. 4% votes (see table below). Member of the country that holds large shares has more power than the poor country during decision making process.Unfortunately, the developing countries need more loans, but they have the least amount of voting power to make loan decision. The quota system dictates that a handful of developed countries hold a majority of shares, these members are able to dominate the bank’s decision making process. Table: Voting Weights and Voting Powers in the Governors Member countries hav e suggested proposal for reforming the voting system to Increase representation of the borrowing countries. Double majority voting is one reform that may enhance developing countries’ participation. Under this system, decision would require to pass by two majorities that are majority of shareholder votes and majority of developing countries votes†(World Bank Group, 2003). This would give developing countries more opportunities to say what they want to say, because decision would not pass without support with a majority. And this system also allows the industrialized donor countries and the developing recipient countries to assert their claims. 2. Selection of the World Bank President The selection of president is another argument relating to bank governance. The board of governors selects the president for a five year, renewable term†( Jeff powell, 2007). According the bank’s Article of Agreement state: â€Å"Executive Directors shall select a president wh o shall be chief of operating staff of the bank and shall conduct, under the direction of the Executive Directors, the ordinary business of the bank†(World Bank Group, 2003), â€Å"the Board of Executive Directors selects the President, in practice the head of the Bank is selected by the United States while the head of the IMF is selected by Europe†( David Theis, 2010).This gentleman's agreement between the US and Europe reduces the legitimacy and credibility of the World Bank. No clear procedures exists for ensuring the qualifications of a candidate, nor does a process exist for other member states to review and question appointments. The World Bank President should be selected through an open and transparent process. Now, many people and the global expert and world bank employees disagree the way the president choice and argue that the selection process should be a democratic, not only focuses on one country.They think that United States is no longer valid to be presi dent because the united state account for 16% of the world bank’s share now, it does not play a dominate role in world bank. It is also unfair that united state hold a monopoly over the World Bank’s leadership. Many people give the advice to the World Bank for changing in the selection process. The one way they support is selecting process should be open and based on merit.They believe that opening up the selection process will ensue among qualified candidates’ and it also like a competition, which help the World Bank to get qualify president. The way is simulate new voting system. The new president should pass double majority. This means the president should be approved by a majority of the member countries and group of countries representing majority. This gives everyone opportunity to select who is the best president. The World Bank responses the working group and makes suggestion for selection process. The working group advice (1) the selection should overse e cannot focus on single country. (2) They should have a specific standard for choose candidates. (3) Every country has opportunity to provide candidates†(Daniel Kalinaki. 2002). The most important is candidate that was selected should have more experience and qualifications, and the selection process should be open and transparent. C. Accountability Critics argue that the Bank is unaccountable to its members, because they have charter which is immunity from lawsuits.The bank’s charter grants the bank immunity to the extent that member countries or persons who can not sue the bank about it do not follow its police. And it is fail to make it more accountable. Therefore, many people advice that the bank need to improve their accountable. If the bank cannot show their accountable, the member countries cannot trust what the bank does. As a result, the bank develop many horizontal accountability mechanisms which including the operation evaluation department, the department o f institutional integrity. 1. TransparencyWhile the Bank's internal governance structures minimize the ability for developing countries to engage, the lack of transparency in decision making reduces the effectiveness of external stakeholders to engage in Bank affairs. The lack of Board transcripts leaves stakeholders with no way of knowing where individual Executive Directors stood on issues. This reduces their ability to effectively advocate their position. â€Å"In 1933, the Bank restricted public access to almost every type of document that related to bank’s project. Consequently, people do not know bank’s lending operation, nd they do not know where their money is going†(Jeff powell, (2007) Public scrutiny harm the bank’s decision making and effect its deliberation, the reason why they do is they think that the bank does not have the rights to disclose the documents. It is borrowing country’s property. When the number of public scrutiny and cri ticism increase, the bank attempts to increase its transparency. The bank has expanded the information that allows public to access. As we can see, the bank uses its website to show public what it is doing and publish more research to people.The website that bank published shows the thing it will do, and annual report and presentation. The bank starts to improve transparency policy and create operations manual, and this change make the bank is more accountable to their member countries. It also creates many mechanisms to enhance horizontal accountability, which means department can check the abuses by other department. 2. Dual Feedback Performance Dual feedback performance is an important part to improve governance structure and accountability framework of WBG (World Bank Group).The feedback system is agreed by the executive directors, and it will be a part of WBG’s governance and accountability with next presidential selection round. The main object of Dual feedback performa nce is creating a dynamic relationship between Board and Management to improve in governance and effectiveness of the Board and president. A Committee on Governance and Administrative Matters (COGAM) Working Group composed of Board and Management representatives was established to work on developing a framework for the dual feedback performance of the Board and President. COGAM discussed a report from the Board members of the Working Group and endorsed the report as a significant input to continued work on the framework, which would be taken up by a renewed, integrated Board-Management Working Group in the next term of the Board† (World Bank Group, 2003). Dual feedback Performance can help each other to measure their performance and it can cause the governance of the bank more reliable. Each of department monitor other’s action and the bank will be dependable, because everyone is under the control, and there is less collusion between the departments.The Board and presid ent wish to begin with a structured conversation on their respective effectiveness, measure against the institutional achievement as captured by the corporate scorecard. Conclusion: To improve the World Bank internal governance and ensuring the consistent with Department for International Development’s own objective, reform must take place at The Bank to achieve transparence and responsibility. An improved policy on information discloses would foster transparency and enables stakeholders to hold the Bank and their representatives to account.Improved selection procedures for the President alongside more equitable control among member states on the Board of Executive Directors would expand ownership of the organization to developing countries thereby increasing legitimacy and enhancing credibility and effectiveness and developing countries more opportunities to show their opinions. An improvement of Dual feedback performance helps the World Bank has more accountability to all d epartments; each of department can monitor each other and everything they is under the control.

How the Golf Equipment Is Changing

On top of that recession of 2007-08 and counterfeiting products in the market was the worst exasperations Golf Equipment industry had ever met. Every sports equipment manufacturer needs sales on the peak to grow and sustain In competitive environment. Sales are forecasted on the basis of demand in the market. Up to this point Golf Equipment manufacturers were happy but when some Golf Associations and Clubs hopped in, they ruined the demand by imposing limitations on technological design Innovations In club head and golf balls etc. Core Golfers were the biggest source of Golf Equipment sales and revenue.These consisted of the players who played 91% of the total golf rounds played in a year. Core Golfers had their problems as well for instance; hours of practice, instruction from a professional and patience to master all the aspects of Golf were their good excuses and a sales threat to Golf Equipment Industry subsequently. Underlying Drivers that changed Industry: The timestamp between 1997 and mid asses was the era of growth for Golf Equipment Industry but then came then came some underlying drivers that brought a downturn to the sales and growth.These drivers are named and explained below along with the effect they left on this industry. 1. USGS and R & A Golf Club of SST. Andrews . Golfers and rounds played 3. Counterfeiting Products 4. Recession USGS and R & A Golf Club of SST. Andrews: From asses till early asses, Golf Equipment industry was growing. Lots of innovations were being brought by manufacturers. For instance; size of the golf driver was Increased to minimize the bad effects of efficient hits. Similarly wedges were given more groove for Improving accuracy and balls were redesigned too.These all were for distance and accuracy purpose. These innovations proved good for PIG players 1 OFF as well as Tort Alphas. Average Elegance coverage was Increased Trot 2 yards. Consequently tournament committees started lengthening the golf courses. To protect the historic golf courses from being lengthened as there were space limitations, an association known as USGS (United Stated Golf Association) found CORD (Coefficient of Restitution or spring like effect in lay man's language) in this game and this was the start of impositions on Gold equipment technological innovations.CORD is a technical term describing the energy transference between two objects. According to USGS, CORD must not exceed 0. 83 otherwise spring like effect will be produced and that is barred. R & A Club of SST. Andrews also had an agreement with SAGA on the limitations imposed. R & A introduced another measurement I. E. CT(Characteristic Time) Test which, to avoid spring like effect required Golf ball to remain in contact with face of driver, not more than 257 microseconds. Although CT test was overruled by USGS subsequently but some other rules were brought in relating to driving clubs and balls.Manufacturers were disappointed by the limitations imposed but they were s till struggling to find their way. As USGS did not bring rules regarding club head size and club face, Golf Equipment manufacturers started trying to bring hangs in club face area that will produce maximum CT and they were successful. This club face performance was named as MOM (Moment of Inertia). After some alterations, golfers could achieve maximum driving distance. USGS after recognizing this change imposed limitation on MOM to 5900 g-CM with a tolerance of 100 GM- CM. Later on USGS imposed limitations on golf balls and wedges etc.All these impositions affected golf manufacturing industry. Some companies challenged USGS by introducing a driver with 0. 86 CORD but all in vain. This affected the recreational golf players also. USGS answered all the challenges and blames by stating that the purpose of limitations was to avoid excessive reliance on technological advancements rather than skills. Golfers and rounds played: Apart from the fact that SAGA produced lots of obstacles in th e growth of Golf Equipment Industry, there were some other factors also which contributed towards this downturn.A survey conducted in 2003 showed that interest of Golfers themselves is also declining. This lack of interest was caused by overall difficulty of the game. Golfers usually don't have much time to play as this game requires ample time to practice. Married players have had Job responsibilities as well as family time to be given. Players aged 40 and above were usually having health problems so they could not even play like core Golfers too. Some have even blamed high fee being charged which does not attract them more often.Counterfeiting Products: In mid asses, counterfeiters were giving very tough time to branded companies. Sometimes these people were so good in counterfeiting products that they look very near to the branded ones. Golf Equipment branded companies were shocked when they realized that some auctioneers are selling counterfeited golf equipment for $1 50 o $400, the branded price of which is $2500 to $3000. It was easy for eBay sellers to offer cheaper equipment. Why these counterfeiters came into the picture?There are different reasons, one of them is decisions made by golf executives who were sourcing club heads and giving contracts to manufacturers in china. Counterfeiters were persuading employees to steal molar AT Drained equipment . Black market production was also carried out in overtime. They even knew the packaging details of that equipment too. Steps were taken when six major manufacturers created an alliance to stop counterfeiting operations. A Chinese guy was prisoner for 3 years and fined $58000.Golf Equipment Industry & Recession (2007-2008): The biggest factor which affected this industry was recession of 2007-2008. This was a combined effect which basically started with credit and housing industry. Another major effect was on oil prices shooting up from $2. 25 to $3 and then $4 per gallon in 2008. As the golfer that time mi ght be a Job holder as well. He Might be using excessive credit cards. So recession made his credit card bills a huge burden for him and similarly for other golfers too. Rise in Mortgage payments added few more faculties to them.

Dryland production systems in Africa Essay Example

Dryland production systems in Africa Essay Example Dryland production systems in Africa Essay Dryland production systems in Africa Essay How useful is the concept of desertification to understanding the sustainability of dryland production systems in Africa? Man is both the cause and victim of desertification; a process which is continuing or even accelerating in Africa. action is needed now to alleviate the plight of the large populations affected. If these people are not helped, they will exert more pressure over a weak natural system. Independent Commission on International Humanitarian Issues (1986: p15, 111) Desertification is perhaps the best example of a set of ideas about the environment that emerge in a situation of scientific uncertainty and then prove persistent in the face of gradually accumulating evidence that they are not well founded. Swift (1996: p73) At the interface of environment and society relations, the productive use of African drylands has been both a source and testing ground for the theory and practice of key environmental issues. Dryland areas are characterised by aridity and the variability of precipitation, with growing periods of 75 to 179 days a year (Mortimore, 1998). Often perceived to be on the brink of sustainability, analysis of drylands has variously drawn upon Malthusian ideas of carrying capacity, Hardins (1968) idea of the tragedy of the commons in terms of property rights and land tenure, and broader themes such as the colonial mindset and native irrationality, post-colonialism and development (Mortimore, 1998). Desertification has been the dominant conceptualisation through which these ideas have been reformulated and refracted in dryland regions, leading to its consecration in international law as a discrete chapter of Agenda 21 (Adams, 2003). Although the process of desertification has been the subject of over eighty years of scientific research and policy intervention, it remains hotly contested (Thomas, 1997). The term was coined by Aubreville in 1949, yet over 100 definitions have since been published (Glanz Orlovsky, 1985). In 1995, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) defined desertification as land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors including climatic variations and human activities. The evolution of the concept of desertification, however, embodies much more than any definition of its process. By identifying and delimiting an environmental problem, the term has been used to legitimate the study and identification of its causes, the attribution of blame and the need for policy intervention to remedy its effects. Therefore, as the term of choice in most discussions of dryland sustainability, it is critical that desertification presents an accurate and useful method to conceptualise ecosystem change. In the last decade, there have been a number of calls to debunk the myth of desertification and to expose the winners and losers in its narrative (Thomas Middleton, 1994; Swift, 1996). In the context of such claims, the extent to which desertification can inform our knowledge of dryland production systems and their sustainability will be examined in this essay. The validity and utility of any concept may be considered to rest upon mutual understanding of its meaning and the accuracy of its description and explanation of process. Judged against these criteria, I will argue that desertification (and the narrative that has built up around it) is unhelpful in explaining the sustainability of dryland production systems for three interrelated reasons. Firstly, at an abstract and theoretical level it is poorly conceptualized and ill-defined, mixing symptoms and causes in continually shifting boundaries of what processes it does and does not include. Secondly, the scientific work that has been used to support the concept has serious flaws and has failed to adequately represent the problem of sustainability in dryland areas. And lastly, the narrative has effectively blocked more accurate and progressive understandings of dryland sustainability. It will then we suggested that although desertification does not serve as a particularly useful lens to continue to analyse dryland sustainability, a knowledge of its history may yet prove useful in illuminating the relationship between science, policy and action. At an abstract level, the definition of desertification offers a number of problems for clear and objective understanding. Firstly, rather than a unitary process in itself, desertification is an amalgam of drought, desiccation and degradation which are three interrelated but discrete phenomena (Warren, 1996). Each of these has different causes and feedback mechanisms but has a similar outcome, and therefore desertification creates operational difficulties for assessment and subsequent intervention (ibid. , 1996). Pinpointing the exact cause of similar short-term physical manifestation is important to provide an effective solution (Warren Khogali, 1992). The inclusion of a subjective causal element such as human pressure in the definition also leads to problems delimiting the identification of desertification from its measurement (Mortimore, 1998). For example, in its attempts to map desertification hazards in 1977, UNEP added the parameter of high human and animal pressure to a map of aridity (ibid, 1989). However the duality of human action and natural changes is not necessarily so distinct and defined, and this obscures the mutual constitution of the two (Thomas, 1997). Secondly, and possibly as a result of this complexity of process, a definition of desertification has been problematic (ibid. , 1997). As noted earlier, there are more than 100 published definitions of desertification, which variously include or exclude the range of ecological processes within its boundaries (Glanz Orlovsky, 1985; Swift, 1996). Mainguet (1991) has argued that the term has been rendered obsolete by the extent of the confusion over its meaning. At a purely conceptual level therefore, the usefulness of the desertification may be severely compromised by the ambiguity over its definition, and within this the inclusion of both causal mechanisms and identification factors. Possibility related to the problem of definition of desertification, the theory and evidence used to support the concept has also been questioned (Mortimore, 1998). In this section the accuracy of the received narrative will be shown to have been challenged on three bases, the physical form of its occurrence, the processes that lie behind this form and the structural mechanisms that account for the continuation of these processes. The history of the narrative has been comprehensively reviewed by Swift (1996). Analysis of the process (without reference to the term) of desertification began in earnest in the late 1920s and 1930s, following a period of severe drought in the Sahel. One of the most influential writers on the subject was Stebbing, a forester who carried out fieldwork in the British and French colonies of West Africa in 1934. Stebbing asserted that the Sahara was moving southwards and estimated that this had occurred at a rate of 1km / yr for the previous three centuries (Stebbing, 1937 cited in Swift, 1996). Desiccation was ascribed as the process responsible for this change, with the increase in the use of indigenous agricultural land use through population pressure as the structural mechanism (ibid, 1937). This process was thought to have a subsequent feedback effect on rainfall, making it more intermittent (ibid, 1937). Although Stamp (1940) raised the severe shortcomings of Stebbings research, a number of elements of his argument can be traced in current consideration of desertification. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the desertification issue was revived, once again following a period of intense drought (Swift, 1996). The work of Lamprey (1975) and Ibrahim (1984) proved particularly important during this period, despite seriously flawed data analysis (ibid, 1996). Lamprey used ground surveys and aerial reconnaissance to compare contemporary boundaries on Kordofan and Darfur with those of a 1958 botanical survey. However, this distinction did not take account of the fact that the contemporary data was taken in a series of exceptionally dry years, whilst that 1958 represented a relatively wet period in the Sahel (Mortimore, 1998). In terms of the physical manifestation of this process, Lamprey (1975) concluded that ecological boundaries were shifting southwards and that sand was encroaching and threatening farmland. The work of Ibrahim (1984), based on observations in Darfur, Sudan over the period of 1976 1982, supported Lampreys conclusions and suggested that desertification had claimed over 650,000 kmi of productive land in the previous fifty years. In both of these studies, man was seen as the cause of desertification, with the rate of the process controlled by the increase in population pressure. Actions such as excessive use of agriculture in unsustainable areas, extensive pastoralism and high herd numbers and the indiscriminate collection of firewood were suggested as the triggers for this process (Swift, 1995). In combination the ideas of Stebbing (1937), Lamprey (1975) and Ibrahim (1984) became the scientific basis of a received narrative in terms of the form, process and causation of desertification. These ideas were reflected in policy circles, culminating in the UN Convention on Desertification in 1977. The main elements of the desertification concept may be thus identified as the expansion of the desert at a measurable rate, with desiccation is main process of this change and that man (driven by population pressure) is its agent. A Malthusian spiral of population growth, resource mismanagement, environmental degradation and a reduced carrying capacity may then be extrapolated (Mortimore, 1998). Many aspects of this conception have been the subject of critique.

Wind Gust Definition and Causes

Wind Gust Definition and Causes A wind gust is a sudden, seconds-long burst of high-speed wind thats followed by a lull. Whenever you see wind gusts in your forecast, it means the National Weather Service has observed or expects wind speeds to reach at least 18 mph, and the difference between the peak winds and the lulls to vary by 10 mph or more.  A related phenomenon, a squall, is (according  to the National Weather Service), A strong wind characterized by a sudden onset in which the wind speed increases at least 16 knots and is sustained at 22 knots or more for at least one minute. Why Does the Wind Gust? There are a number of things that disturb wind flow and make its speed vary, including friction and wind shear. Whenever winds path is obstructed by objects such as buildings, mountains, or trees, it hugs the object, friction increases, and the wind slows. Once it passes the object and flows freely again, the speed increases rapidly (gusts).  Ã‚   When wind travels through mountain passes, alleys, or tunnels, the same amount of air is forced through a smaller pathway which also causes an increase in speed or gusts. Wind shear (a change in wind speed or direction along a straight line) can also lead to gusting. Because winds travel from high (where theres more air piled up) to low pressure, you can think of there being more pressure behind the wind than in front of it. This gives the wind a net force and it accelerates in a rush of wind. Maximum Sustained Winds Wind gusts (which last only a few seconds) make it hard to determine the overall wind speed of storms whose winds dont always blow at constant speeds. This is especially the case for tropical cyclones and hurricanes. To estimate the overall wind speed, the wind and wind gusts are measured over some period of time (typically 1 minute) and are then averaged together. The result is the highest average wind observed within the weather event, also called the maximum sustained wind speed.   Here in the U.S., maximum sustained winds are always measured by anemometers at a standard height of 33 feet (10 m) above ground for a duration of 1 minute. The rest of the world averages their winds over a period of 10 minutes. This difference is significant because measurements averaged over just one minute are about 14% higher than those averaged over the course of ten minutes. Wind Damage High winds and gusts can do more than turn your umbrella inside out, they can cause legitimate damage. Major wind gusts can knock down trees and even cause structural damage to buildings. Wind gusts s as low as 26 mph are strong enough to cause power outages. The Highest Gusts on Record The world record for strongest wind gust  (253 mph) was observed on Australias Barrow Island during the passage of Tropical Cyclone Olivia (1996). The second highest wind gust ever recorded (and the #1 strongest ordinary gust not linked to a tropical cyclone or a tornado) occurred right here in the United States atop New Hampshires Mount Washington in 1934.

Compare kennedy and johnson Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Compare kennedy and johnson - Research Paper Example However, the idealism that sprouted up amongst the enthusiastic American youth during 1960s eventually turned into a large rebellion. Thus, the decade, although started with high hopes, ended with the horrors of division and disappointment. A comparison between the policies of President Kennedy and President Johnson reveals the similarities and differences that led to their popularity with the masses. John F. Kennedy won presidency over Richard Nixon in the year 1960. He assured a new set of domestic reforms called 'New Frontier' for America that would cover reforms not only at home but also the victory in cold war. However, despite successfully creating his image as an intelligent and energetic leader, he faced legislative failures at the outset of his presidency. On the other hand, he managed to be triumphant in the approval of tariff reductions to promote economic growth in the country. He is mostly remembered for his efforts regarding tax cuts in the economic arena. However, his plans to increase federal aid in the field of education, medical care and urban renewal did not get accomplished. He became the president when the cold war was at its height. Thus, foreign policy initiatives occupy the maximum part of his agenda. John Kennedy succeeded in making himself the central focus of the entire nation and that is quite evident from the reaction of American citizens to his cold blooded murder in 1963. Lyndon Johnson followed John F. Kennedy as the US president. The events leading to the assassination of President Kennedy landed him in the white house. His presidency is marked by the expansion in the roles of federal government. He set to complete the unfinished work of President Kennedy’s New Frontier by constructing his own outstanding reform program which was ultimately called the Great Society. He accumulated the largest reform agenda since the time of Roosevelt’s New Deal. He, later on, won the elections of 1964. This indicated that he had no t just inherited White House but he had actually attained it through his policies and hard work. His government took several steps for the creation of social welfare programs in order to eradicate poverty from the American Society. The most prominent program was called as Medicare, aimed to help the elderly with their medical expenses. His policies regarding the revival of the decaying cities and schools, development of mass-transit system and the subsidization of middle-income housing mark the height of his era. In an attempt to ensure racial equality, President Johnson abolished the national origins systems that gave preference to immigrants from northern Europe over those belonging to the other parts of the world apart from Europe. Both, John F. Kennedy and Johnson were extremely skilled politicians. Kennedy, on one hand, appeared polished and well-educated while, Johnson, on the other hand, was brash and straightforward. Kennedy’s reluctance in politics was outweighed by the Johnson’s accomplishments, thereby making President Johnson’ more successful in pushing his policies through the congress. However, the events in Southeast Asia started to eclipse Johnson’s achievements regarding domestic reforms. The funds meant for the war on poverty were, instead, directed towards the war in Vietnam. By the year 1969, President Johnson’s hopes regarding domest

Christianti Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Christianti - Essay Example However, there are a number of other Christian churches, from a very long time ago, with different interpretations of Christianity that placed them out of favor with the traditional church, and are often forgotten in religious discussions. The Paulicians, the Bogomils, the Cathar (also, called the Albigensians) are all, likely, less familiar, examples of Christianity, but are deserving of attention. The first of these rather obscure branches of Christianity are the Paulicians. This sect is what is called a dualistic sect, which originated in Armenia in, approximately, the 7th century. The Paulician belief system was, primarily, a mixture of two Gnostic movements from the 3rd century, the Marcionism and Manichaeism. Their fundamental doctrine has two distinct principles that gave a different interpretation of traditional Christian doctrine. The first, that there is an evil god, the one responsible for the creation of the world and the ruler of this world and a good god that will rule the next world. This contrary belief, the idea of two gods, put them at serious conflict with accepted, existing, doctrine. The second principle of the Paulician is that they do not believe that Mary was the true mother of Jesus. They, also, rejected the Old Testament, as well as, the sacraments, worship, and established church hierarchy.("Paulician" ) Paulician ideology flourished through the 8th century, but were ultimately destroyed. In at least one massacre, the faith suffered a loss of, approximately, 100,000 people.(Gillis) The Paulician’s ideology spread to places like Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria, and, may have, contributed to other later sects, including the Bogomils. The Bogomils formed around the 10th century. The beliefs include the idea that this world was created by the devil and the rejecting the Christian conception as an example of grace. They believe in a good god that has twin sons; Jesus and Satan. However, there are many that believe that the dualistic views of Bogomils may have less to do with influences from the Paulicians, but more to do with traditional Bulgarian mythology, due to its Balkan roots, that have, since the 2nd century, of a god and his twin sons that battle in opposition to one and another. Overall the Bogomils opposed everything about the Orthodox Church. Until the 14th century the Bogomil ideology found its â€Å"congregation† but the Ottoman Conquest of the 15th century, essentially, wiped out the sect and very little more was heard from the movement again.(Weiling Feldthusen 1) The Cathar order appeared around the 12th century and flourished in some areas to the point where their beliefs and practices held the majority, even above Catholicism. This is the only sect, aside from the Knights Templar, that have managed to maintain their presence in continual research and mythology.(Hughes) This sect was, also, on occasion, referred to as the Albigensians. The Albigensians are not a different order of Chris tianity, but the specific name give to a particular sect of Cathar located in Languedoc in 1181. The Cathar, also, had another name given to them by the Catholics, the â€Å" Great Heresy.†

Exercise is now known to benefit cognitive function in people of all Essay

Exercise is now known to benefit cognitive function in people of all ages. Describe the evidence that supports this statement - Essay Example Along with VO2max and brain oxygenation, the adults who participated in the study showed an improvement in their cognitive function after they finished the exercise program that was designed for them for four months (â€Å"Exercise Improves† & â€Å"Exercise makes†). Another research was conducted for people with mild cognitive problems such as those diagnosed with about an average of ten times the risk of having dementia. During the intervention of an aerobic exercise to the adult participants with mild cognitive impairment, the result of the study found that there was an improvement on the cognitive function of the participants. For the women, there was an observed change in the physical and chemical reaction that includes â€Å"better disposal of glucose, decreased fasting plasma levels of insulin, cortisol, and brain –derived neurotrophic, while men showed an increase in their plasma level of insulin-like growth factor (Bankhead n.d).† Similarly, Kramer, Erickson, and Colcombe (2006) obtained a result showing an improvement of people, this time with anemia, found to have a positive effect of exercising to those who are already affected by dementia. Specifically, the controlled studies conducted by Baker, et al (n.d.), the effect of high-intensity aerobic exercise though geared towards the improvement of cognitive function, specifically identified the specific effects of exercise to men and women. While men’s plasma levels of insulin-like growth is increased, women’s disposal during the metabolic clamp is increased and the function of fasting plasma levels of insulin is decreased (Baker et al,

Middle East Customs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Middle East Customs - Essay Example Waltke. He later went for overseas study in University of Goettingen in Germany between August 1982 to July 1983 where he furthered his education under the supervision of Dr. Rudolph Smend, Dr. Rykle Borger and Dr. Lothar Perlitt. He holds a doctorate degree in Philosophy in Old Testament from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia which he was awarded in 1988. When he was studying in this University, he wrote a dissertation titled "A Rhetorical Analysis of the Book of Chronicles" under the supervision of John H. Hayes. Cracking Old Testament Codes helps the readers to understand the Old Testament and also enhances the way preachers interprets the Old Testament accordingly. The book is divided into two sections whereby the first three chapters are said to be an introduction for the reader to understand the concept of literary forms "genres" when we relate it to Old Testament. The Author begins the section with an article titled "Literary Forms of the Old Testament". In this section, the author tries to establish in written communication the reality of such forms which he explains in the Old Testament. According to the author, understanding of "genre" is quite involving as it concerns establishing the form, content and later on the textual unit function. He urges that there should be ten basic genres in the Old Testament and not the traditional five that are common on hermeneutic in older works. He also urges that for genres to function properly in the text, there are supposed to be ten in number. T he author advocates the use of three different genres namely:- Narrative History and, Law Moreover, prophecy is seen as a combination of prose and poetry that has three different genres that include: Oracles of Salvation, Announcements of Judgment and apocalyptic. Poetry is divided into psalms of lament and psalms of praise while wisdom has two main divisions that include proverbial and non-proverbial wisdom. The second division of the book are the ten chapters that mainly emphasizes on the values and dangers in the interpretive process in literary form perspective. "Genre criticism" is distinguished as it concerns with the final canonical form not the prior sources whether it is oral or in written form as it is commonly known with source criticism to some rhetorical criticism and degree form. This section has ten chapters and each one of them addresses the ten genre of the Old Testament literature. These chapters are viewed to very useful to the readers as they are very simplified for the reader to grasp the content easily. They are seen to be having very useful instruction and information for the readers. Finally, the last chapter is seen as giving instruction to the preachers to use the knowledge they acquire in these chapters when preparing the sermon. IV. Evaluation. Cracking Old Testament Codes is a valuable book to the reader as the author took time to think about his audience and every

COPD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

COPD - Essay Example Smoking is the most responsible for the COPD in human beings. 15 percent of smokers have been found to suffer from COPD, along with associated respiratory problems. Passive smoking has also been found to affect small children with respiratory problems, and infections. Lung diseases are often caused by air pollution that in many cases develops into COPD. Occupational pollutants like cadmium and silica create the risks of COPD, particularly in individuals who have the chances of intake of these pollutants. Deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is another major cause of COPD that reflects a hereditary problem in many individuals (Schiffman & Shiel, 2013). The process of the disease of COPD consists of three conditions within an individual. These are chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. The flow of air gets obstructed and hence unable to pass through the airflows often making such obstruction permanent. If patients suffering from asthma are not treated, then such patients tend to have a rigid element of obstruction of the airways leading to COPD. In COPD the limitation in the flow of air is progressive in nature. Moreover it leads to irregular inflammatory reaction of the lungs to lethal particles or harmful gases. The abnormal responses of the inflammations occur â€Å"throughout the proximal and peripheral airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature† (O’Connell Smeltzer et al, 2010, p.602). Since the inflammation is chronic in nature and there is a tendency of the body to repair the process, hence the airways reflect alterations and narrowing in their features. As a result of this disease, there a re changes in the components of the lungs as well (O’Connell Smeltzer et al, 2010, p.602). Certain common treatments are available for COPD patients. With intentions to avert further worsening of the conditions of the lungs, to lessen the symptoms and their effects, and to improve the conditions

Limited Liability Partnerships Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Limited Liability Partnerships - Essay Example Limited liability partnership (LLP) maintains the many characteristics of general partnership but shields the partner against unlimited liability from the creditors of the firm. In a Limited liability partnership the is the advantage of a flexibility of an unlimited partnership coupled with the limited liability of the partner as the business incorporated in this structure is treated as a separate legal entity and makes the entity responsible for any business debts arising thereof. In the US, state registration is required to set up an LLP. Besides the state needs proof that the partnership has reached levels or has enough resources to satisfy potential claims in addition to satisfying insurance requirements. A limited liability partnership is not taxed as a separate entity instead; the profits pass to the hands of the partner who are charged with income tax. (Irwin Mitchel 2008) The above are the basic characteristics of the limited liability partnership entity. Find below a few important drawbacks of limited liability partnerships, which has been a block for many unlimited partnership concerns for conversion: 5. ... The money invested becomes the property of the firm, is not subject to return unless, and otherwise stated in the agreements. 2. All partners of an LLP must consent to the sale of the assets. 2 3. The non-transferable nature of a partners interest where the transferee only the financial benefit but does not become a partner. (Cool lawyer 2008) 4. LLP varies in legal requirements based on the laws of the state. This variable nature of this entity makes it the least preferable. 5. Limited liability partnership has an important handicap it being limited to certain types of businesses only example an association of professional's example: Lawyers, Chartered accountants, architects, doctors etc. Moreover, Limited liability partnership was only founded a decade over and the concept is still young which is subject to changes and bound by the laws of the state. In order to understand the reason for the unpopularity for this legal entity we must look at the features and viability of the other legal entities such as Limited corporations and general partnerships ' LLC LLP Unlimited Partnership What is it' A type of companyA type of companyA type of company Members needed to set up: Between 1-52 or more2 or more Taxation: Single taxation (Income / loss passed directly to members) Single Taxation Single taxation (Income / loss passed directly to members) Assets:Can hold Can hold Can hold 3 Legal entity: Separate entity from partners but members may be held liable for non-fiscal obligations.Separate from those of partners Has separate legal entity Management Level: Only Members and managing members.Decentralized Partners are Managers Legal

Middle East Customs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Middle East Customs - Essay Example Waltke. He later went for overseas study in University of Goettingen in Germany between August 1982 to July 1983 where he furthered his education under the supervision of Dr. Rudolph Smend, Dr. Rykle Borger and Dr. Lothar Perlitt. He holds a doctorate degree in Philosophy in Old Testament from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia which he was awarded in 1988. When he was studying in this University, he wrote a dissertation titled "A Rhetorical Analysis of the Book of Chronicles" under the supervision of John H. Hayes. Cracking Old Testament Codes helps the readers to understand the Old Testament and also enhances the way preachers interprets the Old Testament accordingly. The book is divided into two sections whereby the first three chapters are said to be an introduction for the reader to understand the concept of literary forms "genres" when we relate it to Old Testament. The Author begins the section with an article titled "Literary Forms of the Old Testament". In this section, the author tries to establish in written communication the reality of such forms which he explains in the Old Testament. According to the author, understanding of "genre" is quite involving as it concerns establishing the form, content and later on the textual unit function. He urges that there should be ten basic genres in the Old Testament and not the traditional five that are common on hermeneutic in older works. He also urges that for genres to function properly in the text, there are supposed to be ten in number. T he author advocates the use of three different genres namely:- Narrative History and, Law Moreover, prophecy is seen as a combination of prose and poetry that has three different genres that include: Oracles of Salvation, Announcements of Judgment and apocalyptic. Poetry is divided into psalms of lament and psalms of praise while wisdom has two main divisions that include proverbial and non-proverbial wisdom. The second division of the book are the ten chapters that mainly emphasizes on the values and dangers in the interpretive process in literary form perspective. "Genre criticism" is distinguished as it concerns with the final canonical form not the prior sources whether it is oral or in written form as it is commonly known with source criticism to some rhetorical criticism and degree form. This section has ten chapters and each one of them addresses the ten genre of the Old Testament literature. These chapters are viewed to very useful to the readers as they are very simplified for the reader to grasp the content easily. They are seen to be having very useful instruction and information for the readers. Finally, the last chapter is seen as giving instruction to the preachers to use the knowledge they acquire in these chapters when preparing the sermon. IV. Evaluation. Cracking Old Testament Codes is a valuable book to the reader as the author took time to think about his audience and every

Limited Liability Partnerships Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Limited Liability Partnerships - Essay Example Limited liability partnership (LLP) maintains the many characteristics of general partnership but shields the partner against unlimited liability from the creditors of the firm. In a Limited liability partnership the is the advantage of a flexibility of an unlimited partnership coupled with the limited liability of the partner as the business incorporated in this structure is treated as a separate legal entity and makes the entity responsible for any business debts arising thereof. In the US, state registration is required to set up an LLP. Besides the state needs proof that the partnership has reached levels or has enough resources to satisfy potential claims in addition to satisfying insurance requirements. A limited liability partnership is not taxed as a separate entity instead; the profits pass to the hands of the partner who are charged with income tax. (Irwin Mitchel 2008) The above are the basic characteristics of the limited liability partnership entity. Find below a few important drawbacks of limited liability partnerships, which has been a block for many unlimited partnership concerns for conversion: 5. ... The money invested becomes the property of the firm, is not subject to return unless, and otherwise stated in the agreements. 2. All partners of an LLP must consent to the sale of the assets. 2 3. The non-transferable nature of a partners interest where the transferee only the financial benefit but does not become a partner. (Cool lawyer 2008) 4. LLP varies in legal requirements based on the laws of the state. This variable nature of this entity makes it the least preferable. 5. Limited liability partnership has an important handicap it being limited to certain types of businesses only example an association of professional's example: Lawyers, Chartered accountants, architects, doctors etc. Moreover, Limited liability partnership was only founded a decade over and the concept is still young which is subject to changes and bound by the laws of the state. In order to understand the reason for the unpopularity for this legal entity we must look at the features and viability of the other legal entities such as Limited corporations and general partnerships ' LLC LLP Unlimited Partnership What is it' A type of companyA type of companyA type of company Members needed to set up: Between 1-52 or more2 or more Taxation: Single taxation (Income / loss passed directly to members) Single Taxation Single taxation (Income / loss passed directly to members) Assets:Can hold Can hold Can hold 3 Legal entity: Separate entity from partners but members may be held liable for non-fiscal obligations.Separate from those of partners Has separate legal entity Management Level: Only Members and managing members.Decentralized Partners are Managers Legal

Billing system Essay Example for Free

Billing system Essay The Information Flow Model (IFM) is used to understand the sources and destination of information flow, which is required to execute the business process as shown in Figure 3.5. In IFM, information or data generators and processors are brought together to explain the flow. This could be documents, e-mail, or voicemail. The contents of the flow could be text, images, or diagrams. The purpose of the flow is to take the process further to its logical conclusion. For example, a customer order is to be processed for delivery or to be rejected, and necessary data or information input has to be provided progressively in the process. IFM is generally a high-level model showing main flows, internal flows of information from sources, such as product catalogs, and manufacturing schedules. Customer profiles and accounting information are not shown. These are presumed to be present. In an information flow model, each processing stage is described as one of the following stage classes: 1. Data Supply Ââ€" where data suppliers forward information into the system. 2. Data Acquisition Ââ€" the stage that accepts data from external suppliers and injects it into the system. 3. Data Creation Ââ€" internal to the system, data may be generated and then forwarded to another processing stage. 4. Data Processing Ââ€" any stage that accepts input and generates output (as well as generating side effects). 5. Data Packaging Ââ€" any point at which information is collated, aggregated and summarized for reporting purposes. 6. Decision Making Ââ€" the point where human interaction is required. 7. Decision Implementation Ââ€" the stage where the decision made at a decision-making stage is executed, which may affect other processing stages or a data delivery stage. 8. Data Delivery Ââ€" the point where packaged information is delivered to a known data consumer. 9. Data Consumption Ââ€" as the data consumer is the ultimate user of processed information, the consumption stage is the exit stage of the system. Data moves between stages through directed information channels Ââ€" pipelines indicating the flow of information from one processing stage to another and the direction in which data flows. An information flow model is represented by the combination of the processing stages connected by directed information channels. Once the flow model has been constructed, names are assigned to each of the stages and channels. An information flow model can be used to identify the source of a data quality problem. The effects of a data quality problem might manifest themselves at different stages within an information flow, perhaps at different data consumption stages. However, what may appear to be multiple problems may all be related to a single point of failure that takes place earlier in the processing. By identifying a set of data-quality expectations and creating validation rules that can be imposed at the entry and exit of each processing stage, we can trace through the information flow model to the stage at which the data quality problem occurred. Fixing the problem at the source will have a beneficial effect across the board, as all subsequent manifestations should be eliminated!

Italian Neorealism In Bicycle Thieves

Italian Neorealism In Bicycle Thieves It is evident that Italian Neorealism and the life of post-war shaped DeSisas film Bicycle Thieves (1948). However, with much debate, one can argue that the sentimental nature of the film overwhelms the films potential to make a powerful political statement. With reference to important scenes from the film, Italian neorealist principles focused on; location, lighting, typage, dà ©cor, loose camera shots, eye-level angles, invincible editing and reportage, as well as and the usage of sentiment One can justifiably claim that the powerful political statement is not overwhelmed by sentiment, and in fact enhances the message the film aims to give off. The uniqueness of the Italian works, vise-a-visa other relevant cineamas, lies in their stylistic organization of elements of apparent rawness, their emotional intensity, and their focus on current political and social problems. (P. Adams Sitney, 1995) Thus, one is able to identify Italian Neorealism as the harmonizing of sentiment (emotional intensity) and awareness of political and social problems through Neorealist principles, which inevitably feeds off from an happening that affected the world, and specifically as we see in the history influence in this film; Italy. This change in society brought about characteristics and principles which became noticeable in cinema during this time period. These principles not only molded the film Bicycle Thieves, but were used to bring about a message to the audience. A message which was not overwhelmed by emotional rawness but a message of a social movement awareness reflected through cinema. Neorealism was not only what I came to see as a propaganda device, but an influential and significant movement in film history, which occurred in Italy at the ending of World War II. (John Stubbs, 2010: pg 1) Italy moved from fascism and dictatorship, whereby much was revolved around a single-party position as one can clearly see in the Holocaust, to an equal and democratic society. Here we see this so effectively reflected through Bicycle Thieves when converging neorealist principles, the idea of sentiment to enhance the political statement and the apparent rawness which adds power to the social conditions through the overall statement to justifiably prove that sentiment was not a downfall to DeSicas focus. The filmmakers and directors clearly believed they had an ethical task to use cinema and film as a means to promote the social amendment that had just occurred post the war. Ideally, it wasnt so much about the storyline of the film and its characters, but more about making the public aware of the difficulties that working people had to face. Here we see a Marxist approach on the rebuilding of Italy whereby unlike the mythology of Classic Hollywood, no single person can change the world and the ultimate society would inevitably be a classless society, as Leo Tolstroy (1882) successfully explains; Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself, for when everyone changes themselves, the world will change.   Neorealisms origin of strength lies in the documentary excellence which is used to portray the realism of the story as realism can only occupy in art a dialectal position. (Andrà © Bazin, 1971) One might speculate what Bicycle Thieves would be like in colour, however the black and white aspect highlights the tone of the film being a bleak, depressing emotion contrary to the usage of colour which would highlight liveliness and energy and go against the tone of the film. Black and white not only attaches a emotion, but Thus, clearly showing that the sentiment brings about the tone of the film which enhances the message of presenting the gloomy conditions of poverty in post-war Italy. Andre Bazin (1971: 20) describes this through referring to the term reconstituted reportage. Reconstituted reportage is seen through how the every day events are shown, and the daily happenings which would have and did happen in Italy at that period of time. This adds, as discussed above, far more truth to the film and is not the making of a documentary but rather shown and seen in a documentary-type way through what Bazin (1971) refers to as a journalistic style. Bicycle Thieves has gives off a documentary experience to the audience which could not be removed from the script without thereby eliminating the whole social setting into which its roots are so deeply sunk (Bazin, 1971: 20). Bazin (1971) points out that realism and truth in film is a product of artifice. Truth is an important principle of neorealism, as truth brings realism; the more believable the film is to the audience, the more truthful it is thus, it is seen as realistic. We see this through DeSicas film techniques extensively set out to enhance the opportunity for the audience to live in the story. The real location shooting aids far more freedom and looseness for mise-en-scene, to such an extend that the camera-man is unsure what to look for. An example from the film can be seen when Antonio and Bruno walk away from a car in the street, meander in the streets for a bit heading in the same direction and then suddenly they both go the opposite way. As a viewer, the focus of the camera comes across somewhat as uncertain as the viewer experiences when watching a film for the first time. Here we see how such a camera technique can enhance realism and the opportunity for the audience to experience it. Another technique which is so different to Eisensteins Battleships Potempkin (1925) is that montage is avoided due to jump cutting, removing a sense of truth and realism, with noting that montage is, if anything, modifies realism. This can be seen through the truth of the characters the aesthetics of realism; lighting, location, dà ©cor, camera shots, camera angles and editing. This not only brings about authenticity but also creates a much stronger message for the audience. In Bicycle Thieves, there is a correlation between truth and sentiment, and truth and the political statement Which are justifiably both used in this film without over powering one another (balance) in order to positively enhance the films message. Inevitably, in order for a director to get an actual event (post-war) understood by his audience truth and realism is the most effective approach. Neorealism focuses on the characters and themes without much focus on the plot itself as the plot is seen to warp the truth about people if focus is too much on the execution statement and not the input which is the reasoning for the statement and the very focal point the viewers need exposure to (John Stubbs, 2010: pg 4) Thus, the film wouldve not only been monotonous if there was no sentiment (due to there not being enough material if there was no storyline about characters and a central theme), but to know and understand a situation, one must be put in a stance where one has the opportunity of learning a huge amount about the faith and frustrations of a human being. Equally, a monotonous film due to no sentiment from characters and a central theme, is inevitably a failed film. Through this, neorealists are able to portray truth to a greater extend through bringing about simplicity yet a means of understanding the real life through everyday characters and a central theme (getting t he bicycle back); a main appeal in films even today. Likewise, without sentiment, we wouldnt be exposed to a equilibrium between objective shots of each of the characters and subjective shots showing the audience the characters point-of-view in the social and political conditions they are experiencing. One can also agree that the sentiment aids the whole use of Neorealism principles. Without characters, loose shots wouldnt be blatant to the audience (also in comparison to the few novelty used close-up shots) as loose shots show freedom, which thus emphasizes truth and realism. The storyline being as simple as the search for a bicycle, doesnt take the political statement too far away from the message. Likewise, the actual characters in the film are everyday normal people. We can see this through the workman being found in the factory, the child being found wondering around the streets and the wife being found through her writing. (Andre Bazin, 1971) This is known as Typage whereby there is no star system which immediately creates a far more realistic/truth approach and feel. Similarly, the locations and dà ©cor are real and not built-up or made-up, the lighting is natural which attempts to present reality as it is, the editing is invincible which enhances truth and the camera is free which is unrestricted and brings about a far more convincing viewing. Neorealists not only conformed to such techniques for that these techniques best suited execution of maximum realism in cinema, but is a cinema movement which brought about much rebellion too. Italian Neorealism had already provided a cinematic model for rebellion, both against the conventions imposed by the political and social states ideology (Mark Mesaros, 2010) and past cinema movements such as the success seen in montage in German Expressionism. With the storyline of the characters and the truth which is by principle brought about, I fully agree that it brings sentiment to the screens. However, it puts you (the audience) in a far more heart-felt and understanding position which I believe brings about the political statement in a far more expressive way, rather than a theoretical and cold approach. And as some agree, its not even sentimental its just painful. (The Internet Movie Database, 2010: retrieved 28 April) Instead of a cold theoretical approach which would entail no sentiment, we are introduced to a family who are ordinary and by no means are glamorous heros which is commonly seen in Classical Hollywood. Quite frankly, if we werent introduced to characters and the sentiment they bring, which play a role in this film, I personally dont think much of a political statement would be made as one needs interest to grasp a statement. As we see in Classic Hollywood, the emotional character identification influences the message of the film and is a central characteristic, contrary to Italian Neorealism where characters are everyday individuals who are put in a equal light which intention, also enhances the message this movement wishes to portray. The character of Ricci is the focus of the film, however we are not interested in him but rather what will happen next in the films sequence of events. And even though characters bring about sentiment and the viewer starts becoming attached to the ro le the characters plays, in Bicycle Thieves, Bruno the son unsentimentally still criticizes and looks down on his father. Noticeably very different to what we see in Classic Hollywood. In response to the representation of the political statement made in this film, we are clearly able to see this in noticeable scenes in the film. In the first scene, the camera follows Ricci from the unemployment gathering to his wife where the housing project is in the background, which is fully exhibited to the viewer showing the bleak conditions. We see the men and woman arguing about employment and shortage of water. This emphasis on long and medium shots which appeals to the truth in the film enhances the political message due to the events getting exhibited on a whole Whereas close up would bring more sentiment. Long and medium shots show the actor loosely framed in his environment and allow the viewer opportunity to look around in that environment with the added enhancement of the shots taken at eye level. As well as minimized jumps and shifts through editing to bring more real life to the cinema audience. Thus we see here that sentiment is not overwhelming the political statement, but rather the political statement is actually taking dominance in the shots. Of course DeSica did move in for close-up shots every now and then which becomes a novelty and is in effect very strong and holds the base to string along the story of the characters and the central object, which is needed to (as mentioned earlier) keep the audience interested and not bored. The central object being the bicycle. They are everywhere and yet treasured, and the shortcoming of the Ricci familys position is enforced when Antonios bicycle is stolen. Here, the object brings sentiment to enforce the political statement, and what I find even more interesting is how the title changed from Bicycle Thief to Bicycle Thieves as ultimately it becomes a vicious cycle of survival as one has to steal their own bicycle back from the thief, therefore becoming a thief resulting in thieves. This therefore constitutes to the message of the film, for the continuous battle of the haves and have-nots. Through the character of Antonio, it is the faith that drives him and allows him follow within his quest to find his stolen bicycle. Although DeSicas bleak realism of the post-war gives purpose to the central theme of the film, it is ultimately the conflict of human-optimism which gives the film and its political statement its power and without human sentiment, one can argue that the film would not produce affective power. If we look at three scenes, we are able to see how sentiment brings power to the political statement. In one scene we see Antonio and Maria trade in their bed linen. The camera moves away from them (long shot) and we see the heaps of bed-linen behind the counter-table, a tacit bleak reminder of the extensive nature of unemployment while recognizing its effect on the heart of families household lives. Again we see how realistic the lighting is and how the framing is loose to incorporate the environmental conditions to promote the political message. In another scene we see Ricci reporting his bicycle stolen and is directed by the policeman to the piles of alike reported cases. His account and circumstances are not singular, and we see here how it is not only this family that is going through this but also a lot of people. (Note the title: Thieves and not Thief) Thus portraying the political message that goes beyond this familys personal sentiment. Here we are also shown how humanitarianism prohibited Ricci from pressing official charges anti the thief, and the same moral fiber that spared him after he was caught stealing a bicycle. He did what the thief did to him. Such a film was essential in Italy as through this family we have the opportunity of being a bystander to the brutality of a civil war amoungst fascists and its on going of killing and reprisals through seeing how this effects one, and how not only effecting this family but many others. Italy in post-war was in need of healing and compassion even at the cost of a perceived injustice. (Paul Baxa, 2011) Healing does not come from the government and leaders of the country, but comes from within the everyday man on the streets you and me. Thus, from the Riccis, those being affected by the war and living within such conditions as well as the audience viewing this film who can in many ways relate. In another scene, arguably the most sentimental scene yet what I believe portrays the political message more powerfully than any other- we see the father and sons relationship come to a mend. It is understood with looking into the Italian family lifestyle, that the father and sons relationship is by far the strongest and most special. Little Brunos appearance when taking his fathers hand in the last scene is merely a realistic point of life and is a means of facing life with your father an important part in Italian culture. With Bruno being the witness of the tragedy and finally coming to realize his father is not a hero after all (contrary to Classic Hollywood), much like the audience being a witness too, this scene gives off a sense of aggravation, mortification, paradox and most of all acceptance to survival. These sentimental feelings therefore expresses the political statement as this ending of when the father and son take hands, expresses manhood and the hardship of survival one needs to go through with still looking for a sense of acceptance. Bazin (1971) explains this father/son scene as reaching puberty. Up to that moment the man has been like a god to his son and their relations came under the heading of admiration. By the fathers actions of becoming a thief, the father has in doing so compromised all heroism that his son had seen in him. However, this scene is seen as acceptance not only in survival, but also acceptance of ones father and supposed role model. He will love him henceforth as a human being, shame and all. (Bazin, 1971: pg 54) This scene inevitabely becomes a deceptive one, as the truth and reality of this acceptance and now found happiness through the fathers wrong doings, depends all on the central object the bicycle. Bicycle Thieves therefore inevitably portrayed the political statement through expressing the social conditions without expressing solutions. One might argue that this is a downfall, however at this moment in time solutions were not theoretical and if healing was going to occur it was going to have to come from the people. Thus, this film is inevitably awareness that needs to be found in each individual, which will create its own solution. Much like the theme and characters inevitably creating a plot on its own in Neorealism. The neorealist approach doesnt have an inbuilt political statement solution, as the most widespread attribute of neorealism is; on location shooting and the feeling of truth. (John Stubbs, 2010) Exactly what Bicycle Thieves so effectively does. One must also remember when viewing this film in the 21st century that twenty-five percent of the Italian workforce was unemployed at the time (William Heuvel, 2008) and if you were employed, getting to work was with th e use of a bicycle. The object of the bicycle thus symbolized survival. In conclusion, one can therefore justifiably argue that the sentimental nature of Bicycle Thieves does not overwhelm the political statement but essentially enhances it. If the political statement made in the film was to feed off a means of a solution, and the solution could only be found in the common individual like the Riccis family then one needs to understand the individuals situation as well as have an opportunity to walk in their shoes. Through sentiment that is not overly used in this film, one can see the hardship for survival through the story of these characters in order to become aware, as well as stay intrigued. Without focalizing power of the central character but rather the political statement through the characters, this film uses The death of one man is a tragedy, the death of millions is a statistic. (Joseph Stalin, 1953) to its advantage by effectively showing the tragedy of individuals with indication to the masses statistic through apparent rawness and emotional intensity focused on such political and social problems. (P. Adams Sitney, 1995)

A Comparison between Christopher Boone and Raymond Babbitt Essay

A Comparison between Christopher Boone and Raymond Babbitt Asperger ´s disorder is not a disease, but a developmental brain disorder. It is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls and it shows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle and educational levels do not affect the chance of Asperger ´s disorder's occurrence. According to Hans Asperger: It is important to know that the person with AS perceives the world differently. Therefore, many behaviours that seem odd are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behaviour. Both Christopher Boone, from the novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Raymond Babbitt, from the movie Rainman, suffer from Asperger ´s disorder. They have several characteristics in common: they are both autistic savants with impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. Moreover, Christopher and Raymond are similar in that they are both autistic mathematical savants. According to the Wikipedia free dictionary: An autistic savant, historically described as an idiot savant, is a person with both autism and savant syndrome. Savant syndrome describes a person having a developmental or mental handicap of some sort with extraordinary mental abilities not found in most people. Christopher?s mathematical interests are reflected in his numbering his chapters strictly with prime numbers, ignoring composite numbers, such as 4 and 6. He is also the first student to take an A level in Maths and to get an A grade at his school. Christopher has a photographic memory and is extremely observant. Similarly, Raymond ... .... Like Christopher, he also tries to find a pattern which will enable him to make sense of his world. All in all, although there are some superficial differences between Christopher and Raymond, there are quite a number of important similarities. They share the lack of demonstrated empathy, encompass preoccupation with restricted patterns of interests and have an inflexible adherence to specific routines. Furthermore, they exhibit exceptional skills in Maths. From my point of view, most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their differences, but may continue to need moral support and encouragement to maintain an independent life. Researchers and people with AS have contributed to a shift in attitudes away from the notion that AS is a deviation from the norm that must be treated or cured, and towards the view that AS is a difference rather than a disability. A Comparison between Christopher Boone and Raymond Babbitt Essay A Comparison between Christopher Boone and Raymond Babbitt Asperger ´s disorder is not a disease, but a developmental brain disorder. It is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls and it shows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle and educational levels do not affect the chance of Asperger ´s disorder's occurrence. According to Hans Asperger: It is important to know that the person with AS perceives the world differently. Therefore, many behaviours that seem odd are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behaviour. Both Christopher Boone, from the novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Raymond Babbitt, from the movie Rainman, suffer from Asperger ´s disorder. They have several characteristics in common: they are both autistic savants with impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. Moreover, Christopher and Raymond are similar in that they are both autistic mathematical savants. According to the Wikipedia free dictionary: An autistic savant, historically described as an idiot savant, is a person with both autism and savant syndrome. Savant syndrome describes a person having a developmental or mental handicap of some sort with extraordinary mental abilities not found in most people. Christopher?s mathematical interests are reflected in his numbering his chapters strictly with prime numbers, ignoring composite numbers, such as 4 and 6. He is also the first student to take an A level in Maths and to get an A grade at his school. Christopher has a photographic memory and is extremely observant. Similarly, Raymond ... .... Like Christopher, he also tries to find a pattern which will enable him to make sense of his world. All in all, although there are some superficial differences between Christopher and Raymond, there are quite a number of important similarities. They share the lack of demonstrated empathy, encompass preoccupation with restricted patterns of interests and have an inflexible adherence to specific routines. Furthermore, they exhibit exceptional skills in Maths. From my point of view, most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their differences, but may continue to need moral support and encouragement to maintain an independent life. Researchers and people with AS have contributed to a shift in attitudes away from the notion that AS is a deviation from the norm that must be treated or cured, and towards the view that AS is a difference rather than a disability.

Chromium :: essays research papers

One of the most controversial supplements on the market is chromium. In the body, its natural functions consist of potentiating the activity of insulin and influencing lipid and protein metabolism. It may also be involved in the formation of glycogen in muscle tissue and facilitate the transport of amino acids to the muscles. Chromium can also affect cholesterol metabolism (Williams, 262). There are different claims to this mineral’s benefits, but the most common ones are muscle building, and fat burning. Although it is a big seller in the industry, does it really work? The main users of chromium at one point were body builders. chromium was marketed at first with the promise of building more muscle mass. Unfortunately, it failed to produce results as a muscle builder, and then was introduced as a fat burner. Those who were dieting and some long distance runners interested in holding low weights began to use the supplement and still do today. Although it is advertised as a fat burner, an article in a 1995 issue of the Journal of Sports Medicine and Fitness described an experiment that proved otherwise. A double blind study was conducted among healthy Navy personnel (79 men, 16 women). Participants took one capsule of either chromium picolinate or a placebo per day during a 16-week experiment. Subjects met for a minimum of 3 times/week for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. The chromium group failed to show any greater reduction in body fat, or gains in muscle mass than that of the placebo group. Therefore, the results showed chromium supplements to be â€Å"ineffective in enhancing body fat reduction† (Trent, Linda K., 273). Trent’s experiment was not the only one to prove Chromium’s inadequacies. In 1993, Melissa A. Hallmark et al proved Chromium to be a useless supplement that was only excreted when ingested in excess. In Hallmark’s experiment, sixteen untrained males (23 years old +/- 4) were studied to examine the effects of Chromium supplementation when used during a 12-week training schedule of resistance exercise. The men trained 3 times/week and food records were kept. The results showed that there was no significant difference in muscle gain or weight loss between the placebo group and those who ingested chromium with their diets other than the amount of Chromium excreted. Lacking results have proven chromium as a fat burner to be yet another wait loss quackery Dr. John Vincent at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa has also proven that chromium supplements such as chromium picolinate may even cause cancer.