Thursday, October 31, 2019

The Technological Innovations and the Business Strategy of BBC Essay

The Technological Innovations and the Business Strategy of BBC - Essay Example Over the years, the company grew from a single person entity to one that employs people in the thousands and spans across the globe in its operations. (Briggs, 1985) The BBC is well known for its record of impartiality and independence in reporting and coverage of news events. Though there has been some criticism in the recent past about the way in which it has handled some events, nonetheless, on the whole, the record of BBC has been relatively unblemished. The BBC is a pioneer in terms of launching a global news channel covering almost all regions in the world. To quote from the profile of BBC on its website, â€Å"The BBC is the largest broadcasting organization in the world. Its mission is to enrich peoples lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain. It is a public service broadcaster, established by a Royal Charter and funded by the license fee that is paid by UK households. The BBC uses the income from the license fee to provide services including 8 national TV channels plus regional programming, 10 national radio stations, 40 local radio stations and an extensive website.† (BBC, 2010) The business strategy of BBC is relatively straightforward. The primary revenue earner for BBC is through its license fee that averages around 145 GBP per year per household. This is the fee paid by individual households to receive the broadcast television in the UK. Though there is no fee to own a television in the UK, there is a fee to receive the cable TV. However, the world service of the BBC is funded by government and as the website puts it, â€Å"BBC World Service broadcasts to the world on radio, on TV and online, providing news and information in 32 languages. It is funded by a government grant, not from the license fee.† (BBC, 2010) The technological innovations that have been introduced by the BBC are to do with the re-launched news website that receives visitors in the millions. The BBC claims the site to be "Europe's most popular content-based site" and states that 13.2  million people in the UK visit the site's more than two million pages each day.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Drama Coursework Essay Example for Free

Drama Coursework Essay The main reason I chose this extract was that there were two female characters in the extract and two female actors in the group. I liked the way the relationship between the two characters developed during the extract. At the beginning of the play, there is a professional, quite friendly relationship but by the end, both characters hate each other. I also liked the way my character, Mrs Lyons, descends into madness. When I first started to rehearse this play, I found that it was harder than I expected. This is the first serious play I have been involved in, so I found it hard to say the lines convincingly and naturally. I suggested that I should talk with a more educated voice and that my partner, Becky, should talk with a more common voice to emphasise the social difference between the two characters. I also suggested some ideas for what we should wear. In my coursework I wanted to present a convincing portrayal of a wealthy, educated woman who, faced with a extremely distressing, seemingly insurmountable personal problem, sees what looks like a perfect solution, but which ends up driving her to madness. I wanted to initially gain the audiences sympathy for her predicament by showing how much she wanted children and to show her as a reasonable person. I considered the second scene the most important as this was when my character discovered that her employee was expecting twins and couldnt afford to keep them both; and when the plan for Mrs Lyons to pretend to be pregnant and to keep one of the babies was hatched. In this scene, she promises Mrs Johnstone that the baby will be better off with her, and that Mrs Johnstone will be able to see him every day as she comes to work. However, in the next scene, she breaks that promise by sacking her. I wanted to show that the sacking was motivated by Mrs Johnstones paranoia. In the final scene I wanted to demonstrate that my characters mental health had deteriorated. I tried to portray that she was wealthy and educated was by talking in an upper-class, educated accent, and by dressing in a smart suit. I could have improved my performance by making my accent more pronounced, doing my hair in a more sophisticated way, and wearing some tasteful make-up. In the first scene I tried to convey her longing for a child by delivering the words as if I was completely wrapped up in my problem and as if I was talking to myself rather than anyone in particular. To demonstrate this, when I said the lines about only buying such a big house in the hope of having children, I looked down at the table rather than looking at my partner because I wanted to make it seem as if Mrs Lyons felt vulnerable because she was being so open. I concentrated on what I was doing at the time, which was getting something out of my bag, to try and convey that my character was fighting back tears, and didnt want to look at Mrs Johnstone in case she showed her any sympathy or pity, which might have made her cry. I think I could have emphasised my characters reaction when she found out that Mrs Johnstone was pregnant in a similar way to Kara when she choked back her tea. In the second scene I wanted to show the first signs of my characters madness, when, on learning that Mrs Johnstone is expecting twins, she comes up with the extraordinary idea that she should fake her pregnancy and take one of the babies. I tried to express how she got more excited by speaking more quickly and by the tone of my voice. I also moved around a lot and started to talk more to myself than to my partner as my character got more carried away with her plan. In the third scene, where Mrs Lyons sacks Mrs Johnstone, I started off talking in a very authoritative tone and avoided eye contact with Becky because the supply teacher explained that when you have a problem with someone, you dont look at them. As the conversation develops, and Mrs Johnstone threatens to take the baby away or tell the police, I wanted to show that Mrs Lyons was manipulating Mrs Johnstone by playing on her superstition and lying to her that shell be locked up if she tells anyone what happens. I showed this by getting close up to Becky and talking quite slowly and with a deep voice, in a threatening way. Because I am quite a bit taller than Becky, I was also able to look down on her, which reflected the difference in class between the two characters. I think it was a mistake to avoid mannerisms as compared to some other groups, whose little individual touches made their plays stand out, our performance was quite boring.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

What Are The Mechanisms Of Ozone Depletion Environmental Sciences Essay

What Are The Mechanisms Of Ozone Depletion Environmental Sciences Essay The mechanism of global warming can be described by the Greenhouse effect; by which, solar radiation enters through the Earths atmosphere and is retained, resulting in increased temperatures. Solar radiation entering the Earths atmosphere is partially absorbed by the Earths surface and partially re-radiated back into space. However, having lost energy to the Earths surface, the infrared radiation is of an increased wavelength and is consequently absorbed by certain gasses (greenhouse gasses) in the Earths atmosphere. This results in the radiation being recycled within the Earths atmosphere, leading to an increased average temperature of the Earths near surface air and oceans. Ozone depletion is a result of the catalysed reactions between ozone and atomic chlorine or bromine. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and bromofluorocarbons have the greatest ozone depleting potential as they form atomic chlorine and bromine upon photodissociation. Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide can be considered to have the greatest global warming potential due to their abundance. From these gasses, nitrous oxide is 310 times more effective in absorbing radiation than carbon dioxide, and methane is 21 times more effective than carbon dioxide. What is the difference between winter and summer smog? Explain the mechanism by which they are generated. Winter and summer smog can be differentiated by their constituents and thus their environmental impacts. Winter smog is made up of sulphur dioxide, partially oxidised organics and particulate matter (PM), the concentrations of which are typically increased in winter months due to increased heating from sulphur rich fossil fuels such as coal and oil. It is also referred to as reducing smog. These pollutants can affect the respiratory system and form secondary pollutants. Sulphur dioxide can form acid rain from oxidation catalysed by PM or free radicals of oxygen and nitrogen. Summer, or photochemical smog, tends to occur as a result of increased nitrogen oxides or hydrocarbon concentrations in the atmosphere due to exhausts from internal combustion engines. Nitrogen oxides can be broken down by sunlight to form radicals causing low level ozone formation, nitric acid, peroxides, aldehydes and ketones. Both types of smog are more likely to form in cities and as a result of lack of wind. The lack of air movement can result in a temperature inversion which causes a layer of still warm air to cover a layer of cool air, trapping any pollutants below the warm layer near ground level. What is the difference between stratospheric and tropospheric ozone? Explain the role of NOx in the generation of tropospheric ozone. The ozone layer typically occurs in the stratosphere and is naturally formed and decomposed from the reactions between oxygen and oxygen free radicals which are formed from the decomposition of oxygen by ultraviolet light. The stratosphere is typically located from around 20 to 50 km above the Earths surface. The occurrence of ozone at this level helps absorb harmful ultraviolet light. Tropospheric ozone refers to ozone occurring in the troposphere (up to 12 km above the Earths surface). Ozone at this level can be poisonous and also acts as a greenhouse gas with a heat trapping effectiveness of 2000 times greater than CO2. The breakdown of nitrogen dioxide by ultraviolet light can lead to the formation of oxygen free radicals. NO2 = NO + O* O* + O2 = O3 Describe the mechanisms for acid rain and eutrophication, respectively. What are the effects of these two environmental impacts? Acid rain is primarily formed from SOx and NOx. Sulphur oxides are oxidised in the presence of ultraviolet light to form sulphur trioxide gas, through reacting with water, this can then form acid rain in the form of sulphurous acid and/or sulphuric acid. Nitrogen oxides are oxidised to nitrogen dioxide which may then lead to the reaction between water and nitrogen dioxide allowing for the formation of nitric and nitrous acid. Acid rain can effect vegetation, lakes and rivers, buildings and human health. Eutrophication is the process that occurs due to excessive growth of habitats to an extent where the growth becomes destructive to the environment. Use of artificial fertilisers from farming leads to increased levels of nitrates and phosphates accumulating in lakes and rivers. The nitrates and phosphates are nutrients that increase the growth of plants and algae. When these plants and algae die they can decompose aerobically to form carbon dioxide and water. With excessive decomposition, oxygen will be depleted and anaerobic decomposition will occur, leading to formation of hydrides such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. More species will die due to poisoning caused by the hydrides and may eventually lead to the death of the entire habitat. Which of the above environmental impacts do nitrogen oxides contribute to? Explain how. Nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of acid rain either in the form of nitric or nitrous acid. Upon absorbing ultraviolet light nitrogen dioxide breaks down to form nitrogen oxide and oxygen radicals. These radicals can combine with water to form hydroxyl radicals which may then react with nitrogen oxide to form nitric acid. Air pollution prevention and control What options exist for the prevention and clean-up of acid gas emissions? Emissions of nitrogen oxides can potentially lead to the formation of acid rain, with several options available for its prevention and clean-up. These primarily include selective catalytic reduction (SCR), non-selective catalytic reduction (NSCR), and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR). The power industry uses SCR for post-combustion NOx clean up and/or low NOx burners and SNCR for prevention of NOx formation in the combustion stage. SCR involves reacting ammonia or urea with NOx over vanadium oxide catalysts in a temperature range of 300 to 400  °C and can remove up to 95 % of NOx. SNCR involves injecting ammonia/urea in the furnace at temperatures of 900 to 1100  °C, with a removal efficiency of only around 30 %. Non-selective catalytic reduction removes NOx in a method analgous to the three-way catalytic converter used in the automotive industry. This is typically applied in the chemical industries. Sulphur oxides can also lead to acid rain. Flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant involves scrubbing the gasses to remove sulphur oxides. For example, limestone scrubbing is one method of FGD, which converts sulphur oxides into calcium sulphate dihydrate (gypsum). Which stages in the life cycle of an installation must be considered within the IPPC Directive? All stages of the life cycle should be considered; i.e. from cradle to grave. In order to provide an integrated approach, no stage can be left out, and a full assessment of the environmental, social and economic impacts should be carried out for the raw materials, processing, storage and transportation stages involved. Which industrial sectors are regulated by the IPPC Directive? Why do you think these sectors have been included under the IPPC Directive? The industries covered by the IPPC directive include: Energy Production Refineries Production Processing of Metals Production of Cement Lime Activities involving Asbestos Glass, Glass Fibre and other Mineral Fibre Manufacture Ceramic Production Organic Inorganic Chemical Production Fertiliser Biocide Manufacture Pharmaceutical Manufacture Explosives Manufacture Storage of Bulk Chemicals Incineration Landfill Paper Manufacture Tar Bitumen Processes Coating, Printing and Textile Activities Dye, Ink and Coating Material Manufacture Timber Activities Rubber Activities Processing of Food; and Intensive Farming. These sectors have been included under the Directive due to the requirement of controlling and limiting the environmental impact these industries can have during the manufacturing process of their relevant products. Case study: Identifying BAT for the prevention and control of NOx emissions Nitric acid manufacture What influences the yield of nitric acid? Why is it important to maximise its yield? The yield of nitric acid is effected by: The efficiency of the catalytic oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen monoxide The efficiency of the oxidation of nitrogen monoxide to nitrogen dioxide The absorption of nitrogen dioxide in water to produce nitric acid Maximising its yield allows for an efficient production; thus generating more nitric acid at the same operating costs to achieve larger profits. Maximising yield means minimising unreacted nitrogen oxide which is consequently released to atmosphere. Why are the reaction (6) and the reverse of reaction (4) undesirable in this process? The reverse of reaction 4 results in a lower NO2 yield as the reaction will tend towards the NO and O2 through a shift in equilibrium to the reactants. As the absorption of NO2 is limited by NO2 concentration, it is desirable to ensure the forward reaction in reaction 4 occurs in order to maximise HNO3 yield. In addition to this, the occurrence of a reverse reaction (4) in which NO is formed allows for the possibility of nitrous acid formation (reaction 6). Again this is undesirable as NO2 is consumed in producing an unwanted product, consequently leading to a lower NO2 concentration and lower HNO3 yields. In addition to NOx and N2O emissions, what other releases to air, water and land can be expected from nitric acid manufacture? What environmental impacts can these releases cause? Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels for energy requirements and transportation should be accounted for, as well as ammonia, nitric acid, nitrous acid leakages. Pollution prevention and control of NOx emissions Pollution prevention: Process design and operation The efficiency of NO2 absorption to produce HNO3 can be increased further by increasing pressure. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pressurised systems in terms of their technical complexity, environmental impacts (including noise) and economic costs. As stated, the main advantage of a pressurised system is the improved absorption of NO2 to produce HNO3, this results in less NO2 being released to the atmosphere. However, pressurised systems require a more complex design as a result of the serious safety considerations associated with them. Failure of pressurised systems can lead to death or injury of workers on-site as well as the release of NO2 to atmosphere. Pressurised systems would require increased compression and pumping duties, contributing to increased noise pollution, operating costs and maintenance costs. The absorption column may not have been designed for higher pressures, i.e. materials of construction, column thickness, and column closures may not be suitable, and thus changes would have to be made, resulting in increased capital costs. These costs must be compared with the improved nitric acid yield in order to fully asses this option. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of supplying pure oxygen instead of air for oxidation of NO in the HNO3 absorption tower. Address the following issues: What are the advantages of using pure oxygen instead of air in terms of oxidation efficiency, gas flowrates, column volume etc? Using pure oxygen rather than air (21% oxygen, 79% nitrogen), allows for the volumetric gas flowrate of this stream to be reduced by 79% due to the elimination of nitrogen. This results in an improved oxidation efficiency, allowing more NO2 to be formed by reducing the amount of NO. The reduced gas flowrate results in a reduced column volume, assuming a constant gas hourly space velocity. Unlike air, oxygen does not come for free it has to be produced by separating nitrogen from air (you may remember this from the last years coursework on Waste Water Treatment within the module Introduction to Sustainable Development). This is usually done in a large scale cryogenic process (separation by cooling). What are the implications of this in the context of IPPC (i.e. taking into account all life cycle stages associated with this process option)? The cryogenic separation of oxygen from air is a highly energy intensive process. The main stages of the process include compression, cooling, and distillation. From a life-cycle perspective, the raw material (air) is free; however, it is the processing stage which incurs the majority of environmental impact. Energy is required in the compression and distillation stages of the process, thus, assuming energy is obtained from fossil fuel sources, greenhouse gas emissions become a concern. Further to this, the requirement of refrigeration may have environmental impacts depending on the refrigerant used. Transportation of the oxygen to the nitric acid plant may have potential impacts; however, in comparison to the processing stage, any environmental impacts are likely to be relatively small. Therefore the production of oxygen does have an environmental impact to an extent; however, the IPPC does not apply to this industry, so due to the lack of IPPC regulation in the sector inefficiencie s or environmental concerns may indirectly effect the nitric acid manufacturing process. The key concern of using pure oxygen is the additional cost. Pollution prevention: Extended absorption Explain the idea behind extended absorption. What is the link between the number of transfer units (NTU) in the HNO3 absorption tower and the NOx emissions? Extended absorption (EA) allows for any unreacted nitrogen dioxide to be absorbed in a second tower, thus increasing nitric acid production and reducing NOx emissions. Oxygen can also be injected to oxidise any nitrogen monoxide so that it can be absorbed in the new absorption column. An increase in NTU in the HNO3 absorption tower results in lower NOx emissions. How would you calculate the required height of the absorption column to increase the HNO3 production yield and reduce the emissions of NOx from the manufacture of nitric acid? What information and data would you need to do that? (See the Appendix.) In order to calculate the required height of the absorption column, the NTU must be calculated. This requires the gas mole fraction at the top of the column (yT) and at the bottom (yB). The gradient of the operating line, R is also required, this is obtained from the equilibrium of the operating line, the molar gas flowrate, and the molar liquid flowrate per unit tower area. This value is then multiplied by the height of a transfer unit which is given by: Where G is the molar gas flowrate per unit tower area, ky is the overall mass transfer coefficient, and a is the interfacial area per unit packed volume. Height = HTU x NTU Pollution control: Absorption in sodium hydroxide IPPC requires consideration of wider impacts of an activity, which means consideration of a number of life cycle stages of a process. In the case of NOx scrubbing by sodium hydroxide, what parts of the life cycle must be included for BAT assessment? Analysing this system, explain why absorption of NOx in NaOH is unlikely to represent BAT. All stages of the life cycle must be considered for a through and exhaustive analysis of BAT assessment. The final stage of the life-cycle for the sodium hydroxide scrubbing option is a key concern. The disposal of the sodium nitrite-nitrate effluent is a key concern. If no suitable disposal or recycle method can be identified for the effluent, then along with the increased costs incurred from NaOH feedstock and increased pumping, this option does not represent BAT. Pollution control: Non-selective catalytic reduction (NSCR) Non-selective catalytic reduction (NSCR) is quite efficient in reducing the emissions of NOx from the manufacture of nitric acid. However, it also generates additional environmental impacts. Identify these impacts for hydrogen and natural gas as reducing agents, respectively, and explain the origin of these impacts. The requirement of a reducing agent such as hydrogen and natural gas has significant environmental implications. Hydrogen is likely to have been produced from steam reforming of fossil fuels, and natural gas is a fossil fuel, therefore, consideration should be given to the process of extracting the fossil fuel, transporting it and processing it. In the case of hydrogen, the processing stage is likely to be a key concern as it is an energy intensive process which results in further emissions and additional environmental impacts. For example, steam reforming of methane to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide is an endothermic reaction requiring heat generated often from burning fossil fuels. However, using methane as a reducing agent leads to the formation of CO2 in the process. Calculate the amount of carbon dioxide in t/yr generated in the NSCR process which removes 1.5 t NO2/day from the nitric acid tail gas using natural gas. Calculate the potential for global warming from these CO2 emissions. Compare that with the global warming avoided by the removal of the equivalent amount of N2O per day from the same tail gas. What do you conclude? 2CH4 + O2 + 2NO2 +2N2O = 2CO2 + 4H2O + 3N2 Mass of NO2 = 1500 kg/day Molecular Weight of NO2 = 46.01 kg/mol Moles of NO2 = 32.60 kmol/day Moles of CO2 = (2/2) * Moles of NO2 = 32.60 kmol/day Molecular Weight of CO2 = 44.01 kg/kmol Mass of CO2 = 1.4 t CO2/day Assuming that the plant is operational for 365 days per year, the annual amount of carbon dioxide generated by the NSCR process can be estimated as 524 tonnes per year. N2O has a heat trapping effectiveness of 150 times that of CO2; thus the saving made by converting N2O to CO2 is substantial with regards to global warming potential. The N2O produced would be equivalent to 78,551 tonnes of CO2 per year. Use the example in the previous question to calculate the equivalent acidification impact that would be avoided by the removal of NOx with the NSCR process. Compare this avoided impact with global warming generated through the use of natural gas to remove the NOx. What do you conclude? How should we approach situations like these, where reducing one environmental impact causes another? The classification factor for NOx is estimated as 0.7 kg/kg. Therefore acidification savings can be estimated as 1050 kg/day which is equivalent to 383 tonnes per year. In comparison to the 524 tonnes of CO2 produced per year, it can be noted that the reduction of the acidification impact does not outweigh the CO2 produced in the process. Pollution control: Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) What are the main environmental and safety concerns associated with the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process? SCR typically uses ammonia or urea to catalytically convert nitrogen oxides to molecular nitrogen and water; however, the production of these reactants have key environmental considerations. Ammonia production typically involves steam reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock such as natural gas or naphtha. Thus, fossil fuel depletion and the issues surrounding fossil fuel extraction, transportation and processing are all key sustainability concerns. However, ammonia produced from naphtha would be more of a concern than ammonia produced from natural gas due to the additional refining process from which it is produced. Ammonia production also involves the emission of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Gas preheating also has an impact on energy requirements and thus greenhouse gas emissions. On-site ammonia or urea storage would be required; any leakages of ammonia could prove fatal as it is toxic upon inhalation. Catalyst disposal may also have various environmental impacts depending on the toxicity of the used catalyst. Why is it important to minimise ammonia slip from the SCR process for NOx control? The occurrence of ammonia slip results in inefficient use of feedstock. Costs can be notably reduced by ensuring minimum ammonia slip throughout operation. Ammonia may also react with other compounds to form unwanted products. For example, ammonium bisulphate formation in power industry often results in damage to air heaters. Therefore, this should be further investigated for the application of nitric acid production to ensure any unwanted compounds are not formed. Further to this, as ammonia is toxic, any ammonia slip would result in release to atmosphere; therefore potential health concerns exist. Balancing environmental and economic costs What would be your answer to the above question on the comparison between SCR and NSCR? From table 2, it is evident that SCR can provide an improved NOx removal (exit level of 100 ppm) in comparison to NSCR (205 PPM); however, SCRs failure to remove N2O may be a key concern when compared to NSCR which does remove the compound. However, unlike NSCR, SCR does not result in significant CO2 emissions. The economics of both options demonstrate that when combined with EA, NSCR is significantly more expensive than SCR and only provides an improvement of 0.3 %. Therefore SCR would be chosen over NSCR. Analyse the data shown in Tables 3 and 4 and make your own choice of BAT for NOx prevention and control. Explain and justify your choice. The significant costs of NSCR in comparison to SCR would result in increased nitric acid prices, to the extent where it would not be profitable to manufacture. The small gains in removal efficiency made using NSCR over SCR with EA do not justify the large difference in price; therefore, the choice of BAT is between EA and EA with SCR. With EA adding a cost  £ 230 per tonne of acid, and EA+SCR adding a cost of  £ 880 per tonne of acid, from an economic perspective it would be most suitable to chose EA due to its high NOx removal of 94.8 %. However, the improved removal efficiency of SCR (98.5%) does allow for an argument to be made for its choice as BAT. With regards to cost, EA+SCR does provide increased costs and lower profits; however, its ability to sufficiently meet IPPC targets cannot be overlooked, thus for this reason, it should be chosen as BAT. The social implications of the pollution prevention and control techniques have not been considered above. Can you identify them for each option? Do the social considerations change your choice of BAT? Both EA and EA+SCR share common social implications such as the construction of new plant absorption column for EA, and a reactor for SCR. This involves construction vehicles travelling through the area, resulting in increased noise pollution. Other social impacts of EA are minimal as an increased compression requirement may result in slightly increased noise pollution. If energy is generated on-site for the compressors, then higher greenhouse gas emissions may be a concern. With regards to SCR, ammonia slip is a key concern, as the gas is toxic when inhaled. Further to this, the energy required for gas pre-heating also contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Overall the EA option proves more suitable in terms of reducing social impacts and so this would be the option for BAT. Choosing BAT Why do you think the company has chosen to consider these two options and not any other described above? Choosing to modify the absorption column in order to operate at higher pressures would be a lot cheaper than employing the extend absorption option which would require the construction of an additional column, thus resulting in increased capital and operational costs. In addition to this, this option would be chosen over the NaOH absorption process, again due to the increased capital costs resulting from an additional absorption tower and the increased operational costs incurred from a NaOH feed. Increasing operating pressure does not have any significant on-site environmental releases/impacts other than an increased compression duty. SCR may have been chosen due to its ease to be retrofitted and its high removal efficiency. In comparison to other options, SCR provides the best performance for NOx removal. Choosing BAT: Environmental considerations Consider the LCA results shown in Figure 5 and answer the following questions: Why do you think the SCR option has higher fossil fuel and ozone depletion than the base case? The requirement of natural gas for the production of ammonia is likely to be the primary cause of increased fossil fuel depletion for SCR. NOx formed during ammonia production may also be a cause of the increased ozone depletion associated with SCR. In addition to this, ammonia slip may result in ammonia being released to atmosphere which then reacts with ammonia to produce ammonium nitrate. The fact that SCR is better for some impacts but worse for the others when compared with the base case makes it more difficult to chose BAT. If you as a plant operator had to choose between these two options, which one would you choose? Justify your choice by discussing the significance of global impacts (such as ozone depletion and fossil fuel depletion) and regional and local impacts (such as acidification and photochemical smog). In comparison to the base case, SCR only has a slightly higher fossil fuel and ozone depletion; whereas other impacts such as acidification and human toxicity are significantly reduced through using SCR. As efficiencies are made in the ammonia production process, SCR could potentially have a reduced impact on fossil fuel depletion. In addition to this, the production of ammonia using energy from renewable sources is also an option to reduce fossil fuel depletion, as well as the ability to generate hydrogen from the electrolysis of water using renewable energy. Based purely on environmental considerations, which process out of the three options (base case, HP and SCR) would you choose as BAT? Explain why. Based only on the environmental considerations, HP demonstrates BAT. In comparison to the base case and SCR, HP has the least environmental impact for fossil fuel depletion, global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, photochemical smog, and human toxicity. Compare now the SCR and HP options in terms of the level of NOx emissions that they can achieve. Which process would you as an operator choose? Why? The HP modification has a removal efficiency of 84%, removing 1202 ppm of NOx; however, SCR has a greater removal efficiency of 93%, removing 1332 ppm of NOx. As the base case plant produces 1432 ppm of NOx per hour, the outlet concentrations for the HP and SCR modifications are 230 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. SCRs effectiveness in removing NOx is notably greater than that of the HP option; therefore, from an operational point of view, SCR would be chosen. Combine both the environmental impacts and the levels of NOx emission that each option can achieve and make an overall choice of BAT. Justify your choice by taking into account the IPPC principles. Both options satisfy the IPPC principles to a certain extent. However, HP has greater compliance than SCR with the IPPC principles. HP and SCR both provide protection for the environment as a whole by reducing NOx emissions from the nitric acid plant. Although, SCR has improved removal efficiency over HP, the impact of ammonia production fails to demonstrate SCR as the BAT in comparison to HP in this case. HP provides a better case for pollution prevention, by reducing NOx formation throughout the process; whereas SCR demonstrates a case for pollution control. As prevention is preferred to control, HP again provides the better option. In providing a balance between the environment, economics and social impacts, HP provides the better option. Significant reductions in global warming potential, acidification and human toxicity are made through employing HP over SCR, with notable gains in reducing fossil fuel depletion, ozone depletion and photochemical smog. Although SCR demonstrates a n improved NOx removal efficiency, overall, the environmental impact as a whole can be reduced by employing HP modifications. Further to this, the income generated by HP modifications, can contribute to further plant modifications leading to improved process efficiencies. Therefore, considering its wider compliance with IPPC principles HP would be chosen as BAT. Choosing BAT: Socio-economic considerations Choose your preferred NOx prevention or control option considering the internal (MAC) and external costs (MDC) shown Tables 6 and 7. Justify your choice. With regards to the marginal abatement costs (MAC) for NOx emissions, the HP option clearly proves to be the more attractive option due to the savings made ( MAC =  £ -92 per ppm). The surplus energy generated and increase in acid produced leads to improved revenue which consequently reduces the operating cost of the plant. However, SCR increases operating cost by  £ 225 per ppm of NOx removed. In order to asses if SCRs improved removal efficiency can justify such a cost, the marginal damage cost of both options was compared. The results indicate that MDC due to NOx emissions was lower for SCR ( £ 35,770 per year) than for HP ( £ 82,320 per year). However, the MDC fails to consider environmental impacts other than NOx emissions. If costs were considered for the impacts of ammonia production, it is likely that the MDC for SCR would be much higher. Considering this, HP was chosen as the best option. Choosing BAT: The whole picture List all criteria relevant for choosing BAT in the above case study. On the basis of the results obtained, rank the three options in order of their desirability. You may wish to create a ranking table, assigning a number to each technology to indicate the order of preference on a scale from 1-3 (e.g. number 1 indicates the best option and 3 the worst); this ranking should be done for each criterion you have listed. NOx removal efficiency/Marginal Damage Costs SCR HP Base Case Marginal Abatement Costs HP Base Case SCR Life-Cycle Environmental Impacts HP SCR Base Case Compliance with IPPC Principles HP SCR Base Case Identify BAT for the conditions of this case study, assuming that you are Head of Engineering and Technology Division in a company. Justify your choice. Based on the criteria listed in question 1, HP demonstrates the most suitable option for IPPC compliance, reducing overall environmental impacts as well as providing savings in operating costs. Although SCR has a greater NOx removal efficiency, HP is consistently and in some cases significantly better than SCR in reducing environmental impacts such as fossil fuel depletion, global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, photochemical smog, and human toxicity. In addition to this, choosing HP not only reduces the plants environmental impact, but allows for improved energy generation onsite. Therefore, gains in efficiency can be made, reducing reliance on volatile energy prices. The HP option does not require additional feedstock, unlike SCRs ammonia requirement, and is therefore not as directly exposed to price fluctuations. Thus, the option of HP modification is econo

Friday, October 25, 2019

New Urbanism in The Truman Show Essay -- movies, films, film analysis

The Town of Seahaven Island is spiritually uplifting, quaint, and completely artificial. Everything and everyone, including the main character, Truman, are predictable in habit and pattern. Nothing happens spontaneously or out of synch. When Truman steps out of his usual routine, the entire town must leap into choreography of damage control. Carefully anticipated, controlled perfection must be restored, but this portrayal of contemporary urban life, however exaggerated, may be inappropriate (Rees; 2003; 104). New Urbanists believe physical design can influence behaviours and attitudes and cause organic evolution of ideal communities. In fact, romanticizing the village model through architectural codification and rules of development may be less engaging than vague and bland. Several criticisms of the New Urbanism style of community, versions of which are becoming extremely privatized, have been discussed. The New Urbanism regime of community is utopian and unnatural—a contradiction of the very ideals purported. New Urbanism is â€Å"family values architecture† of middle-class conservatism (Rees; 103). The simulated island portrayed in this film is certainly that. There are no distinctions of citizen wealth; everyone has a job except for the father who is initially portrayed as a wildly uncharacteristic homeless person. There are even an inordinate number of street sweepers and window washers. The costumes are decidedly 1950’s conservative values in style. These symbols are as stereotypical as the architecture, invoking a sense of pretense rather than the social transformation New Urbanists advance as â€Å"new† and therefore â€Å"good†. The New Urbanist outlook is one calling for an attractive, usable and democratic public commun... ...gle of totality (anything that is not New Urbanist is â€Å"bad†), the premise of New Urbanism being postmodern is confusing. â€Å"The location of New Urbanism both inside and outside postmodernism is as much a suggestion of the tensions within the definitions of postmodernism developed among architectural critics and cultural critics as it is a reflection of the movement† (Rees; 100). The Christof character expresses, â€Å"We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented.† Unfortunately, it is the escalating degree to which existing with each other seems to be regulated—and worse, regulated from within—that causes concern that the domino effect of withdrawal from larger society will occur. That may be Utopia for some; it is completely synthetic for most. The New Urbanist design and codification is unlikely to be sufficient to allow a community to evolve. New Urbanism in The Truman Show Essay -- movies, films, film analysis The Town of Seahaven Island is spiritually uplifting, quaint, and completely artificial. Everything and everyone, including the main character, Truman, are predictable in habit and pattern. Nothing happens spontaneously or out of synch. When Truman steps out of his usual routine, the entire town must leap into choreography of damage control. Carefully anticipated, controlled perfection must be restored, but this portrayal of contemporary urban life, however exaggerated, may be inappropriate (Rees; 2003; 104). New Urbanists believe physical design can influence behaviours and attitudes and cause organic evolution of ideal communities. In fact, romanticizing the village model through architectural codification and rules of development may be less engaging than vague and bland. Several criticisms of the New Urbanism style of community, versions of which are becoming extremely privatized, have been discussed. The New Urbanism regime of community is utopian and unnatural—a contradiction of the very ideals purported. New Urbanism is â€Å"family values architecture† of middle-class conservatism (Rees; 103). The simulated island portrayed in this film is certainly that. There are no distinctions of citizen wealth; everyone has a job except for the father who is initially portrayed as a wildly uncharacteristic homeless person. There are even an inordinate number of street sweepers and window washers. The costumes are decidedly 1950’s conservative values in style. These symbols are as stereotypical as the architecture, invoking a sense of pretense rather than the social transformation New Urbanists advance as â€Å"new† and therefore â€Å"good†. The New Urbanist outlook is one calling for an attractive, usable and democratic public commun... ...gle of totality (anything that is not New Urbanist is â€Å"bad†), the premise of New Urbanism being postmodern is confusing. â€Å"The location of New Urbanism both inside and outside postmodernism is as much a suggestion of the tensions within the definitions of postmodernism developed among architectural critics and cultural critics as it is a reflection of the movement† (Rees; 100). The Christof character expresses, â€Å"We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented.† Unfortunately, it is the escalating degree to which existing with each other seems to be regulated—and worse, regulated from within—that causes concern that the domino effect of withdrawal from larger society will occur. That may be Utopia for some; it is completely synthetic for most. The New Urbanist design and codification is unlikely to be sufficient to allow a community to evolve.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

The Odyssey as a Classic

Classic literature often provides insight to an ancient society, their values, and their beliefs. Many books that are considered classics today focus on ancient Rome and Greece. Revenge, hubris, and other themes, and the relation of this book to modern life, classifies the poem The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Fitzgerald, as a classic. For this reason, it is still read today. Classic themes of The Odyssey are a reason that it is a timeless tale. The concept of revenge is often shown throughout Odysseus’ journey. The reason Odysseus kills the suitors is to avenge their plunder of his abode. Odysseus kills Antinoos first since he was the leader of the suitors. Not only do mortals believe in revenge, the gods do too. They encourage Odysseus to take revenge, and Zeus even sends a thunderbolt down to signal the right time for Odysseus to strike. Another theme in the Odyssey is hubris. In most classic, the hero or protagonist demonstrates this quality. This was followed up on in The Odyssey, where Odysseus was the character who demonstrated hubris the most. After he blinded Polyphemos and successfully escaped, he screamed out his name to the monster, who did not know his real identity previous to this. This was a mistake caused by his excessive pride, because he wanted the Cyclops to know that he, Odysseus, was powerful enough to blind the son of Poseidon. Polyphemos then prayed to his father that Odysseus would have a long and difficult journey, which of course Poseidon honored. Lastly, the use of the loom in The Odyssey helps to make the poem a timeless classic. The loom is used multiple times by women throughout the story. It often demonstrates hearth and home. Penelope uses it to trick the suitors. She says that she must complete the shroud of Laertes before she chooses a new suitor. This makes the suitors respect Penelope since it displayed her kindness and honor. In reality, Penelope was really avoiding marriage by unweaving the shroud every night. Kirke also used the loom to lure Odysseus’ crew into her house and make it appeal to them. This constant use of the loom is a motif. The use of motifs makes a piece of literature a classic because they create a sense of continuity and security, and they get the reader to react. The themes of revenge and hubris, and the use of motifs allow The Odyssey to be a timeless classic. The relation of The Odyssey to modern life accounts for its continued appeal. The story of Odysseus’ journey can in many ways relate to the typical life of humans today. The story is life, but mythologized. For example, missing a loved one is something that often occurs today. In The Odyssey, Odysseus’ mother dies because she misses her son too much. Her story is told while Odysseus sees her in Hades. Second, individuals intervene in the matters of others. Other people provide their input of a problem today, while in the epic poem it was the gods. This intervening of the gods was a large part of the story. For example, if it wasn’t for Athena â€Å"erasing† the memories of the suitor’s deaths to their families, then the families would have attempted to assassinate Telemakhos and his father. Also, Odysseus’ journey would have been incredibly shorter if it weren’t for Poseidon intervening after Polyphemos prayed to him to make Odysseus’ journey longer. One of The Odyssey’s universal qualities is the relation of it to life today. Themes such as revenge, hubris, motifs, and reader-to-text connections are examples of universal qualities included in the poem The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Fitzgerald. These qualities classify this poem as a classic. 3000 years after it was published, it is still thriving. One of the oldest works of literature is still considered a timeless piece of literature today.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Essay on science stuff

Essay on science stuff Essay on science stuff Ottomans capture Constantinople -1453 What-The army of mehmed II that had well over 10000 men assaulted the city for 7 weeks and eventually broke through a wall and loot and pillaged the city for 3 days So what- When the ottomans took Constantinople this marked the end of the byzantine empire and allowed the ottomans to become a strong naval presence in the Mediterranean. Now What-The ottoman takeover of Constantinople allowed to the ottomans to push further over the next two centuries into Syria, Egypt and north Africa. Dias rounded cape of good hope-1488 What- Dias rounded the cap of good hope, but was forced to turn around because of tired sailors. The goal of the expedition was to find a trade route to India. So what- This event was significant because the Europeans now had a direct trade route between them and India and didn’t have to rely on the long and expensive land trade Now What-This expedition along with Columbus’s success led to Vasco de Gama’s fleet reaching India by rounding the cape of good hope, therefore establishing maritime trade routes with India Columbus sailed ocean blue-1492 What- Christopher Columbus set off from Spain hoping to find India, but instead found the Americas , that is why the natives that he fund there he named Indians So what-This was the first time anyone had been to the Americas besides the native people, and was also the first new land discovered in a long time Now What-The discovery of the Americas by Columbus started the Columbian exchange, began the colonization of the new continent. It also effected the Native Americans greatly because their land was being taken from them and European diseases were tearing through the population. Reconquista of Spain-1492 What- King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella defeat the Emirate of Granada when kind Boabdil surrendered to them So what-This marked the completion of their takeover of the Iberian peninsula from the Muslims that had been going on for nearly 800 years Now what- This allowed the crown to force everyone on the peninsula to convert to Christianity, and this led to prosecution of any Muslims that remained there Slaves to America-1502 What-Beginning of the Atlantic slave trade that brought slaves to the new world and old world So what-The slaves that were coming from Africa provided an almost inexhaustible source of labor for the new world colonies. This was the beginning of slavery in the Americas. Now what-The slaves being brought to America established the cultural norm of slavery in the Americas and would eventually lead to the debate on the morality of slavery and the civil war hundreds of years later. Cortes conquers the Aztecs-1521 What-Cortes enlisted the help of Indians and by a combination of deception boldness and ruthlessness he captured Montezuma the Aztec ruler and eventually took down the capital city of Tenochtitlan. So what- This removed the Aztec threat from Latin America giving all the land that the Aztecs had possessed to the Spaniards, they also took lots of precious metals from the city Now what-The Spaniards set up their capital city of Mexico city where the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan had been Pizarro topples the Incas-1533 What-Pizarro attacked an Inca empire that had been weekend by civil war. He attacked with 200 Spaniards and Indian allies, and brought the great Inca empire down. So what-Removed the Inca threat and put almost all of Peru under Spanish control Now what-This lead to further expedition into other parts of the Americas, and allowed the Spanish to set up a major city of Lima, which is the current capital of Peru. Battle of Lepanto-1571 What-A fleet composed of Spanish and venetian men defeated the main fleet of the ottoman empire after five hours of fighting. So what- The defeat ended the myth of the ottoman naval invincibility, and it also stopped the ottomans from becoming completely dominant in the Mediterranean Now what- Since the ottomans

Monday, October 21, 2019

Interacting Systems of the Hum essays

Interacting Systems of the Hum essays Today people strive to great lengths to keep their body in a good, healthy condition. Every system in the body, let it be digestion, circulatory (of blood), immune, respiratory, cellular respiratory or kidneys and excretion are all vital. Each have their separate roles, but not one works separately. The human body works as a whole in order to survive, even though not all goes well all the time. The digestive system is in charge of breaking down complex food particles into small molecules that can be transported in the blood plasma. It involves ingestion (taking in food), digestion (breaking down food), and absorption (passing nutrients from the digestive tract to blood stream). Chemicals such as mucin (which line the walls of the stomach to protect it from the acid) and rennin (which aids in the coagulation and digestion of milk proteins) are involved in this complex process. The end result is urine and solid waste. Circulation of blood allows the transportation of some waste products. The liver takes excessive amino acids from the excess protein out of the blood and removes the amino groups in order to convert the rest of the molecule into a useful form for energy production by body cells. Pancreatic hormones such as insulin, increase the removal of glucose from the blood stream; glucagon that stimulates the release of glucose into the blood stream and somatostatin that inhibits the action of insulin and other hormones. Without a proper digestive system, the immune system would not be able to fight off diseases that try and sometimes do infect the body. Vitamins, such as the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are important for the performance of the immune system. Other vitamins such as Vitamin C and B diffuse across the intestinal lining and move directly into the capillaries. Iron is a very important mineral that is required for the production of hemoglobin which is part of the red blood cell (important for immunity). The...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Free Essays on Anthony Burgess Biography

John Anthony Burgess Wilson was born on February 25th, 1917 in Manchester, England. Most people do not recognize the name John Wilson as a famous writer or musician. That is mainly because John Wilson used his middle names as his pen name, Anthony Burgess. Anthony, as he will here on out be referred to as, was raised in a small house by his father, a book keeper and avid pianist, without a mother who died early in Anthony’s life by the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. Anthony attended multiple schools including Manchester University where he studied the written language closely, as well as foreign languages. Anthony could speak French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Welsh as well as some Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Swedish, Persian and of course, English. After school, Anthony spent six years as a war-time soldier, and then went into education, where he worked as an education officer after the 2nd world war, and worked for many years until one he collapsed in a classroom. Unfortunately, the collapse was due to a fatal brain tumor, which left him with short time left to live. Anthony decided to live the rest of his fading life doing what he loved to do, and that was writing. Fortunately, Anthony was able to fight the cancer for decades longer than expected; allowing him to write more novels and symphonies. Anthony wrote over 50 books in his lifetime with subjects from everything such as the fictional dystopias such as A Clockwork Orange, and The Wanting Seed to biographies such as Here Comes Everybody, a book about the life of James Joyce. Anthony spent much of his time, or what was left after writing, composing music. He even structured one of his novels, The Napoleon Symphony, around Beethoven’s Eroica symphony, which shows his deep appreciation for classical music. Though Anthony loved music, he will forever be known for his writing. Especially A Clockwork Orange, which he has been prai... Free Essays on Anthony Burgess Biography Free Essays on Anthony Burgess Biography John Anthony Burgess Wilson was born on February 25th, 1917 in Manchester, England. Most people do not recognize the name John Wilson as a famous writer or musician. That is mainly because John Wilson used his middle names as his pen name, Anthony Burgess. Anthony, as he will here on out be referred to as, was raised in a small house by his father, a book keeper and avid pianist, without a mother who died early in Anthony’s life by the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. Anthony attended multiple schools including Manchester University where he studied the written language closely, as well as foreign languages. Anthony could speak French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Welsh as well as some Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Swedish, Persian and of course, English. After school, Anthony spent six years as a war-time soldier, and then went into education, where he worked as an education officer after the 2nd world war, and worked for many years until one he collapsed in a classroom. Unfortunately, the collapse was due to a fatal brain tumor, which left him with short time left to live. Anthony decided to live the rest of his fading life doing what he loved to do, and that was writing. Fortunately, Anthony was able to fight the cancer for decades longer than expected; allowing him to write more novels and symphonies. Anthony wrote over 50 books in his lifetime with subjects from everything such as the fictional dystopias such as A Clockwork Orange, and The Wanting Seed to biographies such as Here Comes Everybody, a book about the life of James Joyce. Anthony spent much of his time, or what was left after writing, composing music. He even structured one of his novels, The Napoleon Symphony, around Beethoven’s Eroica symphony, which shows his deep appreciation for classical music. Though Anthony loved music, he will forever be known for his writing. Especially A Clockwork Orange, which he has been prai...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

The Accreditation Services in the USA Assignment

The Accreditation Services in the USA - Assignment Example The process of accrediting helps to promote as well as uphold this unique function of higher education. There are quite a number of associations which offer the accreditation services. However, this essay will discuss and compare two accreditation associations; the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. To be qualified for Initial Accreditation or Reaffirming of Accreditation as well as the Candidacy status, the MSCHE states that institutions of higher education have to and continue to abide by the following requirements: 2. The institution has to provide written documents that it has the authority of operating as an educational institution as well as award postsecondary degrees through the right governmental organization in the Middle States Region. 4. Commit itself to periodic self-evaluation, institutional improvement and a continuous compliance with the standards set by the Commission as well as its decisions, procedures, and policies (WASC Handbook of Accreditation, 2001). Based on the results of the institutional review by colleagues and peers chosen by the Commission, accreditation proves to the finding of the Higher Education Commission that a given institution has confirmed to the following criteria: 1. Organization for student learning: this involves issues such as whether the institution has set up a clear and purposeful statement which reflects the philosophy and the beliefs of the institution. It also rotates on whether the governing authority has adopted policies which are in line with the goals of the school. 2. Curriculum and Instruction: This involves such issues as to whether the school has the capacity to provide a coherent, relevant and challenging curriculum for every student who meets the purposes of the school.  

Friday, October 18, 2019

Answer 3 questions after reading the article Assignment

Answer 3 questions after reading the article - Assignment Example That is the reason why the writer goes into details by explaining how the product exactly works. The information is meant to guarantee the audience of high quality medical standards of the product and the company that produces it. Additionally, the writer intends to show the efficiency of the product to the audience and offer assurance. The manner in which the information is simplified and structured goes to show that it is meant for an audience that suffers or has a history of heart conditions. It is notable that each paragraph presents an idea of its own. Each paragraph is designed to address another aspect of the overall message. This implies that the ideas are continuous and complement ones found in previous paragraphs. This brings about a comprehensive, coherent and a logical flowing report. It is important for each paragraph to be designed that way as it improves readability and understanding of the

ANALYSE THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF OFSTED REPORT PROVIDED. FOR Essay

ANALYSE THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF OFSTED REPORT PROVIDED. FOR EACH IDENTIFIED STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS PROVIDE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR VIEW USING Statutory Framework EYFS 2014 - Essay Example The Statutory Requirement provides that The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the benchmarks necessitating early year’s providers to adhere. Such standards ensure that children learn and develop effectively, safe and the healthy. In order to scrutinize the strength and weakness of Ofsted report, the researcher strictly employs EYFS provisions that seeks to ensure quality and consistency in all early years setting to ensure each child effectively progress and no kids lags behind. Second, a secure foundation via learning and development opportunities that are designed with the needs and interest of every individual child and whether they are regularly assessed. Thirdly, Partnership working with providers and parents as well as cares. Finally, equality of opportunity as well as anti-discriminatory practices for equal inclusion and support of every child. Analysis of the report reveals an active partnership between the providers and fathers that is in line with the provision of the Statutory Requirement. The active cooperation is essential to this organization as staff keep parents updated about their children’s progress and suggest ways in which parents can further support their children’s studies at home. According to the section one of Statutory Requirement, learning and development recognizes the active partnership with parents and practitioners as a promoter of the learning and development of all children in the care besides ensuring that they are set for school. The existing evidence on how children learn and reflect the vast range of knowledge, skills and attitudes required by children as the foundations for real future progress. The Early Years providers, therefore, ascertain that children complete the EYFS in order to grasp the future opportunities. Such active partnership help realize the seven key principles of learning and development such as communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional

Thesis paper on the book The Confessions of Nat Turner Essay

Thesis paper on the book The Confessions of Nat Turner - Essay Example This firm belief had condoned his conscience of cruel murders including the entire family of his kind owner, without any apparent reason. His group of followers too believed in his divine inspiration and respected it. They thought that their cruel actions were supported by God's will and mercy, a possible parallel with today's suicide bombers. But Negros of that day had enough provocation and grievances. Hence, the divine inspiration supposed to have received by Nat formed the basis of entire horrific incident and people involved did not worry much about being tortured or going to gallows as part of their divinely designed mission that was meant to happen for a glorious future, ordained by God himself. Nat's confession is full of 'Lord commanded me', in firm belief. It is also the basis of his Christian faith, for which Jesus suffered and died. He, being an already suffering Negro, placed himself in par with Christ, and his sufferings leading to self destruction were borne with satisfaction and fortitude. This justified not only his own cruelty of committing cold blooded killings, but also leading the rest of the gang into destruction. It gave him much needed solace and self righteousness. It enhanced his stature in his own eyes and that of his followers and fellow sufferers. He does not seem to be particularly guilty of his doings. Hence, the divine inspiration is not the mere motive. It also renders support and focus. It removes inhibitions and doubts from the uninformed minds of these unfortunate participants of mayhem. This divinity guided mission delivers them out of all wrong doings, and removes the fear and dread of consequences. So, gallows as the ultimate end does not particularly haunt or terrify them. They have become soldiers of the very own God's work. They were his instruments through whom he had decided to shape his own desires. They were not ordinary Negro slaves any more. Their leader was directly in contact with divinity and God directs the entire episode. This give s them certain superiority over the white men, because God had chosen them to be his army on earth, and not the all powerful white. Being subjected to the worst inhuman treatment through slavery, this belief must have come as a healer, camouflaging the reality. Naturally, these unfortunate men clung to it and the rest of them looked up at Nat with respect and trust, as God had inspired him, for them. This made the most horrendous happening ('came round to the door I saw Will pulling Mrs. Whitehead out of the house, and at the step he nearly severed her head from her body with his broadax,') sounds normal, as part of a design, a necessary sacrifice for a brighter tomorrow. Nat, throughout this hopeless occurrence, believed that God was guiding his destiny (Go through the midst of Jerusalem) and nothing, till his ignoble death, diminished his fervor of belief. Even killing the helpless did not worry or haunt his conscience in any way as God had bidden him to perform (Slay utterly old and young, both maids and little children.). His

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Aspects of Psychology Unit4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Aspects of Psychology Unit4 - Essay Example They do not consider physical traits of human beings as part of their intelligence. Sternberg’s Model Robert Sternberg (1988) proposed a theory of intelligence called as ‘triarchic theory’ as according to him, intelligence consists of three aspects interacting with each other (Davidson & Downing, 2000, p.42). The fist aspect is the internal skill of information processing which helps the human being to behave intelligently (Davidson & Downing, 2000, p.42). The second aspect is the ability of human being to create a match between the internal skills and the external environment in the best possible way (Davidson & Downing, 2000, p.42). The third aspect is the ability to take the help of past experiences to tackle the new or unfamiliar information, successfully (Davidson & Downing, 2000, p.42). Sternberg’s theory shows that intelligence is the ability to use different internal and external aspects to achieve success and to realize potential. Spearman’s Model Spearman’s model of intelligence is called as a ‘two-factor model’ of intelligence. ... The results revealed that children who scored well in one test also scored well on other tests (Pyle, 1979, p.7). Spearman noticed that there was a positive correlation between the tests designed to measure different mental abilities like memory, reasoning, creativity etc (Pyle, 1979, p.7). Spearman concluded that even though the tests were aimed at measuring different mental abilities, they had one factor common in them, which was getting measured in all the test results (Pyle, 1979, p.7). He concluded that this common factor was ‘general intelligence’ and named it ‘g’ (Pyle, 1979, p.7). However, he also realized that even though intelligent children scored well in all the tests, their scores were not exactly the same in all the tests (Pyle, 1979, p.7). This is because every test was designed to measure a ‘specific’ ability of a child and hence, it displayed the specific skill set of a child (Pyle, 1979, p.7). Spearman named this factor as â₠¬ËœSs’, indicating that even though ‘general intelligence’ was a common factor in children scoring well in the tests, their specific abilities were different from each other (Pyle, 1979, p.7). As Spearman’s model of intelligence is based on the two factors of ‘general’ and ‘specific’ intelligence, it is called as ‘two-factor model’ (Pyle, 1979, p.7). According to Spearman’s model, ‘intelligence’ is the mental energy or the ‘general ability’ of human being which ‘flows’ and guides him in most of his activities (Pyle, 1979, p.8). Spearman believed that all human beings have ‘g’ to some degree but as there is a difference in the level of their general intelligence, their mental abilities are different (Pyle, 1979, p.7). People differ from each

Intellectual Property of Islamic civilization in Andalusia Essay

Intellectual Property of Islamic civilization in Andalusia - Essay Example Cordoba attracted Intellectual giants like Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar), Al-Khwarizmi (Algorizm) and Al-Razi (Razes) to name a few, were all Muslims educated in Al-Andalus. In the 700 years that they have been in Europe, the Muslims of Al-Andalus produced a great civilisation that was far ahead and more advance than the rest of Europe at that time. Many tribes, religions and races coexisted in al-Andalus, each contributing to the intellectual prosperity of Andalusia. Literacy in Islamic Iberia was far more widespread than any other country of the West. Today also, unlike other muslim inhabitants of elsewhere , the southern Spain which was known as Muslim Spain is far ahead and distinct in education and thinking. The properity and peace of Andalusi is marked by intellectual advancement specially in field of education and translation works.In the 10th century, the city of Cordoba had 700 mosques, 60,000 palaces, and 70 libraries, the largest of which had up to 600,000 books. In comparison, the largest library in Christian Europe at the time had no more than 400 manuscripts, while the University of Paris library still had only 2,000 books later in the 14th century. In addition, as many as 60,000 treatises, poems, polemics and compilations were published each year in Al-Andalus. In comparison, modern Spain published 46,330 books per year as of 1996. The historian Said Al-Andalusi wrote that Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III had collected libraries of books and granted patronage to scholars of medicine and "ancient sciences". Later, al-Mustansir (Al-Hakam II) went yet further, building a university and libraries in Cà ³rdoba. Cà ³rdoba became one of the worlds leading centres of medicine and philosophi cal debate. â€Å"The subjects covered by the texts included medicine, astrology, astronomy pharmacology, psychology, physiology, zoology, biology, botany, mineralogy, optics, chemistry, physics, mathematics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry,

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Thesis paper on the book The Confessions of Nat Turner Essay

Thesis paper on the book The Confessions of Nat Turner - Essay Example This firm belief had condoned his conscience of cruel murders including the entire family of his kind owner, without any apparent reason. His group of followers too believed in his divine inspiration and respected it. They thought that their cruel actions were supported by God's will and mercy, a possible parallel with today's suicide bombers. But Negros of that day had enough provocation and grievances. Hence, the divine inspiration supposed to have received by Nat formed the basis of entire horrific incident and people involved did not worry much about being tortured or going to gallows as part of their divinely designed mission that was meant to happen for a glorious future, ordained by God himself. Nat's confession is full of 'Lord commanded me', in firm belief. It is also the basis of his Christian faith, for which Jesus suffered and died. He, being an already suffering Negro, placed himself in par with Christ, and his sufferings leading to self destruction were borne with satisfaction and fortitude. This justified not only his own cruelty of committing cold blooded killings, but also leading the rest of the gang into destruction. It gave him much needed solace and self righteousness. It enhanced his stature in his own eyes and that of his followers and fellow sufferers. He does not seem to be particularly guilty of his doings. Hence, the divine inspiration is not the mere motive. It also renders support and focus. It removes inhibitions and doubts from the uninformed minds of these unfortunate participants of mayhem. This divinity guided mission delivers them out of all wrong doings, and removes the fear and dread of consequences. So, gallows as the ultimate end does not particularly haunt or terrify them. They have become soldiers of the very own God's work. They were his instruments through whom he had decided to shape his own desires. They were not ordinary Negro slaves any more. Their leader was directly in contact with divinity and God directs the entire episode. This give s them certain superiority over the white men, because God had chosen them to be his army on earth, and not the all powerful white. Being subjected to the worst inhuman treatment through slavery, this belief must have come as a healer, camouflaging the reality. Naturally, these unfortunate men clung to it and the rest of them looked up at Nat with respect and trust, as God had inspired him, for them. This made the most horrendous happening ('came round to the door I saw Will pulling Mrs. Whitehead out of the house, and at the step he nearly severed her head from her body with his broadax,') sounds normal, as part of a design, a necessary sacrifice for a brighter tomorrow. Nat, throughout this hopeless occurrence, believed that God was guiding his destiny (Go through the midst of Jerusalem) and nothing, till his ignoble death, diminished his fervor of belief. Even killing the helpless did not worry or haunt his conscience in any way as God had bidden him to perform (Slay utterly old and young, both maids and little children.). His

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Intellectual Property of Islamic civilization in Andalusia Essay

Intellectual Property of Islamic civilization in Andalusia - Essay Example Cordoba attracted Intellectual giants like Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar), Al-Khwarizmi (Algorizm) and Al-Razi (Razes) to name a few, were all Muslims educated in Al-Andalus. In the 700 years that they have been in Europe, the Muslims of Al-Andalus produced a great civilisation that was far ahead and more advance than the rest of Europe at that time. Many tribes, religions and races coexisted in al-Andalus, each contributing to the intellectual prosperity of Andalusia. Literacy in Islamic Iberia was far more widespread than any other country of the West. Today also, unlike other muslim inhabitants of elsewhere , the southern Spain which was known as Muslim Spain is far ahead and distinct in education and thinking. The properity and peace of Andalusi is marked by intellectual advancement specially in field of education and translation works.In the 10th century, the city of Cordoba had 700 mosques, 60,000 palaces, and 70 libraries, the largest of which had up to 600,000 books. In comparison, the largest library in Christian Europe at the time had no more than 400 manuscripts, while the University of Paris library still had only 2,000 books later in the 14th century. In addition, as many as 60,000 treatises, poems, polemics and compilations were published each year in Al-Andalus. In comparison, modern Spain published 46,330 books per year as of 1996. The historian Said Al-Andalusi wrote that Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III had collected libraries of books and granted patronage to scholars of medicine and "ancient sciences". Later, al-Mustansir (Al-Hakam II) went yet further, building a university and libraries in Cà ³rdoba. Cà ³rdoba became one of the worlds leading centres of medicine and philosophi cal debate. â€Å"The subjects covered by the texts included medicine, astrology, astronomy pharmacology, psychology, physiology, zoology, biology, botany, mineralogy, optics, chemistry, physics, mathematics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry,

How Has Information Bout Neptune Been Gatheres Essay Example for Free

How Has Information Bout Neptune Been Gatheres Essay How has information about Neptune been gathered? When Neptune was first seen by Galileo Galilei it was thought to be just a star. Neptune was first observed by Johann Galle and Heinrich D’Arrest on the 23rd of September inn 1846. On August 25 1989 the Voyager 2 flew by the planet and it got thousands of pictures which gave us most of the information we have about Neptune today. The thousands of pictures that the Voyager 2 took were pictures of Neptune’s moons and rings. This flyby by the Voyager 2 gave us most of the information we have about Neptune today. The Voyager is the only spacecraft which has flown by Neptune and has gotten information. In 1998 scientists used telescopes on earth as well as telescopes in space to see Neptune’s ring arcs (the ring arcs are the rings of Neptune but at this point they were thought to be sort of like half rings around Neptune. The rings appeared to be a half shaped because of Neptune’s moons) as well as its rings. Neptune has been studied from the ground but it is a very challenging task due to the fact that the planet is a small disk shaped object and also because Neptune’s images are very blurred because of the distance between Earth and Neptune, Earth’s atmosphere also causes the images to be blurred. The Hubble spacecraft has also been used to find information about the planet Neptune. The Hubble spacecraft is a device which has been sent into space by NASA. Neptune’s position in our solar system Neptune is the 8th planet from our sun and the 5th farthest planet from our Earth. It is also the last gas planet in our solar system. The distance between our sun and Neptune is 30.06 AU (astronomical units).Neptune’s distance from our earth is 29.06 AU (astronomical units). Neptune’s orbit around the Sun Neptune revolves/orbits around the Sun once every 164.79 Earth years or once every 60.190 Earth days. Neptune travels at an average speed of 12,253 miles/hour or 19,720 km per hour in its orbit around the sun.

Monday, October 14, 2019

The relationship between double dissociations and cognitive processes

The relationship between double dissociations and cognitive processes A relationship implies the way things interconnect and includes ways these groups regard and behave towards one another. Double Dissociations (DDs), modularity and connectionist modeling (CM) will be introduced. Discussions about their strengths and weaknesses, how advances in technology have added value to existing data and possible theoretical models will follow. Research community opinions will be explored as these factors impact the extent to which these processes uphold one another. Prior to 1960 the brain was primarily understood in terms of behaviorism where human behavior was thought of in actions of stimuli and response rather than through structure and organizational process (Cohen, 2000). Computer technology and cognitive psychology seemed to be a natural match as cognitive psychologists frequently used computers for analogies to explain the human brain. Armed with philosophies concerning modularity scientists started to explore ways in which computer technology could model actions of the human brain (Parkin, 1997). Cognitive neuropsychology leans on the theoretical framework provided by cognitive psychologists and detailed observation of brain behaviors and is noted for comparing differences between how an intact system works and what happens when it becomes damaged. Parkin (1997) shares an example of the difference between determining function for individual modules of an intact television set. He points out that observing modular failures in the set may be more informative than separating out the multiple components and how they contribute to media transmission. Even if one is ignorant of the workings of a television, by observing consistent mechanical failures it can be noted that it is possible for a television to lose sound and retain a picture or to retain the picture and lose the sound. By this it could be assumed that the components are independent of one another. The same principles can be applied to mechanical failure in a car or in the human brain where these observations can be foun d in the form of Double Dissociation (DDs) (Parkin, 1997). Dissociation is the process of identifying the neural substrate of a specific area of brain function. DD was a term originally used in statistics where 2 independent variables (IV) have different effects on two dependent variables (DV) where one IV affects DV1 but not DV2 and the second IV affects DV2 but not DV1 (Tauber,1955). In neuropsychology 2 independent brain areas are functionally dissociated by 2 cognitive tests. DDs are seen as the result of traumatic damage, disease or congenital deformities and offer a window into processes that normally operate in symbiotic ways such as the ability to understand and communicate with language (Parkin, 1997). DDs are sometimes criticised as reductionist however they can be vital signposts for estimating functional perimeters. DDs are useful for showing what happens when functional impairment occurs in one area of the brain leaving another area intact, while in other individuals the opposite functional pattern emerges (Shallice, 1988). It is challenging to find DDs where there are no mitigating factors or co-morbid conditions and some researchers recommend a classification system to rate DD extent and quality (Shallice, 1988; Parkin, 1997). DF is an individual with a single dissociation. She sustained Visual Form Agnosia when her ventral stream, the area responsible for the conscious identification of visual objects became impaired. Visual areas in the dorsal stream needed to identify color and texture remained intact so she could identify fruits and vegetables but was unable to identify a card, even though she was able to push it through a slot. She could draw on long term memory to draw objects but later when asked to identify them could not (Milner and Goodale cited in Datta, 2004). D.B. another person was found to have unconscious/covert visual function, allowing her to do better than chance on forced choice experiments which tests knowledge of areas she claimed not to see (Stoerig Cowey, 1992). DDs are noted in the contrast between deep dyslexia and surface dyslexia. The term dyslexia describes disorders of language concerning reading and spelling and can be acquired as the result of trauma or can be present at birth).Deep dyslexics have semantic, visual and reading errors (Plaut Shallice, 1993), they fail to name pseudo words but can name some exception words indicating the non lexical or visual route remains impaired but the phonological/lexical route was intact. Surface dyslexics can accurately name the pseudo words but demonstrate difficulty when pronouncing exception words such as pint which they pronounce as though it rhymed with lint. This indicates the non lexical/ visual route is intact but the lexical/phonological is impaired (Naish, 2000). Connectionist modeling (CM) is the process of using the computer to model various components of brain function so the patterns of how they work together can be observed. CMs, like the brain are layered for sequential tasks. The influence of the neuron is based on the strength of its connection and learning or recognition is achieved by altering the strengths of connections between learning. In models this is accomplished by assigning weights and connections that are determined by predetermined rules (McLeod, Plunkett Rolls, 1998) Modeling relies on gaining understanding of cognition through rule-guided transformation of mental representations. Hinton Shallice (1991) designed a connectionist model and used this to replicate co-occurrences of semantic and visual errors. After training the model to map from orthography to semantics it was lesioned. Three common network properties were identified to reproduce deep dyslexia, distributed orthographic/ semantic representations, gradient descent learning and attractors for word meanings. A fourth factor proved valuable which consisted of increasing the ratio of concrete to abstract semantics. The network replication proved useful for studying deep dyslexic patterns however may not be an accurate representation of how the brain learns (Plaut Shallice, 1993). DD and connectionist modelling have worked together to explore prosopagnosia, (face blindness). Face recognition has been traced to the fusiform area of the brain and because it is domain specific and information encapsulated there are characteristic of modularity present (Carlson, 2007). In Prosopagnasia it is common for face perception to show impairment, while object recognition remains intact (Cohen, 2000). Within prosopagnosia some people retain covert recognition without overt recognition. (De Haan, Young, Newcombe, 1987) explored this, utilizing behavioural techniques with PH, who sustained trauma related prosopagnosia. PH was only able to recognize two out of multiple faces he was tested on, moreover he was unable to discern famous from common faces above the level of chance, yet he retained the ability for covert recognition which was identified by the use of galvanic skin response testing and forced word choice testing where he did better than would be possible by chance. CM to study prosopagnosia was adapted to investigate whether recognition was sequential and temporally driven and how the information was linked to determine comprehension. (Cohen et al, 2000). It was found significance in the first process is unnecessary for successful execution of the adjacent process and this observation was later strengthened by FMRI findings (Cohen et al, 2000). Adjustments to face recognition CM were the result of what was already known through DDs about overt and covert recognition. The model allowed repetition of the patterns and the ability to alter parameters to resolve questions about timing versus modular involvement. Hidden layers in the network work to average error across the network and the covert learning is seen in the model. It learns by minimizing error to produce responses for information not directly inputted to the model (Cohen, Johnston Plunkett, 2000) LaVoi Naish, (2009) urge that the simplicity of available cognitive models cant mirror the complexity of the human brain and that at best the networks are useful for modeling small tasks. Cognitive neuroscience was originally dominated by case studies, cognitive modelling in the form of neural networks and carefully developed neuropsychological testing tools. DDs were critical tools for discovery (Parkin, 1997). Modularity was observed through behaviour and confirmed at post mortem or through animal studies. Technology lacked capacity to ethically observe structural brain changes in living participants. The brain was dissected and stained after dearth so changes could be observed. Differences in function were more readily seen by brains that were damaged (Parkin, 1997). DDs provided and continue to contribute valuable information in living patients and in lesioned laboratory animals. Brain impairments can also be explored and charted through case studies of cognitive dysfunction in humans and animals. There is considerable research done with animal models due to ethical and financial constraints. One added advantage of animal studies is that multiple generations can be studied in fewer years than it takes a human to reach maturity (Carlson, 2007). Recently Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) technology has been used to approximate a lesioned condition however TMS is temporary and fails to show results of long-term impairments. Hubel and Wiesel used kittens to demonstrate extended light deprivation during critical periods in development can cause permanent visual impairment. When light was restricted to one eye, the seeing eye took over function; however the kittens failed to develop binocular vision. Research delivered insight for ocular dominance and childhood cataracts (Goldstein, 2001). They contributed to visual neurophysiology by demonstrating how signals from the eye are processed by the brain where they generate detection of motion, edges, color and depth perception (Carlson, 2007). The research supports cortical plasticity studies by revealing plasticity can be developmentally triggered as well as domain specific. Similar activity occurs in hearing and motor domains (Ramachandran, Altschuler, 2009). The brain is dynamic and adapts in impairment which has implications for modularity assumptions and consequent rehabilitation (Purves, 2008). A 1949 manuscript cited by Scoville and Milner (1957) reveals findings of significant memory loss in two patients with medial temporal lobe surgery (MTLS including the hippocampus. In 1957 Scoville and Milner warned other surgeons not to overlook the role of the hippocampus which brings us to the study of HM. HM was one of Scovilles patients in 1953 and a victim of MTLS. HMs difficulty began with a bike accident at age seven, initially recovery seemed normal but three years later HM sustained intractable seizures. At age 27, HM underwent experimental surgery in hope of limiting seizure activity. The bilateral medial temporal lobe MTLS reduced seizure activity but also impaired HMs ability to learn new information, mental processing speed, and episodic explicit memory, resulted in language impairment and erased long term memory (Scoville and Milner, 1957; Corkin, 1984; Sagar et al., 1985). He remained a case study from age seven until after his death at age eighty three. Ironically one of the few individuals he continued to recognize was Dr. Scoville who remained involved with his care until his death. There is no evidence of Scoville blaming others or shirking responsibility for his surgical actions. After HMs death at his request and with the guidance of his guardian, HMs brain was donated to science to help others. HMs brain was dissected and the procedure broadcast online (Science Blogs, 2009) HMs cognitive impairments spanned memory, visual, and language domains providing a long term picture of how network involvement and developmental changes may follow the removal of domain specific anatomy. These impairments were more clearly defined by recent advances in imaging technology such as high definition functional magnetic resonance imaging available in HMs later years however some of the impairments may have been present from the onset of his epilepsy. Deficits on tests of executive functions and hippocampal involvement are common unusual in epilepsy patients, pre and post surgery. They can be prone to perseveration as well as language and motor skill impairments (Hermann et al., 1988; Horner et al., 1996; Martin et al., 2000; Trenerry and Jack, 1994). H.M.s neurological examination in 2005 reveals his medications still included prescribed anti seizure medications, Tegretol, Paxil, and Tegretol-X. Additionally in 2002-4 when HMs brain was re-scanned extensive white matter damage and corpus callosum fiber and cortical thinning beyond that considered normal for his age group was discovered in addition to the original damage from the resection. This may indicate modular damage can impair the networks and other modules that interface with it. Initially there was resistance in the medical community to naming the hippocampus as the seat of memory because animal models did not demonstrate the same degree of disruption as HM (Barr, Goldberg, 2003). This cultural mindset and lack of information may have been a factor in Scovilles failure to recognize the earlier warning signs about memory retention and hippocampal involvement. The hippocampus was gradually accepted by the medical community as a structure having domain specific function that was critical to information encapsulation. More recently it has been noted that memory may have significant network features mediated by paths in the frontal lobes rather than an exclusively domain specific module (Barr, Goldberg, 2003). Case studies such as HM (Henry Molaison) are valuable to cognitive neuroscience as they can show the transition of theory over time and how views on what constitute modularity are subject to change. There are similar findings where severe childhood brain injury led to widespread long term negative effects on white matter architecture and restricted the potential for brain growth. Damage patterns in the hippocampus indicate the white matter injury may come from the lesions restricting long term cerebral blood flow (Tasker, 2006). Neural network architecture could possibly model patterns of learning but would lack the capacity to predict developmental cascades in organic brain matter (Shallice, 1988). Scientists such as Broca who identified the segment of brain mainly responsible for language understanding and Wernicke who found areas relative to speech production are examples of how DDs increase understanding of localist function. Broca and Wernicke both researched aphasia post-mortem at the same time period in history and compared cases (Purves, 2008). Wernicke identified the area of the brain responsible for language comprehension and named it Wernickes area. Carl Wernicke was the scientist who discerned there was a regional difference between patients with aphasia dividing those with expressive aphasia (produce language) and those who sustained receptive aphasia (understand language) Wernicke located impaired language patients whose left frontal lobe was intact. These patients experienced language impairments in the area of comprehension and even though their speech was well formed it made little sense. Wernicke found that the area of the brain damaged in these patients was a small area in the left parietal cortex. Wernickes area is considered responsible for accessing words and decoding them for speech, whereas Brocas patients could understand language but could not transform them into understandable speech (Purves, 2008). Broca found speech accuracy impairment in expressive aphasia was due to the brains inability to produce language rather than the mouth failing to produce words. (Purves, 2008) Brocas patients included Leborgne who could only repeat the word tan and Lelong whose vocabulary consisted of only five words. Both patients were found to have lesions in the left frontal lobe an area later named as Brocas area. These patients led Broca to assume speech was region specific in the brain. Brocas area is presumed to be the syntax module and Wernickes area the semantics module (Purves, 2008). Wernicke and Brocas areas until recently appeared to fill some of Fodors (2000) conditions for modularity including domain specificity, autonomy and information encapsulation. The extent of this modularity is being examined in the light of more recent findings incorporating high tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additional damaged areas are now identified as contributing to speech disruption. It was found that although Brocas area specific lesions can cause speech disruption, they are unlikely the source of complete and permanent speech impairment (Dronkers, Plaisant, Iba-Zizen, Cabanis E (2007). Additional evidence that Brocas area can be largely destroyed and language can remain intact was presented in a case study involving a computer engineer who had a tumor in Brocas region. The tumor and Brocas area were destroyed but he was able to function with minimal language problems and return to his work 3 months post surgery (Grodzinsky Santi 2002). Ongoing problems included an inability to create complex sentences, or relay reported speech. The problems were reported as working memory deficits and his recovery was explained by neural plasticity of the surrounding cortical area and a shift of some function to the right hemisphere (Grodzinsky Santi 2002). It seems unlikely that working memory could be the causation factor as the occupation he returned to is one highly dependent on working memory access. There is no report of auditory working memory in this individual differing from his visual working memory so it may be that Brocas area is not so easily dismissed (Grodzinsky Santi 2002). Figure 1 Broca and Wernicke areas NIH publication 97-4257, http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/aphasia.asp (accessed 17/04/2010) Evidence from children who learn to read after a TBI indicate those who relearn reading or recover language may not be as fluent as they were previously (Ewing-cobb, Barnes, 2002). The adverse effects of diffuse axonal injury extend to linguistic development in the areas of discourse processing, lexical development and reading. An analogy could be the functional capacity deficit experienced when one injures the writing hand and has to adjust to using the alternate one. It appears the older and more expert a child reader is at the time of injury the better chance they have of functional recovery in the area of language (Ewing-cobb, Barnes, 2002). The areas of working memory and speed of processing for mediating recovery were acknowledged by Ewing-cobb and Barnes as an area for further research. Functional MRI (FMRI) reveals more explicit localization in the way language is used than that proposed by Broca and Wernicke as evidenced by (Lyons, Mattarella-micke, Cieslak, et al, 2009) who maintain language activates domains and networks beyond the areas commonly ascribed to language processing and that the expanded process influences the language experience. Gonzà ¡lez, Barros-Loscertales, Pulvermà ¼ller, Meseguer, Sanjuà ¡n, Belloch, et al. (2006) found that neural areas which access word meaning can include related sensory systems. For instance accessing the meaning of the word vanilla may activate the olfaction and gustatory systems. Action language can activate motor regions used to complete these actions (Lyons et al, 2009). One example (figure 5) shows left dorsal premotor cortex activity. This area is considered central to selection of higher level action plans and contributes to increased comprehension of sport specific and signals increase in strength in accordance with levels of expert learning (Beilock et al., 2008). This is much like the trend cited by Posner, (2004) in regards to the fusiform area being more than face specific with expert learners. Hickok Poeppel, 2007; Vigneau, Beaucousin, Herve, Duffau, Crivello, 2006) found left dorsal premotor cortex activity is modulated by personal experience when category specific action related language is used (figure 5) Figure 2 Shows brain activation differences between expert and novice hockey players when category specific language is introduced indicating language is also accessed via motor pathways (Lyons, Mattarella-micke, Cieslak, et al, 2009) This may have profound implications for cognitive rehabilitation when Brocas or Wernickes area are damaged however it is important to note that in spite of the coordination of other networks these areas are still largely domain specific for functional capacity. Cognitive models can be supportive in logging where, and to what extent cognitive functioning is systematically impaired or spared. They can offer some insight as to whether the function in question is mainly modular or if it is distributed like a network (Cohen et al, 2000, McLeod, Plunkett, and Rolls, 1998: Parkin, 1993). Present cognitive models lack the processing power to model complex modules and the inclusion of multi sensory network architecture (|Naish, 2000) The modularity assumption is ascribed to philosopher Fodor who conceptualizes the brain as having modular characteristics and goes on to define modularity as domain specific, autonomous, innately specified, hardwired (neuronal path specific), informationally encapsulated, and not assembled (Coltheart,1999). Multiple areas of the brain are considered to have modular characteristics but do not meet all the criteria for Fodors model by (Cohen, Johnson Plunkett, 2000). Fodor insists he has never maintained the brain is modular but only that it contains modular characteristics which he goes on to describe. Fodor (1983) does not believe the mind is massively modular explainable by computational or excessively modular models, instead his emphasis is on the function of a mental state rather than its biology and he maintains modularity can be by degrees rather than on an all or nothing basis (Fodor,2000). Fodor (1983) gave his model (figure 2) three components. The transducers act like perception whose task is to convert precepts or stimuli into signals for neurons. The input systems he envisions interpret the information within mainly modular platforms. The central system operates as an executive system Fodor suggests basic aspects of vision, and language have modular characteristics and Fodor describes the central system as responsible for reasoning, problem solving analysis and making choices as network mediated (Fodor, 2000). The diagram below shows a limitation of this model in that it is feed forward only without feedback networks. Figure 3 Fodor, J.A. (1983) the Modularity of Mind, MIT Press/Bradford Books Scientists such as Posner, 2003; Gordon, Arns Paul, 2008 and Williams, Brown,, Palmer, Liddell, Kemp, Olivieri, et al. 2006) have credited neural network models as learning tools from which they have derived theoretical models of how the brain learns (Posner Carr, 1992) Two of these models will be briefly described to demonstrate that neural networks contribute to the understanding of the functional patterns of the brain. Rennie, (2001) a physicist, models the large-scale electrical activity of the brain and mapped the neuronal activity from temporal and localist assumptions. His model has contributed to the development of the integrate theory model where conceptual knowledge of cognition, biology, modelling, physics and even psychiatry are combined to propose how the brain integrates cognitive and emotional feedback(Gordon, Arns , Paul,2008 ). The integrate model could allow for cognitive function based on fight/flight mechanisms and internal/external motivators while still retaining the modular aspects. Although the integrate model was conceptualized by information accessed by observing Rennies cognitive modelling of the brain, contributions of genomics, neuropsychology, psychiatry, case studies, neuro-imaging and meta analysis are in use to further develop the model (Gordon, Arns , Paul,2008 ). This model explores age and temperament stimulus processing changes, and possibilities for personalized psycho-active drug formulation. Fight /flight response is represented in how emotion is processed and its affect on language response. In this model there is feedback and feed forward mechanisms at all levels (Williams, Brown, Palmer, Liddell, Kemp, Olivieri, et al. (2006). Figure 4 Integrate Model http://brainNET.net (accessed 11/04/2010 Posner employed cognitive modelling networks investigating patterns for attention which informed his theory on executive attention networks and assisted the design of attentional network training for children (Posner Rothbart, 2007). This computer training module used in his research demonstrates functional neural plasticity in that long-term gains in attention, language skills, working memory, visual perception and executive functioning are observed (Thorell, Lindqvist, Nutley, Bohlin, Klingberg, T. 2009). The advantages extend to near and far transfer tasks such as language acquisition, working memory and cognitive load capacity. Posner describes the brain as a network but does not deny domain specificity plays a role in identifying localization. His emphasis is on mental states, a position similar to Fodor, (Posner Rothbart, 2005). Posner refers findings which favour localized mental operations as an opportunity to explore neural plasticity and uses elements of face processing to support his position. Posner references the common activation that occurs in the fusiform area when experts think about a domain of expertise rather than an exclusive face recognition task. He maintains that if we see localizations in the form of mental operations it would be natural for to share operations in common (Posner, 2004). In fact (Corbetta Shulman, 2002) show localization of separate mental operations within the parietal lobe which merge with a larger network to align attention to specific targets (McCandliss, Cohen, Dehaene, 2003) Posner and Tang (2009) have recently explored attention state models and how they influe nce learning and communication. See a diagram of Posners conceptual model below: Posner model of localization of aspects of executive attention states www.dana.org/NEWS/cerebrum/detail.aspx?id=23206 accessed (14/04/2010) The relationship between DDs and the modularity of cognitive processes in conjunction with the role CMs play is informed by ongoing research. Ellis and Young (1988) indicate unearthing a double dissociation, is only a starting point as processes and the aspects they mediate in common need careful identification. Crowder (1972) comments investigating the necessity of a two process theory may be more informative than the properties of individual processes (Plaut, 2003). DDs and CMs may oversimplify functional processes leading to distorted perceptions of neuroanatomical systems. Dividing executive function and episodic memory may undermine mutual network connections to temporal lobe systems, (Barr, Goldberg, 2003) DDs are useful for showing what happens when functional impairment occurs in one area of the brain leaving another area intact, while in other individuals the opposite functional pattern emerges (Parkin, 1997). The correlations can act as a reference in a similar way to a labelled fuse box which points the way to the specific appliance that caused an overload malfunction in the system. Fuses can be individually tested for function and the electrical impairment can be isolated for further review. CM simulates to some extent how patterns can develop in response to stimuli and injury. CMs work on an input in/out basis and as a result are unable to account for the complexities of phenotype variations influencing cognition (Naish, 2000). The patterns themselves are more concrete than abstract concepts and this may lead to insights about how specific cognitive processes work. FMRI, TMS, Galvanic skin response, single cell electrical recording, Magneto-encephalography, Quantitative encephalography, Positive electron tomography, Single photon emission computed tomography methods all allow neuro-anatomical functional observations with living individuals/animals. This informs understanding about modularity and the interaction of adjacent structures. It is important to note that each technology has limitations, MRI with temporal resolution, MEG and QEEG with spatial resolutions. With TMS artificial lesions can be created without harm to living participants by means of magnetic stimulation however, this process is time limited and can produce artefacts. These methods add to the foundation laid by early cognitive neuroscience and in some cases lead to confirmation or disputes about the original findings (Carlson, 2007). Bowers (2009, 2010) for instance notes single cell recordings may be consistent with localist coding rather than a distributed model based on the fact that neurons in the hippocampus and certain areas of the cortex may selectively respond to one stimulus out of many. His assumption is that because the IA word identification model uses single units to code for specific units it is not distributed. Parallel Distributed Processing networks (PDP)s rely on graded constraints and interactivity to determine actions that are consistent with the systems knowledge as determined by connection weights between units. However, (Plaut and McClelland, 2010) claim PDP neural network could learn localist grandmother cells in training specific learning conditions. The CMs are built from mathematical formulas using incomplete knowledge, they can be useful for showing patterns however it is illogical to expect them to uphold something they were only created to simulate and this thinking leads to unintentional error in interpretation. Statistically constructed mathematical computer models are built by the National Institute of Highway Safety to assess levels of diffuse axonal brain injury using squid axons (IIHS, 2007). These axons are electrical synaptic models rather than the chemical synaptic structure commonly found in human brains. Chemical synapses are less robust and more vulnerable to secondary cell death than the electrical synaptic structure (Roberts, 2005). Myelination damage cannot be measured by squid axon models. The resulting inaccuracies prejudice compensation claims for diffuse axonal injury survivors who often sustain language and vision impairments as the squid axon model can survive higher impact without brain damage. (Price, 2007) Cohen reports being disturbed by the ad hoc tinkering of connectionists trying to make the model work. Naish retorts that if connectionists tinker it is only to appear to model what neuro-physiologists claim to have found. He notes the complexity of the brain and notes this leave cases open for contamination by extraneous variables (Naish, 2009). Parkin (1997) states DDs may contain co-morbidities and research will reflect this. Literature tends to report simple conditions because they are easier to understand (Naish, 2009). Rebuttals can include neuro-psychologists calling connectionists tinkerers and connectionists accusing neuro-psychologists of cherry picking cases. This may reflect frustrations of research demands in a rapidly evolving field. Hinton reports CMs require labelled training data and most data learning relevant data is not constrained by labels. The signals CMs attempt to replicate require different equations than biological neural signals creating comparative discrepancies (Hinton, 2010). The brain processes data for 10^14 labels @ 10^9 per second, well beyond what computers presen