Thursday, November 28, 2019

The Price Of Eating From The Tree Essay Example For Students

The Price Of Eating From The Tree Essay The struggle for power is an age old one, indeed. Opposing nations vying for control of a province, officials seeking powerful positions against equally cunning rivals, and the fight for dominance in a household are all examples of this struggle. It is a mental and physical battle, fought on many different sides at once by many different means. As a species, humanity seems predisposed to seeking the upper hand, even over those they may deem allies. Advancement in science and technology gives certain nations dominance on a military and economical level. Moral issues are fought in courtrooms, in churches and on the streets. Families are torn apart as wives try to break free of the chains of oppressive husbands. Power is the ultimate attainable goal for most, perhaps not on a surface level, but at least subconsciously. It is known that people in power change the world, and who wouldnt want to be the one to shape their own destiny, rather than leaving it in the hands of people who dont u nderstand their situation? Might is right is a mantra that may not be just, but certainly has been the rule rather than the exception in many cultures. Galileo held the power to change the world thought his discovery, or at least peoples perception of it. He held a truth that was dangerous, to himself and those around him, as it threatened to undermine the most fundamental teachings of both science and religion simultaneously. It was truth, indeed, but at what cost? What does one do with such power in their hands? Similarly Prospero, Shakespeares fictional sorcerer from the play The Tempest, held power that one might consider god-likepower to call upon storms, and speak to muses. His was a might that was awe-inspiring, but at the same time, he isolated himself to devote himself to his art and to science. He must have known the danger of his power, and thus reveled in it instead in solitude. What does one do when they have the power to warp reality itself? These two characters serve to provide a basis off of which their respective authors, Bertolt Brecht and William Shakespeare, can make commentary on the use of power and its danger. After all, both Galileo and Prospero abandon their power at the end of both works, although admittedly for different reasons. And while there seems like more benefit to be extracted from the power Galileo wields, both characters serve as a model for the question: What is the price of power, and can humanity bear that cost? In the first chapters of the book of Genesis, a utopia in the form of the Garden of Eden served as the shelter for man and woman. This paradise was supposed to last an eternity, unless they ate fruit from a tree that was said to bestow knowledge. Human curiosity being what it is, the fruit was eaten, and paradise, destroyed. Even in this early religious literature, it seems that knowledge is portrayed to be powerful enough to destroy an ideal and ruin human existence. If Genesis were to be believed, then the sugg estion is that perhaps there are just some things that should not be revealed to man in general. It seems that Galileo skirted on such ground himself with his discovery about the placement of the earth in relation to the sun. He knew conclusively that no longer was the sun in orbit of earth, the center of the universe, but in reality itself was the epicenter of the solar system, with the significantly smaller earth taking a proportionately smaller role in the workings of that system. How could this be, when all religious doctrine and astronomy were based off the seemingly obvious assumption that the earth is stationary? A monk in Brechts Galileo demonstrates this kind of perplexity when he protests Galileos claims. He seems to think that because the earth is not the center, it is not special, and therefore not protected my God. Nobody has planned a part for us beyond this wretched one on a worthless star. There is no meaning in our misery. Hunger is just not having eaten. 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Sunday, November 24, 2019

Pregnancy and Humans in Space

Pregnancy and Humans in Space No matter where they live, many people eventually end up having kids, even in some of the most out-of-the-way spots on the planet. But, will they be able to live and work in space and have children? Or on the Moon? Or on Mars? Humans being humans, they will very likely try. Whether they succeed or not depends on a lot of factors. One vision of Mars habitats that will provide shelter for astronauts as they learn to explore the planet. Eventually, they could be raising families on the Red Planet, in more extensive habitats that may well be underground. What will those children be like?. NASA As humans prepare for a future off Earth, mission planners are finding answers to a number of questions about long-term space residency. One of the most perplexing is Can women get pregnant in space? Its a fair one to ask since the future of humans in space depends on our ability to reproduce out there. Is Pregnancy Possible in Space? The technical answer to that question is: yes, its possible to become pregnant in space. Theres nothing known about being in space that would prevent egg and sperm from uniting to make a baby. Of course, a woman and her partner need to be able to actually have  sex in space  in order to for those cells to get together in the first place. Additionally,  both she and her partner must  be fertile. Cycles infertility can be checked, and the mom and dad could then choose the right time to make that space baby. However, theres more required than doing the deed. It turns out there are significant other hurdles that stand in the way of having what it takes to make a baby and then  remaining pregnant once fertilization takes place. Barriers to Child-bearing in Space The primary problems with becoming and remaining pregnant in space are radiation and low-gravity environments. Its important to understand both.  Ã‚   The Moon has practically no atmosphere and no way to filter out harmful radiation. Humans living there would face some radiation danger from solar particles and cosmic rays. This could have a profound effect on a couples ability to start a family.   NASA Radiation can affect a mans sperm count, rendering him infertile, possibly permanently. It can also harm a developing fetus. Radiation hazards exist here on Earth, too, as anyone who has taken a medical x-ray or who works in a high-radiation environment knows. Its why both men and women are usually supplied with protective aprons when they get x-rays or other diagnostic work. The idea is to keep stray radiation from interfering with egg and sperm production. Once an embryo is created, its subject to the same radiation dangers as the mother. Conditions that Could Interfere with Pregnancy Lets say that conception happens after a couple gets together on the space station or during a trip to Mars or even after they land on the Red Planet. The radiation environment in space (or on Mars) is severe enough that it would prevent cells in the fetus from replicating. Thus, no baby would be brought to term.   Mars has a thicker atmosphere than the Moon, but it still is not enough to shield humans from radiation. This is another place where humans could face difficulties conceiving and birthing children. Credit:NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS In addition to the high radiation, astronauts live and work in very low-gravity environments. The exact effects are still being studied in detail on lab animals (such as rats). However, its very clear that a gravity environment is needed for proper bone development and growth. When astronaut Scott Kelly (and others) spent long periods on the International Space Station,  they showed significant changes in their health. Similar issues could affect a developing fetus. Such atrophy is why astronauts have to exercise in space regularly in order to prevent muscle atrophy and loss of bone mass. A growing embryo or fetus could be permanently altered, right down to the DNA. Solutions to the Radiation Problem Clearly, if people are to venture out into space on a more permanent basis (like extended trips to Mars) radiation hazards need to be minimized, not just for the adults but for any possible children born on the trips.  But how to do that? Astronauts taking extended trips into space will be on ships that are likely not to provide the heaviest radiation shielding. Once they get to Mars, for example, theyll be subjected to a lot of radiation on the surface that is not stopped by the thin atmosphere. Also, the lower gravity on Mars (and on the Moon, for those who migrate there), will be an issue.   The Orion crew capsule (shown here in water recovery testing) is a typical crew-carrying spacecraft that is shielded to protect astronauts from most radiation. Special precautions and materials must be used to protect crew members. Future spacecraft will need similar protective environments. NASA   So if permanent residencies are ever going to exist on Mars or the Moon, like those proposed by Dr. Mae Jemison for the  Hundred-year Starship, then better shielding technology would have to be developed. Since NASA is already thinking of solutions to these problems, its likely that radiation will cease to become as big a threat as it is now. Overcoming the Gravity Problem The problem of a lower gravity environment may be more difficult to overcome if humans are to successfully reproduce in space. Life in low gravity affects a number of body systems, including muscular development and eyesight. So, it may be necessary to supply an artificial gravity environment in space to mimic what humans evolved to expect here on Earth. The good news is there are some spacecraft designs in the pipeline, like the Nautilus-X, that employ artificial gravity designs. These use centrifuges that would allow for at least a partial gravity environment on part of the ship. Anyone who has ridden a ride such as the Mission Space experience at Disney Worlds EPCOT center has felt the gravitational effects that a centrifuge can supply.   The problem with such designs is that they cant yet replicate a full gravity environment, and even then occupants would be constrained to one part of the ship located in the centrifuge. This would be difficult to manage. Further exacerbating the problem is fact that the spacecraft needs to land. So what do people do once on the ground in a low-gravity environment on a place like Mars? The Future in Space: No Kids in Space Yet Ultimately, the long-term solution to the problem is the development of anti-gravity technology. Such devices are still a long way off. However, if spaceship technology could somehow manipulate gravity then it would create an environment where a woman could carry a fetus to term. Until that is a possibility, humans going to space currently are very likely using birth control to prevent stillbirths and miscarriages. If they are having sex, its a well-kept secret. But there have been no known pregnancies in space.   Nonetheless, humans will have to face a future that includes space-born and Mars- or Moon-born children. These people will be perfectly adapted to their homes, and oddly enough- the Earth environment will be alien to them. It will certainly be a very brave and interesting new period in human history!   Edited and updated by Carolyn Collins Petersen.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Case Study 3 - Input Diagnosis (skype) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case Study 3 - Input Diagnosis (skype) - Essay Example Now in the context of the project, the report will highlight the business strategy of Skype. Apart from that the report will also shed light on the three generic strategies of Porter and its resemblance with the organizations strategy of Skype. Furthermore Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model will be also emphasized in accordance with the strategies of Skype. Finally the report will present the critical inputs of Skype and will then offer a conclusion based on the findings from the study. The next part will therefore put emphasis to the business strategy of Skype. Skype mainly follows the business model, which is the combination of network effects model and service provision and thereby collective referred to as â€Å"freemium† model. Skype offers both free as well as premium services to the customers. Some of the applications that are offered free include chatting, Skype-to-Skype calling, file transfer, multi-party calling, and video calling. On the other hand premium or paid serv ices comprise of Skype-In, Online numbers, Voicemail, subscriptions, Skype-Out and SMS. Since Skype offers a number of communication methods via internet, it has been able to target a large number of customers, who seek communication over the internet at low cost. In the recent past the company has also entered the mobile market by incorporating software that runs on a Smartphone. Skype also caters to the television segment along with the blue-ray devices. Hence from an overall viewpoint the basic business strategy of Skype is to have global coverage for the users of mobiles and computers. Apart from generating revenues from the premium services, the company earns revenue by providing partnership perspectives through licensing, and advertisement opportunities (Hagstedt, Hakansson & Thideman, 2011). Nevertheless, one of the important factors that played a major role in driving the business of Skype is the security it offers to the customers and a strong brand reputation supported by Microsoft. Porter’s Three Generic Competitive Strategies The three generic strategies of Porter include cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy and focus strategy. The cost leadership strategy is about being the low-cost manufacturer. The differentiation strategy can be characterized by the offerings of a service or product that is unique and highly valued by the customers. Finally the focus strategy is about focusing and catering to a particular customer segment. Now comparing with the business strategy of Skype, it can be concluded that Skype makes use of differentiation strategy. The company offers a large number of unique communication modes that are distinctive and are highly value by the customers. Organizational Inputs The organizational inputs are those materials which the organization has to utilize for completion of their desired objectives. There are several different types of inputs, each of which signifies different resource for the organization. All t he organizational inputs are interlinked; especially the environment and resources have a very close relation. The environmental conditions affect the availability and price of acquiring the resources. The key organizational inputs are: a) Environment: It includes all the factors such as events, groups, individuals, institutions, and the whole