Monday, September 30, 2019

Advanced Criminology

Anthropological research data has shown the violence is an inherent conduct among the primate species (Walker, 2001).   In society, criminal violence is a common occurrence and legislators have suggested that the behavior of criminals be analyzed in order to identify any psychological patterns that are consistent among these particular types of individuals.In the past few decades, neurobiologists have proposed that an individual’s condition, which encompasses empathy, morality and free will, is holistically influenced by the frequency of stimulation and assembly of the neurons of an individual.   Such notion is contradictory to the concept of Cartesian dualism, which states that the brain and the mind are two independent entities that coordinate with each other.To date, the accumulation of research reports from the field of neuroscience is gradually affecting the concepts and effectivity of the justice system because of the shifting in the concept of human behavior and res ponse to different stimuli.   Neuroscience has influenced our current understanding of the multiple factors that govern violent behavior among criminals.NATURE VERSUS NURTURE THEORY OF CRIMEThe theory of nature versus nurture pertains to the controversy on whether inherent qualities of a biological organism, which is depicted as â€Å"nature†, is related or influenced by the experiences, condition or situation of that particular species (â€Å"nurture†).   The concept the human being develop specific behavioral patterns based on their environment is termed tabula rasa or blank state.This notion is considered to be a major influence in the development of an individual.   These external settings of an individual play a major role in the psychology of an individual, including his anti-social, aggression and criminal behavior.It has thus been questioned for several decades whether criminals are born or could these particular individuals emerge after successive events in their lives that result in the transformation of a normal individual to a criminal.To date, there is much debate over the mechanism behind the entire concept of criminality.   Biologically or non-biologically influenced, criminality remains an elusive subject that still needs to be comprehensively analyzed.The 19th century classic report of Phineas Gage regarding the anti-social behavior that emerged after massive damage of the prefrontal cortex of his brain from a railroad accident is now considered as the birth of the field of forensic neurology (Harlow, 1848).Today, computerized imaging of his fractured skull has shown that the autonomic and social nerve systems are the specific damages that were affected, thus resulting in a totally different individual.   Such observation, together with research results gathered from war veterans, has led to the conclusion that violent criminal behavior is caused by injuries to the frontal lobe of the brain.  It has then been proposed that injury to the prefrontal cortex of the brain causes a condition that has been coined as acquired sociopathy or pseudopsychopath (Blair and Cipolotti, 2000).   It is interesting to know that there is an 11% reduction in the size of the grey matter of the prefrontal cortex among patients diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder (APD) (Raine et al., 2000).A related observation has also been observed between intelligence and alterations in the grey matter of the prefrontal cortex.The temporal lobe of the brain has also been determined to influence an individual’s emotional response and aggression, wherein lesions in the amygdale of the temporal lobe result in an individual’s failure to recognize fear and sadness among the faces of other people (van Elst et al., 2001).The connection between the decreased expression of the monoamine oxidase A enzyme and reactive violence has already been established (Caspi et al., 2002).Monoamine oxidase A is responsible for t he catabolism of monoamines such as serotonin (5-HT).   The working hypothesis currently accepted is that the prefrontal-amygdala connection is altered, resulting in a dysfunctional aggressive and violent behavior, resulting in criminality in particular individuals.Earnest A. Hooton (1887 – 1954) is a highly acclaimed physical anthropologist and evolutionist.   Much of his work focused on interindividual variations based on physiological and anatomical characteristics, including measurements of buttock-knee lengths as the main basis for constructing seats for the Pennsylvania railway trains.Hooton was also recognized for his concepts in primatology and comparative anatomy as basis for explaining differences in the human as well as primate species.He was successful in describing a primary race, of which can be further subdivided in several racial subtypes.   He is a proponent of the concept of eugenics, which involves genetic selection of traits that are deemed beneficia l to the current population.The field of eugenics has been an interest in the field of biology and medicine because it facilitates the creation of new haplotypes that may be positively selection in the course of evolution.Hooton’s work is also significant to our current scientific concept of crime because he persistently attempted to prove that criminal have biologically distinct characteristics from non-criminals.His anthropological work on physical differences based on a population of approximately 13,873 male prisoners from 10 different states across the United States.   His results strengthened his claim on the biological causes of violence and aggression and that his claimed that criminal behavior is a simple representation of an inferior type of human species that has degenerated.Unfortunately, Hooton was inadequate in integrating the concept of population genetics into his research because he haphazardly took 3,023 men from the general population to conduct a compara tive analysis of physical differences.   His measurement of foreheads, eyelids, ears, cheekbones, jaws, chins and shoulders resulted in a confusing supportive evidence for his claim.He explained in one of his published works that biology plays a major role in the development of individuals and society and that the environment is wrongly blamed for any failure that befalls an individual (Hooton, 1939).The research claim of Hooton had sparked more effort into determining the basis behind criminality.   Other researchers from different fields of specialization ridicules Hooton’s work, describing it as the comical attempt in defining criminal behavior.The general reaction to Hooton’s claim that criminals are biologically inferior was condemned.   Sociologists refused to accept the notion that physical unattractiveness is strongly correlated to criminal behavior.The advent of eugenics in combination with criminality has sparked interest in designed specialized techniq ues that may be applied to individuals that show physical and anatomical features that are consistently observed among criminals.An advocate of Hooton’s concept on the physical basis of criminality would assertively promote selective management of populations in order to eventually generate a prime standard of individuals in the next generation that is distinct from the features that Hooton described that are strongly correlated with criminality.   An advocate of the biological connection of criminality would employ the concept of eugenics in screening individuals that show a potential to show criminal and anti-social behavior.   To make things more complex, the features that Hooton described may also be used as criteria in admission to schools and workhouses.An extreme reaction would even results in construction of facilities that would enclose candidates or suspects for criminal behavior.   A biological discrimination would thus be observed and this unfair basis of sc reening individuals would create more chaos in society.Eugenics may also be translated as a screening tool in picking which criminals will be kept in prison and which individuals will be freed and this action will be mainly based on the biological features of whether the criminal may be rehabilitated or transformed into a normal non-aggressive person.The so-called degenerate individuals would be kept off the streets in order to prevent interaction with non-degenerate individuals, as well as to prevent future crimes in the community.   In addition, society would be introduced to the option of strictly selecting partners for marriage because they will be taught to pick partners that show obvious physical differences from the consensus physical features of criminals.THE GENERAL THEORY OF CRIMEThe self-control theory as proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) couples an argument regarding the driving force behind criminality and the features of a criminal act.   Gottfredson and H irschi contend that crime is similar to other out of control and unlawful actions such as alcoholism and smoking because it generates in an individual a temporary yet immediate feeling of gratification.This kind of action is created by a condition that is characterized by low self-control.   The authors claim that the condition of having poor self-control is an innate condition that is set in place during the early childhood at around 7 or 8 years of age.   In relation to the mechanism behind criminality, the authors explain that crime is a straightforward action to results in gratification in an individual.Such perception of crime is associated with a number of implications to the general theory of crime.   Firstly, the general theory of crime presents that crime is an uncomplicated action that does not need any strategic preparation or intricate knowledge.Secondly, the general theory of crime is related to a number of elements that are included in the theory of routine activ ities because just like other uncontrolled acts, crimes are not planned and it is easy for individuals with low self-esteem to be easily motivated to commit such acts.In addition, criminality is strongly influenced by external factors such as the scarcity of easy targets as well as the presence of associates that are capable of helping or even performing a criminal act.The theory of crime by Gottfredson and Hirschi regarding the early age of 7 or 8 also entails that the longitudinal analysis of crime is not necessary and that age-correlated theories of crime are confusing.The general theory of crime of Gottfredson and Hirschi also considers the fundamental argument regarding age and the unlawful act.   It is actually different from what is presented at general courses in criminology regarding the analysis of age-crime correlations and social factors that are related to crime.A distinction of the general theory of crime of Gottfredson and Hirschi is that the age-crime linkage is ve ry different through time, location and culture that the age-crime correlation is irrelevant of any social explanation.   Their general theory of crime also describes that criminals continue to perform unlawful acts of crime even during marriage and eventually end up as unmarried criminals.The same thing goes with offenders who are currently employed—these individuals generally continue on as offenders and the only difference after some time is that they lose their jobs.The general theory of crime of Gottfredson and Hirschi thus presents an argument against the connection of crime with marriage and employment thus showing that a criminal is incompetent in maintaining a relationship in a marriage or a commitment to work because he is commonly known as person of very low command of his control.Their presentation of the force behind criminality is thus focused on self-control and the authors point out that most investigations regarding criminality do not include this concept.à ‚  The authors explain that most of the concepts on crime describe the possible notions of the criminal.   Gottfredson and Hirschi thus provide a revolutionary concept of crime that describes that the nature of crime is actually simple because it easily connects the concept of individuals and their immediate environment.They proposed that most crimes are easily performed because there is no need for complex preparations.   In addition, a criminal act does not actually impart a lot of deleterious consequences.   They describe that crimes usually happen late at night or very early in the morning to any individual.   There is also no requirement for training or skills to perform a criminal act.The authors also explain the concept that crime does not pay because most criminal acts result in small to negligible benefits.   In the cases that do provide any benefits, the criminals tend to fail with the criminal act or they are highly exposed thus resulting in a lot of risks such as being caught and eventually put in jail.The general theory of crime of Gottfredson and Hirschi also present the conditions that make a situation conducive to crime.   They describe that routine activities play an important factor for a crime to happen because these provide the predictability of the movements and activities of the target individual.Criminals often study how their target victim goes around, comes home or leaves the house.   If the target individual has a routine schedule that is very predictable, the criminal will have a very easy way to know  Ã‚   the best time for him to invade the house of the target victim.The same factors also influence other criminal acts such as rape, wherein the target female victim may probably pass through the same route late at night and the criminal may pick a day at that particular time when not so much people at around and he can attack his victim at the particular time when the female victim is walking along the street late at night.   These settings of predictability of routine activities are actually very beneficial to the criminal and this outweighs the risks of performing the criminal act.Other theories of crime that do not consider these features of crime generally analyze other factors that are not consistent with the empirical information about crime (Walker, 2001).   The other theories actually claim the each crime has a different force that pushes the criminal to perform such unlawful act.In addition, other theories state that substantial knowledge and training are needed in order for a criminal to successfully perform a crime.   The general theory of crime of Gottfredson and Hirschi thus provides a simple yet comprehensible explanation of the force behind criminality.SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF CRIMEThere are several sociological theories in the field of criminology.   The Social Control Theory explains that the utilization of the socialization procedure and social learning results in self- control and decreases the chances that an individual will succumb to an anti-social type of behavior.This theory was strongly addressed by Travis Hirschi and it follows the Positivist, Neo-Classical and Right Realism schools of thought (Akers, 2000).   This theory resulted from the Functionalist concepts of crime and suggests that there are four modes of control.The first mode of control is direct, which pertains to imminent punishment based on unlawful action.   This mode of control is also associated with rewards in the case the compliance of the individual is observed.The second mode of control is indirect, which pertains to desistance in performing unlawful acts due to his conscience.   Another mode of control is internal, which is related to self-identification of delinquency and its associated pain and disappointment to the people around the individual.A fourth type of control is satisfaction, wherein an individual will not perform an evil act if he is content with his c urrent conditions.   Hence the Social Control Theory suggests that individuals will not perform any criminal act if their relationships, value and beliefs are intact.The Strain Theory of criminology explains that the society and its related levels and sublevels persuade individuals to perform criminal acts (Agnew, 1992).   This theory was proposed by Emile Durkheim and was further supported by Merton, Cohen and Messner and Rosenfeld.   It has been determined that strain may be of two levels.Structural strain pertains to the processes in society that influence an individual’s perception of his needs.   On the other hand, individual strain pertains to the hostility and suffering that an individual experiences during his search for things that will make him happy.   Hence the strain theories present the connection between structural and functional bases for criminal actions.The structural basis for criminality explains the processes behind actions, as well as finding a n event with a bigger concept of sites, distances and associations.   The functional basis for criminality explains how independent sections fit and result as a bigger system.   Hence all systems are influenced by sections that cooperate with each other and that any impediment that occurs in a particular section will result in a failure of the entire system.This means that either a replacement or a repair should be performed in order to make a system functional again.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

“Pride and Prejudice” offers an intensely personal story Essay

â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† offers an intensely personal story, and this story is written in light, airy, sparkling prose and is filled with witty and immensely entertaining dialogue. There are brilliantly drawn characters ranging from Elizabeth’s slightly eccentric mother to the gold-digging military officer Wickham. The two couples that I will be investigating in the following coursework are Elizabeth with Darcy and Collins with Charlotte. The two couples are both completely different in their relationships. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is a peculiar one. Elizabeth first set eyes on Darcy at a public ball, and Elizabeth was not given the best if first impressions. This is because it was also the first appearance of Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth would have been comparing them both. Mr Bingley danced happily all night at every opportunity: â€Å"†¦Danced every dance, was angry that the ball closed so early†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Whereas Mr. Darcy: â€Å"†¦danced only once with Mrs. Hurst and once with Miss Bingley†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Elizabeth would be interested in a fun loving man, not some boring man that was too proud. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..Or so she thought. When Mr. Bingley was in vain trying to persuade Mr. Darcy to dance with another Bennet his comment was: â€Å"†¦She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt ME†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Although Mr. Darcy did not intend for Elizabeth to hear this, she did. And this brief meeting was enough to give Elizabeth a first impression, originally the novel of â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† was called â€Å"First impressions† and we can see why. So what of our second pair; were events more auspicious? Charlotte Lucas is a very close friend to Elizabeth, but even with this they have very different views on marriage and love. Elizabeth feels it is essential to have love in a marriage and she would not dream of marriage otherwise. Whereas Charlotte has a very different opinion, she thinks love is a bonus in marriage and not a necessity. She would be quite happy to marry blindly because all that she seeks in a marriage is social stability and the social status: â€Å"†¦Happiness in Marriage is entirely a matter of chance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  When Charlotte first sees Mr. Collins she is interested. She is not interested in his charming good looks, which is just as well, she is interested in his house, money and availability as a husband. Let us now consider the personalities involved in these two marriages. Elizabeth is the protagonist of the novel and the second oldest of the five sisters, she is lively, quick-witted, sharp-tongued, bold and intelligent. She is good looking, and is especially distinguished b her fine eyes. She has pride in seeing a person’s inner-self, yet this ability fails her on more than one occasion. Elizabeth is one of the few people to not be impressed by wealth or titles such as Lady Catherine De Bourgh. And what of her husband to be? Mr. Darcy is an aristocrat of great wealth. He is a proud man and conscious of class difference. Even though Darcy may be proud he still possesses honour. His pride is actually what makes him lose his pride; this is so because Darcy is very used to women falling at his feet but when he realises his adoration for Elizabeth she makes it clear that she isn’t interested. This challenges Darcy. And of our second couple? Collins is an extremely comical clergyman and adds a humorous side to the novel. His trademark is conducting very long and very silly speeches, the sole purpose of these speeches is to say what he thinks to the people around him. Another one of the purposes he has in the novel us being next in line to inherit Longbourn when Mr. Bennet dies. He thought it would help the Bennet family if he was to marry once of the daughters, but when this is refused he turns his affections to Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte is one of Elizabeth’s closest friends, but in the novel her main function is to act as a contrast to Elizabeth. She has little opportunity to find a husband whom she really loves so she settles for the social status and security a man like Mr. Collins can offer. What of the proposals towards Elizabeth? As I have previously stated, Darcy expects women to fall at his feet simply because he is used to it. But when I examine the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy I see that Elizabeth had a deep hatred for Mr. Darcy. Although this is mainly due to the wrongful accusations imposed by Mr. Wickham, she thinks him to be a proud, cruel, insensitive and devious man. In reality Mr. Darcy is proud by mostly he is shy. Mr Darcy thinks he is successfully attracting Elizabeth, and the she knows it. When actually Elizabeth has no idea of this until Charlotte points it out: â€Å"†¦My dear Eliza he must be in love with you or he would never have called in on us in such a familiar way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  When the first proposal is made to Elizabeth she is absolutely outraged at how this man could think her to love him: â€Å"†¦you were the last man on the earth whom I could every be prevailed on to marry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  At this refusal Mr. Darcy was deeply hurt and left the room. We are not told the exact words of Darcy’s second proposal because firstly there is no need, and secondly Jane Austen chooses to leave the proposal to our imaginations. Elizabeth accepts this proposal because by that time she and Mr. Darcy are truly in love. And of the proposal towards Charlotte? Mr Collins only wants to marry because Lady Catherine advised him to, and he is not at all interested in love: â€Å"†¦make him the happiest of men†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The proposal was nothing at all towards the proposal of romance. This proposal was actually more of a practicality, something that had to be done before they could both do what they both intended to do; Charlotte wanted to find comfort in her children whereas Collins wanted to please lady Catherine. From looking at both relationships; Elizabeth with Darcy and Charlotte with Collins, I conclude that both couples are happy. Elizabeth and Darcy are happy because they both found their true loves and Elizabeth has the bonus of a husband of wealth and in ownership of a tasteful home. Collins and Charlotte are happy because Collins get to please Lady Catherine (which is all he seems to want to do) and Charlotte is happy because she was reaching quite a high age for unmarried status. The future is concerned is guesswork, but educated guesswork. And my educated guesses are that Elizabeth are and will always be truly happy as long as they have one another. Collins and Charlotte will also be happy in the future because; Collins never put any real commitment into marriage so has nothing to lose, and Charlotte will find comfort in her children. Jane Austen was very successful at putting her views across; she made her opinions obvious when she wanted to (which was not very often) and all of her opinions are justified by my standards and I think many others would agree.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

A Game of Thrones Chapter Nine

Something about the howling of a wolf took a man right out of his here and now and left him in a dark forest of the mind, running naked before the pack. When the direwolf howled again, Tyrion shut the heavy leatherbound cover on the book he was reading, a hundred-year-old discourse on the changing of the seasons by a long-dead maester. He covered a yawn with the back of his hand. His reading lamp was flickering, its oil all but gone, as dawn light leaked through the high windows. He had been at it all night, but that was nothing new. Tyrion Lannister was not much a one for sleeping. His legs were stiff and sore as he eased down off the bench. He massaged some life back into them and limped heavily to the table where the septon was snoring softly, his head pillowed on an open book in front of him. Tyrion glanced at the title. A life of the Grand Maester Aethelmure, no wonder. â€Å"Chayle,† he said softly. The young man jerked up, blinking, confused, the crystal of his order swinging wildly on its silver chain. â€Å"I’m off to break my fast. See that you return the books to the shelves. Be gentle with the Valyrian scrolls, the parchment is very dry. Ayrmidon’s Engines of War is quite rare, and yours is the only complete copy I’ve ever seen.† Chayle gaped at him, still half-asleep. Patiently, Tyrion repeated his instructions, then clapped the septon on the shoulder and left him to his tasks. Outside, Tyrion swallowed a lungful of the cold morning air and began his laborious descent of the steep stone steps that corkscrewed around the exterior of the library tower. It was slow going; the steps were cut high and narrow, while his legs were short and twisted. The rising sun had not yet cleared the walls of Winterfell, but the men were already hard at it in the yard below. Sandor Clegane’s rasping voice drifted up to him. â€Å"The boy is a long time dying. I wish he would be quicker about it.† Tyrion glanced down and saw the Hound standing with young Joffrey as squires swarmed around them. â€Å"At least he dies quietly,† the prince replied. â€Å"It’s the wolf that makes the noise. I could scarce sleep last night.† Clegane cast a long shadow across the hard-packed earth as his squire lowered the black helm over his head. â€Å"I could silence the creature, if it please you,† he said through his open visor. His boy placed a longsword in his hand. He tested the weight of it, slicing at the cold morning air. Behind him, the yard rang to the clangor of steel on steel. The notion seemed to delight the prince. â€Å"Send a dog to kill a dog!† he exclaimed. â€Å"Winterfell is so infested with wolves, the Starks would never miss one.† Tyrion hopped off the last step onto the yard. â€Å"I beg to differ, nephew,† he said. â€Å"The Starks can count past six. Unlike some princes I might name.† Joffrey had the grace at least to blush. â€Å"A voice from nowhere,† Sandor said. He peered through his helm, looking this way and that. â€Å"Spirits of the air!† The prince laughed, as he always laughed when his bodyguard did this mummer’s farce. Tyrion was used to it. â€Å"Down here.† The tall man peered down at the ground, and pretended to notice him. â€Å"The little lord Tyrion,† he said. â€Å"My pardons. I did not see you standing there.† â€Å"I am in no mood for your insolence today.† Tyrion turned to his nephew. â€Å"Joffrey, it is past time you called on Lord Eddard and his lady, to offer them your comfort.† Joffrey looked as petulant as only a boy prince can look. â€Å"What good will my comfort do them?† â€Å"None,† Tyrion said. â€Å"Yet it is expected of you. Your absence has been noted.† â€Å"The Stark boy is nothing to me,† Joffrey said. â€Å"I cannot abide the wailing of women.† Tyrion Lannister reached up and slapped his nephew hard across the face. The boy’s cheek began to redden. â€Å"One word,† Tyrion said, â€Å"and I will hit you again.† â€Å"I’m going to tell Mother!† Joffrey exclaimed. Tyrion hit him again. Now both cheeks flamed. â€Å"You tell your mother,† Tyrion told him. â€Å"But first you get yourself to Lord and Lady Stark, and you fall to your knees in front of them, and you tell them how very sorry you are, and that you are at their service if there is the slightest thing you can do for them or theirs in this desperate hour, and that all your prayers go with them. Do you understand? Do you?† The boy looked as though he was going to cry. Instead, he managed a weak nod. Then he turned and fled headlong from the yard, holding his cheek. Tyrion watched him run. A shadow fell across his face. He turned to find Clegane looming overhead like a cliff. His soot-dark armor seemed to blot out the sun. He had lowered the visor on his helm. It was fashioned in the likeness of a snarling black hound, fearsome to behold, but Tyrion had always thought it a great improvement over Clegane’s hideously burned face. â€Å"The prince will remember that, little lord,† the Hound warned him. The helm turned his laugh into a hollow rumble. â€Å"I pray he does,† Tyrion Lannister replied. â€Å"If he forgets, be a good dog and remind him.† He glanced around the courtyard. â€Å"Do you know where I might find my brother?† â€Å"Breaking fast with the queen.† â€Å"Ah,† Tyrion said. He gave Sandor Clegane a perfunctory nod and walked away as briskly as his stunted legs would carry him, whistling. He pitied the first knight to try the Hound today. The man did have a temper. A cold, cheerless meal had been laid out in the morning room of the Guest House. Jaime sat at table with Cersei and the children, talking in low, hushed voices. â€Å"Is Robert still abed?† Tyrion asked as he seated himself, uninvited, at the table. His sister peered at him with the same expression of faint distaste she had worn since the day he was born. â€Å"The king has not slept at all,† she told him. â€Å"He is with Lord Eddard. He has taken their sorrow deeply to heart.† â€Å"He has a large heart, our Robert,† Jaime said with a lazy smile. There was very little that Jaime took seriously. Tyrion knew that about his brother, and forgave it. During all the terrible long years of his childhood, only Jaime had ever shown him the smallest measure of affection or respect, and for that Tyrion was willing to forgive him most anything. A servant approached. â€Å"Bread,† Tyrion told him, â€Å"and two of those little fish, and a mug of that good dark beer to wash them down. Oh, and some bacon. Burn it until it turns black.† The man bowed and moved off. Tyrion turned back to his siblings. Twins, male and female. They looked very much the part this morning. Both had chosen a deep green that matched their eyes. Their blond curls were all a fashionable tumble, and gold ornaments shone at wrists and fingers and throats. Tyrion wondered what it would be like to have a twin, and decided that he would rather not know. Bad enough to face himself in a looking glass every day. Another him was a thought too dreadful to contemplate. Prince Tommen spoke up. â€Å"Do you have news of Bran, Uncle?† â€Å"I stopped by the sickroom last night,† Tyrion announced. â€Å"There was no change. The maester thought that a hopeful sign.† â€Å"I don’t want Brandon to die,† Tommen said timorously. He was a sweet boy. Not like his brother, but then Jaime and Tyrion were somewhat less than peas in a pod themselves. â€Å"Lord Eddard had a brother named Brandon as well,† Jaime mused. â€Å"One of the hostages murdered by Targaryen. It seems to be an unlucky name.† â€Å"Oh, not so unlucky as all that, surely,† Tyrion said. The servant brought his plate. He ripped off a chunk of black bread. Cersei was studying him warily. â€Å"What do you mean?† Tyrion gave her a crooked smile. â€Å"Why, only that Tommen may get his wish. The maester thinks the boy may yet live.† He took a sip of beer. Myrcella gave a happy gasp, and Tommen smiled nervously, but it was not the children Tyrion was watching. The glance that passed between Jaime and Cersei lasted no more than a second, but he did not miss it. Then his sister dropped her gaze to the table. â€Å"That is no mercy. These northern gods are cruel to let the child linger in such pain.† â€Å"What were the maester’s words?† Jaime asked. The bacon crunched when he bit into it. Tyrion chewed thoughtfully for a moment and said, â€Å"He thinks that if the boy were going to die, he would have done so already. It has been four days with no change.† â€Å"Will Bran get better, Uncle?† little Myrcella asked. She had all of her mother’s beauty, and none of her nature. â€Å"His back is broken, little one,† Tyrion told her. â€Å"The fall shattered his legs as well. They keep him alive with honey and water, or he would starve to death. Perhaps, if he wakes, he will be able to eat real food, but he will never walk again.† â€Å"If he wakes,† Cersei repeated. â€Å"Is that likely?† â€Å"The gods alone know,† Tyrion told her. â€Å"The maester only hopes.† He chewed some more bread. â€Å"I would swear that wolf of his is keeping the boy alive. The creature is outside his window day and night, howling. Every time they chase it away, it returns. The maester said they closed the window once, to shut out the noise, and Bran seemed to weaken. When they opened it again, his heart beat stronger.† The queen shuddered. â€Å"There is something unnatural about those animals,† she said. â€Å"They are dangerous. I will not have any of them coming south with us.† Jaime said, â€Å"You’ll have a hard time stopping them, sister. They follow those girls everywhere.† Tyrion started on his fish. â€Å"Are you leaving soon, then?† â€Å"Not near soon enough,† Cersei said. Then she frowned. â€Å"Are we leaving?† she echoed. â€Å"What about you? Gods, don’t tell me you are staying here?† Tyrion shrugged. â€Å"Benjen Stark is returning to the Night’s Watch with his brother’s bastard. I have a mind to go with them and see this Wall we have all heard so much of.† Jaime smiled. â€Å"I hope you’re not thinking of taking the black on us, sweet brother.† Tyrion laughed. â€Å"What, me, celibate? The whores would go begging from Dorne to Casterly Rock. No, I just want to stand on top of the Wall and piss off the edge of the world.† Cersei stood abruptly. â€Å"The children don’t need to hear this filth. Tommen, Myrcella, come.† She strode briskly from the morning room, her train and her pups trailing behind her. Jaime Lannister regarded his brother thoughtfully with those cool green eyes. â€Å"Stark will never consent to leave Winterfell with his son lingering in the shadow of death.† â€Å"He will if Robert commands it,† Tyrion said. â€Å"And Robert will command it. There is nothing Lord Eddard can do for the boy in any case.† â€Å"He could end his torment,† Jaime said. â€Å"I would, if it were my son. It would be a mercy.† â€Å"I advise against putting that suggestion to Lord Eddard, sweet brother,† Tyrion said. â€Å"He would not take it kindly.† â€Å"Even if the boy does live, he will be a cripple. Worse than a cripple. A grotesque. Give me a good clean death.† Tyrion replied with a shrug that accentuated the twist of his shoulders. â€Å"Speaking for the grotesques,† he said, â€Å"I beg to differ. Death is so terribly final, while life is full of possibilities.† Jaime smiled. â€Å"You are a perverse little imp, aren’t you?† â€Å"Oh, yes,† Tyrion admitted. â€Å"I hope the boy does wake. I would be most interested to hear what he might have to say.† His brother’s smile curdled like sour milk. â€Å"Tyrion, my sweet brother,† he said darkly, â€Å"there are times when you give me cause to wonder whose side you are on.† Tyrion’s mouth was full of bread and fish. He took a swallow of strong black beer to wash it all down, and grinned up wolfishly at Jaime, â€Å"Why, Jaime, my sweet brother,† he said, â€Å"you wound me. You know how much I love my family.† A Game of Thrones Chapter Nine Something about the howling of a wolf took a man right out of his here and now and left him in a dark forest of the mind, running naked before the pack. When the direwolf howled again, Tyrion shut the heavy leatherbound cover on the book he was reading, a hundred-year-old discourse on the changing of the seasons by a long-dead maester. He covered a yawn with the back of his hand. His reading lamp was flickering, its oil all but gone, as dawn light leaked through the high windows. He had been at it all night, but that was nothing new. Tyrion Lannister was not much a one for sleeping. His legs were stiff and sore as he eased down off the bench. He massaged some life back into them and limped heavily to the table where the septon was snoring softly, his head pillowed on an open book in front of him. Tyrion glanced at the title. A life of the Grand Maester Aethelmure, no wonder. â€Å"Chayle,† he said softly. The young man jerked up, blinking, confused, the crystal of his order swinging wildly on its silver chain. â€Å"I’m off to break my fast. See that you return the books to the shelves. Be gentle with the Valyrian scrolls, the parchment is very dry. Ayrmidon’s Engines of War is quite rare, and yours is the only complete copy I’ve ever seen.† Chayle gaped at him, still half-asleep. Patiently, Tyrion repeated his instructions, then clapped the septon on the shoulder and left him to his tasks. Outside, Tyrion swallowed a lungful of the cold morning air and began his laborious descent of the steep stone steps that corkscrewed around the exterior of the library tower. It was slow going; the steps were cut high and narrow, while his legs were short and twisted. The rising sun had not yet cleared the walls of Winterfell, but the men were already hard at it in the yard below. Sandor Clegane’s rasping voice drifted up to him. â€Å"The boy is a long time dying. I wish he would be quicker about it.† Tyrion glanced down and saw the Hound standing with young Joffrey as squires swarmed around them. â€Å"At least he dies quietly,† the prince replied. â€Å"It’s the wolf that makes the noise. I could scarce sleep last night.† Clegane cast a long shadow across the hard-packed earth as his squire lowered the black helm over his head. â€Å"I could silence the creature, if it please you,† he said through his open visor. His boy placed a longsword in his hand. He tested the weight of it, slicing at the cold morning air. Behind him, the yard rang to the clangor of steel on steel. The notion seemed to delight the prince. â€Å"Send a dog to kill a dog!† he exclaimed. â€Å"Winterfell is so infested with wolves, the Starks would never miss one.† Tyrion hopped off the last step onto the yard. â€Å"I beg to differ, nephew,† he said. â€Å"The Starks can count past six. Unlike some princes I might name.† Joffrey had the grace at least to blush. â€Å"A voice from nowhere,† Sandor said. He peered through his helm, looking this way and that. â€Å"Spirits of the air!† The prince laughed, as he always laughed when his bodyguard did this mummer’s farce. Tyrion was used to it. â€Å"Down here.† The tall man peered down at the ground, and pretended to notice him. â€Å"The little lord Tyrion,† he said. â€Å"My pardons. I did not see you standing there.† â€Å"I am in no mood for your insolence today.† Tyrion turned to his nephew. â€Å"Joffrey, it is past time you called on Lord Eddard and his lady, to offer them your comfort.† Joffrey looked as petulant as only a boy prince can look. â€Å"What good will my comfort do them?† â€Å"None,† Tyrion said. â€Å"Yet it is expected of you. Your absence has been noted.† â€Å"The Stark boy is nothing to me,† Joffrey said. â€Å"I cannot abide the wailing of women.† Tyrion Lannister reached up and slapped his nephew hard across the face. The boy’s cheek began to redden. â€Å"One word,† Tyrion said, â€Å"and I will hit you again.† â€Å"I’m going to tell Mother!† Joffrey exclaimed. Tyrion hit him again. Now both cheeks flamed. â€Å"You tell your mother,† Tyrion told him. â€Å"But first you get yourself to Lord and Lady Stark, and you fall to your knees in front of them, and you tell them how very sorry you are, and that you are at their service if there is the slightest thing you can do for them or theirs in this desperate hour, and that all your prayers go with them. Do you understand? Do you?† The boy looked as though he was going to cry. Instead, he managed a weak nod. Then he turned and fled headlong from the yard, holding his cheek. Tyrion watched him run. A shadow fell across his face. He turned to find Clegane looming overhead like a cliff. His soot-dark armor seemed to blot out the sun. He had lowered the visor on his helm. It was fashioned in the likeness of a snarling black hound, fearsome to behold, but Tyrion had always thought it a great improvement over Clegane’s hideously burned face. â€Å"The prince will remember that, little lord,† the Hound warned him. The helm turned his laugh into a hollow rumble. â€Å"I pray he does,† Tyrion Lannister replied. â€Å"If he forgets, be a good dog and remind him.† He glanced around the courtyard. â€Å"Do you know where I might find my brother?† â€Å"Breaking fast with the queen.† â€Å"Ah,† Tyrion said. He gave Sandor Clegane a perfunctory nod and walked away as briskly as his stunted legs would carry him, whistling. He pitied the first knight to try the Hound today. The man did have a temper. A cold, cheerless meal had been laid out in the morning room of the Guest House. Jaime sat at table with Cersei and the children, talking in low, hushed voices. â€Å"Is Robert still abed?† Tyrion asked as he seated himself, uninvited, at the table. His sister peered at him with the same expression of faint distaste she had worn since the day he was born. â€Å"The king has not slept at all,† she told him. â€Å"He is with Lord Eddard. He has taken their sorrow deeply to heart.† â€Å"He has a large heart, our Robert,† Jaime said with a lazy smile. There was very little that Jaime took seriously. Tyrion knew that about his brother, and forgave it. During all the terrible long years of his childhood, only Jaime had ever shown him the smallest measure of affection or respect, and for that Tyrion was willing to forgive him most anything. A servant approached. â€Å"Bread,† Tyrion told him, â€Å"and two of those little fish, and a mug of that good dark beer to wash them down. Oh, and some bacon. Burn it until it turns black.† The man bowed and moved off. Tyrion turned back to his siblings. Twins, male and female. They looked very much the part this morning. Both had chosen a deep green that matched their eyes. Their blond curls were all a fashionable tumble, and gold ornaments shone at wrists and fingers and throats. Tyrion wondered what it would be like to have a twin, and decided that he would rather not know. Bad enough to face himself in a looking glass every day. Another him was a thought too dreadful to contemplate. Prince Tommen spoke up. â€Å"Do you have news of Bran, Uncle?† â€Å"I stopped by the sickroom last night,† Tyrion announced. â€Å"There was no change. The maester thought that a hopeful sign.† â€Å"I don’t want Brandon to die,† Tommen said timorously. He was a sweet boy. Not like his brother, but then Jaime and Tyrion were somewhat less than peas in a pod themselves. â€Å"Lord Eddard had a brother named Brandon as well,† Jaime mused. â€Å"One of the hostages murdered by Targaryen. It seems to be an unlucky name.† â€Å"Oh, not so unlucky as all that, surely,† Tyrion said. The servant brought his plate. He ripped off a chunk of black bread. Cersei was studying him warily. â€Å"What do you mean?† Tyrion gave her a crooked smile. â€Å"Why, only that Tommen may get his wish. The maester thinks the boy may yet live.† He took a sip of beer. Myrcella gave a happy gasp, and Tommen smiled nervously, but it was not the children Tyrion was watching. The glance that passed between Jaime and Cersei lasted no more than a second, but he did not miss it. Then his sister dropped her gaze to the table. â€Å"That is no mercy. These northern gods are cruel to let the child linger in such pain.† â€Å"What were the maester’s words?† Jaime asked. The bacon crunched when he bit into it. Tyrion chewed thoughtfully for a moment and said, â€Å"He thinks that if the boy were going to die, he would have done so already. It has been four days with no change.† â€Å"Will Bran get better, Uncle?† little Myrcella asked. She had all of her mother’s beauty, and none of her nature. â€Å"His back is broken, little one,† Tyrion told her. â€Å"The fall shattered his legs as well. They keep him alive with honey and water, or he would starve to death. Perhaps, if he wakes, he will be able to eat real food, but he will never walk again.† â€Å"If he wakes,† Cersei repeated. â€Å"Is that likely?† â€Å"The gods alone know,† Tyrion told her. â€Å"The maester only hopes.† He chewed some more bread. â€Å"I would swear that wolf of his is keeping the boy alive. The creature is outside his window day and night, howling. Every time they chase it away, it returns. The maester said they closed the window once, to shut out the noise, and Bran seemed to weaken. When they opened it again, his heart beat stronger.† The queen shuddered. â€Å"There is something unnatural about those animals,† she said. â€Å"They are dangerous. I will not have any of them coming south with us.† Jaime said, â€Å"You’ll have a hard time stopping them, sister. They follow those girls everywhere.† Tyrion started on his fish. â€Å"Are you leaving soon, then?† â€Å"Not near soon enough,† Cersei said. Then she frowned. â€Å"Are we leaving?† she echoed. â€Å"What about you? Gods, don’t tell me you are staying here?† Tyrion shrugged. â€Å"Benjen Stark is returning to the Night’s Watch with his brother’s bastard. I have a mind to go with them and see this Wall we have all heard so much of.† Jaime smiled. â€Å"I hope you’re not thinking of taking the black on us, sweet brother.† Tyrion laughed. â€Å"What, me, celibate? The whores would go begging from Dorne to Casterly Rock. No, I just want to stand on top of the Wall and piss off the edge of the world.† Cersei stood abruptly. â€Å"The children don’t need to hear this filth. Tommen, Myrcella, come.† She strode briskly from the morning room, her train and her pups trailing behind her. Jaime Lannister regarded his brother thoughtfully with those cool green eyes. â€Å"Stark will never consent to leave Winterfell with his son lingering in the shadow of death.† â€Å"He will if Robert commands it,† Tyrion said. â€Å"And Robert will command it. There is nothing Lord Eddard can do for the boy in any case.† â€Å"He could end his torment,† Jaime said. â€Å"I would, if it were my son. It would be a mercy.† â€Å"I advise against putting that suggestion to Lord Eddard, sweet brother,† Tyrion said. â€Å"He would not take it kindly.† â€Å"Even if the boy does live, he will be a cripple. Worse than a cripple. A grotesque. Give me a good clean death.† Tyrion replied with a shrug that accentuated the twist of his shoulders. â€Å"Speaking for the grotesques,† he said, â€Å"I beg to differ. Death is so terribly final, while life is full of possibilities.† Jaime smiled. â€Å"You are a perverse little imp, aren’t you?† â€Å"Oh, yes,† Tyrion admitted. â€Å"I hope the boy does wake. I would be most interested to hear what he might have to say.† His brother’s smile curdled like sour milk. â€Å"Tyrion, my sweet brother,† he said darkly, â€Å"there are times when you give me cause to wonder whose side you are on.† Tyrion’s mouth was full of bread and fish. He took a swallow of strong black beer to wash it all down, and grinned up wolfishly at Jaime, â€Å"Why, Jaime, my sweet brother,† he said, â€Å"you wound me. You know how much I love my family.†

Friday, September 27, 2019

Information management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Information management - Essay Example This paper will equally explain why information and knowledge have become more important in contemporary societies, differentiating industrial from knowledge economies. The paper will relevantly apply the framework Knowledge Management Value Chain to explain how Knowledge Management Systems can improve knowledge management in organisations, and the limitations of such systems. Explaining the three conceptual frameworks by Michel Porter The three generic strategies for building a competitive advantage include cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. The focus strategy has two variables that include cost focus and differentiation focus. In cost leadership, a company seeks to become a low cost producer in its area of specialization where it must find and exploit available sources of cost advantage. This is possible only where the company is able to command prices in the neighborhood of the average price. In this case, cost advantage is dependent on the structure of the industry and its sources are not exclusive and may include proprietary technology, the pursuit of economies of scale, and preferential access to raw materials. A firm that manifests cost leadership guarantees competitive advantage. Dell Computer Company falls in this strategy. ... In cost focus strategy, the company seeks a lower-cost advantage in the minor market segments. It focuses on a basic product that is dominant and high priced but acceptable to sufficient consumers. A small retailer featuring its own-label is a good example in this strategy. In the differentiation focus strategy, a company seeks differentiation between needs and wants that an existing competitor is not providing within just one or a small number of target market segments. A perfume shop is a good example (Porter, 1998, p. 11-15). The five forces model addresses the operating environment of a company and includes the threat of entry, the power of buyers, the power of suppliers, the threat of substitutes, and competitive rivalry. The force of threat of entry notes that the ease of easier of new companies to enter the industry generates stiff competition. As such, the numerous conditions that limit the threat of new entrants to the market are the barriers to entry. On the other hand, the force of threat of substitutes is the probability of a consumer to change to a competitive product or service. This arises from the similarity of substitutes. The lower the changing cost the greater the threat. The force of power of suppliers relates to the amount of pressure that suppliers can place on a business. The larger the suppliers pressure power, the greater the competitive advantage. The force of pressure customers relate to the pressure that a customer can place on a business. The greater the customers pressure power, the less the competitive advantage of the company. The force of competition rivalry describes the intensity of competition between existing firms in an industry. Competitive advantage falls with an increase in competition. The

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Profile of a Member of Congress Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Profile of a Member of Congress - Research Paper Example He and his wife Katherine have been married over thirty years, have two children and grandchildren, and attend Grace Episcopal Church in Jacksonville. Crenshaw is a fairly typical member of Congress: he is white, Protestant, and wealthy (â€Å"Representative† n.d.; Tannahill 249; â€Å"Biography† n.d.). Before procuring what The Washington Post calls a â€Å"safe Republican seat† in the House of Representatives in 2000, Crenshaw had a â€Å"rollercoaster political journey† as a member of both houses of the Florida state legislature (â€Å"Ander Crenshaw† n.d.). He has spent most of his career in politics; he was a member of the Florida State House of Representatives from 1972 to 1978. After three failed attempts at statewide office, he returned to the state legislature as a state senator in 1986 and stayed until 1994. His long period of political service, beginning shortly after graduating from college, most certainly makes Crenshaw a career politic ian. Crenshaw calls himself a â€Å"third-generation resident of Northeast Florida† (â€Å"Biography† n.d.), and that is the district he represents in the House of Representatives. The 4th Congressional District of Florida consists mostly of the Jacksonville, the largest city in the state. 78 percent of the district is urban. It is strongly conservative, with 62 percent of the voters going for Senator John McCain in the 2008 Presidential race. The district, much of its geography situated along the northern Florida coast, is also strongly pro-military. Crenshaw is a strong supporter of defense issues, and as his webpage states is â€Å"a champion for our men and women in uniform.† He supports veterans’ rights and has worked to establish Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville a nuclear aircraft carrier homeport. Anders serves on the House Appropriations Committee, and as a member of that committee, serves on two subcommittees, the Subcommittee on Military Co nstruction and Veterans Affairs and the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. He has chaired the Legistlative Branch Subcommittee and is a past member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. Since 2003, he has been Deputy Whip and has worked to help mobilize Republican members for key legislative votes (â€Å"Biography† n.d.). His work on these committees and subcommittees has mostly been focused on procuring and retaining funding for military installations and for the support of veterans’ benefits in Northeast Florida (â€Å"Ander Crenshaw† n.d.) In 2006, as member of the House Budget Committee, Crenshaw was chairman of the Republican Budget Task Force, a group that worked on budget issues that attempted to â€Å"rein in federal spending† (â€Å"Crenshaw† 2006). In 2010, Crenshaw raised $554,327 for his campaign, close to the half a million dollars average spent by Congressional campaigns last year. His opponent, Independent Troy Stanley, raised $15,799 (â€Å"Total Raised† n.d.). About half of Crenshaw’s campaign funds came from individuals and half from political action committees (PACs), although PACs made up the majority of his largest contributors. His top three contributors were WW Gay Mechanical Contractor, AT&T, and BAE Systems, all of which contributed $10,000 each. Crenshaw did not personally contribute anything to his campaign (â€Å"Representative,† n.d.) In 2010, Crenshaw essentially ran unopposed, winning 77%

Command and Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Command and Management - Essay Example A deputy incident commander is a representative of an incident responding agency, for instance, the senior officer who is in charge of activities concerning law enforcement in association with the incident. Such for a right incident commander: everyone cannot make to be an incident commander. The incident commander role is in advance determined by agencies on basis of education, experience as well as the training to fit into the position. Unique abilities, skills, as well as chemical psychological makeup which comprise efficient incident commanders cannot probably be harvested or taught in each first responder. It is developed within individuals possessing personal tendency of performance under stress. Some incidents lack guidelines hence one has to think. Mostly people believe in the NIMS forms as well as section responsibilities supplied checklists. Practitioners need to engage in sense making when he/she challenges a condition falling within a chaotic cynefin framework area (SECURITY, 2012). Finding a starting point for a perceptive problem solving or focusing on coming up with a solution for the problem within the chaos might assist he incident commanders in working towards normalizing the situation. Incident commanders who have vast store of particular things, people or events notice leverage points as well as make use of them to their advantage. NIMS being a useful training still lacks the component of education required to make it efficient in event response. Incident response personnel should realize that they arrive late at the scene. People already in the scene could be important in sense making. Incident commanders should sense making steps after arriving (SECURITY, 2012). 3. Annex P – Terrorism, in the San Diego County Organization of Emergency services provides a summary for emergency response protocol for terrorism incidents. The protocol

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Impact of Divorce on Children Research Paper - 1

The Impact of Divorce on Children - Research Paper Example One of the most painful and devastating effects of divorce is the loss of parents for these underage children (Abrams, 2003). This happens when there is loss of contact with one or, in extreme cases, both parents. The loss comes with the loss of assistance and emotional help. Parents give a hugely influential psychological help to their children. This includes their duty as role models. It is estimated that non residential mothers do visit their children more frequently that the fathers (Brentano, 2007). Non residential fathers tend to visit their children at most five times in a month. Study shows that 21 per cent of children do not see their father two to three years after divorce. When this contact time is lessened, it means that children shall have to look for some other person to fill in the gap (Abrams, 2003). Most children who end up in criminal gangs come from none functional families (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). Most of them are said to have lost contact with their fathers and, therefore, try to fill in that gap through negative peer pressure (Clarke-Stewart & Vandell, 2000). The quality of the time spent by the parents and a teenage child or adolescent is what actually matters. This is because there are fathers who are always at home but always fight with their children. These are the parents who do not take intentional steps to create bond with their children (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). Emotional disconnection between children and their parents leads to mental instability (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). ... Fathers who help their children in their homework and show care and affection raise children who are better socially (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). Without this connection, children are left in the dark without knowing who to look to for guidance and direction. When parents divorce, children are likely to suffer economically. This means that they are likely to suffer financially more than children whose family is intact (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). There are instances when parents divorce and consequently opt to live in different countries. In this case, children have to choose which parent they want to live with. There are instances when after the division of property, the father of the children who used to be the bread winner files for bankruptcy. In most cases, he urges that he is not capable of supporting the children (Abrams, 2003). In other cases, divorced families change locations, children are forced to change their social set up and the quality of life they a re used to. In most of these cases, it happens quite abruptly. The process of divorce itself can be terribly expensive to the parents and children alike (Wolfinger, 2005). The well being of children cannot be quantified entirely through money. The economics of raising children involves harmony and peace within the family institution. This is because resources are best shared in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility (Abrams, 2003). Divorce involves loss of some supportive relationships and connections. Sometimes, change in the child’s healthcare programs affects the quality of the child’s upbringing. This radical economic change has a devastating effect upon the lives of the children involved. This financial strain becomes a doorway to many other economic challenges for the young

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Project mamagemen Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Project mamagemen - Assignment Example - but the consensus of such best practice is as follows. In order to keep Quality events progressing satisfactorily and resolve any problems on time, there needs to be a deadline which is enforced throughout the project. The tasks assigned in the project under consideration must follow the specified path, that is to say one work product must be delivered before the next. Using a workflow-based system enables the Project Manager to define the project team, assign tasks to the most appropriate team members, and ensure that they are working satisfactorily. Once that task is complete, the workflow moves the project along to the next person, and so forth. Workflow is the generally accepted way to automate the work products and processes and keep the work going forward. Typically, projects tend to follow a set of specific patterns, in a away that is analogous to the Design Patterns found in software development - the same project type will be encountered over the course of normal Quality operations. This will allow the creation of a series of Project Templates that will automatically load deliverables based on the type of event that has been encountered. The best project management tools take the Quality Management data and populate the deliverables with this data, so a Project Plan related to the specific event under consideration may be quickly and easily developed Assigning tasks to individuals is one way to manage a project, but more often than not, it comes down to roles. By using roles, that is to say, Quality Manager, Inventory Control, Health & Safety etc. the ability of the team may be broadened to handle the work products as the project progresses. Such cross-training means that there will be any number of individuals within the role that can help complete each task within the project removing the risk due to the unavoidable absence of a particular individual who can only perform a given

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Information Systems Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Information Systems Strategy - Essay Example , and so on) to other individuals for free or in exchange for another item, will safeguard the environment, as it will reduce the waste sent to landfill as well as reduce the demand for natural resources. In addition, the organization wants to support individuals and families, who are economically deprived or struggling, by offering them an online platform where they can find items for free or in exchange for other unwanted items. In any organization, organizational structure provides the framework for the founders or leaders as well as the department heads, supervisors, employees, and others to operate in a streamlined and effective manner. This is applicable to online organization such as ReuseUK, and particularly for the organizations with dual or multiple founders or leaders. As ReuseUK consist of two founders, they have a range of options to choose from including partnership, corporations, and others. â€Å"Which one is right for you depends on many factors, including how much control you want to maintain, tax and liability issues, and your business goals† (Simon 2013). In that direction, partnership appears to be the suitable organizational structure for ReuseUK to follow. The advantage with partnership based organizational structure is that it provides management flexibility, so that management decisions and other responsibilities can be allocated among the partners according to business needs a nd each partner’s strengths (Simon 2013). In that direction, while one partner has an Information Technology (IT) background, the other has social enterprise background, both of which can be utilized to manage this IT based social enterprise organization. Partner with IT background can take care of the website functioning and the related tasks, including supervision of the IT support analyst and importantly the IS strategy. Although, the partner with social enterprise qualifications can manage the content of the website, along with other key personnel of marketing

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Dyson and Eureka Essay Example for Free

Dyson and Eureka Essay Bissell Homecare Inc. is an American vacuum cleaner manufacturer which has a rich heritage spanning 130 years of innovation. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, they improved on their initial carpet cleaner design and began manufacturing on a large-scale. Midway through the twentieth century, Bissell had gradually transformed into a full-fledged vacuum cleaner business by incorporating feature such as shampooer and integrated heater. Bissell’s innovation was responsible for introducing deep cleaning into the mass market, which was once confined to commercial providers. Bissell has managed to build up a good reputation over the years by sustaining quality and building reliable products. Its cleaning business today is categorized into products such as deep cleaners, vacuum cleaners, bare floor cleaners and cleaning formulas. Their deep cleaners come in canister, upright and compact variants. They also include specialty attachments for cleaning couches, cars and electronic equipment. Bissell also does healthy business by selling accessories for its complete line of cleaning equipment. Bissell markets it specialty products to three different markets that include allergen control, eco-friendly and pet products. Recognizing the critical need for being environment conscious, Bissell’s current strategy is to focus on its sustainable design objective. It has introduced cleaning products made of recyclable materials and adopted eco-friendly manufacturing techniques. For instance, one of its compact deep cleaners â€Å"Little Green† does not contain PVC and is made of recycled materials, while its cleaning formula is free from phosphates and other toxic metals (Bissell 2008). It also manufactures a steam mop which eliminates the need for using chemical formulas that cause fumes. One of Bissell’s noteworthy strategic initiatives is ‘closed loop manufacturing’ which uses post consumer recycled materials to manufacture new deep cleaning and vacuuming equipment. Its chemical blow molding process uses reused resin from trimmed-off waste to manufacture new bottles. Bissell also has recycling programs for battery, paper, Styrofoam and computers in its premises. It is fulfilling its corporate social responsibility by doing charity work for children under the Ronald McDonald House Charities; it also contributes by collaborating with an online pet adoption community, Kent County Humane Society and Grand Rapids Public School system (Bissell Centre Annual Report 2007). These initiatives have been instrumental in providing Bissell an environment and socially conscious brand image. Bissell’s primary competition comes from Hoover; other competitor brands worth mentioning are Dyson and Eureka. The pricing of Bissell products is quite comparable to other similar products in the market, thereby remaining competitive in the consumer market. Bissell vacuum cleaners are relatively easy to operate, more efficient and lighter in weight compared to the competition. Its reliable customer service is also noteworthy in today’s consumer-driven market. Their vacuum cleaners are also widely available in retail outlets, online shops and home-improvement stores, thereby being easily accessible all over the country. However, their carpet cleaning variants are mostly available upon order owing to their size. Bissell have also smoothly transitioned into the age of information technology, as its website lucidly explains the features of its products and helps customers pick the right model for their requirement. Bissell’s future objectives include venturing into untapped markets in the global arena and diversifying into allied industries. Its latest business venture is its purchase of Woolite, it effort to diversify into the upholstery and carpets domain. It is also in the process of constantly developing new products to simplify domestic cleaning while striving to make a greener tomorrow. Bissell is poised to conquer newer markets in the near future owing to the recent strides in globalization. Reference: Bissell. (2008). Earth-Friendly Cleaning Solutions for your Home. Retrieved 31 July 2008, http://www. bissell. com/Page_id/47134/Earth_Friendly_Products. aspx Bissell Centre. Bissell Centre Annual Report 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2008, http://www. bissellcentre. org/documents/annualreport. pdf

Friday, September 20, 2019

Bio Mechanical Analysis Of Throwing Techniques

Bio Mechanical Analysis Of Throwing Techniques The game of cricket is believed to have been played in organized form hundreds of years ago. Cricket was introduced to North America via the English colonies in the 17th century (Bowen., 1970), probably before it had even reached the north of England. In the 18th century it arrived in other parts of the globe. It was introduced to the West Indies by colonists (Bowen., 1970), and to India by British East India Company mariners in the first half of the century (Altham.1962). It arrived in Australia almost as soon as colonization began in 1788. New Zealand and South Africa followed in the early years of the 19th century (Altham., 1962). The origins of cricket are very vague, and many theories have been put forward suggesting its origins. The pupils of Royal Grammar School, Guildford, recorded the first evidence of cricket being played in the year 1550. In the year 1611 it is reported that two young men from Sussex were punished for playing cricket instead of going to the church. The first match is recorded to have been played at Coxheath in Kent in the year 1646 (Altham., 1962). Extensive studies and research have been conducted to trace its history and they have come out with different versions (Altham., 1962).The modern version of the game originated in England and remains popular in present and former members of the English Commonwealth. In South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka cricket is the most popular and scientific sport. Bowling, batting and fielding are three key skills in cricket; much of the biomechanical research into this sport has focused on bowling and batting (Bartlett et al., 1996).The one of the most third skill that of fielding incorporates both a pick-up and throwing phase, highlighting the importance of the throwing skill in cricket. Throwing technique in general used by the elite cricket players are, comparable over arm, side arm, and under arm throwing techniques, has been widely studied in other sports, including track and field (Best et al., 1993, Maeda., 2008), and baseball (Escamilla et al., 1998, Dun et al., 2008).Only one study has been reported in calculating biomechanical parameters in that Cricket ball throwing (Cook, and Strike., 2000). Throwing is a fundamental movement skill that forms the cornerstone of many games (Elliott and Anderson., 1990); the development of this skill could be paramount for some athletes. Every movement in a throwing motion counts, even the breathing. There are different types of throws that a thrower must be able to throw accurately. There are numerous aspects of throwing making it a complex skill to master, such as ball velocity, ball movement, arm velocity, and arm movement. However these aspects have little effect if the thrower cannot place their throws precisely, that is to say, throw strikes. Even though throwing accuracy can be increased by improving technique and practicing muscle memory (Simons et al., 2009), coaches are constantly seeking other means. cricket, as are many sports, is mentally challenging. For throwing to be successful, they must be mentally and mechanically strong. This has led to many different methodologies being used to analyze the biomechanics of the Biomechanical analysis of throwing techniques. Different temporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters are selected based upon their necessity for each individual study. Also a variety of methods are being used to collect the motion data including varying numbers and locations for 2D and 3D motion analysis research. In the last several decades, sports biomechanics has demonstrated considerable growth evolving from an exercise to the filming of human movement to an applied science with the powerful array of measurement and modeling sports techniques. The descriptive approach has superseded by attempt to explain the mechanics and has emerged as an important area of scientific investigation in variety of disciplines ranging from classical mechanics to the life sciences, includes: theoretical mechanics, anatomy, anthropometry, neuromuscular physiology, kinesiology, biomechanical engineering, ergonomics, exercise science, orthopedic surgery, physical rehabilitation and corrective physical education. In Biomechanics extensive researches have been conducted in the interaction of arm and legs, in walking, running, throwing analyzing during the course of action of play with different approach, angles and direction under the part of the study of biomechanical engineering . The kinematic and kinetic performance analysis of biomechanical engineering permit the explanation of dynamics of human motion, researchers interested in solving specific problem in human mechanics, such as determining how a given sports skill, improved by modeling, computer simulation, optimization and other statistical approach to motion analysis the increasing involvement of technology has made some other methods and tools available for tracking and assessing motion. Numbers of laboratories around the world are now working on movement analysis. These laboratories primarily work in neurological, neuromuscular, and orthopedic disorders of locomotion. However, there are also important works being done in analyzing sports engineering and sports-related movement. Movement analysis is automatically a part of human performance assessment and analysis. Today many sports scientists use movement analysis as a tool to origin new techniques and establishment of movement, correct movement erro rs related to a variety of movements. Origin of the concept of biomechanical analysis of throwing technique was evaluated in 1968; the journal of biomechanics was first published with the broadly stated purpose of mechanical principles to the mechanical analysis of throwing technique. Analytical methods used within sports biomechanics as a part of performance and technique analysis. The concept of technique analysis as a specific sequence of movement appears to be well established in the literature, but the concept of technique analysis is still under developed. Although several descriptive and analytical goals for technique analysis can be identified, the main justification given for its used is to aid in the improvement of performance. However, the conceptual framework underpinning this process is poorly developed with a lack of distinction between technique and performance. Biomechanical analysis of throwing technique is a good way to improve the throwing technique of the cricket players. Indeed computer simulation makes possible to validate investigation on throwing movement understanding in the modern computerized system, software program, it is now possible to make sufficient calculation, statistical evaluation. The limited research into the basic mechanisms underlying specific cricket throws highlights the need for more information directly applicable to the enhancement of the performance in the games of cricket for `elite cricketer. Only (Cook, and Strike., 2000, Elliott and Anderson 1990) have tried to quantify, in two and three dimensions analysis of, the throwing technique adopted in cricket. (Elliott and Anderson 1990) the study were concerned age related differences in high performance over arm throwing technique pattern, not specifically the mature pattern of throwing in cricket. It has been shown that throwing is an important aspect of the c ricket sports and that a sound understanding of throwing technique can facilitate improvements in throwing performance in any games and sports but cricket is the game in which win or lose of the game mostly depended throwing techniques and throwing performance of the team members. There is an increasing emphasis on good fielding in cricket; it could be that three or four quality fielders are as important bowlers who have the ability to take wickets. (Fleisig et al., 1996a) contended that, although there are similarities in all overhand throws, there are quantifiable differences in the mechanics for various sports. Here, we review the literature on throwing and then analysis the three-dimensional characteristics of throwing technique of an elite cricketer, drawing comparisons with previous research. Previous study on the role of biomechanical analysis of throwing technique focused mainly on baseball, tennis, volley ball, and athletics. Not many studies have been undertaking on the role of biomechanical analysis of throwing technique in cricket or relevant throwing technique. This study related some little aspect from the study by Cohen et al. (1994) for the applicable to netball and cricket player using overhead action in performing the throw. A major different was the unavailability of sophisticated tool to perform the mechanical analysis of throwing technique or calculating the speed of the ball release toward the enhancement of the performance. Understanding of human movement is one the most and complex studies with the regarding of the mechanical aspect and thus in sports. To attain the highest level of sports performance needs immense quantity of skillful movement. The performance in any sport depends only on motor action or movement. The skill serves as basic element and indispensable for good performance. Fielding is the one of the most important skill in the game. In every sport the techniques has been changing with rules and regulation from time to time. To cope up with the changes constant understanding of the required variation call for attention. The complexity of techniques makes variation too minute to distinguishably determine the deviation without sophisticated tools. The non identification of the technique variation leads to inappropriate application and demote performances. The Indians cricket fielding performance (like, stopping the ball, catching and throwing) is showing low as the comparison with the Inter national level trend with introduction of new techniques and implementations of mechanics in sports especially in cricket. Initial researches, it appears as though the majority of the joint activity involved in throwing a cricket occurs in the upper body, specifically the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. This impression is acquired due to that fact that most professional cricket players injuries are related to the shoulder or elbow joints. The most common musculo-tendinous injuries sustained by baseball pitchers occur within the rotator cuff region (Mullaney et al., 2005). Since throwing is such a rigorous and repetitive motion, many of these injuries or failure in the performance can be attributed to overuse or improper mechanics. The throwing motion can be broken down into several key temporal parameters based on distinct motions involved in every throws. Different studies use different temporal parameters based on the needs for the study. (Werner. Et al., 2001) broke down the throwing motion into three phases: stride foot contact to the instant of maximum shoulder external rotation (cocking phase), maximum external rotation to the instant of ball release (acceleration phase), and from ball release until 500 milliseconds after the ball has been released (follow-through phase). Many studies and books such as (Layera., 2010), (Bartlett., 1997) and (Adrian., 1995) base their justifications for a good technique on the kinematic chain (occurrence of peak segment velocities from proximal to distal), starting with hip velocity and ending with wrist velocity. This investigation aims to confirm research done by the likes of Campbell et al (2010) and Chu et al (2009) that there are important aspects of the throwing action that occur below the waist, and also in the trunk. It should be noted that this study is not aimed in disagreement with the importance of the kinematic chain Bartlett.,(2007) and Hamill., (2003), but rather in agreement with the idea that the lower body forms a fundamental part of the throwing action and should therefore be taught to the same level of understanding as the function of the upper body. This will be achieved through the use of a case study using a skilled and less skilled performer, and comparing various lower body kinematic parameters . Unless the specific study is looking at the kinematic and kinetic effects of different throws, the subjects being analyzed will throw fastballs at the desired target. This makes for more uniform sampling as well as easier data comparison among subjects because every player throws a fastball in a similar manner to achieve a high velocity and accuracy. It is rare to find testing or data collection performed during game situations. If this is the method chosen for data acquisition however, anatomical landmarks must be manually digitized and camera angles must be accommodating to the cricket fields facilities and grounds. Most studies are performed in a lab with multiple-high speed cameras at various angles to capture all of the reflective markers located on the body to calculate various kinematic and kinetic parameters. Analysis of throwing technique has been the basis for many studies across a range of sports; these have served to identify important variables and characteristics of throwing performance to facilitate analysis and understanding, many researchers have divided the throwing action into specific phases, each with its own biomechanical function (Elliott and Anderson, 1990). Although the throw can be divided into specific phases, this does not infer a discontinuous action but serves only to aid subsequent analysis (Elliott and Anderson., 1990). Subdivision of the throwing technique has enabled important variables of performance to be identified within each phase, in addition to an overview of technique in which the whole body can be seen to work in a coordinated fashion to achieve its goal. The main aim of the study biomechanical analysis of throwing techniques in cricket was to asses, the role of mechanical factor that may affect effective throwing in cricket. In this study the effect of selected biomechanical analysis of throwing techniques in the different angle of approach at different direction and distance, with maximum velocity and accuracy was investigated. There are considerable numbers of different joint involved in throwing, but the purpose of the study the focus was on upper extremities and more specifically shoulder complex. The biomechanical analysis of throwing technique is the answer to full fill existential vacuum, refinement and stabilization of the game and sports in growing competitive sporting world to the changing demand. At the international level of competition a minute variation may result in win or lose. Every nation is backing their sports person with biomechanical researches to accomplish the need. However there have been fewer researches in the field of cricket ball throwing technique at inter-national level specially relevance of throwing mechanism. (Freston et al., 2007), has studied the factor involved/associated with throwing velocity and accuracy in elite/ sub elite cricket players. (Sachlikidis and Salter., 2007), found that non dominant arm throws had significantly lower maximum lead knee lift, had significantly less elbow flexion before extension, had significantly less shoulder external rotation at the start of the arm acceleration phase. (Cook and Strike., 2007), found the great er elbow flexion at lead foot contact and less external rotation during the preparation phase.(Bartlet., 2001), cited that the practical value of performance analysis was that well-chosen performance indicators highlight good and bad technique or performance. More emphasis has been given in biomechanical analysis of throwing technique in bowling throws in cricket at international level. Other developing countries have made their changes according to demand and thus superseded Indian performance. Indian cricket player need support from our researchers to identify variation and variables to steer their performance to those golden days of dominating world cricket. The mechanical factor of throwing involves ballistic movement of one segment. The imparting force must overcome the inertia of an object. But, in general, throwing is a sequential action of chain of body segments, leading to high velocity motion of external objects. It thus results in the production of a summated velocity at the end of the chain of segment used and the path of the external object motion in accordance to the demand of situation and position, throwing technique in general used by the elite cricket Fielders are, underarm throw, side arm throw, and overhead throw India has not even set to its initial in the biomechanical researches in any field. In India no such research have been undertaking till date in biomechanics. In the computer era, the motion analyses software and programming made biomechanical research specially in kinematics possible to read the athletes motion .The throwing skills in cricket have received very less biomechanical research attention than any other. Throwing is a complex motor movement and therefore generally follows different predictable stages. The theoretical concept have conclusively defines that elite sportsmen of skilled levels and within skill levels exhibits to have mechanical variability. Thus the present research has been taken to find out various throwing techniques in relation to medicinal aspect of high skilled cricket players. BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS: A biomechanical analysis evaluates the motion of a living organism and the effect of forces on the living organism. The biomechanical approach to movement analysis can be qualitative, with movement observed and described, meaning that some aspect of the movement measured. The use of the term biomechanics in this text incorporates qualitative components with a more specific quantitative approach. In such an approach, the motion characteristics of a human or an object are described using such parameters as speed and direction, how the motion is created through application of forces both inside and outside the body, and the optimal body positions and actions for efficient, effective motion. The biomechanical analysis of different event can help to understand the critical point of technical performance thus helping coaches and athletes in their preparation. One area of major concentration over the past few years is that of biomechanical analysis. Human motion analysis is frequently used today for both clinical and research application the art and science of motion analysis has expanded beyond basic descriptions of ambulatory patterns to include front line clinical roles in rehabilitation, surgery, prosthetics, orthotics, Ergonomics and Athletics. A biomechanical analysis conducted from either of two perspectives. The first, kinematics and second kinetics. Kinematics is concerned with motion characteristics and examines motion from a spatial and temporal perspective without reference to the forces causing the motion. A kinematic analysis involves the description of movement to determine how fast an object is moving, how high it goes, or how far it travels. Thus, position, velocity, and acceleration are the components of interest in a kinematic analysis. By examining an angular or linear movement kinematically, one can identify segments of a movement that require improvement, obtain ideas and technique enhancements from elite performers, or break a skill down into identifiable parts. By each of these, further understanding of human movement. Pushing on a table may or may not move the table, depending upon the direction and strength of the push. A push or pull between two objects that may or may not result in motion is termed a force. Kinetics is the area of study that examines the forces acting on a system, such as the human body, or any object. A kinetic movement analysis attempts to define the forces causing a movement. A kinetic movement analysis is more difficult than a kinematic analysis both to comprehend and to evaluate, by a significant amount if the weight of the body lifted and the speed of the bar were not considered. The forces produced during human movement are very important, since they are responsible for creating all of our movements and for maintaining positions or postures having no movement. The assessment of these forces represents the greatest technical challenge in this field, since it requires sophisticated equipment and significant expertise. Thus, for the novice movement analyst, concepts relating to maximizing or minimizing force production in the body will be more important than evaluating the actual forces themselves. A kinetic analysis can provide the teacher, therapist, coach, or res earcher with valuable information about how the movement produced or how a position maintained. This information can direct conditioning and training for a sport or movement. For example, kinetic analyses performed by researchers have identified weak and strong positions in various joint movements. Thus, one know that the weakest position for starting an arm curl is with the weights hanging down and the forearm straight. If the same exercise started with the elbow slightly bent, more weight can lifted. Kinetics also identifies the important parts of a skill in terms of movement production. Examinations of both the kinematic and kinetic components are essential to full understanding of all aspects of a movement. It is also important to study the kinematic and kinetic relationships, since any acceleration of a limb, of an object, or of the human body is a result of a force applied at some point, at a particular time, of a given magnitude, and for a particular duration. While it is of some use merely to describe the motion characteristics kinematically. KINEMATICS: Kinematics is a branch of classical mechanics which describes the motion of objects without consideration of the causes leading to the motion. The other branch is dynamics, which studies the relationship between the motion of objects and its causes. Kinematics is not to be confused with kinetics, and to dynamics as used in modern day physics; this term is no longer in active use. Kinematics is the branch of biomechanics concerned with the study of movement with reference to the amount of time taken to carry out the activity. Kinematics is the branch of biomechanics concerned with describing the motion of bodies, thus kinematics deal with such things as how far a body moves, how fast it moves and how consistently it moves. It is not concerned at all with the cause of motion of the body. In other words we can say The kinematics is that branch of biomechanics, which concerned with description of the movement of segment of the body without regard to the forces and cause due to the movement occurred. KINEMATICS ANALYSIS: We are concerned with the relation and conclusion of different kinematics variables. In the cricket ball throw with the different technique of the cricket player, body movement like the movement of upper extremities (upper arm, forearm, hand) and ball how much upper arm moves, how much forearm moves, how much hand moves, from initial point and how accurate ball moves. ANGULAR KINEMATICS: Rotational or angular kinematics is the description of the rotation of an object. The description of rotation requires some method for describing orientation, for example, the Euler angles. In what follows, attention is restricted to simple rotation about an axis of fixed orientation. The z-axis has been chosen for convenience. Description of rotation then involves these three quantities: Angular position: The oriented distance from a selected origin on the rotational axis to a point of an object is a vector r ( t ) locating the point. The vector r ( t ) has some projection (or, equivalently, some component) r ( t ) on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Then the angular position of that point is the angle ÃŽÂ ¸ from a reference axis (typically the positive x-axis) to the vector r ( t ) in a known rotation sense (typically given by the right-hand rule). Angular velocity: The angular velocity à Ã¢â‚¬ ° is the rate at which the angular position ÃŽÂ ¸ changes with respect to time t. ANGULAR SPEED AND VELOCITY: Angular speed = angular displacement à · time Angular velocity = angular displacement à · time QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS: The qualitative analysis system includes the development of a theoretical model as a basis for identifying faults judging their relative importance. In the qualitative analysis, the performance is evaluated subjectively based on direct, visual observation and this method is widely used, as it is less expensive. To conduct qualitative analysis, requires some prior knowledge of the sports or activity concerned, in particular if the motor skill to be analyze. A qualitative analysis includes visual and photographic observations, which usually result in a description or a judgment of the good and the weak points of a given performance. Visual analysis has the obvious advantage of not requiring expensive equipment but suffers from limited accuracy and most effectively practiced by an expert coach with an experienced eye. Without instant replay, the teacher must depend upon the senses to be able to quickly see what took place. With the luxury of film or videotape and the time to view repeatedly a single performance, the chances for correctly diagnosing an error enhanced. The filming process itself is very critical, and most ordinary game films are not of much use in analyzing of an individual, because of the probability of poor camera angle, background, or light. The time and expense needed to photograph individual performers and then to study the film for perhaps several hours is usually justified. QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS: In quantitative analysis, technique evaluated objectively based on measurements taken from recording (e.g. film, videotape, force-time curves) of the movement. At any level of quantitative analysis, there is a need for interaction between the coach and biomechanist if maximum performance is to be achieved. Quantitative evaluation of movement requires that a permanent record be collected for a number of trials so that each can be viewed and analysed. Recording of permanent data on movement may take a number of different forms, for example cinematography, electromyography (EMG), accelerometry, dynamometry or electrogoniometry. While some of these techniques may not be available for general use, a more informed reading of the scientific biomechanics literature can only occur if it understands how objective data are derived. In quantitative analysis system, the performance is first recorded technique and then it is evaluated objectively. This method is used only for research purposes and is quite expensive. It involves the measurement and recoding of hard data about movement, gait analysis (walking, running Parkinson Ian gait), sequential analysis in kicking and throwing, postural characteristics in relation to performance, and it goes well beyond qualitative analysis because of its emphasis aim to identify the mechanical principals that effect motion and movement patterns, and employ the physical principles of the human body facilitate improvements in performance. Image analysis techniques, including both movie photography and videography, provide the opportunity to capture complex movement sequences on film or videotape so that a detailed analysis can be performed. However, an understanding of sampling frequency relative to photography or videography is needed prior to discussing different image analysis techniques, as both are sampling processes that record information at discrete points in time during a continuous motion. The sampling rate needed for an accurate representation of movement must be at least twice the value of the highest frequency component contained in the movement, although many researchers believe sampling rates of 5 to 10 times the maximum frequency component are necessary. Excessive sampling either increases the cost when using high-speed photography or limits the choice of cameras when using high-speed videography. Under-sampling will cause vital movement characteristics to be missed, or distortions to arise. At the sub jective level of analysis, film or video techniques may be use to record movement and allow general comments to be made on the observed characteristics. At an objective level it is not sufficient to just record and observe movement, as detailed measurements must be completed and inferences drawn with reference to the movement. Specific equipment and procedures must be use if accurate objective data are to be collected using image analysis techniques. Movie Photography: In high speed cinematography a motor-driven camera capable of providing frame rates up to approximately 500 Hz (c.s-1) and exposure times up to approximately 1/10 000 s is needed to accommodate movement and sport skills of differing speeds. In a golf drive for example, the ability to clearly record the impact of the ball and Club head would require an exposure time of approximately 1/3600 s and a frame rate of 400 Hz. The 400 Hz frame rate ensures that the moment of impact captured on film, while the exposure time guarantees that no blurring of the image occurs. For an analysis of jogging, an exposure time of 1/800 s would provide a clear image of the leg, while a frame rate of 100 Hz is sufficient to sample leg movement at the required frequency. The collection of data from film for analytical purposes (digitizing) is the most time- consuming and tedious aspect of cinematographic research. A stop-action projector is needed to control film movement so that an operator can move an X-Y coordinate system until a pointer, pen, light or cross-hairs lie over the desired anatomical landmark to be digitized. The co-ordinates of this point are then stored on a computer. In order for the anatomical landmark to be located, it must be clearly marked on the subject being filmed, so that an accurate identification of the segment end point or joint centre is possible These co-ordinate data are then smoothed prior to being mathematically manipulated in the calculation of kinematic and kinetic data. Information additional to the co-ordinates of the selected landmarks is required. A large sweep-hand clock may be included in the photographic field to establish the actual frame rate of the camera. Alternatively, internal camera lights which flash at a set rate may be used to mark the film and allow film speed calculation. Aspatial scale, such as a large metre rule, must also be filmed in the plane of action to convert film scale measures to real values. This type of scientific analysis may be done on any of several levels, ranging from research that has immediate applicability to sports, scientist in the lab are aided by interesting and very technical measuring and recording devices, including high-speed cameras, motion analyzers, force platform and computers. Two Dimensional Analysis: This type of analysis commonly uses one camera and fewer markers on the subject than in more complex 3-D analysis. Although it has limitations, it was the first method used by sport researchers and biomechanists, and is still used today by many research labs that utilize motion analysis, and is easily adapted for student research. Video Analysis: Once film or video is recorded it must be analyzed. This usually entails digitizing points off of a film or video using a special machine, or even using tracing paper overlaid on a monitor. Video can be captured by a computer and relevant points digitized directly using image analysis programs such as NIH Image and Measurement in Motion. In the motion analysis activity included here, QuickTime movies are used to digitize points that make up an angle between the leg, ankle and foot. This angle lets one analyze the effect shoes have on pronation and supination.