Gradient Function :: Papers

Gradient Function For this investigation, I have to find the relationship between a point of any non-linear graph and the gradient of the tangent, which is the gradient function. First of all, I have to define the word, 'Gradient'. Gradient means the slope of a line or a tangent at any point on a curve. A tangent is basically a line, curve, or surface that touches another curve but does not cross or intersect it. To find a gradient, observe the graph below: [IMAGE][IMAGE] All you have to do to find the gradient is to divide the change in X with the change in Y. In this case, on the graph above, AB and you would have gotten the BC gradient for that particular point of the graph. I am going start by finding the gradient function of y=x ², y=2x ², and then y=ax ². I will move on finding the gradient function of y=x ³, y=2x ³, and finally y=ax ³. I will then find the similarities and generalise y=axà ¢Ã‚ ¿ where 'a' and 'n' are constants, and then investigate the Gradient function for any curves of my choice. I will first find the gradient of tangents on the graph y=x ² by drawing the graph (page 3), and then find the gradient for a number of selected points on the graph: Point X Change in Y Change in X Gradient a -3 6 -1 -6 b -2 4 -1 -4 c -1 2 -1 -2 d 1 2 1 2 e 2 4 1 4 f 3 6 1 6 As you can see, the gradient is always twice the value of its original X value Where y=x ². So the gradient function has to be f `(x)=2x for

Physiological manipulation in novel Essay

Aldous Huxley is a visionary in every sense of the word, as he paints a vivid picture of the future that is second to none. His imagination is almost prophetic as he boldly presents his idea of futuristic society and the direction of mankind. Huxley’s imaginary society in the ‘Brave New World’ controls citizens through physiological manipulation during birth, psychological conditioning while growing up and a hallucinogenic drug called ‘Soma’ to provide instant gratification (Huxley 15). Although these techniques are said to eradicate class discrimination, religion and unhappiness, it paves the way for a lackluster, grey world deprived of any real life and creative ideas. Huxley’s visions of technology of the future such as genetic engineering, mind-altering drugs and bio-technological advances are quite startling. In spite of having classic science-fiction traits, there is a Shakespearean character as well as weak-minded and strong-spirited human characters in the book that one can relate to. The ‘Brave New World’ is a book with several subtle layers that is entertaining and enlightening at the same time. Although the subject matter of the book is quite dense, it is presented in satirical fashion. Huxley’s Ford analogy explains how technology is also an illusion to exercise control, which has been put in place to replace previous control mechanisms such as religion. Huxley’s political commentary describing an anti-utopian society controlled by a totalistic government is relevant, even in today’s context. Although the centralized world government’ claims technology to be advancing, it merely improves upon existing technologies and fails to make any new breakthroughs in science, thereby keeping people ignorant. The manipulative government also restricts reproduction and promotes polygamous physical relationship, thereby killing meaningful family values and moral gratification. One of the most intriguing issues raised by Huxley’s work is the true meaning of happiness. It makes one reexamine life and realize that happiness is not merely avoidance of pain, conforming to societal norms and amassing wealth. Huxley, through the depiction of the totalitarian government, tries to explain the evils of people losing power and one body exercising absolute control over the masses. Although the book is over seventy-five years old, it is still very relevant in our contemporary political scenario. Huxley’s work also seeks out to enlighten the world about the importance of individuality and freedom of thought. It ultimately makes a statement that blind conformity backed up by fear will only lead to complete surrender of the human mind and soul. On careful analysis, one would come to realize that the fictional society portrayed in Brave New World is not merely a work of Huxley’s fantasy, but actually an extrapolation of our degrading societal values such as greed, meaningless relationships and hyper- consumerism. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein tells us about the consequences of technology over-stepping the nature’s boundaries. It shares recurring themes with Brave New World such as scientists creating life by going against the laws of nature. In both the books, the characters try to use technology to better mankind, but eventually end up making things worse. Both the authors feel that unchecked growth of technology could lead to dire consequences. In the book ‘On the Genealogy of Morals`, Nietzsche reveals the moral crisis that industrialization had brought to the lives of people. Though he believes that human life would be better without religion, he feels human beings need a moral frame of reference to be disciplined. Nietzsche and Huxley share a common view on religion keeping down humans from realizing their true potential. Again, nihilism of established standards and belief systems to enhance human life are common in both the authors’ works. Fyodor Dostoevsky in ‘The Grand Inquisitor’ portrays the return of Jesus Christ and his arrest by the Spanish Inquisition. God is blamed for bestowing freedom upon human beings and thereby making them suffer (Dostoevsky 249). The Church starts to work with the devil to end human suffering, wherein only a few posses freedom while the rest live and die blissfully in ignorance. This theme in Dostoevsky’s parable parallels the Brave New World’s totalitarian government ruling over the ignorant people of the world who are free from pain. I believe our world is moving towards Huxley’s prediction of universal singularity. We are witnessing our freedoms being taken away right under noses by the government, under the pretense of security and progress. We are seeing the decline of families and a blind urge for physical gratification running rampant driven by mindless television entertainment. We are also observing alarmingly higher levels of consumption as well as production, while original thought is gradually deteriorating. Technology is growing exponentially and becoming more and more pervasive by the day. However, in spite of all this, people do not seem to be enjoying true ‘happiness’ and are turning towards anti-depressants to relieve stress, thereby reiterating Huxley’s vision again. Works Cited Page Dostoevsky, Fyodor. â€Å"The Grand Inquisitor†. The Brothers Karamazov. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000. 246-264. Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. Harper & Row Publishers, 1969. Nietzsche, Friedrich. On the Genealogy of Morals. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Pocket Books, 2004.

Empathy: Emotion and People Essay

All of us have had compaction for one thing or another in our lives. Our sympathetic feelings toward something is empathy. It is a basic requirement for all human beings. It is natural for us to have an empathetic response towards things. Empathy is a very powerful tool towards our emotional distress. It is hard for us to resist the power of empathetic feelings. When we feel empathy we feel other peoples emotional distresses. We try to feel sympathetic towards the situation or the person. When empathy comes into play we try to solve the problem and take the other persons perspective on the problem. An empathetic person feels what the other person is feeling and why. One can be empathetic towards fictional situations and characters. Empathy is an emotion that we strive to satisfy even if it means risking our lives or being very uncomforadable. Empathy is an emotion shown in people as young as twelve months. Our empathy builds as we grow older. An important aspect of empathy is to be able to consider the viewpoint of another person. This is also known as perspective taking. This is why people risk their lives to save someones life or just save someone from harm. Usually people who risk their lives to save people are very empathetic of people. People who posses a low level of empathy towards people tend to not take as much risks for the sake of solving a problem. But some people find it quite necessary to satisfy their empathetic emotions. This breed of people obviously take more risks . When you imagine how another person perceives an event and how he or she feels as a result, this is called taking an â€Å"imagine other† perspective. When we see on the news that an innocent bystander was harmed, we take an â€Å"imagine other† perspective. This makes us feel empathy for the person, even though we may have never heard or seen of the person before until the news reported it. â€Å"Imagine self† is when one imagines themselves personally being in the situation. Both â€Å"imagine other† and â€Å"imagine self† perspectives go hand in hand. When one feels for a persons problems and tries to imagine how he or she feels, one tends to also imagine themselves in the same situation. These perspectives bring out the empathy that we possess. Those who take the â€Å"imagine other† perspective experience relatively pure empathy that motivates altruistic behavior. The â€Å"imagine self† perspective also produces empathy but it is accompanied by feelings of distress that arouse egoistic  motives that can actually interfere with people being unselfish about their thoughts. Another perspective of empathy is fantasy. This is when our empathy is for something that is not real. This is a very occurring situation to most people. People act emotionally to the joys and sorrows of an imaginary person or thing. When people watch a sad movie, people sometimes cry and feel for the person, even though the situation is not real. When we read a sad or depressing book or hear about a sad fair tale, we take the imagine other and imagine self perspectives to a fantasy situation just as we would a real life situation. The only difference being is you can’t physically put yourself into position to help the fantasy situation, as with the real life situations, one can physically help the situation. We might think that children have the tendency to have empathetic thoughts about fantasy situations more than adults. This is not true. Adults experience the same kind of empathetic feelings towards fantasy situations. When I went to see the movie TITANIC two summers ago, I observed that the whole audience was crying. Women, children and even men were crying. Even though the movie was a fantasy people still felt for the characters. Humans differ greatly in their ability to experience empathy. Some people are highly empathetic and feel distress whenever they encounter someone else is distressed. It doesn’t matter whether it’s real or fictional. People who are highly empathetic more motivated to avoid social disapproval or feelings of guilt. Some people are not very empathetic at all. These people are unaffected by anyone’s emotional state but their own.. People with low levels of empathy will avoid helping people because the costs are high and they can escape responsibilities easily. Genes account for about a third of the differences in people in affective empathy. Presumably, learning counts for the remaining differences in empathy. Our experiences in our life help us learn either affective empathy or non-affective empathy. The kind of experiences that are involved in our ability to have affective empathy is by a mother’s warmth and by clear and forceful messages from parents telling how others are affected by hurtful behavior. When parents discuss emotions with their children, the better their ability to empathize becomes. When  parentsw are abusive or use anger to control their kids, their ability to empathize with the world drops tremendously. Women tend to empathize with the world more than men. This could either be because of genetics or because women have different socialization experiences than men. We tend to be more empathetic to people who are most like ourselves. This happens because we can relate to people who are much like ourselves. When disasters occur similarity to self comes into play. If one has been involved in a similar disaster, one is more likely to be empathetic towards the situation.. Need for approval is an important aspect of helping behavior. People who want to be praised for their good deeds generally empathize with the world quite well. Empathy is higher in people who help with emergency situations. People who are very altruistic descibe themselves as being very responsible, socialized, conforming tolerant , self controlled, and wanting to make a good impression. Obviously people who help others in emergency situations are believe that it is just the right thing to do. People that have empathy for others see themselves as socially responsible for people in emergencies. To look the other way is not being responsible. One can’t say that someone with low levels of empathy would not help somebody in a particular emergency situation. It is just more likely people that have little empathy will look for someone else to help before they do. It also depends on the severity of the situation at hand. It is easy to see how the media reacts to how people react during emergency situations in today’s society. When bystanders fail to act, the media focuses on the lack of concern among uncaring people. When a bystander does to the emergency the media emphasises on how an ordinar person can suddenly become a hero to the public. This gives people with empathy all the more reason to act and give people with little empathy a good reason to at least try and do something for the sake of not being looked down on by the media. Empathy is a very powerful emotion that many of us possess. It is a very natural emotion that even infants have. Empathy comes in many forms. Taking an â€Å"imagine other† perspective and the â€Å"imagine self perspective is something we do everyday in one form or another. Empathy comes in many forms. We empathize for the smallest things. Some of us are not very  empathetic at all. This is seen as a bad thing by today’s society and media. But people with low empathy doesn’t necessarily mean they are cruel people. The capacity for empathy plays a crucial role in differentiating those who behave in prosocial behavior and those who do not. It is safe to say that people who are concerned with their own personal welfare and not others are unempathetic people to our society. We must remember that empathy is present in all of us. It just depends on the person and their life experiences whether they will show empathy for situations.

Astronomers Essays - Cosmologists, Atacama Desert, Free Essays

Astronomers Essays - Cosmologists, Atacama Desert, Free Essays Astronomers Part One Brief Descriptions of the Following Astronomers: Walter Baade : Baade was a German-born American, whose work gave new estimates for the age and size of the universe. During the wartime, blackouts aided his observatons and allowed him to indentify and classify stars in a new and useful way, and led him to increase and improve Hubble's values for the size and age of the universe (to the great relief of geologists.) He also worked on supernovae and radiostars. Milton Humason : Humason was a colleague of Edwin Hubble's at Mt. Wilson and Palomar Mtn. who was instrumental in measuring faint galaxy spectra providing evidence for the expansion of the universe. Jan Oort : In 1927, this Dutch astronomer proved by observation (in the Leiden observatory) that our galaxy is rotating, and calculated the sirance of the sun from the centre of the galaxy and the period of its orbit. In 1950 he sugested the exsistence of a sphere of incipent cometary material surrounding the solar system, which is now called the 'Oort cloud.' He proposed that comets detached themsleves from this 'Oort- cloud' and went into orbit around the sun. From 1940 onwards he carried out notable work in radio astronomy. Harlow Shapley : Shapley deduced that the Sun lies near the central plane of the Galaxy some 30,000 light- years away from the centre. In 1911 Shapley, working with results given by Henry N. Russell, began finding the dimensions of stars in a number of binary systems from measurements of their light variation when they eclipse one another. These methods remained the standard procedure for more than 30 years. Shapley also showed that Cepheid variables cannot be star pairs that eclipse each other. He was the first to propose that they are pulsating stars. In the Mount Wilson Observatory, Pasadena Calif., in 1914, he made a study of the distribution of the globular clusters in the Galaxy; these clusters are immense, densely packed groups of stars, some containing as many as 1,000,000 members. He found that of the 100 clusters known at the time, one-third lay within the boundary of the constellation Sagittarius. Utilizing the newly developed concept that variable stars accurately reveal their distance by their period of variation and apparent brightness, he found that the clusters were distributed roughly in a sphere whose centre lay in Sagittarius. Since the clusters assumed a spherical arrangement, it was logical to conclude that they would cluster around the centre of the Galaxy; from this conclusion and his other distance data Shapley deduced that the Sun lies at a distance of 50,000 light-years from the centre of the Galaxy; the number was later corrected to 30,000 light-years. Before Shapley, the Sun was believed to lie ne! ar the centre of the Galaxy. His work, which led to the first realistic estimate for the actual size of the Galaxy, thus was a milestone in galactic astronomy. Allan Sandage : Sandage (U.S) discovered the first quasi-stellar radio source (quasar), a starlike object that is a strong emitter of radio waves. He made the discovery in collaboration with the U.S. radio astronomer Thomas A. Matthews. Sandage became a member of the staff of the Hale Observatories (now the Mount Wilson and Palomar Observatories), in California, in 1952 and carried out most of his investigations there. Pursuing the theoretical work of several astronomers on the evolution of stars, Sandage, with Harold L. Johnson, demonstrated in the early 1950s that the observed characteristics of the light and colour of the brightest stars in various globular clusters indicate that the clusters can be arranged in order according to their age. This information provided insight into stellar evolution and galactic structure. Later, Sandage became a leader in the study of quasi-stellar radio sources, comparing accurate positions of radio sources with photographic sky maps and then using a large optical telescope to find a visual starlike source at the point where the strong radio waves are being emitted. Sandage and Matthews identified the first of many such objects Sandage later discovered that some of the remote, starlike objects with similar characteristics are not radio sources. He also found that the light from a number of the sources varies rapidly and irregularly in intensity. Part Two Cerro Tololo Interamerican

The National Museum of Colombia

The National Museum of Colombia The National Museum of Colombia: Colombias National Museum (Museo Nacional) is located in the heart of Bogota. Its a sprawling, three-story structure dedicated to Columbias art and history. Although there are some very interesting exhibits, all in all its a little dry. Visiting the National Museum: Colombia’s National Museum is about 10 blocks away from Plaza Bolivar (the heart of old Bogota) on Carrera 7 between calle 28 and calle 29. It’s possible to walk from one to the other, or there are buses on a regular basis. The museum is a massive yellowish brick building that was once a prison: night watchmen swear it’s haunted. It’s open daily except Mondays. Hours are 10-6, 10-5 on Sundays. Adult admission is less than $2 US and is free on Sundays. Whats in the Museum?: Colombia’s National Museum is dedicated to history and art and covers everything from the earliest inhabitants of Colombia to the present. On the lowest floor are rooms filled with ancient pottery and golden ornaments and figurines from long-gone cultures. The museum has sections on the conquest, the colonial era, independence and the republican era. The top floor is dedicated to the modern era, but it’s mostly art and very little history. There is a small gift shop and coffee shop on the first floor. Highlights of the National Museum: The museum is divided into different sections, some of which are more interesting than others. On the first floor is a vault-like room with golden ornaments and figurines from Colombias ancient cultures: its interesting if you havent already gone to the much more impressive gold museum a few blocks away. The archaeology sections are kind of cool, and the independence section is worth a stop, particularly to see the many faces of Simà ³n Bolà ­var exhibit. The colonial era part is best if youre a fan of art from that time. On the top floor are some paintings by Botero and other well-known modern Colombian artists. Lowlights of the National Museum: Parts of the museum are a little stale. The republican era (1830-1900 or so) section is an endless series of stony-faced portraits of former presidents. Surprisingly, some of the most interesting parts of Colombias history, such as the 1000 Days War or the 1928 Banana Massacre, are barely mentioned (and dont rate their own exhibit). There is a room on the 1948 Bogotazo riot, but somehow they have made a day of mayhem and destruction seem boring. There is nothing on the tragic period known as La Violencia, nothing on Pablo Escobar and nothing about the FARC and other modern troubles. Who would like Colombias National Museum?: The museum is best for history or art buffs. Colombias National Museum is a traditional one, in that very few of the displays or exhibits are in any way interactive. Kids may be bored stiff. History fans can skip the third floor entirely, and art fans can go directly from the pottery of the ancient era to see the angels and saints in the colonial section before heading to the top floor to see the Boteros. There are better museums in Bogota: Art lovers should first go to the Botero Museum, and history buffs should check out the July 20 Independence Museum. Non-Spanish speakers will struggle, as few of the exhibits have English translation (and nothing in German, French, etc). Supposedly, English-speaking guides are available on Wednesdays.

A Complete Fall Color and Autumn Leaf Viewing Guide

A Complete Fall Color and Autumn Leaf Viewing Guide One of natures grandest color displays - the autumn tree leaf color change - will develop as early as mid-September in the northern latitudes of North America. This annual autumn tree leaf change will manifest itself in living fall color through most of October, then wane toward the end of November in the southern part of the United States. You will have at least two months of quality autumn leaf viewing somewhere in North America. The best part about viewing the fall color is, it wont cost one red cent to enjoy - that is if you are lucky enough to live in or near a deciduous forest or have trees in your yard that express fall color. All others better get ready to pay for the experience. City escapees spend over one billion dollars each season taking in what many consider the splashiest show in nature. Autumn leaf viewing is a major vacation attraction - especially throughout New England, the central Northwoods and the Appalachian Mountains of the Eastern United States.  No forestry site would be complete without some mention of the October tree viewing pilgrimage - and how people can better enjoy viewing the autumn foliage. This quick leaf-viewing reference includes some basic tree leaf science and leaf viewing tips, along with enough information to enhance your next autumn leaf viewing trip. Use this guide as a starting point for your next leaf-viewing vacation. Starting Tips for Viewing Leaves Review the most beautiful trees naturally on display during fall leaf viewing season.Review these leaf silhouettes of common tree species.Get a recommended field guide to enhance the trip.Learn how to organize, build and display an autumn leaf collection.Use this field guide and key  to identify an autumn leaf by tree species. The Science of Leaf Change Fall leaf color change starts very subtly late in September and early October in temperate North America. Trees respond to such factors as autumn drying conditions, temperature change, altered sun position, and light. It takes approximately two weeks to begin and complete the fall color change so timing and a little luck are essential for the perfect view. Fall color change and flow take place as three primary waves in mixed hardwood forests. A simple flow and wave model was designed at the University of Georgia to illustrate what leaf experts call the fall color wave.   Autumn Leaf Color Change, The Anatomy of a Fall Leaf The major factor influencing autumn leaf color change is the lack of water. Not a lack of water to the entire tree, but a purposeful weaning of water from each leaf. Every leaf is affected by colder, drier, and breezy conditions and begins a process which results in its own demise and removal from the tree. The ultimate sacrifice of a leaf-bearing tree is the ultimate in visual pleasure for us. The broadleaf tree goes through a process of sealing off the leaves from the stem (called abscission). This halts the flow of all internal water to the leaf and causes a color change. It also seals the spot of leaf attachment and prevents precious moisture from escaping during winter dormancy. Fall Leaf Color Change Follows a Predictable Process of Chemical Leaf Change This lack of water to each leaf causes a very important chemical reaction to stop.  Photosynthesis, or the food-producing combination of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, is eliminated. Chlorophyll must be renewed (by photosynthesis) or be taken in by the tree along with photosynthetic sugar. Thus chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. Chlorophyll is the green you see in the leaf. Once the overwhelming chlorophyll color is removed, true leaf colors will dominate over the receding green pigment. True leaf pigments vary with the species of tree and thus the different characteristic leaf colors. And because true leaf colors are water-soluble, that makes the color disappear very quickly after drying out. Carotene (the pigment found in carrots and corn) causes maples, birches, and poplars to turn yellow. The brilliant reds and oranges in this fall landscape are due to  anthocyanins. Tannins give the oak a distinctively brown color and are the final persistent color most leaves turn before becoming part of the forest floor.   The  Virginia Tech Dendrology  department has two fascinating time-lapse films, one on a leaf turning color and one on a forest turning into autumn gold.   Viewing the Autumn Leaves University of Georgia silvics professor, Dr. Kim Coder, suggests there are ways you can predict how  beautiful a fall leaf color display will be. These simple predictors use known information and apply some common sense to forecast a season with surprising accuracy. By reviewing Dr. Coders key predictors, you will increase your chances of seeing the best leaves at just the right time.   TheFall Color Hotline Probably one of the best resources available online for leaf viewing information is the National Forest Fall Foliage Hotline, though you shouldnt expect to find up to date information until late September of the current leaf season. This federal phone hotline offers you information on viewing leaves in and around the U.S. National Forests and Parks. It is brought to you by the USDA Forest Service and is updated every year to reflect changing conditions and new sites.

Horizontal Profile of Cotton Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Horizontal Profile of Cotton - Research Paper Example Sellers in the market differentiate cotton products from other products on the basis of comfort. Sellers convince buyers that cotton provides ventilation and warmth during winter. Suppliers use cotton to make curtains, tauplins and tents as cotton since cotton withstands sun ray. The cotton product has distinct attribute unlike other products in the market. The industry differentiates cotton products from others on the nature and type of color, strength, versatility, adaptability and natural features of cotton. Non-physical attributes are bundled with the cotton product. In the case of physical attributes such as availability, nature of cotton and ability to withstand sun rays when exposed are bundled by sellers during process of selling. Sellers often display cotton products even in sunlight. Sellers inform buyers cotton is very versatile product as it can be coated, cotton is dry cleanable, and finished product (ICAC, 2005). Cotton product can be washed either by machines or hands. Cotton is very easy to print and this is unique attribute especially for marketing buyers. Product differentiation is a marketing and selling strategy which involves sellers informing buyers of distinct attributes of the product as compared to other products in the market. The graph above shows frequency of prices of cotton for a period of three months. The initial price is 59 units. The highest price in the month of February is 65.5. There is a price decline in the month of March with the lowest price being 60.5 and the highest price is 65 in the same month. The highest price in April is 66.5 and the lowest price of cotton is 62.59.the price range is 7.5 which translate to 0.75 equal intervals. The bin price of cotton product is 62.75 units. The bin price is the most affordable price for all willing and able buyers. There is a positive and non-linear relationship between prices of cotton and physical attributes of cotton in