Music in the Caribbean free essay sample

The genre of Caribbean Music encompasses a diverse variety of musical styles and traditions from Islands that are located In the Caribbean Sea and it represents something that Is simple, exotic yet rich and wonderful. The styles range anywhere from traditional folk genres such as the Puerco Rican coagulant and Jamaican memento to more contemporary music such as salsa and reggae. They are each syntheses of African, European, Indian and Indigenous influences, largely created by African slave descendants, along with contribution from other communities.Some of the styles that gained wide popularity outside of the Caribbean includes reggae, ouzo, salsa, bonbon, calypso, coca, regnant and punt. The diverse history of Caribbean music begins with tribal music from the Native Americans that first inhabited the Caribbean island. This music largely featured percussion instruments, much of which was developed by the Native Americans and sadly perished along with most of the Native Americans during the 17th century. We will write a custom essay sample on Music in the Caribbean or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page After that time, Caribbean music came out of the combination of the European settlers to the Caribbean as well as the African slaves hat were brought along with the settlers.The music represents the culture of struggle, triumph, blood, sweat and tears that are all reflected In the beats and rhythms of Caribbean music. The rewards of a battle well fought in search of freedom can still be heard echoing form the distance past as the enslaved left with future generations the strength to keep fighting using the powerful sounds of music. Located in the Caribbean Sea are many islands each having its own experience of slavery and triumph, each developing its own cultural expression through the use of music.The outer most Caribbean styles of music may be grouped into the different categories of folk, classical, or commercially popular music. Folk styles were derived primarily from African music and tend to be dominated by percussion instruments as well as call and response vocals. Included In this category are the traditional Cuban rumba, the Puerco Rican bomb as well as music associated with Afro-Caribbean religions (such as Halt, voodoo, and Cuban Sanitaria). A few styles, however, reflects a more European influence. The Puerco Rican Sahara music and Cuban Punt are two key examples.Local forms of classical music were created in the nineteenth century in Cuba and Puerco Rice as formally trained composers began to infiltrate the area. The most prominent styles in this category are the Cuban concordant and the habit (a lighter and more rhythmic but also Cuban style). The best known forms of Caribbean music are the modern, popular genres. These include the con (the most popular style of Cuban dance music); the Chadwick, the leister (a romantic, languid style), and the mambo (an instrumental big band style). Since the mid-sass, styles like salsa and meringue have become widely popular.The most internationally famous style of Caribbean music has clearly been reggae. This style emerged In the late sass In Jamaica as a reinterpretation of American R B music. Singers such as Bob Marled have helped push this style Into the International arena. Calypso (with Its origin in Trinidad and Tobago) continues to grow in popularity, and is the music that was originated out of Jamaica until it was evolve in the early sass to shake the butts of working and middle class Jamaican before going on, via the West Indian immigrant connection, to the I-J, and then on to the world.In the I-J, ask was also now as blue beat music. Rock steady, and later, reggae sprang from the loins of ask in the late sass. Mid sass and sass/sass revivals of this popular dance form have kept this music alive and fun through the present. The ask beat on drums and bass, rhythm guitar, lots of horns and maybe a Farads or Hammond organ that is the ask sound. Ask was not recently invented by ask-influenced bands like No Doubt, the Mighty Festoons, Reel Big Fish or any other asss band.Ask is a forty-year-old music form now in a fresh, vigorous 3rd Wave. Ask is rich in history, broad in scope and guaranteed to make you shake your groove than. For the musically inclined, here is a description of the rhythmic structure of ask: Musically, Ask is a fusion of Jamaican memento rhythm with R, with the drum coming in on the 2nd and 4th beats, and the guitar emphasizing the up of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th beats. The drum therefore is carrying the blues and swing beats of the American music, and the guitar expressing the memento sound.The roots of reggae music are based in Jamaica. This indigenous music grew from ask, which had elements of American R and Caribbean styles. It also drew from folk music, Poignant church music, Joana fife and drum bands, artillery rituals, adaptations of quadrilles, plantation work songs, and a form called memento. Notable early reggae artists were Bob Marled, Bunny Wailer, Peter Toss, Rite Marled Anderson, Toots and the Metals, Despond Decker. As the fast beat of ask mellowed through rock steady, it gradually led to the creation of reggae.The transition from rock steady to reggae was, like the transition from ask to rock steady, an imperceptible process which was both a response to and a reflection of the changing social conditions of the society. In 1981 Bob Marled died and roots reggae ever really recovered from the loss of its figurehead, and in the true fashion of Jamaican audiences looking for a change, danceable reggae emerged. This computerized, DC dominated style couldnt be more different from its predecessor with lewd lyrics replacing the righteousness and sound system competition seeming the strongest motive.In 1985, Under Mi Slang Tent marked the complete break from reggae tradition, as it became the first record to be recorded without a bass line. There are several versions of the origin of the calypso which emerged as an identifiable genre towards the end of the nineteenth century. Calypso represents a suture of several folk songs in the African tradition. In its original functions to praise or deride, to comment and to relate it is similar to a type of song that is universal. The early kazoo was sung in French patois, in the minor mode. It was accompanied by the traditional African drum ensemble and chorus. Themes varied widely. However, satirical political and social commentary, and the male-female relationship were, and continue to be, extremely popular. Traditionally, calypso singers have exhibited highly personalized styles in dress, theme and presentation. Since the turn of the century, the calypso has been sung in English. Great emphasis was placed on the ability to compose intricate lyrics with long, obscure words, and to improvise.The art of improvisation is still demonstrated in the ex tempo which is usually a competitive performance by two singers. Modern calypso (or kazoo) was invented in Trinidad, but respected, major Californians and national pride for the musicians runs high. Many people believe that calypso is about Jumping up and dancing at carnivals, that the form is devoted to entertainment. But true calypso is a very serious form of social commentary. The Californians address everything from politics to incest to the notations of island life, although the attacks are often framed through subtle satire.In Trinidad and Tobago, for example, the old timers like Executor, Growler, Houdini, and Spoiler all provided informative listening entertainment. Calypso of today is dance music. Thanks to the Mighty Sparrow, the Lord Kitchener, the Black Stalin, David Rudder to name a few, we still have traditional Calypsos fused with dance hall music. In Barbados, youll hear Basss singing the lyrics of Red Plastic Bag, The Mighty Gabby, and Alison Hinds, to name a very few. The musical accomplishment of the modern calypso has become more complex. This is provided y the brass band, so called because of its powerful trumpets and trombones.Other instruments in this ensemble include guitars, key-boards, synthesizers, the drum set and a wide range of percussion instruments. Additionally, some singers might include a single instrument such as the pan, the actuator, the fiddle or a skin drum, among others. The performer is accompanied by a chorus that executes choreographed movements as they sing. In the weeks preceding the annual carnival celebrations, a number of singers perform nightly in the calypso tent. Originally, a bamboo tent was specially erected. Today, any performance venue is used. Through he year singers appear in concerts and other shows.Calypso is the music used to create the rhythms of Carnival in the Caribbean, Carnival in ROI, Labor Day in Brooklyn, The Caribbean American Family Day Festival in the Bronx New York, Caribbean in Toronto, Miami Carnival, Boston Carnival, Atlanta Carnival, Caribbean Carnival Tallahassee and a host of other cities all over the world. Coca is the rhythmical fusion of Soul and Calypso. Its geographical origin is Trinidad and Tobago and its inspiration has always been those islands pre-Lenten carnival celebrations. The ever infectious Coca music has now evolved into the definitive indigenous classical form of the Eastern Caribbean. The music is part of the vibrant Caribbean culture and has now established itself as far field as North America, and throughout Europe. Ring bang is a fusion of all the music of the Caribbean with the focus is on the rhythm rather than the melody. Since its creation in 1994, Ring bang has grown in popularity in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. Raps is quite recent, emerging about twenty-five years ago. However, it draws on the ancient African tradition of story-telling. Raps is street poetry. Its main theme is the issues that affect the lives of ordinary people. Raps may be unaccompanied by a simple ensemble or full orchestration.Since both reggae from Jamaica and coca from Trinidad are very popular in Barbados, a fusion of the two was always likely. This fusion came in the form of raga-coca; a rhythm that is faster than reggae but slower than up-tempo coca. Ouzo loosely translated means Party or festival and is a style of music originally from the Caribbean countries of Martinique and Guadalupe. Ouzo is a fusion of Comma from Haiti, cadence and tempo from Dominica, other styles of music such as mazurka, beguine, bal Grumman dances, balalaika, and other indigenous styles of the people of Martinique and Guadalupe.Ouzo exploded on to adapting to French and American pop music. The main characteristic of Ouzo music is the two quick beats followed by a slower tempo. Ouzo was popularized by bands that include Kavas, Grammars, and Exile One, and solo artists like Jocosely Label of Guadalupe and Aphelia Marie of Dominica. The lyrics are sung in the local Creole and French. With the popularity of Ouzo, the islands of Martinique and Guadalupe saw a big surge in the music industry. The United States was introduced to the music by a band from New Jersey called The Roast Beef Curtains.However, the leading band to emerge from Ouzo is Kavas, founded in 1979 by Pierre-Adored Decides and Freddy Marshall. Kavas became an international phenomenon in 1985 after the launch of their album fifth album Yll featuring the international smash hit Ouzo la Se Sell Median Non In. Other renowned artists from the Caribbean whose name became synonymous with Ouzo include Tanya Gain-Vale, Marie-Line Lap, Deed Saint PRI, Alan Cave, and Jean Philippe Martially. Ouzo musicians living in Paris began recording with African musicians, and were also influenced by Coupe Cloud, a Haitian band leader who utilized an African style. With Cassavas popularity, Ouzo became the most widespread dance to hit the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. There are different styles of Ouzo, which include the traditional Ouzo that was originated the genre of music; Ouzo-Love includes slower tempo love songs; Ouzo Lambda popular in Brazil, Zambia originally from Angola, and Cola-Ouzo originally from Cape Verve.Each style has noticeable differences from tempo to language. All have their roots in the beautiful music originating from Martinique and Guadalupe. Some famous Ouzo artists and Dos include Kavas, Exile One, Frankly Vincent, Alan Cave, Face, Experience 7, Eric Virgil, Dana Junior, Ouzo Machine, DC ET, DC Double F, DC JAM, Mane, Sourer Kayaks, DC John Gee, Vegetable Basket, Curricle, Princesses Lover, Boss Tweed NYC. For almost three decades, Ouzo has swept the isla nds and has united artists from the French and Creole segments of the Caribbean. With the emergence of Ouzo, the artists have created a large music industry that gained international popularity in many parts of the world, mainly France, where some of the artists lived, Brazil, and the French speaking part of Africa and Canada. Ouzo music is versatile, entertaining ND the Caribbean will continue to be a great source of inspiration for the music market. The Choctaw songs are sung during the Phage or Hold festival, the Hindu spring festival that is celebrated with song, dance and the playful sprinkling of participants with colored liquids. These are Hindi songs, sung by a chorus and lead singer.They begin slowly and softly and increase in tempo, volume and pitch. The songs often celebrate the love shared by deities, Radar and Krishna, and Ram and Sitar. They are accompanied by the Dollar, Shall and sometimes, the harmonium. The Chutney coca sound is native to Saint Vincent the Grenadines, Guyana and Trinidad . The musical style infuses elements of Coca music along with Hindi English lyrics and instruments from the Indian culture such as the dainty and the dollar. The Chutney is an up tempo, rhythmic song, accompanied but the dollar, the harmonium and the dental.Original chutney songs made reference to data and were offensive to religious leaders. Within recent times, the chutney has become extremely popular and new compositions are being written. Some of these contain calypso and coca rhythms. There is also some extemporaneous composition and by bands which include Indian, western and African instruments. Chutney music completes the sound of Chutney Coca. It was Trumpeted Rangoon who first called the style of music Chutney Coca in an album entitled chutney Coca. Two versions of the song were published in two versions Hindi and coca.The word was spelt Chasten Coca before the new spelling of Chutney was established. The historical origins of Chutney coca are the perfect example of how Indo-Traditions have created a synthetic original art form that has incorporated Indo-Traditions into the world that is coca music. Additionally it also shows Just how much Indo-Traditions have influenced the culture and politics of the country. Chutney coca first started to show up in calypso during the sass when calypso and coca musicians would incorporate Indian themes within their lyrics. Chutney coca started to experience mainstream popularity during the sass when carnival season started to incorporate chutney coca monarch competitions. Since then the Chutney coca competition has grown exponentially to the point where it is considered the most important and largest Indo-Caribbean concert worldwide. The cost of production exceeds over one million USED. Local Indian songs may be Hindu or English sung to Indian rhythms. They are reformed to the music of bands that include the Tablas, the synthesizer, African drums and brass instruments among others.The songs are similar to the calypso in their tendency towards social commentary as a major theme. Prang is a lively rhythmic Christmas song, sung in Spanish with some Spanish patois and Latin words. Its main theme is the annunciation, Maria! is perhaps the most frequent exclamation in prang. The music is accompanied by actuator, guitar, the box bass and chaw-chaos. The singers, pardoners wear colorful clothing, originally in Spanish style. The sound of Prang coca is taking center stage during Christmas. Coca music is now being fused with prang. The sound of prang has both Latin and Caribbean influences incorporated.Prang finds in roots in the Spanish word paraded which means merry making. Prang coca is a submerge of coca and is a recent comer to the world of music. The origins of prang is still disputed in many circles however it is believed that it was first introduced by the Spanish or French speaking catholic monks that brought it to Trinidad during the Spanish colonial period. The second theory proposes that it was the Venezuelan who were responsible for the first elements of prang music when they migrated to work on the cocoa plantations during the first part of the 19th century.Steel band coca in its purest form is coca at its best. The melodious sounds which emanate from the steel pan captivate the listening audience. The instrument has a long standing place in the Trinitarian culture and carnival. The instrument most times is associated with revelry and festivity. It brings to the listener an authentic Caribbean experience and those who come within distance to the hypnotic sounds are drawn into the experience of Caribbean music. Steelyard coca is well worth listening to. The sounds will linger in your mind and heart leaving you wanting more.The steel band is made up of several instruments and players and its origins date back to slavery. During this period of time drums were used as a form of communication among the enslaved Africans. When slavery was outlawed in 1783 by then British colonial government African slaves were allowed to participate in the festive celebration Marci grass which was event to the Africans and Indians during that period. As time passed drums evolved into steel pans and bands, no longer were they being used in the war cry but in entertaining those who are willing to listen. The steel band in made up of several individuals who carry out specific roles these are, Soprano, Lead or Tenor, Double Tenor, Double Second, Double Guitar, Quadraphonic (four pans), Triple Guitar, Cello, Six Pan, Tenor Bass, Six Bass, Nine Bass and Twelve Bass. Each individual is responsible for a specific pitch. Steelyards are capable of playing all types of music however they specialize in coca and when a song of a different genre is played on a steel band you will immediately feel the coca vibe. The steel band consists of one form of instrument this is the steel pan.This is made from a sheet of metal that is usually . Mm or 1. 5 mm thick. Traditionally steel pans are made using oil barrels however steel pan bands are now using specific makers to manufacture the steel container to a specified resonance sound output. The sheet of metal is stretched and with the aid of several hammers and air pressure it is shaped into a bowl formation, the process is known as sinking. Once this is completed the notes of varying sizes are molded and shaped into the surface. After this is the crafts man or technician will tune the instrument using an electronic otherwise called strobe tuner.The influence of coca music including steel band coca is far reaching. Steelyard coca is used as a welcoming form of music to tourists who visit the Caribbean island. It can often be heard on cruise ships and it is quite popular during the carnival season. In many aspects, it is more common to see a marked diversity than a marked unity in Caribbean music. A few generalizations can be made, however. Most music of this region combines features of music from Africa with features of music from the West. This combination began with the European colonization and slave trade but still mutinous into the present.The divisions between Caribbean music genres are not always well defined, because many of these genres share common relations and have influenced each other in many ways and directions. For example, the Jamaican memento style has a long history of conflation with Trinitarian calypso. Elements of calypso have come to be used in memento, and vice versa, while their origins lie in the Afro-Caribbean culture, each uniquely characterized by influences from the Shannon and Shouters religions of Trinidad and the Kumara spiritual tradition of Jamaica.

Role of the law commision and the role played by pressure groups Essays

Role of the law commision and the role played by pressure groups Essays Role of the law commision and the role played by pressure groups Essay Role of the law commision and the role played by pressure groups Essay Essay Topic: Law In this essay I will explain the role of the law commission and discuss the role played by pressure groups and judges with regard to law reform. The law commission is made up of five people from the judiciary, the legal profession and legal academies. Generally the chairman is a high court judge and the other four include a QC experienced in criminal law, a solicitor with experience in land law and equity and two legal academics. They are assisted by legally qualified civil servants. It was set up in 1965 with its main task to be codification. In 1965 it was announced that it would begin codifying family law, contract, landlord and tenant and evidence. This wasnt its only task though, under the law commissions act 1965 the law commission was also meant to remove anomalies from the law, repeal obsolete and unnecessary legislation, consolidate the law and finally simplify and modernize the law. It operates on projects referred to it by the Lord Chancellor or government department, at times it may also work on projects itself feels necessary for consideration. Normally a project will begin with a study of the area of law in question and attempt to identify its defects. Foreign legal systems may be looked at to see how they deal with similar issues. Then it publishes a consultation paper inviting comments, it describes present law and sets out possible options for reform. The commissions final recommendations are in a report containing a draft bill where legislation is proposed. The government then decides if it accepts the recommendations of the law commission. If it does it is down to them to introduce any necessary bills in parliament. Personally I think the law commission was weak in some areas and stronger in others. For example they didnt do very well with codification, although they were set a list of laws to codify attempts for the first few were abandoned and the last one never even begun. It is thought that the reason for this is that they realized it wasnt going to work and it didnt fit in with law making in our country. Zander suggests it was down to a mixture of conservatism and realisation on part of the draftsman, legislators and even judges that it simply didnt fit the English style of lawmaking. Although they did better with contract law, they have radically changed it by recommending control of exclusion clauses which led to the unfair contract terms act 1977, they helped in many other situations as well. A pressure group is an organized group that seeks to influence government policy or legislation. Although the term pressure groups implies they use force not all of them do, different groups have different methods. Their aim is to influence people who have the power to make decisions. Some choose to lobby MPs gaining as much publicity as possible for their cause; others may organize petitions or encourage people to write to their own MP and/or minister. Some groups tend to be more effective than others, size or persistence may be the reason for some groups success. Examples include justice a group concerned with promoting law reform in general and charities such as help the aged and shelter. As well as pressure groups and other organizations the public generally make their opinions known to MPs, ministers and to newspapers. This can lead to reform; another thing that has a great impact on reform is the media as it claims to reflect what the public think in general. Although much law reform happens as a response to pressure from one or more sources agencies such as the law commission are set up to deal with area of law referred to them by the government. The majority of law reform is carried out by parliament and is done in four ways. The first one is repeal, then creation, consolidation and finally codification.

Monetary Policy Financial Institutions and the Economy Essay

Monetary Policy Financial Institutions and the Economy - Essay Example These instruments are called Initial Public Offerings (IPO). The secondary market trades existing financial instruments through an exchange. Usually, these securities, investment instruments, have a financial history on which to be evaluated before an exchange accepts the securities for sale. Financial markets are further divided into money markets and capital markets. Money markets deal in securities with a maturity date within one year. Capital markets mature in longer time frames. Bonds are debts with a maturity date, the investor loaned the business money. A stock has no maturity date; the investor owns a portion of the business. Financial institutions move money from those with excess to those with shortage through financial instruments. Supply, investors, and demand, entrepreneurs, dictate the terms and conditions of the trades facilitated by the financial institution. Commercial banks, savings banks, formerly savings and loans, thrift institutions, securities traders and inves tment bankers, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies and pension funds all serve as financial institutions, but with differing regulations. The History and Current Role of the Federal Reserve System. Mayer (2001) defines a central bank as a bank of issue, meaning it creates currency to represent wealth. Many American patriots like Tom Payne and Tom Jefferson thought only state-chartered private banks should issue bank notes because governments that can pay bills by printing money generally did so.  

Annual Report in Corporate America Today Research Paper

Annual Report in Corporate America Today - Research Paper Example Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) was established in the year 1929 after the Great Depression and market crash of 1929-1930. The SEC Act in 1934 was passed in order to meet the fears of the investors and encourage them to invest in the stocks again. In this scenario, companies started preparing annual reports. SEC filings contain only the financial part, but the annual report also includes the non-financial performance of the company. It describes the organizational structure and the other internal aspects of the company so that the investors and shareholders can get a transparent picture of the company. The annual report was a push for corporate accountability. Purpose Annual report is a powerful tool for the shareholders and the investors because the information available in the annual report gives them a complete picture regarding the financial and the financial condition of the company. ...to present the true picture of the company in the external environment, so that the resu lts of the internal business functions are clear in front of the investors. In the turbulent economic situation, when most of the companies are becoming victims of insolvency, investors are apprehensive to take decisions. In such a situation it becomes important for a company to publish a detailed annual report. The significant amount of research studies have been conducted in the field of accounting information conveyed through the prices of securities of a company (Gonedes, and Dopuch, 1974). However, not much research studies have been undergone regarding the usefulness of financial statements for facilitating the decision-making process of investors of a company. In one of the research studies, it has been argued by Chang, Most, and Brain (1983) that the information that is present in the financial statements published by a company assist the investors for their investment decision purposes in a significant way. Merits and Demerits Annual report is an important document issued b y the company to reveal its financials at the end of the year. So this signifies that purpose of preparing the report is positive and for the advantage of the investors and shareholders. Moreover, there are lots of other information that play the significant role in analyzing the marketing aspect of the company such as the market share, position among the competitors, target customers of the company, etc. The report also includes a sustainability analysis of the company. Other than this, the community programs designed for delivering the social responsibility is also described with statistics, so that solid proof can be provided to the shareholders regarding the spending of the company.

PHL323 social and cutural theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

PHL323 social and cutural theory - Essay Example One can infer from the writings of Benjamin, the idea of language from his point of view. Language was perceived as one of the forms of communication and the idea represented by that language was in no way identifiable with the language itself. To make it simpler, language was considered to be just a medium of communication. It was not a stand-alone system of knowledge as such, but rather a set of symbols that aid in representation of reality. A language was needed to possess inherent meaning. Language, then, became an entity, which existed only if it had a function, in his point of view. One arguable point here was the cases where there were possibilities that a language with grammar, syntax and vocabulary could exist without the function of a desire to communicate. Computer generated poetry and languages were the instances; the question arises whether they can be taken under Benjamin's definition of language without the function of communication or creativity. Computer languages ha d the requisite grammar, syntax and vocabulary and they were used as a set of instructions that were seemingly understood by the computer. Here, there is the case where a live, organic mind communicates with a non-organic entity. Further, the non-organic entity, besides being capable of understanding, was also able to generate the language understandable by an organic entity. Thus, the computer, which was just a box, was able to generate language to communicate. Computers can also communicate with each other, which had been made possible through the advancements in technology. This led to the case where two non-organic entities were able to communicate. In such cases, the meaning and the language were separable. There is also the instance where an organic entity is capable of generating a language without the purpose of communication. It is the uncommunicative language of a mentally ill person. Even though Benjamin clearly stated that language and what was described using a language were not identifiable, it also remained that he believed that language always should communicate something. If something was made, it should have a function and a meaning. If not, it really cannot exist. While considering the circumstance where one language did not make any sense to a person who does not know that language, the purpose of the language to communicate was lost. The language, even though possessed a grammar, syntax and vocabulary, did not mean anything to that person except being conceived as incoherent noise. Language in such cases negotiated with meaninglessness. Benjamin's idea of language extended to include inanimate objects such as lamps too. His idea of language of such objects was their linguistic being, but it was man who could name something other than him. In this context, man was the only entity that possessed the universal language. Thus, man's linguistic being was to name things. But, a language as such did not end with just naming. It was a tool that en abled creation and possession but it in itself was not so. Benjamin finally resorted to the theological ideas such as that of God being the true possessor and so on to arrive at the higher function of language. Many also conceived theology as a means of escape opted by Benjamin when he was not able to go beyond a certain limit about his conception of such mystical thoughts. In one of his works, "On Language as Such and the

Chromatography Lab Report

Chromatography Lab Report GC-1 (Gas Chromatography) Experiment 1, 2, 3 4 Experiment 1:- Determination of ethanol content of a mouthwash using an internal standard Experiment 2:- Determination of oxygenates in gasoline Experiment 3:- Qualitative and Quantitative analysis of BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene) Experiment 4: Determination of volatile compounds by headspace analysis Anil Kumar Introduction Theory The experiments performed in this lab were based on Gas chromatography specifically gas-liquid chromatography. This technique involves a sample being vapourised and injected onto the head of the chromatographic column. The sample is transported through the column by the flow of inert, gaseous mobile phase. The column itself contains a liquid stationary phase which is adsorbed onto the surface of an inert solid. GC: Schematic diagram (http://teaching.shu.ac.uk/hwb/chemistry/tutorials/chrom/gcdiag.gif ) In Experiment 1: the ethanol content in a mouthwash was determined. This was done by using an internal standard of butanol. Then, solutions of internal standard with unknown solution and ethanol were made and injected into the GC. The areas obtained for each compound were then used to calculate the % alcohol in the sample. In Experiment 2: ethanol content in gasoline mixture was calculated using a standard curve of ethanol made with pure ethanol. The gasoline mixture was extracted with water to extract the ethanol in it for further analysis by GC. The GC method is used industrially to find ethanol content in gasolines, plus oxygenates like butyl ether that can contaminate drinking water.. In Experiment 3: qualitative analysis of BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene) was performed by injecting pure solutions of these compounds in GC. The retention times obtained were recorded for each. In the second part, standard solutions of toluene and xylene were made and calibration curves were made for each. Next, the unknown sample of BTEX was injected to GC. The retention areas obtained were recorded and substituted in equations of standard curves to find the actual content of toluene and xylene in sample. In Experiment 4: the technique of headspace analysis was used to determine the volatile compounds in a contaminated soil sample. The soil sample was also deliberately contaminated with toluene and xylene and placed in a vial for 10 minutes. Then using a syringe, the headspace was sucked and injected to GC for performing a qualitative analysis (the retention times of BTEX from Experiment 3 were used). GC is continuing to be used in a number of fields as an analytical tool due to certain advantages like: Shorter run times Greater sample throughput Cheaper columns Higher signal to noise ratio Lower bleed (thinner films) High resolution power compared to others. Complex mixture can be resolved into its components by this GC method. The separation, determination and identification of many compounds withnegligibledifferences in boilingpoints is possible by this technique. Sensitivity in detection is very high with thermal conductivity detectors. One can detect upto 100 ppm, while flame detectors, electron capture and phosphorus detectors can detect ppm, parts per billion or picograms respectively. (http://www.sge.com/support/training/fast-gc-analysis/advantages-/-disadvantages-of-fast-gc) Some industrial applications of GC include: Identification and quantification of ubiquitous pollutants in the environment: analysis of various classes of persistent organic contaminants in air, water, soils, sediments and biota GC Analysis of Antioxidants Determination of ethanol in gasoline Analysis and quality assessment of alcoholic beverages – Quantitative and qualitative assessment of Alcohols in blood Aromatics (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) Flavors and Fragrances Permanent gases (H2, N2, O2, Ar, CO2, CO, CH4) Hydrocarbons Pesticides, Herbicides, PCBs, and Dioxins Solvents (http://www.med.cmu.ac.th/dept/vascular/alcho/research/res_out/Application%20of%20gas%20chromatography.pdf) As we can see, the varied applications of GC in industry and its advantages over other methods, performing of these GC experiments is industrially justified. Experiment 1:- Determination of ethanol content of a mouthwash using an internal standard Procedure The instrument was set to the following parameters: Injector temperature: 200 degree C Detector temperature: 250 degree C Oven temperature: 80 degree C Attenuation: between 4 and 16 Carrier gas pressure: 8-10 psi FID range: 1 Valve: Split 1 on Dilute the unknown ethanol sample and mouthwash provided with water in a 1:10 ratio. 10 ml of each was diluted to 100 ml in volumetric flask. Next, ethanol standard solution and butanol (internal standard) (each2 ml to 100 ml water) were made. Equal volumes of ethanol and internal standard were mixed. And equal volumes of sample solution and internal solution were made (each 5 ml). Now, three injections (0.3 uL each) were made of each of these solutions into the GC. From the chromatographs, the % of alcohol in sample were calculated. Observations, Calculations and Results Instrument: GC SST Instrument settings: Injector temperature: 200 degree C Detector temperature: 250 degree C Oven temperature: 80 degree C Attenuation: between 4 and 16 Carrier gas pressure: 8-10 psi FID range: 1 Valve: Split 1 on Solution Retention time Peak area Butanol 1.400 5452.57 Ethanol 0.700 3607.3 Butanol (I.S.) + Ethanol 1.400-Butanol (I.S) 0.700-Ethanol 2226.7 1341.9 Solution Retention time Peak area Int. Stan +Unknown ethanol sample Int. Stan- 1.383 Unknown ethanol Sample- 0.683 (Ethanol) 2878.8 874.3 Int. Stan + Mouthwash Int. Stan- 1.383 Mouthwash – 0.683 (Ethanol) 3373.4 2079.5 Using the formula, Rspl RI.S. = Cspl Rstd Cstd RI.S. where, R=response (peak area); spl=sample, I.S.=internal standard C= Concentration For Unknown ethanol sample, we have, Rspl = 874.3, R I.S= 2878.8, Rstd = 1341.9, R I.S. = 2226.7 Cstd = 2 % (From observation table # 1 2) Putting these values in equation, 874.3 / 2878.8 / 1341.9 / 2226.7 X 2 = Cspl On solving we get, Cspl = 1.00 % For mouthwash, we have, Rspl = 2079.5 , R I.S= 3373.4, Rstd = 1341.9, R I.S. = 2226.7 Cstd = 2 % (From observation table # 1 2) Putting these values in equation, 2079.5 /3373.4 / 1341.9 / 2226.7 X 2 = Cspl On solving we get, Cspl = 0.98 % So, % alcohol in Mouthwash is = 0.98 % in Unknown ethanol sample = 1.00 % Experiment 2:- Determination of oxygenates in gasoline Procedure Develop a set of operating conditions that will satisfactorily separate ethanol from hexane. To do this equal volume of hexane and ethanol in a small vial were combined and injected. Inject this mixture into GC and ensure two resolved peaks. Inject pure hexane to establish its identity. The oven temperature was decreased from 80 degree C to 70 and then to 60 degrees C to separate the two peaks. Prepare ethanol standards: 0.2 ml, 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml and 2.0 ml in 25 ml DI water. Concentration, 0.2 ml = 0.2/25 = 0.008 %, 0.5 ml = 0.5/25 = 0.02 % 1.0 ml = 1.0/25 = 0.04 % 2.0 ml = 2.0/25 = 0.08 % These standards were injected into GC and a calibration curve was prepared using the peak area data obtained. The unknown gasoline sample (Unknown Sample D: Ethanol in hexane) was taken and 5.0 of it was transferred to a vial. 5.0 ml of water was added and mixed thoroughly in the vial. It was allowed to stand for 5 minutes. The water layer was taken using a Pasteur pipette and injected into GC. The % ethanol was determined using calibration curve data and peak area data from step 5. Observations, Calculations and Results Instrument: GC SST Instrument settings: Injector temperature: 200 degree C Detector temperature: 250 degree C Oven temperature: 60 degree C (Earlier 80 degree C and 70 degree C) Attenuation: between 4 and 16 Carrier gas pressure: 8-10 psi FID range: 1 Valve: Split 1 on Solution Oven temperature (in degree C) Retention time Pure Hexane 60 0.500 Hexane + Ethanol 80 Hexane: 0.483 Ethanol: 0.683 (Less resolved peaks) Hexane + Ethanol 70 Hexane: 0.483 Ethanol: 0.750 (Better resolved peaks) Hexane + Ethanol 60 Hexane: 0.500 Ethanol: 0.916 (well resolved peaks) Solution Peak Area Standard 0.008 %, 2186.8 Standard 0.02 % 3509.9 Standard 0.04 % 5296.3 Standard 0.08 % 8746.5 Sample (1st Injection) Sample (2nd Injection) 1982.2 2138.1 Calculating % of ethanol in sample Equation of line from standard curve : y = 89994x + 1605.1 where, y = peak area, x = concentration of ethanol in % From Observation table # 3 we have, Area of sample = 1982.2 and 2138.1 Putting these values in equation in place of y we get, 1982.1 = 89994x + 1605.1 2138.1 = 89994x + 1605.1 On solving for x we get, x = 0.00418 % and x = 0.00592 % Averaging the two values, we get x = 0.00505 % So, the % of ethanol in the given Unknown Ethanol in Hexane Sample D is 0.00505 %. Experiment 3:- Qualitative and Quantitative analysis of BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene) Procedure Part A: Qualitative Analysis Take 1 ml each of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene in separate vials. Run the individual standards and record the retention times. Part B: Quantitative analysis Prepare a series of standard of toluene and para-xylene using hexane as a solvent. Make 2,4,6,8 and 10 % solutions of each of toluene and para-xylene in 50 ml volumetric flasks. For 2 %= 1 ml each of toluene or para-xylene (separate), for 4 % = 2ml For 6 % = 3 ml, for 8 % = 4 ml, and for 10 % = 5 ml to 50 ml with hexane. Prepare a calibration curve based on the peaks area data obtained. Analyse an unknown sample of BTEX provided and find the % of toluene and para-xylene in it using the standard curve data. Observations, Calculations and Results Instrument: GC SST Instrument settings: Injector temperature: 200 degree C Detector temperature: 250 degree C Oven temperature: 80 degree C Attenuation: between 4 and 16 Carrier gas pressure: 8-10 psi FID range: 1 Solution Retention time Chlorobenzene 3.866 Ethylbenzene 2.016 p-xylene 1.400 o-xylene 4.133 Toluene 1.500 From individual injections of hexane, toluene and xylene, it was seen that that the retention times for each of these were 0.500, 0.933 and 1.550 respectively. Solution Peak Area Toluene 2 % 939.8 Toluene 4 % 1254.0 Toluene 6 % 1987.6 Toluene 8 % 2260.2 Toluene 10 % 3210.0 Para-xylene 2 % 455.8 Para-xylene 4 % 985.0 Para-xylene 6 % 1168.1 Para-xylene 8 % 1791.5 Para-xylene 10 % 2222.9 Sample Run 1 Sample Run 2 10500 (Rt = 0.733) 863 (Rt = 1.600) 2966 (Rt = 0.733) 181 (Rt = 1.600) From the sample analysis, we find that the two biggest peaks are seen at Rt = 0.733. This value neither corresponds to value of Rt for toluene (around 0.900) nor xylene (around 1.350). So we cannot identify or quantitate them. The other peak (although small) which is seen occurs at Rt = 1.600 is close to Rt for xylene (Rt for 10 % xylene is 1.600). So this peak would be for xylene. We can find its concentration by making a standard curve for xylene from the data in Observation table # 7. Calculating amount of xylene in sample. From the standard curve (Graph # 2), we have the equation of line y = 217.04x + 22.45 where, y = peak area, x = concentration of ethanol in % From Observation table # 7 we have, Area of sample = 863 and 181 Putting these values in equation in place of y we get, 863 = 217.04x + 22.45 181 = 217.04x + 22.45 On solving for x we get, x = 3.87 % and x = 0.73 % Averaging the two values, we get x = 2.30 % Therefore, the sample (Unknown B) contains 2.30 % of xylene and no toluene. Experiment 4: Determination of volatile compounds by headspace analysis Procedure Soil was taken in a sealed vial and 1-2 drops each of toluene and p-xylene were added to it. Let the sample rest in the vial for about 10 minutes so that the volatile components gather in the headspace of the vial. After 10 minutes, using a syringe, suck out 0.3uL of the headspace keeping in mind that the syringe doesn’t touch the soil sample itself and headspace sample is taken from just the midway of the vial. Inject this to the GC. Perform duplicate injections if both components can not be seen at one go. Observations, Calculations and Results Instrument: GC SST Instrument settings: Injector temperature: 200 degree C Detector temperature: 250 degree C Oven temperature: 80 degree C Attenuation: between 4 and 16 Carrier gas pressure: 8-10 psi FID range: 1 Sample Retention time Compound present Soil Sample 1 1.033 1.533 Toluene P-Xylene Soil Sample 2 1.050 1.483 Toluene P-Xylene From Observation Table # 7, last experiment, we know retention times of both toluene and p-xylene. They were 0.950 and 1.550. So on comparing these Rts with the Rts obtained in these chromatograms, we can identify the peaks as toluene or xylene as done in Observation Table # 8. So, using headspace analysis, Toluene and p-xylene could be identified in the soil sample. Discussion and Conclusion In this lab, using the technique of Gas Chromatography, four different experiments were performed. In Experiment 1: the ethanol content in a mouthwash was determined. This was done by using an internal standard of butanol. Then, solutions of internal standard with unknown solution and ethanol were made and injected into the GC. The areas obtained for each compound were then used to calculate the % alcohol in the sample. The amount of ethanol present in the unknown solution of ethanol was found to be 1.00 % and the ethanol content in mouthwash was found to be 0.98%. In Experiment 2: ethanol content in gasoline mixture was calculated using a standard curve of ethanol made with pure ethanol (An unknown ethanol in hexane sample was used). The gasoline mixture was extracted with water to extract the ethanol in it for further analysis by GC. The amount of ethanol that was found to be present in this sample was 0.00505%. Firstly, we injected pure hexane and ethanol to find out their retention times and then an equal mixture was injected to see if the two peaks can be resolved or not. After doing this, the experiment was performed. The calculations for determining the % of ethanol were based on equation that was derived from the standard curve from ethanol standards. The value of peak area obtained in the chromatogram for the unknown sample was substituted in the equation from standard curve to find the ethanol concentration. This GC method is even used industrially to find ethanol content in gasolines, plus oxygenates like butyl ether that can contaminate drinking water. In Experiment 3: qualitative analysis of BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene) was performed by injecting pure solutions of these compounds in GC. The retention times obtained were recorded for each. In the second part, quantitative analysis of toluene and p-xylene was done. Standard solutions of toluene and xylene were made and calibration curves were made for each. Next, the unknown sample of BTEX was injected to GC. The retention areas obtained were recorded and substituted in equations of standard curves to find the actual content of toluene and xylene in sample. It was found that the unknown sample had not retention that matched with the retention times of toluene which was close to 0.9550. No peaks were seen at this retention times even on duplicate runs of the sample. So it is concluded that the sample had no toluene in it. Nevertheless, a peak for xylene was seen (determined by comparing the Rt with the Rt of toluene from Experiment 3). A standard curve was made from the data obtained by running xylene standards. Now with the equation of calibration curve and the peak area of sample for xylene, the concentration of xylene present in the sample was calculated. It was found to contain 2.30 % xylene. In Experiment 4: the technique of headspace analysis was used to determine the volatile compounds in a contaminated soil sample. The soil sample was deliberately contaminated with toluene and xylene and placed in a vial for 10 minutes. Then using a syringe, the headspace was sucked and injected to GC for performing a qualitative analysis (the retention times of BTEX from Experiment 3 were used). The peaks for both toluene and xylene could be detected by GC. This conclusion was based on the fact that the peaks had comparable retention times as toluene and xylene. To conclude, we can say that we used GC for quantitative analysis like analysis of BTEX in chemicals, food, etc. or BTEX in soil. And qualitative analysis like determination of ethanol content in gasoline, mouthwash, etc. References Page # 67-73 Chromatography Laboratory Manual, Durham College 2012 Advantages of GC http://www.sge.com/support/training/fast-gc-analysis/advantages-/-disadvantages-of-fast-gc) Industrial applications of GC (http://www.med.cmu.ac.th/dept/vascular/alcho/research/res_out/Application%20of%20gas%20chromatography.pdf)

The Depiction of Women in The Yellow Wallpaper and The Chrysanthemums

The Depiction of Women in "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and "The Chrysanthemums," by John Steinbeck Identical twins have the same genes that make both of them look, think, and feel the same. Their likes and dislikes are the same; for instance, when one likes yellow, the other will like yellow. However, their fortunes are different; for instance, when one dies, the other will not die. Similarly, in literature, different authors have created a twin character in different eras. It is as if a second twin sister was born forty years after the first one was born. In "The Yellow Wallpaper," written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman ( 1892) and "The Chrysanthemums," written by John Steinbeck (1938), both stories are similar in characterization and setting. They differ, however, in their points of view and the symbolism. Each actual symbol is different, but its meaning is the same. Although they differ in many different ways, both show that being trapped inside an isolated house and having a limited life under a husband's control leads to a miserable ending of a woman's life. While Gilman uses a lonely, big house where her main character stays for three months, Steinbeck creates a small farmhouse where Elisa lives and works. This definitely addresses their loneliness and isolation. Elisa works in her flower garden in which she plants chrysanthemums bigger than anyone does in the Salinas Valley. She works alone in her small garden that is surrounded with a "wire fence" to protect from "cattle and dogs and chickens" (Steinbeck 503). She lives in a small farmhouse that is far away from other houses, which makes her feel as if she is isolated from her society. Steinbeck sets the Salinas Valley as if it is also isola... ...eir messages of the stories are the same. So now, just think about why they have many similar thoughts toward women. Works Cited Charter, Ann, and Samuel Charters, eds. Literature and its Writers: A Compact Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2003. Steinbeck, John. "The Chrysanthemums." Literature and its Writers: A Compact Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 3 rd ed.Ed. Ann Charter and SamuelCharter. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2003. 502 - 510. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. "The Yellow Wallpaper." Literature and its Writers: A Compact Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 3 rd ed. Ed. Ann Charter and Samuel Charter. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2003. 182- 193. Gilbert, Sandra M., and Gubar, Susan. "A Feminist Reading of Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper." Charters and Charters 564- 566.

What is “Small” Business?

In addition to how a business is organized legally, size is also a way to classifying businesses. A small business is generally defined as any independently owned business with fewer than 500 employees that is not dominant in its industry. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is responsible for issuing the specific criteria that render a business a small business. These criteria vary widely by industry. As recently as 2010, in an effort to make more businesses eligible for SBA loan assistance programs and to encourage economic growth and job creation, the SBA issued sweeping changes to the rules governing small businesses.For example, a car dealership is defined as a small business if it has 200 or fewer employees, whereas many manufacturing operations and other businesses can have up to 500 employees and still be considered small. Most experts use 500 or fewer employees as a general rule for defining small businesses. The definition of a small business is not limited to the numbe r of employees, however. The designation as a small business may be imposed based on overall annual sales. For example, hotels, which operate within the service industry, can earn $30 million annually and still be considered small businesses.Other services, such as industrial launderers, can earn $35. 5 million and still be considered small businesses. For example, a car dealership is defined as a small business if it has 200 or fewer employees, whereas many manufacturing operations and other businesses can have up to 500 employees and still be considered small. Most experts use 500 or fewer employees as a general rule for defining small businesses. The definition of a small business is not limited to the number of employees, however. The designation as a small business may be imposed based on overall annual sales.For example, hotels, which operate within the service industry, can earn $30 million annually and still be considered small businesses. Other services, such as industrial launderers, can earn $35. 5 million and still be considered small businesses. Why Is Small Business Important in the U. S. Economy? According to the SBA, small businesses are of critical importance to the U. S. economy in a number of ways, including the following:†¢Small businesses make up nearly 99. 7 percent of all employers in the United States.†¢Outside of farming, small businesses create more than 50 percent of the U. S. gross domestic product and employ more than 50 percent of U. S. private sector workers. †¢Small businesses tend to be highly innovative, thus accounting for nearly 14 times more patents than large corporations that produce patents. In other words, some of the greatest innovations have been started by small businesses. Consider that modern advances, such as the automatic transmission, FM radios, insulin, and penicillin all began with small businesses.†¢Small businesses tend to be spread out throughout the United States, bringing employment, p roducts, and services to nearly every community in the country. In other words, small businesses are not confined to large cities but also serve small towns and rural communities. †¢Small businesses account for nearly 97 percent of U. S. exports and provide 31 percent of the value of those exports. †¢Small businesses are often owned and operated by women and minorities, which has opened the door for many minority groups to participate and invest in the U. S. economy.Minorities and women own more than 4 million and nearly 6. 5 million small businesses, respectively. †¢Small businesses create more than 65 percent of all new jobs in the United States. Despite these tremendous advantages, there are also disadvantages to small business. These businesses, especially new ones, face the risk of failure due to capital limitations. In many cases, small businesses have limited scope and do not necessarily grow into large corporations. Similarly, their owners may achieve limited personal success and wealth and often do not have access to an endless source of capital.Like larger businesses, small businesses can be organized in a variety of ways. In choosing a business form, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the available forms. Limited Partnerships The limited partnership alters the structure of the general partnership by introducing a new class of partner, the limited partner. General partners manage and operate the limited partnership and are subject to unlimited personal liability for partnership obligations.Limited partners enjoy limited liability for partnership obligations but have no right to exert meaningful control over day-to-day operations of the business. Formation of a limited partnership requires the filing of a Certificate of Limited Partnership. While a limited partnership may be formed without a written limited partnership agreement,absence of a written agreement may support the inference that the partnership is, i n fact, a general partnership. Thus, imposing unlimited liability upon all partners. Limited Liability PartnershipsIn a general partnership, each partner incurs unlimited liability for partnership obligations. In multi-state partnerships with thousands of partners, there is a significant chance that partners might face financial ruin due to the conduct of a single partner with whom they have never worked and never met. The Limited Liability Partnership, or LLP, sometimes known as a Registered Limited Liability Partnership, or RLLP, was designed to rectify this problem. Although Limited Liability Partnerships are managed like general partnerships, there are different rules governing the liability of partners.Generally, limited liability partners incur unlimited liability for partnership contracts and debts and limited liability for torts committed by another partner. Most states recognizing the LLP require the partnership to maintain a specified amount of liability insurance to compe nsate victims of torts committed by a partner. Formation of an LLP requires the filing of an application or registration. While a written limited liability partnership agreement is not required by law, it is strongly suggested. Limited Liability CompaniesThe Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is perhaps the most advantageous form for most small businesses and for many larger businesses as well. The LLC combines the limited liability of a corporation with the flexible and informal management of a partnership. Federal law allows LLCs the option of taxation as a partnership or as a corporation. Depending upon state law, an LLC may exist in perpetuity, as do most corporations. A document, typically referred to as Articles of Organization, is filed to create a Limited Liability Company.A written operating agreement may be required depending on state law; where a written operating agreement is not required, statutes will generally establish the rights of members and the method by which th e LLC is to be operated and managed. The SBA offers various incentives and programs to help these small businesses thrive, including the following: †¢Financial assistance in the form of grants and low-interest loans help small ventures stay in business and expand—in fact, the SBA helps coordinate lenders and borrowers in an effort to facilitate the financing needs of small businesses.†¢The SBA disseminates information about national and international contract opportunities within and outside of the government and encourages small businesses to apply for these contracts. †¢Assistance is offered to those starting, planning, and growing small businesses, as are general legal information and compliance reports to owners, including specific counsel to small businesses owned by women and accounting and taxation training to help various types of small businesses succeed.†¢Small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures are vital to every industry sector in the U.S. and global economy. Small businesses tend to be more responsive to changing conditions than larger, less-flexible, organizations. They also create the most new jobs and products in today’s economy. More than 65 percent of all new jobs in the U. S. are created by small businesses. Developing and exploiting a sustainable competitive advantage is an important task for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, just like larger organizations. †¢Nearly 40 percent of all small businesses exist within the service industry, accounting for more than 2 million firms.Medical practices, accounting firms, engineering and legal offices, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and other practices are most largely representative of small businesses in the United States. The second largest small business representation is retail which includes grocery stores, pharmacies, bookstores, jewelers, clothing stores, and more. of ways by facilitating lending, offering training, and so on. Th e SBA is responsible for classifying businesses by their size and their income. Small BusinessA business that is independently owned and operated for profit and is not dominant in its industry.Small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures are vital to every industry sector in the U. S. and global economy. Small businesses tend to be more responsive to changing conditions than larger, less-flexible, organizations. They also create the most new jobs and products in today’s economy. More than 65 percent of all new jobs in the U. S. are created by small businesses. Developing and exploiting a sustainable competitive advantage is an important task for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, just like larger organizations.Nearly 40 percent of all small businesses exist within the service industry,  accounting for more than 2 million firms. Medical practices, accounting firms, engineering and legal offices, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and other practices are most largely representative of small businesses in the United States. The second largest small business representation is retail which includes grocery stores, pharmacies, bookstores, jewelers, clothing stores, and more. Small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures are vital to every industry sector in the U. S. and global economy. Small businesses tend to be more responsive to changing conditions than larger, less-flexible, organizations.They also create the most new jobs and products in today’s economy. More than 65 percent of all new jobs in the U. S. are created by small businesses. Developing and exploiting a sustainable competitive advantage is an important task for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, just like larger organizations. Nearly 40 percent of all small businesses exist within the service industry, accounting for more than 2 million firms. Medical practices, accounting firms, engineering and legal offices, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and oth er practices are most largely representative of small businesses in the United States.The second largest small business representation is retail which includes grocery stores, pharmacies, bookstores, jewelers, clothing stores, and more. Small Business Administration (SBA)Helps small businesses in the United States in a variety of ways by facilitating lending, offering training, and so on. The SBA is responsible for classifying businesses by their size and their income. Small BusinessA business that is independently owned and operated for profit and is not dominant in its industry.

Issue Essay GRE Essays

Issue Essay GRE Essays Issue Essay GRE Essay Issue Essay GRE Essay Issue: Educational institutions have a responsibility to dissuade students from pursuing fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position. I firmly reject this statement. While advicing students to consider their own abilites and strenghts when they look for their own career path is commonplace (or even ecommended), I believe the main purpose of educational institutions in this area is different. I think their Job is to present students with the complete spectrum of careers and Jobs available so that they can, by themselves, choose the one that best suits him. Some may argue that people are too young when they make these big, life changing decisions, and they may be right. After all, it may not be realistic that an 18 year old is ready for that kind of responsibility. Maybe we should only guide them towards areas in which they seem apt. But that takes away too much from them; not only is that a great restriction on their free will, it could crush their dreams. If that was the kind of world in which we lived, Albert Einstein may have never become what he did. While in school, Einstein had terrible grades and flunked most of his clases. Had someone seen that and dissuaded him from phisics, we would certainly live in a different world. Possibly one worst off that the one we live in today. What about Lionel Messi? While being a kid, he had growth hormone deficiency, but e is now one of the best soccer players in the world. And this is somenthig that should be treated equally at home; as the famous quote goes: Education starts at home. My fathers family has a marked engineering tradition, speecificaly in civil engineering. When he chose his undergraduate degree, he went with that tradition even if he wasnt quite sure about it. During his college years, he started to get close to computers and found his passion with them. Now he is one of the top computing researchers in M? ©xico. The bottom line is that nothing maximizes ones chances of succes like passion, interest and pleasure in doing what they do. We could always steer children into the jobs and careers that could maximize their posibilities of succes, but would that make them happy? Could we even know accurately what fields of study they could excel and fail in? Maybe, but why would we? The only thing we should do is show them the world and help them find their calling, whatever that may be; it is, after all, their life to live. Issue Essay GRE By favlab

Compartment syndrome Essays

Compartment syndrome Essays Compartment syndrome Essay Compartment syndrome Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   COMPARTMENT SYNDROME  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Page 1   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs when the pressure in an anatomical  compartment increases due to swelling which can cause damage to the muscles and the  nerves. As the pressure increases, it cuts off circulation and starves the muscle and nerve  cells. This can cause temporary or even permanent damage and as a result, the affected  area can develop paralysis. In severe cases, amputation of the limb may be required or the  end result could be death.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Compartment syndrome is classified in two different forms. It can be chronic  compartment syndrome which is a common ailment among athletes due to exercise and  physical activity. The other form is acute compartment syndrome that is a medical  emergency, generally trauma induced, where time is of the essence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Compartment syndrome most commonly affects the lower leg and forearm, although it  can occur in the foot, thigh, hand and upper arm.   Ã‚     Ã‚  The first case of chronic compartment syndrome of the leg was diagnosed by Mavor  in 1956. Over the next twenty years, only nine other cases were of chronic compartment  syndrome were reported. But as physical fitness became more of a trend and grew in  popularity, chronic compartment syndrome became a more significant problem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chronic compartment syndrome generally occurs in the legs as a result of steady  exercise or running. This can generate a constant pressure to the areas in the anterior or  lateral compartments. Exertion can cause the muscles to swell and expand forcing  pressure within the compartment. Most often this occurs in the lower leg and can usually  be relieved with plenty of rest, applying ice and elevation of the affected area. Compression is not to be applied.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   COMPARTMENT SYNDROME  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Page 2   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pain and swelling are the primary symptoms in chronic compartment syndrome and it  can last for weeks and even months. Diagnosing chronic compartment syndrome can be  done by testing the pressure in the compartment with a handheld pressure catheter  provided the condition exists within the anterior compartment. If the problem is deeper  into the posterior compartment, it is more difficult to test because the area is harder to  reach. Doctors measure the pressure before a person exercises, then one minute after  exercise and finally five minutes after the exercise. If the pressure has not decreased,  compartment syndrome is the likely diagnosis.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thallium stress testing is another test used to detect chronic compartment syndrome. In this test, thallium is injected intravenously into the body as the patient undergoes  various forms of exercise. By use of this form of testing, multiple compartments can be  found to be affected as was proven in some cases. This test, however, does not indicate  the extent of the condition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In chronic compartment syndrome, the patient often feels a numbness or tingling when  moving the affected area. This usually subsides once the movement ceases but the  pressure inside the compartment has the potential to still remain high afterwards.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Treatment for chronic compartment syndrome rarely requires surgery. Doctors suggest  rest and avoiding activity, especially anything strenuous or physical involving the  affected limb. Ice and elevation are recommended and the patient is to take aspirin or  ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Should this type of treatment fail, a fasciotomy is recommended. Fasciotomy is a  surgical procedure involving the fascia, or fibrous tissue that surrounds the muscle. The  fascia is cut to relieve the pressure in the compartment. The procedure has a high rate of  success but many patients require skin grafts to heal the surgery site.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chronic compartment syndrome can result from running, a change in physical activity,  exercise without proper stretching, the use of braces and wrapping or taping a limb too  tight.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Acute compartment syndrome is the more severe form of this injury. It is generally  caused due to some sort of trauma to the compartment. Bone fractures, tearing the muscle  itself, blood clots and blockages, extreme workouts, anabolic steroid use and crush  injuries are typical causes of this condition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While chronic compartment syndrome is not a life-threatening medical emergency,  acute compartment syndrome is extremely dangerous. It allows a four to eight hour  window in which the pressure of the severe swelling can kill off all of the capillaries and  muscle and nerve cells in the compartment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Once this happens, the limb would have to be amputated or eventually death would  occur from a lack of oxygen. When acute compartment syndrome occurs from a bone  fracture in the leg or arm, the limb should not be casted until the pressure stabilizes. A  splint should be applied until the swelling recedes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If acute compartment syndrome is not diagnosed in time and the cells in the  compartment die off, infection and gangrene will set in. This would be the reason that  amputation would be needed. Renal failure is another likely result. The tissue and nerve  cells can survive for up to four hours before the damage becomes irreversible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Compartment syndrome is a condition that needs to be monitored closely for several  days following the initial injury. A patient is still at high risk for three to six days after  the initial cause of swelling in the compartment. In severe cases, a hospital stay is  required to record the frequent examinations and pressure measurements. Some studies  show that maximum swelling due to an injury may take 21 to 36 hours to peak. This is  one of the reasons that rest is particularly important because any slight increase in  pressure can trigger the need for emergency surgery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since pain is common with any injury but also a major symptom in acute  compartment syndrome, it can be interpreted wrong, tolerated and remain undiagnosed.  The pain level with acute compartment syndrome is severe. As pressure builds in the  compartment, the feeling is very tight. Movement can be excruciating as the pressure  compresses against the muscle. Skin will feel stretched and the affected area can  experience a tingling or burning sensation. Patients will also feel a palpitation in the area.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Once the pressure is tested in the compartment and diagnosis is confirmed, treatment  begins with complete rest, ice and elevation. During this time the muscle will feel tight  and the pain will be severe. Compartment pressures must be monitored and when the readings maintain a high number, emergency surgery is required.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During the fasciotomy, a long incision is made in the fascia to release the pressure. The wound is covered with a dressing and left open for 48 to 72 hours before closure. Due to this nature, skin grafts are often required to close the wound.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Acute compartment syndrome is a typical injury of motorcycle riders as a result of being run over by the bikes, thus crushing an arm or a leg. COMPARTMENT SYNDROME  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Page 5   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Football players also tend to be prone to acute compartment syndrome from injuries received by hard hits when helmets come in contact with the thigh during a tackle. If these injuries are not treated properly with acute compartment syndrome taken into consideration, the result can be permanent paralysis of the limb.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Compartment syndrome does not just affect running athletes and trauma victims. Bodybuilders and bowlers often suffer from a tightening of the muscle in the wrist. This is more commonly known as carpal tunnel syndrome. It is also a medical condition that is common among writers and typists or anyone who performs repetitive motions with their fingers and wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the muscles in the wrist creating a compartment syndrome.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There needs to be more of an awareness made on the symptoms, treatment and severity of compartment syndrome. People sometimes shake the signs off as a complication from the injury, expecting pain and swelling. Medical personnel involved in treating motorcycle riders and athletes should understand the depth of the injury because in the case of compartment syndrome, time is critical. REFERENCES Medline Plus (04/05/07) Medical Encyclopedia: Compartment Syndrome. Retrieved 4/12/07 fom nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001224.htm Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (02/05). Compartment Syndrome. Retrieved 4/13/07 from http://orthoinfo.aaos.org Swain, R. MD and Ross, D. MD 03/99. Lower Extremity Compartment Syndrome. Retrieved 04/13/07 from postgradmed.com/issues/1999/03_99/swain.htm Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. (2007) Compartment Syndrome. Retrieved 4/12/07 from   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compartment_syndrome

Philosophy and Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Philosophy and Media - Essay Example Neo begins to seriously reflect upon the nature of his identity and existence in the middle of the movie as he is already taken to the Nebuchadnezzar. This rather personal and philosophical search begins with Agent Smith saying that Neo is seeking answers to his own questions although Neo himself does not even realize he is doing this. The point is that Neo’s search for himself and questions about his existence begins with a doubt, much like the 17th century philosopher Rene Descartes who wrote, â€Å"†¦it will be sufficient to justify the rejection of the whole if I shall find in each some ground for doubt† for this systematic process of doubting is â€Å"the only way to achieve clear and well-reasoned conclusions† (Author, Year). This means that if Neo had not doubted his existence, he would have simply stayed in the Matrix and, although such ignorance would have felt like bliss, he would forfeit all the possibility of knowing who he really is and what rea lity is actually like. As Morpheus tells Neo what he and reality are really like as well as what the Matrix is, this is the only time that Neo begins to realize his true identity and only then is he able to start being conscious of his own existence. Besides, â€Å"it would be impossible to be self-conscious if we didn’t have a personal identity of which to be conscious† (Author, Year). After Morpheus explains to Neo what he calls â€Å"the desert,† which is a rather simplistic term for what the real environment looks like in contrast with the virtual environment in the Matrix, Neo is shocked but is enlightened at the same time (Berman & Wachowski, 1999). Nevertheless, as he learns the truth that he is a person of and from this â€Å"desert,† it is only then that he comes to develop true self-consciousness. Moreover, Neo bases his own existence on his mind, or, more specifically, on the activities of his mind, or on his mental faculties. He knows that he exists only through his thoughts and his beliefs. The actions of his thoughts are evident in the scenes where he discovers his hidden abilities merely by thinking through his Kung Fu training with Morpheus and the one where he has to jump from one building rooftop to another. Through these scenes, Neo is able to prove once again a rationalistic approach to reflecting on his own identity. According to Descartes, â€Å"†¦it would even happen, if I should wholly cease to think, that I should at the same time altogether cease to be† (Author, Year). Therefore, realizing that he is a thinking being and that it is through this thinking faculty that he defines his own existence, Neo then proceeds from this and develops his self-consciousness and the various aspects of himself – physically, emotionally and intellectually – from his thinking mind. Furthermore, he also chooses the Real World as the place where he develops aspects of himself and not from the Matrix, wh ere such aspects are fake. In short, upon knowing that his true identity is that of the Real World, Neo has now attained a degree of self-consciousness where he would make choices only based on the context of the Real World and not anymore of the Matrix. The Matrix then, which is represented by Agent Smith

Lab Discussion Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion - Lab Report Example Further, when carrying out the consistent, repeatable measurements the slopes of position versus time graph and the average velocity were found to be relatively same as deduced from the ranges of each measurement. In which case, the maximum value for slope coincided with that for average velocity same to the minimum value; hence, we deduced that the ranges are in agreement. This shows that a change in position against time directly affects the average velocity of the object in question. Further, the experiment also showed that the relationship between position versus time and velocity is affected by the direction of motion. This was deduced when the motion detector was rotated thereby giving different curves at each instance of rotation. Further, when the graphs for velocity were recorded for the different curves, aforementioned, the velocity versus time graph effectively changed. The rotation of the car leads to a change from positive slope to a negative slope. Consequently, this shows that just the way rotation affect the position time graph so it does to the