Analysis Of Salinger s The Rye - 1334 Words

Blake Broussard Yoshiyama 3 A.P. English 3 29 September 2015 The Catcher in the Rye, published in 1951 by J.D. Salinger, has been banned multiple times worldwide because of much controversy surrounding the book’s depiction of underage sex, drinking, profanity, and tobacco use. However, Catcher should be taught in American high schools because the book includes many controversial subjects surrounding teenagers, including depression, suicide, social isolation, and teenage angst, all of which many students can relate to and identify with. Readers of the book can learn important lessons about life, perception, and dealing with our emotions. Including the book in an academics course is a good idea because readers of all ages can learn a lot about issues surrounding teenagers. For example: It is interesting to see how the problems surrounding the youth of the 50’s are some of the very same problems affecting the youth of today. Although a much simpler time, some teenagers growing up in the early 1950’s faced depression, social anxiety, and diversion, as do some of the youth of today. Some of the problems we face today are nothing new, they have been around for decades. Although today, we do not have the pressing issues of the Cold War and Korean war, just as back then they did not have the issues of terrorism or the new Snapchat update taking an extra hour to download. It just goes to show that time cannot change everything. Holden, like some teenagers, has a veryShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Salinger s The Rye 1561 Words   |  7 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger takes the reader on a journey through the main character’s life, Holden Caulfield, as we watch his mental health deteriorate because he cannot accept his transition into adulthood. As Holden ventures through the streets of New York after being kicked out of his school, the reader is shown how mentally unstable he is, and is able to experience his road to acceptance. Salinger has managed this through the use of symbols and recurring devices that represent theRead MoreAnalysis Of Salinger s The Catcher Rye 972 Words   |  4 PagesWritten in 1951, J.D. Salinger’s, The Catcher in the Rye continues to be a popular book amongst Americans. Although The Catcher in the Rye has been banned in many public school settings in the United States it continues to stay atop some of the greatest books of all time lists. Whether people are in their teens or in their fifties they find themselves drawn to Holden Caulfield. At some point in their life they could relate to a sense of alienation, caused by money and wea lth. Humans are wired toRead MoreAnalysis Of Salinger s The Catcher Rye 3756 Words   |  16 PagesSummer Reading-TASIS 2014 Rising 9th Grade Mainstream English The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Fahrenheit 541 by Ray Bradbury Please write a typed or handwritten response (200 words each in the language relevant to your course) to each of the following prompts on each of the works assigned for the course(s) you will be taking in 2014-2015: The Catcher in the Rye Initial Understanding: What are your thoughts and questions about the story? You might reflect upon characters, theirRead MoreAn Analysis Of Salinger s The Catcher Rye 1106 Words   |  5 PagesAdrianna Leal Ms. Allie English 6 October 2017 Learn from life and move forward In the novel, The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger uses many symbols and themes as a way to protect Holden from adulthood, his individuality, and childhood. While in high school, Holden seems to struggle with his school work and with his outlook on life. As many obstacles come his way, his main self battle would be having to grow up, become mature, and enter adulthood with excitement and confidence. Holden often usesRead MoreAnalysis Of Salinger s The Catcher s The Rye 1052 Words   |  5 PagesIn J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger reveals his abomination for phoniness through Holden’s experience with the adult world. Phoniness creates a structured society where the connotations of success are deceptive. In addition, it sets standards and expectations for how individuals should act based on their social status. Furthermore, it interferes with one’s honesty by abolishing their authenticity and sincerity. In The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger suggests how the lack of authenticityRead MoreAnalysis Of Salinger s The Catcher Rye 1074 Words   |  5 PagesJournal Responses Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye has been pronounced a literary classic for its atypical portrayal of adolescence, to effectively convey the protagonist’s alienation and confusion. The introduction of The Catcher in the Rye is underpinned by disorder and confusion through a stream-of-consciousness narration, which digresses from one subject to another. Consequently, Holden’s multitudinous thoughts and feelings appear to lack a cohesive pattern. Additionally, Holden’s prevalentRead MoreAnalysis Of Salinger s The Catcher s The Rye 2525 Words   |  11 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye (1951) by J.D Salinger is a book with a truly controversial history by being banned from bookstores, libraries, etc. during the time of its release and even now is very scarcely being brought back into the high school setting to be taught as part of the high school curriculum. While being confronted about reasons for being banned, protesters of this book give very vague argument s on why it should be banned such as â€Å"its a very filthy book,† or â€Å"its explicitly pornographic.†Read MoreMental Analysis on Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger ´s The Catcher in the Rye824 Words   |  4 Pagesstress disorders (Health Care Service Corporation) (The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America). J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, provides the narrative of a young adult, Holden Caulfield, who I believe shows many symptoms of several different mental disorders. In this essay, I will be providing examples straight from The Catcher in the Rye that support my theory of Holden Caulfield’s lack of mental stability. Holden Caulfield demonstrates extreme and inconsistent behaviors throughoutRead MoreTheme Of The Catcher In The Rye976 Words   |  4 PagesThroughout the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger there are several different themes portrayed that widely relate to current issues of teenagers and adults alike. While reading the novel several different themes were revealed creating a deep and meaningful story line. Three themes viewed within the novel are; the phoniness of the adult world, alienation as a form of self-protection, and the painfulness of growing up. Each of these themes have large significance in character and plot developmentRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie Holden Talks With Mr. Spencer Essay1569 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis: This quote is from the part when Holden talks with Mr. Spencer. Since Holden failing all his classes except one, Mr. Spencer is advising Holden about the importance and the impact of his actions in his life. Holden’s perception of adult s is depicted when he curses Mr. Spencer in his mind. By nodding silently to Mr. Spencer’s words, Holden actually disrespects adults. We can easily perceive that Holden feels alienated when Mr. Spencer tells him that he is one of those people on â€Å"the other

Rights Based Ethics And Stem Cell Research - 878 Words

Rights Based Ethics and Stem Cell Research When talking about ethics, we have theoretical ethics and applied ethics. Those these two are different they, are also connected. Theoretical ethics can be defined as the theoretical study of the main concepts and methods of ethics(Ward). This is, basically, studying the ethical language, the concepts, beliefs, and the reasoning of certain ethical theories. Applied ethics are defined as the application and evaluation of the principles that guide practice in particular domains. Applied ethics concerns the issues and problems specific to the field in question(Ward). This is taking ethical theories and applying them to everyday issues, whether private or professional. While they are different, since one looks at understanding ethical principles and the other takes a different approach by applying those principles, they are similar because they really need to go hand in hand to reach the right goal. In order to figure out which ethical theory works, you would need to learn more about it and then look at applying it. Now, we will take a look at rights based ethics and stem cell research. Right based ethics are rights that we have just because we exist and are humans. These rights can be positive or negative in nature. For example, we have the right to life, we have the right to own property, the list could go on and on. Rights based ethics can be moral rights, legal right and human rights. It is all focused on our rights as aShow MoreRelated Embryonic Stem Cell Research: How does it affect you? Essay1557 Words   |  7 Pages Embryonic Stem Cell Research: How does it affect you? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Embryonic stem cell research is widely controversial in the scientific world. Issues on the ethics of Embryonic Stem (ES) cell research have created pandemonium in our society. The different views on this subject are well researched and supportive. The facts presented have the capability to support or possibly change the public’s perspective. This case study is based on facts and concernsRead MoreStem Cell Research: The Debate Over Federal Funding Essay899 Words   |  4 PagesEmbryonic Stem Cell Research: Pro-Federal Funding The Alliance for Aging Research is a non-profit organization that promotes the use of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. As an agency geared toward improving the health of human beings as they age, some of their responsibilities include lobbying for federal legislation, conducting studies and surveys, and creating and distributing educational materials to health care professionals and the public. With Baby Boomers closely reachingRead MoreIs Stem Cell Research Ethical?1252 Words   |  6 Pages Is Stem Cell Research Ethical? The question that has been asked so many times, is stem cell research ethical? To argue ethics over this topic, one must first know what a stem cell is.Stem Cells are â€Å"cells with the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cells† (Stem Cell Basics: Introduction). The National Institutes of Health say that stem cells are distinguished for two different reasons. The first is â€Å"they are unspecialized cells capable of renewingRead More Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay1451 Words   |  6 Pagestechnology has allowed for a new understanding of stem cells and further developments in research. The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine may hold significant benefits for those suffering from degenerative diseases. To avail such advancements in stem cell research could see the alleviation or complete cure of afflictions that take the lives of millions worldwide each year. (McLaren, 2001) A stem cell 1 is able differentiate into any somatic cell found in the human body, including those identicalRead MoreStem Cell Research Essay1706 Words   |  7 Pagesthe research teams of the EuroStemCell project teach in their educational short film A Stem Cell Story, there are certain stages of development while in the uterus where most of our cells stop dividing and stabilize into a specific kind of cell. They do not mutate throughout our life. These cells are referred to as specialized cells. Once they are damaged or die they cannot regenerate themselves. There is one kind of cell that never specializes during development. They are called stem cells andRead MoreEthics hinder scientific research. Do you agree?600 Words   |  3 PagesEthics hinder scientific research. Do you agree? Ever since the scientific revolution, there have been countless breakthroughs in the scientific field. From the invention of the light bulb to the computers we stare at daily, it is axiomatic that such things can only happen due to the advancement in science. However, a myriad of scientific researches today have received strong opposition due to the ethical concerns regarding the research. This essay will agree that ethics hinder scientific researchRead More A Look at Stem Cell Research Essay1424 Words   |  6 PagesA Look at Stem Cell Research Research in the development of stem cells has become increasingly popular over the past decade. The fascination in the study of stem cells by scientists comes from the mystery of what the essential properties are and how cells differ. With the discovery of determining how stem cells are self renewing and identifying what causes stem cells to become specialized leads to the ability to create more cell-based remedies as well as preventing birth defects, more preciseRead MoreEthical Issues Related to the Cloning Debate1389 Words   |  6 Pagesacting as God. Do human beings have the right to tamper with nature in this way? This essay explores the various ethical issues related to the cloning debate, and seeks answers to this deep philosophical question at the heart of bioethics. As a student of genetic biology and future biologist, this question also has personal relevance. Our science is evolving at a rapid pace. As human cloning becomes increasingly possible, it is important that w e analyze the ethics of cloning so that judicious publicRead MoreThe Ethics Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research1520 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican Government 16 December 2014 The Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research In the 21st century, disease is rampant and for most diseases, we have no cure because we haven t researched them long enough to find a specialized cure. One option that we have is human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research. HESC research consists of using human embryonic stem cells, which are very flexible and adaptive to create the necessary cells to develop future cell-based therapies for currently untreatable diseasesRead MoreThe Evolution Of Stem Cell Research1334 Words   |  6 PagesAdult Stem Cells Imagine if you could save the life of a child with cancer, correct a man’s paralysis as a result of a stroke, or give a woman who suffers from infertility the gift of life. At the present time there is no cure for terminal diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, Type I diabetes, spinal cord or brain injuries. The possibility has presented itself by perfecting the use of adult stem cells. Throughout the evolving technologies and experiments, medical researchers have discovered the

Immigration and Border Protection Free Essays

Running Head: Immigration and Border Protection 1 Immigration and Border Protection of Department of Homeland Security Donald Capak Keiser University Immigration and Border Protection 2 Abstract It is my belief that the dissolution of the former U. S. Immigration and Naturalization and Customs Service and the creation of separate agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was sound political decision. We will write a custom essay sample on Immigration and Border Protection or any similar topic only for you Order Now It is my belief that it was also a move to show the American people that the government was making attempts to help strengthen our security. In the next few pages of this assignment I will attempt to explain my decision to this question backed by research and information supporting me. I will discuss how the newly formed U. S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement was a step in the right direction to provide U. S. citizens with a sense of safety and security. I will primary focus on these two agencies, their details and what agencies they replaced. Keywords: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization and Customs Service, Customs and Border Protection and Immigration, Customs Enforcement Immigration and Border Protection 3 Immigration and Border Protection Of Department of Homeland Security Before the events on September 11th all immigration policy and enforcement was handled by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) under the Department of Justice. However once the Department of Homeland Security was created, the INS was absorbed and broken down into seperate offices.Two of these offices include the U. S. Customs and Border Protection and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration and Customs enforcement is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States. Immigration and customs enforcement is similar except they are aimed at enforcing the laws at points of entry into the United States. In the next few pages of this assignment I will give an overview of both the U. S. Customs and Border Protection and the Immigration and Customs enforcement, explaining what they do and how their creation was a benefit to the United States.The U. S. Customs and Border Protection’s responsibilities include protecting the nation’s borders and ensuring that people and cargo arrive on U. S. soil both safety and legally. They protect American citizens from weapons of mass destruction, illegal animals and plants and even contraband. Their purpose is to detect threats before they reach the U. S. in attempts to avert disasters (Jane Bullock, George Haddow, Damon Coppola, Sarp Yeletaysi , 2009). Their numbers are upwards of 53,000 both stateside and overseas. (Who We are. Retrieved from http://www. cbp. ov/xp/cgov/careers/customs_careers/we_are_cbp. xml). On March 1st, 2003 the CBP became an official part of the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration and Border Protection 4This move, led by former commission Robert Bonner, combined employees from the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service and the United States Customs Service. (US Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/U. S. Customs_and_Border_Protection#U. S. _Customs_Service. ). This move was critical to the U. S. defense against foreign attack. Not only did this move reorganize three different organizations into one, but it also established a more unified system. This in turn helped communication and response to threats. With a single organization, instead of two or three, it helped keep the focus on the primary goal; there would be no more varying paths. It was basically unified under one leadership. Another reason that this was done was because the Customs and Border Protection was in need of a serious overhaul.Originally the Immigration and Naturalization Service received its roots after the American Civil war. Many states began passing their own laws regarding immigration, the federal government saw this as a problem and passed the Immigration Act of 1891, making immigration a federal manner. (2010, Immigration and Naturalization Service. Retrieved from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/U. S. _Customs_and_Border_Protection#U. S. _Customs_Service. ) In the early 1900’s immigration laws started becoming stricter to help protect U. S. citizens and their wages. Laws in 1921 and 1924 began limiting the amount of Immigrants entering the U.S. based on quotas. In 1940, President Roosevelt transferred the INS to the department of Justice where it would remain for the next forty three years. (2010, Immigration and Naturalization Service. Retrieved from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/U. S. _Customs_and_Border_Protection#U. S. _Customs_Service. ). Immigration and Border Protection 5 So as one can see, the INS was a fairly outdated system, primary used to limit Immigration and protect citizens from the problems of that era.Instead of performing an overhaul, like in 2003, they added organizations to it in attempts to cope with the changing times. This was ineffective and primitive. It caused for confusion amongst the different divisions leaders and made for very poor communication. Using these facts, it is my belief that the decision to create the U. S. Borders and Customs Protection was a wise and valuable decision in securing U. S. citizens from harm. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the largest investigate arm of the DHS. (Bullock et al. 2010). This division, also known simply as ICE, is responsible for investigating and removing threats to the U.S. Employees of ICE, an estimated 15,000 strong, investigate and enforce over 400 federal statutes within the U. S. and maintain communication with overseas embassies. They also have one the broadest investigative authorities of any federal agency. (2010, U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/U. S. _Immigration_and_Customs_Enforcement. ) Much like the US Borders and Customs Protection, the Immigration and Customs enforcement was created after the event’s of 9/11 and following the creation of the DHS. The creation of ICE was also similar in that it combined How to cite Immigration and Border Protection, Papers

Primarily Commissioned Examine Rwandan Environment-Free samples

Question: Discuss About The Primarily Commissioned To Examine Rwandan Environment? Answer: Introduction Envato is a tech firm that is headquarteredin Melbourne, Australia. This firm is anticipating to expand its market further to the African state by investing in Rwanda, a country which is found in Eastern part of Africa. It is incumbent to note that this firm is carrying out an assessment of the environment of the region in thebid of it investing in the said country if it establishes that the environment is most suitable for a foreign firm to invest there. This report is geared towards ascertaining some of the risk assessment techniques employed in the bid of determiningthe Rwandan market for investment. Envato is prepared to employ the use of Foreign Direct Investment to secure a chance in this new market considering some of the underlying factors at hand (Wild, Wild Han, 2014). This work will therefore evaluate both the internal and external factors of the said environment in the view of providing requisite information on the suitability of the region for investment. This in essenc e has to go hand in hand with carrying out the PESTLE analysis to ascertain this case for further recommendation to the senior management of the organization. PESTEL Analysis The PESTEL analysis is very important for the marketers to analyze the macro-environmental factors within the business environment (Jurevicicus 2013). This analysis of the macro-environmental factors helps the marketers to find out the problems and solutions. It also helps to assess the probable strengths and weaknesses of the business. The PESTEL analysis for Envato if they want to set up their business in Rwanda is as follows :- Political factors Rwanda is a politically stable country though there have been many political problems in the past (Jurevicicus 2013). The government has taken strict actions against those who intend to spread genocide within the country. Strict laws have been made to prevent unruly actions. So, Envato can set up their business firm over there with assurance from the government that they will be given security (Envato 2017). The different policies of the government have to be analyzed to avoid further complications. Economical factors Economically, Rwanda has been a torn country during the 1990s because of the genocides taking place there and the economy was completely shattered. They are now trying to get back their lost ground for economical development. So, it will be a great boost for Envato if they set up their firm there (Envato 2017). It would be helpful for the countrys economy if more companies come up there. Once, Envato begins to flourish, more companies will invest there; Rwandas economy will be rejuvenated. Though, there are some risk factors but they should look to take the risk to gain the African market (Weinstein and Cahill 2014). Social factors Social factors include the demographic characteristics of the country and the environment the firm is going to be set up (Jurevicicus 2013). The growing population of Rwanda and the children there will be interested to come into the web designing sector and also the animation sector that would also help to make the economy of the country stronger. The children can learn the art of web designing and go to bigger countries to show their skills. The health consciousness and the population growth will be given attention once they start to develop their business (Kelsall 2013). Technological factors Since, Envato has been a leading organization in applying technology for their works, it would be only appropriate for them to use the technology in their new target market (Envato 2017). There will be new horizons for application of technology in the African continent and a new development will be welcome there. This would lead to the enhancement to the growth of the country and the organization as well (Kelsall 2013). Environmental factors If the company chooses to set up their business there, the scarcity of raw materials and the weather conditions of the country has to be looked into (Jurevicicus 2013). Africa is generally considered as a hot continent and so they will have to manage their resources accordingly. They have to provide proper facilities to their employees. They also have to progress with their business as a sustainable company in an ethical way. They also have to maintain the carbon footprint targets by the Rwandan government. Legal factors Envato has to look upon the health and safety of their employees. As it is a developing country, the health facilities are expected to be not up to the mark. They have to ensure that their employees get proper treatment. Equal opportunities should be presented to the Australian and the native people of Rwanda in terms of employment. The consumer rights and laws of the country have to be obeyed by Envato to avoid any kinds of strict action against them. The aspects of product safety and product labeling have to be maintained by the company so that all the legal guidelines are followed (Jurevicicus 2013). CompetitorAnalysis There is very stiff competition in the market by the foreign firms who are well established. It is ideal to state that most of the Chinese firm are well established and this gives them advantage to the operations of their businesswell considering the fact that China was the first foreign country to invest in Rwanda after the 1994 genocide (Hill, Hult, Wickramasekera, LieschMacKenzie, 2017). This basically implies that they are many Chinese companies that have diversified their market and thereby it will be a herculean task for Envato to initiate its tech industry there due to trust the said ventures have made in the region (Meyer Peng, 2016). Risk Management Considerations There are multiple risk management issues that the new entrant to the market has to consider before investing there. First, Envato has to determine whether their product would be ideal in the market and to what extent would it satisfy the needs of its market (CravinoLevchenko, 2016).Similarly, it is the prerogative of the nation to evaluate or rather assess the volatility rate of the business investing there. This would put them at a better position to know the level of insurance that they are expected to take depending on thenew market for the sustainability of the venture. Conclusion Conclusively, Rwanda is a viable environmentfor investmentsespecially by the foreign firm has it has good policies and measures that do encourage such investments in the nation. However, there are some of the factors that an individual has to consider before initiating their investing there. This is whether the businesswould be suitable in this environment. References Beamish, P., 2013.Multinational Joint Ventures in Developing Countries (RLE International Business). Routledge. Cavusgil, S.T., Knight, G., Riesenberger, J.R., Rammal, H.G. and Rose, E.L., 2014.International business. Pearson Australia. Cravino, J. and Levchenko, A.A., 2016. Multinational firms and international business cycle transmission.The Quarterly Journal of Economics, p. qjw043. Envato. (2017). Envato - Top digital assets services. [online] Available at: https://envato.com/ [Accessed 2 Jun. 2017]. Forsgren, M. and Johanson, J., 2014.Managing networks in international business. Routledge. Hill, C., Hult, T., Wickramasekera, R., Liesch, P. and MacKenzie, K., 2017.Global Business Today Asia-Pacific Perspective. McGraw-Hill Education. Jenkins, R., 2013.Transnational Corporations and Uneven Development (RLE International Business): The Internationalization of Capital and the Third World. Routledge. Jurevicius, O., 2013. PEST PESTEL Analysis.Strategic Management Insight,13, p.2013. Kelsall, T., 2013.Business, politics, and the state in Africa: Challenging the orthodoxies on growth and transformation. Zed Books Ltd.. Kolk, A., 2016. The social responsibility of international business: From ethics and the environment to CSR and sustainable development.Journal of World Business,51(1), pp.23-34. Kostova, T. and Hult, G.T.M., 2016. Meyer and Pengs 2005 article as a foundation for an expanded and refined international business research agenda: Context, organizations, and theories.Journal of International Business Studies,47(1), pp.23-32. Kourula, A., Pisani, N. and Kolk, A., 2017. Corporate sustainability and inclusive development: highlights from international business and management research.Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability,24, pp.14-18. Meyer, K. and Peng, M., 2016.International business. Cengage Learning. Penrose, E., 2013.The Large International Firm (RLE International Business). Routledge. Picciotto, S. and Mayne, R. eds., 2016.Regulating international business: beyond liberalization. Springer. Weinstein, A. and Cahill, D.J., 2014.Lifestyle market segmentation. Routledge. Wild, J., Wild, K.L. and Han, J.C., 2014.Internati

Bipolar Politics in the Postwar World Essay Example

Bipolar Politics in the Postwar World Paper The main political outcome of the WWII was distinctly shaped bipolar political structure of the world order. Former allies in anti-Hitler Coalition entered the unprecedented confrontation lasted for more than 40 years. The world was divided between two superpowers according to their spheres of interests. During the Cuban Missile Crisis the world faced the real threat of the new devastating war. The state of the Cold War could be characterized as a state of balancing between the war and peace. Both countries possessed nuclear warheads in an amount able to destroy both superpowers as well as the entire humanity. The reason for that confrontation was the system-defined one. Soviet totalitarian regime with its command economy was completely incompatible with the democratic political system and the free market economy. The involvement of the ideological doctrines of the Soviet â€Å"revolution export† and the â€Å"Domino Theory† by President Truman only worsened the situation. We will write a custom essay sample on Bipolar Politics in the Postwar World specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Bipolar Politics in the Postwar World specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Bipolar Politics in the Postwar World specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer At the same time both superpowers realized the danger of nuclear weapon proliferation and the global security depended upon the way the superpowers were able to find the compromise. They succeeded to do that during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Europe was divided into two mutually hostile parts. The history of the post-war Germany was the most tragic one. The country happened to be divided into two parts and the Berlin Wall demolished in the late 80’s was the symbol of the post-war confrontation. Principle of â€Å"the enemy of my enemy is my ally† was widely used by both superpowers. The phenomenon of so-called proxy war was the tool of confrontation of two superpowers. Very often relatively small countries became the arenas of the US-USSR confrontation. The examples of proxy wars were Vietnam, a number of conflicts in Africa (ex. Angola), Latin America (Nicaragua), Asia (Korea), Afghanistan etc. Superpowers transferred their weapons, gave economic support etc. to feed such conflicts. Sometimes such support returned back like a boomerang. The example of this could be Afghanistan where the United States supported the anti-Soviet opposition including Taliban. Later Taliban was in a vanguard of a terrorist movement committing bloody attacks against the United States (9/11). The collapse of the Soviet Union changed the balance of forces in the global security. The most remarkable thing was that bipolar US-USSR geopolitical structure which was more or less predictable was replaced by the unpredictable multi polar US-global terrorism confrontation. Both superpowers, USA and Russia are fighting now with the same threat. Perestroika and Glasnost were the political factors which democratized the former Soviet society. At the same time, former Soviet Union being created as an unnatural political formation has become the area of confrontation. Russia is fighting with the Chechen separatists supported by the same structures who assisted the terrorists committing their attacks worldwide including the United States. Thus former opponents got the common enemy, global terrorism and both parties are vitally interested in providing the global security.

The Jilting of Granny Weatherall Essays

The Jilting of Granny Weatherall Essays The Jilting of Granny Weatherall Paper The Jilting of Granny Weatherall Paper In the short story â€Å"The Jilting of Granny Weatherall,† Granny Weatherall’s stubbornness is reflected in the way she views people’s actions and in her obviously senile thinking process. Whether consciously or subconsciously, she regards most of the attempts to aid her or please her as either threatening or rude. This is derived from her stubborn attitude towards death and illness. She views herself as being near immortal until the very end. Her first misconception of someone trying to help her is shown in the very beginning of the story. When the doctor tries to check her pulse and give her a routine check-up, Granny Weatherall â€Å"flicked her wrist out of Doctor Harry’s†¦ fingers. † This is followed by her considering him to be a â€Å"brat† who needs to â€Å"respect [his] elders. † The doctor then tells her not to get out of bed. She responds by telling him to â€Å"get along and doctor your sick†¦ Leave a well woman alone. † This reaction to the doctor’s check-up show’s that Granny is very confident that nothing is wrong with her. Whether this is her senile mind taking over or if she really believes that she is fine, there is some part of her that doesn’t want to let go of life. After the doctor walks out, Granny Weatherall hears her daughter, Cornelia, and the doctor whispering outside her door. Cornelia clearly sounds worried about her mother’s fading health, but Granny sees the whispering as being rude. When Cornelia comes into Granny’s room to check on her and see if she needs anything, Granny’s face tied up â€Å"in hard knots† and Granny says â€Å"I want a lot of things. First off, go away and don’t whisper. † Again, a simple act of generosity is viewed by Granny Weatherall as a rude act. Her stubborn attitude in this segment seems to be suggesting that she really believes that she does not need any help with anything. Even when she falls asleep, she hopes â€Å"the children would keep out and let her rest. † During her sleep, â€Å"she found death in her mind and found it clammy and unfamiliar. † Then Granny goes on to think, â€Å"Let [death] take care of itself. † This suggests that Granny likes to push death to the side and think about other things. Even when Granny Weatherall needs help, she finds a way to make others look rude for not knowing she wanted something. Granny asks Cornelia for a â€Å"noggin of hot toddy. Cornelia asks if Granny was cold, and Granny replies, â€Å"I’m chilly†¦ Lying in bed stops my circulation. I must have told you a thousand times. † After this, Granny Weatherall hears Cornelia asking her husband to entertain Granny. She thinks, â€Å"Wait, wait, Cornelia, till your children whisper behind y our back! † Finally, soon after this, Granny feels the effect of death on her. She realizes this and wants to â€Å"stand up to it. † Cornelia brings her to her senses by washing her forehead with cold water. Granny naturally sees this as being rude because she â€Å"[does not] like having her face washed in cold water. A priest comes to give her final rights, but his words break off right before he’s about to explain what’s happening because Granny won’t accept her end. The moment of Granny Weatherall’s death, while Cornelia is crying over her mother, Granny says her final words, â€Å"I’m not going, Cornelia. I’m taken by surprise. I can’t go. † This shows that Granny, truly, consciously and unconsciously, stubbornly denied her weakness and completely forced the thought of death from her mind. Even when she â€Å"accepted† her death, she still couldn’t really accept her death.

The Women Position at the Workplace Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Women Position at the Workplace - Case Study Example   Actually, it is the manifestation of chauvinism from the side of males and discrimination of women at work. After all, there is no discrimination of men in the sphere of work and the question is why women should suffer. In the case of Meghan, she was discriminated when refused a partnership and was not invited to corporative parties. Her friends had difficulties returning to work when they become mothers. In the USA, Great Britain and many other developed countries the rights of women for equal conditions with men are affirmed in the law, and the attempt to violate these rights as a rule results in multimillion claims to the violator. For example, in summer 2012 a great number of claims against the corporations violating the rights of women were made. The 100 million dollars claim was submitted against the Forest Pharmaceuticals company where, according to claimants, pregnant women and young mothers were refused career advancement and the increase in salaries. The few less than 2000 employees of the Wallmart Company from 48 states of the USA submitted multimillion claims about gender discrimination at the workplace: managers of supermarkets raised salaries and offered career advancement only to men. The court agreed to pay more than 5 million dollars to the group of women who were refused the work on elimination accident’s consequences in the Gulf of Mexico because of their gen der. However, according to the research conducted in 2009 at the Cambridge University, men endure stronger stress because of the economic crisis and dismissals than the woman. Thus, women do not have enough reasons to complain concerning the conditions they work in during the last several years.  In the staff much depends on the head of this staff. His/her task is to regulate the relations between men and women to prevent such a conflict that Meghan went through. It is necessary to organize corporative parties for workers taking into account the interests of both men and women and their own schedule.  

How Global Warming and Hurricane are related Essay

How Global Warming and Hurricane are related - Essay Example Continuation of historical trends of greenhouse gas emissions will result in additional warming over the 21 century, with current projections of a global increase of 2.5F to 10.4F by 2100, with warming in the U.S. expected to be even higher. Hurricanes, tropical cyclones or typhoons, which can be defined as closed-circulation, warm-cored, low-pressure systems with maximum sustained surface wind speeds (1-minute mean) of at least 39 mph, are intense tropical storms with sustained winds above 74 miles/hour (Ahrens, C. Donald. Meteorology Today1) and are conventionally divided into two intensity classes: tropical storms (with maximum winds of 39-73 mph) and hurricanes (with maximum winds of at least 74 mph). Hurricanes have been subdivided into five potential damage classes depending on their maximum wind speed, minimum central pressure and storm surge magnitude. Sea level is rising and will continue to rise as oceans warm and glaciers melt. Rising sea levels means higher storm surges, even from relatively minor storms, causing coastal flooding and erosion and damaging coastal properties. In a distressing new development, scientific evidence now suggests a link between hurricane strength and duration and global warming. Understanding the relationship between hurricanes and global warming is essential if we are to preserve healthy and prosperous coastal communities. Storm intensity and duration increases as global warming emissions increase in our atmosphere. Rising sea levels, also caused in part by rising global temperatures, intensify storm damage along coasts. For hurricanes to occur, surface ocean temperatures must exceed or retain 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To understand how global warming can affect ocean storms, it's important to understand how these storms develop in the first place. Seasonal shifts in global wind patterns cause atmospheric disturbances in the tropics, leading to a local drop in pressure at sea level and forcing air to rise over warm ocean waters. As warm, moist air rises, it further lowers air pressure at sea level and draws surrounding air inward and upward in a rotating pattern called a vortex. When the water vapor-laden air rises to higher altitudes, it cools and releases heat as it condenses to rain. This cycle of evaporation and condensation brings the ocean's thermal energy into the vortex, powering the storm. Depen ding on the severity, meteorologists call these tropical storms or hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. Natural cycles alone cannot explain recent ocean warming. Because of human activities such as burning fossil fuels and clearing forests, today's carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere are significantly higher than at any time during the past 400,000 years. CO2 and other heat-trapping emissions act like insulation in the lower atmosphere, warming land and ocean surface temperatures. Oceans have absorbed most of this excess heat, raising sea temperatures by almost one degree Fahrenheit since 1970. September sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic over the past decade have risen far above levels documented since 1930. (Global Warming, Hurricanes and climate change) By examining the number of tropical cyclones and cyclone days as well as

Discuss the impact of fear and anger when caring for clients in the Essay

Discuss the impact of fear and anger when caring for clients in the health care setting - Essay Example An important indicator of quality care is the presence of a healthy interpersonal relationship between a patient and health care provider, or a relationship that is free of fear and anger. Sadly, there are several instances in which patient-provider relationship is beset by unconstructive emotions such as fear and anger. These particular negative approaches in dealing with patients contribute to discrimination, abuse and marginalization in the heath care contexts. According to some studies, patients who belong to the lower class or are poor usually feel that they are being treated badly by health care providers (Yamashita et al., 2005, 64). Health care providers, on the other hand, are continuously confronted with difficult emotions such as fear and anger. They are at times overcome by fear of an indefinite future. Consequently, these fears become manifested; caregivers spend a great amount of time confronting their fears alone, believing that nobody could understand them. They also fear that they will be competent as caregivers, that they would not be able to cope with the nursing task physically. And they fear of their lack of ability in coping with emotional tension. However, these are only instances of internal fear (Mccabe, 2004, 6). There are health care providers who are fearful of their patients, especially if their patients are mentally disturbed or emotionally unstable. This fear makes the delivery of health care services inefficient. Fear cripples the capability of a health care provider to competently meet the health needs of his/her patient which then could result in conflict. Interpersonal communication between health care provider and a patient could lessen the fear that the former feels for the latter. Understanding directly and emphatically the personality, behavior and needs of a patient could dispel fear (Silverstein, 2006, 33). Suppressed fear and anger does not easily head off, it just accumulates and flares up in

The aspects of social responsibility

The aspects of social responsibility In what ways does Priestley explore the theme of social responsibility in â€Å"An Inspector Calls†? In this essay I aim to explore all the aspects of social responsibility shown in â€Å"An Inspector Calls†. I will endeavour to do this by using dramatic devices expressed throughout the play and their significance to the play; I will also discuss the effectiveness in which Priestley conveys the theme of social responsibility. Throughout the 1930s Priestley became very aware of the social inequality in Britain at that time and in 1942 he decided to form a political party with some like-minded colleagues. The party was called the Common Wealth Party and it argued that Land ownership should be given to the public and that Britain should be more democratic in politics. In 1945 the Common Wealth Party was merged into the Labour party, but Priestley was still very influential in the way that the party was being run and helped develop the idea of a welfare state which was implemented after the war. Priestley also made many BBC radio broadcasts to try and promote the idea of socialism within the Labour Party. Social responsibility is the most discussed and possibly the most important aspect of â€Å"An Inspector Calls†. Priestleys message seems to be: Do not only look after yourself but also care for others and that people have to accept the consequences of their actions. Arthur Birling is a perfect example of this. â€Å"But take my word for it, you youngsters and Ive learnt in the good hard school of experience that a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own..†. In this quote Arthur is encouraging selfishness, being irresponsible and having no social responsibility, this is the complete opposite of everything that Priestley stands for as a socialist. Although this happens to work in Priestleys favour throughout the course of the play as the Inspector, who seems to voice Priestleys views as a socialist, frequently overturns Mr. Birlings and others views forcing them to be heard more habitually throughout the audience which will influence their opinions. The Birlings as a family seem to have no social responsibility, in particular Arthur makes it apparent that he has no social awareness; he illustrates no remorse when talking about Evas death, or that of his factory workers and the horrendous conditions they work in. In his speech to Eric and Gerald prior to the arrival of the Inspector he offers some ‘guidance in which he lectures on how he thinks others should be treated. â€Å"But the way some of these cranks talk and write now, youd think everybody has to look after everybody else as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a bee hive- community and all that nonsense.† Mr. Birling carries qualities such as arrogance, inconsideration, irresponsibility and lacks social awareness. The Inspectors function in the play is to educate the Birlings about collective responsibility, equality, union and consideration of others. He achieves this by using various techniques such as a shock and awe method and forcing them to feel guilt for what they have done by encouraging them to empathise with their victims. Priestley specifically set the play in 1912; this was because at this time society as a whole was completely different to how it was when Priestley wrote the play (1945). The play has investigated the matter of social class and the restrictions that come with it and also the matter of gender with one gender being dominant over the other. Although in 1945 almost all of these restrictions were gone. For instance, in 1912 it was considered compulsory for women to behave dutifully to men. The expectations on women were high and even women of aristocracy could do nothing but marry on, and for those who were born of a lower social class, it was an opportunity for cheap labour, much like the case of Eva Smith. However by 1945, the consequences of war enabled womens role in society to grow considerably. Priestley liked to see these unusual situations as an opportunity and thought that his audiences would see the potential as he did. All the way through his play he constantly encourages his a udience to take hold of the opportunity that the end of World War 2 has given them, to construct a superior more socially responsible society. When Priestley set the play in 1912 it gave him the opportunity to include references to major historical events such as the HMS Titanic, World War 1 and mining strikes. This allowed Priestley to make the audience involved and one step ahead of the ignorant characters. At first glance the genre of the play: ‘An Inspector Calls seems to be a typical murder mystery. Although as the play expands, the genre seems to transform from a theme of ignorance to a ‘whodunit as the Inspector cross-examines his way through each and every one in the Birling household. The Inspector manages to maintain control of the pace and the tension by dealing with each query individually. The story is revealed gradually, bit by bit. The lighting plays a significant part in assigning the mood and atmosphere of the play. We start Act One with a description of the scene, followed by an introduction of the main characters. At this point we are told â€Å"The lighting should be pink and intimate until the Inspector arrives, and then it should be brighter and harder.† Priestley uses a pink, warm theme of lighting to portray a sense of calm, success and self-satisfaction, ultimately reflecting the characters. Dan Anahory

Nuclear Energy Essay example -- essays research papers

Nuclear Energy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nuclear energy-This is energy that binds together components of an atomic nucleus. This is made by the process of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is produced when an atomic atom is split. The way nuclear pore is made is in a nuclear reactor, this is most likely located in a nuclear power plant. the fission that is produced is when a heavy element splits in half or is halved into two smaller nuclei, the power of the fission is located by the rate of the splitting of the nuclei at once which causes watts of electricity to be forced into the energy type.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Energy that is released by the nuclear fission matches almost completely to that of the properties of kinetic fission particles, only that the properties of the nuclear energies nucleus are radioactive. These radioactive nucleuses can be contained and used as fuel for the power. Most of this power is fueled by uranium isotopes. These isotopes are highly radioactive. The isotope catches the fast moving neutrons created by the splitting atoms, it repels the slower moving protons and electrons, then gathers the neutrons and pulls them inward. While all these atoms are flying about they smash together then split many of many times, this is when the reactor grabs and pulls in the frictional energy to be processed into electrical watts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This usually causes heat or thermal energy, this must be removed by some kind of a coolant. Most power plants use water or another type of liquid based formula. these coolants are always base related, never acidic. Very few use gas related coolants in there reactors, these are known as thermal reactor based power plants. Another nuclear reactor type is a type that runs off of uranium oxide, the uranium oxide is a gas form of the solid uranium. These fuels which cause the radioactive particles usually are always highly radioactive themselves. Because of this all the power plants take high safety standards and use special shields to prevent leakage. Usually the leakage can cause nuclear contamination. This means they must take high safety standards.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After nuclear fission has occurred many of the thermal neutrons are moving at thermal neutrons are moving at thermal velocities which are harder to be absorbed, so they rely on constructional details. Usu... ...afety was renewed following an accident at a facility in the Soviet Union in April 1986. The Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which is located 80 miles northwest of Kiev in Ukraine suffered a castrophic meltdown of its nuclear fuel. A radioactive cloud spread from the plant over most of Europe, this contaminated a very large amount of crops, and livestock. Lesser amounts of this radiation showed up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  These are some reasons why people and the community are very cautious against nuclear power, I hope that this report can better inform people on this issue, even though nuclear energy is the cleanest, and supposedly the safest I still lay undecided. Here are some pictures on the topic.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nuclear energy-This is energy that binds together components of an atomic nucleus. This is made by the process of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is produced when an atomic atom is split. The way nuclear pore is made is in a nuclear reactor, this is most likely located in a nuclear power plant. the fission that is produced is when a heavy element splits in half or is halved into two smaller nuclei, the power of the fission is located by the rate.

Analyse How Businesses Are Organised Essay

Definition: The way a business is organized internally to enable employees to carry out their job roles and communicate with each other. There are many Organisational structures these organizational structures allow you to know what everyone’s role is in a business and also who they have power over. The business is able to work more sufficiently if they have an organizational chart. Span of control – A span of control is the number of people who report to one manager in a hierarchy. The more people under the control of one manager, the wider the span of control. Less means a narrower span of control. Chain of command – Chain of command is the order in which orders and decisions are passed down from top to bottom of the hierarchy. Line Manager – A Manager who is responsible for achieving an organisations main objective by executing functions such as policy making, target setting and decision making. Purpose of organisational chart: The purpose of an organizational chart is that it depicts the staffing order of a company. It is commonly shown in a hierarchical format; it also helps identify who does what in an organization, how many staff work in the company and what the chain of command is. This information is important to internal staff, HR departments, stakeholders and board members. Why is there a need for an organizational STRUCTURE? It is essential for a business to have an organizational structure because if they didn’t have one the business would be a disorganised mess. Here are the advantages of having an organisational structure. Firstly it would be favorable towards the employees. There would be less inconvenience as the employees who- know who to go to and report to if they have any problems and need a person higher up in the hierarchal structure of the business to sort it out for them. Therefore the workers would know what responsibilities they have and what job they would need to do. Without the structure a business has the employees wouldn’t be able to carry out their jobs and the departments of the business would have too many employees or too little. Moreover both business London Heathrow Marriott and McDonald are allocated nationwide which shows that they need to be able to carry out orders quick and adequately which it also shows they are well organized. London Heathrow Marriotts organ isational structure: Here is London Heathrow Marriott’s organizational chart. London Heathrow Marriott’s hierarchical structure is a Flat centralized hierarchy structure this allows the business to make faster decisions and it allows more responsibilities for the managers and others increasing motivation but this disallow to fewer opportunities for promotion leading to lower self-confidence. the advantages of a flat hierarchical structure for lhm: A wide span of control is an example of an organizational structure and where additional employees are at an equal level instead of being superior to one another. This is an advantage to the London Heathrow Marriott as it tells us that there are fewer hierarchies consequential in an easier and faster communication. Also there would be fewer employees working at the top of the hierarchical structure which means it would cost the hotel less money. This shows that employees lower in position are not constantly maintaining authority and being managed which will make the workers more persistent and give incentive to achieve their responsibilities to the best of their abilities. This will give confidence to the employees to work to the best of their abilities and show that they are committed to their job which could lead to receiving a promotion which shows that London Heathrow Marriott don’t have to spend more money in order to train new employees. This also shows that London Heathrow Marriott are not losing any sufficient amount of money which they can spend on something else and it also shows that they are achieving their aim of making ‘ £20million per annum’ of profit. In addition to being able to communicate without any trouble there is also â€Å"excellent team spirit†. Disadvantages of a hierarchical structure for lhm: Even though there are lots of advantages to having a flat hierarchical structure it has its disadvantages. When some employees have other boss’s it shows that it is a flat hierarch in a business. This is sometimes not meant or adapted for a particular purpose and can cause lot of Trouble or difficulty caused to one’s personal requirements or comfort, they may find it distressing being controlled from more than one boss’s. Also there is less control within the business as there is only one manager per department and it would be harder for the manager to keep track of each inferior to who they are in charge over. This shows that there is a large area of responsibility this might direct to some tasks that a business wants to achieve to be completely inefficiently meaning that they want to do things without any trouble which can effect the business as a loss for the business as there might be a problem but if it hasn’t been fixed or repaired after a period of time and if the person in charge of the people lower in the chain e.g. trainees, employees might be dealing with a lot of staff but some jobs and prospects of a business might be at risk of no longer existing. Therefore there will a less chance of getting promotions as a flat hierarchical structure as described in the hierarchical chart, there are more people lower in the chain than there is of superiors leading to lower morale. how flat hierarchical structure helps LHm achieve its aims and objectives: One of the objectives London Heathrow Marriott wish to achieve is; â€Å"75% of guest’s to be satisfied†. The hierarchical organizational structures lead staff a clear principle to what their job is and the aims and objectives they should meet. With a flat hierarchical structure there is less confusion for employees and also many customers are satisfied, especially when the employees in the business know what they are doing. London Heathrow Marriott also want to achieve;â€Å"Labour turnover less than or equal to 25%†.By having a flat hierarchical structure in the business shows that rules within the business are made faster, furthermore managers are able to take actions quicker to any worries which a employee has. Hence employees will feel as if their need and concerns are heard out and met so they wouldn’t have any reason to leave the business. McDonalds organisational structure: Here is McDonald’s organizational chart. McDonald’s hierarchical structure is a flat plan. Where there is one manager who is in control of the other assistants and employees. He takes all the decisions and he is in charge of the main functions. This makes it very simple for the staff because all they have to do is selling. This way they can pay more attention to the customers, so I think this is indeed the best structure for a McDonald’s restaurant. But the McDonald’s corporation has a hierarchical structure. This is a huge company with lots of different departments which has to be organized very well, because if the employees aren’t directed in the right way they won’t do their jobs right. So this way it is all ordered and the people can work undisturbed, this saves time and money for the business. the advantages of a flat hierarchical structure for McDonald’s: The advantages of a flat hierarchical structure for McDonald are that faster decision can be made so that they wouldn’t have to waste time on making decision and make quick profit. Also there is a shorter channel of communication so that employees can find out any necessary information which they need to know. It is also more cost effective as Flat Organisation is less costly because it has only few managers. It also creates fewer levels of management. It is more suitable for routine and standardized activities. Disadvantages of a hierarchical structure for McDonald’s: There are chances of losing control because there are many subordinates under one manager this will result in bad discipline in the organisation as they have lost control. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Business text book [ 2 ]. Business Dictionary [ 3 ]. Business Dictionary [ 4 ]. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/line-manager.html [ 5 ]. Interview with HR Manager Anna Foley [ 6 ]. Interview with HR Manager Anna Foley [ 7 ]. Interview with HR Manager Anna Foley

Air Asia Operational Information Management in Strategy and Operations

Air Asia Operational Information Management in Strategy and Operations Operational Information Management in Strategy and Operations: A Case of Air Asia to venture into Regional and International Markets 1.0 Introduction This study was intended to analyze the electronic marketing strategy on a selected budget airline based in Malaysia, Air Asia which aims to identify its potential future market segments. The study also explore on how current information systems strategy adopted by the Air Asia, in which could help the company to strengthen its position as a leading low cost airline and effective new market segment help their mission practically. Therefore, this consulting study would provide a microscopic analysis on the impact of current electronic marketing strategy development process as desired in the following sections. The first part of this analysis would distinguish the information systems development in Air Asia to evaluate the changes of its business conduct and ultimately enable this company to identify the strategic opportunities The second part would blended the value chain SWOT model described the internal and external audit based on the outcomes of value chain levels of the company The third part of this report would apply Porter's five forces to outline the nature of the competitive environment that the organization faces currently.AirAsia Boeing 737-300 (9M-AAO)At last, this report would conclude three strategic focuses (cost leadership, focus and differentiation) in pursuing its global strategies while recommendations were made based on the findings. 2.1 An Evaluation of Development of Electronic Commerce in Air Asia E-Commerce was a general term for the conduct of business with the assistance of telecommunications, and of telecommunications based tools as per illustrated in Figure 2.1 on an E-Commerce model. Undeniable, the airlines industry was among the most active in the adoption and application of Information Technology. Information Technology usage was expanding very fast, especially with incorporation of c omputer technology in reservations...

Free Essays on Uncle Toms Cabin3000

Uncle Tom manages the Shelby plantation. Strong, intelligent, capable, good, and kind, he is the most heroic figure in the novel that bears his name. Tom's most important characteristic is his Christian faith. God has given Tom an extraordinary ability. He can forgive the evil done to him. His self-sacrificing love for others has been called motherly. It has also been called truly Christian. AUNT CHLOE- Aunt Chloe, Uncle Tom's wife, is fat, warm, and jolly. She is a good housekeeper and a superb cook, and justly proud of her skill. She loves Tom, and urges him to escape to Canada rather than to go South with Haley. After Tom is sold, she convinces the Shelbys to hire her out to a baker in Louisville and to use her wages to buy Tom's freedom. She is heartbroken to learn of his death. - MOSE, PETE, AND POLLY - Mose, Pete, and Polly, the children of Uncle Tom and Aunt Chloe, are playful and rambunctious. Polly is Tom's special favorite, and she loves to bury her tiny hands in his hair. ELIZA HARRIS - Eliza Harris is raised by her mistress, Mrs. Shelby, to be pious and good. Described as light-skinned and pretty, Eliza dearly loves her husband, George Harris, and their little boy, Harry. When she learns that Harry is about to be sold, Eliza carries him in her arms to the Ohio River, which she crosses on cakes of ice. Although generally a modest and retiring young woman, Eliza becomes extraordinarily brave because of her love for her son. GEORGE HARRIS- George Harris, portrayed as a light-skinned and intelligent slave, belongs to a man named Harris. He is married to Eliza, who lives on the Shelby plantation, and they have a son, Harry. HARRY AND LITTLE ELIZA - Harry and little Eliza are the children of George and Eliza Harris. Harry, born a slave on the Shelby Plantation, is bright and cute, and sings and dances for Mr. Shelby and Haley. He is so beautiful that he is disguised as a girl in order to escape into Canada. Once there, he does ver... Free Essays on Uncle Toms Cabin3000 Free Essays on Uncle Toms Cabin3000 Uncle Tom manages the Shelby plantation. Strong, intelligent, capable, good, and kind, he is the most heroic figure in the novel that bears his name. Tom's most important characteristic is his Christian faith. God has given Tom an extraordinary ability. He can forgive the evil done to him. His self-sacrificing love for others has been called motherly. It has also been called truly Christian. AUNT CHLOE- Aunt Chloe, Uncle Tom's wife, is fat, warm, and jolly. She is a good housekeeper and a superb cook, and justly proud of her skill. She loves Tom, and urges him to escape to Canada rather than to go South with Haley. After Tom is sold, she convinces the Shelbys to hire her out to a baker in Louisville and to use her wages to buy Tom's freedom. She is heartbroken to learn of his death. - MOSE, PETE, AND POLLY - Mose, Pete, and Polly, the children of Uncle Tom and Aunt Chloe, are playful and rambunctious. Polly is Tom's special favorite, and she loves to bury her tiny hands in his hair. ELIZA HARRIS - Eliza Harris is raised by her mistress, Mrs. Shelby, to be pious and good. Described as light-skinned and pretty, Eliza dearly loves her husband, George Harris, and their little boy, Harry. When she learns that Harry is about to be sold, Eliza carries him in her arms to the Ohio River, which she crosses on cakes of ice. Although generally a modest and retiring young woman, Eliza becomes extraordinarily brave because of her love for her son. GEORGE HARRIS- George Harris, portrayed as a light-skinned and intelligent slave, belongs to a man named Harris. He is married to Eliza, who lives on the Shelby plantation, and they have a son, Harry. HARRY AND LITTLE ELIZA - Harry and little Eliza are the children of George and Eliza Harris. Harry, born a slave on the Shelby Plantation, is bright and cute, and sings and dances for Mr. Shelby and Haley. He is so beautiful that he is disguised as a girl in order to escape into Canada. Once there, he does ver...

European Law Free movements of goods (EU project) Essay

European Law Free movements of goods (EU project) - Essay Example This paper aims at critically discussing the implication of this statement through the use of decided cases and other resources. Dassonville also referred to as Procureur du Roi v Benoà ®t and Gustave Dassonville was a case that took place in the European Court of Justice. Dassonville was focused at reversing the provisions of the Royal Decree and the arguments of Procureur du Roi regarding the selling of spirits in Belgium. Belgian Act of 1927 indicated that destinations of spirit’s origins are subject to the government and such destinations of origin are officially adopted1. The Royal Decree of 1934 indicates that it is prohibited on pain of penal sanctions to display, import, display for sale, or transport for the purpose of sale, or delivery, spirits that bears a designation of origin duly adopted by the government if the spirits are not accompanied by official documents that indicate the right to such destination. Notable aspect to note is that the destination of origin Scotch whisky has been adopted by the Belgian Government. The implications of these provisions are clearly depicted in Dassonvil le case. Gustave Dassonville, an established wholesaler based in France and Benoit his son who was the business manager situated in Belgium, imported Scotch whisky which they referred to as Johnie Walker and Vat 69. Gustave had purchased the brands from the French distributors2. In order to ensure that they are sold in Belgium and that they are in line with the Royal Decree, Gustave affixed labels that had the printed words â€Å"British Customs Certificate of Origin†. This was then followed by hand written notes of the date as well as the number of the French excise bond on the permit register. The excise bond was the official permit adopted by French as the method of accompanying brands that bearded a destination of origin. However, the French government does not require a certificate that indicates the

Exam - 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Exam - 2 - Essay Example s not able to collect a team of dedicated members who have expertise in software, hardware and technological elements of the project then it is likely that the risk associated with the project would enhance. Applegate, Austin and Soule (2009, p. 312) postulate that a minimization of this risk is indeed possible if companies hire technology consultants that can work on every technological aspect of the project, address weaknesses and rectify issues. Lastly, the varying nature of projects determines certain requirements that are relevant to the project. These requirements are not similar for every venture therefore, in some cases the presence of stable requirements has the ability to minimize risk while, more difficult requirements translate into a greater probability of risk. The development of system projects may not be able to meet the specified aim and objectives due a number of underlying factors. Most importantly, if the senior management that is responsible for executing the project and leading the team that is involved in the project does not demonstrate unparalleled commitment to the project then the project maybe steered towards implementation failure (Lecture 6). Another factor that contributes to the incidence of implementation failure is that of gutless estimating. This notion implies that when a middle level manager prepares the cost schedule for a project then in certain situations the manager maybe forced by members of the senior level management to present a cost schedule that hides the true extent of costs and expenses for the project (Lecture 6). As the deceptive figures are entered as a part of the project cost schedule the future success of the project is comprised. Moreover, if the project is not characterized by the presence of change control frameworks then the absence of these components enhances the possibility of an unexpected increase in the costs of the project which is also unfavorable (Lecture 6). Lastly, it stands true that if the

Persusive research paper on stem cell research and why it needs to

Persusive on stem cell and why it needs to continue and be funded by congress - Research Paper Example The present enthusiasm over prospective stem cell-produced remedies radiates from the new innovations of genetic biology. Though one cannot forecast the results from basic research, there is enough information available to suggest that a good deal of this enthusiasm is justified. This enthusiasm is not shared by those of the religious right. This faction is opposed to embryonic stem cell research which they claim as immoral and characterize as devaluing human life, much the same as does abortion, drawing a link between the two. This discussion will provide a brief overview of stem cell research and its benefits to society, the debate surrounding the issue and the arguments for continued research. Embryonic stem cells possess the ability to restore defective or damaged tissues which would heal or regenerate organs which have been adversely affected by a degenerative disease. Cell therapy has the very real potential to provide new cures for diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, macular deg eneration, multiple sclerosis and many other kinds of diseases. Cell therapy has also demonstrated a great potential to help repair and regenerate spinal cord injuries which would help paralyzed patients recapture lost body functions. The possibilities are limitless including greatly advancing the human lifespan because aging organs could be replenished. â€Å"We may even have the ability one day to grow our own organs for transplantation from our own stem cells, eliminating the danger of organ rejection† (â€Å"Future of Cell Therapy†, 2006). The three main objectives given for pursuing stem cell research are obtaining vital scientific information about embryonic development; curing incapacitating ailments and for testing new drugs instead of having to use animals. The scientific techniques for obtaining stem cells could lead to unparalleled advances and even cures for these and other ailments. It has been substantiated from animal research that stem cells can be diff erentiated into cells that will behave appropriately in their transplanted location. For example, the transplantation of stem cells following treatments for cancer has found much success for many years. There are numerous potential sources. The first is bone marrow stem cells. This type of stem cell is probably the most recognized of the stem cells. It has been used routinely to treat a variety of blood and bone marrow diseases, blood cancers and immune disorders. Leukemia is the most recognized disease that has been treated with a bone marrow transplant. New evidence suggests that bone marrow stem cells may be able to differentiate (the process by which an unspecialized cell acquires the features of a specialized cell) into cells that make up tissues outside of the blood such as liver and muscle (â€Å"Stem Cells In Use.† Learn.Genetics). The second type of stem cell is the adult stem cell. An adult stem cell is thought to be an undifferentiated cell, found among differentia ted cells in tissues or organs. These cells can renew themselves and can differentiate to become some or all of the major specialized cells types in the tissue and muscle it resides in. The primary function of this type of stem cell is to maintain and repair the tissue in which they reside. Because there are a very limited number of adult stem cells in each tissue coupled

United States History Essay Example for Free

United States History Essay The political, economic and social background of English colonialism during the period of 1603-1763 in North America envisions the great thought of European period of exploration because of its ever-forgotten influence in the New World. In early sixteenth century, many colonies were established in North America and among them the Southern and Central areas of English settlement were discovered to benefit more profit from their landlords of English kingdom. As the colonies maintained the international plan of trade extraction, they have close allegiance with indigenous population. The importance of changing economic and political relationships between the Indians and Englishmen seemed to be an essential issue in the history of North America. It created a sensation to develop the growth of awareness in both Whites and Indians because of their business contacts. To protect themselves and to maintain the business of commercial extractions and to maintain the freedom of religious beliefs, the colonies were established a democratic government during their ruling time period in England. Because of close contact with indigenous population of North America, colonists were faced with varied set of societies who were fundamentally different from the societies in Europe. Most of the colonists treated the native people as ferocious and envisioned them as an icon to structure the society. In a work, The Rediscovery of North America (1990), Lopez says, †¦ the physical destruction of a local landscape to increase the wealth of people who dont live there, or to supply materials to buyers in distant places who will never know the destruction that process leaves behind . The main feature that resulted by English colonization was massive immigration, which brought out the concept of multiculturalism. Broadly speaking, colonialism forms the economic and political strategies of domination with the principles self-government over the population. The other essential feature of English colonization in North America in the period of 1607-1763 was the European global expansionism, which was treated in late fifteenth century with an emphasis on English expansionism in North America. Basically, the European immigration to the America had been studied in histories, diaries and classics. The main purpose of European immigration to America may be to get freedom from religious discrimination and to develop economic strategy. The negative aspect, by the European settlers when entered the America during fifteenth century was lose of population by dreadful diseases like small pox, measles. Because of this reason, European settlement drastically reduced the North America population. As the colonists brought a wide range of deadly diseases from European cities and spread in North America, most of the people of North America were suffered, as they had no immunity to protect from dreadful diseases. Because of the European settlement, the North America faced many critical situations by colonization. Thus the struggle between European imperial powers and the social, economic, and political issues of late fifteenth and sixteenth centuries in North America were remained as the memorable milestone in American history. On the other side, the invasion of European global expansionism brought out the Western civilization in the New World, by the introduction of four major common languages. 1) English 2) Spanish 3) Portuguese 4) French. The colonies introduced many European concepts to the Americas such as European written form of communication, their form of government, and European technological knowledge of science, medicine and art to develop the world to a great extent. Hence the English colonization in North America was placed a dynamic position into the global political economy in the period 1603-1763 and became as a source of narrative to many authors to portray the ever last moment of American history. References: Lopez, Barry. The Rediscovery of North America. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1990. Marx, Leo. The Machine in the Garden: Technology and the Pastoral ideal in America . New York: Oxford University Press, 1964. McCall, Barbara. The European Invasion. (Native American Culture. Jordan E. Kerber, series editor. ) Rourke Publications, Inc. , 1994. Roger L. Nichols. The American Indian: Past and Present, 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill, 1992. Wood, Marion. DOttavi, Francesca, illus. Myths and Civilization of the Native Americans. Peter Bedrick Books, 1998.

Development of Intelligent Sensor System

Development of Intelligent Sensor System Chapter 1 1.1 Introduction What is Automation? Automation in general, can be explained as the use of computers or microcontrollers to control industrial machinery and processes thereby fully replacing human operators. Automation is a kind of transition from mechanization. In mechanization, human operators are provided with machinery to assist their operations, where as automation fully replaces the human operators with computers. The advantages of automation are: Increased productivity and higher production rates. Better product quality and efficient use of resources. Greater control and consistency of products. Improved safety and reduced factory lead times. Home Automation Home automation is the field specializing in the general and specific automation requirements of homes and apartments for their better safety, security and comfort of its residents. It is also called Domotics. Home automation can be as simple as controlling a few lights in the house or as complicated as to monitor and to record the activities of each resident. Automation requirements depend on person to person. Some may be interested in the home security while others will be more into comfort requirements. Basically, home automation is anything that gives automatic control of things in your house. Some of the commonly used features in home automation are: Control of lighting. Climate control of rooms. Security and surveillance systems. Control of home entertainment systems. House plant watering system. Overhead tank water level controllers. Intelligent Sensors Complex large-scale systems consist of a large number of interconnected components. Mastering the dynamic behavior of such systems, calls for distributed control architectures. This can be achieved by implementing control and estimation algorithms in several controllers. Some algorithms manipulate only local variables (which are available in the local interface) but in most cases, algorithms implemented in some given computing device will use variables which are available in this devices local interface, and also variables which are input to the control system via remote interfaces, thus rising the need for communication networks, whose architecture and complexity depend on the amount of data to be exchanged, and on the associated time constraints. Associating computing (and communication) devices with sensing or actuating functions, has given rise to intelligent sensors. These sensors have gained a huge success in the past ten years, especially with the development of neural network s, fuzzy logic, and soft computing algorithms. The modern definition of smart or intelligent sensors can be formulated now as: ‘Smart sensor is an electronic device, including sensing element, interfacing, signal processing and having several intelligence functions as self-testing, self-identification, self-validation or self-adaptation. The keyword in this definition is ‘intelligence. The self-adaptation is a relatively new function of smart sensors and sensor systems. Self-adaptation smart sensors and systems are based on so-called adaptive algorithms and directly connected with precision measurements of frequency-time parameters of electrical signals. The later chapters will give an elaborate view on why we should use intelligent sensors, intelligent sensor structure, characteristics and network standards. Chapter 2 2.1 Conventional Sensors Before talking more on intelligent sensors, first we need to examine regular sensors in order to obtain a solid foundation on which we can develop our understanding on intelligent sensors. Most of the conventional sensors have shortcomings, both technically and economically. For a sensor to work effectively, it must be calibrated. That is, its output must be made to match some predetermined standard so that its reported values correctly reflect the parameter being measured. In the case of a bulb thermometer, the graduations next to the mercury column must be positioned so that they accurately correspond to the level of mercury for a given temperature. If the sensor is not calibrated, the information that it reports wont be accurate, which can be a big problem for the systems that use the reported information. The second concern one has when dealing with sensors is that their properties usually change over time, a phenomenon knows as drift. For instance, suppose we are measuring a DC current in a particular part of a circuit by monitoring the voltage across a resistor in that circuit. In this case, the sensor is the resistor and the physical property that we are measuring the voltage across it. As the resistor ages, its chemical properties will change, thus altering its resistance. As with the issue of calibration, some situations require much stricter drift tolerances than others; the point is that sensor properties will change with time unless we compensate for the drift in some fashion, and these changes are usually undesirable. The third problem is that not only do sensors themselves change with time, but so, too, does the environment in which they operate. An excellent example of that would be the electronic ignition for an internal combustion engine. Immediately after a tune-up, all the belts are tight, the spark plugs are new, the fuel injectors are clean, and the air filter is pristine. From that moment on, things go downhill; the belts loosen, deposits build up on the spark plugs and fuel injectors, and the air filter becomes clogged with ever-increasing amounts of dirt and dust. Unless the electronic ignition can measure how things are changing and make adjustments, the settings and timing sequence that it uses to fire the spark plugs will become progressively mismatched for the engine conditions, resulting in poorer performance and reduced fuel efficiency. The ability to compensate for often extreme changes in the operating environment makes a huge difference in a sensors value to a particular applic ation. Yet a fourth problem is that most sensors require some sort of specialized hardware called signal-conditioning circuitry in order to be of use in monitoring or control applications. The signal-conditioning circuitry is what transforms the physical sensor property that were monitoring (often an analog electrical voltage that varies in some systematic way with the parameter being measured) into a measurement that can be used by the rest of the system. Depending upon the application, the signal conditioning may be as simple as a basic amplifier that boosts the sensor signal to a usable level or it may entail complex circuitry that cleans up the sensor signal and compensates for environmental conditions, too. Frequently, the conditioning circuitry itself has to be tuned for the specific sensor being used, and for analog signals that often means physically adjusting a potentiometer or other such trimming device. In addition, the configuration of the signal-conditioning circuitry tends to be unique to both the specific type of sensor and to the application itself, which means that different types of sensors or different applications frequently need customized circuitry. Finally, standard sensors usually need to be physically close to the control and monitoring systems that receive their measurements. In general, the farther a sensor is from the system using its measurements, the less useful the measurements are. This is due primarily to the fact that sensor signals that are run long distances are susceptible to electronic noise, thus degrading the quality of the readings at the receiving end. In many cases, sensors are connected to the monitoring and control systems using specialized (and expensive) cabling; the longer this cabling is, the more costly the installation, which is never popular with end users. A related problem is that sharing sensor outputs among multiple systems becomes very difficult, particularly if those systems are physically separated. This inability to share outputs may not seem important, but it severely limits the ability to scale systems to large installations, resulting in much higher costs to install and support multiple r edundant sensors. What we really need to do is to develop some technique by which we can solve or at least greatly alleviate these problems of calibration, drift, and signal conditioning. 2.2 Making Sensors Intelligent Control systems are becoming increasingly complicated and generate increasingly complex control information. Control must nevertheless be exercised, even under such circumstances. Even considering just the detection of abnormal conditions or the problems of giving a suitable warning, devices are required that can substitute for or assist human sensation, by detecting and recognizing multi-dimensional information, and conversion of non visual information into visual form. In systems possessing a high degree of functionality, efficiency must be maximized by division of the information processing function into central processing and processing dispersed to local sites. With increased progress in automation, it has become widely recognized that the bottleneck in such systems lies with the sensors. Such demands are difficult to deal with by simply improvising the sensor devices themselves. Structural reinforcement, such as using array of sensors, or combinations of different types of sensors, and reinforcement from the data processing aspect by a signal processing unit such as a computer, are indispensible. In particular, the data processing and sensing aspects of the various stages involved in multi-dimensional measurement, image construction, characteristic extraction and pattern recognition, which were conventionally performed exclusively by human beings, have been tremendously enhanced by advances in micro-electronics. As a result, in many cases sensor systems have been implemented that substitute for some or all of the intellectual actions of human beings, i.e. intelligent sensor systems. Sensors which are made intelligent in this way are called ‘intelligent sensors or ‘smart sensors. According to Breckenridge and Husson, the smart sensor itself has a data processing function and automatic calibration/automatic compensation function, in which the sensor itself detects and eliminates abnormal values or exceptional values. It incorporates an algorithm, which is capable of being altered, and has a certain degree of memory function. Further desirable characteristics are that the sensor is coupled to other sensors, adapts to changes in environmental conditions, and has a discriminant function. Scientific measuring instruments that are employed for observation and measurement of physical world are indispensible extensions of our senses and perceptions in the scientific examination of nature. In recognizing nature, we mobilize all the resources of information obtained from the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell etc. and combine these sensory data in such a way as to avoid contradiction. Thus more reliable, higher order data is obtained by combining data of different types. That is, there is a data processing mechanism that combines and processes a number of sensory data. The concept of combining sensors to implement such a data processing mechanism is called ‘sensor fusion 2.2.1 Digitizing the Sensor Signal The discipline of digital signal processing or DSP, in which signals are manipulated mathematically rather than with electronic circuitry, is well established and widely practiced. Standard transformations, such as filtering to remove unwanted noise or frequency mappings to identify particular signal components, are easily handled using DSP. Furthermore, using DSP principles we can perform operations that would be impossible using even the most advanced electronic circuitry. For that very reason, todays designers also include a stage in the signal-conditioning circuitry in which the analog electrical signal is converted into a digitized numeric value. This step, called analog-to-digital conversion, A/D conversion, or ADC, is vitally important, because as soon as we can transform the sensor signal into a numeric value, we can manipulate it using software running on a microprocessor. Analog-to-digital converters, or ADCs as theyre referred to, are usually single-chip semiconductor devices that can be made to be highly accurate and highly stable under varying environmental conditions. The required signal-conditioning circuitry can often be significantly reduced, since much of the environmental compensation circuitry can be made a part of the ADC and filtering can be performed in software. 2.2.2 Adding Intelligence Once the sensor signal has been digitized, there are two primary options in how we handle those numeric values and the algorithms that manipulate them. We can either choose to implement custom digital hardware that essentially â€Å"hard-wires† our processing algorithm, or we can use a microprocessor to provide the necessary computational power. In general, custom hardware can run faster than microprocessor-driven systems, but usually at the price of increased production costs and limited flexibility. Microprocessors, while not necessarily as fast as a custom hardware solution, offer the great advantage of design flexibility and tend to be lower-priced since they can be applied to a variety of situations rather than a single application. Once we have on-board intelligence, were able to solve several of the problems that we noted earlier. Calibration can be automated, component drift can be virtually eliminated through the use of purely mathematical processing algorithms, and we can compensate for environmental changes by monitoring conditions on a periodic basis and making the appropriate adjustments automatically. Adding a brain makes the designers life much easier. 2.2.3 Communication Interface The sharing of measurements with other components within the system or with other systems adds to the value of these measurements. To do this, we need to equip our intelligent sensor with a standardized means to communicate its information to other elements. By using standardized methods of communication, we ensure that the sensors information can be shared as broadly, as easily, and as reliably as possible, thus maximizing the usefulness of the sensor and the information it produces. Thus these three factors consider being mandatory for an intelligent sensor: A sensing element that measures one or more physical parameters (essentially the traditional sensor weve been discussing), A computational element that analyzes the measurements made by the sensing element, and A communication interface to the outside world that allows the device to exchange information with other components in a larger system. Its the last two elements that really distinguish intelligent sensors from their more common standard sensor relatives because they provide the abilities to turn data directly into information, to use that information locally, and to communicate it to other elements in the system. 2.3 Types of Intelligent Sensors Intelligent sensors are chosen depending on the object, application, precision system, environment of use and cost etc. In such cases consideration must be given as to what is an appropriate evaluation standard. This question involves a multi-dimensional criterion and is usually very difficult. The evaluation standard directly reflects the sense of value itself applied in the design and manufacture of the target system. This must therefore be firmly settled at the system design stage. In sensor selection, the first matter to be considered is determination of the subject of measurement. The second matter to be decided on is the required precision and dynamic range. The third is ease of use, cost, delivery time etc., and ease of maintenance in actual use and compatibility with other sensors in the system. The type of sensor should be matched to such requirements at the design stage. Sensors are usually classified by the subject of measurement and the principle of sensing action. 2.3.1 Classification Based on Type of Input In this, the sensor is classified in accordance with the physical phenomenon that is needed to be detected and the subject of measurement. Some of the examples include voltage, current, displacement and pressure. A list of sensors and their categories are mentioned in the following table. Category Type Dynamic Quantity Flow rate, Pressure, force, tension Speed, acceleration Sound, vibration Distortion, direction proximity Optical Quantities Light (infra red, visible light or radiation) Electromagnetic Quantities Current, voltage, frequency, phase, vibration, magnetism Quantity of Energy or Heat Temperature, humidity, dew point Chemical Quantities Analytic sensors, gas, odour, concentration, pH, ions Sensory Quantities or Biological Quantities Touch, vision, smell Table 2.3.1: Sensed items Classified in accordance with subject of measurement. 2.3.2 Classification Based on Type of Output In an intelligent sensor, it is often necessary to process in an integrated manner the information from several sensors or from a single sensor over a given time range. A computer of appropriate level is employed for such purposes in practically y all cases. For coupling to the computer when constructing an intelligent sensor system, a method with a large degree of freedom is therefore appropriate. It is also necessary to pay careful attention to the type of physical quantity carrying the output information to the sensor, and to the information description format of this physical quantity or dynamic quantity, and for the description format an analog, digital or encoded method etc., might be used. Although any physical quantities could be used as output signal, electrical quantities such as voltage are more convenient for data input to a computer. The format of the output signal can be analog or digital. For convenience in data input to the computer, it is preferable if the output signal of the sensor itself is in the form of a digital electrical signal. In such cases, a suitable means of signal conversion must be provided to input the data from the sensor to the computer 2.3.3 Classification Based on Accuracy When a sensor system is constructed, the accuracy of the sensors employed is a critical factor. Usually sensor accuracy is expressed as the minimum detectable quantity. This is determined by the sensitivity of the sensor and the internally generated noise of the sensor itself. Higher sensitivity and lower internal noise level imply greater accuracy. Generally for commercially available sensors the cost of the sensor is determined by the accuracy which it is required to have. If no commercial sensor can be found with the necessary accuracy, a custom product must be used, which will increase the costs. For ordinary applications an accuracy of about 0.1% is sufficient. Such sensors can easily be selected from commercially available models. Dynamic range (full scale deflection/minimum detectable quantity) has practically the same meaning as accuracy, and is expressed in decibel units. For example a dynamic range of 60dB indicates that the full scale deflection is 103 times the minimum detectable quantity. That is, a dynamic range of 60dB is equivalent to 0.1% accuracy. In conventional sensors, linearity of output was regarded as quite important. However, in intelligent sensor technology the final stage is normally data processing by computer, so output linearity is not a particular problem. Any sensor providing a reproducible relationship of input and output signal can be used in an intelligent sensor system. Chapter 3 3.1 Sensor selection The function of a sensor is to receive some action from a single phenomenon of the subject of measurement and to convert this to another physical phenomenon that can be more easily handled. The phenomenon constituting the subject of measurement is called the input signal, and the phenomenon after conversion is called the output signal. The ratio of the output signal to the input signal is called the transmittance or gain. Since the first function of a sensor is to convert changes in the subject of measurement to a physical phenomenon that can be more easily handled, i.e. its function consists in primary conversion, its conversion efficiency, or the degree of difficulty in delivering the output signal to the transducer constituting the next stage is of secondary importance The first point to which attention must be paid in sensor selection is to preserve as far as possible the information of the input signal. This is equivalent to preventing lowering of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For example, if the SNR of the input signal is 60 dB, a sensor of dynamic range less than 60 dB should not be used. In order to detect changes in the quantity being measured as faithfully as possible, a sensor is required to have the following properties. Non-interference. This means that its output should not be changed by factors other than changes in the subject of measurement. Conversion satisfying this condition is called direct measurement. Conversion wherein the measurement quantity is found by calculation from output signals determined under the influence of several input signals is called indirect measurement. High sensitivity. The amount of change of the output signal that is produced by a change of unit amount of the input quantity being measured, i.e. the gain, should be as large as possible. Small measurement pressure. This means that the sensor should not disturb the physical conditions of the subject of measurement. From this point of view, modulation conversion offers more freedom than direct-acting conversion. High speed. The sensor should have sufficiently high speed of reaction to track the maximum anticipated rate of variation of the measured quantity. Low noise. The noise generated by the sensor itself should be as little as possible. Robustness. The output signal must be at least more robust than the quantity being measured, and be easier to handle. Robustness means resistance to environmental changes and/or noise. In general, phenomena of large energy are more resistant to external disturbance such as noise than are phenomena of smaller energy, they are easier to handle, and so have better robustness. If a sensor can be obtained that satisfies all these conditions, there is no problem. However, in practice, one can scarcely expect to obtain a sensor satisfying all these conditions. In such cases, it is necessary to combine the sensor with a suitable compensation mechanism, or to compensate the transducer of the secondary converter. Progress in IC manufacturing technology has made it possible to integrate various sensor functions. With the progressive shift from mainframes to minicomputers and hence to microcomputers, control systems have changed from centralized processing systems to distributed processing systems. Sensor technology has also benefited from such progress in IC manufacturing technology, with the result that systems whereby information from several sensors is combined and processed have changed from centralized systems to dispersed systems. Specifically, attempts are being made to use silicon-integrated sensors in a role combining primary data processing and input in systems that measure and process two-dimensional information such as picture information. This is a natural application of silicon precision working technology and digital circuit technology, which have been greatly advanced by introduction of VLSI manufacturing technology. Three-dimensional integrated circuits for recognizing letter patterns and odour sensors, etc., are examples of this. Such sensor systems can be called perfectly intelligent sensors in that they themselves have a certain data processing capability. It is characteristic of such sensors to combine several sensor inputs and to include a microprocessor that performs data processing. Their output signal is not a simple conversion of the input signal, but rather an abstract quantity obtained by some reorganization and combination of input signals from several sensors. This type of signal conversion is now often performed by a distributed processing mechanism, in which microprocessors are used to carry out the data processing that was previously performed by a centralized computer system having a large number of interfaces to individual sensors. However, the miniaturization obtained by application of integrated circuit techniques brings about an increase in the flexibility of coupling between elements. This has a substantial effect. Sensors of this type constitute a new technology that is at present being researched and developed. Although further progress can be expected, the overall picture cannot be predicted at the present time. Technically, practically free combinations of sensors can be implemented with the object of so-called indirect measurement, in which the signals from several individual sensors that were conventionally present are collected and used as the basis for a new output signal. In many aspects, new ideas are required concerning determination of the object of measurement, i.e. which measured quantities are to be selected, determination of the individual functions to achieve this, and the construction of the framework to organize these as a system. 3.2 Structure of an Intelligent Sensor The rapidity of development in microelectronics has had a profound effect on the whole of instrumentation science, and it has blurred some of the conceptual boundaries which once seemed so firm. In the present context the boundary between sensors and instruments is particularly uncertain. Processes which were once confined to a large electronic instrument are now available within the housing of a compact sensor, and it is some of these processes which we discuss later in this chapter. An instrument in our context is a system which is designed primarily to act as a free standing device for performing a particular set of measurements; the provision of communications facilities is of secondary importance. A sensor is a system which is designed primarily to serve a host system and without its communication channel it cannot serve its purpose. Nevertheless, the structures and processes used within either device, be they hardware or software, are similar. The range of disciplines which arc brought together in intelligent sensor system design is considerable, and the designer of such systems has to become something of a polymath. This was one of the problems in the early days of computer-aided measurement and there was some resistance from the backwoodsmen who practiced the art of measurement. 3.2.1 Elements of Intelligent Sensors The intelligent sensor is an example of a system, and in it we can identify a number of sub-systems whose functions are clearly distinguished from each other. The principal sub-systems within an intelligent sensor are: A primary sensing element Excitation Control Amplification (Possibly variable gain) Analogue filtering Data conversion Compensation Digital Information Processing Digital Communication Processing The figure illustrates the way in which these sub-systems relate to each other. Some of the realizations of intelligent sensors, particularly the earlier ones, may incorporate only some of these elements. The primary sensing element has an obvious fundamental importance. It is more than simply the familiar traditional sensor incorporated into a more up-to-date system. Not only are new materials and mechanisms becoming available for exploitation, but some of those that have been long known yet discarded because of various difficulties of behaviour may now be reconsidered in the light of the presence of intelligence to cope with these difficul ­ties. Excitation control can take a variety of forms depending on the circumstances. Some sensors, such as the thermocouple, convert energy directly from one form to another without the need for additional excitation. Others may require fairly elaborate forms of supply. It may be alternating or pulsed for subsequent coherent or phase-sensitive detection. In some circumstances it may be necessary to provide extremely stable supplies to the sensing element, while in others it may be necessary for those supplies to form part of a control loop to maintain the operating condition of the clement at some desired optimum. While this aspect may not be thought fundamental to intelligent sensors there is a largely unexplored range of possibilities for combining it with digital processing to produce novel instrumentation techniques. Amplification of the electrical output of the primary sensing element is almost invariably a requirement. This can pose design problems where high gain is needed. Noise is a particular hazard, and a circumstance unique to the intelligent form of sensor is the presence of digital buses carrying signals with sharp transitions. For this reason circuit layout is a particularly important part of the design process. Analogue filtering is required at minimum to obviate aliasing effects in the conversion stage, but it is also attractive where digital filtering would lake up too much of the real-time processing power available. Data conversion is the stage of transition between the continuous real world and the discrete internal world of the digital processor. It is important to bear in mind that the process of analogue to digital conversion is a non-linear one and represents a potentially gross distortion of the incoming information. It is important, however, for the intelligent sensor designer always to remember that this corruption is present, and in certain circumstances it can assume dominating importance. Such circumstances would include the case where the conversion process is part of a control loop or where some sort of auto-ranging, overt or covert, is built in to the operational program. Compensation is an inevitable part of the intelligent sensor. The operating point of the sensors may change due to various reasons. One of them is temperature. So an intelligent sensor must have an inbuilt compensation setup to bring the operating point back to its standard set stage. Information processing is, of course, unique to the intelligent form of sensor. There is some overlap between compensation and information processing, but there are also significant areas on independence. An important aspect is the condensation of information, which is necessary to preserve the two most precious resources of the industrial measurement system, the information bus and the central processor. A prime example of data condensa ­tion occurs in the Doppler velocimctcr in which a substantial quantity of informa ­tion is reduced to a single number representing the velocity. Sensor compensation will in general require the processi Development of Intelligent Sensor System Development of Intelligent Sensor System Chapter 1 1.1 Introduction What is Automation? Automation in general, can be explained as the use of computers or microcontrollers to control industrial machinery and processes thereby fully replacing human operators. Automation is a kind of transition from mechanization. In mechanization, human operators are provided with machinery to assist their operations, where as automation fully replaces the human operators with computers. The advantages of automation are: Increased productivity and higher production rates. Better product quality and efficient use of resources. Greater control and consistency of products. Improved safety and reduced factory lead times. Home Automation Home automation is the field specializing in the general and specific automation requirements of homes and apartments for their better safety, security and comfort of its residents. It is also called Domotics. Home automation can be as simple as controlling a few lights in the house or as complicated as to monitor and to record the activities of each resident. Automation requirements depend on person to person. Some may be interested in the home security while others will be more into comfort requirements. Basically, home automation is anything that gives automatic control of things in your house. Some of the commonly used features in home automation are: Control of lighting. Climate control of rooms. Security and surveillance systems. Control of home entertainment systems. House plant watering system. Overhead tank water level controllers. Intelligent Sensors Complex large-scale systems consist of a large number of interconnected components. Mastering the dynamic behavior of such systems, calls for distributed control architectures. This can be achieved by implementing control and estimation algorithms in several controllers. Some algorithms manipulate only local variables (which are available in the local interface) but in most cases, algorithms implemented in some given computing device will use variables which are available in this devices local interface, and also variables which are input to the control system via remote interfaces, thus rising the need for communication networks, whose architecture and complexity depend on the amount of data to be exchanged, and on the associated time constraints. Associating computing (and communication) devices with sensing or actuating functions, has given rise to intelligent sensors. These sensors have gained a huge success in the past ten years, especially with the development of neural network s, fuzzy logic, and soft computing algorithms. The modern definition of smart or intelligent sensors can be formulated now as: ‘Smart sensor is an electronic device, including sensing element, interfacing, signal processing and having several intelligence functions as self-testing, self-identification, self-validation or self-adaptation. The keyword in this definition is ‘intelligence. The self-adaptation is a relatively new function of smart sensors and sensor systems. Self-adaptation smart sensors and systems are based on so-called adaptive algorithms and directly connected with precision measurements of frequency-time parameters of electrical signals. The later chapters will give an elaborate view on why we should use intelligent sensors, intelligent sensor structure, characteristics and network standards. Chapter 2 2.1 Conventional Sensors Before talking more on intelligent sensors, first we need to examine regular sensors in order to obtain a solid foundation on which we can develop our understanding on intelligent sensors. Most of the conventional sensors have shortcomings, both technically and economically. For a sensor to work effectively, it must be calibrated. That is, its output must be made to match some predetermined standard so that its reported values correctly reflect the parameter being measured. In the case of a bulb thermometer, the graduations next to the mercury column must be positioned so that they accurately correspond to the level of mercury for a given temperature. If the sensor is not calibrated, the information that it reports wont be accurate, which can be a big problem for the systems that use the reported information. The second concern one has when dealing with sensors is that their properties usually change over time, a phenomenon knows as drift. For instance, suppose we are measuring a DC current in a particular part of a circuit by monitoring the voltage across a resistor in that circuit. In this case, the sensor is the resistor and the physical property that we are measuring the voltage across it. As the resistor ages, its chemical properties will change, thus altering its resistance. As with the issue of calibration, some situations require much stricter drift tolerances than others; the point is that sensor properties will change with time unless we compensate for the drift in some fashion, and these changes are usually undesirable. The third problem is that not only do sensors themselves change with time, but so, too, does the environment in which they operate. An excellent example of that would be the electronic ignition for an internal combustion engine. Immediately after a tune-up, all the belts are tight, the spark plugs are new, the fuel injectors are clean, and the air filter is pristine. From that moment on, things go downhill; the belts loosen, deposits build up on the spark plugs and fuel injectors, and the air filter becomes clogged with ever-increasing amounts of dirt and dust. Unless the electronic ignition can measure how things are changing and make adjustments, the settings and timing sequence that it uses to fire the spark plugs will become progressively mismatched for the engine conditions, resulting in poorer performance and reduced fuel efficiency. The ability to compensate for often extreme changes in the operating environment makes a huge difference in a sensors value to a particular applic ation. Yet a fourth problem is that most sensors require some sort of specialized hardware called signal-conditioning circuitry in order to be of use in monitoring or control applications. The signal-conditioning circuitry is what transforms the physical sensor property that were monitoring (often an analog electrical voltage that varies in some systematic way with the parameter being measured) into a measurement that can be used by the rest of the system. Depending upon the application, the signal conditioning may be as simple as a basic amplifier that boosts the sensor signal to a usable level or it may entail complex circuitry that cleans up the sensor signal and compensates for environmental conditions, too. Frequently, the conditioning circuitry itself has to be tuned for the specific sensor being used, and for analog signals that often means physically adjusting a potentiometer or other such trimming device. In addition, the configuration of the signal-conditioning circuitry tends to be unique to both the specific type of sensor and to the application itself, which means that different types of sensors or different applications frequently need customized circuitry. Finally, standard sensors usually need to be physically close to the control and monitoring systems that receive their measurements. In general, the farther a sensor is from the system using its measurements, the less useful the measurements are. This is due primarily to the fact that sensor signals that are run long distances are susceptible to electronic noise, thus degrading the quality of the readings at the receiving end. In many cases, sensors are connected to the monitoring and control systems using specialized (and expensive) cabling; the longer this cabling is, the more costly the installation, which is never popular with end users. A related problem is that sharing sensor outputs among multiple systems becomes very difficult, particularly if those systems are physically separated. This inability to share outputs may not seem important, but it severely limits the ability to scale systems to large installations, resulting in much higher costs to install and support multiple r edundant sensors. What we really need to do is to develop some technique by which we can solve or at least greatly alleviate these problems of calibration, drift, and signal conditioning. 2.2 Making Sensors Intelligent Control systems are becoming increasingly complicated and generate increasingly complex control information. Control must nevertheless be exercised, even under such circumstances. Even considering just the detection of abnormal conditions or the problems of giving a suitable warning, devices are required that can substitute for or assist human sensation, by detecting and recognizing multi-dimensional information, and conversion of non visual information into visual form. In systems possessing a high degree of functionality, efficiency must be maximized by division of the information processing function into central processing and processing dispersed to local sites. With increased progress in automation, it has become widely recognized that the bottleneck in such systems lies with the sensors. Such demands are difficult to deal with by simply improvising the sensor devices themselves. Structural reinforcement, such as using array of sensors, or combinations of different types of sensors, and reinforcement from the data processing aspect by a signal processing unit such as a computer, are indispensible. In particular, the data processing and sensing aspects of the various stages involved in multi-dimensional measurement, image construction, characteristic extraction and pattern recognition, which were conventionally performed exclusively by human beings, have been tremendously enhanced by advances in micro-electronics. As a result, in many cases sensor systems have been implemented that substitute for some or all of the intellectual actions of human beings, i.e. intelligent sensor systems. Sensors which are made intelligent in this way are called ‘intelligent sensors or ‘smart sensors. According to Breckenridge and Husson, the smart sensor itself has a data processing function and automatic calibration/automatic compensation function, in which the sensor itself detects and eliminates abnormal values or exceptional values. It incorporates an algorithm, which is capable of being altered, and has a certain degree of memory function. Further desirable characteristics are that the sensor is coupled to other sensors, adapts to changes in environmental conditions, and has a discriminant function. Scientific measuring instruments that are employed for observation and measurement of physical world are indispensible extensions of our senses and perceptions in the scientific examination of nature. In recognizing nature, we mobilize all the resources of information obtained from the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell etc. and combine these sensory data in such a way as to avoid contradiction. Thus more reliable, higher order data is obtained by combining data of different types. That is, there is a data processing mechanism that combines and processes a number of sensory data. The concept of combining sensors to implement such a data processing mechanism is called ‘sensor fusion 2.2.1 Digitizing the Sensor Signal The discipline of digital signal processing or DSP, in which signals are manipulated mathematically rather than with electronic circuitry, is well established and widely practiced. Standard transformations, such as filtering to remove unwanted noise or frequency mappings to identify particular signal components, are easily handled using DSP. Furthermore, using DSP principles we can perform operations that would be impossible using even the most advanced electronic circuitry. For that very reason, todays designers also include a stage in the signal-conditioning circuitry in which the analog electrical signal is converted into a digitized numeric value. This step, called analog-to-digital conversion, A/D conversion, or ADC, is vitally important, because as soon as we can transform the sensor signal into a numeric value, we can manipulate it using software running on a microprocessor. Analog-to-digital converters, or ADCs as theyre referred to, are usually single-chip semiconductor devices that can be made to be highly accurate and highly stable under varying environmental conditions. The required signal-conditioning circuitry can often be significantly reduced, since much of the environmental compensation circuitry can be made a part of the ADC and filtering can be performed in software. 2.2.2 Adding Intelligence Once the sensor signal has been digitized, there are two primary options in how we handle those numeric values and the algorithms that manipulate them. We can either choose to implement custom digital hardware that essentially â€Å"hard-wires† our processing algorithm, or we can use a microprocessor to provide the necessary computational power. In general, custom hardware can run faster than microprocessor-driven systems, but usually at the price of increased production costs and limited flexibility. Microprocessors, while not necessarily as fast as a custom hardware solution, offer the great advantage of design flexibility and tend to be lower-priced since they can be applied to a variety of situations rather than a single application. Once we have on-board intelligence, were able to solve several of the problems that we noted earlier. Calibration can be automated, component drift can be virtually eliminated through the use of purely mathematical processing algorithms, and we can compensate for environmental changes by monitoring conditions on a periodic basis and making the appropriate adjustments automatically. Adding a brain makes the designers life much easier. 2.2.3 Communication Interface The sharing of measurements with other components within the system or with other systems adds to the value of these measurements. To do this, we need to equip our intelligent sensor with a standardized means to communicate its information to other elements. By using standardized methods of communication, we ensure that the sensors information can be shared as broadly, as easily, and as reliably as possible, thus maximizing the usefulness of the sensor and the information it produces. Thus these three factors consider being mandatory for an intelligent sensor: A sensing element that measures one or more physical parameters (essentially the traditional sensor weve been discussing), A computational element that analyzes the measurements made by the sensing element, and A communication interface to the outside world that allows the device to exchange information with other components in a larger system. Its the last two elements that really distinguish intelligent sensors from their more common standard sensor relatives because they provide the abilities to turn data directly into information, to use that information locally, and to communicate it to other elements in the system. 2.3 Types of Intelligent Sensors Intelligent sensors are chosen depending on the object, application, precision system, environment of use and cost etc. In such cases consideration must be given as to what is an appropriate evaluation standard. This question involves a multi-dimensional criterion and is usually very difficult. The evaluation standard directly reflects the sense of value itself applied in the design and manufacture of the target system. This must therefore be firmly settled at the system design stage. In sensor selection, the first matter to be considered is determination of the subject of measurement. The second matter to be decided on is the required precision and dynamic range. The third is ease of use, cost, delivery time etc., and ease of maintenance in actual use and compatibility with other sensors in the system. The type of sensor should be matched to such requirements at the design stage. Sensors are usually classified by the subject of measurement and the principle of sensing action. 2.3.1 Classification Based on Type of Input In this, the sensor is classified in accordance with the physical phenomenon that is needed to be detected and the subject of measurement. Some of the examples include voltage, current, displacement and pressure. A list of sensors and their categories are mentioned in the following table. Category Type Dynamic Quantity Flow rate, Pressure, force, tension Speed, acceleration Sound, vibration Distortion, direction proximity Optical Quantities Light (infra red, visible light or radiation) Electromagnetic Quantities Current, voltage, frequency, phase, vibration, magnetism Quantity of Energy or Heat Temperature, humidity, dew point Chemical Quantities Analytic sensors, gas, odour, concentration, pH, ions Sensory Quantities or Biological Quantities Touch, vision, smell Table 2.3.1: Sensed items Classified in accordance with subject of measurement. 2.3.2 Classification Based on Type of Output In an intelligent sensor, it is often necessary to process in an integrated manner the information from several sensors or from a single sensor over a given time range. A computer of appropriate level is employed for such purposes in practically y all cases. For coupling to the computer when constructing an intelligent sensor system, a method with a large degree of freedom is therefore appropriate. It is also necessary to pay careful attention to the type of physical quantity carrying the output information to the sensor, and to the information description format of this physical quantity or dynamic quantity, and for the description format an analog, digital or encoded method etc., might be used. Although any physical quantities could be used as output signal, electrical quantities such as voltage are more convenient for data input to a computer. The format of the output signal can be analog or digital. For convenience in data input to the computer, it is preferable if the output signal of the sensor itself is in the form of a digital electrical signal. In such cases, a suitable means of signal conversion must be provided to input the data from the sensor to the computer 2.3.3 Classification Based on Accuracy When a sensor system is constructed, the accuracy of the sensors employed is a critical factor. Usually sensor accuracy is expressed as the minimum detectable quantity. This is determined by the sensitivity of the sensor and the internally generated noise of the sensor itself. Higher sensitivity and lower internal noise level imply greater accuracy. Generally for commercially available sensors the cost of the sensor is determined by the accuracy which it is required to have. If no commercial sensor can be found with the necessary accuracy, a custom product must be used, which will increase the costs. For ordinary applications an accuracy of about 0.1% is sufficient. Such sensors can easily be selected from commercially available models. Dynamic range (full scale deflection/minimum detectable quantity) has practically the same meaning as accuracy, and is expressed in decibel units. For example a dynamic range of 60dB indicates that the full scale deflection is 103 times the minimum detectable quantity. That is, a dynamic range of 60dB is equivalent to 0.1% accuracy. In conventional sensors, linearity of output was regarded as quite important. However, in intelligent sensor technology the final stage is normally data processing by computer, so output linearity is not a particular problem. Any sensor providing a reproducible relationship of input and output signal can be used in an intelligent sensor system. Chapter 3 3.1 Sensor selection The function of a sensor is to receive some action from a single phenomenon of the subject of measurement and to convert this to another physical phenomenon that can be more easily handled. The phenomenon constituting the subject of measurement is called the input signal, and the phenomenon after conversion is called the output signal. The ratio of the output signal to the input signal is called the transmittance or gain. Since the first function of a sensor is to convert changes in the subject of measurement to a physical phenomenon that can be more easily handled, i.e. its function consists in primary conversion, its conversion efficiency, or the degree of difficulty in delivering the output signal to the transducer constituting the next stage is of secondary importance The first point to which attention must be paid in sensor selection is to preserve as far as possible the information of the input signal. This is equivalent to preventing lowering of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For example, if the SNR of the input signal is 60 dB, a sensor of dynamic range less than 60 dB should not be used. In order to detect changes in the quantity being measured as faithfully as possible, a sensor is required to have the following properties. Non-interference. This means that its output should not be changed by factors other than changes in the subject of measurement. Conversion satisfying this condition is called direct measurement. Conversion wherein the measurement quantity is found by calculation from output signals determined under the influence of several input signals is called indirect measurement. High sensitivity. The amount of change of the output signal that is produced by a change of unit amount of the input quantity being measured, i.e. the gain, should be as large as possible. Small measurement pressure. This means that the sensor should not disturb the physical conditions of the subject of measurement. From this point of view, modulation conversion offers more freedom than direct-acting conversion. High speed. The sensor should have sufficiently high speed of reaction to track the maximum anticipated rate of variation of the measured quantity. Low noise. The noise generated by the sensor itself should be as little as possible. Robustness. The output signal must be at least more robust than the quantity being measured, and be easier to handle. Robustness means resistance to environmental changes and/or noise. In general, phenomena of large energy are more resistant to external disturbance such as noise than are phenomena of smaller energy, they are easier to handle, and so have better robustness. If a sensor can be obtained that satisfies all these conditions, there is no problem. However, in practice, one can scarcely expect to obtain a sensor satisfying all these conditions. In such cases, it is necessary to combine the sensor with a suitable compensation mechanism, or to compensate the transducer of the secondary converter. Progress in IC manufacturing technology has made it possible to integrate various sensor functions. With the progressive shift from mainframes to minicomputers and hence to microcomputers, control systems have changed from centralized processing systems to distributed processing systems. Sensor technology has also benefited from such progress in IC manufacturing technology, with the result that systems whereby information from several sensors is combined and processed have changed from centralized systems to dispersed systems. Specifically, attempts are being made to use silicon-integrated sensors in a role combining primary data processing and input in systems that measure and process two-dimensional information such as picture information. This is a natural application of silicon precision working technology and digital circuit technology, which have been greatly advanced by introduction of VLSI manufacturing technology. Three-dimensional integrated circuits for recognizing letter patterns and odour sensors, etc., are examples of this. Such sensor systems can be called perfectly intelligent sensors in that they themselves have a certain data processing capability. It is characteristic of such sensors to combine several sensor inputs and to include a microprocessor that performs data processing. Their output signal is not a simple conversion of the input signal, but rather an abstract quantity obtained by some reorganization and combination of input signals from several sensors. This type of signal conversion is now often performed by a distributed processing mechanism, in which microprocessors are used to carry out the data processing that was previously performed by a centralized computer system having a large number of interfaces to individual sensors. However, the miniaturization obtained by application of integrated circuit techniques brings about an increase in the flexibility of coupling between elements. This has a substantial effect. Sensors of this type constitute a new technology that is at present being researched and developed. Although further progress can be expected, the overall picture cannot be predicted at the present time. Technically, practically free combinations of sensors can be implemented with the object of so-called indirect measurement, in which the signals from several individual sensors that were conventionally present are collected and used as the basis for a new output signal. In many aspects, new ideas are required concerning determination of the object of measurement, i.e. which measured quantities are to be selected, determination of the individual functions to achieve this, and the construction of the framework to organize these as a system. 3.2 Structure of an Intelligent Sensor The rapidity of development in microelectronics has had a profound effect on the whole of instrumentation science, and it has blurred some of the conceptual boundaries which once seemed so firm. In the present context the boundary between sensors and instruments is particularly uncertain. Processes which were once confined to a large electronic instrument are now available within the housing of a compact sensor, and it is some of these processes which we discuss later in this chapter. An instrument in our context is a system which is designed primarily to act as a free standing device for performing a particular set of measurements; the provision of communications facilities is of secondary importance. A sensor is a system which is designed primarily to serve a host system and without its communication channel it cannot serve its purpose. Nevertheless, the structures and processes used within either device, be they hardware or software, are similar. The range of disciplines which arc brought together in intelligent sensor system design is considerable, and the designer of such systems has to become something of a polymath. This was one of the problems in the early days of computer-aided measurement and there was some resistance from the backwoodsmen who practiced the art of measurement. 3.2.1 Elements of Intelligent Sensors The intelligent sensor is an example of a system, and in it we can identify a number of sub-systems whose functions are clearly distinguished from each other. The principal sub-systems within an intelligent sensor are: A primary sensing element Excitation Control Amplification (Possibly variable gain) Analogue filtering Data conversion Compensation Digital Information Processing Digital Communication Processing The figure illustrates the way in which these sub-systems relate to each other. Some of the realizations of intelligent sensors, particularly the earlier ones, may incorporate only some of these elements. The primary sensing element has an obvious fundamental importance. It is more than simply the familiar traditional sensor incorporated into a more up-to-date system. Not only are new materials and mechanisms becoming available for exploitation, but some of those that have been long known yet discarded because of various difficulties of behaviour may now be reconsidered in the light of the presence of intelligence to cope with these difficul ­ties. Excitation control can take a variety of forms depending on the circumstances. Some sensors, such as the thermocouple, convert energy directly from one form to another without the need for additional excitation. Others may require fairly elaborate forms of supply. It may be alternating or pulsed for subsequent coherent or phase-sensitive detection. In some circumstances it may be necessary to provide extremely stable supplies to the sensing element, while in others it may be necessary for those supplies to form part of a control loop to maintain the operating condition of the clement at some desired optimum. While this aspect may not be thought fundamental to intelligent sensors there is a largely unexplored range of possibilities for combining it with digital processing to produce novel instrumentation techniques. Amplification of the electrical output of the primary sensing element is almost invariably a requirement. This can pose design problems where high gain is needed. Noise is a particular hazard, and a circumstance unique to the intelligent form of sensor is the presence of digital buses carrying signals with sharp transitions. For this reason circuit layout is a particularly important part of the design process. Analogue filtering is required at minimum to obviate aliasing effects in the conversion stage, but it is also attractive where digital filtering would lake up too much of the real-time processing power available. Data conversion is the stage of transition between the continuous real world and the discrete internal world of the digital processor. It is important to bear in mind that the process of analogue to digital conversion is a non-linear one and represents a potentially gross distortion of the incoming information. It is important, however, for the intelligent sensor designer always to remember that this corruption is present, and in certain circumstances it can assume dominating importance. Such circumstances would include the case where the conversion process is part of a control loop or where some sort of auto-ranging, overt or covert, is built in to the operational program. Compensation is an inevitable part of the intelligent sensor. The operating point of the sensors may change due to various reasons. One of them is temperature. So an intelligent sensor must have an inbuilt compensation setup to bring the operating point back to its standard set stage. Information processing is, of course, unique to the intelligent form of sensor. There is some overlap between compensation and information processing, but there are also significant areas on independence. An important aspect is the condensation of information, which is necessary to preserve the two most precious resources of the industrial measurement system, the information bus and the central processor. A prime example of data condensa ­tion occurs in the Doppler velocimctcr in which a substantial quantity of informa ­tion is reduced to a single number representing the velocity. Sensor compensation will in general require the processi