ASCE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

ASCE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD - Essay Example All through the 20th Century, the nation’s leaders imagined large scale infrastructure plans that stirred the public and added to unprecedented financial growth. Much of that infrastructure is approaching the ending of its design life, and there are increasing problems with worsening across all public infrastructures. In order to build an infrastructure to serve the desires of the new century, there must be bold leadership and a convincing vision. We have to be certain to maintain and preserve the foundations that previous generations have set up for us. A new overarching advance is desired. The approval of the State’s surface transportation is an outstanding place to begin. From the above assertions, I believe that the consent is supposed to spotlight on four goals for the surface transportation: Sustainability, resiliency, and ongoing upholding must be an essential part of improving the state’s face transportation system. Since infrastructure is built or transformed, life-cycle cost analysis is supposed be performed to account for early construction, running, preservation, environmental, safety, as well as other costs sensibly expected during the life of the project, like as recovery before disruption by or manmade hazards or

Cocoa solids Essay Example for Free

Cocoa solids Essay Chocolate! The name brings memories of a sugary and scrumptious sweet in your mouth. Each and every person in the world, whatever be his age or his sex, loves the delicious sin. In fact, chocolate is one of the most preferred gifts on every occasion, birthday or anniversary, Valentine’s Day or Christmas, wedding or farewell. Whether it is your wife or your boyfriend, your kids or your in-laws, you can present chocolates to almost everyone. While eating a chocolate, have you ever thought how it came into being? If you are ignorant about the origin of chocolate till date, use the interesting information on its background, given below. History of Chocolate The oldest records related to chocolates date back to somewhere around 1500-2000 BC. The high rainfall, soaring temperatures and great humidity of Central American rain forests created the perfect climate for the cultivation of the Cacao Tree. During that time, the Mayan civilization used to flourish in that region. Mayan people worshipped Cacao Tree, believing it to be of divine origin. They also used to roasted and pounded seeds of the tree, with maize and Capsicum (Chilli) peppers, to brew a spicy, bitter sweet drink. The drink was consumed either in ceremonies or in the homes of the wealthy and religious elite. It is said that the word ‘Cacao’ was corrupted by the early European explorers and turned into Cocoa. Even the Aztecs, of Central Mexico, are believed to have acquired the beans through trade and/or the spoils of war. In fact, Cacao beans were considered to be so prized by Aztecs that they started using it as a type of currency. They also made a drink, similar to the one made by Mayans, and called it ‘Xocolatl’, the name which was later corrupted to Chocolat, by Spanish conquistadors. The further corruption of the word, which finally gave it its present form ’Chocolate’, was done by the English. Entry in Europe Xocolatl, or Chocolate, was brought to Europe by Cortez. It was here that sugar and vanilla were added to the Aztecs brew, to offset its spicy bitterness. The commercialization of chocolate started in Spain, where the first chocolate factories were opened. Spanish treasure fleets brought back dried fermented beans from the new world, roasting and grounding them to make chocolate powder. This powder was used to make European version of the ‘Aztec’ drink and then, exported to the other countries in Europe. Within a few years, Spain’s drink become popular throughout the continent and it was around 1520 that it came to England. However, it was only in the year 1657 that the first Chocolate House of England was opened, in London. The popularity of the drink led to a string of other Chocolate Houses. Since cocoa was so expensive, the houses started serving as elite clubs, where the wealthy and business community met to smoke a clay pipe of tobacco, conduct business and socialize over a cup of chocolate. It’s America Again Chocolate came to the place of its birth once again. This time, it was the English colonists who carried chocolate, along with coffee, with them to the colonies in North America. These colonies later consolidated into the United States of America and Canada. Despite the changes in the territorial boundaries, chocolate continued to be a favorite of all the Americans, of every age, sex, group, and so on. Till date, the status quo has not changed and hot chocolate is still one of the favorite drinks of the Americans. Modern Chocolate The chocolate of today, in the sold form, took its roots in England. It was around mid-1600, when English bakers started adding cocoa powder to cakes. Seeking to make chocolate drink smoother and more palatable, Johannes Van Houten, a Dutch chemist, invented a technique of extracting the bitter tasting fat (cocoa butter) from the roasted ground beans, in 1828. With this, he paved the way for the chocolate in its present form. It was in 1847 that solid chocolate, as we know of today, was made by Fry Sons of Bristol (England), by mixing sugar with cocoa powder and cocoa butter. The first milk chocolate was made in 1875, by Daniel Peters, a Swiss manufacturer, by mixing cocoa powder and cocoa butter with sugar and dried milk powder. The rest, as they say, is history! Today, chocolate is made across the globe and liked by almost every person in this world.

Image And Impression Management

Image And Impression Management This sections aims to uncover and analyze past researches that had been done by other researchers on related topics of image and impression management. This chapter, will provide the theoretical foundation for this research. First, the historical background of impression management will be discussed. Second, the definition and scope of impression management will be examined. Review should contain critical evaluation and discussion of other related research. Image management A growing body of research indicates that we engage in image management in various social situations. Most research has focused on image management in face-to-face situations, particularly as it pertains to career success and performance appraisal. Previous studies have focused on how personality traits and certain situational factors affect image management (Boline Turley, 2002, p. 141). Image management can be defined as: a process by which individuals present information about themselves to appear as they wish others to see them (Kacmar et al., 2007, p. 16). Erving Goffman, who studied human interaction, first introduced the idea of impression management. Goffman described the social world as deceptive. In The Presentation of Self and Everyday Life (1959), Goffman describes human social interaction as a theatrical performance, meaning that people act as performers to give off certain impressions in certain social situations (Manning, 2009 p. 8). Therefore, we intentionally mislead people in efforts to give off a certain impression that we feel will benefit us within a specific social situation. Goffman uses the term fabrication to describe the way an individual misleads others (Manning, 2009, p. 9). Through fabrications, we frame ourselves to be who we want to be. Image management is also defined as the process by which people attempt to influence the images that others have of them (Rosenfeld, Giacalone Riordan, 1995). Regardless of the specific context in which it is used, the general goal of image management is to create a particular impression in others minds (Leary Kowalski, 1990; Rosenfeld et al., 1995). According to several theorists (Schlenker, 1980; McFarland, 2005) image management can be both conscious and unconscious. As Leary and Kowalski (1990) acknowledge as well, at one extreme people are unaware of others reactions to them, while on the other extreme people are conscious about the aspects of themselves that others can observe, such as their appearance and behaviour. Since image management behaviour can be learned, habitually and unconsciously, humans engage in impression management behaviour without considering what they are actually doing. With reference to Jones and Pittman (1982), people should be cautious in using image management tactics since one carries the risk that it will be perceived negatively; for every desired image, there is a corresponding undesired image at risk. For instance, an individual using self-promotion would like to be seen as competent, though he risks to be perceived as arrogant instead. In addition, image management research has mostly concentrate on purposive behaviour like verbal, non-verbal, and artificial behaviours that influence the images that other people have of the person. (Schneider, 1981). However, people often exercise image management behaviour without considering their own behaviour. In such instances, image management tactics become over learned habits. As Schlenker (1980) concludes, a great deal of image management behaviour appears to be non-purposive since it occurs automatically without conscious thought or control. Regarding purposive behaviours, Jones and Pittman (1980) have identified ingratiation, self-promotion, intimidation, exemplification, and supplication as image management. In todays world it is very important to understand who is playing which role, how one should act, and why other people are doing what they are doing. We project our image in very different manners: what we do, how we do it, what we say, how we say it, the arrangement of our offices, and our physical appearance, such as clothes and make-up as well as facial expressions. All these behaviors in some way help us define who we are (Rosenfeld et al., 1995, p.4). They form an identity and express what we want and expect from other people around us. These social identities constitute how individuals are defined and regarded in social interaction (Schlenker, 1980, p.69). The general definition used by scholars is that image management is the process through which individuals attempt to influence the impressions other people form of them (Gardner, 1992). Individuals manage their impressions when they wish to present a favorable image of themselves to others (Jones Pittman, 1982). Ways in which individuals manage their impressions can vary from verbal statements to their physical appearance or by using non-verbal gestures and expressions. Some theorists like Schlenker (1980) and Schneider (1981) make a distinction between the terms image management and self-presentation, even though most literature uses these terms interchangeably. Schlenker (1980) classifies image management as the attempt to control images that are projected in real or imagined social interactions while self-presentation is applied to situations in which the created impression is self-relevant (Schlenker, 1980, p.6). Schneider (1981) claims that self-presentation can be seen as a close cousin of image management, but still is dissimilar: Image can be managed by means other than self-presentation, and presentations may be used for goals other than image management (Schneider, 1981, p.25). Schneider (1981) mentions that image of an individual can also be controlled by a third party. Several theorists propose that self-presentation not only attempts to influence the images that others form, but also has an influence on the impression the person has about himself (Greenwald Breckler, 1985; Hogan, Jones Cheek, 1985; Schlenker, 1985). This in fact can be regarded as self-presentation to the self (Leary et al., 1990), as people are motivated to preserve particular beliefs about themselves (Greenwald Breckler, 1985). Overall, image management can be seen as a broader and more encompassing term than self-presentation (Leary et al., 1990). Impression Management Goffmans impression management work has developed and continuous to be a popular research topic addressing studies of identity and social interaction. Many impression management studies use the theory of self-monitoring to measure how anindividual works to achieve a desirable self-image. Self-monitoring can be described as an internal state combining self-observation and self-control (Scher et al., 2007, p. 186). Self-monitoring is an internal process in which a person tries to control the impressions they give off to others as a means of self-presentation (Scher et al., 2007, p. 187). In trying to give off certain impressions of ones self, a person controls their behaviors to ensure that they are socially appropriate. Lennox (1984) describes two sources of information that a person uses to assess how to act: ones personal disposition and situational cues (p. 199). Some people, known as low self-monitors, rely more on their inner states and feelings in assessing the appropriateness o f their behavior while others, known as high self-monitors, tend to respond to their social environments cues when deciding how to behave appropriately (Lennox, 1984, p. 199). High self-monitors adapt their behaviors to specific social situations. They look at the way others are behaving in the immediate social scene for cues on how they should behave. On the contrary, low self-monitors use their internal factors their attitudes, opinions, beliefs, and dispositions as cues on how they should behave in certain situations. Therefore, they are less affected by situational factors than high self-monitors. Their behaviors are more reflective of their personality (Lennox, 1984, p. 199). Studies have shown that high self-monitors are more likely to conform than low self-monitors and show more inconsistency between their behaviors and attitudes (Scher et al., 2007, p. 187). It is thought that high self-monitors are more concerned with what others think of them than low self-monitors, maki ng them more likely to conform in social situations (Sher et al., 2007, p. 190). Studies show that high self-monitors are more concerned with what others think and are more likely than low self-monitors to achieve desired images while avoiding undesired ones (Turnley Bolino, 2001, p. 251). They are skillful in controlling their self-image and often use impression management tactics. Jones and Pittman (1982) came up with a list of impression management tactics (Turnley Bolino, 2001, p. 352). These includes: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Ingratiation using flattery in efforts to get others to view you favorably à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Self Promotion displaying your successes and skills in efforts to appear competent à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Exemplification striving to be seen as dedicated by exerting yourself to the fullest à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Supplication displaying your needs and shortcoming in efforts to appear needy à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Intimidation striving to be seen as threatening or dangerous by intimidating others Turnley and Bolinos study (2001) found that high self-monitors would more frequently achieve the desired image of likeable when using ingratiation, competent when using self promotion and dedicated when using exemplification than low self-monitors (Turnley Bolino, p. 353). A similar study done by Bolino Turnley (2003) found evidence that high self-monitors prefer to use positive impression management tactics (ingratiation, self promotion and exemplification) to negative tactics (supplication and intimidation) (p. 141). This same study also suggests that individuals who engage in positive impression management tactics are seen by others as more favorable than those who use all types of impression management tactics (Bolino Turnley, 2003, p. 141). This study asserts that women are less aggressive in using impression management tactics than men and therefore, are more likely to engage in positive tactics rather than negative ones (Bolino Turnley, 2003, p. 141). Bolino Turnley suggest that this may be because women follow the less aggressive tactics of the female gender role, which discourages aggressive or assertive behavior (Bolino Turnley, 2003, p. 148). Therefore, men are more active and aggressive in managing their impressions while women are mor e likely to do so passively (Bolino Turnley, 2003, p. 148). Siibaks study used the self-discrepancy theory to explain the reasons behind managing ones social media image. This theory asserts that individuals have three self-domains: The Actual Self an individuals representation of the attributes that he or she believes he/she possesses The Ideal Self an individuals representation of the attributes that someone (yourself or another person) wants you to possess The Ought Self and individuals representation of the attributes that someone (yourself or another person) believes you should possess (Higgins, 1987, p. 319) The Ought Self comes into play in impression management. Individuals seek to represent the Ought Self by emphasizing the attributes they believe a person ought to possess in a certain social situation. Many studies have focused on the Cultivation Theory as it pertains to self-image and distorted body image problems. Most of these studies look at television and magazines and their role in making females believe ideal beauty means excessive thinness. This study is more focused on exploring whether image management affects womens perceptions of ideal beauty. A study done on college women using print advertisements found that making social comparisons to ultra-thin models is significantly associated with greater internalization of the thin ideal and decreased satisfaction with ones own appearance (Engeln Maddox, 2005, p. 1114). This study uses a sociocultural model that describes body image problems and disordered eating as a result of the continued exposure to thin images. This prolonged exposure reinforces the Western ideal of thinness being attractive (Engeln-Maddox, 2005, p. 1115). A similar study was done on the effects of fashion magazines on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among females. This study also connects the medias promotion of the thin ideal to body distortion issues that remain at the center of anorexia and bulimia (Shaw, 1995, p. 15). It compared adolescents and adults and their responses to thin images present in magazines (Shaw, 1995, p. 20). Age, BMI and greater bulimic tendencies were positively correlated with greater responsiveness to images of thin models among adolescents (Shaw, 1995, p. 20). The adults, although still responsive to the thin ideal, were less responsive than adolescents (Shaw, 1995, p. 21). This is thought to be in part because adults, unlike adolescents, are not in a developmental stage in which they are concerned with collecting personal identity information (Shaw, 1995, p. 21). Shaw (2005) uses Social Identity Theory, which states that ones social identity is positively related to the degree of social attractiveness conferred by their membership of a particular social group to describe why females have greater body dissatisfaction after being exposed to ultra-thin magazine models (p. 21). Shaw also explains that our culture provides cues that teach females at an early age that they are judged by their physical beauty (p. 21). Therefore, females work to conform to the ideal images of beauty that our society has spelled out for them. If they are not able to conform to this ideal image of beauty, they may experience body dissatisfaction, which may lead to disordered eating habits. One study looked at the role of the peer environment and its ability to provide a subculture that emphasizes the importance of thinness throughà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ peer pressure to diet and be thin and teasing from peers about weight and shape (Gerner Wilson, 2005, p. 313). Female adolescents believe being thin is connected to a better popularity standing among friends and increases the perception of being dateable (Gerner Wilson, 2005, p. 314). This is linked to disordered dieting, poor self-image evaluations, and bulimia (Gerner Wilson, 2005, pg. 314). This study also suggests girls friendships with males, more than females, are closely tied to how they feel about their bodies, reflecting a sociocultural emphasis on the importance of physical attractiveness for successful relationships with males (Gerner Wilson, 2005, p. 318). 2.2.1 Historical review on Impression management A distinction will be made between before and after the 1980s. The idea that people actively manage their image that others form of them has existed for centuries, but it was in the early 1900s that social philosophers incorporated these ideas into their thinking. It was only during the 1980s that the topic of image management started to become widely accepted as an element of organizational life and communications. 2.2.1 Impression management before the 1980s The concept of image and impression management relates back to prehistoric and primitive people who also were concerned about self-presentation. Cosmetics, clothing, jewelry and other aids to physical attractiveness were universally used to present positive identities to others (Tedeschi, 1981, p.xv). The idea that people project identities to one another and form identities from the reactions of others to them, has existed for a long period of time, yet it has not been until this century that social philosophers have incorporated this interactive process into their thinking (Cooley, 1902; Mead, 1934) 2.2.2 Impression management after the 1980s Prior to the 1980s generally social psychologists regarded impression management as a peripheral concept. It was rarely regarded as a fundamental interpersonal process on its own (Schlenker Weigold, 1992, p.135) . In the second half of the 1980s interest for impression management started to increase and the concept of impression management became more important. In 1989 two books were published by Giacalone and Rosenfeld about impression management in organizations. These two books served as source books for what is nowadays the distinctive field of organizational impression management (Rosenfeld et al., 1995). Impression management in organizations consists of strategic communications designed to establish, maintain, or protect desired identities (Rosenfeld et al., 1995). Since the 1980s impression management has been studied in organizational contexts such as leader-member exchange, job interviews and performance appraisal. The study of impression management in organizations is of great importance (Bozeman Kacmar, 1997, p.9). As popularity among researchers and practitioners grew it also started to be viewed as a mainstream rather than a peripheral concept. It is difficult to understand how impression management could have been overlooked in many theoretical discussions. Incorporating impression management into current research and practice is started to provide a better understanding of how organizational processes were to a large extent affected by individuals concerns over how they were being perceived by others (Rosenfeld et al., 1995). Most social psychological investigations have focused on intentional behaviors that decorate or modify ongoing behavior. Impression management is assumed to become more intentional and focused when people believe that they will gain valued outcomes by encouraging certain impressions in others (Schlenker Weigold, 1992). Since the 80s analysts have applied and studied the concept of impression management to a wide range of social phenomena, such as attitude change, nonverbal behavior, social anxiety and recently also to concepts such as eating behavior, organizational behavior. While in specifics being different, the analyses share in common the idea that people attempt to control information for one or more salient audiences in ways that try to facilitate goal-achievement (Schlenker Weigold, 1992, p.136). The concept of impression, specifically in the field of organizational life, has received much more importance than ever before. Impression management is a commonly occurring part of organizational life and it is seen as essential to effective organizational communication (Rosenfeld et al., 1995). In the next section a look will be taken at the motives people have to engage or use impression management. 2.3 Motives to engage in impression management Being skilled in the process of impression management is becoming more significant for managers and it is especially true in work settings with high pressure and where quick decisions need to be made in a dynamic environment. Individuals who are not aware of this aspect of organizational life run the risk of performing poorly, or even being moved to lower positions in the organization (Gardner, 1992). The statement and explanation given above by Gardner might in some way explain why people would attempt to use impression management at work with their colleagues. Yet in general people wish to be perceived as intelligent, friendly and morally good (Rosenfeld, GiacaloneTedeschi, 1983, p.60). This explanation is given for the question of why people laugh more often at humorous stimuli when others are present than when they are own their own, the answer being to establish an identity of oneself as a friendly person. People engage in impression management for many reasons that are influenced by social, personal and situational factors. Some theorists describe the process as a quick cost-benefit analysis (Schlenker, 1980). At the same time people are assessing the benefits that might be achieved by presenting one image rather then another one, they are also considering the costs of presenting that particular image (Rosenfeld et al.,1995). Some situations in which impression management is less likely to occur were described by Jones and Pittman (1980). Under conditions of high task involvement, where the individual becomes absorbed in the task itself. In another research on the use of impression management in assessment centers it was mentioned that the process of impression management required much of an individuals cognitive resources and so it could interfere with effective performance of the individual (McFarland, Ryan, Kriska, 2003). Other situations mentioned by Jones and Pittman (1980) are purely expressive behaviors such as anger and joy and situations in which the person is most of all concerned with presenting his/her true self, such as therapy sessions (Gardner Martinko, 1988). Next to situational factors also social and personal factors influence the motives of individuals to engage in impression management. Leary and Kowalski (1990) believed that impression management could be used to increase personal well-being in three interrelated goals. First of all by maximizing ones reward-cost ratio in social relations. As mentioned earlier, self-presentation also allows individuals to optimize their benefit-cost ratio when dealing with others (Schlenker, 1980). Being able to form a good impression will increase the probability of a desired outcome, be it a interpersonal one such as friendship or power or be it material such as raise in salary due to being seen as more competent (Leary Kowalski, 1990, p.37). The second goal that Leary and Kowalski (1990) mention is enhancing ones self esteem. People might employ in impression management, to regulate their self-esteem in a two-fold manner. One reason was that reactions that other individuals have will positively (compliments) or negatively (criticism) affect your self-esteem. So individuals will act in a manner to be able to inflate their self-esteem by trying to receive positive feedback (Leary Kowalski, 1990, p.37). A second reason is that the self esteem of individuals is also influenced by the self-evaluation of their performances and the feedback that you as an individuals will expect to receive from others (Leary Kowalski, 1990). The third and final goal proposed by Leary and Kowalski (1990) is facilitating the development of desired identities. According to Cooley (1902) and Mead (1934) our identity is in the end derived from society, and individuals sometimes engage in certain behaviors to indicate the ownership of such identity-relevant characteristics (Leary Kowalski, 1990). People may even engage in impression management activities as protection if they feel there is a threat to their social image. As can be seen above there are several motives for people to engage in impression managing. Aside of situational and social factors there are also some personality traits that will affect the degree of impression management being used. For example the extent to which an individual possess the trait of machiavellianism might have an impact on the degree of impression management being used. In todays world it is defined as one who employs aggressive, manipulative, exploiting and devious moves in order to achie ve personal and organizational objectives (Calhoon, 1969, p. 241). From this definition it seems obvious to conclude that the higher the score for machiavellianism the more likely the individual will engage in impression management to achieve personal objectives. A second and final trait that can be decisive for the degree in which an individual engages in impression management is self-monitoring. Individuals differ in the way they monitor their self-presentation and expressive behavior (Snyder, 1974, p.536). Individuals with high levels of self-monitoring can effectively use this skill to create impressions they want. Furthermore these individuals are also better at purposely communicating and expressing emotion in verbal and non verbal manners (Snyder, 1974). Before reaching the overall conclusion of this chapter it can be said that indeed personality as well as social and situational factors play a clear role and deciding what individual will or will not use impression management in certain situations. 2.4 Conclusion In this chapter an in depth look was taken at the historical background of impression management and it can be said that since the mid 80s the topic has increasingly received attention from social psychologists and the awareness of its importance is also dramatically increasing in organizational life. Furthermore a look was taken at the several definitions of the concept by different researchers. The definition that will be employed throughout this paper will be the process through which individuals attempt to influence the impressions other people form of them. In the final part of this chapter the several factors that might affect the motives of individuals to engage in impression management where studied. It was found that several situational, social and personality factors affect an individuals decision to employ impression management. In the next chapter a look will be taken at the choice of the type of impression management style or tactic that and individuals will choose.

Porsche 911 Road Cars :: essays research papers

PORSCHE 911 ROAD CARS Porsche 911 Road Cars is about model 911 cars and the history of them. The book explains who invented Porsche, how they modeled them, how the price changed over the years, how they designed the engines, and all about the speeds and racing ability. The two most interesting things I have learned about in this book concern Porsche’s characteristics; for example, how the engine for the 901 Porsche was designed and where it was placed in the car. The engine instead of being placed in the front end like most cars is placed in the back end of the car to make it a rear drive instead of a front-end drive vehicle. It was designed this way for better speed performance. The other thing I thought was interesting was the modeling. When Butzi Porsche modeled Porsche, not only did he want speed, he wanted to have something original, fast looking, and small so he and an artist got together and found a great design. Butzi would tell the artist what he wanted the car to look like and the artist would create a model drawing. It took them seven months to get the right design and the car sold great! I would recommend this book to someone who is really interested in Porsche cars and how they run. This book tells you everything from the evolution of the first 911 in 1960 to one they hope to build for the next millenium. You can learn every characteristic about the engine and sometimes why. For example, if you wanted to know about the new 911’s motor, you could go to the chapter about that particular car and get the information you needed. If you wanted to know about modeling you could research it the same way. You are also able to get some general information about other Porsche cars listed in the back of the book. If the author could change two things about this book, he should include information and comparisons on all Porsche cars, not just 911 Porsches. It isn’t that interesting reading a whole book on one type of car, unless you are a collector or owner. The author should also have put in more information about Butzi Porsche. He is the grandson of the company’s founder and the one who designed the 901 Porsche.

Grammatical Tenses and English Test Date

Name English Test Date : April 9, 12 G. R. I. T Dep. First Year Duration : min Read the following text, then answer the questions below: Sidney Fisk Work: Sidney Fisk is a lawyer. He’s 45 years old . He’s paid very well, but he usually has to work long hours. He works for an international company in Dallas, Texas, so he travels a lot in his job. At the moment he’s working in Mexico, and next week he’s travelling to France. Home Life: Sidney is married and he’s got two children, aged 11 and 14. He rarely sees his children because so much of his time is spent away from home.He’s got a beautiful house in the suburb of Dallas. It’s very big with eight bedrooms. His wife is an interior designer. Free Time: If he’s at home at the weekend , he and his wife sometimes play golf , but that doesn’t happen very often . They never have much time to relax together . Is he happy : He says he doesn’t know if he’s happy . He ’s too busy to think about it . Questions : 1- What are the good things about Sidney’s life ? ( 1pt ) 2- What are the bad things about Sidney’s life ? ( 1 pt ) 3- Do you think his life is exciting or boring ?Would you like to have a life like Sidney’s ? State why ? (2 pts ) 4- What are the ingredients for happiness in your opinion ? State at least three and justify your answer . ( 1. 5 pt ) 5 – Pick out from the text words that may have the same meaning as the following :(1. 5 pt ) A -Corporation b – go from one place to another c- away from city 6 – Pick out from the text :(2 pts) a- Simple present tense and justify its use b- Present continuous tense c- Two adjectives and state the word each modifies d- Two jobs

The eNotes Blog Scholarship Spotlight July2016

Scholarship Spotlight July2016 Every month, we select some of the best scholarships around and post them here on our blog. When you are ready to apply, check out our tips on  how to write a scholarship essay. Visit   Essay Lab  if you’re looking for a writing expert  to review and provide feedback on your scholarship or college application essays! Smart.Study Essay Writing Scholarship Amount:  $225-$700 Eligibility:  All students, regardless of major or academic level Requirements:  Entrants must follow Smart.Study on Twitter, and write an essay of 500-700 words on a chosen topic. Due Date:  August 1, 2016 Learn more and apply Tent.net Scholarship Amount: $500 Eligibility:  Incoming college student or a college student continuing their education Requirements:  Fill out the personal information form and submit an essay of at least 500 words on one of the selected essay topics. Due Date: August 1, 2016 Learn more and apply Unigo Flavor of the Month Scholarship Amount:  $1500 Eligibility:  13 years of age or older and currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2022) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education Requirements:  Submit a short online written response about what ice cream flavor you would be and why Due Date:  July 31, 2016 Learn more and apply Dolman Law Scholarship Video Essay Contest Amount: $1,100 Eligibility:  Attending or planning to attend a college or university during the 2016-2017 academic year, in good academic standing with current educational institution, and acquire permission from a parent or legal guardian if under 18 years of age Requirements:  Create a 2-3 minute video essay that discusses the selected issue: In Florida and many other states, an adult motorcyclist is not required to wear a helmet. A handful of companies are looking to extend the purpose of a motorcycle helmet beyond mere protection, however, in order to include new technologies, including feed from a 180-degree rearview camera that provides a full rear-facing panorama and side-to-side visibility, GPS navigation as well as connection via Bluetooth allowing riders to play music, take calls, send texts and more via voice commands. With these recent advancements in helmet technology, should the laws be changed to require adult motorcyclists to wear helmets? Why or why not? Due Date: July 30th, 2016 Learn more and apply LendingTree Scholarship Amount:  $2,500 Eligibility:  High school seniors with a 3.5 GPA or higher Requirements:  Film and submit a video of yourself answering the prompt: What is your plan for paying for college? Due Date: July 15, 2016 Learn more and apply

Music Career essays

Music Career essays A music career is vast and has a great variety of positions available at the present time. There are a numerous number of jobs that comes to mind when thinking of working in a music career. Occupations like singers, guitarists, music therapist, composer, conductor, and etc are generally what people think of when it comes to a music career. Presently, one of the most respected careers is being a pianist or a piano teacher. Khun Kay Hemvachiravarakorn, a pianist who works as a piano teacher at home and the music school Jintrakarn at Central Chidlom. Ever since she graduated from college, she became a pianist. It was something that she loved doing and something that she always wanted to do. Choosing a career, then, is based of what she enjoyed doing most. Although it might not be a job that offers the highest salary, it is worth doing something that one finds enjoyable. When asked about what she thought of the job, she said, Its not a job, its passion. This strongly emphasizes how Khun Kay feels about her career. She thought it was important to follow your heart. Choose a career that would best suit your likes. Everyday that she goes to work, she looks forward to it. How does being a pianist affect Khun Kays life? It truly has affected her in every way. Her life might seem simple, since all she does is teaching piano. There is actually much more than that. It is not easy to make a good living as a pianist. Partly, because it is a time-consuming job since practicing is extremely important. Being a pianist is much more complex than it looks. You have to really spend some time practicing, since what you teach is all an important knowledge to your students, said Khun Kay. She has to practice playing piano at least one and a half hour per day. However, she has quite a bit of free time during the day. She works only half day, so she can really spend a lot of her time with her family. How much ...

The Formation of the Union of South Africa

The Formation of the Union of South Africa The politicking behind the scenes for the formation of the Union of South Africa allowed the foundations of apartheid to be laid. On May 31,  1910, the Union of South Africa was formed under British dominion. It was exactly eight years after the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging, which had brought the Second Anglo-Boer War to an end.   Color Bans Allowed in New Union of South Africa Constitution Each of the four unified states was allowed to keep its existing franchise qualifications, and Cape Colony was the only one which permitted voting by (property owning) non-whites. While is it argued that Britain hoped that the non-racial franchise contained in the ​Constitution courtesy of the Cape would eventually be extended to the whole of the Union, it is hardly likely that this was truly believed possible. A delegation of white and black liberals traveled to London, under the leadership of the former Cape prime minister William Schreiner, to protest against the color bar enshrined in the new constitution.​ British Want Unified Country Above Other Considerations The British government was far more interested in creating a unified country within its Empire; one which could support and defend itself. A union, rather than a federalized country, was more agreeable to the Afrikaner electorate since it would give the country a greater freedom from Britain. Louis Botha and Jan Christiaan Smuts, both highly influential within the Afrikaner community, were closely involved in the development of the new constitution. It was necessary to have Afrikaner and English working together, especially following the slightly acrimonious end to the war, and the satisfactory compromise had taken the last eight years to reach. Written into the new constitution, however, was a requirement that a two-thirds majority of Parliament would be necessary to make any changes. Protection of Territories from Apartheid The British High Commission Territories of Basutoland (now Lesotho), Bechuanaland (now Botswana), and Swaziland were excluded from the Union precisely because the British government was worried about the status of the indigenous populations under the new constitution. It was hoped that, at some time in the (near) future, the political situation would be right for their incorporation. In fact, the only country which may have been considered for inclusion was Southern Rhodesia, but the Union had become so strong that white Rhodesians quickly rejected the concept. Why Is 1910 Recognized as the Birth of the Union of South Africa? Although not truly independent, most historians, especially those in South Africa, consider May 31, 1910, to be the most appropriate date to be commemorated. South Africas independence within the Commonwealth of Nations was not officially recognized by Britain until the Statute of Westminster in 1931, and it was not until 1961 that South Africa became a truly independent republic. Source: Africa since 1935, Vol VIII of the UNESCO General History of Africa, published by James Currey, 1999, editor Ali Mazrui, p108.

Reflective Report of a Presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reflective Report of a Presentation - Essay Example Our chosen leader was Odunola. We allocated ourselves different subtopics on which to research and write about. Each member of the group was to research only a particular area of the topic. I was allocated the duty of compiling the work that the group members had done and coming up with the conclusion. By dividing the work amongst ourselves, we managed to make the work easier and bearable for each one of us considering time limitations. Subsequent meetings mainly involved getting to know how far the group had done in meeting the main objective. During these meetings, we got the opportunity to see and read what each one of the group members had done. We discussed on everyone’s points and critiqued one another positively in a bid to ensure that our overall output was constructive and qualitative, and so that we pushed ourselves to complete the work within the limited time that we had. We were fortunate that the meetings were objective and every person’s had time to present their input to the extent that there were no heated exchanges or ugly scenes. As part of my preparation for the presentation, I visited the British Library and consulted other students and people that I thought were more knowledgeable in the subject. While I got constructive input from some of the individuals that I consulted, the library proved to be invaluable. I encountered several books that gave me hints, clues and information directly related to my assigned subtopic. I was actually lost for choice which sources to rely on for my part. I managed to compile the final document in good time before the due date for the presentation. We made our presentation on March 18, 2014 at around 1315 as scheduled, each one of us presenting their parts as we had earlier agreed for a total of 25 minutes. I realized that presenting before an audience is not an easy task. Odunola presented the introduction after which

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Case Study Example These two methods will be combined to check which one is feasible for the project to be implemented. The scrutinizing of the project will be carried out in three stages. Most of the employees in the aquarium have a science background. They are not aware of the profit making or the marketing objectives of the management. Therefore, they need to be issued a directive to make them understand about the objective of the aquarium. In the selection of the products or services that put in to sustainable profitability importance should be given in altering the business spotlight of portfolio management from financial metrics to client value. By setting aside the financial data and offering more weight to purchaser value data when making product portfolio choices, corporations can in fact look up financial performance by recognizing products with the prospective to delight clients. When importance is given to the purchaser value the clients are satisfied and they demand the products more. Client value which is defined as the clients insight of how well a solution meets their requirements is the only confirmed route to make profit. The greater the value of the explanation to the purchaser, the more likely the purchaser will purchase it and shell out a premium price for it. And, unlike several financial constraints, client value is based on something genuine, which one can precisely measure to yield reliable outcom es. In the case of the aquarium, a 6X6 matrix has been developed to divide the target audiences for whom the projects would be implemented. Those who are aware about the project and interested and committed towards the project would be given preference. This can be done with the help of the observation of the customers and the visitors. Thus, in this case study, also the senior level management of each SBU is required to focus on customer satisfaction so as to attract more customers and generate more of

No topic Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

No topic - Term Paper Example Our hospital provides our patients with 24/7 psychological support. Moreover, there is a perfect opportunity for family members to take part in these meetings and see positive results of our help. In spite of our efforts, there are some complaints from our patients. We clearly realize that they suffer from constant pain and depression and that is why we would like to apologize for making you and your mother worry. We can assure you that we do our best to make our patients feel comfortable in the process of treatment. We can solve this problem together and work in the name of good emotional conditions of our patients. We would like to invite you to visit meetings and trainings, which are free of charge and available for family members of our patients at any convenient time. Programs of support â€Å"Trust me†, â€Å"We hear you†, â€Å"We shall overcome† are available online at www.wakemed. com. You can contact me via email or by cell phone, which I specified on my visit card you have. We are looking forward to cooperation, understanding and help from you. Let’s help your mother live through this difficult period in her life

The Importance of Wound Healing in Relation to Nutrition Dissertation

The Importance of Wound Healing in Relation to Nutrition - Dissertation Example This research will begin with the statement that the relationship between nutrition and wound healing has long been established by many researchers and scholars. The potential power of various nutrients (protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, energy sources, and hydration) to accelerate or impede wound management has attracted the attention of the healthcare industry. It is therefore essential to know the potential impacts of these nutrients in the wound healing process. This paper seeks to explore how far nutrition or nutrition supplementation contributes to effective wound healing especially among the older population in U.K who are found to be vulnerable towards chronic wounds and nutrition deficiency. The introduction unearths the purpose of the research, reveals the scope and significance of the topic and states the research questions. The literature review of the paper addresses the various factors preventing wound healing, nutritional support in wound healing, phases of wou nd healing, the list of nutrients that consist of protein, amino acids, antioxidants, energy sources, hydration and other dietary supplements. The literature review also deals with the wound healing and the nutritious requirements of the older population in U.K. A qualitative research methodology is followed and the paper seeks to draw its conclusions from the vast number of literature reviewed. The study identifies the potential power of nutrition in wound management; however, in-depth researchers are essential for more authentic research outcomes.... Antioxidants: Vitamins and minerals a). Vitamin A b). Vitamin C c). Vitamin E d). Zinc e). Iron f). Copper 4). Energy sources and hydration 2.9. Other Dietary supplements 2.10. Wound healing and the nutritious requirements of the older population in U.K Chapter 3: Methodology Chapter 4: Discussion and Analysis 4.1. Nutrition and Wound Healing among the Older Population in UK 4.2. Role of nurses in wound healing and nutritional assessment Chapter 5: Conclusions/Recommendations References Appendices 1. Appendix 1: Nutrient Impacts on the Phases of Wound Healing 2. Appendix 2: Post-surgery or Trauma Protocol 3. Appendix 3: Role of key nutrients in tissue viability and wound healing 4. Appendix 4: Consequences of malnutrition 5. Appendix 5: Principles of Wound Care 6. Appendix 6: Daily food choices 7. Appendix 7: Guidelines for nutrition 8. Appendix 8: Grading of Wounds 2 5-8 6 6 7 9-30 9 10 11 14 16 16 17 19 29 30 33 34-39 35 39 43 46-52 53-61 53 54 55 57 58 59 60 61 Chapter 1: Introduc tion Wound management has become a significant health care issue and researches have pinpointed that nutrition plays a dominant role in wound healing and wound care practices. It has been identified that poor nutrition before and after the wound adversely affect the wound healing process. The morbidity and mortality rates associated with wound healing can be brought down only through maintaining effective nutritional health of the patients. It is therefore imperative that health care professional including nurses realize the relationship between nutrition and wound healing and that they are specially trained to implement nutritional support to promote timely wound healing. Chronic wounds pose great threat to the health care system of the nation and therefore it is imperative that

Effect Disorders Have on Adult Neurogenesis Research Paper

Effect Disorders Have on Adult Neurogenesis - Research Paper Example Therefore, neurogenesis normally leads to production of new neuronal cells that serves to provide an additional stock of plasticity to allow the adult brain to adapt to changing environmental cues. This in the end provides the possibility of making stable modifications between the existing neuronal network and its cognitive and emotional functions. Winer, Kohl and Hage present that the generation as well as cell death of a cell of a newly generated tissue, plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of the brain of both adults and embryos. Consequently, any alterations in such processes are normally seen in the presence of a neurodegenerative disease. There are a number of such diseases that that tend to interfere with the proper functioning of the brain and other associated neurological functions. These diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy and Depression. This paper seeks to analyze the various effects of that these disorders have on adult neurology. Moreover, the precise effect of each of these disorders will also be highlighted with particular interest on the specific part of the brain the disorders tend to affect. According to Scharfman, in the adult brain neurogenesis usually occurs in three distinct areas, the subventricular zone, the olfactory bulb and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Winer, Kohl and Gage document that disorders that tend to interfere with the proper neurological functioning of the adult brain, are associated with certain genes that play a great part in the development of the disorders. Some of these genes include presenilin, and alpha-synuclein. They tend to have some psychological effect in the modulation of the plasticity of the brain especially on protein membranes and areas with a high concentration of synapses. Additionally, the alpha-synuclein gene also tend to interfere with the synthesis of dopamine, whose synthesis, metabolism, subsequent release or

Argumentative Research Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Argumentative Research Report - Essay Example One of the strong arguments for legalization of drugs stems from the inadmissibility of the continuation of the current state of affairs, when hundreds of thousands of people are arrested every year and kept behind bars for possession of illegal substances for personal usage, and not for sale (Inciardi, 2005, p.133). At the same time, realistically looking at things we have to confess that even under such a harsh regime there has not occurred a significant reduction in drugs use, and there seems to be no perspective for such reduction at all, because for many people drugs offer a much valued ability to escape from the unpleasant aspects of our reality. Thus, the measures of prosecution and compulsory rehabilitation of drugs addicts substitutes one evil for another as they only add to the unhappiness of people who depend on drugs by intensifying in them an atmosphere of psychological tension that may actually contribute to the drug-oriented behavior and addiction (Zimmer and Morgan, 2 001, p. 36). Moreover, the illegal status of drugs is the single greatest boon for the criminal narco-mafia, which has become a proper symbol of evil to be fought with, and which is in fact interested in the prevention of legalization of drugs. Considering the above-mentioned, we may infer on sound grounds that the current state of affairs regarding policies towards drugs abuse are often based on superficial understanding of the essence of the phenomenon they are aimed against, so they often lead to ineffective and even damaging consequences. In fact, experiments with prohibition are definitely well known for the United States, one has just to recollect the 18th Amendment that in 1919 outlawed the production and sale of alcoholic drinks. Needless to remind that criminal activity surged, and health of now illegal drinkers was threatened by illegal alcohol of dubious quality (Haynes and Harding 2004, pp. 262-278). Besides, efforts

The Importance of Wound Healing in Relation to Nutrition Dissertation

The Importance of Wound Healing in Relation to Nutrition - Dissertation Example This research will begin with the statement that the relationship between nutrition and wound healing has long been established by many researchers and scholars. The potential power of various nutrients (protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, energy sources, and hydration) to accelerate or impede wound management has attracted the attention of the healthcare industry. It is therefore essential to know the potential impacts of these nutrients in the wound healing process. This paper seeks to explore how far nutrition or nutrition supplementation contributes to effective wound healing especially among the older population in U.K who are found to be vulnerable towards chronic wounds and nutrition deficiency. The introduction unearths the purpose of the research, reveals the scope and significance of the topic and states the research questions. The literature review of the paper addresses the various factors preventing wound healing, nutritional support in wound healing, phases of wou nd healing, the list of nutrients that consist of protein, amino acids, antioxidants, energy sources, hydration and other dietary supplements. The literature review also deals with the wound healing and the nutritious requirements of the older population in U.K. A qualitative research methodology is followed and the paper seeks to draw its conclusions from the vast number of literature reviewed. The study identifies the potential power of nutrition in wound management; however, in-depth researchers are essential for more authentic research outcomes.... Antioxidants: Vitamins and minerals a). Vitamin A b). Vitamin C c). Vitamin E d). Zinc e). Iron f). Copper 4). Energy sources and hydration 2.9. Other Dietary supplements 2.10. Wound healing and the nutritious requirements of the older population in U.K Chapter 3: Methodology Chapter 4: Discussion and Analysis 4.1. Nutrition and Wound Healing among the Older Population in UK 4.2. Role of nurses in wound healing and nutritional assessment Chapter 5: Conclusions/Recommendations References Appendices 1. Appendix 1: Nutrient Impacts on the Phases of Wound Healing 2. Appendix 2: Post-surgery or Trauma Protocol 3. Appendix 3: Role of key nutrients in tissue viability and wound healing 4. Appendix 4: Consequences of malnutrition 5. Appendix 5: Principles of Wound Care 6. Appendix 6: Daily food choices 7. Appendix 7: Guidelines for nutrition 8. Appendix 8: Grading of Wounds 2 5-8 6 6 7 9-30 9 10 11 14 16 16 17 19 29 30 33 34-39 35 39 43 46-52 53-61 53 54 55 57 58 59 60 61 Chapter 1: Introduc tion Wound management has become a significant health care issue and researches have pinpointed that nutrition plays a dominant role in wound healing and wound care practices. It has been identified that poor nutrition before and after the wound adversely affect the wound healing process. The morbidity and mortality rates associated with wound healing can be brought down only through maintaining effective nutritional health of the patients. It is therefore imperative that health care professional including nurses realize the relationship between nutrition and wound healing and that they are specially trained to implement nutritional support to promote timely wound healing. Chronic wounds pose great threat to the health care system of the nation and therefore it is imperative that

Argumentative Research Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Argumentative Research Report - Essay Example One of the strong arguments for legalization of drugs stems from the inadmissibility of the continuation of the current state of affairs, when hundreds of thousands of people are arrested every year and kept behind bars for possession of illegal substances for personal usage, and not for sale (Inciardi, 2005, p.133). At the same time, realistically looking at things we have to confess that even under such a harsh regime there has not occurred a significant reduction in drugs use, and there seems to be no perspective for such reduction at all, because for many people drugs offer a much valued ability to escape from the unpleasant aspects of our reality. Thus, the measures of prosecution and compulsory rehabilitation of drugs addicts substitutes one evil for another as they only add to the unhappiness of people who depend on drugs by intensifying in them an atmosphere of psychological tension that may actually contribute to the drug-oriented behavior and addiction (Zimmer and Morgan, 2 001, p. 36). Moreover, the illegal status of drugs is the single greatest boon for the criminal narco-mafia, which has become a proper symbol of evil to be fought with, and which is in fact interested in the prevention of legalization of drugs. Considering the above-mentioned, we may infer on sound grounds that the current state of affairs regarding policies towards drugs abuse are often based on superficial understanding of the essence of the phenomenon they are aimed against, so they often lead to ineffective and even damaging consequences. In fact, experiments with prohibition are definitely well known for the United States, one has just to recollect the 18th Amendment that in 1919 outlawed the production and sale of alcoholic drinks. Needless to remind that criminal activity surged, and health of now illegal drinkers was threatened by illegal alcohol of dubious quality (Haynes and Harding 2004, pp. 262-278). Besides, efforts

Nobel prize Essay Example for Free

Nobel prize Essay The study of economics is a science. And like all sciences, it is firmly based upon the scientific method. It is important to remember this concept in the paper as it would be discussing implications of a paradigm shift in economics towards new schools of thought and applications of various methodologies. Economics, being a science, through trial and error and the application of the said scientific method, has evolved over the years since its original inception and has even garnered a certain place in the Nobel prize awards. Also, since the original conceptions of the early theories of economics which have been formulated by Smith, Ricardo, and Marshall, economics has come a long way and has integrated many discussions that belonged originally to other related disciplines and fields and employed its use under its own wing. However, as many have pointed out and as is becoming evident especially in todays modern age of financial crisis and market crashes, the science and discipline needs a new paradigm shift with respect to its application, understanding, and even methodological processes. Recently, BusinessWeek has published a story regarding the current failure of economists to not only predict the current financial crisis in the United States and the global economy, but also were not able to solve these issues using existing tools in economics. The disciplined then faces the question of whether or not economics needs a new paradigm shift. The objective of this paper is to explain, through analysis and understanding the basic frameworks of economics and how they work, why economics does not need a paradigm shift. In order to do this, the paper would be approaching the problem by understanding modern microeconomic and macro economic theory. It would also be the objective of this paper to understand the various anomalies on why such recent commentary has been made on the science and what are the probable ways in order to integrate such anomalies into the discipline in modern times. Towards the end of this paper, it is the hope that the reader is convinced that the science does not need a paradigm shift but rather merely needs to integrate such new problems into the current paradigm and framework in approaching the discipline and the problems that it tries to address. From the realm and point of view of microeconomics, there are various essential founding concepts that eventually launch into the more complicated discussions under microeconomics. Recent cutting edge microeconomic studies focus on game theory, simultaneous equilibria methods for consumers and producers, and even quantification of human behavior. In fact, if the paper was to summarize all recent activity under the academic wing and discussion of microeconomics, it would fill volumes and volumes of pages. However, what is important for the reader to realize is that even the most complicated microeconomic theories involving long mathematical equations and difficult matrix solutions are basically captured and can be derived from its founding theories such as utility maximization, the theory of consumer behavior, and understanding of perfect markets. Again, however, many have commented that the basic precepts that revolve around these founding microeconomic theories eventually produce anomalies that might as well create a new paradigm for approaching economic analysis because such founding theories do not actually reflect in the real world. Let us first take for example the discussions of utility maximization. The demand and supply framework which is the basic foundation of economics could be further distilled to understanding utility theory and the way consumers and producers are able to meet in the market by maximizing the levels of their happiness. In utility theory, there is the marginal utility curve which is a locus of points comparing the trade-off advantages and disadvantages between two goods any given set up. The tangency of this utility curve with a budget line of consumers eventually dictate areas which they choose to consume. Basically, standard utility theory in economics has the underlying principle and essential nature of perfect consumer rationality and consumer choice. Recently, however, social scientists, and even economists in some schools of thought, have pointed out that consumers are far from rational and could not conceivably draw a perfect utility curve that becomes the basic foundation for microeconomics. As such anomaly and arguments have pointed out, studies have reflected that consumers in the real world do not reflect perfect rationality because of the inability of human beings to perfectly compute various opportunity cost trade-offs simultaneously considering other variables. Furthermore, critics of utility theory have pointed out that the assumption of all things held constant that is ever so important in constructing basic microeconomic consumer choice is not actually applicable in real world situations. Therefore, as these detractors of modern economic theory point out, there must be a paradigm shift in the discipline.

Biomechanical Differences: Male and Female Marathon Runner

Biomechanical Differences: Male and Female Marathon Runner More than by brain size or tool-making ability, the human species was set apart from its ancestors by the ability to jog mile after lung-stabbing mile with greater endurance than any other primate. The introductory quotation (Hotz, 2004) simply, yet vividly, expresses the results of a recent study completed by two American scientists, Dennis Bramble and Daniel Lieberman, and released in the journal Nature(2004). Bramble and Lieberman contend that the ability to run long distances was the driving force shaping the modern human anatomy.Hotz’s characterization of early humans as marathon men and women from the tips of their distinctively short toes and long Achilles tendons to the tops of their biomechanically balanced heads (emphasis added) sets the backdrop for this essay—an exploration of the biomechanical differences between male and female marathon runners. After a few additional historical comments, this essay opens with a presentation of anatomical differences between men and women with specific reference to running then continues with definitions and descriptions of the term marathon, as a form of organized running sport, and definitions for the term biomechanics in preparation for a discussion of how the field of biomechanics is applied to running. With this information as a foundation, the objective and scope will be articulated followed by presentation of previous methods and findings revealed from a search of the literature on the topic of biomechanical differences between male and female marathon runners and closely-related topics. These findings will be discussed and conclusions drawn. Finally, recommendations for further research will be presented. To return briefly to the research findings of Bramble, a paleontologist and biomechanics expert, and Lieberman, a physical anthropologist, to continue setting the backdrop for the essay, Bramble states: Running made us human, at least in an anatomical sense. We think running is one of the most transforming events in human history (Chui, 2004). Endurance running is an activity that is reserved for humans in the primate world and not common in other mammals with the exception of dogs, horses and a few others. Bramble and Lieberman contend that running permitted humans to scavenge and hunt for food over significant distances and that the high protein food they secured was instrumental in developing larger brains (Wilford, 2004). To facilitate running, humans developed several traits including large buttocks with strong muscles which connect the femur to the trunk of the body preventing the body from over-balancing with each step. In addition, humans have a lengthy arm-swinging stride and [l]ong ligaments and tendons—including the Achilles tendon—[which] serve as springs that store and release mechanical energy during running.(Hotz, 2004). Bramble’s reference to today’s running in the evolutionary context he and Lieberman established provides an appropriate introduction to the exploration of the biomechanical differences between male and female marathon runners (Wilford, 2004): Today, endurance running is primarily a form of exercise and recreation, but its roots may be as ancient as the origin of the human genus. The description of anatomical differences between men and women,which is focused on anatomical features that are involved in running,begins with a gender-neutral discussion to establish a foundation for the more gender-specific information. Rossi (2003) emphasizes the complexity of walking, a precursor torunning. He writes that half of the 650 muscles and tendons in thehuman body are involved in what most people consider to be the simpleact of walking. He suggests that, in the evolution of the human body,there were hundreds of adaptations that had to take place,adaptations that required repositioning of everything in the bodyover several million years. Rossi writes: The arms, no longer needed for branch swinging, became shorter, thelegs longer, the pelvis wider, the shoulders narrower, the neck longerand more slender, the spine changed from C-shape to S-shape. Majorchanges were required in the hip, knee and ankle joints. Hundreds ofmuscles, tendons, ligaments and joints gradually shifted in position,size and function. And of course, the new posture and gait requiredimportant changes in the size and position of all the organs of thechest and abdomen. Rossi suggests that some of these changes were extremely significantfrom a biomechanical perspective. For instance, he calls attention tothe blood pumping requirement of the upright human form: Daily in eachindividual, approximately 74,000 quarts of blood must travel through100,000 miles of blood vessels from the brain to the feet and legs in acircular pattern. Rossi emphasizes the human engineering challengethat was required to design a system that would counteract the effectsof gravity in moving blood vertically in this manner. Rossi’s commentsare particularly important in the context of the current discoursebecause they provide some insight into the current state of relevantanatomical features of today’s runners and how those features werederived. The anatomy of humans, unlike that of other living creatures,provides for speed and endurance. The unique characteristics related torunning include (Science in Africa, 2005, citing University of Utah Public Relations, 2004): †¢ Skull features. These features, which include sweating from the scalp and face, cool the blood. †¢ A balanced head. This shape of head with a relatively flat face,small teeth, and short snout moves the center of the mass backwardwhich helps to counter the effects of moving upward and downward duringrunning. †¢ A ligament running from the rear of the skill and neck downward tothe thoracic vertebrae. This feature serves as a shock absorber thataids the arms and shoulders in counterbalancing the head during runningactivity. †¢ Shoulders decoupled from the head and neck. This feature allowsrotation of the body while the head faces forward during running. †¢ A tall body. This feature, which includes a narrow trunk, waistand pelvis, provides for increased skin surface allowing for enhancedbody cooling and permits the upper and lower body segments to moveindependently. †¢ Short forearms. This feature permits the upper body to act as acounterbalance to the lower body during running activity while reducingthe muscle power required for maintaining flexed arms. †¢ Large vertebrae and disks. This feature permits the human back to accepted heavier loads when runners impact the ground. †¢ Large, strong connection between the pelvis and the spine. Thisfeature supports more stability and shock absorbing capacity duringrunning activity. †¢ Large buttocks. This feature, and the muscles that form it,stabilize the body during running activity. The connection of thesemuscles to the femur prevents the body from pitching forward. †¢ Long legs. This feature allows humans to take large strides duringrunning activity. The tendons and ligaments permit the legs to belighter and less muscular thereby requiring a smaller amount of energyto propel them while running. †¢ Large hip, knee, and ankle joint surface areas. These featuresprovide enhanced shock absorption by reducing the impact in any onespecific area. †¢ Arrangement of bones in the foot. This feature provides for a morerigid foot by creating a stable arch, allowing runners to push off in amore efficient manner and to use ligaments located on the bottom of thefeet as springs. †¢ Large heel bone, short toes, and a big toe. These features providefor enhanced shock absorption and increased capacity to push off duringrunning activity. With the running-related anatomical features applicable to allhumans as a foundation, the focus now turns to the differences inanatomical features between men and women, specifically those featuresthat are involved in running activity. Holschen (2004) writes that,until puberty, males and females are equal in terms of strength,aerobic power, heart size, and weight; they also have similar amountsof body fat. Starting at puberty, according to Holschen (2004), male and female sexhormones begin affecting bone and lean body mass, circulation, andmetabolism in different ways. A female typically has a wider pelvis,femoral anteversion (inward twisting of the femur), genu valgum (kneestouch but ankles are separated), and external tibial torsion (feet donot line up in a straight manner because of out-toeing from outwardrotation of the large calf bone). Center of gravity differences betweenmen and women are minimal, correlating more by body type and heightthan with gender. (Atwater, 1985, cited in Holschen, 2004). Whencompared with males, females typically have smaller bones accompaniedby smaller articular surfaces. They also have proportionately shorterlegs with resulting decreased potential force in certain maneuvers.(Holschen, 2004). At puberty, girls gain both fat and lean muscle mass due to theinfluence of female hormones; boys lose body fat and add muscle massdue to the influence of male hormones (Holschen, 2004). Women inadulthood have about ten percent more body fat than do their malecounterparts (Greydanus, D. and Patel, D., 2002, cited in Holschen,2004). The basal metabolic rate is approximately ten percent lower inwomen than in men. The presence of female hormones mandates that womenrely more on fat metabolism at any given exercise level when comparedto men. In addition, glycogen uptake, storage, and use are increased.(Holschen, 2004, citing Bonekat, H. W. et al., 1987; Dombovy, M. L. etal., 1987; Frankovich, R. J. and Lebrun, C. M., 2000; Nicklas, B. J. etal., 1989; Tarnopolsky, L. J., 1990) Cureton and associates (1988,cited in Holschen, 2004) attribute the differences in muscle strengthbetween men and woman to skeletal and cardiac muscular hypertrophy andmuscle mass percentage; they contend that muscle mass in men is fortypercent compared to twenty-three percent in women. Changes in body composition and circulatory capacity beginning atpuberty result in approximately twenty percent highercardio-respiratory capacity in men. Men also have comparatively higheroxygen-carrying capacity, larger heart and lung mass, a higher strokevolume, and higher maximal cardiac output which result in greatereffectiveness in aerobic and anaerobic activities, although trainingcan overcome the inherent differences (Williford, H. N. et al., 1993,cited in Holschen, 2004). The results of the current research point to fundamental anatomicaldifferences between men and woman, differences that largely begin toappear during puberty and which have some bearing on runningcapability. The term running can be defined as [moving] swiftly on foot sothat both feet leave the ground during each stride (American HeritageDictionary of the English Language, 2000). The research by Bramble andLieberman (2004, cited in Nature, 2004), which was presented earlier,seems to indicate that running has been part of human existence sinceits beginnings and, in fact, contributed significantly to developmentof human life today. Humans no longer require running for survival, atleast in their normal affairs; that is, typically, humans do not haveto run from danger or run in pursuit of animals to kill for food. Inmodern times, running has taken on a new form—competition foot racing.This competition racing can be against oneself to achieve one’s ownpersonal best or with others. Racing against others can take manyforms ranging from informal competitions between two young friendsracing against one another on a playground to very formal competitionssuch as those in the quadrennia l Olympics. The more formal runningcompetitions are typically classified by the length of the run: 100,200, 400, 800, 1500, 5000, and 10000 meters as well as marathons(Dollman, 2003). There are many terms that refer to specific forms of foot racing: run,dash, sprint, relay, meet, competitive trial of speed, footrace, andmarathon (Webster’s New World Thesaurus, 1997). Of these, the termsdash and sprint are typically used interchangeably to describe ashort, fast run or race (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 1988) or ashort, swift movement (Webster’s New World Thesaurus, 1997). Organizeddashes and sprints are commonly of 50 meters, 100 meters, 200 meters,50 yards, 100 yards, and 200 yards in length (Webster’s New WorldThesaurus, 1997). Marathons are a form of long-distance running, whichare on- and off-the-track competitions of more than 3000 meters (Hlus,1997). Specifically, a marathon is a footrace of 42 kilometers, 195meters (26 miles, 385 yards) run over an open course, or anylong-distance or endurance contest People who compete in marathons arecalled marathoners (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 1998).Physiologically, there is a fundamental difference between a sprint ordash and a marathon. According to Pritchard (1994), A sprinter canexert maximum force throughout the run, but this is not possible forlonger runs, where propulsive force must be reduced to match energyavailability. Historically, marathons are not new events. According to legend, thename marathon is derived from the Greek city, Marathon, to commemoratePheidippides’s run from that city to Athens to announce Greek victoryover the Persians. The marathon was introduced to the Olympics in 1896and today’s official distance was established in 1908. (Hlus, 1997; TheColumbia Encyclopedia, 2005) Today, in addition to marathon races inthe Olympics, many cities throughout the world serve as sites forannual or other periodic marathons (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 2005). A new form of marathon race has recently taken form—the ultramarathon,which is any organized footrace extending beyond the standard marathonrunning distance of 42 kilometers, 195 meters†¦[they] typically begin at 50 kilometers and extend to enormous distances (Blaikie, n. d.).Standard distances for ultramarathons are 50 and 100 kilometers and 50and 100 miles (Meyers, 2002) with the longest certified race being theSri Chinmoy, a 2092 kilometer race held annually in New York (Blaikie,n. d.). The research produced numerous and varied definitions for the termbiomechanics. The following are representative of the findings: †¢ The study of the mechanics of a living body, especially of theforces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure. (TheAmerican Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 2000). †¢ [The] application of mechanical engineering principles andtechniques in the field of medicine and surgery, studying naturalstructures to improve those produced by humans (The HutchinsonEncyclopedia, 2003). †¢ [A] science examining the forces acting upon and within a biologicalstructure, and the effects produced by those forces (The University ofCalgary, n. d.). †¢ [T]he science that deals with forces and their effects, applied to biological systems (Freivalds, 2004). †¢ [T]he application of the principles and techniques of mechanics to the human body in motion (Snowden, 2001). †¢ Biomechanics is a specific field which evaluates the motion of aliving organism†¦and the actions of forces on that organism†¦acombination of several different areas of study [including] anatomy andphysiology, kinematics (the study of motion without regard to itscauses), kinesiology (the study of human movement) and kinetics (thestudy of forces acting on a system) (National Endurance SportsTrainers Association, 2005). In furnishing a definition for biomechanics, the Quintic ConsultancyLtd. (2005) provides some additional insight into the origin anddetails of the term, stating that the name is derived from the Greekbios meaning life and mekhaniki meaning mechanics, adding that theseindividual terms are combined to mean the mechanics of life forms.The biomechanics discipline includes research into various life formsincluding plants, insects, reptiles, birds, fish, humans, and others.Within the human specialty, topics include mechanics of bone, tooth,muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage, skin, prostheses, blood flow, airflow, eye movement, joint movement [and] whole body movement (TheQuintic Consultancy Ltd., 2005). Historically, according to Knudson (2003), the study of humanbiomechanics has alternated between emphasizing each of its twocomponents—the biological and the mechanical. Atwater (1980, cited inKnudson, 2003) claims that, during the first half of the twentiethcentury, scholars emphasized medicine and anatomy under the termkinesiology. The distinct field of biomechanics was born from the workof biomechanists in the 1960s and 1970s. From that point the fieldbegan to emphasize mechanics over biology. Today, the competing forcesto move the discipline either toward a biological emphasis or toward amechanical emphasis continue (Knudson, 2003). The field of biomechanics, already narrowed in a previous sectionfrom consideration of all life forms to only humans for the purpose ofthis essay, can be focused even further to a sub-field called sportsbiomechanics (The Quintic Consultancy Ltd., 2005): Sports biomechanics uses the scientific methods of mechanics tostudy the effects of various forces on the sports performer. It isconcerned, in particular, with the forces that act on the humanneuromusculoskeletal system, velocities, accelerations, torque,momentum, and inertia. It also considers aspects of the behavior ofsports implements, footwear and surfaces where these affect athleticperformance or injury prevention. Sports biomechanics can be divided upinto two sections: performance improvement [and] injury prevention. The Australian Sports Commission (n. d.) furnishes additionaldescriptive information on the application of biomechanics to sports,using a term the Commission calls applied sports biomechanics whichincorporates techniques from physics, human anatomy, mathematics,computing and engineering to analyse technique to prevent injury andimprove performance. The Commission’s division of sports biomechanicsinto two categories—performance improvement and injuryprevention—echoes the classifications offered by The QuinticConsultancy Ltd. Williams (2003) describes how biomechanics can help runnerperformance, specifically that of the marathoner. Leading into hisrecommendations, he describes how marathon runners use a simplebiomechanical strategy known as drafting off another runner whenrunning into the wind to reduce the adverse effects of air resistanceand reduce oxygen consumption for the latter part of the race. Hewrites: The goal of the sport biomechanist is to improve movement efficiency,mainly by maximizing propulsive forces and minimizing resistive forces,and thus provide the athlete with a mechanical edge. Using high-speedcinematography, the biomechanist can analyze a runner’s form and detectproblems in running form that may be inefficient, such as overstriding,and that may waste energy. Although most elite and experiencedmarathoners have developed efficient running styles, even a smallimprovement in running efficiency may make a significant differenceover the duration of a marathon. In addition to the strategy of drafting off another runner,Williams offers several other biomechanical strategies includingselecting the proper sportswear (i.e. uniform and shoes) and optimizingbody weight and composition. Thus far the topics of anatomical differences between men and womenwith specific reference to running; definitions and descriptions of theterms marathon (as an organized, competitive form of running) andbiomechanics; and the application of biomechanics to running have beenpresented and discussed. With this as a foundation, the focus of thediscourse now turns to the topic of biomechanical differences betweenmale and female marathon runners and closely-related topics. The objective of this portion of the essay will be to explore thebiomechanical differences between male and female marathon runnersthrough a review and analysis of selected literature on the topic andrelated issues. The scope of the literature review will include marathon running withspecific reference to available information on the differences betweenmales and females. Although running of shorter distances (e.g. sprintsand dashes) and longer distances (e.g. ultramarathons) as well as othersports activities are excluded from the specific scope of this essay,references will be made to these activities when they related tomarathon running. Performance improvement and injury prevention werementioned as the two primary areas addressed by applied sportsbiomechanics. Gender-specific issues in each of these areas will beexplored briefly as well. REVIEW OF EXISTING RESEARCH ON METHODS AND FINDINGS One researcher who has studied gender differences in enduranceperformance, including marathon running, is Stephen Seiler (1996) ofThe Institute for Sport, Agder College in Kristianstad, Norway. Hewrites: Some years ago it was proposed by some that women wouldactually perform better [than men] at ultra-endurance type activities.This theory has been disproved in the laboratory and in practice. Aslong as women are women, I don’t think they will surpass men, statesNorways perennial marathon winner Grete Waitz (quoted in Holden,2004). The anatomical differences between females and their malecounterparts, specifically those that affect running, were presented inthe introduction. Now an attempt will be made to show that the generalanatomical differences between men and women extend to biomechanicaldifferences that affect marathon running performance and injury. Holschen (2004) writes that [T]he female athlete remains less wellunderstood and less well studied compared with male athletes,especially in the areas of performance factors, repetitive stress, andacute injuries. She continues: Logical reasons for this include: (a)a limited two-generation span of the high-profile elite female; (b)fewer females involved in coaching, research, and sports medicine; and(c) limited areas of female youth sports historically (gymnastics,swimming, dance). The reality of Holschen’s findings proved to be truein the current research activity. There were remarkably few availablesources on the biomechanics involved in women’s marathon running. Mostof the research either applied to males or did not identify the gender.Results from a review of selected research literature will be presentedin this section beginning with gender-differentiated research resultson running performance. Following this, results of research into thetwo applied sports biomechan ics specialties will be presented with afocus on studies concerning footwear and injuries. Holden (2004) writes about performance in running with specialattention to female runners. She quotes physiologist Henrik Larsen ofthe Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre in explaining women’s marathonperformance vis-à  -vis men: Women had not developed long distance;that’s why the improvement is much greater on the marathon. Larsen,who seems to attribute the performance improvements of femalemarathoners to focused training instead of anatomic factors, claimsthat [w]e don’t see any higher oxidative capacity in women. Holdenalso offers comments by exercise physiologist Timothy Noakes of theUniversity of Cape Town, South Africa who agrees with Larsen’sassessment: A smaller body frame gives women an edge on endurance†¦butmen can run 10% faster even when the difference in body size iscontrolled for. Stephen Seiler (1996), who was quoted at the start of this sectionstating that the proposal that women could perform better inultra-endurance activities has been disproved, confirms that there aresome physiological differences between the sexes that impactperformance in females independent of age. He notes that there is aten percent difference in marathon times between men and women, addingthat this difference is the same across the distance runningperformance spectrum. He attributes this difference, not to adifference in training, but to physiological differences. He studiedmaximal oxygen consumption, the lactate threshold, and efficiency toanalyze the differences between men and women as these factors mightaffect long-distance running performance: †¢ Maximal Oxygen Consumption. There is a 43 percent differencebetween men and women with men possessing a VO2 max (oxygen-deliveringcapacity measure) of 3.5 liters per minute and women with a capacity of2.0 liters per minute. Seiler attributes this in part to male size; menare larger. But, even when size is factored in, male oxygen consumptioncapacity is still fifteen to twenty percent higher. Males have agreater capacity to deliver oxygen to their muscles and organs. †¢ The Lactate Threshold. This is the point at which lactic acidbegins to accumulate at higher than normal levels in the blood streamindicating an exercise intensity boundary at which the level ofintensity can be maintained over a long period and that which willresult in quick fatigue. Seiler does not believe that lactatethresholds are different for men and women as a percentage of their VO2max. †¢ Efficiency. After finding conflicting information comparing theefficiency of males and females—revealing that females are lessefficient, more efficient, or the same as males in terms ofefficiency—Seiler believes that differences in efficiency do notaccount for the differences in endurance performance. Seiler concludes with his determination that the ten percentperformance difference between men and women in endurance running canbe attributed to the first of the three physiological factors hestudied—maximal oxygen consumption. Another researcher who explored gender differences in athletics,and especially in endurance events, is Dollman (2003). Citing Shepard(2000), Dollman writes that there is consistent evidence, based onobservations, that males possess larger measures of the following(quoted): †¢ Heart volume, even when corrected for stature. †¢ Haematocrit, which gives males a 13 percent greater oxygen-carrying capacity than females. †¢ Plasma volume. †¢ Total muscle mass, which means that females perform the sameabsolute task at a higher percentage of maximum voluntary contraction,with concomitant vascular impedance limiting cardiac ejection and peakcardiac output. In addition, male skeletal muscles may have a higher succinatedehydrogenase (an integral membrane protein) concentration (Dollman,2003, citing Costill, et al., 1987). Males may produce bettermechanical efficiency during running (Dollman, 2003, citing Miura,1997) although this is arguable as it may be rooted in cultural origins(Dollman, 2003, citing Shepard, 2000). Now attention will turn briefly to a review of selected researchinto the two primary application areas addressed by applied sportsbiomechanics: running performance and injuries. Regarding performance,footwear will be discussed followed by a presentation of selectedfindings on research into injuries. Gender issues will be introduced. Lipsky (2001, citing Hennig, 2001) presented research findings ongender-specific requirements for athletic footwear designed forrunning. The research experiment involved fifteen women and seventeenmen of the same body weights, heights, and ages. Each subject wore thesame shoe size and each tested five types of shoes which included threestyles of men’s shoes and two styles for women. Using Kistler forceplatforms at a set velocity, ground force reactions, tibialacceleration, angular foot motion, and plantar pressures at eightstrategic locations on the foot were measured. According to Lipsky, theexperiment revealed that none of the variables demonstrated asignificant interaction among gender and footwear type meaning, Lipskycontends, that women had the same biomechanical dilemmas in men’sshoes as they did in their own footwear. Despite similarity in thetest subjects’ weight and other factors, men exhibited higher pressurerates in all regions of the foot. Men had sig nificantly higher heelloads, but less midfoot loads, indicating that the arches of women donot support the middle of their feet. According to Lipsky, theseresults support the conclusions that women have a stronger collapse ofthe longitudinal arch†¦during weight bearing and have an increasedtendency of pronation and the smaller amount of pressure to theground. The recommendation from this study is that women should selectrunning shoes that protect against overpronation. This, according toLipsky, will help prevent knee injuries. Bartold (2004) adds to the literature on the differences inrequirements for athletic shoes for men and women. He claims thatrunning footwear is largely designed and manufactured for malerunners, making little recognition that women have significant injuryissues compared to men. Although Bartold acknowledges that reasons forinjuries are not scientifically established, he indicates thatproposals have been made that known differences in structure maypredispose female athletes to differences in running mechanics, andthese differences may lead to specific injuries, continuing by statingthat [a]necdotally, we have excellent evidence [that] the particularbiomechanics of female athletes and the way they run predisposes themto specific injury patterns. With regard to injuries, Parfit (1994) compared running injuries ofmiddle distance runners and marathon runners, concluding that thelatter incur more injuries when compared to the former (approximatelyeighty-two percent for middle distance runners compared to ninety-sevenpercent for marathoners). Acknowledging validity questions due to smallrunner populations studied and lack of injury definitions, Parfit foundthat whilst marathon runners suffered from back problems and hipailments, middle distance runners were more susceptible to kneeproblems, stress fractures, and shin splints. Certain types of knee, shoulder and back injuries are more commonin females and can in part be attributed to differences in body shapeand biomechanics, reports Glasgow, Scotland’s Daily Record (2004).Taunton et al. (2002) found that there were significant differencesbetween running injuries incurred by men and women. According to thisstudy, knee injuries seemed to be the most common injury in both sexeswith men experiencing higher incidences of the following injuries (thefirst percentage shown in parenthesis is for men; the second forwomen): †¢ plantar fasciitis, an injury to the fascia connective tissue on the bottom of the foot (54%/46%); †¢ meniscal injury, a condition in the knee cartilage that acts ascushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) (69%/31%); †¢ patellar tendinopathy, a rupture in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia (57%/43%); †¢ Achilles tendinopathy, tendon pain or dysfunction in the muscle that connects the calf to the heel of the foot (58%/42%); †¢ gastrocnemius injury, a condition in the largest, most prominentmuscle in the calf which allows for extending the foot and bending theknee (70%/30%); †¢ adductor injury, a condition, such as a tear, in the muscle in the inner thigh (68%/32%); and †¢ osteoarthritis of the knee, a degenerative joint diseasecharacterized by breakdown of the articular cartilage in the joint(71%/29%). The study by Taunton et al. (2002) revealed that women experiencedhigher incidences of the following running injuries (the firstpercentage shown in parenthesis is for women; the second for men): †¢ PFPS, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, a pain behind the kneesometimes known as runner’s knee (62%/32%, does not add to 100%); †¢ ITBFS, or iliotibial band friction syndrome, a conditioncharacterized by injury to the thick band of fibrous tissue that runsdown the outside of the leg beginning at the hip and extending to theouter side of the shin bone just below the knee joint (62%/32%, doesnot ad

macbeth as a tragic hero :: essays research papers

Macbeth the Tragic hero <Tab/>"I go, and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it knell that summons thee to heaven, or to hell." This is a quote from Shakespeare's play Macbeth. The quote symbolizes Macbeth turning to the dark side. Macbeth is a historically based play. James I is placed into the play with his distant relationship with Banguo. Macbeth is a tragedy in which human actions have unavoidable consequences, where the characters sins and mistakes are never forgiven or rectified. Every tragedy has a tragic hero in this play Macbeth is the tragic hero. Macbeth is the tragic hero because he has a high station, tragic flaw, and a downfall in which he redeems before his death. <Tab/>Macbeth receives a station as high as king of Scotland. He also obtains title of Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth fought valiantly in the battle against Macdonaldwald and fought him face to face and defeated his army. Macbeth sounds like an honorable and courageous man. Well, he is until he starts to turn to the dark side. <Tab/>The three witches tell him three apparitions the first being beware of Macduff, Second one is no man of woman born shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him. Hearing the apparitions makes Macbeth greedy and overconfident. He believes that he can do as he pleases and will never falter. These two things are Macbeth's tragic flaws. These and other things lead to Macbeth's downfall. <Tab/>Macbeth comes across three witches that greet him in three different ways Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and king here after. Macbeth did not think much of these greetings. Well, until he receives the news from Ross that he has become the Thane of Cawdor. This is where Macbeth's downfall beings to show it's ugly little head. His mind becomes cloudy and begins to focus on how he will obtain the crown. Macbeth later murders Duncan, the king, in his sleep. This action turns Macbeth's downfall in to a rapid decent. Not long thereafter his wife drives herself crazy thinking of Duncan's murder and commits suicide. Macbeth also loses the throne, and his life in the final act. These actions symbolize the completion of his down fall. Even after all his deceit and corruption he still seems to redeem his honor and courage to the audience. <Tab/>Macbeth regains is honor and courage just before his death.