Essay on individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of computing as we know it essays

Essay on individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of computing as we know it essays Essay on individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of computing as we know it Computing, as we know it has developed greatly and rapidly in the last fifty years or so. Many individuals can be said to have contributed to the computer revolution this century, some more than significantly than others. This is assignment will concentrate on a few of these individuals and describe their pioneering achievements along with the circumstances and situations in which they materialised. The person who arguably made the most important contribution to the development of computing was an army radar technician named Douglas Engelbart. Back in 1945, he read Vannevar Bush's article As We May Think, and he had a vision! His vision was that computer-based tools could augment human intellect, thus improving our overall ability to tackle the problems and goals of the individual, and of society. During the 1950's and 60's Douglas Engelbart went on to develop the mouse, many of the features that are found in all GUI's, integrated help systems, electronic mail, teleconferencing, and interactive Hypermedia. In 1963, he set out the conceptual framework for an interactive hypermedia system in a paper entitled, A Conceptual Framework for the Augmentation of Man's Intellect. In 1968, he had completed the NLS (oN Line System), which was the early realisation of Engelbart's concept of an Augmentation System. NLS pioneered many of the features that are now integral to modern online multimedia systems; mouse, windows, e-mail, word processing, and hypertext. To Engelbart, hypertext was quite important to his Augmentation System. That it would allow users to expand the information available to them, facilitate collaborative authoring, and become a critical focus for community, all key elements of the WEB, which is a vital part of modern day computing. An assignment such as this must include some content concerning Bill ...

George Washington Carver, Agricultural Chemist

George Washington Carver, Agricultural Chemist George Washington Carver (January 1, 1864–January 5, 1943) was an agricultural chemist who discovered 300 uses for peanuts as well as hundreds of uses for soybeans, pecans, and sweet potatoes. His work provided a much needed boost to southern farmers who benefited economically from his recipes and improvements to adhesives, axle grease, bleach, buttermilk, chili sauce, fuel briquettes, ink, instant coffee, linoleum, mayonnaise, meat tenderizer, metal polish, paper, plastic, pavement, shaving cream, shoe polish, synthetic rubber, talcum powder, and wood stain. Fast Facts: George Washington Carver Known For: Agricultural chemist who discovered 300 uses for peanuts as well as hundreds of uses for other cropsAlso Known As: The Plant Doctor, The Peanut ManBorn: January 1, 1864  in Diamond, MissouriParents: Giles and Mary CarverDied: January 5, 1943  in Tuskegee, AlabamaEducation: Iowa State University  (BA, 1894; MS, 1896)Published Works: Carver published 44 agricultural bulletins laying out his findings, while at the Tuskegee Institute, as well as numerous articles in peanut industry journals and a syndicated newspaper column, Professor Carvers Advice.Awards and Honors: The George Washington Carver Monument was established in 1943 west of Diamond, Missouri on the plantation where Carver was born. Carver appeared on U.S. commemorative postal stamps in 1948 and 1998, as well as a commemorative half dollar coin minted between 1951 and 1954, and many schools bear his name, as well as two United States military vessels.  Notable Quote: No books ever go into my laboratory. The thing I am to do and the way are revealed to me the moment I am inspired to create something new. Without God to draw aside the curtain, I would be helpless. Only alone can I draw close enough to God to discover His secrets. Early Life Carver was born on Jan. 1, 1864 near Diamond Grove, Missouri on the farm of Moses Carver. He was born into difficult and changing times near the end of the Civil War. The infant Carver and his mother were kidnapped by Confederate night-raiders and possibly sent away to Arkansas. Moses found and reclaimed Carver after the war, but his mother had disappeared forever. The identity of Carvers father remains unknown, although he believed his father was a slave from a neighboring farm. Moses and his wife reared Carver and his brother as their own children. It was on the Moses farm that Carver first fell in love with nature and collected in earnest all manner of rocks and plants, earning him the nickname The Plant Doctor. Education Carver began his formal education at the age of 12, which required him to leave the home of his adopted parents. Schools were segregated by race at that time and schools for black students werent available near Carvers home. He moved to Newton County in southwest Missouri, where he worked as a farmhand and studied in a one-room schoolhouse. He went on to attend Minneapolis High School in Kansas. College entrance was also a struggle because of racial barriers. At the age of 30, Carver gained acceptance to Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, where he was the first black student. Carver studied piano and art but the college did not offer science classes. Intent on a science career, he later transferred to Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) in 1891, where he gained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1894 and a Master of Science degree in bacterial botany and agriculture in 1896. Carver became a member of the faculty of the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanics (he was the first black faculty member at the Iowa college), where he taught classes about soil conservation and chemurgy. Tuskegee Institute In 1897, Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute for Negroes, convinced Carver to come south and serve as the schools director of agriculture, where he remained until his death in 1943. At Tuskegee, Carver developed his crop rotation method, which revolutionized southern agriculture. He educated the farmers on methods to alternate the soil-depleting cotton crops with soil-enriching crops such as peanuts, peas, soybeans, sweet potato, and pecans. Americas economy was heavily dependent upon agriculture during this era, making Carvers achievements very significant. Decades of growing only cotton and tobacco had depleted the southern region of the United States. The economy of the farming South had also been devastated during the Civil War years and by the fact that the cotton and tobacco plantations could no longer use slave labor. Carver convinced southern farmers to follow his suggestions and helped the region to recover. Carver also worked at developing industrial applications from agricultural crops. During World War I, he found a way to replace the textile dyes formerly imported from Europe. He produced dyes of 500 different shades and was responsible for the invention of a process for producing paints and stains from soybeans. For that, he received three separate patents. Later Years and Death After finding fame, Carver toured the nation to promote his findings as well as the importance of agriculture and science in general for the rest of his life. He also wrote a syndicated newspaper column, Professor Carvers Advice, explaining his inventions and other agricultural topics. In 1940, Carver donated his life savings to establish the Carver Research Foundation at Tuskegee for continuing research in agriculture. Carver died on Jan. 5, 1943, at the age of 78 after falling down the stairs at his home. He was buried next to Booker T. Washington on the Tuskegee Institute grounds.   Legacy Carver was widely recognized for his achievements and contributions. He was given an honorary doctorate from Simpson College, named an honorary member of the Royal Society of Arts in London, England, and received the Spingarn Medal given every year by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In 1939, he received the Roosevelt medal for restoring southern agriculture. On July 14, 1943, The George Washington Carver Monument was established west of Diamond, Missouri, on the plantation where Carver was born and lived as a child. President Franklin Roosevelt provided $30,000 for the 210-acre complex, which includes a statue of Carver as well as a nature trail, museum, and cemetery. Additionally, Carver appeared on U.S. commemorative postal stamps in 1948 and 1998, as well as a commemorative half dollar coin minted between 1951 and 1954. Many schools bear his name, as do two United States military vessels. Carver did not patent or profit from most of his products. He freely gave his discoveries to mankind. His work transformed the South from being a one-crop land of cotton to a region of multi-crop farmlands, with farmers having hundreds of profitable uses for their new crops. Perhaps the best summary of his legacy is the epitaph that appears on his gravesite: He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world. Sources â€Å"Distinguished Alumni | Iowa State University Admissions.†Ã‚  Admissions, iastate.edu.â€Å"George Washington Carver.†Ã‚  Biography.com, AE Networks Television, 17 Apr. 2019.â€Å"George Washington Carver Publications from the Tuskegee Institute Bulletin, 1911-1943 3482.†Ã‚  George Washington Carver Publications from the Tuskegee Institute Bulletin, 1911-1943.â€Å"Learn About the Park.†Ã‚  National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.Kettler, Sara. â€Å"7 Facts on George Washington Carver.†Ã‚  Biography.com, AE Networks Television, 12 Apr. 2016.

Late Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine Art Essay

Late Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine Art - Essay Example Galla Placidia passed on in Rome, and irrespective of a long custom to the contrary, it is nothing like she was ever buried in Ravenna. Most likely, she was laid to rest in the Rotunda of St. Petronilla. The Rotunda is acknowledged as to have been the mausoleum of the relatives of Theodosius, and Galla herself. Modern erudite opinion is that Mausoleum of Galla Placidia was constructed as a rhetoric rather than mausoleum. It was uniquely linked to the narthex of the close church of Santa Croce, which is recognized to have been constructed by Galla Placidia so she possibly bespoke the oratory, and it fittingly takes her name, though she was never laid to rest there. The mosaics of Galla Placidia have fascinated millions of visitors from across the world over the centuries (Stokstad 25) The mausoleum of the oratory features a beautiful mosaic of a glittery night sky. The stars over eight hundred of them are set in concentric orbits around a golden Latin cross, with the cryptograms of the Four Evangelists upon the spandrels. The arcs of the side niches have equivalent golden patterns upon a dark background, featuring an assortment of flowers and plants down with additional stars. Next, it is essential to consider that the cross on the catacomb is jutting toward the east instead of being united with the position of the Chapel. This is nearly surely since the Chapel is not aligned to the in harmony with the set up custom, and the decorator partly corrected that by offering the central cross the appropriate alignment. May be the most essential mosaic in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is an early illustration of Christ as the Good Shepherd, situated over the entry upon the north side. The image was common in the Roman vaults of earlier centuries, but there are essentia l advancements to be witnessed in his adaptation. As opposed as to being depicted as an atypical countryman, this Good Shepherd has a

Organization and Organizational Change Assignment

Organization and Organizational Change - Assignment Example With time constraint, management must maximize its time to alleviating the most pressing problems or issues. By identifying the actual performances, management can focus more time on the poor performances. After the poor performances are resolved, management can focus on improving the poor performance activities. Next, the author rightfully observes change management can allocate time to increasing performance outputs. Finally, management can use the remaining time to increase the average-rated activities. Resolving the above average performances, management can now use any possible time to ensuring retention of the best rated performances. Dean Anderson emphasized â€Å"different factors contribute to the change management process† (Anderson 31). The author correctly states that several factors are used in the formulation of the change management decisions. One of the factors is the competitors. When the competitor reduces its selling prices, the other competitors are persuaded to reduce their selling prices. Further, another factor is technology. When the author rightfully insists some competitors introduce new product technologies, all competitors are persuaded to acquire similar or even better product technology. For example, one company offers online booking services to its current and future customers. To retain customers, competitors are persuaded to implement similar online booking or marketing services. Furthermore, the author correctly insists changes in government statutes contribute to responsive change management strategies. For example, some governments require companies to reduce their factory smoke stack emissions. Consequently, management must comply. New government policies may require factory facilities to stop including all ozone layer damaging ingredients in the production process. Professor Robert Paton (51) emphasized â€Å"Companies must do their best to alleviate any resistance.† Some employees dislike learning

Genetically Modified Foods Essay Example for Free

Genetically Modified Foods Essay Technology has been responsible for bringing about some of the most noteworthy accomplishments of recent generations. Medical cures for deadly diseases, the World Wide Web, faster and more efficient travel options, and advanced irrigation systems are just a few of the recent successes which have all resulted from better technology. Like anything, though, technology can be problematic at best and detrimental at worst if not employed properly. One recent use of technology which leaves many conscientious people uncomfortable is genetically modified foods (GMF). These new food sources are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have undergone a molecular level change to their DNA by genetically engineering techniques (Gaskill et al. , 1999). Not everyone is convinced that GMF are a positive use of technology. In fact, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) encouraged all physicians to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM foods when possible and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and health risks† (Edwards, 2013). Many skeptics are concerned with the product’s health risks and environmental impact, along with the repercussions for local farmers, particularly those operating in developing countries. Nearly everyone is affected by GMF in one way or another, but some groups of people are more directly affected than others. They include local farmers, food manufacturers, food purchasers, environmentalists/ conservationists, and government agencies. Due to insufficient scientific data concerning the safety of GMF, and the possible catastrophic consequences resulting from the development and use of this product, they should be highly monitored by government agencies and immediately banned in order to protect the public at large. James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 4 Some studies have shown that GMF are potentially hazardous to consumers, especially children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Many scientists and healthcare professionals argue that GMF are a major contributor to the deteriorating health of people worldwide and possibly even a carcinogen (Edwards, 2013). An increase in blood pressure and heart disease is linked to the consumption of GMF, although these food products are too recent for most researches to be able to conclude anything decisive regarding their long-term effects. Dr. Stanley Ewen, a homeopathic physician, argues that a cauliflower virus oftentimes used in GMF could potentially increase the risk of both colon and stomach cancers. Even if one is able to completely avoid GMF, they are still not safe from the harmful effects. Water sources near crops of GMF are often contaminated by the runoff from the soil. Dr. Ewen maintains that this amount of exposure alone may hasten the growth of malignant tumors (Edwards, 2013). Other studies suggest that animals fed GMF suffer from severe illnesses and die faster than expected. In India, animals that grazed on genetically modified cotton plants died almost immediately. Cows in Germany that ate genetically modified corn products experienced the same fate. Scientists are attributing this phenomenon to GMF’s tendency to produce toxins and suppress the immune system (Kuiper et al, 2001). The Institute for Responsible Technology listed 65 health risks associated with GMF. Rats fed genetically modified potatoes developed precancerous cells in the digestive tract. These rats also showed signs of inhibited development of the brain, liver, and testicles, along with atrophy of the liver and immune system damage. Another study indicated that rats fed Monsanto’s genetically modified corn showed significant changes in their blood cells, livers, and kidneys. Not surprisingly, this mega-company denied James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 5 these findings and refused to conduct follow-up studies to confirm the safety of their food products (65 Health Risks, 2013). A second major drawback of GMF is their negative impact on the environment. As already stated, genetically modified crops pollute soil and water systems. This, in turn, causes adverse consequences on plants and animals (to include humans) that rely on these two natural resources. Insects that live in the soil are oftentimes negatively impacted and die due to chemical changes in the soil composition. The damage to the water affects nearly all animals, as most animals obtain their water from runoff systems (Dill, 2010). Additionally, GMF produce unnatural chemicals that give plants a new way to defend themselves and insects and animals that naturally consume these organisms die. Spiders, caterpillars, and other small insects are particularly vulnerable to these engineered chemicals. Unfortunately, many species are becoming endangered or threatened. Due to cross pollination, crops that are not genetically modified are becoming contaminated. Some scientists are concerned that if this trend is not halted, unaltered food species will become severely compromised and may even go extinct (Kuiper et al, 2001). One noteworthy example is North Dakota’s genetically modified canola plants. Scientists took thousands of random seed samples from across the whole state. Nearly every sample – whether wild or domesticated – contained genetically modified seeds. Further studies identified genetically modified canola seeds in locations as far-reaching as Japan and Ireland. Researchers interpret this data as suggestive of cross-pollination in the wild (Biello, 2010). Furthermore, scientists maintain the genetically modified crops greatly increase the amount of herbicide used. Farmers know that their crops are resistant to most herbicides. Therefore, they tend to use these toxic chemicals more liberally. Since genetically modified James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 6 crops are also modified to produce their own herbicides and pesticides, the end result is that even more toxins are added to the food supply, causing even more contamination (Dill, 2011). A final reason to ban GMF is the negative economic impact these food sources have on small farmers. Many local farmers, who pride themselves on naturally growing their products, are forced out of business due to rising food costs. They cannot compete with large farms that use genetically modified seeds and pesticides on their crops. As more and more organic farmers close their doors, the available unmodified, natural food sources decrease steadily. This, in turn, drives up the prices for consumers, making it harder for the average person to afford healthy alternatives. Local farmers oftentimes have their fields completely destroyed or are forced to forfeit their harvests due to cross pollination. Large seed companies, (such as Monsanto), patent their seeds. If these seeds contaminate the local farmers’ crops, then the mega-companies are legally permitted to confiscate the produce and destroy what remains. This is particularly problematic in developing countries. According to the Center for Food Safety, big seed companies attack and target any farmer who wants to save their seeds. This plan of attack consists of three stages: â€Å"investigations; coerced settlements; and, if that fails, litigation† (Lo, 2013). In the United States alone, Monsanto has sued 410 independent farmers and 56 small business owners for violations of seed patents (Lo, 2013). Unfortunately, this mega-company won every case to date. This resulted in their receiving over $24 million from small time farmers and businesses. Countless other businesses have been forced to close their doors due to threats from Monsanto and other mega-seed corporations (Lo, 2013). Presently, many companies are working to produce even more genetically modified plants and food sources that are even more resilient to predators. Also, many large companies James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 7 are lobbying policy makers in order to have stricter laws and regulations enacted to protect their modified products (Lo, 2013). If these companies are allowed to continue with their agenda, there will be dire consequences. More people will develop horrific illnesses and diseases, the environment will suffer terribly, and local farmers will be forced out of business. The Union of Concerned Scientists (2013) has proposed five ways to prevent these hazardous products from further contaminating consumers’ food supply. First, they suggest that research funding for public crop breeding programs be expanded to help subsidize the cost of producing unaltered, natural food products. Second, they advocate public research funding to develop agro-ecologically based systems of farming. Third, they propose changing patent laws to allow independent companies to experiment on GMF without legal repercussions. Fourth, they maintain that stricter controls should be placed on GMF so that these products do not come to market until scientists and private researchers can better understand their health risks. Lastly, they support food labeling laws that mandate all GMF be labeled appropriately. In conclusion, GMF are detrimental to society as a whole. They are extremely unsafe for human consumption, pose huge risks to the natural environment, and place unfair and unnecessary stressors on local farmers. Due to the numerous uncertainties associated with GMF and the data that supports their harmful side effects, these products should be heavily monitored by government agencies and banned from the public market. It would be wise for the government to adopt the five suggestions put forth by the Union of Concerned Scientists in order to better protect its people. Unfortunately, mega-seed companies have substantially more disposable income than non-profit health and welfare organizations; therefore, they can afford to buy lobbyists to petition lawmakers to make rules and decisions profitable to their agendas. James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 8. Works Cited Biello, D. (2010). Genetically modified crop on the loose and evolving in U. S. Midwest. Scientific American. http://www. scientificamerican. com/article. cfm? id=genetically modified-crop Dill, J. (2010). The dangers of GMOs: Know the environmental hazards. Natural News. http://www. naturalnews. com/029869_GMOs_dangers. html Edwards, R. (2013). GM expert warns of cancer risk from crops. Sunday Herald. 16 February 2013. Gaskill, G. , Bauer, M. , Durant, J. , Allum, N. C. (1999). Worlds apart? The reception of genetically modified foods in Europe and the U. S. Science, 285 (5426): 384-387. Kuiper, H. A. , Kleter, G. A. , Hub P. J. , Noteborn, J. M. , Kok, E. J. (2001). Assessment of the food safety issues related to genetically modified foods. Plant Journal, 27 (6): 503-528. Lo, P. (2013). Monsanto bullies small farmers over planting harvested GMO seeds. British Broadcast Channel. 14 April 2013. N. A. (2013). 65 health risks of genetically modified foods. Institute for Responsible Technology. http://www. responsibletechnology. org/gmo-dangers/65-health-risks/1notes N. A. (2013). Genetic engineering in agriculture. Union of Concerned Scientists. http://www. ucsusa. org/food_and_agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic engine ering.

Military Governments Essay -- essays research papers

Military Governments   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Military governments have been around since the days of feudalism. It is the oldest and most common political state. According to Shively, a military government is one in which a group of officers use their troops to take over the governmental apparatus and run it themselves. Military governments are usually weak in appeasing the masses for they are known to be brutal and power hungry and are also rather fragile, both internally and externally.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In its primitive state, existing as feudalism, the high ranking officials/nobility and the military itself was composed solely of the elite ruling class. But as society became more complex, the role of the elite was slightly altered as technology progressed and the nobility and kings no longer controlled weapons nor could prevent the disintegration of the feudal society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Modern military governments usually occur after the military stages a coup. A coup is the forceful deposition of a government by all or a portion of the armed forces and installation of a new military government. Coups ordinarily take place when the present government poses a threat to the state or the status quo. Because the military controls more armed power than anyone in a state, they have the ability to take over the government at any given time. In Power and Choice, Shively questions the notion of the infrequency of military governments. Yes, they are common, but why aren't they more common? The reason being that as societies advance and become more complex, it is necessary for the ruling elite to be more knowledgeable of the processes by which a government is operated. This explains the recurrence of civilian-run governments. The military may have a few leaders who are skilled politically, but the armed forces are not customarily trained to run governments. Recall that the role of the military is to protect and serve the state, therefore there is usually a cycle, known as the Barracks cycle, in which the military brings about a coup, but later reestablishes civilian control, and is the new state threatens governmental stability, the military stages yet another coup, etc. The longer the military stays in power, the more the political state exists unstably.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Nigeria, for ... ... form of government or evolve to a new sophisticated government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In any case, military governments are weak internally and externally. They pose as forms of transitional governments, not necessarily in times of revolution, but in times when the state itself becomes weak or poses a threat to the status quo. Though some military governments do perservere for years and years without being overthrown, their inability to run the state efficiently forces the military to restore democracy or to stage another overthrow of the government. Also, because the military government itself takes power through no regular process as other, more stable forms of government, but simply seizes it, they encounter the problem of legitimacy. Lastly, coalitions internally are in itself a whole other government. The weakness and competition present between these coalitions usually causes the downfall of the military government and installment of a new civilian-run government decided so by the general consensus. Generally, all military governments will fail in time and return to it previous government or evolve to a whole new governmental system with a revolution.

The Characteristics of Voluntary Schools in Relation

The Characteristics of Voluntary Schools in Relation to Education Stages and Governance When choosing a voluntary school there are several things that you should consider. Firstly, there are two kinds of voluntary school; voluntary-aided and voluntary-controlled. Both have strong connections to some description of religious organisations and/or charities. A voluntary-aided school is managed by its own governing body.It is the governance of the school who decides upon the criteria set for admissions. They also have complete control over the employment of both internal and external staff. However, the school’s buildings and the land on which they sit are owned by religious organisations and/or charities. These organisations or charities help to fund the school alongside the Local Education Authority (LEA).The school’s governance contributes to any building work and the maintenance of the present building structures and outdoor areas. A voluntary-controlled school is both funded and managed by the LEA, but the land and buildings are owned by a charity or religious organisation. The LEA and governance of the school are responsible for the provision of any services the school requires, such as general maintenance and hiring staff.It is the job of the governors to choose those they wish to hire, however there are usually a few members of staff employed from the charities or organisations who are involved. Both voluntary-aided and voluntary-controlled schools teach children in primary as well as secondary schools, although there are a higher percentage of primary schools in the voluntary school category*. *(http://en. m. wikipedia. org/wiki/voluntary_aided_school#section_2) * (http://en. m. wikipedia. org/wiki/voluntary_controlled_school#section_2)