Comparing Little House on the Prairie and Sarah Plain and Tall :: Compare Contrast Comparison

Comparing Little House on the Prairie, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Sarah Plain and Tall, Written by Patricia MacLachlan Little House on the Prairie, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, bears some resemblance to Sarah Plain and Tall, written by Patricia MacLachlan. Within both of the texts one can find two families that are adjusting to life out on the Prairie. Even though the books are written some fifty years apart they still portray the aspects of living on the prairies in the Midwest. In both books the parents seem equally important to the plot, while the point of view enhances the importance of the children within the books. In Little House on the Prairie the family is already formed, but the homestead is not. The opposite situation occurs in Sarah, Plain and Tall, where the homestead is in place but the family is not quite complete until Sarah travels from Maine to live with Jacob, Anna and Caleb. In both books, all of the characters are very similar. Charles and Jacob, the fathers in the books, are seen as very strong willed, loving and appear to be capable providers. The fathers in both of these books are in control of their families and do whatever is necessary to provide. On many occasions Charles travels to Independence to get food for his family and he also hunts and traps animals to sell their fur. Although Jacob's acts of providing for his family are more stationary, he works hard on their farm to provide for them. The men may be hard workers and do the main part of the manual labor, but the women also do their share to contribute to the success of the family. In Sarah, Plain and Tall the roof needs repaired and a storm is on the way. Jacob tells Sarah that he needs to fix the roof and she replies, "We will fix the roof." (46). Sarah and Caroline are both willing to do their share of work on the prairie. Caroline helps Charles build their house on the prairie. "Pa lifted one end of a log onto the wall, then Ma held it while he lifted the other end"(58). Sarah also insists that Jacob should teach her how to drive the wagon because she wants to go into town to get supplies.

Is Claudius Presented by Shakespeare as a Tragic Villain Without Any Redeeming Features? Essay

As the King, Shakespeare presents Claudius as an able ruler who is trying to prove his worthiness to his court. This is apparent in Act 1, Scene 2 in Claudius’ opening speech. Claudius can be seen as being sincere in this speech as he mentions the death of his brother: ‘bear our hearts in grief’ (page 15) and he also states that the country is ‘contracted in one brow of woe’ (page 15). His language could be interpreted as heartfelt in his opening speech as he feels genuine sorrow over his brother’s death. This is a redeeming feature as he appears to feel love towards his brother for mentioning him as he takes his place as King. The language Shakespeare uses in Claudius’ opening speech is dismissive about the threat that Denmark may face from Norway due to Fortinbras: ‘So much for him’ (page 17). This is because he wants to display his confidence as a leader and to calm the listeners. This contributes to Claudius’ redeeming features as he appears to be considerate towards the feelings of those within the court. He does not wish to worry them and therefore comes across as an able leader. It may be interpreted that Claudius is inferior to his predecessor and is trying to provide the court with the reassurance that he can follow on from the previous King. Hamlet states that Claudius is ‘no more like my father/Than I to Hercules’ (page 25). This imagery that Shakespeare uses shows the previous King as a stern warrior in the mold of classical Greek heroes. In contrast, Claudius is a corrupt politician whose weapon is his ability to manipulate others through his skillful use of language. Shakespeare structures juxtaposition between the setting of Act one, Scene ne and Act one, Scene two in order to show a contrast in the reality and the dream in Claudius’ mind. Act one, Scene one takes place outside the castle at the dead of night. This pathetic fallacy creates a foreboding and intense atmosphere, almost predicting the appearance of the Ghost. The Ghost represents the harsh reality that Claudius has to face and the reason for his feelings of guilt. Act one, Scene two contrasts with the previous scene as it takes place inside the castle, with Claudius at the centre. This is Claudius’ dream situation, that he is King of Denmark with Gertrude as his Queen. The dramatic change in setting between scenes makes Claudius appear more oblivious to the consequences of his actions, as he is now centre of attention as King. This disillusion that Claudius appears to be in may deter the audience, as he cannot accept the effect of his actions. Unlike the majority of speeches throughout the play, Claudius’ opening speech deviates from iambic pentameter. This reflects the disorder that Claudius has created because of the murder. Court life would ordinarily have order and tranquillity and the structure of Claudius’ speech does not reflect this. However, it can be seen that Claudius is trying to restore order through his speech as he settles the court over the threat of Fortinbras: ‘So much for him’ (page 17). However, this is unlikely as Claudius’ actions led to the destruction of many other characters and does not restore order. The fact that the speech itself does not fit in with the typical Shakespearean structure of iambic pentameter, could reflect that Claudius himself does not fit in as the King of Denmark as he disrupts the divine hierarchy. Claudius disrupts the Chain of Being, a hierarchy derived from Aristotle and Plato; this would have been followed during the Elizabethan time period. At the top of the chain are God and the angels; whilst at the bottom are plants and rocks. Claudius disrupts the hierarchy as he takes the place of the previous King by marrying the Queen and not being next in line to the throne: ‘†¦for which I did the murder/My crown, mine own ambition, and my Queen’ (page 165). This can be interpreted as a villainous act that was committed purely for the gain of Claudius. Such an act would be typical of a tragic villain as his acts lead to the downfall of the other characters. For example, Claudius’ actions lead to Hamlet receiving a visit from the Ghost and therefore feigning his madness in order to, eventually, avenge his fathers’ death. However, it is possible that Claudius is not a typical tragic villain. Claudius appears to feel guilt for murdering his brother, which is clear from his soliloquy in Act three, Scene three: ‘My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent’ (page 163). His attempted prayer proves he cannot be wholly evil if he seeks forgiveness for his sins. He does this although he is not a religious man: ‘Bow stubborn knees’ (page 165), which suggests he feels deep guilt and resentment over his actions for him to turn to religion for forgiveness. This is not typical of tragic villains, who tend not to be religious or feel any resentment for their behaviour. This could show that Claudius wishes to be saved from going to hell after his death, which would not be a typical concern of a Shakespearean villain. Claudius also creates peace with the other characters. For example, in his opening speech in Act one, Scene two, he is trying not to worry the court about the potential threat of Fortinbras, and in Act four, Scene five, Claudius tries to calm Laertes’ rage rather than encourage him to kill Hamlet. Such actions would not be typical of Shakespearean tragic villains, such as Iago from ‘Othello’. Iago feels no guilt for his actions against Cassio, Othello and Desdemona and is aware of the pain he is inflicting onto others. His actions against Othello also appear purposeless as it is never revealed why he dislikes him and wants him to suffer so much. Claudius is unlike Iago as he does feel guilt and his actions are indeed purposeful. Whereas most of the other important men in ‘Hamlet’ are preoccupied with ideas of justice, revenge, and moral balance, Claudius’ actions are focused on maintaining his power. Although Claudius is Hamlet’s antagonist, he does have a number of redeeming features. He appears to have genuine affection for Gertrude, as one of the reasons for the murder of the King was to marry her: ‘My crown†¦and my Queen’ (page 165). This also comes across in Act five, Scene two, as when Gertrude is about to drink the poisoned wine, he tells her ‘do not drink’ (page 281). Claudius is aware of the affection Gertrude feels for Hamlet and when trying to be rid of him, considers her feelings: ‘That as the star moves not but in his sphere/I could not but by her. ’ (page 223). The imagery that Shakespeare uses is very unlike Claudius’ character and more similar to Gertrude’s. The imagery of spheres, that at the time where believed to revolve around the Earth containing heavenly bodies, shows that Claudius has love for Gertrude and could not live without her. Claudius also appears to care for Hamlet to some extent. He appears to be concerned for Hamlet’s well-being, as he brings in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in order to work out the cause of his ‘transformation’ (page 77). However, some may argue this is just an excuse for Claudius to discover whether or not Hamlet may know the truth of his father’s death. He thinks Hamlet’s madness is ‘More than his father’s death’ (page 77) and therefore wants to uncover the reason behind it. It can be seen that Hamlet’s madness is feigned and he does this purposely to see if Claudius is becoming suspicious of his actions. For example, in Act three, Scene two after witnessing Claudius’ outburst when the Player King is killed, Claudius demands for the lights: ‘Give me some light – away! ’ (page 153). This could be seen as an expression of emotion as Claudius feels tremendous guilt over his brother’s death or as a way of not allowing anyone else to gain suspicion in him through the play. Other interpretations of Claudius that the audience receive are from the other characters. Shakespeare presents grotesque and vile imagery used by Hamlet and the Ghost to describe Claudius. When Hamlet sees the Ghost in Act one, Scene five, the Ghost uses imagery of disease and corruption to describe Claudius and his actions: ‘Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast’ (page 51). Shakespeare uses the word ‘beast’ in reference to a cuckold. In Elizabethan times, if a woman were to have an affair, the husband would be known as a cuckold with horns to represent their foolishness in â€Å"losing† their wives. This imagery contrasts with the audience’s first interpretation of Claudius where Shakespeare presents him as a competent leader. This is the only alternate view that the reader receives in the play as both Hamlet and the Ghost have reason for hating Claudius. The view that Shakespeare gives them will have been fogged by their hatred of him and not give a fair representation of Claudius’ character. To conclude, Claudius is not a typical tragic villain due to his feelings of guilt and his consideration of others. The representation the reader receives from other characters is not a fair interpretation due to their abhorrence of him. Bibliography Heinemann Advanced Shakespeare – ‘Hamlet’ sparknotes. com sirbacon. org – F. C. Hunt interpretation

Bioinformatics: BioEdit

One of the primary needs of man, in terms of the cognitive and psychological aspects of life, is to understand himself and other forms of life in order to determine each other’s role and place as inhabitants on earth with unique physiological, anatomical, and most importantly in this case, biological features which exhibit major differences from each other, setting the stage for discovering the quintessential facets of life.This particular need of man had been provided for due to the capacity of Science and Technology to allow him to obtain relevant and comprehensive facts that are rational and quantifiable in nature to develop an organized body of knowledge that provides reliable and valid information about human life, as well as other species on the planet, particularly on the measure of how life is formed, transformed, and reproduced.Under these pretexts, the importance of information is framed pertaining to its connection with the field of biology, specifically under the f ramework of Molecular Biology, Genetics, Computer Science, IT, and Statistics. (Ramsden, 2004) Aside from the purpose of collating reliable and valid information to provide man with an open access to facts or data for the purpose of cognitive enlightenment and sustenance of psychological needs, and so on, solving various issues and problems confronting man and other species on earth may also be addressed through the information-gathering process.Not only does it contribute to the field of Molecular Biology or Genetics for instance, but the processes of obtaining pertinent and comprehensive data are advantageous in addressing concerns in various fields, including Health Care and Medicine, Farming, Agriculture and environmental concerns, Nutrition, Food Processing and Production, and so on. (Hyman, 2003) The process of resolving these multiple issues that affect almost all major fields or industries start by focusing attention on gathering and analyzing information which may be initia lly categorized under Molecular Biology, and then subsequently, Genetics.The next step constitutes the synthesis and organization of information in order to develop theoretical approaches and practical strategies for problem-solving purposes. However, positioning the theoretical framework of Molecular Biology into practical environments and realizing its purpose of obtaining information to contribute to various fields and industries have never been easy. One should not expect that gathering information from various life forms is a trouble-free task.Since molecular and biological information covers a vast scope, (Bommarius & Riebel, 2004) and information obtained requires meaningful, factual, and systematic observations, interpretations, analyses, and synthesis, the necessity for developing a tool or a system to manage the various processes involved, such as the information-gathering, the storage and retrieval of data, the management of data, and so on, (Ramsden, 2004) was realized.T hrough the fusion of technology, particularly Information Technology or IT, Computer Science, Statistics, and Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics came about addressing problems that challenged the informational system of Biology. With the development of Bioinformatics, scientists, particularly molecular biologists and geneticists, have founded an efficient way to create a database of pertinent information obtained under the application of Molecular Biology since its inception, wherein facts and data gathered may be stored and organized for future access or retrieval.(Ramsden, 2004) Moreover, through services provided by Bioinformatics, it allows scientists to organize and synthesize information meaningfully for rational and relevant evaluations and assessments of facts in order to arrive at substantial results that lead to the formation of sound conclusions and generalizations. Bioinformatics therefore focus on the organization of facts and data, the synthesis of this information to d evelop bodies of knowledge, and finally, the evaluation and assessment of facts or data in order to formulate pertinent theories and strategies in addressing biological concerns across multiple disciplines.(Bommarius & Riebel, 2004) With these information on Bioinformatics in mind, the remainder of this discussion shall be devoted to discussing the history of Bioinformatics, the role of Computer Science, Information Technology, Molecular Biology, and Statistics in the development, sustenance, functioning, and efficiency of Bioinformatics, and an evaluation of a Bioinformatics tool or software in relation to its goals or objectives, its interface, available application features and characteristics, additional services, and so on.A SHORT HISTORY IN BIOINFORMATICS Due to the influx of information from numerous research studies conducted by scientists under the coverage of Molecular Biology, the ongoing process has fueled the need for the development of a system that shall be able to or ganize and collate information – that is, Bioinformatics.From Tiselius’ design of the process of electrophoresis, to the development of the alpha-helix by Pauling and Corey, and consequently the improvement of Pauling and Corey’s model to the double-helix by Watson and Crick, developments on protein crystallography, the creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network or ARPANET, the creation of molecular models, and so on, these various events and situations were taken collectively developing the need and recommendation for the creation of a model or framework that will handle information simultaneously, efficiently, and reliably.(Sadek, 2004) From the developments and discoveries of new information based on the processes and techniques employed in the field of Molecular Biology, supported by the attention and interest granted to computers and technology during the eighties because of the dawn of the era of technology, the role of Bioinformatics was re alized, emphasized, and consequently developed. Scientists, as well as various organizations, industries, academic institutions, and such, have continued to develop and improve Bioinformatics.The results constitute the engineering of various applications or softwares since the concept of Bioinformatics was framed during the seventies. Each program or application that was structured were designed to carry out multifarious and specific tasks and responsibilities including DNA sequencing or mapping, the organization of data according to priorities, use, needs, concerns, problems, etc. Some of these applications or softwares include the PC/GENE, PROSITE, SEQANALREF, etc.(Agarwal, 200-) At present time, Bioinformatics continue to evolve and develop as man consciously obtains more complex information and experience developments from previous knowledge and established theories or concepts. In addition, as numerous problems and conflicts related to Biology and its practical application incl uding lessons or concepts arise, Bioinformatics as a practical and essential field in Science and Technology will continue to look for solutions in order to address these concerns.The changing landscape of society, particularly its move from traditionalism and individualism to modernization and globalization, influences changes and transformations in Bioinformatics. BIOINFORMATICS: Molecular Biology, Computer Science, IT, and Statistics In order to deeply understand how Bioinformatics work, we need to go over the structure and features of the subfields that it constitutes, such as Molecular Biology, Computer Science, IT, and Statistics. Molecular Biology is a branch of Science that deals with the analysis of various molecules within living things in general.Various types of cells from man, animals, and plants are studied and analyzed in order to determine molecular compositions, and consequently learn determine their structures and compositions, their reactions to other molecules an d substances found within living things, their functions and contributions to human life, or life in general including plants and animals, and so on. Molecular Biology also studies Deoxyribonucleic Acid or DNA compositions of living things as they contribute knowledge and information on Genetics.This particular aspect focuses on structuring how molecules reproduce through DNA replication within a cell. (Hyman, 2003) Computer Science and IT are both products of the fusion between Science and Technology. They function because of the build-up of information that constitutes Molecular Biology for the purposes of quantifying and qualifying facts and data into meaningful sequences, models, or formations that may be interpreted, analyzed, and synthesized.Some of the specific contributions of Computer Science and IT include the storage, construction, and reconstruction of DNA sequences, a thorough genome analysis by accessing various related information in databases managed by IT, the const ruction of graphic organizers or visual representations of information for clarity and direct presentation of facts, the timely and efficient transfer and receipt of information across databases and information systems, and the collation of variable information about protein sequences. (Keedwell & Narayanan, 2005)Statistics, as a mathematical and scientific approach to analyzing and interpreting data, contributes to Bioinformatics by allowing scientists to test the weight or magnitude of information and provide quantifiable data that may be interpreted according to established standards or guidelines. Information, facts, or data, obtained through experiments and consequently, the findings obtained by molecular biologists from thorough analysis and evaluation an in depth research studies are labeled with values leading to the formulation of estimates, predictions, or likelihoods of the occurrence of various phenomena.Moreover, Statistics is important in allowing computers and various technologies to determine how facts or data are to be translated in order to arrive at scientific conclusions of generalizations. (Ramsden, 2004) By and large, the unique features and contributions of these fields in Science, Technology, and Mathematics, meld together in order to build the foundations of Bioinformatics.Information from Molecular Biology are utilized and transformed to numerical data through Statistics, and both informational statements and figures are stored in computers and other technologies including IT systems or processes, IT functions, standards, guidelines, etc. for easy access and retrieval, synthesis, analysis, and interpretation, and are consequently managed through IT systems and processes. BIOEDITBioEdit is a software application made available for Windows Operating Systems that is used to reconstruct how DNA, nucleic acids, and amino acids are arranged in order to follow the superlative sequence of these substances based on rules and standards derived from previous studies and analyses by molecular biologists and geneticists. Aside from these functions, BioEdit also runs to provide users with graphic simulators that construct drawings or illustrations, chartings and mappings, etc. , BLAST searches, and alignments.(Salemi & Vandamme, 2003 and Tsai, 2002) Coverage and Value of BioEdit to Bioinformatics The study of Molecular Biology necessitates the in depth analysis and evaluation of molecules and their various compositions found in living things, particularly proteins or amino acids which were then identified to be the edifices of life. As time passed, molecular biologists realized the importance of going beyond the study of protein or amino acid structures, and focus on DNA and other nucleic acids which map out how life is formed, transformed, or reproduced.The study of the two most important molecular structures in living things – amino acids and nucleic acids – forms the foundation of Molecular Biology, as well a s Genetics, as fields of science. (Horobin, 2003) In studying these acids, molecular biologists and geneticists need to determine their composition, structures, and sequences in order to identify how they are formed and identify their respective roles in building life. (Horobin, 2003) For the purpose of deeply understanding the importance of sequencing and realignment in Molecular Biology, as well as Genetics, we will focus on the subject of DNA.Molecular Biologists and Geneticists utilize the process of DNA sequencing by following established methodologies and standards. Because of enormous funding obtained from both public and private sectors that are extremely interested in advancing the field of genome sequencing, particularly for purposes of genetic modification and cloning, the DNA sequencing methodology has been continuously evolving in order to adapt new findings and trends that raise its reliability, validity, and efficiency. (Griffin & Griffin, 1994)Sequencing and realignm ent of data and samples help Molecular Biologists and Geneticists create various patterns of DNA links or formation, assemble or disassemble structures for a deeper or more thorough analysis, create a map or graphic organizer which will instantly illustrate how enzymes or other substances are formed from base samples such as DNA, analyses of DNA samples and sequences in order to predict outcomes in protein formation, analyses of protein or amino acids in order to determine their specific features or characteristics, look for other structures or sequences within the database with similar characteristics and formations with the sample, and consequently aligning similar structures or sequences together in order to predict reactions, growth and development, and so on. (Griffin & Griffin, 1994)Results from the sequencing, alignment, or realignment processes that are primary accomplished by resorting to bioinformatics tools such as BioEdit, constitute the information for proper DNA sequen ces in order to identify anomalies or flaws in other models or structures. This is most important in the field of medicine and health because it helps professionals determine serious diseases or illnesses that might be passed on through heredity, varying genes in order to alter anomalies or flaws within its structures, and such. Sequences and alignments also help further genetic cloning because it provides relevant information on how life may be reproduced in the process. Other practical uses of DNA sequencing and alignment include the improvement product formation, by determining how the formation of genes may be developed gearing towards constructiveness, particularly in the food industry. (Walker & Rapley, 2000)BioEdit, as a tool for sequencing and aligning various molecules or substances such as DNA, nucleic acids, amino acids, etc. , is therefore extremely important in the realization of the goals of Molecular Biology and Genetics. Through its comprehensive services and feature s aside from sequencing and aligning, the application is able to help molecular biologists and geneticists thoroughly analyze sequences for various purposes aforementioned, consequently advancing not only their respective fields but other scientific industries as well including health care and medicine, psychology and behavior, farming and agriculture, food processing and production, genetics, etc. BioEdit: The ApplicationBioEdit is available for free download from various online sources offering different versions, including tutorials and general databases for the purpose of comparing sequences. For this reason, BioEdit appears to be instrumental in one’s accomplishment of various tasks and responsibilities that are associated to the study of DNA, amino acids, nucleic acids, etc. because the software is readily available for users who need access to such Bioinformatics tools. In addition, there are several online tutorials that will help one in learning how to use the applic ation appropriately and efficiently. For this particular evaluation, BioEdit 7. 0. 9 was used and downloaded from http://www. mbio. ncsu.edu/BioEdit/BioEdit. html. (Hall, 2007) Although there are online tutorials available for new users, handling BioEdit is quite difficult. One cannot easily use BioEdit the first time because there is a need to go over terminologies, exploring the functions and requirements of running BioEdit. For instance, the Accessory Application tab contains various commands or protocols that are unfamiliar to new users, unless they have comprehensive experiences in handling other applications or programs with similar interface. In order to begin working with BioEdit, one must know what BLAST is, CAP or Contig Assembly Program, a Protein Distance Matrix, and so on.Moreover, there is a need for new users to familiarize themselves with various goals and objectives that should be accomplished in using BioEdit in order to determine which tools found in the tabs shal l be used and how databases shall be drawn from the World Wide Web for thorough analysis, alignment, or comparison of sequences. One beneficial attribute of BioEdit include the availability of links to online sets that provide databases such as the Vector Database, the PHYLIP Homepage, the RNase P Database, and so on. In addition, BioEdit allows users to utilize sequences in various formats and read and access numerous sequences that may be imported from other sources. BioEdit does not also limit users to the built-in services that come with the download of the program because it opens itself to upgrades by downloading other complementary or helper applications.When it comes to the actual utilization of tools offered by the BioEdit becomes highly useful because it is able to carry out basic tasks, such as editing of sequences from samples, translating the compositions and formation of sequences, the alignment of sequences to multiple sources, and so on. Although the BioEdit is quite difficult to use in the beginning, going over tutorials and Read Me files from online websites is useful in order to familiarize oneself with the interface of the program. Moreover, it offers various tools that completes several tasks and provides access to numerous databases that may be used for many purposes. The following screenshots were obtained from the website wherein BioEdit was used to fulfill various tasks and functions including Split alignment, Hydrophobicity Plots, and Plasmid drawing and annotation. (Hall, 2007)

Explore Antarcticas Hidden Lake Vostok

Explore Antarcticas Hidden Lake Vostok One of the largest lakes on planet Earth is an extreme environment hidden beneath a thick glacier near the South Pole. Its called Lake Vostok, buried beneath nearly four kilometers of ice on Antarctica. This frigid environment has been hidden from sunlight and Earths atmosphere for millions of years. From that description, it sounds like the lake would be an icy trap devoid of life. Yet, despite its hidden location and terribly inhospitable environment, Lake Vostok teems with thousands of unique organisms. They range from tiny microbes to fungi and bacteria, making Lake Vostok a fascinating case study in how life survives in hostile temperatures and high pressure. Finding Lake Vostok The existence of this sub-glacial lake took the world by surprise. It was first found by an aerial photographer from Russia who noticed a large smooth impression near the South Pole in East Antarctica. Followup radar scans in the 1990s confirmed that something was buried under the ice. The newly discovered lake turned out to be quite large: 230 kilometers (143 miles long) and 50 km (31 miles) wide. From its surface to the bottom, it is 800 meters (2,600) feet deep, buried under miles of ice. Lake Vostok and Its Water There are no subterranean or sub-glacial rivers feeding Lake Vostok. Scientists have determined that its sole source of water is melted ice from the ice sheet that hides the lake. Theres also no way for its water to escape, making Vostok a breeding ground for underwater life. Advanced mapping of the lake, using remote sensing instruments, radar, and other geologic research tools, show that the lake sits on a ridge, which may be harboring heat in a hydrothermal vent system. That geothermal heat (generated by molten rock beneath the surface) and the pressure of the ice on top of the lake keep the water at a constant temperature. The Zoology of Lake Vostok When Russian scientists drilled cores of ice out from above the lake to study the gases and ices laid down during different periods of Earths climate, they brought samples of frozen lake water up for study. Thats when the life forms of Lake Vostok were first discovered. The fact that these organisms exist in the lake water, which, at -3 ° C, is somehow not frozen solid, raises questions about the environment in, around, and under the lake. How do these organisms survive in these temperatures? Why hasnt the lake frozen over? Scientists have now studied the lakes water for decades. In the 1990s, they began to find microbes there, along with other types of miniature life, including fungi (mushroom-type life), eukaryotes (the first organisms with true nuclei), and assorted multicellular life. Now, it appears that more than 3,500 species live in the lakes water, in its slushy surface, and in its frozen muddy bottom. Without sunlight, Lake Vostoks living community of organisms (called extremophiles, because they thrive in extreme conditions), rely on chemicals in rocks and heat from the geothermal systems to survive. This isnt terribly different from other such life forms found elsewhere on Earth. In fact, planetary scientists suspect that such organisms could thrive very easily in extreme conditions on icy worlds in the solar system. The DNA of Lake Vostoks Life Advanced DNA studies of the Vostokians indicate that these extremophiles are typical of both freshwater and saltwater environments and they somehow find a way to live in the cold waters. Interestingly, while the Vostok life forms are thriving on chemical food, they themselves are identical to bacteria that live inside of fish, lobsters, crabs, and some types of worms. So, while the Lake Vostok life forms may be isolated now, they are clearly connected to other forms of life on Earth. They also make a good population of organisms to study, as scientists ponder whether or not similar life exists elsewhere in the solar system, particularly in the oceans beneath the icy surface of Jupiters moon, Europa. Lake Vostok is named for Vostok Station, commemorating a Russian sloop used by Admiral Fabian von Bellingshausen, who sailed on voyages to discover Antartica. The word means east in Russian. Since its discovery, scientists have been surveying the under-ice landscape of the lake and the surrounding region. Two more lakes have been found, and that now raises the question about connections between these otherwise-hidden bodies of water. In addition, scientists are still debating the history of the lake, which appears to have formed at least 15 million years ago and was covered over by thick blankets of ice. The surface of Antarctica above the lake routinely experiences very cold weather, with temperatures dipping down to -89 ° C. The biology of the lake continues to be a major source of research, with scientists in the U.S., Russia, and Europe, studying the water and its organisms closely to understand their evolutionary and biological processes. Continued drilling poses a risk to the ecosystem of the lake since contaminants such as antifreeze will harm the organisms of the lake. Several alternatives are being examined, including hot-water drilling, which may be somewhat safer, but it  still poses a danger to lake life.

How to Make the Most of Facebook Advertising [PODCAST]

How to Make the Most of Facebook Advertising [PODCAST] Facebook: Nearly a quarter of the entire world’s population uses it, and over two-thirds of those users checks in every day. Chances are good that your customers are using the social media giant. Facebook advertising is a great opportunity for you to connect with your audience. Today we’re going to be chatting with ’s own inbound marketer, Rachel Wiinanen, about how to create high-converting ads, how to test your hypotheses, how to organize your behind-the-scenes processes, and how to measure your success. You won’t want to miss it! Information about and what Rachel does here as the inbound marketer. How Rachel approaches her advertising strategy on Facebook. How Rachel gets creative with both the visuals and the text on Facebook ads. Thoughts about A/B testing: how Rachel does it, why it’s important, and some surprises she’s encountered along the way. Key metrics to measure when evaluating the performance of your ads as well as some tools to use. How Rachel works within a budget for her Facebook ads. Rachel’s best tips on staying organized, planning, and keeping track of everything ad-related. Where a newbie to Facebook ads should start if they want to begin using the platform as part of their marketing strategy. Links: Previous episode with Rachel Kissmetrics Google Analytics If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Content Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes by Rachel: â€Å"Facebook is a huge opportunity that a lot of marketers aren’t necessarily taking advantage of to the level that they could.† â€Å"If you have that goal-first mentality, you are setting yourself up for more success. Really, budget shouldn’t be your limitation.† â€Å"With Facebook being such a social platform, it’s all about the individual. Focus on really hitting down who your target persona is. Start there.†

Risk-managemnt policy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Risk-managemnt policy - Case Study Example Another breach that the organization endured during the course of its operations was an inside job where personal data was stolen. This was achieved through the weak access-control policies that are utilized within the organization which allowed unauthorized individual access to valuable data (Case Study). This paper dwells on ascertaining whether the policy implemented will be effective in ensuring that the customer and organization’s information is adequately secured from future security breaches. This policy will be important because it will help in restoring the customers confidence in the organization’s handling of their confidential data and financial assets. It is also vital since it provides authority and accountability to specific people concerning the authority of disclosing or sharing the information in the organization. According to Calder, Watkins & Watkins, the organizations governing body has to give powers along with the necessary authority to a system administrator who will be the only person who can access the organization’s data. The security on the organization’s customer’s confidential information will be enforced through the use of passwords which will remain known only to their systems administrator (2010). In addition, the systems administrator within the organization will be solely responsible for disclosing any information to any authorized personnel who may require it. To enhance the data’s security further, the syst em administrator will be required to utilize several data encryption techniques. This will include encryption techniques like the creation of block ciphers, feistel cipher structures and the utilization of other advanced encryption standards. These techniques will help in ensuring that unauthorized people within the organization cannot interpret the meaning of the data. This will further prevent them from

Various concepts that revolve around knowledge Essay

Various concepts that revolve around knowledge - Essay Example New born babies have little to contemplate on. Due to interaction with the environment, they learn new things depending on their senses. In some instances, they imitate what others do and repeat familiar words. In this sense, it can be argued that knowledge has actually to have some foundations. It is through memory that people perceive about things. For example, one can be able to tell or predict existence of a lion even without seeing it by just hearing its roaring sound. This can be linked with past experiences where one saw a loin roaring. Therefore the past experience or encounter with a lion could act as a foundation of knowing what a lion is and how it roars. On the other hand, the past encounters with a lion and knowing that that was a lion can be linked with some past images seen on pictures or stories told by other people. Therefore, it can be argued that although one could have knowledge of what a lion is through other means, the personal encounter with it enriches the kno wledge. With this in mind, it is apparent that knowledge has to begin somewhere. The concepts and theories below are well articulated to bring out this argument to light. The philosophy of the social sciences is considered to have played a key role in the development and formation of the knowledge (Papanutsos and Anton 1968). Theories that explain knowledge does not have a sole issue to explain about. Instead, they present meta-theoretical debates. Meta-theory does not explain a specific object, event or activity; it involves a series of empirical real world practices as the object analysis. In early learning theories, main focus is on behaviorism. For people to be able to learn and remember new things, some things are... The paper tells that the philosophy of the social sciences is considered to have played a key role in the development and formation of the knowledge. Theories that explain knowledge does not have a sole issue to explain about. Instead, they present meta-theoretical debates. Meta-theory does not explain a specific object, event or activity; it involves a series of empirical real world practices as the object analysis. In early learning theories, main focus is on behaviorism. For people to be able to learn and remember new things, some things are considered to take place in the learning process. Some of these things are explained by behavioral and constructivism theories which focus their attentions on acquired factors that help the learner acquire knowledge. These two theories use idea of external factors that affects ones capacity to acquire and store the new knowledge. To these two theories, mental representations are the real images that we see around us which we perceive. The stor age and interpretation of those images would not be possible without our mental representations. The mental representations are the ones that help us learn, store, and remember the information. The principle of simplicity states that subjectivity is the best and simple hence economical than many competing and complicated theories that explain morality. Metaphysics is the branch of philosophical thought that deals with issues of fundamental nature of reality and what lies beyond the experience