A Winless Battle :: essays papers

A Winless Battle Sometimes in life, there are times when you are faced with a struggle and often times, no matter how hard you try to get yourself out of this struggle, you just can’t and you end up feeling as though you have lost the battle. In â€Å"A Streetcar Named Desire,† by Tennessee Williams, there are four characters that really display this situation. Blanche, Stanley, Stella, and Mitch are the four characters that display this situation. In Tennessee Williams play, â€Å"A Streetcar Named Desire,† there are no victors, only victims. In this play, Blanche is the older sister of Stella and she comes to Elysian Fields to live with her sister because she has nowhere else to live because she was asked to leave the last town that she was living in because of the life that she was choosing to live there. Blanche also lost her family’s estate, Belle Reve. Therefore, she had to go to the last place that she could think of and that was the house of her sister, Stella. From the start of the play, it is imminent that Blanche is the victim of her own life, and not a victor. She first lost her husband when she was a very young girl because of the fact that she found out that he was gay. She was in love with this man and when she found out, she was just heartbroken. However, she didn’t want to tell him that she knew about his secret so she kept it a secret for a while. But then, one night while they were dancing, she all of sudden just came out and told him what she knew. He was so embarrassed by this tha t he ran out of the room and shot and killed himself. That is one of the battles that she was the victim of. Then when she loses Belle Reve and is forced to live in a town called Laurel, she chooses to live a life that she doesn’t want to. She forces herself into prostitution because she has no other way of making money to help support herself. During this time, she is living in a hotel called the Flamingo and many men are coming up to her room every night. This disturbs the peace within the hotel and when the hotel and the town of Laurel figure out what she is doing in the hotel, they tell her to leave the hotel and also the town because they don’t want anyone like her to be there.

Conflict Analysis Essay

‘When conflict arises, it is impossible not to take a side. Everyone has a role’ Expository Essay: One of the great myths of conflict is that is can always be contained. Whether it is encountered in the personal or political sphere, conflict will often spread beyond the main combatants. History demonstrates that wars escalate in a world where connections between individuals and states are so complex and it is so difficult to come to a definite conclusion. An argument between friends will generally force those on the perimeter to choose sides. Conflict by its very nature creates polarities. Even when conflict is internal, it rarely remains so. When a dispute begins, the world is viewed in black and white terms with no middle ground. Attempts to reconcile differences are often misinterpreted as tacit support for one side or the other. Conflict is defined by incompatible positions that force individuals to take sides. War constructs an environment in which on a political level, everyone is on a side. However, in another sense, everyone is doing what they can or must to survive in their particular situation. Throughout their time as prisoners of war, the women in the camp always disregard the Japanese as their enemy. For some, this is because of nationalistic allegiances, but for other it is because of the way they are treated. Their battle is not against Japan, but against humiliation and the use of brutality to degrade and harm others. The Japanese impose many acts of humiliation upon the women in the camp, such as forcing them to bow and scramble for food, to haul water for Japanese baths, to rise upon order and to assert the supremacy of the Japanese Empire over the British. This humiliation is explained as a reversal of the humiliation to which the Japanese felt the Europeans were subjected colonised Asian people. Hence, why divisions in individuals are experienced during war and consequently force oneself to choose a side. Conflict can rarely be contained and it inevitably spreads beyond the original dispute. Class prejudices often causes disputes between individuals  demonstrating how support and unity is essential in times of conflict. Sometimes the women in the camp are surprised to discover themselves degrading attitudes that they despise in their captors. Prejudices based on class and race must be confronted if conflict is not to destroy all hope and dignity. However, the women do not last long living under the pressures of camp life and soon they are all equal in scrambling for food and bowing to the Japanese flag. Cultural and educational backgrounds have a more profound impact on the relationships formed within the group and arguments raised between individuals. When a racially motivated fight breaks out over a lost bar of soap, it threatens to undermine the unity and strength of the women. This demonstrates the immense importance to disregard social class for these women. The middle ground can be the most dangerous place in a conflict because both sides may regard this position with suspicion. Margaret (Daisy Drummond) frequently seeks to mediate between the Japanese and their victims. Her bravery and compassion and her unshakeable belief in the basic goodness of individuals, puts her life at great risk. Her bravery is evident when she marches out with water for Susan who is weakening from her torture. This action may have led to similar punishment for herself. Sometimes conflict is like a bushfire it spreads and spreads until everyone is forced to take some kind of action. It does not respect those who wish to stay out of its way, anymore than it does those who try to encounter it head on. Arguments, disputes and battles of all sorts are an undeniable part of the fabric of human existence. The goal is always to look for a way to end the fighting and heal the wounds. It is thus crucial not to underestimate the momentum that develops so quickly when conflict arises. Persuasive Essay: We sang wonderfully today. The concert was a huge success! Even Captain Tanaka clapped at the end. This would have been unthinkable a few months ago. Maybe the Japs are beginning to think we are humans after all. Well I don’t think I could ever think of them that way. Adrienne and Daisy were talking about that after the concert. The interpreter asked them to perform a traditional Japanese song. Daisy looked like she was about to agree, but Adrienne said â€Å"NO!† straight away. Adrienne admitted she hates the Japs, but Daisy said the worse they acted the most sorry she felt for them. I’ve been thinking about that a lot. It seems Daisy doesn’t see things like most of us do. She doesn’t see us as innocent and the Japs as evil. She just doesn’t take sides like that. It is easer to wonder if Daisy is like this because she is just too soft-a pushover who will help anyone-maybe just to be liked. I knew some girls like that back at school, they’d get bullied all the time but still hang around with the bullies. But that’s not Daisy. She is the bravest of us all. She marched straight out in front of the soldiers with water for Susan that horrible day and she bargained for Susan’s release too. But that’s it, she wanted to help Susan, but she never wanted to hurt the Japs. For her it isn’t us against them, she feels compassion for everyone. That’s amazing but I don’t know anyone else like Daisy. Most of us are like Adrienne. We have to take sides because the war puts us on a side. I don’t understand how anyone could possibly feel compassion towards the Japs; they have put us through extraordinary challenges, where I personally have had to test my morals. But I have to put aside my morals for the time being, if I want to survive in this corrupt environment. I often relate my thoughts back to Daisy’s, she is so compassionate and highly respected though the camp. Does this mean she accepts the behaviours of the Japs, humiliating us? Daisy was in the missionaries, maybe she feels a sense of understanding towards the Japs? ‘When conflict arises, it is impossible not to take a side. Everyone has a role’ Expository Essay: One of the great myths of conflict is that is can always be contained. Whether it is encountered in the personal or political sphere, conflict will often spread beyond the main combatants. History demonstrates that wars escalate in a world where connections between individuals and states are so complex and it is so difficult to come to a definite conclusion. An argument between friends will generally force those on the perimeter to choose sides. Conflict by its very nature creates polarities. Even when conflict is internal, it rarely remains so. When a dispute begins, the world is viewed in black and white terms with no middle ground. Attempts to reconcile differences are often misinterpreted as tacit support for one side or the other. Conflict is defined by incompatible positions that force individuals to take sides. War constructs an environment in which on a political level, everyone is on a side. However, in another sense, everyone is doing what they can or must to survive in their particular situation. Throughout their time as prisoners of war, the women in the camp always disregard the Japanese as their enemy. For some, this is because of nationalistic allegiances, but for other it is because of the way they are treated. Their battle is not against Japan, but against humiliation and the use of brutality to degrade and harm others. The Japanese impose many acts of humiliation upon the women in the camp, such as forcing them to bow and scramble for food, to haul water for Japanese baths, to rise upon order and to assert the supremacy of the Japanese Empire over the British. This humiliation is explained as a reversal of the humiliation to which the Japanese felt the Europeans were subjected colonised Asian people. Hence, why divisions in individuals are experienced during war and consequently force oneself to choose a side. – Conflict can rarely be contained and it inevitably spreads beyond the original dispute. Class prejudices often causes disputes between individuals demonstrating how support and unity is essential in times of conflict.  Sometimes the women in the camp are surprised to discover themselves degrading attitudes that they despise in their captors. Prejudices based on class and race must be confronted if conflict is not to destroy all hope and dignity. However, the women do not last long living under the pressures of camp life and soon they are all equal in scrambling for food and bowing to the Japanese flag. Cultural and educational backgrounds have a more profound impact on the relationships formed within the group and arguments raised between individuals. When a racially motivated fight breaks out over a lost bar of soap, it threatens to undermine the unity and strength of the women. This demonstrates the immense importance to disregard social class for these women. -indigenous Australians. The middle ground can be the most dangerous place in a conflict because both sides may regard this position with suspicion. Margaret (Daisy Drummond) frequently seeks to mediate between the Japanese and their victims. Her bravery and compassion and her unshakeable belief in the basic goodness of individuals, puts her life at great risk. Her bravery is evident when she marches out with water for Susan who is weakening from her torture. This action may have led to similar punishment for herself. Daisy demonstrates that in times of conflict we can have courage to not comprise our convictions even in the direst circumstances. Her strength comes from her authentic faith. When the observation is made following an incident of nauseating brutality that she doesn’t hate the oppressors, Margaret responds, â€Å"I just can’t bring myself to hate people. The worse they behave, the more sorry I feel for them.† This powerful character illustrates that in times of serve conflict our morals do not have to be compromised if we have the strength to do so. Sometimes conflict is like a bushfire it spreads and spreads until everyone is forced to take some kind of action. It does not respect those who wish to stay out of its way, anymore than it does those who try to encounter it head on. Arguments, disputes and battles of all sorts are an undeniable part of the fabric of human existence. The goal is always to look for a way to end the fighting and heal the wounds. It is thus crucial not to underestimate the momentum that develops so quickly when conflict arises.

Site Admin s Code Of Ethics - 811 Words

Site admin s code of ethics seems to change depending upon the situation and/or person(s) involved. Site admin makes inappropriate personal comments to students and staff, and has a history of openly criticizing others, including students and her own superiors. On the part of parents, I have never heard a kind word spoken about site admin in the many years with the program. When students take the Title 1 survey, they must go to the library and are told by site admin to say nice things, and they do, but about the teachers as shown by last year s results. The parent surveys are sent home on paper and turned in directly to site admin. Morevier, site admin has a policy that office personal are not allowed to talk with other staff members regarding what transpires in the office. Site admin would rather meet with teachers individually than as a group, and has different expectations for different teachers depending upon whether you happen to be favored or not, which changes from day to day, month to month and year to year. Moral is very low and frustration very high among most of the teachers because they do not feel respected, supported, understood or valued. Instead, the majority feel micro-managed, talked down to and regularly picked on. Site admin often engages individual teachers to manage other staff members. For instance, it was apparent to two teachers that a first year teacher was asked to prevent other teachers from voicing their views and opinions byShow MoreRelatedHealthcare : The Rapidly Growing Elder Population Essay1514 Words   |  7 Pagesphysical and social sciences.† Under current law, MAs do not have a clear scope of practice and instead of submitting a delineated scope of practice for medical assistants, the Arkansas State Medical Board’s Regulation No. 31 formulated compulsory codes of conduct for physicians in delegating tasks while leaving the physician with substantial discretion to determine what procedures may be delegated to the medical assistant (McCarthy, 2012). Known Background: Although there has been much debateRead MorePhar-Mor Case1536 Words   |  7 Pageswere the ones conducting the fraud so their review of their own fraud would not have prevent them from continuing but it may deter them due to them being held fully liable. 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For this introduction activity I would like you to stand up and: 1. State your name 2. What grade level and subject(s) you teach 3. How many years you have been teaching 4. How many years you have been teaching at Southwood 5. Something fun you did over the summer 6. Something you would recommend a new teacher do, or try in the area. 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Required Materials A. tEXTS Required / Optional Author Title New Price Used Price ISBN R ETS CRITERION: ONLINE EVALUATION (BAIRD/WILSON) $14.35 $9.35 9780886853822 R PORTER GUFFEY S BUSINESSRead MoreFeasibility Study on Setting Up an Environmental Laboratory9679 Words   |  39 Pagesgrowing society, but keeping the clients goals at fore-front. Services Our business principles shall rely on Quality, Honesty, Truth and Integrity. SESC’s Services shall be independent, reliable and conducted in accordance with global business ethics and code of practice. SESC Laboratory intends to specialize in analysis and data acquisition from soil, water, air, sediments, ecological and construction materials. Operating Strategy We shall place a lot of values on providing standard services toRead MoreFeasibility Study on Setting Up an Environmental Laboratory9668 Words   |  39 Pagesgrowing society, but keeping the clients goals at fore-front. 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How to Read and Understand a Difficult Book or Chapter

Weve all encountered chapters or books that we just cant get into or we dont understand. There are lots of reasons for this: sometimes were required to read about a topic that is just plain boring, sometimes we try to read material that is written way above our current reading level, and sometimes we find that the writer is just plain bad at explaining things. It happens. If you find yourself reading an entire chapter or book several times without understanding it, try taking the following steps. Be sure to do steps 1 to 3 before you jump in to read the text. Difficulty: Hard Time Required: Differs by length of written material What You Need: A difficult book or passageNote paperPencilSticky note flagsQuiet room How to Do It 1. Read the introduction and reflect.  Any nonfiction article or book will have an introductory section that gives an overview of the main points. Read this first, then stop, think, and soak it in.Reason: All textbooks on a certain topic are not created equal! Every writer has a certain theme or point of view, and that will be introduced in your introduction. Its important to understand this theme or focus  because it will help you to recognize why certain examples or comments appear in your reading. 2. Look at the sub-headings. Most books or chapters will progress in some manner, whether they show a progression of time or an evolution of ideas. Look over the topics and try to find the pattern.Reason: Writers begin the writing process with an outline. The subheadings or subtitles you see in your text show you how the author started when organizing his/her thoughts. Subtitles show the overall subject broken down into smaller segments which are arranged in the most logical progression.   3. Read the summary and reflect.  Right after you read the introduction and subheadings, flip to the back of the chapter and read the summary.Reason: The summary  should re-state the points that were mentioned in the introduction. (If they dont, then this really is a difficult book to understand!) This reiteration of the main points may offer the material in more depth or from a different viewpoint. Read this section, then stop and soak it in. 4. Read the material. Now that youve had time to understand the points the author is trying to convey, youre more apt to recognize them when they come along. When you see a major point, flag it with a sticky note.   5. Take notes. Take notes and, if possible, make a brief outline as you read. Some people like to underline words or points in pencil. Only do this if you own the book. 6. Watch for lists. Always look for code words that tell you a list is coming. If you see a passage that says There were three major effects of this event, and they all impacted the political climate, or something similar, you can be sure there is a list following. The effects will be listed, but they may be separated by many paragraphs, pages, or chapters. Always find them and make note of them. 7. Look up words you dont understand. Dont be in a rush! Stop whenever you see a word that you cant immediately define in your own words.Reason: One word can indicate the entire tone or view of the piece. Dont try to guess the meaning. That can be dangerous! Make sure to look up the definition. 8. Keep on plugging through. If youre following the steps but you still dont seem to be soaking in the material, just keep reading. Youll surprise yourself. 9. Go back and hit the highlighted points. Once you get to the end of the piece, go back and review the notes youve made. Look over the important words, points, and lists.Reason: Repetition is the key to retaining information. 10. Review the introduction and summary. When you do, you may find that youve absorbed more than you realized. Tips Dont be hard on yourself. If this is hard for you, its probably just as hard for other students in your class.Dont try to read in a noisy environment. That might be ok under other circumstances, but its not a good idea when attempting difficult reading.Talk to others who are reading the same material.You can always join the homework forum and ask advice from others.Dont give up!

Machines can be conscious - 1605 Words

R.Yusuf Akbal 210112409 03.05.2013 Can machines be conscious? Can machines be conscious? Well, the answer actually depends on the kind of machines you are talking about. Based on quite a few instances and research work done on this particular topic, I think that the machines can indeed be categorized as conscious beings and in the following paragraphs I will be providing a couple of examples in order to support my argument. If we look at the definition of consciousness, which implies that ‘one has to be aware of all its surroundings and wellbeing’ then machines can certainly not be conscious; as they have all the operations and data already programmed in them by some external forces and are only aware of those situations which have†¦show more content†¦Another example quoted by Harnad (Harnad, 1991) is that, whenever we dream, we are apparently disconnected from the world, our muscles get stable and paralyzed and we are cut-off from the whole environment. However, we are still conscious as we are conscious about the functions and sounds performing inside and outside the body, and our body would respond when it is touched or forced to move. Sensory perceptions would be always there. This reflects machines as being conscious. Neurological evidence points out that people who lose their eye sights accidently or by birth can certainly dream and imagine about things. Consciousness does not require interaction with the environment. This means that interaction, awareness, and emotions do not always fall in the category of consciousness. In this way, machines can be conscious if they acquire just few aspects (Shear, 1997). One of the examples that support my argument that the machines can be conscious is the example of a sheep that was genetically made by human beings using the genes and DNA of an original sheep. That was actually a machine as it was synthetically made by human beings, but it had the ability to survive, produce heat, think, and do all the activities that an original sheep is capable of doing. So this machine comes under the category of being conscious. Dolly sheep was made on 5th July 1996 with the help of cloned embryo and DNA of another naturally produced sheep. She was also aShow MoreRelatedAn Aristotelian Theory Of Consciousness1646 Words   |  7 PagesVictorian automatons, to our more recent fancies- computers, robots and other Turing machines. Perhaps the reason for this preoccupation with artificial intelligence is actually a quest to better understand our own consciousness. At first sight, the question â€Å"Can a machine be conscious?† appears deceptively simple. However, the answer to this question is entirely dependent on how we define consciousness. We can embark by defining consciousness in an Aristotelian fashion- by its function. GenerallyRead MoreEmotion As Described And Theorized By Antonio Damasio1366 Words   |  6 PagesDamasio’s work to explain how Block and Chalmers distinguish between conscious awareness and conscious experience. Subsequently, I will resume my focus on Damasio’s work, by evaluating how the aforesaid experiment applies to Damasio’s brain damaged patient. Finally, I will conclude by reflecting on the overall picture of emotion and emotional experience, and use it to discuss the prospects and motivations of building emotional machines. Antonio Damasio considers the phenomena of emotion and feelingRead MoreAnalysis Of Alan Turing s Can Machines Think?1587 Words   |  7 PagesOn his essay â€Å"Can machines think?† Alan Turing, a great mathematician, and creator of the Turing Test presents us with the initial concept of what is now considered artificial intelligence. He states that eventually, as time progresses, machines will be able to think like humans. But, can a machine really think like a human? Can a machine even think on its own, or it is just based on human science and engineering to make computer systems perform tasks that require intelligence when done by humansRead MoreFunctionalism And Its Positive And Negative Arguments1582 Words   |  7 Pagesnegative critiques the identity theory describing what psychological states are not. Argument 1. If something has mental states then it is conscious 2. Humans, animals, and insects have mental sates 3. Therefore humans, animals, and insects are conscious 4. Either computers are conscious or not conscious 5. Computers have mental states 6. Therefore computers are conscious The first question we should ask from the argument above is if it is deductively valid. An argument is valid when it possesses theRead MoreComputing Machinery And Intelligence By Alan Turing1469 Words   |  6 Pagesquestion of whether machines can think in the same humans can by conceptualizing the question in concrete terms. In simple terms, Turing redefines the question by posing whether a machine can replicate the cognition of a human being. Yet, some may object to the notion that Turing’s new question effectively captures the nature of machines’ capacity for thought or consciousness, such as John Searle. In his Chinese room thought experiment, Searle outlines a scenario that implies machines’ apparent replicationRead MoreArtificial Sentience Essay1045 Words   |  5 PagesThe use of computers has pervaded the life of every human being. At every street corner there are machines to be found that have been designed to simplify our lives and take over the mundane jobs that no longer require human intervention. One only needs to think of automated teller machines replacing bank tellers, vending machines phasing out street vendors, or near-infallible CCTV watching over us as policemen and sheriffs once did, to realise the extent that technology has enhanced and improvedRead MoreEssay on Can a Machine Know ?790 Words   |  4 Pagescontroversial topics in the field of philosophy is that of a statement, and the questioning of Can a machine know. The problems associating and surrounding this topic are endless, because of all the different biases, reasonable and skeptical thoughts that people contribute to the discussions. On an occasion when this turmoil question comes up an individual might be comparing and thinking that a plain toaster is a machine which is true and yet someone else compares the newest breakthrough in technology suchRead MoreI Am The Inventor Of A Special New Robot1124 Words   |  5 Pageshave no minds – they are just machines and they will all be destroyed. I disagree with this statement because of two reasons: The function of machines, and the functions of minds. Argument 1 Machines are â€Å"an apparatus using or applying mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing a particular task†. In this aspect, the only difference in humans and machines in terms of function is the fact that the purpose for a machine may vary and the purpose forRead MoreIs It Possible For A Machine?847 Words   |  4 Pagesfor a Machine to ‘’think’’? To be ‘’conscious’’? To ‘’understand’’? Explain with reference to your readings in the Philosophy of Mind module. The problem of thought associated with a machine raises ethical issues on a scientific perspective. So, how can we engage and act to develop the systems necessary for a peaceful life for human beings and especially in order not to be responsible for a collapse of humanism by wrapping in an autonomous and dense monitoring system throughout the society? Can a machineRead MoreArtificial Intelligence And The Turing Test760 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, artificial intelligence (AI) is, â€Å"The capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior† (Webster). What that means is that any electronic thing can perform human behavior. For example, Apple’s Siri, Siri is a component where you can ask your phone to look up the weather, text or call someone, etc. One of the most questionable AI is a robot that can perform and think like a human along with looking like one. I find this to be slightly over the

A Report on Alkaline Cells

Question: Discuss about the A Report on Alkaline Cells. Answer: Introduction Lew Urry developed the alkaline-manganese cell, at the Eveready Battery CompanyLaboratory in Parma, Ohio in 1949 (Aifantis, Hackney Kumar 2010, p. 36). The development of the alkaline cells stemmed from the idea that it was able to supply more total energy at elevated currents compared to the Leclanch cells that were majorly used at that time. Over the years, increased technological discoveries and advancements have led to further improvements by increasing the energy storage within a particular size package. A year later, an independent inventor called Samuel Ruben developed the zinc-mercuric oxide alkaline cell that later became Duracell. Duracell was licensed to the P.R. Mallory Co. Since that time; mercury compounds have been eliminated from the cells to minimize environmental pollution and risks. The alkaline cell is ideal for applications that require high voltages and high current continuous discharge, such as high power remote control, camera, electric toy, electric shaver, flashlight, and CD player. Chemical reaction responsible for electricity production In the alkaline cell, zincis the negative electrode while manganese dioxide is and the positive electrode (Hummel 2011, p. 107). The potassium hydroxide alkaline electrolyte is, however, not part of the reaction since only the manganese dioxide and zinc are consumed during the discharge (Abdullah 2012, p. 229). The potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte does not undergo consumption. The reason is that there are equal amounts of ions of OHproduced and consumed. The equations for the reaction are as shown below. Zn + 2 OH- Zn (OH)2 + 2e- (oxidation) 2 MnO2 + H2O + 2e- Mn2O3 + 2 OH- (reduction) Basic set up of the alkaline cell The basic set up of the alkaline cell is as illustrated in the diagram below. The major components of the cell include the cathode, separator, cathode cap, anode, insulator, anode cap, and anode collector. The working of the alkaline cell The generation of electricity in the alkaline cells is by the redox reaction. In the alkaline cells, power is generated by the reduction-oxidation reaction that takes place at the anode (Zinc) and cathode (Manganese Oxide) through an electrolyte (potassium hydroxide). The redox reaction results in the flow of electrons from the anode (oxidation reaction) to the cathode (reduction reaction) to create a reduction potential of the half-reactions (Linden and Reddy 2002, p. 10.4). The equations for the reactions and the EMF of the alkaline cell The half-equation for the reaction The half-equation for the reaction at the cell is given as Zn(s)+ 2OH(aq) ZnO(s)+ H2O(l)+ 2e[e = 1.28 Volts] (Abdullah 2012, p. 229) 2MnO2(s)+ H2O(l)+ 2e Mn2O3(s)+ 2OH(aq)[e = +0.15 Volts] The complete equation for the reaction The complete equation for the reaction of the cells is expressed as Zn(s)+ 2MnO2(s)+ZnO(s)+ Mn2O3(s)[e = 1.43 Volts] (Linden and Reddy 2002, p. 10.4) The EMF of the cell The EMF of the cell is calculated by adding the half-equations Anode: Zn(s) + 2 OH-(aq) ZnO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e-; [e = 1.28 Volts] Cathode: 2 MnO2(s) + H2O(l) + 2e- Mn2O3(s) + 2 OH-(aq); [e = +0.15 Volts] Overall reaction: Zn(s) + 2 MnO2(s) ZnO(s) + Mn2O3(s) [e = 1.43 Volts] Therefore, the EMF of the cell = 1.28 + 0.15 = 1.43 V The durability of the alkaline cell Alkaline cells last for a long period and have a comparatively long shelf life of at least 2 years during which they can retain about 90% of their original charge capacities. As a result, they have better performance at both high and low temperatures. In addition, there are two types of alkaline batteries available namely premium alkaline and standard alkaline. Advantages and disadvantages of Alkaline Cell Advantages One of the benefits of alkaline cells is reduced costs. Instead of discarding the standard alkaline cells, they can be recharged to save money. In addition, there is less environmental pollution from disposed electrolyte cells due to the reduced mercury content. Secondly, alkaline cells are significantly reliable compared to the nickelcadmium battery since they do not suffer from loss of capacity due to shallow discharges or cell failure due to trickle charging. Thirdly, alkaline cells discharge slowly and consequently have a longer shelf life of characteristically between 2 to 4 years compared to nickelcadmium battery whose shelf life is between 2 to 3 months (Aifantis, Hackney Kumar 2010, p. 37). Therefore, they are appropriate for applications where the appliance requires standby power. Fourthly, alkaline cells have a superior power capacity per cell compared to most standard batteries such as nickelcadmium battery and zinc-carbon battery. Fifthly, the alkaline cell has a higher voltage output (1.5 V) compared to nickelcadmium battery (1.2 V) and this further increases its reliability. Disadvantages On the other hand, alkaline cells have a high internal resistance that impairs their run time and leads to an early low battery warning in most appliances (Doble Schoch, 2008, p 86). Consequently, alkaline cells will not last long in applications that have high start up current demands or even require much power while in use. In addition, rechargeable alkaline cells offer a much lower performance compared to standard alkaline cells although that variance has narrowed these days owing to superior technology and using perfect raw materials for the manufacturing. Secondly, recharging cells can sometimes be irritating and abrupt. However, keeping track of their usage and recharging at standard intervals when not yet fully discharged may greatly help in overcoming this problem. Thirdly, the high cost of the battery charger can be a drawback and a source of convenience. Furthermore, a defective battery chargermay lead to the explosion of the alkaline cells. Fourthly, alkaline cells are bu lkier compared to the other lithium cells that are capable of giving much higher energy. Disposal method/recycling of the used Alkaline Cells Alkaline cells can be disposed of as ordinary wastes in the landfills today owing to the 1996 reduction of the mercury content. Nevertheless, alkaline cells with high amounts of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, corrosive chemicals, and mercury pose a significant challenge of disposal, particularly in the landfills. The biggest problem is the threat of environmental pollution and the danger imposed on human life, particularly those living or working near the landfills (Bernardes, Espinosa Tenrio 2004, p. 292). The authors argue further that the other methods of disposal of alkaline cells other than landfills are stabilization and incineration. The waste alkaline cells are not regarded as valuable materials. One of the common ways of recycling the alkaline cells is by shredding and separating the zinc and manganese case metals from the other components. Alternatively, the cells can be used as a furnace feedstock in the manufacture of products such as rebar and other low-grade st eel metals. During this process, zinc metal is separated from the furnace components in the form of fumes. Environmental impact of the disposalof Alkaline Cells The extensive use of alkaline cells has resulted in many environmental concerns across the globe. To start with, the disposal of the used alkaline cells as electronic waste leads to pollution by the toxic chemicals and metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury (Kang, Chen Ogunseitan 2013, p. 5495). Secondly, the manufacturers of the alkaline cells consume the resources such as the metal ores as the primary raw materials, and this leads to environmental degradation due to the resulting landfills and the depletion of the natural resources. For instance in the United States, approximately 3 billion alkaline cells are purchased annually, and an estimated 179,000 tons of the waste alkaline cells end up in landfills throughout the country. Conclusion The alkaline cell is durable, produces much current, have long shelf life, and have a shell that is resistant to corrosion compared to carbon battery. In addition, the alkaline cell uses opposite electrode structure, and this leads to an increased relative volume between the anode and the cathode. Moreover, conductive potassium hydroxide solution replaces both the zinc chloride and ammonium chloride solution to improve the electric properties of the cell. Furthermore, the capacity and discharge time is between 3 to 7 times longer than that of an ordinary battery of the same model. Besides, during the discharge process, the reaction does not produce gas or bubbles, and this leads to a constant voltage. Bibliography Abdullah, M 2012, Applied energy, Boca Raton, FL: Taylor Francis. Aifantis, K, Hackney, S Kumar, R 2010, High energy density lithium batteries, Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. Bernardes, A, Espinosa, D Tenrio, J 2004, Recycling of batteries: a review of current processes and technologies, Journal of Power Sources, 130(1-2), pp. 291-298. Doble, R Schoch, E 2008, The Everything Digital Photography Book: Utilize the latest technology to take professional grade pictures, Avon, Mass.: Adams Media. Hummel, R 2011, Electronic properties of materials, New York: Springer. Kang, D, Chen, M Ogunseitan, O 2013, Potential Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries in Electronic Waste, Environmental Science Technology, 47(10), pp. 5495-5503. Linden, D Reddy, T 2002, Handbook of batteries, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Norse Mythology free essay sample

Beliefs are a large aspect of humanity, which will often guide the lifestyles of societies and individuals. Regardless whether these beliefs are religious or merely subjective; they hold great significance to their advocates, giving them something to cherish and live by. Since the ancient times, civilisations have been impacted by the beliefs and perspectives of their people. And as historians have discovered, every society—whether it be modern or ancient—has had religious and spiritual influences! As well as the common established religions we have nowadays, people in the ancient world also followed myths and sagas, relative to their culture. Having such beliefs would often provide explanations for inexplicable occurrences and natural phenomena, while giving the people some much-needed incentive. For example: in Greek mythology, there are powerful gods and goddesses controlling just about every facet of lie, as well as the afterlife. Similarly, the Egyptians worshipped their gods and goddesses. We will write a custom essay sample on Norse Mythology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page And just as the Greek and Egyptian mythologies, Norse mythology—relative to the Vikings—also mentions the significance of their alleged gods and goddesses. Information and knowledge regarding the significance and expertise of these gods can be acquired from the sagas. Odin (Main Article) As determined through historical studies, runes and sagas, the Vikings, like many ancient and modern civilisations, worshipped several gods and goddesses and had unique beliefs of their own. Amongst all of the Viking gods, Odin is one of the few, still well-known today. Being a foremost member of ? sir, as well as the ruler of Asgard—the Viking heaven; home of the Norse gods—Odin was one of the more prominent gods in Norse mythology. His old-Norse name, Odinn, is now acknowledged as an official, valid religion throughout the several countries of Scandinavia, where the Vikings had inflicted their culture! Unknown author(s), 2013: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Odin Odin is a god of war, death and victory; but also, the god of poetry and wisdom. And for this wisdom, he’s thought to have traded one of his eyes, in order to be granted a drink from the Well of Wisdom! Since then, he’s gained vast knowledge, though having to suffer and live with only one eye! In most depictions and sagas, Odin is closely accompanied by his prized spear, Gungir; the two trusted wolves who helped him keep watch over the cosmos, and his eight-legged steed, Sleipnir. His spear—one of a kind—never missed a target! * His wolves: close allies. He always fed them his own meals, choosing to live on nothing but wine. Lindemans M. F. , 2005: http://www. pantheon. org/articles/o/odin. html Saldais M. , Smith R. , 2012: Oxford Big Ideas History 8, page 76 Odin, being a mythical figure, has several illogical sagas suggesting this beginning an end. For example: In some alternative sagas, he’s said to have been exiled from Asgard by the other gods , despite being its ruler.