How does the inclusion of the witches in Macbeth heighten the dramatic impact of the play? Essay

Macbeth is a play written by the renowned playwright William Shakespeare in the early 17th century. Originally produced for the King of Denmark, the play explores themes such as ambition and betrayal through the actions of the main protagonist Macbeth. The play’s other significant figures include three witches whose practice of sorcery attracted a lot of controversy towards the play. At the time, their inclusion heightened the dramatic impact on the audience; primarily because of the public’s view of witches. Also referred to as the ‘’weird sisters’’, they form a fundamental element of the play because it is their input that shapes the play into action. During this period of time, the mainstream population of Europe was Christian and superstitious, therefore belief in witchcraft was at its peak and so-called ‘’witches’’ were persecuted. Supposedly, witches (along with Satan) were part of a collective of evil and were blamed for a lot of wrongdoing in society. For instance, political dissidents who opposed the King were thought to be under the influence of black magic. This was because there was commonly held believe that the King had the divine right to rule; thus anyone challenging the King was basically challenging God (which was considered blasphemy and punishable by death). The inclusion of the witches and amount of media coverage they received along with the public’s superstition helped to heighten the dramatic impact of Macbeth on a Shakespearean audience. Today, however, due to the secularisation of society, religious morals are diminishing and witchcraft is seen as nothing more than simple entertainment; this is certainly not how Shakespeare intended it to be. Furthermore, television programmes such as W.I.T.C.H. and books such as the Harry Potter series are depicting witches in a much more positive light. On the other hand, a small number of possible offshoots of witchcraft such as Wicca and Freemasonry are still being practiced despite it being punishable by death in some extremely religious cultures. In this day and age, the general view about witches lessens the dramatic impact significantly because it is seen as a comedy routine therefore Macbeth doesn’t strike fear into the hearts of the audience like its original purpose. In Act 1 Scene 1, as shown in the stage directions; the witches are the first performers when they enter an ‘’open place’’ with ‘’thunder and lightning’’. By being the first performers on stage, they intensify the dramatic impact because the audience focuses their attention towards them. Also, Shakespeare specifically chose the weather in this scene to be threatening, to reflect the negative view of witches at the time and to elevate the dramatic impact by making them see more powerful (witches were associated with the ability to manipulate the weather). The technique of using elements of nature to express mood is known as pathetic fallacy. In this scene, the first impression that the audience are given of the witches is that they are unattractive. For instance, the quotes ‘’your beards’’ and ‘’skinny lips’’ suggests that the witches are ugly and depict them as being unnatural due to having masculine characteristics. Shakespeare has done this to add to the negative interpretation of witches, which in turn heightens the dramatic impact (because the realistic appearance of the witches would frighten the audience). He also uses other characters to highlight the appearance of the witches and therefore raise the dramatic impact on the audience. For instance, Banquo describe the witches as being creatures ‘’ that look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ earth’’. He is suggesting that they do not resemble other humans and that they are abnormal; perhaps beings from another world. Shakespeare uses dialogue between the witches to heighten the dramatic impact on the audience. For example, in Act 1 Scene 3, one of the witches says to the others ’‘I’ll drain him dry as hay, sleep shall neither night nor day’’. This line heightens the dramatic impact because it portrays witches as evil because of the reference to torturing someone by depriving him of water. Also the words ‘’hay’’ and ‘’day’’ rhyme, during the Shakespearean era this was related to the spells chanted by witches, therefore the audience would have instantaneously assumed that the lines were malicious; thus increasing the dramatic impact. The lines spoken by the witches also include a rhythm. For example in Act 1 Scene 3, the three witches start their lines with ‘’all hail†¦ all hail†¦ all hail’’, this promotes the idea that the witches have the same thoughts and gives the impression that they are insane because they speak in a different pattern to the other characters. The witches also speak in riddles to scare and confuse the audience, for example, the line ‘’when the battles lost and won’’ may be referring to Macbeth or it could be talking about the struggle for the throne of Scotland. This intensifies the dramatic impact because the audience are left unsure and given the impression that the three witches know something that they don’t. Once again, the witches are depicted as being unnatural because of their ability to prophesise the future. Imagery is used cleverly in many ways by Shakespeare to show the witches in a negative light and add to the dramatic impact. For example, in Act 4 Scene 1, the 1st witch says ‘’round and round the cauldron go, in the poisoned entrails throw’’. This quote emphasizes the popular belief (at the time) that witches chant around their cauldrons which consisted of nauseating ingredients such as rats (creates the image that witches are sick). Also, the witches simultaneously say ‘’double, double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble’’, this makes the spell resemble a song more and consequently it increases the dramatic impact. To conclude, the inclusion of the witches in the play undeniably helps to heighten the dramatic impact on a Shakespearean audience. This is mainly because of his successful methods, for example when using pathetic fallacy. Today, however, his masterpiece has not been as popular and effective at creating a negative image of witches because of the enormous change in the public’s view of witches.

Confidence in third world countries

BLOSTERING INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIESThe history of world has been interposed by a cryptic series of roars and slacks. Historians have singled out the experience of the early 1930 ‘s as the ‘Great desperation. ‘ This undeniably amazing event damaged the so promising economic stableness in Europe and badly broken consumer and investor assurance around the World. Similarly the universe debt crisis of the 1970 ‘s and 1980 ‘s besides brought with it its ain storm effects that overcame both developing and developed states. The debt place of developing states became peculiarly upseting when as Stambuli ( 1998 ) comments it became clear that there was a lifting disparity of external liability and the capableness of states to serve their debt. This terrible disagreement was in the terminal described by several debt agreements and more notably states saying non-payment. ( Stambuli, 1998 ) In retrospection there have been many givens that have wanted to explicate the causes of this crisis, nevertheless this paper will research in peculiar whether developed or developing states should be held responsible for doing and by extension relieving this crisis and how investor assurance can surely be boosted in 3rd universe states. In order to wholly understand the thought of answerability we must foremost understand the common fortunes under which 3rd universe debt became disputing. Many development economic experts view the considerable addition in oil monetary values in 1974, which saw the cost of oil rise from $ 2.70 in 1973 to an intimidating $ 10.00 per container, as a chief footing. This rise immediately elevated the excess on the current histories of oil bring forthing states from $ 7 billion in 1973 to $ 68 billion in 1974. These big excesss twisted the status soundly documented by Stambuli ( 1998 ) that encouraged oil-exporting states who had more foreign exchange than they required invest in western Bankss. In a command to depute the consequent liquidness these Bankss so sought to recycle the excess of ‘petro-dollars ‘ with developing states that had experienced neglecting current histories. The most important charge confronting developed states was their overzealous and careless lending process after the first oil monetary values hurt that occasion small due procedure in set uping the recognition virtue of the recipient state. As the crisis became more evident in early 1980 ‘s international Commercial Bankss began to see some of the negative impacts of their actions. Due to the alteration in financial policy of developed states Bankss began imparting at bit by bit high and variable involvement rates. Bernal ( 1997 ) , reports that involvement rates moved from 12.1 % in 1978 to 17.4 % in 1981 and so to 12.9 % in 1985, therefore Bankss had begun to reexamine what Stambuli ( 1998 ) documented as the ‘Sovereign Risk Hypothesis ‘ , which assumed that states were protected by their built-in character from default Risk. The image farther deteriorated as developed states besides reduced direct assistance and investing to developing states and increased protectionist policies that strictly exploited Less Developed Countries chances for obtaining foreign exchange to go on serving their debt. ( Bernal, 1997 ) Consequently Less Developed Countries Governments have surely contributed in altering the job of debt into a catastrophe. Brown ( 1986 ) carries this competition farther since he comments that in Jamaica for illustration, the Government ‘s finding of fact between 1976 and 1980 to protect an overrated exchange rate and to promote communist policies influenced investor assurance and sudden capital flight. The authorities so found itself holding to borrow non merely to finance the current history shortage but besides increasing degrees of net capital escapes. Brown, 1986 It should hence be clear that both Most Developed Countries and Less Developed Countries should bear the incrimination of doing the Debt Crisis. Less Developed Countries nevertheless unsteadily could hold reduced these effects if they had managed their debt more professionally during the short period. Investing in Third universe Countries makes good concern sense while there are pools of planetary fiscal resources in hunt of chances for variegation and higher returns. Besides, investing chances in such states are reported to offer some of the highest rates of return on investing, even on a risk-adjusted footing. Most Third universe Countries authoritiess have over the last 15 old ages taken important stairss to make an encouraging concern atmosphere. These steps include far success macro economic betterment that have condensed budget shortages and rising prices degrees to individual figure degrees and fueled economic development. A figure of authoritiess have besides taken actions to reenforce the legal and judiciary system and regulative establishments such as those for venture support. While sufficient investing controls and fiscal tools are important to capital flows, most Third universe states have underdeveloped trade good and capital markets. Similarly, basic imitative and warrant instruments that enable investors manage hazard are partial. In add-on, undertaking supports rely chiefly on bank funding, given the inadequacy of Third universe states capital markets, where market capitalisation of most of the states ‘ equity capital markets is less than a 3rd of Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) . Despite the growing made by many states to undertake the defect highlighted above and the anticipation for higher returns in Third universe states than in other parts of the universe, most investors have non taken the clip to reexamine the investing opportunities available in Third universe states. In acknowledgment of the significance of reliable economic information, the Bank Group is taking a programme to better informations quality, aggregation, and direction in all Third universe states. The Group is lending more than half of the entire undertaking cost of USD 40 million and expects that the undertaking will help coordination and regional integrating, and fuel capital flows by back uping investor assurance. The Group ‘s attempts to back up good control should besides beef up investor assurance. In add-on to financing institutional support undertakings that improve the capacity of legal and regulative bureaus, the Bank provides resources to bureaus such as the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa ( OHADA ) , whose authorization is to make conditions that assure legal security for concerns. Similarly, the first theoretical account investing jurisprudence of the African Law Institute ( an institute sponsored by the Group ) , has been certified by cardinal regional establishments. This will further regional integrating and farther fuel investings and capital flows to Third universe states. To reason, I believe that each one of us has a critical function to play, every bit good every bit much to derive in increasing capital flows to Third universe states. It makes good concern sense, it makes good unselfish sense. Through due diligence and partnerships, you will be rejecting the doomsday scenarios of Afro pessimists, which leads to a vision of fatalism and hopelessness for Third universe states. You will alternatively be back uping a vision of Third universe states that are genuinely affluent offering moneymaking chances for investings.MentionsAyittey, George B.N. ( 1993 ) , Africa Betrayed.Stambuli, ( 1998 ) Sovereign Risk Hypothesis, New York.Bernal, ( 1997 ) , peripheral Debt, ChicagoBrown, ( 1986 ) , within the trigon of deflation & A ; InflationWorld Bank databases and UNCTAD World Investment Report, 2003

Language Acquisition and Learning Essay

There are several theories as to how people acquire and learn the intricacies of language not only to communicate but also to communicate their ideas across an audience. As a matter of fact, most of these theories if not all of them contends with each other. The two famous contending ideas are that of the Behaviorist Theory purported by B. F. Skinner which argues that language learning is a matter of â€Å"imitation, practice, reinforcement, and habit formation (Author, Year)† and the Innatist Theory posited by Noam Chomsky which presents the notion of a Universal Grammar found in every human being’s mind that made them cognitively capable in learning a language (Author, Year). While both of these theories account for the similarities and differences in first language and second language learning, it is Stephen Krashen who first made a basic distinction that first language is acquired while second language is learned (Author, Year). According to Krashen, to acquire a language is to understand the language just like that of a child acquiring his/her first language without any conscious attention to the language form. On one hand, learning a language is to focus on the form and rules of a particular language. Aside from these basic differences there are also other factors that affect both first language acquisition and second language learning such as the cognitive and environmental aspects. In the cognitive aspect, Chomsky said that humans in terms of language learning have The Critical Period Hypothesis, a genetic program that contains the kinds of knowledge and skill necessary for the learning of a language in a specific period of every human’s life. This further suggests that most of human’s first language endeavor happens in this period which makes it easier to learn as opposed to second language learning that will happen beyond CPH. It is argued that beyond these critical periods, it is already difficult if not impossible to acquire those language learning skills as supported by the case study of a 12-year old boy Victor who grew up in the wilderness of France without any contact with any human language but the sound of the animals and the woods (Author, Year). It is believed that second language can no loner access the innate acquisition they have when they learn their first language which lead them to rely on their other cognitive skills. The second cognitive aspect is the knowledge of a prior language. Second language whether children or adults have already acquired a first language on their own that works both as an advantage and a disadvantage. It is an advantage because of the fact that they have a prior language on how languages work. It is a disadvantage in a sense that this prior knowledge would affect and influence the learner’s knowledge of the second language that would inevitable lead them to make incorrect guesses on how the second language works. Second language learners already have cognitive maturity and metalinguistic awareness that a first language learner does not have which allows them to solve problems and engage themselves in language discussions. Moreover, there are also attitudinal and cultural differences involve in between first language acquisition and second language learning. First is the willingness to use and experiment the new language. For instance, children learning their first language would try to express themselves in different ways sometimes in erroneous ways even when their proficiency in the language is limited. However, adult second language learners would find it stressful to not able to express themselves which inhibits them to endeavor with the language. Lastly, there is an environmental differences involved in language learning acquisition and learning. For instance, first language learners are exposed in an informal environment where parents respond to their children’s language in a natural way such as a correction based on meaning as opposed to a correction based grammar accuracy. Correction is often made through reaction as opposed to a second language learning setting where every wrong utterance is corrected. In this way, second language learners are deprived of the experiencing language in a real communication set- up which is hazardous in their learning.

General Motor new weekly case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

General Motor new weekly - Case Study Example Learning the operational environments of a business, including the weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities would enable investments into the sectors of production that are likely to help in the realization of business goals (Teece, 2010). In an attempt to understand the implication of proper management and challenges facing the operations of a large business cooperation, this paper is purposed to conduct analysis of a case study of the general electrics (G.E), which is part of the Major Appliance Business Group (MABG), a company specializing in household electronic implements. The analysis will focus on understanding the reasons for the success or failure of the business in relation to decisions undertaken by the management of the company. According to the case study, in 1970’s, MABG was a lead US kitchen appliance manufacturer specializing in products such as microwave ovens, refrigerators, ranges, home laundry appliances as well as dishwashers. The operations of the company were thus segregated into three major lines; applied research and engineering, manufacturing and marketing with a fourth smaller division of product management being a component of the three lines. In 1979, the company’s board of directors authorized an investment of $28 million in a project code-named Project C, a project initiated for the manufacture of dishwashers of materials with higher value that their predecessor. This was meant to improve the brands of the company as well as improve the company’s employment rate (Wheelwright, 1992). Despite the market shares exceeding 20%, the company’s management viewed its dishwasher business as a setback. The research conducted by the company indicated its dishwasher brands were just a medium quality owing to the material (steel coated with soft vinyl known as plastisol). Plastisol was susceptible to scratches thus exposing the steal. This led to higher incidences of rusting of the dishwashers in comparison

Mythology compare Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mythology compare - Research Paper Example Social insights are much more prevalent as each culture is able to pull out those elements of a story that has specific meaning within that culture. In relaying important cultural and societal ideologies, myths are also useful learning tools for the young people of society as they begin to learn what is expected of them individually and the consequences if they fail to behave according to plan. These differences in social and individual outcomes are often due to the differences in religion and environment in the region in which the myth originated. These ideas can be best understood when comparing myths from two different cultures, such as the myth of creation found among the Iroquois people of the North American continent as compared to the Judeo-Christian creation myth we are more familiar with today. The Judeo-Christian creation myth is presented to us in the Book of Genesis in the Bible, which is purported to be the actual word of God given to us through the hand of man. In this myth, there is a divine being that exists in some kind of void. Tired of this existence, He decides to make something, which turns out to be the land as it is separated from the sky, the sun and the moon; then as it is separated from the sea and then as it is covered in plants and made to be teeming with life of various different forms. All of these things were created by this Divine Being, God, as He called them forward out of the nothingness during a period of five days. On the sixth day, He created people, one man and one woman, gave them the entire Earth to live on with one area in particular, the Garden of Eden, being the most perfect place for them to live as long as they didn’t eat from a specific tree. Of course, the people did eat from this tree and so they were banned from the garden an d forced to work for their welfare and to raise children to populate the earth. In Iroquois legend, the world was formed as a

Phase 2 DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Phase 2 DB - Essay Example The brand image of the company and its products would greatly influence the very being of the training requirements so that they are able to focus on customer demands. The competitive advantage of the firm would be a positive signal for getting the products across and making the right kind of move for getting the job done. The training requirements for the firm’s products can be arranged to the separate division for the company to plan and would take care of such requirements. Creating a new division for the sake of catering the training requirements would enhance the aims of the company so that they are able to meet with the company policies and at the same time take full advantage of the brand image of the company on the whole. The training and consultation requirements form a major requirement of the company and would entail the greater allocation of resources at their disposal and management commitment are the strongest points for getting the proper management of the new division of the firm. The catering of the services to the customers would meet the objectives of the firm so that they are able to render better services in the form of getting the products perform better and render after sales service. It has been pointed out that the negative sequence of the profit margin is due to costs incurred by the company so that they are able to manage the company’s resources. A new division is more beneficial to establishing a new separate company so that they are able to cut costs and take the operations to a new different level. The training demands for the products are likely to increase the bulk of orders and would promote a sense of vision for the marketing of the products so that it can be taken up for the purpose of achieving the goodwill of the customers at a large scale. Creating a new company for meeting the training demands would entail separation of some employees to the new organization which

About Articles Of Confederation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

About Articles Of Confederation - Essay Example The confirmations by the 13 states involved were accomplished in early 1781. Before the ratification was complete, the article provided local and international legality for the continental congress to direct America evolutionally war. In addition, the article could conduct mediation with Europe and also deal with territorial affairs. However, the feeble government produced by the article became an issue of concern for nationalists involved. The confederation article had a lot of weaknesses. Firstly, it had a unicameral legislature which allowed a single vote per state. This unicameral legislature left the countries with only one legislative or parliamentary chamber. This was because the majority could not vote to pass legislation and amend the articles as they wanted. The article left the 13 states and the central government without the separation of powers. In additional to these problems, central government had no power to collect taxes, raise an army, or even control trade. With the one vote per state to change or amend the article, it left the 13 nations plus the central government without the division of powers. With a 2/3 majority need to pass laws made the changing of the article difficult. In order to make the changes on the article, they needed 9 of the 13 states to approve which was very difficult. 1. This shows that the article left the central government weak since the states maintained a majority of power. Limits in the article The delegates to the first and second congresses did not fix the terms of service. However, the members of the congress under the confederation articles were selected by state legislature annually. With the restriction that, no single person would be able to become a representative for more than three years. This is found in confederation article (v). This made the first national legislative body in the United States to operate with term limitations. During the time of confederation article existence, the service of delegate who had violated the term restrictions was challenged many times. The congress organized a committee on qualifications to determine whether any of the members were tarrying beyond their appointed terms. One of the delegates found was Samuel Osgood of Massachusetts. He was found ineligible for the service because he had served for three years after the ratification of the Articles. This caused Osgood to withdrawn from the office 3. Other del egates were investigated, primarily for serving beyond the one year for which they had been elected. Other controversies ensured that over the exact date of electing the delegates from Rhode Island, and they refused to vacate from their seats. The concern was that prolonging the controversy would disrupt the proceedings of congress; the Committee of Qualification dropped the matter. In many ways, the limit of the confederation article has helped the operation of the congress today. Firstly, it has come up with good constitution that governs citizens in a better way. Presidents now cannot exceed certain term set by the constitution. This allows more people to participate in the offices and bring change in the country in question. It has also improved the democracy of citizens where they are able to vote for the leaders they desire and think they will rule them the best 3. The limitation on raising an army has led to reduction of war among states because the nation had lived together for a long period without fighting. Article 10 made provision for functioning of the committee of state and for the possible admission of Canada 4.This shows that, if this article was carried out, Canada

Does a welfare state benefit society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Does a welfare state benefit society - Essay Example Therefore, it is important to understand that a welfare state looks after the good beings of the people and the people who live in different countries of the nations. Some nation copies the example of these welfare state so that they could become perfect and also become top-ranked in the world the concept of welfare state is adopted by different people of the nations. In the end, it would be important to mention again that a welfare state is very important for the overall working basis of a country. Every nation must try it's very best to become a welfare state so that its people could live in prosperity and there are no issues for one another. A welfare state is thus a very important ingredient for bringing people together on one platform. This is needed for nation-building and unity which is very necessary in times which are trouble. The leaders must put emphasis on having a welfare state so that the people can elect them again to serve these people in return (Castles 2004). The le aders should be accountable for all their actions and steps so that there are no problems at all for the people living in these countries. Every government must try to become a welfare state so that it could serve the cause of its own men and woman and this is important in order to have prosperity, growth, and development within the infrastructure of the country. In the long term, this will have more productivity within the country itself which is a very important thing toward achieving the goals.

Violent Video Games Make Kids Violent Research Paper

Violent Video Games Make Kids Violent - Research Paper Example Majority of the studies agree, nevertheless, that violent video games can have significant impact on aggression among children (Bartholow et al; Carnagey et al.; Funk et al.; Polman et al.). Although not all children who play violent video games develop aggressive behaviors, several studies showed that violent video games can make kids violent, including those who do not have aggressive traits, because it decreases their capacity for empathy, it desensitizes them to violence, and it develops antisocial behaviors. Playing violent video games reduces children’s ability to show empathy to others, which can make them more aggressive toward other people. Violent video games commonly show lack of empathy for others, where players can attack authorities and other human beings with ease and without consideration for laws and other psychological effects of their actions. Funk et al. studied the effects of playing violent video games on participants’ responses to vignettes, or fictional stories that contain violence. The vignettes included empathy and aggression stories. Empathy refers to â€Å"self-conscious† emotions when making moral judgments (Funk et al. 417). It is about being able to feel for someone in a different situation and responding properly to that person because of empathy (Funk et al. 417). The study of Funk et al. included 35 students with ages ranging eight to twelve years old. They surveyed the video game playing habits of these children. Then, they were made t o play one or two violent video games, and then asked to respond to vignettes on empathy and aggression. To increase identification with the actors of the vignettes, they were made specific to the gender of the participants. For instance, if the participant was a girl, then the vignette has girl characters. Findings showed that playing violent video games in the long run had significant effects on aggression because it could decrease empathy levels (Funk et al. 429). Because of playing

Organizational Leadership Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 2

Organizational Leadership - Term Paper Example Resources should be readily available for organisation’s operation to flow smoothly on a daily basis. When resources are insufficient in an organisation, activities in various departments are delayed. This delay affects the pace or timing or achieving set targets and objectives. For organisational goals to be achieved, effective strategies have to be outlined, and required resources have to be availed. Also, the organisational leadership has to be outstanding. This paper will analyse concepts in organisational leadership and implications of theory X, Y and Z leaders in modern organisations. According to theory X, employees in every business organisation do not like what they do. It argues that employees must be forced to do assigned duties and responsibilities, through pressure and control from managers. In a business organisation, the most vital resources are the human ones. These resources (employees) determine the success of the organisation in its quest to achieve its goals and objectives. The way they execute assigned duties enables managers to check whether objectives are likely to be realised or not. Leaders in an organisation are responsible for performance of employees. They are required to set a good direction that should be followed by all members within the organisation. The direction set is vital in outlining how things should be run in the company. Theory X states that for all operations to run as planned, the leaders in an organisation should be harsh. They need to be strict, and on employees’ heels so that good results can be realised, at the end of specified period because theory X gives authority to management not to involve employees when making vital decisions on behalf of the whole company. Management only consult among themselves when coming up with plans and strategies to counter uncertainties. The fast decision making process is vital to an organisation since decisions are made quickly, hence minimising

Claytronics Case Essay Example for Free

Claytronics Case Essay Claytronics is an emerging field of engineering concerning reconfigurable nanoscale robots designed to form much larger scale machines or mechanisms. Also known as programmable matter, the catoms will be sub-millimeter computers that will eventually have the ability to move around, communicate with each others, change color, and electrostatically connect to other catoms to form different shapes. The forms made up of catoms could morph into nearly any object, even replicas of human beings for virtual meetings. . Likely spherical in shape, a catom would have no moving parts. Rather, it would be covered with electromagnets to attach itself to other catoms; it would move by using the electromagnets to roll itself over other catoms. The catoms surfaces would have light-emitting diodes to allow them to change color and photo cells to sense light, allowing the collective robot to see. Each would contain a fairly powerful, Pentium-class computer . According to Carnegie Mellons Synthetic Reality Project personnel, claytronics are described as An ensemble of material that contains sufficient localcomputation, actuation, storage, energy, sensing, and communication which can be programmed to form interesting dynamic shapes and configurations. The idea is not to transport objects nor is it to recreate an objects chemicalcomposition, but rather to create a physical artefact,that will mimic the shape, movement, visual appearance,sound, and tactile qualities of the original object INTRODUCTION: Programmable matter one day could transform itself into all kinds of look-alikes The day when doctors routinely made house calls may be past, but that doesnt mean that someday you wont routinely see your doctor in your home with emphasis on see. That is to say, your doctor could physically work out of her office. But a three-dimensional lookalike, assembled from perhaps a billion tiny, BB-like robots, could be her stand-in in your home. She could talk with you, touch you, look at you, all under the control of the real, if distant, doc. After the examination, she could be disassembled, leaving behind a big pile of beads. Or the beads might reassemble into a piece of moving sculpture, or turn into a chair. Not a single such robot yet exists; building the one-millimeter diameter robots that Goldstein envisions is beyond current technology. And he acknowledges it could be decades before a synthetic doctor is possible, much less affordable.But its not too soon to start thinking about it. Its a little like putting a man on the moon, said Todd Mowry.Its not just a problem of building tiny robots, but figuring out how to power them, to get them to stick together and to coordinate and control millions or billions of them. No ones even sure what to call it. Claytronics, synthetic reality and programmable matter have been proposed. Dynamic physical rendering is the label Intel uses. Each of the individual robots comprising these people or shapes would be a claytronic atom, or catom. Likely spherical in shape, a catom would have no moving parts. Rather, it would be covered with electromagnets to attach itself to other catoms; it would move by using the electromagnets to roll itself over other catoms. *The catoms surfaces would have light-emitting diodes to allow them to change color and photo cells to sense light, allowing the collective robot to see. Each would contain a fairly powerful, Pentium-class computer. CLAYTRONICS, A SYNTHETIC REALITY [pic][pic] The big advantage of designing on a computer is the ease of changing things, like color and shape. But, especially for 3D objects, it has some disadvantages. You don’t really get a feel for the object: What does it look like when I walk around it? How does it feel when I hold it in my hands? With Claytronics technology this problem could be solved. What is Claytronics? Claytronics is an emerging field of engineering concerning reconfigurable nanoscale robots (claytronic atoms, or catoms) which can interact with each other to form tangible 3-D objects that a user can interact with.They are designed to form much larger scale machines or mechanisms. Also known as programmable matter, the catoms will be sub-millimeter computers that will eventually have the ability to move around, communicate with each others, change color, and electrostatically connect to other catoms to form different shapes. The forms made up of catoms could morph into nearly any object, even replicas of human beings for virtual meetings. Claytronics technology is currently being researched by Professor Seth Goldstein and Professor Todd C. Mowry at Carnegie Mellon University, which is where the term was coined. . The Carnegie Mellon University together with Intel are currently researching this technology. Though it might seem somewhat futuristic, they are confident that it can be realized and they’ve got Moore’s Law( describes a long-term trend in the history of computing hardware, in which the number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit has doubled approximately every two years) to back it up. According to Carnegie Mellons Synthetic Reality Project personnel, claytronics are described as An ensemble of material that contains sufficient local computation, actuation, storage, energy, sensing, and communication which can be programmed to form interesting dynamic shapes and configurations. Claytronics has the potential to greatly affect many areas of daily life, such as telecommunication, human-computer interfaces, and entertainment In other words, programmable matter will allow us to take a (big) step beyond virtual reality, to synthetic reality, an environment in which all the objects in a user’s environment are physically realized. Note that the idea is not to transport objects nor is it to recreate an objects chemical composition, but rather to create a physical artefact that will mimic the shape, movement, visual appearance,sound, and tactile qualities of the original object Claytronics though based upon on concepts of physics and electronics in schoolbooks (and a neat trick), its a technology of 2040 and 2050 due to the technical challenge scientific and engineering community live with. Challenge is to develop and control this material on the scale of nanometers (100 times thinner then human hair, 1 nanometer = 10 -9 meters). Claytronics doesnt end with working together philosophy or networked computing alone. Catoms, basic blocks of claytronics can morph their physical and chemical properties, meaning same material can be of different mechanical, thermal properties, can have different shape or size, different color, fluorescent material can be converted to super reflecting mirror. These highlights and long wait till Year 2040/50. . Our goal is that the system be usable now and scalablefor the future. Thus, the guiding design principle,behind both the hardware and the software, is SCALABILITY.Hardware mechanisms need to scale towards micronsized catoms and million-catom ensembles. Software mechanisms need to be scale invariant. Claytronics will be a test-bed for solving some of the most challenging problems we face today: how to build complex, massively distributed dynamic systems. It is also a step towards truly integrating computers into our lives—by having them integrated into the very artifactsaround us and allowing them to interact with the world. Catoms Programmable matter consists of a collection of individual components, which we call claytronic atoms or catoms. Catoms can †¢ move in three dimensions in relation to other catoms, †¢ adhere to other catoms to main ­tain a 3D shape, communicate with other catoms in an ensemble, and compute state information with possible assistance from other catoms in the ensemble. Each catom is a unit with a CPU, a network device, a single-pixel display, one or more sensors, a means of locomotion, and a mechanism for adhering to other catoms. Although this sounds like a microrobot, we believe that imple ­menting a completely autonomous microrobot is unnecessarily complex. Instead, we take a cue from cellular reconfigurable robotics research to simplify the individual robot modules so that they are easier to manufacture using high-volume methods. Ensemble principle: Realizing this vision requires new ways of thinking about massive num ­bers of cooperating millimeter-scale units. Most importantly, it demands simplifying and redesigning the soft ­ware and hardware used in each catom to reduce complexity and manufactur ­ing cost and increase robustness and reliability. For example, each catom must work cooperatively with others in the ensemble to move, communi ­cate, and obtain power. Consequently, our designs strictly adhere to the ensemble principle: A robot module should include only enough functionality to contribute to the ensemble’s desired functionality. Three early results of our research each highlight a key aspect of the ensemble principle: easy manufacturability, powering million-robot ensem ­bles, and surface contour control with ­out global motion planning. High-Volume Manufacturability Some catom designs will be easier to produce in mass quantity than others. Our present exploration into the design space investigates modules without moving parts, which we see as an inter ­mediate stage to designing catoms suit ­able for high-volume manufacturing. In our present macroscale (44-mm diameter), cylindrical prototypes, shown in Figure 1, each catom is equipped with 24 electromagnets arranged in a pair of stacked rings. To move, a pair of catoms must ï ¬ rst be in contact with another pair. Then, they must appropriately energize the next set of magnets along each of their circumferences. . The current prototypes can only overcome the frictional forces opposing their own horizontal movement, but downscaling will improve the force budget substantially. The resulting force from two similarly energized magnet coils varies roughly with the inverse cube of distance, whereas the ï ¬â€šux due to a given coil varies with the square of the scale factor. Hence, the potential force generated between two catoms varies linearly with scale. Meanwhile, mass varies with the cube of scale. Powering Microbot Ensembles:. Some energy requirements, such as effort to move versus gravity, scale with size. Others, such as communi ­cation and computation, don’t. As microrobots (catoms) are scaled down, the onboard battery’s weight and volume exceed those of the robots themselves. To provide sufï ¬ cient energy to each catom without incurring such a weight and volume penalty, we’re developing methods for routing energy from an external source to all catoms in an ensemble. For example, an ensemble could tap an environmental power source, such as a special table with pos ­itive and negative electrodes, and route that power internally using catom-to ­catom connections. To simplify manufacturing and accelerate movement, we believe it’s necessary to avoid using intercatom connectors that can carry both supply and ground via separate conductors within the connector assembly. Such complex connectors can signiï ¬ cantly increase reconï ¬ guration time. For example, in previously con ­structed modular robotic systems such as the Palo Alto Research Center’s PolyBot and the Dartmouth Robotics Lab’s Molecule it can take tens of seconds or even minutes for a robot module to uncouple from its neighbor, move to another module, and couple with that newly proximal module. In contrast, our present unary-con ­nector-based prototypes can â€Å"dock† in less than 100 ms because no special connector alignment procedure is required. This speed advantage isn’t free, however: A genderless unary con ­nector imposes additional operational complexity in that each catom must obtain a connection to supply from one neighbor and to ground from a dif ­ferent neighbor. Several members of the Claytronic team have recently developed power distribution algorithms that satisfy these criteria. These algorithms require no knowledge of the ensemble conï ¬ g ­uration—lattice spacing, ensemble size, or shape—or power-supply loca ­tion. Further, they require no on-catom power storage. Shape Control Without Global Motion Planning: Classical approaches to creating an arbitrary shape from a group of mod ­ular robots involve motion planning through high-dimensional search or gradient descent methods. However, in the case of a million-robot ensemble, global search is unlikely to be tractable. Even if a method could globally plan for the entire ensemble, the communi ­cations overhead required to transmit individualized directions to each mod ­ule would be very high. In addition, a global plan would break down in the face of individual unit failure. To address these concerns, we’re developing algorithms that can control shape without requiring extensive planning or communication. This approach focuses on the motion of holes rather than that of robots per se. Given a uniform hexag ­onal-packed plane of catoms, a hole is a circular void due to the absence of seven catoms. Such a seven-catom hole can migrate through the ensemble by appropriate local motion of the adja ­cent catoms. Holes migrate through the ensemble as if moving on a frictionless plane, and bounce back at the ensemble’s edges. Just as bouncing gas molecules exert pressure at the edges of a balloon, bouncing holes interact frequently with each edge of the ensemble without the need for global control. As Figure 2 illustrates, edges can contract by con ­suming a hole or expand by creating a hole, purely under local control. We initiate shape formation by â€Å"ï ¬ ll ­ing† the ensemble with holes. Each hole receives an independent, random veloc ­ity and begins to move around. A shape goal speciï ¬ es the amount each edge region must either contract or expand to match a desired target shape. A hole that hits a contracting edge is consumed. In effect, the empty space that constitutes the hole moves to the outside of the ensemble, pulling in the surface at that location. Similarly, expanding edges create holes and inject them into the ensemble, pushing its contour out in the c orresponding local region. [pic] Importantly, all edge contouring and hole motion can be accomplished using local rules, and the overall shape of an ensemble can be programmed purely by communicating with the catoms at the edges. Hence, we use probabilistic methods to achieve a deterministic result. Our initial analyses of the cor ­responding 3D case suggest surface contour control will be possible via a similar algorithm. Ping-Pong to marble size A large, moving shape such as a human replica might contain a billion catoms. A system with a billion computer nodes, he added, is something on the scale of the entire Internet. . . . Unlike the real Internet, our thing is moving. This will require new schemes for quickly organizing and reorganizing such a large computer network. A moving shape will necessarily force catoms to constantly and quickly change positions, breaking connections with one set of catoms and establishing new connections with others. The idea behind self-reconfigurable robots is that a robot could change shape depending on a task perhaps operating as a snake-like robot to wiggle through tight spaces, while taking the form of a spider or a humanoid for other types of exploration. Identifying each catom by a number, like each computer on the Internet, isnt likely to work. Rather, catoms may identify themselves based on function or position a catom replicating a human would need to know if it was part of a pinky finger, or a mouth, or an eye. Power also has been a concern. As we shrink thingswe find that weight and bulk is primarily in the battery.The idea is to eliminate the battery. Instead, the catoms will automatically form themselves into electrical circuits, so delivering power to one catom effectively delivers power to all of the catoms. As the shape moves and the catoms rearrange themselves, connections will be repeatedly made and broken, interupting power. So the catoms will be designed with a capacitor or small battery to hold just enough charge to compensate for the momentary disconnections. The system also will be engineered to maintain its shape even when powered off. proposes covering the sides of the catoms with manmade fibers similar to the microscopic foot hairs of the gecko, a tropical lizard.The millions of hairs on a geckos toes allow it to cling to almost any surface. The hairs arent sticky, but rely on weak electrodynamic forces known as the van der Waals force. If the synthetic hairs can be fashioned out of the microscopic fibers known as carbon nanotubes, the hairs could conduct electricity and might serve as the electrical connections between catoms.. Even if claytronics doesnt immediately yield 3-D motion, it might be useful for producing 3-D shapes in the computer-aided design process, Goldstein said. Claytronics antennas could change shape to improve reception of different radio frequencies. A Claytronics cell phone might grow a full-size keyboard, or expand its video display as needed. [pic] The Concept and the trick Catoms, of which claytronics machines will built upon are kind of rich quantum dot. Quantum dot is basically a semiconducting crystal (material used in ICs for almost any electronic or computing device) on a nanoscale, so we can call it semiconducting nanocrystal. Quantum dots unlike normal semiconducting crystal caters to single or more electrons on a scale small enough that they can be called as artificial atoms without their own nucleus. To make this understand better Quantum dots controls can control almost single electron in its own territory. These territories have different levels, in scientific term called discrete energy levels on the order of De-Broglies wavelength. Trick is really simple in theory; every substance on a atomic level is identified based upon its atomic number and atomic mass number. Atom has three basic atomic particles (no of basic particles discovered is high as of now) electron, proton and neutron. In a balanced atom no of electrons and protons are same, so no of electrons indicates atomic number as well. Here in Quantum dots we can manipulate no of electrons trapped by adjusting the voltage to the metal. Creating lots of such artificial atoms in metal like semiconductor can alter lots of its chemical and electronic properties to make a non transparent metal behave like a transparent mirror maybe. A Modular Robotic System Using Magnetic Force Effectors One of the primary impediments to building ensembles of modular robots is the complexity and number of mechanical mechanisms used to construct the individual modules. As part of the Claytronics project—which aims to build very large ensembles of modular robots— investigation is done on how to simplify each module by eliminating moving parts and reducing the number of mechanical mechanisms on each robot by using force-at-a-distance actuators. Additionally, also investigating the feasibility of using these unary actuators to improve docking performance, implement intermodule adhesion, power transfer, communication, and sensing. Three magnetic 45mm planar catoms. I. Introduction Advances in manufacturing and electronics open up new possibilities for designing modular robotic systems. As the robots become smaller, it becomes possible to use force-at-adistance actuators—e.g., actuators which cause one module to move relative to another via magnetic or electric fields external to the modules themselves. Furthermore, as the cost and power consumption of electronics continue to decrease, it becomes increasingly attractive to use complex electronics rather than complex mechanical systems. In this paper, we explore how a single device that exploits magnetic forces can be harnessed to unify actuation, adhesion, power transfer, communication, and sensing. By combining a single coil with the appropriate electronics we can simplify the robot— reducing both its weigt and size—while increasing its capabilities. Furthermore ,since we are interested in the ensemble as a whole, we do not require that individual units be self-sufficientAs long as individual units can contribute to the overall motion of the ensemble, they do not need the ability to move independently within the greater environment. We call this design principle the ensemble axiom: each unit contains only the minimum abilities necessary to contribute to the aggregate functionality of the ensemble. Choosing the right mechanism for locomotion is a key design decision. In addition to scalability, the size of the unit must also be taken into account. At the macroscale,complex mechanisms such as motors are effective. However, as units scale down in size other approaches become viable, taking advantage of increasing surface-to-volume ratio and decreasing of inertial moments. Our current robots, which we call planar catoms1, are small enough that we can explore a mechanism designed around magnetic field forceat- a-distance actuators. As the units decrease further in size, actuators based upon electric field forces become viable and are appealing because they use less current, produce less heat, and weigh less than magnetic actuators. Even smaller units could harness surface forces such as surface tension or Van der Waals’ forces. The size scale also affects power transfer and storage: because electrical resistance increases as contact size decreases, direct electrical connections between robots become increasingly impractical. II. Related Work Of the many research efforts the most relevant to our work is Fracta Fracta is a two dimensional modular robot which uses a combination of permanent magnets and electromagnets for locomotion and adhesion. As in our planar catoms, to move a module requires communication between the moving module and its neighbors. The two main differences between Fracta and planar catoms are due to changes in underlying technology and the use of permanent magnets. Fracta modules are constrained to be in a hex-lattice whereas the planar catoms have additional actuators and can be arranged in a cubic or hex lattice. Significant advances in VLSI enable us to create smaller, lighter units which do not use permanent magnets. We also harness the magnets for more than locomotion and adhesion, i.e., the magnets also serve as the main mechanism for power transfer, sensing, and communications. Planar catoms are our first step along the path towards realizing three dimensional claytronics. The robots rely on the external forces and move stochastically, adhering to each other under control of the program running on the robot. The ensemble principle is carried even further in the latter project; robots are unpowered until they adhere to a powered robot.

My Trip to America Essay Example for Free

My Trip to America Essay The plane was taking off. Gravity pulled me lean on the back of the seat. Seeing the trees, roads, cars and buildings became more and more blurry in my sight, I felt my brain was blank. Hey, Im really going to leave tomorrow†¦ I called my best friend the night before I left. Dont forget to swim across the Pacific Ocean to visit me. She said after the long silence. Yes, for me at that time, America was truly just Hollywood and Disneyland on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. But soon enough, I would find out the real America by myself. Before I knew, I was already breathing the air of San Francisco, my first stop. The Hip-Hop music coming from the radio was really loud, and people were trotting. I could even feel the fast beat of that city in the car. Something was not in that rush though — the pigeons. They were taking a walk leisurely on the street, did not afraid of people, as though if the hurry did not belong to them at all. That scene was never to be seen in my country. When the last piece of furniture was moved into my apartment, my dad signed: we have a home in America now. chicago il. In the first summer, I used to touch the unacquainted address on the envelope every time we got letters, practiced to recite telephone number and close my eyes to feel the wind. So my new life just had begun unconsciously. Almost nothing fitted what I imagined about the High School. Because it was a lot better than what I supposed. I thought I would be lonely, no one would talk to me, but actually at the end of the first of school, I already had known someone who I could consider as friend. Things were indeed not easy though. I held the map of the school building, and finally found my way to classroom after asking three people for direction. Teachers were nothing like the strict teacher in China, they were patient and funny. They were willing to be students friends. I used to say, Sorry, my English is very bad. at the beginning of the school year every time when I finished talking with someone. Once I was sitting outside of school gate on the stairs and talking to a girl, when I said my formal conclusion sentence, she said Oh no, your English is very good! and gave me a shinny smile. In my memory, the sky of that afternoon was as limpid as a lake with glittering sunshine Honestly, I did not understand or feel much every morning when we put our right hand on the left chest and say the oath towards the flag. Until one day the school showed the commemoration of 9. 11 on the TV, I saw many teacher cried. I suddenly realized that America is their home, was just like someone attacked their home and hurt their sister or brother. The oath to the Stars and Stripes is not just about a verb, a pose; its about the feeling of home. Most sunny days of chicago are mild. I will sit in front of the desk and look up to those cotton-candy-like clouds through the window. Or I will always take a walk in the dusk on some clean and quiet bypath, the tip of the church, which is tinged by the orange afterglow and the tall Chinars along the path, which sings softly in the wind, always make me think I have crashed in to a fairyland. I know that I felt and still feel the love when I was singing the national anthem of my country, China. And America is where I live and study now. It is my second home. I am getting the excellent education here, I have met lovely and patriotic people here, and I have seen the charming scene here. I am experiencing a totally different lifestyle here. Close my eyes, I still can see the tears on my grandparents face in the airport; I can still smell the thick Natee on every street of San Francisco; I can still remember once there was a girl who was too nervous to decide whether to wear a pink or white T-shirt on the first day of school. After a year and a half living in America, Im still that happy little girl, except when I think about America, it is not more far away across the Pacific Ocean, it is where my new life is, it is my home. And another thing is that I can be the person to show others the direction to the classroom now.

Analyse Different Chilli Peppers Biology Essay

Analyse Different Chilli Peppers Biology Essay The purpose of this project was to analyse different chilli peppers and hot sauces for their Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin content but concentration was focused more on the analysis of different chillies than sauces. Samples of chillies were refluxed using Ethanol as an extraction solvent and sauces were untrasonicated using Methanol. The extracts were filtered and analysed via Reverse phase HPLC-UV Vis technique. A number of experiments were performed to optimise the method that has been previously used for analysis of chilli peppers. The first experiment conducted was to optimise the duration of reflux time required to obtain a good yield of Capsaicin. Results showed that 1hr is sufficient for the extraction of Capsaicin. A variety of chilli peppers and sauces were analysed so as to ascertain the hottest pepper. In general all samples had good detection. Different parts of chillies were also examined to establish which part contains the highest concentration of Capsaicin and Endoc arp was found to be the hottest part. The reproducibility of the method was also investigated and the sample showed to have a low RSD value. 1. Introduction Next to Jazz music, theres nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chillies. Harry James (Late American musician) Loved by millions for their hot and sizzling flavours, the chilli peppers have become very popular over the period of time and are being grown in almost in all parts of the world, with Asia being the biggest producer of chillies followed by Mexico and the U.S. In traditional Indian medical system, chilli is used as way of stimulating the digestion and is also believed to be a natural pain killer. The red chilli peppers are also a source of potassium, magnesium and iron and vitamin C. 1.1 Why Are They So Hot? The heat sensation in chillies is caused by a class of chemicals, called the Capsaicinoids. These compounds are found in members of the capsicum family of plants. Capsaicinoids themselves belong to a group called Vanilloids i.e. containing the Vanillyl group [3dchem.com] Figure 1.1 [ en.wikipedia.org] All Capsaicinoids have same functional groups and differ only in length of hydrocarbon chain. The most common of Capsaicinoids compounds is Capsaicin which is the major constituent of chilli peppers and also responsible for their pungent taste. [3d chem.] 1.2 Structure of Capsaicins: Capsaicin figure 1.2.1 Dihydrocapsaicin figure 1.2.2 Nordihydrocapsaicin figure 1.2.3 Homocapsaicin figure 1.2.4 Homodihydrocapsaicin figure 1.2.5 Out of all the Capsaicins, the capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin are the major constituents of Capsaicinoids (make up 80-90% of capsaicinoids). 1.3 Cis-trans isomerism in Capsaicin [3dchem] Capsaicin can exhibit cis-trans isomerism due to the presence of C=C bond. The double bond prevents the molecule to rotate freely internally, therefore, giving rise to stereo isomers. Cis isomer of the capsaicin is less stable and has higher energy due to steric hindrance. As the methyl groups are in close proximity to each other it causes repulsion between them and hence making it a less stable arrangement due to this added strain. Trans isomer on the contrary has methyl groups further apart and doesnt have any steric hindrance, making it a more stable/low energy arrangement. Therefore, the Capsaicin is always found in the Trans isomer. Figure 1.3.1 [http://www.homesteadcollective.org/mpg/science/majorcrap5.shtml] 1.4 Scoville Scale The scale for measuring the extent of heat in chillies was first invented by an American Chemist Wilbur Lincoln Scoville in 1912. The test he devised is known as the Scoville Organoleptic test in which he had a group of volunteers to taste the chillies on their own and later diluted them with sugar and water until they didnt have any burning sensation left. The resulting dilution factor was called the Scoville heat value of the sample and a number was then assigned to each sample of chilli i.e. Scoville unit, to ascertain the amount of dilution a chilli needs before its hot flavour dies away. [3d.chem] Table 1.4.1 Scoville heat values for Capsaicinoids [g6csy.net] Molecule Strength /Scoville units Capsaicin 16.1 million Dihydrocapsaicin 16.1 million Nordihydrocapsaicin 9.3 million Homocapsaicin 6.9 million Homodihydrocapsaicin 8.1 million The hottest capsaicin found is in the chilli known as Naga Jolokia, grown in India and has Scoville strength of 855,000-105, 0000 units. The Habanero (Mexican chilli) are the runners-up with Scoville rating range of 200,000-300, 0000. g6csy.net As mentioned earlier, in addition to Capsaicins being used as food additives, they have important medicinal benefits and are known as Phytochemicals.[3dchem.com] Due to having pharmaceutical and antioxidant properties, its widely used in anti-flammatory creams and ointments and also used as a counter irritant in surgical dressings and medicines. Moreover, they are also being used in nutritional supplements for pain relief and Arthritis. [cals.ncsu.edu] 1.5. Extraction Methods for Capsaicin Different methods have been devised as a way of extracting capsaicin from chilies and sauces. The simplest technique is to dissolve chilies in a polar solvent and placing the mixture on hot plates for half an hour and then filtering the extract via simple/vacuum filtration and making up with Methanol (100 ml). The other techniques more efficient for extraction are as follows: 1.5.1 Solid Phase Extraction or SPE This technique is particularly useful in extracting capsaicin as it requires pre-treating the sample prior to analysis. This reduces the amount of unwanted components that may interfere with the analysis. The extraction is completed in 4 steps: Conditioning the cartridge: This involves activating the cartridge by passing the sample through it to achieve same conditions with in the cartridge (e.g. to achieve same pH, composition etc as the sample). Retention: The sample is applied to the cartridge and either contaminants are retained and analyte is flushed through the cartridge. Other way used is holding the analyte with in the column and the unwanted components are passed through the column. Rinsing: The cartridge is then rinsed with distilled water to wash off the impurities. Elution: The last step is to elute the sample with appropriate solvent and the extract can then be used for analysis. 1.5.2 Reflux As demonstrated in this project, this method involves refluxing the chilies in methanol for appropriate duration. The reflux time required can be optimized by refluxing samples for different durations to establish the optimum time required by the capsaicin to leach. 1.5.3 Ultrasonication This method can be used for extracting the capsaicin from sauces or capsaicin based creams in short time. The samples are soaked in Ethanol and placed in the ultrasonic bath for half an hour at high temperature. The ultrasonic vibrations release the capsaicin from the samples. 1.5.4 Supercritical fluid extraction or SCFE In this method, the extraction solvent used is a super critical fluid. A super critical fluid (SCF) is a compound above its critical temperature and pressure. Therefore, an SCF is neither a liquid nor a gas. Hence, a super critical fluid has properties similar to liquids i.e. dissolving compounds and also gas like properties e.g. transportation. SCFE also minimizes the matrix components. Due to these capabilities, this method is more efficient and quicker than the other extraction methods. Carbon dioxide and water are the most commonly used SCF. This technique has a variety of applications in food, petrol, and pharmaceutical industries. 1.6. Previous research on Capsaicin Capsaicin has been widely studied and researched by various organisations and institutions but insufficient literature has been published with respect to the analysis of chilli peppers and sauces. In this section, three articles will be discussed as all three papers deal with the analysis of chillies and sauces relevant to this project. The first literature ¹ investigated the concentration of Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin in the Habanero peppers using Super Critical Fluid Extraction method (SCFE). In addition to the analysis of Habanero whole peppers, different parts of chilli were also examined for their Capsaicin content. The Habanero peppers were obtained from two different locations: Cunningham Research station and Bailey Farm (located in North Carolina, US). The peppers were cut into seeds and shells and prior to extraction, the samples from Bailey farms were prepared fresh, oven dried and freeze dried and samples from Cunningham station were prepared in oven and freeze dried states. The whole peppers and seeds/shells samples were extracted using three polar solvents i.e. Methanol, Acetone and Acetonitrile. The Method for SCFE is as follows as stated in the literature: Fresh, oven and freeze dried preparations (0.5g dry weight) were extracted using a biomass: solvent loading of 15% (w/v) based on the initial moisture of the pepper samples/parts. Sample and solvent mixtures were homogenised in 50ml conical glass tubes and placed in a shaking water bath (50 °C). The extracts (2ml each) were then filtered and stored at -20 °C until the analysis. The preliminary work suggested that 1hr is sufficient to get good yield of capsaicin. The extracts were then analysed using Reverse-phased HPLC with UV VIS Detector. The HPLC was equilibrated with capsaicin standards (10, 30,50ppm). The mobile phase composition was isocratic at 60:40 (Acetonitrile: Water with acetic acid (pH 3)). The researchers of this project compared the capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin concentrations from both locations. The results showed that the Cunningham stations peppers had higher concentration of capsaicin in comparison with the Bailey farms chillies but the Bailey Farms pepper had higher amount of Dihydrocapsaicin than the Cunninghams. The results suggested that samples that were oven dried and extracted with Acetone gave maximum yields of the Capsaicinoids. This literature also suggested that regardless of the solvent type and preparation state used, seed has the highest amount of capsaicin. The researchers suggested the reason for differences in capsaicin concentration was due to different environments the fruits are cultivated e.g. chemicals used, weather conditions etc. The second literature ² deals with the analysis of three Capsaicinoids i.e. levels of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin and nordihydrocapsaicin in different chillies, sauces and arthritis creams via reverse phased HPLC. This research employed a solvent extraction technique which involved addition of ethanol (extraction solvent) to the samples of ground chillies, sauces and creams and placing the samples on hot plates for 30mins. After cooling and filtration, the extracts were transferred into flasks (100ml) and made up to the mark with Ethanol. 5ml was withdrawn from this sample and filtered again into a syringe filter cartridge (0.45 µm pore size). This aliquot was then used for the analysis. A 1000ppm standard stock solution was used to make standard capsaicin solutions ranging from 1-50ppm and ran through HPLC. The mobile phase in this research was made up of ACN, water and phosphoric acid (0.1%).The UV detector was set at 280nm and 205nm to determine samples responses at different wavelengths. In addition, Isocratic and Gradient elution were used. The findings from this journal suggested that Capsaicinoids present in very little concentrations (e.g. 0.5ppm) were detected better at 205nm wavelength using gradient elution rather than Isocratic method. However, results also indicated that for analysis of Capsaicinoids present in greater concentrations, Isocratic elution and UV wavelength at 280nm. The concentrations of the Capsaicinoids were expressed in terms of the Scoville units and the value calculated for the Habanero peppers (150,000) in this experiment was different to the literature value range (200,000-300,000). The researchers attributed this fact to variations in the environment e.g. weather etc. The third literature ³ determined the capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content in chilli peppers. The chillies were grounded for 10mins and Acetonitrile (30ml) was added to the crushed peppers and again grounded for 20mins. The solid residue was filtered and an aliquot (1ml) was made up to the mark with Acetonitrile. (in 10 ml flask). The extraction method used in this work was Solid Phase Extraction (SPE): An SPE cartridge was conditioned with Acetonitrile, methanol and water and the capsaicin extract (10ml) was then applied to the cartridge and the analyte was eluted with methanol (4ml) and then again with 1 ml of methanol (containing 1% acetic acid). The analytes were then run through reverse phase HPLC using UV-VIS detector (at 281nm); mobile phase consisted of 77:33 (Methanol: Water). The HPLC was eluted first with the standards so as to obtain the calibration graphs. The Capsaicinoids concentration of different chillies was expressed in Scoville heat units (similar to literature 2). The results showed that Habanero is the hottest amongst all peppers that were analysed i.e. Scoville heat value of 276,000 which corresponded to the literature value range. The least hot pepper was Jalapeno (41,000 Scoville heat units). 1.6.1 Comparison of three papers: The researches have used different techniques to extract the Capsaicinoids i.e. SCFE and SPE. However, the extraction technique used in this project was Reflux (for chillies) and Ultrasonication (for sauces). The extractions were successful and all samples in general were detected which indicates that more than one method can be employed as a way of extracting the Capsaicinoids from chillies and sauces. Various parameters were manipulated as part of method development in literature 2 e.g. Isocratic/gradient elution and different wavelengths. Similarly in Literature 1 three preparation states and three solvents were used to determine what state/solvent gives maximum yield of Capsaicinoids. Literature 1 also suggested that the hottest part with in the chilli is the seeds, however, the findings of this project have shown that the Endocarp contains the highest amount of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. This is indicative of the fact that the amount of Capsaicinoids can vary even with in d ifferent parts of chilli. However, all researches discussed as well as this project has used polar solvents to extract the analytes and the analytical technique used was reverse phase HPLC which indicates its usefulness in the capsaicin analysis in particular. Once an analyte of interest has been extracted, it can be analysed by a process called Chromatography. 1.7 Chromatography The word Chromatography originates from Greek; Chroma means colour and graphein implies to write. [Skoog West Analytical Chem 7th Edition page 646] The history of this separative technique dates back to early twentieth century when it was developed by a Russian Botanist Mikhail Tswett in 1903[D kealy Instant notes]. He used this method for separation of various plant pigments and samples were passed through a calcium carbonate column. The separated analytes were identified as they left coloured bands on the column. [Skoog West Ana Chem 7th Page 646]. Since its invention by the Russian Scientist, this method has been modified and developed in many forms to give quantitative (amount of the analyte present) and qualitative analysis (identification of the unknowns) of complex mixtures. [d.Kealey instant notes page 119]. Separation in Chromatography is achieved by passing the sample mixture through the stationary phase by continuous flow of a mobile phase. This process is known as Elution. Hence, the chromatographic separation depends on the differences in the distribution ratios of the sample components between the stationary and mobile phase. Therefore, this capability of an analyte to migrate at different rates in both phases gives separation over a period of time and distance travelled. [D Kealey page 120] Kx= Cs/Cm, where kx is the equilibrium partition coefficient and Cs and Cm are molar concentrations of analyte in mobile and stationary phase. There are two types of Chromatography techniques: Year 2 notes page 25-26 1.7.1 Planar Chromatography In this method, the stationary phase is composed of a flat bed of material which is made up of an adsorbed layer distributed evenly over a sheet of glass, plastic or Aluminum (known as Thin Layer Chromatography or TLC) Paper Chromatography is also another type of Planar Chromatography in which the stationary phase is a sheet of cellulose material. 1.7.2 Column Chromatography In this method, the stationary phase is a glass or metal column on to which the stationary phase is tightly packed onto a column where separation takes place. Examples of Column chromatography are Gas Chromatography, High Performance Liquid Chromatography etc. 1.7.3 Chromatogram The plot of detector response Vs elution time is known as the Chromatogram. [Year 2 notes page 25]. Figure 1.7.3.1 [http://www.clu-in.org/characterization/technologies/images/retention.gif] 1.7.4 Retention time In the above figure is a typical chromatogram and term tr is the time taken by the analyte to elute the column, known as Retention time. [year 2 notes page 28] 1.7.4 Dead time [d Kealey page 121] Indicated as tm in the fig is referred to the dead time this is defined as the retention time required by the non retained species (i.e. mobile phase molecule) to pass through the column. A good Chromatogram should have well defined peaks having correct shape and symmetry (i.e. Gaussian shape), eluted in reasonable retention time (tr not too long or too short) and should be separated from the extraneous peaks. [Year 2 notes page 29] 1.8 Describing a Chromatogram There are four parameters used in chromatography that evaluate the quality of a chromatogram. These are: 1.8.1 The Capacity Factor, K It is the amount of mobile phase required to elute a particular peak. The K is calculated for the first and the last peak. This factor is particularly useful when establishing the best mobile phase composition in the HPLC. K can be calculated as following: K= (tr-tm)/tm where tr is the retention time and tm is the dead time. A Chromatogram having well separated peaks in good retention time will have K values between 2-8. 1.8.2 The Selectivity Factor, ÃŽÂ ± This is the ability of a system to separate two analytes (A and B) and is calculated by: ÃŽÂ ±= trb tm/ tra- tm, where trb and tra are the retention times of analytes A and B. A system where peaks are clearly separated has a value of ÃŽÂ ± > 1 1.8.3 The Resolution factor, Rs This determines the ability of a system to resolve two peaks that elute very close to each other. And can be calculated by: Rs = 2 (trb-tra)/Wa+ Wb where tra and trb are retention times and Wa and Wb are the peak widths of analyte A and B. The value of Rs > 1.5 for a good quality chromatogram. 1.8.4 The Efficiency Factor [ D kealey page 126-127] When separation takes place in a column, the chromatographic separation can be evaluated by the resolution factor, Rs or the efficiency factor. The efficiency is defined as the number of theoretical plates in a column. This factor evaluates the extent of band broadening of the analyte peaks. Increasing the number of plates and reducing their heights gives better efficiency and vice versa. The plate height can be calculated using: H= L/N where L is the length of the column (in mm usually) and N is the number of plates. The efficiency factor N is calculated by: N= 16 (tr/W) ² for a peak with a good baseline N= 5.54 (tr/W1/2) ² for a peak with a poor baseline and W1/2 is the width at half the maximum height of the peak. (year 2 notes 42-43) 1.8.5 Band Broadening As an analyte passes down a column, the peaks become shorter and broader due to various factors that cause band broadening. The Van Deemter Equation explains the reason for the band broadening: H= A+ (B/u) + Cu where H is the plate height and u is the linear velocity of the mobile phase. Other variables in the equation are explained below: A- Eddy Diffusion: As the mobile phase carries the sample components through the stationary phase, some components pass through the column in a straight line whilst other may that are retained longer by the stationary phase may deviate from the straight path and cause the peaks or bands to be broader. If evenly sized particles are used for packing the stationary phase, then the Eddy diffusion can be minimized. B- Longitudinal Diffusion: If the mobile phase is travelling at low velocities, then the analyte will spend more time in the column as analytes diffuse into the mobile phase. This longitudinal diffusion contributes towards peak broadening and can be minimized by an increasing the flow rate of the mobile phase. The increased velocity will reduce the retention time resulting in decreased effects caused by this phenomenon. [Veronica HPlc page 17-19] C-Mass transfer: As discussed earlier in this section, the separation depends on the ability of the analyte to distribute itself between the stationary and mobile phase. As the mobile phase is constantly flowing, the true equilibrium distribution of the analyte is never established. This leads to increased retention times and thus resulting in peak broadening. [d kealey page 124] 5. High Performance Liquid Chromatography or HPLC HPLC is a form of liquid chromatography which provides both qualitative and quantitative information about complex mixture samples in short time. The stationary phase in this technique is made up of very small fine particles and the sample is forced through the column by mobile phase solvents under high pressure, hence also bearing the name High Pressure Liquid Chromatography. [page 1 Veronica HPLC]. 5.1 Mobile phase in HPLC The main requirement for this technique is that the analyte must be soluble in the mobile phase as the mobile phase carries the sample mixture through the column where separation takes place. Therefore, if the analyte interacts with the mobile strongly, it will elute the column faster, leading to shorter retention times. [page 66 Chromatographic separations]. The mobile phase can either be a single solvent or different solvents combinations may be used. After suitable mobile phase has been chosen, the system can be set at isocratic or gradient conditions. In Isocratic conditions, the chosen ratio of solvents remains constant throughout the analysis e.g. in this project Isocratic mobile phase used for analysis. In contrast, the gradient mobile phase can be changed over the period of time. [Year 2 notes ]. 1.9 Stationary phase in HPLC The stationary phase in HPLC consists of a solid made out of micro porous material packed into the metal column. Silicas or modified Silicas with nonpolar organic groups attached are commonly used as column packing material. Out of all stationary phases used in HPLC, Octadecyl silica known as ODS or C18 is most extensively used due to its ability to separate the analyte components with high, intermediate and low polarities. Other stationary phases used in HPLC are Aminopropyl, Nitile, Sulphonic acid, quaternary Amines etc [d. kealey 159-161] Elution in HPLC is carried out by determining the extent of interactions of the analyte with the stationary and mobile phases. The degree of separation of the sample components depend on their migration rates and distribution ratios in both phases. 1.9.1 Normal and Reverse phase HPLC In normal phase HPLC (adsorption chromatography), the stationary phase is more polar than the mobile phase which is weakly polar. The separations are based on the relative polarities of the sample components. For instance, if species A is more polar than the species B, A will have strong affinity for the stationary phase and will be held in the column longer. This will result in species A having long retention time compared to B. Thus, in normal phase HPLC, least polar analyte elutes first. In Reverse phase HPLC (bonded phase chromatography), the stationary phase in non polar and the mobile phase solvents used are polar. This phase is governed by the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the analytes. Most polar analyte elutes first and vice versa. As Capsaicinoids are relatively non polar, therefore, if the mobile phase polarity in reverse phase is increased then the analyte will have stronger affinity for the stationary phase and therefore will spend more time in the column, leading to long retention times. The mobile phase solvents used in Reverse phase HPLC are water or aqueous buffer with an organic solvent. The use of protons in mobile phase composition improves the peak shape and travels in column quickly. [http://ionsource.com/tutorial/chromatography/rphplc.htm#Solvents] 1.9.2 HPLC Instrumentation Figure 1.9.2.1 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-CdTU5X4HA] Pump: In HPLC solvent delivery system, the pump is used to deliver the mobile phase solvents to the column under high pressure. Most commonly used pumps are reciprocating pumps. The pumps used should be free of corrosion, must supply an accurate and controlled flow rate and should be pulse free. The HPLC solvents for mobile phase must be degassed to ensure they are pure and free of any contaminants. This is done by passing an inter gas through the solvent reservoir in vacuum degasser. Injector: The sample is injected through syringe into the injector port. The injection system must not interrupt the flow of mobile phase and should deliver sample into the column in small volumes (5-500 µL). Column: Most commonly used HPLC column is 25cm in length, internal diameter of 4-6mm and particle size of 5 µm. 1.9.3 Detectors in HPLC When the sample components elute the column at different rates, they pass through the detector, and the information form the detector is then displayed in the form of a chromatogram. 1.9.4 UV-Vis Detector The detector is set at a specific wavelength which will be absorbed by the analyte. The degree of absorbance of UV radiation by the analyte is proportional to its concentration. (Beer Lambert law) 1.9.5 Diode array Detector or DAD The Diode Array detector is a type of UV Vis Detector [D Kealey page 162]. When the sample reaches the sensor cells, UV radiation is shone on the analyte. The light source mostly used is a Deuterium lamp. After light passes through the cell, its dispersed onto the photosensitive diodes via diffraction grating or quartz prism. Every diode in the array detects different wavelengths. The measure of differences in extent of absorbance at different wavelengths by the sample components results in their identification and also gives information about the concentration of the analytes. [http://www.chromatography-online.org/topics/diode/array.html] Other detectors used in HPLC are Fluorescence, refractive index, electrochemical detectors etc. [d Kealey 163-165] Figure 1.9.5.1 Experimental Method This project was performed in four different experiments. In all experiments, the methods for extracting the capsaicin from chilli peppers and sauces were the same i.e. reflux and Ultrasonication. However, different masses of chilli peppers, their individual parts were used and solvent volumes were taken in these experiments. (see results) 2.1.1 Preparation of chilli samples and extraction Several chillies were cut into small pieces and weighed into a 250 mL round bottom flasks. Ethanol (75 ml) was then added to chillies. A condenser (fitted with rubber tubing to the water tap) was fixed to the round bottom flask and solution was placed on isomantle (set at 80 °C) and refluxed in fume cupboard. After cooling off, extract was filtered into 100ml flask and made up to the mark with ethanol. A 5ml aliquot was withdrawn into 1.8ml sample vial using a 0.45 µm syringe filter. These aliquots were then analysed through HPLC. 2.1.2 Preparation of chilli sauces and extraction The hot sauces were prepared by dilution of sauce (2g) with ethanol (15ml) in beakers and solutions were places in ultrasonic bath (set at 60 °C) for 30 minutes. The extracts were filtered in the same way as chillies i.e. using 0.45 µl syringe and transferred to 20ml volumetric flasks and bringing up to the mark with methanol. The equipment used was white tiles, knife, weighing boat and weighing scale. 2.1.3 Preparation of glassware In analytical experiments, its of prime importance to ensure the glassware used is clean. Therefore, the glassware used in this project was washed first with deionised water and then with the solvents used. 2.1.4 Preparation of standards for Calibration The standard solutions were prepared from 200ppm stock solution directly into sample vials. Eppendorf pipette was used for accuracy and 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 ppm standards were made with HPLC standard Methanol. Concentration/ppm Volume of 200ppm Capsaicin/ ÃŽÂ ¼L Volume of methanol/ÃŽÂ ¼L 0 0 1000 20 100 900 40 200 800 60 300 700 80 400 600 100 500 500 2.2 HPLC The HPLC used in the laboratory was Agilent 1100 Series Column- ODS hypersil UV VIS Detector- G1315B Diode array detector (set at 280nm) Flow rate- 1.3 ml/min Windows XP CPU Mobile phase- Isocratic at 65:35 Acetonitrile (2% acetic acid): water Particle size- 5 µm, Column dimension- 250mm x 4.6mm 2.3 Determining ÃŽÂ »max for UV- Vis detector The ÃŽÂ »max for the detector was determined by placing methanol blank in UV spectrometer (Perkin Elmer with lambda 40) to calibrate it. After calibration, a 100ppm capsaicin standard was placed in the spectrometer and a graph was obtained with the optimum wavelength (see Appendix 1). This was 280.40nm and the HPLC detector was set at this wavelength. 2.4 Determining optimum mobile phase composition (see Appendix 2) The mobile phase was altered to different ratios to establish what ratio gives the best separation and reasonable retention times (less than 7 minutes). The 80:20 ratio (MeCn: water) gave shorter retention time but the peaks were eluted closer to each other. The 70:30 ratio showed good retention time but peaks were still closer to each other. 50:50 ratio gave long retention time and 60:40 ratio gave good separation but retention time was longer. Therefore ratio of 65:35 was used as this gave the best retention time and separati

Impacts of Global Climate Change on Temperature and Precipitation Patte

Impacts of Global Climate Change on Temperature and Precipitation Patterns in the Midwest and the Consequences for Soils Introduction During the last century, human activities in agriculture, industry and technology have brought about a change in the chemical composition of the atmosphere. This change so far has not had a noticeable or discernible effect on world climate, but if these same activities continue, global climate change will become irreversible. The major contributing factor is the increase in the amount of carbon dioxide and other gasses in the atmosphere. These gasses are being cited as the cause for a "greenhouse effect" where they trap the heat of the sun and cause global climate change, specifically a warming trend on the surface of the Earth. Many different scenarios for the possibilities and extent of global climate change have been proposed, and many global climate models have been created to look at the possibilities. While there are a wealth of differing opinions, there are also some consistencies in the predictions. Among other things, climate change is expected to cause increases in average global temperatures and changes in worldwide precipitation patterns. Even though these broad consequences are agreed upon, the affects which these changes will have on the climates and ecosystems around the world is still a matter of uncertainty. However, there is some consensus for the localized effects of global change in different climatic zones of the world. In the subboreal climate of the Midwestern region of North America, it is generally agreed that the temperature will increase an average of one to five degrees over the next ten to one hundred years (Varallyay, 1990). Also, it is expected that overall ... ...e Scenarios for Soil Erosion Potential in the USA" Land Degredation and Rehabilitation 4: 61-72 Ritchie, J.C. 1986 "Climate change and vegetation response", Vegetation 67: 67-74 B.G. Rozanov and E.M. Samoilova 1990 "Soils of the subboreal region on a warmer earth" in Developments in Soil Science, volume 20: Soils on a Warmer Earth pp185-191; H.W. Scharpenseel ed., Elsevier Science Publishing Company Inc., New York Tate, K.R. 1992 "Assessment, based on a climosequence of soils in tussock grasslands, of soil carbon storage and release in response to global warming" Journal of Soil Science 43: 697-707 Varallyay, G.Y. 1990 "Influence of climate change on soil moisture regime, texture, structure and erosion" in Developments in Soil Science, volume 20: Soils on a Warmer Earth pp 39-51; H.W. Scharpenseel ed., Elsevier Science Publishing Company Inc., New York.

The Battle At Wounded Knee :: essays papers

The Battle At Wounded Knee On December 15, 1890 authorities feared that the Sioux's new Ghost Dance ³ religion might inspire an uprising. Sitting Bull permitted Grand River people to join the antiwhite Ghost Dance cult and was therefore arrested by troops. In the fracas that followed, he was shot twice in the head. Sitting Bull' followers were apprehended and brought to the U.S Army Camp at Wounded Knee Creek in southwestern South Dakota. Moving among the tipis, soldiers lifted women's dresses and touched their private parts, ripping from them essential cooking and sewing utensils. The men sitting in the council heard the angry shrieks of their wives, mothers, and daughters. Several Lakota, offended by the abusive actions of the cavalry, stubbornly waited to have their weapons taken from them. It was a show of honor in front of their elders, for few of them were old enough to have fought in the "Indian Wars" fifteen years before. That night, everyone was tired out by the hard trip. James Asay, a Pine Ridge trader and whiskey runner, brought a ten-gallon keg of whiskey to the Seventh Cavalry officers. Many of the Indian men were kept up all night by the drunken Cavalry where the soldiers kept asking them how old they were. The soldiers were hoping to discover which of the men had been at the Battle of Little Bighorn where Custer was killed. On the bitterly cold morning of December 29, 1890, Alice Ghost Horse, a thirteen- year old Lakota girl rode her horse through the U.S Army camp looking for her father, one of the Indian men who had been rounded up earlier that day. Less than fifty yards away she could see her father sitting on the ground with other disarmed men from Chief Big Foot's band, surrounded by more than 500 heavily armed soldiers of the Seventh Cavalry. She looked North up the hill where four "guns on wheels" were mounted. Troopers watched silently on each side of the Hotchkiss battery. To one side Alice noticed a familiar figure standing with hands raised above his head, his arms turned upward in prayer. It was the medicine man by the name of Yellow Bird. He stood facing the east, right by the fire pit which was now covered with dirt. He was praying and crying. He was saying to the spotted eagles that he wanted to die instead of his people. He must have sense that something was going to happen. He picked up some dirt from the fire place and threw it up in the air and said, "This is the way I want to go, back to dust. The Battle At Wounded Knee :: essays papers The Battle At Wounded Knee On December 15, 1890 authorities feared that the Sioux's new Ghost Dance ³ religion might inspire an uprising. Sitting Bull permitted Grand River people to join the antiwhite Ghost Dance cult and was therefore arrested by troops. In the fracas that followed, he was shot twice in the head. Sitting Bull' followers were apprehended and brought to the U.S Army Camp at Wounded Knee Creek in southwestern South Dakota. Moving among the tipis, soldiers lifted women's dresses and touched their private parts, ripping from them essential cooking and sewing utensils. The men sitting in the council heard the angry shrieks of their wives, mothers, and daughters. Several Lakota, offended by the abusive actions of the cavalry, stubbornly waited to have their weapons taken from them. It was a show of honor in front of their elders, for few of them were old enough to have fought in the "Indian Wars" fifteen years before. That night, everyone was tired out by the hard trip. James Asay, a Pine Ridge trader and whiskey runner, brought a ten-gallon keg of whiskey to the Seventh Cavalry officers. Many of the Indian men were kept up all night by the drunken Cavalry where the soldiers kept asking them how old they were. The soldiers were hoping to discover which of the men had been at the Battle of Little Bighorn where Custer was killed. On the bitterly cold morning of December 29, 1890, Alice Ghost Horse, a thirteen- year old Lakota girl rode her horse through the U.S Army camp looking for her father, one of the Indian men who had been rounded up earlier that day. Less than fifty yards away she could see her father sitting on the ground with other disarmed men from Chief Big Foot's band, surrounded by more than 500 heavily armed soldiers of the Seventh Cavalry. She looked North up the hill where four "guns on wheels" were mounted. Troopers watched silently on each side of the Hotchkiss battery. To one side Alice noticed a familiar figure standing with hands raised above his head, his arms turned upward in prayer. It was the medicine man by the name of Yellow Bird. He stood facing the east, right by the fire pit which was now covered with dirt. He was praying and crying. He was saying to the spotted eagles that he wanted to die instead of his people. He must have sense that something was going to happen. He picked up some dirt from the fire place and threw it up in the air and said, "This is the way I want to go, back to dust.