Currency and Thai Baht Essay Example for Free

Currency and Thai Baht Essay Assessing Future Exchange Rate Movements 1. How are percentage changes in a currency’s value measured? Illustrate your answer numerically by assuming a change in the Thai baht’s value from a value of $0.022 to $0.026. ANSWER: The percentage change in a currency’s value is measured as follows: where S denotes the spot rate, and St −1 denotes the spot rate as of the earlier date. A positive percentage change represents appreciation of the foreign currency, while a negative percentage change represents depreciation. In the example provided, the percentage change in the Thai baht would be: That is, the baht would be expected to appreciate by 18.18%. 2. What are the basic factors that determine the value of a currency? In equilibrium, what is the relationship between these factors? ANSWER: The basic factors that determine the value of a currency are the supply of the currency for sale and the demand for the currency. A high level of supply of a currency generally decreases the currency’s value, while a high level of demand for a currency increases its value. In equilibrium, the supply of the currency equals the demand for the currency. 3. How might the relatively high levels of inflation and interest rates have affected the baht’s value? (Assume a constant level of U.S. inflation and interest rates.) ANSWER: The baht would be affected both by inflation levels and interest rates in Thailand relative to levels of these variables in the U.S. A high level of inflation tends to result in currency depreciation, as it would increase the Thai demand for U.S. goods , causing an increase in the Thai demand for dollars. Furthermore, a relatively high level of Thai inflation would reduce the U.S. demand for Thai goods, causing an increase in the supply of baht for sale. Conversely, the high level of interest rates in Thailand may cause appreciation of the baht relative to the dollar. A relatively high level of interest rates in Thailand would have rendered investments there more attractive for U.S. investors, causing an increase in the demand for baht. Furthermore, U.S. securities would have been less attractive to Thai investors, causing an increase in the supply of dollars for sale. However, investors might be unwilling to invest in baht-denominated securities if they are concerned about the potential depreciation of the baht that could result from Thailand’s inflation. 4. How do you think the loss of confidence in the Thai baht, evidenced by the withdrawal of funds from Thailand, affected the baht’s value? Would Blades be affected by the change in value, given the primary Thai customer’s commitment? ANSWER: In general, a depreciation in the foreign currency results when investors liquidate their investments in the foreign currency, increasing the supply of its currency for sale. Blades would probably be affected by the change in value even though its Thai customer’s commitment, as the sales are denominated in baht. Thus, the depreciation in the baht would have caused a conversion of the baht revenue into fewer U.S. dollars. 5. Assume that Thailand’s central bank wishes to prevent a withdrawal of funds from its country in order to prevent further changes in the currency’s value. How could it accomplish this objective using interest rates? ANSWER: If Thailand’s central bank wishes to prevent further depreciation in the baht’s value, it would attempt to increase the level of interest rates in Thailand. In turn, this would increase the demand for Thai baht by U.S. investors, as Thai securities would now seem more attractive. This would place upward pressure on the currency’s value. However, the high interest rates could reduce local borrowing and spending. 6. Construct a spreadsheet illustrating the steps Blades’ treasurer would need to follow in order to speculate on expected movements in the baht’s value over the next 30 days. Also show the speculative profit (in dollars) resulting from each scenario. Use both of Ben Holt’s examples to illustrate possible speculation. Assume that Blades can borrow either $10 million or the baht equivalent of this amount. Furthermore, assume that the following short-term interest rates (annualized) are available to Blades: Currency Dollars Thai baht Lending Rate 8.10% 14.80% Borrowing Rate 8.20% 15.40% ANSWER: Depreciation of the Baht from $0.022 to $0.020 1. Borrow Thai baht ($10,000,000/0.022) 2. Convert the Thai baht to dollars ($454,545,454.50 million Ãâ€" $0.022). 3. Lend the dollars at 8.10% annualized, which represents a 0.68% return over the 30-day period [computed as 8.10% Ãâ€"(30/360)]. After 30 days, Blades would receive ($10,000,000 Ãâ€" (1 + .0068)) 4. Use the proceeds of the dollar loan repayment (on Day 30) to repay the baht borrowed. The annual interest on the baht borrowed is 15.40%, or 1.28% over the 30-day period [computed as 15.40% Ãâ€"(30/360)]. The total baht amount necessary to repay the loan is therefore (454,545,454.50 Ãâ€"(1 + .0128)) 454,545,454.50 10,000,000.00 10,068,000.00 460,363,636.40 5. Number of dollars necessary to repay baht loan ($THB460,363,636.40 Ãâ€" $0.02) 6. Speculative profit ($10,068,000 – $9,207,272.73) 9,207,272.73 860,727.27 Appreciation of the Baht from $0.022 to $0.025 1. Borrow dollars. 2. Convert the dollars to Thai baht ($10 million/$0.022). 3. Lend the baht at 14.80% annualized, which represents a 1.23% return over the 30-day period [computed as 14.80% Ãâ€"(30/360)]. After 30 days, Blades would receive (THB454,545,454.50 Ãâ€" (1 + .0123)) 4. Use the proceeds of the baht loan repayment (on Day 30) to repay the dollars borrowed. The annual interest on the dollars borrowed is 8.20%, or 0.68% over the 30-day period [computed as 8.20% Ãâ€" (30/360)]. The total dollar amount necessary to repay the loan is therefore ($10,000,000 Ãâ€"(1 + .0068)) 5. Number of baht necessary to repay dollar loan ($10,068,000.00/$0.025) 6. Speculative profit (THB460,136,363.60 – THB402,720,000.00) 7. Dollar equivalent of speculative profit (THB57,416,363.60 Ãâ€"$0.025) 10,000,000.00 454,545,454.50 460,136,363.60 10,068,000.00 402,720,000.00 57,416,363.60 1,435,409.09

Advantages Of Internal Combustion Engines Engineering Essay

Advantages Of Internal Combustion Engines Engineering Essay The most widely used heat engine is the internal combustion engine. The advantages that it has over gas turbines have seen its widespread usage in passenger car applications. [1] All the components of internal combustion engines work at an average temperature which is below the maximum temperature of the working fluid in the working cycle. This is because the high temperature of the working fluid in the cycle persists only for a very small fraction of the cycle time. As a result, fluids with high working temperatures can be used to increase thermal efficiency at moderate maximum working pressures. Weight to power ratio is less than that of steam turbine and gas turbines. It is therefore possible to develop reciprocating IC engines of very small power output with reasonable thermal efficiency and cost. Higher brake thermal efficiency can be obtained as only a small fraction of heat energy of the fuel is dissipated to the cooling system. Initial cost is low. Materials used in the manufacture of gas turbines must be strong and heat resistant in order to sustain the heat generated. Machining operations required for gas turbines construction are also more complex. Reciprocating IC engines are more efficient at idle speeds than gas turbines in terms of fuel consumption at idling. Gas turbines have delayed responses to different power requirements changes. Gas turbines must be removed for overhaul and servicing, which is usually not the case in internal combustion engines. Gas turbines require more air than IC engines for its normal operation. It also consumes more fuel whenever the load fluctuates, which is common in the domestic usage. All these explain why passenger cars do not use gas turbine engines, but use internal combustion engines instead. Question 2 Define the following parameters and give typical values for spark-ignition and compression ignition IC engines: Specific fuel consumption, Specific fuel consumption (SFC) is the fuel flow rate per unit power output []. It measures how efficiency of an engine in using the fuel to produce useful work. The equation for the specific fuel consumption is: Where: Ke= specific fuel consumption K: Fuel Consumption, kg/s Pe=Useful work per cycle, i = 0.5 for 4ÃŽ, 1 for 2ÃŽ ne=real efficiency HÃŽÂ ± =Heat of Combustion = 42.000 KJ/Kg Low values of SFC are obviously desirable. For SI engines typical values of brake specific fuel consumption are about 270 g/kWh. Range (345 285 g/kWh) For CI engines, values are lower and in large engines can go below 200 g/kWh. Range (285 190 g/kWh) [2] Mean effective pressure, Relative engine performance measure is obtained by dividing the work per cycle by the cylinder volume displaced per cycle. The parameter so obtained has units of force per unit area and is called the mean effective pressure (mep). Where: W=Indicated Work: Vh=Piston Displacement (cylinder) Volume (cc, cm3, lt) H=Length TDC Length BDC For, Naturally aspirated spark ignition engines, maximum values are in the range 850 to 1050 kPa at the engine speed where maximum torque is obtained (about 3000 rev/min). Turbocharged automotive spark-ignition engines the maximum bmep is in the 1250 to 1700 kPa range. Naturally aspirated four-stroke diesels, the maximum bmep is in the 700 to 900 kPa range Turbocharged four-stroke diesel maximum bmep values are typically in the range 1000 to 1200 kPa Turbocharged aftercooled engines this can rise to 1400 kPa Two-stroke cycle diesels have comparable performance to four-stroke cycle engines. Large low-speed two-stroke cycle engines can achieve bmep values of about 1600 kPa. [2] Power-torque relation as function of engine rpm, Engine torque is measured using a dynamometer. The engine is clamped and the output shaft is connected to the dynamometer rotor. The rotor is coupled electromagnetically, hydraulically, or by mechanical friction to a stator, which is supported in low friction bearings. The stator is balanced keeping the rotor stationary. The torque exerted on the stator with the rotor turning is measured by balancing the stator with weights, springs, or pneumatic means. Fig.1 Brake dynamometer- engine torque test [2] Torque is a measure of an engines ability to do work; and power is the rate at which work is done. The value of engine power measured as described above is called brake power Pb. This power is the usable power delivered by the engine to the load-in this case, a brake. Fig.2 Engine power, torque vs. speed plot [3] Correlation between measured force and engine torque: Measured power: (1 PS = 0.736 kW) Conversion between different units may be necessary for power, torque, or angular speed. For example, if rotational speed (revolutions per time) is used in place of angular speed (radians per time), a factor of 2à Ã¢â€š ¬ radians per revolution have to be multiplied. Dividing on the left by 60 seconds per minute and by 1000 watts per kilowatt gives us the following. mbox{power (kW)} = frac{ mbox{torque (N}cdotmbox{m)} times 2 pi times mbox{rotational speed (rpm)}} {60,000} Volumetric efficiency Volumetric efficiency is the ratio of the mass inside the engine cylinder to the mass of air of the displacement volume at atmospheric conditions. It measures the effectiveness of an engines induction process. Volumetric efficiency is used for four-stroke cycle engines which have a distinct induction process and not for two stroke engines. Where pai is the inlet air density Alternatively volumetric efficiency can also be defined as, Indicative values: 4ÃŽ-Otto: 0.7 0.9 2ÃŽ-Otto: 0.5 0.7 Typical maximum values of ÃŽÂ ·v for naturally aspirated engines are in the range 80 to 90 percent. The volumetric efficiency for diesels is somewhat higher than for SI engines. [2] Engine real efficiency as function of engine power, fuel consumption and fuel calorific value The real engine efficiency of an engine can be found out using the relation Where, ne=real efficiency nth= theoretical thermodynamic efficiency ng=quality coefficient (0.4-0.7 Otto; 0.6-0.8 Diesel) nm=mechanical efficiency (0.8) ni=actual efficiency (nth.ng=Pi/Q) K= fuel consumption Kg/s HÃŽÂ ± =Heat of Combustion = 42.000 KJ/Kg Question 3 Describe with simple terms the main air flow path developing inside the cylinder of IC engines relative to the piston motion; make a simple schematic to indicate them. Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) helps us to visualise the charge motion within the cylinder with the help of optically transparent research engines. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can help in validating the average flow field in the cylinder but the process is expensive. One such CFD software is KIVA-4v, which helps to predict the air charge motion. Swirl flow Swirl is defined as the micro mass rotational motion of charge within the cylinder. It is generated by constructing the intake system to give a tangential component to the intake flow as it enters the cylinder. This is done by shaping and contouring the intake manifold, valve ports, and sometimes even the piston face. Swirl enhances the mixing of air and fuel to give a homogeneous mixture in a short time in modern high-speed engines. It is also responsible for very rapid spreading of flame front during the combustion. Fig.3 Swirl flow in the engine cylinder [3] Swirl flow can be generated by changing the geometry of the inlet port Fig.4 Geometry of inlet port affecting swirl flow [3] (a) Deflector wall (b) directed (c) shallow ramp helical (d) steep ramp helical Similarly inlet valve approach geometry can also generate swirl flow by producing net in-cylinder angular momentum of the charge. Fig.5 Inlet valve geometry affecting swirl flow [2] Squish flow When the piston approaches TDC at the end of the compression stroke, the volume around the outer edges of the combustion chamber reduces drastically. New combustion chamber designs have the clearance volume near the centerline of the cylinder. As the piston approaches TDC, the gas mixture occupying the volume at the outer radius of the cylinder is forced radially inward as this outer volume is reduced to near zero. This radial inward motion of the gas mixture is called squish. It adds to other mass motions within the cylinder to mix the air and fuel, and quickly spreads the flame front. Maximum squish velocity usually occurs at about 10 °bTDC. During combustion, the expansion stroke begins and the volume of the combustion chamber increases. As the piston moves away from TDC, the burning gases are propelled radially outward to fill the now-increasing outer volume along the cylinder walls. This reverse squish helps to spread the flame front during the latter part of combustion Piston motion influences squish as in the case of wedge shaped and bowl-in combustion chambers. Fig.6 Piston motion generating squish [2] (a) Wedge shaped SI combustion chamber (b) bowl-in-piston DI Diesel combustion chamber Tumble As the piston nears TDC, squish motion generates a secondary rotational flow called tumble. This rotation occurs about a circumferential axis near the outer edge of the piston bowl Fig.7Tumble- result of piston motion and squish [3] Turbulence Due to the high velocities involved, all flows into, out of, and within engine cylinders are turbulent flows. The exception to this is those flows in the corners and small crevices of the combustion chamber where the close proximity of the walls dampens out turbulence. As a result of turbulence, thermodynamic transfer rates within an engine are increased by an order of magnitude. Heat transfer, evaporation, mixing, and combustion rates all increase. As engine speed increases, flow rates increase, with a corresponding increase in swirl, squish, and turbulence. This increases the real-time rate of fuel evaporation, mixing of the fuel vapor and air, and combustion. Intake turbulent mixture flow Turbulence superimposed on mixture swirl Fig.8 Turbulence of the charge within cylinder [4] Question 4 The Figure below shows a conceptual model of a quasi-steady Diesel combustion plume, as presented by Dec et al in 1997. Indicate the following areas shown on this schematic: liquid fuel , rich vapour fuel-air mixture , fuel-rich premixed flame, initial soot formation , diffusion flame boundary , thermal NO production zone , soot oxidation zone , 25398f1.jpg Fig.9 Quasi-steady Diesel combustion plume [5] The above figure describes the formation and features of a quasi-steady diesel fuel jet. This model is applicable to large bore, quiescent chamber combustion or a free fuel jet without wall interactions. At the point of fuel injection, fuel penetrates into the combustion chamber and air which is at a high temperature due to end of compression stroke begins to mix with the spray. Fuel absorbs energy from the hot air and evaporates. This process continues until a point where no liquid fuel is present. The point at which this occurs is called the liquid length. This liquid length reduces after the start of combustion but thereafter remains constant until the end of injection. Beyond the liquid length, the rich premixed fuel and air are still heated by the surroundings until they start to react in the rich premixed zone. The products of rich combustion continue downstream and diffuse and mix radially outward until reaching the surrounding cylinder gases. At a location where the rich prod ucts and cylinder gases mix to produce a stoichiometric mixture, a diffusion flame is produced. The diffusion flame surrounds the jet in a thin turbulent sheet, which extends upstream towards the nozzle. The axial distance from the nozzle exit to the diffusion flame is the lift-off length. The lift-off length controls the amount of oxygen mixed into the fuel jet and therefore the stoichiometry. Soot is burned out and NOX is produced on the outside of the diffusion flame, where temperatures are high and oxygen and nitrogen are abundant. Question 5 What are the main requirements of the fuel injection system for a direct injection engine? In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of advanced computer-controlled fuel injection systems, which has had much to do with the research and development activities related to Direct Injected engines being expanded. [6]The main requirements of the fuel injection system for a direct injection engine are: Well atomised fuel spray independent of chamber pressure conditions Injection during the compression stroke against pressures up to 20bar Injection during the intake stroke against atmospheric pressures with stoichiometric homogeneous mixture To have uniform distribution of fuel in a multi cylinder engine To improve breathing capacity of an engine i.e. volumetric efficiency To reduce or eliminate detonation To prevent fuel loss in the form of scavenging in the case of two stroke engines. For an efficient combustion of a stratified mixture, a stable and compact spray geometry is necessary Injection pressure has been determined to be very important for obtaining both effective spray atomization and the required level of spray penetration. Accurate fuel metering (generally a +2% band over the linear flow range); Desirable fuel mass distribution pattern for the application; Minimal spray skew for both sac and main sprays; Good spray axisymmetry over the operating range; Minimal drippage and zero fuel leakage, particularly for cold operation; Small sac volume; Good low-end linearity between the dynamic flow and the fuel pulse width; Small pulse-to-pulse variation in fuel quantity and spray characteristics; Minimal variation in the above parameters from unit to unit. Question 6 Describe the injection process requirements for direct injection Diesel engines and the evolution of the fuel injection equipment over the last few decades. The functional requirements of the fuel injection system are as follows Accurate fuel metering per engine working cycle Injection timing to ensure maximum power, good fuel economy and low emissions Obtain the desirable heat release pattern by control of injection rate Atomisation of the fuel Proper spray pattern to ensure better mixing of fuel and air Uniform distribution of fuel droplets in the combustion chamber Supply equal quantities of fuel to all cylinders, in the case of multi cylinder engines Eliminate dripping of fuel droplets into the combustion chamber by eliminating injection lag between start and end of injection Evolution of fuel injection equipment: In-line pump Fig.10 Layout of In-line fuel injection pump [7] Though in-line pumps are primitive injection systems, they are still in use among heavy duty marine engines. Individual fuel pumps fuel each of the injectors Engine operational speed has a major influence on the fuel injection pressures As a result, there is a hydraulic delay between the pressure increase and the start of injection Fuel flows through high pressure connecting pipes Fuel injection pressures range from 600 1200 bar Injector with discharging in the combustion chamber (the nozzle with one or more holes) Distributor type pumps These are still used in a number of engines Though it started as mechanically operated, now electronic control modifications have been made It has a mechanism which controls the spill valve responsible for cutting off the high pressure generated inside the pumping chamber, and thus, responsible for the termination of injection One pumping chamber delivers high pressure to all the injectors of the engine Pressure depends on engine speed, so a hydraulic delay exists between the pressure generation and start of injection Relatively low injection pressures (up to 1200bar) Fig.11 Distributor type pump (Lucas CAV) [7] Unit injectors Consists of the pump and the injector integrated into one body, which does not require a high pressure connection pipe High fuel pressure is generated close to the nozzle exit, which can be upto 2500 bar. These gave accurate control over injection Each cylinder has its own individual system High pressure developed depends of the engine rpm and the load. Fig.12 General Layout of Unit injector [7] [6]Delphi Diesel Systems electronic unit injectors (EUI fig13.) control the quantity and the timing of injection electronically through a solenoid actuator. The solenoid can respond very quickly (injection periods are of the order 1 ms), to control very high injection pressures (up to 1600 bar or so). The solenoid controls a spill valve, which in turn controls the injection process. The pumping element is operated directly from a camshaft (or indirectly via a rocker), and the whole assembly is contained within the cylinder head. Fig.13 Electronic Unit injector (Lucas EUI system) [7] [6]An alternative approach to the EUI is the Caterpillar Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injector (HEUI, also supplied by other manufacturers). HEUI uses a hydraulic pressure intensifier system with a 7: 1 pressure ratio to generate the injection pressures. The hydraulic pressure is generated by pumping engine lubricant to a controllable high pressure. Similar to CR injection systems, there is control of the injection pressure. The HEUI uses a two-stage valve to control the oil pressure, and this is able to control the rate at which the fuel pressure rises, thereby controlling the rate of injection, because a lower injection rate can help control NOx emissions. Common Rail fuel injection systems One of the last improvements to the fuel injection system is the Common Rail System that was implemented first by the Fiat Company. Fig.14 Common rail fuel injection system [8] Common rail (CR) fuel injection systems decouple the pressure generation from the injection process and have become popular because of the possibilities offered by electronic control. The key elements of a CR fuel injection system are as follows: A (controllable) high-pressure pump The fuel rail with a pressure sensor Electronically controlled injectors An engine management system (EMS) The injector is an electro-hydraulic device, in which a control valve determines whether or not the injector needle lifts from its seat. The engine management system can divide the injection process into four phases: two pilot injections, main injection, and post-injection (for supplying a controlled quantity of hydrocarbons as a reducing agent for NOx catalysts). Common rail injection also enables a high output to be achieved at a comparatively low engine speed Fuel injectors Fig.15 Types of nozzles used in Diesel fuel injectors [1]

Goethes Magical Philosophy and Possession of Nature Essay -- Goethe

Goethe's Magical Philosophy and Possession of Nature After hearing comments from the class, and especially Professor, about Goethe's appropriation of nature I began to wonder about the argument I had presented in our presentation. I decided to do further research and found some interesting arguments that both supported and detracted from my original statement. Although I think Goethe's relationship to nature is undeniable, perhaps his "appropriation" of nature is less clear. I think the term "appropriation" is the cause of the problem in identifying his true relationship to nature. In our presentation we presented examples of the appropriation of nature through Romantic literature. The most direct example of this was in Anne's detailed description of English landscape gardening where nature was physically appropriated to create the picturesque. Here we can see the distinction between any concept of Goethe's appropriation of nature and the real and physical appropriation by English landscapers. The term appropriation denotes and connotes possession on the part of the appropriator. The question of possession therefore becomes central to an idea of Goethe's appropriation of nature. Indeed, the landowners of England commissioned landscape architects to transform their grounds into models of the picturesque and this process was demonstrative of an actual possession over the land. However, I find it difficult to reduce Goethe to materialism and believe that he would take a more engaged and emotional approach to nature. It is obvious that Goethe never actually appropriated any of nature, especially when compared with the English landscapers, but I'm not sure if this satisfies an understanding of his relationship to nature... ...n cooperation. It is also interesting how this problem expands into Goethe's Faust and Italian Journey and seems to be the basis of a greater theme in his literature. The question of Goethe's appropriation of nature could be whether he subscribes to a mechanical or magical philosophy in MacLennan's terms. Either master to nature or companion, Goethe's relationship with nature is dynamic and complex. Works Cited Brown, Jane K. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. http://worldroots.com/brigitte/goethe1.htm 19 Feb. 2005. Goethe, Johann. Italian Journey. London: Penguin Classics, 1962. MacLennan, Bruce. Introduction to 'Goethe, Faust, and Science' seminar. http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/Classes/UH348/Intro-IIC5.html 19 Feb. 2005. Seamon, David. "Goethe, Nature, and Phenomenology". http://www.arch.ksu.edu/seamon/book%20chapters/goethe_intro.htm 18 Feb. 2005.

Summary of Ethan Brand by Nathaniel Hawthorne Essay example -- Ethan B

Summary of Ethan Brand by Nathaniel Hawthorne In the short story Ethan Brand, Ethan Brand lusts for knowledge that leads him on a quest for the unpardonable sin. The unpardonable sin, as one may interpret, is pride and self-gain. It is a loss of the brotherhood with man, and a loss of respect for God. Once this knowledge is gained, he faces alienation from all those around him. In searching for this sinful knowledge, Ethan Brand leads himself into intellectual isolation. He cannot separate his head from his heart, his intellect from his soul. After tending the kiln, in solitude for so long, his thoughts became his only company, as did the flames that danced in his eyes. Over come with the urge to seek knowledge, he falls to temptation. Adam and Eve's downfall was in knowledge, as was Ethan Brand's fall. His sin is best described as, "The sin of intellect that triumphed over the sense of brotherhood with man and reverence for God and sacrificed everything to its own mighty claims". Upon leaving for his twenty-year journey, Brand becomes deranged in the eyes ...

The Peach Tree Essay -- Observation Essay, Descriptive Essay

The Peach Tree When I reminisce about my childhood, the fondest memories I have revolve around food. We often went on picnics to the beach. There at the water's edge, my father would struggle to light the charcoal in the wind that kept both the hot dogs and the kids cold. My mothers' anise-sweetened bread was the perfect match for ham every Easter morning, afternoon, and the days that followed. On my birthday we always had gnocchi, fluffy pillows of pasta that melted in our mouths, tossed with an ethereal tomato sauce. In August we had peaches and not just any peaches, peaches from our peach tree. I loved our peach tree. I love the memory of that tree. In retrospect, the peach tree was an integral part of my childhood. I cannot recall when we first got the peach tree. It seems as if it was always there in the backyard. I do know that it was a gift from my aunt and uncle who worked at Del Monte's Agricultural Research Facility. Whether it was a rare or special breed, I wonder. The fruit was so sweet that I can't imagine Del Monte choosing such a fine specimen only to douse it in heavy simple syrup. Whatever its parentage, it was our good fortune to receive such a tree; it produced the sweetest, most succulent peaches I've ever eaten. The peach tree was special to us. It was, in fact, the only tree in our small yard. We grew through the seasons with it. Every February the first bits of pink showed through the tightly closed flower buds. By March, it was covered in pink, like overgrown cotton candy. In April, little flecks of green accented the pink blossoms and slowly pushed out the pink until a fresh, vibrant green blanketed the crown of the tree. During this transition, the lawn became a carpet of pink. Then slowly th... ... the old tree was producing only a few runt-sized fruit. One winter my parents cut down the tree. It left a scar on the lawn and a barren space in the yard. I hadn't thought much about that old tree for some time. It was the peach tree, after all, along with my grandparents' vegetable garden that planted the seed, so to speak, of my passion for the garden. The first fruit trees I planted in my own backyard were peaches. When I told my sisters that I was writing about the peach tree, they both smiled a familiar smile. For a moment, they were transported to another place and time. And I knew that it wasn't simply nostalgia seen through the nearsighted eyes of memory, it was real. In the years that have followed I have never found a peach as large, juicy and luscious as the ones from our tree. It may have been Del Monte's secret special breed, but I think it was more.

Sociology. Davis Moore Thesis Essay

Davis-Moore thesis Introduction            Davis-Moore thesis discusses and analyzes the social equality and inequality and explains why different people obtain different rewards for the jobs that they do (Macionis, 2009). The general topic of the thesis is social stratification, which according to Davis-Moore, is present in every society due to the reason that it has some consequential benefits for the operation and the growth of the society. According to Davis-Moore, more reward is given to people that hold positions in the society that are considered to have some functional importance, such as that of a medical doctor (Macionis, 2009). The result of the reward system in the society implies equality in opportunities while promoting inequality in terms of the outcome that people receive. Social stratification, according to Davis-Moore thesis, makes the society more productive as well as efficient.            The functional consequence of inequality for society helps in ensuring that the various roles that are considered to be important in the society are filled by the relevant and skilled people (Macionis, 2009). Talented people in the society are supplied with the necessary opportunities and motivation that enables them to undertake training that result in filling of the important roles in the society (Macionis, 2009). The important functions are performed by people who are most talented. The greatest rewards are also offered to the position that require a lot of training and are of importance in the maintenance of the order and system of the society (Macionis, 2009). For example, doctors train for many years and, therefore, are expected to receive higher perks due to the kind of role they play in the society.            Engineers and pilots also take a lot of time to train hence the notion that they should receive higher rewards for their jobs. Melvin Tumin criticized Davis-Moore’s thesis of social stratification by saying that there has been no demonstration of functional importance of the varying positions in the society (Macionis, 2009). Melvin also notes that such a demonstration has not been made. Reference Macionis, J. J. (2009). Sociology. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Education. Source document

Physics and Science

Of course, nuclear explosions, power sources, â€Å"lawlessness† of computers and lasers, new materials show that the focus of interest of scientists extends far beyond the â€Å"fragments of the last century. † However overact image of the scientist, and the whole science – tenacious. Although little can be so far from the truth as painting created impressionable and ardent poet. Even when Mayakovsky wrote his verse, and in science and around Shakespeare's dramas quite scale.To be understood correctly, I should note that the question â€Å"To be or not to be† as applied to humanity and not the individual, though considerable, was first raised by physicists precisely and on the achievements of physics. It's not by chance that for about three centuries were marked by the science. People involved in it, opened and opened the fundamental laws of nature that determine the structure and movement of material objects in a large range of distances, time and mass. Ranges of these great – from the small, atomic and subatomic to the cosmic and universal.Of course, this is not physics said â€Å"Let there be light,† but they found its nature and properties, set contrast to the darkness, and have learned to manage them. In its work, physics, crucially the largest of them, have developed a certain way of thinking, the main elements of which is the willingness to rely on well-tested, fundamental laws and the ability of a complex nature, and the public, a phenomenon highlight the main element, as simple as possible, that allows us to understand the very complex phenomenon under consideration.These features allow physicists approach very successfully deal with problems often lie far beyond their specialization. Confidence in the unity of the laws of nature, based on extensive experimental material, confidence in their fairness, coupled with a clear understanding of the limitations of the applicability of existing laws physics pushes for ward, abroad unknown today. Physics – the science is complicated. It requires a lot of intellectual effort from the people who do it. It is incompatible with the amateurish.I remember how, at the end of the University and the Shipbuilding Institute in 1958, I was standing at the crossroads – where to go next. And my father, very far from science, asked me if I could go back to engineering after a dozen years of studying physics. My answer was an unqualified â€Å"yes. † â€Å"In physics, after ten years of engineering? â€Å", – He said. My â€Å"no† and identified a further choice, which is not sorry and I do not regret a second. The complexity of physics and the importance of its results that create a picture of the world and encourage the spread of its ideas far beyond most of this science in the public interest to her.I will give some of these ideas, in the order received. This is a scientific (not speculative! ) Atomism, the opening of the e lectromagnetic field, the mechanical theory of heat, the establishment of the relativity of space and time, the concept of an expanding universe, and quantum leaps in principle, not because of the error, the probabilistic nature of the physical processes in the first place, the micro- level, the grand unification of all interactions, establishing the existence of not directly observable subatomic particles – quarks.Here then there are popular books that are designed not to teach physics beginners, and explain her interest. There is another purpose of popular books, including the very well-known to people of my generation is â€Å"Entertaining Physics† Yakov Perelman, not relative ME Perelman. I am referring to a demonstration of how much things in everyday life, familiar to us technique and technology, one can understand qualitatively, based only on the well-known fundamental laws of physics in the first place – the law of conservation of energy and momentum, an d the confidence that they are universally applicable.Objects of the laws of physics are vast. Why not pour water into the boiling oil, why stars twinkle in the sky, why is twisted water, emerging from the bathroom, why crack the whip and why the driver spins it over his head, to enhance the sound of the click, why ever would try to jump off the rail locomotives, but never make it electric? Why roars menacingly approaching plane and moving away, he moves to a falsetto, and why dancers or figure skaters begin to spin, throwing open wide â€Å"arms,† but then quickly pressed his hands to the body?Of the â€Å"why† of each in everyday encounters, not to mention not everyday life in abundance. They may be useful to learn to see, train yourself to find incomprehensible. Books by E. Perelman contain a record number of such questions â€Å"why? † (Five hundred), give them the answers, in most cases – definitely right, sometimes – beckoning to the discuss ion, occasionally – probably incorrect, provoking disagreement. There are questions that science has to date simple and generally accepted answer. Hence, the reader is room for an intense intellectual work. Along the way, the author explains the ell-known professionals to but less severe confusion among outsiders. That is, the author emphasizes the operational nature of many of the definitions in such a universally recognized exact science like physics. Professionals know that even the most fundamental of concepts, which operates physics, such as time and energy, space and momentum adjusted as further development of science itself. Even the vacuum, once the analogue of absolute emptiness, lack of anything was self-evident in the â€Å"empty† space in time â€Å"overgrown† means non-trivial features of the primitive raises complex object of study.Versatility physical approach dictates a similar attitude to the definitions of non-trivial concepts and other areas t hat are very far from physics. Read books mentioned ME Perelman interesting and professionals – to argue, to find other, allowing a simple, sometimes graphic, explaining the issue. But a layman can expand your horizons, not necessarily rushing to their own, different from the author, explanation. It is worth remembering that the writing – verbal impression, often greatly simplified, with sometimes very complex physical concepts, based on a far from trivial in the everyday sense of the physical theory.No need to follow the example of the real character, the director of one of the Moscow Research Institute who denied particular theory of relativity (general he chityval! ) Because the formula is the speed of light! â€Å"What would happen if the light off? † – Wrote in the science department of the Central Committee of the CPSU venerable gunmaker. Studying physics, beginning to understand its laws, shall be attached to the special beauty, there is actually a n extra dimension to the perception of the surrounding world.This was written when – the great physicist Richard Feynman, noting that understanding the nature of the glow of stars, the mechanism of their birth and death makes the picture night sky even more beautiful and romantic. I wish, in conclusion, to mention one, a few unexpected side benefit of knowledge of physics, though by no means superficial. About him once told Academician Migdal. It lights up in the mountains and attractions nearby couple. The young man explained his pleasant companion, why daytime sky is blue.He told her about the scattering of light, referred to Lord – theoretical Rayleigh. The girl was sitting with his mouth open, looking admiringly at the scholar. But of the bore, and he, showing carelessness and inattention to a senior, said that the probability of scattering of radiation is proportional to the cube of the frequency. Migdal but was already on the alert. Remembering a classic, it is a ppropriate only in a very weakened form, say, perhaps, academic â€Å"in thought, under the night darkness, mouth kiss the bride. â€Å"Young man, the probability of scattering can not be proportional to the cube of the frequency – it would clearly be contrary to the invariance of the theory with respect to time reversal. The relay, as it should be, the probability is not proportional to the cube, and the fourth power of the frequency! † – In his usual tone, dogmatic said Migdal. Needless to say, that triangle changes shape, and the fat was cathetus hypotenuse, reaching the top. In short, read about physics and who is not too late – learn it. It will pay off. Physics in MedicineMedical physics – the science of the system, which consists of the physical devices and radiation, medical diagnostic equipment and technology. The purpose of medical physics – the study of these systems for prevention and diagnosis, and treatment of patients using t he methods and tools of physics, mathematics and engineering. Nature of the disease and the mechanism of recovery in many cases have biophysical explanation. Medical physicists are directly involved in clinical processes, combining physical and medical knowledge, sharing with the doctor responsible for the patient.The development of medicine and physics have always been closely intertwined. Even in ancient times medicine used for medicinal purposes physical factors such as heat, cold, sound, light, and various mechanical actions (Hippocrates, Avicenna and others). First medical physicist, Leonardo da Vinci (five hundred years ago), who conducted the study of mechanics of movement of the human body. The most prolific medicine and physics were to interact with the end of the XVIII – XIX centuries. , When they were discovered electricity and electromagnetic waves, that is, with the advent of electricity.To name a few names of great scientists who have made important discoveries in different epochs. End of XIX – the middle of the twentieth century. connected with the discovery of X-rays, radioactivity, theories of atomic structure, electromagnetic radiation. These discoveries are associated with the names of C. Roentgen, Becquerel, M. Sklodowska-Curie, D. Thomson, Planck, Bohr, Einstein, Rutherford. Medical physics has truly establish itself as an independent science and profession only in the second half of the twentieth century. – With the advent of the atomic age.In medicine, have been widely used radiodiagnostic gamma apparatus, electronic and proton accelerators radiodiagnostic gamma camera, CT scanners, and others, hyperthermia and magnetic therapy, laser, ultrasound, and other medical and physical techniques and instruments. Medical physics has many sections and titles: medical radiation physics, clinical physics, physics oncology, therapeutic and diagnostic physics. The most important event in the field of medical examination may be th e creation of CT scanners, which have broadened the study of almost all organs and systems of the human body.OCT have been installed in hospitals around the world, and a large number of physicists, engineers and doctors worked on improving techniques and methods of bringing it almost to the limits of the possible. The development of nuclear medicine is a combination of methods and physical methods radiofarmatsevtiki registration of ionizing radiation. Positron-emission tomography imaging was invented in 1951 and published in the paper of Rennes. Physics and literature In life, sometimes without realizing it, physics and literature are closely intertwined.Ever since ancient times, people in order to convey to posterity literary word, used the invention, based on knowledge of physics. On the life of the German inventor Johannes Gutenberg is little. However, the great inventor, to convey to us the literary masterpieces studied the laws of physics and mechanics. Organized them in printi ng, he published the first book in Europe, which has played an important role in human development. The first Russian printer – Ivan Fedorov, was known to contemporaries as a scientist and inventor.For example, he was able to cast cannon invented multilateral mortar. A first remarkable images of the literary and art of printing – â€Å"The Apostle† (1564) and â€Å"Chasovnikov† (1565) will remain forever in people's memory. The name of Mikhail Lomonosov we call one of the first in the series of the most remarkable representatives of the national science and culture. The great physicist, he left a number of works that are important for the industrial development of Russia. A large part of his scientific work took optics. He manufactured optical instruments and original mirror telescopes.Exploring the sky with their instruments, inspired by the infinite universe, Lomonosov wrote beautiful poetry: Opened an abyss full of stars. The stars of not, the abyss â €“ the bottom †¦ Without such a science as physics would not be a literary genre as science – fiction. One of the founders of the genre was the French writer Jules Verne (1828 – 1905 gg. ) Inspired by the great discoveries of the XIX century, the famous writer surrounded physics glamor. All of his book â€Å"From the Earth to the Moon† (1865), â€Å"The Children of Captain Grant† (1867-68 gg. ), â€Å"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea† (1869-70 gg. , â€Å"The Mysterious Island† (1875 . ) are imbued with the romance of this science. In turn, many inventors and designers inspired the incredible adventures of heroes of Jules Verne. For example, the Swiss scientist – physicist Auguste Piccard, like repeating the path of fantastic characters he invented climbed into the stratosphere stratosphere, making the first step towards uncovering the mysteries of cosmic rays. The next fad A. Piccard was the idea of the conquest of the sea dept hs. The inventor himself sinking to the sea floor and to build them bathyscaphe (1948).For about 160 years ago in â€Å"Notes of the Fatherland† published â€Å"Letters on the Study of Nature† (1844 – 1845). Herzen – one of the most important and original works in the history of philosophy as well as natural science, Russian thought. Revolutionary, philosopher, author of one of the masterpieces of classical Russian literature works â€Å"My Past and Thoughts† – Herzen, however, was keenly interested in the natural sciences, including physics, he has repeatedly stressed in his writings. Now you need to turn to the literary heritage of Tolstoy.First, because the great writer was a teacher – the practice, and second, that his works relate to the natural sciences. Best known for the comedy â€Å"The Fruits of Enlightenment. † The writer is extremely negative attitude â€Å"to all kinds of superstitions,† he believed that the y â€Å"hamper and hinder the true teaching it to penetrate into the soul of the people. † Tolstoy understand the role of science in society: first, he was a supporter of the organization of society on sound science, and second, it makes a powerful emphasis on the moral – ethical standards, and because of this science in the treatment of Tolstoy are secondary science .That is why Tolstoy ridiculed in â€Å"Fruits of Enlightenment† Moscow gentry in the heads of which are mixed science and Antiscience. I must say that at the time of Tolstoy on the one hand that time, physics is in deep crisis due to the experimental verification of the main tenets of the theory of the electromagnetic field, which disproved the hypothesis of the existence of Maxwell's world ether, that is, the physical environment, which transmits electromagnetic interactionsOf course, nuclear explosions, power sources, â€Å"lawlessness† of computers and lasers, new materials show that the focus of interest of scientists extends far beyond the â€Å"fragments of the last century. † However overact image of the scientist, and the whole science – tenacious. Although little can be so far from the truth as painting created impressionable and ardent poet. Even when Mayakovsky wrote his verse, and in science and around Shakespeare's dramas quite scale.To be understood correctly, I should note that the question â€Å"To be or not to be† as applied to humanity and not the individual, though considerable, was first raised by physicists precisely and on the achievements of physics. It's not by chance that for about three centuries were marked by the science. People involved in it, opened and opened the fundamental laws of nature that determine the structure and movement of material objects in a large range of distances, time and mass. Ranges of these great – from the small, atomic and subatomic to the cosmic and universal.Of course, this is not physi cs said â€Å"Let there be light,† but they found its nature and properties, set contrast to the darkness, and have learned to manage them. In its work, physics, crucially the largest of them, have developed a certain way of thinking, the main elements of which is the willingness to rely on well-tested, fundamental laws and the ability of a complex nature, and the public, a phenomenon highlight the main element, as simple as possible, that allows us to understand the very complex phenomenon under consideration.