History of human evolution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History of human evolution - Research Paper Example There are a lot of progressions and interactions going on in the universe and for everything to survive, these progressions are important. The same is for humans. For humans to exist, they must undergo some process which is commonly known as evolution. Humans have evolved through evolution. Aristotle was the first biologist that identified humans as rational animals that have a distinctive ability to reason and make judgments, due to which they are different from other animals.Cela-Conde and Ayala assert in their book that all organisms tend to have common ancestors (1). According to them, â€Å"Biological evolution is a process of descent with modification† (1). If we go into the depth of this statement, we come to know how we evolve from what we were and what we are today. hominidae is the term used to describe the lineage spreading from the final common ancestor of man and apes. Hominid is the term given to a species in the family. According to paleoanthropology, the histor y of human evolution shows that the common ancestor to both man and apes existed â€Å"about 5.5 million years ago†, states Professor Grover Krantz. Ramapithecus was one of the most ancient hominids whose fossils were found at that time. Paleoanthropologists believe that the bipedal adaptation of the ancient hominids evolved when that ancient hominid decided to live at the border of forests under the trees instead of inside the forests and in the trees. This was about four million years back, but how we look like today is much different because our modern facial features evolved much later than that. The bipedal adaptation then evolved into upright walk that is how we walk today. Paul Rincon, a science reporter in BBC News, reports that scientists have found in Western Europe, and specifically in Spain, the most ancient remains of human. He reports, â€Å"A jawbone and teeth discovered at the famous Atapuerca site in northern Spain have been dated between 1.1 and 1.2 million years old.† Borgus, the city of Spain, is well known for having many antique limestone caves that contain fossils of early hominids and other tools that show the occupations of early humans. As far as United States is concerned, most Americans believe that humans did not evolve over a period of time. However, there is a designer God who designed the mechanism of humans and created them magically. There are two parts of human biological evolution: Anagenesis and Cladogenesis. Anagenesis Also called phyletic evolution, ancestry of organisms changes generation after generation. Kesner and Olton describe anagenesis as progress of the humankind in evolutionary context (15). Continuous natural selection results in the modification of forms and organs so that they perfectly adapt to the new environments and habitats. Cladogenesis Another name for it is lineage splitting which means that new species come into existence with the passage of time which results in diversity. While modifi cation in a phylogenetic lineage is occurring, branching of forms also occurs at the same time which causes them to expand on the face of the earth. Natural Selection Considered as one of the most fundamental processes that results in evolution, natural selection was a concept put forth by Charles Darwin in 1859 in his book On the Origin of Species. According to this concept, organisms (or traits) that are best suited to the environment are selected by nature to prevail due to which they are able to pass on their genetics on to the following generations. On the other hand, organisms (or traits) that are not best adapted in the environment tend to vanish away. Human evolution has also been influenced by this concept of natural selection. According to Darwin, as he states in the revised version of his book, another name for natural selection is survival of the fittest (Darwin 8). Nature brings variations in the organic beings so that they are best suited t

Frequent Shopper Program Essay Example for Free

Frequent Shopper Program Essay The objective of this project request is to track purchases of individual customers. The customer purchases will be tracked and accumulated as loyalty points for redemption by the customer for gift items, specialty foods and other products or services as made available through partnerships with other external companies. The strategic purpose of the Frequent Shopper Program is described on the Sales Marketing page of the Kudler Fine Foods Intranet site. Purpose: Kudlers’s new initiative is tracking purchase behavior at the individual customer level and providing high value incentives through a partnership with a loyalty points program. The customer purchase behavior patterns will help Kudler refine its processes and offerings to best satisfy their values customers. Price is not the primary differentiating factor for Kudler consumers; these consumers are focused on quality and finding specialized items. Therefore, rather than providing everyday discounts to the customers for their purchase frequency like lower end markets, Kudler has partnered with a loyalty points program to provide customers with points which can be redeemed for high end gift items, airline first-class upgrades, or other specialty foods. Technology Infrastructure and Architecture The following sections of this document will provide an overview of the hardware, network, software, databases, and security requirements for the frequent shopper program. These requirements are suggestive Hardware Platform: Kudler Fine Foods currently has an elaborate network of hardware that may be used to implement the frequent shopper program. Client-Side hardware: 1. Each store uses NCR RealPOS 82XRT terminals linked to the network through a POS server. (These terminals will be used during purchasing to initiate data collection including customer ID and purchase history data for the FSP)   2.  The nineteen (at present count) corporate management and other admin personnel all utilize Dell Vostro computers running Windows 7 OS. These administration personnel also share 3 HP networked printers. (In relation to the FSP, these computers will be used by management to query and analyze customer purchase history for business service refinement. ) Server-Side Hardware: 1. POS Servers- are used to process orders from the POS terminals and connect to the Kudler network for database file storage 2. HP Blade Server system- c3000 system, Unix OS, SAP Retail SW, Print/File, Communications, Email, Storage, Web. These Servers will be used to store data regarding individual customer purchase history and queried for business analysis as well as loyalty points addition and redemption. ) Network Platform: 1. Each of the three Kudler Stores has a Local Area Network which connects together Via T3 Dedicated high speed lines. 2. Each store’s LAN is connected via 100 base T Ethernet. The communications into and out of the stores is ported through 2 Cisco routers and firewalls. 3. Each Local Area Network is also connected to the internet via 25Mbps high speed business internet connections. 4. Network Diagrams (Shown Below) Software Development Tools: 1. The Frequent Shopper Program is an additional service that will be implemented in conjunction with the existing Information Technology System used throughout Kudler Fine Foods. Because of the complexity and functionality of the existing system, it is recommended that the use of AGILE development methodologies be used to develop the FSP system and merge the application into the existing system. 2. Visual Studio 2012- This Integrated Development Environment will be used to develop the application modules and user interfaces for the FSP development. 3. The code will be implemented in the C# language. (used for module development) b. ASP. NET MVC – used to develop dynamic, interactive web based application for customers to access, monitor, and redeem loyalty points Databases: 1- Customer Table The Customer Table contains demographic data for each of Kudler’s customers. The data in this table is used to access the name and address of customers for order processing and for special mailings for anniversaries and/or birth dates, etc. Order Table The Order Table is used to record information pertinent to each Order placed with a given store. Each order will have one or more entries in the Order Line Table associated with it. 3- Order Line Table The Order Line table contains detail on items appearing on an order. One or more Order Lines are associated with each order and each Order Line references an item being purchased with its description, quantity, price, etc. 4- Item Table The Item Table stores information pertaining to products that may appear on an order. It describes goods that can be purchased from a Store. The current database tables can be re-used and combined to create the FSPoints Table The FSPoints table (Frequent Shopper Points table), will include the Customer ID and all correlating information, Item purchase history, and Item Points Value. The sum of all points’ values will be expressed and added to the Customer’s redeemable points at the end of each FSP period. User Interfaces: Describe the interface for data collection and notification to store personnel and customers. 1. The initial User Interface will remain the same at the point of sale(POS). Additional software will be added to initialize the FSP on applicable transaction.  Software modules will be initialized as needed that will collect the CustomerID as well as the individual items purchased. 2. Web Applications: Through the use of the aforementioned tools including ASP. NET and MVC, an interactive web application will be available to registered customers, and personnel to access, review, and redeem loyalty points. There will be an exclusive page created for the Frequent Shopper Program. Controls: System accuracy checks will be in place to verify unique CustomerID’s at the POS terminals. Every customer that participates in the Frequent Shopper Program will have a unique customerID. Each transaction will begin by entering this identifier which when verified for accuracy will begin collecting item purchase data. Each item is scanned at the POS, and compared to its corresponding FSPoints table to add loyalty points to the Customers FSPoint record. If the CustomerID or any items purchased to not register in the verification processing system, an exception will be returned to notify the customer and cashier at the time of purchase. Each transaction will close with a printed receipt listing the order line information, as well as the points accumulated at that transaction. A points total may be requested via the internet based Frequent Shopper Program Web application on the Kudler Fine Foods website. Security: The necessary security mechanisms need to be in place when storing and moving most data entities, especially Customer personal information. Hashing and encryption techniques will be used when sensitive data is stored in all data stores, and secure data transfer protocols (e. g. , SSL, HTTPS, and WS-Security) will be used when data is Personal Information will be secured through the use of data encryption methods and secure networking protocols when data is transmitted over the network.

Experiment Proving Carbohydrate Intake Delays Fatigue Essay -- Biology

The goal of this scientific study was to determine if the delayed onset of fatigue, as a result of consuming carbohydrates, was associated with stopping muscle glycogen depletion. Therefore, this web page is dedicated to presenting the important points of the study and to expand on those ideas in order to encompass a more general function of carbohydrates in our daily activities. The basic outline of the experiment consisted of a control group and an experimental group; both groups contained endurance-trained cyclists who had fasted beforehand. The cyclists were required to maintain a constant 70% aerobic workload while they cycled. The control group was given a sweet drink that did not suffice as an energy source; the drink contained aspartame (NutraSweet) which has no nutritional value. The other drink contained nutritionally useful carbohydrate that had an equally sweet flavor. Cyclists were not told which drink they were receiving. This was done to avoid biases (such as cycling harder with the carbohydrate drink to "please" the scientists) from entering the experiment and thus corrupting the data. Muscle biopsies to measure muscle glycogen were taken before excercise, after 2 and 3 hours of exercise, and at the time of fatigue (when the cyclists could no longer work at 70% of their aerobic capacity). Blood samples were also taken every twenty minutes and upon fatigue. These blood samples were used to quantitatively analyze the glucose levels in the blood at the various times. The results of this study were that carbohydrate feedings during prolonged exercise delayed fatigue by one hour. As seen by the results of the carbohydrate feeding during the bicyclists' extensive exercise, glycogen utilization is not spared in ... ... more study Another clinical study was also done with Carbo-Crunch Bars by Shaklee. Cyclists pedaling at an energetic pace for more than three hours received Carbo-Crunch Bars and water or water alone. The speed was then turned up to sprint pace. Those who had been drinking water and eating the Carbo-Crunch Bars were able to last 24 minutes while those participants who had received only water lasted for an average of 2 minutes. Results: These clinical studies of Shaklee products show that carbohydrates help to prolong the onset of fatigue to keep the athlete going. Carbohydrate products have become so popular that dogs can even receive Power Bones, a product offering dogs a burst of energy from glucose and endurance from carbohydrates. The regular intake of carbohydrates during exercise help to keep body-sugar levels steady and prolong the onset of fatigue.

Flowers, herbs and willows Essay

Also, the fact that Shakespeare did not add any stage directions to the play helps the director portray the protagonists in the light they see fit. This has granted directors the licence to portray Ophelia as either virginal or sexually knowledgeable. Brannagh uses the device of flashbacks to perfectly show his audience that he sees Ophelia as being less than innocent and that she and Hamlet have previously been sexually active. He does this without taking anything away from the script and gets his point across using a dialogue-less scene. However in the most recent silver screen version of Hamlet directed by Michael Almereyda, Ophelia is portrayed as being virginal and innocent as no sexual references appear during the film. This shows how different the character of Ophelia can b portrayed, almost as they were two separate individuals. The lack of stage directions not only makes it simpler for directors to portray her the way they want, but also for the audience, as they don’t have to decide whether she was innocent or not for themselves, but have it done for them. The third interpretation of Ophelia is that if her being sexually active. The scenes in which she goes mad strongly suggest her sexual knowledge comes from her own experiences with Hamlet, as she acts in a sexual manner. The songs she sings during her madness are also of a sexual nature, which further points to her being sexually active. There is evidence of sexual activity in Branagh’s production, during the previously mentioned flashback scenes. Richard Corum also supports the view that she was sexually active, however Shakespeare never states whether she was a virgin or not Her conversation with Hamlet in act3 scene2 strongly suggest that she and hamlet have had sexual relations, â€Å"you are keen, my lord, you are keen†. The keenness may be that of his sexual lust and she teases him by pointing it out. However much this may point towards the idea that they both have had sexual relations, Shakespeare still never specifically says whether she is a virgin or not. Richard Corum investigates the symbolism and significance of the â€Å"flowers, herbs and willows, † that Ophelia talks off in chapter nine. Corum implies that through the flower imagery that Ophelia uses, it is undoubtedly obvious that she is not innocent. The flowers symbolize Ophelia’s wishes to regain her lost purity and to once again become an ‘innocent flower’. The â€Å"fennel† that is mentioned represents the â€Å"fickleness of love†. Folklore of the time also suggests that fennel and rue were â€Å"abortion-inducing agents†. The willow which Ophelia was holding when she was found dead, was also thought to hold the same properties, which means that Ophelia attempted to abort a pregnancy before the died. Furthermore, the term â€Å"flowers† was used at the time as a term for menstruation, which suggests that Ophelia’s â€Å"interest in rosemary† was a way of her trying to tell herself that her menstruation cycle continued as is normal, meaning she was trying to convincer herself that she was not pregnant. Corum also states that rue supposedly made men impotent and that in handing it to Hamlet, Ophelia was trying to prevent a â€Å"situation that is now perhaps unpreventable† Corum’s examination of the flowers in Act 4, Scene 5, seems to be viable. This is mainly due to his study being based on folklore that existed in Shakespearean times. The ideas themselves are plausible as they clearly fit into the character of Ophelia and can be related credibly to her apparent affair with Hamlet. Instead of outright stating Ophelia’s sexual knowledge Shakespeare uses this symbolism and imagery as subtle undertones to incorporate the idea of her sexual exploits. Shakespeare has always had strong-minded female protagonists in his plays, which means that the assertion that Ophelia is a character of considerable aptitude is not a new phenomenon. Lady Macbeth for example is the driving force behind her husband’s ambition and influenced him to kill the king. Juliet is another astute and determined character despite her young age, her character proves that women can challenge the authority of the men, as she does with her father by marrying Romeo. Taking the conception of Ophelia being a strong minded and autonomous character would by no means be extreme, as the examples I have given surely provide enough evidence that Shakespeare has presented female characters as being of a significant standing.

Jeanette’s childhood Essay

Jeanette’s childhood was much the same as Celie’s in the sense that it lacked a heterosexual relationship she could be influenced by. Jeanette’s parents aren’t shown to be in love; in fact they are hardly shown being together. When Jeanette asks her mother why she married her father, she replies not about love but about their responsibility to have a child and â€Å"dedicate it to the lord†(P. 10). Just like Celie, this lack of a loving parental relationship may have lead Jeanette to becoming a lesbian, as she hadn’t been exposed to any real love between a man and a woman. Throughout the two novels, neither primary character has a close relationship with a male. Instead, they find shelter with other women. The fact that Jeanette never has a close relationship with a man can give us hints to her inevitable sexuality, as she is not sexually attracted to them, shown when she â€Å"tried imagining him without his clothes on. Horrid. â€Å"(P. -), expressing her disgust of the male body and general distaste of men. Throughout Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, she has a close relationship with a woman from church, Elsie. When Jeanette is sick in hospital, her mother rarely visits because she is busy, but Elsie comes every single day to â€Å"make me smile†(P. 29). This, as well as the fact Elsie sticks by Jeanette even after her lesbianism is revealed, almost seems to the reader that they have a parent/daughter relationship, where Elsie looks out for Jeanette and keeps her strong through hard times; Jeanette said â€Å"and my confidence restored (thanks to her)†(P. 30). Their closeness lasts until Elsie’s death. Her friendship and experiences with Mrs Jewsbury introduces Jeanette to homosexuality, which is a key turning point in the novel and can be seen to have had a huge impact on Jeanette’s sexuality. Like Jeanette, Celie shares closeness with women rather than men. While Jeanette’s distaste of men is more passive and subtle, Celie is hateful and wary of men because of the way she’s been treated by them. She lived in a time when men dominated the social hierarchy, so all the women had to stick together. This is shown when Celie meets Sofia, who has six brothers and five sisters, and says â€Å"all the girls stick together† (P. 39). It’s a possibility that Sofia’s words inspired Celie to find confidence in other women instead of suffering alone, because it is after this that Celie develops a close relationship with Sofia and Shug Avery,. The quilt Sofia and Celie make acts as a metaphor to show the power women can have when in numbers and the things they can achieve. Both Nettie and Mr. __’s sister, Kate, tell Celie â€Å"You got to fight†(P. 17 and 21) to encourage her, and Kate says â€Å"you deserve more than this†(P. 20), which helps Celie discover self-worth and gives her the confidence to leave Mr. ___. Kate shows Celie she is not alone, and the new dress Kate buys for her symbolises Celie’s newfound refuge with other women and the start of defining herself as a new, stronger person. Celie also seeks shelter from Shug, who she spends most of the novel admiring, and Shug takes on the responsibility of looking after her and introducing her to the idea of self-worth, empowering Celie as a woman. Their relationship is a major influence for Celie’s sexuality, despite the fact critic Trudier Harris calls it â€Å"The height of silly romanticism†1, implying it is unrealistic. I disagree with this, as I think their relationship is more sisterly than romantic, shown when Celie says â€Å"we sleep like sisters me and Shug† (P. 124) emphasizing how closely they’ve bonded. It is definitely not â€Å"silly† when looking at how much Celie gets out of their relationship, including redefining herself, questioning the word around her and discovering self worth, as stated before. Walker and Winterson both foreshadow the future lesbianism of Celie and Jeanette in various ways through symbolism and particular events. Jeanette’s lesbianism is hinted throughout the book, one example being the banana bar she is offered by the lesbian shopkeepers.