Blaise Pascal :: essays research papers

Blaise Pascal was born in Clermont France on June 19, 1623 to Etienne Pascal. His mother died when he was only 3. He was the third of four children and the only boy. He was described as a man of: small stature, poor health, loud spoken, somewhat overbearing, precious, stubbornly persevering, a perfectionist, highly pugnacious yet seeking to be humble and meek. Pascal's father had somewhat unorthodox views on education, so he decided to teach his son himself. He forbade any mathematic teachings or material to be given to him and had any such texts removed from their house. Blaise became engulfed with curiosity due to this rule. He started to work with geometry on his own at the age of 12. He discovered that the sum of the three angles of a triangle is equivalent to two right angles. When his father discovered this he then allowed Blaise a copy of Euclid. At the age of 14 Blaise began accompanying his father to Mersenne's meetings. Mersenne was a member of a religious order of Minims. His cell held many meetings for the likes of Gassendi, Roberval, Carcavi, Auzout, Mydorge, Mylon, Desargues and others. By the time he was 15 Blaise admired the work of Desargues greatly. At 16 Pascal presented a single piece of paper at a Mersenne's meeting in June 1639. It held many of his geometry theorems, including his mystic hexagon. In December 1639 he and his family left Paris and moved to Rouen where his father Etienne was appointed tax collector for Upper Normandy. Soon after settling down in Rouen his Essay on Conic Sections was published in February of 1640. It was his first great work. Pascal also invented the first digital calculator to aid his father in his tax collecting duties. For three years he worked 1642 - 1545. Dubbed the Pascaline, it resembled a mechanical calculator of the 1940's. This almost assuredly makes Pascal second only to Shickard who manufactured the first in 1624. Pascal faced problems with the design of the calculator due to the design of French c urrency at the time. There were 12 deniers in a sol, and 20 sols in a livre. Therefore there were 240 deniers in a livre. Hence Pascal had to deal with more technical problems to work with this odd way of dividing by 240. Yet the currency system remained the same in France until 1799, but Britain's similar system lasted until 1971.

Optical Computed Tomography Essay

Development of optical computed tomography is traceable back to slightly more than a decade ago. ( Doran & Krstajic, 2006:45) The study of tissues using conventional methods and more specifically optical microscopy often suffered major problems given its inherent representation of 3-D materials in 2-D. it is on this basis that there arose the need for more advanced representation techniques. (Doran & Krstajic, 2006:47) Optimal tomography has been able to fill this scientific gap through its ability to combine a series of 2-D images to give a 3-D image. This process involves construction of a spatial 3-D distribution regarding the linear attenuation of an object with the use of samples recorded from various angles of the illumination beam transmitted. (Zhang G. Et al, 2008:2738) Significantly, optical CT has independently emerged within three differing fields. Documented evidence reveal that the earliest emergence of CT is traceable to late 1990’s discovery by Maryanski and Gore similar to the CCD-based optical scanner applicable in investigation of chemical structures that often engage in self organization was presented by Winfree. (Chamgoulov, 2006:1) Later in 2002 though Sharpe published micro-CT images of which he refers to as optical projection tomography. However, recent technologies have seen introduction of optical technology applying the use of trans-illumination tomography in the study of tissues. Optical CT thus falls within the class of optical imaging devices. Often it’s referred t as an interferometric mechanism which brings together scattered light emerging from the sample with regard to a reference beam. (Zhang G. Et al, 2008:2740) OCT’s use in tissue study experiences limitation regarding the maximum penetrable depth. The operations of optical CT originates from the beers law which describes the attenuation of light and X-rays as they move through a given medium. The law states that for uniformly distributed substance bearing a linear attenuation coefficient ? with a measuring detector at a depth d is described by the equation below l(d)= l_0 exp (-? d),l? Where l0 represents the measured intensity at depth equals to zero. Where N mediums are to be bypassed by the rays, then the equation translates as described below; l(N? y) ? = l? _0 exp{ -? _(i=1)^N- _i ? y? } The most recent development of Optic CT application has been the optical CT microscopes which uses of DMD (Digital micro-mirror device). This involves an array consisting of thousands of very small micro-mirrors designed in a way that allows each to be individually controlled. This allows illumination of the specimen at different angles or rather they act as spatial modulators of light. (Chamgoulov, 2006:2) Another form of optical CT microscope employs the use of an optical scanner primarily controlled by a computer in moving of light across the given sample. (see figure 1) Such a system is made up of a pair of objective lenses with high numerical apertures, a source of light, and a detector. The optical scanner is made up of a two axis mirror consisting of motorized linear actuators. (Doran & Krstajic, 2006:50) The objective lenses numerical aperture limits the angular range. The microscope applies greater use of the radon’s transformations which is described by the equation below; l=l_(0 ) exp {–? -? (y)dy} across a given sample Figure 1: Optical CT microscope schematic representation The optical CT microscope gives 3-D images of sample being studied with the samples dimensions being visibly seen. This has thus extended its application as a way of studying tissues and body cells more effectively as previously only two dimensional images could be visualized. Data from optical CT imaging is often presented in Radon space, a 2-D form of image referred to as a sinogram. (Doran & Krstajic, 2006:51) The samples various points are said to each produce their own sinogram tracks overlaid to each other. The source and the detector are each placed on either side of the object being imaged. When the source detector is at position x, then the attenuated laser beam intensity that the detector receives is given by the equation l(x)=l_0 exp {–? -? (x,y) dy} Often the source detector track is rotated around the sample being imaged. However some designed allow the sample to rotate instead. This change does not result into a change in design except for mathematical calculations that are altered to take into consideration the resulting sample rotational angles. The equation of radon transforms then takes the form describes below; ?_? (x)= ? -? (x_? y_? )dy= -(In (l_? x)/l_0 ) Advantages and disadvantages of using optical computed tomography This technology has attracted widespread use by industrialist and other end users due to its high speed and precision. In addition it provides more detailed subsurface images of both 2-D and 3-D structures. (Sakhalkar & Oldham, 2007:104) Notably also is its capability of producing high resolution and in-depth images of tissues. This has led to its gaining popularity with ophthalmologists. Non-biological application too employs the use of optical CT as it is applicable in non-destructive testing and material evaluation. In 2007 for instance, David Stifter in his paper cited the applicability of the technology in detection of ceramic defects (Stifter et al, 2005) and other non-contact materials including glass, polymers among others. However, the technology is still considered expensive and unaffordable to most of its desirable users. Additionally, the highly scattering nature of biological tissues has limited the technology to only shallow depths in imaging penetration. References Doran, S. J. & Krstajic, N. (2006) The history and principles of optical computed tomography for scanning 3-D radiation dosimeters. Journal of physics, 56:45–57 Zhang G. Et al (2008) Use of three-dimensional (3D) optical flow method in mapping 3D anatomic structure and tumor contours across four-dimensional computed tomography data. Journal of Applied Clinical Medicine Physics, 9(1):2738 Chamgoulov, R. , Pierre L. & Calum, M.(2006) Computed tomography generates three-dimensional microscopic images of cells, Journal of Optical Engineering, 2(2):1-3. J. Sharpe, (2008) Optical Projection Tomography. Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, 8: 209-228, Sakhalkar H. S. & Oldham, M (2007) Fast, high-resolution 3D dosimetry utilizing a novel optical-CT scanner incorporating tertiary telecentric collimation. Med. Phys. 35(1):101-111 Stifter, D. et al (2005) En-face scanning optical coherence tomography with ultra-high resolution for material investigation, Journal of Optics, 13( 3):1015-1024

Hearts and Minds Essay

Movies and documentaries have a way of touching the lives of many. For the most part, they are geared towards the exhibition of truths that are hidden from other people. The documentary, â€Å"Hearts and Minds†, mirrored the numerous difficulties experienced by the Vietnamese in the hands of the American soldiers. The harsh realities shown by the American soldiers towards the Vietnamese was quite difficult to believe, for we all know how the Americans would care for any other individual. Directed by Peter Davis, the documentary showed different clips that prove the harsh attitude towards people at that time. Even the speech of former President Lyndon Johnson was shown in the said documentary. To give people a great feel of the said timeline, much of the most famous details during that particular time were shown. The type of music, clothes, and even some old archives were shown. In this manner, it would become easier for the audiences to understand what was being explained to them. I admire the montage feeling provided by the documentary. Together with the voice over, watching the documentary was like watching any other historical how. However, what sets it apart from the rest were the heartbreaking realities exhibited. I could not help but wonder as to how people were treated unfairly and how other people could bear causing pain to others. One of the scenes that caught my attention was the funeral of a soldier. Surrounding the coffin were grieving people, including the family and friends. However, for some reason, one grieving lady was stopped from following the coffin being laid to rest. This particular scene was contrasted with a clip showing the interview of the general who led the Vietnam War. Furthermore, there were several other interviews included in the documentary. Although I am not of Vietnamese, origin I was heartbroken by the difficulties experienced at that time. For the longest time, they experienced pain, both physical and emotional, while they struggled to raise their families accordingly. A particular scene exemplified the hardships endured by the Vietnamese during that particular time. The scene showed how the prisoners of the war were sitting restless and not paying attention to what their employer had in mind. I felt pity with the condition these people experienced, toppled by the excessive torture and inhumane humiliations provided by the American soldiers. After watching the documentary, one could not help but question what has been taught in class during our younger days. I was surprised at how the outcome of this war has been, including the participation that the American soldiers portrayed. However, due to the extensive information provided, some critics may also form their own conclusion as to how the said war was used as propaganda. On the other hand, it would be expected that some people would opt to be biased towards the Vietnamese and consider them to be victims of the American occupation. Regardless of everything that has been said, I believe that we all have our own perceptions towards things. Personally, I believe that the goal of this film was to show the other side of history that not everyone was aware of. In this manner, I would be able to form my own beliefs as to how people would be able to learn from these hurtful experiences. It is useless for us to keep on living in the past—we should all move forward in helping make a different in this lifetime. I must say that I recommend this film to everyone, especially those who are currently studying about the history of the United States.

Crash Character Analysis Essay

Officer Tommy Hansen, a Los Angeles police officer who, after observing his partner Officer John Ryan pull over Cameron Thayer and Christine Thayer and sexually molests Christine, requests a change of partner. He ultimately reveals his own insecurities with other races through his treatment of Peter Waters. We later see Tommy walking away from his burning car wearing a pair of latex gloves, thus concealing his involvement in the shooting. Officer John Ryan, a prejudiced white police officer who molests Cameron’s wife, Christine, under the pretense of searching for a weapon. Ryan is trying to get help for his father, who has been misdiagnosed with a bladder infection. His anger manifests in prejudice, which stems from the destructive impact that local affirmative action policies had on his father’s business. He later saves Christine from a burning car when he had the perfect opportunity to ensure that he left the burning car alive, which leaves Christine stunned. Cameron Thayer, a black television director. He witnesses Officer Ryan molesting his wife and later realizes that the producers of his television show propagate racist stereotypes about black people. At the scene of Hansen’s burning car (to eliminate evidence of a murder), he is able to find contentment and reconnects with his wife. Christine Thayer, Cameron’s wife. She is molested by Ryan and becomes furious with her husband because he didn’t defend her. The two insult each other over their upbringings–as both Cameron and Christine have grown up in more privileged environments than many other African Americans. The next day she is trapped in an overturned car due to a car accident and, by a twist of fate, Officer Ryan is the man who willingly endangers himself to save her life.

How can RyanAir maintain its dominance in the European low-cost Dissertation

How can RyanAir maintain its dominance in the European low-cost airline market - Dissertation Example Ryanair caters to the European passengers through the organisation of a large number of flight programs maintained along several routes. Current estimates show that the airlines company operates along 1100 separate flying routes connecting various European and African regions. The company specialises in the rendering of services at highly economical rates which helps in gaining attention of a large number of consumers. Further the company through the cooperation of the European airports aims at rendering additional services to the customers countering checking of baggage, rendering food and beverages to the passengers on board and other such things at concessional rates. This creates an economic advantage to the company and also helps the customers to gain a lot services at low costs. Ryanair in order to compete in the international markets counters huge investments in the paradigm of training the staffs and also in rendering large amount of checks on the quality of services rendered . The company endeavours to counter weekly checks on the operational parameters of the flight carriers and also caters to render effective training to the staffs to reduce the chances of flight accidents. Ryanair also enhances the service paradigm by focusing on the creation and enhancement of the web sphere. The company encourages large number of people to counter booking through the online sphere which enhances the brand loyalty of the concern. Ryanair’s effective marketing program helped the company to rightly analyse the needs of the European customers in chalking out effective and cost reduced services. The company also during 2004 strategized to launch a huge promotional program which rendered large number of seats to the passengers at highly reduced fares. Further the company also takes resort of large number of innovations both in the service and product category to fulfil its responsibilities towards the society and in helping the customers get the feel of productive services. The government of Europe is also pleased with the operational standards of Ryanair in that it has introduced models which are environment friendly and also in helping other sick companies to revive out of their fallen condition. Ryanair through the acquiring of large number of small and medium airline companies helped in gaining access to newer market areas. The opening up of the European economy through the liberalisation and privatisation policies helped the airlines company gain control over the European airlines industry. (Ryanair, pp.1-4). The present paper divulges to understand the strategic dimensions taken by the company to gain sustainable dominance in the European Airlines market. Low Cost Airlines Market in UK Airline industry has always been a large and significant industry with a considerable growth rate. The industry is dynamic in nature considering the fact that its trends change in accordance to the economic condition of Europe. The profitability of the a irlines is strongly tied to the

Response to an essay exam Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Response to an exam - Essay Example It is evident that believer may be losing the culture war to the non believers because of the continued decline in moral directions and the minimal religious liberty in the United States today. There are different flashpoints that have a greater contribution to the debate of whether God exists or not. Scientists have challenged the notion about the universe’s age. They strongly believe that it must be at least millions of years old while the bible estimates it to be less than ten thousand years old. A major contribution to this flashpoint was when astronomers came up with two systems of measurement to establish that near galaxies are millions of light years away. This brought a viewpoint different from that of believers that consider creation to have taken place in six days. This theory created another flash point of the big bang theory challenging the belief of how the universe was created. Scientist state that the universe was made with the big bang. It started from space then dispersing from each other formed the universe. George Gamow contribution to the culture war was by his theory that the universe may have formed from a hot beginning that would be cooled to form protons. However, he did not have a clear explanation of what caused the big bang. Christians, on the other hand, are sure that God created the universe and structured it specifically to be the way it is. (Edwin and Leigh, 2002) In evolution, Charles Darwin developed a materialistic view of the universe in which he stated that there is no God, only matter. He made the theoretical perception from Ivanivich Oparin’s study of how gases and water formed organic molecules when charged with electricity. Darwin states that the early life begun naturally and evolved to more complex forms as time passed by. Man evolved from animals like apes and monkeys and became more complex in body and mind over the years. He assessed that human beings are no different from animals and share similar

Joan of Arc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Joan of Arc - Essay Example She participated in various war affairs for the separation of France from the powers of the English. She had a very persuasive personality as she was quite determined towards her aims and objectives and she was able to gather support of several individuals to fight for her cause (Twain XII). She was quite obviously an inspiring leader who led from the front and she participated in battles with great bravery and fearlessness. She did not depend on taking measures that were manipulative in nature; rather she was blunt and believed in action that was quite direct in nature. She faced life and death like a strong rock; she did not turn her back against her own army and instead fought to death when she was burned (Bunkers 89). Another great achievement of this Saint was the liberation of the region of Paris from the control of the English rule. During the battle she was badly injured and taken as captive by the Burgundies who were from the French race but were in support of the English rule. Later she was sold by this race of France in exchange of huge amount of money. She was regarded by her contemporaries as a heroine for her heroic activities during war and with her heroic nature she was able to persuade and lead others into attaining her objective of freeing France from the control of the English. For example during the war she was very seriously injured as an arrow slit through her neck, still she continue to be the in charge of the field and she kept fighting. Saint Joan of Arc has proven to be of utmost importance in current society than she was during her era. She was quite high in integrity and was very truthful which quite a missing element of current society is. This part of her personality was clearly highlighted by several literatures as they stated that Joan of the Arc was a person who always used to speak in a truthful manner even if the people liked it or not (Peterfy 159). Meeting