Artificial Intelligence Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers

Artificial Intelligence Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers Artificial Intelligence Upon examining issues of mind and thought, the questions of artificial intelligence and its capabilities become important considerations for answering the ultimate question of what thought truly is. Computerized calculation is one of the few events that is somewhat analogous to human cognitive thought, so the extension of this current technology to more advanced future applications makes it a very interesting testing area for questions into consciousness. If one concludes that the advancement from cash registers to present day computers is a step closer to human thought, then we must concede that progressing technology will bring us closer and perhaps to the very point of true cognitive skills. The dilemma left to us philosophers and scientists is to determine when a machine has reached the point of thought, or at least to create a rough guideline. A.M. Turing proposed a test to solve this problem. Named, appropriately enough, the Turing test, it contains a controversial method of te sting called the imitation game. The idea is to put one man and one woman in two rooms and have them questioned by an interrogator in a third room. The man would try to answer questions in a way which would suggest he is a woman. The woman attempts to answer in a way to reveal the truth of the matter. If the man fools the interrogator, it is said that he can think like a woman, or, at the very least, mimic a woman's responses. This game can also be played with a computer in the male slot, trying to convince the interrogator that it is human. It would follow reason that if a computer could pass this test, it could think like a human, or at least mimic one. Perhaps the abilities showcased in the test alone would not be sufficient, but Daniel C. Dennett claims that "[t]he assumption Turing was prepared to make was that nothing could possibly pass the Turing test by winning the Imitation Game without being able to perform indefinitely many other clearly intelligent actions" (Dennett 93) . One often cited criticism of this notion is the idea of mimicry. Imagine a program that stored an almost infinite amount of information regarding sentences and grammar and was able to spit out contextualy appropriate sentences to a wide variety of inquiries. The computer has no knowledge of what the information means; it is acting much as a parrot does. Luckily for Turing, there is no shortage of responses for this claim. First of all, as Douglas Hofstadter points outs, "[t]he number of sentences you'd need to store to be able to respond in a normal way to all possible sentences in a conversation is astronomical, really unimaginable" (Hofstadter 92). The computer would also have to contain a complex microprocessor to keep up with conversation in a timely and manageable fashion. It would have to be so advanced indeed that such a microprocessor might be considered a small scale brain, sorting through symbols and their meanings to form contextually valid responses. Accordingly, if su ch a machine existed, it would pass the Turing test and validate the method of testing at the same time. If a machine was capable of mastering the context-sensitive language we use, it may very well have a claim to true thought. At the very least, the computer would surpass mimicry and be labeled a simulation. Human thought is so complicated and demanding that any device that attempts to duplicate it with any success would have to be a highly sensitive simulation. Any machine that passes the Turing test must have a rudimentary "knowledge" of the information it is using and therefore is more than parrot . Assuming this is true, we must then ask hard questions about the value of simulation. The critical claim is that any simulation is just a simulation and not a real example of what it is simulating. Hofstadter finds this fallacious, as do I. First, any simulation can reasonable defined in this context as the recreation of a natural event by an agent other than nature. This view bring s up the idea of levels in simulation. A good example is Dennett's simulated hurricane in Brainstorms. From the programmer's vantage point, the

Chernobyl Accident essays

Chernobyl Accident essays On April 26th, 1986 the worlds worst nuclear power accident occurred at Chernobyl in Russia. At 1:23 am, reactor number 4 became out of control creating a fireball explosion which blew off the reactor's heavy steel and concrete lid. The Chernobyl nuclear power plant located 80 miles north of Kiev and had 4 reactors. While testing reactor number 4 for numerous safety issues, many of them were disregarded. First, the Chernobyl incident can well be blamed on its unexpected lack of safety. Obviously the workers failed to recognize the undetected warnings. What seems like common sense, given it was a nuclear power plant, Chernobyl exploded like a two-ton firework. To me, the violation of procedures brought upon a deserved consequence. Death was to be likely, and its deliberate mourning was heard. Although an incident like this could have been prevented, Im almost relieved it happened, for the reason that, we now can foresee problems before they occur. We behold this disaster in our memories and weve learned from this negative mistake. Another safety issue thats at fault was the bad communication. I think that when it comes to hazardous materials, that could injure thousands of people, communication should be at its best. Its such a shame to see a perfect environment, one day beautiful, and the next a disaster area. Farmland, water supply, and citizens homes: all destroyed from something that could have been prevented. Still sixteen years later, radiation flows in our air and contamination leaks through our earth. Russia exclaimed this wasnt a huge deal, but what about the kids who now live there? The radiation and uranium just didnt disappear. The people of this land have to cultivate and farm on contaminated soil. I believe that many of us Americans take our every day life for granted. When we go to the supermarket to buy our milk, eggs, and ...

The 5 Best Singulair Alternatives for Asthma and Allergies

The 5 Best Singulair Alternatives for Asthma and Allergies SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Do you take Singulair for asthma or allergies? Are you wondering about possible Singulair alternatives? In this article, I’ll go through what Singulair is and how it works. I’ll also walk you through both prescription-only and over-the-counter Singulair alternatives, including the estimated cost and pros and cons of each one. What Is Singulair? How Does It Work? Singulair, or montelukast, is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA). Leukotrienes are released by the immune system in response to allergens, such as pollen, and promote inflammation, bronchoconstriction (tightening of the airways in the lungs), breathing difficulties, and other allergy symptoms. The active ingredient, montelukast, in leukotriene receptor antagonists like Singulair binds to these receptors and opposes their function. Singulair is usually used to prevent asthma attacks and treat seasonal allergies. Singulair isn’t effective for acute asthma attacks or sudden, extreme allergic reactions. Instead, it’s commonly used long-term for maintenance purposes and is usually safe for extended, regular use. Why Use an Alternative to Singulair? There are several main reasons why patients with asthma and/or allergy symptoms might be looking for Singulair alternatives. Generally speaking, the reasons to choose another medication rather than Singulair are cost, side effects, and effectiveness. Cost Currently, a month’s supply (30 tablets) of Singulair costs around $246. You might be considering a Singulair alternative in order to save money. Side Effects For many patients, Singulair has no major side effects. However, some Singulair users report negative side effects like headache, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, skin reactions, or worsening asthma. One of the most worrying (though rare) side effects of Singulair is a change in mood or depressive symptoms, which may include suicidal thoughts or actions. For this reason, some patients with histories of anxiety or depression choose an alternative to Singulair. Effectiveness For whatever reason, Singulair might not effectively treat your symptoms. Perhaps a medication with a different active ingredient will work better for you, or maybe you need a stronger drug than Singulair. Singulair is usually used to treat asthma or allergies. Top 5 Singulair Alternatives The following Singulair alternatives are often used to treat asthma or allergies. For each one, I’ll go through how it compares to Singulair in terms of cost, side effects, and effectiveness. #1: Nasonex (Mometasone) Nasonex is a mometasone nasal spray used to treat congestion, runny nose, and other seasonal allergy symptoms, as well as nasal polyps. It is available by prescription or over-the-counter. Estimated Cost (Without Insurance): One 60-spray bottle of Nasonex costs about $150. Pros: Nasonex is more effective for allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) and congestion than Singulair for most users. Also, Nasonex virtually never causes side effects like depression, behavioral changes, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. These are more common with Singulair, so if you have trouble with anxiety or depression, Nasonex may be a better choice. Cons: Some negative side effects of Nasonex include headaches, bronchitis, nausea, sore throat, nosebleeds, and sores or white spots inside the nose or mouth. The main downside of Nasonex is that it doesn’t work right away. It should be used twice daily, starting one to two weeks before allergy season, in order to be effective by the time your allergy symptoms start. How Does It Compare? Nasonex is generally cheaper than Singulair, and is usually as effective or more effective in treating allergy symptoms like nasal congestion and inflammation. However, Singulair is more effective for asthma symptoms and in preventing asthma attacks. #2: Flonase (Fluticasone) Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray that’s used to treat allergy symptoms by reducing nasal inflammation. It’s available over-the-counter. Estimated Cost: For a bottle that contains around 120 sprays, you should expect to pay about $25 over-the-counter. Pros: Flonase is available at most pharmacies and only needs to be used when you’re experiencing asthma or allergy symptoms, so it’s cheaper, and unlike Singulair, you don’t have to take it every day. Flonase doesn’t have as many reported side effects as Singulair, especially those such as insomnia, aggression, anxiety, and depression or other behavioral changes. Cons: Because Flonase comes in spray form, it can be hard to keep track of how much you’ve taken or how much you have left. Also, Flonase is a Category C drug, meaning that risks can’t be ruled out for pregnant or nursing moms. Singulair is a Category B drug, so it’s generally considered safer for unborn and breastfeeding babies. How Does It Compare? Flonase is generally considered the first-choice treatment for seasonal allergies by doctors, because it doesn’t have to be used long-term and doesn’t carry as much of a risk of side effects as daily-use medications like Singulair. One study found Flonase and other nasal sprays containing fluticasone to be superior to montelukast for allergy symptoms. However, if you experience negative side effects with Flonase, have had nasal surgery, or have an irritated nasal passage, Singulair or another oral medication might be preferable to Flonase. Nasal sprays like Flonase can be the best available treatments for allergy symptoms. #3: Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) Sudafed is a nasal decongestant used to treat allergy symptoms such as sinusitis and stuffy nose. It is often available over-the-counter, but requires a prescription in some states in the U.S. Estimated Cost (Without Insurance): Sudafed is generally inexpensive, with 24 tablets costing around $8-10 at generic pharmacies. Pros: One study found that Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) was more effective than montelukast in treating nasal congestion. If you’re experiencing congestion as your primary symptom, Sudafed is an inexpensive OTC alternative to a prescription drug like Singulair. Cons: Some Sudafed users report negative side effects like anxiety, restlessness, hyperactivity, a racing heartbeat, high blood pressure, insomnia, or hallucinations. Also, Sudafed can make users drowsy. Sudafed, unlike Singulair, doesn’t treat asthma or prevent asthma attacks. Also, after four days of use, Sudafed doesn’t work as effectively. How Does It Compare? Sudafed is a cheap, convenient alternative to Singulair if your main allergy symptom is nasal congestion or inflammation of the nasal passages. One study at the University of Chicago found Sudafed and Singulair to be equally effective in the treatment of hay fever and to have similar side effects. However, Sudafed isn’t appropriate for long-term use, for more severe allergy symptoms, or for people with asthma. #4: Allegra (Fexofenadine) Allegra is an antihistamine, meaning that it inhibits the release of histamines- compounds that trigger allergic reactions- in response to allergens such as pollen. It relieves allergy symptoms like itching, hives, watery eyes, and congestion. It’s available OTC. Estimated Cost: 30 tablets of Allegra will cost you around $20 at most generic pharmacies. Pros: Allegra users don’t report side effects of depression or weight gain as commonly as Singulair users. Allegra can be used in babies six months or older, while Singulair isn’t safe for a baby until he or she has reached 12 months of age. Also, Allegra, unlike Singulair, comes in liquid form as well as tablet form, which some users (especially children) might find easier to take. Cons: Users of Allegra some report negative side effects such as impotence, other sexual side effects, drowsiness, and weight loss. Allegra can’t be prescribed to anyone with kidney disease, as it can (rarely) cause kidney damage or failure. Allegra is only used to treat allergy symptoms. It isn’t approved or effective in treating asthma. The risks of taking Allegra while pregnant are unknown. It’s generally considered to be safer to take Singulair than Allegra while pregnant. How Does It Compare? Allegra users who experience adverse reactions to the medication report different, but potentially just as serious, side effects- such as kidney damage or failure, rapid weight loss, anxiety, impotence, and other sexual side effects- as those frequently experienced by Singulair users. Allegra is an inexpensive, and often effective, allergy medication, but won’t be as helpful if asthma attacks or other breathing difficulties are your main symptoms. Allegra is generally considered to be safe for regular use, but there aren’t as many studies on long-term use of the drug as there are on chronic use of Singulair, so there isn’t as much data available overall. #5: Accolate (Zafirlukast) Accolate is an alternative to Singulair for asthma and allergies. Like Singulair, it's a prescription-only LTRA except that the active ingredient is different (zafirlukast rather than montelukast). Estimated Cost (Without Insurance): Accolate tends to be cheaper than Singulair. Currently, a month’s supply of Accolate would cost you around $126.80. Pros: Although changes in mood and behavior can be side effects of both medications, Singulair users report more frequent suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as more symptoms of depression as a result of taking the drug. This is rarer among Accolate users. Additionally, overall, more patients report negative side effects with Singulair than they do with Accolate. Cons: Although Singulair users report more side effects over, Accolate carries a higher risk of liver failure than does Singulair. Though this side effect is rare, it is serious. More Accolate users report certain other adverse side effects, such as severe headaches, as well. On a less serious note, Accolate has to be taken twice a day, unlike Singulair, which some users don’t prefer as it’s more difficult to remember to take. Also, Accolate hasn’t been on the market as long as Singulair, and it isn’t prescribed as often. Therefore, we simply don’t have as much data on Accolate’s side effects, particularly of long-term use of the drug. How Does It Compare? One study didn’t find many differences in the effects, or effectiveness, of Accolate and Singulair. Overall, the two medications are very similar both in how, and how well, they work for people with asthma and/or allergies. The biggest differences between Accolate and Singulair are their cost and side effects, with prices usually much lower for Accolate than for Singulair, and fewer users reporting suicidal thoughts or attempts when using Accolate as opposed to Singulair. Also, although Accolate and Singulair are both leukotriene inhibitors and thus very similar, their active ingredients are different, so one may work for you while the other doesn’t. Many users report more success with Singulair than with Accolate, and vice versa.

Comtempprary Issues in Strategic Management Essay

Comtempprary Issues in Strategic Management - Essay Example Consequently factors like strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the company have been analysed. Taking these facts into consideration, the primary objectives have been developed for the company. The objectives are then moulded to form the marketing strategies, which are then implemented with the help of an action plan. The entire strategy is based on expected profit and loss of the company. Lastly, a contingency plan has also been provided in case of failure of the previous plan. Marketing concepts and strategies have been increasingly gaining popularity in the contemporary world. A significant share of a company’s success can be attributed to its marketing plans and strategies. This project deals with a car manufacturing company in Malaysia, which became a prey to extremely damaging media reports on quality issues. This has undermined the market image of the company which used to be the main selling point for the time being. This project tries to initiate a strategic analysis of the company using Pestle Analysis, Porter’s Analysis and SWOT Analysis. Based on the above analysis, the project aims to design a marketing strategy, the primary objective of which is to regain and retain the lost image of the company. Inspite of the global economic crisis, the Asian countries have been recovering at a much faster rate than most other nations of the world. Research has revealed that the gross domestic product of Asian nations and their industrial productions have bounced impressively after the recession. Along with the tide, the car manufacturing company of Malaysia has also experienced significant growth. Forecasts have shown that vehicle sales, among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, are also expected to increase substantially in 2010. The number is expected in surpass 2 million units in the same year. Government policies like scrappage schemes and

Sex in Contemporary China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sex in Contemporary China - Essay Example Exposure has led to the emergence of certain practices in the world that never existed in the ancient world. The Chinese people are revered for their rich store of culture. Rich cultural histories have made it possible to analyze and make comparisons between cultures in different ages, and their perceptions on sexuality. On the subject of sex and desire, the Chinese culture adopted a range of views that shaped their beliefs. The topic of sexuality was viewed differently in the ancient times than in the modern times. The various changes in Chinese sexual culture, in modern China, were influenced by reforms that begun in the early 1980s. These reforms introduced a different perception of sexuality. With the reforms, the Chinese government continuously lost its grip on the restrictions that it had imposed on the people, which limited sexual practices. However, the government also allowed for the continuation of certain sexual practices that have continued to the modern world, and had profound influences on the people’s sexual culture. The modern Chinese culture is rife with sexual practices that have their roots to the ancient cultures allowed during the Mao Zedong era. However, the practices changed during the reign of the Qing dynasty more than three thousand years ago. China has been characterized by changes in the patterns of sexual desire. The modern china is characterized by the prevalence of same-sex sexual desire. The same sex desire has taken the path of lesbianism and homosexuality. Lesbianism has had a long but hidden history. This practice existed in ancient times, when parents allowed their daughters to engage in latent lesbian activities to avoid public embarrassment of the family in case they got pregnant. Modernity has paved way for the increase in this practice because several arguments have been advanced to support the practice. Firstly, lesbianism in china is seen as more spiritual and less sexual. The prevalence of lesbianism can be traced back to the ancient times when the ancient leaders prom oted homosexuality. This led to neglect of women in pursuance of sexual pleasure that resulted to women looking for other sources of sexual pleasure. The only resort was to unite with other females who shared the circumstances in a bid to satisfy their sexual desires. This practice was carried on to the modern world and has become more prevalent in china (Vosburg, 130). Secondly, the increase in number of same-sex relations has been followed by constant activism and lobbied for recognition. Coupled with the free world as a result of technological advancements, the Chinese culture has been under a lot of pleasure allowing for formal recognition of such practices. Although the Chinese laws prohibit Lesbianism, this sexual preference has been allowed a lot of freedom in China. The major cities in China are flooded with lesbian bars, cafes that give evidence for the prevalence of this practice. Thirdly, lesbianism has also been rampant in modern China because of independence among women . Access to education has made women attract well paying jobs, which has led to financial independence, a crucial role that was played by men in society (Vosburg, 133). Non dependence on men for the provision of basic needs has given women the freedom and will to choose their own path in life, including their sexual preference. The pressures of work give women limited time for interaction with their men. This has killed the desire

Subway Operating Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Subway Operating Environment - Essay Example Latest Subway restaurants remain coming into existence throughout. The franchise series has recruited excess of 150,000 individuals. The restaurant provides its consumers with several various types of fresh submarines sandwiches in addition known as â€Å"subs†. Consumers all the moment make choices on the way they need their sandwiches to remain served (Griffin, 2012). Subway’s promotion remains founded on freshness. The slogan â€Å"Eat Fresh† informs that Subway series makes use of simply fresh scorched bread and fish constituents. Subway faces very stiff competition from other businesses in the same field like McDonald’s, Burger King and Sunset Boulevard. There existed more than 20 Subways in the late 1990s in Denmark; however, ten years back they vacated the Danish market. During 2009, Subway made efforts to struggle for the Danish market once more. At the start of February, they re-launched Subway in two towns, in Sonderborg and Aalborg. The Subway s eries faces stiff competition in Danish market from key competitors such as the Danish series and Sunset Boulevard. During the time the Subway was removing their restaurants from the Danish Sunset Boulevard purchased three of their divisions (Griffin, 2012). 2.0 Environmental analysis 2.2. Economic factors- They have an influence on all enterprises, countrywide and internationally. Economic elements influence the buying capacity of the consumers and the organization’s cost of capital. It constitutes regions such as the exchange rates, economic development and inflation frequency (Dubofsky, 1968). In the subway, the factors are key help the management to understand the economic growth of the restaurant. 2.3. Social factors- These factors constitute population reforms. There are several elements that influence people’s lifestyle because people stay in a community. A few key factors include household, religion, learning system and positionality (Boyer & Verma, 2010). Demo graphic development rate, age spread and jobs motives remain all incorporated in social factors. Within the restaurant, these factors are critical as they help in planning for the meals based on the population, gender and age discrimination. This ultimately helps in planning for the meals.

The Heartbeat of Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Heartbeat of Culture - Essay Example Levine based his research on three factors, which are the accuracy of the country’s clock, the speed at which pedestrians walk, and the average time that postal clerk sell stamps. Although some critics believe that these factors are minor to determine the pace of life, the fact of the matter is that these factors are accurate in defining culture. It is crucial to note that, punctuality is restricted to some societies. It is undeniable fact that different cultures have different impression about time. In essence, some countries are more considerate about time. For instance, when one has an appointment, one is expected to be on time or earlier in America. According to the author, Americans are unlike Brazilians who rarely keep time. It has also been observed that, American students keep time and finish their projects on time. According to this article, Americans are known for their punctuality. They do their best to be on time and in most cases many would attend meetings earlier that the time scheduled. Form most Americans, punctuality is a strong attribute since it defines the efficiency of a person. With the fast-paced lifestyle of Americans, most people have established the need to keep time. The author captivates readers’ attention when he outlines how most American students would leave the classroom without permission.