Monday, January 27, 2020

Isolation of Caffeine From Tea

Isolation of Caffeine From Tea   James Maitland Xanthines are purine alkaloids synthesised in plants such as coffee, tea, and cacao, with the most known xanthine being caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Their production is limited in the aforementioned plant species compared to other plant alkaloids such as morphine, nicotine and strychnine, which are widely expressed across the plant kingdom. Caffeine is the worlds most consumed psychoactive drug, with approximately 74% of it used as beverages, 25% utilised for pharmaceutical formulations and the remainder for other purposes.3 It is chemically known as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, with a complex purine-based structure, chemically associated to adenine and guanine found in DNA and RNA Caffeines also found in human tissues as well as various organisms. It is appreciated for its role in stimulating the CNS, kidneys, bronchial smooth muscle and relaxing the cardiac muscle.2,3 As a therapeutic, caffeine is administered as a powdered form, but the psychoactive substance found in tea leaves constitutes 2-5% caffeine per weight. Caffeine is used to treat apnea of prematurity, fatigue, in analgesic preparations with aspirin and paracetamol, and in various other roles including night duties (promoting alerting effect by antagonising adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the brain), and in sports as a performance-enhancer. Because of the prerequisites for its usage in beverages and its significant potential in the pharmaceutical industry, caffeine has been isolated primarily from coffee. However, the increasing demand for naturally derived caffeine for consumption necessitates additional other sources, for its extraction.4 Contrastive to its utilisation and because it is unregulated, there has been increasing concerns pertaining its connection to adverse side-effects on human physiology regarding its high consumptions by some, which is linked with tachycardia, arrhythmia, muscle tremors, headache, coma, or fatality.4,2,3 As such, alternative forms of beverages have been decaffeinated (e.g., green tea) to eliminate the described potential side-effects and the demand for alternative forms of beverages goes hand in hand with increasing environmental-friendly techniques used to decaffeinate the crude product. This article, therefore, looks at the water extracting method for the isolation of methylxanthines and using thin-layer-chromatography and IR spectroscopy to characterise individual methylxanthines, as well as discussing their Rf values, the use of caffeine in cold and flu remedies, and a brief look into the caffeine market. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preparation of Tea solution 200ml of water was placed into a beaker and the solution was allowed to boil using a Bunsen burner. Tea (10.3052g) was then added into the solution and boiled for approximately 15 minutes. The beaker was then removed from the heat and 50ml sulphuric acid was then added to the hot solution and shake to ensure no emulsion occurs. The solution was later allowed to cool at room temperature and then filtered using Buchner system. Extraction of Caffeine 20ml of 10% sulphuric acid was added to the filtrate and stirred. Sulphuric acid converts the tannins to their salts, therefore, making them insoluble in chloroform, though soluble in water. The solution was then extracted by 3 successive washes of 50ml chloroform using a separating funnel, collecting the organic layer for each consecutive wash. The mixture of the solution was frequently shaken with occasional venting to prevent pressure buildup. The extracts were collected and dried by adding the catalyst anhydrous sodium sulphate for 10-15mins, removing all the water, leaving behind a fine powder. Isolation of The Caffeine Remove the sodium sulphate by filtration using the Buchner system. The chloroform was then evaporated by the use of a rotary evaporator, leaving behind the methylxanthine crystals. The weight of caffeine was then measured and the yield calculated. Thin Layer Chromatography TLC was conducted at room temperature and was used to verify the presence of caffeine by obtaining the methylxanthines, which was re-dissolved in 2ml of chloroform, 1ml of which was examined under TLC along with reference solutions and mother liquor. The UV-absorbing methylxanthines absorb UV light and so fluoresce agent (dichloromethane) in the stationary phase was used for visualisation in the UV254nm. On the TLC plate (Silica gel GF254; Dimension: 5cm x 20cm), a 1cm line was drawn above the base of one end of the plate. Capillary micropipette to place a spot of the reference solution (Caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and mother liquor) along the line drawn on the plate and labelled as appropriate to reduce confusion with the other samples, which were also labelled as appropriate. This step was repeated using different micropipettes for each sample, creating spots at about 1cm from each other. The TLC plate was then placed upright in the TLC chamber contacting the developing solvent (Chloroform: Acetone: N-Butanol: 30% Ammonia, at 30:30:40:10 ratio) at a level below 0.5cm (the origin) and sealed with using a watch glass. The solvent was allowed to migrate along the TLC plate so it reaches at least 1cm from the top and once the solvent had evaporated, the plate subsequently visualised under UV light as most organic compounds are colourless in the naked eye, facilitated by the fa ct that the TLC plate contains chemical additives that fluorescent under UV-light. Infra-Red Spectroscopy The remaining methylxanthine solution of caffeine obtained was used to produce an IR spectrum to deduce the functional groups in the compound. The measured spectral range was between 600 4000 cm. The sample was placed on a sampling window and spectral data collected using a spectrum software (PerkinElmer Spectrum Express version 1.02.00, UK).10 Table 1: Weight of crude caffeine Caffeine 0.1606g Percentage yield = Mass of crude caffeine / mass of tea bags x 100% = 0.1606g / 10g ÃÆ'- 100% = 1.606% Table 2: Distance travelled by the standard solutions and Methylxanthines (mm) C TB TP ML Sample 36 24 18 Spot 1= 34 Spot 2= 26 Spot 3= 16 34 Note: C=caffeine, TB = Theobromine, TP = Theophylline, ML = Mother Liquor, S = Sample Rf value= Distance travelled by the compound (mm) Distance travelled by the solvent (mm) Caffeine = 36mm/38mm = 0.95 Theobromine =24mm/38mm = 0.63 Theophylline =18mm/38mm = 0.47 Mother Liquor spot 1= 34mm/38mm = 0.89 ML spot 2 = 26mm/38mm = 0.68 ML spot 3 = 15mm/38mm = 0.39 S= 34mm/38mm = 0.89 Table 3: Rf values of the standard solutions and Methylxanthines (mm) C TB TP ML Sample 0.95 0.63 0.47 Spot 1= 0.89 Spot 2= 0.68 Spot 3= 0.42 0.89 Note: C=caffeine, TB = Theobromine, TP = Theophylline, ML = Mother Liquor, S = Sample Figure 1: IR spectra of the caffeine. Peak 3000 cm-1 represents amides and amines, and peaks between the regions 1700 -1600cm-1 indicates the presence of alkene in caffeine. A and B shows the carboxyl groups C=O bands of carbon-2 and 6 in region 1700-1659 cm-1. Figure 2: IR spectrum of the standard. The peak around 3000 is due to amides and amines. Peaks 1700-1600 is alkene in the caffeine molecule The structure of caffeine (Figure 3) is a function of how it behaves and interacts with other molecules and defines its properties such as solubility (e.g., due to the presence of nitrogen atoms), boiling point, as well as the melting point. The tertiary purine-based caffeine constitutes an amine, amide and alkene function group, all containing lone pairs of electrons on the nitrogen atom. The achiral molecule is polar in nature due to the electronegativity difference between carbon-oxygen and carbon-nitrogen covalent bonds due to dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and hydrogen bonding once in water. The higher melting point of this molecule is as a result of these strong intermolecular forces and would necessitate high energy to break the associated bonds.1,2 Figure 3: Structures of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine Figure 3 indicates that the methylxanthines share similar structures (purine ring), but the slight molecular difference in structure results in the differences in properties. The difference in structure is based on the positioning of the methyl groups. Caffeine has three methyl group in carbon-1, 3 and 7; theobromine has two methyl groups on carbon-3 and 7; and theophylline has two methyl group on carbon-1 and 3, and is deficit of methyl group at position 7 and so has only a proton that can be donated, the same for theobromine having a proton on carbon-1, making them a weakly amphoteric compared to caffeine (a base compound).2       The TLC result shows the distance travelled by caffeine, theobromine and theophylline were 0.95, 0.63 and 0.47mm, respectively (Table 2). This implies that caffeine is more of a solvent compared to theobromine and theophylline. Mother Liquor contains three substances as shown by spot 1 to spot 3 in Table 3, with spot 1, 2 and 3 having Rf values of 0.89, 0.68 and 0.42, respectively. This means that spot 1 and caffeine are more attracted to the mobile phase, interacting less with the polar adsorbent (thats interaction with the silanol group of the silica gel, with the most prevailing interactive force being dipole-dipole) as the compound is less polar, restricted to form hydrogen bonds by its three methyl groups (these contain electrophilic sites and the compound possess electrophilic and nucleophilic function groups, but caffeine is not a proton donor so less polar to adsorb) and so having large Rf values, consequently spent less time travelling towards the solvent front as it is more soluble in the mobile phase. Theoretically, compounds that are less polar characteristically dissolve in the solvent, thus migrate faster, and that the silanol group of the silica surface is highly polarised and is capable of forming dipole-dipole and hydrogen bonds. The more polar compounds such as theophylline (spot 3) strongly binds to the silanol group of the adsorbent or the stationary phase as theyre both capable of hydrogen bonding (theophylline is more of a proton donor thus has more electronegative substituents than for example, caffeine, so binds tightly to the stationary phase), and so moved slower than both spot 1 and 2, but also spends more time closer the origin, held by the resistive force of the sorbent.5,28 Spot 1 is likely to be containing samples of caffeine as they travel almost the same distance. Spot 2 is likely to contain samples of theobromine and spot 3 contains samples of theophylline as they have almost similar Rf values. IR spectroscopy was employed to e lucidate the types of the functional groups in an unknown sample. The results from the IR (Figure 1) shows the presence of a compound indicated by the energy speaks. The spectrometer produced a graph based on the measurements of the photon within 600 4000 cm-1 frequencies. Comparison between the IR spectrum of the standard solution (Figure 2) and that of Figure 1 confirms the likeliness in functional groups shared between these solutions. Figure 1 indicates photon energy peak visible at 3000 cm-1, representing amides and aliphatic amines6, and peaks between the regions 1700 -1600cm-1 are due to the presence of alkene in caffeine molecule9. A and B specifies the carboxyl groups (C=O) of carbon-2 and carbond-6 in region 1700-1659 cm-1, indicating the most intense bands.17 Opinion on the use of caffeine in cold and flu remedies The effects of caffeine vary around the body and are dependent on the dose limit (400mg), at which beyond this parameter will elicit a range of physiological effects including muscle tremors, stomach upset, urinary incompetence, and a possible death. Below this dose limit, however, its effect is less detrimental to health.11 Due to it being readily available in foodstuffs and medicines, some may not be aware of the imposing dangers of caffeine, coupled with the fact that the FDA and the European guidelines consider caffeine not being a nutrient, but a natural ingredient found in beverages and so does not require identification in labelling of caffeinated product unless theres added caffeine in the product.12 This makes it a daunting task for those tracking their caffeine intake especially those that are more vulnerable to its side-effects. Caffeine is issued both as a prescription and as an OTC medication treating various conditions from lethargy to being used as an adjuvant in analgesic, as well as in flu or cold remedies.12 Flu causes rhinorrhea, resulting in loss of fluid, which is counter to sustaining the bodys fluid balance needed for healthy wellbeing. The elderly are the most at risk if not hydrated and the problem exacerbates with the consumption of diuretic substances including any of the methylxanthines.14 A literature review by R. J. Maughan and colleague of caffeine ingestion and its effects on fluid balance assessed various age groups (adults) and the elderly of both sexes. Robertson et al. (1978) reported that R. J. Maughan and colleague administered a single dose of caffeine (250mg) and a placebo to the subjects and urine was accumulated for 3hrs. The result produced an increase in urine output from 366  ± 30 mL (mean  ± SD) on the placebo trial to 469  ± 43 mL on the caffeine trial, accompanied b y an increase in urinary sodium excretion. However, in the same report by Robertson et al., other studies indicated that the diuretic effect of small doses of caffeine had minimal effects, which may be in the same dose range in these flue/cold remedies. It was also reported that long-term caffeine users are not susceptible to this diuretic effect and may not lose water via urine output14, but those that are may be disposed to electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., natriuresis) to kidney dysfunction. The mechanism in which caffeine induces diuresis is not yet clear, but it is believed that the compound acts as a phosphodiesterases inhibitor in the kidneys, along with its antagonistic effect on adenosine receptors.15 Another complication that may arise using caffeine remedies is the possibility of drug-drug interactions such as in the case of taking tizanidine (muscle relaxant), causing low blood pressure and dizziness16, or its inhibitory effect on the antipsychotic medications clozapine and olanzapine, metabolised by CYP1A2. Caffeine may also pose as a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A2 if metabolised at a slower rate compared to an administered drug, thus minimising the drugs plasma concentration with the likelihood of toxicity.20 The compounding benefits of caffeine, when consumed within physiological limits, cannot be contested. Studies have shown that the groups most at risk of caffeine overdose are young people/children and adolescents due to the lack of awareness and incorrect social perception regarding the benefits versus harmful effects.17 It was reported by the American National Poison Data System that 6,309 cases related to caffeine overdose. A recent article by the telegraph newspaper reported that some students came close to fatality upon accidentally overdosing on caffeine (consumed 30000mg) and were placed on dialysis to remove the intoxication from the kidneys.19 So, in support of it still being a legal stimulant, not only does the benefits outweighs the adverse effects, the compounds plasma half-life is approximately 5hrs. This fast pharmacokinetics or elimination via urinary excretion entails that its concentration in the blood will always be regulated, adverse side-effects occurring or at lea st decrease its effects.20 Due to caffeine being readily available, there are no age limits for their purchase and are not costly either as beverages. The FDA and EMA must assume responsibilities in engaging and communicating with the most at-risk groups, using public education campaign, and firmly addressing the potential risks of overdosing, especially when using multiple caffeine products in combination, and also labelling of such products, indicating the caffeine concentration, as well as targeting the medium used by these at-risk groups such as social media, the internet, and television. The European legislation, however, has taken the incentive in labelling beverages containing caffeine equal to or over 150mg caffeine per litre, affirming in their statement, High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.17 Additionally, self-monitoring of caffeine concentration by providing device similar to those used by diabetic patients may assist with staying within physiologi cal limits, but also restricting accessibility (age-dependent) might just be one way to control the likelihood of abuse. As a commodity, caffeine can be obtained in various forms for many applications (cosmetics, medical, etc.) and there is always a huge demand, which are popular amongst young people, particularly with the emergence of caffeine-fuelled energy drinks that are used to mix alcohols in social venues.21 Compared with other drugs, the Global Drug Survey 2014 (Figure 4) reported that caffeinated energy drinks were the fourth most drug bought (45.9% prevalence use) after alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. This illustrates caffeines importance both at physiological level, and as a big earner for the industrys major players in global caffeine market (Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSPC Pharma, BASF, and Cocam) as it is consumed by 90% of the worlds population.24,25 One of the drivers of the industry is the production of coffee, which is forecasted to produce 156.6 million bags in 2016/17, and global consumption to be 153.3 million bags.26 This points out the growing demand for caffeinated products, predominantly in traditional markets including Canada, EU, USA, Japan, Norway and Switzerland, but also in emerging markets; Turkey, Algeria, Russia.27 Figure 4: Prevalence of top 20 drug use. Caffeinated drinks was among the most drugs bought in the year 2014.21 It is concluded by the study that the amount of caffeine extracted in tea was almost consistent with the theoretical constituents per weight, 2-5%. This research yields 0.1606g (1.606% ) from 10kg of tea bag and so was impossible to recover 100% of caffeine, greatly impacted by the fact that the reaction was never at completion, not all the caffeine was extracted through the funnel separation, loss of product may have occurred due to emulsions, discrepancies with the instruments due to factors affecting calibration, and steaming during brewing affects the mass of the extracted caffeine. One way to improve the percentage yield may be to explore different organic solvents. Although caffeine has numerous health benefits within physiological optima, it is also detrimental and causes death if these limits are breached. As such, healthcare authorities, as well as the caffeine industry must put in place measures so it is better regulated, and may mean being transparent about the health benefits/risk factors, and spread this awareness in all media used by their target users, especially young people as this is the group that are less aware of the risks. References   Ã‚   Caffeine: The Molecule. [2017 Feb 9]. Available from: http://caffeinethemolecule.weebly.com/physical-properties.html Preedy V.R, editor. Caffeine Chemistry, Analysis, Function and Effect. UK: The Royal Society of Chemistry; 2012, p.3 -6,44 Vuong Q.V, Roach P.D. Caffeine in Green Tea: Its Removal and Isolation.[2017 Feb 16]. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15422119.2013.771127 Vuong Q.V, Bowyer M.C, and Roach P.D. L-Theanine: properties, synthesis and isolation from tea. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2011; 91: 1931-1939 Analyzing a Mixture by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). [2017 Feb 17]. Available from: http://cactus.dixie.edu/smblack/chemlabs/analyzing_a_mixture_by_thin_layer_chromatography.pdf Gunasekarana S, Sankarib G, Ponnusam S. Vibrational spectral investigation on xanthine and its derivatives-theophylline, caffeine and theobromine. Spectrochimica Acta Part A. 2005 Caffeine. [2017 Feb 16]. Available from: https://tinyurl.com/hsbppmn Al-Hitti IK, Ibrahim SS. EXTRACTION, IDENTIFICATION AND DETERMINATION OF CAFFEINE AND TRACE METALS IN THREE TYPES OF TEA LEAVES. J. of al-anbar university for pure science. 2009 Sing BM et al., Determination of caffeine content in coffee using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy in combination with attenuated total reflectance technique: a bioanalytical chemistry experiment for biochemists. Biochemical Education. 1998 Palo M et al., Quantification of caffeine and loperamide in printed formulations by infrared spectroscopy. JDDST. 2016 Behind the hype: Caffeine. [2017 Feb 12]. Available from: http://nutritionandactivity.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2%202%20NPA161%20Behind%20the%20Hype-Caffeine_5.pdf Why isnt the amount of caffeine a product contains required on a food label?. [cited 2017 Feb 12]. Available from: http://www.fda.gov/aboutfda/transparency/basics/ucm194317.htm Caffeine and Your Body.[Cited 2017 Feb 13]. Available from: https://www.ctclearinghouse.org/Topics/Customer-Files/Caffeine_And_Your_Body_052113.pdf Maughan RJ, Griffin J. Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance: a review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2003 Dec;16(6):411-20. Zhang Y et al., Caffeine and diuresis during rest and exercise: A meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2015; 18(5): 569-574 25 Most Severe Caffeine and Drug Interactions. [2017 Feb 14]. Available from: http://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-drug-interactions Caballero B, Finglas PM, Toldra F, editors. Encyclopedia Of Food And Health. Oxford: Elsevier; 2016 S. Jain, et al., Caffeine addiction: Need for awareness and research and regulatory measures. Asian J Psychiatry. 2017 Bodkin H. Students left fighting for lives after taking enough caffeine for 300 cups of coffee in botched university experiment. Telegraph. 2017 Jan 25 Caffeine: An Evaluation of the Safety Database. In: Gupta RC, editor Nutraceuticals: Efficacy, Safety and Toxicity. London: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc;216. P421,430. Caffeine. Technology, Products, Market, Manufacturing. [2017 Feb 10]. http://www.primaryinfo.com/industry/caffeine.htm The Global Drug Survey 2014 findings. Dr Adam R Winstock. Global Drug Survey. [2017 Feb 10]. https://www.globaldrugsurvey.com/past-findings/the-global-drug-survey-2014-findings/ Caffeine Drug Interactions. Anna Duggett. Drugsdb. [2017 Feb 10]. http://www.drugsdb.com/cib/caffeine/caffeine-drug-interactions/ Global Caffeine Market Forecast and Analysis 2016-2021. Radiant Insights. [2017 Feb 11]. https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-caffeine-market-forecast-and-analysis-2016-2021 Caffeine Market 2016 Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share. GlobalInfoResearch.[cited 2017 Feb 10]. Available from: https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/637714-global-caffeine-market-by-forecast-to-2021 Coffee: World Markets and Trade. Foreign Agricultural Service/USDA Office of Global Analysis.[cited 2017 Feb 10]. Available from: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/coffee.pdf An industry study: The Coffee Industry. Mairin M. OConnor. [2017 Feb 10]. Available from: http://www.slideshare.net/MairinOConnor/coffee-industry-analysis Thin Layer Chromatography. Industrial Economics.[2017 Feb 16]. Available from: https://yvesrubin.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/tlc.pdf

Sunday, January 19, 2020

The Bells: An Analysis

Some the literary elements that Poe uses in the bells are onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance, repetition, and rhythm. Onomatopoeia which is the formation of word by imitation of a sound made or associated with its referent, it is used in line 3 with the phrase tinkle tinkle, tinkle. Alliteration is the commencement of two or more stressed syllables of a word group either with the same consonant sound or sound group, used in verse 2 lines 10 and 12 â€Å"frantic fire† and â€Å"desperate desire. Assonance is a resemblance of sounds, also called vowel rhyme, used in line 1 â€Å" sledges, bells. † Repetition is the act of repeating something, used in line 3 â€Å" tinkle, tinkle, tinkle. † Rhythm is the movement or procedure with uniform or patterned recurrence of a beat or accent, the rhythm of the bells is what makes it lyrical The Bells represents life and how it happens. In the first stanza silver bells are introduced. The silver bells make a tinkle sound w hich is the sound of a small bell. Therefore the silver bells represent youth and excitement. In the second stanza the golden bells represent wedding bells. These bells symbolize maturity and growing up but also represent one of the happiest times of someone’s life as they are getting married which is a joyful time and at this point of the poem the bells are no longer tinkling as they now are chiming. In Stanza 3 brazen bells are played, these bells are terrifying as they shriek and go higher, and higher. The bells represent what is coming forth as they clang clash and roar. The Brazen bells are not chiming they are loud and obnoxious. Stanza 4 has iron bells playing that make people shiver with affright. The iron bells symbolize death. They are played in the silence of the night and it is silent at funerals because people are mourning and hear the moaning and groaning of the bells. This is how the 4 stanzas symbolize a person’s life. They are young and excited then as they get older and get married they are happy then loud bells tell that tragedy is near and finally death overtakes all people.

Friday, January 10, 2020

A comparative analysis of traditional software engineering and agile software development Essay

Various industries handled information and data manually until 1960 when the first software development methodology was hinted. Software development methodologies are key steps in development of information system. Different methodologies have different requirements in terms of cost, time frame, expert requirement, size of the business, maintenance cost, and flexibility in case of changes in the future among others. Therefore, organizations evaluate each methodology in order to come up with the most effect one for their information system development. Software methodology involves a structural framework to plan and manage the processes that are involved in development of information system.Prototyping and dynamic system methodology will be critically evaluated to understand the role of software methodologies in information system development. Dynamic system development methodology                The method ensures frequent delivery of information system in businesses. The methodology is can be reversed during development in case of errors, and the requirement is based on high level and integrated testing throughout lifecycle, which allows collaboration and cooperation between all stakeholders (Association of Modern Technologies, 2014 Software Development Methodologies) Critical evaluation                Since this methodology involves end users and teamwork decision, it forms the best choice for information system development. Future changes can be accommodated since changes are reversible. This methodology follows PRINCE concept since it start with initiation of a project and conclude with crossing of the project. Prototype methodology                In this methodology, incomplete software is created, which differs with the final product (software development and engineering, 2012 n.p.). The methodology makes it possible to evaluate the software during the development process and design before it gets to the final step. The software can also be tried before integration in an organization. This method allows involvement of the users and evaluation during designing phase and thus increasing the likely hood of easier implementation in any organization. Critical evaluation                In this methodology, users, builder and system interaction are mandatory. It requires expertise for both builders and end-users. With this model, time and cost are decreased compared to traditional method, which becomes a major consideration when developing information system. This methodology is applied mostly in situations there is risk uncertainty. This methodology is best applied in managerial systems, as its main objective is planning, direction, controlling and decision-making. This forms one of the choices for information system since users can be able to do a value analysis and investment can be made at relative increments. PRINCE plays an important role in information system development since it establishes the management, control, and application of the appropriate software for information system. It gives more insight about the software developed and provides authenticity of the software, which is important in making information system decisions. Question 2 According to (Bantra et al, (2010 p 383) agile methodology is based on various values such as Individual and interaction over processes and tools, Working software under comprehensive documentation, Customer or end user collaboration over a contract negotiation the and Responding to changes over following a plan                The agile methodology builds flexible information systems that can be upgraded or changes in future (Rao, Naidu, & Chakka, 2011 p. 42). For example, if an organization wants to expand its system, it can build its new information system on the existing system. Hence, the methodology is adopted where future changes in the information system are expected. Time aspect makes this approach cost effective. The methodology involves the end users at every stage making software development process effective and accurate (Aitken & Ilango 2013 4758). In addition, the process is fast and efficient thus ensuring that the information system development easy and economical. The traditional methodologies are fixed and do not allow future changes (Aitken & Ilango 2013 p. 4756). That means that once the information system is developed using the traditional methodology, it will be hard to build a new system using it. The expansions or future changes in the information system require engineers and software developers to start a new system. This is not cost effective for business since they are always in a constant growth and keep on improving their information systems. Thus, agile methodology best suits development of a flexible information system that can be upgraded easily. Question 3                The Structured systems analysis and design method, (SSADM) is one of the widely used methodologies in computer applications in private and public sectors since its inception in 1981. The methodology operates under three principle techniques known as logical data, flow data, and event modelling (Al-Humaidan, & Rossiter, 2011, p 3). Logical data modelling (LDM) technique involves identification and documentation of the necessary data for business or organization information system. The information that the business wants to record on the information systems is identified and documented for inclusion in software development. Consequently, the data flow modelling (DFM) techniques involves identification, modelling and documentation of how the identified data using LDM technique will flow in the information system. It gives details on how various data will be transformed in the system. Then, event modelling (EM) technique identifies and documents the sequence of events in DFM. The techniques help the engineers to develop information system that meets the end users need since it allows participation of all the stakeholders. However, inadequate research may result to development of poor information systems, which may be cost to the business. The SSADM uses various tools that are important in development of information system. Data flow diagram, (DFD) highlights all the data pathways, while other tools such as data dictionary, decision trees and tables give guidelines on data classifications. The tools make operation of the information easier for the end users. Unified modelling language, (UML) is a language used in software engineering. It helps the developers to create a system using a standardized language that can be understood easily by both the participants and the system. The main techniques and tools used are diagram and language structures such as class, interactions and activity diagrams (Al-Humaidan, & Rossiter, 2011, p 4). The main difference between SSADM and UML is that the former interfaces are composed of design dialogue while the latter utilises components and classes of modelled diagrams as interface (Al-Humaidan, & Rossiter, 2011 p. 24-29). In addition, SSADM uses requirement catalogue as the data resources while UML uses modelled stereotype features as data sources. Question 4                Software development approach entails identification the information system issues and making decision of how the issues should be solved and the solution remains viable. Critical evaluation                The approach helps to develop software in a top down development consisting of independent steps that are completed sequentially. The engineers are able to evaluate each step independent and develop consecutive phases based on completed ones. The methodology is fast and effective for development of small information systems. However, methodology is not suitable to develop large information system because it is slow and cumbersome. In addition, the approach is costly and a short term. According to Stoica et al, (2013, p. 68) this method requires product definition, clear understanding of requirements and technology, and expertise and the system is short lived. End users approach                In this approach, the end user is the developer of the software. He or she designs the software such that it is able to meet his or her needs. This is done through modification of commercial off-shelf software (COTs). Critical evaluation                The approach does not involve formal designing of the information system. The approach does not require documentation of the project. The end user is the main controller of the information system developed from this approach. However, it is not fit for large business and lack of documentation limits future changes of the information system would be very hard. Thus, the approach is not economical especially of growing enterprises. When the size of the project is large, the software development approach is based on the cost or budget limitations, timeframe taken by the approach, and the flexibility of the approach. This is because, the organizations designs information systems that are economical in that they does not affect their profitability and operations. Approaches that are cheap and are executed in a short span of time are preferred to others that are costly and take long time before completion References Aitken, A., & Ilango, V. 2013. A comparative analysis of traditional software engineering and agile software development. In  System Sciences (HICSS), 2013 46th Hawaii International Conference on  (pp. 4751-4760). IEEE. Al-Humaidan, F., & Rossiter, B. N. 2011. A Taxonomy and Evaluation for Systems Analysis Methodologies in a Workflow Context: Structured Systems Analysis Design Method (SSADM), Unified Modelling Language (UML), Unified Process, Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and Organisation Process Modelling (OPM).  Technical Report Series-University Of Newcastle Upon Tyne Computing Science. Baguio central University 2011.Dynamic System Development Methodology.[Online]. http://www.slideshare.net/mayjoyce89/dynamic-system-development-method. Batra, D., Weidong, X., VanderMeer, D., &Dutta, K. 2010.Balancing Agile and Structured Development Approaches to Successfully Manage Large Distributed Software Projects: A Case Study from the Cruise Line Industry. Communications Of The Association For Information Systems, 27 383. Habib M, 2013. Agile software development methodologies and how to apply them. [Online] Retrieved from http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/604417/Agile-software-development-methodologies-and-how-t.accessed Rao, K. N., Naidu, G. K., & Chakka, P. 2011. A study of the agile software development methods, applicability and implications in industry.  International Journal of Software Engineering and its applications,  5,2, 35-45. Stoica, M., Mircea, M., &Ghilic-Micu, B. 2013. Software Development: Agile vs. Traditional. InformaticaEconomica, 17,4, 64-76. Source document

Thursday, January 2, 2020

A Rose for Emily Literary Analysis - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1052 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/04/15 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: A Rose For Emily Essay Did you like this example? In the reading A Rose for Emily, by William Faulkner, expresses a story of a lonely woman who has suffered from being stuck in her older ways of life. Over thirty years before the depiction of Emilys story, her very strict father passes away, and she was left by herself with no real guidance. In the prime years of her life, the home and street where she lived was very prominent but is now considered an eyesore amongst the community. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Rose for Emily Literary Analysis" essay for you Create order A once luxurious building with a beautiful white coat of paint and plantation styled balconies, now sat covered in dust and corrosion. During the collapse of the once idolized household, the community began to talk amongst themselves about how they sympathized for her. Through time, Miss Emily meets a young man from the North who was overseeing the construction of the sidewalks on her road. His name was Homer Barron. In eyes of the neighborhood he was considered a bachelor. This gave the community more to pity Emily about since the newly found couple began to be seen publicly together on buggy rides. As time passed the two are seen together less and less, and the towns people become concerned when she suddenly purchased deadly arsenic from the local drug store. Not too long after this, no one sees the younger bachelor Homer ever again. Upon Emilys death, the towns people investigate her home to find the deceased Homer Barrons body in the bed of the upstairs room with a body imprint n ext to it. What they discover on the adjacent pillow is unnerving for they find grey strains of hair. The story A Rose for Emily tells a classic derivative of how the southern characteristics of people are obstinate and will eventually die old or lonely from the pressure of not adapting to change. The author made it clear that Miss Emily was afraid to think for herself and make adaptations with the change of time. The first and most obvious example of this was when Faulkner described the decay of the once beautiful home. Faulkner writes, It was a big, squarish frame house that had once been white, decorated with cupolas and spires. Emilys house was left, lifting its stubborn and coquettish decay (Faulkner 2). The decay of her home represented the time that has passed through the community, and her failure to adapt to cultural changes. Though Miss Emily and her father, while younger, were very well respected in the community; behind closed doors she faced oppression most of her life. The oppression that she faced from her father greatly contributed to her unnatural spirit and attitude. She had come from a once well-respected stature, since her father had allegedly given a large amount of money to the community; which exempted her of future taxes, but now the community looked at her in disappointment. This is seen when Faulkner writes, Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town (Faulkner 3). As time passed with Miss Emily never having to pay her taxes, curtesy of Colonel Sartoris, the new dwellers of the government office decided that it was time for her to begin a new tradition of paying. This represented the growth with time that the rest of the southern community was displaying, but with Miss Emily being lost in her old tradition, she still refused to pay upon the arrival of the newer government officials. This situation later became a lost cause and they gave up hope of ever receiving any funds. Faulkner confirms this when he writes, I received a paper, yes, Miss Emily said. Perhaps he considers himself the sheriff . . . I have no taxes in Jefferson (Faulkner 10). This was a perfect example of how she was determined to keep her old-styled tradition. The oppression that she faced from her father as a child began to appear within his death. The only thing that Miss Emily truly ever had in her life was her father. The several denials of his passing opened the eyes of the community and let everyone know that she suffered with letting things go. Faulkner writes, She told them that her father was not dead. She did that for three days, with the ministers calling on her, and the doctors, trying to persuade her to let them dispose of the body (Faulkner 10). Faulkner continues, She would have to cling to that which had robbed her (Faulkner 11). After her father passed, she was not seen for awhile due to sickness. All of the communities thoughts of her never changing quickly deceased once she was seen again with a different haircut and peculiar glow. Once the young man Homer Barron appeared in town, the sidewalk pavement was seen with Miss Emily taking chariot rides across town. A spark of hope seemed to have returned to her. She wanted no thing but someone to claim as her own again, but when the pavement construction was complete, she took matters into her own hands to claim the young man as her own by poisoning him with arsenic upon his re-arrival. Faulkner lets the readers know this when he writes, Arsenic, Miss Emily said. Is that a good one? (Faulkner 40). And that was the last we saw of Homer Barron (Faulkner 49). This action reclarified the insecurity that she faced of being alone especially upon her death once the towns people found Homers corpse still in the bed with her body imprint and hair next to it. In this piece William Faulkner depicted multiple flawed characteristics of the small community in which Miss Emily resided, but my primary focus of this literary analysis was the main character herself. Her unremovable southern characteristics, from an oppressed childhood, cause her to have a front row seat to the decay of her social status which enviably led her to take the life of her love. With time comes change and it is a human instinct to protect the things we value the most, but just because something is perfect in our eyes does not mean that it can not be improved. Overall, I believe the message that William Faulkner was trying to relay to the reader. Just because something is perfect in our eyes, does not mean that it cannot be improved.