Accepted Arguments for Urban Walkability

Introduction The theodolite oriented development attack is being adopted by many metropoliss around the universe, peculiarly those contested with transforming their auto dependant vicinities into more habitable and sustainable developments. The simplest manner to depict the rules of TOD harmonizing to Calthorpe ( 1993 ) is â€Å"moderate and high denseness lodging, along with complementary public utilizations, occupations, retail and services, concentrated in assorted – used development at strategic points along the regional theodolite system† . Yet, much as connectivity to regional significance through theodolite is of import, it is the communities’ close interaction, supported by a walkable environment that Calthorpe claims is the â€Å"key aspect† of any booming TOD. Over the old ages, prosaic friendly design therefore generated considerable involvements and a important sum of literature and influential policy on urban walkability in TOD’s were developed in the Western world’s temperate urban zones. Soon, nevertheless, many of the world’s fastest developing urban countries are found in semitropical latitudes ( O’Hare,2006 ) . Western Australia, and peculiarly Perth, the urban Centre of the part is one such instance and serves as the focal point of this research. The paper explores the cardinal facets and physical qualities of built environment related to urban walkability with an purpose to promote farther treatment and surveies on how semitropical TOD’s can be designed to heighten prosaic motion every bit good as inquiry whether the orthodoxy of bing urban design rules require some changes to better accommodate to semitropical parts. The paper establishes the recognized statements and urban design rules indispensable to urban walkability and develops from a reappraisal of urban design & A ; sustainability, a model that would promote pedestrians’ motion and conveyance waiting in a semitropical TOD. A literature reappraisal is produced to corroborate the turning importance of walkability and finally the paper explores, through field observations, how the established urban walkability rules apply in the semitropical parts. It concludes by giving some recommendations that could be applied to Claremont town Centre for an improved prosaic friendly TOD. Accepted statements for urban walkability + Literature reappraisal Recognised as the oldest signifier of urban conveyance, walking is a manner of meeting and prosecuting with the local milieus and wider society in a mode non rather possible when following other agencies of conveyance, particularly centrifugal conveyance. Gehl & A ; Gemzoe ( 2003 ) , strongly highlight walking as a solution to breaking the public land as portion of the sweetening of the local vicinity and urban greening. With emerging concerns that auto dependent metropoliss will non be sustainable in the hereafter, due to energy costs, fuel handiness, congestion, pollution and other environmental impacts, much consciousness is being raised about the importance of walking. Harmonizing to US researches, surveies show that there is a 30 % more likeliness that compact-mixed usage development occupants would walk ( to a restaurant/park ) than those populating huge motor-oriented environments ( Cervero & A ; Radisch,1996 ) . Hodgson, Page, & A ; Tight ( 2004 ) besides conclude from their research that that TOD’s with appropriate design lead to more prosaic and transit trips ensuing in a diminution in non-motorised transit manners to cut down pollution emanations In concurrence to sustainability issues, the intra-generational equity theory and policy besides acknowledge that a major portion of the population constitutes of people who are highly immature, old, unhealthy, disabled or needy to hold entree or control over a private auto ( O’Hare,2006 ) . Recently, considerable involvement in improved walking environments has been generated as a consequence of the desire to promote nonmotorized transit manners to cut down pollution emanations and to better public wellness by increased degrees of walking ( Evans-Cowley, 2006 ) . A big organic structure of research has confirmed that a favourable walking environment is a necessary status for advancing walking and vicinity interaction ( Clifton, Smith, & A ; Rodriguez, 2007 ) . Public wellness The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) Charter on Transport, Environment and Health every bit good as the WHO Healthy Cities Program have recognised the prominence of urban walkability long before the urban design and planning Fieldss. The public wellness sector recognises that ‘active transport’ ( such as walking, including walking to the coach or train ) involves incidental physical activity. This incidental physical activity is an of import constituent of active life ( O’Hare 2000 ) . Active life, together with a healthy diet, has the possible to change by reversal current international tendencies towards sedentary life styles and the attach toing wellness hazards associated with fleshiness. Australia has been rated by different bureaus as one of the world’s top four states for fleshiness. Give that much of the world’s urban population growing is happening in the tropical and semitropical zones, it is of import to analyze urban walkability rules with peculiar attending to conditions in those non-temperate climatic zones. A Perth survey found commuters utilizing public conveyance accumulated seven times more exercising than private automobilists The prevalence of fleshiness in Australia has more than doubled in the last 20 old ages: 52 % of adult females, 67 % of work forces, and 25 % of kids are fleshy or corpulent. Urban walkability rules in Tod: Jacobs ( 1960 ) spelled out about half a century ago that urban design qualities associating to the quality of prosaic experience are indispensable to back up walkability. â€Å"Active frontages† and â€Å"eyes on the street† were recognised as few of the many important facets. Based on the best patterns from around the universe, 8 rules critical to making walkable TOD’s are identified in this paper. 1. WALK – Developing attractive prosaic environment ensures handiness and mobility for all. 2. PLACE-MAKING – Making a sense of topographic point makes encourages prosaic activity and liveability. 3. CONNECT – Making heavy webs of theodolite paths consequences in a high grade of connectivity. 4. TRANSIT – Locate land uses so that they are transit supportive and close to high quality conveyance. 5. MIX – Planning for assorted usage will advance prosaic involvement, safety, 24 hr activity. 6. DENSIFY – Sufficient denseness and compact signifier make theodolite feasible and improve walkability. 7. COMPACT – Planing for compact countries with short commutes improves efficiency. 8. Switch – Controling the amount/location of parking additions mobility. It is nevertheless of import to understand that although listed separately, for a development to go genuinely transit oriented, we must be able to film over the boundary between these rules so that they are all interconnected Urban design theory and pattern guidelines for walkable topographic points were largely developed in metropoliss located in the temperate climatic zone. In the semitropicss, summer is the season of uncomfortableness for Walkers, whereas in temperate metropoliss it is the winter that brings uncomfortableness to urban walkers. The coastal semitropical metropolis lacks the icy winds, snow, sleet, hoar, and other winter uncomfortablenesss of the temperate metropolis. The pleasant winter prosaic conditions of the semitropical metropolis are offset, nevertheless, by the summer challenges of heat, humidness and blaze. The following subdivision of this paper explores the demand for an ‘intemperate’ attack to accomplishing urban walkability in the semitropical metropolis Urban walkability in semitropical TODs – Model It is of import to understand that in the fast turning semitropical urban parts of the universe, clime and local topography are influential elements associated with walkability. Traveling at a slower gait, walkers are prone to detect many more perceptible inside informations and are exposed to the environing elements and climatic factors. Protection from Sun, rain, humidness or heat must hence be taken into history when be aftering a prosaic environment. Pulling on research and maintaining in head the factors associated with semitropical urban parts, a model of urban design rules is developed as schemes that would outdo enhance prosaic motion or waiting in semitropical TOD’s. The cardinal factors to doing walking appealing are grouped in three major classs: SAFETY, ACTVITY AND COMFORT. Figure 1 – Framework Venn diagram, 2014. Figure 2 – A balanced street has ample pavements, comfy motorcycle installations that connect to a web, and safe ways to traverse streets, doing active transit possible even on larger roads. Image by EMBARQ. Stimulating walking necessitates that these travelers can travel about efficiency, comfortably, and most significantly, safely. Physical design schemes that could be implemented in the ‘Safety, Activity, Comfort’ model are discussed below: Safety: 1. Guaranting wider pavement can supply for easy prosaic motion and at the same clip advance commercial activity/interaction 2. Removing physical or sensed barriers to guarantee that the walker has level and obstruction free set of pavement – â€Å"pedestrian zone† 3. Supplying prosaic oriented quality illuming that illuminated their waies will add to the walker’s sense of safety 4. Responsive walk marks at traversing visible radiations designed with better timing and automatic changing to prioritize the demands of walkers, raised intersections, mini traffic circles or velocity bulges will promote safe motion. Activity: 1. Well-connected streets guarantee that occupants can conveniently entree all parts of the TOD, therefore triping the street usage. 2. Developing mixed-use street active frontages promote safety, security and Foster vibrant societal life in the streets. 3. Attractive infinites with edifice orientation to the public street, ocular involvements, constructing articulation and landscaping encourage walkers to garner and linger 4. Way happening aids/proper signage must be implemented to assist people orient themselves and promote motion through unfastened public countries. 5.Transit Stationss should be activated by cafe/newspapers bases or other installations to do conveyance waiting wothwhile Comfort: 1. The usage of shelters in prosaic and transit areas/stops allows for uncomfortableness decrease and provides remainder for walkers. 2. Provision of pathway sunshades, arcades, and other conditions protection at least at certain intervals will function as shelter from Sun or showers. 3. Supplying a high grade of street comfortss ( benches, refuse tins, imbibing fountains ) and resting topographic points will rise the image of the street and pull all demographics to comfortably linger. 4. Equally good as supplying a solution to the heat & A ; humidness, street trees shade and protect walkers from the rain. John walkers can besides be protected from autos when verdure is carefully designed along kerb. 5. Sidewalk with a width proportional to the graduated table of the TOD country and planned walkability degree ensures comfy walking experiences for everyone. Case surveies Subiaco City and Claremont Town Centre, selected as instance surveies for this paper are recent both theodolite oriented countries developed in Perth part with a railroad line go throughing through. The survey country boundaries for each include the country within an 800-metre radius environing the train station. Subiaco metropolis -Subiaco, known as Subi is a historic inner western suburb located around 3kms from Perth CBD and is focussed around a lively retail strip of Rockeby route. The Subi Centro undertaking embracing the North and West of the Subiaco railroad station began in 1994 and incorporated many new homes, concern Centres and commercial infinite. An of import facet was the undergrounding of the railroad line which in the yesteryear divided Subiaco. As an example of urban regeneration back uping its heritage context, the undertaking achieves a high quality public kingdom. Claremont Town – Claremont Town Centre, another western suburb finds itself midway of Perth CBD and Fremantle port on the north bank of Swan River. Claremont Town Centre is a important shopping country concentrated around St Quentin’s Avenue/Bay View Terrace and located South of the Claremont train station. The Claremont North East Precinct undertaking is an ongoing undertaking started in 2005 as an enterprise to revitalize the Northern portion of the town which is presently disconnected from the southern portion. It aspires a vivacious mixed used development around the Claremont football ellipse as a measure towards societal, economic and environmental sustainability. The intent of this study, being to measure and heighten the quality of prosaic environment, 3 methods is used to garner information: 1. Ped-shed analysis is conducted at a 400m radius ( 5 min walk ) and an 800m radius ( 10 min- walk ) 2. SAFETY-ACTIVITY- COMFORT appraisal sheet is used to rate physical micro – attributes of the built environment on the streets. 3. Experimental analysis of the site – pictures/personal experience DATA ANALYSIS The information collected from these were used to measure to what degree the factors discussed in the model and considered influential to walkability are either present or missing in these two survey countries. Pedshed ratio Analysis of the connectivity of both TODs was assessed through the ped-shed ratios calculated. A comparing of the two diagrams that Subiaco’s street grid web provides many waies and affiliated streets, promoting them to walk and be within short walking distance of the train station. Claremont on the other manus, lacks this grade of prosaic connectivity and offers limited path pick to the individual walking. After analyzing the connectivity of each site, visuals were gathered from field observations to compare one to another. The Safety-Activity-Comfort assessment sheet was so used to analyze and rate each class. Key findings As seen from the evaluation, Subiaco metropolis stands out footings of supplying certain positive physical street elements that affect walkability. Observation from field analysis showed that street frontages on streets next to the train station were rather lively and extremely articulated. Seating countries, illuming, verdures and shaded musca volitanss contributed to pulling prosaic activity in the country. It was gathered from observations and research that Subiaco’s success as a prosaic friendly vicinity was besides due to the fact that the City of Subiaco Councillors had established a vision statement of â€Å"The Best Main Street Village in Australia† for the country. Rockeby street, in this respect, was developed as a topographic point to come back to alternatively of merely being a theodolite street and development tendencies, chances and alterations were carefully thought of so as the area’s alone ‘sense of place’ was preserved. Famously advocated by Toderian ( 2014 ) as â€Å"streets that are for people to bask and linger, non merely travel through..places that are both ab initio attractive and ‘sticky’ , ask foring people to love it and non desire to go forth it† , positive thoughts of gluey street construct seems to hold been successfully adopted in planing Subiaco’s chief street. With the aim of be aftering non mere ly for the substructure and public conveyance, but besides the stores, coffeehouse and the people, Rockeby Street has flourished as iconic community hub of societal, civic and commercial activity with public infinites as focal points. On the downside nevertheless, field observations besides indicated a figure of vacant stores or those in the procedure of shuting down in Rockeby route retail strip. High rental rates, competition from nearby precinct and over restrictive licensing policies has caused a diminution in cafe/retail strips and a 5 % retail vacancy rate in the country ( Tsagalis2012 ) . It was besides found that an alfresco dining license in Subiaco was more expensive than Western Australia’s norm and compared to a study of local authoritiess in Perth and the eastern provinces ( Law, 2014 ) .Mayor Henderson ( 2014 ) has approached this issue saying that â€Å"We are cognizant that council needs to step up to the home base and do some alterations in order to make the plangency in the chief street in Subiaco† . In an attempt to promote more local concerns to run street trading/ alfresco dining countries to revitalize a spirited street and safe environment for the community, the council of the City of Subiaco has late resolved to amend bing associated fees. As of 31st October 2014, a noteworthy decrease in application/licensing fees, a m2 footing fee and the induction of low-priced short term options will be available for Subiaco retail merchants and it an addition in street activity is expected. While Claremont Town Centre signifiers portion of a outstanding retail country, it comes chiefly in the signifier of indoor promenades which attract the walkers inside instead than being on the route. The chief theodolite next route, Grugeri Street, has a space wall facade with limited or no prosaic activity. The street is besides really limited in term of comfort since the sunshades size is excessively little to supply shadiness or shelter. Bus tops and street comfortss besides lack assortment and sweetening to pull people to linger. Recommendations Apparent from the experimental audit and findings is that Claremont Town Centre has many physical failings in footings of walkability in a semitropical Tod. Because similar failings may be other western Australian TOD’s, some recommendations may use for multiple sites and can be used as a usher for enhanced walking experiences. It was revealed from the site observations and findings of these 2 TOD’s in Perth that there is some manner to travel before Western Australia can claim to hold a truly sustainable attack. Having established that urban walkability is critical to accomplish a sustainable semitropical TOD, it is of import for TOD contrivers to be able to follow a revised model of rules sing the physical environment attributes that would work best for semitropical Perth parts and unify them with new advanced design schemes which would farther heighten walking in Perth. It is besides of import for town/city contrivers to reexamine regulations and ordinances in order to increase plangency in TOD’s instead than being over restrictive. Decision Having established that a successful TOD walkability is straight associated with a safe, comfy and attractive prosaic environment, this paper demonstrates that careful physical planning and good urban design solutions can really much enhance the pedestrian’s experience. It inquiries the demands of a semitropical metropolis in term of its clime, topography and individuality and so explores a model of revised walkability rules that can be applied to the semitropical metropolis. The instance surveies reveal responses and challenges to urban design for walkability in Perth and certain successful elements are recommended as schemes to better Claremont’s TOD in footings of walking experience. It besides inquiries whether over restrictive be aftering policies may necessitate to be reconsidered to maintain a TOD street alive and vivacious. It besides recommends advanced schemes of urban design that other undertakings may copy or accommodate in portion for design and place-making attacks to give a alone sense of topographic point to the semitropical TOD. Although each hereafter TOD will cover with the legion complex design challenges depending on peculiar fortunes around each undertaking, it is the purpose of this paper to excite treatment and hopefully more significant research into the planning of walkable semitropical metropoliss since so many of the world’s most quickly turning urban countries are now situated in the tropical and semitropical zones.

Judeo-Christian, Islamic, Mayan and Hindu

One of the most compelling issues regarding religious comparison is the knowledge that each of these religions believes itself to be the only correct path to enlightenment or the afterlife. This is one similarity that is found in virtually all religions.The Jews, Christians and Islamic all have a similar story of creation. Each starts with Adam and Eve being created by God or a Supreme Being. They all have parts where the angels take issue with what they perceive to be God’s favoritism regarding his creations.There are many complaints about they fact that they have always been by his side and done his bidding and now they are required to bow down to the humans he created. Not all religions believe in angels but almost all of them have some form of creature that is not happy about the creation of man. This is man’s way of putting himself first in the eyes of his God. Man feels a need to balance his superiority with a need for guidance. The omnipotent being covers the gui dance aspect and man being over the angels satisfies his superiority issue.All of the religions have one or more antagonists in their creation stories. With the Jews, Christians and Islamic it is Satan, with the Hindu it is the negative emotions such as greed, anger and desire and with the Mayan it is the Gods themselves who are the testers of man.Satan, in the religions who believe, is a â€Å"fallen angel†. He is so called because when all the other angels do God’s bidding and bow down to man, he alone refuses to do so, stating he was there before them and would not bow to something less than himself. This, of course, angered God and he told Satan that from now on he was banned from God’s sight.According to all the religions who believe in Satan, this was fine with him. He told God that he would spend his time tempting and leading astray the people that God had created. God, in turn, stated that only people who ere not worthy would fall for Satan’s tric ks and if they did, they could join him in hell for eternity.Man has a need to explain everything in his life, good, bad or otherwise. As there is a God who is good, there must be a Satan (or other being) that is not good. This explains man’s dual personality and is even covered in those religions that do not subscribe to God and Satan. Duality is the basis of many religions and balance is a major issue within them.In the Mayan tradition, the Gods created man for personal reasons, which was to worship them and make sure they were not forgotten. They tested the first couple of groups they created but were displeased with the results. The people they created were too basic to understand what they had been made for and could not adore the Gods properly so they were destroyed. Even the last group the Gods made was faulty according to the Gods, this time because they knew and saw too much. The Gods dimmed their vision so they would not be equals with the Gods.Although all the reli gions teach of the desire and attempts to become â€Å"Godlike†, they all seem to have the undercurrent of Gods who do not wish to have equals but rather worshippers instead. It may be that we, as humans, need to feel there is a â€Å"father figure† we can turn to or alternately blame for those things that happen in our lives. This is unusual since mankind tends to be very egotistical regarding our place in the universe and yet   when it comes to religion, we are more than willing to step aside and let an omnipotent being guise our destiny.

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Case Studies Of Tea Plantation In Wayanad Environmental Sciences Essay Over the past few decades, tea has grown to become one of the most important commodities of India. Tea has become a major commodity in India and is ranked second largest exporter of tea in the world and offers a variety of products from original orthodox to CTC and green tea. Tea is one of the major exporting crops in Kerala. In 2007, the production of tea was 70.287 million kg which accounted for 5.6% of total production in India. The tea is produced in Kerala mainly in Idduki and Wayanad district. The contribution of Wayanad district in tea production in 2007 was 18.8% of total tea production in Kerala while Iddukià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s contribution was 73.3%. After Idduki, Wayanad is the major producer of tea in Kerala. The area under tea production in Kerala constituted about 37137 hectares in 2007 which accounted for 6.4% of total areas under tea growing area in India. Out of this 14.7 production were done in Wayanad district and 74.5% in Idduki district. In the year 2010, the tea production fell by 1.3% over the last year to 966.4 million kg. The tea plantation in Wayanad is done on a very small scale. Most of the organic farming is for coffee. For tea no organic farming is done in Wayanad but good agricultural practices are used which employs limited use of chemicals and pesticides. There are some small cooperatives in Wayanad district where such practices are being adopted. But the production has not been good in last few years. Most of the tea plantations areas are under the ownership of large tea estates like Priyadershi Tea Estate and Arrepatta Meppadi Tea Estate. Tea is a high labor intensive and land intensive plantation crop and requires huge investment. Majority of the farmers are small tea growers and have to depend on large plantations to sell their leaves plucked. Due to fall in prices in last few years, the plantations are under the verge of being lockout. Also the weather condition has not been favoring the tea production. Priyadershi Tea, a g overnment-run estate in Wayanad has been able to increase its production by introducing noon meal for its workers. Under its noon meal scheme it has been feeding mouths of 316 tribal workers, majority being women. The estate was shutdown in 2005 but after being revived in 2007, it has shown improvements in production. Case Study of Organic Farming in Idduki District A local NGO at Idduki district named Peermade Development Society (PDS) which has promoted organic farming in the district has not only confined its contribution at surface level but has provided support in research and technology also. This organization has also provided its aid in research oriented experiments in field of vermiculture and vermicompost. It has set up a modern tea factory. When they introduced organic farming in Idduki district their main objective was to link farmers with markets. The main beneficiaries from this project were small-scale tea producers and their communities. The farming products require timely processing else they lose their worth. Similarly, fresh tea leaves are perishable and must be processed immediately after harvest else they become useless. The market for tea was controlled by big plantations in Idduki area. So, in order to help small-scale farmers with the PDS established consortium that runs its own tea factory and produce organic tea for European markets.

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Stock Market Assignment Part II--Retirement Plan Requirements - Research Paper Example I will live off 25 years depends on my retirement account. Average age of living of my past family members is 85 years and for this reason I have estimated this time duration of living for my life. Now, I am 25 years old and I have started earning from this year only. I want to cover the basic cost of living of my total family so that the children do not need to concentrate on savings. So, with this post retirement regular annual income I will cover the annual cost of my family. After retirement my cost of living will be minim um in terms of the essentials and regular expenses like the EMI of house loan and car loan will not be needed at that time. Apart from these regular expenses education will also be not needed at that time because children will become established and will be the earning family members when I will be retire from my job. So, I am expecting to get an annual post retirement withdrawal amount of at least 25% of the last annual income. I need this amount to be increased every year because of possibility of the increase of the inflation rate. This will result to increase in cost of living. So as the pre retirement income increases every year, the post retirement annual withdrawal amount will need to be increased. For getting 25% of the last annual of income after the 60 years of my age I need to save 20% of my total annual income. Rate of saving need I will increase at rate of increase in the annual income and for th8is purpose I am also cons idering the average inflation rate and the average percentage increase based on the past five years growth rate. I do not want a fixed amount after my retirement and for this reason I want a regular income from my savings and also this income from needs to be increasing in order each year so that I can withdraw increasing amount each year after my retirement. For this amount of withdrawal I have to save 20% of savings each year with increase rate of savings of 1.5% due to the

Land law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Land law - Essay Example In the current case, Stone Construction Limited is not bound by any covenant that Steve undertook with Joan. Moreover, a covenant can only take effect and be respected if the benefit of the covenant comes to the party bearing the burden of the covenant. Under Austerberry v Oldham Corporation2, any agreement between the covenantor and the covenantee only holds between the original parties and not between successors unless: such stipulations are mentioned in the covenant; such stipulations are passed onto successors with their full knowledge and acceptance. Hence, the burden of a covenant does not pass to the successor through title at common law. The burden can only be passed under equity if: the covenant is negative in effect; covenant benefits the covenantee’s land; the burden of the covenant was designed by the original parties to run with the land3; the succeeding party was provided notice of the covenant at purchase. Given the ruling under Tulk v Moxhay4, it is clear that Hans cannot be provided benefit under equity either since the covenant was not designed to run with the land and the successor, Stone Construction Limited, had not notice of the covenant. However, the burden of a restrictive covenant passes to the successor in title only under equity but not under law. In the current situation, Hans tends to be affected more by equity based rules rather than contract based rules. Under common law, Hans cannot be provided benefit of the covenant since he was not a party to the original contract. Acting in Hans’ favour using a contract law position would signal a disregard for common law so Hans cannot be given advantage. Alternatively, Hans could have been provided some benefit under Section 56(1) of the Land and Property Act (LPA)5 if he were named and described under the original covenant. However, this is not the case since Joan, the covenantee, had failed to describe or name Hans with the original covenantor Steve. On another note, Hans ma y receive some relief under Section 1 of the Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act6 since Hans stands to benefit from the covenant along with other future land owners. In order to analyse the burden and the benefit of the covenant, it is pertinent to consider equitable rules. The benefit of the covenant could only pass in equity if: benefit of the covenant was attached to Joan’s land; benefit of the covenant was moved through express declaration of Joan to the successor in title Hans; the concerned land was part of a development scheme7. Alternatively, under the decision for P&A Swift Investments v Combined English Stores Group PLC8, it was provided that a covenant may pass at common law in case that the covenant concerns the dominant land so as to benefit any successors and the covenantee personally. However, under the judgement provided under Smith and Snipes Hall Farm Ltd v River Douglas Catchment Board9 using Section 78 of the LPA, it would be necessary to provide or pro ve that Hans’ land is damaged by the actions of Stone Constructio

Ebola Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Ebola - Essay Example The disease again struck in West Africa in March 2014 and had been the most lethal outbreak of the disease where cases of death outnumbered all of its previous outbreaks combined (World Health Organization). The host of Ebola virus is not yet known. The first patient who contracted the virus was believed to have been infected through a contact with an infected animal such as apes, monkeys or fruit bat. Among humans, the virus can be transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids (urine, sweat, saliva, feces, breast milk, semen) with person who has the Ebola virus. The virus can also be transmitted to another person through the medium of objects such as using needles and syringes that was contaminated by the virus or through primates and fruit bats (since the first patient was known to be infected by a primate or fruit bat). Ebola is not airborne or it cannot be transmitted through the air. Once a person has contracted Ebola, the following symptoms may appear – â€Å"fever, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal (stomach) pain, unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising)† (Center for Disease and control Prevention). These symptoms may appear between 2 to 21 days after a person has been exposed to the virus. There is no FDA approved vaccine for Ebola yet. Ebola is treated as the symptoms and complications appear. Experimental vaccines are now being developed to arrest the disease but are not yet fully tested for their effectiveness (Center for Disease and control Prevention). At present, health care professionals administer the following interventions to increase the probability of survival of Ebola patients: One of the unorthodox treatment of Ebola is the infusion of body fluids of a person who recovered from Ebola believing that the antibodies in that person will help the immunity of the infected person to fight the

Middle East Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Middle East Story - Essay Example Mariam is Muslim and Tony is Christian. I personally believe this change greatly changes the story and makes it even more impossible for Mariam and Tony to be together. Also, it is important to note that the story does take place in 2006. America and the Muslim world is at a point where any communication leads to inevitable misunderstanding and yet, Tony, an American Christian soldier falls in love with the Islamic Qatari Mariam. I really like my modernized version of the play. I feel that since there is so much hostility between the Americans and the Muslims, showing a play where both sides want to give up what they stand for and just be devoted to each other shows that love prevails over all. Throwing dirt on others does not make us a better person; and violence is definitely not the answer to all questions. Middle East Story shows that life is short, and questions, is it wise to spend a short life hating and killing those who disagree with our viewpoint In my modernized version, Tony does die. I felt it was important for Tony to die, because even after he dies, Mariam shows her affection for him. She covers his face with her head covering, her identity of being a Muslim. I felt this was a very powerful scene in the play. This play is based on the musical, West Side Story, and I have attempted to modernize it by making a few... Mariam is the sister of Qatar's Islamic groups' leader, Ibrahim. Ibrahim wants Qatar to be independent of the American soldiers because he fears the Americans would Westernize the Qataris and cause trouble. From the start it is established that Mariam's family is against the American soldiers. Tony, the guy with whom Mariam meets and falls in love, is an American soldier. This racial difference is very difficult to deal with. The American soldiers pity the Qataris whom the Americans believe are living a backwards life. The American soldiers believe women should have more freedom and the country overall should be more open-minded. The lack of understanding between both races leads to hatred; the American soldiers stationed in Qatar and the members of the Islamic groups have a hard time tolerating each other. A social class difference also exists between Mariam and Tony. Mariam comes from a very wealthy family. Her family owns a big house and she enjoys a comfortable lifestyle. Tony, on the other hand, comes from a middle class family. He lives in an apartment and does not enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. According to Qatar standards, a girl that comes from a wealthy family is supposed to be married to a man who is either of equal financial status or preferably richer. The last and major difference is the religion difference. This difference is not mentioned in the West Side Story. Mariam is a Muslim woman and Tony is a Christian man. According to Islam, it is not permissible for Mariam to get married to Tony. Also, Mariam came from a family that was religiously active and consistently reinforced the teachings and principles of Islam. Theme The whole play revolves around conflicts between the

The book Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome Essay Example for Free

The book Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome Essay I have read the book Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. It is a childrens adventure story in the period between the two world wars featuring the Walker and Blackett children, their families, and other inhabitants of the area around the Lake District in the northeast of England. A childrens camping and sailing story, it grasps the mind of the readers firmly although it is not fantasy and has a background of reality, through the interesting leisure activities and fascinating plot. The story begins with four Walkers, John, Susan, Titty and Roger, who are on holiday, borrowing a dinghy called the Swallow and going camping on a lake island, which they name Wild Cat Island. But they are soon challenged by the Blackett girls Nancy and Peggy (real names Ruth and Margaret), on the boat Amazon, who claim ownership to the island. After a short quarrel, they decide to form an alliance against the unfriendly houseboat man and ex-pirate, Captain Flint (in reality, James Turner) who is also the Amazons uncle. After a brief battle to decide the flagship, they attack Captain Flint and claim victory. Captain Flint becomes friendly again and the younger Swallows help Mr. Turner find his stolen treasure. The story ends with the departure of the Swallows back home. The part I found most interesting in this book is Titty, the third of the Walkers and able-seaman, staying alone in the island for the night while the others went on an expedition and capturing the Amazon. First, I was very impressed at her choice to guard the island. Most people, especially children, do not like being left alone and would have normally chosen to be in the thick of the action with the others going up the Amazon River, but such was her love of the island that she wanted to guard it in the dark. She also imagined herself as Robinson Crusoe stranded on a desert island but in the opposite of what the real Robinson Crusoe thinks in the book, she thought that he ought to have wished to stay on it forever. I was totally captured by her imaginativeness and love of nature. Secondly, although she was fooled unawares by the Amazons, she did not lose her head but stayed calm and in a superb action of dynamic circulation of mind, succeeded in capturing the Amazon by counter-using their plan and finally won victory for the Swallows, whom, had it not been for her, would have lost the battle. The art of keeping a cool head in an emergency is one of the most important virtues of life and I admire her very much for that. This talent is something I have always lacked, not that I ever found myself in a real emergency, and I must try to raise the ability of calm and dynamic thinking to overturn my inferior situation. In reading this whole book, I found the character that resembles me most Roger, the youngest of the Swallows. He is still a young boy of seven and unlike the others, who are quite mature for their young ages, has childish characters such as fearing the dark although he tries to fill in with his older siblings as adventurous youths. I have wondered when I would become all that brave and fearless like my father and other male adults. I have come to a conclusion that I must try to make change within myself, not only think that I deserve change for nothing. Roger took part in all the adventures and in the end, I might say that he achieved quite an improvement in his level of maturity through his adventures by participating and trying to really enjoy them, abandoning his traces of childishness. I hope that I will have a chance soon to grow up from the inside, which I shall embrace with open arms. I think what this book is trying to tell readers is that the flow of life, however seemingly rough and irregular, always has a constantness about it and that if you will something a lot and try hard, everything shall end well through the victory of the Swallows against the Amazons, the allied children triumphing above Captain Flint, everybody becoming friends, and everything resolving itself well. This, I think, can be applied in the same way with personal relationships. I have seen the Swallows and the Amazons finally become friends, and Mr. Turner making it up again with his nieces. It is the same in my daily life: I have a little crack in my relations with my parents due to my misbehaviors, but we always find back our good relationships. Reading this book will have effects on my future life. It has helped me to try to become a more mature person and to have more hope in things, but not to ask for good things without trying. This was also quite a new kind of book to me. Up to now, I had not yet read a realistic adventure story like this book. Also, the subjects of camping and sailing were quite new to me and I had difficulties understanding the specific vocabulary about tents and boats. But this experience of reading Swallows and Amazons, I believe, will help me very much in reading other books about similar topics. I enjoyed very much this book and would like to read the later books in the series also. *I wrote this book report in January 2009 after having read the book Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome (1930).

Diversity management programs Essay Example for Free

Diversity management programs Essay Diversity in the workplace is an important aspect of the workplace, which if not followed, could lead to a society that doesn’t have respect for different cultures. It is important to develop diversity management programs, were aspects of diversity such as religion, different cultures due to outsourcing, age, women and single parents, disabled team members, flexible work hours, are discussed which will lead to redesigning jobs to better fit the individual. When developing a conceptual framework for such programs to be implemented, it is important to view how lack of diversity in the workplace has affected other countries around the world besides America. According to Begum (2005), social care organizations in the United Kingdom are affected greatly by lack of diversity amongst there staff. Information, in the United Kingdom, is not distributed fairly to the population, is distributed on a socio economic basis. It is important for social care organizations to become diverse in their workforce, if they are to embody the essence of the communities that they serve. Studies have indicated that gender and culture diversity create barriers to effective interactions and hinder employee performance (Managerial Issues, 2000). When outlining a possible course of action to take when implementing diversity management programs within employee workforces, we could include information on how lack of diversity in the workplace has affected countries like the United Kingdom. People tend to feel more comfortable working in groups with people who share their ideals and beliefs, which is something I think we are all guilty of at times. I think it is important when outlining the possible courses of action to take when implementing diversity management programs, that employees share their different ideals and beliefs in an open environment. I think that employees sharing their different ideals and beliefs help the workforce grow, and the company they work for as well. Michael Bird (2007), a college professor at De Vry University in South Florida, has implemented a diversity management program in which he has developed a five step program in order to ensure that his team succeeds. Michaels five step program required, these students to one, understand and define diversity, to understand the organizations value and necessities, effectively manage the resistance towards, evaluate our overall teams performance, and last of all use the experiences shared to improve or groups management techniques. Flex management should be implemented in order to ensure that people feel like they are assets to the company, and are taken care of properly. During the development of a conceptual framework for a diversity management program, teambuilding exercises have proven to be the most effective. It is important for the employees to have different cultural backgrounds and different beliefs, in order that they may share those with the corporation in which they work. I think that when different cultures, different peoples with different ideas and beliefs, come together and share their ideas, truly inventive things can take place within the corporations they work in. America is a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs, which is what makes our country unique and truly produces unique individuals, tolerant of other peoples beliefs, with truly innovative ideas. One great way to go about instituting diversity management programs within the workplace would be to organize groups within the workplace that shared similar beliefs, and have them share their beliefs as a whole, and attempt to implement any new ideas obtained. The next step after instituting diversity management programs is to organize employees that share the same ideals, and discuss their shared ideals, and find common ground. In order for the employees participating in a diversity management group to share their ideas and implement them on a level on which they all agree, it is important that the employees learn to work together and respect each others ideals. With a proper management support, workers can have the proper training in order to train our employees to be more culturally sensitive. It is important that management is effective in their approach to dealing with culturally diverse issues. By training our employees and diversity management, they will benefit greatly. Although most of these successful companies the United States show’s significant efforts to include people with disabilities in a diverse workforce, there is still room for improvement. I hope that by implementing this diversity management program within the workplace, policies can be enforced specifying what is meant by diversity, in terms of race or gender, and also provide more information pertaining to those employees that have disabilities. With everybody’s help, we can be certain that we can implement this new diversity management program within the workplace, and that this program will be a success.

Power Politics And Change In Social Work Social Work Essay

Power Politics And Change In Social Work Social Work Essay Following a referral to childrens social care, the local authority has a statutory obligation to consider whether there are concerns about impairment to the childs health and development or the child is suffering harm which justifies an initial assessment to establish whether this child is a child in need (HM Government 2010: 5.34). Regardless of the length and breath of the case itself, assessments have to be completed within set statutory timescales. An initial assessment has to be completed within 10 working days and core assessments within 35 working days. This essay proposes that removing current distinction between initial and core assessment and the associated fixed statutory timescales for their completion will improve the quality of assessment reports completed by childrens social workers. A development of a single assessment form to replace initial and core assessment form would give social workers additional time to reflect and review historical information collated and collaborate with other agencies before completing the assessment thus improving practice. Although it is acknowledged that there may be challenges in implementing this proposal, this essay pre-empts that this change would give social workers greater opportunities to complete direct work with children and incorporate their views and feelings into the assessment (Munro and Lushey 2012). In the view of the above proposal, the essay explores the influence of the wider national and European policy agenda on the change proposed and explores some of the potential challenges from social work context which may impact on the implementation of the proposed changes. Finally, drawing on Change Theory, I critically discuss how my proposal could be implemented, meeting the challenges previously identified. But first, initial and core assessments are defined. An initial assessment is a brief assessment completed on each child referred to the local authority within a maximum of 10 working days of the referral date. Where necessary, it determines whether the child is in need; whether there is reasonable reason to suspect that the child is suffering or likely to suffer from significant harm; whether the child requires any services and if so what types; finally, a recommendation is made whether a more detailed core assessment should be undertaken (HM Government 2010: 5.36). The meaning of need is explored under section 17 of the Children Act 1989. A child is said to be in need if: [He] is unlikely to reach or maintain a satisfactory level of health or development, or [his] health and development will be significantly impaired without the provision of servicesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦[or he] is disabled, (HM Government 1989). Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 places a duty on local authorities to make enquires when there is a reasonable cause to believe that a child who is found or lives in their municipality is suffering, or likely to suffer from significant harm. A completion of the core assessment is the means in which a section 47 enquiry is initiated and should be completed within 35 working days. In these circumstances, the aim of the local authority is to determine what form of intervention is required to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child (Ibid; Brown et al. 2012). A core assessment refers to an in-depth assessment which addresses key aspects of a childs needs. This assessment may be completed at different junctures depending on the childs needs; an existing child protection concern is not a requirement (Brown et al 2012). According to Department for Education (2011) 40% of core assessments bare no relation to section 47 enquiries. Harm under section 31(9) of the Children Act 1989 is defined as ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development; development means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development; health means physical or mental health; and ill-treatment includes sexual abuse and forms of ill-treatment which are not physical (HM Government 1989). Completion of both an initial and core assessment has to be undertaken in accordance with Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families (DOH 2000) and information regarding childrens needs should be obtained within the three general domains of that form the assessment triangle: the childs developmental needs; the parents and/or caregivers ability to respond to those needs; and wider family and environmental factors (HM Government 2010: 5.36, 5.62; Turney et al. 2011). Current statutory guidance on the completion of initial and core assessments are criticised for the following reasons: Firstly, imposition of a rigid timescale means that there is little time for social workers to meaningfully engage with children. This drive to meet performance targets may thus be at the expense of the quality of assessments, engagement with children and families and multi-agency collaboration with professionals (Hawkes 2005; Holland 2010; Munro and Lushey 2012). Secondly, current statutory assessment timescales are unrealistic especially the 10 working days set for the completion of initial assessment. It does not take into account that there might be some difficulties in engaging with certain families and assessments may as a result be form-led rather than needs led (Horwarth 2002). Turney et al. (2011) argued that the pressure to meet statutory timeframes set for initial and core assessment may lead to the developments of short cuts which may provide latent conditions for error and in turn increase the risk factors posed to vulnerable children. An assessment which is child-centred contains thorough, concise and accurate information; includes chronological information about family and wider history and makes good use of information from a wide net of sources is considered a good assessment (Turney et al 2011). A good assessment is crucial in improving outcomes for children as it can contribute to maintaining the welfare of children by preventing delays in the provision of support and services. Despite the Assessment Frameworks copious guidance in completing good assessment, (DOH 2000) research evidence continues to highlight on-going concerns of social workers assessment analysis (Dalzell and Sawyer 2007). Holland (2010) contends that strict imposition of tight timescales combined with high caseloads does not allow for in-depth analysis through critical reflection of available evidence. The need for the proposed change Replacing child in need initial and core assessment timescales with a single assessment form and removing fixed statutory timescales for the completion of initial and core assessment will improve quality of childrens social workers practice and increase the scope for practitioners to exercise their professional judgement. Although the single assessment forms will still retain the structure of Framework of the Assessment of Children in Needs and their Families (DOH 2000), it is hoped that this development will allow social workers to exercise their professional judgement about what information to record. Research studies and enquiries into child deaths and analysis of serious case reviews consistently report that the quality of social workers assessment reports have at times fallen short of the expected standard particularly in the following areas: failure to engage with the child, differential thresholds, inadequacies in information gathering, shortcomings in critical analysis, and shortfalls in inter-professional working (Turney et al. 2011). Whilst it is acknowledged that the implementation of a single assessment form may not necessarily eradicate some of the shortcomings of the current assessment forms highlighted above, it is hoped that removing timescales for completing assessment will improve quality of completed reports by creating an environment where workers are under less stress to extract all information during the first visit to the family and thus more attention can be paid on what is happening for the child. Moreover, reducing prescription concerning timescales would enable social workers to arrange to meet with children and families at a convenient time for the family rather than at short notice to meet statutory timescales. For cases whereby parents are reluctant to engage in services or cases where there are linguistic or cultural barriers to overcome, flexibility in timescales can be used as a mechanism to improve practice (Munro and Lushey 2011). Collaborative working relationship between social care services and families is essential in promoting the welfare of the child (DOH 2010). Having sufficient time to work at the childs pace is therefore crucial to improving practice. Moreover, assessments may take longer if family members have special needs which have to be met so that they can meaningfully contribute to assessment (Holland 2010). Whilst there is a need for assessments not to lose focus and direction, assessments need to be completed jointly by both social worker and the family within a context which takes into account issues of power, inequality and discrimination. Lack of flexibility within assessment is almost inevitably going to come at the cost of key principles such as partnership and empowerment. Hawkes (2005) suggests that there is just as much evidence about the impact of partnership and empowerment upon the outcomes of children as there is for the need to prevent delay and drift in assessment which may be c aused by flexibility measures of assessments. Influence of wider national and European policy agenda The need for a thorough assessment of children and families where there are child protection concerns is a key focus of many national policies in the UK. The Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families (DOH 2000) for example acknowledges that improving assessment process is a critical aspect in improving social work practice with service users and ensuring multi-agency working. Although the framework offers guidance to social workers on how to meet the needs of children through a comprehensive process of assessment leading to action, its imposition of rigid timescales to complete assessments challenges some of the principles of the Children Act 1989. The guidance fails to take into account that the time it may take longer to engage with some families who may be initially hostile towards intervention. Moreover, due to lack of time to engage fully with children, social workers may be unable to ascertain and incorporate the childs feelings into assessment (Calder 2003). Similarly, the importance of timely and clear assessment was highlighted in Lord Laming report into the death of eight year old Victoria Climbie (DOH 2003). Lord Lamings enquiry led to the implementation of Children Act 2004 which emphasised the need for improve outcomes for all children. For children who come into attention of social services, these outcomes could be explored further in assessments. These outcomes are: being healthy, staying safe, making a positive contribution; and achieving economic wellbeing (HM Government 2004). As well as national policies, international legislations including the European Convention on Human Rights Act (1998) and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) influenced the proposed change as enshrined within these legislations is the need to protect child and their interests (ECHR 1998:Article1, 2; UNCRC 1989: Article 2, 3, 12) and advocating for a single assessment form is a means of ensuring childrens voices remain the central focus of assessments. Potential challenges from the wider social work context which could impact on the implementation of the proposed changes Although this essay has highlighted some of the potential benefits of having a single assessment form and removing fixed statutory timescales, some potential challenges which could impact on the implementation of the proposed changes are critically discussed here. First, increased flexibility concerning timescales does not necessarily mean that the potential benefits discussed previously will be realised because a key aspect in realising these benefits largely depends on the skill and capacity of individual social worker and wider organisational contexts in which they are working. Although the aim of a flexible timescale was proposed in this essay to enhance social workers understanding of childrens needs, should the proposal be implemented, some social workers may use it as an excuse to postpone complex decisions (Turney et al. 2011). Secondly, in the absence of timescales social workers may spend longer time completing assessments. Whilst it is acknowledged that the more information gathered, the longer it may take to analyse, however, in the absence of additional staffing, the extra time social workers are seemingly spending on direct work with children and families may place greater demands on the team. This in turn may lead to the following: longer working hours to compensate for the additional time spent on assessments; prioritising child protection cases which may result in delay and drift in cases, which based on the presenting issues appear less serious; or changes to the threshold for intervention (Broadhurst et al. 2010; Holmes et al. 2010). The effect of such challenges may therefore inhibit workers ability to conduct additional visits, engage in more direct work with families and therefore undermining the intended aim of the single assessment proposal (Monro and Lushey 2012). Change Theory Change is inevitable; it can be threatening, disruptive and difficult to manage as it involves adapting to new settings, working practices or personal circumstances (Hayes 2010). Although one of the core values of a social worker is to advocate for change on behalf of their service users (Dolgoff et al. 2008) as a profession, it has been quite resistant to change (Munson 2012). Whilst there is no standard formula in managing change, there is a body of useful theories which that can help analyse how to manage the challenges of change in order to improve on practice and ensure better outcomes for service users. Here, I draw on Kurt Lewins(1951) theory of change and discuss how developing a single assessment form to replace current initial and core assessment forms can be implemented meeting some of the challenges previously identified. Lewin (1951) argued that implementing change involves managing competing forces and actively facilitating the driving forces to achieve the desired change while seeking to reduce or eliminate restraining forces (Russell and Russell 2006). In the first step of his three step change model, Lewin contends that to implement change, change leaders will need to unfreeze the status quo. Individuals who will be affected by the change must be led to recognise why the change is necessary (Griffin and Moorhead 2011). Next, the change itself is implemented. Finally, refreezing involves reinforcing and supporting the change so it becomes a part of the system. Using Lewins model, the first step (unfreezing) implementing my proposed change would involve convincing Michael Gove, current Secretary of State for Education to grant local authorities dispensation of Working together to Safeguard children guidance because of its capability to improve social work practice with children and families. After this unfreezing is accomplished, a pilot scheme conducted with several local authorities analysing the likely impact of implementing my proposed change on practice will be introduced. If the results of the pilot scheme are positive, the scheme will be rolled out nationally (implementation). Following implementation, regular training, robust supervision and support systems will be introduced to support social workers in writing assessments (refreezing) in order to meet challenges previously identified. As influential as Lewins model of change is, some critics have argued that the model is too rigid and assumes change occurs in static steps. It is argued that Lewins theory lacks the flexibility required to fit with the chaotic process of change (Longo 2011). In relation to my proposed change, Lewins theory fails to.. Similarly, Williams et al. (2002) argue that whilst Lewins model of change is useful in conceptualising how to bring about change, it fails to explore how what causes individuals to accept or resist change. Similarly to Lewin (1951), Beckhard and Harris (1987) change model provide a useful analogy of what motivates individuals to change. They argue that for change to happen, the forces of change must outweigh the perceived costs of change (in terms of emotions, energy financial costs etc). Beckhard and Harris suggest that to successfully implement change, individuals need to be convinced that the present is problematic; individuals need to perceive desirable vision of the future and that there is a means of achieving it (Williams et al. 2002). Although this model is valuable to understanding how to manage planned change, similarly to Lewins (1951) theory, Beckhard and Harris (1987) also assume that that there is a logical, linear process to achieving change. Burke (2002) argues that in practice, planned change occurs in a spiral fashion rather in a linear line as suggested by both Lewin and Beckhard and Harris. According to Deutsch et al. (2006) there are many unintended and unanticipat ed consequences which may affect and be affected by planned, change efforts and neither of the change theories discussed above explore this in depth. Whilst a change in current policy of how initial and core assessment are being completed may appear irrational, a recommendation for such change was recently proposed by Eileen Munro in The Munro Review of Child Protection (Munro 2011). The Secretary of State for Education granted eight local authorities (Hackney, Knowsley, Cumbria, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth and Islington) between March and September 2011 permission to carry out flexible assessment practices. Although a vast majority of social workers and managers were in favour of the single frame assessment form and findings from the pilot study reported that flexibility of assessment timescales improved practice and quality of assessments (Munro and Lushey 2012), this proposal has yet to be implemented nationally. This recommendation is good example of some of the challenges implementing change. As simply put by Chaudry et al. (1994) a good idea that is very difficult to implement is, after all not that good an idea. In conclusion, this essay has highlighted some of the potential benefits of developing a single assessment form which replaces current initial and core assessments and the associated fixed timescales for their completion when completing assessments children. Whilst this essay acknowledges that implementation of the proposal does not necessarily guarantee improvement in the quality of assessments produced by social workers or the amount of direct work completed with children and families, it is felt this flexibility in timescale will enhance social work practice with children (Munro 2011). Importance of supporting social workers via training and adequate supervision was also acknowledged in ensuring completed assessments are of good standard. As well has exploring the influence of national and European policy agenda on the proposed change, the essay also critically analysed how the proposal could be implemented drawing on Lewins (1991) model of change.

Cellular Radio, Isdn Networks And Satellite Communications :: essays research papers

Introduction In describing Cellular Radio, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and Satellite Communications we must first have a general understanding of the meaning of these forms of Telecommunications. After a brief explanation of the different forms, they will be described in more detail. Then the present and future roles in Irish Telecommunications will be looked at and some examples given. This will then lead to the conclusion. 1. What is Cellular Radio? Cellular Radio is the use of Technology using low powered radio transmission for transmission and receiving voice or data to a telephone network. Users can be stationary or mobile. It means users are no longer constrained to place to place as it is a â€Å"wireless† system. 2. What is ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)? ISDN is a system which provides digital capacity i.e. voice, video and data transmission in digital form, to be sent and received by a customer. Unlike stand alone services such as telephone, telex, fax and data communications, ISDN is a network which can offer all these services as a package in which a user can talk, exchange data, faxes and other documents at the same time, instead of having to use different networks for these services. 3. What is Satellite Communications? This is the use of orbiting satellites to relay microwave transmissions from earth stations to the satellite an to re-transmit those signals back down to another earth station by means of microwave transmission. Cellular Radio At present there are two types of cellular radio systems in operation in Ireland. These are: 1. TACS This system is an analogue system in which the voice is transmitted by radio from the telephone to the nearest base station in analogue form. Analogue systems are at present throughout the world but each Country would have different standards. So a user can not use the phone in a different country, also as the signal it transmits is in analogue form the calls can be monitored quite easily with the help of a scanner. America’s version of analogue cellular radio is called AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System). 2. GSM (Global System for Mobiles) GSM is a more recent technical standard for cellular mobile phone systems, which was developed in Europe. It is a digital system, which voice and other sounds or data are converted to digital form before they are transmitted between the base station and the mobile phone and then converted back to analogue form. There are major advantages in using the GSM system as opposed to the TACS system:

Espionage Act of 1917 and Sedition Act (Amendment) of 1918 Essay

Espionage Act of 1917 and Sedition Act (Amendment) of 1918   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On April 2nd 1917, President Woodrow Wilson of the United States of America, went before Congress and called for a declaration of war. Both the House and the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of going to war with Germany.?# This was an act that led to much resistance among the American people. Not four months earlier the American people re-elected President Wilson, partly because of his success in keeping the United States out of this European war. However, a series of events, such as the Germans continuing submarine warfare and the attacks on five American ships, led President Wilson to sever diplomatic relations with Germany and send the United States into what would be labeled as World War I. As a result of the war the government enacted the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918 which led to the suppression of anti-war documents and sentiments, as well as the prosecution of over two-thousand individuals.#   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite earlier resistance to the war by the American people, once war was declared patriotism swept over the nation. However, patriotism rose to it?s peak and quickly turned to an intolerance for any kind of dissidence of the war.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With a general intolerance for opponents of the war the government began to repress groups advocating against the war, as did private organizations. One such organization created to suppress anti-war ideals was the Committee on Public Information (CPI). CPI was put in place to provide trustworthy information to the public, as well as stifle any misleading wartime rumors. However, the CPI ended up creating propaganda for the government to distort the views of the American people and worked to destroy and discredit all those who opposed the government?s ideology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ?The effect of such incessant propaganda was to promote hysterical hatred of all things German.?# Any individual who had the audacity to speak against the war was assaulted either verbal or physically, and on many occasions murdered.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With the ideals of the government on the war growing in the nation, Congress passed the Espionage Act of 1917. After a joint session of Congress, where President Wilson reported on relations with Germany, the first of three bills that would create the Espionage Act of 1917, was introduced. The Congr... ...istory.? 2002. PageWise.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (22   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  November 2004). ?Espionage.? 2000-2004. The War to End All Wars. Michael   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Duffy. Original Material. Primary Documents Online.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (22   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  November 2004). ?Clear and Present Danger? Test. 2004. Exploring   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Constitutional Conflicts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (22 November 2004). ?The U.S. Sedition Act.? 1996. World War I Document Archive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (22 November 2004). ?The Sedition Act of 1918.? 2003. (22 November 2004). ?Espionage Act.? 2004. Education on the Internet & Teaching   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  History Online.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (22   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  November 2004). Stone, Geoffrey. Judge Learned Hand and The Espionage Act   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  of 1917: A Mystery Unraveled. Schenck v. United States; Baer v. United States. Essential   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Documents in American History. 1919. Essential   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Documents. ?The Sedition Act of 1918.? 1918. From The United States   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Statues at Large.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (22 November 2004). ?Text of The Sedition Act.? 2004. Wikipedia, the Free   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Encyclopedia. (22 November   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2004). ?The Wilson Administration.? 2002. U.S. History.com.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (22 November   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2004). Zinn, Howard. Progressive. May (2004). 16-20.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ?Opposing the War Party?.

Civil War 9 Essays -- essays research papers

Many developments in social life and the constitution amounted to a revolution between 1860 and 1877. Some of the major events that took place during this time period were the secession of the southern states, Civil War, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth amendment, and reconstruction. In 1860, South Carolina declared their causes of secession. South Carolina was the first state to secede, and their main reason was that their powers were restrained by the federal government. They felt they were not sovereign, and therefore needed to secede. In the 1860’s, the nation continued to struggle to become united. Congress introduced the new banking and currency systems. Senator John Sherman commended this because he was a strong believer in national unity. He believed that everything should be nationalized because putting state authority above national authority would be "the main instrument by which our government is sought to be overthrown." The blacks at this time were persistently struggling for their civil rights. They declared that they should have the privilege of voting because they fought in the war to preserve the union. In a petition, American citizens of African descent stated that " It (the government) can afford to trust him with a vote as safely as it trusted him with a bayonet." At this time they did not have full protection from the courts, nor did the courts receive a black person’s testimony. In 1865, the blacks did not receive homesteads...

Trend in Transport: the Role of Intermodal Transport in the International Logistics

Globalization and the consequently expansion of the geographical firm’s borders led an increase of the international transport’s demand, promoting the develop of transport’s sector. In fact, the growth of the amount of freight being traded, as well as, a great variety of origins and destinations promotes the importance of international transportation as a fundamental element supporting the global economy. In particular, since the trading distances involved are often considerable, there has been an increase of demands on the maritime shipping industry and on port activities. In this process China had an important role, in fact, as its industrial and manufacturing activities developed, it started to import growing quantities of raw materials and energy and export growing quantities of manufactured goods, fostering a surge in demands for long distance international transportation. International transportation system have been under increasing pressures to support additional demands in freights volume and distance at which this freight is been carried. This couldn’t have occurred without considerable technical improvements permitting to transport larger quantities of goods, and this more quickly and more efficiently. Container played, of course, a crucial role, promoting, furthermore, the development of the intermodal transport. Intermodal transport modes recover an important role in international transportation, in fact, because of the involved geographical scale, most international freights movements involve several modes, especially when origins and destinations are far apart. Among the numerous transport modes, two are specifically concerned with international trade: ?Ports and maritime shipping ?Airports and air transports Maritime transportation is very important in international trades, in fact in terms of tonnage it handles about 90% of the global trade. Although in terms of tonnage air transportation carries an insignificant amount of freight(0. 2% of total tonnage) compared with maritime transportation, its importance in term of the total value is much more significant:15% of the value of global trade 70 times more valuable than its maritime counterpart) . This is due to the fact that air transportation, being more expansive, is used mostly to carry rich freights. Road and railway modes tend to occupy a more marginal portion of international transportation since they are above all modes for national or regional transport services. Their importance is focused on their role in the first and the last part of the door to door transportation chain. For this reason they result anyway an important factor that should be considered by a firm in the logistics planning of the distribution of freight to the customer. As said before the driver of intermodal transportation has been the container, which permits easy handling between modal systems, in fact it is designed to be moved with common handling equipment enabling high-speed intermodal transfers in economically large units between ships, railcars, truck chassis, and barges using a minimum labor. The container, therefore, serves as the load unit rather than the cargo contained therein, making it the foremost expression of intermodal transportation. The usage of containers shows the complementarity between freight transportation modes by offering a higher fluidity to movements and a standardization of loads. For logistics managers intermodal transportation offers significant advantages over single mode alternatives. First, intermodal transportation minimizes handling and total transit time, expediting the entire transportation process and thus shortening the customer’s order cycle time. Second intermodal transportation allows to take advantage of the best characteristics of all modes, permitting to offer the most efficient transport service at the lowest possible price to the customer. Third intermodal movement cuts down on theft, loss and transport costs in general by eliminating virtually all handling of individual goods. Another important factor is that intermodal transport uses container and this makes easier tracking the freight during all the transportation process. This is possible thanks to a new technology called RFID (radio frequency ID) a firm (but also a customer) is able to know what assets it has and where they are at every hour. In fact this relatively new technology, that promises to change the way inventories are managed, consists in an RFID device that transmits a signal when it is activated by an RFID receiver. Depending on the device, this signal can have a range as short as 6 feet or as great as 90 feet. The data transmitted can include various product identifiers of value to the manufacturer, shipper or purchaser. So the signal emitted by an RFID device can help company tracking the location and quantity of their inventory . The use of RFID in logistics application is one of the pre-eminent fields where the technology can shine. Products can be tracked from points of manufacturer (and even earlier if source components are tracked using RFID) all the way through the distribution chain, and down to the retail level. This new technology has helped many organization solve the main challenge at every node in their supply chains: the lack of visibility of logistics data. RFID technology is a powerful solution to improves asset visibility, data quality, inventory management, and interoperability in an end-to-end integrated supply chain. In addition the use of this technology allows to reduce costs as replacement costs as well as avoiding shrinkage. It also helps to reduce capital costs, increase customer satisfaction, as well as ensuring the assets are in the correct place at the right time, recovering an important function in the logistics process of a firm. An added advantage is the reusability of these tags, so company, which want greater control over assets and their management, have opted to use RFID and logistics management techniques . Using RFID and logistics management strategies will serve to improve capital utilization, lower the total operational costs as well as improve the availability of assets. The use of these asset management techniques has improved customer retention significantly. This technique will help improve visibility of assets in transit, availability management of much needed assets and transportation management The use of RFID and logistics management techniques are especially useful for manufacturers, where parts bins feed parts in an automated plant, since the placement of the right part in the right place is critical. The company can use these techniques in areas where they have expertise whereas professional help can be sought for areas where they lack control such as transportation, delivery, pick up etc. Companies should consider implementing RFID and logistics management techniques, as they will greatly benefit from it. It will reduce cost, increase control and availability, decrease chances of loss of assets due to various factors as well as prove to be very economical. In conclusion we can affirm that transport is one component of the logistic mix that is undergoing a great deal of change. Intermodal transport is a reflection of the changing nature of transport in general, signifying as it does the logistics managers ability to combine the advantages of two or more modes of transport into one seamless shipment that reaches the customer faster and with less damage than a mode-by-mode routing could providing. Therefore to better control the delivery process of the goods, being able to provide value added to the customer, could be useful for a firm develop a tracking system of the freight from the factory to the final customer. This could be seen as value added logistics service useful to satisfy the customer saving costs at the same time.

Inauguration Reactions: The Making of a Memory in January

As a â€Å"baby boomer†, I have seen and done many things during my 60 years in the world. I grew up to see technical innovations, the space race, and the transformation of the United States in the 1960’s. I have traveled all over the country as a child with a father, who was a career military man. I have even traveled the world during my stint as a Seaman. I have seen the hard life of the streets and walked the hallowed halls of the university, receiving a Master’s in Criminal Justice, some twenty-plus years ago. The events of my past tie into the major event I will soon see in my future, President-elect Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration. I must admit that this milestone in our nation’s history brings to me pride, wonder, and nostalgia. Along with all these emotions, comes what a man like me finds hard to admit, fear. Barack Obama has been talking about change and I know all about and I have seen change, I have embraced it. I will embrace inauguration day with as much enthusiasm as I can, even though I am still filled will wonder. I must admit that the new transformation of the nation is difficult for me and many like me. I grew up, as a young boy, to understand that the integrity of a military person was never to be questioned. It was an inconvenient truth in my twenties, during my own military experience to see the opposite. Many Vietnam veterans were not received and revered like the military men of my father’s wars. To me, McCain was the epitome of courage and strength during that misunderstood war in Vietnam and to see the shift away from the honor that men like him deserve brought up many painful memories for me. I must add too, that I am white. But, color has never been an issue with me in this situation. Most of us, who remember the 60’s, have evolved from pointless racism. As a man, though, who has seen the ins and outs of criminal justice, it is hard to trust the integrity of an attorney. Most in the criminal justice field feel similar. As an older person, as well, it is hard to trust the unfounded optimism of the youth and their vote. I remember when I was young and saw many activists hitting the streets in protest and to me it was simply chaos. But, then it was â€Å"word of mouth† grassroots campaigning while now technology has advanced us to internet activism and social networking. Some have even said the Obama won because of his extensive internet presence. All of this is a wonder in itself. I must admit that some of the fear, too, comes from recalling the tragedies of innovative men like Obama. I vividly recall the assassinations of both Kennedy brothers, Martin Luther King Jr. , and Malcolm X. When I hear reports of dissidents in the U. S. , I fear for this man, because I know that this can happen, because it has happened. I wonder if the youth think about that much. In closing, I would like to say that I was proud of both candidates that ran for President in 2008 and will be proud of Obama, when he takes the honor in 2009. I feel as if I am passing the torch into a new era, a torch that has been burning now for some years without me even realizing it. It will take a lot of acceptance and expectations for this new generation, but I am confident that they can handle the charge appointed not just to the President, but to them, as well. As long as the conception of honor and integrity stay always on the table, I can rest assured that the next four years will be memorable and momentous.

Compare and Contrast ‘Harry Pushed Her’ and ‘Hector the Collector’ Essay

Neither ‘Harry Pushed Her’ nor ‘Hector the Collector’ have any stanzas. In ‘Harry Pushed Her’ the lines are short, most containing around five syllables. The rhyme scheme changes throughout, from every other line rhyming to rhyming couplets. This changes the flow of the poem. I think the writer does this to emphasize points, to shock the reader at times and to change the mood of the poem. â€Å"Harry push her, push her now!/Harry push the crazy cow!†, the flow of this emulates the mocking tone of children. ‘Hector the Collector’ has a mixture of long and short lines, ranging from six syllables to ten syllables. It has a regular rhyme scheme in quatrains, this creates a steady course and speed throughout. Both poems are focused on people who are not always correctly understood, they are seen as ‘different’ by many. People don’t have the same outlook as they do and therefore they are cast aside. In ‘Harry Pushed Her’ our first impressions are that Harry bullies his sister. We think this because the poem reads, â€Å"Harry pushed her;/He pushed his sister;† the reader automatically comes to the conclusion that Harry pushes her in a violent way. The repetition of the word â€Å"push† is very effective as it implies to the reader that Harry is an incessant bully. We don’t know or even suspect, until the last line that he’s pushing his sister in a helpful way. We don’t anticipate this, it comes as a shock to the reader. We think of young boys as bullies, and we count on them to push their sisters violently because of the stereotypical images we have. The author cleverly shows us how we prejudge him unfairly. In ‘Hector the Collector’ the poet also uses repetition to good effect as he creates an excessive list of useless items. This creates the impression of Hector as an eccentric character. It tells us that he â€Å"Loved these things with all his soul/more than glistening diamonds/more than glistenin’ gold† creating an image for the reader of Hector as a lonely man who only has his possessions as company. I think that in both poems the people that are seen as different have different reasons for being outcasts. In ‘Harry Pushed Her’ I think Harry gets some sort of escapism from pushing his sister in her wheelchair, â€Å"Harry pushed her without a care†. This lifestyle protects him from the pressures of other children his own age. He traps himself in his own little world where he feels safe and peaceful. While in ‘Hector the Collector’ Hector enjoys his items and has a different perspective of them to others. He thinks of these things as a, â€Å"treasure trunk† and offers others to share the delights he gets out of them, while others dismiss it as junk. The speaker calls the people â€Å"silly† and â€Å"sightless† telling the reader that the people are small minded and foolish because they can’t look any further than face value. I think that Hector sees that although they are useless, they were once useful and he feels they don’t deserve to be thrown away. I think this is a metaphor of today’s society, as we live in a disposable society and Hector is trying to escape from it. The poems also contrast slightly. Harry pushes people away he wants to be a ‘loner’. He rejects others, rather than them rejecting him. He is not understood and doesn’t need to be. Hector on the other hand invites people to be his friends, to share his belongings, but they reject him.