Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Low carbon building portfolio (Briefing Reports) Assignment
Low carbon building portfolio (Briefing Reports) - Assignment Example The BEEAM calculator method defines the type of building and differences in range of water consuming activities of various components within a building. The other methods that are used are standard Wat 01 method, and alternative Wat 01 technique (Srinivasan, Ling, & Mori 2011). Using the Wat 01 calculator, domestic water rate of consumption of components is calculated and baseline performance compared, indicate efficiency of baths, dishwashers, urinals, and showers, specify rain water systems, and finally, specify water consumption rate in liters. When the building tenanted areas are provided with water, then sanitary components must be specifies. Alternatively, the level of performance can be determined by use of fittings that are compliant with the baseline level of the BREEAM (Williams 2010). Wat 02 method is used where water is supplied from private sources or boreholes. Areas of the building that consume 10% of water are fitted with meters that provide instantaneous readings, have connections to BMS, and monitor the rate of water consumption. Each of the meters gives a reading based on the consumption level and each pulse water meters is connected to the BMS when the building is managed by the owner. There is no need for sub-meters especially where there are no monitoring benefits and there is no need to install a meter where simple calculations are required to determine the usage of water for a function (Michaelowa 2012). Provide a leak prevention and detection system to detect water leaks on the water supply system. It is activated when water passes through the water system and identifies the changes in flow. The following flow control devices may be used, thus, time controller, programmed time controller, volume controller, and central control unit. Constant water supply is required and in case of emergencies, the water supply should be constant and should not be shut down and it may be necessary for the operation of other systems within the
Monday, October 28, 2019
The Character of Achilles Essay Example for Free
The Character of Achilles Essay Achilles is the main character in Homer’s The Iliad translated by Robert Fagles. The Iliad is the story of the battle of Troy, in which Greek heroes fight and die, with much interference from the various gods and goddesses. The story ends when Achilles gives Hector’s body back to King Priam and Hector is buried. Homer uses a number of different literary devices to illustrate Achilles’ character development, such as his actions, what other characters say about him, and his appearance. Throughout this epic poem, Achilles must deal with his conflict of free will versus fate. Achilles’ first encounter with his ongoing conflict occurs in Book 1 when he is deciding whether or not to kill Agamemnon for insulting him (84). Athena almost immediately arrives and says, â€Å"Down from the skies I come to check your rage if only you will yield,†thus implying that Achilles has a choice (84). He can either obey Athena’s orders and earn more treasures in the end or he can go against her orders and suffer the consequences. In the end, Achilles determines that it’s not a smart idea to go against godly orders and submits. Other characters do not have choices like Achilles does. In Book 3, Aphrodite rescues Paris from Menelaus and puts him in the bedroom. Then she goes to Helen and orders her to go to bed with Paris. When Helen protests, Aphrodite becomes irritated and threatens her. This shows that Helen doesn’t have a choice, nor do the other characters, with the exception of Achilles. Also, in Book 20, Zeus says, â€Å"If Achilles fights the Trojansâ€â€unopposed by usâ€â€not for a moment will they hold his breakneck force. Even before now they’d shake to see him coming. Now, with his rage inflamed for his friend’s death, I fear he’ll raze the walls against the will of fate.†(504). Zeus’ statement shows that Achilles is, in some ways, above fate and will destroy the Greek concept of fate unless someone interferes with his plans. Unfortunately, although Achilles is able to have free will in some aspects, fate still triumphs over him in others. In Book 9, Achilles tells Odysseus, Phoenix, and Ajax what his mother has told him his fate will be. According to Thetis, Achilles can either choose to go home without glory and live to a ripe old age or he can stay to conquer Troy and earn everlasting glory, but he will not leave Troy alive (265). Consequently, Achilles is presented with two fates; however, unlike others, he is able to choose whichever fate he wants. At this point in the story, Achilles is actually considering going home; thus he is choosing to die old, but without undying glory. This completely changes in Book 18 when Achilles learns that Patroclus has been killed by Hector. Now, Achilles will stop at nothing to get his revenge on Hector; therefore he is now choosing the fate in which he will never return home, but he gets eternal glory. Achilles’ new choice of fate is emphasized in Book 19 when Hera gives his horse the ability to speak. Roan Beauty says, â€Å"Yes! We will save your lifeâ€â€this time tooâ€â€master, mighty Achilles! But the day of death already hovers near, and we are not to blame but a great god is and the strong force of fate†¦ Our team could race with the rush of the West Wind, the strongest, swiftest blast on earth, men sayâ€â€still you are doomed to die by force, Achilles, cut down by a deathless god and mortal man!†(501-502). Yet another way in which Achilles is bound by fate appears in Book 22 when he is chasing Hector around Troy. Homer writes, â€Å"But once they reached the springs for the fourth time, then Father Zeus held out his sacred golden scales: in them he placed the two fates of death that lays men lowâ€â€one for Achilles, one for Hector breaker of horsesâ€â€and gripping the beam mid-haft the Father raised it high and down went Hector’s day of doom, dragging him down to the strong House of Deathâ€â€and the god Apollo left him.†(548). Zeus’ decision sets in stone that Achilles must be the one to kill Hector before his own death. Before Book 22, other characters had only alluded to Hector’s fate of death at the hands of Achilles.  One of the main characteristics Achilles exhibits is pride. In Book 1, Achilles is insulted by Agamemnon. Achilles replies, â€Å"Staggering drunk, with your dog’s eyes, your fawn’s heart! Never once did you arm with the troops and go to battle or risk an ambush packed with Achaea’s picked menâ€â€you lack the courage, you can see death coming. Safer, by far, you find, to foray all through camp, commandeering the prize of any man who speaks against you. King who devours his people! Worthless husks, the men you ruleâ€â€if not, Atrides, this outrage would have been your last.†(85). This passage shows that Achilles is proud to battle and finds it shameful when men who claim to be the agathos, or the best, do not prove themselves in battle. In Achilles’ culture, being â€Å"good†, or arà ªte, means that you are good at fighting. Achilles is concluding that since Agamemnon is too scared to fight like his inferiors, he must not be arà ªte. Instead, Achilles believes that he is the agathos rather than Agamemnon, since he has proven his arà ªte and Agamemnon has not. However, Achilles’ pride is his downfall up until the point when he learns that his brother-in-arms, Patroclus, has been killed by Hector. The reason Achilles’ pride was his downfall is because Agamemnon would not give him the respect he deserves; therefore he refused to fight due to his pride and anger. When Patroclus is murdered, Achilles wants his revenge on Hector. Before, in Book 9, Odysseus, Ajax, and Phoenix are sent by Agamemnon to beg Achilles to save the Achaeans from the Trojans and Hector’s rampages. Achilles refuses to budge because his pride will not allow him to take orders from Agamemnon. He also believes that there is no hope for the Achaeans since Zeus is protecting and urging the Trojans on to victory (259-266). Achilles could have been honorable and chose to help the Achaeans out, but his pride and anger against Agamemnon over Briseis won’t allow him to do the right thing. In fact, his pride and anger cause him to make minimal appearances throughout the middle books of The Iliad. Achilles’ pride directly relates to his ultimate conflict of fate vs. free will. His pride and lust for glory play a large part in his decisions, predominately during his choice of a long life with no glory vs. a short life with everlasting glory. Throughout The Iliad, Homer and the other characters describe Achilles as being â€Å"god-like†. The gods in Greek culture are all powerful and immortal, but also extremely selfish like egocentric children. They typically do not care about others; they act only to protect their self-interests, such as their favorite cities and their demigod children. Achilles is selfish like the gods and goddesses. When Achilles failed to cease his anger against Agamemnon, he was protecting his own self-interests and not caring about the deaths and struggles of his Achaean allies; thus him being selfish like the gods is a weakness. Also, part of the reason why Achilles is so selfish is because he is trying to act in a way that will prevent anyone from tarnishing his honor. Likewise, Achilles is trying to prove that he has a legitimate reason to be called the aristos more than anyone else, especially Agamemnon, who Achilles views as a disgrace for a man. On the other hand, in Book 1, Agamemnon says, â€Å"Not so quickly, brave as you are, godlike Achillesâ€â€trying to cheat me.†(81). Agamemnon is taking note of the fact that Achilles is brave like the deathless gods and goddesses who know no fear. Achilles’ bravery is also shown by the fact that he doesn’t back down from a fight, not even if it’s against a god, like when he battles the river god Scamander in Book 21. Achilles’ bravery certainly benefits him during the Trojan War, and probably earlier wars too, because he was the only mortal man who wasn’t afraid to stand up to Hector, or anyone else for that matter. Another way in which Achilles is godlike is his appearance and strength. In Book 21, Achilles is talking to King Priam’s son, Lycaon, just before he kills him. He says, â€Å"Even Patroclus died, a far, far better man than you. And look, you see how handsome and powerful I am? The son of a great man, the mother who gave me life a deathless goddess. But even for me, I tell you, death and the strong force of fate are waiting.†(523). Here, Achilles is noting that he is as attractive as a god. The fact that Achilles isn’t like other mortals because he can do certain things that only gods and goddesses can do is yet another way in which Achilles can be described as being godlike. Agenor says in Book 21 that â€Å"Achilles is far too strong for any man on earth.†(538). In Book 16, Homer says, â€Å"And Achilles’ only weapon Patroclus did not take was the great man’s spear, weighted, heavy, tough. No other Achaean fighter could heft that shaft, only Achilles had the skill to wield it well: Pelian ash it was, a gift to his father Peleus presented by Chiron once, hewn on Pelion’s crest to be the death of heroes.†(417). Homer’s words emphasize the fact that Achilles has the strength of the immortal gods. Furthermore, in Book 10, Odysseus and Diomedes have just captured the Trojan spy Dolon and are talking with him. Odysseus says, â€Å"By god, what heroic gifts you set your heart onâ€â€the great Achilles’ team! They’re hard for mortal men to curb or drive, for all but Achillesâ€â€his mother is immortal.†, again showing that Achilles has strength greater than that of any mortal man (290). One of Achilles’ most obvious characters traits is his defiance and opposition to orders. In Book 1, Achilles says to Agamemnon, â€Å"What a worthless, burnt-out coward I’d be called if I would submit to you and all your orders, whatever you blurt out. Fling them at others, don’t give me commands! Never again, I trust, will Achilles yield to you.†(87). Achilles’ dialogue is a classic example of the fact that the most important thing to Achilles is his honor and thus he strives to prove that he, above all other men, is the agathos. Although Achilles has a few character flaws that ultimately influence his fate, he can still be called honorable in a sense. In Book 1, the seer Calchas tells Achilles that if he reveals Apollo’s prophecy, he will anger a very powerful Achaean. Achilles reassures him, â€Å"Courage! Out with it now, Calchas. Reveal the will of god, whatever you may know. And I swear by Apollo, dear to Zeus, the power you pray to, Calchas, when you reveal the god’s will to the Argivesâ€â€no one, not while I’m alive and see the light on earth, no one will lay his heavy hands on you by the hollow ships. None among all the armies. Not even if you mean Agamemnon here who now claims to be, by far, the best of the Achaeans.†(80). Achilles has now sworn to protect Calchas from anyone who may try to harm him as a result of Apollo’s prophecy; thus Achilles is demonstrating honor. Even when Agamemnon becomes angry with Calchas for the prophecy, Achilles defends Calchas to the end, which in turn creates the extensive conflict between him and Agamemnon. Achilles’ actions prove that he is a man who keeps his word; therefore he is honorable by modern-day standards. Achilles’ trait of honor is a strength that works to his advantage and certainly influences his outcome of his definitive battle of fate versus free will. Achilles’ battle of free will versus fate is the central conflict of The Iliad. The many character traits that Homer makes apparent throughout the narrative ultimately influence Achilles’ actions and choices. Homer just doesn’t base Achilles’ personality traits on his actions. Rather, what other characters say about him gives the reader a clear understanding of who Achilles is and what his motivations are all the way through. Furthermore, Homer has proven that Achilles truly is the agathos. Works Cited Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Group Inc., 1998. Print.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Gadgets Of JAmes Bond Essay -- essays research papers fc
The Weapons and Gadgets of James Bond Introduction - Throughout the years, the weapons and gadgets that have come from the hands of the Q Branch, has never turned James Bond down, they are the coolest and are the best in spy paraphernalia. I.     Bond’s choice of equipment A.     Walther PPK B.     Aston Martin DB5 C.     Watches II.     Comparison to some spy gadgets of the army A.     Bond’s popular equipment B.     Military’s popular equipment III.     As technology continues to grow A.     Weapons will get better 1.     Equipment from newer movies a.     Goldeneye b.     Tomorrow Never Dies B.     Gadgets of the older movies C.     Other items of Q’s Lab IV.     What do we expect of Bond A.     More high tech weapons and gadgets B.     A new head for the Q Branch C.     A lot more excitement Conclusion - Finally, the weapons and gadgets of James Bond will still continue to astonish the entire world, and it will still do so as many more films are produced in the near future. â€Å"And this I am Especially Proud of†- Q      â€Å"I think we’ve met.†These were the words of James Bond as he stepped into his talking BMW 750IL during the movie Tomorrow Never Dies. Throughout the years, the weapons and gadgets that have come from the hands of the Q Branch, has never turned James Bond down, they are the coolest and are the best in spy paraphernalia. If someone would try to compare Bond’s gadgets to gadgets of the military, Bond would win ten to one.      Of course, as technology changed and time passed, the Q Branch developed better equipment, but many of the classic gadgets are still obsolete in a technology driven world we live in today. For example, Bond’s old Aston Martin DB5 can out run a Ferrari 355 F1 Spider that was demonstrated in the movie Goldeneye. (Ultimate James Bond Page http:jmsbond.tripod.com) As the James Bond story continues, the better and better the gadg... ...oon be seeing a new Q. The current Q died in a tragic accident in London just a month ago right after the release of â€Å"The World is not enough.†Another thing you will never miss in Bond films is the excitement, and that will always stay true. Finally, the weapons and gadgets of James Bond will still continue to astonish the entire world, and it will still do so as many more films are produced in the near future. Works Cited Blair, Cluade and Tarassuk Leonid. â€Å"The Complete Encyclopedia of Arms and Weapon†     Crown Publisher 1929: 379 The Complete James Bond Interactive Dossier â€Å"Gadgets Section†(CD-Rom) 1996 The Complete James Bond Interactive Dossier â€Å"Vehicles Section†(CD-Rom) 1996 The Ultimate James Bond Site. â€Å"Quotes and Gadgets†Online.Internet. 14 March 2000 available Http://www.007.com BMW USA â€Å"Build Your BMW, Z3†Online.Internet. 1 March 2000      Available Http://www.bmwusa.com â€Å"Tomorrow Never Dies.†Movie. MGM Studios and United Artists 1997 â€Å"Goldeneye.†Movie. MGM Studios and United Artists 1994 007-The Ultimate James Bond Page. â€Å"Quotes and Q Branch†Online.Internet. 1 March 2000 Available Http://jmsbond.tripod.com
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Final Study Guide for Livanis Intl 1101
INTL 1101 Final Exam Study Guide Americanization – Consumerism, individualism – American products and values – Cultural imperialism? Trying to homogenize world? McDonaldization – Fast-food principles dominant in American and other societies – Uniform standards – Lack of human creativity – Dehumanization of social relations Infantilization – Benjamin Barber â€Å"consumed†– Against â€Å"ethos of infantilization†that sustains global capitalism – Turning of adults into children through dumbed down advertising and consumer goods – Targeting children as consumers Homogeneous global products for young and wealthy, and for children => soulless and unethical global consumerism in pursuit of profit Cultural homogenization – â€Å"More alike†theory of effects of globalization – Western culture industry – Homogenization of popular culture – Can be within western soci eties (McDonaldization) Market for loyalties – Regulation of communications to organize cartels of imagery – Domestic broadcast regulation maintains distribution of power – National identity reframed to political views and cultural attitudes that maintain existing power structure Facilitates predominance of one ideology Cultural imperialism – World patterns of cultural flow, mirror the system of domination in world economic and political order – Not confined to the west: see Mexico, Brazil (Latin America), India (East Asia), Hong Kong, Taiwan (China) Sustainable development – Long-term economic growth depends on careful stewardship of the natural environment – Environmentalists – Liberalization= unequal economic growth, resources for debt, competition (race to the bottom), increased pollution, unsustainable consumption of resources, political unrest – Free Trade Trade promotes growth and alleviates poverty= environmental benefits – Elimination of trade barriers= increased value of resources – Environmental progress is easier to achieve under conditions of prosperity Deterritiorlization of religion – Primarily caused by migration – The case of Islam: – Muslim Ummah – Re-islamisation as deculturalisation of Islam (not linked to a particular pristine culture, global Islam) – Quest for definition: Islam to fit every culture – By bridging the gap between secularism and religiosity, Fundamentalism overstretches religion to the point that it cannot become embedded in real cultureFree trade and the environment Technological Change and Disease – Transportation – Short term travel: 940 million tourists – Meningitis: 70,000 pilgrims to Mecca every year, secondary pandemics upon return – Expensive diseases in developing countries and eradicated diseases in developed countries – Medical technologies – Greater colla boration, more information – BUT, new technologies can be badly used – Ebola in DRC, AIDS epidemics in China from unsterilized needles Demographic Change and Disease – Population mobility Conditions that lead people to move are the same that favor the emergence of infections (poverty, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, state failure) – Refugees: sanitation, food, healthcare – 50,000 dead in a month (Rwanda, 1994) – Haiti: cholera from Nepal? (4,800 mortalities) – Long-term migration – Disease to non-immune populations, and transfer of new disease back home – Eradicated diseases re-introduced – Migrant workers in Africa (AIDS epidemics) – Urbanization – Megacities=megaspread Global economy and disease – Global trade IMF/structural adjustments and liberalization reduces the role of governments (mostly in providing healthcare) – Trade in food – Change in dietary habits, convergenc e of tastes – Demand for year-round availability of fresh fruit and vegetables – Products from less expensive labor markets, worldwide ingredients and transport – Food may be contaminated – Unhygienic irrigation, packaging practices, storage, non-indigenous crops more susceptible to indigenous pathogens – E-coli in Germany: 2,800 affected, 26 dead (91 in EU) – Mad Cow Disease Environmental change and disease Climate change-global warming – Higher ambient air temperature, precipitation/humidity (mosquitoes) – Water supply-dams etc – Profound ecological changes that affects disease vectors-most dams associated with increase in malaria – Deforestation – Increases contact between humans and pathogens – Decreases natural predators of disease vectors – Increases in malaria (runoff water stagnant in pools) – Loss of biodiversity Jihad and McWorld – Dialectical nature: one cannot exist w ithout the other – Babel: retribalization – Global jihad against globalization – Disneyland Globalizations – Jihad and McWorld make war on the sovereign nation state – Indifference to civil liberty – McWorld, focus on consumption and â€Å"invisible hand†for common good (rather than democratic institutions), repeal government regulations – Jihad, bloody politics of identity, exclusion and hatred, paternalism and tribalism – Neither global markets nor blood communities service public goods or pursue equality and justice – Future? – In the short run – Jihad likely to dominate? – In the long run – McWorld dominates? – Convergence of political ideologies? Triumph of liberalism? Convergence of political cultures? Triumph of Western individualism? – Or greater divergence and even conflict? Ethnicity – High ethnic solidarity: willing to redistribute resources within the g roup – No â€Å"master list†; what differentiates groups in one place may not be important in another – Example: in Serbia, common language and culture, but religion divides (Hutu and Tutsi) – Ethnicity as a â€Å"social construction†â€â€not inherently political Ethnic identity – Any specific attributes and societal institutions that make one group of people culturally different from others Language, religion, geography, customs, history, and others – Ascriptionâ€â€an identity assigned at birth – Largely fixed during our lives Clash of civilizations – Samuel Huntington: â€Å"The Clash of Civilizations†– â€Å"The next world war, if there is one, will be a war between civilizations†– De-Westernization and indigenization of societies – Hinduization of India and Islamic fundamentalism (Iran, Algeria, Egypt, Turkey) – The Confucian-Islamic connection – Kin-country s yndrome (Bosnia, Iraq) – Civilizations do not control states; states control civilizations Interpreted the same events as Fukuyama, but made very different conclusions †¦  Outlined 7 main cultures (and a possible 8th); equates â€Å"culture†with â€Å"religion†: â€Å"people who share ethnicity and language but differ in religion may slaughter each other, as happened in Lebanon, the former Yugoslavia, and the Subcontinent. †1. Western 2. Confucian 3. Japanese 4. Islamic 5. Hindu 6. Slavic-Orthodox 7. Latin American 8. Possibly African – Why will they clash? – Differences are both real and basic (â€Å"fundamental†) – World smaller due to globalization – Nation-state as source of identity grows weaker Fundamentalist religion grows stronger – Backlash against West enhances civilization consciousness – Cultural differences less easily compromised than political and economic ones (can you be both Catholic and Muslim? ) – Economic regionalism is growing – Result: unable to mobilize support for governments based on ideology, turn to religion and civilization identity Environmentalism and the developing south Collectivity Irreducibility Characteristics of environmental issues – Complexity – Interpenetration, pollution down the road. – Temporal and spatial uncertainty – What will happen in the future, how much is it going to affect us. Irreducibility – Holistic in nature, we cannot approach only one part, we have to consider them as a whole. – Spontaneity – Things tend to happen fast especially in environmental disasters. – Collectivity – Collective action problems, common pool resources, shirking/free-riding Chinese triad Food security – All people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, self-nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active an d healthy life. (UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization) – Peak oil, peak water, peak phosphorus, peak grain, and peak fish Green revolution Problems in beginning of 20th c: not producing enough food to feed expanding population – Green Revolution: 1950-1984 – Development of high-yielding varieties of cereal grains – Expansion of irrigation infrastructure – Hybridized seeds & – Synthetic fertilizers & – Pesticides to farmers in developing countries – Transformed agriculture around the globe – World agricultural production more than doubled (world grain production increased by 250%) – Increased fossil fuel-based energy use: – Natural gas (for production of synthetic fertilizers) – Oil (for development of pesticides) – Hydrocarbon fuelled irrigation Unsustainable? (Malthusian argument) – May not necessarily increase food security (other political causes) – Promotion of monoc ultures, hunger vs malnutrition – Benefited wealthier farmers at the expense of poorer ones => urban migration – Extensive use and abuse of pesticides and fertilizers associated with negative health effects (cancer) – Land degradation, soil nutrients depletion Earth’s carrying capacity – No one knows!!! The Future of Food – Film watched in class, google if can’t remember GMOs Montreal Protocol – The 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer mandated that industrialized countries reduce their production and use of the five most widely used CFCs by 50 percent. – Delegates agree to give developing countries a ten-year grace period, allowing them to increase their use of CFCs before taking on commitments – Without the Montreal Protocol, global CFC consumption would have reached about 3 million tons in 2010 and 8 million tons in 2060, resulting in a 50 percent depletion of the ozone layer by 203 5 – Montreal Protocol currently calls for a complete phaseout of HCFCs by 2030 (does not place any restriction on HFCs)Arms Trade Treaty – 2003, Control Arms Campaign was launched (Controlarms. org) – 2006, Control Arms handed over a global petition called â€Å"Million Faces†to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan 2006 – 2006, 153 states vote resolution 61/89 requesting the UN Secretary-General to seek the views of Member States (U. S. votes against, national controls better) – 2009, UN General Assembly launches a time frame for the negotiation of the Arms Trade Treaty. U. S. osition overturned – 2-27 July, 2012 (New York) – Currently under final negotiations – Require states to have national mechanisms for express authorization of international transfers of arms – Prohibit transfers of arms that could violate human rights and international law – Treaty Failure: – United States said it â€Å"needed more time†to review the short, 11-page treaty text (Obama administration torpedoed the treaty exactly one week after the massacre in Aurora, Colorado) Not to export weapons to countries that are under an arms embargo, or to export weapons that would facilitate â€Å"the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes†or other violations of international humanitarian law. – Exports of arms are banned if they will facilitate â€Å"gender-based violence or violence against children†or be used for â€Å"transnational organized crime. †– The sides, now: – Nearly 120 countries, led by Mexico, issued a joint statement on Monday saying â€Å"the overwhelming majority of (U. N. ) Member States agree with us on the necessity and the urgency of adopting a strong Arms Trade Treaty.Our voice must be heard. †– The five permanent Security Council members – the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia â⠂¬â€œ issued their own joint statement of support for a treaty that â€Å"sets the highest possible common standards by which states will regulate the international transfer of conventional arms. †– Important Points: – Ammunition. – Exports of ammunition are covered in the draft treaty but not imports. – Self-defense. – Some major arms-importing states (Middle East), expressed concern that their ability to import weapons could suffer if the treaty comes into force. Exemptions. – There are a number of scenarios under which arms deals would be exempt in the current draft, such as defense cooperation agreements (India) – and gifts, loans and leases of weapons. – Reporting. – Current draft says countries will send reports to the U. N. on their international arms trade but does not call for them to be made public. China, Iran and others do not want that information disseminated openly. – The NRA says the treaty would undermine gun ownership rights under the Second Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. MalnourishmentObstacles to cooperation on environmental issues (regime, actor, general) National Identity – National identity is inherently political – Defined as a sense of belonging to a nation and a belief in its political aspirations – Often, but not always, develops from existing ethnic identity – Sense enhancers: – Common history, territory, culture, economy, rights – Why form? – Ethnic group may feel oppressed – Ethnic group may form a minority population – These conditions may call for self-government Boat people Ozone success – The 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer mandated that industrialized countries reduce their production and use of the five most widely used CFCs by 50 percent. – Delegates agree to give developing countries a ten-year grace period, allowing them to increa se their use of CFCs before taking on commitments – New scientific evidence late 1987 – scientists announced that CFCs probably were responsible for the ozone hole – 1988, satellite data revealed that stratospheric ozone above the heavily populated Northern Hemisphere had begun to thin – Changes in the pattern of economic interests Du Pont announced that they would soon be able to produce CFC substitutes – Followed the next year by other large chemical manufacturers, including several in Europe – Major producers no longer opposed a CFC phase-out – Lobbied for extended transition periods and against controls on potential substitutes – Particularly hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)â€â€a class of CFC substitutes that deplete ozone but at a significantly reduced rate. – The ozone regime stands as the strongest and most effective global environmental regime. – The worldwide consumption of CFCs, which was about 1. m illion tons in 1986, was approximately 100,000 tons in 2010. – Without the Montreal Protocol, global CFC consumption would have reached about 3 million tons in 2010 and 8 million tons in 2060, resulting in a 50 percent depletion of the ozone layer by 2035 – HCFCs, and HFCs, are now thought to contribute to anthropogenic global warming – Up to 10,000 times more potent greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide – Montreal Protocol currently calls for a complete phaseout of HCFCs by 2030 (does not place any restriction on HFCs) Restaveks (or stay-withs) 300,000 children in domestic bondage in Haiti – Forced – Unpaid Overcropping – Deplete soil by continuously growing crops on it Overpopulation – Carrying capacity – Estimates vary widely – Inadequate fresh water – Depletion of natural resources, especially fossil fuels – Increased levels of air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination – Deforestat ion and loss of ecosystems – Changes in atmospheric composition and consequent global warming – Irreversible loss of arable land and increases in desertification – Mass species extinctions from reduced habitat in tropical forests due to lash-and-burn techniques (140,000 species lost per year – High infant and child mortality. – Intensive industrial farming: evolution and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria diseases – Increased chance of the emergence of new epidemics and pandemics. – Low life expectancy in countries with fastest growing populations. – Unhygienic living conditions – Increased levels of warfare – Elevated crime rate – Less Personal Freedom / More Restrictive Laws. Demographic Transition – If standard of living and life expectancy increase, family sizes and birth rates decline Later ages of marriage, careers outside child rearing and domestic work, decreased need of children in indu strialized settings – Led to increased worry about aging populations and decreased worry about future impact of population growth – BUT, after a certain level of development the fertility increases again! – Fertility-opportunity hypothesis Food vs. fuel Precision farming – Soil erosion dropped, no-till seed planting – Drip irrigation, level fields (eliminate runoff) – Global positioning: efficient harvest, less chemicals Citizenship Citizenship: individual’s or group’s relationship to the state – Swear allegiance to the state – State provides benefits – People have obligations in return – Ethnicity is fixed but citizenship is not – Can be changed by individual or state – Potentially more inclusive concept than ethnicity or national identity – Three (ethnicity, citizenship, national identity) are often connectedâ€â€an ethnic group forms the nation, and they represent the citiz ens of a country Nationalism – Nationalism as a pride in one’s people and belief in sovereign destiny Seek to create or preserve one’s own nation (political group) through an independent state – Sovereignty is thus key – Example: Great Britain – Governments determine nationality – 1707 – The United Kingdom came into existence – Yet there was no British nation since the people of the English isles were thinking of themselves as English, Welsh, Scots, or Irish. – Propagation of the dominant English culture and language through the years created a sense of English identity. – During the 19th century non-English cultures were suffocated. Global fundamentalism Return to traditional religious values as a reaction to modernity and global culture – Restoration of sacred tradition as basis for society – Cultural authenticity vs universalizing global culture – Global phenomenon – Modern ph enomenon – Fundamentalism vs globalization or fundamentalism as part of globalization? AIDS – Peaked in 2005 with 3. 4 million deaths – ~35 million infected – 14,500 new infections daily – Approximately 8000 deaths daily (3million/year) – > 90% new infections in Global South – Global responses – Millennium Development Goal 6 – Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Government-subsidized antiretroviral medications (Brazil, Argentina etc) – Samaritan’s Purse – The importance of Global Health Partnerships – Improving access to medicines – Financing health activities – BUT, primarily â€Å"vertical†(focus on specific diseases, and development/distribution of medicines) – Retroactive: does not focus on improving health care systems and primary care – Multiplicity of donors and actors: not aligned with government priorities International Organized Crime †“ Effort to exploit mechanisms of globalization – Transportation and communications technology Aided by deregulation – Possible through corruption of authorities, unethical practices of individuals and corporations – Extremely large profits (and high risk) – Global cities are main areas of activity (New York, London, Tokyo, etc. ) – Using financial services to disguise criminal activities – Defy the state, offer parallel black market structure Deforestation – Increases contact between humans and pathogens – Decreases natural predators of diseases vectors – Increases in malaria (runoff water stagnant in pools) (mosquitos) – Loss of biodiversity Arms Trafficking Lack of international treaty regulating legal arms trade – Illegal arms trade – Arms fuel conflict and crime – $60 billion a year industry – Lack of transparent data – UN: attempt to â€Å"crush illicit trade of small ar ms†– Cold War – Preoccupation with nuclear arms control – Small arms were not as widely disseminated – End of Cold War – Small arms â€Å"surplus†– Warsaw Pact/NATO upgrades – Difficulty in negotiations? – U. S. position – Nuclear weapons easier to negotiate Human trafficking – Labor trafficking – Sex trafficking – Victims are primarily women and children – Organ trafficking Trafficking of babies and pregnant women – Baby farm in Nigeria: sold for illegal adoption or for use in ritual witchcraft Child Soldiers Slavery – â€Å"A slave is a human being forced to work through fraud or threat of violence for no pay beyond subsistence. †(Benjamin Skinner) – â€Å"Do you want a job? †– Modern slavery: – More slaves now than ever before in history, 27 million – Each year 50,000 children and teenagers enter the US against their w ill for purposes of sexual slavery (CIA est. ) – Over 2 million trafficked slaves forced into prostitution and labor around the world 10 million slaves in South Asia (many through more than one generations) until they pay off their â€Å"debt†– 300,000 children in domestic bondage in Haiti Small arms – Over half a million people are killed each year with small arms across the world – In the United States 34,000 people are killed per year by small arms – The cost of small arms on public health, in Latin America at 14% of GDP, 10% of GDP in Brazil, and 25% of GDP in Colombia. – Registered homicide rates for Colombia, the United States, Brazil, and Venezuela among males aged 15–24 have doubled in the last ten yearsMonocultures – The agricultural practice of producing or growing a single crop or plant species over a wide area and for a large number of consecutive years. – It is widely used in modern industrial agricu lture and its implementation has allowed for large harvests from minimal labor. – Monocultures can lead to the quicker spread of diseases, where a uniform crop is susceptible to a pathogen Sustainable agriculture – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Sustainable_agriculture Environmental change and conflict – http://www. accord. org. za/downloads/ct/ct_2011_2. pdf Environmental security Environmental change is an important source of social conflict – Many societies face more dangers from environmental change than from traditional military threats – Security policies must be redefined to take account of these new realities – Only by framing the environmental problem in security terms can the necessary level of governmental attention and social mobilization be ensured – Security institutions could contribute directly to environmental protection, given their financial resources, monitoring and intelligence-gathering capabilities, and scientif ic and technological expertise – Is there enough evidence to support the claim that ecological change is, or will be, a major new source of conflict? – Proponents: – Environmental scarcities are already contributing to violent conflicts in many parts of the developing world. These conflicts are probably the early signs of an upsurge of violence in the coming decades that will be induced or aggravated by scarcity – Opponents – Environmental problems are a symptom of conflict-prone social systems rather than a root cause of conflict – Are the advantages of linking environmental problems to security concerns worth the risk of militarizing a society's responses to environmental problems? Risks undercutting the globalist and common fate understanding that may be necessary to solve the problem – If pollution a national security problem, then pollution by other countries worse than home born – It is analytically misleading to think of environmental degradation as a national security threat. – Environmental degradation and violence are very different types of threats – Organizations that provide protection from violence differ greatly from those in environmental protection – Military organizations are secretive, extremely hierarchical and centralized, and normally deploy vastly expensive, highly specialized and advanced technologies – Is environmental security an idea with more appeal in the North than the South? An excuse to continue the North's longstanding practice of military and economic intervention – Focus on the South is a way for the North to deny its own responsibility – Calls to link the environment with security raise deep suspicions about ulterior motives Concern, contractual environment, capacity – da fuk? Fertility opportunity hypothesis – Fertility follows perceived economic opportunity – Against food aid, and development Transnational organized crime groups – Operate above and below the state – Create demand – Reach to the marginalized, impoverished and other â€Å"losers†of globalization – Use market strategies: – Hierarchically structured – Strategic alliances – investing/laundering capital – New growth areas (ex. umping toxic waste in developing countries and then negotiating lucrative contracts for the cleanup industry) – R&D – Modern accounting systems, information technologies, insuring against risk Global health partnerships Global food crisis – Enough food in the world to feed everyone but†¦ – 925 million people experience hunger – 2/3 of these people are in Asia and the Pacific region – Highest concentrations in India, China, DRC, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ethiopia – 5 million children under 5 die of hunger in developing countries – Charity may help immediate problem but is no long-term sustainable solution – Causes for food crisis 1: Natural disasters – Floods, tropical storms, and, especially, long droughts – More common and more intense (global warming) – Wars – Population displacement – Famine used as a weapon – Fields and water wells mined or contaminated – Poverty trap – Lack of seed money, land and agricultural education – Trapped in poverty by hunger – Causes for food crisis 2: – Lack of agricultural infrastructure – Lack of roads, irrigation systems, warehouses – Emphasis on urban development – Overexploitation of the environment – Poor farming practices – Deforestation – Overcropping – Overgrazing – Economic downturns FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Policy and technical assistance to developing countries for food security, nutrition and agriculture – Forum for negotiation of a greements and debate on policies Fukuyama (the end of history) – Francis Fukuyama, â€Å"The End of History†– â€Å"The triumph of the West†¦an unabashed victory of economic & political liberalism†¦& the total exhaustion of viable systematic alternatives to Western liberalism. †– Liberal democracy will make the world safer – Democracies do not go to war against each other – Globalization – interdependence – Great faith in International Organizations – Washington Consensus – Critics: – Environmentalists – Marxists – Anarco-capitalism – Etc.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Authoritarian Theory
According to this theory, mass media, though not under the direct control of the State, had to follow its bidding. Under an Authoritarian approach in Western Europe, freedom of thought was jealously guarded by a few people (ruling classes), who were concerned with the emergence of a new middle class and were worried about the effects of printed matter on their thought process. Steps were taken to control the freedom of expression. The result was advocacy of complete dictatorship. The theory promoted zealous obedience to a hierarchical superior and reliance on threat and punishment to those who did not follow the censorship rules or did not respect authority. Censorship of the press was justified on the ground that the State always took precedence over the individual's right to freedom of expression. Modern com was born in 1450 into an authoritarian society. A few essential characteristics of this theory is that the states ranked higher than the individual in the scale of the social values. Only through subordinating himself to the state can the individuals achieve his goals and develop his attributes as a civilized citizen or man. As an individual, he can do little, as a member of an organized society, his potential is enormously increased. This means not only that the state ranks higher than an individual, but also that the state has a caretaker function and the individual, a dependant status. The press belonged to the King/Emperor/ Pope, or in some cases, to private individuals who favored and were favored by royalty and authority. The press was the servant of the state. The world has been witness to authoritarian means of control over media by both dictatorial and democratic governments.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
How to engage your team with better writing - Emphasis
How to engage your team with better writing How to engage your team with better writing If youve ever put off DIY, youll know that a dripping tap or peeling skirting board eventually just becomes one of lifes tolerations. If you put off the task long enough, it gets pushed to the dusty recesses of your mind. But it still chips away at your contentment, leaving you feeling uninspired and slightly uncomfortable in your own home. Our relationship with work is often the same. Unless issues are nipped in the bud, small upsets can lead to apathy. For instance, it can be disconcerting if your firm introduces a debt-collection method that goes against your current client-centred approach. And if this new approach subsequently harms the relationships youve already built with a client, its likely that youll feel conflicted between your roles. You might start to dread dealing with clients you previously enjoyed working with. Your relationships with colleagues can also become strained. If there are no structures in place to fix the issue, it will be hard for you to feel motivated and passionate about your job. After a while, you may begin to accept the new status quo. But youre not as productive because the environment doesnt allow you to perform to your highest ability. These types of work worries are common. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has drawn together academic studies on employee engagement. One study of a cross-section of UK workers from various industries showed that only 35 per cent of people feel they are engaged in their work. Other studies suggest that 22 per cent of workers (6.4 million people) feel discontented and unproductive. Yet the solutions to workplace disgruntlement can be surprisingly simple. Research sponsored by the O.C. Tanner Company found that saying thank you to staff increases engagement by 20-30 per cent. And with such large results from a simple statement, its clear that communication is a powerful weapon in feeling productive and inspired at work. Engagement isnt something that can be demanded from someone, nor can it be part of a job description. Its the willingness to do that little bit extra, simply because you care, or because you feel that it will be appreciated. Its vital that your organisation creates an entrepreneurial-style culture, where employees have the drive and ambition to succeed. So, whether or not youre not part of the senior management team, you need to drive initiatives that enable managers to directly listen to employee views. And by communicating clearly you can help to set clear management objectives. Tools for engagement The first step to engagement is finding ways for you and your colleagues to share your views. Hopefully, your firm will have an internal newsletter or intranet site that welcomes contributions from employees. Reports are also great tools for communicating your thoughts and ideas. This can help you to hone your recommendations so that your internal documents are clear and concise. Taking the write steps The following tips will help you to create a high-impact writing style so that you can express your ideas and recommendations clearly. Engage your reader Before you touch your computer keyboard, spend a few minutes focusing on your reader. Dont assume, for example, that everyone in your organisation will understand detailed aspects of the human resources process. Ask yourself the following questions: What is the document about? Who will read it? How much do they already know about the subject? What do they absolutely need to know? How important is the subject to them? How interested are they in the subject? Focus on your main message Whether youre writing a short newsletter article or a lengthy report, make sure youre crystal clear on what you really want to say. Take a pencil and a piece of paper and create a spidergram of all your ideas. Keep writing until youve exhausted every possibility. Then group together the ideas that have elements in common. Next, decide what you think is most important. This idea needs to come right at the top of your document. Then you present the other points in order of importance, making sure to leave out any unessential points. Apply this same technique when youre writing the executive summary of a report. Managers have competing priorities and many other documents to read. So if your summary isnt compelling they may decide just to skim read the rest of the report. This could mean that the gems in your report are lost. Remember, your task is to create a more engaging working environment. Youve got to connect with your reader first. Create powerful sentences Using verbs instead of nouns makes your sentences more powerful. Consider the sentence, I expect the software to create a 15 per cent increase in productivity. It is much more powerful than, My expectation is that there will be a creation in productivity of 15 per cent when using the software. Using the verbs expect and create over the nouns expectation and creation makes the sentence punchier. And try to limit the length of your sentences to 20 words. This makes them easier to read. (You could shorten this example still further to: I expect the software to increase productivity by 15 per cent.) Use headings, subheadings and bullet points Break up your documents into digestible chunks and keep your paragraphs short. Use subheads and make sure that they highlight your main points. If your reader only reads the subheads they should still be left with the gist of your document. Bullet points are another great tool for making your documents readable. They help to grab attention; reduce word count and help your readers to scan for the important information. Be persuasive Speaking directly to your readers can help them to take action. So dont be afraid to use the words I, you, we and us. Similarly, always opt for the active voice over the passive voice. For example, write, We hold employee forums every Wednesday, instead of Employee forums will be held every Wednesday. The first sentence has more movement and life its also more likely to make someone want to attend a forum. Avoid management speak Aim to make your writing as plain and simple as possible; dont fall into the trap of using management speak. Terms such as raising the bar and low hanging fruit are best left to David Brent from The Office. Your writing will have far more impact if you use simple terms to express your ideas. Create a call to action Know what action you want your reader to take, and then ask them to take it. If appropriate, you could even offer an incentive. (Email us at info@company.com with all your great ideas for improving internal communication. The best ideas will win a 50 MS gift voucher.) This may be a step too far, but at least make sure that theres something in it for the reader. Always keep your readers needs in mind when writing your call to action. Use a fine tooth comb Once youve completed your document, print out a copy and proofread it slowly by stopping a pencil at every word. Look out for typos and spelling mistakes, but also see where you can prune out unnecessary words. For example, terms such as pre-prepare and forward planning contain redundant words. All planning goes forward and preparation is preparation: you cant pre-prepare. Dont be afraid to delete whole sentences if they dont add much to the document, or repeat something that was said earlier. Email made easy Most of us have fired off an email in haste and regretted it at leisure. Hopefully, you didnt do so at work. But if you did, its a lesson that email and emotion dont mix. If youre feeling particularly fired up about a particular workplace issue, by all means type it out on an email. But dont even consider typing in an address or pressing the send button until youve had time to reflect. The rule of thumb is that if you wouldnt want it broadcast on the 10 o clock news, dont send it on an email. The SCRAP formula below will help you to write emails that grab your readers attention for all the right reasons. Situation Begin by explaining the situation (where you or your department are now). Complication Introduce the idea that theres a problem (why you or your department cant stay where you are). Resolution State your resolution to the problem. The reader will perceive you as an expert because you have a ready-made way of fixing things. Action Suggest what action the reader can or should take. Offer a viewpoint that is new and intriguing. Politeness Finally, end with a polite, but thought provoking sign-off. When it comes to email, usually the fewer people you put in the carbon copy box, the better. But distributing important ideas and recommendations isnt spamming. So make sure that important documents are forwarded to the wider organisation. Whether you want to highlight a brand new piece of bookkeeping software or demonstrate an innovative approach to credit control, its important to look beyond your administrative role. So, investigate areas of your work where you can make real improvements. Remember, if a workforce isnt engaged, its likely that the staff turnover will be high. But even if you see colleagues becoming disenchanted and leaving, that doesnt mean you need to join them. The techniques youve learnt such as focusing on your reader and clarifying your main message can also be used in verbal communication and can help you stand your ground. Improving productivity isnt just about working harder. Its also about improving your knowledge so that your work has greater impact. By honing your written communication skills, you make other parts of your job easier. But whatever issues you face at work, dont let them put you off your path. When you take responsibility for driving your own career success and happiness, you set the stage for clear communication. And that ultimately helps you and your colleagues to be more engaged and productive. Robert Ashton is the Chief Executive of Emphasis. Want to write more engagingly? See our courses for individuals or our courses for groups. Alternatively, send us a message or call one of our friendly advisors on +44 (0)1273 961 810
Monday, October 21, 2019
buy custom Homeland Security essay
buy custom Homeland Security essay The primary purpose of this paper is to look at communication and organization challenges facing homeland security. First, the essay will outline the context of the problem or challenge, including the history and any policy decisions that have contributed to the situation. Secondly, it will highlight the importance of the problem, and then identify who is impacted internally and externally. Lastly, an explanation why the problem has not already been solved will be provided (Nakaya, 2005). Homeland security was conceived in 2003 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that hit the United States. The main purpose of the organization was to protect the citizens of America form terrorism through responding to natural disasters and securing its borders. As such, the organization has grown to be one of the largest U. S. government arm. The organization is large in size since its operations range from national disaster response to airport security and border monitoring. As such, the organization needs qualified personnel and good communication channels in order to meet its prime objectives. Basically, homeland security faces the challenge of lack of communication and organization. In 2006, there was Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and the organization was responsible for the disaster handling. In this case, the organization was criticized, because they lacked the right personnel to handle such disasters and had poor management effectiveness. The destruction that resulted from the Hurricane Katrina was attributed to communication failure. The lack of proper communication caused destruction in Louisiana and a huge loss of lives. The responding personnel failed to coordinate search and rescue operations effectively due to a poor communication. There was also lack of immediate assistance and supplies from other states. The organization also had not enough state-of-the art communication equipment. With advancement in technologies there has been an increase in depedence and expectations on communication. Organizations should implement complex processes that seek to enhance efficiency of communication network. Nowadays, organizations rely on websites, social sites, and emails to improve communication, and such technological tools are regarded as an organizational way of life. Lack of communication affects all American citizens and government since they feel insecure and frustrated. In the Department of Homeland Security, lack of proper communication affects the reaction time, control and command, as well as efficiency of organizations for the period of a significant event. The government of the United States works tirelessly in order to overcome the challenge of lack of communication and organization. The effort is shown with a legislation of Communication Act in 2002. The legislation facilitates the establishment of a temporary radio station that is owned and run by the federal agency during significant disaster. The Act also empowers NCS to take on an emergency response, reinstallation, and revitalization of telecommunication infrastructure. Communication outages have been prevalent due to lack of equipment and incompatibility of the equipments (Smith Messina, 2004). The problem of lack of communication and organization should be addressed, because it is the prime avenue that ensures efficiency of response and rescue operations. The public is regarded as a credible source of information that aids the organization in conducting its operations. Communication will guide respondents on the exact areas that are facing the significant event. Furthermore, proper communication is essential in efficient functioning of the organization. The organization will ensure that right personnel are available, and that information flows through the right channels. It will also stipulate the right response and command chain, which will facilitate easier transfer of information. The prevalence of poor communication and organization in the Departtment of Homeland Security impacts people and departments, both internally and externally. For instance, the discrepancy is associated with other federal agencies such as CIA and FBI. American citizens feel insecure due to lack of communication and organization in federal agency they trust. As such, they are frustrated, anxious, and feel insecure. The government is also accountable in ensuring security of its citizens through DHS and other federal agencies. As a result, any deficiency in the department will impact negatively on the performance track of the present administration. The challenge can be overcome through structural changes, which will ensure effectiveness of the organization. The organization servers as an umbrella of other agencies and as such, federal agencies that perform different functions should not merge; this will ensure that the organizations perform their obligations effectively. The government of the United States through legislations has tried to counter the deficiencies that are being experienced by federal agencies, especially the Department of Homeland Security. The legislations seek to ensure that communication instruments are compatible, and that in case of a significant event there is an immediate response and recovery of telecommunication infrastructure. In conclusion, it is extremely important for federal agencies to have efficient communication network. The Department of Homeland Security should ensure that the challenge is improved in order to enhance terrorism attacks protection. Credible information in public domain can also be accessed through efficient communication channels. The organization can track the movements and plans of terrorist using intelligence that can be sourced easily from public domain. As such, adoption of technological tools in different aspects of management and communication is crucial in ensuring that the challenge is averted. It is the responsibility of the government and management of the federal agencies to ensure that the problem is prevented. Buy custom Homeland Security essay
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