Monday, September 30, 2019

Jasper Jones Language Features Essay

In the Novel Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey, Silvey uses language features such as first person narrative, Allegory and symbolism for the purpose of helping the reader understand Charlie Bucktin’s journey from innocence to experience. Craig Silvey Uses First person narrative in the Novel Jasper Jones, The story is completely told though the eyes of Charlie Bucktin, an unassuming bookworm who is woken up one night when Jasper Jones comes to his window to ask him for help. As the reader we fully experience Charlies journey and because Charlie is depicted as a very bright young man the narrative is very descriptive and bears a whole host of colourful language that depicts, so clearly, each and every step that Charlie takes. Silvey writes Jasper Jones as an allegory to Harper Lee’s To kill a Mockingbird. It is through the intertextuality that provides the source of the action, thematic development(the journey of innocence to experience) and parallels between Charlie Bucktin and Scout’s narration in the respective texts. The repeated refrences that Charie makes to To Kill A Mockingbird also gives insight into Charlie’s character and the reasoning behind his actions. â€Å"I try to reason with him, like Atticus might† The Use of symbols in Jasper Jones is very effective as symbols are used to mark turning points and changes in Charlies life. The first symbol that is quite important is The collection, or library, of books belonging to Charlie’s father, Wes Bucktin. Wes’ library symbolises the beginning of Charlie’s journey to experience. Charlie is only granted access to this library when he refers to Jasper Jones as a â€Å"half caste† but once Charlie enters into this completely new world of literary immersion he begins to gain a lot of knowledge of the world and constantly uses reference to many titles in his narration such as: â€Å"Huckleberry Finn† and â€Å"To kill a Mockingbird†. Another Symbol used by Silvey is the symbol of the hole that Charlie is forced to dig by his mother. Charlie’s mother Ruth, makes Charlie dig a large hole in the backyard after Charlie comes home very late one night and has the whole town believing that he has been k idnapped. Although it isn’t apparent at first, the hole symbolises Charlie’s mothers own transgressions and her attempt to blame Charlie for everything is only her way of trying to make him â€Å"fill it in†. The Author uses the language features of first person narrative, allegory and symbolism for the purpose of helping the reader understand Charlie’s journey from innocence to experience. The use of first person narrative gives us inside access to Charlie’s thoughts and experiences and this allows the reader to be able to see Charlie change as the story continues. The Allegory helps us unserstand Charlie’s journey from innocence to experience by modelling his behaviour and actions against the characters from another classic novel with similar themes and plot and finally the use of symbols helps us to see when and how this journey begins to truly take place, when Charlie finds his mother having an extramarital affair he realises what she has been doing and when she tries to place it back on him he won’t allow it â€Å"you dug this hole, you fill it in† In The novel Jasper Jones By Craig Silvey, The Author uses the language features of first person narra tive, allegory and symbolism for the purpose of helping the reader understand Charlie’s journey from innocence to experience.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

‘In Flanders Fields’, ‘Break of day in the trenches’ and ‘Dulce et decorum est’ Essay

In my opinion I think that the poems, ‘In Flanders Fields’, ‘Break of day in the trenches’ and ‘Dulce et decorum est’ do teach the modern reader a variety of different things, therefore to say: â€Å"the modern reader learns little from them† is an inaccurate conclusion to draw. I think the modern reader can learn a sufficient amount from the three poems because of the clear themes that run through them. In the poem; in Flanders fields written by John McRae, it is obvious to the reader that this poet was a patriot and that he felt that the duty of the living soldiers was to honour the deed by continuing to fight on it the Great War. This poem portrays the similar attitudes of many soldiers who fought as it reflects how important it was for them to give and sacrifice their lives for the victory of their country. As a reader, you can learn the significance of the poppy; the red colour symbolising blood and death, the natural world taking its course by allowing the poppies to grow on the dead to show its natural beauty and how death is part of a cycle and also how the natural world still exists in the chaos and destruction of war which can also be linked with the Rat in ‘break of day in the trenches’. The reader can also gain an insight into the a soldiers thoughts and feelings which can justify why they felt as if they had no option but to win and honour the dead who have already sacrificed their lives for the victory of their country. Break of day in the trenches is a great way for a 21st century reader to understand and remotely feel the suffering that took place daily for men during the First World War in the popularly talked about trenches. It teaches us the futileness of the war and the similarities and common humanities that were shared between the English and German soldiers. This is poignantly represented by a ‘queer sardonic rat’ in the poem written by Isaac Rosenberg. The rat that is mentioned highlights the importance of the freedom that these men lacked but the rat; an unwanted, diseased carrying animal that is most commonly seen as vermin had. He has the opportunity to walk around freely and do as he pleases whereas the man in a trench can only stay where he is positioned. Ironically, the rat can ‘cross the sleeping green between’ to have a better chance of survival than the men, who are ‘less chanced than you for life’. This idea is sharply perceptive. The reader can get a sense of the real trench life and how devastating the destruction was to their lives and the appalling conditions they had to bear with. The powerful line of ‘the darkness crumbles away’ suggests how close they were to the earth as it was as basic as a hole in the ground. Lastly, the poem ‘Dulce et Decorum est’ written by Wilfred Owen allows the modern reader to divulge into the world of a soldier who has to witness shocking and harrowing scenes of death and destruction day in day out. The poet gives the reader just a snippet of a typical gas attack and how they cope and deal with such a horrific situation. The reader can feel the pain and emotion that he is feeling as a poor soldier is caught in this form of attack. The lines; ‘Bent double, like old beggars under sacks†¦ coughing like hags’ shows the audience that men who are meant to be fit, healthy and able are in fact aged by the stresses and strains of these conditions and how their physical and mental states are deteriorating. The imagery and the descriptions of the gas attack in this poem are vivid which helps the reader to put in into context and can help them to visualize what is happening (‘I saw him drowning’) The speech that is used is effective because a reader can imagine the panic in their voices and how terrified they must be. Not only does the reader gain an insight into the troubles of the soldiers but the attitudes that many soldiers, poets, women and children had. The title translates as; it is a sweet and fitting thing to die for one’s country however this is very ironic as the poem suggests that it is a complete contrast. This line represents the attitudes of some people who expect the war to be a wonderful, romantic and honourable deed when in reality it causes pain. The reader can see that children were ‘ardent eyed for some desperate glory’ and they believed it was an honour to die in this way which is what the title suggests. Overall, the modern reader can learn a substantial amount from reading these poems as they all cover different aspects of the war but the most resourceful poem is ‘Dulce et Decorum est’ because the modern reader discovers the reality of life as a soldier and the ongoing difficulties that he has to face be it from staying clear from rats of escaping a gas attack. The stereotypical war idea has been removed and the reader can learn this through this poem.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

GI2045 How does the concept of international society' differ from that Essay

GI2045 How does the concept of international society' differ from that of 'international systems' - Essay Example It is also concerned with global issues that are not necessarily dealt with state actors, like climatic changes, globalization and environmental degradation among others. In addition it is necessary to note that the field of international relations does cover other specialized entities like non-governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations, intra-governmental organizations as well as supra-governmental agencies. Apart from being a branch of political science international relations is a discipline that draws a lot from other disciplines. For example international relations draws a lot from economics, law, geography, history, sociology and law. The international system in a layman’s definition could be defined as a global system in politics that incorporates not only a person individually but also, the nation state as a sovereign entity, the intergovernmental network, trans-national co-operation as well as the global village. Thus the international system is that system that conjoins all people individually, democratically, socially, organization and trade-wise. Although international systems are well studied through international relations it is important to note that only the contemporary international system has been has been studied deeply in international relations since it has only been existent from the start of the cold war era. An international society can be defined as a unique group within the international system that is relatively specialized and its membership is limited. Although it brings people from all over the world together, an international society deals with people with a common cause. International relations as a discipline did not exist as a field of study until after the Second World War. It was not until the formation of the League of Nations and subsequently the United Nations that the discipline has taken root. Despite this fact, it is however necessary to note that the international

Friday, September 27, 2019

Health Care and Intellectual Property Laws Essay

Health Care and Intellectual Property Laws - Essay Example In a knowledge economy where knowledge is considered private property and is thus deserving of full protection under the law, Intellectual Property laws play a fundamental role in ensuring stability and predictability. However, it has been suggested that these laws undermine public health by tending to put the cost of essential medicines far beyond the reach of those who desperately need it most. Intellectual property ownership is a relatively new concept of ownership with staggering social implications. For large pharmaceutical companies investing billions of dollars to continually develop new medicines against diseases, it provides the necessary incentives in the form of patents to provide wider latitude in the development, promotion, and distribution of new drugs to recoup their investments and earn significant revenues for years of research and hard work. It also serves as an incentive for pharmaceutical companies to develop new products for the prevention or treatment of common as well as dreaded diseases. But for low-income countries struggling to provide basic healthcare services and affordable drugs to their citizens, intellectual property is an onerous imposition that threatens to wreck lives in the wake of killer diseases. The law on intellectual property rights allows pharmaceutical companies unrestricted rights to manufacture and distribute medicines at prices they command. Recent free trade agreements have extended extremely generous patent rights to multinational pharmaceutical companies, and have limited access to generic equivalent drugs. Analysis The first level of analysis is to ask whether or not it is actually necessary to prioritize patients' rights, and if the current system has indeed been inadequate in arresting the problem. Without access to the drugs in the treatment of HIV, for example, to combat the spread of the dreaded disease, people from many countries in Africa experiencing an HIV/AIDS pandemic will die in record number. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on December 1, 1981, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in recorded history. According to current estimates, HIV is set to infect 90 million people in Africa, providing an enormous market for an anti-HIV medicine. There is currently no vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS. The only known method of prevention is avoiding exposure to the virus. However, an antiretroviral treatment, known as post-exposure prophylaxis is believed to reduce the risk of infection if begun directly after exposure. Current treatment for HIV infection consists of highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART, an expensive procedure that many poor countries in Africa are forced to take. The second level of analysis is whether or not pharmaceutical drug companies can afford to take the pay cuts. It has been argued many times over that these drug companies need the money to innovate and to develop new techniques and new formulations. The evidence, however, militates against this. According to a paper written by Oxfam International: In 2000, for example, the ten biggest companies in the US spent more than twice as much on marketing and administration (34%) than on R&D (14%). Pfizer spent $22.2 billion on dividends and share buybacks in 2003 and the first half of 2004, over twice the amount spent on research. Merck returned $7.3 billion,

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Climate change Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Climate change - Assignment Example These satellites enable scientists to study the earth’s climatic change and also find out the cause of the rapid changes (Cook). This group largely helps in giving out information and predictions about the earth’s climate. One of the satellite checks on the effect caused by global warming and also the greenhouse effect (Cook). The science communication group believes that these effects are the main causes of the rising sea level due to ice age melt downs, thus explaining why there is an ice melts down in the arctic (Cook). HTTP://friendsofscience.com/ is a scientific resource and study page created in Canada, Alberta, and it is based in Calgary and it is owned by Michael Ignatieff (Cook). The friends of science website believe the sun is the main indirect and direct driver of the change in climate. Human activities are completely chucked out of the effects causing the rapid climatic change. The website was launched on 2002and since then it has come up with ten myth of the change in climate (Cook). The website completely denies the fact that there is global warming for the last three decades, they support their statement because they say that the balloon and satellite temperature record show that there is no sign of global warming (Cook). The main mission of the friends of science website is to reveal to people the main causes of the ice meltdown in the arctic (Cook). They empower this concept by their balloon satellite experiment hence blaming global warming on the sun thus explaining the concept of the ice meltdown in the arctic (Cook). They examine the main causes of the climatic change hence acknowledging people on what is really going on (Cook). The climate change has greatly led to the ice meltdown in the arctic according the friends of science website (Cook). They website believes that there is no global warming, and the sun is responsible for

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Language Games Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Language Games - Essay Example Wittgenstein argues that people create meaning of words in the context of language game. Whilst watching soccer, the philosophical ideas occurred to Ludwig that in case a person without soccer knowledge is watching the football match, the game would seem meaningless to him. Therefore, for him to understand the meaning of the football game, he should first recognize the rules applied in the soccer game. However, the confusion erupts when people use language according to rules inappropriate to the circumstances. This confusion arises in case people do not understand the context of the language rules imposed upon a certain discourse. In fact, one cannot understand the truth from untruth, but those who understand the rules of the language game can only find the similarities and differences in other games (Kuusela 46). This is because the rules of the language games are inherently different; thus to understand them appropriately, one should first understand the rules applied in the language games. Other philosophers such as Socrates, Parmenides, Hume and other people such as Heraclitus and Nietzsche went wrong in their thinking. For instance, Nietzsche wrote critical texts about religion, science and philosophy in an ironical, metaphorical and aphorism way. The Socrates also understood language in different way; thus, they presented their philosophical ideas in different context withou t following rules applied in the language

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Political change in the third world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Political change in the third world - Essay Example In spite of all such allegations previous BJP lead coalition government had elected A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the President of India irrespective of religion and race. Both print and electronic media is very active and they have full freedom of expression in India. They never miss any chance to criticize the communal thoughts of political institutions. In conclusion, the citizens of India support heavily the 'secularism' element of the Constitution which always guides India's political institutions to be secular. Answer: National Liberation Front ruled Algeria for three decades after independence from France in 1962. During this period under President Houari Boumedienne Algeria accomplished some positive economic development due to strategic economic planning by the state controlled centralized public sector and economic institutions. After 1979, the disadvantage of development strategy started appearing, including corruption in administration, continuous inflation, inequality of income, poor performance in agricultural sector, food scarcity and imbalance in economic structure. As a result the nation faced civil unrest by Islamist militants and worst economic crises. In this situation the stubborn government and their failed development strategy give rise to the strong Islamist movement. Chadli Benjedid, the successor of Boumedienne after his death made the political and economic situation even more badly. Political conservatism and unfavorable attitude of workers and managers of public sect ors halted the economic reforms. In October 1988, major youth riots led to the worst political crises ever. As a result due to Islamist movement Islamic Salvation Front became stronger and politically active in Algeria. 3. What was the Biafra War and why did it break out Answer: The Nigerian Federation was divided into three major ethnic groups: the Yoruba, Ibo, and Hausa/Fulani. European used these three major ethnic groups to divide Africa among themselves. As a result of tension caused by other groups the Ibos and other minority ethnic groups which were collectively known as the Biafrans demanded independence from Nigerian Federation. To control oil reserves and access to the Atlantic Ocean in the southern Niger Delta the Hausa/Fulani refused to grant independence to the Biafrans which made the situation more worse. Junior Ibo officers had overthrown Tafawa Balewa's government in January 1966, after the military coup. The ministers that survived after the coup appointed Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Ibo, the head of government. As a result the Biafra War broke out with anti-Ibo riots by the Muslims on Ibo people in the north Nigeria, which caused a massacre in September of 1967. 4. What was distinctive about the features and legacies of Japanese colonialism Answer: Japanese colonialism in North and South Korea is only one of its kinds in the world. In comparison with the colonialism of England and Ireland, the Japanese colonialism is appreciated because of its program of colonial industrialization. In 1945, about 25% of Japanese industrial plants were based in Korea. Japan had established heavy industrial plants, network of railroads, system of hydro-electric dams and ports around the Yalu River. Japanese also formed a strong central government to

Monday, September 23, 2019

A Reflection on 'Fire On Marlborough Street' (Stanley J. Forman, 1975) Essay

A Reflection on 'Fire On Marlborough Street' (Stanley J. Forman, 1975) - Essay Example Upon first looking at â€Å"Fire On Marlborough Street†, the action in the scene makes the nature of the photograph obviously disturbing. But there is more to it than that. As viewers, especially as of late, we have seen scenes of death before. We have encountered photographs of war, holocaust, famine, crime, violence, etc.; so the subject matter is not a new one. What makes Forman’s â€Å"Fire On Marlborough Street† a unique visual experience are three things; firstly, our knowledge of the facts leading up to the picture. Bryant and Jones were only seconds away from being safely rescued by a fireman, when the collapse of the unstable fire escape sent them plummeting to the ground. Having to acknowledge the blink-of-an-eye immediacy of the event, even several decades later, leaves viewers shaking their heads in disbelief. Secondly, the historical significance of the photograph reminds us that all too often social progress comes at a hefty price, and thirdly, the immediate in-your-face action that is so close up, engages and impacts the viewer on a personal and visceral level. Squarely frozen in the middle of the picture, one of the victims (Bryant) seems to be protruding from the photograph, almost reaching out to the viewer. The near three-dimensional perspective of the action makes the photograph appear almost holographic. But what is the meaning behind Formans photograph, and what effect does it have on the viewing audience? The photo speaks to the fragility of life, and the ever so thin line between hope and despair. It reminds us how fleeting life really is, and that each of us is just a collection of moments. The photo immediately registers in ones mind as being horrific, and we shudder at the thought of the end result, yet for some reason, a tragedy frozen in time compels, and even more so, allows us to look on. There is a

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Video games kill Essay Example for Free

Video games kill Essay Video games have become very popular among many age groups especially teenagers. Its common for teenagers to spend hours playing video games, particularly games with violence, sex, and criminal behavior. This is a huge concern for many parents. One parent says, My kid is so lazy, all he does is play video games in the basement! I dont know what to do. Susan, another parent says, Its frustrating when my son plays video games when its a beautiful day out. I dont get it! Many parents tend to believe video games are a waste of time, antisocial, and believe their child will become violent. But most young people, especially teen boys describe video games as fun, exciting, and another way to spend time with friends. An interesting fact parents should know is video game violence can increase aggression in only some individuals, depending on their personalities. Research by Patrick Markey, PhD, sampled 118 teenagers and participants played a violent or a non-violent video game and then hostility levels were tested. Teenagers who were highly neurotic, less agreeable and less conscientious, are more likely to be affected by violent video games. Participants who didnt have these personality traits were not affected or only slightly affected. Surprisingly, research has also found violent content isnt the main draw for the younger audience. Boys especially, surround friendships around video games and are more interested in playing to compete and win. It can be similar to rough-housing play boys engage in as part of normal development. Its another outlet for competition, status or to establish a hierarchy in the group (Olson CK. Childrens Motivations for Video Game Play in the Context of Normal Development). One teen, Alastair says, Its exciting, its like playing football, a way to bond. Another teen, Mike C. said, Some of my favorite high school memories were on xbox live. Its an easy way to connect with friends. Teenage boys want to compete with one another but it doesnt necessarily mean that because a kid plays a violent video game theyre immediately going to go out and beat somebody up, says Dr. David Walsh, president National Institute on Media and the Family. Researchers at Mass General Hospital Center for Mental Health and Media, discovered teenagers who play violent video and computer games use it as a way to cope with feelings, such as aggression, frustration, and stress. Many other scientists and psychologists also think video games can make your child smart, teaching high level thinking skills such as multitasking, quick thinking, working cooperatively, memory and self-confidence. Playing a video game is similar to working through a science problem. Like students in a laboratory, gamers must come up with a hypothesis, says James Paul Gee, Professor of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For example, players in some games constantly try out combinations of weapons and powers to defeat an enemy. If one does not work, they change hypothesis and try the next one. Video games are goal-driven experiences, which are fundamental to learning. With a combination of concentration and rewarding surges, video games exercise and build muscle for the brain caused from neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical released when we encounter something pleasurable, like when someone surprisingly finds a $20 dollar bill in their pocket. A teenager beating a level or using their favorite weapon to beat the enemy will release pleasurable feelings. Dopamine is very important for learning behavior and motivation for activities in our lives. This is a main reason teenagers love to play video games. But too much dopamine can become addicting. Parents should know the difference between a teen having fun and passing time opposed to being addicted to video games. Some signs of addiction are losing track of time, not eating and becoming irritable. One way to avoid video game addiction is teaching your children how to develop a balanced lifestyle. Also, create dialogue with your teen about the content of the video game. Showing interest in what your teen enjoys can open the door to a better relationship, improved communication and trust. If youre still frustrated with your teen, create an agreement about what you want changed. An agreement can be written or verbally explained about what is expected when it comes to chores, school, video games, or other responsibilities. If the teen, or even the parent breaks the agreement, both can talk about what happened or changes needed. Remember, be non-judgmental, acknowledge feelings, and listen when talking with your teen. Another form of effective communication is the use of I statements. It should replace the opposing You statements which implies judgment and blame, saying theyre at fault for playing video games. For example, a parent telling their teenager, You spend so much time playing video games, is not as effective as I am interested in knowing why playing video games are fun for you? Also, telling your teen what to do or how to feel will most likely upset them, making them feel controlled. Its best to be patient, manage anxiety and exemplify good behavior by showing them how to balance activities and express feelings. In addition, exposing your child to different activities can be very beneficial. Taking a trip to an art exhibit or sporting event can help teenagers discover new interests and learn other ways to be engaged. To sum up video game violence, one person who I think says it best is renowned comic-book author, Gerard Jones. He says, When we try to protect our children from their own feelings and fantasies, we shelter them not against violence but against power and selfhood. See more at: http://www. strugglingteens. com/artman/publish/DoVideoGamesKillES_130114. shtml#sthash. wtWmToi9. dpuf.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Water Conservation Essay Example for Free

Water Conservation Essay United States postal stamp advocating water conservation. Water conservation encompasses the policies, strategies and activities to manage fresh water as a sustainable resource, to protect the water environment, and to meet current and future human demand. Population, household size and growth and affluence all affect how much water is used. Factors such as climate change will increase pressures on natural water resources especially in manufacturing and agricultural irrigation.[1] The goals of water conservation efforts include: To ensure availability for future generations, the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate. Energy conservation. Water pumping, delivery and waste water treatment facilities consume a significant amount of energy. In some regions of the world over 15% of total electricity consumption is devoted to water management. Habitat conservation. Minimizing human water use helps to preserve fresh water habitats for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, as well as reducing the need to build newdams and other water diversion infrastructures. Contents [hide] 1 Strategies 2 Social solutions 3 Household applications 4 Commercial applications 5 Agricultural applications 6 See also 7 References 8 External links Strategies[edit] In implementing water conservation principles there are a number of key activities that may be beneficial. 1. Any beneficial reduction in water loss, use and waste of resources. 2. Avoiding any damage to water quality. 3. Improving water management practices that reduce or enhance the beneficial use of water.[2][3] Social solutions[edit] Drip irrigation system in New Mexico Water conservation programs involved in social solutions are typically initiated at the local level, by either municipal water utilities or regional governments. Common strategies include public outreach campaigns,[4] tiered water rates (charging progressively higher prices as water use increases), or restrictions on outdoor water use such as lawn watering and car washing.[5] Cities in dry climates often require or encourage the installation of xeriscaping or natural landscaping in new homes to reduce outdoor water usage.[6] One fundamental conservation goal is universal metering. The prevalence of residential water metering varies significantly worldwide. Recent studies have estimated that water supplies are metered in less than 30% of UK households,[7] and about 61% of urban Canadian homes (as of 2001).[8] Although individual water meters have often been considered impractical in homes with private wells or in multifamily buildings, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that metering alone can reduce consumption by 20 to 40 percent.[9] In addition to raising consumer awareness of their water use, metering is also an important way to identify and localize water leakage. Water metering would benefit society in the long run it is proven that water metering increases the efficiency of the entire water system, as well as help unnecessary expenses for individuals for years to come. One would be unable to waste water unless they are willing to pay the extra charges, this way the water department would be able to monitor water usage by public, domestic and manufacturing services. Some researchers have suggested that water conservation efforts should be primarily directed at farmers, in light of the fact that crop irrigation accounts for 70% of the worlds fresh water use.[10] The agricultural sector of most countries is important both economically and politically, and water subsidies are common. Conservation advocates have urged removal of all subsidies to force farmers to grow more water-efficient crops and adopt less wasteful irrigation techniques. New technology poses a few new options for consumers, features such and full flush and half flush when using a toilet are trying to make a difference in  water consumption and waste. Also available in our modern world is shower heads that help reduce wasting water, old shower heads are said to use 5-10 gallons per minute. All new fixtures available are said to use 2.5 gallons per minute and offer equal water coverage. Household applications[edit] The Home Water Works website contains useful information on household water conservation.[11] Contrary to popular view, experts suggest the most efficient way is replacing toilets and retrofitting washers.[12] Water-saving technology for the home includes: 1. Low-flow shower heads sometimes called energy-efficient shower heads as they also use less energy 2. Low-flush toilets and composting toilets. These have a dramatic impact in the developed world, as conventional Western toilets use large volumes of water 3. Dual flush toilets created by C aroma includes two buttons or handles to flush different levels of water. Dual flush toilets use up to 67% less water than conventional toilets 4. Faucet aerators, which break water flow into fine droplets to maintain wetting effectiveness while using less water. An additional benefit is that they reduce splashing while washing hands and dishes 5. Raw water flushing where toilets use sea water or non-purified water 6. Waste water reuse or recycling systems, allowing: Reuse of graywater for flushing toilets or watering gardens Recycling of wastewater through purification at a water treatment plant. See also Wastewater Reuse 7. Rainwater harvesting 8. High-efficiency clothes washers 9. Weather-based irrigation controllers 10. Garden hose nozzles that shut off water when it is not being used, instead of letting a hose run. 11. Low flow taps in wash basins 12. Swimming pool covers that reduce evaporation and can warm pool water to reduce water, energy and chemical costs. 13. Automatic faucet is a water conservation faucet that eliminates water waste at the faucet. It automates the use of faucets without the use of hands. Commercial applications[edit] Many water-saving devices (such as low-flush toilets) that are useful in homes can also be useful for business water saving. Other water-saving technology for businesses includes: Waterless urinals Waterless car washes Infrared or foot-operated taps, which can save water by using short bursts of water for rinsing in a kitchen or bathroom Pressurized waterbrooms, which can be used instead of a hose to clean sidewalks X-ray film processor re-circulation systems Cooling tower conductivity controllers Water-saving steam sterilizers, for use in hospitals and health care facilities Rain water harvesting Water to Water heat exchangers. Agricultural applications[edit] Overhead irrigation, center pivotdesign For crop irrigation, optimal water efficiency means minimizing losses due to evaporation, runoff or subsurface drainage while maximizing production. An evaporation pan in combination with specific crop correction factors can be used to determine how much water is needed to satisfy plant requirements. Flood irrigation, the oldest and most common type, is often very uneven in distribution, as parts of a field may receive excess water in order to deliver sufficient quantities to other parts. Overhead irrigation, using center-pivot or lateral-moving sprinklers, has the potential for a much more equal and controlled distribution pattern. Drip irrigation is the most expensive and least-used type, but offers the ability to deliver water to plant roots with minimal losses. However, drip irrigation is increasingly affordable, especially for the home gardener and in light of rising water rates. There are also cheap effective methods similar to drip irrigation such as the use of soaking hoses that can even be submerged in the growing medium to eliminate evaporation. As changing irrigation systems can be a costly undertaking, conservation efforts often concentrate on maximizing the efficiency of the existing system. This may include chiseling compacted soils, creating furrow dikes to prevent runoff, and using soil moisture and rainfall sensors to optimize irrigation schedules.[9] Usually large gains in  efficiency are possible through measurement and more effective management of the existing irrigation system. The 2011 UNEP Green Economy Report notes that [i]mproved soil organic matter from the use of green manures, mulching, and recycling of crop residues and animal manure increases the water holding capacity of soils and their ability to absorb water during torrential rains, [13] which is a way to optimize the use of rainfall and irrigation during dry periods in the season.

Friday, September 20, 2019

The Nature of Construction Problems: Past and Present

The Nature of Construction Problems: Past and Present ABSTRACT: This paper aims at deriving a comprehensive understanding pertaining to the different construction difficulties that have been faced in the past and are being faced now in the present also. It provides a vivid analysis of why the problems were faced, the nature of the problems and how they were dealt with. It has been a long time since the first inception of architectural ideas that had crept into our ancestors’ minds. Right from the Stone Age, man has actually been into this act of constructing stuff for making his life easy. At the very juncture of the Metal Age, he got a further boost with the advent of new materials and construction techniques. Furthermore, came the times when architecture was at its peak. Everywhere in the world there was zeal to construct structures that not only made life comfortable for man, but also soothed his eyes. The classical orders of the Greeks packed the punch of serving as better structural members along with being a visual treat. The Romans had been articulate in constructing an efficient system of water supply in the form of a series of arches together being called as aquaducts. It still stands as an example people look up to design urban spaces. Egyptians were no less. They were meticulously constructing pyramids and mortuary tombs that were way beyond the human scale. They had designed the first forms of conveyor systems in building construction. Similarly, India saw the construction of a lot of architectural wonders. Right from the construction of the monolithic stone structures of the Ajanta-Ellora caves and the temples of Mahabalipuram to the Islamic structures of Taj Mahal and the Humayun’s tomb it had been a marvellous leap in the form of architectural progress. Finally came the times of controversies about architecture when Gustav Eiffel proposed the construction of an all metal structure now called the Eiffel tower. There was a lot of noise about the fact that how it would finally look when it was constructed in Paris. Many people said that it might turn out to be a scar on the face of the city. But, now fortunately it is known as the first thing that helps us identify the city of Paris. There have also been controversies about Zaha Hadid’s designs. She is one of the pioneer architects as far as t he use of fluidic forms is concerned. Her designs have almost always been at the helm of criticism by the senior architects of her times. But, she has been articulate in executing her own designs. Similarly, in the recent times Frank O’ Gehry had faced a lot of challenges in bringing up his work called Bilbao museum. He has been criticised like hell up to the level of being called the mad architect. Now as we come up to the fact of such progress in the field of construction, can we deny that there have been no difficulties in the construction of these age old structures? No will be the answer. As we go back to the times when the monolithic stone structures of the Kailasa temple was constructed, we get to know that no good technology was available at that time. However, they have managed to actually make it possible to form a massive temple out of a single rock. Imagine that how the person who started the construction, actually just used a chisel and a hammer to build such a huge temple. It is said that he started from the top and kept on chiselling till the bottom. It is evident that this wonderful construction must have taken a long time to come up. But, it has not been constructed by a single sculptor. Imagine the difficulty in passing on the same knowledge about the structure to so many artisans over the ages. There might have been several changes made to this temple structure during the construction. This must have made it even more difficult for the sculptors. Now raises the question of managing the waste that was generated in this process. How were all the cut out st ones used? Yes, they were used to make roads and for pety constructions. But wasn’t it really difficult to manage these heavy masses? Yes, it must have been tedious. A similar structure had come up previously. The Konark temple in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa had a huge contribution in raising the architectural taste of the people of the country. In this construction, they used the method of constructing sand ramps as it was being constructed towards the top end. This had actually ensured that the structure didn’t get decayed during the construction process. However, this structure had made use of a huge pole at the centre in the form of a magnet that gave the massive stone structure all its strength. This had been acquired by the British during their reign in our country. But, later on what it was used for nobody knows. Just imagine how that huge magnet was made to stand just by the use of very basic tools. This speaks of the difficulty in constructing structures belonging to the typology of stone temples. Now, when the importance of Constantinople came into existence, there was a sudden need for the construction of several public buildings. At that time there was a huge recession in the field of construction in Europe. There was a shortage of resources, funds, architects and even labourers. This thing gave rise to a new form of architecture. This form of architecture came to be known as Polymath Architecture. In this form of architecture the existing buildings were used to build several other buildings. The Roman basilicas were used to build the Basilican churches that formed the basis of Christianity. The columns of the condemned buildings were actually truncated to get a uniform size. As a result, the buildings were having a size very close to the human scale. Explicitly or purposely, this form of architecture happened to be more close to people. Even the foundations of several buildings were used to meet the needs of the times. The rotunda buildings were used to used to build bapti steries when the question of child baptism came into existence. These spaces required a kind of radiating building plan in order to accommodate the required activity. So, the unavailability of resources at that time was addressed in such a way. Now, when we come to construction of buildings that are built with the on public money, the question of minimalism comes into existence. The usage of minimum amount of resource and funds comes into existence. Taking the example of a case, when an architect is given task of designing a public building, he has to make sure that he does not raise the cost of the building to the height of making it unfeasible. Nowadays, in case of construction of public buildings, the factor of tender pops up. The person coming up with the most apt design within the least of cost frame usually gets the project. Such a case can be taken up when it comes to the Bilbao museum. It was designed by Frank O’ Gehry. He had gone through the criticism of the entire world because of his design. His design was so complex that it made use of aircraft design software. He had actually gone to the point of overusing resources. The frames of the building were made using thick steel sections. A large layer of fabri c was used to cover the building. Above this a layer of titanium sheets were used. Around twenty four thousand square meters of such were used. As a result of this, he was criticised over the fact that a similar functionality and aesthetics was achievable with lesser use of resources. But, he had paid no heed to what the people said. He has a concept of a fish just because he had memories of going to a fish market with his grandma. This vague justification brought about a lot of talks throughout the world. Luckily, the titanium prices had gone down at that point of time. So, he had the privilege of not getting the project cancelled. When residential projects are taken into consideration, there are several pety issues that come up. Funds remain limited in most cases. There have been cases when construction of a single house has gone through a ceasework period of more than a year just due to the lack of funds. Other religious issues play a vital role in our country when it comes to construction of residences specially. Several people actually back out when the architect is reluctant to listen to his specifications about how the building should be. Industrial buildings have challenges that are totally different as compared to other buildings. They should have the ability to actually justify all the government norms regarding the minute points like waste generation and hazard safety factors. They should have special anthropometric specifications but they should not use too much of space. So, as we come to conclude this, we can actually see that several issues are getting solved in this context. Several architects are coming up with innovative ideas to actually cater to the ideas of the government and the environmental impact assessment bodies to make a statement regarding this matter. So let us hope for a hassle free and green future ahead!!! References: History Of Architecture by Sir Bannister Fletcher Construction Delays: Extension Of time and prolongation claims by Roger Gibson

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Structure and History of Cobblestone Houses :: Engineering Construction Essays

Structure and History of Cobblestone Houses The cobblestone house is one of the most identifiable structures in Western New York. These houses date back to the early 1800’s when many of the towns that people in the Rochester area live in were being founded. When driving down many of the streets you can find these houses scattered on the left and the right. They are marvelous to look at and are also strange because they are some of the only houses in the area to be built out of stones, not lumber. These houses were in all probability made at first by someone who was too poor to pay for brick, or afford some kind of more expensive siding. Rocks are easily found and also insulate fairly well. These rocks were lined where the siding of the house would be and mortar was used to set the rocks into the house. Once the mortar set, it could not be broken easily. The mortar resembles what today would be concrete. It is very solid and nothing will penetrate. This makes it a clear favorite for the houses in New York due to the harsh winters. In Rochester particularly you need the extra protection. The winters in New York are the worst any where in the country where the average snowfall a winter is well over one hundred inches of snow. This allows for the insulated rocks to keep a more constant temperature than the lumber alternative which would allow much more heat to escape the house and cool it down. Conversely in the summers, where it is extremely warm the rocks allow a ki nd of air conditioning due to their relative lack of conductivity of heat. Cobblestone houses became extremely popular around the 1830’s in particular. This era marked a forever changing point in the history of both the United States and New York. The Erie Canal, a waterway connecting the Hudson River to the Great Lakes was being constructed. Right in the middle of it all was the metropolitan area around Rochester. It seems like every rock that was dug out of the ground during the excavation of the Erie Canal was used in a Cobblestone house.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The Turkish Pogrom of 1955 and the Elimination of the Greek Minority of

This work is trying to investigate the Turkish Pogrom of September 6-7, 1955 and its impact on the Greek minority of Istanbul. I emphasized the case study approach, because I was focusing on a particular ethnic minority. The methodology that applied for this study had been chosen in order to obtain information about the economic and social ramifications of the events of September 6-7, 1955 on the Greek minority of Istanbul and the role of the Turkish Government and the Turkish Intelligence Service in planning, organizing and carrying out the Pogrom. For the end of my research, and in order to achieve the objectives the data was collected from primary and secondary sources. I used descriptive statistics in order to determine the effect of destruction in economic and social life of the Greek minority. Also, I cited some testimonies and interviews from people who lived through these events. This research shows the enormous economic and social ramifications of the Turkish pogrom on the G reek minority of Istanbul and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. At the same time, illustrates the Turkish policy of compensation for the victims of Pogrom that marked the end of the existence of the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul and its migration in Greece and abroad. Finally, this work demonstrates that the Turkish elites and the Turkish Intelligence Service in cooperation with the police, the Turkish Press and the nationalist organizations were responsible for planning, organizing and carrying the Pogrom. Introduction The incidents of September 1955 have not been subject to strict political analysis in both Greece and Turkey. The aim of this work is to integrate the Turkish Pogrom of 6-7 September 1955 and the destruction of the Greek mino... ...ion testimonies and interviews from people who lived through these events. At the same time, I am going to analyze the Turkish policy of compensation for the victims of Pogrom and the response of the Greek Government. This is an extremely important issue due to the fact that marked the end of the existence of the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul and the beginning of its repatriation in Greece also its migration to other countries in the world. Finally, in the last part I am going to investigate the role of the Turkish Government and the Turkish Intelligence Service (MIT) in planning, organizing and carrying out the Pogrom, in cooperation with the police, the Turkish Press and the nationalist organizations. Although it is important to understand the historical significance of this event will use this narrative to support the political significance of the event.