Hong Kong International Airport Is the Main Airport in Hong Kong

Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the main airport in Hong Kong; it is an important regional trans-shipment centre, passenger hub and gateway between the Mainland China and the rest of Asia. And HKIA is the primary hub for several domestic airlines, such as Cathay Pacific Airways, Dragonair, Hong Kong Express Airways, etc. Review the history, HKIA has won seven Skytrax World Airport Awards for customer satisfaction in just ten years (Skytrax, 2010), the second busiest airport in the world in terms of cargo traffic and the 13th busiest airport worldwide in terms of passenger throughput in 2009 (Airports Council International, 2010).This is the strong evidence to proof that HKIA was entering to the World-Class International Airport and we can estimate its development effectively. In this essay, I will go to evaluate the hub airport development of the Hong Kong International Airport, also try to analyze the overall performance and the relevant statistics with other major hub airport to make the comparison and some opinions. The passenger throughput and cargo traffic in HKIA is developed in  tremendous speed in past 10 years.In view of this, the Airport Authority Hong Kong was going to build up some supporting facilities to strengthen its competitiveness, such as Terminal 2, North Satellite Terminal, SkyPier and planning to construct the third runway, etc. This is a very active operation to maintain and develop the position as a hub airport while compare with other major hub airport around the world. There are several major hub airports in Southeast Asia, like the Singapore Changi Airport and the Beijing Capital International Airport, etc.No matter what the passenger and cargo throughput, facilities, connection architecture and awards; it is competed so intensively with the HKIA. First of all, I will go to analysis the development trend of passenger throughput in the HKIA. In the early of 2000’s, the operation of HKIA was back on the train after the tra nsition period from the Kai Tak Airport. Base on the statistics, the total passenger in 2001 was 32,546,029 and ranking 17 (Airports Council International, 2002). After one year, the throughput increase 4. 1% to 33,882,463 and the ranking climb to 15 (Airports Council International, 2003).But in 2003, the passenger drop about 20% to 27,092,290 since the influence of SARS (Airports Council International, 2004). The HKIA was suffered a huge loss in this year, such as the passenger, cargo and economic, etc. Luckily, the recession has to undergo only one year, and it rise up again in the next year. In 2004, the PAX increase 25. 5% to 36,711,920 (Airports Council International, 2005), and the trend continues to increase until 2009. The other statistics which in 2005 increase 9. 7% to 40,269,847 (Airports Council International, 2006), 2006 increase 8. % to 43,857,908 (Airports Council International, 2007), 2007 increase 7. 3% to 47,042,419 (Airports Council International, 2008), 2008 incr ease 1. 7% to 47,857,746 (Airports Council International, 2009). And the trend was adjust lightly in 2009, which is decrease 5% to 45,499,604 (Airports Council International, 2010). The phenomenon was anticipated since the outbreak of H1N1 influenza made the economic slowdown in whole world. Apart from these passenger throughput data, we can analysis the HKIA was very successful as a passenger hub airport, even in Asia.Since the passenger flow was increase equably in past 10 years. And its ranking is good enough which represent the Asia hub airport. And here is the diagram to compare the PAX throughput between HKIA and Changi Airport. [pic]The above diagram shows the passenger traffic comparison between two major hub airports in Asia. Both of them are keeping the ascending trend since 2002, and the top 30 ranking. As we know that, the Singapore Changi Airport had the long term history and winning over 340 awards in a 20-year period from 1987 to 2007.Also, with  80 airlines serving 200 cities in 60 countries, Changi Airport established itself as a major aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region (Changi Airport Group, 2009). But when we look back the passenger throughput in HKIA; it was higher than Singapore Changi Airport about 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 in the past 10 years averagely. The most important is the HKIA just go though the 10 year’s history. It can prove the development of HKIA is very high-speed and prosperity. [pic] Secondly, it is the cargo traffic comparison between the HKIA and Changi Airport. The diagram shows above is the total cargo statistics from 2009 to 2009.Base on the diagram, it is no doubt to prove that the HKIA is acting the leader position in Asia, even in the World since 2002. The cargo traffic was above 2,500,000 tones from 2002, and continued to rise above 3,000,000 from 2004 and until to 2009. And the HKIA keeps the second ranking in the World's busiest airports by cargo traffic since 2002, just behind the Memphis Internation al Airport (Airports Council International, 2003~2010). When compare the cargo traffic with the other busiest cargo airports in Asia – Changi Airport. We can clearly perceive the outcome and difference.Although the history of Changi Airport is longer then HKIA, and it introduced the Air Hub Development Fund in 2003 (Net Resources International, 2010) to attract the airlines and push up the cargo traffic. But the total cargo traffic in the past 8 years was still fall behind HKIA distantly, and the gap becomes has widened in these several years. This is the best statistics to verify that the HKIA is the successful hub airport in the cargo side. Moreover, it is the new development in HKIA. It officially launched two new facilities in January 2010, which are the SkyPier and the North Satellite Concourse.For the Skypier, the temporary SkyPier was made available in 2003. It assists the movement of passengers between HKIA and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region. With an extensive air network of 150 destinations,  HKIA has also served well the air transportation needs of the PRD, meeting the economic development needs of Hong Kong and contributing to Mainland's economic growth over the past three decades (HKIA Press Releases, 2010). And the AA has invested over HK$1 billion in the construction of a new North Satellite Concourse (HKIA Press Releases, 2009).It is designed to serve more than five million passengers a year at the initial stage. And ensure the same level of service for the passengers who flying on smaller aircraft (HKIA Press Releases, 2009). Refer to the Executive Director in Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, â€Å"HKIA is dedicated to providing top-notch service and facilities to enhance its competitiveness as a regional and international aviation centre. With the new satellite concourse, less than 10 flights will need to be parked at remote bays every day compared to the current 40 to 50.This means more passengers can embark or disembark their aircraft in a pleasant, weatherproof environment, sparing them the inconvenience of being exposed to hot or rainy weather† (HKIA Press Releases, 2009). The director has briefly explained the objective and function of the North Satellite Concourse. Evidently, the growth project is using to enhance service levels, pave the way to meet future demand and strengthen the connection with the PRD network. Also deepen the role and position as a hub airport around the world.In conclusion, the passenger throughput, total cargo traffic and the facilities development in HKIA has expand quickly in the past ten years. And all the relevant statistics, ranking, awards and reputation has the sustainable increase. It is the positive outcome and result to evaluate the development of the HKIA as a hub airport, also HKIA is the famous, guarantee airport for all the local and foreigner.HKIA Opens New Passenger Concourse to Enhance Service. Retrieved 20 April, 2010, from http://www. hongkongairport. com/eng/media/press-releases/pr_981. html HKIA Press Releases (2010).Airport's New SkyPier and North Satellite Concourse Officially Opened. Retrieved 20 April, 2010, from http://www. hongkongairport. com/eng/media/press-releases/pr_983. html

Reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial Losses in the Power Sector

____________________________________________________________________________ 1.1 Introduction Power Sector is considered to be really of import and precedence sector as it leads to overall development of state. The cost of installing of new bring forthing units is lifting ; hence generated electrical energy has to be utilized carefully and expeditiously. One unit of electrical energy saved is tantamount to two unit ‘s electric energy generated.Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, has launched the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme ( R-APDRP ) in the XI Five twelvemonth Plan. Power Finance Corporation Limited ( PFCL ) has been designated by GoIas the Nodal Agency for the programme.The programme spans from informations acquisition at distribution degree till monitoring of consequences of stairss taken to supply an IT anchor and strengthening of the Electricity Distribution system across the Country under the coder. The aim of the coder is decrease of AT & A ; C losingss to 15 % in undertaking countries. The plan is divided into two ( 2 ) parts Part-A and Part-B. Part-A will include undertakings for constitution of baseline informations and IT applications like Meter Data Acquisition, Meter Reading, Billing, Collections, GIS, MIS, Energy Audit, New Connection, Disconnection, Customer Care Services, Web self service, etc. to acquire verified baseline AT & A ; C losingss every bit good as SCADA/DMS Implementation. Part-B will include distribution beef uping undertakings. The aim of cut downing Aggregate Technical and Commercial ( AT & A ; C ) losingss in the undertaking country can be achieved by stop uping pilferage points, supply of quality power, faster designation of mistakes & A ; early Restoration of power, pro per metering, strategic arrangement of capacitance Bankss & A ; switches, proper planning and design of distribution web. The existent clip monitoring & A ; control of the distribution system through state-of-the art SCADA/DMS system embracing all distribution Sub-stations & A ; 11 KV web would assist in accomplishing this aim of R-APDRP. For deducing maximal benefits it is indispensable that necessary up-gradation of distribution S/S & A ; 11KV web shall be carried out to run into the SCADA/DMS demands. The augmentation /up-gradation of the distribution web for existent clip supervising & A ; control chiefly requires suited compatibility of circuit ledgeman & A ; switches, arrangement of RMUs and FPIs etc for effectual monitoring & A ; command.This augmentation/up step shall be considered under Part B of R-APDRP strategy. However, sing the growing & A ; related web up-gradation, the full fledged SCADA/DMS shall be capable to run into the present every bit good as future demands of the eligible towns for SCADA/DMS system under Part A of R-APDRP. The SCADA/DMS System will supply Real clip monitoring & A ; control, loss minimization/load reconciliation and considerable betterment in voltage/VAR profiles. It would besides ease proper handling of tonss while burden casting & A ; Restoration, efficient planning of web for future growing by utilizing proved power system planning tools. All package applications & A ; RTUs/FRTUs including system size demands for the same shall be considered in the SCADA/DMS system being procured under. Part – A of R-APDRP. As per present R-APDRP guidelines, SCADA/DMS system will include urban countries towns and metropoliss with population of more than 4, 00,000 & A ; 350MUs one-year input energy or based on any other standards as informed by Nodal Agency from clip to clip. The figure of such possible towns is presently 70 ( 70 ) about. In order to guarantee quality in execution procedure, SCADA/DMS Implementation Agencies ( SIA ) & A ; SCADA/DMS Consultants ( SDC ) have been empanelled by PFC/MOP. PFCL have prepared a theoretical account Request For Proposal ( RFP ) including this volume incorporating theoretical account proficient specification ( MTS ) for SCADA/DMS system. Utility/ State shall utilize this theoretical account proficient specification MTS /RFP to custom-make in line with public-service corporation demands. The customization shall non amount to any divergence, alteration of purpose w.r.t MTS/RFP. However, Utility /state shall inform about the deviations/ alterations made by them w.r.t the MTS/RFP with justification to PFCL/MOP & A ; obtain blessing before ask foring empanelled SIAs to offer. The size of the programme is to the melody of Rs. 500 billion. The programme consists of Part-A ( to the melody of around Rs. 10,000 crore ) covering Information Technology application every bit good as SCADA/DMS Implementation, in the electricity distribution system and Part B ( to the melody of around Rs. 40,000 crore ) covering the System strengthening, Improvement and augmentation of distribution system capacity. Both parts entail planning of steps to be taken under the programme, execution of such steps to be taken and monitoring/evaluation of results/impact of the programme as a whole and of itsvarious constituents across the Country. The focal point of the programme shall be on existent, incontrovertible public presentation in footings of loss decrease. Constitution of dependable and machine-controlled systems for existent clip monitoring & A ; control of urban power distribution web implying 33 kilovolt to 11kV web. Under R-APDRP plan, SCADA/DMS system will cover urban countr ies – towns and metropoliss with population of more than 4, 00,000 & A ; 350MUs one-year input energy as per the present R-APDRP Guidelines of GoI. Towns/areas for which undertakings have been sanctioned in X Plan APDRP shall be considered for the XI Plan merely after either completion or short closing of the earlier canonic undertakings. Undertakings under the strategy shall be taken up in Two Partss. Part-A shall include the undertakings for constitution of baseline informations and IT applications for energy accounting/auditing & A ; IT based consumer service centres and SCADA /DMS Implementation. Part-B shall include regular distribution beef uping undertakings. The activities to be covered under each portion are as follows: Part – A: Preparation of Base-line Data System for the undertaking country covering Consumer Indexing, GIS Mapping, Automatic Metering ( AMR ) on Distribution Transformers and Feeders, and Automatic Data Logging for all Distribution Transformers & A ; Feeders and SCADA / DMS system for large metropoliss merely. It would include Asset Mapping of the full distribution web at and below the 11kVtransformers and include the Distribution Transformers and Feeders, Low Tension lines, poles and other distribution web equipment. It will besides include acceptance of IT applications for metre reading, measure aggregation energy accounting & A ; scrutinizing ; MIS ; redressal of consumer grudges and constitution of IT enabled consumer service Centre etc. Part– B: Renovation, modernisation and strengthening of 11 kilovolts flat Substations, Transformers/Transformer Centre, Re-conductoring of lines at11kV degree and below, Load Bifurcation, Feeder segregation, Load Balancing, Aerial Bunched Conductoring in thickly populated countries, HVDS, installing of capacitance Bankss and nomadic service Centre etc. In exceeding instances, where sub-transmission system is weak, beef uping at 33 kilovolt or 66 kilovolt degrees may besides be considered. 1.2Existing System Utility shall include compose up about their existing geographical inside informations ( dad ( 2001 nose count ) , one-year energy in MUs, sqkm, administration apparatus, hierarchy, no. of substations, DT, RMU, electrical web etc of the undertaking country. Utility shall supply inside informations electrical system considered /committed under portion B of R-APDRP strategy for enabling SCADA/DMS execution. Utility shall besides name all bing substructure / bequest systems viz SCADA/DMS, RTU, FRTU, MFTs, IT system under R-APDRP viz. charge, client attention, GIS etc that are required to be integrated with this system. Utility shall supply inside informations of Existing Legacy systems SCADA/DMS, RTU/FRTU, IT system under R-APDRP for integrating including protocol execution profiles, interface inside informations etc. Utility shall give constellation diagram & A ; proficient write up of IT data Centre, client attention Centre DR Centre, bomber div, other offices under R-APDRP. Utility s hall supply inside informations electrical system considered committed under portion B of R-APDRP strategy for enabling SCADA/DMS execution. Utility shall advert inside informations of bing communicating, power supply, edifice substructure for SCADA/DMS system Utility shall guarantee the informations mentioned above is true & A ; harmonizing to approved DPR for the undertaking country. Fig-1 Architecture of SCADA Control centre 1.3 Generic system architecture The purpose of this specification is to set up ( I ) SCADA/DMS System along with RTUs/FRTUs ( I ) Associated Auxiliary Power Supply System ( three ) Communication System ( four ) integrating with IT system under R-APDRP or any bequest system. The functional inside informations are given in several chapters of the specification. 1.4 CASE STUDY SCADA has been developing a concern instance before the effort of Automation of the Distribution system are discussed here. An effort is made to demo how incremental and alterations in the system could convey in big betterments in footings of response clip of the Network Studies for Primary and Secondary distribution Network at 33/11 KV COMPLEX Sub-staion, near the Network Shakti bhavan Jabalpur, under the Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company ( MPPKVVCL ) and I was associated with this survey Following stairss are covered in the instance survey ;Monitoring the power system.Making accommodations and keeping the system so that it can be used faithfully, expeditiously, and safelyRepairing the system every bit rapidly as possible in response to incidents such as equipment mistakesTracking and keeping system dependability informations System planning and enlargement to function new clients.Decision summarises the result of this survey. Fig 2 Sub-Station Automation in SCADAEquipmentExisting After Part-B execution33/11 kv sub-station3733 kilovolts feeder4033/11KV Power Transformer5811 Kv feeder14511 kilovolt shunt Capacitor211 kilovolt Bus coupling16Tabel -1.1Sub-Station Automation in SCADA Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW __________________________________________________________________ 2.1 Review 1 Research paper on — Communication Protocols in Substation Automation and SCADA Art Review, -by Arash Shoarinejad, ( System Engineer GE Energy Network Reliability Products and Services-Canada. ) This paper presents an overview of T Protocols as a important portion of the system are explored in deepness. In add-on, normally used protocols and criterions are mentioned briefly IEC 61850 and UCA have assuring advantages over other protocols and will greatly alter SCADA systems today The protocols determine the effectivity of a SCADA system. Therefore, many protocols have been produced over the old ages to suit this demand. IEC 61850 with its self-description and security sweetenings has the most promising mentality in the protocol hereafter. It is a work-in-progress which should finally rule the electrical industry. 2.2 Review 2 Compartmentalization of Protocols in SCADA Communication: by- Dong-joo Kang and Rosslin John.Hongik University, Korea Department of Multimedia Engineering, Hannam University Ojeong-dong, Daeduk-gu, Daejeon, KoreaInternational Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Volume 8, July, 2009 mentioned In communicating, protocols are needed to be implemented to avoid some jobs. In the current province of SCADA communicating, two protocols are widely used, the T101 or IEC 60870-5-101 ( IEC101 ) and the DNP3 ( Distributed Network Protocol ) . In this paper, we present each protocol and discourse the specifications of T101 and DNP3. This can assist SCADA operators to choose which protocol is suited for the operations of their SCADA systems. IEC 60870-5-101/104 and DNP3 have fundamentally the same functionality, As discussed, DNP3 is popular in America. Since DNP3 and T101 are unfastened Standards, SCADA operators should supervise the development, and do parts when appropriate, to T101 and D NP3. They should besides prosecute the developers to include security characteristics on the protocols. SCADA communicating. In the hereafter we are be aftering to analyze and include other SCADA protocols. 2.3 Review 3 Review of Remote Terminal Unit ( RTU ) and Gateways for Digital Oilfield delpoyments ( By:Ayobami Ogunrinde SPDC Nigeria) Writer has described Francis Enejo Idachaba Department of Electrical and Information Engineering Covenant University Ota. Ogun province Nigeria ( SPDC Nigeria( IJACSA ) International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, Vol. 3, No. 8, 2012The increasing diminution in easy oil has led to an increasing demand for the optimisation of oil and gas procedures. Digital oilfields utilize distant operations to accomplish these optimisation ends and the distant telemetry unit and gateways are really critical in the realisation of this aim. This paper presents a reappraisal of the RTUs and gateways utilized in digital oilfield architectures. It presents a reappraisal of the architecture, their functionality and choice standards. It besides provides a comparing of the specifications of some popular RTUs. 2.4 Review 4 Project Management Phases of a SCADA System for Automation of Electrical Distribution Networks ( By- Mohamed Najeh Lakhoua and Mohamed Kamel Jbira ) Laboratory of Analysis and Command of Systems ( LACS ) , National Engineering School of BP 37, Le Belvedere 1002, Tunisia ( IJCSI International Journal of Computer Science Issues, Vol. 9, Issue 2, No 2, March 2012 ) Writer has described SCADA ( Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ) systems, to show the undertaking direction stages of SCADA for existent clip execution. Most control actions are performed automatically by RTUs. Host control maps are normally restricted to basic overruling or supervisory degree intercession A proposed computing machine based power distribution mechanization system is so discussed. Finally, some undertakings SCADA system execution in electrical companies over the universe is briefly presentedusing computing machine based system for sustainable development in the mechanization of the power distribution we b to better the customers’ service and the dependability of the web. 2.5 Review 5 Design and Implementation of SCADA System Based Power Distribution for Primary Substation ( Control System ) ( By- Khin Thu Zar Win 1, Hla Myo TunDepartment of Electronic Engineering, Mandalay Technological University Mandalay, MyanmarInternational Journal of Electronics and Computer Science EngineeringThey are automated control system, interfacing units, monitoring system and networking system. The automated control system is emphasised in this research. This system can be accomplished by utilizing PLC ladder diagram. This automated distribution system is analyzed to develop a secure, reliabe and convenient direction tool which can utilize distant terminal units ( RTUs ) . This system is efficient and dependable for conventional electrical distribution system in Myanmar by utilizing SCADA based engineering. proposed a theoretical account that illuminates the classs of informations, functionality, and inter dependences present in a SCADA system. The theoretical account serves as a foundation for farther research on how to outdo apply proficient security controls to SCADA systems in a manner that is consistent with the operation and mission of that system. SCADA system is one of the most of import bequest systems of the smart grid systems. PLC based control system to implement the SCADA system for Power Distribution system has been developed. 3.6:: Review-6 Working stages of SCADA system for power distribustion webs By-Shalini, Sunil Kumar J, Birtukan Teshome, Samrawit Bitewlgn Muluneh, Bitseat Tadesse Aragaw Assistant professor, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Adi para sakthi College of Engineering, Tamilnadu, India International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation EngineeringVol. 2, Issue 5, May 2013Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ) systems, to show the undertaking direction stages of SCADA for existent clip execution, and so to demo the demand of the mechanization for Power Distribution Companies ( PDC ) on their distribution webs and the importance of utilizing computing machine based system towards sustainable development of their services. Most control actions are performed automatically by RTUs. Host control maps are normally restricted to basic coveriding or supervisory degree intercession A proposed computing machine based power distribution mechanization system is so discussed we proved the importance on utilizing computing machine based system for sustainable development in the mechanization of the power distribution web to better the clients ‘ service and the dependability of the web. Besides the paper outlines the general constructs and needed equipments for the mechanization of such power webs. Some undertakings of SCADA system execution in electrical companies over the universe have been presented.

The phrase “be like water…”

â€Å"Be like water†¦ † is a widely used but unfortunately usually misinterpreted expression. Many novices at single combat often use it trying to show that they are clued-up. And they can’t be accused of it as the phrase has an impressive sounding and in any case represents also impressive, though partial, understanding of Eastern way of thinking.Many such beginners think that this way was formed by Bruce Lee. However, a great martial arts actor and instructor just quoted the Eastern philosophy created much earlier (Wishop 2). The wrong usage of the phraseI became interested in this expression having read the case about one man who said that he wanted to learn martial arts because he wanted to â€Å"be like water†. This phrase seems interesting but its sense is very doubtful and I guess that this man understood it very superficially (Loeb 18).The question is if we can call the wish to â€Å"be like water† a feasible purpose. If to consider the strict sense of a phrase, every person who wants to ‘be like water’ should lay on the ground and try to flow like a stream, because we can’t be ‘like water† when we stand (Loeb 18).The real meaning and the cause of misunderstanding So, what does it really mean to â€Å"be like water†? It must be related to the Taoist philosophy and its idea about five equal elements. They are wood, metal, earth, fire and water. Each of them is very important and strongly connected to others (Greene 5). Possibly, the main issue in that water is usually associated with something soft. We say â€Å"want to be like water† when we want to move easily, without any obstacles.However, we forget that water has other qualities, which appear to be not so attractive. Bruce Lee stated: â€Å"water can flow, or it can crash† (Wishop 14). Unfortunately, people usually pay attention only to the first part of his statement, while it is necessary for everybody who wants to â€Å"be like water† to think about the fact that water can also be destructive (Loeb 20).Many people die and suffer because of floods every year and one usually trembles thinking of huge, destructive sea waves. ConclusionMany phrases are frequently misunderstood and misused because people are inclined to pick new words and utterances very quickly and do not ever try to find out more about their origin. That creates the misuse of the world and finally it can loose its primary meaning. It would be better if we were more scrupulous and curious about new words and phrases we use.Works Cited Wishop, James. Bruce Lee: Dynamic Becoming. Dallas: Promethean Press, 2004 Greene, Neil. Taoist philosophy. London: Oxford UP, 1996 Loeb, Martha. The Ways to Avoid Misunderstanding. New York: Nerd Press, 2003

Song of the Hummingbird Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Song of the Hummingbird - Essay Example In terms of temples, Smith illustrates that Aztec temples generally had standard types and forms. Many of their temples had high platforms or pyramids with a stairway running on one side toward one or more cult rooms. Many powerful Aztec capitals had twin-temple pyramids with two cult rooms and two stairways that are parallel to each other. Every Aztec city had one of more gods and had cults dedicated to them in the city’s temple. In the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, two shrines were dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, for instance. Public ceremonies are one of the most familiar dimensions of Aztec religion to the public because of a number of movies highlighting these rituals and written records from Spanish friars and documents. Smith underscores that the Spanish sources of the Aztec human sacrifices that said that thousands were sacrificed for individual ceremonies may be biased because they wanted to make the Aztecs look inhumane as part of their colonization agenda. Smith confirms that human sacrifices were indeed part of Aztec rituals but archeological evidence is not enough to determine the exact intensity and frequency of these sacrifices. Rites of human sacrifice were connected to beliefs that human blood is sacred and that people owe debts to gods that must be repaid with human blood or life itself. The Aztecs also practiced other rituals and festivities, such as the monthly (‘Veintena’) ceremonies, new fire ceremony, and domestic rituals. Smith describes these rituals and the objects use d during these practices too. Thus, Smith’s chapter on â€Å"Aztecs† gives a useful overview on Aztec

BlackBerry - Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

BlackBerry - Report - Essay Example In 2010, it had a market share of 43% in the United States of the American market. However, in the recent years, the market share of the company has dramatically faced a precipitous decline. The steep decline has been due to the intense competition from the Google’s Android and Apple’s iPhones. For this reason, the blackberry company’s market share in the United States personal consumer market only, was trimmed down to 3.8% in the year 2013. However, on other markets other than the United States private consumer market, the products have had a healthy market trend. In September, the same year, the company authenticated an intent letter to be acquired by the United States ($4.7 billion or US $9 per share). It was through a consortium led by Fairfax Financial that then announced its plan to take the company private. Later on November 4, of the same year, the deal was wiped in favor of US $1 billion. At the moment, the majority of the remaining value of the company lies in innovation. A number of different factors influence the company’s competitive position. However, the company’s greatest challenge in the coming months or years will be to prove to business and consumers that they can match the current Android, Apple and the coming up Microsoft juggernauts that seem to be evading into the distance ahead with their consumers. Reports by Marukawa (2010) detail that in the past months, Blackberry smartphones have gone from being the once dominant smartphones in the market to becoming marginal player in most markets. It has resulted to the company suffering significant losses. The company is losing out to the current iPhone and android mobile handsets. Blackberry launched its tablet, and the Blackberry playbook a year after the iPad, first generation. To blackberry, this was one of the moments that proved to be extremely disastrous. The playbook did not sell as

Expectancy violations theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Expectancy violations theory - Research Paper Example In the context of communication, different theorists have developed their own opinions regarding functionality and definition of communication. Each theory is able to formulate unique viewpoints and thus making people aware about various aspects of communication. One such important theory in the field of communication is Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) (Burgoon et al., 1989). With this concern, this research paper discusses about various aspects of EVT by taking into concern its key concept, assumptions and major components. Moreover, the purpose of the research paper is to develop a worldview perspective and also to analyze the theory on the basis of Griffin’s standards. Theory Summary EVT has been developed by Judee Burgoon which concentrates on determining the importance of nonverbal communication. This theory establishes the significance of nonverbal messages and information processing for forming effective communication. The core concept of the theory is ‘persona l space’ expectations and reaction of people who breach the concept of expectation. ‘Personal space’ can differ on the basis of cultural standards and personal preferences. At times, violating the expectations with respect to personal space is considered as an effective strategy of communication (Burgoon et al., 1989). According to EVT theory, communication is the exchange of information which is considerably high in interpersonal content and can be used to interrupt the expectations of another. The expectations are mainly based on social customs and specific individualities of communicators. Further, the violation of expectations can encourage and force the recipients for making cognitive assessment of such act (Burgoon et al., 1989). EVT model suggests that nonverbal actions of others are adjudicated as communicators by senders along with receivers having certain expectancy. Violation of these expectations can intensify the salience of thoughts regarding the co rrespondents’ behaviour. There are five core components of EVT namely expectations, violations and stimulation, ‘communicator reward valence’, behaviour analysis and violation valence. EVT model tries to forecast and clarify fatal communication outcome such as desirability and encouragement along with macro level exchange patterns. According to EVT model, expectations comprise intellectual, emotional and conative elements that basically functions in the form of social customs and known characteristics of individuals. Burgoon also perceived that expectancies are subjected towards communicators’ characteristics, relationship and context. The context of EVT theory is based on culture and setting. On the other hand, relationship is dependent on liking and social status of people (Cleland, 2010). Concerning the aspects of violation and simulation, if a communicating individual violates the expectations by a certain degree, then this might strengthen the percept ion of the person who became violated. If such violation occurs in an organisational environment, for example, between managers and subordinates, the level of violation can cause the subordinates to pursue the reason for violation of the relationship. The ‘communicator reward valence’ can be duly considered as a primary component of EVT model, wherein the valence of violations can be

Corneille, Pierre. L'Illusion comique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Corneille, Pierre. L'Illusion comique - Essay Example Le hros justapose le temps pass et le temps qui va venir bientt. Les dlices se changent avec des supplices. Le hros a dj trouv le paradis sur le terre mais il vient de dcouvrir que l'enfer n'est pas loin, il est devant lui. Clindor se trouve devant les portes de l'enfer et ralise que ce sera son avenir. Le hros voit la mort mais il n'est pas effray, il a trouv la paix dans les charmants entretients. La mort est toute froide et au contraire l'entretient est tout doux. Ici on peut reconnatre les deux cts d'une vie malheureuse. Le prisonnier contrepose la vie et la mort en cherchant son chemin. Dans cette partie on voit le premier signe de sa faiblesse. Il ne pourra pas passer ce difficile chemin tout seul. Clindor cherche l'entretien promis. Il sent que sa passion est tout au fond de ces malheurs inattendus. Le hros essaie de se souvenir pourquoi il a mrit ses dsavantages, pourquoi il a mrit la mort. Il demande d'tre rappel pour tout le bonheur qu'il a vcu. Il supplie d'tre rappel que la mort 'est le juste chtiment'. Clindor voit la mort comme la seule dcision, comme la seule sortie de cette situation. Il ne veut pas se plaindre, il prfre mourir au nom de sa passion, de son bonheur. La flamme est injuste, l'espoir est coupable, l'amour est criminel. On peut supposer que le hros ne peut pas survivre dans un monde o le bonheur de son me est interdit. C'est la raison de sa mort accepte. Il croit qu'il va trouver la paix, qu'il va retrouver le bonheur. Ici Clindor accepte la fin de sa vie, attend sa mort. Isabelle, je meurs pour vous avoir servie ; Isabelle, voici le nom de son amour, voici le nom de ses malheurs. La sacrifice de ce prisonnier est si grande qu'on ne peut plus le voir fermer entre les quatre murs de la prison. Il fait sa sacrifice au nom de son amour Isabelle. Il voit sa mort comme une sorte de preuve que son amour n'a pas de limites. Et

Controversy Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Controversy Analysis - Essay Example Notably, Zhang (2011) identifies that china sits on the world’s most underdeveloped resource of shale gas. Significantly, China has adopted the above drilling technology in order to replicate US’s victory in utilizing unconventional energy. Considerably, the debate rests on safety and the suitability of the technology in china. That is, whether china has conducted an efficient situational analysis before embarking on fracking process (Zhang 3). It is worthwhile noting that, China hopes that shale gas can change her the same way it has transformed the US boom. However, currently there is little production commercially; hence, the 6 billion in cubic meters of shale gas target by 2015 seems impossible according to experts. The insufficient experience among some firms in exploiting shale will create a significant challenge to mine the gas. Additionally, if the firms cannot deliver the country has to struggle to diminish its reliance on expensive oil and gas imports. Moreove r, the action winner must buy in the proficiency they require; hence, offering the scene of worthwhile contracts for specialist firms for the fracking technology to mine the gas. Notably, Zhang (2011) identifies that the initial shale auction in the past two years was under the dominance of key state energy firms in china (Zhang 5). The second action witnessed the entrance of myriad firms, a, electric group that entailed a developer of real estate, a trader of grain, and a dealer of tobacco, enticed by subsidies of gas and assisted by funds access. The bidder’s profile reflected the fever pitch out off shale, as well as its potential along with the government’s efforts to imitate the circumstances that underpinned the US revolution of shale; competition among a number of autonomous drillers. Significantly, they will have acquired insignificant data regarding the blocks, the costs of the well’s exploration and the costs of the development process. Mainly the firm s are merely driven by the forces of entering early in somewhat a huge market. It is significant emphasizing that, the potential in china is clear. Significantly the government has put technically remunerable shale gas reserves at about 25 tcm. In comparison, the US Agency on energy information puts it at about 36.1 tcm, both of which are langer compared to US reserves which are estimated at around 24.4 tcm. However, the shale deposits in china are significantly found deeper underground compared to the ones in the US and there are more scattered reserves; hence, making it complex to acclimatize the technology that has delivered in the US to the geology of china. Notably, the key oil firms like PetroChina, as well as Sinopec working on what are regarded among the excellent prospects have made slow progress. Considerably, Zhang (2011) identifies that by the year 2012 they had drilled over 60 wells of shale especially around the Sichuan basin, although PetroChina had produced merely ov er 11 mcm in its key area by the month of November same year. Notably, the work for the winning companies in the second auctions is made significantly difficult by the problem of insufficient potential in the offered acreage (Zhang 4). Background Companies such as RSDSA and Petroleum corp. of china have started drilling shale gas in Sicuan. Notably, the above- mentioned province is seismically active, a process which increases the risk of causing quakes.

Teamwork and Leading Teams Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Teamwork and Leading Teams - Assignment Example Some team members publicly question the authority, and there are those that want to be in authority. Some advantages of teamwork include improvement in the quality of service. The production improves with active cooperation. Another advantage is shared ideas. A common agenda for teammates helps achieve a common goal. At the formation stage, clear directions were given, and challenges resolved. We were allowed to act on our individual thought and soon noted they somehow lacked in the ultimate goal of the company. As a group, we combined ideas and were able to tackle problems encountered. We developed the spirit of cohesion and trust was the central pillar of our team work. Teamwork is an accessible door to enter into an organization culture. Collaboration improves companys performance and is an indispensable part of any business (Maxwell, 2014). Group culture geared towards cooperation helps achieve goals and work in a given time frame. If I were to assume a leadership role, I would put emphasis on the group’s achievements over individual performance. In-group competition kills the spirit of comradeship and diverts from the teams goal. I would organize frequent team building activities among members and institute competition among themselves. Regular teamwork brings the company together as well as a refresh on the focal purpose of the enterprise. Formal communication is essential for passing vital information. Memos and circulars at key installation place deliver information to all people. Communication can pass through informal means of communication like propaganda and grapevine. Information flows quickly using informal means but stands a chance of being distorted. Informal information is easy to assimilate for team members, unlike formal communication (West, 2012). As the team leader, I would be with my team throughout the process starting with formation. Ensure each member knows her role and, above all, the main reason for

Human Resource as Strategic Partners Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Resource as Strategic Partners - Essay Example You have stated that the company's board had increased the production goals by 50% in the next two quarters after which, problems for the human resource department such as absenteeism, low employee morale, lack of motivation, and high employee turnover. Altogether, these led to lower level of production and product quality. As stated above, there are four key areas which needed to be looked into. I suggest that your company adopt the following key major strategies. One of the essentials of a good organization is a communication system which facilitates the flow of organization within all the levels of the business. The management should see to it that the lower level managers and frontline employees are given significant information about the decisions of the business organization. With this, employees should be looked at as strategic partners of the company to achieve its goals. The company should be able to let the employees know their importance in the business to boost their morale. Employees are often put off when management treats them as equipments. Communication of business decisions to employees makes them feel a stronger sense of belongingness as well as reminds them of their importance in the company. With this, I believe that your company should communicate the production goals to your employees.

How Useful is it to See the World as a Society of States Essay

How Useful is it to See the World as a Society of States - Essay Example These individuals will experience a sense of solidarity and unity which drives them to establish, in essence a common social identity (Bar-Tal, 2000, 1). Conversely, the state is the body that according to Weber has the sole right or monopoly of power over anyone living within its jurisdiction. Lenin, on the other hand, has a similar definition of the state as being bodies of armed men (Parkin, 2003, 13). In the definitions of both men, one overriding theme in the interpretation of the state is the monopoly of power. If a body of people can claim this monopoly and have legal backing, for example, through elections or constitutions, they will then have then the right to claim the state tag on them (Dunne, 1998, 124). Origin of societies, states and man The societies and states have their origin in the Homo Sapien Sapien. This is the modern man starting from the Cro-Magnon Man all the way to the current man. There are a number of evolutionary stages, three in number that led to the com plex societies that exist today (Buzan, 1992, 343). The first stage is the structure of consciousness emerging, which consists of the magical, the mythical, the deep consciousness, and the ego-focused mental consciousness. The second stage is that of the development of communication from development of speech, writing, print, wired and wireless, electronic and now internet, and the third stage is that of three evolutionary stages namely the â€Å"human revolution† causing emergence of the Homo Sapien Sapien, the agricultural revolution and the scientific plus industrial revolution (Banathy, 2000, 107). This article wishes to recognize the Genesis story in the bible and will continue to draw comparisons between the evolution story and the creation story. A lot of similarities will be drawn from the two stories. For example, the evolution of agriculture features on both stories. The creation story is based around this stage, for example, the statement in Genesis chapter 3 verse s 17-19 where man is cursed to tend to the ground so that it may produce food for him. This ground is cursed to produce weeds and thorns as per the need to punish man. The bible is replete with agricultural settings that enhance this argument. The same applies to print technology, which allows the ancient writers to preserve the various works of God and Jesus as they form the state of Israel. Though many may beg to differ with this article, the facts are that the two stories are more similar than they are different. Back to Banathy’s argument, there are six stages of the change to the current status of man. These stages are archaic sapiens at the bottom; the Cro-Magnon Man who comprises the first stage in Homo Sapien Sapien’s evolution, the next stage is that of agriculture/ancient Civilizations, the next stage is that, of scientific and industrial evolution, the next stage is emerging stage. The final stage comprises the consciousness, intellect and the way of life cl usters. It is not easy to quantify the actual origin of human society. Question that begs an answer is when exactly human society began. Early man was quite social. This is driven by the fact that evidence points to small groups coming together to hunt, gather fruits as well as protection. At

Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

Mice and Men Essay Hopes and dreams help people to survive even if they never become real. How far is this true for the characters in Of Mice and Men? Support your ideas with details from writing. Of Mice and Men is a novel written by John Steinbeck here two itinerant ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small share the same American dream. The story is set in California, at the beginning of the 20th century, during the despotic Great depression where dreams and hopes were the only purposes of living. Desires and aspirations are significant in Of Mice and Men. In a world where it is impossible to have a friend, to talk or to listen to somebody, the hope of a dream coming true is the only thing that can keep George, Lennie and Candy going on, surviving in that hostile environment. George Milton fantasizes about having â€Å"a big vegetable patch and a rabbit hutch and chickens†, helping him to withstand in his precarious situation. The crux of dream for George is not the absence of work, or the easy living, or even having money, it is simply grounded in having for the first time of his life a place to belong. This dream is a driving force for George, a powerful motivation which persuades him that all of these hard working days are not worthless. In fact, George â€Å"said thoughtfully, Look, if me an’ Lennie work a month an’ don’t spen’ nothing, we’ll have a hundred bucks†. This shows how George is ready to work hard in order to obtain this sum of money. Moreover, the word â€Å"thoughtfully† imparts that George is deeply thinking of working hard, thus portrayed as extremely motivated. The dream is perceived as reward, an indemnity for all the troubles he has already endured in his life. However, George doesn’t believe entirely in the dream. The protagonist knows that there is a very few chances for the dream to come true. Thus, it is not the dream but the hope of the dream which stimulates Lennie’s companion. Moreover, George uses this dream to keep Lennie in check. For instance, George promises Lennie to ‘tend the rabbits all right. ‘Specially if he remembers as good as that†. Here, George manipulates cleverly the dream in order to captivate Lennie’s attention and to have him remember not to â€Å"say a word† in front of the boss. The dream turns from a motivating force into a reward for Lennie’s effort. Lennie Small yearns for ‘livin’ off the fatta the lan, an’ have rabbits†. From his point of view, this dream is not a simple dream, it’s a hope. A hope in which he could â€Å"tend the rabbits† and all his other favourite animals. Despite the fact that George’s and Lennie’s dream is identical, their perceptions are diverging. Lennie’s approach is much more childish, more fantastical and unrealistic. Besides, Lennie is extremely fond of his dream and believes extremely in it. Lennie is not feeling as â€Å"if† but â€Å"when† The absence of conditional in Lennie’s speech reveals that he really believes in this dream. Furthermore, Lennie knows by heart and can recite, word by word his most precious wish. This shows that Lennie has propably heard the same thing over and over again. In deed, as the protagonist is mentally challenged, the fact that he can remember this dream demonstrates how devoted he is to this wish. Moreover, when talking about that specific desire, Lennie is constantly interrupting George in his speech. At this moment, Lennie’s attitude and behaviour portrays a trancelike character, escaping successfully in his ideal world. Furthermore, after a savage and wild fight with Curley, Lennie’s first question to George is: â€Å"I can still tend the rabbits, George? †. Thus, Lennie appears to be obsessed with his dream, even after a ferocious assault. This shows how Lennie is attached to his main goal. In addition, Lennie’s attachment is also revealed when the protagonist is ready to â€Å"break their God damn necks and smash ‘em with a stick†. This serious threat demonstrates Lennie’s determination to achieve his desire and also how virulent he can be. Anything that’s in the dream’s way will endure Lennie’s barbarity, maybe the death sentence. Moreover, Lennie is only intimidating imaginary cats. This points out that Lennie is extremely resolved to attain his wish, even ready to surpass a fictitious obstacle. This extract is therefore used to foreshadow Curley’s wife tragic fate. In deed, Candy’s wife is perceived since her first apparition as an obstruction to the dream. George orders Lennie to â€Å"keep away from her†. Therefore, if Curley’s wife is susceptible to make the dream impossible to come true, Lennie can easily kill her, and Curley’s wife will turn out to be murdered by Lennie. Despite Lennie’s undisputable faith, his dream turns out to be an unattainable escape. However, the protagonist manages to flee his miserable life thanks to his dream. Candy’s dream is to join George’s and Lennie’s plan, in order to flee his loneliness. Candy’s financial contribution increases the probability for the dream to come true. As a consequence, George, Lennie and Candy â€Å"fell into silence. They looked at one another, amazed. This thing they had never believed in was coming true†. This quote suggests that this precise moment represents the crux of the protagonists’ dreams. The word amazed implies a serious fascination where the three men realize at the same time the possibility for their dream to come true. Moreover, ‘they sat still, all bemused by the beauty of the thing, each mind was popped into the future when this lovely thing should come about†. The quotation shows how engrossed and enthralled the three men are. Furthermore, the adjective bemused suggests how motionless and quite are the three man, astonished and perplexed about the possibility for the dream to come true. However, one could see that Candy’s participation spoils the dream of the farm by making it a genuine possibility rather than an on going and eternal wish. We are suddenly asked weather the dream isn’t better off as a dream, something they can believe and visualize that’s bigger and better than any other reality. In conclusion, hopes and dreams help George, Lennie and Candy to survive even if they never become real. The farm is a dream for George, a hope for Lennie and even a plan for Candy that help them survive in their miserable lives.

Advantages, Disadvantages: Electronic Record Systems

Advantages, Disadvantages: Electronic Record Systems In the recent past there has been a significant emphasis for the need to implement Electronic Medical Record systems. However, the benefits and shortcomings of these systems need to be evaluated (Amenwert et al. 2004) and a sufficient evidence base gathered using a well structured scientific approach to justify the change and measure the organizational impact (Wager et al. 2000). This essay will address the benefits and challenges of implementing Electronic Record Systems. It will look at applications of these systems in different care settings located in different environments so as to provide a broader view of some of the issues. The roles of the various stakeholders as well as the benefits and challenges they derive from electronic health records will be outlined and a detailed evaluation of paper records and electronic records will be done. Conclusions will then be made based on this analysis. BACKGROUND In context of health care, electronic record systems can be defined as any structured record keeping system, specifically designed to support users by providing context specific information which is electronically accessible, relevant, easily transferable, accurate and complete. These records will usually hold information regarding patients care histories, non specific clinical data, medical knowledge or other health care centered information. (Coiera 2003) As the scope is very broad and Electronic Health Records (EHR) has not been well defined (Hayrinen et al. 2008a), the definition used was limited to EHR and allied systems such as Picture Archiving Systems (PACS), Pharmacy Management Systems, Computer Physician Order Entry (CPOE) amongst other systems used day to day in a clinical setting. These areas are well documented and evidence easily obtainable (Clamp Keen 2005) Role of electronic records and patient Information in population based care A study carried out by Qresearch utilized electronic records extensively with an aim to report on population trends and disease risk factors. The analysis covered a 5 year period and was able to establish that in the UK, London had the highest percentage of patients recorded as being smokers at 25% and the lowest in the South East and South West at 20%. It also established that majority of the smokers ranged from 25-34 years of age across all regions. (Qresearch- NHS 2008). The information obtained provided a platform for decision making to determine the interventions to be undertaken, where resources should be focused and to whom it should target. This kind of data mining is only possible when data is electronically stored (Bocij and chaffey, 2005) as paper records suffer from massive fragmentation (Dick et al. 1997) making it difficult to bring all the data for analysis. It has also been established that manual methods would be ineffective to deal with such large data sets and the multi dimensional analysis required (Fayyad 1996). The ability to perform such operations is a strong argument for electronic record adoption in decision support and knowledge discovery for population based interventions (Kraft et al. 2002). Furthermore, electronic records encourage consistent recording of clinical information and this becomes a key component when aggregating individual records to form datasets. Use of clinical codes allows relevant data to be derived from these unified datasets enabling reliable analysis across different sites. This in effect is key in providing specific information for health research as well as in public health planning (Ambinder 2005) Keeping in line with Pawsons model for context specific evaluation the literature was reviewed by looking at studies done in various sites represented on table 1 and later highlighting advantages and disadvantages to various stakeholders identified. General practitioners General practitioners are the initial point of contact between clinicians and patients, they play a pivotal role in ensuring that a patientÃÆ' ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s Electronic record is accurate, complete and current (Dick et al. 1997). As direct users of Electronic records, GPs benefit from the linkage of these record systems to other systems such as PACS or CPOE. Requests for ancillary care services can be done at a click of a button and results for tests can be accessed immediately they become available. This in effect enhances the completeness of patient records as they are updated in real time (Ambinder 2005) reducing the GPs administrative load as well as accurately populating records for future encounters (Wager et al. 2000). Additionally, GPs are able to view different aspects of a patients care at a glance, preventing duplication in testing or medication and reducing costs (Jones et al. 2008). Attention can also be drawn to areas that require GPs action through medical alerts thereb y guiding the clinician in the disbursement of care (Coiera 2003). In effect, this increases the efficiency of the GP and a study done in the Veterans Association has shown electronic records has allowed patients information to be available 100% of the time as opposed to 60% of the time reducing the amount of sessions required to resolve patient issues (Wilson 2009) this, as well as enhance patient safety through, for instance, reduced prescription errors (Kaushal et al. 2001) Unfortunately, there is a substantial learning curve and clinicians require training to use these systems (Anderson 2007). GPs may spend substantial amounts of time inputting and retrieving data from these systems at the expense of interacting with their patients (Poissant et al. 2005). As information grows exponentially there is also a fear of clinicians becoming overwhelmed due to the explosion of information (Berner 2005) and the paradigm shift in culture also presents opportunities for resistance to change (Hendy 2005). System usability is also a major concern when dealing with electronic records. Young (2006) argues that this has been a major deterrent to widespread adoption of these systems. Patients and their carers In the UK, The NHS care record service is responsible for holding Electronic records for all UK citizens centrally (NHS 2008a). There is policy in place that will see all patientsÃÆ' ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ summary records being held nationally and detailed records held locally within the various GP practices (NHS 2008a). This in effect will lighten the burden to the patients and their carers of having to remember the list of drugs, allergies or adverse reactions they may have encountered in the past (Jones et al. 2008).This will reduce the risk from adverse events and near misses that can occur from wrong administration of medication through prescription errors and increase the amount of confidence patients will have on their clinicians (Jones et al. 2008). Furthermore, In the UK, Patients will also be able to view their own summary care records via health space (Greenhalgh et al. 2010) and ensure their records are complete and accurate leading to better patient outcomes (Waegemann et al. 2002 ). Additionally, in emergencies, where GPs may not be readily available, rapid access to the patientÃÆ' ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s medical history can reduce the time taken to provide critical care (Potts et al. 2004) Ultimately, the main benefit to patients will be increased quality of care and patient safety through increased choice in their care options (Eysenbach Jadad 2001). This will largely be due to portability of these records across different care functions allowing for access by a variety of clinicians. Unlike paper records, electronic records are easily and readily accessible due to the interconnection of systems through networks making them vulnerable to unauthorized access (Berner 2005) This brings a set of legal challenges as to who has access to this information (Delpierre 2004). Under the UK data protection act of 1997 and the privacy act of 1974 in the USA, data about patients is protected by law (Koeller 2002). However, with records widely distributed and at times held by third parties adequate legislation needs to be put in place and security measures such as firewalls and audit trails need to be implemented to protect this data. This raises complexities in implementation as well as expands cost (Koeller 2002) Health service teams and clinicians Health service teams such as pharmacists alongside other health care professional benefit immensely when records are easily shareable and quickly available (Wager et al. 2000) This is information can be used to reconcile medication lists as well as provide key information to multi disciplinary health professionals in a secondary care setting where information is fragmented and spread across different care pathways (Miller Sim 2004). This will reduce clinical risk as well as save time and associated costs (Koeller 2002). Furthermore, the problem inherent in paper records of ineligible notes becomes nonexistent (Schloefell et al. 2001). Coding systems in electronic records also avoids incidents of ambiguity that may be present in free text during care episodes (Dick et al. 1997). On the other hand, there is currently no universal standard for indexing and coding clinical information (Schloefell et al. 2001) this in effect is a challenge to health teams who may have difficulty in accessing patients data across different system platforms (Schloefell et al. 2001)The lack of unanimity in creating uniform standards leads to interoperability across physicians systems, hospitals and pharmacies (Wilson 2009). This limits the amount of choices available to patients and adds unnecessary difficulty to health teams when such incidences occur. Health providers, and allied organizations In the UK health providers such as health trusts and Strategic Health Authorities derive their benefits as a result of benefits derived from patients and health care teams (Jones et al. 2008). Other gains are made from quantifying resources not utilized as a result of implementing EHRs (Byrne et al. 2010) these benefits accrue and are reflected as cost savings to these authorities. Funds realized as a result of these savings allow for better planning on both macro and micro levels with resources efficiently allocated to interventions that have greater impact on the populace (Jones et al. 2008). Furthermore, organizations concerned in medical research benefit immensely when records are electronically stored. The nature of the record allows for data to be easily derived for specific research purposes for learning and for use by other allied institutions with minimal overhead (Mathers et al. 2009). Alternatively, the cost, size and complexity of implementing these systems are prohibitive (Hendy 2005). Many health providers such as the NHS in the UK meet many of these costs. According to the Donabedian perspective, the inputs required in setting up a working electronic record system are both time and cost intensive (Koeller 2002). Infrastructure in terms of hardware and software, expertise, training and associated costs are high especially when these are scaled to a national level (Cressman et al. 2006). In the UK 105BN pounds has been allocated to the NHS for 2010/2011 fiscal year (DoH 2010) and $19BN has been allocated for the year 2011 to promote the adoption of EHR in the USA (Wilson 2009). This however is seen to be inadequate and further investments needs to be done. Comparison of Electronic and paper records physical and described as being material objects with concrete locations, attachments and marking (Bearman 1996). Data is usually handwritten and takes the forms of Narrative text in most instances forms can also be used to insert data. Data entry lacks validation and prone to errors. Conclusions The literature reviewed provides evidence that supports adoption of electronic health records. An analysis of the literature as represented on table 1 showed good evidence indicating improvement of patient safety and increase in efficiency of clinical staff as a result of implementing EHR. Evidence showing an increase in information quality was mainly qualitative and cost benefit analysis was scarce and hard to find. Future benefits and cost savings were predictive at best and were mostly attached to reduction in risk to patients and the assumed calculation of costs savings associated with this. Hayrinen et al. (2008b) stated electronic health systems are as yet not properly defined and methods to evaluate these systems are still not well developed as a result. This in effect raises major concerns, the first being the sustainability of these systems over the long term, the safety of the patients and the quality of information provided (Coiera 2009). As we move forward, systems are becoming larger and more complex and the cost to benefits have major implications to the national GDP of most countries implementing a nationwide health strategy. It is in this respect that the top down approach adopted by the NHS has been favored to the bottom up approach or sporadic approaches in other parts of the world (Cressman et al. 2006). This approach aims to reduce incompatibility in data reconciliation across systems which not only hinders the continuity of patient care but also makes deriving data in a coordinated and timely manner for use in public health highly complex. However, both systems are challenged and other arguments have been made that favor a middle out approach where local institutions drive the process but with oversight from governing bodies who set the standards and policy to guide it (Coiera 2009).

History of the Laser

History of the Laser INTRODUCTION The name LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Light is really an electromagnetic wave. Each wave has brightness and color, and vibrates at a certain angle, so-called polarization. This is also true for laser light but it is more parallel than any other light source. Every part of the beam has (almost) the exact same direction and the beam will therefore diverge very little. With a good laser an object at a distance of 1 km (0.6 mile) can be illuminated with a dot about 60 mm (2.3 inches) in radius. As it is so parallel it can also be focused to very small diameters where the concentration of light energy becomes so great that you can cut, drill or turn with the beam. It also makes it possible to illuminate and examine very tiny details. It is this property that is used in surgical appliances and in CD players. It can also be made very monochromic, so that just one light wavelength is present. This is not the case with ordinary light sources. White light contains all the colors in the spectrum, but even a colored light, such as a red LED (light emitting diode) contains a continuous interval of red wavelengths. On the other hand, laser emissions are not usually very strong when it comes to energy content. A very powerful laser of the kind that is used in a laser show does not give off more light than an ordinary streetlight; the difference is in how parallel it is. Before the Laser there was the Maser In 1954, Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow invented the maser (microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation), using ammonia gas and microwave radiation the maser was invented before the (optical) laser. The technology is very close but does not use a visible light. The maser was used to amplify radio signals and as an ultrasensitive detector for space research. Many different materials can be used as lasers. Some, like the ruby laser, emit short pulses of laser light. Others, like helium-neon gas lasers or liquid dye lasers emit a continuous beam of light. Laser action Lasers are possible because of the way light interacts with electrons. Electrons exist at specific energy levels or states characteristic of that particular atom or molecule. The energy levels can be imagined as rings or orbits around a nucleus. Electrons in outer rings are at higher energy levels than those in inner rings. Electrons can be bumped up to higher energy levels by the injection of energy-for example, by a flash of light. When an electron drops from an outer to an inner level, excess energy is given off as light. The wavelength or color of the emitted light is precisely related to the amount of energy released. Depending on the particular lasing material being used, specific wavelengths of light are absorbed (to energize or excite the electrons) and specific wavelengths are emitted (when the electrons fall back to their initial level). In a cylinder a fully reflecting mirror is placed on one end and a partially reflecting mirror on the other. A high-intensity lamp is spiraled around the ruby cylinder to provide a flash of white light that triggers the laser action. The green and blue wavelengths in the flash excite electrons in the atoms to a higher energy level. Upon returning to their normal state, the electrons emit their characteristic ruby-red light. The mirrors reflect some of this light back and forth inside the ruby crystal, stimulating other excited chromium atoms to produce more red light, until the light pulse builds up to high power and drains the energy stored in the crystal. High-voltage electricity causes the quartz flash tube to emit an intense burst of light, exciting some of the atoms in the ruby crystal to higher energy levels. At a specific energy level, some atoms emit particles of light called photons. At first the photons are emitted in all directions. Photons from one atom stimulate emission of photons from other atoms and the light intensity is rapidly amplified. Mirrors at each end reflect the photons back and forth, continuing this process of stimulated emission and amplification. The photons leave through the partially silvered mirror at one end. This is laser light. EINSTEINS THEORY OF LASER Although Einstein did not invent the laser his work laid the foundation. It was Einstein who pointed out that stimulated emission of radiation could occur along with spontaneous emission absorption. He used his photon mathematics to examine the case of a large collection of atoms full of excess energy and ready to emit a photon at some random time in a random direction. If a stray photon passes by, then the atoms are stimulated by its presence to emit their photons early. More remarkably, the emitted photons go in the same direction and have exactly the same frequency as the original photon ! Later, as the small crowd of identical photons moves through the rest of the atoms, more and more photons will leave their atoms early to join in the subatomic parade. All it took to invent the laser was for someone to find the right kind of atoms and to add reflecting mirrors to help the stimulated emission along .The acronym LASER means Light Amplification by (using Einsteins ideas about) Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Stimulated Emission A third type of photon-related electron transitions in an atom is stimulated emission. Suppose an electron is in a higher energy level and a photon comes along with an energy equal to the difference between the electrons energy and a lower energy.Then the photon will stimulate the electron to fall into the lower energy state, thereby emitting a photon. The emitted photon will have the same energy as the original photon, and viewed as waves we will then have two waves emerging from the atom in phase with the same frequency. Such waves will constructively interfere, leading to a more intense wave. This is the principle behind the laser, which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In a laser atoms are kept in an excited state by pumping the laser, and some photons are inserted. This causes some atoms to undergo stimulated emission, and the resulting photons cause other atoms to undergo stimulated emission, leading to a chain reaction. The resultant light is very intense and coherent (composed of one frequency), and can be easily focused. TYPES OF LASER ON THE BASIS OF ENERGY LEVEL Two level: In this photon from mata stable state jumps to second level on excitation Three level: In this photon from mata stable state jumps to third level on excitation Four level: In this photon from mata stable state jumps to fourth level on excitation ON THE BASIS OF MATERIAL USED Gas lasers Helium Neon Laser It is used in Interferometer, holography, spectroscopy, barcode scanning, alignment, optical demonstrations. Argon Laser It is used in Retinal phototherapy (for diabetes), lithography, confocal microscopy,spectroscopy pumping other lasers. Krypton Laser This laser is used in Scientific research, mixed with argon to create white-light lasers, light shows. Xenon ion Laser used in scientific research. In this type of laser many lines throughout visible spectrum extend into the UV and IR. Nitrogen Laser It is used in Pumping of dye lasers, measuring air pollution, scientific research. Nitrogen lasers can operate superradiantly (without a resonator cavity). Amateur laser construction. Carbon Dioxide laser It is used in Material processing (cutting, welding, etc.), surgery. It is produced by Transverse (high power) or longitudinal (low power) electrical discharge. Excimer Laser This type of laser is produced by excimer recombination via electrical discharge.It is used in Ultraviolet lithography for semiconductor manufacturing, laser surgery, LASIK Chemical lasers These type of lasers are used as directed-energy weapons like: Hydrogen Fluoride laser: It is formed by Chemical reaction in a burning jet of ethylene and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and is used in research for laser weaponry by the U.S. DOD, operated in continuous wave mode, can have power in the megawatt range. Deuterium fluoride laser: It is used in MIRACL, Pulsed Energy Projectile Tactical High Energy Laser COIL (Chemical oxygen-iodine laser): It is produced by Chemical reaction in a jet of singlet delta oxygen and iodine and is used in Laser weaponry, scientific and materials research, laser used in the U.S. militarys Airborne laser, operated in continuous wave mode, can have power in the megawatt range. DYE LASER: These type of lasers are used in Research, spectroscopy, birthmark removal, isotope separation. The tuning range of the laser depends on which dye is used. Metal-vapor lasers Helium-cadmium (HeCd) metal-vapor laser: They are used in Printing and typesetting applications, fluorescence excitation examination (ie. in U.S. paper currency printing), scientific research. Helium-mercury (HeHg) metal-vapor laser: They are used in Rare, scientific research, amateur laser construction. Helium-silver (HeAg) metal-vapor laser, Neon-copper (NeCu) metal-vapor laser: They are used in scientific research. Copper vapor laser: It is used in Dermatological uses, high speed photography, pump for dye lasers. Gold vapor laser: This type of laser is used in Rare, dermatological and photodynamic therapy uses. Solid-state laser Ruby laser: Used in Holography, tattoo removal. The first type of visible light laser invented; May 1960. Nd:YAG laser : used in Material processing, rangefinding, laser target designation, surgery, research, pumping other lasers (combined with frequency doubling to produce a green 532 nm beam). One of the most common high power lasers. Usually pulsed (down to fractions of a nanosecond) Er:YAG laser: used in Periodontal scaling, Dentistry Neodymium YLF (Nd:YLF) solid-state laser: Mostly used for pulsed pumping of certain types of pulsed Ti:sapphire lasers, combined with frequency doubling. Neodymium doped Yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser: Mostly used for continuous pumping of mode-locked Ti:sapphire or dye lasers, in combination with frequency doubling. Also used pulsed for marking and micromachining. A frequency doubled nd:YVO4 laser is also the normal way of making a green laser pointer. Neodymium glass (Nd:Glass) laser: Used in extremely high power (terawatt scale), high energy (megajoules) multiple beam systems for inertial confinement fusion. Nd:Glass lasers are usually frequency tripled to the third harmonic at 351 nm in laser fusion devices. Cerium doped lithium strontium(or calcium) aluminum fluoride (Ce:LiSAF, Ce:LiCAF): Used in Remote atmospheric sensing, LIDAR, optics research. Erbium doped and erbium-ytterbium codoped glass lasers: These are made in rod, plate/chip, and optical fiber form. Erbium doped fibers are commonly used as optical amplifiers for telecommunications. Semiconductor laser Semiconductor laser diode has working wavelength between 0.4-20Â µm, depending on active region and are used in Telecommunications, holography, printing, weapons, machining, welding, pump. There are many different types of semiconductor lasers like: AlGaAs : used in Optical discs, laser pointers, data communications. 780 nm Compact Disc player laser is the most common laser type in the world. Solid-state laser pumping, machining, medical. InGaAsP : used in Telecommunications, solid-state laser pumping, machining, medical. Quantum cascade laser : used in Research,Future applications may include collision-avoidance radar, industrial-process control and medical diagnostics such as breath analyzers. Other types of lasers Free electron laser : This type of laser is having a broad wavelength range (about 100 nm several mm); one free electron laser may be tunable over a wavelength range and is basically used in atmospheric research, material science, medical applications. Gas dynamic laser : used In Military applications; can operate in CW mode at several megawatts optical power and is produced by Spin state population inversion in carbon dioxide molecules caused by supersonic adiabatic expansion of mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Nickel-like Samarium laser : It has pumping source Lasing in ultra-hot samarium plasma formed by double pulse terawatt scale irradiation fluences created by Rutherford Appleton Laboratorys Nd:glass Vulcan laser and first demonstration of efficient saturated operation of a sub-10 nm X-ray laser, possible applications in high resolution microscopy and holography, operation is close to the water window at 2.2 to 4.4 nm where observation of DNA structure and the action of viruses and drugs on cells can be examined. Raman laser, uses inelastic stimulated Raman scattering in a nonlinear media, mostly fiber, for amplification. It finds its applications in Complete 1-2 Â µm wavelength coverage; distributed optical signal amplification for telecommunications; optical solitons generation and amplification APPLICATIONS Industrial Applications of Laser Today, laser can be found in a broad range of applications within industry, where it can be used for such things as pointing and measuring. In the manufacturing industry, laser is used to measure the ball cylindricity in bearings by observing the dispersion of a laser beam when reflected on the ball.Laser also works as a spirit level and can be used to indicate a flat surface by just sweeping the laser beam along the surface. This is, for instance, used when making walls at building sites. In the mining industry, laser is used to point out the drilling direction. Laser technologies have also been used within environmental areas. One example is the ability to determine from a distance the environmental toxins in a column of smoke. Other examples are being able to predict and measure the existence of photochemical smog and ozone, both at ground level where it isnt wanted and in the upper layers of the atmosphere where it is needed. Laser is also used to supervise wastewater purification. Laser works as a light source in all fiber optics in use. It has greater bandwidth. It is insensitive to interference from external electrical and magnetic fields. Fiber optics is used increasingly often in data and telecommunications around the world. Medicine Laser is used in medicine to improve precision work like surgery. Brain surgery is an example of precision surgery that calls for the surgeon to reach the intended area precisely. To make sure of this, lasers are used both to measure and to point in the area in question. Birthmarks, warts and discoloring of the skin can easily be removed with an unfocused laser. The operations are quick and heal quickly and, best of all, they are less painful than ordinary surgery performed with a scalpel. RECENT APPLICATIONS DVD A DVD player contains laser that is used not because it produces a parallel beam, but rather because the light emerges from a tiny point, which enables it to be focused on the different layers of the disc. The information, ones and zeros, is stored in several layers, and only one layer is to be read at a time. Every point on a particular layer is read during every revolution of the disc. In order to make room for a lot of information on every disc, the beam has to be focused on as small an area as possible. This cannot be done with any other light source than a laser. Laser Pointers Lasers pointers are made from inexpensive semiconductors laser as together with lens produce a parallel beam of light that can be used to make a bright spot to point with. Their range is very large. If one points at a surface 200 meters (220 yards) distant in the dark, a person standing close to the object being pointed at will have no trouble seeing the shining spot (of course, someone else has to hold the laser). On the other hand, the one holding the pointer will have difficulty seeing the spot. The eternal question of range has more to do with the lights behavior on its way back to the sender than with the length of the beam. Laser Sights Laser sights for rifles and guns can be based on several different principles. Some send a laser beam parallel to the trajectory so that the point of impact becomes visible. This method exposes the marksman. Some project a red dot inside a telescopic sight (instead of cross hairs). In both cases, the dot can be produced with a ring around it. Speed Measurement Using Laser The method the police use to measure car speed is based on a laser signal that is sent towards the target. This beam bounces back and is mixed with light that has not hit the car. The result is an oscillation the same as when you tune a guitar with higher frequency (more treble) the faster the target moves. The speed has to be measured straight from the front or from the back. If it is measured at an angle, the speed is underrated. This means that you cannot get false values that are too high. The measurement is dependent on the car having something that reflects well. The license plate is perfect, as are different types of reflecting objects. Fogged surfaces are okay, but reduce the maximum distance. Laser Distance Meter The primary use of laser distance meters today is surveyors and constructors, Least spectacular is the so-called parking assistance that helps the driver to estimate the distance to the car behind when parking. A more recent application measures the distance to the car in front of the driver when driving on highways or other roads. You simply lock in the distance to the car in front of you in order to maintain that distance. This makes driving more efficient and faster as long as it all works. This kind of laser is found in most robots with mechanical vision. LASER DISCOVERIES 1971 Gabor (alone) was given the prize, having founded the basic ideas of the holographic method, which is a famous and spectacular application of laser technology. At first just a method of creating 3-D pictures, it has since become a useful tool for the observation of vibrating objects. Much of what we today know about how musical instruments produce their tones is due to the use of holograms. In addition to holograms that can be bought and hung on a wall, simpler holograms can be found on many other things where you might not expect to find them. Small holograms are present on many credit cards and identity cards in order to make them more difficult to forge. 1981 Bloembergen and Schawlow received the prize for their contribution to the development of laser spectroscopy. One typical application of this is nonlinear optics which means methods of influencing one light beam with another and permanently joining several laser beams (not just mixing them compare the difference between mixing two substances and making them chemically react with one another). These phenomena mean that a light beam can in principle be steered by another light beam. If in the future someone intends to build an optical computer (that could be much faster and much more efficient in storing data), it would have to be based on a nonlinear optic. When using optical fibers, for example in broadband applications, several of the switches and amplifiers that are used require nonlinear optical effects. 1997 Chu, Cohen-Tannoudji and Phillips et al. received the prize for their developments of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light which is a method for inducing atoms to relinquish their heat energy to laser light and thus reach lower and lower temperatures. When their temperature sinks very close to absolute zero, atoms form aggregates (make clumps) in a way that reveals some of the innermost aspects of nature. And that is the important application of laser cooling, namely to make us understand more of nature. Very soon after the discovery other scientists started to use the technique to further develop closely related areas. 2000 Alferov and Kroemer were given the prize for their development within the field of semiconductor physics, where they had studied the type of substances that was first used to build semiconductor lasers, that is, the kind of miniature lasers that today have become the cheapest, lightest and smallest. The idea is to produce both the light source and energy supply and place the mirrors in one crystal (less than 1 mm facet, with many sequences). This has become not only the basis for many cheap and portable appliances, but also the foundation in optical information networks. The CD player, laser writer, laser pointer and the bar code reader the cashier at the supermarket uses, are all based on their discovery. REFRENCES NEWAGE PUBLISHER PVT. LTD.,LASERANDNONLINEAROPTICS,P.B LAUD macmillan publisher,laser theory and application,k.dhyacagrajan,ak.ghatak universities publishers,laser,e.a siegman http://www.nobel.org

Tom Stoppards Arcadia Essay -- Arcadia Tom Stoppard

Throughout the text, Tom Stoppard's novel Arcadia makes a series of philosophical statements regarding the theme of determinism. These statements are developed largely through images and completely different time periods, particularly those of the Romantic and Enlightenment era ¹s. Tom Stoppard uses the theme of determinism to show how the ideas of the Romantic era and the present day have gone in a circle. And that even though we get more and more advanced everyday, Stoppard shows us that despite our constant advancement, our basic ideas have remained unchanged. Author Tom Stoppard portrays this belief of a time cycle through the image of the apple juxtaposed with the image of the garden.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Arcadia, Tom Stoppard uses a scientific view of determinism along with a religious view on determinism in order to allow the reader to see similarities in ideas between the Romantic era and the present day. Religious determinism in Arcadia is shown to have to do with God/fate, predestination, and the future whereas the scientific view has to do with Newton, and with biological determinism. Although both stories do use both aspects of determinism, it is usually the story from 1809 using the scientific determinism whereas in the present day, they use more of the religious view of determinism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the first story, a scientific view of determinism is shown through Septimus and Thomasina in order to introduce to the reader the basic ideas on determinism and science.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ...

Essay --

Not Everyone Can Climb a Tree Many people have gone through our education system believing they are stupid when in fact the schools have failed to teach and assess them in the manner they are best suited to. How we learn and how we are assessed in retaining lessons is key to a productive and inclusive society. In the past, rote learning was the primary method of teaching and assessments were based on how much knowledge the student could recite. Currently, other methods are additionally employed to improve creativity and connection to information and retention is measured by benchmarks and expected developmental stages. However, with weaknesses attributed to both methods, a more inclusive method that incorporates positive aspects of all types of learning and teaches in the way that works best for each individual would be preferable. A blended learning method would be the best because it combines the acquisition of knowledge from rote learning with the creative problem solving connections from prior knowledge learned in creative play and adds critical thinking skills or the ability to assess the value of information. Assessments would be based on the kind of learner each person is and how the students master concepts and essential skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. This kind of learning would focus on understanding how individuals learn best and then using that type of learning as the primary tool for teaching that individual. In this way, students who excel in artistic endeavors would not have their intelligence assessed by how well they determine the biochemical structure of the latest new polycarbonate molecule and no one would go through life thinking they are stupid. Historically ... ...ing, which I think is the cost of the development of this learning style and the assessment. The cost would be a big factor in the decision to go ahead with this kind of learning in the classroom or not. In the past, learning was limited to rote memorization and recitation, which resulted in a noticeable segment being bored or turned off by academics, believing they were not smart enough to learn anything. More recently new learning methods have been employed that incorporate play into learning and is more student directed rather than teacher directed. While this method employs additional learning skills it still lacks a critical thinking component. Blended learning employs the best of rote and creative learning while adding the ability to assess the value of information as well. Learning is based on methods that are best suited for each individual student.

Criminal Justice Reform Essay

A. I have a strong proposition for the California Legislature†¦and that is a strict and logical reform to the present Criminal Justice System in California. B. ‘The California Legislature is to be commended for its stance on crime. Not for their ‘get tough’ policies such as the ‘Three Strikes’ law but for their enactment of a little known section of the Penal Code entitled the ‘Community Based Punishment Act of 1994.’ (Senator Quentin Kopp, Time Magazine Feb 14, 1996) C. By passage of this act, the State of California has acknowledged the limitations of incarceration as both punishment and a deterrent to criminal behavior. D. The legislature has in fact declared that ‘California’s criminal justice system is seriously out of balance in its heavy dependence upon prison facilities and jails for punishment and its lack of appropriate punishment for nonviolent offenders and substance abusers who could be successfully treated in appropriate, less restrictive programs without any increase in danger to the public’ II. More facts, Opinions and Developmental Ideas A. In essence, this law proposes a community based system of intermediate restrictions for non-violent offenders that fall between jail time and traditional probation such as home detention with electronic monitoring, boot camps, mandatory community service and victim restitution, day reporting, and others. B. Pilot programs are to be developed as a collaborative effort between the state and counties requiring a community based plan describing the sanctions and services to be provided. C. A progress report on an actof this kind would be made by the California Board of Corrections on January 1, 1997 and annually thereafter to selected legislative committees. III. Informatives A. ‘It seems clear that the California Legislature has determined that incarceration is not appropriate for many criminal offenses and that alternative sanctions are preferable for non-violent offenders. ‘ (Randy Meyer, Political Official) B. But while this approach is to be applauded, its spreading prevents the fulfillment of its true potential. C. ‘By retaining those non-violent offenders that are currently in state prison and continuing to pursue defensive punishment at the local level in the form of short term ‘shock incarceration’ and bootcamps, the costly and ineffective methods of criminal behavior correction remain intact.’ (Charles Calderon-US News) D. By immediately eliminating incarceration for all non-violent offenses and requiring victim compensation and community service, resources can be committed to preventing crime rather than to the feeding and housing of offenders. E. This is consistent with the findings of the legislature and is cost efficient, requires minimal systemic change, and increases public safety and security. IV. The Proposal A. ‘Our current criminal justice system appears to be based upon the Old Testament proverb that ‘your eye shall not pity; it shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.’ Revenge thus plays a part of the punishment model.’ (LA Official Boland) From a societal standpoint, we expect punishment to prevent the offender and others from further criminal behavior. Incarceration of offenders as the punishment of choice thus theoretically provides revenge, individual  incapacitation, and restriction. But I submit that such a philosophical foundation is flawed. Revenge while understandable from an individual human perspective is not a proper basis for society’s response to the misbehavior of its laws. This human urge to punish should be removed from the current system and replaced with methods of restrictions that utilize the offender’s potential to benefit his victim and society at large. In other words, in a free society the end desired is the correction of behavior that utilizes the least force . This conforms to the principles of limited government, efficiency, reduced cost, and personal freedom as advocated by both liberals and conservatives alike. The basic underlying concept of this proposal is that incarceration should be reserved for those who are violent and thus dangerous to the public. Violent crimes would be defined broadly to include any act or attempt to injure the person of another except by accident. This would therefore range from murder to driving under the influence with current distinctions of misdemeanor and felony offenses remaining in place. The court sentencing procedures would also be modified to exclude incarceration for non-violent crimes with an emphasis on victim restitution and community service. The court would maybe rely on probation reports to provide the necessary offender personal history including employment, job skills (or lack of), and personal resources, e.g. bank accounts, property ownership, etc. Based on this information, the court would apply the appropriate sentence of victim restitution and community service with close monitoring by probation officials. As with all human endeavors, compliance by offenders would most likely not be 100%. The threat of incarceration would have to exist for those failing to submit to or comply with court ordered repayment and public service. Many will not agree with this due to the complexity and in many cases there can be more harm done then it could be beneficial. But for the most part there  is no reason to believe that the failure rate would be any higher under this type of system than is currently the case V. Conclusion This proposal provides a policy alternative to the current criminal justice emphasis on incarceration as punishment. It is based on the premise of effectiveness and cost efficiency with a high regard for individual liberty that is essential to a free society. It moves away from the concept of punishment and focuses on a more functional goal of victim and societal repayment. The proposal offers prevention at the front end rather than repayment at the back end of crime reduction efforts. The advantages of such a system are numerous. One of the most important assets of a revision of this kind is that of allowing for a major change in the criminal justice system with a minimum of disruption to the status quo. Rather than requiring an entire systemic change, this proposal works within the current practices of the court, police, and corrections. Indeed, very few authorized changes would have to be made. Enactment of this proposal would eliminate the need for future bond measures for prison construction. Not only would it save taxpayer money, it would be most advantageous to the remaining employees of the California Department of Corrections by allowing for the closure of outdated and unsafe facilities. In addition, unemployment could be kept to a minimum by offering qualified state correctional officers employment with local law enforcement agencies. It is time now to look beyond revenge and the emotionalism associated with current justice system practices. ‘There is only one practical method of reducing crime and the subsequent public’s fear and that is through a high level of police presence on the street.’ (Randy Meyer, M.A.) In essence, this revision allows for a return of the local neighborhood police officer who is familiar with its residents and business owners. In the final analysis, our very freedom depends on how we treat society’s criminals and misfits. By continuing to create a criminal class that has not been rehabilitated through incarceration, we are ultimately sabotaging our own security. Maybe with this we can have a means of reversing the trend of incarceration as punishment while increasing our personal safety and diminishing the fear that is rampant among us. QUICK FACTS *The current California prison population is 135,133 and is expected to increase to about 148,600 by June 30,1996 per the California Department of Corrections. *42.1% of these inmates are incarcerated for violent offenses, 25.3% for property offenses, 26.2% for drugs, and 6.4% for other. *Average yearly cost: per inmate, $21,885 and per parolee, $2,110. *California Department of Corrections budget for 1995-1996: $3.4 billion; proposed budget for 1996-1997 for both Corrections and Youth Authority: $4.1 billion. This compares to $1.6 billion for community colleges and $4.8 billion for higher education. *California Legislative Analysist Elizabeth Hill advised on February 26, 1996 that 24 new prisons will need to be built by the year 2005 to keep pace with the incarceration rate. This will cost taxpayers $7 billion for their construction and increase operating costs to $6 billion annually. *California Attorney General Dan Lungren announced on March 12, 1996 that the number of homicides reported in 1995 in the most populated two-thirds of the state had declined 3.1%, rape 3.9%, robbery 7.9%, aggravated assault 4.2%,  burglary 8.9%, and vehicle theft, 11.4% (San Jose Mercury News, 3/13/96). This is consistent with a 5% decline in the national violent crime rate for the first half of 1995 per the FBI. MANUSCRIPT An analysis of Department of Corrections data by the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice in San Francisco, CA, in Nov, 1995 indicates that since the enactment of California’s ‘Three Strikes’ law two years ago, 192 have ‘struck out’ for marijuana possession, compared to 40 for murder, 25 for rape, and 24 for kidnapping. I have a strong proposition for the California Legislature†¦and that is a strict and logical reform to the present Criminal Justice System in California. ‘The California Legislature is to be commended for its stance on crime. Not for their ‘get tough’ policies such as the ‘Three Strikes’ law but for their enactment of a little known section of the Penal Code entitled the ‘Community Based Punishment Act of 1994.’ (Senator Quentin Kopp, Time Magazine Feb 14, 1996). By passage of this act, the State of California has acknowledged the limitations of incarceration as both punishment and a deterrent to criminal behavior. The legislature has in fact declared that ‘California’s criminal justice system is seriously out of balance in its heavy dependence upon prison facilities and jails for punishment and its lack of appropriate punishment for nonviolent offenders and substance abusers who could be successfully treated in appropria te, less restrictive programs without any increase in danger to the public’ In essence, this law proposes a community based system of intermediate restrictions for non-violent offenders that fall between jail time and traditional probation such as home detention with electronic monitoring,  boot camps, mandatory community service and victim restitution, day reporting, and others. Pilot programs are to be developed as a collaborative effort between the state and counties requiring a community based plan describing the sanctions and services to be provided. A progress report on an actof this kind would be made by the California Board of Corrections on January 1, 1997 and annually thereafter to selected legislative committees. ‘It seems clear that the California Legislature has determined that incarceration is not appropriate for many criminal offenses and that alternative sanctions are preferable for non-violent offenders. ‘ (Randy Meyer, Political Official). But while this approach is to be applauded, its spreading prevents the fulfillment of its true potential. ‘By retaining those non-violent offenders that are currently in state prison and continuing to pursue defensive punishment at the local level in the form of short term ‘shock incarceration’ and bootcamps, the costly and ineffective methods of criminal behavior correction remain intact.’ (Charles Calderon-US News). By immediately eliminating incarceration for all non-violent offenses and requiring victim compensation and community service, resources can be committed to preventing crime rather than to the feeding and housing of offenders. This is consistent with the findings of the legislature and is cost efficient, requires minimal systemic change, and increases public safety and security. ‘Our current criminal justice system appears to be based upon the Old Testament proverb that ‘your eye shall not pity; it shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.’ Revenge thus plays a part of the punishment model.’ (LA Official Boland). From a societal standpoint, we expect punishment to prevent the offender and others from further criminal behavior. Incarceration of offenders as the punishment of choice thus theoretically provides revenge, individual incapacitation, and restriction. But I submit that such a philosophical foundation is flawed. Revenge while understandable from an individual human perspective is not a proper basis  for society’s response to the misbehavior of its laws. This human urge to punish should be removed from the current system and replaced with methods of restrictions that utilize the offender’s potential to benefit his victim and society at large. In other words, in a free society the end desired is the correction of behavior that utilizes the least force . This conforms to the principles of limited government, efficiency, reduced cost, and personal freedom as advocated by both liberals and conservatives alike. The basic underlying concept of this proposal is that incarceration should be reserved for those who are violent and thus dangerous to the public. Violent crimes would be defined broadly to include any act or attempt to injure the person of another except by accident. This would therefore range from murder to driving under the influence with current distinctions of misdemeanor and felony offenses remaining in place. The court sentencing procedures would also be modified to exclude incarceration for non-violent crimes with an emphasis on victim restitution and community service. The court would maybe rely on probation reports to provide the necessary offender personal history including employment, job skills (or lack of), and personal resources, e.g. bank accounts, property ownership, etc. Based on this information, the court would apply the appropriate sentence of victim restitution and community service with close monitoring by probation officials. As with all human endeavors, compliance by offenders would most likely not be 100%. The threat of incarceration would have to exist for those failing to submit to or comply with court ordered repayment and public service. Many will not agree with this due to the complexity and in many cases there can be more harm done then it could be beneficial. But for the most part there is no reason to believe that the failure rate would be any higher under this type of system than is currently the case This proposal provides a policy alternative to the current criminal justice  emphasis on incarceration as punishment. It is based on the premise of effectiveness and cost efficiency with a high regard for individual liberty that is essential to a free society. It moves away from the concept of punishment and focuses on a more functional goal of victim and societal repayment. The proposal offers prevention at the front end rather than repayment at the back end of crime reduction efforts. The advantages of such a system are numerous. One of the most important assets of a revision of this kind is that of allowing for a major change in the criminal justice system with a minimum of disruption to the status quo. Rather than requiring an entire systemic change, this proposal works within the current practices of the court, police, and corrections. Indeed, very few authorized changes would have to be made. Enactment of this proposal would eliminate the need for future bond measures for prison construction. Not only would it save taxpayer money, it would be most advantageous to the remaining employees of the California Department of Corrections by allowing for the closure of outdated and unsafe facilities. In addition, unemployment could be kept to a minimum by offering qualified state correctional officers employment with local law enforcement agencies. It is time now to look beyond revenge and the emotionalism associated with current justice system practices. ‘There is only one practical method of reducing crime and the subsequent public’s fear and that is through a high level of police presence on the street.’ (Randy Meyer, M.A.) In essence, this revision allows for a return of the local neighborhood police officer who is familiar with its residents and business owners. In the final analysis, our very freedom depends on how we treat society’s criminals and misfits. By continuing to create a criminal class that has not  been rehabilitated through incarceration, we are ultimately sabotaging our own security. Maybe with this we can have a means of reversing the trend of incarceration as punishment while increasing our personal safety and diminishing the fear that is rampant among us.