Humans and the Environment Essay

Japan is an isolated nation covered with mountains, which means little land for agriculture. They went to the sea, and found fish, which was graciously delicious. They also farmed rice where there was land for farming, as well as other vegetables such as water bamboo, and lotus root. During the middle ages, the largest numbers of people in Japan were farmers and fishermen. Their way of life was often hard. Farmers’ crops perished in storms, drought, and floods. Fishermen risked their lives to go out on their small boats in rough seas. Both farmers and fishermen worked hard and had to pay heavy taxes to the nobles, who owned their land. As to China, they were a river civilization. In china the landscape was covered with loess, which is fine yellow dirt. During floods, loess would often clog irrigation ditches. Then they began to build dikes, so they could control the water flow. It was a semiarid region. The crop-fallow rotation was practiced by the Chinese in farming. Crop rotation avoids a decrease in soil fertility, because growing the same crop repeatedly in the same place eventually rids the soil of various nutrients. The fallow was primarily for storing moisture, rather than a fertility restoring device as in shifting cultivation. Then they began rice farming. The rice field would be flooded, and each plant would be planted by hand in the soft soil of the field. Since there wasn’t much animal manure, farmers usually used human feces to fertilize their fields. Their fertilizing allowed them to use the fields year after year, without the need to allow it to lay fallow. This type of rice farming was booming in China, resulting in the population also rising. Japan and China were both similar in using their environments, because they both herded animals. They also grew rice along their coasts. China had a better way of growing rice, but they pretty much only grew rice. China had irrigation ditches, but, were flooded from the loess. They also built dikes to control how much water would fill the fields. They also did the crop-fallow rotation. Japan went to river mouths to the deltas and rich plains to grow crops, which flourished their trading because they grew a lot of rice and vegetables. China grew and used silkworms to make silk. China then took the silk from the silkworms and made it into things such as blankets, towels, clothing, and other things. They obviously traded these all. The way Japan used their environment helps us understand a current issue or event today, because Japan still flourishes from the use of river mouths and flood plains to grow crops. The way china used their environment helps us understand that they were invaded a long time ago and needed protection, so they built a huge wall. The Great Wall of China is used today, not for protection, but for mainly show now. Tourists from around the world come to see the great wall. China also had its share of mistakes. In my opinion, they could have farmed other things than rice. Sure, it gave them a lot of publicity from their technique, but they could have had a lot more if they grew other crops. They could also use animal manure, even the little that they had. Which leads to grazing more animals.

Healthy Life

Healthy life is a very important thing in our lives. We should watch what we eat. We should look at the nutrition label whenever we buy food and drinks. The most important thing on healthy life is exercise. Living healthy is very relaxing.The best thing to do if you want to live healthy is look at the nutrition label on anything you are eating. Look at how much calcium does the food has because it’s an essential nutrient to our body needs everyday and keeps our body run smoothly. Potassium give you strength and endurance that maintain higher level for a long time. Iron is the another best thing you should worry about because iron helps the blood transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissue cells where it is needed and if you don’t get the iron you need in future you will have problem. They are more good vitamins that you can eat for example â€Å"Multi-Vitamins† has everything you need for the whole day.The most important thing about being healthy is exercise be cause it prevent you getting any type of diseases. There are a lot of things that help you when you exercises everyday. Your body improves stamina because you motivating yourself to work your body out more and you feel better about yourself. The most important thing I have notice is insomnia problem because your not active an you cant’t sleep right. When you work out and active an doing stuff insomnia goes away and you will get nice sleep. Exercising is very important to everyone lives.Living a healthy and relaxing life is very important in our lives because you can live longer. If you don’t work out and be lazy and don’t worry about exercising your long term life will be in danger. Everyone should start exercising everything and trust me you will feel a different in your life.

Positive Effects of Breastfeeding: A Proposal

A great number of babies are born to every country each year. However, studies show that only a minority of mothers actually breastfeed their baby, despite the medical fact that the mother’s milk is the best food for the baby. (Spangler). The alarmingly low rate of breastfeeding mothers cause me concern that perhaps the cause of it is lack of awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding or utter lack of compassion for the newborn child. Breastfeeding and its many positive effects is an important topic for me because I strongly believe that these effects far outweigh whatever possible reason parents may have for choosing the other alternative.Considering that both mother and child will benefit from breastfeeding, it is hard to imagine why any mother would choose to feed formula milk to her child, except where her milk is shown to be harmful for the baby. (â€Å"Breastfeeding — Best For Baby. Best For Mom†). I am quite curious as to the possible reasons behind some m others' refusal to breastfeed their child. By means of this essay, it is hoped that many lessons on breastfeeding and its benefits can be unearthed and communicated, both to existing mothers and women who would be mothers in the future.The essay would generally be a survey of available literature on the topic, which aims to answer questions relating to the extent of this negative attitude towards breastfeeding, the complete list of medically proven benefits of breastfeeding on both mother and child, the possible instances where breastfeeding may be harmful to either mother or child, the recommended means of breastfeeding a child whose mother is incapable or unwilling to breastfeed him, and practical guides on maximizing the benefits of breastfeeding.Works Cited Pediatrics 117. 3. 3 March 2006. 11 Feb. 2007 . Spangler, Amy. â€Å"Got â€Å"Enough† Breastmilk? † 2007. 11 Feb. 2007. . U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. â€Å"Breastfeeding — Best For Ba by. Best For Mom. † 11 Feb. 2007 .

Danforth Donnalley Laundry Products Company Integrative Problem Assignment

Danforth Donnalley Laundry Products Company Integrative Problem - Assignment Example If the company will not assume or include the $2 million rental cost, it will understate the cost of Blast, and gave an erroneous costing, and so also on the final price. This is usually done through the so-called â€Å"shadow pricing† method, in which the impact of any project is fully reflected in its valuation. This will also give a more accurate idea of the project viability. Shadow pricing is a very useful tool in cases where there is no definite market price yet. From the viewpoint of the project feasibility evaluation, the hypothetical and additional cash inflows from the erosion of sales from current laundry detergent products should not at all be included in the projected cash inflows, as shown in Table 1 (Titman, Martin & Keown, 2011, p. 411). Including these cash flows gives a wrong impression that the proposed project is viable, when in fact, it might not be that feasible because from the standpoint of the company, there are no new cash inflows coming in (no net addition to sales revenue). In marketing industry parlance this is merely a â€Å"cannibalization† of an existing product, or transferring monies from one pocket to the other pocket, to use an analogy. But on the other hand, if there is a distinct possibility that competitors will introduce a product similar to Blast, then that would impact on the project as it can introduce other factors into the equation, such as grabbing or retaining market

International Logistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Logistics - Essay Example The grocery retail chain market in UK has become mature enough due to the presence of several potential organizations. The distribution strategy of Morrison is quite unique among the other retail players within the UK market. It is the only largest retail chain supermarket that owns and operates healthy and fresh food production and processing facilities. The organization has implemented vertical integrated distribution operation in the food category. This vertically integrated operation has helped Morrison to produce, distribute and retail enormous bulk of its fresh and unsullied meat and dairy requirements (Doole and Lowe, 2005, p.131). Moreover, this distribution structure helps the organization to process and package the fresh vegetables and fruits effectively. The organization has expanded and strengthens its manufacturing and distribution infrastructure in the fiscal year 2006 (Ruddick, 2013, p.1). In terms of manufacturing, Morison has expanded its in-house baking effectively and capacity by acquiring Rathbone’s 80% stake. The abattoir operation of Morrison was started to expand in the year 2005 by acquiring second facility in Scotland. The organization also has extended fruit processing and packing facility in Northamptonshire. Moreover, the organization has introduced a new warehouse in Rushden in order to package the vegetables. The organization has opened a fresh and new regional dedicated distribution centre at Kettering in the year 2005 (Furrer, 2010, p.233). It was estimated that this centre may save almost 70 nearby stores in UK. The global recession and European financial crisis in 2008 has affected international distribution and logistics structure of Morrison. Moreover several unfavourable reasons have resulted the fall in sales (plunkett, 2009, p.49). Despite of an extra trading date in the year 2011, the organization has reported 2.5pc sales drop. It is feasible that, the organization has implemented vertical integration strategy in t heir distribution channel (Mangan, Lalwani and Butcher, 2008, p.130). The major concern for Morrison is that, the sales figure has declined since the Christmas, whereas the other competitors, such as Sainsbury and Tesco have performed relatively well comparing to Morrison. According to Philips, limited numbers of convenience stores is affecting the business performance of Morrison. The organization has only 12 convenience stores. On the other hand, the other large competitors of Morrison have strong presence in the UK grocery retail market with numerous existing convenience stores. It is indicating that, the organization has limited access to growing division of the international grocery retail market. It is expected that, the organization may face several difficulties if they try to introduce new convenience stores in near future. According to Morrison, selling the grocery food products and vegetables through convenience store will be costly comparing to the selling food products i n traditional supermarket. Therefore, it is feasible that, the limited number of convenience store is hurting the sales of the organization. On the other hand it is affecting less to the business profit margins of Morrison. Moreover, the shareholders of Morrison are backing this particular old traditional sales strategy. The declined Christmas sales figure may create huge threat for the future perspective of Morrison. The organization is still utilizing supermarket chain model in order to sell their products. It is discussed earlier that, this

The Effects of Technology on Warfare Research Paper

The Effects of Technology on Warfare - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that Clausewitz, Maude, and Graham define war as the â€Å"act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfill our will†. War requires a party to defeat its adversary, till such time that the adversary does not offer any more resistance. Violence equips itself with the innovations of science and technology to compete against violence. A strategy is defined as the assimilation and deployment of the objects of war to thwart the opponent. The conduct of warfare depends on the military tactics and strategies employed. Tactics help to put strategies into effect by making decisions that do not necessarily have a long-term effect. With changes in the character of war and advances in technology, strategies and tactics have seen a change in their meaning. This paper explores the effects of technology on warfare and alterations in the internal threads that accompany technological breakthroughs. The paper also addresses how technology re quires a reformulated conceptual change in war-making. The first part of the paper deals with warfare in the early period, before Napoleon began his conquests. It then sheds light on the method of warfare used by Napoleon. The paper explores the use of technology in different wars such as the US Civil War, the First and the Second World Wars, the Gulf War and the Lebanese War, helping to establish how wars were lost or won by using technology and demonstrating its role in war-making. The latter part of the paper examines how technology mandates a subsequent change in internal threads, followed by a conclusion.  For the most part of history, strategies were considered to be the art of how the general conducted warfare and was aimed to tackle problems such as breaking into a fort, arranging the armed forces in a tactical maneuver to give them the advantage over the opponent force etc. Strategies began to change in the past two centuries primarily due to the concept of policies that had the support of the public, international coalitions, and technological advances. As a result, it became increasingly difficult to tell national policies apart from military policies.

Variables, Measurement, and Statistics Assignment

Variables, Measurement, and Statistics - Assignment Example The use of the above variables will help the nurse put the research into perspective for two groups, adults and other clients admitted to cardiac unit (Lash, Plonczynski, & Sehdev, 2012). In this particular research, it would be essential to measure these variables and record the values. The most suitable level of measurement would be ordinal, as this will help answer the PICOT question. Being that the research measures the likelihood of patients with congestive failure having nosocomial infections, ordinal measurement best fits the research. This is because the nurse is interested in the occurrence (or non-occurrence) of this attribute. This implies that using ordinal measurement will help the nurse collect and record the data in the most appropriate format (Adler & Parmryd, 2010). In ordinal measurement, the values the nurse will use in recording the findings will be of no numerical importance other than describing the occurrence (or non-occurrence) of a trait. A suitable statistical test to help answer the question is Pearson correlation coefficient. This correlation coefficient help determine the relation between two variables in question (Bishara, & Hittner, 2012). After the nurse collects data on the occurrence of nosocomial infections in both adults and other clients with congestive heart failure, it would be ideal for the nurse to correlate this variable for both groups. The correlation coefficient will then be useful in determining the likelihood of either group developing the infection. Adler, J., & Parmryd, I. (2010). Quantifying colocalization by correlation: the Pearson correlation coefficient is superior to the Manders overlap coefficient. Cytometry. Part A: The Journal of the International Society for Analytical Cytology, 77(8), 733-742. Bishara, A., & Hittner, J. (2012). Testing the significance of a correlation with nonnormal data: comparison of Pearson, Spearman, transformation, and resampling approaches. Psychological Methods, 17(3),

Colonial Salem, Witch Trials as a quest for power Essay

Colonial Salem, Witch Trials as a quest for power - Essay Example In fact, religion, witches, and Satan may have had less to do with the outcome of the Salem trials than the male/female conflict that permeated the town and the era. Gender attitudes were prescribed by the fundamentalist religion of the time, and religious figures may have had a fear of the women expressing themselves, and a hostility towards their feminist demands. Gender roles and sexism played a key part in the Salem Witch Trials, as the events of 1692 became another chapter in the ongoing struggle that women have confronted in their quest for status, fairness, and justice. Witchcraft has traditionally been stereotyped as the domain of the female gender, as well as being a social construct perpetuated by the dominant male power structure. Witnesses who testified against the witches seemed to "acquiesce in and reinforce theories of witchcraft, developed by theologians and lawyers, which emphasize female weakness—the greater susceptibility of women to temptation; their greater sensual depravity" (Holmes 45). These theories were simply prejudicial stereotypes that had no basis in scientific or social fact. Feminism and gender roles are central to the Salem Witch Trials as they recognize and address the "systems of power and oppression" that existed at the time (Gasser 27). In 1692 Salem, men controlled the political spectrum, only men could vote and hold public office, they were the leaders in the Puritan religion, and owned most of the personal property (Demos 63). These factors would create an environment where women would have few opportunities except to keep their place, not speak out, and acquiesce to male demands. In addition, clinical hysteria was common in the 17th and 18th century when women were denied self-expression and limited in power and status (Hill 22). The charges of witchcraft in 17th century Salem were a manifestation of the womens struggle, and defined as witchcraft only by the male power structure. As the hysteria

Analyze and diagnose a hypothetical situation Essay

Analyze and diagnose a hypothetical situation - Essay Example He should go to the police immediately. If that’s the case, then Tom will not have to worry about retaliation or other complications within the company hierarchy. I will need to find out the type of pornography that Tom had seen. If the pornography found is not illegal that is it is not child pornography, then there can be no legal implications or actions that Tom can take. The matter will remain purely based on company’s policy on pornography on company computer. This will however also depend on whether the computer that held the pornography was company property or the personal property of the executive in discussion. If it is personal property, then there is nothing Tom can do as people have the right to their personal material and no law is against that. Tom will however need to explain what exactly he was doing with the executive’s computer and whether he had authorization to handle such a property. If the matter will need to be pursued, Tom should be able to produce a written permission or request allow him to use or work on the computer otherwise this may lead to negative legal repercussion of being charged with violation of privacy or private property. If he does not have anything written, then he can as well pursue another course of action. Most companies however do not allow pornographically materials in the work place and especially if people get engaged with it during working hours. These policies do not however apply during one’s break time, on most top executives and is also not followed strictly and especially if watched behind closed doors or does not negatively affect the image of the company. If this is the case with the company policy, then Tom has no charges to press or whistleblowing to do on the executive. Any course of action Tom takes may negatively affect him and not the executive. What he did when he went through the files on the executive’s computer may be taken as a violation of private property and this is punishable

The Influence of Martin Luther on the Modern Church Essay

The Influence of Martin Luther on the Modern Church - Essay Example While here, his greatest aim was to grow to be a saint and to secure himself a place in heaven. For that reason, he lived a very ascetic life following the minutest discipline details as well as learning the rules of mystical meditation and prayer. He spent his days praying and fasting, reading and studying, in night watches and in self-mortifications. His fellow monks, who envied his abstemiousness, saw him as a model of holiness (Hyatt, para2). Despite his many religious works and his leading this kind of austere lifestyle, Luther did not get any peace with God. Hannah explains that the more he strenuously sought out peace and forgiveness, the more they eluded him. In the year 1507, Luther was ordained as a priest and he celebrated his first mass. In the year 1511, he went to teach at a newly founded university in Wittenberg and, in the same year, he got his degree of doctor of theology. He started lecturing on Bible books in vernacular and in order to be in a position to do th is astutely, he started studying the Bible in the initial languages. As Luther taught through the scriptures, especially Galatians, psalms and Romans, he realized that his attempts to gain peace through his own effort were hopeless. He started perceiving the validity of justification via faith in Jesus only (Hyatt, para4 and Hannah, 12). On 31 October 1517, Luther posted his 95 theses on the church door of Wittenburg seeking to debate the selling of ‘indulgencies’ (release from the temporal sin penalties in exchange for cash). People used to obtain forgiveness/absolution through carrying out good works. Moreover, the system permitted people to purchase indulgences for sins not yet committed in advance. In fact, sinners could ‘shop around’ for the priest who offered the greatest bargains. Moreover, the money obtained did not necessarily help the needy and the poor – it could mostly go to paying the personal needs of the priest (MacArov, 183). Lutherâ €™s proposition turned out to be the opening bombardment of the Protestant Reformation. A war of debates and pamphlets brought Luther into greater realms of influence and eventually, the pope excommunicated him officially and in October 1520, it was publicly announced to have the force of law. There was an order that all his tracts and books be taken away and burned (McKim, 11). Hyatt further explains that he was later on declared a heretic at the Diet of Worms. Anybody who knew his whereabouts was supposed to report to the nearest authorities in order that he could face apprehension. However, Luther’s writings became so popular with the masses such that the pope and the emperor never dared to apprehend him. Luther prepared a translation of the New Testament in Germany, under the cover of his friends at Wartburg Castle. As McKim explains, Luther’s German Bible translations outshone all translations before him by far in their theological precision, spiritual authori ty as well as linguistic power and beauty. His new testament was released in September 1522 with three thousand copies and a somewhat high retail price and within a few days, it was out of print. Between the years 1522-1533, his New Testament was 85 editions (12). By the year 1534, Luther, together with other collaborators had also translated their first edition of the Old Testament In the year 1522, Luther went back to Wittenberg where he led the movement officially known as Evangelical Church (known informally as Lutheranism)

Alien Social Scientist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alien Social Scientist - Essay Example I wanted to understand why westerners spend so much time and energy on their physical grooming. What is the reason how they appear to their peers is so important for them? Therefore, in western cities like Miami which is flooded with people from a wide range of ethnicities, the residents mostly have no scarcity of basic necessities (like food) and hence have ample leisure time and money to spend towards other activities involving glamour and beauty. People in western cities like Miami try vigorously to maintain their status which often is a combination of physical appearance (even if they are obtained artificially through surgeries and waxing) and financial resources. The citizens here are motivated to keep the momentum going by looking great and acting decent. From small kids to adults, each person was willing to walk the extra mile to ensure that they attract recognition and prestige as per their respective plans (University of Alberta). I was surprised to see young people in Great er Miami so obsessed with beauty that they could spend hours in one still position without moving while applying makeup with the sole aim of the colleagues adoring their appearance. This patience is mostly observed while tattooing. Even men invest in shaving, grooming, expensive fashionable clothes, creams and cosmetic products and shoes.

Candidate Set Essay Example for Free

Candidate Set Essay Part of the fast changing science of database management is the improvement of association rules generation. Several algorithms had been proposed and implemented in different platforms or programs to generate these rules. These rules state the rate of confidence of predicting an occurrence of entity or an event based on the occurrence of another entity or event. One popular algorithm proposed to generate the association rules of a given data is the Apriori Algorithm. It uses the bottom-up approach in order to come up with all the significant association rules by specifying the minimum support a super set must have. With the help of a pruning step that uses the property of infrequent set defined in the paper Fast Algorithms for Discovering the Maximum Frequent Set [Lin98], the database scans needed to obtain the MFS are minimized. Another algorithm to solve the maximum frequent sets is the top-down approach. Its first main aim is to discover the Maximum Frequent Candidate Set (MFCS) that would quickly gives all the other frequent set based on the property of frequent sets. Here in this paper, we would compare the disadvantages to be encountered on both algorithms and how the integration of the two cited algorithms would work and be implemented. Apriori Algorithm’s Dilemma FIGURE 2. 1: Lattice 1, 2, and 3 resembling the discovery of frequent set [Dun03]. PROPERTY 1: If an item set is infrequent, all its superset must be infrequent, and they do not need to be examined further. Apriori Algorithm needs to check the entire super sets with one element, {A}, {B}, {C}, and {D}, in order to know the MFCS. With the help of the pruning step that use the above stated property of infrequent sets then in Figure 2. 1 we could determine the MFCS of the universe ABCD by performing Apriori Algorithm. In Figure 2. 1 we should perform four database scans checking the super sets A, B, C and D respectively before we could determine the MFCS for all lattices in Figure 2. 1. Lattice 1 needs four database scans before determining that A is the MFCS. Lattice 2 needs four scans in order to determine ACD and this would be the same in lattice 3 which needs four scans before we would conclude that ABCD is the MFCS. What if we would consider a lattice with 5 items, with 6 items and so on? We would then come up with the conclusion that Apriori Algorithm needs to have n database scans for n items. By considering the above fact, try to examine the lattice of ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP QRSTUVWXYZ. Then we would conclude that MFCS would be determined after 28 database scans through the use of Apriori Algorithm. The Top-down Approach and the MFCS The top-down approach works well when the MFCS is long. What if the database to be examined has up to 100 items? Then, in Apriori Algorithm, it needs to have 100 database scans in order to come up with the MFCS. On the contrary, the Top-down approach starts with the set containing all the elements of the item set considered down to its subsets. In Figure 2. 1 the Top-down approach checks first the frequency of ABCD, BCD, and so on. What is better with the Top-down Approach compared to the Apriori Algorithm is that it only needs to know the first occurrence of a frequent set to get the MFCS. This is because of the second property of frequent sets. PROPERTY 2: If an item set is frequent, all its subsets must be frequent and they do not need to be examined further. Let’s examine the performance of top-down approach for the three lattices in Figure 2. 1. Top-down approach works best when all of the items in the item set are all frequent. In lattice 3, Top-down approach needs only one database scan in order to come up with the complete frequent sets. Lattice 3’s MFCS is ABCD, therefore it would consider all the subsets of ABCD because ABCD is frequent in the first place. But the problem with the top-down approach is when the MFCS is short. On lattice 3, the number of database scans needed to know MFCS is still lower than the number of database scans needed in the Apriori algorithm, three as compared to four. But on the case of the lattice three, the Top-down approach needs to traverse all the points in the lattice in order to determine the MFCS which is A. The table below gives a view of the database scans needed to determine the complete MFS. Table 2. 1 Apriori and Top-down Approach Comparison Items Apriori Top-down Approach Best case:1 Worst case: 15 5 5 Best case: 1 Worst case: 31 . . . n n Best case: 1 Worst case: 2n 1 Upon considering both the advantages and disadvantages of the two above discussed algorithms, I had decided to merge the good side properties of the two algorithms. To come up with an integrative algorithm that would make use of the concepts of the Apriori Algorithm and Top-down approach, we should first understand or simulate how the two algorithms come up with generating their set of possible candidates for frequent sets. Here is a program code that would generate Apriori Algorithm’s set of possible candidates given the starting candidate {0} and the number of items to be considered. Note that I had opted to start the representation of the possible candidates with zero because the Java program that I had decided to use in order to perform the discussed algorithms uses zero as its start index on its array data structures. Accompanying this program code is the explanation of how did the recursive property come up with the set of possible candidates.

Difference Between Traditional File Systems Information Technology Essay

Difference Between Traditional File Systems Information Technology Essay Wikipedia, The traditional filing system is a method of storing and arranging computer files and the information in the file. Basically it organizes these files into a database for the storage, organization, manipulation, and retrieval by the computers operating system. For this method, a file name is assigned to a file in order to secure storage location in the computer memory or data storage devices such as hard disks or CD-ROMs are used to maintain the physical location of the files. By this file name a file can be further accessed. Whether the file system has an underlying storage device or not, file systems typically have directories which associate file names with files, usually by connecting the file name to an index in a file allocation table. A new concept for file management is the concept of a database-based file system. Files are identified by their characteristics, like type of file, topic, author, etc (DBMS) consists of software that operates databases, providing storage, access, security, backup and other facilities. This system can be categorized according to the database model and the type of computer that they support such as a server cluster or a mobile phone, the query language(s) that access the database, such as SQL or XQuery, performance trade-offs, such as maximum scale or maximum speed or others. Some DBMS cover more than one entry in these categories, e.g., supporting multiple query languages. Meanwhile database management systems are usually accessed in a client-server manner, where the database client and the server are located on different machines (in a local area network). Both systems deal with information management. File-based System File-based systems were an early attempt to computerize the manual filing system. File-based system is a collection of application programs that perform services for the end-users, such as updating, insertion, deletion adding new files to database etc. Each program defines and manages its data. When a computer user wants to store data electronically they must do so by placing data in files. Files are stored in specific locations on the hard disk (directories). The user can create new files to place data in, delete a file that contains data, rename the file, etc which is known as file management; a function provided by the Operating System (OS). Advantages of traditional file based system Disadvantages of traditional file based system No need of external storage Provides less security. No need of a highly technical person to handle the database. Redundancy is more. Processing speed is high as compared to DBMS Less integrity. High complexity in updating of database. Table 1.1.1 Database Management System The improvement of the File-Based System (FBS) was the Database Management System (DBMS) which came up in the 60s. The Database Management System removed the trouble of manually locating data, and having to go through it. The user could create a suitable structure for the data beforehand, to place the information in the database that the DBMS is managing. Hence, the physical organizing of files is done away with and provides the user with a logical view of the data input. A database is a collection of interrelated information stored in a database server; these data will be stored in the form of tables. The primary aim of database is to provide a way to store and retrieve database information fast and in an efficient manner. Advantages Control of data redundancy Although the database approach does not remove redundancy completely, it controls the amount of redundancy in the database. Data consistency By removing or controlling redundancy, the database approach reduces the risk of inconsistencies occurring. It ensures all copies of the idea are kept consistent. More information from the same amount of data With the amalgamation of the operated data, it is possible to derive additional information for the same data. Sharing of data Database belongs to the entire organization and can be shared by all authorized users. Improved data integrity Database integrity provides the validity and consistency of stored data. Integrity is usually expressed in terms of constraints, which are consistency rules that the database is not permitted to violate. Improved security Provides protection of data from unauthorized users. It will require user names and passwords to identify user type and their access right in the operation including retrieval, insertion, updating and deletion. Enforcement of standards The integration of the database enforces the necessary standards including data formats, naming conventions, documentation standards, update procedures and access rules. Economy of scale Cost savings can be obtained by combining all organizations operational data into one database with applications to work on one source of data. Balance of conflicting requirements By having a structural design in the database, the conflicts between users or departments can be resolved. Decisions will be based on the base use of resources for the organization as a whole rather than for an individual person. Improved data accessibility and responsiveness By having integration in the database approach, data accessing can cross departmental boundaries. This feature provides more functionality and better services to the users. Increased productivity The database approach provides all the low-level file-handling routines. The provision of these functions allow the programmer to concentrate more on the specific functionality required by the users. The fourth-generation environment provided by the database can simplify the database application development. Improved maintenance Provides data independence. As a change of data structure in the database will affect the application program, it simplifies database application maintenance. Increased concurrency Database can manage concurrent data access effectively. It ensures no interference between users that would not result any loss of information or loss of integrity. Improved backing and recovery services Modern database management system provides facilities to minimize the amount of processing that can be lost following a failure by using the transaction approach. Disadvantages Complexity A difficult software. All users must be familiar with its functionality and take full advantage of it. Therefore, training for the administrators, designers and users is required. Size Uses a substantial amount of main memory as well as large amount of disk space in order to make it run efficiently. Cost of DBMS A multi-user database management system may be very expensive. Even after the installation, there is a high regular annual maintenance cost on the software. Cost of conversion When moving from a file-base system to a database system, the company is required to have additional expenses on hardware acquisition and training cost. Performance As the database approach is to cater for many applications rather than exclusively for a particular one, some applications may not run as fast as before. Higher impact of a failure Increases the vulnerability of the system due to the centralization. As all users and applications reply on the database availability, the failure of any component can bring operations to a halt and affect the services to the customer seriously. The difference between TFS and DBMS Balajee B. (2005), There are number of characteristics that differ from traditional file management system to database management system. In file system approach, each user implements the required files for a specific application to run. (Example: in a sales department of an enterprise, one user will be maintaining the details of the number of sales personnel in that department and their grades. These details will be stored and maintained in a separate file. Another user will maintain the salary details of these sales personnel and the detailed salary report will be stored and maintained in a separate file. Although both of the users need the data of the salespersons, they will be having their details in separate files and they need different programs to operate their files.) When such data is isolated in separate files, it is difficult to access data that should be available for both users. This will lead to wastage of space and redundancy or replication of data, which may lead to c onfusion, as sharing of data among various users is not possible and data inconsistency may occur. These files will not be having any inter-relationship among the data stored in these files. Therefore in traditional file processing every user will be defining their own constraints and implement the files according to their needs. In database approach, a single store of data is maintained that is defined once and then accessed by many users, as database belongs to the entire organization and can be shared by all authorized users. The essential characteristic of database approach is that the database system not only contains data but it contains complete definition or description of the database structure and control. These definitions are stored in a system catalog, which contains the information about the structure and definitions of the database. The information stored in the catalog is called the metadata, it describes the primary database. Hence this approach will work on any type of database for example, insurance database, Airlines, banking database, Finance details, and Enterprise information database. But in traditional file processing system the application is developed for a specific purpose and they will access specific database only. But the processing speed in TFS is high compared to DBMS. The other main characteristic of the database is that it will allow multiple users to access the database at the same time and sharing of data is possible. The database must include concurrency control software to ensure that several users trying to update the same data at the same time, it should maintain in a controlled manner. In file system approach many programmers will be creating files over a long period and various files have different format, in various application languages, where duplication of data can occur. This redundancy in storing same data multiple times leads to higher costs and wastage of space. This may result in data inconsistency in the application; this is because update is done to some of the files only and not all of the files. Moreover in database approach multiple views can be created; External view User/Application view, Conceptual view Logical view, Internal view Details about the structure of data and physical storage of information. View is a tailored representation of information contained in one or more tables. View is also called as Virtual table because view does not contain physically stored records and will not occupy any space. A multi-user database whose users have variety of applications must provide facilities for defining multiple views. In traditional file system, if any changes are made to the structure of the files it will affect all the programs. Therefore, changes to the structure of a file will require to change all programs that access the file and whereby data dependence will be lost. But in the case of database approach the structure of the database is stored separately in the system catalog from the access of the application programs. This property is known as program-data independence. Database can also be used for continuous storage for program objects and data structures that resulted in object oriented database approach. Traditional systems suffered from impedance mismatch problem and difficulty in accessing the data, which is avoided in object oriented database system. Database can be used to represent complex relationships among data as well as to retrieve and update related data easily and efficiently. Hence DBMS does not automatically remove redundancies, but help to control redundancy. It is possible to define and enforce integrity constraints for the data stored in the database. The database also provides facilities for recovering hardware and software failures, as it has automatic and intelligent backup and recovery procedures. It reduces the application development time considerably when compared to the file system approach and availability of up-to-date information of all the users. It also provides security to the data stored in the database system and maintains integrity. A highly technical person will be required to handle the database, while for TFS, it is not so. File-based systems are very dependent upon the application programmer. Any required queries or reports have to be written by the application programmer. Normally, a fixed format query or report can only be entertained and no facility for ad-hoc queries if offered. DBMS has data independence. The way information is stored and the way information issued is independent of each other. File-based systems also give tremendous pressure on data processing staff, with users complaints on programs that are inadequate or inefficient in meeting their demands. Documentation may be limited and maintenance of the system is difficult. Provision for security, integrity and recovery capability is very limited. Whereas, DBMS has control over security as it provides tools such as use of User Code, Password / Privileges and Roles to ensure security of data. Data, Field, Record, and File are the main components of Database environment. Briefly explain those. Data Webopedia (Anon., n.d.), Distinct pieces of information usually formatted in a special way. All software is divided into two general categories: data and programs. Programs are collections of instructions for manipulating data. Data can exist in a variety of forms as numbers or text on pieces of paper, as bits and bytes stored in electronic memory, or as facts stored in a persons mind. Strictly speaking, data is the plural of datum, a single piece of information. In practice, however, people use data as both the singular and plural form of the word. The term data is often used to distinguish binary machine-readable information from textual human-readable information. For example, some applications make a distinction between data files (files that contain binary data) and text files (files that contain ASCII data). In database management systems, data files are the files that store the database information, whereas other files, such as index files and data dictionaries, store adminis trative information, known as metadata. Field Webopedia (Anon., n.d.), A space allocated for a particular item of information. A tax form, for example, contains a number of fields: one for your name, one for your Social Security number, one for your income, and so on. In database systems, fields are the smallest units of information you can access. In spreadsheets, fields are called cells. Most fields have certain attributes associated with them. For example, some fields are numeric whereas others are textual; some are long, while others are short. In addition, every field has a name, called the field name. In database management systems, a field can be required, optional, or calculated. A required field is one in which you must enter data, while an optional field is one you may leave blank. A calculated field is one whose value is derived from some formula involving other fields. You do not enter data into a calculated field; the system automatically determines the correct value. A collection of fields is called a record. Record Webopedia (Anon., n.d.), In database management systems, a complete set of information. Records are composed of fields, each of which contains one item of information. A set of records constitutes a file. For example, a personnel file might contain records that have three fields: a name field, an address field, and a phone number field. In relational database management systems, records are called tuples. Some programming languages allow you to define a special data structure called a record. Generally, a record is a combination of other data objects. For example, a record might contain three integers, a floating-point number, and a character string. In database management systems, a complete set of information. Records are composed of fields, each of which contains one item of information. A set of records constitutes a file. For example, a personnel file might contain records that have three fields: a name field, an address field, and a phone number field. Figure 1.2.1 Source Author Anon., File Webopedia (Anon., n.d.), A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename. Almost all information stored in a computer must be in a file. There are many different types of files: data files, text files, program files, directory files, and so on. Different types of files store different types of information. For example, program files store programs, whereas text files store text. What is the Importance of DBMS in a Defense Organization and in an Education Department? Defence Organization Benjamin (n.d.), A Database Management System (DBMS) is a set of computer programs that controls the creation, maintenance, and the use of the database with computers of an organization and its end users. It allows organizations to place control of organization-wide database development in the hands of database administrators (DBAs) and other specialists. As organizations develop with time, their adoption to the latest technologies in the computer field becomes a necessity. A Defence organization is no different. In these turbulent times, when national security is more important, providing all Defence personnel with access to the latest technology and education opportunities not only directly contributes to Defence capability but also improve the defence personnels career development. Hence the importance of a DBMS in such an organization like Defence is vital. Because Database administrators could use this system to configure and operate databases as the software provides high level, privileged database access. But the management should restrict use of this software to authorized personnel. One function of the database administrator is to create particular views of information stored in the database that are unique for each type of user. For example, one officer will have a different view of information in the database than another, say Senior officer. The different user groups will also have different abilities to add, modify, or delete information. The database administrator is responsible for providing users with access to the appropriate level of information. The primary risk associated with database administration is that an administrator can alter sensitive data without those modifications being detected. A secondary risk is that an administrator can change access rights to information stored within the database as well as their own access rights. Database security is the last line of defence. So it deserves greater focus on the protection of private data from both internal and external. The sensitivity and classification of the information stored in the database form the basis for establishing controls. A database that stores confidential information may require a more significant control environment than a database that stores non-sensitive information. Management should consider the security and performance implications of the security options available with modern database management systems. Database security professionals and information security and risk management professionals could adopt a security strategy in DBMS to: 1) Align database security policies with information security policies; 2) Ensure well-defined and formalized database security procedures; 3) Enforce role separation; and 4) Apply advanced security measures such as database auditing, monitoring, database encryption, data masking, and vulnerability assessment to all critical databases that store private data. The DBMS can provide long-term benefits for the Defence organization reducing duplication of data and making it easier for HR to update personnel records. If not for DBMS, each time there was a personnel change, trainers would have to go through their entire content to make the necessary changes. Now, replacing Brigadier Xs picture in the content library with Commodore Ys picture can be automatically replicated through all relevant programs. Thereby reduce its expenditure on storage. But, initial training will be required for all programmers and users. Even though database systems are complex, difficult, and time-consuming to design, there is greater data integrity and independence from applications programs and Education Department Sue Bushell (2004), To improve teaching and learning with the help of modern information and communication technology eLearning is beneficial to education, corporations and to all types of learners. It is affordable, saves time, and produces measurable results. E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The Information and communication systems, whether networked or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process. E-learning services have evolved since computers were first used in education. There is a trend to move towards blended learning services, where computer-based activities are integrated with practical or classroom-based situations. E-learning is essentially the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio The definition of e-learning varies depending on the organization and how it is used but basically it involves electronic means of communication, education, and training. Regardless of the definition you chose to use, designers, developers, and implementers make or break the instructional courses and tools. E-learning is simply a medium for delivering learning and like any other medium, it has its advantages and disadvantages. E-learning covers a wide array of activities from supported learning, to blended or hybrid learning (the combination of traditional and e-learning practices), to learning that occurs 100% online. As per wikipedia.org, the worldwide e-learning industry is estimated to be worth over $48 billion US according to conservative estimates. Developments in internet and multimedia technologies are the basic enabler of e-learning, with consulting, content, technologies, services and support being identified as the five key sectors of the e-learning industry. E-learning is naturally suited to distance learning and flexible learning, but can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case the term Blended learning is commonly used. E-Learning pioneer Bernard Luskin argues that the E must be understood to have broad meaning if e-learning is to be effective. Luskin says that the e should be interpreted to mean exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended, excellent, and educational in addition to electronic that is a traditional national interpretation. This broader interpretation allows for 21st century applications and brings learning and media psychology into the equation. E-Learning can also refer to educational web sites such as those offering learning scenarios, worksheets and interactive exercises for children. The term is also used extensively in the business sector where it generally refers to cost-effective online training There are many advantages to online and computer-based learning when compared to traditional face-to-face courses and lectures. There are a few disadvantages as well. Advantages of eLearning (Anon., n.d) E-learning is beneficial to education, corporations and to all types of learners. It is affordable, saves time, and produces measurable results. Cost effective E-learning is more cost effective than traditional learning because less time and money is spent traveling. Since e-learning can be done in any geographic location and there are no travel expenses, this type of learning is much less costly than doing learning at a traditional institute.   Flexibility Flexibility is a major benefit of e-learning. E-learning has the advantage of taking class anytime anywhere. Education is available when and where it is needed. E-learning can be done at the office, at home, on the road, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.   Learners  like e-learning because it accommodates different types of learning styles.  They have the advantage of learning at their own pace. Students can also learn through a variety of activities that apply to many different learning styles. Learners can fit e-learning into their busy schedule. If they hold a job, they can participate in eLearning right at their desk. If the learner needs to do the learning at night, then this option is available while in their pajamas and do the learning if they desire.   Personalized learning E-learning encourages students to peruse through information by using hyperlinks and sites on the worldwide Web.  Learners are able to find information relevant to their personal situations and interest. E-learning allows selection of  learning materials that meet their level of knowledge, interest and what they need to know to perform more effectively in an activity.   E-learning is more focused on the learner and it is more interesting for the learner because it is information that they want to learn. E-learning is flexible and can be customized to meet the individual needs of the learners. Develops knowledge E-learning helps develop knowledge of the Internet. This knowledge will help learners throughout their careers. E-learning encourages students to take personal responsibility for their own learning. When learners succeed, it builds self-knowledge and self-confidence Disadvantages of eLearning Access One disadvantage of eLearning is that learners need to have access to a computer as well as the Internet. They also need to have computer skills with programs such as word processing, Internet browsers, and e-mail. Without these skills and software it is not possible for the  learner to succeed in eLearning.   E-learners need to be very comfortable using a computer. Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials difficult. This may cause the learners to get frustrated and give up.   Software and files Another disadvantage of e-learning is managing computer files, software comfortability and learning new software, including e-learning. For learners with beginner-level computer skills it can sometimes seem complex to keep their computer files organized.  The lesson points you to download a file which the learner does and later cannot find the file. The file is downloaded to the folder the computer automatically opens to rather than a folder  chosen by the learner. This file may be lost or misplaced to the learner without good computer organizational skills. High motivation E-learning also requires time to complete especially those with assignments and interactive collaborations. This means that students have to be highly motivated and responsible because all the work they do is on their own. Learners with low motivation or bad study habits may not complete modules and may fall behind Isolation Another disadvantage of e-learning is that students may feel isolated and unsupported while learning. Instructions are not always available to help the learner so learners need to have discipline to work independently without assistance. E-learners may also become bored with no interaction with instructors or classmates.   Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines. Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help Conclusion Today many technologies can be, and are, used in e-learning, from blogs to collaborative software, E-Portfolios, and virtual classrooms. Most e-learning situations use combinations of these techniques. Even though the hardware and software start-up are costly, the advantages are; reduced data redundancy, reducing updating errors and increased consistency, greater data integrity and independence from applications programs, improved data access to users through use of host and query languages, improved data security and availability of facilitated development of new application programs and ability for intensive research are the benefits of DBMS. Task 2 Draw an Entity Relationship Data Model which describes the content and structure of the data held by the Medi Check Hospital. Produce the resulting tables of above Medi Check Hospital and clearly indicating the primary and foreign keys. Data Tables Doctor DoctorID (primary) Lname Fname Address Phone Pager Specialty Location Availability Patient PatientNo (primary) PatientFirstName PatientLastName PatientAddress PatientTelNo PatientDob PatientMaritalStatus PatientDateRegistered Appointment AppointmentNo (primary) PatientName Date/Time PatientTelNo Symptom SymptomCode (primary), SymptomName Description Treatment TreatmentTitle (primary) TreatmentType Duration Status TreatmentCost Medication MedicationNo (primary) MedicationType SideEffect Dosage Frequency Severity MedicationBrandName MedicationManufactureName MedicationManufactureAddress MedicationManufactureTel Normalize these tables to ensure that are all in BCNF. Show the steps you have taken in normalizing the tables. UNF Medication (DoctorID, Lname, Fname, Address, Phone, Pager, Specialty, Location, Availability, PatientNo, PatientFirstName, PatientLastName, PatientAddress, PatientTelNo, PatientDob, PatientMaritalStatus, PatientDateRegistered, AppoinmentNo, PatientName, Date/Time, PatientTelNo, SymptomCode, SymptomName, Description, TreatmentTitle, TreatmentTyp

Different Types Of Retaining Wall Systems Available Construction Essay

Different Types Of Retaining Wall Systems Available Construction Essay As a Construction Management Consultant of I-Consult Ltd appointed by I- Build Sdn Bhd, I am required to propose different types of retaining wall system available. My proposal focuses on the site investigation, importance of retaining wall, construction methods, design concepts and preventive measures to mitigate functional failures. I am required to propose an appropriate selection of the most suitable retaining wall system used to the Board of Directors, in which the project is located at hilly area which consists of 20 units of luxury bungalows. In this proposal, I am going to discuss: the importance of site investigation, the importance of retaining wall, the concept of retaining wall, types of retaining wall the most suitable retaining wall for this hilly project. The Importance of Site investigation Every man-made civil engineering structure is found on, in or with ground. The structure we put on the ground is man-made. We can control to design every item that goes into our structure, such as concrete, reinforcement, bricks and even the last wall plug. However, the ground below on which this structure will stand is not man-made. We usually have less knowledge about it and we undoubtedly cannot design or control its behavior. The ground below will determine the economies of how tall, how heavy, how safe the final structure is going to be and not the other way round. In short, the safety and economics of every civil engineering structure is influenced by the properties of the ground on which this structure will stand. These properties of the ground below or sub-soil properties are obtained via Site Investigation. In any site investigation work, the questions which should be resolved in determining the investigation program are: What type of investigation is needed, Why they are needed, Where the actual field works should be performed, How the work is to be done. Whether the investigation is sufficient or too much. Site investigation is normally crucial and carried out prior to the commencement of design of a construction project. Site investigation has been defined as investigation of the physical characteristics of the site and includes documentary studies, site surveys and ground investigation. It is also refers to the actual surface or subsurface investigation, including on site and laboratory tests. In broad sense, study of the site history and environment, interpretation and analyses of all available data, and making recommendations on the favorable/unfavorable locations, economic and safe design, and prediction of potential risks should also be included in site investigations. First and foremost, a desk study to reveal data which may already exist concerning the site, its geology and history, together with a site reconnaissance, is invaluable and can be done before purchase at minimal cost. This may be followed by trial pitting, probing or boring as appropriate to the conditions revealed by preceding studies and in the light of the development proposals. It is also a precaution to minimize damage that could be caused by these soils could also be communicated at this stage. At least home dwellers would be alerted to potential problems (and the associated costs) from the outset, thus enabling them to make informed decisions regarding the most appropriate foundation system for their homes. Site investigation is designed to identify the characteristics of soils or fill materials which lie beneath the site, the groundwater conditions and the existence and extent of other physical features or contaminants which may be present. This information influences the selection and design of an appropriate structural form for the proposed building. It is a process which should continue on an iterative basis throughout the design and construction phases. Post-construction monitoring can also be of importance in many instances as part of a validation process. The combined building loads indicated in figure 1 must be safely supported by the subsoil and also ensure that unreasonable movements of the building do not occur. If the supporting soil is sufficient resistant and its characteristics under load are likely to remain satisfactory, the problems of support and movement will be easily resolved. However, few soils other than rock can resist these concentrated loads and it is usually necessary to collect the resolved loads at their lowest point and transfer them to adequate bearing soil known to be available on a particular site (figure 2). Figure 1: Combined building loads Figure 2: Method of transferring combined building loads to supporting soil. The general distribution of soil types in the United Kingdom is indicated in figure 3; the soils include peat, clay, slit, sand and gravel. Corresponding safe bearing pressures are also given. Figure 3: simplified distribution of various types of supporting soils Lastly, site investigation should be undertaken by professional specialists, such as surveyors, geotechnical engineer and ground investigation contractor, and in a phased manner. The ground investigation contractor is responsible for providing reliable factual data. The geotechnical consultant should responsible for the planning execution of the investigation program, interpretation and analyses of results, and making appropriate design recommendations to avoid over design as well as unsafe design. Failure of Site Investigation Due to lack of or inadequacy of guide/code requirement regarding the extent as well as quality of site investigation work, geotechnical failures often occurred. These failures sometime led to catastrophic disaster and imposed serious threat to public safety. For the Highland Incident in Kuala Lumpur in 1993, the Architect appointed qualified civil engineer to be the consulting engineer for Highland Towers. Initially, civil engineers scope of works was restricted to the structural aspect of the three blocks. But subsequently, the civil engineer was engaged by the developer to submit proposals over the drainage of the area. His drainage plan was approved. He was also retained by the developer to design and supervise the construction of two retaining walls on the Highland Towers site. The Plaintiffs claimed that the civil engineer was negligent for the following reasons: (i) Designing unsuitable foundations; (ii) Lack of care and concern of the hill and slope; (iii) Issuing a notice to the authorities confirming the drainage works was completed when only a fraction of it was done. By the above acts of preparing, designing and supervising the construction of Highland Towers and the drainage system of the Highland Towers site, he was negligent and had caused nuisance to them. The civil engineer had used rail piles welded together as foundation to support the three apartment blocks. This type of piles, which was considered inferior to concrete piles, was accepted in the engineering and building industry to support high-rise buildings at the material time. Thus, no fault can be attributed to the civil engineer in using the rail piles as he was only adhering to the accepted professional practice at that time. However, there was lack of consideration by the civil engineer to the hill and the slope directly behind the three blocks. The court ruled that the civil engineer should have reasonably foreseen the danger of a landslide producing a lateral load against the foundation of the building. For this, he should have exercised care to either design or construct a foun dation to accommodate the lateral load or ensure that the slope was reasonably stable. Failure to do so is a breach of his duty of care he owes to the Plaintiffs since his duty was to ensure the safety of the buildings he designed and built. The civil engineers attempt to deny liability on the ground that he relied on the developer to ensure that other retaining walls were constructed properly was unsuccessful. The judge found that it was incumbent upon the civil engineer to enquire and ascertain whether the work was that of a qualified professional and what its impact might be on the safety of his own building. Figure 4: Highland Incident in Kuala Lumpur in 1993 What is Retaining Wall? A retaining wall is a stabilizing structure designed and constructed to retain soil at a slope that is greater than it would naturally assume, usually at a vertical or near-vertical position. Besides, the retaining wall used to prevent the erosion and the movement of soil. The function of retaining wall is to resist the lateral pressure of soil when there is a desired change in ground elevation that exceeds the natural slope taken by the soil which is called the angle of repose of the soil. The retaining wall is the wedge of soil resting on this upper plane of the angle of repose that a retaining wall has to support. It is also designed with weep holes which allow collected water to escape. This releases the additional pressure created by a accumulated water and helps in stabilizing the retaining wall. The walls are designed to offer the necessary resistance by using their own mass to resist the thrust or relying upon the principles of leverage. The terminology used in retaining wall construction is shown on figure 5: Figure 5: Terminology of Retaining Wall Constructing a retaining wall, several types of materials can be used. Stone and concrete are the most common materials used in constructing a retaining wall. Besides, there are also special retaining wall blocks crafted from aggregate materials and light concrete which are designed for this purpose. Because each block fits securely with the next, some styles interconnect, making building simpler, less costly and time required. These blocks do not require the addition of mortar due to the fit of these blocks is secure. A retaining wall can be tiers or a series of steps, which allow more efficient erosion control as well as a more sophisticated design. Different types of plantings, flowers or materials in each tier can be included in the design to bring more color, texture and interest to the area. By breaking down the amount of soil and pressure, a tiered design also give a better erosion control held by each division of the retaining wall instead of adding the aesthetic value. Today, there are several styles and types of retaining wall blocks, and most people choose preformed blocks. Unlike today, large stones and railroad ties were often used to construct a tiered retaining wall in the past. Performed blocks are affordable and user- friendly, making other methods out of date at all, except the look of rough stone or wood is preferred. The Concept of Retaining Wall DESIGN PRINCIPLES The design of any retaining wall is basically concerned with the lateral pressures of the retained soil and any subsoil water. The purposes to construct a retaining wall are shown as below: It is difficult to precisely identify the properties of any soil because they are inconsistent materials. The calculation of pressure exerted at any point on the wall is a task for the expert, who must take into account the following factors: Nature and type of soil; Height of water table; Subsoil water movements; Type of wall; Materials used in the construction of the wall. Design calculations related to the resultant thrust of retained material behind a 1m length of wall. There are two well-established methods can be used to determine the resultant thrust: Rankines formula; Coulombs graphical representation or wedge theory. EARTH PRESSURES The designer is mainly concerned with the effect of two forms of earth pressure: ACTIVE EARTH PRESSURE are those that tend to move or overturn the retaining wall, and are composed of the earth wedge being retained together with any hydrostatic pressure caused by the presence of groundwater. The latter can be reduced by the use of subsoil drainage behind the wall, or by inserting drainage openings called weep holes through the thickness of the stem, enabling the water to drain away. PASSIVE EARTH RESISTANCES are reactionary pressures that will react in the form of a resistance to movement of the wall. If the wall tends to move forward, the earth in front of the toe to counteract the forward movement. This pressure can be increased by enlarging the depth of the toe or by forming a rib on the underside of the base. Active earth pressures must equal to passive earth resistances in order to avoid overturning and circular slip. Typical examples of these pressures are shown in figure 6 and figure 7. Figure 6: Active and Passive Earth Pressures act on Mass Retaining Wall Figure 7: Active and Passive Earth Pressures act on Cantilever Retaining Wall STABILITY The overall stability of a retaining wall is governed by the result of the action and reaction of a number of loads: EFFECT OF WATER The design and stability can be affected by ground water behind a retaining wall whether static or percolating through subsoil. The pressure on the back of the wall will be increased. By reducing the soil shear strength, the bearing capacity of the soil can be reduced; it can reduce the frictional resistance between the base and the soil and reduce possible passive pressure in front of the wall. As a result, the issue of drainage of the water behind the retaining wall is the utmost important in the design. SLIP CIRCLE FAILURE Slip circle failure (shown in figure 8) is sometimes encountered with retaining wall in clay soils, particularly where there is a heavy surcharge of retained material. It takes the form of a rotational movement of the soil and wall along a circular arc. The arc commences behind the wall and passes under the base, resulting in a tilting and forward movement of the wall. Further movement can be prevented by driving sheet piles into ground in front of the toe, to a depth that will cut the slip circles arc. Moment due to weight of retained earth and wall above slip circle arc about O is greater than restoring moment RM. RM=permissible shear stress x length of arc ABC x arc radius OC Result: mass above ABC rotates about O. Wall tilts forward and earth heaves in front. Figure 8: Retaining wall failure due to rotational movement. The Importance of a Retaining Wall A retaining wall might be built on property for various reasons. Some level of dirt and soil will be held away from home, garden, pool or play area by building a retaining wall. The sheer aesthetics might also be added on it. A more usable land will be provided if there have a lot of rolling and slopping yard. The importance of retaining wall is stated as below: Retaining Walls Hold Back the Earth Buildings might be built on a hill or in a valley between several hills. Retaining wall will hold back the earth once the hillside has been dug out to construct buildings. Dirt does back in from the sides of the wall with each shovel full. The more you shovel, the dirt begins to fall back in. the sides are loose and weak, so they will crumble at the slightest provocation. The dirt which remains has to discharge when the side of a hill is dug out. If left alone, it will eventually comes tumbling down. The dirt will be held back and the safety will be ensured. Retaining Walls Provide More Usable Land A walk-out basement, patio, playground, garden, tennis court or swimming pool might be installed into proposed development. If the land is rolling or hilly, work cannot be begun until the ground is leveled off. A sort of cliff, where a part of the proposed land which is not dug out is higher than the lower flat land, will then be left out. Adding a retaining wall will have more usable land as well as will add structure and beauty to your new area. Retaining wall can be used as steps into the pool where pool equipments to be held. Retaining Walls Avoid the Ground from Washing Away If the area gets a lot of rainfall or near water such as lake, a retaining wall will keep the water from eroding the soil of your landscaping and around your foundation. This could be a safety measure to prevent landslides and river of dirt from floating towards the buildings. Types of Wall Mass retaining walls Mass retaining walls also known as gravity walls. They rely upon their own mass together with the friction on the underside of the base to overcome the tendency to slide or overturn. They are generally economic only up to a height of 1.800m. Mass walls can be constructed of semi-engineering quality bricks bedded in a 1:3 cement mortar or of mass concrete. Mass concrete could have some light fabric reinforcement to control surface cracking. Natural stone is suitable for small walls up to 1.000m high, but generally it is used as a facing material for walls up to 1.000m high, but generally it is used as a facing material for wall over 1.000m. Typical examples of mass retaining walls are shown in figure 9 and 10: Figure 9: Brick Mass Retaining Walls Figure 10: Mass Concrete Retaining Wall with Stone Facings Cantilever walls Cantilever walls are usually of reinforced concrete, and work on the principles of leverage. Two basic forms can be considered: a base with a large heel so that the mass of the wall with a large toe (figure 10). The figure shows typical sections and patterns of reinforcement encountered with these basic forms of cantilever retaining wall. The main steel occurs on the tension face of the wall, and nominal steel (0.15% of the cross-sectional area of the wall) is very often included in the opposite face to control the shrinkage cracking that occurs in in-situ concrete work. Reinforcement requirements, bending, fabricating and placing are dealt with in detail in the section on the reinforced concrete. Reinforced cantilever walls have an economic height range of 1.200-6.000m. Walls in excess of this height have been economically constructed using prestressing techniques. Any durable facing material may be applied to the surface to improve the appearance of the wall, but it must be remembered that such finishes are decorative and add nothing to the structural strength of the wall. Figure 10: Reinforced Concrete Cantilever Retaining Walls Counterfort Retaining Walls These walls can be constructed of reinforced or prestressed concrete, and are considered suitable if the height is over 4.500m. The counterforts are triangular beams placed at suitable centres behind the stem and above the base to enable the stem and base to act as slabs spanning horizontally over or under the counterforts. Figure 11 and figure 12 show a typical section and pattern of reinforcement for a counterofrt retaining wall. If the counterforts are placed on the face of the stem they are termed buttresses, and the whole arrangement is called a buttress-retaining wall. The design and construction principles are similar in the two formats. Figure 11: Reinforced Concrete Counterfort Retaining Wall Figure 12: Reinforced Concrete Counterfort Retaining Wall Reinforced masonry retaining walls Steel reinforcement may be used in brick retaining walls to resist tensile forces and to prevent the effects of shear. A brick bonding arrangement known as Quetta bond is used to create a uniform distribution of vertical voids. Vertical steel reinforcement is tied to the foundation reinforcement and spaced to coincide with purpose-made voids. The voids are filled with concrete to produce a series of reinforced concrete mini-columns within the wall when the brickwork is completed. Where appearance is not important, or the wall is to receive a surface treatment, reinforcement and in-situ concrete within hollow concrete block work provide for economical and functional construction. Figure 13 shows the application of standard-profile, hollow, dense concrete blocks lay in stretcher bond as permanent formwork to continuous vertical columns. Figure 13: Reinforced Concrete Block Retaining Wall The height potential and slenderness ratio (effective height to width) for reinforced masonry walls can be enhanced by post-tensioning the structure. For purposes of brick walls there are a number of construction options, including: Quetta bond with steel bars concrete in the voids; Stretcher-bonded wide cavity with reinforced steel bars coated for corrosion protection; Solid wall of perforated bricks with continuous voids containing grouted steel reinforcement bars. Some examples are shown in figure 14: Figure 14: Post-tensioned Brick Retaining Walls Conclusion Based on discussion shown on above, I would like to select Cantilever retaining wall as the most suitable retaining wall for the project where is located at hilly area which consists of 20 units of luxury bungalows. As shown as above, a cantilever retaining wall is a form of masonry installation that holds a large amount of earth in place. The cantilever design is just one of several variations on a retaining wall design, using various principles to manage earth loads. Cantilever retaining wall has an economic height range of 1.200-6.000m. This type of retaining wall is suitable for bungalows because the height is sufficient to support the bungalows. A concrete cantilever retaining wall uses a relatively thin stem of steel-reinforced, cast-in-place, concrete or mortared masonry. In a cantilever retaining wall design, an earth pressure vector acts horizontally against the side of the wall. The bottom part of the wall presents a gravity vector downward. That gravity vector produces an opposite force upward. The resulting vector counters the earth pressure vector, and pushes back against the earth load. This type of retaining wall is more stable compared to the other three types which stated on above in order to build 20 units of luxury bungalows because the loads are distributed equally. Retaining wall design is evaluated to moderate the effects of a landslide. Retaining walls can be helpful in protecting soil against the kinds of movement associated with these natural disasters. Looking at landslide risk and the risk of liquefaction, the water saturation of earth, is part of assessing how a retaining wall works. Cantilever retaining wall is one that consists of a uniform thickness wall which is tied to a footing. It located at the basement of bungalows. Thus, cantilever retaining wall will hold back the earth. Soil erosion, landslides and environment disasters are less likely to be occurred. In other words, cracking and collapse of 20 units of luxury bungalows are avoided. Weep holes are designed in the cantilever retaining wall to release the additional pressure created by a accumulated water and helps in stabilizing the retaining wall. This ensures the building will not collapse due to the fast flow of water on the hill. In conclusion, a suitable retaining wall is able to stabilize the soil and avoid overturning and sliding of building. Beside, a suitable retaining wall can also help in saving the construction cost. Therefore, cantilever retaining wall is the most suitable retaining wall for 20 units of luxury bungalows which are located on the hilly area.

The Wholeness of the Individual in Society Essay -- Religion God Relig

The Wholeness of the Individual in Society Certain statements made by Pope John Paul II in his commentary on the lasting significance of the papal encyclical â€Å"Rerum Novarum,† resonate in a highly spiritual plane, others a highly earthly one, and others in both at once. I would posit that this integrated place is of utmost significance to a sound doctrine of social justice in society, with which both documents are highly concerned. The current pope most clearly states the intertwining of the spiritual and physical needs of the human being when he says that â€Å"the Church's social teaching is itself a valid instrument of evangelization † and â€Å"reveals man to himself† (John Paul II, 78). Like Pope John Paul II, I understand the social doctrine of the Church as more than an opportunity to show others how good God is and how much they need the spiritual salvation that comes from this same God's goodness. I believe in God's goodness, God is content to care for God's created and beloved children throu gh fostering the practice of justice and peace as integral threads in the tapestry of all ...

Causes Of The Salem Witch Craft Trials :: essays research papers fc

Witchcraft, Insanity, and the Ten Signs of Decay Since there never was a spurned lover stirring things up in Salem Village, and there is no evidence from the time that Tituba practiced Caribbean black magic, yet these trials and executions actually still took place, how can you explain why they occurred? The Salem Witchcraft Trials began not as an act of revenge against an ex-lover, as they did in The Crucible, but as series of seemingly unlinked, complex events, which a paranoid and scared group of people incorrectly linked. And while there were countless other witchcraft trials, Salem’s trials remain the best-known. In Salem, fears of witchcraft perpetuated by popular writings were personified when two girls were said to be bewitched. A hysteria overcame the people of Salem, whose trials went awry. In less than six months, 19 men and women were hanged, 17 innocents died in filthy prisons, an 80-year old man was crushed to death, and two dogs were stoned to death for collaborating with the Devil (Richardson 6). How could an entire village, including scholars, believe in witchcraft? Were these trials justified? Or were they evil, as many people think? How could respected, learned men believe the accounts of psychotics? Most importantly, could the trials have been avoided? A major cause of the Salem Witchcraft trials was superstition, an â€Å"irrational [belief] ... resulting from ignorance or fear of the unknown† (Saliba). A lack of scientific reasoning led many people to believe that, for instance, walking under a ladder would bring seven years of bad luck. The Puritans in Salem had even more reasons to be superstitious. Cotton Mather’s â€Å"Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions,† with its inaccurate accounts of witchcraft, terrified. In addition, crude medical techniques, constant food poisoning, and unsanitary conditions killed many Puritans. (In the Trials, dead people and dead livestock were used as evidence of witchcraft.) More importantly, war with a nearby Indian tribe was imminent (Schlect 1); when livestock died, the Puritans thought their village was cursed, vulnerable to Indian attack. With several factions vying for control of the Village, and a series of legislative and property disputes wi th the nearby Salem Town which controlled Salem Village, it is easy to see how the people of Salem were so vulnerable to the notion of witches taking over their town. The Puritans who settled in Massachusetts left England because they thought the Church was obscuring God’s glory with its obsession of earthly things.

Why do the works of salvador dali hold such an appeal for teenagers :: Essays Papers

Why do the works of salvador dali hold such an appeal for teenagers Salvador Dali Salvador Dali was born in 1904 and passed away in 1989. He had been what the critics call an eccentric genius, a self proclaimed madman, and had lived a life of fame and fortune, mingling with the zenith of society and living what is popularly known as the high life. He was renowned for his insanity, the king of the absurd, and this came through in his paintings as much as it did through what he said. He has become the ambassador for surrealist art and surrealist philosophies, and his works are still causing controversy 11 years after his death. Or still being admired 11 years after his death. Introduction To try to capture Dali, his life, his art, his reasons and influences and everything else that comes as part of the package, in four thousand words is a task to impossible to embark upon. That is why, when I decided to study Dali as part of my A – Level course, I knew that I would have to choose a specific period of his life and artwork, or ask a specific question just to make it even a vaguely possible task. A lot of my friends, myself, and lots of people within my age group with whom I have conversed, seem to share a liking for the works of Dali. He seems to appeal to this particular group in a way most other artists don’t. In this study, I intend to investigate the reasons behind this collective, yet mainly unspoken admiration for his work, through the analysis of some of his most famous and most popular works. I will try to find out what it is exactly which appeals to this age group, and why it appeals to them. Why does Dali have such an appeal for adolescents? This, at first, seemed to me a question that lacked relevance. Not because it is a silly question, or because it is not a worthwhile question, but more because I hadn’t noticed that it did appeal to adolescents. I knew that it appealed to me, but not in particular to others of my age group. But the more I listened to the thoughts and opinions of peers and acquaintances, the more I started to think otherwise.

Destin Brass Products Co. Case Study Essay

Destin Brass Products Co. has been established and grown to produce valves (24% of the company revenue), pumps (55% of the company revenue), and flow controllers (21% of the company revenue). This paper will illustrate the recommended solutions for the management of the company that are trying to evaluate the competitive trends of the market for the mentioned products, and trying to start new strategies to deal with these trends. Finance and accounting, as mentioned by Ambler (2008) are the essentials and basis to the short and long existence of any type of companies. The high competitiveness of market requires that all types of businesses have a comprehensive understanding to the costs and profits in much detail in order to facilitate decision making process. In Destin Brass case, the company tried to establish a high brand name for producing the valves, but later as an expansion to the business, the company included two new product lines which are the pumps and the flow controllers keeping in mind the similarities of productions and the availability of the productions capacity. Destin Brass did not have a distinguished competitor in the valves market because of the high quality of the valves produced, but there is a massive competition in the pump and flow controllers market. This paper will capture a time of the company business where there is a high competition on the pumps’ prices and the solution of increasing the prices of the flow controllers did not change the market. The management is in need to reconsider its financial strategy in order to face competition. The financial analysis After evaluating the current financial situation of Destin Brass, The analysis hereby will collaborate to answer the management questions, and examples of the below solutions had been used by business and it proved to have an influence of decision making process regarding the company strategy. The solutions are as follows: Product costs as per the ABC information From the given information in the case study, there is a connection between the products costs and the costs incurred by the activities related to the productions of each product line. The answer to this issue is to prepare cost estimates for the three products by applying the essentials of the  activity based costing, table 1 shows that the ABC costs of the valves is 37.8, the pumps is 48.82, and the flow controllers is $100.63. The ABC method tries to connect the indirect costs to the products, and consequently treat them as direct costs. Based on the case study financial information, the calculations in table 1 have been prepared by using the following: Creating a cost pool for the machine depreciation and maintenance cost, and allocate the products based on machine hours. Creating a cost pool for receiving and material handling costs by calculating the number of transactions consumed for every product. Creating a cost pool for engineering costs by calculating how much engineering is consumed by each product. Comparing the ABC with the standard and the revised unit costs In this comparison, it will appear the cost of each product under the three types of costing calculation methods and the reason why they are different. Table 2 shows the comparison. The three costing methods treat direct costs which are run labour and material, in the same way. Moreover, financial experts support the idea that direct costs is not the actual problem as this can be tracked to the product, but the issue is that costing calculations gets complicated when trying to allocate the overheads (Indirect costs). The allocation of overheads is where the differences in costs come under the three costing methods. In the standard cost accounting there is no effort made to track the overhead costs to the products. It is believed that indirect costs can not be related with the products that’s why they are summarised and then allocated to the products based on the given allocation factor (cost driver). In Destin Brass case, the overheads which include the receiving and materials handling, packing and shipping, and depreciation and maintenance for $680.000 per month, are allocated based on the run labour dollars. Consequently, every product is allocated a percentage of the overheads in the same ratio that the product consume of labour (valves 0.5 run hours per unit, pumps 0.5 run per unit, and flow controllers 0.4 run per unit). See table 3 for details. The revised cost accounting makes part of the indirect costs as direct. The material and handling costs are treated in a separate way, but not the best cost driver had been chosen (direct material dollars), as it would be seen in the ABC. Moreover, setup labour is assigned directly based on the setup hours for which information is available. The remaining overheads are allocated on the basis of machine  hours. As mentioned by Peggy Alford, this gives an idea why competitors are cutting prices on pumps. It is now clear that costs of the pumps is overstated using the standard costing method while the costs of the valves are understated. But, costing can be improved especially that the flow controllers’ price is not really explained that they are cheaper to produce than it was calculated by the standard costing method. The ABC method tracks as much as possible of the indirect expenses of the products and services. So any expense incurred of a product is directly charged to that particular product rather than spreading the expense over all the products. When expenses incurred of a number of products, they are gathered and allocated based on a proper cost driver. In this way, the allocation will be done in proportion to the real costs consumption by all the products. Table 1 had shown the ABC costs calculations for the three products. Now, we can see that flow controllers have been subsidised by pumps and selling them for $97.07 is loss making (cost $100.63) rather than at 42% gross margin. But, subsidising flow controllers had made pumps less profitable while selling price of $81.26 corresponds to 43.37% gross margin. The costs of the valves are the same under both the standard and the ABC methods. Strategic implications of the financial analysis According to Bhimani et la (2008), highly competition business environment requires a comprehensive costs understanding, and a proper costing strategy is essential to facilitate decision making. In Destin Brass case, the management is facing a decision whether to go on in the pumps market in spite of the prices fall and decreasing profit margins or to cut this business line and concentrate only on the valves and the flow controller’s products which are profitable. But, making a decision following the standard costing method would have caused disastrous consequences for the company as it would cut the profitable product and concentrate on products that are selling at a loss. Destin Brass is an ideal example of how vital is to have an accurate costing method to follow to provide strategic decision making. But, in spite of the importance of the financial and accounting information that the costing method will provide, the management vision should be supported by the information not only dictated by the accounting information. The next month results In the time where cost accounting does not matter for the cost allocation to determine the costs of the products, it does not affect the bottom line. Here, assuming that the quantities of the productions and the sales, inventory, selling prices stay the same, and the prices of material, labour, handling remains the same. The net profit would be the same as the net profit of the last month. The bottom line will be affected in case the results showing in the ABC method are considered and the selling prices are adjusted. Conclusion The costing methods used to identify the strengths and weakness of the business performance helps management to decide whether operations require any improvements. This indicates that the inaccurate costing allocation can lead to either over or under pricing. Consequently, this will prevent the management from leading the company to make higher profit, retain customers or lead the company to wrong strategic decisions.

Bernini’s David

David The David, a popular art undefended was a take from the biblical fabrication of the young boy who heroically killed the everyplace towering giant Goliath. Other artists such(prenominal) as Michelangelo and Donated have created their own versions of the David, with the expulsion of having sculpted them in different judgment of conviction periods. Tangelos was in the early Renaissance, Michelangelo in the higher(prenominal), alone Berings took place in the Baroque era, a time characterized by dramatic presence and heavenly inspiration. David as depicted set over in mid-action preparing to sling a gemstone giving the sense of climax.The implied aslant lines of this marble sculpture further cause the feeling of movement Bernie Juxtaposes the concrete media of stone with the visual of an arching, flexing figure. The pragmatism represent persuades the spectator that this is an average sized man that shouldnt exhort more than one either, but we sack out different ?mas s is an illusion. David is past the conventional contraption stance, and fully extends his upper personify to the side, probably balanced by the throw away armor attached to he draping, clinging from his light half.The artist does a tremendous labor at differentiating texture, from the smooth bare whittle and organic hair, to the twining rope and scaly aegis beneath him. The lighting of this sculpture allows for high contrast shadows made by the extending appendages, adding to the intensity level of what David is about to do. Represented in liveness size scale, this realistic shepherd looks same he will lunge his upper body in a befriend or two the anticipation gives the witness ensign.Interactive in presentation, it is easy to feel as if we are biblical bystanders of what David is about to fulfill or even the abhorred Goliath himself, depending where you stand. The statue force out be placed freestanding in any venue and viewers throw out make their way around the p iece, acquiring to know it is facilitated through its human realism and proportion. Although to begin, our attention is stolen by the Davits potentially climactic pose, if we looked closer the face is one of the heterogeneous ajar focal points.David has an extremely arduous face as if he is do all the aerial calculations in his headspring to hit his target spot on. With a furrowed brow and his mouth bloated as if holding a huge breath, emphasize the explosion of force to be unleashed. The David was outfit by Cardinal Burghers to decorate his Galleria, where it stands to this day. During this time, Martin Luther tell his 95 theses criticizing the wrong doings of the Catholic Church, like granting indulgences.The subsequent Protestant reclamation stirred up a counter-Reformation, and in Italy where Catholicism reigned, churches cleaned up their act. Catholicism came cover song with vigor and heavily influenced the art world. This cogency exploded through dramatic, intense and highfalutin pieces to purposefully pierce the soul of viewers in an encounter with Godly power. more or less paintings had biblical subject matter portrayed emotionally so the viewer could relate. Bernie was cognise for his interactive sculptures that stirred awe in those who experienced them. By marmalade