Digital Equity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Digital Equity - Assignment Example For this reason, the provision of free laptops or home computers has a little help in reducing the academic gap between the haves and the have-nots. From a research conducted by Pew, students in rural areas spend up to $80 per month on internet connection while those in the urban areas spend $36 per month. Although these figures might be small for the rich, the poor cannot afford such expensive connection. Consequently, they have limited access to information, class notes, and often late with their assignment completion and submission. The solution for educational gap does not depend on internet access but rather on the educational policies. The government should introduce a program to ensure that each student has equal access to educational materials regardless of their financial status. Your assertion that technology is an important instrument in facilitating the access to educational material and a communication tool where educators can distribute learning material to the student is compelling. In addition, your acknowledgment that limited access to the internet due to high connection prices provides the reality of the matter as it affects the poor students. Finally, the proposal you make to ensure all students complete and submit their assignment on time shows a high level of consideration. Specifically, this is because you have considered the situation of various students within the society and offered a solution that can help in improving their academic

Compare and contrast between persepolis war and vietnam war Essay Example for Free

Compare and contrast between persepolis war and vietnam war Essay Graphic Novels showing conflict of war can be described in different ways. These ways are determined by the target audience and the authors decision of mood.The imagery in Persepolis and the vietnam story are affected by these choices made by the author. There are differences in the style of this book in which the reader uses to show emotion such as the target age group, the emotional aspect as well as the realism of the story. The imagery which detail is displayed in a complex or simple way can both give the reader insight while portraying a different perspective at the same time. Persepolis and the vietnam imagery both use a black and white graphic weight creating a dark feeling shown by the subjective style. They use detailing in the background like the shadowed soldiers in the Vietnam images or bright flashes of gunshot in Persepolis, thus giving the reader a different perspective. The vietnam images provides a more in depth style that provides in order to show the author’s message. However, the simple imagery used in persepolis is to get a point across using symbolic images and a straightforward style rather than in the vietnam images the sketched lines and detailing brings out a specific emotion. The target audience in which the author and/or illustrator wants to reach out to affects the type of imagery and message they want to send out,such as a story about the conflict of war to children can be subtle rather than show a harsh reality yet can both depict a mood of conflict and struggle. These two graphic styles can both get across the subjective opinion of war being undesirable by the emanata of struggle seen with the characters to the reader. They both compare the harsh reality without being too gruesome. Persepolis uses a more cartooned illustration to portray a childlike perspective thus having a target audience of young readers. In contrast, the Vietnam imagery’s perspective differs in the point of view. This shows the difference in fighting in the war rather than suffering the consequences, demonstrating an adult understanding. War can convey many emotions depending on the authors/illustrators mood they want to convey to the readers by using simple and/or complex emanata and graphic weight in similar and different ways. Persepolis and the vietnam both inflict a sympathetic emotions by showing  the struggles shown by their stressed emotions and facial styles. As well as their similar use of contrast between light and darkshows a emotional aspect of the conflict of war. To contrast the Vietnam images uses shading and shadows to add more tension and grit displaying a impactful emotion. The Persepolis imagery uses thick heavy blacks and whites without any shading making the images simple and the emotions it portrays to the reader shallow and not as complex. In conclusion these two works of graphic reading can be contrasted and compared by only three categories of realism, target age groups, and emotions. These both shared the struggles of the conflict of war as well as portraying different views and perspectives. As well as displaying an obvious age target. Even though they are similar they are both different in showing the conflict of what goes on in a war.

LOreal International Strategy

LOreal International Strategy The cosmetic industry can be analysed using Porters five forces framework, by identifying threats of New Entrants, Industry Competitors Suppliers, Substitutes and Buyers. According to Euromonitor International (2008), the threat of new entrants into the cosmetic markets is low, considering that majority of the market is already owned by leading companies such as LOreal, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble (Appendix 4). Hence, it would be extremely difficult for a new firm to establish their brand name, due to the intensity of competition. Since there are few differentials between products, and due to strategic objective of growth by business rivalry is high. Porter (2004) Therefore it can be argued the American barrier to entry into the industry is fairly low, which is a key driver for globalisation. However if a new firm is unable to compete there is the possibility of business failure or threat of being acquired by leading manufactures. Due to the industry leaders acquiring a variety of cosmetics, hair and beauty companies, consumers have the option of an array of substitute products; as a result this lowers the industry attractiveness and sets a limit on price levels. However in order to overcome the issues LOreal have established a prestigious brand image based on quality and allowing them to higher price compared to their competitors. This allows the bargaining power of buyers to be greater, since there are many sellers in the industry and fewer dominant buyers. The bargaining power of supplier is currently low, since majority of the establish firms do not require dependence on suppliers to supply cosmetic products. Porter (2004) Therefore in order to identify LOreals position with in the industry a SWOT analysis has been conducted, (Appendix 2). LOreal, How it Began The French company LOreal started in 1909, with production of worlds first hair colour product. The products were first sold in Parisian hair salons, using very tight production, sales and marketing strategy and by 1912 the products were distributed in other European regions such as Italy and the Netherlands (LOreal: 2010). According to LOreal (2010), in order first build on their brand portfolio, the company had acquired a number of French companies such as Lancome and Garnier, thereby diversifying into other markets, such as upscale perfumes and cosmetics. The acquisitions had allowed LOreal to increase their range of products among mass distributors and by 1970 eighty percent of company sales were coming from France, (Cardona: 2000). Hence the company became Frances leading beauty company, however the international presence was still little and the concept of expensive Parisian products by consumers limited LOreal ability to expand into international markets. According to Cardona (2000), LOreal first entered the American Market in 1954 by forming a licensee with the cosmetics and hair product company Cosmair Inc. Licensing as method of entry into the market involves LOreal granting rights under contract to intangible property. This had LOreal at began by distributing their products to U.S. beauty salons, however the company presence was still small due to the company brands being managed individually. Hence, without a licence it could have proven difficult for LOreal to enter the market, consider that there product was unfamiliar to the American market. Also this had allowed LOreal to understand the American market, the buyer behaviour and level of competition. However, According to Bartlett and Ghoshal (1989) the disadvantage of this method is it forces LOreal to depend on the skills, abilities and resources of the licensee as the source of revenue. However it is further argued by Cardona (2000), that LOreal acquired Cosmair Inc in 1994, which enabled the company to further strategise its influence in the American market and acquire cosmetics company Maybelline in 1996. According to Ono (1995) Maybelline was Americas third largest cosmetics company, sold mostly in supermarkets, cosmetic speciality stores and mass market discount stores. LOreal believed by improving the Maybellines products, marketing and brand image would give the products huge international potential. According to Edmondson et al (1999), this gave LOreal entry into the younger consumer base from the affluent European consumer base, due to its strong American brand image. Maybelline was a cheaper product, carried a wider distribution network and a wider product range which appealed to a vast number of ethnic consumers in America and outside. As a result, LOreals sales from Maybelline outside the United States had grown by fifty percent (Edmondson: 1999). The acq uisition of these businesses gave LOreal a seventeen percent share of the $2.3 billion U.S. cosmetics industry, (Ono: 1995). Therefore it can be argued the mode of entry into the market soon developed into strategic acquisitions, in order to pursue the strategy of growth and internationalisation. This method according to Bartlett and Ghoshal (1989), allows LOreal spread risk and reduce the level of competition since rivals are take over. This has also given LOreal greater market share for horizontal integration within the industry and thus allowing them to charge higher price for their products. However Bartlett and Ghoshal (1989) further argue this mode of entry can often cause clash in cultures, which is discuss further in this report. According to LOreal (2010), during 1980s the company had purchased stakes in two additional American companies, the cosmetics maker Helena Rubinstein and Ralph Lauren Fragrances. Both firms were later fully acquired in 1988 and 1990. Weil (2006) argues, even though Helena Rubinstein had lost most of their product appeal among American consumers, LOreal believed with effective merchandising and a complete re-launch of the brand, the products would be successful in the U.S. Market. This was due to the brand having a good position in other regions such as Europe and Asia, where Helena Rubinstein products were considered upscale, according to Weil (2006). On the other hand, the acquisition of Ralph Lauren Fragrances was completed in order to strengthen LOreals luxury products division, which possessed a smaller mass market fragrances brand (LOreal: 2010). Due to Ralph Lauren established brand image and excellent distribution networks with stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, it had allowed LOreal to enter a younger consumer market. It had been identified that the key acquisition for LOreal in order to increase their global presence was through the purchase of Kiehls, in 2000. According to Anon (2000), Kiehls was a important addition to LOreals luxury product division, offering a diverse range of specialised products for the high cost segment of the market from perfumes, skin, body and hair care. Thus by acquiring Kiehls, LOreals was able to increase their product range and influence on American society. Considering that LOreal had expensive multi-million pound advertising campaigns, Kiehls did not require such advertising due to exclusivity of the products at the time and its recognition among famous individuals (Anon: 2000). This had allowed LOreal to grow, with the company revenue increasing yearly, (LOreal: 2009). Therefore the acquisitions of such major U.S. companies allowed LOreal to increase its global presence and enter new emerging markets. Also the company has been able to develop an effective internal organisation, which is split into Consumer Products, Professional Products and Luxury Products. Due to these factors approximately twenty to twenty five percent of the company annual revenue comes from the United States (Cardona: 2000). Diversifying into Other Markets LOreal had acquired the professional hair product company Redken in 1993. This acquisition had allowed LOreal improve the structure of their hair product division, due to Redkens extensive distribution networks (LOreal: 2010). Hence LOreal had reassessed the company hair care division to focus on the sales to salons and hairdressers. Compared to the European market where luxury hair products were sold in department stores, in the U.S. luxury hair products were primarily sold in hair salons and speciality beauty supply stores. According to Nichol (2010), LOreal was able to increase their revenue, since sales from salons carried a higher profit margin compared to mass market hair products. Hence, LOreals sales from the professional hair care division had provided one third of the companys sales from hair care (LOreal: 2010). According to Morais (2000), in 1998 and 2000, LOreal had made a combined strategic acquisition of the companies Soft Sheen and Carson, in order to enter the ethnic hair care market. Soft sheen was one of the leading American ethnic hair care products and Carson had an eighty two percent share of the U.S ethnic hair care market. Rhea (1997) argues in particular the acquisition of Carson had helped LOreal to entire the South African market which was worth an estimated market value of one billion dollars, due to the establish presence Carson had already developed. LOreal had saw the entrance into the American market particularly important, since African Americans represent 12.85% of the American population (Appendix 1) and accounted for thirty percent of the total U.S. hair care expenditure, totalling $1.2 billion in 1997 (Morais: 2000). The purchase of the companies allowed LOreal to increase their distribution channels further, since majority of sales come from wholesales such as Costco and beauty shops. According to Morais (2000), the market is fragmented, and mostly responsive to word of mouth, hence does not require much advertising or promotions. From the analysis it can be identified that LOreal has followed the Uppsala Model (Appendix 6) in the process of internationalisation. The model illustrates the gradual international expansion of the company by the four stages. In stage one; it was LOreals objective to first build a presence in the American market through a licensee with Cosmair rather than make a large foreign direct investment. This allowed the company to develop market knowledge in order to control the international expansion within the American market. Therefore this method of entry was the most idyllic approach for LOreal, since according to Forsgren (2002) business will enter a new market using the lowest possible resource commitment and expand from there on to establish the firm. As a result, LOreal was able to control the level of risk and eventually increase resource commitment. In Stage two, LOreal had exported their products through independent representatives in America through regional middlemen. In the third stage, LOreal had made establishment of sales subsidiary through Helena Rubinstein and Ralph Lauren Fragrances. According to Forsgren (2002), in this stage LOreal is able to collect about market conditions, leading to a more wide market experience and give greater information regarding factors of language, culture and political system. In stage four LOreal had established a foreign production facility in the American market. Intensity of Competition for LOreal As seen on Appendix 4 the level of competition in the cosmetic industry is high however due to LOreal strategic international strategy the company has been able to be the industry leader. This was accomplished due to LOreal developing brands in different market segments and vast distribution channels in mass market, hair salon products, pharmacies and department stores, (LOreal: 2009). Due to the companys operations in different markets, LOreal experiences a high number of challenges from competitors in different markets. According to Drier (2004) in the consumer cosmetics division, the main competitors for LOreal are Proctor Gamble, Revlon and Unilever. Similar to LOreal, Proctor Gamble had established brands in health, beauty as well as household care. The company become a major competitor for LOreal due to the companys acquisition of Clairol in 2001, Gillette in 2005 and majority stake in hair care brand Wella in 2003. Hence, Proctor and Gamble was one of the leading cosmetics businesses in the United States, where it had a seventy percent share of the American market from its hair colour brand Clairol (Drier: 2004). Hence a key globalisation driver for LOreal was to enter the hair care market, which was accomplished by the acquisition of Redken and rather than mass-market LOreal concentrated on specialised hair salons. In addition, Unilever had also streamlined their brand portfolio, by developing similar strategies to that of LOreal and Proctor and Gamble. The company had developed a competitive advantage by identifying potential acquisitions. For example, the purchase of American business Chesebrough-Pond, allowed Unilever to become one of the world leaders in personal care and cosmetics, (Anon: 1997). Therefore in order to compete, LOreal has developed their competitive advantage by positioning the business above the drug store cosmetic brands such as Revlon. Their marketing strategy has allowed them to establish a prestigious brand name; LOreal has been able to charge high prices. According Trout and Rivkin (2009), in order for companies to charge higher prices, the products should offer prestige, thus consumers will pay a little more for the perceived value. Hence, by putting a particular emphasis on their packaging and advertising campaigns using celebrity models, the company has perceived the brand as elegant among consumers, (LOreal: 2010). It can also be argued that LOreals factor of success in the industry is due to being able to develop a comparative advantage over competitors by making a powerful commitment to research and development. According to (La Roche-Posay: 2005), the company had invested $612 million on research in 2005, which was three percent in turnover compared to the industry average. As a result LOreal was able to significantly reduce production costs and the purchasing cost of goods for the company fell to nineteen percent of sales compared to there rivals Wella, who had cost of twenty five percent, (Morais: 2000). Therefore it can be argued that LOreal competitive strategy falls into Porters Differentiation strategy as seen on Appendix 7. This is due to LOreals high research and development costs and acquisitions of companies such as Soft Sheen which involves producing a range of products that meets the specific needs of the consumer segments. Thus by creating uniqueness and developing a prestigious brand image, LOreal is able to charge high prices for their products compared to the competitors. According to Porter (2004), this lowers the sensitivity to price of the brand loyal customers and can also act as a, entry barrier for new firms. It is further argue that, this strategy could generate higher revenue than the low cost strategy, due to the development of high barrier to entry and therefore making it difficult for new businesses to enter. However, the higher price is likely to result in a lower volume of sales and thus one strategy will not necessarily mean high profit than the other. It is argued by Kim et al (2005), the competition based strategy of Porter is not sufficient to sustain high business performance and firms should develop new growth opportunities through value innovation. In order for value innovation to be created for both the company and buyer, the company must discover unused areas of the market and create the new demand. Thereby focus is shifted towards innovation rather than competition. LOreals Organisational Structure It can be identified from Appendix 3 that LOreal has incorporated a matrix organisational structure. According to Bartlett and Ghoshal (1990), matrix structures tend to be complex and combines two or more organisational responsibilities. For example, the CEO of LOreal is placed at the Head office located in France, with the top regional leaders reporting directly to the CEO. The responsibility of the division executives is to manage the brand strategy, global brand sales, profitability and marketing. The Region Managers (i.e. Asia, U.S.A, Africa and Europe) are responsible for the sales in their region and executing sales strategies. The strategies are developed by brand teams based in their respective region; and brand teams work closely with their division executives in order to implement effective marketing strategies within the region. Hence, in order to maintain an effective level of communication, managers of each country often keep close relationship with the general managers of each brand to identify needs of the specific country. In return, the general mangers provide information on marketing strategies for their region and product development ideas, which then requires co-operation with Research Development. Cogmap, (2009) However, Bartlett and Ghoshal (1990) argue a matrix structure can prove to be unmanageable in the international context, since multiple reporting often leads to confusion and creates overlapping responsibilities. As a result distance is created between language, culture and time. LOreal have avoid such problems by keeping a strong central oversight over executives of each division, since it then allows LOreal to identify whether each executive is effectively managing the division and the responsible regional mangers, to ensure there is no redundant work or conflicting interests. Therefore the implementation of the matrix structure has allowed LOreal to save costs, as fewer people are required due to employees sharing information between different projects. In addition, resource sharing saves time and costs, since those employees engaging in different projects often share related information. Hence it has been identified by Appendix 3, that LOreals executives work on more than one project at a time and keep a regular flow of information about the progress of the company, this has made the company stronger since different departments are working together and not against each other. Cultural Issues for LOreal It has been identified that LOreal had experienced number of cultural issues, due to their international strategy to become a global brand. When LOreal had decided to enter the American market through licensee with Cosmair in 1954, the company had faced cultural differences. According to Sharma (2010), compared to the European Market, in the American market LOreal was required to have business relationship with local middlemen rather than national distributors in order to distribute product to salons. This had become significantly difficult for the company, since LOreals presence within the U.S. market was limited, such relationships was hard to acquire. In addition, American salons were also unfamiliar with the quality of the products and disagreed on selling such goods. To resolve the issue, LOreals primary goal was now to increase there global presence and was accomplished by strategic international expansion and by taking the company public in 1963. According to Sharma (2010) LOreals strategy was to sell cosmetics through different channels of distribution; which in turn affected the macro economic levels of sales. The four types of distribution channels from professional salon hair specialists, beauty advisors, medically trained advisors in pharmacies and self service department stores allowed LOreal to develop their international presence and acquire a competitive advantage over competitors. Political Risks However, LOreal had now once faced issues while operating in Europe. After the company had become a publicly traded company in 1963, LOreal was under threat of state control by the French government and feared that the company strategies for international growth would be jeopardised. Hence, LOreal took steps to internationalise the ownership structure, in order to prevent the government control by selling fifty percent of LOreal stock to french personal care manufacturer Gesparal and keeping other half of the company publicly traded (Moodie: 2004). According to Balassa (1985), the reason for the French government to take ownership was due to threat from international companies. Therefore the French political system considered that it could provide security to the French communities trade by subsidising and directing publicly owned companies. Since, LOreal had become publicly traded in 1963 the company was prone to come under state influence. Using Yips model (Appendix 8), it can be identified one of the key globalisation drivers for LOreal to enter the cosmetics market is growth of global and regional channels. This is a key market driver, since it has allowed the company to develop their distribution channels worldwide. By entering the American market and acquiring ready established brands, LOreal was able to access the acquired companys resources. Another market driver can be identified from Appendix 1, which indicates that America has an aging population, therefore demand for LOreals anti-aging products have increased. These products success were a result of the companys extensive investment in research and development. It has been identified that global acquisitions by consumer product companies also acted as a competitive driver. Since, the existence of various global competitors had indicated that the industry is good for globalisation; where global competitors have the cost advantage over local businesses, accordi ng to Bartlett and Ghoshal (1989). One of the key reasons for LOreals globalisation development is due to the lowering of trade and investment policies internationally, where GATT (General Agreement of Tariff and Trade) have made free trade agreements between participating countries. According to Hill (2007), this can also benefit the countries that do not have a large amount of sources to utilise their resources and hence encourage foreign direct investment companies to invest.

Hamdi et al. v. Rumsfeld Essay -- Guantanamo Bay Secretary of Defense

Hamdi et al. v. Rumsfeld Hamdi et al. v. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, et al. could prove the undoing of the Bush administration’s legal defense of the abuses at Guantanamo Bay. In this case, four British citizens are suing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld as well as a host of Army and Air Force Generals and policy apparatchiks for allegedly authorizing the use of torture in Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. The four were captured in Afghanistan, either by Americans or America’s ally, the Northern Alliance, and transported to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba where they were held for over two years. Their status there was not as enemy combatant, which guaranteed them certain protections under the Geneva Convention, but rather as unlawful combatants. They were held without being charged of a crime, without legal representation and were never even brought before a military judge until Rasul v. Bush established their Habeas Corpus rights. They were released in March 2004 without being charged. Their suit accused Rumsfeld et al. of false imprisonment and torture. They were allegedly hit with rifle butts, punched, kicked, â€Å"short shackled† in cramped, painful positions and threatened with unmuzzled dogs. Their cells were cold and exposed to the elements, little better than cages and medical care was denied. The plaintiffs contend that this was the result of deliberate and foreseeable action taken by Defendant Rumsfeld to flout or evade the United States Constitution, federal statutory law, United States treaty obligations and long established norms of customary international law. This action was taken in a misconceived and illegal attempt to utilize torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading acts to coerce nonexistent inform... ... Hamdi’s allegations are correct. And the jurisdictional argument has been rejected by the Supreme Court in Rasul v. Rumsfeld. The final part necessary for strong suit against Rumsfeld et al. would be for the Supreme Court to find the conditions in which they were held to be actionable under the Alien Tort Statute. This is the most ambiguous piece in the case. The proof and jurisdiction issues have been dealt with already; the third and final piece will make or break Hamdi’s case. I believe there are actionable causes in this case under the Alien Tort Statute. A close examination of the Founders provides evidence for a liberal (â€Å"expansive† is the pejorative term Scalia uses) interpretation of the statute. With these actionable causes as a capstone to the case, Rumsfled et al. will have to put a spirited defense or risk losing an embarrassing and expensive suit.

A Case Study on Animal Testing Essay

Imagine a world where humans are taken to laboratories and tested on in a callous manner. A world where people are injected with harsh drugs and chemicals that physically and mentally harm their bodies and their life. If this scenario does not sound acceptable to act upon humans, then it surely cannot be right for animals. Right now in the world thousands of animals are experiencing this, and it most defiantly is not fair. Animal testing should be stopped because it is not only cruel, but unnecessary since there are alternative testing methods and animal rights. See more: Examples of satire in adventures of huckfinn essay The statistics of animal testing reflect the cruel and inhumane behavior that it exercises. Tests sometimes require thousands of animals and can last for one month or even an animal’s entire life. (Watson, 2009, Animal Testing p.32) The tests affect the animals in a brutal, harsh manner that could result in death. In fact 50% of all animals that are tested on end up dying. (â€Å"Pros and Cons of Animal Testing† 2013, para. 2) America is one of the countries that tests on animals most commonly. Government facilities in America that subject to animal testing are the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Transportation, National Toxicology Program, and the Department of Agriculture. But surprisingly these tests aren’t required by law in America. (Peta, â€Å"Animal Testing 101†, para. 3) Over 100 million animals suffer each year and $1 million is spent on experiments and equipment for testing. Animal testing uses 40 % of all research funding from the U.S. National Institute of Health. (Watson, 2009, Animal Testing p.9) It is necessary that the statistics of animal testing are revealed to those who have been misinformed or undereducated of the issue. The despicable methods of testing that are used presently have shown to be brutal and potent. The experiments involve the usage of rats, birds, guinea  pigs, cats, monkeys, goats, rabbits, fish, mice, and dogs. (â€Å"Vivisection†, 6th ed., p.1, 2013) The experiments are mainly for the purpose of cosmetics, medicine, household cleaners. A lethal poisoning test invented around the time of World War I—in which animals are force-fed increasing doses of a chemical until they die–is still the single most common animal test in use today. Examples of the drugs and chemicals that are used on the creatures are penicillin, morphine, and aspirin- all of which have the potential to kill the animals. The animals are burned, shocked, isolated, forcibly restrained, addicted to drugs, and receive brain damage. (Edwards, 2011, â€Å"Animal Testing†) The methods of testing are dermal penetration, eye irritancy, carcinogenicity. acute toxicity, reproductive and DEV toxicity, neurotoxity, skin corrosivity/irritation, ecotoxicity, and pyrogeniaty. (â€Å"Vivisection†, 6th ed., p.1, 2013) Also, the conditions in the laboratories are unsanitary and horrible for living. The animals are deprived of food and water, their waste is not kept after, and they are closely packed in small cages regardless of their state of health. The worst part is that the animals are given no pain killers of put under anesthesia, therefore they are forced to suffer for countless hours. This way of so-called â€Å"science† is extremely atrocious to the lives of animals, and needs to be stopped for good. The methods of animal testing that are generally used in America are unnecessary since there are alternative methods of testing. Richard Klausner, former head of the National Cancer Institute, once said, â€Å" We have cured mice of cancer for decades and it simply didn’t work in humans† (â€Å"Pros and Cons of Animal Testing† 2013, para. 5) Basically what Klausner is saying is that it is hard to fix humane issues by testing on animals. The results will usually come out as inaccurate or unreliable. The differences between a human body and an animal body are very distinct. There are animatic, metabolic, and cellular difference between the two. There are endless alternative options to replace the merciless environment of regular animal testing. Scientists can study cell cultures by using computer modeling, create artificial human skin, use â€Å"Vitro† testing, and even test on human volunteers! These new methods harm no living creatures and are becoming inc reasingly popular. (Peta, â€Å"Animal Testing 101†, para. 6) For example, the makers of botox have begun to run tests on cells in a lab dish instead of on live animals. Also, it was found that sunscreen can be tested on humans and brings results that are accurate 93% of the time. It is time to turn animal testing into a relic of the past, because better methods exist that are efficient. Lastly, animals deserve to live their lives free from suffering and exploitation. Animals’ rights are just as equal to the rights that humans possess. All animals have the ability to suffer in the same way and to the same degree that humans do. They feel pain, pleasure, fear, frustration, loneliness, and motherly love. Animals also show loyalty, and communicate with each other. (â€Å"Animal Rights Movement† 2001, Animal Rights section) Supporters of animal rights believe that animals have an inherent worth—a value completely separate from their usefulness to humans. Animals do not have a voice, so therefore, humans are their voice. Most animal rights activists stick to the idea that animals should be free to do as they please, which is not a hard task to accomplish. It is very easy to leave animals where they belong, and let them live their life naturally and without human interference. Animals should be as free as people to roam about and do their animal things unmolested and restrained by humans. So that is exactly what needs to be done. Humans need to understand that animals should have basic rights; the right to not be tortured, neglected or killed needlessly. Overall, animal testing can be described as plainly wrong. Animal testing should be stopped because it is not only cruel, but unnecessary since there are other testing options and animals have rights. Animals rarely serve as good models for the human body therefore animal experimenters are simply wasting the innocent lives of animals. The animals undergo poisoning, shocking, burning, and even death. These methods can be avoided because there are alternative options, so animal testing can be deemed as unneeded and inefficient. In conclusion, animal testing should be eliminated because it violates animals’ rights, it causes pain and suffering to the experimental animals, and other means of testing product toxicity are available.

Frankenstein and Blade Runner Essays

Frankenstein and Blade Runner Essays Frankenstein and Blade Runner Paper Frankenstein and Blade Runner Paper Essay Topic: Frankenstein Mary Shelley’s iconic novel, Frankenstein, and Ridley Scott’s cinematographic masterpiece, Blade Runner, are, on the surface, remarkably dissimilar, not solely in terms of medium, but in absolute contextual disparity. They are, of course, very much products of their time, affected and inspired by the conundrums and pessimistic predictions of their own cultural and societal contexts; condemnations of each respective composers predictions for humanity. It is interesting to note, therefore, that both texts are alike in their thematic complexity, however differently these timeless themes are expressed, and that the textual techniques of both only serve to heighten the inevitable character, plot and thematic comparisons which have inevitably occurred, as is to be expected of a film whole prophetic quality and social significance are timeless, and a novel which was to become an irrefutable literary classic. It is important to note that the world of Mary Shelley in 1818 bore a striking resemblance to that of Ridley Scott in the early 1980’s, and indeed, this is the underlying catalyst for the contemporary cultural significance of the texts. The 1800’s for example, was a time of Revolution and Industrialism; a time in which scientific advances by the likes of Erasmus Darwin and Andrew Crosse, as well as a general ascent of idealistic romanticism, had colossal influence upon not only society; but upon Shelley’s pathetic fallacy and sensory imagery-laden writing style. : One must recognise the stark analogy amidst such a time of scientific ambition and the 1980’s, a time when, similarly, rampant computerisation threatened to render the labour of man irrelevant, as scientific experimentation in genetic engineering and globalisation shook the very foundations of morality and ethical thought. Within Blade Runner too, irrefutably a condemnation of the future implications of such a time, Scott utilises establishing shots and neon, filtered lighting to intimidate; to illuminate a litany of Asian faces, whilst technology, and of course the replicants themselves, are created without second thought, and ultimately, with disastrous implications for those concerned; â€Å"Commerce is our goal here at Tyrell, more human than human is our motto. Rachel is an experiment, nothing less and nothing more. † Which, of course, brings to the fore the undeniable and universal thematic complexity of both Frankenstein and Blade Runner; the predominant catalyst for their newfound cultural significance. First and foremost is the theme upon which the texts are fundamentally built, that of emulating the divine, as well as its ramifications. Mary Shelley herself, in fact, states in the preface to her novel, â€Å"frightful must it be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavor to mock the stupendous Creator of the world†, and indeed, Victor Frankenstein himself essentially serves as an analogy, almost a deterrent, of the unbridled scientific advances of Shelley’s time. Despite Frankenstein’s extreme intelligence, being â€Å"the envy of [his] peers† and the fact that he â€Å"became capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter†, his lack of compassion for his creation, â€Å"the miserable monster whom I had created†, in conjunction with his desired abandonment of it, â€Å"I sincerely hope, that all these employments are now at an end, that I am at length free†, has catastrophic consequences. Essentially, Shelley’s characterisation symbolises man as a fallible creature, one who will by no means possess the characteristics of God, despite the insurmountable increases in technological advancement which today are the norm.

Dry Thunderstormsâ€Their Causes and Dangers

Dry Thunderstorms- Their Causes and Dangers A dry thunderstorm is one that produces little or no rain. While it might seem like a contradiction in terms to have a thunderstorm without precipitation, its actually quite common in areas of the western United States where the heat index can be very high, particularly in late spring and early summer months with low humidity.   How a Dry Thunderstorm Occurs A thunderstorm can be called dry  when temperature and heat gather  below the cloud cover, called the aerial canopy. It will rain, but the rain and other forms of precipitation never manage to reach the ground. The storms rain and any moisture evaporate as they fall and near the earth. In meteorology, this event is called virga.   The #1 Natural Cause of Wildfires Dry thunderstorms  are often the culprits behind massive wildfires when lightning ignites a dry fuel source on the ground during  fire weather  season, which is the hot summer months. Although theres no rain, at least at ground level, these storms still pack plenty of lightning. When lightning strikes in these arid conditions, its called dry lightning and wildfires can easily erupt. Vegetation and flora are often parched and readily ignitable. Even when a light rain does manage to survive and hit earth, this moisture is typically nowhere near enough to have any effect on the fires. These storms can additionally produce severe, strong winds called microbursts that can whip the fires about and shift them, making them hard to battle. The Potential for Dust Storms Dry microbursts are another weather phenomenon associated with dry thunderstorms. When  precipitation evaporates as it nears ground level, this cools the air, sometimes radically and suddenly. This cooler air is heavier and it tends to plummet quickly to earth, creating strong winds. And remember- theres little to no associated rain and moisture here. Thats already evaporated, causing the microburst in the first place. These winds can kick up dust and other debris in arid regions, resulting in sand and dust storms. These storms are called ​haboobs  in the western states that are prone to them.  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Ã¢â‚¬â€¹ Staying Safe in a Dry Thunderstorm   Dry thunderstorms can typically be predicted well in advance of the storm so officials can warn residents in vulnerable areas. Incident meteorologists, called IMETs, go on full alert. These specially-trained meteorologists look for the fuels that will help a wildfire spread. IMETs have training in microscale forecasting, fire behavior, and fire operations. They also act as managers who can help coordinate control efforts. Decisions are made on how to best control and contain wildfires based on  predictions of wind speed and direction. Even if you do not receive an alert that the weather in your area is prime for a dry thunderstorm, youll know because you should hear thunder. If rain doesnt arrive before the thunder, simultaneously, or shortly thereafter, a dry thunderstorm- and the potential for fire- is probably imminent. If theres thunder, there  will  be lightning, although the severity of the lightning can vary depending on the storm system. As with any storm, seek shelter if youre outdoors.

4 Creative Ways to Analyze Plays

4 Creative Ways to Analyze Plays As students we remember sitting through countless lectures in which the instructor waxed eloquently about dramatic literature, while the class listened patiently, taking notes now and then. Today, as teachers, we certainly love to lecture about Shakespeare, Shaw, and Ibsen; after all, we love to hear ourselves talk! However, we also love student involvement, the more creative, the better. Here are a few ways for students to exercise their imagination while analyzing dramatic literature. Write (and Perform?) Additional Scenes Since plays are meant to be performed, it makes sense to encourage your students to act out some of the scenes in the play. If they are an energetic and outgoing group, this can work splendidly. However, it might be that your English class is filled with rather shy (or at least quiet) students who will be reluctant to read Tennessee Williams or Lillian Hellman out loud. Instead, have students work in groups to write a brand new scene for the play. The scene could take place before, after, or in-between the playwrights storyline. Note: Tom Stoppard did an excellent job of writing scenes that take place in between Hamlet. Its a play called Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Another example some students will be more likely to appreciate would be Lion King 1 1/2. Consider some of these possibilities: Write a scene set ten years before Death of a Salesman. What was the main character like before he had children? What was his career like in the early days?Write a scene that shows what happens between Hamlets Act III and IV. Many dont realize that Hamlet hangs out with pirates for a while. Id love to know what happens between the Danish prince and the band of buccaneers.Write a new ending to Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House. Reveal what Nora Helmer does the day after she leaves her family. Does her husband win her back? Does she find a new sense of purpose and identity? During the writing process, the students may remain true to the characters, or they may spoof them or modernized their language. When the new scenes are finished, the class can take turns performing their work. If some groups would rather not stand in front of the class, they can read from their desks. Create a Comic Book Bring some art supplies to class and have students work in groups to illustrate a graphic novel version of the play or a critique of the playwrights ideas. Recently in one of my classes, students were discussing Man and Superman, George Bernard Shaws battle-of-the-sexes comedy that also contemplates Nietzsches ideal of a human, the Superman or ÃÅ"bermensch. While creating a literary response in comic book form, the students took the Clark Kent/Superman character and replaced him with a Nietzschean superhero who selfishly ignores the weak, hates Wagner operas, and can leap existential problems in a single bound. They had fun creating it, and it also displayed their knowledge of the plays themes. Some students might feel insecure about their drawing abilities. Assure them that it is their ideas that matter, not the quality of the illustrations. Also, let them know that stick figures are an acceptable form of creative analysis. Drama Rap Battles This works especially well with the complex works of Shakespeare. This activity can produce something incredibly silly. If there are sincere urban poets in your classroom, they might compose something meaningful, even profound. Take a soliloquy or a two-person scene from any Shakespearean play. Discuss the meaning of the lines, clarifying the metaphors and mythical allusions. Once the class understands the basic meaning, have them work in groups to create a modernized version through the art of rap music. Heres a brief albeit corny example of a rapping version of Hamlet: Guard #1: Whats that sound?Guard #2: All around- I dont know.Guard #1: Dont you hear it?Guard #2: This Denmark place is haunted by an evil spirit!Horatio: Here comes Prince Hamlet, hes a melancholy Dane.Hamlet: My mother and my uncle are driving me insane!Yo Horatio - why did we come out here?Theres nothing in the forest for me to fear.Horatio: Hamlet, dont get upset and dont go mad.And dont look now-Hamlet: ITS THE GHOST OF MY DAD!What is this apparition with eyes that fright?Ghost: I am thy fathers spirit who does forever walk the night.Your uncle killed your daddy, but that aint the bomb-That big jerk went and married your Mom! After each group is finished, they can take turns delivering their lines. And if someone can get a good beat-box going, all the better. Warning: Shakespeare might be spinning in his grave during this assignment. For that matter, Tupac might start spinning as well. But at least the class will have a good time. Standing Debate Set Up: This works best if students have room to stand up and move about freely. However, if that is not the case, divide the classroom into two sides. Each side should turn their desks so that the two large groups face each other- they should be ready to engage in some serious literary debate! On one side of the chalkboard (or whiteboard) the instructor writes: AGREE. On the other side, the instructor writes: DISAGREE. In the middle of the board, the instructor writes an opinion based statement about the characters or ideas within the play. Example:  Abigail Williams  (the antagonist of The Crucible) is a sympathetic character. The students individually decide if they agree or disagree with this statement. They move to either the AGREE SIDE of the  room or the DISAGREE SIDE. Then, the debate begins. Students express their  opinions and state-specific examples from the text to support their argument. Here are some interesting topics for debate: Hamlet truly goes insane. (He’s not just pretending).Arthur Miller’s  Death of a Salesman  accurately criticizes the  American Dream.Anton Chekhov’s plays  are more tragic than comic. In a standing debate, the students should feel free to change their minds. If someone comes up with a good point, the fellow classmates might decide to move to the other side. The instructor’s goal is not to sway the class one way or another.  Instead, the teacher should keep the debate on track, occasionally playing devil’s advocate to keep the students thinking critically. Generate Your Own Creative Analysis Activities   Whether you are an English teacher, a home school parent or you are just looking for an imaginative way to respond to literature; these creative activities are just a few of the endless possibilities.

The Use Of Internet In Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Use Of Internet In Business - Essay Example This eliminates the use of intermediaries in business transactions. It provides a channel for consumers to interact directly with business owners through the internet.Consumer to consumer electronic commerce (C2C)This is where business transactions are done directly between consumers. An –example of popular sites that are used for these transactions includes ‘bdizcom’, ‘craigslist’ and ‘ebid’ among others.E-GovernmentIt is a process whereby ICT is used in the sharing of information amongst different parties. It is advantageous because it helps to fasten paper-based processes and to improve the relationship between citizens and the government.Mobile commerceThis is the use of wireless devices to perform business transactions. It is considered a success when benefits are realized by its users. Electronic and mobile commerce is largely used in fields like manufacturing, marketing and investment amongst others. It exhibits the following advan tages; it reduces costs since it is cheaper than other source used in marketing or promoting a business. Secondly, it increases accuracy in business activities because it does not provide room for mistakes, and lastly, it provides a universal reach. For business, enterprises to have electric commerce they should have a web server hardware platform that is complete with appropriate software. There also exists electronic payment systems that are used to enhance businesses transactions by companies.

Hollow Victory, On the Brink of the Revolution Essay

Hollow Victory, On the Brink of the Revolution - Essay Example In addition, 13 million from among the Allied powers were wounded compared to 8.3 million from among the Central Powers. The Allied powers also reported 4 million either missing or held as prisoners of war, while the Central Powers reported 3.6 million. In total the Allied powers suffered 22 million casualties altogether compared to 15 million for the Central Powers. The total death toll for the First World War was 8.5 million, and total casualties were 37 million (History Learning Site, 2012). Human suffering during the First World War was not limited to soldiers however. According to Tucker (2005), the consequences for the First World War were â€Å"far-reaching† (p. xxix). For instance approximately 750,000 German civilians perished as â€Å"a result of the British naval blockade† (Tucker, 2005, p. xxix). World War I also marked the first case of genocide during the 20th century. This case of genocide was inflicted by the Ottoman Empire against Armenia. The Ottoman E mpire murdered 1.5 million men, women and children in Armenia (United States of America, Congressional Record, 2001). The financial consequences of the First World War were also enormous. Total war expenditures were 82 billion US Dollars which is equivalent to 209 billion US dollars today (Hardach, 1981). The high expenditure is attributed to two main reasons. First, the power struggles emerging in Europe left all European powers willing to pledge all assets in order to emerge the victors during the First World War. Secondly, the First World War represented the first major conflict of the industrialized world. Thus, technological advances offered both sides unprecedented machinery and artillery. Naturally, both sides were compelled to invest in more sophisticated weaponry and machinery if they were to have any chance of succeeding against the enemy (Oliver & Aldcroft, 2007). According to Thompson (1983) Churchill’s eventual analysis of the First World War in the aftermath of the Second World War, was that the First World War set in motion significant cost for mankind. As the first part of the two Great Wars, the First World War saw the political and financial destruction of Europe and can be credited with given birth to Communism in the Soviet Union. According to Thompson (1983), in looking back on the First World War, Churchill noted that: Events passed very largely outside the scope of conscious choice. Governments and individuals conformed to the rhythm of the tragedy, and swayed and staggered forward in helpless violence, slaughtering and squandering on ever-increasing scales, till injuries were wrought to the structure of human society which a century will not efface, and which may conceivable prove fatal to the present civilization (p. 195). Thus the cost of the First World War, from Churchill’s perspective was timeless and can be measured politically, socially and economically. Assignment 2: On the Brink of Revolution Afrikistan is a count ry in North Africa with a disproportionately large youth population. Afrikistan’s dictator has been in power for upward of thirty years. Afrikistan’s primary source of income is derived from oil reserves which are owned by the State. Increasing literacy and access to social and news media via the internet have rendered Afrikistan’s youth profoundly aware of their diminished returns and their dictator’

Cost and Management Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Cost and Management Accounting - Essay Example In 2006, Britvic sold 1.4 billion liters of soft drinks in hundreds of different flavours, shapes and sizes and delivers to over 4,000 customers and approximately 200,000 points of distribution. This explains the wide customer network of Britivic revealing the company's excellence in production and service capabilities. Britvic has the instilled pride to produce more soft drinks brands in its portfolio than any other UK manufacturer. This provides an insight on the effective branding strategies and promotions followed by Britivic and the effective business planning of the company's management. The company has approximately 2,700 employees based either at our main offices in Chelmsford and Sol hull or at one of seven factories and network of depots around the country. This portrays the human resource capability and strong local presence in the soft drinks market. The corporate culture of Britivic provides an amicable atmosphere for all the workers who feel great working for the company.Britivic promotes excellence and initiative and encourage the employees to be passionate about our brands and their roles. Accounting policies of Britivic Source : Balance sheet data of Britvic (2007) Investments The Company recognizes its investments in subsidiaries at cost less any provisions made for impairment. Interest bearing loans and borrowings Borrowings are stated at proceeds received less any unamortized issue costs. Issue costs of loans The finance cost recognized in the profit and loss account in respect of capital instruments is allocated to periods over the terms of the instrument using the effective interest method. Borrowing costs ]After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. All borrowing costs are recognized as finance costs in the profit and loss account in the period in which they are incurred. Foreign currencies The foreign currency transactions are recorded at the date of transaction referring the ruling rate at that instance. Foreign currency denomination of assets and liabilities will be translated on the basis of exchange rate as depicted in the balance sheet and balance sheet date will be used. All the noticeable differences are updated in the profit and loss account of balance sheet. Issued share capital Ordinary shares are classified as

Weakness of Will Power Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Weakness of Will Power - Essay Example Unlike what is expected of a youth like me, I have always had a fear of trying out new things. I like staying with the concept I have and being contented with it. While contentment is sometimes beneficial to the life of an individual, mine was more than contentment; I could not try out any new thing that I did not before. In soccer for instance, my colleagues could learn new moves and develop their skills while I kept to myself. I was brought up in a lifestyle where we never used to go swimming. When we acquired a swimming pool, I was the only member of the family who, even after one year, could still not swim. This is not all, when newer and better versions of Windows Operating system was introduced, many of my friends who loved technology quickly installed it. I never even gave it a chance as I did not want anything new which would complicate my life. As I later came to realize, there were better functionalities in the newer versions of the windows that I would have enjoyed more th an my conventional version. The fear to try out new things has also affected me in class; I have always hesitated before trying out new mathematical concepts and many educational procedures. This has always affected results negatively and made me spend more doing something that I would have done quickly using a new and better concept. In the past, I did try accepting new things being ready to learn whatever it is that came my way. However, without proper assistance and guideline, I went back to becoming the same dull person who fears trying out new things. My fear of trying new things is not going to affect my life anymore. I’m committed to completely abandon this habit and changing the way I take things. No longer will I allow my misconceptions to prevent me from learning new things and enjoying new developments. I have suffered the effects of not accepting new things and trying them out. Previously, I could not embrace the new technology, learn new educational concepts and try out new methods, something which made me perform poor in my results. While people were adopting new ways of solving problems, I was stuck with my cumbersome old ones. Socially, I did not even develop as a youth since I always maintain my old style of doing things. The fear to try out new things comes with some advantages that I have always considered. The first one is that I always stay away from trouble and thus be able to keep my peace. There is no single moment that I have broken a material or destroyed a machine simply because I was trying out a new concept. The fear of losing my interests and ways of doing things have always prevented me from trying out new things. Every time I try to adopt a new style of dressing, talking, solving problems, I always fear for my normal methods, thinking that my usual likes and interests will be overtaken my new methods. It is not that I have never learnt anything new in my life. I have mastered complex mathematical concepts before and even learn a foreign language, something that I once thought I could not do completely. This has shown me the amount of potential that I have and how I can succeed in adopting new methods and learning new things if only I can try. I believe I am able to learn new things and blend in modern environments. I have learnt how readiness to learn new things has helped my classmates and improved their performances. With the right attitude and mentality, I am going to achieve this project and realize my expectations. Change is something that I have longed for and now that I have the chance, I am going to succeed and make it a reality to change my mentality. I have done a lot to venture into self-hypnosis. Being that self-hypnosis is self-induces and self-suggested

Corporate Responsibility in Fashion Retailing in Europe Essay

Corporate Responsibility in Fashion Retailing in Europe - Essay Example The European fashion retailers are faced with the responsibility of reducing environmental pollution (Grace, & Cohen, 2013). This is because these organizations conduct numerous activities that harm the environment, and thus need to be reduced. For example, the industry deals with clothes that are made with inputs such as nylon, synthetic, and acrylic that are made from non-renewable mineral oil (Balsiger, 2014). This means that the use of these resources leads to the disappearance of mineral oil from the environment. Synthetic fibers also do not degrade when disposed of in landfills, thus they cause pollution in the environment when they release harmful gases and particles to the air (Dupuis, & Dawson, 1999). The fashion industry handles the problem of the non-degradable materials by recycling them. The fashion retail sector also practices social responsibility to the environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, too much energy, and water. The industry uses these resources es pecially in the end processes of processing that include dyeing, bleaching, and cleaning (Martinuzzi, Kudlak, Faber, & Winam, 2014). Fashion retailers are also minimizing environmental destruction by minimizing the sale of clothes made from fabrics such as cotton that contribute to high amounts of pollution. The industry does this by selling apparel made from friendly inputs such as organic cotton and bamboo; Eco-Fiber is a retail organization that specializes in selling these types of clothes.

Autonomous intelligent agent topic tracking system Dissertation

Autonomous intelligent agent topic tracking system - Dissertation Example The researcher states that technology has forever changed the way journalists approach their careers, but there have those proverbial bumps in the road. For instance, Google found itself with a bit of quagmire following the 9/11 attacks on the Unite States. People were using keywords that they were hoping would put them right where they needed to be for the must up to date information. Unfortunately, Google as a search engine couldn’t meet the demands and a worse, the search engine just didn’t know what to do with these unfamiliar strings of words. For the first time, the internet failed people – both those hungry for news and those eager to get their columns in before deadline. A key component in the globalization of the world economy involves the transfer of intellectual material across borders. Access to new ideas and information is an important means of development in most economies. Today, thanks to the Internet, the flow of information is much easier; intel lectual ideas and property can be exchanged across borders almost instantaneously. Except perhaps in China where government officials block access not only to individual web sites, but to entire search engines. While China’s leaders recognize the value of the Internet as a tool for building economic competitiveness and technology capabilities, they have established what is known as the Great Firewall to filter what Chinese citizens can read on the Web, and effectively maintain the Communist Party’s grip on power.... Today, thanks to the Internet, the flow of information is much easier; intellectual ideas and property can be exchanged across borders almost instantaneously. Except perhaps in China where government officials block access not only to individual web sites, but to entire search engines. While China’s leaders recognize the value of the Internet as a tool for building economic competitiveness and technology capabilities, they have established what is known as the Great Firewall to filter what Chinese citizens can read on the Web, and effectively maintain the Communist Party’s grip on power. This paper discusses how China’s limitation on free access to the Internet influences the country’s ability to achieve meaningful economic progress. The CEO of AltaVista, one of the search engines banned by the Chinese government, noted that "censorship is not compatible with his vision of free global access to information" and has stated that he will not screen his siteâ €™s content to cater to Chinese officials. Yahoo Inc.’s Chinese portal in contrast has pledged to censor itself. This paper supports Yahoo Inc.’s decision and the contention that the current Chinese internet policy has helped the economy in achieving exponential economic growth. China’s policy in the context of technology during the last fifteen years has highlighted the undeniable reality of how a global power can adopt a need to use basis approach in strengthening internet limitations and censorship. Theorists have often felt that the main objective of adopting this policy is principally accounted for by the desire to strengthen national sovereignty and to enhance economic development. Obviously, these are two

Weakness of Will Power Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Weakness of Will Power - Essay Example Unlike what is expected of a youth like me, I have always had a fear of trying out new things. I like staying with the concept I have and being contented with it. While contentment is sometimes beneficial to the life of an individual, mine was more than contentment; I could not try out any new thing that I did not before. In soccer for instance, my colleagues could learn new moves and develop their skills while I kept to myself. I was brought up in a lifestyle where we never used to go swimming. When we acquired a swimming pool, I was the only member of the family who, even after one year, could still not swim. This is not all, when newer and better versions of Windows Operating system was introduced, many of my friends who loved technology quickly installed it. I never even gave it a chance as I did not want anything new which would complicate my life. As I later came to realize, there were better functionalities in the newer versions of the windows that I would have enjoyed more th an my conventional version. The fear to try out new things has also affected me in class; I have always hesitated before trying out new mathematical concepts and many educational procedures. This has always affected results negatively and made me spend more doing something that I would have done quickly using a new and better concept. In the past, I did try accepting new things being ready to learn whatever it is that came my way. However, without proper assistance and guideline, I went back to becoming the same dull person who fears trying out new things. My fear of trying new things is not going to affect my life anymore. I’m committed to completely abandon this habit and changing the way I take things. No longer will I allow my misconceptions to prevent me from learning new things and enjoying new developments. I have suffered the effects of not accepting new things and trying them out. Previously, I could not embrace the new technology, learn new educational concepts and try out new methods, something which made me perform poor in my results. While people were adopting new ways of solving problems, I was stuck with my cumbersome old ones. Socially, I did not even develop as a youth since I always maintain my old style of doing things. The fear to try out new things comes with some advantages that I have always considered. The first one is that I always stay away from trouble and thus be able to keep my peace. There is no single moment that I have broken a material or destroyed a machine simply because I was trying out a new concept. The fear of losing my interests and ways of doing things have always prevented me from trying out new things. Every time I try to adopt a new style of dressing, talking, solving problems, I always fear for my normal methods, thinking that my usual likes and interests will be overtaken my new methods. It is not that I have never learnt anything new in my life. I have mastered complex mathematical concepts before and even learn a foreign language, something that I once thought I could not do completely. This has shown me the amount of potential that I have and how I can succeed in adopting new methods and learning new things if only I can try. I believe I am able to learn new things and blend in modern environments. I have learnt how readiness to learn new things has helped my classmates and improved their performances. With the right attitude and mentality, I am going to achieve this project and realize my expectations. Change is something that I have longed for and now that I have the chance, I am going to succeed and make it a reality to change my mentality. I have done a lot to venture into self-hypnosis. Being that self-hypnosis is self-induces and self-suggested

Autonomous intelligent agent topic tracking system Dissertation

Autonomous intelligent agent topic tracking system - Dissertation Example The researcher states that technology has forever changed the way journalists approach their careers, but there have those proverbial bumps in the road. For instance, Google found itself with a bit of quagmire following the 9/11 attacks on the Unite States. People were using keywords that they were hoping would put them right where they needed to be for the must up to date information. Unfortunately, Google as a search engine couldn’t meet the demands and a worse, the search engine just didn’t know what to do with these unfamiliar strings of words. For the first time, the internet failed people – both those hungry for news and those eager to get their columns in before deadline. A key component in the globalization of the world economy involves the transfer of intellectual material across borders. Access to new ideas and information is an important means of development in most economies. Today, thanks to the Internet, the flow of information is much easier; intel lectual ideas and property can be exchanged across borders almost instantaneously. Except perhaps in China where government officials block access not only to individual web sites, but to entire search engines. While China’s leaders recognize the value of the Internet as a tool for building economic competitiveness and technology capabilities, they have established what is known as the Great Firewall to filter what Chinese citizens can read on the Web, and effectively maintain the Communist Party’s grip on power.... Today, thanks to the Internet, the flow of information is much easier; intellectual ideas and property can be exchanged across borders almost instantaneously. Except perhaps in China where government officials block access not only to individual web sites, but to entire search engines. While China’s leaders recognize the value of the Internet as a tool for building economic competitiveness and technology capabilities, they have established what is known as the Great Firewall to filter what Chinese citizens can read on the Web, and effectively maintain the Communist Party’s grip on power. This paper discusses how China’s limitation on free access to the Internet influences the country’s ability to achieve meaningful economic progress. The CEO of AltaVista, one of the search engines banned by the Chinese government, noted that "censorship is not compatible with his vision of free global access to information" and has stated that he will not screen his siteâ €™s content to cater to Chinese officials. Yahoo Inc.’s Chinese portal in contrast has pledged to censor itself. This paper supports Yahoo Inc.’s decision and the contention that the current Chinese internet policy has helped the economy in achieving exponential economic growth. China’s policy in the context of technology during the last fifteen years has highlighted the undeniable reality of how a global power can adopt a need to use basis approach in strengthening internet limitations and censorship. Theorists have often felt that the main objective of adopting this policy is principally accounted for by the desire to strengthen national sovereignty and to enhance economic development. Obviously, these are two

Psychosocial Development Essay Example for Free

Psychosocial Development Essay Psychosocial development is a terminology that was used by Erik Erikson in description of psychological development in relation to the human social environment. Generally, the theory is a personality theory that tries to examine the particular traits that are synonymous with the various stages of psychological development of human beings. Erick Erikson identified eight stages of psychosocial development but I will be focusing on the sixth stage which he called the stage of Intimacy vs.  Isolation. He argued that this stage occurs between ages 19 and 40 which fall under the early adulthood of human beings. According to Erikson, this stage is characterized by exploration of personal relationships (Wagner, 2006). This stage involves the individual facing the task of developing emotional and intimate relationship with others around him. However, Erickson maintained that this becomes impossible if the individual has not carved an identity for himself/herself (Carver Scheir, 2000). At this stage, there is a need to build intimate relationships which will affect the course of the individual’s life. However, Erikson identified that each stage is affected by the previous stage so when individuals fail to build a sense of identity for themselves, they are forced to go into isolation (Stevens, 1983). From my point of view, we have reason to believe some aspects of Erik Eriksson’s view. This is because I fall under this age bracket and I can identify with some of the things that Erikson highlighted in this theory. This stage is the stage when people get married and most people divorce. This is also the time when people decide on who they want to be and what they want to do with their lives. I believe that Erikson’s view on the whole might not be totally true but they surely help us as it identifies some basic things that characterize each stage of development. In conclusion, Erikson’s theory has been criticized by some scholars. One of the things that is leveled against his theory is that it is expensive to conduct such a research (Cole Cole, 1989).

Advanced Train Control System Technology

Advanced Train Control System Technology 1. Introduction The Dockland light Railway is one of Britains great high-tech Automatic Train Control (ATC) system, now carrying over 60 million passengers. This highly developed train control system has expended more rapidly than any UK railways. DLR officially launched in 1987 to serve the existing Docklands population and helps to regenerate the Isle of Dogs area, with 11vehicles convoy and 15 stations. Since then the DLR network has extended to Bank, Beckton, Lewisham, London City Airport and King George V. It has 31 km of railway and 38 station with 94 vehicles [DLR Light News 2007]. DLR now carries more passenger than ever before, with additional increases in demand predicted over the coming years. The systems current 6o million passengers a year is expected to rise up to 80 million by 2009, when a further 55 cars will be added to the fleet [DLR Light News 2008].Passenger numbers will rise further when the DLR assumes a major role in transporting passengers to and from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games, serving five Olympic venues. [Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA)] For twenty years, passengers travelling on DLR have been intrigued and puzzled by the unique trait of this network, the absence of train drivers. The entire railway operates as a driverless system, carrying more than 200,000 people across East London every weekday. As the trains appear to stop and start with its own harmony, the operation of the network managed and monitored 24 hour a day, 365 days a year, from the DLR Control Centre. For passenger safety, security and assistance there is a Passenger service Agent (PSA) on every DLR train. The DLR is operated through a computerised Automatic control system. Control Room staff has access to a visual overview of the entire DLR network showing exactly where each train is along the railway at any given time. The benefit of operating a network in this way is incredible. As the system is controlled automatically it allows DLR to run many more trains. [DLR Light News 2007] In the field of Automated Train Control System it is imperative to know all trains position on the system for swift and safe operation. On of the common train operating system was fixed block system, where railway track are divided in to number of blocks. These blocks only allowed one train to occupy that block. Until that block is clear, it does not permit other train to get in to that part or track and big gap used to generated between two trains. To operate a numerous train service like DLR, the railway track has to be divided into many short blocks, requiring setting up and maintenance numerous number of signalling equipment, side track and head shunt. Previously DLR operating system was run by fixed-blocks system due to short rail way tracks, lack of side tracks and head shunts and more frequent service demand this system was later replaced by SELTRAC a Transmission-Based Automatic Train Control (TBAC) system based on the Moving Block Principle. SELTRAC is a registered trademark of Alcatel SEL. [Alcatel Canada Transport Automation] 1.1. Aim The sole purpose of this comprehensive study is to go behind the scene of the infrastructure of the Docklands Light Railway operating system and how this transport service has harness the Advanced Train Control System technology to operate and transporting thousands of people around its network in a diversely populated city with great magnitude of fast growing economy. 2. Comprehensive Literature on Advanced Train Control System (ATCS), Latest System Technology on Train Operation and Top-Level Description of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Automatic Train Control (ATC) System The First International conference on Advanced Train Control, which was held in 1991 in Denver, suppliers from different countries of the world attended and demonstrated their technology, products and operating system. Burlington Northern (BN) in conjunction with Rockwell produced the first version of ATCS, known as ARES (Advanced Railroad Electronic System), where they developed satellite navigation system for locating trains on the system. They tested this ARES on BNs Iron Range lines in Northern Minnesota with the purpose to integrate trains information system with central commands and control functions. During year1987 to1993, Canadian National Railways (CN) and Canadian Pacific Rail (CP) made momentous improvements in the development and testing of ATCS. A key component in recuperating safety and productivity of train operations is ATCS technology; it provides better communication, more accurate information on train movement, train location, wayside interfaces and locomotives co ndition. Railways are part of a technological rebellion where sophisticated communications equipment and computer systems are in use to control the movement of train. A main new expansion in train operation is data transmission, which help the train driver and the control centre staff to transmit information directly, by radio and on-board computer. [Edward Furman, Network Management for ATCS Communication System 1991] 2.1 Current Technological Expansions 2.2 Advanced Train Control Systems (ATCS) Bombardier in Europe, Railway Association of Canada (RAC) and American Association of Railroads (AAR) began to explore the viability of a radio-based control system that would get rid of human error in the field of train operations [RAC, AAR, 1984].This development was co funded equally by these companies and several other railway companies, suppliers and consultants from Europe, Canada and the U.S. The main purpose of the project was to develop a modular computer-based train control system that will provide safe and more proficient railway operation. ATCS is state-of-art technology, where it ensures a safe train operation service, train separation, train verifying, the safety and the reliability of all movement establishment issued to train and maintenance staff, and also monitoring all equipment status.[U.S Department of Transport, An Aid to positive Train Control, June, 1995] The main goals of the ATC system are to provide: Ability to implement a system with mechanism from different suppliers, which will reduce problems related to interconnecting and interfacing components from different manufacturers. The ability for each railway to select the capabilities and character it needs to implement. interoperability. System compatibility across the railway to ensure faultless operation and interoperability between different railways. [Federal Rail road Administration, 1995] The Advanced Train Control Systems 5 major systems i) Central Dispatch System (CDS): CDS manage the movement of trains all over the railway networks and ensure safe operation without train delays and it also provides automatic train tracking and monitoring, status and control of the train and the field system. ii) The On-Board Locomotive System with two major sub-systems: On-Board Computer (OBC): OBC provides automatic location tracking and automatic transmission of train movement via the data communication system. On-Board Display Terminal (OBT): On-Board Display Terminal display and provides all the necessary information for example; actual train speed, speed limits and restrictions, train location, milepost, track geometry, type of authority, track work protection, and status of switches. The display of the information can be presented in text form or in graphical form depending on type of terminals. iii) On-Board Work Vehicle System: The on-board terminal allows communication between track maintenance staff, central dispatch and vehicles operator via data communications system. iv) Field System: Wayside Interface Units (WIU) are essential equipments in the field system, which provide monitoring and control of wayside devices for example; switches, interlocking, hot-bearing detector and train defect detectors. v) Data Communication System: DCS gather the various information processing systems collectively and considerably reduce voice communications. [George Achakji, March, 1992] 2.3 Data Communication System Data Communications System is based on 5 levels of information dispensation: i) Continental level: Continental level provides the functions that are obligatory for inter-railway operations. For example, transferring waybill. ii) Railway level: Railway level provides the functions which are compulsory for train operations and also for non vital management of train operations. iii) Regional level: Regional level provides operations across dispatch regions, from one dispatch centre to another. iv) Dispatch level: Dispatch level is a central control function for train control. It can communicate with vital or non-vital information and it is also necessitate for this level to communicating of vital information to and from trains, track forces, switches, and other wayside equipments. v) Wayside/mobile level: Wayside/mobile level provides both vital and non-vital processing of locomotive data, track units, and wayside devices; and communications information between trains, wayside and track forces. [George Achakji, Advanced railroad Electronic system, January, 1991] 2.4 Advanced Railroad Electronics System (ARES) The exertion on ARES began in 1984, when The Rockwell International and The Burlington Northern (BN) began to study new technologies that provide automatic identification of train speed and position. Initial tests conducted by The Rockwell International and they demonstrated that GPS could successfully track moving trains. ARES is an integrated command, control, communications, and information system which applies modern avionics technology to railway operations. Its design objectives were similar to those of ATCS, for example, safety and the efficiency of railway operations. In year of 1985, these two companies started to develop a prototype system to determine the production feasibility of this conception. In the year of 1987, Burlington Northern starts their expedition with 17 locomotives, 8 switchers with ARES hardware and GPS receivers, 50 WIU (wayside interface units), two high-rail trains with GPS system on the Mesabi Iron Range [230 mile test track] in Northern Minnesota. The ir prototypes testing began in parallel with the existing control system in 1988 and lasted for four year and the company (BN) reported that good results were obtained. [George Achakji, Advance Railroad Electronic System January 1991] Advanced Railroad Electronics Systems are consists of the following integrated sub-systems: I) data management ii) rail operations control iii) locomotive analysis and reporting IV) on-board display v) energy management and VI) wayside interface. The ARES also has the capabilities for advanced traffic arrangement. The system provides direct dispatcher intervention in hazardous traffic situations, i.e., stopping the train by remote intervention [switch] which can be easily activated from the central dispatch office. During the testing period [ARES] BN and Rockwell had some problem using GPS to achieve high accuracy of train position on parallel track. In an effort to correct the problem of parallel track, BN and Rockwell explored the possible use of real-time differential GPS in terminals and also used others methods to provide more accurate positioning inputs, for example, using transponders for trains approaching switches and sidings. [George Achakji, Advanced railroad Electronic system, ARES, January, 1991] 2.5 Incremental Train Control System (ITCS) On of the vital communications-based train control system is Incremental Train Control System (ITCS) where the system utilize digital data link between the wayside and on-board train location system and it also perform the requirement for traffic control functions. The ITCS provides enforcement of signal indications, speed limits, temporary speed restrictions, and advanced start of crossing signals. This system is developed by Harmon Industry for Amtrak in Michigan. [Peter Winter, ETCS system, 1995] The Incremental Train Control System consists of 3 main sections: i) The locomotive equipment: This locomotive equipment consists of On-Board Computer (OBC), display screen, GPS receiver and mobile communication package. ii) The wayside equipment: This wayside equipment consists of Wayside Interface Units (WIU) and Wayside Interface Unit-servers (WIU-S) (WIU-S are the interface with the signal system), crossing signals and defect detectors. iii) The communications network: This network consists of wayside local area networks (WLAN). This also use spread range radio, so it can link WIU with WIU-servers and radio frequency (RF) networks in the UHF range to link WIU-s with On-Board Computer. Incremental Train Control System is supplemented by ATC or automatic train stop systems. During its normal train operation, the train driver are accountable for observing each signal feature and control the train accordingly the speed limits and restrictions and also stop the train where a stop is necessary. ITCS is responsible for monitoring the signal system and ensure that the train is properly controlled with the speed limits, speed restrictions, and stopping, not maintain these parameters in that case ITCS will automatically apply the breaks to stop the train.[Christian Tietze, ICEs On-Board Train Control and Diagnostics System, 1994] Incremental Train Control System is also known as a distributed control system, not like the ATCS architecture which is a central control system. The On-Board Computer (OBC) store the data from signal indications, track curvature, speed limits, mileposts, speed restrictions, and the locations of all the devices which are needed to communicate with the train. The OBC is also works on the train status report with the help of wayside devices. If three status reports are missed, the OBC will automatically apply the train brakes. The OBC monitors the location of the train with the help of GPS data and compared the track data base. After receiving a signal indicator it determines the appropriate speed of that track. The OBC also calculates a braking outline for the train and display the necessary information on the display screen. In the events of track crossing the OBC will calculate and issue a time to crossing (TTC) to the wayside interface units (WIU). The WIU will synchronize train start timer with the OBC and will confirm that start time. If the train speed exceeds the initial speed, the OBC will calculate and issue a new TTC to the WIU. If the OBC still cannot receive any confirmation that the crossing timer has been began with the correct value, in that case it will demand that train speed to be reduced. In the event of private crossings, the OBC will observe the status and warning system through update messages from the Wayside Interface Units-Server (WIU-S). If the OBC does not receive a message indicating the warning sign is active, in that case train speed will be reduced. Most of the operation manual of ITCS is very close to a conventional ATC. [Christian Tietze, ICEs On-Board Train Control and Diagnostics System, 1994] 2.6 Positive Train Separation (PTS) System The Positive Train Separation (PTS) System is a non-vital safety overlay system. PTS functions in combination with the active operation methods, signal and train control system. This PTS system was first designed for the Union Pacific/Burlington Northern Santa Fe (UP/BNSF) Railroads and state of Washington to Portland Oregon railroads. The PTS system is measured as an add-on system that enhances safety by protecting against all human errors. PTS system is centrally controlled communications-based system, which takes control of movement ability and speed limits of the equipped trains. It is also translucent to the train driver as long as the train is operated according to its movement ability and speed requirement. It will become apparent if the train attempt to exceed its speed limit and movement authority, PTS will issue a warning sound alarm to the train driver and the brakes will be applied if the train driver does not brought the train under control immediately. [Ted Giros, Amtrak Tests Cab Signalling, July 1996] The PTS system consists of 3 following segments: I) The server: This segment confirm the enforceable movement authority and speed limit, trains identification, destination for each train under the PTS control and digitally transmit this information with the help of communication network to the locomotive segment of each equipped train. It also monitors all train movements to prevent conflict. ii) Locomotive: This segment is consists of an On-Board Computer (OBC) and a location determination System (LDS), a mobile radio and a display unit, where train staff can receive textual information. The OBC calculates and constantly updates information about authority limits and speed limits and applies breaks if the authority limits are exceeded. It also calculates the distance required to stop the train. iii) The Communication Segment: Communication segment gather and transmit all information with high reliability between the server and locomotive during the train operations. [Railway Age, May 1997] 2.6.1 Positive Train Control (PTC) System PTS is also a centrally controlled communications-based system. Its software is written in conformance with ATCS stipulation. The purpose of the PTC design is the removal of wayside block signal systems and the management train movements, for example; speed enforcement, enforcement of limits of the authority, protection of maintenance-of-way employees and work vehicles and also monitoring of highway-rail grade crossing.[W Moore Ede, Communications-Based Train Control, May 1997] The Positive Train Control system has 3 main sections: I) Office Equipment: The office equipments are consists of Computer-Aided Dispatching System (CAD), PTC Interface Computer (IC) and a protocol converter to interface with CAD, IC and data communication system. ii) The Data Communications System: This system is consists of 3 interconnected networks: a) Ground Network b) Radio Frequency link Network c) User Network The ground network is consist of cluster controller(CC), base communications package(BCP), message processing nodes, microwave channels, telephone circuits, fibre-optic links and modem to connect the nodes. The Radio Frequency (RF) link is consists of base, mobile radio and radio communication channels. The User Network is consists of all application software within each field device. iii) The Field Equipments: The field equipment is consists of mobile communication packages (MCPS), locomotives and wayside interface units (WIU). During an emergency brake application in normal routing operations, the system automatically transmits an emergency message that will invalidate the limits of authority of the other trains in the surrounding area. The PTC system carries out safety critical data through digital data communication system between Interface Computer (IC) and it self for the train locations, trains preset time and devices for highway-rail grade crossing. In PTC the higher priority data message is an emergency message which occurs due to trains emergency brake application. The PTC system has designed in such a way where failure of an emergency data message will not create any unsafe condition. [Railway Age, Washington may 1997] PTC also uses transponders in the following critical areas: a) during approaching to PTC-equipped territory, b) during the entrance of PTC territory and c) during approach to a controlled point within PTC territory. This transponder provides exact train location and routing determination. When an equipped train passes the transponders to move towards PTC-equipped territory, the system initialize the On-Board Computer (OBC) and set the tachometer to zero for location determination. The equipped train does not enter in to the PTC territory if the OBC cannot be initialized. [R Lindsey, Communication- Based train Management, May 1997] 2.7 European Train Control System (ETCS) The European Union (EU) has adapted a railway network system to overcome the major problems in the field of technical operating system, multiplicity of signalling and train control systems. In 1991 nine foremost European railway companies of the signalling industry reached an agreement with EU to develop a new train control system, which is now known as European train Control System (ETCS). ETCS has the ability to perform in combination with all the existing tracks and wayside equipment under the train protection and train control systems. [R. Ford, 1996] The ETCS is designed to congregate wide series of operational requirements. The capability of ETCS are provided in three levels a) Level 1: The new ETCS interfaces can meet the terms with the existing system. ETCS can also provide a basic Automatic Train Protection (ATP) capability combination with the conventional wayside signals. B) Level 2: This level has the option of speed data display for automatic train speed control. New Cab signalling system is also been added up to ATP capability. But still the trains can be driven by wayside signals equipment and it can also determine the train location with help of tracks fixed equipments and track circuits. c) Level 3: Train location and train integrity detection can be utilize with the help of transponders on the track (same as in ATCS). This system eliminates the need of track circuits and other detection techniques. In this level, the system incessantly provides an update of train location and also transmits the signalling information to all trains to ensure a safe separation. Level 3 ETCS is also capable of moving block signalling to maximize line capacity. One of the main goals behind the ETCS design is to develop common display units which can be easily understood by the all drivers across the boundaries of different European countries. The ETCS operates frequency range in 900 MHZ using data radio transmission called Euradio. This Euradio transmit encoded data in digital form with vital safety signalling standards. Each operational train does constant radio contact with a central computer. This central computer is responsible for controlling the trains movement and safe separation . [R.Ford, Railway Technology International, 1996] 2.7.1 Train a Grande Vitesse (TGV) Train Control System TGV (train grande vitesse) is French high-speed train, which has no wayside signals. SNCF (French National Railways) has determined that for a safe train operation track side signals, cab signalling system and on- board equipment with reliable advance information (road status) are vital to the operator. These requirements led to the development of an ATC system. There are two generations of ATC systems are in use on the TGV network system. Both these systems are significant for continuous link between the train and the track. [George Achakji, TGV System Development, 1992] TVM 300 is the first generation TVM. This TVM uses wired logic and has the following performance levels: at speed of 270 km/h with 5 min headway on the SE Line (in 1981) and at speed of 300 km/h with 4 min headway on the Atlantic Line (in 1989). [George Achakji, TGV System Development, 1992] TVM 430 is the second generation TVM This TVM is a fully-digitized system and it also design to companionable with all versions ground equipment. The TVM 430 is designed to have the following performance levels: at speed of 320 km/h with 3 min headway on the North Line and a mixed traffic with 2.5 min headway in the Channel Link which connects Paris -London-Brussels operation route. The TVM 430 based on a real-time, fault-tolerant architecture. To establish the safety requirements and all other techniques are based either on the intrinsic features of certain components, or on hardware or functional dismissal. [George Achakji, TGV System Development, 1992] The TGV has an on-board data transmission network called TORNAD. It has the facility to communicate between 18 computers (single-unit) and 36 multi-unit computers. The TORNAD has the following main functions: controlling, monitoring, and regulating of equipment; and carrying out the information exchanges for operation and maintenance. [George Achakji, TGV System Development, 1992] TGV has built with an automatic braking system. It stops the train when the driver exceeds the speed limit. During operation period, the brakes are monitored in the region of once a minute, and their status is indicated to the train drivers OBC screen. If the train driver exceeds the maximum speed limit which is permitted by the system, than the automatic train stop system instigate an emergency braking action [George Achakji, TGV System Development, 1992] 2.7.2 Advanced Control System Advance control system for train communication is an incorporated command, control and communication system. It is also known as ASTREE system. It was developed by the Socià ©tà © National des Chemins de Fer (SNCF), for train operations and for the railway network management. The ASTREE system offers computerized real-time control of train movement, with the help of radio telephone communication between a central control and onboard microprocessors. This system provides train position and location modification, ground-train transmission (known as data and voice transmission), switch control, monitoring and interlocking, automatic vehicle identification, train consist acquisition, and train integrity checking.[36] ASTREE system does not put any strong command for safety requested from the communications mechanism because in this system every train is equipped with location and communication capability equipment. During the train operation the trains location can be adjust with passive microwave tags (same as the ATCS track transponders, SNCF has new identification tags, capability to read train speed at 400km/h) through an on-board interrogator and the train constantly knows its own position and speed limit according to authority restrictions. [George Achakji, High-Speed Train, TGV system Development, March 1992]. 2.7.3 German InterCity Express (ICE) System The German InterCity Express (ICE) System is one of the state of-art train operation system set with locomotive at each train coaches. This system implements a sophisticated integrated data transmission system network, which imposes with traction control and also interacts with the each coaches control system. ICE System network uses fibre-optic cable to transmit data for trains diagnostic systems, real-time processing, and block maintenance and also for on-board passenger information and amusement. Using of fibre-optic is the best method for train-bus communication, because it is technically more effective and much more economical. [Christian Tietze, ICEs Onboard Train Control and Diagnostics System, 1994] ICEs electronic control and supervision devices are divided into 4 subsystem levels: I) Train operation level: Train engineers inputs resolute command during train operation from Automatic Train Control (ATC) wayside and Automatic Train Protection ATP) devices. ii) Train control level: This level handles trains automatic driving and braking and traction effort with the help of closed-loop control. iii) Vehicle control level: The vehicle control level has resulting redundancy for the train bus fibre-optic interface and the train control, for example, power car (locomotive) and the train coach. Central diagnosis device on the locomotive called the David monitors and stores all functions and malfunctions. It also checks trains equipment at the beginning of operation. The train controller unit on the trailer coaches called the Zeus. Zeus controls diagnosis and co-ordinates functions for each car. After receiving data from the train levels, it distributes this information to the subsystem level. iii) Subsystem level: The subsystem level includes propulsion control, brake control, auxiliary control, door control, and air conditioning control devices of the train. [Christian Tietze, ICEs Onboard Train Control and Diagnostics System, 1994] 2.8 Intermittent Cab Signalling (ICS) Cab signalling technology has been available and in use for many years. In 1979 it was first established on the Swedish State Railway (SJ X2000) for high-speed train operations. Its function has been proven both in European and North American railways. In the recent years, supplementary developments were undertaken by various railway companies. In U.S.A, Amtrak has tested an intermittent cab signalling system for the future advanced civil speed enforcement system (ACSES). In their signalling design, the system can operates independently and it can also be integrated with existing train control systems. It has the capabilities for enforcement of train speed limits and the automatic stop command by applying the trains breaking system (calculates and compares by trains on-board computer). This system also uses separate passive radio frequency transponders to provide the required data to a passing train. [Ted Giras, Amtrak Tests Cab Signalling, July 1996] 2.9 Docklands Light Railway (DLR) System Overview The Dockland light Railway (DLR) system outline is shown in Figure 1-1. The system comprises existing connection from Bank (BAN) to Canary Wharf (CAW), Tower Gateway (TOG), Stratford (STR) and Lewisham (LEW), Beckton (BEC), as well as a new line to the King George V (KGV) station. This automated system consists of approximately 27 km of double track, except between station Bowchurch (BOC) and Stratford, where section of single track exist. There are two manual deports, which are located at Poplar (POP) and Beckton (BEC).Alcatel Canada provided SELTRAC system, a transmission based signalling system for DLR. Conventional signalling follows the fixed block principle, where tracks are divided into section (blocks) of a prearranged length. A train is only authorized to carry on into a block when that block and the next are clear of traffic. To achieve the closer headway and system flexibility demanded by urban transit, shorter and more numerous blocks are needed in affixed block system. An adaptation of the system known as SELTRAC was developed and implemented by SELC. The technology was expanded to permit fully driverless operation in high capacity (i.e. passenger) application for the cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Detroit for Light rapid transit systems. Over the years these systems have demonstrated high availability and superior operating flexibility. SELTRAC has provided several operation modes including fully automatic known as Automatic train Operation Function (driverless) and Automatic Train Protection function (ATP) Manual. SELTRAC is based on the moving block principle, in which the safe separation behind the proceeding train is dynamically calculated based on the actual operating speeds, breaking curves and locations of the trains on guide way. This dynamic method allows shorter headways to be achieved without impinging on safety principles. With the SELTRAC system, all DLR Automatic Train Operation (ATO), Automatic Train Protection (ATP), and Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) function are performed with a minimum of wayside hardware. Checked-redundant centralised computers are in continues cyclic two-way communication with vehicle-borne, checked-redundant microprocessor control component. DLR major departure from conventional signalling is the centralisation of route