Thursday, October 31, 2019

Write a Book report from the following books Essay

Write a Book report from the following books - Essay Example The science in the book Pompeii is used by the author as foreshadowing for the events to come in each chapter. There is a quote from some sort of academic or professional book or journal such as Dynamics of Volcanism or Volcanoes: A Planetary Perspective. The science behind the physical actions of the mountain and the seas surrounding Pompeii adds a tension to the story that would not be present if the author did not tip off the reader at the beginning of each chapter. The science of volcanism is used as effectively in telling this story, as is any literary device. The action begins with Marcus Attilius being called from Rome to be the new aquarius for the cities along the Campagnia coast. Pompeii and Herculaneum are among these cities. The aquarius is the engineer charged with keeping the municipal aqueducts in working order. He was assigned here from Rome because the prior aquarius had gone missing mysteriously. Campagnia is in the midst of a terrible drought and Attilius is worried that the reservoir will soon go dry. To preclude this, the first chapter finds the new aquarius leading a reluctant team of laborers up the side of Mt. Vesuvius to fins a new spring they cam tap in order to supply more water to the aqueduct. The science that drives the first two incidents centers around the emission of sulfur from vents in the ground prior to a volcanic eruption. As magma moves into the space occupied by a dormant volcano, the balance of sulfur and carbon can change. This is because the minerals locked in rocks escapes as a gas when the magma melts the material that makes up the Earth’s crust. Sulfur can be emitted as a vapor into the atmosphere, giving off a smell like rotten eggs. This gaseous sulfur is important at the beginning of the story. Marcus Attilius uses a technique his father taught him to locate the source of a spring. Laying on his belly, he scans the horizon

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Psychology and Conducive Learning Environment Essay Example for Free

Psychology and Conducive Learning Environment Essay Discipline is one of the basic requirements of a civilized life. Every society has to set certain norms for people to follow. Everything in this world is governed by a definite set of laws. If everything goes on in a definite routine and the discipline is maintained then there would not be any chaos anywhere. Discipline is the backbone of the national unity. Citizens of disciplined nations can work more smoothly and are filled with the spirit of unity, brotherhood and co-operation. However, discipline does not mean strictly, the withdrawal of personal liberty and authority: on the other hand it provides one with the guideline to use its freedom in a right manner. But that too is possible only if they do not take law in their own hands. Anywhere we go discipline is necessary in any institution whether it is an educational institution, or even in the political field, in social or religious matters, even on street and even while you are sitting in your own house. But unfortunately we note that discipline in our schools and colleges has perished. Students do not show respect to their teachers, misbehave in the classroom, organize strikes and try to take law in their hands. So an atmosphere of indiscipline is created which is a great setback not only to the individual, but to the nation also. Moreover, the teachers themselves do not show any discipline. They are also busy in strikes as to show their discontent against their pay scales, their posts and that affects their quality of teaching. Similarly discipline is an important component of political and social life. Until and unless everybody follows the rules and regulations proper satisfaction cannot be achieved. Anywhere you will find people out of their offices. Govt. employees busy in chatting, ladies busy in knitting at the hours of their duty. All workers show indifference to their duties and hence the work and unattended files keep on accumulating. So if each person imposes on himself or herself discipline and performs his or her duty with devotion, there will be no problem. Even in public places, people create chaos due to indiscipline behavior. People often show lack of law and order, while boarding buses etc. Black-marketing and hoarding and adulteration are also some of the examples of indiscipline. Eve-testing is another example of irresponsible behavior on the part of our youth. In the political sphere also, personal ambitions do come on the way and therefore they pose danger to the society. Discipline is important even in domestic life. If children are grown up in an atmosphere of love and brotherhood, they tend to be good citizens. It is the duty of parents to raise their children in an atmosphere conducive for everybody. The children from divorced parents and from broken homes are generally indiscipline. Therefore, parents should bring up their children in a disciplined manner. Discipline In School School discipline is the system of rules, punishments and behavioral strategies appropriate to the regulation of children and the maintenance of order in schools. Its aim is to create a safe and conducive learning environment in the classroom. A disciplined student is in compliance with the school rules and codes of conduct. These rules may, for example, define the expected standards of clothing, timekeeping, social behavior and work ethic. The term discipline is also applied to the punishment that is the consequence of breaking the rules. The aim of discipline is to set reasonable limits which protect students from harm and teach them what is safe and what is not. Discipline At Home Children are learning how to behave and need parents and caregivers to help them during that process. Because they are always learning, they will misbehave. Psychological studies show that behaviors are more effectively shaped by rewarding positive behaviors than by punishing negative ones. Spanking may have the short-term effect of stopping an undesired behavior, but it may have long-term consequences. Spanking by parents or others may cause harm by teaching children to use violence and by showing them that those who should love and protect them have the right to physically hurt them. The best way for parents to prevent challenging behaviors is to support positive behaviors. How can they do this? Use any opportunity as a teachable moment to talk about simple rules about behavior Put those rules into action. Follow through with praise for following instructions or consequences for disobeying. Discipline is the training of the mind and character; the exercise, development and control of the character, intended to produce obedience and orderly behavior. The definition above is apt enough for the type of discipline intended for the young people at school. The need for disciplining young people cannot be over-emphasized. A wise saying goes â€Å"Spare the rod and spoilt the child†. An undisciplined child becomes a spoil child. The disciplining does not necessarily involve the use of cane. It should normally take the form of corrections by the educators through the setting of good examples and verbal corrections. It is the repeated and deliberate tendencies to incorrigibility that should involve punishments from the educator. These punishments should also be corrective and directly related to the offence. The question then arises; who is to discipline the child, the school or the home? The unequivocal answer is both the school and the home. The efforts of these two agencies to direct the life of the child should be complementary. The all-round development of a person cannot be achieved if one of the parties withdraws its own contribution. Before a child is of school age the discipline is solely the business of the home. At that stage, a child is already in the preparatory stage of being potentially bad or good child. The mind of the new born child being so flexible has had certain impressions made on it. The child learns to act and behave mainly through imitation. These picked-up acts and behaviour which a child goes to the school will form the foundation upon which the school is to be built. Hence the school either inherits a light or a heavy job in this regard. Some schools are lucky to have under their care children who are already good natured and the school only needs to build and improve upon this good foundation. On the other hand the school may inherit other types of children who are real problems. For them â€Å"Please use a soft voice†, instead of â€Å"Stop yelling! † Discipline is a must at home and in school. So in todays society, it is very essential to live with co-operation, and brotherhood amongst each-other. Absence of discipline may lead to failure and backwardness of nation. But one can overcome these problems if everyone follows a personal code of conduct and maintain self-discipline for prosperity of the nation.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Nicosias Municipal Theatre Collapse Structural Analysis

Nicosias Municipal Theatre Collapse Structural Analysis Property Building Nicosia Municipal Theatre Location Mouseiou Avenue 4 Nicosia, 1097, Cyprus Report Date 29 March 2017 Purpose of report: A structural statement towards Nicosias Municipal Theatre after its roof collapse by addressing concerns raised by the public with reference to its historical and cultural importance for its users. The report will include studying the buildings background and suggestions for the most appropriate reconstruction of the roof having in mind its structural strength, the original shape of the building before collapsing and its materials. Points of interest: Roof reconstruction during refurbishment. Weight of steel shears used over steel beams exiting structures strength. Materials used on the original design and during refurbishment. Type of steel beams used its construction method, why it was chosen and its use background Recommended actions: Repair beams structure with original material, or suggest a new more sustainable one. Investigate what might went wrong and repair as necessary the collapsed roof with particular attention to keep the original design always in mind. Thorough repair of all existing cracking to restore the overall structural integrity of the building. Remove redundant old structure remains (a sensible precaution for future consideration). Conclusion: Introduction Each building writes its own story and Nicosias Municipal Theater for half a century was a point of reference for the island of Cyprus, and so it should remain. The Nicosia Friends Association considering the historical value of the site supports that the building is marked among the timeless places of the island that the Municipal Theater was, and should remain, a serious outbreak theatrical, educational, and entertainment building for the country. It is an essential part of the citys story, one of the capital culture incubator unnecessarily deprived the last eight years. It is more than a melancholic and sad spectacle, the image of an important building abandoned and left to the mercy of time! Such buildings are living organs in our culture, and shouldnt be allowed to collapse, be useless to stand as haunted corpses waiting for the bulldozer to demolish mercilessly, eliminating them from the map of a town! There are some buildings that have acquired life and soul because of the role they have played or continue to play within our own lives. Because the building is not just a functional and aesthetic personality, but also a cultural, historical and a point of reference landmark in the city. Despite all the possible errors in the functionality or controversial style that a building might have, it is still commonly accepted benchmarks and objectively speaking important in our lives. The Municipal Theater of Nicosia, was a building that was a living cell in the cultural pulse of the capital for years. Without doubt, this building, even several decades ago, when it was designed, was anachronistic in style. The exterior being a neoclassical housing, with pediment and columns, in contradiction with its modern for the time interior. But what is important is to realize that creating a building, we create an object that can indeed be made from inanimate materials but has life and character of the time used and operated by its people. This building was more than such an organic mechanism, as it was called by locals, the instrument for cultural activity of Nicosia for many years, the area where the Cyprus Theater Organization lived the greatest of glories, which thrived on the stage of our leading actors, which hosted so many artists from all over the world. A place that hosted many outstanding and of high importance theatrical performances, political ceremonies, numerous works of world repertoire, musical performances by top musicians around the world, and was the focus of cultural life in Nicosia. General Information Historical and Cultural Background Architectural Description and Drawings: In describing the property references and drawings of the front, rear, left and right side elevations will be used, section, plans and structural analysis drawings. (Still pending- under processà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦)) The property is a Theatre of neo-classical style that was built in 1966 and it has been used for theatrical and dance performances, musical concerts, and other political and national ceremonies. It has the capacity of 1220 seats, central ground floor sitting and balcony seats, but also contained smaller dance studios and theatrical practice rooms on the rear sides of the building, and dressing-rehearsal rooms at the rear back of the building and underground. On the underground you could also find all technical material and equipment for the theatres use. The main accommodation is on two storeys with a further cellar/basement level below the rear part of the property. A marble covered faà §ade occupies the front of the building but no damages occurred to it from the roof and structure collapse, nor cracks or decay signs. Cultural and Historical Background: Before collapsing, the theatre was the main stage of the Theatrical Organization of Cyprus. As an only 50 years old building, its current structural and architectural stage raises several concerns by the locals, as it is considered a quite new, for its historical value, building. The Nicosia Municipal Theatre was designed by Pefkios Georgiades in 1966, a prime architect of its time in Cyprus, and built in October 1967. It has not only been Cyprus Theatre Organisations (THOC) centre of performances but the first choice of use by foreign artists as well. In July 2002, the municipality had chosen the same architectural practice to revise the theatres renovation in order for any upgrades to take place, having contemporary needs and safety protocols in mind. In March 2005, the responsible for the renovation construction company had been chosen and contracts were signed (A. Panayides Contracting Ltd) with the refurbishment works coming into completion by November 2005 for a total cost spen d to reach à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬5,580,072. After less than 3 years time, in June 2008, Cyprus experienced a disaster which could have been a tragedy, which could have caused a painful reference in the memories of the people of Cyprus for generations, as few hours before the roof collapsed there was a performance going on. The roof collapsed overnight on an empty theatre, few hours before a sold out, end of year performance, with the audience to be filled mainly with children and teachers. The fact that the roof structure collapsed only 2,5 years after the government expended nearly à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬6m on the buildings refurbishment is in any architects and engineers eyes a shocking, unexplained incident, with many still wondering What caused the entire roof to collapse so soon after so much . money were spent on improving the structural integrity of the building? Structural Related Information: The construction of the original design has been proven as conventional throughout and, from an optical examination, contained no rare detailing or materials which might arouse structural problems. The ministry of Culture denied any access to the public into the details of the structural report. The public announcement included a statement saying only that it seems like the steel structures resistance, on which the roof was placed, was not evaluated correctly among other things. It also addressed that the structure failure occurred on a part of the roof where only a replacement of the crenelated iron pieces of the roof and nothing to do with the support beams as any replacement or maintenance to them was believed to be needless. Furthermore it was said that the steel shears capability to endure the weight of what was going to be suspended from them was overestimated and wrongly calculated.The Inspective Committee stated as a final reason for the incident, technical reasons that cause d the failure. In general, the buildings material where mainly local stone for the walls construction, concrete for the foundations, marble exterior facades, wooden interior wall facades and lastly steel for the roof structure with steel shears as the covering material. The beams structure used, according to the public structural report released to the public, was a combination of the Quadrangular Truss and the French Truss along with Vertical Struts. A structure that can handle the shape and such function that the architect originally designed, for this kind of long spun structure of distance up to 60 metres long (197ft). This building has been a prime figure for Cyprus capital city, but yet was abandoned and left at its since then stage, ever since June 2008, when the structure collapsed, with no plans for reconstruction of the roof, although there is a high demand by the majority of Nicosians, the municipality is under a legal fight over the incident in contradiction with all those guilty in 2010. They sued the contractor, architect and engineers and requested a full payment for the reconstruction fee, assessed to be about à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬4m to reinstate the theatre. From the information released to the public, it is known that the original design for the roof was made from Steel, a combination of the Quadrangular Truss and the French Truss along with Vertical Struts. The main reason was the big length span of the buildings roof and also knowing that steel trusses are usually made of multiple angles, plates and eye bars, in order to create such shapes which are easily modified in order to resist a tensile stress rather than a compressive stress. This system of truss arrangements allows fewer of its members to be in compression, and also, its shorter members are in compression and the longer ones in tension. Purlins are used to support the rafters of the structure, so the distance between the struts, because of the fact that the roof is covered with iron sheets, fixed on the purlins, should not be more than 5 feet apart from each other. This is the most economical and practical method of construction, as the number of braces used depends on the roofs inclination, span and shape. A horizontal tie was used to avoid bending of the laterals. Furthermore, raising the lowest chord should be considered, in order to substantially increase the tension in the truss members in need. The reason is because a truss with its lowest chord with a rise of two or three feet is better aesthetically and visually, and of course stronger, as by raising the bottom chord will shorten the rest structure members, hence the more strength and forces will be distributed better. This specific structure was chosen for the roof of the theatre, having in mind its span of 190ftwith spacing, from center to center, of 20ft. The roof was made with 28 beams, which would be supported by purlins at points seen above in the diagram, marked with letters A, B, C, D, E, and F. Additionally a thinner steel sash was placed between C and D, for better light and ventilation to be allowed into the interior of the building when was needed. Parts marked with A and B was not part of the truss strength structure but they were placed there to be an additional frame work to upkeep the elevated roof and the stresses. One of the suggestions proposed for the refurbished structure was to turn the roofs structure bottom chord in a segmental shape, which will give to it an elegant framework, but also more efficient proportions for such a wide span structure. The parts built-in between the junctions A, B, C, D in a Quadrangular Truss, are simply struts external to the truss. In both above cases, original and suggested one, all members of this kind of truss are made of several angles, to take up any tension or compression. The involved stresses in this Quadrangular trusses, due to weather conditions, should consider, according to calculations for the maximum stress that might be created by any potential material choice or combination of loads for structures of 100 to 200 feet span. The topography of the site is unlike to might have caused any complications that may be connected to the incident, as there are no geographical problematic features which might have caused foundation problems. On the exterior, a small crack can be seen on the north side elevation, right above the top floor windows, which is spreading down to the rear end of the wall until reaching the side door, which leads inside the theatre. Also, on the south elevation of the building, a cracking can be seen above the central beam, which spans until the top floor windows and also at the ground floor main windows. (Drawings to follow). No other external cracking of significance could be located that might have been caused after the roof collapsed. On the interior, a large cracking can be seen on the wall between the main stage and the sitting area and also in the corresponding wall above on the top floor gallery (sitting area). Even though the cracking is relatively small in scale compared to the buildings damage, it appears to be quite new, which makes it look like it was caused from the incident and not prior to it. The majority of the affected areas are those which have been recently refurbished. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Historical structural steelwork handbook: properties of U.K. and European cast iron, wrought iron and steel sections including design, load and stress data since the mid-19th century. W. Bates; British Constructional Steelwork Association. London, 1984 Stiffness of joints in bolted connected cold-formed steel trusses, Zaharia, Raul; Dubina, Dan. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2006, Vol.62 (3), pp.240-249 [Peer Reviewed Journal] Science Direct (Elsevier B.V.) Rotational stiffness of cold-formed steel roof purlin-sheeting connections. Zhao, Congxiao ; Yang, Jian ; Wang, Feiliang ; Chan, Andrew H.C. Engineering Structures, February 2014, Vol.59, pp.284-297 [Peer Reviewed Journal] Science Direct (Elsevier B.V.) http://www.lawyersincyprus.com/el/article/roof-collapse-whos-to-blame http://www.cyprusedirectory.com/articleview.aspx?ID=2604 http://chestofbooks.com/architecture/Construction-Superintendence/Chapter-II-Types-Of-Steel-Trusses.html#ixzz20ySOLRb5 Architectural Association of Cyprus Official Report of Incident ETEK Org

Friday, October 25, 2019

Night Essay -- essays research papers

World War II and the diseased mind of Hitler were the factors the led to the Genocide. People who were not the superior race in Hitler’s opinion did not deserve to live. Jews were the target of the extermination. To establish his plan Hitler created Concentration Camps, where people were forced to work. Those that were considered useless became fuel for the gas chambers and crematory. Hitler’s long term goal was to wipe out all the Jews. In the novel, Night, by Elie Wiesel, the author retells the unforgettable hardship and suffering that he goes through while he is in the concentration camps. In this novel, Elie helps us realize and visualize the brutality and madness of the camps and SS officers. His struggle for survival and the horror that he is exposed to changes his life forever. Elie’s experiences at the camp have a dramatic impact on his faith, his relationship with his father and his innocence. â€Å"Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever. Never I shall forget the nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget those things, even when I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never.† By reading this quote you can hear Elie Wiesel anguish and what an impact concentration camps had on his faith. Before he was exposed to other mans madness and brutality he had faith in God and lived for him. He ...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Kite Runner Assef Analysis Essay

Many believe that there is a part of good and a part of evil in each of us. Hosseini conveys in his novel â€Å"the kite runner† that some people have a natural tendency to express their bad side. Assef, one of Hosseini’s charachter symbolizes those people. He carries a kind of madness, and is violent. Hosseini implies that being given a target for hate, and a morality for their actions, in this case religion, those people can become powerful. Assef is an example of how it is possible to reach power and abuse of it by avoiding to deal with justice as he joins a groups of terrorists. He evolves from a child who uses violence to make himself feared, and rule his neighborhood, to a Talibans who can freely and honorably commit crimes in the name of God. This author introduces Assef to the reader when he firsts encounters Amir. Those are Amir’s thoughts at the view of Assef â€Å"Assef crossed his thick arms on his chest, a savage sort of grin on his lips. Not for the first time, it occurred to me that Assef might not be entirely sane.† The reader then directly discovers, from this simple description of Assef’s appearance the type of character he is. He is just passively crossing his arms, but still gives an overall image of a strong, savage, not entirely sane person. The insanity recurs, it is often visible in Assef’s eyes, and the grin is now linked to violence† I will never forget how Assef’s blue eyes glinted with a light not entirely sane and how he grinned, how he grinned, as he pummeled that poor kid unconscious† Amir was marked by the time he saw Assef beating up a little kid. Assef is a bully that takes pleasure in hurting other kids. At this point, he is a child and violence is like a game that let’s him express his madness. Other kids are scared by his attitude, no one dears to contradict him. This is one of Amir’s thought about one of Assef’ â€Å"friend†, right before the rape of Hassan. â€Å"He wasn’t afraid of Hassan, not really. He was afraid because he had no idea what Assef had in mind† Assef is not even understood by his followers, no one knows what’s in his mind. They apprehend his ideas, and fear them which gives an idea of how deranged he is. In fact Hassan refuses to give the kite to Assef, and Assef is then about to rape him when he declares: â€Å"I’ll let you keep the kite Hazara. I’ll let you keep it so it will always remind you of what i’m about to do† This is a significant quote. Assef shows his cruelty by intending to hurt deeply, and leave a reminder of the pain. It also foreshadows all the horrors he is going to cause because his madness his going to last. Assef’ is seen differently by other adults, those don’t fear him, because his real personality is hidden from them. Hosseini uses the parents as a symbol for control, and justice. Assef therefore bypasses justice, he is still controlled as he has to hide his madness. â€Å"On the surface, he was the embodiment of every parent’s dream, a strong, tall, well-dressed and well-mannered boy with talent and striking looks, not to mention to wit joke with an adult. But to me, his eyes betrayed him. When i looked into them, the facade faltered, revealed a glimpse of the madness hiding behind them.† The author personificaties Assef’s eyes who â€Å"betrayed† him by revealing his madness. The Betrayal has a religious connotation, to the evil. As if he was hiding behind the appearance of an attractive boy. The author enlarge Assef’s dangerousness. In contrast with the other parents, his genitors know his real nature and in fact are frightened. â€Å"†¦I wondered if maybe, on some level, their son frightened them.† They should be giving him a education to make him become good, instead they are powerless. He in fact has the power over them. At Amir’s birthday party, he comes with them â€Å"He led them toward us, like he had brought them here. Like he was the parent, and they his children.† His leadership is broadened to his genitors who should be superior. This comparison, shows that his parent’s don’t have authority or control over him. but it is the first sign that Assef will be out of control. Assef went to prison at some point. There, he was mistreated in the same way as he used to mistreat others. He was put in a position of powerlessness â€Å"What could i do?† a guard came to violently persecute him, and as he kicked him. â€Å"He kicked me on the left kidney and the stoned passed. Just like that! Oh, the relief!† But Assef, who is a mad character, feels this relief as a redemption, and connects it to God, while it in fact could have been a biological reaction. † †¦ Suddenly i knew that had been a message from God: He was on My side. He wanted me to live for a reason.† This miracle, leads Assef to pretend that he has been granted a mission. â€Å"I’ve been on a mission since.† This mission could also have made him turned into a better man but instead it only made him madder. It gives him a sudden excuse and claims to be doing great acts, even though they are harmful to others. He is therefore truly satisfied with the horrors he accomplishes, because now he has a reason to do them. â€Å"†¦ stood in a roomful of targets, let the bullets fly, free of guilt and remorse, knowing you are virtuous, good, and decent. Knowing you’re doing God’s work.† He even uses the words virtuous, implying that his act have a morality. â€Å"There are bad people in this world, and sometimes bad people stay bad. Sometimes you have to stand up to them.† Amir says this as he is thanking Sohrab for stopping Assef. Assef was in fact stopped by a little kid with his slingshot. The author conveys that sometimes, justice can easily stop evilness. That evil people shouldn’t be supported by religion.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Historical perspective Essay

The purpose of this report is to explore the issue of distance learning from various points of view. To start with, the report seeks to provide the definition of the term ‘distance learning’, along with its implication to the various participants. Further, the report also attempts to trace the historical background of distance learning, and how the concept has evolved over the years, together with an assessment of the various institutions of higher learning that have embraced this concept of education. Distance education is believed to have been around for as long as 1728, and the various institutions of learning have been embracing it slowly by slowly. This is yet another area that has been addressed by this report. In addition, the use of technology for purposes of delivering distance education has also been evaluated, as well as the ensuing limitations during the testing or evaluation of distance learning. A remedy on the same has also been provided. We have a number of theories that impacts on distance education and these have also been explored by this report. The issue of interconnectivity between an instructor and his/her students is very important to distance education. This issue has also bee assessed by this report. Finally, this report has endeavoured to determine the distance learning systems in the various levels of education, and how they impact on both the teacher and the student (s). Introduction Distance learning is a term used in reference to an education field whose main emphasis is on andragogy, pedagogy instructional and technology systems design (Moore & Kearsley 2005). The sole objective of distance learning is to give access to ‘off site’ students. As opposed to a physical attendance to the various courses, students and teachers instead opt to make use of advancement in technology, by way of exchanging electronic or even printed media. Alternatively, they may also decide to apply real time communication, such as online chatting. There are instances in literature whereby certain authors have sought to use â€Å"distance learning† and â€Å"distance education† as a substitute to each other (Moore & Kearsley 2005). Distance learning’s hallmark is having the learner or student and the teacher separated either in time or space. It is a desire of distance learning planners to have student control their learning process, as opposed to having the assigned distant instructor do this. This is in addition to ‘non-contagious’ correspondents between a teacher and his student. Such a correspondence could be reconciled with either print, or another type of technology (Moore & Kearsley 2005). From this perspective then, this report seeks to explore the various issues that impacts on of distance learning. In line with this, the definition of this term shall be given, along with the historical perspective of the issue at hand. It is also the intention of this report to assess the philosophies and theories that could be related to distance learning, in addition to their interpretation. There are quite a number of systems of technology that are used in the implementation of the distance learning concept, and these too, shall be assessed by this report. Finally, the limitations that may be associated with distance learning will also be explored, not to mention the benefits to both the users and the providers alike. Distance learning subscribes to a few theories, and these are explored in this report, along with the various systems of distance education that may be found in the different educational levels. Historical perspective Distance education may be traced as early as 1728 when a Boston Gazette run an advertisement about a teacher who taught shorthand, and who was seeking to have his students receive the lessons for the course via correspondence. During the 1840s in Great Britain, Isaac Pitman, a teacher in shorthand, is believed to have taught this skill to his student via correspondence (Holmberg 2005). Amongst the pioneer universities to offer degree courses by distance learning was the University of London in 1858, when they created an External programme (Holmberg 2005). In 1873, the city of Boston, Massachusetts founded a society whose goal was to enhance home studies. The University of Queensland, Australia, created a Correspondence Studies Department in 1911 (Holmberg 2005). Not to be left out, the University of South Africa (UNISA) started to offer education courses by correspondence in 1946 (Holmberg 2005). Extramural studies were started in 1960 in New Zealand, at the Massey University. The Open University that was established in the UK in 1969 remains to-date the largest university to offer distance education. Fern Universitat was established in Hagen Germany in 1974. Over the years, there are a lot of related institutions that have been founded, a majority of whom have embraced the term open university. We have a lot of public, private, for-profit and non-profit institutions that are today offering degree programs and other courses via distance learning. With regard to the accreditation levels, these usually differ, based on such factors as location jurisdiction. For instance, an institution could be termed as â€Å"University† at one jurisdiction, even without being first having received authorization or accreditation, often times by a county’s national government. However, such a description may not apply in another jurisdiction. Even amongst the mainstream universities, there is a growing trend towards online education, up to the doctoral level (Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner 2007). In its history, distance learning may be said to have passed through five technology ‘generations’ (Moore & Kearsley 2005). These includes print, video/audio teleconferencing, video/audio broadcasting, e-learning, and webcasting, among others. Still, the radio has managed to maintain its position as a viable medium for the dissemination of distance education, and this is especially the case amongst the developing countries, thanks largely to the level of the masses that it manages to reach out to. In India for example, the FM Channel has gained immense popularity. The universities have thus opted to employ this medium of communication for purposes of education programmes broadcasting in a variety of areas. Some of these areas include for instance rural development, science education, teacher education, creative writing, as well as agriculture programmes meant for the farmers. Nowadays, PDAs, mp3 players as well as Smart Phone are increasingly gaining immense popularity. So much so that a number of professors have gone ahead and allow their students to both watch and listen to a video of for example, a certain course in the form of a Podcast (Lever-Duffy & McDonald 2008). This has further led to a rise in the distribution medium for distance learning content. Use of technology in the delivery of distance education There are two groups of technology that distance learning employs; asynchronous and synchronous. Synchronous technology refers to an online delivery mode in which all the various participants have to be â€Å"present† simultaneously. In this case, there emerges the need to organise a timetable beforehand, for this particular event. Videoconferencing, telephone and web conferencing are just but a few examples of the synchronous technology that we have today, and which is at times applied to distance learning. On the other hand, asynchronous technology refers to an online delivery mode in which the various participants are able to access the materials of their courses at will that is on a schedule that is convenient to them (Lever-Duffy & McDonald 2008). As such, it is not a requirement that the students have to be together simultaneously. Audiocassette, Message Board Forums, Videocassete, E-mail and fax/Voice Mail are all examples of asynchronous technologies. Limitations of Evaluation and testing distance learning For a long time now, distance learning has been faced with trouble in as far as testing is concerned. Test material delivery is an exercise that may be accomplished with relative ease. The manner in which this is done is such that a given student has the necessary material at their disposal, so that they are able to read these at their convenience. However, there arises a problem at a time when the distance learning students are needed to complete various tests and assignments (Berg 2002). One observation that has been noted with online courses is that it is usually extremely difficult for say, an instructor to control the students from cheating in tests, quizzes or even the main examinations. This is because dues to the lack of the physical presence of a teacher to facilitate a physical monitoring exercise over the students. In the case of a classroom situation, it is quite possible for a teacher to not only monitor the activities of students during examination time, but also uphold visually a certain integrity level that is in line with the reputation of an institution in question. In the case of distance education however, it becomes quite easy to have a student completely removed from a supervision exercise (Berg 2002). One way through which security to curb cheating by distance learning students may be effected is to ensure that all the final examinations get done at a location that is common to all students, to allow both professors and invigilators to directly supervise the students. The internet too, has come to the rescue of distance learning. Today, we have quite a number of websites that provides exam packages and software that are secure, in a bid to assist professors to control and manage distance learning students in a more effective manner. Theories of distance learning According to the distance education theory as postulated by Desmond Keegan, it is necessary that the system of distance learning be able to recreate artificially the learning-teaching interaction, in addition, the system should also be in a position to re-integrate such an interaction with the instructional process. The Iowa Model rests on this particular basis: providing a distance learner a traditional-like experience (that involves ‘face-to-face’ instruction), through the use of intact classrooms as well as live. On the other hand, the Norwegian Model has been known to traditionally integrate distance teaching that is mediated with local teaching that is often times face-to-face. Holmberg (2005) has attempted to explain the various duties of a teacher to distance learners. At a time when a teacher gets to meet with her students physically, thanks to an effective media choice, such a teacher ceases being ‘a communicator of a fixed body of information’ (Holmberg 2005), and instead assumes the role of a learning facilitator. From this point onwards the process of learning take on as a form of knowledge building between on the one hand, the students and on the other hand, the teacher. Today, the systems of distance learning takes into account an elevated interactivity level between a student and his teacher. This is also the case for the isolated or rural communities that could be separated from each other by for instance, several thousand miles. Distance learning systems The conventional approach to distance learning is that this is a form of education that is meant for the adult learners. However, it is important to appreciate that we also have institutions that have for a number of years now been actively involved in the provision of distance education to former high school students. Even then, we also have distance learning taking place at both the middle school and elementary levels. In this case, distance learning makes use of modules that are meant to enrich the curriculum, in addition to telecommunications projects that are in place. When we explore the issue of distance learning in secondary schools, this form of education is normally financially assisted by either the federal or the local government. The aim of the program therefore is to identify and fulfil the needs that small school districts within the rural areas may be faced with (Merriam et al 2007). It is also possible today for students from secondary schools to be enrolled in certain courses, so as to enable them attain the requirements of graduation for certain courses that may not be offered by their respective districts. There are those students that opt to enrol in foreign language, advanced placement or better still, vocational classes. There are also countless instances in which we have had gifted or talented students from high schools being chosen to enrol on distance classes, on the basis of their academic capacity and ability in as far as the execution of individual work is concerned. What this means is that the management exercise of classrooms turns into a much easier task. On the negative side however, we may end up with students that are quite disenfranchised (Lever-Duffy & McDonald 2008), with the result that they may end up facing a problem of managing their time, in addition to lacking discipline. Technology may be regarded as a principle portion of distance learning, yet it is a requirement that any programme that has succeeded in this field, ought to lay more emphasis on students needs, as opposed to the actual technology. In order for a system of distance learning to be considered successful, there is a need to ensure that interactivity takes place between on the one hand, the students and on the other hand, the teacher. In addition, interactivity is also required between the environment of learning and the students, as well as amongst the various students in a distance learning institution. Interactivity could assume various forms, and it is important to note here that video, audio as well as student-teacher interactions are not the only types of interactivity that could be applied to distance learning. Interactivity on the part of the student, may very well symbolize the kind of connectivity distance learning students are able to share with their teacher, in addition to facilitators, aides, peers and also local teachers. In the absence of connectivity there is a probability that distance learning may disintegrate into the conventional independent study of course model (Lever-Duffy & McDonald 2008). Bibliography Berg, G. A, 2002, Why distance learning? : higher education administrative practices. Greenwood Publishing Group, NY.Holmberg, B, 2005, The evolution, principles and practices of distance education. Bibliotheks- und Informationssystem der Universitat Oldenburg. p. 13. Lever-Duffy, J. and Jean B. McDonald, J. B, 2008, Teaching and learning with technology. New York: Pearson Education, Inc. , Merriam, S, Caffarella, R. , and Baumgartner, L, 2007, Learning in Adulthood New York: Wiley. Moore, M, and Kearsley, G, G, 2005, Distance education: a systems view (Second Ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Taylor, J. C. â€Å"The fifth generation of distance education’, Chinese Journal of Open Education Research, Vol. 3 (2003): 25 – 27.

Arming Pilots Essays

Arming Pilots Essays Arming Pilots Essay Arming Pilots Essay Protect Our People Please What do you do if someone is holding a gun in your face, and you have nothing to defend yourself with? Well that is the exact circumstance that we all have the chance of facing on a plane. Americans are expected to get on an airplane and feel safe and protected, but all that has happened on airplanes in the past ten years has left us fearful. We need to do something to make sure that we are safe on an airplane and that an American plane can never be hijacked again. We need to train and arm our pilots to ensure our safety on an airplane. Airplanes are massive and very complex pieces of machinery, and they help us get to places more efficiently and cheaper than traditional ways. Although we have seen that if airplanes are not handled properly in the sky, it will have detrimental effects on human lives on a massive scale. Hijacking or terrorism is one of the major causes of planes being made into death machines. Americans safety aboard airplanes should be of the upmost importance. There are numerous acts of terrorism that has occurred on commercial airlines, and there needs to be a stop to that. Although most terrorist attacks where a result of people wanting money or something to change in their country, but on September 11th 2001 the only goal that the terrorists had was to murder as many people as they could. Thousands of human lives were lost in the World Trade Center and Pentagon, millions of dollars, too. At any cost, we must never allow the high-jacking of September 11 to be repeated. This tragedy has made airline security the number one issue. Numerous measures such as baggage checks, identity checks, the presence of Sky Marshals on board and so on were proposed by airline companies, pilots, and security experts. Many of these measures are being implemented. But what if a terrorist gets by the security checks points, it is not like it has not happened before. One thing that did happen after the September 11th attack was that (West,1) â€Å"Congress did authorize the Department of Transportation to consider arming pilots†¦pilots unions have endorsed keeping weapons in cockpits, and the public has signified approval. Nearly two-thirds of those whom we trust to operate huge jets safely are former military aviators with firearms training, and skills-testing would not be a problem. Before September 11 many people had never had any fear of terrorism assuming that â€Å"something like that can only happen in a movie†. These days, most people would think twice before boarding a plane. In my opinion arming pilots would increase people’s confidence in airline security if they carried a gun and not just a weapon. As an alternative to firearms some experts propose arming pilots with s tun guns or guns equipped with specialized bullets. The projectiles would â€Å"disintegrate on impact† to ensure the safety of the aircraft. But they could do serious damage to the human body, which is fine in the case of hijackers. The planes cockpits already come equipped with crash axes, which could be used as weapons. (Scott, 3) A survey was given on October ninth asking how many people would agree to letting pilots be armed, and seventy five percent said arm our pilots. † The argument whether or not pilots should carry guns isn’t based upon facts and statistics, but on beliefs and assumptions. Obviously, a pilot carrying a gun reduces the possibility that hijackers could succeed in their task. Also, the majority of the American public feels safer just knowing that many pilots are beginning to carry weapons. For those passengers who don’t like the idea of pilots carrying guns, they should realize that they trust pilots every time they fly and that giving those pilots a gun is just showing a greater trust in them. Some people opposed to pilots carrying guns fear for the safety of the passengers; they fear that a stray bullet may strike a passenger. What if the pilot shot numerous times at the hijacker and accidentally shot a passenger? Honestly, this is a very legitimate point. However, given the choice, most would choose a stray bullet to one passenger over the tragic deaths of thousands. People think that (Donnelly, 1) a few bullet holes in the plane will make something happen and cause the plane to go down. These people have no clue what they are talking about. Airlines have experienced explosions on planes without it crashing what will a few bullet holes do? Most pilots have a very strong opinion about this either for or against (Ko, 1) one pilot had argued that If we fail in security screening, profiling, baggage searches, security checks, and have a terrorist get on an airplane, which is very possible, what is our defense? he asks. All I am asking for is a fighting chance to save my passengers, crew, aircraft and people on the ground from a psycho or terrorist. Some people oppose having guns on board for numerous reasons. If a potential terrorist knows that a gun is on board, they could craft a plan to utilize it as part of a larger plan. The use of a locked cabin door and on-board air marshals seems like enough security. With tight airport security, it is almo st impossible for a hijacker to bring a gun or a knife on a plane. The most they would probably be able to get through would be a pair of box cutters. They would not be able to bring down the entire plane, or be able to bust open the pilots cockpit doors with a pair of box cutters. If the pilots had a gun, the hijackers could ambush the pilots when they came out of the cockpit and the hijackers would end up having the guns and the passengers would be defenseless. (Scott, 3) But what the pilots are trying to let people know is that you would have to go through rigorous testing and skills training to be considered, and that is to prevent another tragic even like September 11th. I do believe airline pilots should be armed because if the plane is being hijacked, that may be the only way to save lives if the plane has been overtaken by hostiles. I believe airline pilots should be armed to protect themselves and the passengers from hostiles. There are many U. S. Marshalls which are placed on airplanes to keep a hijacked plane from occurring, but I still believe it is a good idea for the pilots to be armed. The hijackers could get past the Marshall and make their way to the cockpit which would be a very dangerous scenario. If the pilot was armed, this could save hundreds of lives as the hostiles would not expect the pilot to have a weapon. I dont think we should take any chances after the attacks of September 11th. There should be a method, policy, procedure and training for the handling of the weapon. An action plan should be attached to the possibility of having to use the weapon. But, yes, pilots should be armed. The pilot should have to pass a psychological assessment, as they already have to. But, a pilot with a gun is no more dangerous than a pilot with a plane full of passengers, flying through the air. There are no police in the sky. Theres nowhere to run and hide up there. And, the pilot already has the responsibility of everyones life in his hands. So, he should be as equipped as possible to deal with that responsibility. Work Cited Donnelly, Sally B. Pilots Packing Heat. Time 160. 10 (2002): 31. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Dec. 2011. Ko, Marnie. Arm The Pilots. Report / Newsmagazine (Alberta Edition) 28. 1 (2001): 22. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Dec. 2011. West, Woody. Arming Airline Pilots Is A Risk Worth Taking. Insight On The News 18. 23 (2002): 48. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Dec. 2011. Scott, William B. Airline Pilots: Arm Us And They Will Come. . Aviation Week Space Technology 155. 20 (2001): 47. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Dec. 2011. Scott, William B. Battle Lines Drawn Over Arming Airline Pilots. Aviation Week Space Technology 156. 7 (2002): 45. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Dec. 2011.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Cezanne essays

Cezanne essays Cezanne beyond Impressionism. Another artist who drew his inspiration from outdoors was Cezanne, who also had a distinct style of painting. To move away from the style of the broken colour of the impressionists, Cezanne devised a system of modulating the colours from a volume of cool to warm or light to dark. It seems to me that Cezanne seldom made a line around his paintings. Instead, the lines would virtually disappear off the edge of the work creating a sense of more volume. He also used the same weight of colour in both foreground and background, which created an anti-illusionistic effect. This technique, for example, can be seen in Cezannes Still Life with Apples, a Bottle and a Milk Pot. In this painting we are able to see how Cezanne literally escapes the use of encompassing lines. The artist loses the edges in this painting, producing an image that passes into the background, achieving a sense of colour balance and harmony. Unlike the impressionists, Cezanne did not aim to capture a glimpse of light. Instead, light itself becomes part of the colour harmony and decorative contrast. Cezannes composition of colours reminds me of a tapestry. I also think that it is prototypical for abstract art, which would follow later. ...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia - Assignment Example The hotel has a strong brand across the globe, which in turn attracts a wide population from diverse regions. It commands a towering appreciation to many who find it as the perfect overnight destination for traveling and business needs. It has a competitive advantage of being located in city center of Philadelphia, which in turn attracts many consumers within the city. Still, the hotel offers exceptional services that range from the spa, valet, and self-parking, kids club, disability accessible facilities, jogging path, sauna, meeting and wedding venues to the whirlpool. The hotel has a twenty-four business center that increases the number of clients visiting on a daily basis. Lastly, the furnishings are modern and stylish with rooms that are spotlessly clean, and the hotel offers delicious meals that express cultural diversity. For that, many identify themselves with different meals served. Despite the above-mentioned strengths, the hotel has the following weaknesses. The hotel is high in prices, which hinders many with low income. Still, the restaurant does not have transportation shuttle to the airport to transport guests from certain locations that are far from the city center of Philadelphia. In future, the hotel should have a special shuttle to attract many clients from other locations far from the Ritz-Carlton. Ritz-Carlton has tremendous opportunities of being located close to the shopping center, which in future may attract expansion and growth. Still, it is located in the city center near bus stations, thus creating more opportunities for meeting rooms and core programs. The hotel has a growth potential of having an online website and booking, which in turn promotes marketing strategy that attracts a wide population across the globe.

Friday, October 18, 2019

For this week's discussion you will explore macros and security Assignment

For this week's discussion you will explore macros and security features provided by MS Word - Assignment Example The macro can also be used to highlight a particular text or word and then use ‘macro’ to navigate it to definition or detailed information. In addition, Macro can also be used to add more detail to a particular text or event mentioned in the document. U.S Department of Energy Computer Incident Advisory Capability defines, â€Å"Macro Virus’ as a piece of self-replicating code written in an application’s macro language† (Salomon, 2010). Macro Virus affects the entire document, therefore, if any document that has Macro Virus shall be replace with a new document. It can be prevented through using digital signatures and updating software on a regular basis (Salomon, 2010). The virus can affect the entire document and you may loose the entire information, the entire file, template or document may get corrupted and causing a series of automatic destructive actions to your

Central Processing Time Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Central Processing Time - Lab Report Example The methods used in achieving the results in this experiment via the use of a standard deck of playing cards and the involvement of one subject or individual. The participant in this case is a male individual, weighing 120 pounds, is 5 foot 9’ and is 26 years old. The three tasks to be performed are listed below: The mean processing time varies across the 3 sorting tasks set for the experiment. The second task – Suit Sort took a longer processing time compared to the last task – Color Sort with Preview. The facts are listed down on the data sheet. The processing time is dependent on complexity of the task to be performed and the type of hand used, if either it is the dominant one or the non-dominant one. The color sort with preview process took a lesser processing time because it involved the preview and use of the dominant hand. The computer generated graph for the mean processing time across the three tasks is represented below: The graph is plotted to show the output relation of the plot processing time against that of the class average time for the three tasks

The Causes of Stress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Causes of Stress - Essay Example Stress is a physical, emotional or mental factor that can cause pain and tension. There are different causes of stress and they need specialized understanding by either professional. Stress has been on an increased level compared to the late 90s. The causes of stress today are rather basic and close to everyone. It boils down to the daily life-related issues such as the economy, security, work hours and so on. Stress, however, leads to diseases that are in most cases protracted. These include hypertension and heart-related conditions  (Welch, 2009) There are different factors that have an effect on stress as different effects on the victims and also the people committing the offense. The west countries America and the UK have incurred a lot of cost putting up preventive measures so as to protect its citizens. Terrorism takes away people’s hope and feeling of security. It leaves them worried, in fear of the future. In the recent past, terrorism has grown worldwide (Fields 200 1). It is no longer wars against countries but terror from militia groups, who claim to seek justice, money, and power from the governments. Victims of the terrorist from the Muslim countries are the most affected and they include children and women. The causes always include lack of a breadwinner to lack of a parent that psychologically affects the children in the long run. They experience trauma for periods of time depending on the levels of shock. There are different types of victims; there are those who lose loved ones, those who witness the terror attack, those who survive the terror attack and those who hear about it first hand from close people. For example, in the September 2001 attack on the USA. Post-traumatic stress has been common for the ones who lost loved ones. They experience a dis-attachment to the real world. According to Fields, the victims of terror experience a great feeling of loss. Some may feel guilty as to why they survived the 2001 terror attack.  

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Writting assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writting - Assignment Example ovide for all recognized subsequent events provided the availability of additional evidence in their financial statements considering the availability of this information during the date of the balance sheet or the development of the financial statements. In cases that a probability exist weighing on which a liability has been incurred provides for the reasonable estimation of the liability. 25-8 provides for the creation of the recognition of a loss contingency once the range in which the loss falls is probable for estimation (Accounting Standards Codification, n.d). In the same context, the retirement of an asset proves possible once the uncertainties provided become certain, and the company comprehends the effect caused in totality. During the development of the financial statements of December 31, 2007, the company needed to provide for the uncertainty in its records and based on the estimate developed, it proved necessary to include the rough estimate of $17million in the financials as liability. During the year 2009, the record of the liability stated as $17 million needed amending since the ruling had been made on the case providing for $18 million despite the appeal holding. In 2010, W filed for appeal against the ruling of the court of appeal on the matter. This leaves uncertainty still surrounding the matter and hence the need to continue holding the liability stated in the books. According to the ASC 410-30 dealing with asset retirement, it is only recognized once fully ascertained which ascertainment occurred in 2011 after W lost the appeal. It is, therefore, prudent for the effect of the appeal to occur in 2011 in the financials of M. The company needs to have all the liabilities recognized the right and recorded in the books of accounts based on the Accounting Standards provided. These all provide for the company to have its books and reports run in accordance with the accounting principles providing a true and fair view in the company’s

Intersection of energy and international transport management Thesis

Intersection of energy and international transport management - Thesis Example Countries around the world have realized the fact that they are interdependent on one another, and their survival is dependent upon sharing of resources or in simple words exchanging the resources. As no country on this planet earth is self sufficient in all regards. It requires help and assistance of other countries in order to achieve development and to provide ameliorating ambiance for the masses. Considering this concept globalization came into existence, which has resulted in changing the shape of the world. with the advancement in different fields of life for instance technology, transportations, industries, health and care etc., and through sharing of cognition, experiences using computers and internet have revolutionized this world. As a result countries around the world on the daily basis share resources through import and export. Conventionally orthodox approach was put into practice i.e. they only traded basic necessities of life, however this approach was later changed (w ith the passage of time) with the modernization and globalization of the world. At present countries around the world are importing and exporting varieties of different products, no matter its cars, railway engines, airplanes, electronic gadgets, arms and ammunition, medical and healthcare equipments, agriculture and livestock, clothing, construction materials or it may be even the sources of energy like petrol, solar panel cells, bio gas, uranium, nuclear energy etc. Albeit there are varieties of products that countries export or import, however key focus is given in this research paper on the trade of energy sources with reference to international transport management. Abundance in Energy is the integral, prime and key most requirements for any country in order to entertain the purpose of development. As there is no concept of a developed country if that particular country does not have enough resources in terms of catering its energy needs. However countries in order to cope up w ith this problem import energy sources (different types of energy products like oil, bio gas etc.) from other countries and store these different energies in their reservoirs so that these energy products can be succinctly used in the future. As energy plays significant role in terms of contributing towards the economy of the country, with it, energy is the basic driving force for the innovation in technology or it is the basic requirement for technological advancements. Moreover since technological advancement has been carried out all over the world these days, therefore massive resources of energy should be available for them as the advancement in technology is dependent upon the availability of energy. Consequence this has not only resulted in increasing the use of energy but it has also resulted in creating more demand of energy as well. As energy is utilized in carrying out industrial and home work or if it is said that energy is the basic ingredient for the survival of the cou ntry or masses, that this statement would not be wrong. In terms of consumption of energy by different people or countries around the world, energy consumption or the demand of energy varies across the globe. If generalizing the situation one can classify easily that the countries that are developed or first world countries they consume more energy as compared with the third world or under developing countries. Moreover according to Yergin (2011) another classification can be made in terms of climatic conditions.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The Causes of Stress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Causes of Stress - Essay Example Stress is a physical, emotional or mental factor that can cause pain and tension. There are different causes of stress and they need specialized understanding by either professional. Stress has been on an increased level compared to the late 90s. The causes of stress today are rather basic and close to everyone. It boils down to the daily life-related issues such as the economy, security, work hours and so on. Stress, however, leads to diseases that are in most cases protracted. These include hypertension and heart-related conditions  (Welch, 2009) There are different factors that have an effect on stress as different effects on the victims and also the people committing the offense. The west countries America and the UK have incurred a lot of cost putting up preventive measures so as to protect its citizens. Terrorism takes away people’s hope and feeling of security. It leaves them worried, in fear of the future. In the recent past, terrorism has grown worldwide (Fields 200 1). It is no longer wars against countries but terror from militia groups, who claim to seek justice, money, and power from the governments. Victims of the terrorist from the Muslim countries are the most affected and they include children and women. The causes always include lack of a breadwinner to lack of a parent that psychologically affects the children in the long run. They experience trauma for periods of time depending on the levels of shock. There are different types of victims; there are those who lose loved ones, those who witness the terror attack, those who survive the terror attack and those who hear about it first hand from close people. For example, in the September 2001 attack on the USA. Post-traumatic stress has been common for the ones who lost loved ones. They experience a dis-attachment to the real world. According to Fields, the victims of terror experience a great feeling of loss. Some may feel guilty as to why they survived the 2001 terror attack.  

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Intersection of energy and international transport management Thesis

Intersection of energy and international transport management - Thesis Example Countries around the world have realized the fact that they are interdependent on one another, and their survival is dependent upon sharing of resources or in simple words exchanging the resources. As no country on this planet earth is self sufficient in all regards. It requires help and assistance of other countries in order to achieve development and to provide ameliorating ambiance for the masses. Considering this concept globalization came into existence, which has resulted in changing the shape of the world. with the advancement in different fields of life for instance technology, transportations, industries, health and care etc., and through sharing of cognition, experiences using computers and internet have revolutionized this world. As a result countries around the world on the daily basis share resources through import and export. Conventionally orthodox approach was put into practice i.e. they only traded basic necessities of life, however this approach was later changed (w ith the passage of time) with the modernization and globalization of the world. At present countries around the world are importing and exporting varieties of different products, no matter its cars, railway engines, airplanes, electronic gadgets, arms and ammunition, medical and healthcare equipments, agriculture and livestock, clothing, construction materials or it may be even the sources of energy like petrol, solar panel cells, bio gas, uranium, nuclear energy etc. Albeit there are varieties of products that countries export or import, however key focus is given in this research paper on the trade of energy sources with reference to international transport management. Abundance in Energy is the integral, prime and key most requirements for any country in order to entertain the purpose of development. As there is no concept of a developed country if that particular country does not have enough resources in terms of catering its energy needs. However countries in order to cope up w ith this problem import energy sources (different types of energy products like oil, bio gas etc.) from other countries and store these different energies in their reservoirs so that these energy products can be succinctly used in the future. As energy plays significant role in terms of contributing towards the economy of the country, with it, energy is the basic driving force for the innovation in technology or it is the basic requirement for technological advancements. Moreover since technological advancement has been carried out all over the world these days, therefore massive resources of energy should be available for them as the advancement in technology is dependent upon the availability of energy. Consequence this has not only resulted in increasing the use of energy but it has also resulted in creating more demand of energy as well. As energy is utilized in carrying out industrial and home work or if it is said that energy is the basic ingredient for the survival of the cou ntry or masses, that this statement would not be wrong. In terms of consumption of energy by different people or countries around the world, energy consumption or the demand of energy varies across the globe. If generalizing the situation one can classify easily that the countries that are developed or first world countries they consume more energy as compared with the third world or under developing countries. Moreover according to Yergin (2011) another classification can be made in terms of climatic conditions.

The Teaching Profession Essay Example for Free

The Teaching Profession Essay Having perused the description of the teaching career in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, I am convinced that teaching is one of the best professions.   It is not only joyful to impart learning to a group of children, but it also serves a very important purpose.   Teachers shape lives.   Therefore, I believe that there is no career more important than teaching.   The best teachers help their students to develop great interest in continuous learning, while showing them how to respect others and develop a sense of self-worth.    Teachers may be creative, independent, and flexible on the job. They may educate, guide, inspire, counsel, discipline as well as train.   They may give unto children the tools they could use throughout their lifetimes to make essential discoveries.   Teachers make a difference in their students’ lives, inspire young people to do amazing things, while challenging themselves and learning new things day after day.   Indeed, teachers may change the world. Yet the most important reason why I want to become a teacher is that I believe in lifetime learning.   My learning would be of little benefit to the world if I would not choose teaching as a profession.   After all, the human community is based on sharing as well as caring.   I would like to keep on learning while sharing my knowledge with others.   Thus, teaching happens to be the most appealing profession to me.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nevertheless, the Occupational Outlook Handbook has not convinced me to take up teaching as a career in a public school.   The training and licensing requirements for these schools are rather stringent.   However, the Occupational Outlook Handbook mentions that â€Å"[p]rivate schools are generally exempt from meeting State licensing standards (â€Å"Teachers,† 2007).†Ã‚   Hence, I would certainly continue to consider teaching in a private school as a good career choice for me. References Teachers – Preschool, Kingergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary. (2007, Jul 18). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov 28, 2007, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Therapeutic Intervention And Women Experiencing Domestic Violence Social Work Essay

Therapeutic Intervention And Women Experiencing Domestic Violence Social Work Essay There have been on-going public and professional concerns about the issue of domestic violence in the world. This interest has resulted in a growing body of research evidence which examine the prevalence and correlates of this type of violence (Archer, 2002; Fagan Browne, 1994; Johnson Ferraro, 2000). The most common form of violence against women is domestic violence, or the violence against women in families. Research consistently demonstrates that a woman is more likely to be injured, raped or killed by a current or former partner than by any other persons. Men may kick, bite, slap, punch or try to strangle their wives or partners; they may burn them or throw acid on their faces; they may beat or rape them, with either their body parts or sharp objects and they may use deadly weapons to stab or shoot them. At times, women are seriously injured, and in some cases they are killed or die, as a result of their injuries (United Nations Economic and Social Council, 1996). The assaults are intended to injure womens psychological health and bodies, which usually include humiliation and physical violence. Just like torture, the assaults are unpredictable and bear little relation to womens own behaviour. Moreover, the assaults may continue for weeks, and even years. Some women may believe that they deserve the beatings because of some wrong actions on their parts, while others refrain from speaking about the abuse because they fear that their partner will further harm them in reprisal for revealing the family secrets or they may simply be ashamed of their situation (United Nations Economic and Social Council, Report of the Special Reporters on violence against women, E/CN.4/1996/53, February 1996). Physical and sexual violence against women is an enormous problem throughout the world. The perpetrators are typically males close to women, such as their intimate partners and family members. Violence puts women at risk for both short- and long-term sequel which involves their physical, psychological, and social well-being. The prevalence of violence involving women is alarming and it constitutes a serious health problem. No woman is safe from domestic violence, no matter what country or culture she lives in. According to the latest UN report, one in three women is raped, beaten, or abused during her lifetime. The occasion of todays world Eliminate Violence against Womens Day focuses on Iran, where abuse largely goes unreported and officially at least unrecognized. Some researchers have argued that violence is equally a problem for both sexes (Gelles, 1974; Straus, Gelles and Steinmetz, 1980; both cited in Dwyer, 1996). However, as Bograd (1988) points out, this argument ignores the disproportionate rate of male violence against women and that most documented female violence is committed in self-defence. Moreover, it also ignores the structural supports for male violence against women. There is abundant evidence which suggests that violence, against women by their husbands or partners, is a historical and current norm (i.e. Dobash and Dobash, 1988; Geller, 1992; Gordon, 1998). Some of the criticisms of cognitive behavioural therapies are that they tend to ignore social and political factors which affect clients (Enns, 1997). People who are homeless, battered, or poor may not have the financial resources or social support to use some cognitive and behavioural methods. Cognitive-behaviour therapy views that behaviour is primarily determined by what that person thinks. Cognitive-behaviour therapy works on the premise that thoughts of low self-worth are incorrect and due to faulty learning. In addition, the aim of therapy is to get rid of the faulty concepts which influence negative thinking. Furthermore, cognitive behavioural therapies may not attend to clients cultural assumptions about rationality which are rather implicit in such therapies. To make cognitive and behavioural therapies more compatible with the feminist therapy, Worell and Remer (2003) suggested changing labels that stress the pathology of people, focusing on feeling, and integrating ideas about gender-role socialization, rather than using negative or pathological labels such as distortion, irrationality, or faulty thinking. Worell and Remer (2003) suggest that clients explore ideas, based on the gender-role generalizations which appear to be distorted or irrational. For example, rather than labelling the thought that womens place is in the home as irrational, the therapist should explore the actual rewards and punishments for living out this stereotyped belief. By focusing on anger, particularly angry ones which arise as a result of gender-role limitations or discrimination, women can be helped to feel independent and gain control over their lives. Therefore, helping women with their social-role issues, gender-role and power analysis can be helpful in exp loring ways of dealing with societal pressures which interfere with womens development. This is supported by Wyche (2001) who believes that cognitive and behaviour therapies are particularly relevant for women of colour because they focus on the present, providing clients with methods to use in handling the current problems. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Violence by intimate partners has been recognized throughout the world as a significant health problem. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on violence against women as a priority health issue. Violence by intimate partners refers to any behaviour within an intimate partnership which causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to those in the relationship. Violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women (Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 1993). According to this Declaration fear is the biggest outcome of violence against women. Fear from violence is a big obstacle of womens independence and results in women to continue seeking the mens support, and in many instances this support results in the vulnerability and dependency of women, and is the main obstacle in the empowerment of womens potentials, which can bring about the development of their capacities and to use their energy in the improvement of society. Violence and abuse across the world are a common phenomenon and are not specific to a particular society, culture or mentality. Women in any given country and society are in one way or another subjected to violence in the private (home) environment or public (social) environment. In view of the irreversible consequences of violence for both the human, social and family structure of society, and for women themselves. This issue must become extra sensitive in the world. In fact, gender-based violence against women is the violation of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, the denial of their spiritual and physical integrity and an insult to their dignity. Violence against women is an obstacle of access to equal objectives, development and peace. The term violence against women is associated to any violent act that is gender-based that results in physical, mental and sexual hurt and suffering. The main reason for the separation of men and women is mental abuse. Mental abuse is an abusive behaviour which hurts and damages the womans honour, dignity and self-confidence. This type of abuse results the loss of perception, loss of self-confidence, various types of depression, womans failure in managing the family, greed at the work environment, the reconstruction of violent behaviour in children, womans dysfunction in the family, turning to sedatives, alcohol, drugs, fortune-telling (Mehrangiz Kar 2000). Violence against women in Iran takes place in a number of ways: 1 Honour killing; 2 Self-immolation; 3 Domestic violence; 4 Prostitution; 5 Human trafficking, women and children in particular. Violence reduces the self-confidence of women in the family. Women, who are abused, usually become depressed, secluded, and withdrawn people. Depression is also one of the most fundamental psychological problems in women who are in domestic violence. (Enayat, Halimeh,2006). Standards for counselling practice was developed in response to reports from women who were dissatisfied with the counselling they received after experiencing domestic violence, and concerns raised by workers in womens domestic violence services (Inner South Domestic Violence Service in Melbourne). According to the Welfare Organization of Iran (2006), the rate of mental illness among women victimized by domestic violence is significantly higher than among other women having hospital contact. It was noted that while an established network existed for domestic violence crisis and support services were designed specifically to meet the needs of women, counselling services tended to be generalized, with only a few practitioners specializing in the area. Furthermore, there has been no study to show counsellors which treatment for the mental health treatment of women who experienced domestic violence is better than the others (WBO, 2006). Family laws in Iran, create inequality between men and women, and these laws do not have the capacity to protect women who live with violent men, and violence has turned into a power tool for men. As the country progresses into an industrial nation, more academically qualified professionals are in great demand in Iran. Women who have experienced domestic violence are subjected to considerable amount of problems concerning mental health related to domestic violence. In a study by A. A. Noorbala, conducted at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the prevalence of mental disorders was shown to be 21.3% in the rural areas, and this was 20.9% in the urban areas. According to an old Iranian saying, Women should sacrifice themselves and tolerate. This shows that many women, if not most women, are involved in domestic violence. It happens in private life and a legal complaint can destroy the life of a woman. In other words, parts of the population have the perception that abuse is done in order to keep with the traditions of the society and out of love. Women, who are victims of domestic violence, perceived that their husbands jealous reactions which turn into violence are a sign of their love and attention to them. In a very traditional and religious setting in which many [in Iran] live, their understanding of religion and the interpretation given to them throughout the centuries is that a man can beat his wife. They believe that it is a religious command and the commentators, who have portrayed Islam in this light as a violent religion, have also contributed to the growth of this kind of culture. The police and judicial system are of little help. If a battered woman calls the police, it is unlikely that they will intervene. Ironically, the traditional attitude towards marital conflict in Iran inclines people to mediate between the couple. In many cases, the woman is usually sent back to her violent home. In the Iranian judicial system, there has been no law established to prevent domestic violence. On the contrary, there are many indicators which encourage violence against women in families in the Iranian Islamic penal code. Some authors estimate that the number of intimate relationships with violent husbands is about 20 to 30 percent (Stark Flitcraft, 1988; Straus Gelles, 1986). Broken bones, miscarriages, broken families, death, and some mental health disorders are some of the consequences of battering in intimate relationships. Each year, over one million women seek medical care due to battering (Nadelson Sauzier, 1989). Victims also experience nightmares and somatic consequences, while children who witness abuse may be symptomatic, displaying a high number of somatic, psychological and behavioural problems (Nadelson Sauzier, 1989). In addition to psychological scarring for victims, children, and batterers, there are broader societal repercussions of domestic violence. Williams-White (1989) state that the structural, cultural, and social characteristics of our society continue to perpetuate the victimization of women at all levels. In a way, violence within familial relationships reflects and helps maintain violence and oppression it widely in culture. Jennings (1 987:195) explains this by stating that violent husbands not only contribute to maintaining the level of violence in society, they also reflect a direct manifestation of socially learned sex-role behaviours. Moreover, the prevalence of battering has crossed race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (Hotaling Sugarman, 1986). Maltreatment of violence can lead to more violence (Walker, 1984). In systems which do not change, future generations may continue to resort to violence to solve problems. In addition, in many of those systems, violence may become more severe with time. For this reason, it is therefore necessary to work on treating the consequences of violence. However, to date, funding for mental health interventions is still limited, and it often only supports short-term treatment which will not adequately address the long-term symptoms. In view of the special treatment for the mental health of women, counseling centres and support houses for women can reduce the mental health problem of abused women and also reduce the domestic violence statistics. At the Welfare Organizations Counselling Centres in Iran, women who are victimized by domestic violence are treated by social workers and counsellors utilizing the cognitive behaviour therapy. Based on the above discussion, this study also analyzed the comparison of the treatments given to women who have experienced domestic violence, using four different therapies, namely combination therapy (cognitive behaviour therapy and feminist therapy) with cognitive behaviour therapy, feminist therapy and social work skills. Violence can shatter a womans life in many ways. Being a victim of violence is widely recognized as a cause for mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Being abused also plays a major role in developing or worsening substance abuse problems. For many women who are affected by violence, their first abuse usually occurred in their childhood or adolescence. Victimized women as childrens mothers frequently end up losing custody of their own children due to allegations of abuse or neglect, and over 50% of child abuse and neglect cases involve parental alcohol and drug abuse. In addition to institutionalized violence against women in Iran, the majority of the women and young girls are facing domestic violence at home at the time when they are still living with their parents. In most cases, it is the father and the other elder male members in the family are among those who first commit the aggression against the women and young girls. According to the latest statistics, two out of every three Iranian women have experienced discrimination and domestic violence from the father or the other male members of their family. For the vast majority of the Iranian women, married life marks the beginning of horror, pain, and humiliation, i.e. being the victim of their husbands and sometimes the other family members. Moreover, eighty one out of 100 married women have experienced domestic violence in the first year of their marriage (Mehrangiz Kar 2000). Even women with outstanding jobs and prestigious social standings are subject to this violation. In most of the cases , this abuse leaves permanent physical and psychological damages for the rest of their lives. Ironically, without saying even a word and with much pain and yet no support, crimes against women have gone unnoticed. Ninety out of 100 women suffer from a severe case of depression, from which they ultimately commit suicide and 71% of those women experience nervous breakdowns. (Mehrangiz Kar 2000). Their methods of suicide include setting themselves ablaze. For them, this is the only way of escaping from segregation and humiliation. For instance in Ilam (a city in Iran), 15 girls set themselves ablaze each month, fighting against oppression or depression (Welfare Organization of Iran, 2005). Looking at how serious this problem has become, it is therefore the responsibility of everyone to fight the oppression against women. Female victims need to believe that they should not be blamed on whatever happens to them. An active participation in the Welfare Organization of Iran to defend the wo mens rights and opposition to the Iranian Islamic fundamentalism is the least one can do to help end the pain and suffering of the victims of violence in both private and public spheres. Violence against women, in human and brutal punishments, such as stoning and complete elimination of the women from the political and social arenas represent some aspects of the modus operandi of fundamentalists leading to institutionalized violence. This also means that the struggle for equality, safety and security cannot be separated from the fight against fundamentalism in Iran. This study made use of the theoretical framework, combining the cognitive-behaviour theory and feminist theory for the mental health of the women who have been victimized by domestic violence. The present study could provide knowledge on the different types of mental health treatments adopted by counsellors at various counselling centres throughout the country. This research also examined the quality of the treatment by combining two therapies (cognitive-behaviour therapy and feminist therapy). Armed with this knowledge, the leaders of the Welfare Organizations, the society, families and counsellors can benefit from the consequences of change in the womens mental health. The suggested theoretical framework would provide a better understanding of the womens mental health and their performance in the society. In summery, battered and abused women need a wide range of responses, flexible services, and supportive policies to enhance their safety and self-sufficiency and to restore their self-esteem and welfare. These might include mental and physical health evaluation and referral; relocation services; confidential advocacy, shelter, and other domestic violence support services; educational and vocational training; legal representation concerning divorce, custody and protective orders; evaluation of immigration status and ethnic or cultural issues; and the effective enforcement of criminal laws and court orders to help free them from their partners control and to keep them and their children safe. We know that women who have suffered abuse are more likely to suffer posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and somatization than those who have never experienced abuse; the more extensive the abuse, the greater the risk of mental health disorder. Womens mental health treatment is an important area to consider for research because (1) girls and women as a group are exposed to more traumatic stressors than boys and men; (2) the mental health of women may be severely affected, resulting not only in immediate psychological symptoms, but also lifetime risk for self-destructive or suicidal behaviour, anxiety and panic attacks, eating disorders, substance abuse, somatization disorder, and sexual adjustment disorders; and (3) psychologists are not regularly trained to work specifically with trauma survivors, which can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment survivors receive. Currently there are 22 crisis intervention centres (womens crisis intervention centre) across the country (Iran), and women can stay in these centres between 6 to 8 months. As violence causes psychological pressures and uncontrolled stresses on and ultimately depression in women generally, this study was intended to find a better and useful treatment in the attempt to improve the treatment for the mental health of the women who have become the victims of domestic violence. The present study would also provide further knowledge and understanding on the three different types of the treatments used, namely the Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), Feminist therapy and the combination of the two treatments. The results of this study would therefore contribute the theoretical development and practice in counselling. 1.6 Operational Definition of Terms 1.6.1 Domestic violence Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behaviour, which includes physical, sexual, economic, emotional and/or psychological abuse, exerted by an intimate partner over another with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control. 1.6.2 Mental health a state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, and a capacity to establish constructive relationships and cope with the ordinary demands and stresses of life. Mental Health is the balance between all aspects of life social, physical, spiritual and emotional. It impacts on how we manage our surroundings and make choices in our lives clearly it is an integral part of our overall health. In this study, mental health refers to the score which the client gets from the SCL-90-R test. 1.6.3 Cognitive behaviour Therapy (CBT) A set of principles and procedures that assume that cognitive processes affect behaviour and conversely that behaviour affects cognitive processes. It emphasizes a here-and-now process without emphasizing causation. (D.Meichenbaum) .A treatment approach that helps clients examines and changes the relationship consequences, thoughts, feelings, behaviours and resultant consequences. It incorporates a number of diverse intervention (for example, cognitive restructuring procedures, problem solving, coping skills interventions, stress inoculation training, and self instructional training. 1.6.4 Feminist Therapy A philosophical and practical approach with certain assumptions; for example, strategies are needed, and therapists must be aware of personal, gender-biased value system in relation to appropriate behaviour. Feminist therapists promote se4lf-awareness, self-affirmation, and personal integration, outcomes that may conflict with the societal norms that were the original source of dysfunctional behaviour patterns of women.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Wilderness Empire :: essays research papers

In Wilderness Empire, Allen W. Eckert has given a sweeping and thorough look into the lives of key decision makers and the pivotal events leading up to and including the French and Indian War. Through Eckert’s educated insight, the reader is able to enjoy a look into a distant way of life made edifying through his portrayal of historical figures. Following the lives of William Johnson and his friend Tiyanoga, a powerful leader of The Six Nations, the reader is able to better understand a way of life that has long since been eradicated. Eckert provides portraits of the Ottawa warrior Pontiac and various French and English political leaders of this period. The reader recognizes and enjoys the appearance of a young George Washington and Ben Franklin. Eckert records the early life of the characters William Johnson and Pontiac. Through this glimpse of such different and simple beginnings, the reader has a better understanding of the scale of change that took place during this time in history. Johnson, born a poor Irish Catholic, is given the opportunity to come to the colonies where he became a wealthy land owner and a successful businessman. Johnson, who was known among the Indian tribes as a man of clear sight and honesty, developed a deep relationship with Tiyanoga, a principal chief among the Mohawks. Through this bond with Tiyanoga, Johnson gained knowledge of native culture that gave him strong political influence with the Indian League of Nations, also called the Iroquois League or The Six Nations. As Pontiac grew to manhood in a culture that is foreign to most modern readers, he became a formidable leader among his people as the Ottawa war chief. Wilderness Empire chronicles the relationship of the Iroquois League with the French and the English. As the tensions between the European powers grew, the Indians were courted by emissaries from both countries. The reader is provided with an astute portrayal of the corrupt political systems that were used to both influence and prejudice the Native Americans, even to the extent of conversion of the Indian tribes by the French to a bastardized version of the Catholic faith. With this perspective, readers are offered an understanding of the strength of the Native American people as a warring force in this conflict. The English and the French both knew that they would be defeated if their political opponents could win the support of the tribes. Wilderness Empire :: essays research papers In Wilderness Empire, Allen W. Eckert has given a sweeping and thorough look into the lives of key decision makers and the pivotal events leading up to and including the French and Indian War. Through Eckert’s educated insight, the reader is able to enjoy a look into a distant way of life made edifying through his portrayal of historical figures. Following the lives of William Johnson and his friend Tiyanoga, a powerful leader of The Six Nations, the reader is able to better understand a way of life that has long since been eradicated. Eckert provides portraits of the Ottawa warrior Pontiac and various French and English political leaders of this period. The reader recognizes and enjoys the appearance of a young George Washington and Ben Franklin. Eckert records the early life of the characters William Johnson and Pontiac. Through this glimpse of such different and simple beginnings, the reader has a better understanding of the scale of change that took place during this time in history. Johnson, born a poor Irish Catholic, is given the opportunity to come to the colonies where he became a wealthy land owner and a successful businessman. Johnson, who was known among the Indian tribes as a man of clear sight and honesty, developed a deep relationship with Tiyanoga, a principal chief among the Mohawks. Through this bond with Tiyanoga, Johnson gained knowledge of native culture that gave him strong political influence with the Indian League of Nations, also called the Iroquois League or The Six Nations. As Pontiac grew to manhood in a culture that is foreign to most modern readers, he became a formidable leader among his people as the Ottawa war chief. Wilderness Empire chronicles the relationship of the Iroquois League with the French and the English. As the tensions between the European powers grew, the Indians were courted by emissaries from both countries. The reader is provided with an astute portrayal of the corrupt political systems that were used to both influence and prejudice the Native Americans, even to the extent of conversion of the Indian tribes by the French to a bastardized version of the Catholic faith. With this perspective, readers are offered an understanding of the strength of the Native American people as a warring force in this conflict. The English and the French both knew that they would be defeated if their political opponents could win the support of the tribes.