Structural and Non

Background The practice of elimination and reduction of loss of property and life due to catastrophes have become common in areas prone to natural disasters. Many organizations have embarked on emergency management programs by boosting and creating awareness on mitigation.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Structural and Non-Structural Mitigation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Risk analysis on physical constructions should be carried out to reduce physical threats. Besides, participatory mechanism, public commitment, knowledge development, policy formulation and awareness among other non-structural mitigation methods are necessary to reduce the impact of disasters. Structural mitigation Physical constructions have been used as elements of mitigation and have been helpful in reducting and protection against potential impacts of hazards. Perry, Prater and Lindell (2006) indicate that structural mitigatio n through construction of protective infrastructure and hazard resistant structures has been relied upon by many nations and communities for defensive and shielding purposes. These nations have set up legislations which are geared towards ensuring the effectiveness of both structural and non-structural mitigation activities. The legislations have basically been observed in seismic areas where building codes and land use regulations have been set in place. In addition, Perry, Prater and Lindell (2006) argue that the collapsing of buildings and subsequent damage on infrastructure and structures commonly occur in the event of landslides, floods, earthquakes and other disasters. These are some of the factors that call for the effecting of structural mitigation practices purposely to save lives and property by reducing damages. Countries in seismic areas have embarked on construction, maintenance and designing of their structures to ensure safety of their citizens. Through their civil en gineers, they have retrofitted and strengthened old structures. In addition, they have designed canals, roads and new buildings.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, the model of mitigation and adaptation highlights that there are diverse ways through which disasters can be alleviated. This is largely due to the presence of technology, detectors and experts on climate change and environmental management. Predictions on possible threats due to climate changes and other related catastrophes based on scientific investigation are critical for setting up strong and protective infrastructures. The enormous arrays of resources within governments set up to warn and protect are critical in developing structural mitigation capabilities. Figure 1: A diagram illustrating a mitigation and adaptation model Non-structural mitigation Perry, Prater and Lindell (2006) ind icate that non- structural mitigation practices aimed at minimizing the consequence of disaster are cost effective. They include provision of information on reduction of risk, participatory mechanisms, public commitment on ensuring safety, creation of awareness and better policies. Many nations have set up regulations that control the activities which individuals, groups and industries undertake. Besides, the use of temporary restriction methods such as avalanche warning signs and flood barriers to limit risks to admissible levels has been common. Planning, land use regulation, determining locations of human activities and settlement as ell as trainings on hazard have been set up as non-structural mitigation methods to reduce risks.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Structural and Non-Structural Mitigation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In seismic zones, non-structural mitigation has been a practice t hat involves anchoring and bracing household, industry and office items to prevent falling, injuries and damages. Items that are normally used include support systems, brackets, anchors and tie-downs. Perry, Prater and Lindell (2006) highlight that activities related to non-structural mitigation are generally inexpensive, easy to apply and effective in saving lives. Figure 2: A diagram illustrating non-structural mitigation To sum up, it is imperative to highlight that both structural and non-structural mitigation activities are necessary in minimizing risks, safeguarding lives and property from damages. However, non-structural mitigation has been a common practice due to its simplicity and cost effectiveness. Most structures constructed in disaster prone areas use non-mitigation strategies to effect safety. Even so, there is still need for governments to set up effective policies on environmental management to curb the rise of disasters due to climate change. Reference Perry, R.W. , Prater, C.S Lindell, M.K. (2006), Fundamentals of Emergency Management. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons, Inc.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This critical writing on Structural and Non-Structural Mitigation was written and submitted by user Gibson H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Lack of Ethics in the Construction Industry essays

Lack of Ethics in the Construction Industry essays Ethical challenges in the construction industry are bid shopping, no-payment issues, lying, "lawyering up," inflated claims, false claims, threats, and even employee embezzlement. As an employee of a specialty trade subcontractor, Im going to be looking at bid shopping, no payment, over billing illegal aliens, and wage theft. With oftentimes razor thin margins and stiff competition, construction companies try to maximize profits by any means necessary. Bid shopping has been the longtime leader of unethical practices. Its the process by which solicited bids are divulged as leverage with contractors to lower their prices. This is seen more often in specialty and trade contractors. Bid shopping may lead to a breakdown in trust and collaboration and is likely to cause a more contentious atmosphere between owners, contractors, and subcontractors. Non-payment issues have become a fast growing problem. The economic downturn hit the construction industry hard. Many contractors found themselves without new work on the horizon and/or stuck in one of the many stages of a project. Even before the recession began, payment has been a hot topic in the industry. Contractors would use excuses such as unacceptable product or technicalities of a contract (insurance, hours to be worked, performance) as a means to withhold payment. Contractors have often over-bid the price on projects. It is believed that contractors should unbalance the bid/front-end load of the project even though they collect money in a timely manner. If a contractor, particularly a subcontractor, doesn't unbalance the bid, the difference in cash disbursed against cash received on a project can be enormous, and no one would notice, because most accounting systems do not detect it, he says. When examining the job, you will find that you are funding labor and other costs but you're not being paid in a timely manner. Another issue I find even mor...

Yuchanyan and Xianrendong - Oldest Pottery in the World

Yuchanyan and Xianrendong - Oldest Pottery in the World Xianrendong and Yuchanyan caves in northern China are the oldest of a growing number of sites which support the origins of pottery as having occurred not just in the Japanese island Jomon culture of 11,000 to 12,000 years ago, but earlier in the Russian Far East and South China some 18,000-20,000 years ago. Scholars believe these are independent inventions, as were the later inventions of ceramic vessels in Europe and the Americas. Xianrendong Cave Xianrendong Cave is located at the foot of Xiaohe mountain, in Wannian county, northeast Jiangxi province of China, 15 kilometers (~10 miles) west of the provincial capital and 100 km (62 mi) south of the Yangtze river. Xianrendong contained the oldest pottery in the world yet identified: ceramic vessel remains, bag-shaped jars made some ~20,000 calendar years ago (cal BP). The cave has a large inner hall, measuring some 5 meters (16 feet) wide by 5-7 m (16-23 ft) high with a small entrance, only 2.5 m (8 ft) wide and 2 m (6 ft) high. Located some 800 m (about 1/2 mile) from Xianrendong, and with an entrance some 60 m (200 ft) higher in elevation, is the Diaotonguan rock shelter: it contains the same cultural strata as Xianrendong and some archaeologists believe it was used as a campsite by Xianrendongs residents. Many of the published reports include information from both sites. Cultural Stratigraphy at Xianrendong Four cultural strata have been identified at Xianrendong, including an occupation spanning the transition from Upper Paleolithic to Neolithic times in China, and three early Neolithic occupations. All seem to represent primarily fishing, hunting and gathering lifestyles, although some evidence for early rice domestication has been noted within the Early Neolithic occupations. In 2009, an international team (Wu 2012) focused on the intact pottery bearing levels layers at the base of the excavations, and a suite of dates between 12,400 and 29,300 cal BP were taken. The lowest sherd-bearing levels, 2B-2B1, were subjected to 10 AMS radiocarbon dates, ranging from 19,200-20,900 cal BP, making Xianrendongs sherds the earliest identified pottery in the world today. Neolithic 3 (9600-8825 RCYBP)Neolithic 2 (11900-9700 RCYBP)Neolithic 1 (14,000-11,900 RCYBP) appearance of O. sativaPaleolithic-Neolithic Transition (19,780-10,870 RCYBP)Epipaleolithic (25,000-15,200 RCYBP) only wild oryza Xianrendong Artifacts and Features Archaeological evidence suggests the earliest occupation at Xianrendong was a permanent, long-term occupation or reuse, with evidence for substantial hearths and ash lenses. In general, a hunter-fisher-gatherer lifestyle was followed, with emphasis on deer and wild rice (Oryza nivara phytoliths). Pottery: A total of 282 pottery sherds were recovered from the oldest levels. They have uneven thick walls between .7 and 1.2 centimeters (~1.4-1.5 inches), with round bases and inorganic (sand, mainly quartz or feldspar) temper. The paste has a brittle and loose texture and a heterogeneous reddish and brown color which resulted from uneven, open-air firing. Forms are mainly round-bottomed bag-shaped jars, with rough surfaces, the inner and outer surfaces sometimes decorated with cord marks, smoothing striations and/or basket-like impressions. They appear to have been made with two different techniques: by sheet laminating or coil and paddle techniques.Stone Tools: The stone tools are by and large chipped stone tools based on flakes, with scrapers, burins, small projectile points, drills, notches, and denticulates. Hard-hammer and soft-hammer stone tool making techniques are both in evidence. The oldest levels have a small percentage of polished stone tools compared to chipped, parti cularly in comparison with the Neolithic levels. Bone tools: harpoons and fishing spear points, needles, arrowheads, and shell knives.Plants and animals: Predominant emphasis on deer, bird, shellfish, turtle; wild rice phytoliths. The Early Neolithic levels at Xianrendong are also substantial occupations. The pottery has a wider variety of clay composition and many sherds are decorated with geometric designs. Clear evidence for rice cultivation, with both O. nivara and O. sativa phytoliths present. There is also an increase in polished stone tools, with a primarily pebble tool industry including a few perforated pebble disks and flat pebble adzes. Yuchanyan Cave Yuchanyan Cave is a karst rock shelter south of the Yangtze River basin in Daoxian county, Hunan province, China. Yuchanyans deposits contained the remains of at least two nearly complete ceramic pots, securely dated by associated radiocarbon dates at having been placed in the cave between 18,300-15,430 cal BP. Yuchanyans cave floor includes an area of 100 square meters, some 12-15 m (~40-50 ft) wide on its east-west axis and 6-8 m (~20-26 ft) wide on the north-south. The upper deposits were removed during the historical period, and the remaining site occupation debris ranges between 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft) in depth. All of the occupations within the site represent brief occupations by Late Upper Paleolithic people, between 21,000 and 13,800 BP. At the time of the earliest occupation, the climate in the region was warm, watery and fertile, with plenty of bamboo and deciduous trees. Over time, gradual warming throughout the occupation occurred, with a trend towards replacing the trees with grasses. Towards the end of the occupation, the Younger Dryas (ca. 13,000-11,500 cal BP) brought increased seasonality to the region. Yuchanyan  Artifacts and Features Yuchanyan cave exhibited generally good preservation, resulting in the recovery of a rich archaeological assemblage of stone, bone, and shell tools as well as a wide variety of organic remains, including both animal bone and plant remains. The floor of the cave was purposefully covered with alternating layers of red clay and massive ash layers, which likely represent deconstructed  hearths, rather than  the production  of clay vessels. Pottery: The sherds from Yuchanyan are some of the earliest examples of pottery yet found. They are all dark brown, coarsely-made pottery with a loose and sandy texture. The pots were hand-built and low-fired (ca. 400-500 degrees C); kaolinite is a major component of the fabric. The paste is thick and uneven, with walls up to 2 centimeters thick. The clay was decorated with cord impressions, on both the interior and exterior walls. Enough sherds were recovered for the scholars to reconstruct a large, wide-mouthed vessel (round opening 31 cm in diameter, vessel height 29 cm) with a pointed bottom; this style of pottery is known from much later Chinese sources as a fu cauldron.Stone Tools: Stone tools recovered from Yuchanyan include cutters, points, and scrapers.Bone Tools: Polished bone awls and shovels, perforated shell ornaments with notched-tooth decorations also were found within the assemblages.Plants and animals: Plant species recovered from the caves deposits include wild grap es and plums. Several rice opal phytoliths and husks have been identified, and some scholars have suggested that some of the grains illustrate incipient domestication. Mammals include bears, boar, deer, tortoises, and fish. The assemblage includes 27 different types of birds, including cranes, ducks, geese, and swans; five kinds of carp; 33 kinds of shellfish. Archaeology at Yuchanyan and Xianrendong Xianrendong was excavated in 1961 and 1964 by the Jiangxi Provincial Committee for Cultural Heritage, led by Li Yanxian; in 1995-1996 by the Sino-American Jiangxi Origin of Rice Project, led by R.S. MacNeish, Wenhua Chen and  Shifan  Peng; and in 1999-2000 by Peking University and the Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics. Excavations at Yuchanyan were conducted beginning in the 1980s, with extensive investigations between 1993-1995 led by Jiarong Yuan of the Hunan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology; and again between 2004 and 2005, under the direction of Yan Wenming. Sources Boaretto E, Wu X, Yuan J, Bar-Yosef O, Chu V, Pan Y, Liu K, Cohen D, Jiao T, Li S et al. 2009. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal and bone collagen associated with early pottery at Yuchanyan Cave, Hunan Province, China. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 106(24):9595-9600.Kuzmin YV. 2013. Origin of Old World pottery as viewed from the early 2010s: when, where and why? World Archaeology 45(4):539-556.Kuzmin YV. 2013. Two Trajectories in the Neolithization of Eurasia: Pottery Versus Agriculture (Spatiotemporal Patterns). Radiocarbon 55(3):1304-1313.Prendergast ME, Yuan J, and Bar-Yosef O. 2009. Resource intensification in the Late Upper Paleolithic: a view from southern China. Journal of Archaeological Science 36(4):1027-1037.Wang W-M, Ding J-L, Shu J-W, and Chen W. 2010. Exploration of early rice farming in China. Quaternary International 227(1):22-28.Wu X, Zhang C, Goldberg P, Cohen D, Pan Y, Arpin T, and Bar-Yosef O. 2012. Early pottery at 20,000 years ago in Xianrendong Ca ve, China. Science 336:1696-1700. Yang X. 2004. Xianrendong and Diaotonghuan Sites at Wannian, Jiangxi Province.In: Yang X, editor. Chinese Archaeology in the Twentieth Century: New Perspectives on Chinas Past. New Haven: Yale University Press. vol 2, p 36-37.Zhang C, and Hung H-c. 2012. Later hunter-gatherers in southern China, 18,000–3000 BC. Antiquity 86(331):11-29.Zhang W, and Jiarong Y. 1998. A preliminary study of ancient excavated rice from Yuchanyan site, Dao County, Hunan province, PR China. Acta Agronomica Sinica 24(4):416-420.Zhang PQ. 1997. Discussion of Chinese domesticated rice - 10,000 year-old rice at Xianrendong, Jiangxi Province. Second Session of International Symposium on Agricultural Archaeology.Zhao C, Wu X, Wang T, and Yuan X. 2004. Early polished stone tools in South China evidence of the transition from Palaeolithic to Neolithic Documenta Praehistorica 31:131-137.

Mathematics concepts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mathematics concepts - Essay Example Integration,  in calculus, method of determining a function g(x) and its darivative, Dg(x), is same as a known function f(x). It is denoted by the symbol of integralâ€Å"∠«,† such as ∠«f(x), generally known as the indefinite integral of the known function. (At the end of the function sign dx is commonly included, that simply describes x as the variable.) The standard form for writing a definite integral is as the following: Integration by Substitution is one of the most uncomplicated techniques of integration which is used for making the integration uncomplicated. Integration by substitution or u-substitution in its simplest form is utilized each time when an integral includes a function and also contains derivative of that function, such as, for an integral of the structure These new limits u1 and u2 can be termed as placeholder for integration. This time when we reverse the substitution replacement ‘sinx’ for ‘u’ and also reversing the representation to limits as well to ‘a’ and ‘b’ respectively. Now our equation will

T. C. Boyles When the killings done Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

T. C. Boyles When the killings done - Essay Example Pinpoint five or six instances where environmental issues, including problems, become apparent. Perhaps the most spectacular feature of T. C. Boyle’s striking novel titled When the killing’s done is that on many accounts it escapes the stagnation that one might connect with a novel of its genre – the narrative is not only regarding animal rights as it may appear at first but in his story, Boyle showcases the dynamism and complexity that is associated with environmental activism, morality, ethics and the family life which shapes the actions and intentions of a human being. The purpose of this essay is to highlight the background for Boyle’s story by bringing to light the underlying environmental issues in the novel, in doing so the paper draws attention to five instances that are present in the book where problems and issues related to the environment become evident. In conclusion the essay examines the impact of Boyle’s novel in creating awareness r egarding aspects related to environmental activism such as biodiversity management, the issue of non-native species in habitats and the redesigning of ecosystems. At the crux of the narrative that is presented in When the killing’s done lies the conflict between Alma Boyd Takesue and Dave Lajoy. While, Alma seeks the absolute eradication of invasive species such as black rats and feral pigs on the islands of Santa Cruz and Anacapa, for Lajoy the killing of an animal regardless of its categorization as an invasive species is a grave violation of morality and â€Å"†¦that’s what he has to remember: save the animals† (Boyle p75). The varying perceptions and motivations of the two characters in advancing their environmental agendas is not only reflective of a conflict or problem that seeks resolution within the novel itself but also gives insight into the dilemmas associated with environmental activism in the real world. The fundamental question here is that wh en the benefits of environmental activism and protecting the flora and fauna are agreed upon on a widespread scale, why is it that human beings cannot collaborate in harmony to achieve a common objective? Due to its focus and analysis of the subjectivity associated with morals and ethics in environmental activism on a macro level, Boyle’s novel intends to spread a message that comprehends the need to strike a balance between values, morals and ethics for the overall good of humanity. Another aspect that is prominent in the novel has been crafted by Boyle in the background stories of the characters, in fact, it would be correct to state that Alma owes her existence to the island – the island saved Alma’s grandmother from possible death which could have been the consequence of a shipwreck that occurred in 1946. Furthermore, Lajoy’s girlfriend Anise Reed also shares a special relationship with the islands due to her mother’s employment at a ranch loca ted on the island. The implications of these relationships that have been woven within the narrative by Boyle necessarily enhance the dramatic element of the novel to portray the characters and their situations in a manner that is believable. Alma’s determination to promote her cause and garner the attention of the press on the issue of environmental concern also stems from personal reasons, which enhances the ambiguity of the criterion for right and wrong, thereby, enhancing the subjectivity that is associated with an individual’s motivation for environmental activism and selecting the best possible method of conservation. In essence, When the killing’s done documents decades of changes in habitats, ecosystems and the environment that have been brought about by the

The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Discuss the importance of London in the novel Essay Example for Free

The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Discuss the importance of London in the novel Essay In this novel there are several themes, however the theme of London is one of which is key importance and significance. London is the setting of the story, and to an extent it is the foundation or basis from which the rest of the story evolves. The focus of the story is on the duality of Jekyll and Hyde. Jekyll represents the everyday rational thinking, well-mannered, respectable middle class citizen. However, Hyde represents and symbolises the inner side to most humans, he is the evil inside of Jekyll. I noticed that there were hints to this at various stages in the novel, however I believe a key one is on page 31 where it says, Now that the evil influence had been withdrawn, a new life began for Dr Jekyll. This phrase gives emphasis to the facts the Jekyll is also Hyde, but at the same time showing their differences. Even though they are physically the same person they are two separate entities. This is a connective to the theme of London as this city is one of which has respect both internally and externally of Britain, in the Victorian day and age. This refers to the figure of reputable Dr Jekyll. None the less London also has the element of being a ruff, dangerous and gloomy city that symbolises the evilness of Mr Hyde. Due to the fact that Jekyll is seen to be respectable, well liked and warming we never really look for the Hyde beneath his surface. Hence we do not try to find the evil in something, which seems so indefinably good. Again this is relative to London because when people visit London they go to the nice, indulging places and do not see the grim side of things. London is used as a foundation to the novel as is enables readers to feel a sense of emotion, tension and tone. This builds up the atmosphere and we get a feel for the mood and characters feelings as a result, for example on page 23 it says, The dismal quarter of Soho seen under these changing glimpses like a district of some city in a nightmare. This gives the reader a chilling affect and allows them to almost feel as though they are present. This is a reflection on the dark and grim side of this huge city. A quote which shows Dr Jekyll had a reasonably good standard of living comes from page 16, Round the corner from the bystreet, there was a square of ancient handsome houses a little further on it continues at the door of this, which wore a great air of wealth and comfort. This builds up Jekylls profile before we are even introduced to him as a character and puts into our minds that this is a man who is known only for good. From this we can see that you are partly judged and viewed on your assets and the location in which you live. Another reason why London is so essential to the reader is given a profile partly due to the way the environment looks. For example; the difference in the appearance of buildings in London helps to create an idea of what a specific place is like. I.e. the Victorian London with two very different sides. This once again relates back to the idea that London symbolises the characters of Jekyll and Hyde. Jekyll is supposedly has decent looks whilst Hyde is defined as being pale and dwarfish, he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation (16). Hence this shows how the duality of humans can also be reflected by a location, in this instance I refer to Jekyll and Hyde in London. I believe that the author Robert Louis Stevenson used London as the setting of the story for a couple of reasons. I think that the first reason is that Stevenson was aware of Victorian London and what it was like. The second reason is because Stevenson knew that many people could relate to London as it is widely visited and talked about. This in affect is a writers tool, which helps to draw the reader into the novel. It also helps because it means that the writer does not have to set the scene himself, it has already been done. Settings help to identify what the story is about, along with the way in which it is written. Overall I believe that London is a key element to this tremendous novel, and if the story was based on any other city I do not believe that it would have had the same impact on the readers. In conclusion London is the spine to this book, which helps emphatically because it gives a good base for the theme of duality, which another key part of the novel.

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee :: essays research papers

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was one of the great novelists of nineteenth century Bengal. He was a literary pioneer and nationalist who had an exceptional ability to communicate with and arouse the masses. Bankim Chandra was born on 26th June 1838 in the village of Kathalpara, near Naihati, District 24 Parganas, West Bengal. He belonged to a distinguished family. Bankim was the yongest of three sons of Jadabchandra Chatterjee and Durgadebi. His father was a Deputy Collector. Even as a child Bankim showed great courage and virtuosity and never had any fear of the 'gora sahebs'- (the British). He was always brilliant in his studies and started writing poetry at a young age. Bankim studied law from the Presidency College in Calcutta and was one of the first two graduates of the Calcutta University in 1858. He was immediately appointed- Deputy Magistrate by the British colonial government - a job he grudgingly held for three decades. However, Bankim continued his literary pursuits. He chose fiction as his theme and the first novel by him to appear in print was Rajmohan's Wife. It was written in English. His first Bengali novel was Durgeshnandini, and was published in 1865. The next novel Kapalkundala(1866) is one of the best romances written by Chatterjee. However Bankim Chandra wanted to stimulate the intellect of the Bengali speaking people through his works and bringing about a cultural revival. With this end in view he brought out and edited the monthly Bangadarshan in 1872. Bamkim was also a nationalist to the core. His goal was the revival of national pride in protest against British rule. In 1882, Anandamath was published. Anandamath became his most famous as well as his most political novel and a source of inspiration for the patriots fighting for the freedom of our country from the British rule. The chant of "Vande Mataram", was coined in this novel and it soon became a patriotic hymn that arou sed the entire nation to fight for their freedom.