Classical Concerto

CONCERTO A concerto (from the Italian: concerto, plural concerti or, often, the anglicised form concertos) is a musical composition usually composed in three parts or movements, in which (usually) one solo instrument (for instance, a piano, violin, cello or flute) is accompanied by an orchestra.The etymology is uncertain, but the word seems to have originated from the conjunction of the two Latin words conserere (meaning to tie, to join, to weave) and certamen (competition, fight): the idea is that the two parts in a concerto, the soloist and the orchestra, alternate episodes of opposition, cooperation, and independence in the creation of the music flow. The concerto, as understood in this modern way, arose in the Baroque period side by side with the concerto grosso, which contrasted a small group of instruments with the rest of the orchestra.The popularity of the concerto grosso form declined after the Baroque period, and the genre was not revived until the 20th century. The solo co ncerto, however, has remained a vital musical force from its inception to this day. Classical concerto . Sonata form in the Classical ConcertoFor exposition, development and recapitulation, The concerti of the sons of Johann Sebastian Bach are perhaps the best links between those of the Baroque period and those of Mozart. C. P. E. Bach’s keyboard concerti contain some brilliant soloistic writing.Some of them have movements that run into one another without a break, and there are frequent cross-movement thematic references. Mozart, as a boy, made arrangements for harpsichord and orchestra of three sonata movements by Johann Christian Bach. By the time he was twenty, Mozart was able to write concerto ritornelli that gave the orchestra admirable opportunity for asserting its character in an exposition with some five or six sharply contrasted themes, before the soloist enters to elaborate on the material. He wrote one concerto each for flute, oboe (later rearranged for flute and known as Flute Concerto No. ), clarinet, and bassoon, four for horn, a Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra, a Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra, and Exsultate, jubilate, a de facto concerto for soprano voice. They all exploit and explore the characteristics of the solo instrument. His five violin concerti, written in quick succession, show a number of influences, notably Italian and Austrian. Several passages have leanings towards folk music, as manifested in Austrian serenades. However, it was in his twenty-seven original piano concerti that he excelled himself. citation needed] It is conventional to state that the first movements of concerti from the Classical period onwards follow the structure of sonata form. Final movements are often in rondo form, as in J. S. Bach's E Major Violin Concerto. [2] Sonata form Sonata form is a large-scale musical structure used widely since the middle of the 18th century (the early Classical period). While it is typically us ed in the first movement of multi-movement pieces, it is sometimes used in subsequent movements as well—particularly the final movement.The teaching of sonata form in music theory rests on a standard definition and a series of hypotheses about the underlying reasons for the durability and variety of the form—a definition that arose in the second quarter of the 19th century. [2] There is little disagreement that on the largest level, the form consists of three main sections: an exposition, a development, and a recapitulation;[3] however, beneath this, sonata form is difficult to pin down in terms of a single model.The standard definition focuses on the thematic and harmonic organization of tonal materials that are presented in an exposition, elaborated and contrasted in a development and then resolved harmonically and thematically in a recapitulation. In addition, the standard definition recognizes that an introduction and a coda may be present. Each of the sections is often further divided or characterized by the particular means by which it accomplishes its function in the form.Since its establishment, the sonata form became the most common form in the first movement of works entitled â€Å"sonata†, as well as other long works of classical music, including the symphony, concerto, string quartet, and so on. [3] Accordingly, there is a large body of theory on what unifies and distinguishes practice in the sonata form, both within eras and between eras. Even works that do not adhere to the standard description of a sonata form often present analogous structures or can be analyzed as elaborations or expansions of the standard description of sonata form.Outline of sonata form Introduction The Introduction section is optional, or may be reduced to a minimum. If it is extended, it is, in general, slower than the main section, and frequently focuses on the dominant key. It may or may not contain material that is later stated in the exposition. Th e introduction increases the weight of the movement, and also permits the composer to begin the exposition with a theme that would be too light to start on its own, as in Haydn's Symphony No. 03 (â€Å"The Drumroll†) and Beethoven's Quintet for Piano and Winds Op. 16. The introduction usually is not included in the exposition repeat. On occasion, the material of introduction reappears in its original tempo later in the movement. Often, this occurs as late as the coda, as in Mozart's String Quintet in D major K. 593, Haydn's Drumroll Symphony, or Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8 (â€Å"Pathetique†). Exposition The primary thematic material for the movement is presented in the Exposition. This section can be further divided into several sections.The same section in most sonata form movements has prominent harmonic and thematic parallelisms (although in some works from the 19th century and onward, some of these parallelisms are subject to considerable exceptions), which inc lude: First subject group, P (Prime) – this consists of one or more themes, all of them in the home key (also called the tonic)—so if the piece is in C major, all of the music in the first group will be in C major. Although some pieces are written differently, most follow this form. Transition, T – in this section the composer modulates from the key of the first subject to the key of the second.Second subject group, S – one or more themes in a different key from the first group. If the first group is in a major key, the second group will usually be in the dominant. If the original key is C major, for example, the key of the music of the second group will be G major, a perfect fifth higher. If the first group is in a minor key, the second group will, in general, be in the relative major, so that, if the original key is C minor, the second group will be in E-flat major. The material of the second group is often different in rhythm or mood from that of the f irst group (frequently, it is more lyrical).Codetta, K – the purpose of this is to bring the exposition section to a close with a perfect cadence in the same key as the second group. The exposition is commonly repeated, particularly in classical works. Often, though not always, the last measure or measures of the exposition are slightly different between the repeats, one to point back to the tonic, where the exposition began, and the second to point towards the development. Development In general, the development starts in the same key as the exposition ended, and may move through many different keys during its course.It will usually consist of one or more themes from the exposition altered and on occasion juxtaposed and may include new material or themes – though exactly what is acceptable practice is a famous point of contention. Alterations include taking material through distant keys, breaking down of themes and sequencing of motifs, and so forth. The development v aries greatly in length from piece to piece and from time period to time period, sometimes being relatively short compared to the exposition (e. g. , the first movement of Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K 525/I by Mozart) and in other cases quite long and detailed (e. . , the first movement of the â€Å"Eroica† Symphony by Beethoven). Developments in the classical era are typically shorter due to how much composers of that era valued symmetry, unlike the more expressive romantic era (â€Å"Eroica† is considered to be the first Romantic symphony) in which development sections gain a much greater importance. However, it almost always shows a greater degree of tonal, harmonic, and rhythmic instability than the other sections. At the end, the music will usually return to the tonic key in preparation of the recapitulation. On occasion it will actually return to the sub-dominant key and then proceed with the same transition as in the exposition). The transition from the development to the recapitulation is a crucial moment in the work. The last part of the development section is called the retransition: It prepares for the return of the first subject group in the tonic, most often through a grand prolongation of the dominant seventh. Thus, if the key of the movement is C major, the retransition would most typically stress the dominant seventh chord on G.In addition, the character of the music would signal such a return, often becoming more frenetic (as in the case of the first movement of Beethoven's â€Å"Waldstein† Sonata, Op. 53). A rather notable exception to the harmonic norm of the retransition occurs in the first movement of Brahms's Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 1. The general key of the movement is C major, and it would then follow that the retransition should stress the dominant seventh chord on G. Instead, it builds in strength over the seventh chord on C, as if the music were proceeding to F major.At the height of the musical tension, this chord triumphs with great volume and wide registral scope on the downbeat, only to take up immediately the first theme in C major – that is, without any standard harmonic preparation. Occasionally, the retransition can begin with a false recapitulation, in which the opening material of the first theme group is presented in a key other than the tonic. The surprise that ensues when the music continues to modulate toward the tonic can be used for either comic or dramatic effect. RecapitulationFirst subject group – normally given prominence as the highlight of a recapitulation, it is usually in exactly the same key and form as in the exposition. Transition – Often the transition is carried out by introducing novel material, a kind of brief additional development section; this is called a secondary development. Second subject group – usually in roughly the same form as in the exposition, but now in the home key, which sometimes involves change of mode from major to minor, or vice versa, as occurs in the first movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 0 (K. 550). More often, however, it may be recast in the parallel major of the home key (for example, C major when the movement is in C minor like Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, op. 67/I). Key here is more important than mode (major or minor) – the recapitulation provides the needed balance even if the material's mode is changed, so long as there is no longer any key conflict. Exceptions to the recapitulation form include Mozart and Haydn works that often begin with the second subject group when the first subject group has been elaborated at ength in the development. After the closing cadence, the musical argument proper is said to be completed. If the movement continues, it is said to have a coda. Coda After the final cadence of the recapitulation, the movement may continue with a coda which will contain material from the movement proper. Codas, when present, vary considerably in length, b ut like introductions are not part of the â€Å"argument† of the work. The coda will end, however, with a perfect authentic cadence in the original key.Codas may be quite brief tailpieces, or they may be very long and elaborate. A famous example of the more extended type is the coda to the first movement of Beethoven's Eroica Symphony (no. 3 in E flat), although there are numerous others in Beethoven's music. Explanations for why an extended coda is present vary. One reason may be to omit the repeat of the development and recapitulation sections found in earlier sonata forms of the eighteenth century. Indeed, Beethoven's extended codas often serve the purpose of further development of thematic material.

Air Pollution and Automobiles Essay

The automobiles that we travel in everyday play a vital role in our lives. They get us around from one place to another on a daily basis. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA 2010) many studies show that exhaust emissions from these vehicles are the number one air pollutant in the United States. Air pollution causes many different issues that affect personal health as well as environmental factors. Over the years many different studies have been done by different people and agencies showing how reducing air pollution from automobiles can only benefit the earth. The government has been one of the largest advocates of lowering emissions from automobiles. Because excessive exhaust emissions created by automobiles is a major factor in air pollution, the government has enacted many laws and regulations limiting the amount of emissions vehicles may produce. Automobiles are a major cause of air pollution around the world. As the number of vehicles on the road increases, the amount of emissions from these vehicles increases. As of 2003 Leslie Miller shows that the (World Almanac 2003) reported that there were more than 107 million households throughout the United States (U.S. ) Leslie reported that the Bureau of Transportation statistics show that there are roughly 204,000,000 vehicles registered in the U. S. That produces a ratio of 1. 9 cars to 1. 8 people per household in the U. S. The number of vehicles registered in the U. S. has been doubling every five years. If this trend continues as it has over the past 30 years, by the year 2030 there will be approximately 1,200,000,000 (1. 2 Billion) vehicles producing some type of toxic emission into our earth’s atmosphere. The vehicles that we drive produce many different toxic gasses affecting our earth negatively. These emissions affect our environment and damage the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is the process in which infrared rays are emitted from the sun into the earth’s atmosphere trapping heat that keeps the earth’s temperature in a habitable range. Toxic gasses from our automobiles released into the atmosphere do much damage to this natural process. As the gasses release, the atmosphere will deteriorate which allows the earth’s core temperature to rise. This process causes difficulty in farming as well as the melting of the polar ice caps virtually flooding the earth slowly. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the most emitted gas into the atmosphere. The Environmental Protection Agency (2010) shows that cars release 76% of the CO2 that is present in the earth’s atmosphere. For every gallon of gas used by an automobile there is approximately 20 pounds of CO2 released into the atmosphere. CO2 is a heat-trapping gas released by the combustion process by our vehicles. (Cakmak 2006), Shows that CO2 is the largest contributing factor to the smog in highly congested areas around the U. S. The following is an emissions chart breaking down the source of the seven most common air pollutants. As you can see highway vehicles are the largest source of air pollution in the geographic area of The United States. The major pollutants abbreviations are shown below and correlate with the graph that follows. Geographic Area: United States Pollutant: Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (Nox), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Sulfur Dioxide SO2, Particulate (size < 2. 5 micrometers) (PM 2. 5), Particulate (size < 10 micrometers) (PM 10), or Ammonia (NH3) [pic] Emissions by Category Chart (Environmental Protection Agency, 2002). The exhaust systems on our vehicles also produce another pollutant known as hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are produced by our vehicles when fuel molecules in these vehicles do not fully burn and then travel through the exhaust system. In addition to these deadly hydrocarbons, Nitrogen Oxide (Nox) is another large contributor of air pollution in the U. S. today. The EPA’s (2010) studies links approximately 30% of the NOx in the atmosphere to the vehicles on the road in the U. S. today. NOx has been linked by studies to the formation of acid rain in our in our environment. Simply said the reduction of vehicle emissions will cause the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere to lower creating less negative effects on our earth’s environment and our health. Cakmak, Dales and Jedek (2006) says that air pollution has many negative effects on the environment as well as our personal health. Many respiratory issues come from breathing in the gasses released from automobiles. CO2 affects us by lowering the amount of oxygen our blood can carry throughout our bodies causing death in some cases. Air pollution is linked to lung cancer as well as lower birth rates that are common among people in cities that record higher vehicle registrations. The EPA has shown that these cities are at a higher risk for many health issues. Children residing in areas with higher concentrations of air pollution are three to four times more likely to develop asthmatic conditions. Automobiles are a major cause of vehicle deaths in the form of vehicular accidents. EPA (2010) statistics show that approximately 120 people are killed by a vehicular accident with each day that goes by. Many environmental issues caused by automobile emissions are overlooked by the average person. The acid rain produced from vehicle emissions has caused many bad health problems for humans. Acid rain is has been shown to cause eye irritation as well as coughing as well as asthma in more extreme cases. Urban smog in addition to global warming are the most common factors in air pollution. Smog is a product of different greenhouse gasses mixing together which produces a visible layer very close to the earth’s surface known as the ground ozone layer. The smog acts like a blanket around the earth trapping the harmful emissions allowing us to breathe them in each day. Over the years the effects of air pollution have been noticed by many from politicians to auto manufacturers. Many within these agencies have worked to reduce the emissions that our automobiles produce. One of the major changes in our society that created focus on the issues of air pollution caused by automobiles was the Clean Air Act of 1963. This bill was introduced to allow the government limited enforcement power over interstate pollution issues. In 1965 a Motor Vehicle Act was introduced. Melosi(2004) explains that this act allowed auto manufacturers the ability to practice stricter emission standards for new vehicles with government funding such as grants. In 1970 the acting president of the U. S. Richard Nixon, signed an amendment to the Clean Air act enforcing stricter fuel regulations on auto manufacturers. This Act was the most stringent air pollution law ever passed in the U. S. The Clean Air Act has been revised throughout the years to conform to stricter guidelines as air pollution becomes more of an issue throughout the U. S. The Clean Air Act was not originally designed to prohibit pollution; rather it was enacted to define an acceptable amount of pollution allowed to be emitted from vehicles. Despite the fact that the Clean Air Act was passed there are still major issues that emissions from vehicles create including health and environmental issues. Crabb and Johnson (2010) wrote an article in The Energy Journal showing the main issue that does contribute to the amount of emissions from automobiles is the fuel economy that is attained by each vehicle. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act established guidelines known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE. ) During President Nixon’s time in office the 1975 CAFE regulations were written to require manufacturers to obtain a corporate average of 18 miles per gallon (MPG) or higher starting with 1978 model year vehicles. Between 1985 and 1992 multiple adjustments were made to make the cafe regulations stricter. By the mid 1990’s the government increased the MPG requirement to be raised to 27. 5 MPG corporate average. As we move forward in time the regulations have only become stricter for auto manufacturers. The year 2009 brought on many new accomplishments for the U. S. in that auto manufacturers began making newer models that will take us into the next decade. An article written by Tarlow (2009) shows that President Obama fought hard for his place in the White House, one of his main concerns being air pollution and the amount of emissions caused by automobiles. After being elected President Obama revealed a proposal for new CAFE regulations that will reduce emissions and further reduce the U. S. dependency on imported oil. The regulation that President Obama has proposed will require auto manufacturers to meet the strictest guidelines for fuel economy ever. Obama’s proposal will require auto manufacturers to meet a strict 35. 5 MPG by the model year 2016. The following graphs show the minimum combined miles per gallon that manufacturers are required to meet and post on the vehicles. The graphs break down different types of fuel as well as the amount of CO2 released per mile driven. Chart 1 shows the requirements prior to the EPA changing the way they figure a vehicles MPG. With model year 2009 and newer the EPA became stricter when figuring MPG for different fuel types. Chart 2 reflects the new criteria with the stricter guidelines enforced. As you can see, the Greenhouse gas (GHG) score is higher as a vehicle produces less CO2 per mile. [pic] Chart 1 (Environmental Protection Agency, 2010) [pic] Chart 2 (Environmental Protection Agency, 2010) Meeting the strict guidelines does not come at zero cost. Meeting the guidelines will cost auto manufacturers no matter how it is broken down. The research and development in meeting stricter regulations does have a cost attached to it. On the other end if auto manufacturers do not meet the CAFE guideline the government has allowed civil liabilities to be charged. The liabilities allowed by the government may cost manufactures approximately $5. 50 for each tenth of a mile that they are under the minimum requirement set forth. The EPA (2010), reports that between the year 1993 and 2004, various manufacturers paid approximately $618 million in penalties. This report also included the fact that in the same period no Asian or U. S. manufacturers have ever been charged any penalties. Many have argued that the cost of meeting increasingly difficult fuel emissions has added cost to the bottom line value of a vehicle as well as slowing sales and potentially putting smaller car dealers out of business. Much research has been done in the area of estimating costs of incorporating better emissions equipment on newer automobiles. Initially, when emission regulation were introduced in the U. S. around 1970, many manufacturers were concerned that to meet the guidelines there would need to be costly research done to find the most cost effective practices to lower emissions. Crabb and Johnson (2010) show that many manufacturers estimated initial costs for catalytic systems designed to reduce emissions would cost approximately $3,000. The government challenged the manufacturers and discounted these findings proving that with some changes to the processes the cost can be cut down by two thirds the initial cost that was estimated. The government was able to show that the systems could be incorporated on motor vehicles for about $1,300. , which is significantly less than estimated. The EPA (2010), reports that many other agencies have conducted research regarding any issues caused by stricter guidelines from the government as well as the cost factor included. The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) has not been able to document any negative sales because of the Clean Air Act or stricter guidelines. On the contrary, they have been able to show that the sales of new vehicles have fluctuated between 13 and 17 million new vehicles each year for the past 20 years and never declining below these numbers. Much of the fluctuation has been attributed to the changing economical times throughout the history of the U. S. over the last 20 years. Many believe that because diesel engines typically produce a higher rate of exhaust emission than gasoline engines, which may make it more difficult to purchase diesel vehicles in Clean Air States. Diesel engines are most commonly used on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 8500. The CAFE regulations do not affect the sales or use of these diesel vehicles. The more common everyday on-road use vehicles such as the GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 series as well as the popular Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 series vehicles are the vehicles that will feel the greatest impact on emission regulations. Passenger vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf TDI are not currently certified under the California Air Resources Board (CARB. ) CARB is a set of standards that the state of California has enacted to control the amount of emissions vehicles registered in the state may emit. Many states followed California in adopting these strict standards that go above and beyond the government requirements. Massachusetts, Maine, New York, New Jersey and Vermont are some of the states that have adopted CARB standards for vehicles sold in those states. As more states adopt their own standards that are stricter than government guidelines, auto manufacturers have difficulty selling certain new vehicles in certain states. Many of the diesel engines used in vehicle applications do not meet the strict EPA and state regulations. In 2010 most new trucks with diesel engines will utilize Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) to lower the NOx released by diesel engines by injecting a urea compound that breaks down the NOx. Cummins, the world’s second largest diesel engine manufacturer has met all emission guidelines that went into effect for all 2010 and newer model year vehicles since the model year 2007. This is helped to benefit sales for the companies that use the Cummins Diesel engine. One such company is Chrysler Corporation that uses the Cummins Diesel in their Dodge Ram Heavy Duty line up. Hirata shows that by using this engine Chrysler has been able to stay at the forefront in technology. As others struggle to find ways to meet regulations, Chrysler will benefit from the technology because their vehicles meet all regulations. The only change Cummins made was adding an inexpensive technology called Selective Catalytic Reduction to further reduce NOx emissions into the earth’s atmosphere. Other manufacturers utilizing diesel engines will be developing systems that require the addition of urea at an additional cost to the customer driving consumer cost through the roof. Cummins has the advantage that the prices for their system will not fluctuate as other diesel engine manufacturers prices will increase because of the cost associated with their new technologies. To reduce the emissions throughout the U. S., not only are the government and auto manufacturers responsible, we are each individually responsible to do our part in reducing the greenhouse gasses we contribute. The manufacturer changing the design of automobile systems is a key part in the reduction. The way we personally use our vehicles will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gasses. Things that can be done on our part may include reducing the allowable amount of vehicles in an area by issuing quotas and permits for different areas. Many people have looked into the use of hybrid vehicles as alternatives to fully gas or diesel powered vehicles. Lowering the personal use of our vehicles as well as participating in car pools will fully reduce the amount of green house gasses that we individually release into the atmosphere. In doing the things necessary to lower emission we must be proactive and take an interest in the positive things that will benefit us by reducing the amount of emissions. Although the government has worked with auto manufacturers to reduce vehicle emissions, our cars still produce toxic emissions into the air. With the increasing regulations on fuel economy we will only benefit from less emissions being released into the air. Many things may be done on a consumer level as well. We have access to alternative fuels such as E-85 (ethanol) which comes from corn as well as compressed natural gas which releases very little emissions if any. The government and auto manufacturers are always looking for ways to reduce emission further. As time goes on unless we completely stop using automobiles we will still be faced with the release of toxic emissions from automobile exhaust systems. The available resources will always become better as time goes on and companies create the next best thing to reduce the amount of emissions released by their vehicles. The only way to ensure that our children have a cleaner environment is by educating them with the necessary information that will allow a greener environment over the years to come. References Cakmak, S. , Dales, R E, & Judek, S. (Jan-Feb 2006). Respiratory health effects of air pollution gases: modification by education and income. (Author abstract). Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health, 61, 1. p. 5(6). Retrieved January 22, 2010, from General OneFile via Gale: http://find. galegroup. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/gps/start. do? prodId=IPS&userGrou pName=uphoenix Crabb, J. , & Johnson, D.. (2010). Fueling Innovation: The Impact of Oil Prices and CAFE Standards on Energy-Efficient Automotive Technology. The Energy Journal, 31(1), 199- 216. Retrieved January 22, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1942210741). Environmental Protection Agency. (2010) [Graphs that show Greenhouse Gas Score Criteria that vehicles must meet as per the EPA regulations on emissions. ] Greenhouse Gas Scores. Retrieved from http://www. epa. gov/greenvehicles/Aboutratings. do Environmental Protection Agency. (2002) [This is a picture of a chart breaking down the sources of the 7 major air pollutants in the United States] Air Data. Retrieved from http://www. epa. gov/cgi- bin/broker? _service=airdata&_program=progs. webprogs. emcatbar. scl&_debug=2& geotype=us&geocode=usa&geoname=United+States&epol=CO+NOX+VOC+SO2+PM 25+PM10+NH3&years=2002&mapsize=zsc&reqtype=viewmap Hirata, K. , Masaki, N. , Yano, M. , Akagawa, H. , Takada, K. , Kusaka, J. , & Mori, T.. (2009). Development of an improved urea-selective catalytic reduction-diesel particulate filter system for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. International Journal of Engine Research: SPECIAL ISSUE ON EXHAUST AFTER-TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR DIESELS, 10(5), 337-348. Retrieved January 22, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1873528061). Melosi, M. (2004). The Automobile and the Enviornment in American History. Retrieved from http://www. autolife. umd. umich. edu/Environment/E_Overview/E_Overview1. htm Tarlow, S. (2009). President Obama’s CAFE Standards Will Reduce Auto Emissions. Retrieved from http://personalmoneystore. com/moneyblog/2009/05/19/cafe-standards-car- emissions/ U. S. Enviornmental Protection Agency. (2010). Air Pollution Effects. Retrieved from http://www. epa. gov/ebtpages/airairpollutioneffects. html.

Sartre Revised

Being condemned to be free is ironic. Condemn and free are two words not usually seen together in one sentence making a coherent and firm statement. To condemn is to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation. And to be free is to have the legal and political rights of a citizen. Joined together the words will over right their meaning. And yet philosopher Jean – Paul Sartre managed to make his point stand out and be heard by everyone, outliving 64 years of earthly, human living. What Sartre is trying to tell us, his thoughts and ideas about life here on earth, about our responsibilities, about the trifle things and actions in our everyday lives that we tend to ignore because we think life is bigger than us, that there's a bigger picture, is what being condemned to be free is all about. In today's modern world, freedom has become a necessity and has taken on many forms. Gone were the days when women are not allowed to vote, engage in politics and other manly jobs, cannot have a career and is obliged to stay home and manage the household, and be thrown to unwanted marriages arranged by their parents. Now everybody can choose. And many have viewed this right to choose as a form of freedom. One has the right to choose their schools, their career paths to take, their spouses, how many children are they going to have, what will they name their kids, it is just a matter of choosing and directing this freedom to what we think is the right thing to do. After all, not all of us are using this freedom to choose our actions wisely. It all starts with human beings being born free and equal in dignity and rights, the first article from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Men are created equal, and it’s funny that there are people born carrying within them the royal blood. It already raises their political and monetary position above all the common men. They carry with them the noun King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Emperor, and Empress among others before their birth names. They have all the advantages in the world, not having to sit through traffic, not having to be the front liner in a war, not having to work hard to earn a living. In fact, they just sit and everything is done for them, all they have to do is make sure they keep their countries the same as it was before they were born. Up to what extent is this equality in dignity and rights applicable? Now that everybody seems to have a complete grasp of liberty, it appears that being free is not as wanted as it was before. History taught us well enough to know that there have been a number of wars fought for freedom and religion. The tales of man then tells us how others will try to conquer the lands where they have been born, and a leader will fight for their land and in the end they either merge with the conquerors or greatly celebrate their freedom. Religion, too, has been a great propeller of wars. Different beliefs, different doctrines, a different God for every religion, set the plot for a more massive movement that outlasted every century up to now, still counting fatalities. â€Å"The historical reality is that where religious freedom is denied, so too are other basic human rights. † (Why Religious Freedom? ) Religious freedom is just one of the many forms of freedom people are indulging in today. There is also what we call academic freedom. â€Å"The notion of academic freedom is invoked to justify statements by faculties that offend politicians, religious leaders, corporate executives, parents of students, and citizens. (Academic Freedom in the United States) That immediately removes your right as a person to say what you want to say, it obviously is a threat to be opinionated now a days. And it is not just academic; the press is also encountering some form of suppression. According to the Freedom House organization, there are several reasons as to why the media i s being stripped off of its independence. The media can be a source of political opposition, political upheaval, victims of violence, and finally, they can be threats to national security. (Map of Press Freedom) With all the overwhelming talk about freedom, liberty and human rights, one man tries to summarize all this into man being condemned to be free. Jean-Paul Sartre is said to be one of the brightest philosophers of the twentieth century. â€Å"French novelist, playwright, existentialist philosopher, and literary critic. Sartre was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1964, but he declined the honor in protest of the values of bourgeois society. His longtime companion was Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986), whom he met at the Ecole Normale Superieure in 1929. â€Å"(Jean-Paul Sartre 1905-1980) An Existentialist, Sartre is known for his public lecture, Existentialism and Humanism and his magnum opus, Being and Nothingness. Sartre's greatest work, Being and Nothingness is subtitled: Phenomenological Ontology. He starts his discussion with the description of two kinds of being. According to him there is the in-itself and the for-itself. The beings-in-themselves are the ordinary objects, while the being-for-itself are the human agents. (Jean-Paul Sartre) The beings-in-themselves or ordinary objects do not have the capability to change or create. A chair is nothing more than what it is, it cannot change its appearance on its own, nor can it create something out of its being. A human agent is a being-for-itself because it is a being with conscious plans, purposes and intentions. It is able to project forward from a given situation to a future possibility that is not yet realized. The uncertainty of human life and purpose, the venturing into the unknown is what makes and defines human life distinct from the others. As human life progresses, the things that he do, what kinds of act he gets himself involved in, becomes his definition, becomes his being. A person is born not knowing that he will pursue a career in medicine. As he grows up and goes to medical school he is defined. He has found a definition for his life, that of a doctor. For Sartre, if a being-for-itself starts to question its purpose and meaning, it starts to have a consciousness. The consciousness makes it possible for the human to know everything around him, and everything that is not around him. As it now knows that it is not an ordinary object but something else. Something undefined, something that is not yet known to him. So starts the journey to fill in an empty palette. In not knowing, in a human's nothingness, he is free. There is this whole notion that if you are inside a prison cell, you are not free. You are bounded by rows and rows of bars, controlled by correctional officers, undermined by more experienced inmates. But if we were to use Sartre's definition of freedom, no Alcatraz can set limits on our liberty. In fact, this will even define the person and not limit his being free. The core idea of the text is that man is condemned to be free, meaning that in this freedom that we have, we are still responsible for our actions. We cannot evade our responsibilities and say that we did not choose it to happen, because our actions are unmistakably ours alone. Nobody does our actions but us. Even if we are not inside jail cells, we are still attached to obligations and duties which we can only be held responsible to bringing upon ourselves. â€Å"Man being condemned to be free carries the weight of the world on his shoulders; he is responsible for the world and for himself as a way of being. † Every action that we do, we know and we are conscious of us doing it. We cannot clean our hands and say that we did not want that to happen. We are abandoned in the sense that we cannot but the blame on somebody else. We carry the burden; nobody can help us with it. Sartre pointed out a few arguments to support his view. He mentioned three reasons why human-reality is free. Human – reality is free because it is not enough. Human – reality is free because it is perpetually wrenched away from itself and because it has been separated by a nothingness from what it is and from what it will be. And finally, human – reality is free because its present being is itself a nothingness in the form of the reflection-reflecting. Basically what he is trying to say is that our life here on earth is not enough to explore everything that this world can offer us. We continue to be free in spite and despite of the fact that there is a limit to everything. Freedom is the nothingness which is made-to-be at the heart of man, it forces human – reality to make itself instead of to be. For human – reality to be is to choose oneself. Sartre tells us that if a person should make something out of his nothingness, then he makes use of his freedom. He has to make himself something out of this freedom. His freedom opens his world to a lot of choices. What one would want to do, what one would make out of the small money one has, what one will do when one wakes up in the morning. These things that one chooses to do will give him the being of man. Man cannot be sometimes slave and sometimes free; he is wholly and forever free or he is not free at all. For to be wholly free is to be given responsibility. And to not be free, one is not given responsibility, which will never be the case because only the beings-in-themselves or the ordinary objects are those that cannot assume responsibility. He must assume the situation with the proud consciousness of being the author of it. Our lives are like books. They have a plot, a setting and characters. But who makes things happen? Is it not us? We are the author of our own books, we make things happen. However bad the situation that we find ourselves in, we must assume responsibility and get through the challenge. Absolute responsibility is not resignation; it is the logical requirement of the consequences of our freedom. When free, man chooses to do things. And when man chooses to do things, these things will always have consequences. For example, man chooses to swim at high noon. After awhile, he finds himself with his skin burning from being exposed to the sun too long. This is the consequence of his actions. His freedom to choose his actions makes him absolutely responsible for whatever it brings to him. There is no non-human situation because all decisions are human. Even if we say that man does inhuman things, like that of nuclear war, murder and rape, this will never be a non-human situation simply because the decision to get involved is of human nature. You try to reason with yourself that maybe what you are doing is wrong and not just, and yet you still decide to do it. It is still a human who is behind the act; hence, it is not a non-human situation. There are no accidents in life. For lack of getting out of it, I have chosen it. It is a matter of choice. Here Sartre points out that what happens in life does not happen by chance. We get ourselves involved by our choice, and if we say we do not have a choice, and we cannot get ourselves out of it, we still have chosen it. Because we always have a choice. Even if that choice is suicide or not doing our duties, it is still an option to get out of a situation. Human – reality is without excuse. Lastly, Sartre tell us that one cannot ask, â€Å"Why was I born? or curse the day of his birth or declare that he did not ask to be born, for these various attitudes toward his birth – i. e. , toward the fact that he realizes a presence in the world – are absolutely nothing else but ways of assuming this birth in full responsibility and of making it his. When man becomes conscious of his p resence and being in this world, it follows that he accepts responsibility. Because now he knows and is fully aware of the things that he is doing, his freedom, and once aware of his freedom, he is found to be responsible. I think that Jean-Paul Sartre wants to find meaning in life just like everybody else. The answer to the question, â€Å"Why was I born? † Sartre answered simply. Unlike other schools of thought, namely the determinists and the proponents of free will, Sartre focused on man’s is being condemned to be free but with full responsibility. Sartre said that the proponents of free will are concerned with finding cases of decision for which there exists no prior cause or deliberations concerning two opposed acts which are equally possible and possess causes or motives of the same weight. Hence they try to reason that a person is born with the free will to find a cause for himself. However, the determinists reply saying that there is no action without a cause and that the most insignificant gesture refers to causes and motives which confer its meaning upon it. So for them, man is born with a cause already. Sartre simply answered this question when he said that man is born out of nothingness, and in this nothingness, he is free. And like most philosophical view points, Sartre is very much ridiculed for his existentialist values. There are objections to him mostly because of his atheistic ideals saying that he believes that we are living in a universe with no God, no morality, nothing absolute. Abandonment: Condemned to be Free) His stand on being free that leaves us with a feeling of abandonment because we are solely responsible for everything, comes from his realization that there is no supreme being, being God that guides us and supports us every step of the way. We are alone and we cannot ask for a God to help us in situations that we cannot possibly escape f rom. His definition of freedom permits everybody to do whatever we want, because we all have choices and responsibilities to bear. And if we have chosen to be a part of a non-human situation, we would still find ourselves deciding humanely. For example, a man participates in murdering another man, it is his choice to participate in the killing, and nobody forces him to do so. The other man is now dead, because man is free to choose what to do; he is not judged as doing something wrong. Instead, as long as he deems himself responsible for the killing, he is free. What we do not understand much is that our being free has to come with responsibility. Yes we get to do whatever we want, but we still have to consider the consequences and assume responsibility for it. By then, we cannot dare say that we did not want this. Nobody else is responsible for the things we do but ourselves. We choose, even if we say that we left it all to chance. Leaving it to chance is still an option that we choose. The life given to us, it is a choice. Everything we do, we do without regrets or remorse. There should be no excuses, for we are the authors of our situation, nobody else but us. In my own opinion, I greatly value Sartre’s work. He proves that there are so many reasons why we should enjoy our life here on earth and how much freedom we have. He points out a great deal of effort as to why we do things not needing a direct cause or a cause not to do it. But I do also possess a great amount of respect to the Supreme Being. I know that there are people who believe that they do not need a God, who believes that life here on earth is just passing and not really owed to him. But for me, that is not the case. I believe that we are not alone, and that there is someone out there who gives us hope and who makes us keep our faith. Yes, we have to be responsible for the things that we do. But that responsibility comes with great respect and consideration for other people around us. We just cannot hastily do things and hope that we do not get in the way of somebody. Life is governed by rules, by the law. If there will be none of these rules and laws, there is definitely chaos. And I do not think that suicide is neither an option nor a last resort. We cannot simply find the easy way out. What is the thrill in just killing yourself if you cannot overcome challenges and obstacles in your life? Why do you have family and significant others to share your dilemma with? I believe that our troubles are our responsibilities, but it does not stop us from asking help. There are now numerous numbers to call in case we decide not to confide to our family members or to our closest friends, especially if we want to remain anonymous. If other people find ways to help other people, especially those who established organizations like alcoholics anonymous, etc. , why can we not indulge in these as well? Yes we always have a choice, and suicide is not one of them. Yes we have the freedom to do that, but if you believe that everybody is given an equal and a second chance, would you do it? We do have our own burdens and crosses to carry, but everything is possible as long as we have faith. Faith in ourselves, to always have the courage to face our problems, faith in life, that it may not let us down and faith in the Supreme Being, to whom we know we are always taken care of.

Managing Activities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing Activities - Essay Example The Chairman, Stuart Rose, has the responsibility for the monitoring of all business activities; however, executive directors have placed at each organizational department ensuring the close control over the firm’s activities. Apart from the directors of each department there are also directors that are not related with a particular organizational sectors – non - executive directors. Although their role in the development of business activities is not made clear it can be assumed that they can intervene in all firm’s sectors – in accordance with the CEO’s guidelines or the relevant suggestions of each department’s executive director. It is assumed that cooperation and coordination are strongly promoted in the workplace. The development of divisions within the organization increases the effectiveness of the firm’s control over its activities. As for the firm’s organizational culture, there are some points that need to be highligh ted. All business activities are developed in accordance with the Corporate Governance Framework and the Code of Ethics – as presented in the firm’s website. In accordance with the corporate website, the corporate governance is based on the following principles: ‘quality, value, service, innovation and trust’ (corporate website, governance framework, 2009). A characteristic element of the firm’s governance is the use of the so-called ‘plan – A’ which aims to align all corporate activities with the environmental needs – promotion of sustainability through the business operations. In other words, corporate culture is based on the following values: application of corporate and social ethics and protection of the environment. 1b. The development of Marks and Spencer in the market – both the British and the international – has been achieved through the promotion of a series of values and the active support to the principles of

A thing or place that effect you and change your life Essay

A thing or place that effect you and change your life - Essay Example This allowed me to understand how life shaped up and what I needed to do in order to learn more new things and find remedies to problems which came up all of a sudden, and without many warning signs. Learning a new language was always exciting to me because I believed that with a little effort, I could master a dictum which was not my own. This indeed was the motivating force behind my acquisition of a new language within school at Canada. Work was no doubt fun but getting back to school after a while gave me immense reasons to smile once again. It made me feel like I was someone younger to my age, and allowed me to experience the joy of learning things yet again. It seldom happens that a grown up gets to feel the thrills of being back at school, and I can safely and proudly say that I have had such an experience ever since I joined school again. Just the feeling that I can be counted amongst the students who will learn something novel and unique was enough to tell me that I had made the right decision by re-joining school within Canada. It made me feel privileged more than anything else. What this did was to change my life for the better and that too in a quantifiable way. It made me feel at ease with the changing norms of the time and allowed me to get acquainted with how I can enrich my life time and time again. The people around me also supported the fact that I have made the right decision and this shall facilitate me in future realms which remain very quintessential for me undoubtedly. Also I found out that the teachers present in the school assisted me without any concerns whatsoever. They made me feel at ease with what was being taught and I felt at home with what I was learning all this while. In the end, I would fathom that this was indeed one of the best lessons that I had from life up till now. It allowed me to understand life’s different

Sociology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 8

Sociology - Essay Example In basic words, social class is based on economically determined relationship to the market (owner, employee etc.) Status is based on non-economical qualities like honor, prestige and religion. Party refers to factors having to do with affiliations in the political domain. All communities are arranged in a manner that goods, both tangible and intangible, are distributed. Such a distribution is always unequal and necessarily involves power, which is another key word in Weber's terminology. ''Classes, status groups and parties are phenomena of the distribution of power within a community'' (Weber 127). Status groups make up the social order, classes make up the economic order, and parties form the political order. Each order affects and is affected by the other. Power may rest on a variety of bases, and can be of differing types. Power is not the only basis of social honor, and social honor, or prestige, may be the basis of economic power. Class is defined in terms of market situation. ... ''If classes as such are not groups, class situations emerge only on the basis of social action.'' Unlike classes, status groups do have a quality of groups. They are determined by the distribution of social honor. A specific style of life is shared by a status group, and the group itself is defined by those with whom one has social intercourse. Economic elements can be a sort of honor; however, similar class position does not necessitate similar status groups (see old money's contempt for the nouveau riche). People from different economic classes may be members of the same status group, if they share the same specific style of life. The way in which social honor is distributed in the community is called the status order. Criteria for entry into a status group may take forms such as the sharing of kinship groups or certain levels of education. The most extreme of a status system with a high level of closure (that is, strong restriction of mobility between statuses) is a caste system. There, status distinctions are guaranteed not only by law and convention, but also by religious sanctions. Status groups can sometimes be equal to class, sometimes be broader, sometimes more restrictive, and sometimes bear no relation to class. In most cases, status situation is the apparent dimension of stratification: ''stratification by status goes hand in hand with a monopolization of ideal and material goods or opportunities'' (Weber 135). Class situation can take precedence over status situation, however. ''When the bases of the acquisition and distribution of goods are relatively stable, stratification by status is favored'' (Weber 135).

Greener house Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Greener house - Essay Example Its utilization enables individuals to preserve ground water, which is currently estimated to be consumed at 6.2 liters a week per square meter of land. 1-3 How to get Gray Water from the House to the Garden? †¢ One method of transporting the water is to utilize buckets to transport the water from the sink or the shower to the garden area. The downside of this method is the physical demands of the water transportation. †¢ Another method is through utilizing pressure transfer from the bathtub or water source using a hose to the garden. This method does not function with larger homes. †¢ Perhaps the most effective and efficient water transfer method is through a pump system that transports from an irrigation system. The connections must be sanitary and can be structured when the home is constructed. 2- Solar  Home Power System 2-1 Advantages and Comparison In Kuwait solar energy constitutes one of the greatest sources of energy. Solar energy produces minimal pollution compared to more traditional power sources and is also dramatically more cost effective. Figure (2-1-1) investigates Kuwait potentials for solar power. While utilizing solar energy requires solar panels, chart no 2-1-1 demonstrates that the prices for these panels are cost effective and function as a viable source of alternative energy. In further evaluating elements related to implementing solar power Table No. (2-1-1) breaks down energy per home averages. 2-2 Solar Cells ( Photovoltic Cell ) 2-2-1 Definition Solar cells are referred to as photovoltaic (PV) cells. This name refers to the cells function converting sun energy into electric power. A solar panel consists of groupings of photovoltaic cells that are electrically connected. These panels are demonstrated in Figure (2-2-1-2). 2-2-2 Theorem In terms of composition, photovoltaic cells are made with semiconductors. Silicon is one such semiconductor. These semiconductors function by absorbing sunlight and converting it into ene rgy. The electrons within this system then flow through a metal link current into usable devices. 2-2-3 How much Solar Panels create Electericity 7-10 m2 of solar panels produce 1000 watts of electricity. This amount of electricity is generally sufficient for a household. In terms of the specific house being examined there is a section on the roof to support the solar panel. 3- Save Energy 3-1 Electricity Use †¢ Furniture within the house should be oriented according to air conditioning needs. Altering object placement can have a significant impact on cooling. This alters overall energy expenditures. †¢ Fig (3-1-1) illustrates the importance of implementing occupancy sensors that monitor household heat, air, and lighting. These mechanisms will further reduce energy expenditures. †¢ Use light colored paint on the homes exteriors for maximum light efficiency. 3-1-2 LED Lights Fig. (3-1-2-1) demonstrates the use of LED lights. It’s shown that these lights as much as 90% less electric power than traditional lights. LED lights also produce less heat, aiding cooling of the home. These lights also last significantly longer than traditional light sources. It follows that implementing LED lights rather than traditional lighting sources within the household can reduce energy from approximately 40% to 30 3-2 HVAC System †¢ Fig (3-2-1) demonstrates that this system will improve insulation and subsequently limit wasted heat. †¢

OLS final exam Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

OLS final exam - Term Paper Example In addition, these labor management relations of today are quite different from the ones used 50 years ago. Besides, there are also some important legislative issues and laws that govern these labor relations in the U.S (Lewin, Keefe & Kochan, 2012). Therefore, this paper will discuss and analyze some of the labor relations in the U.S in contemporary society as compared to those that were administered in 50 years ago (Kuang & Moser, 2011). Again, the paper will address some of the legislative issues and laws that govern labor relations in the U.S. Furthermore, the paper will discuss the causes of declining union membership in U.S and the reasons that have led to decline in union membership (Flanagan, 2005). Lastly, the paper will address contract negotiation process and give important facts about contract negotiation process (Summary of the Major Laws of the Department of Labor, 2012). Labor Relations To begin with, a comparison research about the current labor relations and the past labor relation show that, current labor relations are more organized and more beneficial to most people in the U.S. This is because today there are many provisions in the law and legislative structure on issues dealing with labor relations such as Wages and Hours labor management laws that provide standard limits for wages given to the employees and the set of standard limits of hours that an employee should work. In the past 50 years, these laws were not there; hence, the current labor relations are far much better than they used to be 50 years ago. In addition, there are labor relations laws such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act that provides and advocates for retirement benefits to employees such as health care provisions. Besides, today, there are various procedures, policies, and provisions in the laws, that energize labor management in the country. Therefore, it is clear that labor management and relations are far much better today than 50 years ago (Max, 2013). Legislative issues and laws in United States Various legislative issues and laws in the U.S govern labor relation, and are applicable to all workers, employees, businesses, and even contractors. First, one important law is about wages and hours that outline the standard limits for wages and hours of working, which apply to both private and public employment relations. This law requires that employers should cover employees’ pay for those who work overtime and normal hours, and for overtime work, the payment should be one and a half of the normal regular rates of payment. Again, the law states that in the non-agricultural jobs, children under the age of 16 can only work on the less dangerous jobs while children can only work or are employed during school holidays, as the law does not allow school-going children under the age of 16 to be employed when they are supposed to be in school. In addition, the law provides standard conditions and procedures under which immigrants in t he U.S can work, and states that they can only work under some immigrant and nonimmigrant visa policies and programs (Summary of the Major Laws of the Department of Labor, 2012). Secondly, the Occupational Safety and Health Act provides work place and health regulations in the workplace by stating that employees in both private and

Organozational behavior Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Organozational behavior - Assignment Example The line managers are usually promoted within the organization and usually do not possess any formal education. The immediate responsibilities of front line include day to day management of employees, managing the operational responsibilities, providing technical expertise, monitoring the organizational process, checking the quality of the work (CIPD, 2013). Some of the major responsibilities of the line managers include planning the objectives, prioritizing the work and communicating these work responsibilities to the employees, scheduling the work of the employees and detailing the work of the employees on monthly or weekly basis, managing the financial resources by monitoring the budget (ACAS, 2009). The line managers manage the employees by treating the employees equally and by creating a congenial work atmosphere (ACAS, 2009). They also set well defined performance standards; ensure that the employees meet the objectives and the performance standards and conduct review meetings which help in facilitating communication. The way line managers present themselves has a significant impact on the performance of the employees. Every organization goes through transformational changes which can have positive or negative impacts on the performance of the employees. To survive and be successful an organization needs to embrace the technological, cultural, behavioural changes with open arms. Creative innovation ensures the long term growth and survival of the organization (Rahimi, Damirchi and Seyyedi, 2011). The line managers play a pivotal role in the creation and facilitation of the innovative, cultural and technological environment of the organization (Rahimi, Damirchi and Seyyedi, 2011). Organizational Culture & Line Management Organizational culture is defined as shared values and understandings that guide the actions of those in organizations (Patti, Fok and Hartman, 1999, p.218). Effective organizational culture provides a work environment which helps the empl oyees to align their personal interest with the organizational objectives (ACAS, 2009). Organizational culture is modified by certain management practices through employee selection, rewards, recognition, strategic direction and innovation (Rahimi, Damirchi and Seyyedi, 2011). Although there are various organizational and environmental factors which affect the organizational performance but the management behaviour and organizational culture plays a key role in the in the employee performance. The organizational environment helps in shaping the management behaviour. However, line managers need to behave and apply leadership oriented style of management to help increase employee performance, innovation and behaviour (Rahimi, Damirchi and Seyyedi, 2011). Firstly, line managers and the top level managers need to identify the leadership style required to increase the organizational effectiveness. Secondly, the leadership style adopted by the line managers currently should be modified as per the organizational culture and employee behaviour. The line manager has to keep one thing in mind that employee behaviour, expectation and performance may vary with different national cultures. The difference in the national culture reflects the difference in the organizational structure and management (Lok and Crawford, 2004). For example

Critiquing a piece of paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Critiquing a piece of paper - Essay Example s the authors indicated the aim of the discourse as â€Å"to discuss the ethical issues highlighted by the case (where a patient had longstanding medical issues which led to her four months’ stay at the ICU and reportedly dependent on ventilator support, haemodialysis and total parenteral nutrition) and to provide a course of action for the patient that suitably addresses these issues† (DeMaio and Clendenen par. 2). In doing so, the authors established evaluating ethical issues, as well as end of life principles of care. To support the line of argument, it is commendable for the authors to have used simple and concise words and language that could be easily comprehended by readers of diverse educational backgrounds. The structure of the discourse was also effective in enhancing the readers’ understanding of the arguments through subdividing the article in sub-headings, such as the definitions of core principles in medical ethics; current guidelines for the transition to end-of-life care; and the ethical issues facing patients who manifest symptoms and in the situations provided within the guidelines. To evaluate the authors’ choices of secondary sources of information to support their contentions, one could deduce that from the 29 references, only 10 references were sourced from 1990 to 2000 (which could be considered outdated) and the rest, 19 was sourced from 2001 to 2010, where 15 or 79% were fairly recent (from 2006 to 2010). Of those sourced from references beyond 10 years ago, majority were guidelines from the American Medical Association which could be deemed applicable until contemporary times, unless otherwise revised. There is therefore enough credible evidence to support and prove the contentions in the identified case through expounding on patient’s autonomy, a patient’s quality of life, and medical futility. The discussion on the role of decision-makers in cases of surrogates and any conflicting interests regarding transitions to palliative

Sustainable tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sustainable tourism - Essay Example Positive impacts According to Honey (1999), tourism is a source of employment for many people who serve in the tourist hotels, tourist travel agencies or serve as tour guides and local traders. This is very important in a country with low agricultural viability and is not a major producer of any valuable mineral or oil. It is also a direct market for locally produced commodities for example artefacts, clothing and foodstuff while tourist hotels form a good market for locally produced agricultural products. Some of the Tourists are potential investors and this increases the chances of a country getting more foreign investment. Tourism stimulates decentralised development because governments will have to ensure that major tourist destinations within the country are developed. These include infrastructure development and rural electrification. Whenever tourists start visiting a country, the people start to realise the importance and economic potentialities of their available resources f or example wildlife, water bodies, coastal regions and culture. This motivates them to preserve these resources and hence a protection of an environment which could have been exploitative by man in various ways. This results to biodiversity preservation and preservation of the environment’s natural beauty (Prem1995).

Heard and unheard music of Casablanca Essay Example for Free

Heard and unheard music of Casablanca Essay While Casablanca is one of the most know, satirized and often many lines repeated, the unsung hero of the movie is its music. Everyone knows â€Å"As time goes by†, but after seeing the movie can you think of any other music from this classic. People who have seen Casablanca dozens of times ( my father ) in their life can only remember â€Å"As time goes by†. This song brings back the happy memories of Ilsa and Rick in Paris. When Rick tells Sam not to play that song, is it possible that Rick never wants to remember the good times with a woman he will never see again or his alcoholic self destructive nature depriving himself of any happiness. Ilsa on the other hand wants to remember the good times and that is why she asks Sam to Play it. In the scene following Rick’s refusal to sell Laszlo the letters of transit, the German officers start singing a German song Die Wacht Am Rhein. Victor Laszlo never one to let the Germans get the upper hand asks the band to play La Marsellaise. Many in the crowd sing along to La Marsellaise as well as Laszlo. The German officers try in vain to out sing the crowd, but with their small numbers and their Nazi cause, the French Anthem wins the day. Shortly after this, Major Strasser orders Captain Renault to close down Rick’s. Two competing songs bring the closure of our heroes night club, a pivotal point in the movie, and few if any can remember the names of the 2 songs nor even hum a few bars. This scene also places Victor Laszlo on top of Major Strasser’s list of things he needs to clean up in Casablanca. So why is it that 2 epic anthem’s, such a critical part of this film goes unheard and a song like â€Å"As time goes by† is sung, hummed and quoted so often. It is my belief that â€Å"As time goes by â€Å" brings back the memories of the good times and Die Wacht Am Rhein and La Marsellaise bring up the confrontation that many go to the movies to forget. The next time I see Casablanca, I will be humming â€Å"As time goes by.

Impact Of Globalisation On The Nation State Politics Essay

Impact Of Globalisation On The Nation State Politics Essay The term globalization has been a contentious topic in the field of social sciences and disciplines alike in recent years. The expansive pattern of globalization makes a holistic definition of the concept difficult. Interestingly, in spite of the vast nature of the concept, there is a tendency to homogenize its meaning. Some commentators posit that globalization depicts a polyvalent, promiscuous, controversial word that often obscures more than it reveals (Jessop 2002, p.113), and that globalization remains the most over used and under specified term in the international policy domain since the passing of the Cold War (Higgot 1999, p.1). Indeed the inclination to generate a broad and homogeneous meaning to the concept of globalization may be as a result of the open nature of the concept itself, which makes it quite complex to conceive. However, a key theme in the globalization discourse today is the extent to which the process has led to the weakening and/or strengthening of the nation state. Some scholars have argue that the nation state is central in driving the process of globalization (skeptics), while others contend that the increase in transnational networks has weakened the nation state (Globalist). This paper does not intend to take side with any of these assertions; rather it seeks to analyze the various impacts that the process of globalization has had on the nation state in interacting with global networks and institutions. To achieve this, the first part of this essay looks at the concept of globalization vis a vis the evolution of the nation state within Europe from pre-modern era. This will bring to fore certain phenomenal changes in the contemporary global political economy of state which has lead to the changing role of the nation state in recent years. Using four key factors as my reference point, the second part delves into the impact globalization has had on the nation state under the following parameters The global capital, global environment, global citizenship as well as post-nuclear politic. This will help to suggest the varying consequence of globalism over nationalism In the final analysis, I find the structure for potential globalism evident, thus conclude that indeed the expansion of global network have transformed the function of nation states in today`s global polity, rather than erode the autonomy and sovereignty of nation states. Conceptualising Globalisation: Globalisation presupposes an ongoing process which applies to a broad spectrum of activities ranging from economic actions to the sphere of politics, law, and culture. It is defined as the deepening and expansion of socio-cultural and socio-political ties beyond national frontiers aided by a strong and complex technological breakthrough (Holm Sorensen 1995, p.1). The empirical revelation of economic interdependence however, finds a place in the globalization thesis when Scholte stressed that the growth in global flow of capital through foreign direct investments, the spread of transnational co-operation, foreign exchange transfers, and the establishment of export processing zones, has enmeshed the global economy into an integrated market arena. (2000, p.86). Unarguably the global political economy from the twentieth century has witnessed extensive integration of national economies particularly through cross-border investment and trade, however these interconnectedness tend to shape the policy of state actors via engagements with global institutions without recourse to place and time. Although while the economic logic of globalizations may have shifted to the consciousness of a borderless world (Ohmae 1990, p .172), it is worth noting that the interplay is not universally applicable as some state borders seem demarcated from contemporary global integration( some countries in the south). Thus these states adopt isolationist policies in the excuse that their domestic economic posture is not viable enough to interconnect with external forces. Therefore not all social relations have reached the stage of global civilization; while some nation states assume that international political power outflank its role (Taylor 1996, p. 11), others believe that global politics runs over state-centric political network into a more spatial extensive framework in contemporary times. The Nation State Evolution: During the Middle age epoch in Europe, political authority was distributed between individuals and religious institutions (Axtmann 2004, p.259). The exercise of authority was managed by wealthy merchants, royal families and religious heads in almost all matters during pre-modernization. Although the influence of religious institutions in exercising its authority witnessed a decline in the 16th century through the 18th century, Monarchs became increasingly powerful as a result of certain structural changes in Europe caused by the industrial revolution (Sorensen 2004, p.10). However the king in collaboration with a strong military presence at the time introduced taxes and used states apparatus to legitimize their actions. State managed infrastructure established for credit and monetary concerns were used to sustain the status quo by maintaining legitimacy and guaranteeing trade (Sorensen 2004, p. 10). This system carved out a central authority arrangement upon which the monarchs and the citizens related, giving rise to an administrative framework that metamorphosed in the emergence to the early form of the modern nation state creation. As a follow up, the signing of the Westphalia treaty in 1648 legitimized state structure as a sovereign entity. The principle of sovereignty was premised on the supremacy of the nation state over its subjects, territorial integrity and natural resources. Fundamentally, it is instructive to point out that prior to the Westphalia treaty being entrenched, more than two hundred European entities engaged in dialogues (Sorensen 2004, p.10). The consequence of those negotiations saw Europe having only about fifty states currently. This represents the highest form of fragmentation which passed through series of conflict processes especially during the 1900 to 2000, spanning across various wars with the death toll of over 115 million people (Tilly 1992, p. 6 7). Hence, the process of consolidating states into a transformed entity often navigates through a gradual stage of fierce engagements. This slow but effective transformatory stage is the standard, for launching into the international society; therefore the prevailing global society of states is a product of thorough creation following long standing interest articulation and trade-offs. One characteristic of modern state formation, is the severe decline of internal conflict and civil unrest and the prevalence of the rights of nations and human with the threats to violent conflict almost non-existent (Sorensen 2004, p.11). The presence of these attributes will guarantee the legitimate use of force, based on laid down principles and this will shape the relationship between the state and its citizen. Also since the authority which was once distributed amongst varying actors is centrally managed in a modern nation state, it naturally translates the allegiance of citizens towards to state in a manner that tends to create a sense of community from their history. This sequential establishment of the modern nations state is crucial to understanding the transformations that prepared states towards opening up to the global space. Just after the emergence of the modern nation states, technological and economic advancement tolerated dramatic development to occur within states and they became keen to protect their own interest in relation to others. In the present day, advancement in almost all spheres of interaction has opened up the distribution and consumption of hitherto domestic goods to become global products. What this implies is that globalization now plays a dominant role in the relation of the society of states such that economic activities either within or outside the state is done without emphasis on location. Although the economic relation of states are more often between states, the production of goods and services still remain territorially defined, thus the need to often comprehend international trade through state relations. Examining the effects of globalization on the nation state Global Capital: The enthusiasts of capital mobility, in the wake of advancement in information technology have identified the transformation of capital to be more global than national. They argue that in a formal geographical sense, the ownership of capital has shifted from the territorially bounded entity into an extensive global community (Mann 1977, p 479). Prior to the 1980`s capital mobility was at the purview national government through bond issuance to manage trade deficit/surplus for healthy competition. However the dismantling of state regulations to evolve a loose global market was in tandem with European consciousness to liberalize. Today, the speedy nature of the foreign exchange electronic market, likely explains the scale of contemporary global financial flow. The foreign exchange market accounted for tremendous growth from $1 billion in the middle of 1970s to over $1.2 trillion by 1990, surpassing the global trade ratio of 60:1(Cohn 2000, p.10). Also international bank lending have sky rocketed from a minor level in the 1960`s to over 20 billion annually in the 70`s and a steady growth of 10 times that level in 1990`s. In comparism to the state centric standard of control, contemporary financial capital has become intensively mobile that it no longer yields to the actions of determined governments as thought by many (Ohmae 1990, p.158). It is even more fascinating that the foreign exchange market has attracted almost any body without formal training, and this has become a speculators heaven due to its high yield opportunities it provides. An attempt by regulators to manage the foreign exchange deficits has been unsuccessful since capital gain from the foreign exchange market remains un-tax. Rees-Mogg and Davidson best describe the deregulation in global capital mobility when they stated that the Internet will make avoiding taxes so easy and risk-less that sovereignty will inevitably shift to the individual, leaving the nation-state to die of fiscal starvation (1997, P.159). This clearly shows the extent to which huge capital can literally travel miles across national borders with just a push on a k ey board button. On the other hand however, its been argued that even though capital movements have become largely trans-national the shares and currencies traded are usually pegged to national stock markets principles (Wade 1996). The sceptics response to the flow of capital either through trade or investment is that the institutional origin in which capital flow thrives is largely nationally based. Therefore the role of multi-national co-operations in spreading foreign direct investment around the world does not necessarily make them stateless. For instance the cost of establishing an electronics industry requires hi-tech manufacturing skilled labour, hence to ensure effective production cost, an FDI initiative will allows for the recruitment of local citizens and the avoidance of tariff barriers. This will result in the Manufacturing Company retaining a large proportion of local origin and blend to local conditions as against the claim that MNC`s are placeless. Fundamentally, the wave of globalization has transformed national economies from subsistent production to a global production apparatus. This means that the world of states is adjusting to the irreversible dynamics of globalization, as societies are becoming more competitive and coalescing to create an international system of interdependence. However this trend is not necessarily even or universal, the indications of globalization on the nation state has varying consequences. While a genuine single market is evident in Europe, North America and East Asia, the same cannot be said of Sahara Africa or the Balkans. Yet most literature more often generalizes nation state experience in its interaction with the global network. Global Environment: Human environment is full of overwhelming potential hazards. This risk is attributable to a number of factors, not exclusive to global capitalism. The environmental pressure of coping with economic production has indeed deeply affected the atmosphere and climate of the world. Dealing with this destruction will require nation state to take necessary steps in protecting their immediate environment. Europe, America and recently Singapore have sponsored the cleaning up of their environment. Nevertheless the need to respond to this challenge in contemporary global space demands both the rich and poor nations to share the burden. Richard Falk argues that the danger of ozone depletion requires the involvement of the optimist and pessimist alike (1999, p.28). This means that the current global era shifts the responsibility of solving the ecological damage from immediate domestic actor to a compliant network of actors which could be voluntary or through agreements. It is perhaps correct to say that responses to environmental challenges can be seen in duality, private firms now use slogans like Think globally, act locally to create an open concern towards the decay of the environment. The green peace initiative is in the forefront of disseminating the rejection of scientific exploitation of nature on energy grounds clean. In doing so its uses its western connection to influence the energy policy of national government across the globe, this is also similar to what the global civil society (GIS) does. Through an awareness campaign, the (GCS) cajole national governments into subscribing to the international code of conduct on environmental practices. On the other hand however, while it is imperative to `think globally and act locally` as some environmental activist advocate, the assumption that all environmental problems require global concern is quite misleading. For instance environmental concern arising from human activity on the soil such as deforestation and watershed failure are certainly dealt with at local level. In spite of emergencies and spread of international networks on environmental problem, the compliance of various nation states is important for positive result. Therefore Michael Mann affirms that the policy makers in transnational agencies are also representatives of their various nation state, therefore `soft geopolitics` remains a viable tool for effective policy implementation (1997,p.490). Moreover the skeptic view finds actuality in the history of international co-operations on global environment, as there are several examples of negotiations failing due to either structural imbalance of the North/South, or because states do not find such engagements helpful to their economic and political concerns. The Copenhagen summit failed due to this kind of suspicion. The weakness of the UN climate convention document as not reflecting the concerns of poor developing countries on the limit of emission reduction, created the deadlock negotiations at Copenhagen. Notwithstanding, one thing the Copenhagen summit would have achieved today is the fact that national governments are now well informed of the reality of climate change, therefore legislations from various national governments now seeks to address climate change within their own internal agencies. Global Citizenship: The current age of information technology has made the monopoly of information by nation states difficult. Across geographical boundaries peoples access to information on global development creates the opportunity for them to have varieties of preferences on products and life styles. Gone are the days when the flow of information was managed by government to suit their policy interest, currently people`s free access to information have made them cosmopolitan in their character (Ohmae 1990, p.19). The swiftness of information travel from the internet and cable network in an increasingly globalised world provides a background for understanding the changing role of the state with regards to citizenship. Richard Falk has described citizenship as a shifting set of relationship and attitude without any necessary territorial delimitation (Brecher 1993, p.39). The dynamics of economic, cultural and ecological transformation offered by globalization is responsible for this shift. Therefore human experience in contemporary global era makes global citizenship irreversible as it is impossible to territorially manage the relations of people. As stated in Ohmae`s borderless world, The Japanese have become global citizens through perpetual travel abroad. This he claims would not have been possible in the past if not for the flow of information around the world. (1990, p.19). Conversely, the global citizenship phenomenon has been challenge by skeptic who holds to the view that nationalism remains a powerful devise to the primary identity which gives people the rights and privileges they enjoy within a given boundary. They argue (Skeptics) that the legitimate role of citizen has been offered by the foundation of political democracy through constitutional framework which allows for periodic elections and the assurance of rights. However the generalization of global citizenship may have been overstated. The evidences are more conspicuous in Europe where the mentality towards market, politics and security has been largely de-territorialized. By contrast this mentality does not find credence in sub-Saharan Africa were negotiations to act collectively has often been a mirage. (Falk 1990, P.159). Post-Nuclear Politic:- Understanding the New World Order : The dominant discourse after the two great wars in political life has been how to fashion out a universal body to govern the world as a whole. The defining political challenge was to establish a world order based on sustainable democratic principles. A consciousness that was pioneered by the Western states after the lesson learnt from `hard geopolitics` was to build a world order bases on collective action. Therefore the concept of globalization and the use of `soft geopolitics` sets an agenda to restructure the world without necessarily going through the face of transformation that occurred in Europe.(Mann 1997,p.493). Consequently, threats ranging from rising nuclear tension in states like Pakistan and India and separatist agitations in other countries around the world continue to slap down reluctant militarist nations in global affairs. Globalization however offers a plausible platform to contain potential danger through global geopolitical order. In this regards, the United Nations represent a marginal player in global security concern. Even though its more often accused of failing, the evident bearing has shifted towards regionalism. The approach to build a global governance structure through regionalism has yielded positive results. With an experience from the European Union, security issues are now articulated within regions shaped by the UN charter . At least it is apparent that regional institution remains feasible potential network towards the emergence of positive globalism. In refuting the impact of global governance over the nation state, Max Weber maintains that the monopoly of territory remains a distinctive feature which only the modern state possesses (1968, p.56). This means that the prevailing role of governance is exclusive to nation states, therefore the choice to engage in the society of states or international relations is not forceful but dependent on the willingness do so. Since nation states develop into self-sufficient entities acting on their own will (Bull 1977). Globalization and Governance: According to the Keynesian welfare state which calls for powerful government involvement in economic planning and social welfare, the developed economies of the world embraced the Keynesian model since the end of WW II until the 1970`s. This system thrived as it became an effective management tool that strengthened the network between states in relation to the market. However the economic crisis at the end of the 1970`s informed by the oil strike of Arab and the resultant economic downturn, paved way for rapid economic liberalization and fiscal control. The wave of globalization has coerced national governments to reshape their functions towards a vast catalyst role of consensus building and mediation as against been the provider (UN, 2001, World Public Sector: 21). Hence, the liberal economic consciousness revamped the role of central governments in interfering with their national economy to mere regulatory roles, bases on neo liberal ideas. It is fascinating to discover that the adoption of new watchdog role as offered by open economic market principles in the United Kingdom witness speedy economic recovery than the socialist economic model of France at that time (Sorensen 2004: 33). The authorities that states exercise in managing economic activities became private regulated by non-state actors in the global political economy. Nonetheless, a complex network does exist between the state and the market in addressing governance issues. For instance, the Global Reporting Initiative (GLI) which is saddled with the responsibility of measuring the private actors impact comprises of NGO`S, MNC`S, the government and professional bodies. On the other hand also economic and political networks at the regional level have emerged viz :- ASEAN, NAFTA, EU and the AU all comprised of nations states showing awareness and wiliness tackling the prevailing demands of globalization. It is safe to state that globalization has transformed state structure and national government in coming to terms with the dynamics that the era presents. New partnerships between public and private sector have been on the rise and this has led government to be more accountable and productive. The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs established in Mexico and Brazil have been adopted by many other states in the United States, e.g. The New York Citys Opportunity NYC (World Bank Seminar 2007). Conclusion:- The culmination of factors necessitated by the wave of globalization has provoked many thoughts concerning the future of the state. Indeed numerous revelations emanating from the literates suggest that the nations state has lost its role, some other thoughts argue the state still retain its character. It is against this background that I delve into the discursive debate. It has become clear to me that the impact of globalization is multi dimensional. Consequently the triumph of globalism over nationalism remains an ironic claim if not dubious; this is so because at every point of convergence the state remains an unsurpassed political actor for global engagements. While I do not affirm to be statist in my disposition or ascribe to the borderless world thesis, I correspond from my finding, that states are responding to the dynamics of global pressure and that the market is still subject to state control to some extent. In sum, the world has become anarchical with the technological advancement of our age, much as economic globalization has made the world replete with global product. Therefore the structure of global governance rests upon an engaging society of state rather than an imaginary global society. Hence impartial proposals, trade-offs and negotiations will help erect a true international society.

Power Grid Analysis Load Flow Study

Power Grid Analysis Load Flow Study Power Systems Assignment 1 Power Grid Analysis Contents 1.Introduction What is a Smart Grid? What is ETAP? 2.Electrical Grid Proposal 3.Initial Design Complete Electrical Network Power Plant Section Electric Arc Furnace Section Wind Farm Section Transmission Lines 4.Initial Design Analysis Load Flow Study Load Flow Conclusion 5.Re-Design Complete Electrical Network Power Plant Section Electric Arc Furnace Section Wind Farm Section Filters 5.Re-Design Analysis Scenario 1 Load Flow Study Scenario 2 Load Flow Study 6.Conclusion 7.Recommendation 8.Bibliography What is a Smart Grid? The original power grids were constructed more than 100 years ago, when electricity demand was low. Power grids where local to individual cities and were powered by local power stations. Most homes had a very small electricity demand, such as powering up a few small lamps. The power grid was constructed as a limited one-way interaction, with electricity passing from the power station into homes. This one was interaction, with no feedback makes it difficult for the gird to respond to the current day, ever changing, rising electricity demand of the 21st century. The smart grid introduces a two-way interaction, where electricity and data can be exchanged between the generation plant and the end users. It is an ever-expanding network of computers, controls, automation and innovation working together to make the power grid, more secure, more reliable, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. Smart grid enables the generation from new generation sources such as wind, solar and tidal, as well as traditional power stations. With the ongoing advancements in smart grid technologies, a smart grid will replace the existing infrastructure of the power grid. This will leave better communication between end users and generators to help manage our electricity needs. A recently released study by the PNNL (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) reviewed American homeowners who had updated to new smart grid technologies to monitor and control the consumption of energy within their homes. The outcome of the study showed that the average house could have its annual electricity boll reduced by 10 percent. This could be a saving of nearly $200 billion in the USA alone. The overall result would leave homeowners with lower rates, and have the environmental impact of taking the equivalent to 30 million vehicles off the road. With such a massive stake to gain, it is clear why there is a big drive for Smart Grids in the 21st century.    What is ETAP? ETAP is a fully integrated suite of software products that can be used to model an electrical power system. It offers real time calculated simulation of a designed electrical power system model. It can simulate an electrical power system from generation, to transmission, through distribution, down to the end user. We use ETAP as a simulation package to model and predict behaviours of electrical power grids before they are constructed. This results in an efficient and safe method of designing and constructing an electrical power grid. I propose to design an electrical power grid, which will provide power to an Electric Arc Furnace. The furnace will have many of different loads that vary from charging electrodes, to large cooling water pumps. The power for the Electric Arc Furnace will be provided from two independent sources. A Steam Generator Power Station and a Wind Farm. The Electric Arc Furnace will have three vertical electrodes that conduct an alternating current that forms an arc between them and the layers of the scrap metal in the furnace, causing the metal to melt. Each electrode would use 5MVA of power at 11kV. As well as high power electrodes, the Electric Arc Furnace would require additional appliances. These include water-cooling pumps, auxiliary oil pumps and induced air draft fans. These appliances will all operate at 415V. To provide power to the power hungry Electric Arc Furnace there will be two power sources located on the same site as the furnace. The first will be a Steam Power Station. Two steam-powered generators will produce a combined power output of 240MW. They will generate at 33KV and the voltage will be dropped down for distribution and transmission. The Power Station will have its own appliances similar to the Electric Arc Furnace that will enable it to generate electricity. There will be four motors used by the high-pressure steam boilers in the power station. To ensure that there is a constant supply of electricity for the power stations motors there will be a connection to the National Power Grid. This connection to the grid is will only necessary when Turbo Alternator 1 2 are both not generating electricity for the network. During normal operation, the circuit breakers to the grid will be open. Two steam driven turbine generators are not the only power sources in the electrical network. Placed on the same site as the Electrical Arc Furnace will be two Wind Turbine Generators. The two Wind Turbines will generate a combined 4MW at 11KV. These two generators will be renewable energy sources that harness the energy in passing wind. They will not require fossil fuels unlike the power station. Similar to the Power Station, there will be a supply to the Wind Farm from the National Grid. This is to provide start up power for the Wind turbines. Once the turbines are operational, the link to the National Grid is will not be required. During normal operation, the circuit breakers to the grid will be open. Transmission of power between the three sites outlined will be via overhead 66KV transmission lines. Electricity will drop down to the usable voltage at each site via transformers. Complete Electrical Network Power Plant Section To the right is the Power Plant section of the electrical power grid. It is the main source of electricity for the grid. It provides power from two 120MW steam turbine generators. It has a link to the Utility Grid but this is only enabled when the two generators are not generating or when they running up. The Generator auxiliary pumps always require power from either the grid connection or the Turbine Alternators to enable the Turbine Alternators to generate power. This section has two links to the rest of the electrical power grid. The first connection is to the Wind Farm Section via a 66kV line. The second connection is via a 66kV line to the Electric Arc Furnace Electric Arc Furnace Section To the right is the Electric Arc Furnace Section of the Electrical Power Grid. It is the main consumer of electricity in the grid. It consumes power through three 5MVA Arc Electrodes. The Electrodes are used in the Electric Arc Furnace process to create iron from raw materials. For the process to operate successfully all three electrodes and their cooling pumps must be operational. If there is a drop in power provided to the process then it may become endangered because of the high temperatures involved. Due to this danger through loss of power, there must be redundant power supplies to the process. These supplies are provided from a 66kV line from the Power Station Section and a 66kV from the Wind Farm Section. If one were to fail there would always be a redundant supply from the other to provide power to the Electric Arc Furnace Process. Wind Farm Section Below is the Wind Farm Section of the Electrical Power Grid. It is a source of renewable energy for the grid. Renewable energy is provided by two 2MW Wind Turbines, which generate electricity when wind turns the generator windings. There is no consumers of electricity on this section leaving it completely independent of the rest of the grid in the event that both its lines are lost. This is highly unlikely as there is a 66kV line to the Power Station Section and a 66kV to the Electric Arc Furnace Section. A second link to the Utility Grid provides a backup in case the first connection at the Power Station Section fails. Transmission Lines My electrical power grid has 3 separate sections interconnected by transmission lines. These transmission connections provide redundancy protection in the event a section connection faults. The main electricity producers for the electrical power-grid operate at 11kV but for transmission purposes, the power is transmitted at 66kV. This is because line losses are much lower at higher transmission voltages over large distances. Having lower line losses improves the efficiency of transmitting the power, therefore resulting in operational cost savings. The smaller the cross sectional area of the cables, the less the loss to heat dissipation. Large voltages require smaller surface area, resulting in less line loss. In my example of a power-grid, the voltage is being stepped up at the generating section, transmitted through the transmission line to a load section, and then stepped down to lower voltages required by the load. This is shown in the following equation: P is fixed by customer demand. R is as small as reasonably practicable by using large copper transmission lines. Therefore, line loss decreases strongly with increasing voltage. Whilst transmission line companies wish to keep transmission lines are thick as possible to decrease the resistance in them, it has to be within financial reason. Load Flow Study During the design stages of an electrical power-grid, a load flow study should be performed. A load flow study can outline if electrical grid voltages stay within their specified limits during normal or emergency operating conditions. The study also determines whether equipment such as conductors and transformers are overloaded. A successful load flow study can calculate the voltage at each bus, the voltage drop on each feeder, and the power flow and losses in all branch and feeder circuits. The most common uses for load flow studies include: Optimisation of components Identifying reactive and real power flows Reduce kW and kVar losses The important data retrieved from a load flow study is the voltage profile of the electrical power-grid. When voltage changes a lot throughout the system, large reactive flows will occur. This will then lead to larger real power losses. When a bus has an unacceptably low voltage, it is essential to install capacitor banks in order to provide reactive power compensation to the load. AN INEFFICIENT OR UNBALANCED LOAD CAN CAUSE UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR Complete Electrical Network Power Plant Section Below shows the redesign of the Power Plant Section of the Electrical Power Grid. Outlined by a red circle, a capacitor bank has been added to the 415V Auxiliary Pump Bus. It can be switched on and off when P.F correction is needed. Electric Arc Furnace Section Below shows the redesign of the Electric Arc Furnace Section of the Electrical Power Grid. Two capacitors have been added to improve the power factor. A capacitor has been added to the 415V Cooling Pumps Bus. A capacitor has been added to the 11kV Electrode Bus. It can be switched on and off when P.F correction is needed. Wind Farm Section No change has been made to the Wind Farm Section of the Electrical Power Grid. Harmonics Filters Harmonic currents and voltages in an electric power grid are the outcome of non-linear loads. Harmonics in power grids produce higher temperatures electrical equipment and conductors, faults in variable frequency drives, and torque waves in motors. Power quality issues are the outcome of harmonic frequencies in the power grid. When designing an electrical power grid it is essential that of harmonics are reduced. The significant effect of harmonics in an electrical power grid is the increase of current in the system. This is more prominent in the third harmonic, which causes a large increase in the zero sequence current. This requires a lot of consideration in when designing an electric power grid to drive non-linear loads. Electric motors will incur losses due to large hysteresis losses caused by eddy currents in the iron core of the motor. Since the harmonics are at higher frequencies, they produce higher core losses in a motor than the power frequency would. The result of this is the increased heating of the motor core. If excessive, this will reduce the life of the motor. The 5th harmonic will introduce CEMF (counter electromotive force) in large motors, resulting in the opposite direction of rotation. CEMF does not have enough force to counteract the rotation, however it does reduce the rotating speed of the motor. Capacitor banks have been included on the re-design of the electrical power system on to reduce the effects of harmonics and bring Power Factor to a suitable value. Their value has been specifically calculated to suit each bus bar they fed. This compensates the reduction in Power Factor. Eaton, C. (2016). What is a smart grid. Swansea. Energy Networks. (n.d.). Who is my network operator? Retrieved from http://www.energynetworks.org/info/faqs/who-is-my-network-operator.html Engineering, E. (n.d.). ETAP Introduction. Retrieved from electrical-engineering-portal.com ETAP. (2016). Network Tutorial. Retrieved from https://etap.com Guilds, C. . (2016). Utilities Qualifications. Retrieved from www.cityandguilds.com à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ º Qualifications à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ º Utilities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ º Utilities Networks, S. E. (n.d.). Training Documents. Retrieved from www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/training.asp Power Skills Centre. (n.d.). Power System Protection. Retrieved from www.powerskillscentre.com/protection/power-system-protection-part-one Siemens. (2015). HVDC Benefits. Retrieved from Siemens: http://www.energy.siemens.com/br/en/power-transmission/hvdc/applications-benefits/hvdc-benefits.htm Udemy. (2015). ETAP Unified Electrical Grid Training. Retrieved from https://www.udemy.com/practical-etab/ Utility Engineering. (n.d.). Grid Training. Retrieved from www.utilityengineering.co.uk/electrical%20training.html Vinici Energies. (n.d.). Smart Grid Ideoligy. Retrieved from http://www.vinci-energies.com/en/its-already-tomorrow/towards-managed-energy/smart-grids-electrical-networks-that-evolve-in-response-to-usage/