Saturday, October 5, 2019

The future of London Heathrow Airport Literature review

The future of London Heathrow Airport - Literature review Example Development of the motorway network and railway network increased accessibility of London to rest of cities of the country (Rodrigue 2013). London was made the focus for of all these networks. London became the main focus for international air travellers during the days of the war. London was surrounded by four airports, and Heathrow alone was used for handling of two thirds of air traffic. In times of rapid growth in 1960s transport planners reached a new approach of transport planning. Proposal was the expansion of Stansted airport, but due to strong opposition from people this plan was left uncompleted. Both, government and GLC, have supported the trends of transport planning, which have been not only considered inevitable but also desirable (Adams 1981). Atkin et al., (2009) focused on the departure system of the London Heathrow airport and founded that if the delay time for the aircraft awaiting take-off and running engines would result into a less usage of fuel as well as pollution benefits. They pointed out various constraints, applied to take off the schedules. Some physical changes at the airport can eliminate the impacts of constraints and increase the capacity for departure systems. Heathrow airport completed the 5th terminal in 2008 and second phase in year 2011. Expansion of airport too encompassed the refurbishment of terminals such as terminal 1, 3 and 4. A new air control traffic tower and terminal 5 stations were installed. Expansion also included the tunnels for the extension of Piccadilly line, Heathrow express and spur road from the M25. Air control tower was installed on the Heathrow airport in 2007, which presented the unobstructed view (Kable Intelligence System 2014). Cecil (2013) reported that Heathrow would be the fourth runway with a million of flights in a year. Expansion of Heathrow airport would result into a leading aviation Hub of Europe. However, development

Friday, October 4, 2019

Creation of a Potential Chartable Organization Web Page Assignment

Creation of a Potential Chartable Organization Web Page - Assignment Example In a bid to have our services reach a wider coverage and enable us reach as many needy children as possible, the need to develop a website for our organization came in. To cover a wider area in terms of service delivery, quicken the service delivery, help get contact with the needy without the knowledge about our organization, create awareness of the existence of our organization and its services, reduce the cost of accessing our information by eliminating the physical availing of oneself at our premises. This website in itself offers plenty of positives that make it a better option in improving our services delivery. The advantages of this site transcend beyond the borders. They include the following benefits. The website is user friendly. This website offers a very user friendly interface that makes it easy for people with limited computer knowledge to easily use it. The website’s interface is very simple thus aiding easier use. The website also offers cheaper option in information elicitation. As opposed to being physically present at the organization’s premises, the website helps save the cost of travel since a user can access it at the comfort of their homes without necessarily traveling to the premises. The website also makes the response services easily achievable. This is because needy persons may have made an enquiry about our contact from wherever they are. Having this website makes it easy to give feedback to them regardless of their geographical location. The website can also act as a contact point between our organization and other charitable organizations and agencies. Another organization may need to make contact with ours. With this website it’s very easy since they can contact us even online without necessarily looking for our physical location This website has several hyperlinks that lead to those various pages. These are also web pages also contain different

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Searching for Something and Obtaining Nothing Essay Example for Free

Searching for Something and Obtaining Nothing Essay In â€Å"Seeking†, Emily Yoffe shares with us her thoughts of what she believes is taking over our original basic desires and being replaced with an obsession for a constant need to gather or receive information with disregard to everything else. I can relate to what she is stating because I see it happening everyday around me; people walking around with their faces looking down into their smart phones. Almost everyone I come in contact with has a laptop, Ipad or tablet carrying around with them. You see them in the parks, malls, bookstore tech-ed out and they are all searching forever searching forever seeking and waiting for the next text, the Yahoo you got mail or that Tweet alerting them that someone cared enough or too little by sending them a message by such an impersonal means of communication. Yoffe speaks about a friend who has an insatiable need to view random facts about famous people when dining out with her boyfriend. So caught up is Nina that she ignores her boyfriend who is sitting right across the table from her. This is what Yoffe means when she states, â€Å"chasing after flickering bits of information.† By analyzing her article, I hope to further persuade techno junkies of the negative effects that Yoffe seems to imply but not directly stating it. Yoffe uses creditable sources to give us reasons on why we should put the machines down. The book titled, Animals in Translation, by Temple Grandin, Yoffe talks of two cats who were being driven crazy from chasing a laser pointer even though they could never catch it. Think of Kim Kardashian who is always driven to read each blog, on-line trash mag, like TMZ to see what is being posted about her. If you have ever watched Keeping up with the Kardashians you see her literally tearing herself apart searching for this information and crying because of the hurtful things people have said about her. That to me is form of torture for Kim Kardashian , but at the same time it’s fueling a physical need of hers, that has her searching for information of herself. Thus providing some sort of feel good moment that though what she is reading might be awful, she makes her feel adored by the public. If it was you, would you sit all day or part of the day looking for negative information of yourself? Yoffe this point is using logical reasons that could be used to get a techno junkie up off their butts to actually pursue real live activities. The research information by noted neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp who has spent years researching and mapping people’s brains and proving that like real physical items that we obtain, the act of seeking and finding gives euphoria by releasing a chemical substance called dopamine. Yoffe also points out that this feels so good we constantly are doing things to reach this state to make us feel good; to me that sound like a person who uses drugs to keep getting a high or a fix. All things which are not healthy for you when overindulging. Even before reading this article I was already aware of the dangers or risk to my health and how addictive this has become. I enjoy modern conveniences as much as the next person. I enjoy being able to sit at home and do my banking and ooVoo with my children who live in Connecticut. I remember when this was part of a sci-fi movie, camera phones. I have learnt from YouTube how to expertly apply my makeup and even gotten better advice on how to take care of my hair! However, I began to notice a few years that cell phones used to be a luxury item, has now become standard issue and almost an extension of our body. People have such a hard time putting down their cells no matter where they maybe. I see them in church while the pastor is preaching, they are texting or on Facebook. Is it really that serious, can it not wait until after service? I can remember being upstairs in my bedroom and texting my children to bring me a cup of water. Back in the day I would have gotten up and got it myself or called out to them. I’m not saying the modern technology is bad; it has its good points. For instance, when I had a car accident I was able to immediately call for help and get it sooner than having to hope and pray someone would call when they reached the nearest phone. It allows me to be able to work from home, like when I first moved to Kentucky and the company I was working for contracted my services for a few months until they could hire a replacement. I don’t think Yoffe is trying to scare you off of technology, just advise you that we are moving from a culture that once were out in the world searching for new and exciting things we could touch and feel to sitting at home and searching for stuff we can’t feel. So put down the devices and get out and smell the roses. References Yoffe, E. (2011). Seeking, In X. J. Kennedy, D.M. Kennedy M.F. Muth (Eds.) The Bedford guide For college writers (9th ed.) (pp. 599-601). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s

Literature Review on Sustainable Construction

Literature Review on Sustainable Construction Literature Review Literature review consists of providing the author knowledge about the research area that is being undertaken. It shows what authors have to say about the research area and to criticise works done previously, this is to be related to the topic area and to identify the central issues as part of the study. According to Dr S.G. Naoum (2007) there are five main activities involved in undertaking a literature review: Knowing the sources of information. Understanding how the library works. Collecting existing knowledge on the subject, reading and note-taking. Systematically organising the literature. Appraising and writing up the literature review. The literature review is conducted through primary and secondary research. Research can be conducted by using textbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines and websites and also on-line databases. Following structured and extensive literature reviews, key issues to sustainable construction and construction SMEs studied which result in identification of barriers associated with implementing sustainable construction by SME contractors. Such barriers are divided into six categories. These are cost, time, people, technology, market and law. The literature review is two separate topics of sustainable construction and construction SMEs. Both topics provide the author with in depth knowledge about development and issues concerning sustainable construction, as well as the nature and characteristics of construction SMEs and their approaches to construction innovations. Combining the understanding and knowledge from both perspectives, the author carry out deeper exploration into the barriers faced by the construction SMEs in implementing sustainable construction techniques and practices. The barriers found in the literature are categorized under 6 key barriers of cost, time, people, technology, market and law. These will form main questions in primary research. Sustainable Construction Within the UK construction industry, the concept of sustainable construction has emerged as a result of growing concerns on the environmental and social impacts created by the construction activities. By definition, sustainable construction is (Khalfan, M.M.A, 2002: 15): The creation and responsible management of healthy built environment based on resources efficient and ecological principles. In general, sustainable construction is used to describe the application of sustainable development within the context of the built environment. The discussion and practise around sustainable construction often focus on the efficient processes of construction, use of materials, availability of technology and other technical side, which does not compromise the health of the environment or the associated health of the building occupants, builders, the general public or future generations (Rhydin, Y. Vandergert, P, 2006: 5) The Triple Bottom Line of Sustainable Construction It is important to acknowledge and identify the other aspects of sustainable construction. As a whole, sustainable construction comprises of three broad themes of people, planet and profit often known as the triple bottom line. The objectives of these three themes are (Constructing Excellence, 2004): People To recognise the needs of everyone impacted by construction, from inception of a project to demolition. The list includes construction site workers, local communities, the supply chain and people that will use the finished product. Planet To protect the planet from the impact of emissions and waste matter and where possible, to enhance it and use natural resources, carefully. Profit To increase profitability by making more efficient use of resources including labour, materials, energy and water. (Source: http://www.gcbl.org/economy) Sustainable construction takes account of these objectives in a balanced way at all stages of a construction project. However, within the context of this research, emphasis will be given the environmental aspect of sustainable construction, at production/construction phase. Strategies and Drivers for Sustainable Construction Strategies for sustainable Construction There are many compulsory strategies as well as voluntary. These are aimed to encourage and enforce sustainable construction practices in the construction industry. One of the earliest strategies for changes in the construction industry has started with the publication of Rethinking Construction in July 1998, which is famously known as The Egan Report. This report has criticised the under-achievement of the construction industry and hence, has urged for changes and improvements in delivering construction projects. Following the Egan Report, the UK Government has ten an initiative in promoting sustainable construction through the publication of Building A Better Quality of Life publish by DETR in 2000. Within the publication, the government has suggested the following key themes for action on sustainable construction strategies by the construction industry: Re-use existing building assets. Design for minimum waste. Aim for lean construction. Minimise energy in construction. Minimise energy in use. Do not pollute. Preserve and enhance biodiversity. Conserve water resources. Respect people and local environment. Set targets (i.e. monitor and report, in order to benchmark performance) Later in March 2005, the government has further emphasised its commitment towards sustainable construction through the publication of Sustainable Development Strategy, Securing the Future. As a substitute to the previous strategy, this publication has proposed four key themes for action, as follows: Sustainable communities. Natural resources protection and environmental enhancement. Climate change and energy. Sustainable consumption and production. Drivers for Sustainable Construction In promoting and encouraging the take up of sustainable construction, the UK Government has introduced more tough legislation and economic policies such as Revision to Building Regulation Part L, Landfill Tax, Quarry Tax, Aggregate Levy and Climate Change Levy. It has been acknowledged that legislation is the main driver for change towards sustainable construction. However, there are also other drivers, which play significant roles as well. These other drivers include (Vetter, A et al, 2006; DBA, 2002) Improved technology The new technology and innovation such as Modern Method of Construction and Lean Construction could offer a lot of benefits such as increase speed of construction, costs savings and better delivery of products and services. Requirements from funding bodies Funding bodies are laying more stress on the risks associated with unsustainable development. The risks will affect future profitability and shareholder value. Business advantage In highly competitive field, sustainability is becoming a potent differentiator, capable of providing a vital competitive edge. On-site Practices for Sustainable Construction With regards to the activities on construction site, there are five main practices of environmental sustainable construction that need to be addressed carefully. The construction team must understand and implement these practices throughout the construction phase in order to achieve the objectives and benefits of sustainable construction. These practices are waste management, energy consumption efficiency, water consumption/efficiency, use and procurement of materials, and protection of natural environment (biodiversity/ecosystem). Waste Management In 2001, construction site and demolition waste in Britain was 94 million tonnes (24% of all waste generated). Each year there are around 13 million tonnes of materials that are delivered to site but never used. (Constructing Excellence, 2004: 2). Considering these facts, waste management on-site is extremely important to minimising the waste produced on the construction site. The first step required is to segregate or separate the waste, as it is being produced. The next step is to recycle or reuse the waste or alternatively, the waste can be sent or sold to waste management centre to be recycled ore reused for other applications. At the same time, waste due to materials that arent being used and packaging can be returned to the suppliers through purchasing policy. Waste Segregation An effective way to deal with waste is to separate it at the point it is generated. This eases separation for recycling and is therefore more valuable to the merchants of recycled materials. Waste can be segregated into different skips under categories of plasterboard, plastic, timber, cardboard stones bricks and slates can be recycled for use in construction. Wood materials such as off-cuts can be reused as woodchip for landscaping or in stud walls. Similarly, substances such as debris, rubble and earth can be reused for land reclamation and site formation. Perry (2003) argues that waste segregation helps to make sure that percentage is high of recycled materials and saves money, also provides a greater return. The increased rate of return virtually always offsets the higher costs of training and labour involved in on-site waste segregation. Waste Recycling and Reusing Construction waste can be minimised by avoiding making waste, reusing waste without reprocessing and recycling materials. (WRAP) Waste and Resources Action Programme advises that up to 30% recycling and reusing can be achieved in construction, at no additional cost for some projects. (Kent Design Guide, 2006). Re-used and recycled materials during construction include aggregates, insulation, plasterboards bricks, concrete roof tiles, particleboard blocks and reclaim timber. The most effective recycling opportunity of materials can be derived from the re-use of the existing site infrastructure element where possible. These include materials that are salvaged from existing construction or demolition job such as steel and concrete. Meanwhile, other waste such as timber, cardboard, paper and also green waste can be composed within a recycling area on-site. The compost produced can be used to enhance topsoil suitability for use within the landscaping. Wood chipping mulch produced from timber pallets. Also off-cuts and topsoil can also be re-used when possible within the landscaping to further minimise waste. Purchasing Policy with Suppliers Integration collaboration with suppliers can help to minimise waste through purchasing policy. Unused materials and waste from packaging can be returned to the suppliers to be reused or recycled. The adoption of (JIT) Just-in-Time delivery will also contribute to minimise waste this is because so materials are ordered and delivered to demand. This will avoid waste resulting from unused materials and improper handling/storage. Energy Reduction/Efficiency Energy consumed on construction site is mainly for site services such as the site office and site lightings, use of plain, machineries and equipment also transportation mainly for materials delivery to and from the site. Reduce Energy Consumption for Site Services In order to reduce the energy bills for site services especially for site office and site lighting, more energy efficient approach methods are encouraged. This includes using energy efficient lighting and heating equipments, as well as the monitoring and controlling the energy use according to requirements. Maximise Efficiency of Plant, Equipments and Machineries Plant, equipment and machineries used on-site should be chosen for their high energy efficiency. Through good site management and construction planning, sharing of plant, machineries and equipment among subcontractors and site workers can be achieved. This will help to reduce energy as well as construction costs. Reduce Transportation for Materials Delivery Transportation accounts for 25% of UK CO2 emissions and about 10% of national energy consumption us used in the production and transport of construction products and materials. Two ways of reducing transportation used in construction is through local sourcing for materials with other suppliers and efficient deliveries. Number of materials delivered to site should be reduced by making sure that full vehicle loads are achieved through sharing deliveries. Sourcing materials and labour locally will also help to reduce transportation and bring cost and time savings as well. (Constructing Excellence, 2004). At the same time, reusing demolition waste and materials can help to reduce transportation and hence reduce costs and pollution. Water Conservation/minimisation Use of water on-site can be reduced through application of water conservation techniques and Dry Construction methods. Water Conservation According to Kibert (2005), techniques such as the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures, water recycling, rain water harvesting and potable water can help to minimise the use of water. Water used for workers hygiene and sanitary can also be reduced efficiently through systems such as cistern misers which is boiler collecting water and water board Hippo for urinal flushes. These techniques have been used successfully during the construction of Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon. Dry Construction The most effective method for dry construction is to use Modern Method of Construction such as pre-fabricated cladding systems and pre-manufactured units (e.g. bathroom and kitchen pods). Innovative techniques under Lean construction such as using ready mix cement/concrete and dry plaster linings can also contribute to minimising water used on-site. Use and Procurement of Construction Materials and Components Materials in construction make up over half of all resource use by weight. A sustainability issue gaining momentum in construction industry therefore, is the use of reclaimed and recycled materials. Pressures on landfill also mean it is becoming increasingly costly to dispose of excess material acquire in construction.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Discrimination Against Redheads Essay example -- Racial Relations, Ste

Discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice are constant problems in society which are consistent at any age in all cultural and social settings. The results of discriminative behaviour against different children can impair psychological development and result in depression episodes which sometimes lead to suicide (Schoolboy bullied, 2009). Suicide among adolescents is not a new phenomenon, but discrimination based on appearance is definitely a form of catalyst that makes the pressure of growing up higher and unbearable (Konopka, 1983). This research will focus on discrimination against redheads because scientific research has covered other forms of discrimination based on appearance, but discrimination against redheads remains a neglected area in both society (Bellasugar Australia, 2009) and scientific research. The gene mutation responsible for ginger hair was discovered in 1995, but this research did not leave any significant impact and future research based on this discovery was dedicated to exploring other differences in genetic constitution between redheads and people with other hair colour (Johansen, 2005). For example, it is established that red hair is the first phenotype linked to pain tolerance (Knight, 2002). Research by Edwin Liem, Teresa Joiner, Kentaro Tsueda, and Daniel Sessler (2005) proved that redheads are more sensitive to thermal pain than women with dark hair, and the results have confirmed previous studies regarding redhead resistance to anaesthetics. There were several limitations to this study, including possible bias from the investigators and subjective responses from participants, but Liem, Joiner, Tsueda, and Sessler (2005) have reached the desired conclusion because they did not consider these limita... ...lops during childhood, the inability to reverse it will most likely result in retaining the prejudice during adulthood. Because no research has been made regarding hair colour discrimination, the main aim of this research will be to collect and analyse the data, so future research will be possible. Without providing empirical evidence that discriminations against redheads exist, it is not possible to continue exploring the discrimination effects on psychological development among redheads. Most importantly, prejudice against redheads is the most neglected area of prejudice, and people should be more open about it than about political, racial, religious, and other forms of prejudice, so future research could perhaps provide insight into variables that influence the formation of prejudices which researchers in other forms of appearance-based prejudices have missed.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

The Urban Legend of the Backseat Murderer Essay -- Urban Legends Ghost

The Backseat Murderer A good urban legend is like a good movie. It unfolds perfectly and it appeals to the audience’s hopes, fears, and anxieties. The urban legend I am about to describe was told by a first year female biology major at the University. She is of Indian descent and both her parents work in the biotechnology field. I collected this story on a Sunday night in the dorm. The fact that it was nighttime helped create the proper mood for the story. It was told in a dimly lit dorm room. The story was told with an eerie tone of voice, with emphasis and excitement during certain parts. The final part of the story was told in a mysterious fashion, which helped with the delivery of the ending. I heard this story a while ago from a friend. It starts out with a woman who is driving late at night in the middle of nowhere, trying to get home from a long road trip. She is exhausted and is having trouble staying awake and paying attention to the road. Next, the â€Å"low gas† light on her car comes on and the car needs gas. The woman doesn’t know where the nearest town or gas station is, but she keeps driving. Eventually she comes upon an old rundown gas station. She doesn’t want to stop there since it’s so quiet and she feels unsafe, but the car needs gas so she decides to pull in. An attendant walks out to help fill her car up with gas. He is very shady looking and creeps her out. She did not like the whole situation at all and felt very uncomfortable. As soon as he is done filling her car with gas, she pays him. Next, the attendant tells her he needs to talk to her inside. She refuses, but he keeps on insisting that it is very important. When she r efuses again, he grabs her arm in an attempt to get her to come inside, but the wo... ...er. She is unwilling to obey his requests. This shows society’s view of strangers and how they should not be trusted. However, the fact that she did not trust the stranger led to her ultimate demise. The overt moral of this story is don’t be quick in judging someone that you don’t know, they may be trying to help you. Works Cited Brunvand, Jan Harold. Too Good To Be True. New York: W. W. Norton, 1999. (pp. 97-100). Joyce, Darrel A. â€Å"Modern Folklore: Cybermythology in Western Culture†. The AnthroGlove Journal. http://www.anthroglobe.ca/docs/cybermythology.htm Mikkelsen, Barbara. â€Å"The Killer in the Backseat†. Urban Legends Reference Pages. http://www.snopes.com/horrors/madmen/backseat.htm Smith, Paul. The Book of Nasty Legends. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1983. (pp. 95-96). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. http://www.wikipedia.org.

Problems We Face in Our Daily Lives

E & B Hassan Anjum Problem 1 Inconvenience of getting ready in the morning Background: This is a problem that every person faces, be it a kid getting ready for school or an adult going to office. Why do people complain about it? Obviously the reason is pretty simple. It is time consuming. People want a solution that helps them to cut this time. Solutions tried (TIPS): There isn’t any such specific product which helps people to tackle this problem. But we do have some tips regarding this situation on the internet http://www. wikihow. com/Get-Ready-in-the-Morning ttp://parentables. howstuffworks. com/family-matters/3-free-get-ready-school-printables-make-your-mornings-easier. html (This isn’t relevant to the topic but is an interesting idea for kids to learn getting ready themselves in the morning. ) http://www. wikihow. com/Get-Ready-for-School-%28for-Girls%29 Possible solution (Product) : It is a wild idea but I really fancy the idea of some iron man machine look alike which has all the tools and equipment ( Eg Robotics controlling hairbrush , tooth brush etc) for getting ready in the morning.Morever, we have an input device ( probably an augmented reality screen which helps us to decide what clothes to wear). And all these processes involved in getting ready are controlled by robotics. All we have to do is choose what clothes to wear and enter the machine. All the functions are performed simultaneously. Morever this machine would have the capabilities to give one a bath. So the 2nd problem of bathing could be integrated as well. Just a wild idea . I know it sounds a bit complicated but still a possibility.Problem 2 Sound Pollution Background: Sound or noise pollution is another common problem that one faces in his daily life. It can be caused in many forms. Be it some construction work going on in the community, the roaring of vehicle engines in the morning, highway noise or probably some late night party going on in the neighbourhood. Noise poll ution has become a serious concern due to its adverse effects. Solutions that already exist: http://www. youtube. com/watch? =-jevPIJmABA&feature=related This vid shows us the different materials to sound proof a room. Pretty common thing And as Janet and Josh have mentioned already http://www. audimutesoundproofing. com/ Something portable but too big to carry around. Possible solutions : Sound proof remote (Press a button and it sound proofs the room) P. S , Yes this idea has been discussed and mentioned before. Other solutions such as sound proof walls, ear muffs are too mainstream. And SORRY for the delay !!