Ontology

The Ontological argument would be that by the use of reason and intuition, if man can think of or conceive God, then God must exist. The Teleological argument would be that there is agreed upon evidence that everything in nature has a purpose or reason for being. This being true, then God has to exist by reason that God created all of this and gave it purpose. The Cosmological argument would be that everything is created with for a reason and the God gave everything that reason. I think Cosmological and Teleological arguments are similar in this way of thinking. The philosopher I believe made the strongest impact on me would be Leibniz and the Cosmological argument. Our lives and existence on this planet our so complicated, yet everything seems to fit together and serve a purpose. I know that things happen in the world and we wonder what purpose did that serve, why did that have to happen. In the end, if we really look at the event objectively and without emotion, we can find the reason. I think of just one thing, the human body, and I have to marvel in its design. How could someone come up with the idea and design which allows our bodies to function? We are, in essence a perpetual motion machine. Our systems are more complicated then any other piece of machinery out there and even with all of our advancements in computers, not one can compete with the human brain. They are amazing, yet they are only as smart as the person who programmed it. Yes, some of them are able to learn but this is only because the programmer has taught them to do so. This is just one aspect of life. You do not have to believe in God per say, but you can not go outside and look around you and not believe that there has to be something out there.

Computerised Environmental Control and Plant Management Systems

For the new modern state of the art green houses there is the ability to run a computerised plant control system which controls the heat and ventilation of the greenhouse. It is likely that there will be different requirements for the system through the year. Alteration on the computer programme will allow the greenhouse environment to be adjusted which will help the growth of certain plants. Building a state of the art greenhouse with a computerised environmental control system will enable Progress Plants to create the best possible conditions for the plants. There is an array of climate condition which the Ventilation control creates. Moreover a computerised environmental control system helps towards greater savings of energy. And additionally help the progress of growth and plant management through a computerised control system. Additionally it will allow them to offer unusual plants at unusual times as they can create a season for the plants which can become an attraction if they bring in foreign plants which otherwise cannot be grown in the UK. The staff in the nursery as well as the head gardener will have more time on their hands as the Computerised environmental control system will water and add nutrients to the plants and create a perfect environment for the growth of the plants, as well as the fact staff won’t be needed to do regular checks on the plants so this means hours of staff can be cut down which leads to lower salary rates or some staff maybe made redundant or they could be given additional jobs within Progress Plants which reduces the number of staff needed and the current staff feel more important due to playing a bigger role within the business which helps productivity. Staff training may be needed to run the computerised plant control system so to save the business time and money they can be trained while the business is installing the system moreover it means that Progress Plants will not have to hire specialist staff which will cost more money and time. These changes will have to be made effectively and looked into as it can cause problems if they do not tackle the issues effectively. Due to using a computerised system to take over human roles there will be fewer mistakes made and there will be no need to motivate it as it is a machine which will constantly run saving the business money and time by giving plants heat and water when necessary. But the computer may break down which means that it will not be able to look after the plants, moreover it will cost a lot of money to fix and repair as well as set up and there will be distractions of moving the plants into a suitable place of storage and can be unhealthy which will be bad for the clients. Overall, the computerised control system for the greenhouses if affectively installed, run and developed will create a huge advantage for Progress Plants. Using this technology will lead to an increase in sales and profit which will benefit Progress Plants. Also the plants will be healthier than normal and increase sales with the benefit of being able to offer an unusual variety of plants. Additionally it will create a bigger marketing opportunity for Progress Plants.

Alaska Airlines 3

It was a critical time for Alaska Airlines, and they never encountered such a challenge and crisis in the company's existence. Flight 261 had crashed killing 88 people on board; while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was reporting that the potential cause of the crash was due to a lack of regular airplane maintenance. Most detrimental to the airline was the media published a letter from 64 Alaska Airlines mechanics. The letter disclosed insider information regarding a base maintenance manager’s inappropriate activities of contradicting federal aviation regulations, leading to dangerous operations.This letter also built more evidence that it was Alaska Airlines’ negligence that resulted in the tragedy. In addition to the maintenance crew, the pilots posted a message on the union’s website complaining about the â€Å"misconduct† of Alaska Airlines. It was apparent that pilots, a integral assets for an airline company, did not trust corporate m anagement. Alaska Airlines had been run for 70 years and had climbed in status during the 1990s, if the company could not promptly and appropriately handle this crisis, its reputation could be destroyed.It was time to test Alaska Airline’s capability of handling crisis management, management system and labor relations. Alaska Airline, a veteran in the industry, would have to deal with the public scrutiny as they sorted through the government investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. In the transportation industry, unions are common which made handling this crisis more difficult. The difficulty is due to every move or conversation the airlines make are out for the public to view and criticize. â€Å"Airing the dirty laundry† of Alaska Airlines was an extremely embarrassing situation .Management could not support the criticisms for fear of completely destroying their reputation. However, those criticizing the company were employees and knew firsthand what was happening. In the end, the company has to acknowledge the mismanagement of corporate management team. This spelled trouble for the airline. However, if everything was handled properly, there were still some possible solutions that would be helpful to the airline. If I were Mr. Hamel, I would communicate with the union panel members immediately.Although there were 64 mechanics participating in the complaint, the decisive power and attitude was in the announcement of the union. If the union sends a clear message to the public to criticize Alaska Airlines, it would lead to unpredictable damage to the future of the company. However, if the union spoke cautiously about the letter, it could help alleviate some of the negative press about the airline. Alaska Airlines should address the union so they understand that this was an individual case and not how the company runs its day to day operations.The airline would want the union to allow them to address the issue with the public and en sure safer operations in the future. If the union works with Alaska Airlines, they will secure a valuable opportunity to win back their reputation, investigate the issue and restructure its management. Hamel would try his hardest to persuade the union that this was a win-win solution for the union and Alaska Airlines. Second, Hamel needs to set up a joint investigate panel with the union leaders to investigate the complaints thoroughly.If the contents of the complaint were true, that manager should be held accountable. Holding managers accountable proves to the employees that the company does not tolerate unethical management practices. This should help the employees gain a little more trust into management, knowing that their voices are heard. Then, based on the issue, the investigation could be extended to a broader range to any areas concerning safety. Hamel again should address the union to get cooperation from them.The union needs to see that the airline is taking responsibilit y for their actions and that will regain some confidence from the union and employees. Considering the power of unions in any industry, it is risky for a company to address sensitive issues without union support. Lastly, Hamel should establish regular communication and develop a problem-solving system that keeps the union in touch with their labor style. It would be in the best interest of the Alaska Airlines to work with union from this point on so any conflicts that may arise are more likely to be worked out privately.In today's society all companies are trying to motivate employees to participate in corporate matters and contribute more opinions and ideas. Labor unions can be viewed positively when they help unite the employees and the corporation. The key is how to cooperate with the union and treat it as a resource to develop the business but not a hindrance to the company. By means of tackling this issue strategically, companies can dramatically unite and motivate their employ ees and finally create a long term win-win situation.

Communication class Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Communication class - Movie Review Example This is very similar to the research conducted in which relationships develop when two individuals have similar interests or see each other on a regular basis. Clearly, the film illustrates that these two characters had much in common listening to the same music band, going to the same gym and frequenting the same bar. These similarities make building a relationship much easier as the relationship already has building blocks from which it can grow. However, there are several discrepancies in the film for relationship building as shown in the research. The largest discrepancy in the film for relationship development is the same ultimate plot conflict in which Janet was strategically placed in each environment she happened to meet up with Sam. With this happenstance, Sam grew the confidence to begin speaking with Janet repeatedly and eventually ask her on a date, which would last for over one year. However, this type of confidence is rarely found and conflicts with research for divorce es who typically find it difficult to make the first move. Relationship building does occur and is likely when individuals have similar interests, but Sam was not in a position to approach Janet due to his recent divorce. He was only dating women to try to deal with the pain and loneliness he was experiencing, but he legitimately had strong feelings for her from the first moment in the gymnasium.

Schizophrenia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Schizophrenia - Essay Example Hallucinations, which are caused by disturbances of sensory perceptionThe first signs of schizophrenia often, appear as confusing, or even and/or delusions, which are false yet strongly held personal beliefs that result from an inability to separate real from unreal experiences. Less obvious symptoms, such as social isolation or withdrawal, or unusual speech, thinking, or behavior, may precede, be seen along with, or follow the psychotic symptoms. There are a lot of myths about this kind of disorder. Some say that their body is being housed with evil spirits; some say that they are usually dangerous and should not be getting close with. Actually people with this disorder are more likely to be victims and not the criminals. They are usually misjudged and misunderstood. Approximately there is 1 percent of the population will acquire schizophrenia during their lifetime. About 2 million of the Americans are suffering from this kind of disorder in every year. There is an equal frequency effects of this disorder to men and women but the men's symptoms for this disorder appear much early compared to the women (Michigirl, 2005). A news story from Crime and Justice (1998) reported about a case of a boy named Klarquist, who committed crime of 13 offenses. He had a history about this kind of disease was brought to the hospital while young because he clawed his own eye out. He was brought to be treated by psychiatric tests but was being out and lived normally after that incidence. But as he was in his adolescence he clawed his other eye again which made him officially blind. They were able to find a remedy to restore the eyesight of his other eye and therefore can still see. In October 1997, the devastating effects of that illness became clear to Klarquist's family. Driving his car north in the southbound lanes of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Klarquist plowed into five other cars waiting at the stoplight on East Burnside Street. "He went across the intersection aiming his car at the people there," said John Colby, the deputy district attorney assigned to the case. Although no one was very seriously injured, Colby's theory was that Klarquist was trying to commit suicide. Klarquist was charged with 13 offenses, including second-degree assault, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of almost six years in prison. Klarquist pleaded guilty but he used the insanity defense, agreeing to serve 10-year sentence under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board. With this case, Klarquist should be treated to a hospital for such disorder but he was not given a chance. The hospital did not accept Klarquist because his paper works was not properly filled out. While he was waiting for the case and mess to clear out he took out his eyes. It was clear that he was not really given a fair treatment. Thought his papers were not filed out properly with his prior treatment about his disorder, he should still be accepted by the hospital. The hospital who did accept him during his treatment after his trial should be sued. The ethics has gone away by neglecting any patient that has to be treated. It is their duty to help those people and should not just rely on the processing of his papers. With this case, it is very clear that the society is really misunderstanding this kind of people. They don't know about the disorder so they judge too quickly.

Integrative Strategic Plan for Davis Service Group Plc Essay

Integrative Strategic Plan for Davis Service Group Plc - Essay Example The selected location also possesses most of the required features which are favorable to the company’s business operations. The report is intended to analyze the decision of entering the Australian market on the basis of several factors such as the analysis of the market and industry, the economic analysis, and other associated factors. A strategic approach has to be taken towards entering the new market of Australia. Â  The language barrier is one of the critical issues observed in the expansion of the business operations of Davis Service Group. As the company has its base in the UK where the language used for communication is different from that of Australia. Though English is considered as the global language for business communications. Â  The difference in currency and their corresponding values in the international market have also proved to be another major barrier. The currency of UK is pounds while in Australia the common currency used for business transactions is Australian dollars. The difference in their values poses a major impact on the business which could lead to a potential loss of export and import of goods and raw materials. Â  For the company, it is also very crucial to consider the cultural difference between the two nations. There could be a wide difference between the behavioral aspects of UK and Australia. So the company is required to consider the Australian culture prior to entering the Australian market. Priorities have to be given to local differences which could be found within the nation of Australia. The company has to give equal importance to all of those cultures and traditions. Â  Certain legal and administrative differences between the two nations also create a barrier which includes government policies, rules and regulations of the nation which is different from that of UK. Several international norms and standards are maintained to reduce such difference to promote international business operations. Â  

Needs to be changed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Needs to be changed - Essay Example I usually have to hear car horns and even during night time. This has put me and my family in a fix as to what we ought to do in order to have some peace within our lives. In fact, I can go to great heights to make sure that this passageway does not pose as a problem. To understand how this problem can be solved, perhaps there could be signs put up on the passageway because the people must be told to wait for their turn to pass their vehicles without honking too much. They need to be told that people live here in the vicinity and it is their right to breathe easily. Too much honking of car horns and onlookers having a say within the lives of the residents is something that raises quite a few eyebrows. There is a dire need to understand that privacy remains supreme more than anything else, and this is the responsibility of the authorities who have taken charge of the entire area. The passageway is therefore one bone of contention as far as understanding the nuances of the area are concerned. The neighbors also echo the same sentiments because they believe that their privacy is being compromised upon and they can do anything to make sure this does not happen. Once I spoke to an elderly resident who seconded my feelings. He was of the view that the passageway should be turned into a no thoroughfare but then again this did not seem like a possibility. Erecting barriers at the end of the passageway would work too but the authorities would not agree to this as they are of the view that the street is a wide one and commuting along such a street is indeed an easy way out for the vehicles and pedestrians to reach the main highway. However, much thinking needs to be done on the part of the people involved because it will ensure where shortcomings lie and how people need to enact measures to make amends. This will bring a great deal of sanity within the related ranks and allow the residents to live easily without any fear or trouble. In

Who benefits from islamophobia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Who benefits from islamophobia - Essay Example taken part in Germany, in France mosques are being attacked, and legislative measures are continuously being enacted to suppress Muslim rights in the west (Gottschalk & Greenberg, 2008). Similar to 19th century travelers, American Christian Zionist leaders connect Islam categorically with violence. Hagee announces, â€Å"Islam not only condones violence; it commands it. A tree is known by its fruit, and the fruit produced by Islam is fourteen hundred years of violence and bloodshed around the world† (Hagee, 2007). In order to support such an allegation, Hagee remarks that the Qur’an requires the amputation of a hand or foot of someone who resists Islam, saying, â€Å"In America, cutting off someone’s hand or feet because he would not accept your religion is unthinkable – but the Islamic Bible commands it†(Hagee, 2006). The concept underlying the Islam jihad is literally attacking unbelievers for the purpose of converting them to Islam. They do this through persuasion or by force. Mohammed and his successors attacked their surrounding neighbors offensively to spread Islam. These were offensive and defensive wars that forced the affected to submit to Allah or rather face the danger of being crashed. According to Christian Zionist leaders, the offensive violent jihad incites the determination of the Muslims to dominate the world and to force every inhabitant of the globe to follow their religion, Islam (Hagee, 2007). Hagee demonstrate a similar view of the Qur’an that requires Muslim nations to fight any non-Muslim nation regardless of its superiority to advance their cause of dominating the world. The Muslims across the world are devotedly committed to Israel’s obliteration according to Christian Zionist leaders. They do this by claiming that Muhammad dreamed of Islamic world domination, Hagee warning that, â€Å"The first step in fulfilling Muhammad’s dream is the destruction of Israel† (Hagee, 2006). The work published by Samuel Huntington, one of

Washingtons Farewell Address Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Washingtons Farewell Address - Article Example From this study it is clear that Washington said that he was never really qualified to be the president of such a huge nation and everything he had achieved during his tenure was because of the support of the public. Washington's primary focus in his farewell address was on the unity of the states and the people. He stressed that the country would only succeed and survive if all the states of the country remain united. He warned the American Public that the safety and prosperity of the nation would always be threatened by domestic as well as foreign elements and unity is their only weapon against these enemies of the nation.This paper outlines that Washing also emphasized on the negativities of sectionalism and voiced his concerns over the creation of political parties. His warning was particularly targeted at the creation of Jefferson's Democratic - Republican Party. He acknowledges the healthy role political parties can play in promoting democracy but he advises them not to create disunity. These political parties can promote democracy and freedom in a totalitarian environment but that does not always happen. He points out that the creation of too many political parties can promote disunity and hamper the functioning of the government.  A large part of Washington's farewell address is dedicated to the discussion of foreign policies and their impact on the nation.  Washington advised that the foreign policy should be one which promotes 'peace' and harmony.... The Country should always prefer peace over war and fighting on behalf of a friendly nation on an unjust cause would only harm the goodwill of the country and should always be avoided. He is against the formation of permanent foreign political alliances. He argues that permanent alliances especially with the European countries would not be in the best interests of the country. He opines that trade relationships should be promoted without forming political alliances. This would allow the government to remain neutral on the political issues and to have more focus in the internal affairs of the country which would consequently result in prosperity. He shows his support for the newly formed constitutional government. He believes that it is the right of the people to have a say in the functioning of the government but this should only be done through the constitutional amendments. If the American public is against the policies and working of the government, they should turn to constitutio nal amendments rather than rebellion or revolution. This would ensure the proper political and economic functioning of the country. He warns that manipulating the amendments with the intention to overthrow the government could prove detrimental for the country and any constitutional amendment should be made when it is deemed absolutely necessary and after adequate consideration. He also dedicates a small part of his address to talk about religion, education and morality. In his address, he says that moral values play an important role in maintaining justice and public happiness and that morality is interlinked with the religion. And since religion and morality protect and talk about safeguard of live, honour and property, they are important for the public prosperity. He has also

Determining Causes and Effects Essay Example for Free

Determining Causes and Effects Essay The majority of blood donors are middle aged due to advertising not being effective among youth donors. Young prospective first time donors, with their long-term donation potential, are especially attractive targets for blood agencies. Youth are often underrepresented in donor pools, however; persuading them to give blood may require specifically tailored marketing communication. The first cause of not being effective in advertising towards youth is marketing communication. Blood collection agencies often emphasize altruism. Altruism is the philosophical doctrine that right action is that which provides the greatest benefit to others. Specifically, research demonstrates that established donors who have given blood several times report altruism and awareness of the need for blood as their main reasons for giving (Glynn S.A. 417). In other words, a regular blood donor gives because they want to help others in need, and they act altruistically without expectation of reward. Altruistic ads focus on the altruistic message of a blood recipient thanking individuals for giving blood to save his/her life. An appeal to self-interest may be more effective in heightening blood donation intentions among youthful donors. The second cause of advertising not being effective is not appealing to individual self-interest. Collection agencies often use a communal message strategy that you should donate because someone close to you may need it. A communal ad features blood donors asking others to join them to help save lives. This communal approach, often receives less attention from donors because people value incentives. There has been little academic research conducted in blood recruitment to further these recommendations and actually test the effectiveness of specific message types in relation to the established profiles. Another contributing cause is the selectivity model, attributes sex differences in information processing to traditional gender roles. For instance, the male or agentic gender role is characterized by concern for the self (ex., what helps me or is of interest to me?). It is associated with personality traits such as independence and autonomy. Men, who already attend to self-relevant information because of their presumed agentic gender role, should respond even more favorably to a self-benefit message that also  invokes a higher degree of self-referencing (Hupfer, 1004). The communal female role, which encompasses concern for both self and others (ex., what interests or helps both me and others?). The personality traits associated with the female are independent and giving. The female role is typified by sympathy, understanding, and sensitivity to others’ needs. These traditional role distinctions lead to sex differences in response to information that is self-relevant or other relevant (Hupfer, 1004). Gender roles, therefore, should be an important determinant of reaction to blood campaigns. They should indicate that giving blood helps me which is the agentic benefit (Fig 3). Or giving blood helps someone else which is the communal benefit (Fig 4). When an advertising message elicits attention by reflecting on negative outcomes it appears to be more favorable. When advertising message elicits attention by focusing on the positive outcomes it appears to be less favorable. One effect on the economy is when agencies paid people to donate it decreased the blood supply. Economists were skeptical citing a lack of empirical evidence. Since then new data and models have prompted a sea change in how economists think about incentives. Economists have found that offering to pay women for donating blood decreased the number of donators by half. However, letting society contribute the payment to charity reversed the effect. This psychology here has eluded economists, but it was no surprise to business owners. Rewarding blood donations may backfire; because it suggests that donor is less interested on being altruistic than in making a buck. Incentives affect what our actions signal, whether we’re being self-interested or civic-minded, manipulated or trusted, and they can imply wrongly what motivates the U.S. (Bowles) An increase in unemployment may mean people have more time to give blood, but I doubt it would cause an increase in supply. First, many blood donations are arranged by firms who agree to give employers time off work during the day. Secondly, it is possible that if you are unemployed you are likely to be stressed and don’t feel inspired to give blood. Findings indicate that when donors are eligible to benefit from the day-off incentive (i.e., when they are in paid employment) they make, on average, one extra blood donation per year, a substantial effect that represents a 40% inc rease (Lacetera). The decrease in blood supply affects those who have diseases such as sickle cell. There are more than 80,000 people in the U.S. with Sickle Cell, who require blood  transfusions. It also affects those who have cancer because chemotherapy consists of needing blood; sometimes on a daily basis. Also car accident victims can require as much as 100 pints of blood (American Red Cross). So if there are shortages of blood, there are not enough lives being saved. Hospitals haven’t had enough blood supply to care for patients with leukemia. It also affects newborns that are faced with having open heart surgery. Most patients who are hospitalized for serious complications and require transplants suffer because of the lack of blood supply in the U.S. In conclusion, collection agencies should consider appealing to young non-donors by suggesting that they give blood to make it available for themselves. Those who are capable of donating should do so with no questions asked. You never know when you will have a life-threatening event in which you need a blood transfusion to save your life. Researchers should continue to find theories on advertising to appeal to self-interest so that the blood supply in the U.S. will increase; however, the best approach in advertising is appealing to people’s emotion. If everyone would come together as one as they do in elections for blood drives the outcome would be greater. Fig. 3. Agentic Version of accident scene Fig. 4. Communal version of accident scene. Works Cited American Red Cross (2012). Blood Facts. www. Redcross.org Bowles, Samuel (March 2009). The Magazine; Harvard Business Review Glynn, S.A., Kleinman, (2002). Motivations to donate blood:. Transfusion, 42, 216-225. Hupfer, M.E. (2006). Transfusion 46(6), 996-1005, Visuals, DOI: 10.1111/j.1537- 2995.2006.00834.x Lacetera, Nicola (n.d.), Icentative Research Foundation. Time for Blood Article.

Are Juries the Most Appropriate Way of Deciding Guilt?

Are Juries the Most Appropriate Way of Deciding Guilt? Abigail Louise Lines   From a Psychological Perspective, Are Juries the Most Appropriate Way of Deciding a Persons Guilt? The judicial system within the United Kingdom has a perverse history, with its origins in the church influencing modern systems and the human rights we have within the court today (Brooks, 2004). Before criminal trial juries were an established concept in the United Kingdom, there were three ways in which the degree of a persons innocence was established: a Wager of Law, Trial by Battle and The Ordeals (Brooks, 2004). These tests primarily consisted of physical challenges in which God was believed to be the primary authority to pass judgement and decide a persons guilt; these trials disregarded human rights, often involved physical anguish and frequently resulted in the death of the accused (Brooks, 2004). It was not until 1219 that individuals accused of a crime were allowed to appeal to a jury, however, individuals who refused to appeal through a jury were subjected to Prison Forte et Dure, where the accused were physically and emotionally tried until they consented to this appeal procedure (Berger, 2011). Due to the influence of the church and the belief that God was involved in the decision of guilt, it was rare that jury members in the appeal procedure would have to justify their decisions and have their verdicts questioned (Berger, 2011). During the early 1300s jurors verdicts began to be doubted and those who served on a jury could be challenged as unfit, incompetent or corrupt; this later led to reforms as to who would be allowed to serve on a jury and an emphasis on mandatory guidelines to follow (Smith Wales, 2000). Modern criminal trials consist of 12-16 individuals selected at random from the electoral register to represent their peers; they discuss the factors influencing the case at hand to ultimately determine the level of guilt of the involved and to deliver an appropriate verdict (Smith Wales, 1999). Juror capabilities have been questioned in recent years due to a rising number of [G1]criticisms of competency, variances between the judges and jurys verdict, and the role of inadmissible evidence which is believed to influence jurors decisions (Smith Wales, 1999; Hans, 2008). To understand and assess whether juries are appropriate for deciding an individuals guilt, the current essay will explore psychological evidence and criticisms of the jury. It will critically evaluate factors involved in juror decision making and competency, recognising the role of current systems in place and how these systems may influence the reliability of jurors. Furthermore, it will investigate alternatives to juries, systems used in countries outside of the UK and improvements to be made to the modern jury.[G2][G3][G4][G5][G6] Juror decision making models have been a point of interest for those critiquing the jury system; several empirical studies have created and reviewed models of juror decision making to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of having a jury (Pennington Hastie, 1981). Cognitive models of juror decision making are the more commonly accepted approaches, specifically that of the Story Model (Pennington Hastie, 1992). The Story Model assumes that jurors construct stories when deciding on a verdict; they will piece together known elements of the case, learn the appropriate verdicts for the individual and then make a decision based on the goodness of fit principle (Pennington Hastie, 1992). Although this structure recognises that individuals will use schemas to interpret the case at hand, it relies on this aspect heavily when individuals create the stories (Pennington Hastie, 1992). Due to the level of variance in individuals schemas, this may be a critique of using jurors in civil and cr iminal trials due to the differences in how they interpret events within the case; it makes it increasingly difficult to come to a unanimous decision, especially in complex cases wherein there are multiple aggravating and mitigating factors involved (Devine, Clayton, Dunford, Seying Pryce, 2001). The Story Model also takes into account the jurors previous knowledge of the legal system when applying their story to the verdict; this again uses real world knowledge court cases which may not derive from reliable sources, such as movies and television shows, which in turn may cause them to arrive at a disagreeable or incorrect verdict (Devine, Clayton, Dunford, Seying Pryce, 2001). Few meta-analyses have reviewed models of juror decision making, however, all have arrived at similar conclusions for improvements (Saks Marti, 1997; Devine, Clayton, Dunford, Seying Pryce, 2001). Variables such as knowledge of legal terms, clarification of verdict options, jury personality types, defendant criminal history and the strength of the evidence presented all affect jury decision outcomes[G7] in studies; without systematically controlling for these factors in studies, it is difficult to firmly accept the level at which jurors are a reliable means of assessing an individuals guilt (Devine, Clayton, Dunford, Seying Pryce, 2001). It is, however, possible to understand improvements to be made to the current jury system from the meta-analyses on decision making models; Saks and Marti (1997) explained that jurors express difficulty in understanding and applying instructions given by the judge. This thought to be due to the specific language used in legal settings, which indiv iduals without training may find difficult to understand; it has been suggested that instructions given by judges should be mediated for language which may confuse jurors and be re-written to allow for clarification (Saks Marti 1997; Hans, 2008). [G8][G9] Juror competency is currently monitored within the United Kingdom, through a comparison of verdicts, analysis of verdict patterns, a series of interviews or questionnaires and also through the use of mock jury studies (Hans, 2008). As previously mentioned, there are concerns that jurors may find it difficult within a court setting to understand the specific legal terminology used by judges, however, there is also evidence that jurors may express difficulty in understanding statistical and economic evidence; this is of particular concern during complex cases with industry specific language, wherein the jury may not be able to discuss the specific factors regarding the case as they are unable to fully comprehend it (ForsterLee, Horowitz, Bourgeois, 1993). There have been studies which disagree with this critique, as findings have shown that Judges and Jurors generally match in their verdicts in cases involving complex language (Eisenberg, Hannaford-Agor, Hans, Mott, Schwab Wells, 200 5). Further studies exploring individual versus group competence wield reassuring results for those in favour of the judicial system; one study exploring theorems of group confidence found that regardless of the overall individual competence, jury members in a larger group are less likely to make mistakes due to being able to deliberate on ideas (Grofman, Owen Feld, 1983). Along with larger group sizes increasing juror competence, several studies have found that note taking and engagement is the ideal way in which juror competence is enhanced; jurors that weigh in, take notes and assume an active role in deliberating the final verdict have been shown to have a higher level of engagement with the case, which leads to a higher level of competence (Heuer Penrod, 1994; Forsterlee Horowitz, 1997). Until 1967, the British court required juries to reach a unanimous verdict; modern UK courts judges will now accept a majority vote, however, in some states in the USA the unanimity rule is still applied (Sunstein, 2014). It is believed that forcing juries to reach unanimous verdicts decreases the chance that an innocent individual is convicted, and the guilty being acquitted, yet research argues that these errors may actually increase if individuals are forced to reach unanimity (Feddersen Pesendorfer, 1998). This is believed to be due to jurors attempting to apply strategic behaviour to their decision making while disregarding their intuition (Feddersen Pesendorfer, 1998). [G10] Further criticisms of the unanimity rule consider that forcing unanimous verdicts increases the time and costs of court trials, and also increases the chance of a retrial taking place (Neilson Winter, 2005; McCormick, 2012). While this supports the use of juries for deciding a persons guilt, there is conflicting research which suggests that allowing for a majority verdict may cause uncertainty in the final outcome; several studies have found that those forced to make unanimous decisions found greater satisfaction and confidence in their decisions, as they felt as though they had discussed evidence more thoroughly and delayed their voting (Diamond, Rose Murphy, 2012; Sunstein, 2014). Furthermore, OConnor (2003) argued that not having unanimity decreases confidence and reliability within the group if one juror disagrees; it is therefore contended that forcing a unanimous decision increases the principle that there is proof beyond reasonable doubt that the individual is guilty. [G11] The role of inadmissible evidence is also a concern within court cases within the United Kingdom due to the increased exposure of online materials which may sway jurors verdicts; inadmissible evidence not only includes pre-trial exposure, but also statements and information revealed in court (Lieberman Arndt, 2000). Certain safeguards are currently in place to ensure that inadmissible evidence does not affect jurors or their verdicts, such as continuance, a reliance on voir dire to remove biased jurors, deliberations, and admonitions (Lieberman Arndt, 2000). It is believed, however, that these precautions have little effect on juror prejudice and in some cases may backfire ([G12]Lieberman Sales, 1997; Lieberman Arndt, 2000; Steblay, Hosch, Culhane McWethy, 2006). This reluctance to ignore inadmissible evidence may be explained by several psychological theories such as Belief Perseverance, Hindsight Bias and Reactance Theory (Lieberman Arndt, 2000). Reactance Theory is the more commonly accepted theory behind this effect as it explains why there is a reluctance with certain forms of evidence; it occurs when individuals feel that their freedom is limited and therefore attempt to re-establish this autonomy and gain control (Torrance Brehm, 1968; Lieberman Arndt, 2000). Empirical research has been found to highlight the negative consequences of inadmissible evidence on jurors; jurors have been found to issue more guilty verdicts when strong inadmissible evidence is given, and the strength of this evidence also has the ability to influence the overall confidence in their verdict (Sue, Smith, Caldwell, 1973). Furthermore, one study conducted by Thompson, Fong and Rosenhan (1981) found that when given pro-acquittal inadmissible evidence, jurors are less likely to convict the defendant; this study also revealed that jurors were able to recognise that their decisions have been influenced by inadmissible evidence. This may be detrimental to the belief that juries are the most appropriate method of deciding an individuals guilt as it demonstrates the reluctance to follow instructions from members of authority; it further establishes that although jurors recognise that they are being influenced by inadmissible evidence, they will do little in terms of reco nsidering their final verdicts. In light of this research, several psychologists have recommended ways to lessen the impact of inadmissible evidence. One meta-analysis covering 48 studies and 8,474 participants has found that while judicial instructions do not lessen the influence of inadmissible evidence, if a rationale is given for disregarding the evidence, such as it having a negative effect on family members of those implicated, the overall influence of it is reduced (Steblay, Hosch, Culhane McWethy, 2006). Further recommendations include jurors repeatedly sworn in before deliberation begins; this allows for an emphasis on the importance of disregarding inadmissible evidence and motivation to follow the law (Lieberman Sales, 1997; Lieberman Arndt, 2000). Research regarding juror decision making has been applied to many stages in legal processes, with courts obtaining information frequently from social scientists to assist in legal battles; psychologists are commonly requested in court as expert witnesses, in cases such as eyewitness testimonies, to educate the jurors and ensure they competent when deliberating on the trial (Kassin, Ellsworth Smith, 1989; Pennington Hastie, 1990). Although the role of [G13]an expert witness calls for those of sound scientific and technical understanding to assist the jury, there are critics who argue that those who testify as an expert may hold biases; claims that researchers appearing in particularly violent or morally ambiguous cases, such as those involving rape or child molestation, may still hold personal values when issuing a statement, therefore when these personal values appear they may sway the jury in a certain direction (Loftus Monahan, 1980). In this case it is not the jurys responsibil ity to counteract this measure, however, the defence, [G14]prosecution, [G15]and judge must ensure that counterclaims are issued should bias remarks enter the court (Loftus Monahan, 1980). Nevertheless, this remains a criticism of the practicality of using juries when deciding an individuals guilt. [G16][G17] With these criticisms of the modern jury in mind, some researchers have explored alternatives to juries which include specially qualified jurors and the concept of a non-jury tribunal (Norris, 1993). There are currently few specifications when an individual is called to jury service, with exceptions including a history of mental health conditions, reduced English speaking or writing aptitude or those who have served a prison sentence in the last five years; due to the limited criteria, researchers have expressed concern that those presiding over important decisions may not possess the acumen to understand the ramifications of sentencing, therefore, minimal educational qualifications should be imposed (Norris, 1993). Norris (1993) has explained that it would be desirable that those serving on a jury hold specialist qualifications especially in complex cases, for example, a bachelors degree. [G18]Norris (1993) continues by explaining that if minimal educational qualifications are not e nough to ensure the competence of jurors, then expert non-jury tribunals may be of use in complex, industry-specific cases.   [G19][G20][G21][G22] Although juror incompetence is a concern, both of these suggestions appeal for educated jurors to be called more frequently into jury service, especially for more convoluted cases; criticisms of these improvements include the criterion in which we define a complex case, that jurors may no longer be considered peers but superiors, and that some industries are already limited in their personnel, therefore, frequently calling them to jury service may negatively affect their area of work (Hersch, 2003). Henkel (1976) explains that alternatives and improvements should be made, however, until these concerns are resolved smaller changes should be made to ensure the competence of jurors. There are several alternatives to juries which are currently used within other countries, such as the use of religious law which utilises divine doctrines to pass judgement, or a mixed system of civil and religious law which recognises cultural and lawful judgements, and full tribunals without the use of juries (Frase, 1990). Due to the mix of cultures in the United Kingdom, the reintroduction of religious law would not be advisable to improve the current judicial system. France officially abolished trial by jury in 1941 and now uses six lay judges, and three professional judges to preside over cases; in this system there are separate tribunals for how serious the offence is and the type of offence involved (Frase, 1990). While we may look to this structure to improve our own judicial system, one concern would be that they would not represent those from the community on trial, as they are more likely to come from a primarily middle class and legal background (Frase, 1990). To conclude, the criticisms offered in the current essay explain that the current judicial system is not without flaw. The structure currently used within the United Kingdom could make several improvements to increase the degree to which jurors make an appropriate decision, such as specialists which assist jurors in understanding the language used within the court system, the encouragement of note taking and taking an active role in deliberation, further precautions taken to lessen the impact of inadmissible evidence, and safeguards in place to ensure that prejudices from expert witnesses do not influence jurors in their verdicts. It is advised that policy makers take these issues into account when discussing the current regulations in place. Before we are able to implement improvements and look to other systems for advice, we must appreciate that the current judicial structure has been in the United Kingdom, and influenced other countries systems such as the United States, for a num ber of years. Although the current essay establishes that juries may not be the more appropriate method for deciding a persons guilt, until realistic alternatives are established and tested, juries will remain to be the only viable option within the United Kingdom.[G23] References Berger, B. (2011). Judges, Juries, and the History of Criminal Appeals. Law And History Review, 29(01), 297-302. doi: 10.1017/s073824801000129x. Devine, D., Clayton, L., Dunford, B., Seying, R., Pryce, J. (2001). Jury decision making: 45 years of empirical research on deliberating groups. Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 7(3), 622-727. doi: 10.1037//1076-8971.7.3.622. Diamond, S., Murphy, B., Rose, M. (2012). The Kettleful of Law in Real Jury Deliberations: Successes and Failures. SSRN Electronic Journal, 106(4), 1537. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.1641552. Eisenberg, T., Hannaford-Agor, P., Hans, V., Waters, N., Munsterman, G., Schwab, S., Wells, M. (2005). Judge-Jury Agreement in Criminal Cases: A Partial Replication of Kalven and Zeisels The American Jury. Journal Of Empirical Legal Studies, 2(1), 171-207. doi: 10.1111/j.1740-1461.2005.00035.x. Feddersen, T. Pesendorfer, W. (1998). Convicting the Innocent: The Inferiority of Unanimous Jury Verdicts under Strategic Voting. American Political Science Review, 92(01), 23-35. doi: 10.2307/2585926. Forsterlee, L. Horowitz, I. (1997). Enhancing Juror Competence in a Complex Trial. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 11(4), 305-319. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1099-0720(199708)11:43.0.co;2-j. ForsterLee, L., Horowitz, I., Bourgeois, M. (1993). Juror Competence In Civil Trials: Effects Of Pre-instruction And Evidence Technicality. Journal Of Applied Psychology, 78(1), 14-21. doi: 10.1037//0021-9010.78.1.14. Frase, R. (1990). Comparative Criminal Justice as a Guide to American Law Reform: How Do the French Do It, How Can We Find out, and Why Should We Care? California Law Review, 78(3), 539. doi: 10.2307/3480841. Grofman, B., Owen, G., Feld, S. (1983). Thirteen Theorems In Search Of The Truth. Theory And Decision, 15(3), 261-278. Doi: 10.1007/bf00125672. Hans, V. (2008). Jury Systems Around the World. Annual Review Of Law And Social Science, 4(1), 275-297. doi: 10.1146/annurev.lawsocsci.4.110707.172319. Henkel, J. (1976). The Civil Jury-Modification Or Abolition. American Business Law Journal, 14(1), 97-109. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-1714.1976.tb00442.x. Hersch, J. (2003). Jury Demands and Trials. SSRN Electronic Journal, 447. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.487781. Heuer, L. Penrod, S. (1994). Juror Notetaking And Question Asking During Trials: A National Field Experiment. Law And Human Behavior, 18(2), 121-150. doi: 10.1007/bf01499012. Kassin, S., Ellsworth, P., Smith, V. (1989). The General Acceptance Of Psychological Research On Eyewitness Testimony: A Survey Of The Experts. American Psychologist, 44(8), 1089-1098. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.44.8.1089. Lieberman, J. Arndt, J. (2000). Understanding The Limits Of Limiting Instructions: Social Psychological Explanations For The Failures Of Instructions To Disregard Pretrial Publicity And Other Inadmissible Evidence. Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 6(3), 677-711. doi: 10.1037//1076-8971.6.3.677. Lieberman, J. Sales, B. (1997). What Social Science Teaches Us About The Jury Instruction Process? Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 3(4), 589-644. doi: 10.1037//1076-8971.3.4.589. Loftus, E. Monahan, J. (1980). Trial By Data: Psychological Research As Legal Evidence. American Psychologist, 35(3), 270-283. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.35.3.270. McCormick, R. (2012). The Unanimous State. The Journal Of The Rutgers University Libraries, 23(1). doi: 10.14713/jrul.v23i1.1384. Neilson, W. Winter, H. (2005). The Elimination of Hung Juries: Retrials and Nonunanimous Verdicts. International Review Of Law And Economics, 25(1), 1-19. doi: 10.1016/j.irle.2005.05.004. Norris, W. (1993). Relevant Conduct: Sentencing Hearings as a Substitute for Jury Trials. Federal Sentencing Reporter, 5(4), 193-194. doi: 10.2307/20639552. OConnor, S. (2003). William Howard Taft and the Importance of Unanimity. Journal Of Supreme Court History, 28(2), 157-164. doi: 10.1111/1540-5818.00061. Pennington, N. Hastie, R. (1981). Juror Decision-Making Models: The Generalization Gap. Psychological Bulletin, 89(2), 246-287. doi: 10.1037//0033-2909.89.2.246. Pennington, N. Hastie, R. (1990). Practical Implications of Psychological Research on Juror and Jury Decision Making. Personality And Social Psychology Bulletin, 16(1), 90-105. doi: 10.1177/0146167290161007. Pennington, N. Hastie, R. (1992). Explaining the evidence: Tests of the Story Model for juror decision making. Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology, 62(2), 189-206. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.62.2.189. Saks, M. Marti, M. (1997). A Meta-Analysis Of The Effects Of Jury Size. Law And Human Behavior, 21(5), 451-467. doi: 10.1023/a:1024819605652. Salerno, J. Diamond, S. (2010). The Promise Of A Cognitive Perspective On Jury Deliberation. Psychonomic Bulletin Review, 17(2), 174-179. doi: 10.3758/pbr.17.2.174. Smith, G. Wales, C. (1999). The Theory and Practice of Citizens Juries. Policy Politics, 27(3), 295-308. doi: 10.1332/030557399782453118. Smith, G. Wales, C. (2000). Citizens Juries and Deliberative Democracy. Political Studies, 48(1), 51-65. doi: 10.1111/1467-9248.00250. Steblay, N., Hosch, H., Culhane, S., McWethy, A. (2006). The Impact on Juror Verdicts of Judicial Instruction to Disregard Inadmissible Evidence: A Meta-Analysis. Law And Human Behavior, 30(4), 469-492. doi: 10.1007/s10979-006-9039-7. Sue, S., Smith, R., Caldwell, C. (1973). Effects of Inadmissible Evidence on the Decisions of Simulated Jurors: A Moral Dilemma. Journal Of Applied Social Psychology, 3(4), 345-353. doi: /10.1111/j.1559-1816.1973.tb02401.x. Sunstein, C. (2014). Unanimity and Disagreement on the Supreme Court. SSRN Electronic Journal, 100, 769. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.2466057. Thompson, W., Fong, G., Rosenhan, D. (1981). Inadmissible Evidence And Juror Verdicts. Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology, 40(3), 453-463. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.40.3.453. Torrance, E. Brehm, J. (1968). A Theory of Psychological Reactance. The American Journal Of Psychology, 81(1), 133. doi: 10.2307/1420824. 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Music Essays | Traditional Irish Ireland

Music Essays | Traditional Irish Ireland Traditional Irish Ireland Before discussing the contexts behind the development of traditional Irish music and the resulting label, it is important to define what is actually meant by the label â€Å"traditional†. Naturally, as with most art forms the definition differs between performers/singers/writers. The prime factor though is typically having some note of age. As with much music labelled â€Å"traditional†, Irish music has much history behind it and the music we recognise today under this category takes its roots from a much older form of music. Many references to Irish/Celtic music have even been labelled as â€Å"ancient†. Again these terms alone would require an essay in themselves to define what the understanding of them is. As a historians definition of â€Å"ancient history† is a time before written records and communication it is almost impossible to determine how old certain cultures and their musical backgrounds are. Irish music could definitely fall into this discus sion although many would argue this to be even too old to be traditional and that the real traditional music of Ireland is the music of the harpists. A tradition that has all but died out in much of what we class as traditional Irish music today. In retrospective, the music which ran along side this music is equally as â€Å"traditional†. This is music which was played amongst the general community in Ireland, music which was played in houses and pubs. These were the places where many people could gather to play â€Å"amateur† music on instruments such as Fiddles, Pipes, Flutes and whistles, which at the time did not have the higher status of Harp players who in general played for the higher class of society. This is the music which has developed into what most consider as Irish traditional music today. In many respects, they are not wrong although it has been altered and developed in a way, which appeals to more people and could also be described as Irish â€Å"popular† music, yet another term that creates much discussion as to its true meanings. ‘Riverdance’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’ are prime examples of this. Although many would go as far as to say that they have no resemblance of Irish traditional music at all, this is the music that has become known as traditional and Irish. The story behind Riverdance especially, does bare some resemblance to life in Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries. It revolves around the everyday life of Irish people and communities, and even the music does have strong connections to the music played at the time, although has been produced to appeal to a wider range of listeners and in particular, viewers. This leads me onto the History behind the music, and its impact on how the music developed to what is recognised today. The traditional music of Ireland dates back to medieval Europe. In early medieval period Ireland, was not a unified country but instead, broken into four families who shared equal rule of the country. This was also the cases in many countries of Medieval Europe. The people of Ireland were descended from many other cultures throughout Europe including England, Scotland, Wales, Gaelic Europe (France, Germany) and Scandinavia. It would seem though, that the music played today which we label as traditional emerged in the 1700’s. The 1700’s were a turbulent time for the Irish. This was the period when the old Gaelic aristocracy, who were for centuries the patrons of the poets and musicians of Ireland, were dispossessed of their influence and estates. The failure of the two Jacobite uprisings in Scotland marked the beginning of a period of intense persecution of Gaelic Scotland. It was at this time that the cultures of Gaelic Scotland and Gaelic Ireland were split apart, and henceforth regarded as separate entities. Up to this time, they had been considered to be a single culture. It could be argued that traditional Irish music is related to music found elsewhere in Europe. A lot of Irish musicians would agree that today there certainly is a relationship with the music of Scotland and the north of England. This indicates that such relationships may have existed earlier in history and possibly throughout the 1700’s. This makes it feasible to look to other countries in Europe for an idea on what was happening at the time. Equally, there is the argument that the Gaels had their own indigenously derived music, which was unique and not connected to what was going on anywhere else in Europe. Both points, I suspect are a little extreme and that the actual answer lies somewhere in between the two. One event separates us from having little or no knowledge whatsoever. In 1792 Edward Bunting, was hired to transcribe the music of a number of harpers who appeared at a festival in Belfast. This festival had been sponsored by an early example of what we now call the antiquarian movement. These were people who believed that Gaelic culture was being destroyed, and wanted to save it before it may be too late. One of the harpers who turned up in Belfast was Denis Hempson. He, as far as we know was the last living traditional Gaelic harpist, playing with fingernails on a wire-strung harp. All the other harpers, although their tunes were Irish, played gut-strung harps that were the same as those elsewhere in Europe, and their playing styles similarly were based on European styles. So its to the amazing determination of Hempson and the dedication of Bunting that we owe a large part of our knowledge about pre-1700s music in Ireland. However, we have to remember that this was all filtered through, first Hempson, and then, Bunting, who couldnt play the harp. Dance, of course now forms a large portion of what has become known as Irish traditional music. In Irish music, we wind up with a few traditional dance metres. The Hornpipe, the Jig and the Reel. Of course, these are widely considered to be the â€Å"big three† in terms of Irish traditional music. Others did and still do exist, as we know, the music from Ireland takes it’s roots from many other cultures in Europe, there is no exception with the forms of dance. Lets take reels first as they may be easiest to deal with. The typical statement is that The reel came to Ireland in the 1700-1800s from Scotland. This is based on the known fact that early Irish publications do not show very many reels compared to jigs and we also know that thanks to the co-existence of the Scottish patronage system and affordable publishing costs; there was an explosion of reel composition going on in Scotland at this time. Look at the current Irish reel repertoire and you will find it shot through with Scottish compositions. Personally I accept that the reel in Irish music owes an enduring debt to the Scottish tradition. The jig appears to have had a greater popularity in Ireland before the reel (which is very different to saying it is older than the reel). OFarrells 1804 collection (obviously derived on a repertoire from at least the late 1700s) features a good number of jigs, many of which are still actively played today. There are arguments for placing the slip jig as an older form. The Single Jig and Slide are timing emphasis variants of the double jig, and there is some evidence to show that they may have derived from the latter and thus be more recent. As for the double jig and its emergence in its modern form, this argument was carried out in a printed exchange between Breandà ¡n Breathnach and Declan Townsend in the early 1970s. The latter maintained that the rhythm derived from Carolans compositions of Gigas, the form of which he learned from the Italian composer Correlli. Townsend cited supporting evidence on the jig performance of Donegal fiddlers, which few today would support. The forme r, writing in the article Tà ºs an Poirt in Éireann (the origin of the jig in Ireland; appearing in Irish Folk Music Studies, Vol. 1) contests this and suggests amongst other things they may be based on older tunes such as clan marches which have had their speed altered slightly. In an English language summary, Breandan writes: The jig most probably came to Ireland from England, perhaps as early as the 16th Century. Native marches were adapted for dancing, some tunes borrowed from England and a start made on composing those tunes which constituted the greatest single division of the dance music until reels began to catch up on them in the second half of the last century. Certainly, I have discovered, by playing and listening to much â€Å"traditional† music from Ireland that I have found myself knowing the tune either in a different time signature, speed or a slightly altered form. Even to the extent of knowing words to the tune, which almost certainly are not Irish. Whether or not they were composed in England, Ireland or Scotland first, we do not know and I would not like to put forward a theory as to which it could possibly be. The hornpipes have been argued as a more recent arrival with some indications of England as a source. More recently it is being argued that this rhythm in particular has been popularly spread through publications with a respectable amount of evidence in the tradition to support this. The notion of the performance timing of the hornpipe-the question of dotted or un-dotted playing appears to be entirely a local matter based on the local dance tradition requirements. Its slower speed gives the player much more time to attempt more technically challenging performances of this type piece, thus the bunches of triplets and the difficult (flat) keys. As such hornpipes were sometimes played away from the dancing environment as a show of virtuosity. In an effort to establish virtuosity note reading players (usually the more formally trained and adapted to classical based techniques) were anxious to purchase books and learn new virtuoso hornpipes. Examples of this are the popularity of James Hi ll (a Lowland Scot who came to settle in Newcastle in the north of England), who certainly had a big impact on Irish fiddle playing up to today. As with all cultures, political and social changes within a community and in Ireland’s case, a whole country have a knock-on effect to all aspects of their traditions. In Ireland in the seventeenth century the pattern of society was changing drastically. The old patrons of poetry and music were exiled or reduced in power and wealth. The poorer Gaelic-speaking people had less to lose from the disruption of the older Irish society. They allied themselves to and intermarried with the English and Scottish settlers and formed the beginnings of a middle class, prosperous enough but lacking the cohesive traditions, grandeur and of pre-Cromwellian Ireland. We cannot be sure how much of the old truly Irish musical tradition survived the seventeenth century. Just as elaborate syllabic court poetry disappeared and simpler verse was composed, so it seems likely that much of the intricate high art of the earlier Irish harpers was lost. We know more about the Irish harpers of the eighteenth century than about any earlier players and it is obvious that their instruments, technique and musical style were subject to many non-Irish influences. Their repertoire consi sted mainly of tunes of Irish association, simply but movingly played on harps which retained enough of the tonal charm of the older Irish harp to have still a special character and quality. Judging from material published first in the eighteenth century, some of the tunes were probably very ancient, perhaps drawn from the old aristocratic repertory and from popular usage. A few were of Scottish, English or Italian derivation. But it is probable that the style of some of what we now consider traditional Irish music evolved in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries as a hybrid of largely unrecorded indigenous music and imported foreign styles. This phenomenon has been common enough in other art forms throughout Irish history. In conclusion it is apparent that much of what we know as Irish traditional music today actually still bares a strong resemblance to the music of the 17th, 18th and 19th century’s. Yes, there are also many features of that music which have been altered or all but died out in many parts but the fact that we know of them and recognise them as being the traditional music of Ireland at the time surely makes them the traditional music we recognise today. Its popularity today takes accreditation from the fact that it has been so widely spread throughout the world. The Napoleonic wars saw much of the Irish population join the British army fighting against the French in the latter 18th and early 19th century’s. This of course leads to the distribution of at least some of the music of Ireland throughout Napoleonic Spain, Portugal and France and of course much of Europe. Similarly, the spread of this music to America has had great influence on what we enjoy about Irish music. During the potato famine in Ireland, many upped sticks and left for North America. Now, in the 21st Century, what better way to advertise the popularity of anything, including music, than to have roots in what is one of the world’s superpowers? It is largely down to the commercialisation of the music today that it has reached such a high degree of popularity throughout the world. Of course it would seem that it takes most of its regard and recognition in the British Isles at it naturally holds historical and patriotic qualities, which of course makes anything holding these merits â€Å"popular†. â€Å"Traditional† Irish music is that of the people and communities of Ireland. Whether it is music composed 300 years ago which only exists through word of mouth, or the modern takes on this music introducing the popular world of rock and pop and merging the two di sciplines with each other. It is music which is played, written or sung to evoke a response about the country, however controversial it may sometimes be.

Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown †The Theme :: Young Goodman Brown YGB

â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† – the Theme  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   Clarice Swisher in â€Å"Nathaniel Hawthorne: a Biography† states: †When Hawthorne called his stories ‘romances,’ he meant that they belong within the romantic movement that . . . . emphasize imagination and personal freedom† (18). It is the purpose of this essay to interpret the theme of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† and determine where this â€Å"personal freedom† leads.    Edmund Fuller and B. Jo Kinnick in â€Å"Stories Derived from New England Living† state: â€Å"’Young Goodman Brown’ uses the background of witchcraft to explore uncertainties of belief that trouble a man’s heart and mind† (31). It is on that one night of the year when witches have their coven in the deepest woods that the young husbandman, Goodman Brown, takes leave of his wife, Faith: â€Å"YOUNG GOODMAN BROWN came forth at sunset, into the street of Salem village, but put his head back, after crossing the threshold, to exchange a parting kiss with his young wife.† The reader receives a premonition of the impending evil intrigue with Faith’s staement of her foreboding, troublesome dreams:    "Dearest heart," whispered she, softly and rather sadly, when her lips were close to his ear, "pr'ythee, put off your journey until sunrise, and sleep in your own bed tonight. A lone woman is troubled with such dreams and such thoughts, that she's afeard of herself, sometimes. Pray, tarry with me this night, dear husband, of all nights in the year!"    Regarding the theme, the clues increase when Goodman, having left his wife, Faith, all alone and melancholy, enters the woods and encounters a sinister type with whom he has previously made an appointment for this particular evening:    As nearly as could be discerned, the second traveller . . . had an indescribable air of one who knew the world, and would not have felt abashed at the governor's dinner-table, or in King William's court, were it possible that his affairs should call him thither. But the only thing about him, that could be fixed upon as remarkable, was his staff, which bore the likeness of a great black snake, so curiously wrought, that it might almost be seen to twist and wriggle itself like a living serpent. This, of course, must have been an ocular deception, assisted by the uncertain light.    The evil nature of this individual is made manifest, and thus evil enters the story in a significant way.

Exploring the Validity of Natural Theology :: Philosophy Essays

Exploring the Validity of Natural Theology The thought processes that underlie Creationism and Evolution are undoubtedly very different. The fundamentalists of the former school of thought adhere to the Biblical tenet that divine creation in six days is responsible for environmental diversity, whereas evolutionists have repeatedly stated that the universe was created billions of years ago and is in a constant state of fluctuation. At first glance, these accounts of life on Earth seem incompatible—the creationists base their beliefs purely on faith and explain their surroundings based on that conclusion, while scientists work in the opposite direction by asking questions first and make systematic observations that have resulted from their propositions (Moore 5-6). Ernst Mayr claims that "the beliefs of creationism are in conflict with the findings of science," but the founders of Natural Theology have managed to unite the principles of Genesis with those of evolution (qtd. in Mayr 4). There are strict purists who claim that it is not viable to combine the two ideologies, but it is possible to incorporate the concept of G-d into scientific fact. Although there are several variations on the concept of Natural Theology, its advocates generally accept evolution. Whereas strict creationists reject the notion that the Earth was formed billions of years ago, natural theists accept the scientific evidence for the age of the Earth with one large discrepancy: organisms could have only originated with the aid of divine intervention. However, it is acknowledged that there is no concrete evidence to substantiate the belief that the Earth was created a mere few thousand years ago, just as there isn't any geological confirmation that a global flood engulfed the entire planet (Science and Creationism). This liberal interpretation of Genesis and cautious acceptance of evolution allows for some flexibility with previously undisputed Biblical notions, such as the idea that the creation of the world was completed within six twenty-four hour periods. Those six days have been construed to signify as a literary device by the author of the Bible, six days separated by long time periods, or as six days from the perspective of an ageless G-d (Commission on Creation). Thus, the essence of Natural Theory is that an omnipotent creator fashioned the physical processes that set evolution in motion and these processes resulted in the creation of life. This theory appears to be logical, except for the notion that some aspects of life are so complex that they completely transcend human understanding and are thereby the work of an Intelligent Designer.

Cognitive Interventions Essay

The only thing that tells everyone apart from everyone else is each person’s genetic make-up. And there is only one exception and that would identical twins, because no two people are the same. This can be said true about the way we all think. There is no one person that thinks the same as the next person. People believe that we are all born innocent and that we are pure in thoughts and in behavior. There are many different factors that can and sometimes do influence how a person is controlled by his/her cognitive ability to think before acting. There are people who do a better than others can. There are people who have certain psychological problems that seek out help from a therapist to get a handle on their problems. One of most popular therapy would be cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The base of this theory is that some of the behaviors are caused by a person’s inner thoughts or by mental inability to deal with problems or events in our lives. In this paper, I will summarize the article â€Å"Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Child Physical Abuse,† that describe Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) and the use of AF-CBT in adolescent anger management. Article Summary Childhood anger can be tiger by many different factors, thoughts or even events during a child early life. A young child is not able to express their feels in a correct way, so they have problems in dealing with their anger. This could also be that they were never taught by his/her parents how to handle their emotions. A good example would be a friend of mine that has a child with some deep rooted problems, When Sam get angry he will not able to express how he feels so he acts out towards anyone that is near him. At Christmas time I brought him a soccer ball that he wanted and when he opened it he just threw it to one side, so he was punishment, sent to his room, when he came out the looks in his eyes just plain scared me. I have seen that look in a person who just committed a murder. Cold and dark look is what this child has. Most children with this type of problems, it could be a result of abuse in the home by one or both parents, and the type of abuse could be physical or sexual. At the time of the abuse the child may feel that they could not fight off the person who is abusing him or they are so scared to tell anyone. When this time of situation has occurred the child is not able to handle so they will out and get into trouble. They may start getting into trouble at school, start handling out with the wrong crowds and getting into serious trouble with the law. The child may become involved with sex, alcohol and drugs, sometimes the child could turn out to be an abuser also. Children will do this to get away from their home life and the pain. If the abuse was discover at an early age, and then the child can be remove from the home and has a better chance to get therapy and could turn out to normal. This way the hate and anger can be redirected to a more positive avenue. It difficult for a child to understand why things happened to them and but to be able to speak to someone that can be able to help them understand that it was no their fault and help them heal their emotional wounds. Unfortunately, the affective of the abuse may follow the person throughout their life in many different forms. It can affect their children and even their partners. They may became have problems like becoming overweight so they will not be attractive to men. They also can be very sexually active. Being in therapy as a child they can be with other children that have been threw the same as the child and could help to release their anger, it could also help them from staying away from trouble and from hanging out with the wrong people. This would help the child to focus more on school and what is important to the child. The cognitive behavior theory is known to help child that are victims of abuse cases whether it is physical or sexual and the parents that are the abusers, that may help them to reestablish a relationship between parents and children. Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  The main usage of the Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is working with children and their families that have suffered sexual or physical abuse; the environment is very hostile, the child may be subject coercion and are aggression when the family is present. AF-CBT is also used for children with behavioral problems such as Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. AF-CBT is right for children who are the ages of 5-15, who exhibit some level of behavioral or emotional dysfunction and for parents or caregivers who may resort to uncomfortable or unsafe levels of physical punishment. The goal of this therapy is to reduce the level of physical abuse risk factors of the caregiver or family and to reduce the consequences of these experiences for the children. The primary focus is behavior management, social skills, training, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving skills, and communications skills for the caregiver’s level of anger and promote nonaggressive discipline strategies, to enhance a child’s coping skills, and encourage problem-solving and communication. There are three stages of AF-CBT process, each of the steps consisting in multiple steps that involve the child and the parent(s) separately and jointly. This type of treatment would be taken place as outpatient or in a setting that ongoing contact with the caregiver and the child. The treatment should take place twice a week for approximately three to six months. Abuse-Focus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in an Adolescent Anger-Management, the important part is to be able know how to control anger. Everyone can control their anger and being angry is a normal part of life. Just like everyone else, adolescent are no exception. The only exception is that adolescent can take their anger to the extreme and their action may not be called normal when angered. There is one way to help the adolescent to control their anger is by cognitive therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can occur in many different ways, the most common is the one-to-one talk with the adolescents. Once the problem is out in the open, the therapist may give the adolescent advice and to show how to control or redirected their anger. It is a success when one discovers the problem using the cognitive behavioral therapy. Now that the adolescent is able to control their anger it more benefit for those who are around the adolescent, it does benefit both parties. With aggressive or violent behavior the AF-CBT will target in three ways in which people can deal with the situations: 1) Cognition (thinking), 2) Affect (feeling), and 3) Behavior (doing). AF-CBT use many different techniques that are used by practitioners, such as behavior and anger management, problem solving, social skills training, and cognitive restructuring. All programs require proper training in different areas, especially with psychological skills so that enhancing interpersonal effectiveness and self-control is maintained. Conclusion The article explains to us how to deal with child and adolescent in dealing with their anger due to physical or sexual abuse to them and to be able overcome their anger and to deal with feelings as well as their families. The primary goal of AF-CBT is to reduce other behavioral problems in children and adolescent when they grow-up.

A Comparison of Third World Journalism and Modern Journalism

Information is a very important factor that contributes to the progressive civilization of the human society. It could be tracked down through history that with the existence of a way of passing information to the masses, it could be noticed that progress has been easily passed on through generations as well. The birth of journalism paved way to a revolution of information overflow in the human society worldwide.As for a fact, history has been written and has been possible for being studied by latter generations because of journalism. Important researches by science have also been passed on to the public through the art of journalism.With these truths, it could then be an interesting topic to discuss on how far journalism has already been developing through the years as it enters the new era of technological advancements. First, it would be much beneficial to know what journalism really pertains to.1.1 What is Journalism?Journalism is among the arts of communication processes that ar e referred to as a means by which the public is being connected with the whole society. Hence, having the connotation that it is a major way of being publicly informed, journalism has also been connected with numerous issues of being true and highly dependable. For this reason, numerous experts have been trying to etch the basic points of consideration when journalism is being discussed.Developmental journalism is also one of the key issues that is discussed by the journalist professionals who would like to make it a point that the said field of communicating to the public is highly reliable for the people in the society.Numerous forms of journalism are used to send important messages to the public. It could either be in form of written, oral, verbal or audio information. Several mediums are also utilized by journalists to be able to convey their message to the public. Such mediums include television, radio, print materials such as newspapers or broadsheets and magazines as well.Wit h the use of the said mediums, the informations that are believed to be essential for public knowledge are served to the intended receivers of the informations. How far have the said mediums been accepted by the public?1.1.1 TelevisionAfter analyzing 102 local TV newscasts from 52 metropolitan areas in the United States for content and presentation, a media-watch group found that only 41.3 percent of the programs contained news. What makes up the rest of the newscast? On an average, 30.4 percent of airtime of local TV news consists of commercials.In fact, some of the stations surveyed devoted more time to commercials than to news. In addition, news airtime is often filled with fluff, states the report summarizing the findings of the study. Under the heading â€Å"Fluff,† the report groups â€Å"the cumulative air-time given to chit-chat between anchors, promotions and previews of upcoming stories, the ‘soft’ or silly news and the items about celebrities.†A sample of some fluff stories: â€Å"Terrible Tenors Contest,† â€Å"Reporter Takes ‘Awesome, Incredible, Astounding’ Ride

Artificial Intelligence paper

The design of the system was the result of a project funded by the Greek Secretariat of Research and Technology . It will operate in the National Center of Immediate Assistance (KEBAB in Greek), which deals with emergency medical incidents by coordinating and routing ambulances to appropriate hospitals and health units as well as offering medical care to patients during their transport to hospitals. Our research unit was mainly responsible for designing the GIS subsystem, which constitutes the primary focus of this paper.The paper is an extended version of one presented at Delegate 2000 (Drinkers, Gorillas, Makers, Presents, Siestas, & Disallows, 2000). An operation with substantial importance for the handling of emergency incidents is the routing of an ambulance to an incident site and from there to the closest appropriate hospital. The optimal routes correspond to minimum required transportation times. Finding such routes may prove to be time-consuming in the case of large cities s uch as Athens with very dense road networks.However, by exploiting recent advances in the field of data structures, the performance of a shortest-path algorithm in terms of the required computational time can be significantly enhanced. The incorporation of the enhanced shortest-path algorithm thin the GIS will lower our system's response time, thus increasing its inability. This paper is organized as follows. Section 2 briefly presents primary aspects of a Gig's facilities in modeling and analyzing spatial networks. In Section 3 the overall integrated system is described. Section 4 deals with the GIS subsystem and describes its key functions.Section 5 briefly explains how the performance of a shortest-path algorithm can be enhanced, while Section 6 demonstrates how to incorporate this enhanced algorithm within a commercial GIS such as Raccoon. Finally, Section 7 summarizes the results of the project. . Modeling and analysis of spatial networks GIS technology integrates common databa se operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps (SERIES Web site; Franklin, 1992; Mueller, 1993). Among other things, a GIS facilitates the modeling of spatial networks (e. . Road networks), Other partners in this project were the University of Piraeus, the National Technical University of Athens, the Aristotle University of Thessalonians and the companies ITCH G. Drinkers et al. / Compute. , Environ. And Urban Systems 25 (2001) 267-278 69 offering algorithms to query and analyze them. Spatial networks are modeled with graphs. In the case of road networks, the graph's arcs correspond to street segments whereas the nodes correspond to street segment intersections. Each arc has a weight associated with it, representing the impedance (cost) of traversing it.In most cases, an arc's impedance is a function of the corresponding street segment's length and traffic volume. A GIS usually provides a number of tools for the analysis of spatial networks. It generally offers tools to find the shortest or minimum impedance route wrought a network and heuristic procedures to find the most efficient route to a series of locations, commonly called the traveling salesman problem. Allocation functions assign portions of the network to a resource supply location and tracing tools provide a means to determine whether one location in a network is connected to another.Distance matrix calculation can be used to calculate distances between sets of origins and destinations whereas location-allocation functions determine site locations and assign demand to sites. Moreover, street addresses can be converted to map coordinates (address coding). Finally, dynamic segmentation operations offer ways of modeling events (e. G. Pavement quality, speed zones) along routes (SERIES Web site). These capabilities of GIS for analyzing spatial networks enable them to be used as decision support systems for the districti ng and routing of vehicles (Grassland, Wynn, & Perkins, 1995; Keenan, 1996, 1998). . The overall integrated system Up till now, Kebab's employees were using paper maps and their own experience in order to achieve the effective routing and districting of ambulances. However, these two functions, which constitute significant areas in the field of decision support yeasts (Eom, Lee, & Kim, 1993), require the integration of a computer-based system with geographic analysis and visualization tools and a telecommunication network. The operation of the integrated system will automate and enhance many of Kebab's services. The system's architecture is depicted in Fig. 1.It is based on the integration of GIS, GASP and GSM technologies. The GASP and GSM technologies will be used to transmit the exact positions of ambulances to the GIS operating in Kebab's Operations Center. The integration of these technologies enables the management of vehicles such as many trucks, patrol cars and ambulances (H auberk, 1995). All these applications are parts of the new emerging disciplines of teleprocessing and telecommunication (Laurie, 1999, 2000; Tanzania, 2000). Each ambulance will be equipped with a GASP receiver to determine its exact position based on the signal transmitted by satellites.In addition, it will have a GSM modem in order to transmit its position to the base station in the Operations Center. This will be achieved through the GSM network. Furthermore, through the GSM network other be equipped with a computer or a 270 Fig. 1 . The overall integrated system. Mobile data terminal to display the route computed by the GIS operating in the Operations Center. Kebab's Operations Center will exchange data with the ambulances through the GSM network. It will receive the ambulance positions and will use the GIS to perform the functions described in Section 4.The optimal route calculated for a specific ambulance will be transmitted to it. In the Operations Center there will be a comp uter dedicated to communication with the ambulances and another one for the operation of the GIS. In addition, there will be one or more computers for the operation of the database management system (DB'S) containing data used by the GIS. Nowadays, most GIS software packages offer a rich set of tools and extensions, enabling the incorporation of GASP data and offering real-time tracking capabilities.SERIES Archive, for instance, offers an extension called Tracking Analyst that allows direct feed and playback of real-time data within the Archive GIS environment (SERIES Web site). The system's architecture follows the centralized approach (Laurie, 2000; Tanzania, 2000) whereby a control center (in our case Kebab's Operations Center) coordinates the fleet of mobile vehicles. Data from the vehicles and sensors are sent to this center and, after being evaluated, data and instructions are transmitted to the vehicles. A strong point of this architecture is the easiness with which it is des igned. 71 However, the danger of a crash in the control center constitutes a major weakness (Lament, 2000; -rant, 2000). 4. The GIS subsystem The GIS will make use of various data that are either stored in spatial databases and DB'S or transmitted through the GSM network. Spatial data will cover the road network, the locations of hospitals and medical centers, the positions of ambulances, he distribution of incidents occurring in the past, the distribution of population characteristics (e. G. Demographic characteristics or disease spreading), and locations of various landmarks.Basic spatial data for the road network relate to intersections and the road segments are coded based on intersection type (e. G. Railroad crossing, street intersection) and the type of traffic control device present (e. G. Stop sign, stop light). Road segments form the framework for a number of other geographic features defined using route systems. Street names, for instance, are defined as routes. Along them speed zones ND speed limit signs are recorded as linear and point events, respectively. In addition, lanes are recorded as linear events along these routes.Since the majority of streets are only two-lane residential streets, only sections with more than two lanes are recorded. Another important aspect is the recording of the locations of hospitals and gas stations. Moreover, address information related to the road network is being stored, facilitating coding operations. Data concerning road traffic will be very useful for the routing of ambulances. These data will be updated by processing traffic statistics and simultaneously taking into inconsideration online data deriving from traffic sensors installed on the road network.The National Technical University of Athens has installed loop sensors on the road network of Athens, providing essential information on traffic conditions. Traffic data will be stored in a DB'S. Data pertaining to events such as road works or demonstrations tha t also affect road traffic will be made available from the municipality or the police. Data concerning hospitals, ambulances, and their personnel will also be stored in the DB'S and used by the GIS whenever it is necessary. Information linking conventional loophole numbers with addresses is also stored in a DB'S.Its importance will become evident in the next section. Some of the primary functions performed by the GIS operating in KEBAB will be the following: 1 . Depiction on a map of ambulance positions and hospital locations. Useful queries that will be performed include the display of information about an ambulance or a hospital chosen from the map, locating all ambulances positioned within a block, all ambulances that are closer to a hospital or some other spot, etc. Different symbols will be used for displaying an ambulance, 272 2. 3. 4. . 6. Pending on its status: an ambulance may be standing by, handling an incident, or tools of the GIS will take into consideration the data co ncerning the road network, past incident distribution, population distribution, hospital locations, locations of gas stations and traffic conditions and will propose efficient distributions of ambulances. A variety of criteria should be considered in order to perform this operation. For example, areas where many incidents take place should be allocated more ambulances. A densely populated area entails a higher probability of an incident occurring.Additionally, an area's urban planning affects the way incidents are handled. Areas close to major streets facilitate ambulance access to whereas areas with narrow streets inhibit it. If the administrator of the GIS chooses to distribute ambulances according to his/her own criteria, the depiction on the map of all the available information and the interaction with the GIS will be of significant assistance. Finding the site of the incident. Based on the address given by the person calling Kebab's Operations Center for help, the GIS can use a ddress coding functions to find the incident's coordinates on the map.However, in many cases the person calling for help may be at a loss for words and thus unable to give precise information about the site of the incident. Therefore, the system should include a mechanism for matching a call to an address. The DB'S linking conventional telephone numbers with addresses will facilitate this matching. Things are more complicated if the call is made from a cellular phone, however. In this case, the assistance of the cellular phone providers will be required in order to match a caller's location to the closest address or landmark. Choosing the appropriate ambulance to Andre an emergency incident.According to ambulance positions, the type and location of the incident and traffic conditions, the GIS finds the ambulance requiring the least time to reach the site of the incident. The choice of ambulance depends on the type of incident because some ambulances are equipped to handle special em ergency cases. Routing an ambulance to the incident site and from there to the closest appropriate hospital. The GIS will be used to find the optimal routes corresponding to minimum required transportation time. The distance as well as traffic data will be taken into account. The appropriate hospital will furthermore depend on the type of incident.Such information will be derived from communication through the GSM network between the ambulance personnel and the personnel in the Operations Center. The GIS can also present the driver with directions corresponding to the routes generated (e. G. Go straight ahead, turn right to Armor Street, etc. ). These directions will be transmitted to the ambulance. In a real- time system like ours, the time performance of the routing function is of vital significance. Generation of statistics regarding incidents. The GIS, in cooperation with the DB'S annotating incident records, can significantly assist in the statistical analysis of incidents.Cons equently, important conclusions supporting the ambulance districting can be obtained. 5. The most efficient implementation of Disaster's algorithm An operation with substantial importance for the handling of emergency incidents is the routing of an ambulance to an incident site and from there to the closest appropriate hospital. The optimal routes correspond to minimum required transportation times. Finding such routes may prove to be time-consuming in the case of large cities such as Athens with very dense road networks. A real-time system however, must be able to give a prompt reply to such queries.Disaster's algorithm is a simple and consequently easily implemented algorithm for finding shortest routes and is the most widely used in GIS software packages. Its performance depends on the data structures (e. G. Heaps or priority queues) used to implement the graph representing the spatial network. By exploiting recent advances in the field of data structures the performance of a sig nificantly enhanced. We assume that we are given a graph with n nodes, m arcs, and integral arc lengths in the range [0,.. C], where C is the largest arc length. This graph represents the road network.Boris V. Characters, Andrew V. Goldberg and Craig Silversides developed the hot queue data structure (Characters, Goldberg, & Silversides, 1996, 1999) that combines the best features of heaps and multi-level buckets (Denary & Fox, 1979) in a natural way. They proved in theory that if C is very small compared to n, the data structure performs as a multi-level bucket structure. If C is very large, the data structure performs as the heap used in it. For intermediate values of C, the data structure performs better than either the heap or the multi-level jacket structure.