Abstract This paper examines how the Navigation Act of 1600 laid the groundwork for what was to eventually become the American Revolution. The author gives the reader a brief history of the political climate in England that lead to the passage of the Navigation Act and its accompanying taxes and details how they came to affect the lives of the colonists, especially those living in New England. According to the author, the people living in New England made their livelihood from the majority of the items that were now heavily taxed by this new law, which lead to them feeling increasingly isolated from England. This Act or set of taxes, was the first of many subsequent laws which placed an increasing burden upon the colonists and led to the American Revolution.
From the Paper "By the 18th century, the relationship between the American colonists and Britain and the British Parliament had as its basis a complex pattern of economic ties and conditions. The fact that the American Revolution was initiated over taxes and economic independence more than any other single issue was no historical accident, for while Britain and the American colonies were tied together in a number of cultural, social and political ways, the relationship (as is the rule between a mother country and her colonies) remained at base an economic one."
Abstract Migratory birds face navigation and orientation challenges. This paper explains how, in order to face those challenges, they are equipped with an inherited route direction and distance information and with an ability to calibrate it with environmental cues, such as geomagnetism, celestial rotation, the sun and polarized light, wind, odors, landmarks, and visual and vocal contact with their co-species. It examines how the variability in the characteristics of these cues over time and in respect to the geographic position of the bird during the migration can result in disorientation, navigational errors, and a consequence disposition. It examines the stopover sites in the Mediterranean basin, which, besides being important refueling stations for migratory birds, have also the capacity for serving as a multi-cued reorientation sites that facilitate landmark, visual, vocal, and even olfactory navigation. These sites in general, and Eilat in particular, can study the target sites of numerous species by combining direction studies with distance studies migratory species and thus set the stage for future navigation-related studies.
From the Paper "Migratory birds seek to exploit temporal food resources in different parts of the globe in winter, and to come back to the breeding grounds in spring (Terril, 1991). In order to successfully reach that goal, birds must not only correlate their migration phenology with ecological dynamics at the destination, but must rely on an efficient, calibrated and accurate navigation system, coupled with a strong sense of orientation (Wallraff, 1991). Migration under poor navigational ability and/or orientation mistakes can result both in arriving to unsuitable habitats and in unsuitable arrival timing (Busse, 1992). Such errors force migratory birds to reorient and reroute their direction, a process that is not only time consuming, but also results in the elongation of the initial route by up to twice the original distance (Busse, 1992)."
Abstract This paper discusses the electronic navigation systems and instruments used historically for navigational purposes. The paper presents the history of navigational aids and the development of the various electronic navigation systems. The different systems in use today are examined.
From the Paper "Electronic navigation systems are continually developing in order to provide pilots and captains the ability to precisely navigate both ships and aircraft under even the most treacherous of conditions. Modern technological advances have changed the way navigators estimate time, location and distance to destination. Among the electronic navigational instruments used in contemporary society are radar devices including the DECCA and LORAN. GPS is also a commonly used electronic navigational system that has afforded pilots the ability to estimate distance and location with high precision. Electronic navigation has enabled pilots of aircraft to make estimates that are within a 90% or more accuracy range. The primitive systems utilized by early navigators would never approach the precision of modern day systems."
Abstract This paper discusses how rail navigation systems evolved from transit maps to the sophisticated technological devices used by travelers today. The writer explains the importance of cartographic design and simple and recognizable images in assisting passengers to navigate train stations. The writer also discusses the growing use of global positioning systems by both travelers and rail management, who use a more advanced version, the differential global positioning system, in order to track trains in areas that are obscured by obstacles such as hills and tunnels, and avoid collisions.
Outline:
Introduction
Early Navigation Systems
Contemporary Train Travel
Evolution of Effective Navigation Systems
Pictograms
Global Positioning Systems
Conclusion
From the Paper "As rail networks grew in number, competition among the different lines became fierce; this was particularly true during the mid 1800s. During this period, growth was particularly rapid: Britain had 6,900 miles of track, and the United States had 9,000. One factor that clearly mattered to travelers was to know how to navigate within the system; another was the efficiency of the navigation system, and of the train line itself. After all, the point of taking a train was, primarily, to reach a specific destination, and within a specific timeframe. Without efficient map systems, it was difficult to achieve that goal."
Abstract This paper describes Verizon's VZ Navigator service. The paper explains that, after downloading the VZ Navigator applet into his or her cell phone, the subscriber uses the phone keypad to feed in a city and street address or zip code; whereby, the phone immediately fixes on the destination by searching for the GPS-equipped nearest cell tower. The author relates that the servers of the phone service provider download mapping information to the subscriber's cellphone; thereafter, the handset is disconnected from the network, the phone locks onto the orbiting GPS satellites and the routing begins using an online map that is mobile while traveling. The paper reports that the system functions comparatively well; however, when the voice warns about forthcoming turns, there are occasions when street names are not pronounced right, the wrong name is given as a result of an error in the data entry of the central server or the mapping information is outdated.
From the Paper "The second menu is local search that provides basic searching tool informing about "local ATMs and Banks, Attraction and Recreation, Automotive, Business services, Health Care, Lodging, Personal Services, Places of Worship, shopping etc". The third menu of My Places provides quick access to the frequently locations which are being used. The Maps menu provides the maps of the area with real time updating, while moving. The Options menu allows changing the GPS options from metric unit display download options and altering the voice and detail of the VZ Navigator voice announcer."
Abstract This paper examines the development of Europe's own global navigation satellite system, Galileo. It describes the cost and technology involved in the project. The author writes many industries will also benefit from the launching of the system, but perhaps the greatest benefits of the program rely in the residual effects, as the program creates more jobs, and the European economy will improve as a result of it.
Table of Contents
Purpose and Mission
Costs, Sources of Funding
Operational Data: Launch Timeline
Outlook: The Future of Galileo
Agriculture and Fisheries
Science and Engineering
Transportation
Benefactors of Galileo
From the Paper "Galileo is a global navigation satellite system which has been a project supported and funded by a consortium between the European Commission and the European Space Agency. European independence is the primary factor in the development of Galileo, prior to the development of Galileo Europeans had no other option but to take positions from the satellites of foreign countries. There are a total of 15 countries working in consortium on this project either directly or indirectly."
Abstract The paper relates that Prince Henry the Navigator never traveled on an expedition himself, but he sponsored many. The paper then looks at the history of Prince Henry's birth and heritage and discusses the reasons behind his sponsored expeditions. The paper relates that Prince Henry wanted to spread Christianity and he was able to do this with his expeditions.
From the Paper "First, it is important to look at the history of Prince Henry's birth and heritage. Prince Henry was born in 1394 as a son of King John I. "Henry was born in 1394 as one of the sons of the Portuguese King John I, founder of the Aviz dynasty" (Engels 2006). In fact, he was the third son of King Joao. "His mother, the Queen, was Philippa of Lancaster, the daughter of John of Gaunt" (Henry the Navigator 2006). Henry persuaded his father to take part in an expedition against the Muslims. When Henry was involved with his brothers in this movement to stop the Muslim stronghold in Morrocco, Henry learned about riches in Africa. Henry wanted part of these riches, but he knew the only way this was going to happen was if he could travel directly to these lands where he hoped to find gold (Engels 2006). Therefore, he allowed different expeditions in order to try to find wealth. However, he never actually went on an expedition. "Truth is, Prince Henry of Portugal never set sail on voyages of discovery" (Africans in America 2006). While he never participated in the expeditions, he did sponsor many expeditions."
Tags: Christianity, geography, slaves, riches, caravel, Portugal
A comparison of the strategies for navigating ontological difficulty in Patrocinio Scheickart's "Reading Ourselves: Toward a Feminist Theory of Reading" and Louis Marin's "Disneyland: A Degenerate Utopia."
Abstract This paper examines ontological difficulty and compares the strategies for navigating ontological difficulty in Patrocinio Scheickart's "Reading Ourselves: Toward a Feminist Theory of Reading" and Louis Marin's "Disneyland: A Degenerate Utopia." The paper concludes that ontological difficulty is indeed a broken link between text and meaning, but one that is a necessary step toward better-informed interpretation.
From the Paper "This comparison of Schweickart and Marin's strategies for navigating ontological difficulty provides several insights into the nature of the concept. Firstly, both critics find that in order to transcend ontological difficulty, one must draw attention to the social and historical context of the text, be it patriarchy or capitalism. Ignoring the context on a text forfeits the reader's power of understanding, and allows ontological difficulty to flourish. Secondly, the broken link between text and meaning provides the critic with a useful starting point. For Schweickart, such misunderstanding led to her exploration of the female reading experience, and an avenue by which this link can be reinstated through the informed reading taking control of the textual experience. What was once a one-way conversation is transformed into an enlightened dialogue. For Marin, the very lack of the possibility of this dialogue provides clues to the hidden purpose of the text, wherein authorial power has been abused. Where the reader is given no autonomy and there is no opportunity for a range of reading experiences, the text becomes ideology. We may conclude that ontological difficulty is indeed a broken link between text and meaning, but one that is a necessary step toward better-informed interpretation."
Abstract This paper reviews the literature and study conducted on the advantages of Netscape's "Navigator" program over Microsoft's "Internet Explorer". Statistics provided show that worldwide use of Internet Explorer, is up while Netscape's share of the market has plummeted from 33.43 percent in February 1999 to 13.90 percent in June 2000. The study compares Netscape Navigator 6 with the Microsoft 5.5 release using a simple property font code to show the differences that still exist. The paper includes a look at the differences and similarities between the two programs with comments on their abilities to perform.
From the Paper "Part of this problem is still related to the fact that both Netscape and Microsoft still rely for the most part on HTML scripting, even though both are making bold and blatant overtures to the growing XML groups (Yager 2000). Microsoft, in October of this year plans to begin sending out copies of its new Microsoft.NET program that is its first venture into a fulltime commitment to XML."
Abstract The paper discusses David Hatcher Childress' history book that describes the conflict between the Vatican and the Templars, a holy band of brother-soldiers who were enraged that the Church they had helped win land, territory and power had turned against their sect for political purposes. The paper contends that the author's method of drawing together Medieval history, the history of maps and sea navigation, as well as the politics of the European kings and the Roman Catholic popes, makes for a fascinating tale. The paper maintains that the book, in its more factually substantiated parts, is a good introduction to the history of the Church and the navigation of the high seas.
From the Paper "To tell the story of the conflict between the Templars and the Vatican, Childress focuses on the greatest unsolved historical mystery regarding the Templars and proposes a solution. It is especially interesting to read this book in today's context, where issues about early Christian secrets, as debated in the fictional Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, the recent media attention given to the radical Catholic splinter sect Opus Dei, and even the election of the new Pope Benedict have brought issues about the influence of secret or mystery sects in the development of the Catholic religion to the forefront of international attention."
Tags: Catholic, Pope, Christian, sea, navigation, Church
Abstract In this article, the writer reviews two websites that are extremely useful and two that offer poor content delivery, as well as a poor navigational experience to visitors. The two useful or good sites are www.Oracle.com and www.Microsoft.com, with the two poor sites being www.Cincom.com and www.freemap.com. The writer notes that the two sites that excel at web design criteria were specifically chosen due to their representation of both consumer and enterprise-class software, which are by nature abstract products to comprehend without seeing them on a computer screen.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Accessibility for the Handicapped
Commercial Implications: Support for E-Commerce
Content
Navigation Design and Assessment of Logic
Page and Site Design
Personalization
Usability
From the Paper "This is the attribute of a website that defines how easily or difficult it is for someone with a motor skills or visual handicap to access the website. According to W3C's Web Accessibility Imitative, there are a series of benchmarks for evaluating how accessible a website is for those with disabilities. These include the content of the web page including both its organization and the flow of the contents' messaging, support for multiple Web browsers, support for assistive technologies including support for alternative keyboards, special viewing options for the site, and support for adapting the website for specific users' levels of expertise. One of the key aspects of accessibility is support for multiple navigation paths to the same areas of a website. The following table shows the evaluation of each website in terms of accessibility functionality."
This paper argues that, even prior to the advent of the railroads, a transportation revolution had taken place in the United States in the early nineteenth century.
Abstract The following paper argues that there were two developments that were most important in constituting a transportation revolution: Steamboat navigation and the construction of the great canals. This paper focuses on the building of the Erie Canal which constituted a revolution in its own right. The writer asserts that it was on account of the transportation revolution of the 1815-30 period that the American economy was decisively transformed into a capitalistic one.
From the Paper ?In 1800, the United States did not lack a transport infrastructure, but it was a very poor one. With the exception of cities and towns located on the Atlantic coastline or along navigable waterways, there was literally no means of transporting agricultural produce and manufactured items to or from market centers other than country roads. These roads were unpaved, infrequently maintained and often impassable in wet weather (Taylor 15-16). A diary passage from 1817 gives some sense of their condition: "I returned from Baltimore a few days earlier. Had wet weather muddy Roads and my flour condemned" (qted. in Majewski 46). By 1860, however, America's infrastructure had so greatly improved that the country was in the throes of a major economic transformation. On the eve of the Civil War, writes Peter Way, the United States, although still largely an agricultural nation, "was competitive, market-driven and increasingly dominated by relatively large business organizations fueled by multitudes of unattached workers"?
Abstract This paper reviews five sites. It gives the appearance, content, how to navigate the site. For example, at one site the paper presents information about the 19th Amendment including states that ratified and the date. Another site gives information about ratification. Another site is selected because it contains many links to other sites related to Constitutional Amendments.
From the Paper "This site is pleasing to the eye and yet remains functional for research purposes. It contains historical information, by way of a dropdown menu through which one can obtain profile, membership, and leadership information about a particular Congress. Legislative and historical information from the 91st (1969?1971) through the 107th (2001?2003) Congresses is provided. For example, the 106th Congress, which was 2000-2001) reports a total membership of 435 Members, four Delegates, and one Resident Commissioner."
Abstract This paper analyzes the effectiveness of an experiment to demonstrate how electronically navigated working environments affect organizational structures.
Abstract The focus of this paper is on Portuguese explorer, Prince Henry the Navigator, and the tools and techniques he introduced to his sailors, which revolutionized sailing and furthered exploration more than anyone else had up to that point.
From the Paper "The Portuguese are an adventurous people, and Henry knew that if he could just capitalize on this, he could drive his sailors to go farther and do more than anyone else had up to that point. From the Muslims, ?[the Portuguese] had learned better ship design, cartography, sailing, and navigation and math skills (European Age of Exploration).? To that end, Henry established an observatory and the first school for navigators in Sagres, Portugal, where he lived. Before the sailors could be taught anything new, however, Henry had to work to convince them that their fears would not come to pass. "Expeditions moved slowly due to the [sailors"] belief that waters at the equator were at the boiling point, that human skin turned black, and that sea monsters would engulf ships (Mariner's Museum).?"
