Abstract In this article, the writer explains that the PeaceBridge spans the Niagara River and links the cities of Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. The writer points out that this bridge is considered a critical link for cross-border commercial traffic with considerable economic significance for the region. The paper explains that the bridge was built in 1927, has three traffic lanes and sidewalks, and has been well-maintained so it is in excellent condition. The writer points out that the proposal to construct a new bridge that would cross the river is not due to damage to the existing bridge but to the limited capacity of the roadways on the bridge.
From the Paper "Someone designed the highway, while no one designed the space under the bridge. Such extra spaces are often created with such large-scale projects. This space is not likely to be useful in the current project to add three lanes of traffic to the existing bridge, though a more useful design for this space could be included at the same time to improve the area."
"The current bridge is a 3,600-foot steel truss built in 1927. The bridge is made up of five arched spans crossing the Niagara River, with an added through-truss span crossing the Black Rock Canal on the American side. The bridge was built of tons of steelwork and concrete abutments to hold it. The bridge was built to relieve traffic on the International Railway Bridge erected in 1873. The construction had to overcome the swift river current in that area, running at about twelve miles per hour. It is hoped that an addition to the bridge can increase traffic by one-third."
Abstract The paper reviews the rehabilitation of bridges. The paper begins by examining what bridges are from a structural and engineering standpoint, as well as how they may be evaluated and inspected. The paper then proceeds to examine what techniques can be implemented to rehabilitate bridges. The modernization of bridges is also discussed. The paper provides an overview of how bridges can be protected and society's financial and commercial investment in them well-rewarded.
From the Paper "The succeeding paper will review the rehabilitation of bridges by examining what bridges are from a structural and engineering standpoint as well as how they may be evaluated and inspected. The paper will then proceed to examine what techniques can be implemented to "rehabilitate" bridges as well as how the modernization of bridges can be permitted to unfold. This is a fairly complex topic and it is not possible to do it justice inside of twenty pages. Nonetheless, this paper will provide an overview of how bridges can be protected and society's financial and commercial investment in them well-rewarded."
Abstract The paper examines Ambrose Bierce's short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." The paper looks at the author's style of lyric realism and the use of irony. The paper reviews the main character and the plot.
From the Paper "Ambrose Bierce wrote "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" in order to crawl inside the minds of her audience and psychologically play with their brains just to find out what might happen at the other end. The detailed characterization of the unlucky protagonist, as well as the elegantly crafted style of the narrative work together produce the irony that so often characterizes Bierce's writing and causes us to marvel at its composition."
Abstract This essay looks at people who have turned trauma and pain into a positive experience. It discusses the work of Mairead Corrigan Maguire who organised peaceful demonstrations in N.Ireland, wrote poetry that inspired millions and through her efforts to develop a "politics of mercy and forgiveness," won a Nobel Peace prize. The author goes on to discuss the wording of Martin Jordan's poem "The changes in our lives".
From the paper:
" Everyone wants peace in his or her everyday live. Sometimes peace is hard to come by for some people. However, Some individuals react to their pain in a positive way. For example, Irish writers Mairead Maguire and Martin Jordan write poetry about peace due the tragedies for the world and in their lives. So, in Misread Maguire's ?The Vision of Peace? and Martin Jordan's "the changes in our lives" the main goal is to remind everyone that there should be peace all over of the world despite all of the pain we encounter."
Abstract This paper discusses obnoxious negative peace and substantive positive peace. These terms are found in a letter by Martin Luther King, Jr. expressing his opinion on direct action. Martin Luther King believed it was important to fight for substantive and positive peace for African Americans and it is important for Americans to continue to fight the battle for substantive and positive peace not only in America but throughout the world.
From the Paper "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" (King 1963). What does this quotation mean? What is the difference obnoxious negative peace and substantive and positive peace? Why are these important today? These were important terms for Martin Luther King and they are important terms today. Martin Luther King believed that whatever affects one person actually affects every one else (King 1963). Many people living during the lifetime of Martin Luther King was willing to close their eyes to the violence and terrorism happening to African Americans. They believed that African Americans were wrong in taking a stand toward wanting their independence. Martin Luther King believed it was important to fight for substantive and positive peace for African Americans and it is important for Americans to continue to fight the battle for substantive and positive peace not only in America but throughout the world."
Abstract Woodrow Wilson did not possess the will to maintain peace after the Great War. The writer asserts that there were three ways in which Wilson contributed to the build-up of tensions before WWII. First was Wilson's failure in responding to the members of the Peace Accords in relation to the redrawing of German boundaries; his influence in tearing away predominantly German areas resulted in the planting of seeds for future war. The second reason that Wilson could not maintain peace was his inability to remove himself from partisan politics in America. The third reason was in relation to Wilson's "Fourteen Points", more specifically, the point of ?self-determination.? Close examination of these three points shows why Wilson is partly responsible for WWII.
From the Paper "The Great War was a war of attrition. Many brave men on all both sides of the conflict, Axis and Allied Powers, met their fate fighting for their homelands during the years of 1914-1918. Never before had the world seen such a horrid war fought in the grand scope and magnitude of nations versus nations. Great sacrifices were made in part to the loss of human life through mechanization of artillery to the inception of chemical warfare. (Would such a tragic lesson be reason enough for peace among sovereigns?) Unfortunately, the peace was not afforded to the constituents of the Paris conference, nor those that threw away their lives in the second war that shortly followed in 1939. While there were many causes for the Second World War, it would be a herculean effort to name and attribute them all. A few of the major causes included the onset of war reparations since repayment would be next to impossible for the Germans to meet in the allotted time. Secondly were the sanctions imposed upon the size of the German military which was considered a measure of further alienation, and thirdly were territorial settlement disputes. All three factors were great causes that angered the Nazis to disregard the Peace Accords in the early 1930's with Hitler's rise to power."
Abstract This paper examines how, after more than a quarter-century after the end of American military involvement in Vietnam, the Vietnam War remains a great unsettled question in American public life. It focuses in particular on the peace negotiations that eventually bought the war to an end when agreement was finally reached, in 1973, in the form of the Paris Peace Accords. It analyzes how the United States in effect accepted formal victory with the likelihood of deferred defeat, while North Vietnam accepted formal defeat with the likelihood of deferred victory.
Outline
Looking For a Way Out
The Options
Early Negotiation Efforts
From Johnson to Nixon
Endgame
From the Paper "Thus, in the case of Vietnam, when the United States signed the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, it did so in the face of two alternative options that resembled each other only in being undesirable. One option was continuing direct American military involvement for the foreseeable future; the other was withdrawal of American forces without negotiations. The first entailed an indefinite continuation of American combat casualties and consequent (and probably growing) domestic unrest and political dissension. The second implied the probable near-immediate collapse of South Vietnam (as well as possible abandonment of American prisoners of war), with its own set of international and domestic consequences."
Abstract This paper explains that Leo Tolstoy, in his novel, "War and Peace", emphasizes the underlying theme of freedom through the character of Pierre. Specifically, the paper points out that Tolstoy illustrates through Pierre how people come to discover the truth of life through experience. The paper concludes that Pierre discovers that, while peace, freedom and happiness are attainable, they are not always easy to get.
From the Paper "Another aspect of Pierre's life that illustrates his transformation form war to peace with his own internal war that coincides with the actual around him. Pierre looses his grip on reality and begins to drink. In this way, we can see how his life has entered into a "war" phase. He not only witnesses a physical war, he undergoes a mental one as well. He looses faith in mankind and is on a downward spiral. He drinks to escape his mental oppression. His mental state worsens as he becomes convinced that he must assassinate Napoleon."
Abstract A very thorough book review of "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy.The paper is divided into 2 sections. The first section provides a summary of the book and the second provides the writer's opinion. The writer feels that the book provided such a feeling of satisfaction upon completion that it is recommended to all.
From the Paper "The story of French, Russian, and Austrian History all condensed, starting in 1805, is what this novel is about. It starts out at a soir?e hosted by a woman named Anna Pavlona, who is the confidante to the empress, Marya Fyodorovna. She enjoys throwing parties for Russia's "top dogs". Factually, Russia's most influential people are attending this soir"e, and this is essentially where all the main characters are introduced. Lastly, there is Nikolai Ilych Rostov, who gets married and eventually becomes a farmer. Also in attendance is Natasha, a woman of extreme beauty and intelligence. Princess Marya is also contributing to the soir"e. And a man named Pierre, who goes many different ways before he reaches what he has been looking for."
Abstract This essay analyzes African author, Chinua Achebe's short story "Civil Peace," The paper specifically interprets the symbolism of the bicycle and the protagonist, Jonathan Iwegbu, as well as his demeanor in the wake of the war.
Abstract This paper presents an evaluation of the democratic peace theory. It contends that in modern times there is no unambiguous case of a war between democratic states, even in situations where great-power rivalry was to be expected.
From the Paper "Since the end of the Cold War a good deal of attention has been given to the so-called DPT or democratic peace theory. This theory proposes that states with democratic political ..."
Tags: democratic, peace, international, relations, war, realist, theory
Abstract This paper discusses the feasibility of developing a peace education curriculum. It explains that the curriculum would be based on the concepts of holistic education and critical pedagogy to counter the adverse effects of militarism on society without indoctrinating students.
From the Paper " The purpose of this paper is to suggest an approach for the development of a manifestation of peace education designed to counter the adverse effects on society ..."
Abstract This paper discusses how the book "Frankenstein," by Mary Shelley relates to the cosmopolitan ideal that Kant articulates in his text "Perpetual Peace."
From the Paper "The perpetual peace that Kant envisions in his essay can be interpreted as an ideal form of geopolitical organization. In Section II of the essay Kant insists that the law of nations will be an attribute of a federation of free states. All of these states will be republican rather than monarchical, governed by the rule of law rather than factional strength and or despotism and mediated by a super sovereign league of peace to see that nations adjust themselves to the constraints of public law."
Abstract In this essay, the writer notes that there is consensus from academic as well as popular sources that the Oslo peace process ended in failure. However, as this study discusses, the perceived intentions and aims of the Oslo Accords were not always seen by the different parties as a formula for the complete cessations of all conflict and disagreements. This paper provides an overview of the Accords and explores the central reason for the failure of these Accords. Another aspect that is touched on is the relative paucity of analysis of the lessons that have been learnt from the failure of Oslo. The writer concludes that there is little doubt that a central aspect that contributed to this failure was loss of faith and trust in the process and fundamentally a suspicion of intention from various quarters.
Outline:
Introduction
A Brief Background of the Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords
The Promise and Failure of the Oslo Accords
The Results of Failure
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "However, as this study discusses, the perceived intentions and aims of the Oslo Accords were not always seen by the different parties as a formula for the complete cessations of all conflict and disagreements. Nevertheless the hope and confidence that was publicly displayed and engendered by the Oslo Accords not only failed in terms of the goals and time constraints but also failed to a large extent to create a more promising environment for the solution of the Israeli-Palestinian problem."
"There are a plethora of debate, studies and dissertations which deal with the aspects that resulted in the demise of the Oslo Accords."
Abstract This paper explains that, inevitably, bridges deteriorate over time at different rates: Timely maintenance activities, which are well-planned and carried out with minimal disruption to road users can present substantial savings in terms of both time and money for both bridge owners and road users. The author ponts out that, to tackle the complicated issues regarding bridge management, research activities in the UK as well as other countries in continental Europe concentrate largely on the bridge management process, with attention given to improving the use of limited finances to maximize the returns from the maintenance and repair of the bridge stock as well as reduce additional costs due to traffic delays and lane closures for these activities. The paper includes a critical review of other BMSs used worldwide, development of models to predict bridge condition over time, analysis of the various road user costs and using different optimizing techniques to best allocate finances and optimize bridge performance. 39 tables. 40 figures.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Objective
Bridge Conditions in the U.K.
Introduction
Maintenance and Upgrading
Expenditure
Department of Transport (DoT) Programme
What is a Bridge Management System (BMS)?
Introduction
Department of Transport Structure
Maintenance Agents
BMS in the U.K. and Other Countries
Introduction
Bridge Condition
Other Information in BMS's
Condition Prediction
Cost Models
Decision for Maintenance and Repair
Prioritization
BMS in the U.S.A.
BRIDGIT System
PONTIS System
SMIS System
Inventory
Inspection and Assessment
National Structures Programmes (NSPs)
Prioritization
Project Creation
Whole Life Assessment and Costing
Activities Schedule
Data Accuracy
Design Specifications
Access
Integration with External Systems
Bridge Inspection and Assessment
Bridge Inspection Types
Defects
Bridge Scoring
Introduction
Definitions
Bridge Condition Score (BCS)
Bridge Condition Index (BCI)
Bridge Stock Condition Index (BSCI)
Multi Span Bridges Bridge Scoring Example
Interpreting BCS's
BCS Results
Histograms for Bridge Stock
Interpreting BCI's
BCI Results
Interpreting BSCI's
Predicting Bridge Condition with Time
Introduction
Markov Chain Approach
Example Calculation
Bridge Condition Example
Bridge Condition Results
Bridge Aggregation Example
Bridge Aggregation Results
Bridge Stock Example
Bridge Stock Results
Traffic Costs
Introduction
Traffic Count Example
Traffic Count Results
Traffic Delay Cost Examples
Delay Costs Results (1st Example)
Delay Costs Results (2nd Example)
Accident Cost Example
Accident Costs Results
Environmental Impact
Introduction
Emissions Example
Emissions Results
Decision-Making and Prioritization
Decision-making
Introduction
Prioritization
Introduction
Dynamic Programming
Budget Allocation Approach
Budget Allocation Results (1st Example)
Budget Allocation Results( 2nd Example)
Budget Allocation Results ( 3rd Example)
Improvements to Budget Allocation Approach
Introduction to BCI optimization approach
Service Potential (BCI) Examples
BCI Optimization Results (1st Example)
BCI Optimization Results (2nd Example)
BCI Optimization Results (3rd Example)
Maintenance Costs Examples
BCI Optimization Results (4th Example)
BCI Optimization Results (5th Example)
BCI Optimization Results (6th Example)
Conclusion
Future Research
From the Paper "It is proposed that the transition probabilities to be used are the Bridge Condition Index (BCI), which operates on a linear scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best). The degree of severity of bridges is linearly distributed over this range (i.e. BCI of 50 to 51 is the same as 90 to 91), except that costs are expected not to have a linear distribution. This is a useful approach as the BCI (average) is interpreted as 'service potential' and is used as a performance indicator.
Using the example for multi span bridges earlier on, the transition probabilities for a three-state Markov chain model with limiting stage value of 3 is proposed. The probabilities are in accordance to the BCI values for the 'good' bridge arranged in order of descending magnitude (i.e. P(1) = 0.9845 and P(2) = 0.9246). For the purposes of comparison, the other two bridges ('medium' and 'bad') are also modelled and the three are plotted together."
