How Blue Lava Works

Indonesias Kawah Ijen volcano has gained internet fame for Paris-based photographer  Olivier Grunewalds photographs of its stunning electric blue lava. However, the blue glow doesnt actually come from lava and the phenomenon isnt restricted to that volcano. Heres a look at the chemical composition of the blue stuff and where you can go to see it. What Is Blue Lava? The lava that flows from the Kawah Ijen volcano on the island of Java is the usual glowing red color of molten rock flowing from any volcano. The flowing electric blue color arises from the combustion of sulfur-rich gases. Hot, pressurized gases push through cracks in the volcano wall, burning as they come into contact with air. As they burn, sulfur condenses into a liquid, which flows downward. Its still burning, so it looks like blue lava. Because the gases are pressurized, the blue flames shoot up to 5 meters in the air. Because sulfur has a relatively low melting point of  Ã‚  239 °F (115 °C), it can flow for some distance before solidifying into the familiar yellow form of the element. Although the phenomenon occurs all the time, the blue flames are most visible at night. If you view the volcano during the day, it wouldnt appear unusual. Unusual Colors of Sulfur Sulfur is an interesting non-metal that displays different colors, depending on its state of matter. Sulfur burns with a blue flame. The solid is yellow. Liquid sulfur is blood red (resembling lava). Because of its low melting point and availability, you can burn sulfur in a flame and see this for yourself. When it cools, elemental sulfur forms a polymer or plastic or monoclinic crystals (depending on conditions), that spontaneously change into rhombic crystals. Make Plastic SulfurMake Sulfur Crystals Where To View Blue Lava The Kawah Ijen volcano releases unusually high levels of sulfuric gases, so its probably the best place to view the phenomenon. It is a 2-hour hike to the rim of the volcano, followed by a 45-minute hike down to the caldera. If you travel to Indonesia to see it, you should bring a gas mask to protect yourself from the fumes, which may be harmful to your health. Workers who collect and sell the sulfur typically do not wear protection, so you can leave your mask for them when you leave. Although the Kawah volcano is most readily accessible, other volcanoes in the Ijen may also produce the effect. Although it is less spectacular at other volcanoes in the world, if you view the base of any eruption at night, you may see the blue fire. Another volcanic location known for the blue fire is Yellowstone National Park. Forest fires have been known to melt and burn sulfur, causing it to flow as burning blue rivers in the park. Traces of these flows appear as black lines. Molten sulfur may be found around many volcanic fumaroles. If the temperature is high enough, the sulfur will burn. Although most fumaroles arent open to the public during the night (for fairly obvious safety reasons), if you live in a volcanic region, it might be worth watching and waiting for sunset to see if there is blue fire or blue lava. Fun Project To Try If you dont have sulfur but want to make a glowing blue eruption, grab some tonic water, Mentos candies, and a black light and make a glowing Mentos volcano.

The Effects of Symbols In Tobias Wolffs Say Yes Essay

The Effects of Symbols In Tobias Wolffs Say Yes The author of the short story Say Yes, Tobias Wolff, uses a number of symbols to express his different views on racism throughout the story. Wolff uses this literary device to express a message to his readers. Symbols, something representing something else by association resemblance or convention, are used efficiently in this short story. Wolff uses colors to symbolize a hatred for an alternative race in this short story. The husband more than once makes reference to dark colors which shows the reader that the husband sees this world in black and white. The husband sees the world as good vs. evil, white vs. black society. Furthermore, the reference to color in the†¦show more content†¦Wolff again indirectly shows the husbands feelings towards African-Americans through symbolism. This symbol contributes to Wolff?s message or theme showing the husband?s strong dislike for African Americans. After the author uses this symbolization of a ?flat gray?, the wife ?plunged her hands under the surface? (Wolff 518) and cut her finger on the silverware. She then cries out as her thumb bleeds from the cut. The husband immediately rushes to her need. He acted in concern for her and hoped she appreciated how quick he rushed to her aid. The cut she had from the silverware symbolizes the hurt on the inside. The pain from inside was symbolizing the pain on the inside. Her husband?s inconsiderate feelings for alternate races made her feel like she didn?t know him as well as she thought she did. Wolff used symbolization very effectively by comparing the pain on the outside to the pain on the inside. Wolff?s decision to put in this description of dirty water was not because Wolff hates washing dishes. Wolff put that in there to show a deeper meaning to it. Wolff is trying to show the husband?s views on the topic being discussed indirectly. Wolff shows a deeper meaning when the husband is continuing to wash the dishes. He is spraying the silverware and ?darkened to pale blue? (Wolff 518). This shows again the husband?s reference to colors. This happened right after the wife asked if he would marry her if she were black. Wolff added this symbolismShow MoreRelatedSay Yes Essay648 Words   |  3 PagesThe Effects of Symbols On Say Yes The author of the short story Say Yes, Tobias Wolff, uses a number of symbols to express his different views on racism throughout the story. Wolff uses this literary device to express a message to his readers. Symbols, something representing something else by association resemblance or convention, are used efficiently in this short story. Wolff uses colors to symbolize a hatred for an alternative race in this short story. The husband more than once

Marketing Consumer Behavior

Question: Analyse the internal and external factors influencing the consumer decision making process for a major purchase. Answer: Consumer Buying Behavior Consumer behavior is the phase that the consumers undergo while making a major purchase and this behavior is constantly influenced by external and internal factors of usage and decision. Based on the real-life situations, the buying behavior of the consumers are in a constant stage of evolving. The process of decision-making undergoes five critical stages while buying services and goods and therefore, the marketer has to identify and understand these five steps for proper proceedings towards the product and close the selling process (Solomon, 2014). Presently, one of the most testing situations of the marketers is the identification of the demand of the consumers and explanation for the requirement of a specific service or product. This information related to purchasing decision is crucial for the marketers to understand as it helps them to identify what have the most significance for the consumers and the factors that influence their decision making regarding a purchase. This helps them to create their marketing strategies and programs according to the need of the consumers. The five steps of decision making by the consumer are information search, information, alternative evaluation, post-purchase behavior and purchase. These steps serve as guidelines for the marketers that help them to understand the requirements and communication of the consumers and act accordingly (Juster, 2015). It is not necessary for the consumers to move exactly as stated but it depends on the financial status, the buying stage and the type of the product. The present report is about the decision making of a consumer while purchasing a car. Since it is a major purchase, therefore the internal and external factors influencing the consumer decision makingwill be critically analyzed. This report is based on the decision making of Mr. David Jones, who happens to be one of my acquaintance while he was about to purchase a new Toyota Corolla. Internal Influences The internal influence that affects the decision making of the consumers regarding a major purchase depends on the way of thinking and lifestyle of the consumers. These are also known as the psychological influences and depicts several stages of decision making like identification of feelings, examination and collection of information, development of beliefs and ideas and taking the specific action (Solomon, Russell-Bennett Previte, 2013). Mr. Jones is a banker in Melbourne with a descent income and he decides to buy a new car as per his needs. He has a family of two children and they have their preferences while making the decision for purchasing the new car. Several recommendations came up and was finalized with Toyota Corolla. This finalization was influenced by several internal factors that have been summarized below. Perception: It is a psychological variable that is involved in the decision making of purchasing a car and influences the behavior of the consumer. The individuals perceive their requirements through the media messages and disregard the remaining (Butkevi ien, Stravinskien Rtelionien, 2015). Perception is of two types that include the low-level one called as perceptual vigilance and the high level one called as perceptual defense and these are shaped by expectations, memory and learning. Mr. Jones before buying the car went through an extensive research process and estimated several other cars in the same category according to his need and budget. However, he went on information from different media sources and finally shortlisted a few names according to his perception that stressed mostly on the safety and security of his family. Learning: Learning is a change in the organization or content of behavior or long-term memory. It enables the consumers to acquire the consumption and purchase knowledge and the experience regarding the behavior that is related to the future. Learning can be acquired by thorough information search from different sources or may be through incidental learning. Learning provides useful direction towards the motive of purchasing (Lysonski Durvasula, 2013). After a thorough investigation from the various resources, Mr. Jones learned much about the cars that are the best fit for his requirements. He needed a car that could help him to go to his office daily and go for family outings as well. Therefore, a sedan would best fit his requirements and so he learned much about the sedans from everywhere. Motivation: It is related to the desire of having the expected outcome and is closely associated with the involvement of the consumer in decision-making. Consumers that are highly motivated will get actively involved physically and mentally in the process of purchasing (Betsch Haberstroh, 2014). Marketers can make the consumers motivated by providing them with opportunities for learning more about their product and allowing them to experience the services of the product. Mr. Jones collected information about the sedans from several websites and other media articles actively and went through the video previews. While conducting the research, he analyzed several situations related to his financial position, overall value, time constraints and perceived risk. To all his questions, an answer pointed towards the sedans. Moreover, Toyota was offering a free test drive offer for their sedans at his city that motivated him to go for a sedan by Toyota. Personality: It signifies the psychological characteristics that state the reaction of a person to his surrounding environment. Personality reflects the choice of the consumers for a particular brand or product and helps the marketer to promote the products. Personality is categorized based on the traits, likes and dislikes of the individuals (Lee et al., 2014). Since Mr. Jones is a banker and aged about 30 years, therefore he would prefer a brand that would suit his personality and occupation. Toyota is a reputed brand in Australia and has been awarded for on-road performance of its vehicles, especially its sedans (Vohs et al., 2014). Mr. Jones will be using his car for multiple uses like daily transport to his workplace and family outings, therefore, sedans by Toyota will suit his personality the most according to the looks, features, comfort and safety. Attitude: Attitude is a conglomerate of the feelings, behavioral intentions and belief of the consumers towards an object with reference to the context of marketing. These components are interdependent and collectively represent the attitude of the consumer towards the object. It is a psychological variable that affects the decision-making process of the consumers regarding a purchase and evolves out of a negative or positive evaluation (Aguirre-Rodriguez, Bosnjak Sirgy, 2012). Mr. Jones, after the research work and test drive, was certain of his choice for the sedan by Toyota as it met all his expectations and requirements successfully. He developed a positive attitude towards the brand and decided to go for Toyota Corolla as it was the best in its class in terms of price and features. He decided to discuss the car with his family as his family is actively involved in the decision-making and he would like to take their viewpoints and suggestions into consideration. External Influences Apart from the internal influences, external influences also affect the behavior of the consumers. These influences are not individualistic but are external to the consumer. Consumers are human beings that live in a society where they are attached socially in groups. The members of the groups tend to share their common interests and influence each other, as they share their values and rules. Most of the influence is from the primary groups like the family members and the secondary groups include the organizations and clubs, which have lesser influence when compared to the primary group (Oliver, 2014). Both these groups exert the social power that influences the behavior of a consumer while decision making. Two of these external influences have been discussed below. Culture: Cultural factors include the set of ideologies and values of a particular group of individuals. Cultural factors influence the decision making of an individual as every individual has different principles, beliefs and habits that he develops from his backgrounds and family status (Srensen, 2015). Mr. Jones is a native Australian and therefore, he likes to go for a car that is descent in looks as well as superior in performance. According to his position in office, he would like to go for a brand and model that suits well his personality and position. His car would reflect his social success and therefore, he would pay more attention towards the brand value, rather than a cheaper alternative. Group Influence: Since human beings are socially inherent, various individuals in a group influence each other. The framework for the analysis of group influence on the consumers is called reference groups where the consumer uses a group as a standard reference against which, he makes the comparisons (Beach, 2014). Various degrees of influences come from the reference groups. The primary groups have a huge influence, as they are the members of a fraternity while secondary groups have lesser influence like the weekend groups. Mr. Jones discussed his idea of buying Toyota Corolla with his friends and club associates, as it was an important decision that involves a major financial investment. Therefore, he was looking for feedbacks and loopholes that he might have missed in his research. The ideas and suggestions would help him to strengthen or reconsider his decision. Final decision making After all the decision making process, Mr. Jones purchased a new Toyota Corolla as it was a safe and affordable vehicle for his daily use. His family influenced him for safety and his age and financial status influenced him for not being too much extravagant on luxury cars. The decision making process was a lengthy one as purchasing a car turned out to be a complex process. The car satisfies his requirements and fits perfectly in his budget. Consequently, the marketers should also understand the buying decision of the consumers and their safety needs. References Aguirre-Rodriguez, A., Bosnjak, M., Sirgy, M. J. (2012). Moderators of the self-congruity effect on consumer decision-making: A meta-analysis.Journal of Business Research,65(8), 1179-1188. Beach, L. R. (2014).Decision making in the workplace: A unified perspective. Psychology Press. Betsch, T., Haberstroh, S. (Eds.). (2014).The routines of decision making. Psychology Press. Butkevi ien, V., Stravinskien, J., Rtelionien, A. (2015). Impact of consumer package communication on consumer decision making process.Engineering Economics,56(1). Juster, F. T. (2015).Anticipations and purchases: An analysis of consumer behavior. Princeton University Press. Lee, S. W., Schwarz, N., Landau, I. M., Robinson, M. D., Meier, B. P. (2014). Metaphor in judgment and decision making.Metaphorical thought in social life. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Lysonski, S., Durvasula, S. (2013). Consumer decision making styles in retailing: evolution of mindsets and psychological impacts.Journal of Consumer Marketing,30(1), 75-87. Oliver, R. L. (2014).Satisfaction: A behavioral perspective on the consumer. Routledge. Solomon, M. R. (2014).Consumer behavior: buying, having, and being. Engelwood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Solomon, M. R., Russell-Bennett, R., Previte, J. (2013).Consumer behaviour: Buying, having, being. Pearson Australia. Srensen, J. (2015). Understanding how culture influences emotions in consumer decision-making. InFinding Solutions for the Chanllenges of Internationalization. Aalborg Universitetsforlag. Vohs, K. D., Baumeister, R. F., Schmeichel, B. J., Twenge, J. M., Nelson, N. M., Tice, D. M. (2014). Making choices impairs subsequent self-control: a limited-resource account of decision making, self-regulation, and active initiative.

Cyber Defense Program in Military Schools Essay Example

Cyber Defense Program in Military Schools Essay Cyberspace has developed into a difficult abstraction presenting innumerable fresh potential and services as well as possibilities for enemies to cause destruction. Lately, the United States Armed Forces has affixed â€Å"Cyberspace† to its mission statement because it distinguished the substantial effect of this new field of expertise. Education act as a fundamental role in producing cyber soldiers to maintain the mission of the United States Military. (Dodge Ragsdale, 2005) The NSA funded the cyber defense exercises presenting priceless real-world knowledge about the new field of cyberspace. The Cyber Defense curriculum was started in the Military schools in 1999. Another reason for the implementation of the Cyber Defense Curriculum for the military schools is the increasingly plausible fact of the growing number of hackers that threatens national defense. The Y2K predicament was a significant problem that was faced in the start of the millennium. (Dodge Ragsdale, 2005) Students started to receive training on how to create and defend cyber weaponry. The course was called Information Assurance. The objective of the course was to enhance consciousness of security issues with information systems. (Felder Brent, 2003) In the Information Assurance course, learn many offensive and defensive techniques in the cyber domain. Cadets can write malevolent applets and viruses but at the same time, form defense mechanisms from it. The reason of this course is not to craft them to become hackers but give them the knowledge of how potential enemies might exercise cyber warfare and target their vulnerability especially in the commercially prevailing information systems. (Gunsch, Raines, Lacey, 2003) We will write a custom essay sample on Cyber Defense Program in Military Schools specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Cyber Defense Program in Military Schools specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Cyber Defense Program in Military Schools specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The first Cyber Defense Exercise in the United States was executed in 2001 to test the skills of different military schools in Cyber Defense. The partakers chosen were the West Point Academy, the US Air Force Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. The schools were divided into teams were engaged into a cyber warfare. The team that scored the most number of points in the offensive and defensive ordeal is declared the winner. In the successive years, more military school joined the competition. (Cyber Defense Exercise, 2009) Evaluations of the Cyber Defense Program There were several evaluations that were made for the Cyber Defense Course and its relative fields. The studies focused on both technical and general aspect of the program. Although it was effective in developing the skills of the cadets, some other issues were still in question. The following were some of the research questions of the evaluations: Is the Cyber Defense Program cost efficient? In the study of Schepens et. Al. in 2003, it focused on the cost efficiency and impact of the Cyber Defense Course. The rough estimate of conducting the course would be $20,000 for all the hardware and software components. (Schepens, Schafer, Surdu, Ragsdale, 2002) Other costs were not yet included like technical monitoring and repair. The question rising would be if the hefty cost is worth the increase in education effectiveness. (Tomes, 2000) There is an eminent intuitive interest to the concept that innovative experience provided by the Information Assurance course. When cadets essentially execute an attack, they must also depict how they would guard against several attacks. The twofold function of the course instigates self learning since technology constantly upgrade. The course trains a student’s critical, analytic and amalgamating skills. (Schepens, et al., 2002) Some remarks of the students under the first Information Assurance course said that it was a fresh breath of air and that it was invigorating to have hands down experience and learning about cyber defense. Another comment of the course is that it teaches them the indispensable lesson that security is an immense field to defend and it continuously expands. (Tomes, 2000) In terms of the cost efficiency, the starting point of the Information Assurance program was expensive and was shouldered by the National Security Agency. (Augustine Dodge, 2006) In time, more military schools implemented the Information Assurance course. With additional military school consumers, the expenditure of the course basically lessened. In another evaluation for cost efficiency of the Cyber Defense Program, it was noted that military schools can use open source software. Open source is computer software for which the source code and further rights are presented beneath a software license that convenes the open source characterization. (Gourley, 2009) This characterization allows consumers to utilize, alter and develop the software and restructure it in modified or unmodified figure. An example of Open Source software is Linux and an example of Closed Source software is Microsoft. Open Source software is continuously accessible for assessment, and in the majority situations it is cultivated in an open, public, mutual approach. Open source does not just signify approach to the source code, but also give the user the power to develop something greater. (Gourley, 2009) Another feature of open source is its inexpensive price. Since most of the open source software is not in the mainstream of the market, their prices are lower than the trendy closed source software. Therefore, the use of open source software can lower the cost of the Information Assurance course. (Gourley, 2009) One downfall for the use of open source software is its advance interface for beginners. It is not so much user friendly than its rival closed software. (Gourley, 2009) In a military school that is starting Information Assurance, its students might not be that specialized with open source software. Nevertheless, the application of open source software in Information Assurance can be cost minimization scheme. Is the Cyber Defense Program time effective? In another study, the time effectiveness of the program was evaluated. The Cyber Defense Program demonstrated numeral of effective dealings utilized to preclude, or perceive, compromises. However, it is substantial that the application and execution of the course require more time to operate than regular military courses. (Mullins, Lacey, Mills, 2007) Also, scrupulously understanding attacks and defends were essential for safe security operations, but requiring a tedious learning process. Furthermore, it was imperative to make sure the systems applied have been correctly patched and renewed. It should be mentioned that in real-world procedures, patch management is a multifaceted matter that needs receptiveness and attention. This makes additional time consumption. Another time spending effect of the Cyber Defense Program is the time and resource intensity for the workload of the instructor. (Mullins, et al., 2007) However, even with time consuming activities of the course, it is still being managed. Military schools somehow compress the activities to course to conserve time consumption. The faculty of the military schools that has Information Assurance courses remark that the additional load given are worth the excellent performance of the students. Another remarkable activity of the course that improves time utilization is the further engagement in Cyber Defense Exercise between different schools. (Adams, Lacey, Gavas, Leblanc, 2009) This was mentioned earlier in the paper in which military schools take part in the annual Information Warfare. The warfare investigates the effectiveness and time efficiency of the Information Assurance course in the schools. Cadets will build up their own team and represent their school. The Information Warfare improves time effectiveness of the course because it compels the cadets to attack and defend as fast as possible in a certain given time. The improvemen t in time effectiveness in the course is a huge factor that helps the military schools to win the competition. In a given school year, cadets with potential skills in Information Assurance are time pressured to create attacks and concoct defensive schemes in a nick of time. (Adams, et al., 2009) The inclusiveness of time effectiveness in course permeates the time saving scheme in the program. In a recent Information Warfare between several military schools, the winner of the competition was the school that attacked and defended in the most number of times in a given time limit.   (Mullins, et al., 2007) Therefore, it can be deduced that time effectiveness is correlated with successful Information Assurance courses. Table 1. 2006 Cyber Defense Exercise Results School Score AFIT 50,550 USAFA 48,425 USMA 46,600 USNA 45,650 USCGA 44,100 USMMA 43,725 (Mullins, et al., 2007) Results and Conclusion The following evaluations were clear in addressing two vital concerns about the Cyber Defense Program which is cost efficiency and time effectiveness. In the cost effectiveness of the program, the evaluations clearly pointed out that the Cyber Defense Program is costly. A plausible solution for this predicament would be the increase of Information Assurance course military school users. The greater the consumers of the course would result into a reduced expenditure. Therefore, the Information Assurance course should be promoted to the different military schools around the United States. Also, it can be opened that the Information Assurance course should not be held back to military schools exclusively. Other school should also access the course for further learning improvement. Another concern of the evaluations would be the use of cheaper software. The open source software is relatively economical than the other commercially closed software. The problem concerned with open source software for the Information Assurance course would be its advanced interface in which new users of the program might not easily familiarize with the system compared to the other software. Therefore, it should be recommended that open source software may be used by military schools that have an established experience in Information Assurance to lessen expenditure and greater progress into advance technical systems. Time effectiveness was also addressed as an issue on the Information Assurance course. The technicality and complexity of the program spends much time. In a certain evaluation, it was seen that the military school faculty can still cope-up with the additional time effort as long as they can see the improvement in the cadets. Another activity that boosts the time effectiveness of the course is the construction of Cyber Defense Exercise between military schools. It inculcates time effectiveness in the students in attacking and defending during a certain period of time. However, it was not yet certain whether an increase in the budget of the Information Assurance course would increase the effectiveness of the program. Therefore the creation of competitive and spirited competition should be increased because it can improve the time effectiveness of the course. In all the gathered evaluations for Cyber Defense Program, it was unanimous that the students positively liked the program and has increased their analytic and cognitive skills. In a generalization, even with some unresolved matters, the effectiveness of the program is unwavering. The benefits produced by the program outweigh its costs. Therefore, the Cyber Defense Program should continue and grow. REFERENCES Adams, W. J., Lacey, T., Gavas, E., Leblanc, S. P. (2009). Collective Views of the NSA/CSS Cyber Defense Exercise Curricula and Learning Objectives, 4(2), 10. Augustine, T., Dodge, R. C. (2006). Cyber Defense Exercise: Meeting Learning Objectives thru Competition. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 10th Colloquium for Information Systems and Security Education, Adelphi, Maryland. Cyber Defense Exercise (2009). Realistic Network Defense in a Hostile World: NSA CDX Fact Sheet, 23(3), 21. Dodge, R. C., Ragsdale, D. J. (2005). Technology Education at the US Military Academy. IEEE Security and Privacy, 3(2). Felder, R. M., Brent, R. (2003). Learning by Doing. Chemical Engineering Education, 36(4). Gourley, B. (2009). Open Source Software and Cyber Defense Paper presented at the White House Review of Communications and Information Infrastructure Gunsch, G. H., Raines, R. A., Lacey, T. H. (2003). Integrating CDX into the Graduate Program. IEEEInternational Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, 5(2). Mullins, B. E., Lacey, T. H., Mills, R. F. (2007). The Impact of the NSA Cyber Defense Exercise on the Curriculum at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Paper presented at the 40th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Honalulu, Hawaii. Schepens, W., Schafer, J., Surdu, J., Ragsdale, D. (2002). The Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Information Assurance Education. Paper presented at the The Cyber Defense Exercise. Tomes, R. (2000). Boon or Threat? The Information Revolution. Naval War College Review, 53(5), 21-38.

Augustus and Pax Romana Essay Example

Augustus and Pax Romana Essay Example Augustus and Pax Romana Paper Augustus and Pax Romana Paper Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Augustus and Pax Romana Pax Romana is a Latin word that literally means the Roman Peace. It was a period in the Roman Empire that had relative peace. There was minimal military force expansion and this period lasted for approximately two hundred years. The leader who is attributed to having established this period was Caesar Augustus. Through this period, there was economic growth, art and architectural development and the commerce flourished. Augustus contribution to the Pax Romana period became a foundation to the Western rule in the past and Today. As earlier identified, Augustus is mostly credited for establishing this period. This period began after he won the Battle of Actium by defeating Marc Anthony. Since he could not succeed using the one-man rule, he formed a junta of which he placed himself as the front man. The junta was formed by joining the two great military magnates. This was a form of eliminating civil war. Even though this did not mark the end of civil wars (there was a civil war in the Alps and Spain) and Pax Romana did not begin immediately, it paved the way for its existence. By closing the Gates of Janus (Roman ceremony marking world peace) thrice, the Period slowly came into being. Through propaganda, he was able to convince the citizens that peace was better and more flourishing than obtaining wealth through dangerous wars (Matz Lawrence 150). The above only took place between the 27 B.C and 14 AD, the period, which Augustus ruled. Nevertheless, this strong foundation made this period last for another 160years. Due to its strong foundation, the period successful lasted through the Commodus rule. This is because he misruled despotically and with dispendious excesses. This ruling made the roman politics be unstable in the middle of the Germanic invasions. When Cosmmodus was assassinated, the crisis was resolved, and the peace period continued. This period was faced by many challenges even by the succeeding rulers. However, most of them followed the actions of Augustus in order to maintain this peace. When a crisis came up they sometimes made lavish ceremonies in order to close the Gates of Janus. In other cases, coins with Pax on the reverse were issued to the citizens as a way of encouraging them to choose peace over war. Literature that advocated the advantages of the Pax Romana were also established. All these enabled this era to last until the fall of the Julio-Claudian and the Nero line. It is important to note that this period was called the peace period because there were law and civil order thus lesser civil wars and other wars that came due to lack of these concepts. Due to this great foundation, most of the Western laws are formed from the Roman law. The founders of the United States spoke of establishing the Augustan Age when they decided to establish the Office of the president (Matz Lawrence 216). This meant that they recognized the works done by this emperor, the effectiveness of his concepts during his time and the centuries after. Caesar Augustus contributions to the Pax Romana were not only effective during his reign, but they were also effective in the succeeding reigns. They are greatly recognized in the modern ruling and thus incorporated in the making of some European laws. Although there are other rulers who played their role in making sure that this period was established for the longest time, he laid down the basics and the concepts. His persistent nature and propaganda were also helpful in making sure that the people got a hold of his concepts, even though they were not effected immediately as expected.

The Effects Of Mobile Phones Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Effects Of Mobile Phones - Essay Example Health Problems According to BBC News (2002), studies have linked the use of mobile phones with headaches, hotspots in the brain as well as cancer. However, Foster and Moulder (2000) indicated that lawsuits that have been filed in courts in the United States have not been able to provide any concrete evidence of this claim as there has been no proven associated increase in cancer among the population and the complainants have not been able to provide any evidence to substantiate that their case is caused by the use of mobile phones. ARPHANSA (n.d.) has also indicated that although there is a possibility of a small risk, there is no clear evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that it poses a long-term health hazard. Teenagers are high users of mobile phones. Studies carried out in the U.K. have found that approximately 80% of 11 to 14 year olds own a mobile phone (The Institute of Science in Society n.d.). Studies also indicate that prolonged use may cause teenage brains to age prematurely (The Institute of Science in Society n.d.). Behavioral Problems in Young Children According to Divan et al (2010), prenatal and postnatal exposures to mobile phones have resulted in behavioral problems in young children.

Illicit Trafficking of All Types Research Paper

Illicit Trafficking of All Types - Research Paper Example The activities along these ports have attracted human traffickers, drug barons and even terrorists. Many South American illegal goods find their way in Africa through the ports in the Indian Ocean. This may be attributed to corruption and poor custom laws and regulations (Ploch, 2010). With the effects of the trafficking activities affecting many international countries the sensitivity of the matter has increased. In this paper I will focus on Kenya activities along the Kenyan coast. The paper will focus on human, drugs and weapon trafficking in Kenya. Additionally, it will focus on the effects of these activities in the country and the international community. The paper will have an insight on how the trafficking activities affect the United States. Kenya’s port city of Mombasa is one of the largest cities along the coast of the horn of Africa. Neighboring countries like Uganda and Rwanda use the port for export purposes since they are landlocked. This has made the port becom e the largest port in East Africa. This has attracted interests from many illegal stakeholders. First on focus is the issue of weapon trafficking. According to Shelly (2010) about 5,000 illegal firearms enter the country on an annual basis. These weapons find their way into the hands of interested people in the country. They are later sold at cheaper prices to pastoralist communities and other illegal gangs. In other instances, the firearms end up in other neighboring countries. Apart from the trafficking of firearms, explosive devices in Kenya are also on the increase. During this year, the country has had about seven explosive attacks in major cities. The explosives used in the scenes are said to have originated from a foreign country. Most firearms in Kenya are usually from the neighboring Somalia or destined to Somalia. Somalia is an unstable country, hence, traffickers find it an easier route to smuggle weapons to Kenya. Weapon trafficking in Kenya also involves top government officials. These powerful individuals are usually the masterminds of trafficking activities in the country. This hinders any investigative procedures from taking place. Weapon trafficking in Kenya has greatly affected the United States. In the year 1998 the US embassy was a main target in a terrorist attack in Nairobi. The terrorist attack was the worst attack experienced in the country. The Al- Qaeda group claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was aimed at destroying the US embassy. This was evidence that weapon trafficking in the country is a more complicated and strategized crime (Clinton, 2010). The United States government had to highly compensate the victims of the attack. Drug trafficking in Kenya has also been an emerging issue as far legality is concerned. Through its coastal town Mombasa, drugs enter the country from South American countries. Large consignments of drugs find their way to Kenya through various entry points. Entry points include border with neigh boring countries, through airports and majorly through the port of Mombasa. In the coastal city, many youths are now in rehabilitation centers after being exposed to drugs at a very young age. Many youths turn into small scale peddlers. They sell the drugs to school students and other young people. This has destroyed the young generation in Kenyan coastal region. Just like the weapon trafficking menace, powerful personalities are greatly involved in the smuggling of drugs into the country (Ploch, 2010). From the coastal