Greenhouse effect and global warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Greenhouse effect and global warming - Essay Example As many establishments for instance are trying to produce offerings, more greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are directly emitted into the atmosphere. The rising number of vehicles due to industrialization has even led to the increase of greenhouse gases. For this reason, Al Gore and other global warming alarmists try to inform the public the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other related greenhouse gases. These created various responses especially among global warming skeptics and realists. For the realists, scientific proofs are necessary so they cited important findings that could prove global warming as a natural environmental cycle occurring regularly over the earth’s entire existence (Taylor). Showcasing major findings of researches and even natural observations lead to the conclusion among global warming alarmists that humans have contributed enough for the recent climate change. The increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere traps heat ener gy causing earth to warm. As a result, climate change is imminent, and even from a simple observation everyone could agree with the prevailing environmental changes taking place everywhere. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believes that climate change is indeed taking place and humans have become responsible for it (Environmental Protection Agency). Reduction of greenhouse gas emission is what EPA believes to be one important solution in order to address environmental problems associated with climate change.

Reform Movement in the United States Essay Example for Free

Reform Movement in the United States Essay The protestant revival movement that began in the 1790s in New England caused reforms in America. Between 1825 and 1850, the United States government made reforms that greatly increased the influence of democratic ideals: universal suffrage and individual rights. Such reforms included prisons, churches, women suffrage, temperance, and education. Prison reforms expanded democratic ideals through the change in policies and mission statements. Debtor prisons were abolished, the number of capitol crimes was reduced, and prison became a place of reform as well as punishment. As shown in document A, the Fourth Annual Report, Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Delinquents in the City of New York, 1829, stated, To confine these youthful criminals . . . where little can be leaned but the ways of the wicked. It is saying that the prisons originally were bad and that reforming people would be useless and therefore the reform of the prisons would fix this problem and therefore be able to save individual rights and become clean. Church reforms also expanded democratic ideals through allowing freedom of religion and expansion of different sects. As Charles G. Finney in 1834 said, When the churches are . . . awakened and reformed . . . the reformation and salvation of sinners will follow. He is saying that because the church reformed, the people will reform in the same way. Therefore, by using this information, one can say that because the churchs rights were more readily expressed, the people would also have more individual rights. Woman suffrage was the most dominate traits that greatly increased the democratic ideals of United States. As woman rights began to increase, women showed that they were more independent as shown through the cult of domesticity. Women were original similar to the status of slaves because they had no voice. This is shown in the engraving by Patrick Reason in 1835 where a woman is in shackles. It shows the original status of women which changes slightly to more universal suffrage in America. Temperance also expanded democratic ideals in that it gave people more rights to form what they felt was correct. Because it was lead by women, a group of  society usually suppressed, it was unique in that women started to voice their opinions. In the painting The Drunkards Progress, From the First Glass to the Grave in 1846, it shows that women were most affected by it and that they were motivated to change it. Women were able to speak out and affect the world and that shows individual rights. Education also played a role in expanding democratic ideals. Education was improved through new textbooks, publicized, and improved teaching training facilities increase the average education of the masses. This created a more knowledgeable mass and therefore universal male suffrage was more possible. Through the reforms of prisons, churches, women suffrage, temperance, and education, democratic ideals were expanded. Democratic ideals of universal suffrage and individual rights were spread throughout America. The reforms between 1825 and 1850 expanded democratic ideals.

Gender Variation of Health Awareness of Adolescents in India

Gender Variation of Health Awareness of Adolescents in India Evaluation of gender variation in health awareness of Adolescent age groups in rural India Introduction World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescence as the period between 10 and 19 years of age. During this period, they have to face a lot of changes which may include physical, mental, emotional or psychological changes. Yet they are the once whose health is neglected the most, especially that of female adolescent group. [1] Health awareness not only includes the awareness for infections, diseases or disorders but also health related topics like physiological changes, psychological changes, hormonal changes, importance of exercise to stay fit, time for entertainment to stay active and happy etc. Adolescents in rural areas are often devoid of health care facilities and tends to fall sick more often. Both genders faces different types of problems. They even get addicted to un-healthy activities due to lack of awareness and peer pressure.   Government of India has implemented many schemes for the spread of health awareness, but due to unknown reasons, it is not yet uniform among both the genders. If they are aware of health issues surrounding them, they can fight or prevent them and can improve their lives. Females health has been always neglected in rural India and now as to be prioritised because not only they support family by sharing the economic burden but they also take care of the entire family. In order to share all responsibilities both males and females have to be fit and that should start from the very beginning, right after birth. With implementation of new schemes and involvement of latest technology like internet; health awareness is improving[2] The teachers also teach them the benefits of health exercise and the requirement of time for recreational activities so that they can live a happy life. Various studies and survey have been conducted before but none showed the difference of health awareness between males and females of adolescent group. So we conducted this study to access the gender variation in health awareness in adolescent age group [15-19 years]. Their answers to the questionnaire can help us to understand the awareness of health in rural areas and we could bring further changes or implement new plans for spreading health awareness especially if one of the gender is lacking behind in one area. Material and Methods The present study was conducted as a cross-sectional study in September, 2014 at a local school in Nhava village, Raigad District in Maharashtra State, India. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed randomly to 102 high school students which included 60 males and 42 females between 15 to 19 to evaluate gender variation in health awareness and attitude towards awareness of side effects of tobacco consumption leading to oral or lung cancer, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and its transmission route, reaction on stress situations, knowledge of body mass index and ill effects of being malnourished, importance of having breakfast and in between meals with time for exercise and recreational activities, evaluating depression by asking mood changes. Their family type, number of members and average family income, per capita income were also found out. They were asked if they suffered from any other disorders or diseases. The required official permission to select and collect the relevant data from selected subjects was solicited and obtained from the Principal of the respective school. There were 13 questions and the questionnaire was collected on the spot from participants after explaining them the importance of study and obtaining their oral consent. Writing names on the form was optional and was informed that their identity will be kept hidden in all ways possible if they chose to write their names. The survey was carried out in their school timings and free periods. Inclusion Criteria All Students between 15-19 years Exclusion Criteria Students out of target i.e. above 20 years of age and below 15 years Who did not wanted to be a part of the survey Statistical analysis The data were entered into the computer (Microsoft Office, Excel) and were subjected to statistical analysis using the statistical package SPSS version 19. Results In the present study, we got 102 samples out of which 60 were males and 42 were females having 41.18 percentage of females and 58.82% of males. Also the ages ranged from 15-19. Most number of the students were in 17th year. Breakfast Everyday In between meals 2-3 hours (Table 1) Here we noticed that only 69% Females said that they were able to have breakfast as compared to 81.7% Males. Values are given in Table 1. n=Number, %= percentage Sex Breakfast everyday In between meals every 2-3 hours Yes Not able to have Total N % N % n % F 29 69.0 13 31.0 42 100.0 M 49 81.7 11 18.3 60 100.0 Total 78 76.5 24 23.5 102 100.0 Table 1 Time for Exercise Recreation ( Table 2) We noticed that 57.1% females here just said that they are able to do exercise and spare some time for recreation as compared to 80% approval from the males regarding the same. Sex Time for exercise and recreation Yes No Total N % n % n % F 24 57.1 18 42.9 42 100.0 M 48 80.0 12 20.0 60 100.0 Total 72 70.6 30 29.4 102 100.0 (Table 2) Consume Tobacco in any form or any other substance abuse (Table 3) It is interesting to see that only 5 males used to consume tobacco in cigarettes form which is 4.90%. Females denied taking any tobacco in any form. The values are depicted in table 3 Sex Consume tobacco in any form or any other substance abuse Yes No Total N % n % n % F 0 .0 42 100.0 42 100.0 M 5 8.3 55 91.7 60 100.0 Total 5 4.90 97 85.10 102 100.0 Table 3 Awareness of the side effects of taking Tobacco in any form (Table 4) Here we noticed that Females are more aware of the side effects of taking tobacco. Their awareness rate is 95.2% as compared to 78.3% of Males. The values are depicted in table 4. Sex Awareness of side effects regarding tobacco Substance abuse Yes (Aware) No Total N % n % n % F 40 95.2 2 4.8 42 100.0 M 47 78.3 13 21.7 60 100.0 Total 87 85.3 15 14.7 102 100.0 Table 4 Awareness of STDs at least one route of spread (Table 5) Mostly everyone knows about STD and its of route of spread. More details are depicted in table 5. Sex Awareness of STD Yes No Total N % n % n % F 42 100.0 0 .0 42 100.0 M 58 98.04 2 1.96 60 100.0 Total 100 98.04 2 1.96 102 100.0 Table 5 BMI Status Awareness to ill effects of malnourishment (Table 6-8) BMI of the study subject was calculated by using the formula weight (kg)/ height2 (m2). For grading proposed criteria of BMI for Asians (Choo V 2002) and CDC (2010) was adopted. We noticed that females tend to be more underweight as compared to males. Males being more prone to obesity at this age. The mean BMI for females was 20.41 Sex BMI Status Normal Obese Over Weight Underweight Total N % N % n % n % n % F 29 69.0 0 .0 1 2.4 12 28.6 42 100.0 M 42 70.0 1 1.7 2 3.3 15 25.0 60 100.0 Total 71 69.6 1 0.98 3 2.94 27 26.47 102 100.0 Table 6 Sex Statistic Std. Error BMI F Mean 20.417341 .4574878 95% Confidence Interval for Mean Lower Bound 19.493425 Upper Bound 21.341256 Std. Deviation 2.9648599 Minimum 15.0597 Maximum 26.3146 M Mean 21.016615 .4933969 95% Confidence Interval for Mean Lower Bound 20.029330 Upper Bound 22.003900 Std. Deviation 3.8218361 Minimum 16.0231 Maximum 40.4281 Table 7 BMI values are depicted in Table 7 We also asked them if they knew the ill-effects of being malnourished? Almost 90% males knew the ill effects. Whereas 78.6% Females knew about the ill effects. The details are in  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   table 8. Sex Aware of ill-effects of being malnourished? Yes No Total N % n % N % F 33 78.6 9 21.4 42 100 M 54 90.0 6 10.0 60 100 Total 87 85.29 15 14.70 102 100 Table 8 Mood Study duration in a day (Table 9 10) We also asked whether they stay happy content always or unhappy and grumpy or scared or always angry. Most of them answered that they stay happy always. Most also mentioned that they study for 1-2 hours daily. Sex Mood Always Happy Content Always unhappy Always Scared Alway angry Total n % n % n % n % n % F 37 88.1 4 9.5 1 2.4 0 .0 42 100.0 M 55 91.7 2 3.3 2 3.3 1 1.7 60 100.0 Total 92 90.19 6 5.88 3 2.94 1 .98 102 100.0 Table 9 Sex Average hours of study per day 1-2 hours 2-4 hours 4-6 hours Total n % n % n % n % F 25 59.5% 14 33.3% 3 7.1% 42 100.0% M 41 68.3% 17 28.3% 2 3.3% 60 100.0% Total 66 64.70% 31 30.39% 5 4.90% 102 100.0% Table 10 Reaction on Stress or Depression (Table 11) We noticed that almost half of them prefer to talk to their friends when they are depressed. Few females do cry or starve as well. Sex Reaction on being stressed / depression Be alone / lock yourself Cry / Starve Call your friend Talk to your elders Total n % n % N % n % n % F 8 19.0 7 16.7 18 42.9 9 21.4 42 100.0% M 15 25.0 5 8.3 28 46.7 12 20.0 60 100.0% Total 23 22.54 12 11.76 46 45.09 21 20.58 102 100.0% Table 11 We also asked for any other diseases or disorder which they may be suffering from. 2 of males said that they are suffering from Diabetes and 1 female had ulcers.   We also took family history which included number of family members, earning members, total family income per month and level of education. Discussion Adolescents are the future of the country. As they reach puberty, they face a lot of changes in many ways which includes physiological, hormonal, emotional and mental. Females tends to receive more challenges because of the physiological and hormonal changes occurring with the start of their puberty. [3] With the rise of menstrual cycle they often tend to get more depressed before getting adjusting to it. BMI Importance Awareness of malnourishment Females may face malnourishment due to male children being given priority to eat first [4] or may be due to body weight consciousness leading to disorders like bullaemia or Anorexia nervosa   or depression. [5] Dr. Shah had conducted a study on nutrional assessment of adolescent girls in karamsad and had found out that only 8% girls were overweight while 63.2% were of normal weight and 28.5% were underweight. While 23.4% boys were overweight and only 21.2 % were underweight.[6] The present study showed that 28.6% females were underweight as compared to 25% males. 2.4% females were overweight whereas we did not find any obese female during the study. 4% males were above normal stage which includes overweight and obese. Almost 90% males knew the ill effects. Whereas 78.6% Females knew about the ill effects. STD Awarness its route of transmission In later years of adolescent age, teenagers especially males tends to get physically attracted and intimated with the opposite sex and the risk of contacting STDs rises if proper protection not used.7]   Dr. Kotecha had conducted two studies in urban and rural areas respectively, amongst school going students regarding reproductive health awareness and found out that in both rural and urban areas; about one-third of the boys and one-fourth of the girls knew about contraception. Two-thirds of boys and girls had information of HIV/AIDS, and about half of them correctly knew various modes of transmission of HIV in both urban and rural areas. Majority of the adolescent were even ready to visit the Adolescent Friendly clinic if there was any in near-by areas. [8,9] The awareness regarding modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS was found to be higher among boys as compared to girls which contradicts the present study. [10] The present study showed that all females knew about STDs and at least one route of spread as compared to 98.04% males. The contradiction might be due to improvement of health awareness in recent times. Tobacco Consumption Along with rise in STDs prevalence and incidence there is a rise in increase of cigarette smoking among adolescent age [11] andstudents are vulnerable to tobacco addiction, especially males.[12]This can have harmful effect. A study conducted in state of Gujarat, India, showed that there has been increasing trend of smoking cigarettes at younger which is a matter of great concern13]. Early use of tobacco smoking may lead to many harmful effects like hypertension, lung cancer and may even lead to end stage organ in later years of life[14]. A study conducted by Sharma Et Al showed 18.4% males have tried cigarettes or bidis at least once in life time compared to 11% females in adolescent age group. Tobacco use was much higher among the adolescent aged 16-19 group than those in the age group of 14-15 years. Tobacco use was appreciably higher among the males (23.8%) than the females adolescent age group (14.9%), (P=0.016).The prevalence rate of current smoking is 7.1%[15]. The present study showed that 4.9% males has consumed tobacco in any form in a rural area which leads to a conclusion that the tobacco consumption might be at a larger scale in urban areas. All females denied taking tobacco in form. It also noticed that females are more aware of the side effects of taking tobacco. Their awareness rate was 95.2% as compared to 78.3% of Males. Also adolescents are at increased risk of getting stress related depression. [16]They are easily influenced by changes around them which affects their biological, emotional, cognitive, and social functions. Unhealthy and anti-social behaviours are manufactured in these years but if stopped, can be moulded back or may change permanently. [17]These anti-social changes are common in males as compared to females Conclusion: There are many differences in health awareness between males and females of the adolescent age group. We need to decrease the bridge between them and for that we need to change some of our health policies. In some areas females have better health awareness like awareness in STD spread and side effects of taking tobacco in any form, whereas males have better knowledge in understanding the importance of taking proper breakfast and in taking some time off for entertainment. Along with that they also know the ill effects of  Ã‚   malnourishment. If we need our youth to progress at a faster rate, we need them to be healthy at mind, body and free from diseases. For that, we need to inculcate health awareness in both genders and should decrease the bridge between the awareness. Limitation future perspective: Sample size of study was small due to limited number of students in the school. In future, we want to study on more than 500 students of multi-schools in more than 5 districts involving rural areas. References Mahajan P, Sharma N. Awareness level of Adolescent Girls Regarding HIV/AIDS (A comparative study of rural and urban areas of Jammu) J Hum Ecol. 2004;17:313-4. Gray NJ, Klein JD. Adolescents and the internet: health and sexuality information. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2006;18(5):519-24. doi: 10.1097/01.gco.0000242954.32867.76. Goldenring J. A Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network, Medline plus. 2004 Borooah VK. Gender bias among children in India in their diet and immunization against disease. Soc Sci Med. 2004;59:1719-31. Reijone JH, Pratt HD, Patel DR, Greydanus DE. Eating disorders in the adolescent population: An overview. J Adolesc Res. 2003;18:209-22. Hasmukh, S., Wasim, S., Singh, S. K. (2012). Are Indian adolescent girl students more conscious about their body image than their colleague boys? National Journal of Community Medicine, 3(2), 344-347. Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted diseases in American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates. Perspect Sex Reprod Health 2004366-10.10 Kotecha PV, Patel SV, Mazumdar VS, et al. Reproductive health awareness among urban school going adolescents in Vadodara city. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2012;54(4):344-348. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.104821. Kotecha PV, Patel S, Baxi RK, et al. Reproductive health awareness among rural school going adolescents of Vadodara district. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2009;30(2):94-99. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.62765.

Robotics Essay -- essays research papers fc

Robotics The image usually thought of by the word robot is that of a mechanical being, somewhat human in shape. Common in science fiction, robots are generally depicted as working in the service of people, but often escaping the control of the people and doing them harm. The word robot comes from the Czech writer Karel Capek's 1921 play â€Å" R.U.R.† (which stands for "Rossum's Universal Robots"), in which mechanical beings made to be slaves for humanity rebel and kill their creators. From this, the fictional image of robots is sometimes troubling, expressing the fears that people may have of a robotized world over which they cannot keep control. The history of real robots is rarely as dramatic, but where developments in robotics may lead is beyond our imagination. Robots exist today. They are used in a relatively small number of factories located in highly industrialized countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Robots are also being used for scientific research, in military programs, and as educational tools, and they are being developed to aid people who have lost the use of their limbs. These devices, however, are for the most part quite different from the androids, or humanlike robots, and other robots of fiction. They rarely take human form, they perform only a limited number of set tasks, and they do not have minds of their own. In fact, it is often hard to distinguish between devices called robots and other modern automated systems. Although the term robot did not come into use until the 20th century, the idea of mechanical beings is much older. Ancient myths and tales talked about walking statues and other marvels in human and animal form. Such objects were products of the imagination and nothing more, but some of the mechanized figures also mentioned in early writings could well have been made. Such figures, called automatons, have long been popular. For several centuries, automatons were as close as people came to constructing true robots. European church towers provide fascinating examples of clockwork figures from medieval times, and automatons were also devised in China. By the 18th century, a number of extremely clever automatons became famous for a while. Swiss craftsman ... ...ng time. Research into developing mobile, autonomous robots is of great value. It advances robotics, aids the comparative study of mechanical and biological systems, and can be used for such purposes as devising robot aids for the handicapped. As for the thinking androids of the possible future, the well-known science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov has already laid down rules for their behavior. Asimov's first law is that robots may not harm humans either through action or inaction. The second is that they must obey humans except when the commands conflict with the first law. The third is that robots must protect themselves except, again, when this comes into conflict with the first law. Future androids might have their own opinions about these laws, but these issues must wait their time. Bibliography Buckley, Ruth V. "Robot." Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc. 1993. Gibilisco, Stan. The McGraw-Hill Illustrated Encyclopedia of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. McGraw-Hill, Inc. New York, 1994. Warring, R. H. Robots and Robotology. Tab Books Inc. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. 1984. And various sites on the internet.

Delta Airlines

The use of new technology, such as internet e-check-in and self-service kiosks, allows the processing of a significant number of passengers to be decentralized from the airport itself. This allows a better use of airport staff resources and reduces bottlenecks while, more significantly, allowing more departing passengers to be processed. Frequent flyers and business flyers who tend to travel with little luggage and appreciate any time-saving measures are currently leading the way in self-service check-in use. The other functions of self service kiosks are the kiosks help customers shave 5 to 15 minutes off the time they have to stand in line. Passengers can use the kiosks to check in for their flights, get boarding passes for originating or connecting flights, select or change seats, request to stand by for an upgrade, check baggage, change flights, and initiate multiparty check-ins. Delta plans to add more than 400 kiosks and enhance functionality to include international check-in and fee collection. With this change, Delta will offer customers more than 800 kiosks in airports nationwide. Airports such as Northwest and Delta airlines are now finding that the self-service kiosk is a valuable tool in the reduction of queues. But while the kiosk technology has been around for some time, it has still taken the industry a lot of coaxing to make passengers comfortable with the technology. The self service kiosk technology includes networked special-purpose microcomputer terminals * Video touch screens * Built-in thermal printers * Magnetic-stripe card reader The TouchPort which is being manufactured by Kinetics USA provides the best of the available technology system for the implementation of the Self service kiosk. The system consists of: * Intel ® P4 Processor 2. 8 GHz * 15† Touch Screen Display (Optional 17† Touch Screen Display Available) * 8† Wide-format Thermal Printer * Magnetic â€Å"Dip† Style Card Reader * Built-in System Support * Snap & Go Installation * Ease of Serviceability * System Reliability * The system is completely customizable and can be modified to include a large number of features as per the requirements of the buyers. Moreover, the system is easy to maintain is not very costly also. Ans2. -Delta customers will benefit from: –  · Broader reach and enhanced functionality – More than 400 enhanced kiosks will be available in 80 U. S. cities by the end of 2002.  · Quicker transaction times – Delta customers who use kiosks will receive a boarding card in less than one minute, on average.  · Dedicated customer service agents – Delta provides customer service agents dedicated to assisting customers with kiosk usage and baggage check. Self-service check-in kiosks are just one product in an array of technology enhancements provided by Delta to make travel easier for its customers. Delta offers the industry’s most extensive line of virtual check-in products available, including virtual check-in through delta. com, a toll-free telephone line, wireless Palm Powered handhelds and Web-enabled phones. Additionally, Gate Information Display Screens (GIDS) and Flight Information Display Screens (FIDS) are other technology products designed to save customers time, while keeping them informed. Delta Air Lines, the world’s second largest carrier in terms of passengers carried and the leading U. S. airline across the Atlantic, offers 5,590 flights each day to 410 destinations in 71 countries on Delta, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection carriers and Delta’s worldwide partners. Delta is a founding member of Sky Team, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Without the use of such information kiosks, the customers had to spend a lot of time waiting in the queue for checking-in the airport. Moreover, the customers who are frequent travelers and business class people who do not have much time get annoyed with such long waiting times. As a result, such a system would definitely help the travelers and a lot of customers would be delighted to use this system and it creates a lot of value for the company as well. Ans3. – These fully automated information kiosks provide a very high business value for the airline industry which is one of the most emerging fields because of the increasing globalization. Thus a large no of people keep travelling for business purposes to various countries. These corporate people do not like spending their precious time waiting in the queue to check-in to the airport. As a result, the implementation of such self service kiosks are always of a very high value for the airline industry as it helps them getting more customers. Yes, they do give an airline company a lot of competitive advantage. When an airline company implements such an information system, by which a customer can do all the things sitting at home and has to just walk in to the airport half an hour before his flight would surely give that company a competitive advantage over the others who are not implementing. Because the customers of those airline companies have to spend a lot of time after coming to the airport when the other company lets them do everything at their convenience. Traveling for business or pleasure isn't what it used to be. In order to develop and maintain brand loyalty while streamlining operations in an increasingly competitive global market, airports, air carriers and hoteliers have been challenged to transform their business processes and integrate new forms of customer-facing technology. Self-service technology has played an important role in this industry transformation. Today, travelers can manage air, hotel, train, and rental car reservations and check-in using kiosk, web or mobile applications. Increasingly, these applications support preferences ranging from dietary restrictions to airplane seating to hotel room/bed types and much more. In addition, travelers can use self-service kiosks while at an airport, hotel or off-site location, bypassing long queues. While selfservice travel kiosks have the potential to improve the traveler experience by making traveling easier, quicker and more enjoyable, some travelers may experience barriers when trying to use them. Self-service kiosks often utilize touch-screens which can be difficult if not impossible for persons to use if they are blind or have low vision or mobility impairments as a result of age or disability. Providers of self-service travel kiosks are increasingly interested in removing such barriers in order to: †¢ Continuously improve the traveler experience and differentiate themselves. †¢ Build brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive global market †¢ Capture market share for the growing segment of travelers with disabilities, whose annual business and leisure.

Battle of Paoli During the American Revolution

Battle of Paoli During the American Revolution The Paoli Massacre occurred on September 20-21, 1777, during the American Revolution (1775-1783). In the late summer of 1777, General Sir William Howe embarked his army at New York City and sailed south with the goal of capturing the American capital of Philadelphia. Moving up the Chesapeake Bay, he landed at Head of Elk, MD and began marching north towards Pennsylvania. Acting to protect the city, General George Washington attempted to make a defensive stand along the Brandywine River in early September. Meeting Howe at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, Washington was flanked by the British and forced to retreat east to Chester. While Howe paused at Brandywine, Washington crossed the Schuylkill River at Philadelphia and marched northwest with the goal of using the river as a defensive barrier. Reconsidering, he elected to re-cross to the south bank and began moving against Howe. Responding, the British commander prepared for battle and engaged the Americans on September 16. Clashing near Malvern, the fight proved brief as a massive thunderstorm descended on the area forc ing both armies to break off the battle. Wayne Detached In the wake of the Battle of the Clouds, Washington first retreated west to Yellow Springs and then to Reading Furnace in order to obtain dry powder and supplies. As the British were badly hampered by the rutted and muddy roads as well as the high water of the Schuylkill, Washington decided to detach forces led by Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and Anthony Wayne on September 18 to harass the enemys flanks and rear. It was also hoped to that Wayne, with 1,500 men that included four light guns and three troops of dragoons, could strike at Howes baggage train. To assist him in these efforts, Washington directed Brigadier General William Smallwood, who was moving north from Oxford with 2,000 militia, to rendezvous with Wayne. As Washington resupplied and began marching to re-cross the Schuylkill, Howe moved to Tredyffrin with the goal of reaching Swedes Ford. Advancing on Howes rear, Wayne encamped two miles southwest of the Paoli Tavern on September 19. Writing to Washington, he believed that his movements were unknown to the enemy and stated, I believe [Howe] knows Nothing of my situation. This was incorrect as Howe had been apprised of Waynes actions through spies and intercepted messages. Recording in his diary, British staff officer Captain John Andre commented, Intelligence having been received of the situation of General Wayne and his design for attacking our Rear, a plan was concerted for surprising him, and the execution entrusted to Major General [Charles] Grey. The British Move Seeing an opportunity to crush part of Washingtons army, Howe directed Grey to assemble a force of around 1,800 men consisting of the 42nd and 44th Regiments of Foot as well as the 2nd Light Infantry to strike at Waynes camp. Departing on the evening of September 20, Greys column moved down the Swedes Ford Road before reaching the Admiral Warren Tavern approximately one mile from the American position. In an effort to maintain secrecy, Andre reported that the column took every inhabitant with them as they passed along. At the tavern, Grey coerced a local blacksmith into serving as a guide for the final approach. Wayne Surprised Advancing around 1:00 AM on September 21, Grey ordered his men to remove the flints from their muskets to ensure that an accidental shot would not alert the Americans. Instead, he instructed his troops to rely on the bayonet, earning him the nickname No Flint.. Pushing past the tavern, the British approached around a set of woods to the north and quickly overwhelmed Waynes pickets who fired several shots. Alerted, the Americans were up and moving in a matter of moments, but were unable to resist the force of the British attack. Assaulting with around 1,200 men in three waves, Grey first sent forward the 2nd Light Infantry followed by the 44th and 42nd Foots. Pouring into Waynes camp, the British troops were able to easily spot their adversaries as they were silhouetted by their campfires. Though the Americans opened fire, their resistance was weakened as many lacked bayonets and could not fight back until they reloaded. Working to rescue the situation, Wayne was hampered by the chaos caused by the suddenness of Greys assault. With British bayonets slashing through his ranks, he directed the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment to cover the retreat of the artillery and supplies. As the British began to overwhelm his men, Wayne directed Colonel Richard Humptons 2nd Brigade to shift left to cover the retreat. Misunderstanding, Humpton instead shifted his men right and had to be corrected. With many of his men fleeing to the west through gaps in a fence, Wayne directed Lieutenant Colonel William Butlers 4th Pennsylvania Regiment to assume a position in nearby woods to provide covering fire. Wayne Routed Pressing forward, the British drove the disorganized Americans back. Andre stated, the Light Infantry being ordered to form to the front, rushed along the line putting to the bayonet all they came up with, and, overtaking the main herd of the fugitives, stabbed great numbers and pressed on their rear until it was thought prudent to order them to desist. Forced from the field, Waynes command retreated west towards White Horse Tavern with the British in pursuit. To compound the defeat, they encountered Smallwoods approaching militia who were also put to flight by the British. Breaking off the pursuit, Grey consolidated his men and returned to Howes camp later in the day. Paoli Massacre Aftermath In the fighting at Paoli, Wayne sustained 53 killed, 113 wounded, and 71 captured while Grey lost a mere 4 killed and 7 wounded. Quickly dubbed the Paoli Massacre by the Americans due to the intense, one-sided nature of the fight, there is no proof that British forces acted inappropriately during the engagement. In the wake of the Paoli Massacre, Wayne criticized Humptons performance which led to his subordinate preferred charges of negligence against his superior. A subsequent court of inquiry found that Wayne was not guilty of any misconduct but stated that he had made errors. Angered by this finding Wayne demanded and received a full court-martial. Held later that fall, it exonerated him of any blame for the defeat. Remaining with Washingtons army, Wayne later distinguished himself at the Battle of Stony Point and was present at the Siege of Yorktown. Though Grey had succeeded in smashing Wayne, the time taken for the operation allowed Washingtons army to move north of the Schuylkill and assume a position to contest a crossing of the river at Swedes Ford. Frustrated, Howe elected to move north along the river towards the upper fords. This forced Washington to follow along the north bank. Secretly counter-marching on the night of September 23, Howe reached Flatlands Ford, near Valley Forge, and crossed the river. In a position between Washington and Philadelphia, he advanced on the city which fell on September 26. Eager to rescue the situation, Washington attacked part of Howes army at the Battle of Germantown on October 4 but was narrowly defeated. Subsequent operations failed to dislodge Howe and Washington entered winter quarters at Valley Forge in December. Selected Sources British Battles: Paoli MassacreHistory of War: Paoli MassacrePaoli Battlefield