Bulgaria and the European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Bulgaria and the European Union - Essay Example Although Bulgarian has implemented significant institutional changes, it still must overcome its past and some important domestic hurdles. This research paper will explore the accession of Bulgaria into the ranks of the European Union through an analysis of the process, as well as the challenges this country faces within the EU framework. This is important, not only for Bulgaria and current EU member states but also for future EU enlargement. Accordingly, accelerated Europeanisation will be discussed with reference to the Bulgarian case in the European Union (Richardson 2001, p. 44; Nugent 2003, 23-33; see Warleigh 2004). The EU is a supranational body composed of constituent member states, found largely on the European peninsula. Democracy, negotiation, and collective decision-making through multilateralism are all inherent attributes of the modern EU. As a multinational organization, the EU represents various national interests within an overarching political framework. The EU is an international organization which operates on the basis of negotiation between member states and relies on collective decision-making to achieve its ends. ... Although there were initially only five members of the precursor to the European Union (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and West Germany), there are presently 27 countries in the EU and they are, in alphabetical order, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and finally, the United Kingdom. Countries currently seeking membership in the EU include parts of the former Federal State of Yugoslavia as well as Turkey. A political and economic powerhouse, this intergovernmental organization is estimated to account for up to 30% of the world's total Gross Domestic Product (see Warleigh 2004). Although it has not always been the case, modern-day Europe is characterized by a unifying democratic political culture. While the concept of democracy originated on its shores, the philosophy of democratic governance was challenged in 20th century Europe by authoritarian political movements, including fascism (expressed by Nazi Germany & Mussolini's Italy), and communism (as exemplified in Eastern Europe during the Cold War). With Allied victory in World War II and the recent collapse of the Soviet Union, democracy - in varying degrees- is now a universal trend amongst European states. In fact liberal democracy, best expressed by the states of Western Europe with entrenched democratic traditions, is quickly becoming the standard for the continent. Democratic norms and rules have subsequently been established

Night Vision Devices and History Research Paper

Night Vision Devices and History - Research Paper Example They incorporated active infrared to brighten up the scene. This was followed by generation 1 devices that relied on ambient light as opposed to an infrared light source. Examples of these devices include AN/PVS-2. With the changing technology, second generation night vision devices were developed. These devices featured a more advanced image intensifier than the previous generations (Stew 31). Seemingly, better clarity of the image was realized. Examples of these devices includes AN/PVS-4 and AN/VS-5 What Called For These Devices to Be Implemented Into Our Society Global population increase led to increased incidences of criminal activities. To curb this vice government institutions alongside nongovernmental organizations installed the night vision devices within their structures, this enabled proper monitoring of activities. The persons that thought of and developed this technology A night vision scientist, John Johnson, developed methods that predicted the target detection, identi fication and recognition (Anonymous 1). Upon the development of the image intensifier instrument, Johnson involved volunteer’s observers in order to test an individual ability to identify targets under varied conditions. Notably, this period marked a considerable development in the performance modeling of the night vision imaging systems. Other scientists behind this technology were George, Goodrich, James Ignatowski and William Wiley. They researched on the continuous channel electron multiplier APPLICATIONS FOR NIGHT VISION DEVICES. Application towards Safety Personnel using them For Search and Rescue. Night vision devices are used all over the world in rescue and maritime search. In a man overboard scenario, only the head of the person floating is visible. It is often visible as red or white balls against a dark background because the thermal heat of t greater the human head is greater than that of the water thus creating a 24 hour response capability (Anonymous 1). Moreov er, managing rescue at the sea has always been a complex undertaking. Occasionally, on scene commandos employ thermal imaging to keep track of the victims and their rescue personnel in the water. Notably, the improved situational awareness often increases the safety of all involved. As such, incorporation of the thermal imagers allows the maritime personnel to monitor whatever that is happening on land even in the event of darkness. Scientists using them for Further Scientific Research. Dr. Mark Horns of the department of engineering science and mechanics at Penn State University is working on the materials for night vision use. Thermograph employs vanadium oxide since its resistance changes with temperature (Vogel 36). It has been established that the relation between the change in temperature and resistance results to the temperature coefficient of resistivity of a material. At Penn State University, Dr. Horns group are currently studying on how nanotechnology enhancement to the m aterial properties and fabrication methods can help increase the temperature coefficient of resistivity for higher sensitivity, as well as, reduce production costs. The materials used are produced in the lab primarily by engaging the Pulsed DC Sputtering (Vogel 39). Medical Personnel using A Variant of NVDs for Practice or Further Medical UUT LIFESTAR’S is a civilian aero medical program that has embraced the night vision technology. It has been certified by the federal aviation administration to use