Transferability of Features in Deep Neural - myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theTransferability of Features in Deep NeuralNetworks. Answer: Problem Definition Deep neural networks in the modern world exhibit a curios phenomenon in that when trained with images, they have a tendency to all learn first layer features that are similar to color blobs or Gabor filters. These filters appear so commonly that if anything else is obtained in natural image datasets, the result is a suspicion that the hyper parameters chosen was done poorly or there is a bug in the software. This phenomenon is seen in different datasets as well as where the training objectives are very different including in situations of supervised image classification, unsupervised sparse representations learning, and unsupervised density learning. Regardless of the natural dataset and the specific cost function, the standard features in first layer systems seem to occur and so these features (first features) are considered general. Further, last layer trained network computed features must greatly depend on the chosen task and dataset; the last layer features are thus termed speci fic (Singh et al., 2015). Given that the first layers are general while last layers are specific, then within the network, there must be a point of transition from general to specific (Joshi, 2017). With this in mind, this pre-research proposal has the following objectives; Objectives To quantify the degree to which a specific layer is specific or general To establish whether the transition from general to specific occur suddenly at a singe layer or whether it occurs spread out out in over many layers To establish where the transition occurs; whether it is near the first, the middle, or the last layer in the network Time Table Task Duration/ Time Evaluating research topics and identifying suitable research area Three Days (Nov 25 2017 to Nov 28 2017) Writing preproposal One day (Nov 29 2017) Pre research data and materials collection One Week Writing formal research proposal One Week Getting professor feedback and making necessary adjustments Two Weeks Designing research methodology Three Days Collecting materials for the research One Week Literature Reviews Two Weeks Designing experimental setup One Week Data Collection One Week Data analysis One Week Discussion of research findings Four Days Making Draft Research Five days Obtaining professor feedback Two weeks Making adjustments and writing final research paper with conclusions and recommendations Two weeks Presenting research One day References Joshi, N. (2017). Combinational neural network using Gabor filters for the classification of handwritten digits (pp. 1-4). Frankfurt: Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studie. Retrieved from https://arxiv.org/pdf/1709.05867.pdf Singh, B., De, S., Zhang, Y., Goldstein, T., Taylor, G., 2015 (December 01, 2015). Layer- Specific Adaptive Learning Rates for Deep Networks. IEEE 14th International Conference on Machine Learning and Applications (ICMLA). 364-368.

Rotary Screw Compressor Samples for Students †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Questions: 1.Is the project scientifically worth doing? 2.How is your knowledge and skills base matched with the project? 3.Are you motivated by the idea? 4.What is the potential for future further research wok? Answers: A tentative project title: A study of the application of rotary air compressor for compressed air for the Compressed air energy storage system. Currently, many industries and homes are resolving to use the alternative sources of energy which are renewable and environmentally friendly. People and industries are currently storing energy such that in case there is the need for an alternative energy to boost the supply of the grid, they these energy storage devices are used. Some of the energy storage devices that are currently being used include flywheel energy storage system, pumped-hydro, battery energy storage, and compressed air energy storage systems(Chandra, 2012). The rotary screw compressor that is oil-free can be used for the purposes of air compression through the screw action to attain an air pressure of 150 psi (10 atm) and output volume of 57m3/min (2000 cubic feet per minute). This compressed air can then be channelled to the compressed air energy storage system. The figure below shows the features of a rotary screw compressor that can be used for the purposes of air compression before channelling the compressed air to the energy storage system: Compression of air generates heat, the air is warmer after the process of compression. During the process of expansion, heat is removed from the system. In case no heat is added, then the air will be much colder after expansion. This heat produced during the compression of air by rotary air compressor can be stored and used during expansion(Hollaway, 2012). The figure below shows how the compressed air from the rotary air compressor will be channelled to the compressed air energy storage system: 1. This project is critical since it will be meeting the demand of the current fluctuations in the energy demand in for both companies and homes whose energy requirements vary depending on the time and season. During off-peak, the energy will be stored in form of compressed air in the compressed air energy storage system, during peak loads when the demands are higher, the energy from the storage system will then be released to the grid(Jamal, 2017). This two systems of air compression and energy storage can function concurrently while the energy being supplied to the grid such that their energy will always be channelled to the system. The extra energy from the energy storage system can be channelled to the grid to be used in other places where at that time there is higher demand, this will avoid wastage of energy and compressed air. Many factories are currently implementing energy storage systems, however, the compressed air energy storage system is not very much considered since the challenge of acquiring compressed air. The rotary air compressor will be the major source of compressed air which will be used for the purposes of air compression(Mike, 2013). 2. I have lived in areas where electricity shortage has always been a problem. There will always be a voltage drop during the evening hours and morning hours where the consumption of electricity is at the peak. Many people in the region will always opt to store energy using energy storage systems such as batteries and then use the stored energy when the demand is higher than the supply. This habit of storing energy has actually encouraged me to investigate on other energy storage systems since the amount of energy stored using batteries is low and can get depleted after a short duration(Nwauha, 2013). This project will also be more effective to me since the acquisition of required data cannot be a problem. Many companies around the region are using compressed air energy storage system and can be more than willing to provide all the information required to put this system into practice. The government, under the department of energy, can also be willing to provide data that is critical to implement this project since this energy storage system will help in meeting the demand for energy during the peak periods. The current efficient techniques for air compression by the use of rotary air compressor can easily be acquired by researching in numerous sources that are readily available(Yahya, 2011). 3. The research of alternative energy storage system other than the locally available battery is very appealing to me. This is an area I have been implementing for a long period by the use of batteries as an energy storage system. The use of compressed air energy storage system is more appealing and motivating. The project gives me an opportunity to engage me in finding solutions to problems that probably have numerous solutions and may vary depending on the pressure of compressed air generated by the rotary air compressors and also the different energy that is intended to be released by the compressed air energy storage system(Perez, 2016). The idea of researching of the information concerning the practical work is more fascinating to me than a theory based projects since I get to acquire the actual skills of implementing a real project and making it function as required(Nwauha, 2013). 4. Numerous companies have considered the implementation of the compressed air energy storage system, but the problem that always arises is the source of compressed air to be used, however, with the idea of using the rotary compressor as the source of compressed air, many companies will opt to this energy storage system. This will really make the rotary motor to be modified to suit this purpose in the near future. Other methods of generation of compressed air are not as efficient as the rotary air compressor aiming it more suitable for this purpose(Nwauha, 2013). Depending on the amount of air pressure required, the screw rotary compressor can be modified to generate any amount of air pressure. The higher the air pressure the higher the amount of energy that will be released by the energy storage system making the system to be more flexible for any future adjustments(Stosic, 2010). Bibliography Chandra, R. (2012). Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Michigan: Wiley 147-154. This article reviews the different applications of rotary compressor with major consideration being taken on its use on refrigeration and air conditioning. This article is critical when addressing the operation principles of the rotary compressor and various types of compressors. Giampaolo, T. (2010). Compresor Handbook: Principles and Practice. Colorado: Springer, 89-158. This article reviews the principles of operation of the compressors and also evaluates various types of compressors that are currently being applied in numerous operations. It also examines the applications of the compressors. Hollaway, M. (2012). Process Plant Equipment: Operations, Control and Reliability. New York: Informa, 178-192. This article looks into the various equipment used in factories and industries that use rotary compressors for their operations. The article addresses the control and reliability of the rotary compressors used in these equipment. Jamal, K. (2017). Vehicles and Automotive Engineering. Perth: Simon Schuster, 287-311. This article reviews the application of the rotary compressors in vehicles and automation by looking into the application and working principles of the compressors in automation. Mike, L. (2013). 8th International Conference on Compressors and their System. London: Grupo Planeta, 114-124. This article looks at the various systems that uses the various types of compressors and evaluates their working principles in numerous applications. Nwauha, C. (2013). Compressor, Rotary, Air, Wheel Mounted. Melbourne: Scholastic, 315-358. This article is a broad document that discusses the numerous compressors such as rotary, air, and wheel mounted compressors that are applied in many systems. The major consideration for the case of this research is on the rotary mounted compressors. Perez, R. (2016). Troubleshooting Rotating Machinery. Moscow: Adventure Works Press, 154-174. This article is a case study into the ways of troubleshooting the rotary machines which use the rotary compressors to facilitate their rotation. Spellman, F. (2013). Handbook of Water And Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations. Toledo: Scholastic, 217-243. This article reviews the operations of water and wastewater treatment where the rotary compressors are applied due to their rotational ability. Stosic, N. (2010). Screw Compressor. Paris: Reed Elsevier, 347-375. This article is a case study into the screw type of compressor. This article discusses the various sections of the compressor as well as its operation and application. Yahya, S. (2011). Turbines Compressor and Fans. California: Pearson, 198-212. This article reviews the fans and turbine compressors that use the rotatory compressors to facilitate their working. The types and working principles of the compressors differ depending on the system they are applied.

Measuring quality in sport Essay Example

Measuring quality in sport Essay Using benchmarks within sports development is to measure the quality of an initiative or sports club. Benchmarking is a process that all clubs and initiatives have to follow to ensure they meet the correct requirements to achieve a benchmark. To get these benchmarks they must undergo Inspections and to have all data records looked upon to ensure they are covered In all kinds of insurances documents, safeguarding, and emergency procedures. Etc. National governing bodies and sports organizations such as Sport England and UK SPORT recognize these clubs that have achieved these benchmarks. Benchmarks are also used in comparisons with other sports clubs to produce a comparative and competitive source for which the standards of a club are compared to show people who are Interested In participating or know someone who does and want to Join a club fit for their needs. Quality Schemes are used to improve and continually are finding ways to improve the quality of customer service in the sports industry. Quality schemes are mostly aimed at leisure centre across the I-J that provide close contact will the general public. Sports Development organizations use self assessments or programmed to improve he qualities of sports clubs and sporting Initiatives. The assessment Is operated by a grading system that assesses; Timekeeping Workmanship Coaching Quality of Equipment Problem Solving Professionalism and Standards when the assessment takes place the club/lamentable have score boundaries they have for which whatever they are based on they fall Into that category which Is then published. We will write a custom essay sample on Measuring quality in sport specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Measuring quality in sport specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Measuring quality in sport specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The score boundaries are; Minimum 60% to be registered To achieve a higher category it has to be between 75% and 84% To achieve a excellent score they must score 85% and above So overall this measurement Is effect to show the quality of the club In making sure that the legal and formal parts of the club are at a high standard. The quality of a club is only shown if the club score 60% or more. Sport England Cellular A example of this is the Sport England Cellular. This cellular Is Issued one a club or leisure has passed the necessary procedure of approval. The cellular shows Sport England are in a way recommending this club that shows good standards and procedures within sport. The procedure of getting a cellular is set within guidelines for with an examiner will come in and ensure the club has all the accessory paperwork, safety procedures/action plans to ensure the participants are safe at all times. The criteria of the procedure is filled in and then a copy of certificates, policies and qualifications. The criteria is checked every 2 years to ensure the standards are met and that none of the paperwork used as evidence is not out- dated, if it is then the club must go about replacing them. In conclusion this type of assessment is quite effective due to marketing and advertising the cellular to show that the club is at a high standard. More so with participants who are edging towards the higher end of the sports development momentum, as parents will be looking for sports club that meets all of the desired targets that the parent may seem fit for their child to develop. Internal and Self-Assessment This is another procedure to measure quality in sport. Self-assessment is a evaluation provided of your own performance. Sports clubs and initiatives do this measure as their own clubs strengths and weaknesses. And the potential of the opportunities or threats they face. Sports clubs can then create a Development plan to fix the areas of development, and improve on their strengths. Self-assessing will alp initiatives and organizations set goals to improve their current results of assessment. Internal assessment means you can identify your successes and a areas of development and internally within your club can provide plans to improve the level of quality to a long term look and potential progress. A example of this is doing a SOOT Analysis to seek your strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This is a form of self-assessing and is used to evaluate current states and where the club is and how they can improve. Opportunities are the result of the strengths when having strength only positive outcomes can be achieved. Threats are the results of the weakness and are the negative outcomes. When using a soot analysis to be able to make goals to improve the quality and be able to progress forward the club must be able to make realistic targets that will be measurable and fit the specific needs for the club and its members. This is used by seeking the weaknesses and areas for development and producing a development plan to set the targets and goals for expand the club. This is a very effective way in improving the quality of sports clubs and initiatives. This because it is easy to show the strengths and weaknesses and show that in the rent state the opportunities from the strengths and the threats the sporting club/ initiative may face if they do not improve. When evaluating from the results of a SOOT Analysis a development plan must be created to work on the areas of development and how to improve or better the strengths. This is a on-going procedure which in time will improve the quality of a sports club. Comprehensive Performance Assessment (C. P. A) CPA is an example of internal assessment. After a sports club have completed a SOOT analysis a sports organization will produce a CPA to put a rating the level of quality within the sports club. This is produced by a combination off sports clubs development plan. After a sports club have completed a SOOT analysis, a sports organization for example Sport England would then provide a CPA. The Spas objective is to put a value on the level of quality of a sports club. This is produced by a combination of a sports clubs action which is identified by a self assessment like a soot analysis. A plan is made with the potential quality and actual quality. Potential Quality is how good the quality of a sports club could be depending on what comes out of the development plan. Actual Potential is where a sports club is at this state eight now, which also depends on the Development plan. Different sports clubs have different levels of quality, for example some may have high quality in some areas that another sports club might not. In conclusion this type of assessment is quite effective if followed correctly and depending on if a clubs development plan is strong enough to work off. Ensuring that the goals the club are realistic and able to achieve, also the club has passed the following stages of a development plan they should be at better state for which they will achieve a better success rate and potentially more customers.

Geography of the Rocky Mountains

Geography of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains are a large mountain range located in the western part of North America in the United States and Canada. The Rockies as they are also known, pass through northern New Mexico and into Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. In Canada, the range stretches along the border of Alberta and British Columbia. In total, the Rockies stretch for over 3,000 miles (4,830 km) and form the Continental Divide of North America. Additionally, because of their large presence in North America, water from the Rockies supplies about  ¼ of the United States. Most of the Rocky Mountains are undeveloped and is protected by national parks like the Rocky Mountain National Park in the U.S. and local parks like the Banff National Park in Alberta. Despite their rugged nature though, the Rockies are a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping skiing, fishing, ​and snowboarding. In addition, the high peaks of the range make it popular for mountain climbing. The highest peak in the Rocky Mountains is Mount Elbert at 14,400 feet (4,401 m) and is located in Colorado. Geology of the Rocky Mountains The geologic age of the Rocky Mountains varies based on location. For example, the youngest parts were uplifted 100 million to 65 million years ago, whereas the older parts rose 3,980 million to 600 million years ago. The rock structure of the Rockies consists of igneous rock as well as sedimentary rock along its margins and volcanic rock in localized areas. Like most mountain ranges, the Rocky Mountains have also been affected by severe erosion which has caused the development of deep river canyons as well as intermountain basins such as the Wyoming Basin. In addition, the last glaciation which occurred during the Pleistocene Epoch and lasted from about 110,000 years ago until 12,500 years ago also caused erosion and the formation of glacial U-shaped valleys and other features such as Moraine Lake in Alberta, throughout the range. Human History of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains have been home to various Paleo-Indian tribes and more modern Native American tribes for thousands of years. For example, there is evidence that Paleo-Indians may have hunted in the region as far back as 5,400 to 5,800 years ago based on rock walls they constructed to trap game like the now-extinct mammoth. European exploration of the Rockies did not begin until the 1500s when the Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado entered the region and changed the Native American cultures there with the introduction of horses, tools, and diseases. In the 1700s and into the 1800s, exploration of the Rocky Mountains was mainly focused on fur trapping and trading. In 1739, a group of French fur traders encountered a Native American tribe that called the mountains the Rockies and after that, the area became known by that name. In 1793, Sir Alexander MacKenzie became the first European to cross the Rocky Mountains and from 1804 to 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition was the first scientific exploration of the mountains. Settlement of the Rocky Mountain region then began in the mid-1800s when Mormons began to settle near the Great Salt Lake in 1847, and from 1859 to 1864, there were several gold rushes in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. Today, the Rockies are mostly undeveloped but tourism national parks and small mountain towns are popular, and agriculture and forestry are major industries. In addition, the Rockies are abundant in natural resources like copper, gold, natural gas, and coal. Geography and Climate of the Rocky Mountains Most accounts say that the Rocky Mountains stretch from the Laird River in British Columbia to the Rio Grande in New Mexico. In the U.S., the eastern edge of the Rockies forms a sharp divide as they rise abruptly out of the interior plains. The western edge is less abrupt as several sub-ranges like the Wasatch Range in Utah and the Bitterroots in Montana and Idaho lead up to the Rockies. The Rockies are significant to the North American continent as a whole because the Continental Divide (the line which determines whether water will flow to the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean) is in the range. The general climate for the Rocky Mountains is considered highland. Summers are usually warm and dry but mountain rain and thunderstorms can occur, while winters are wet and very cold. At high elevations, precipitation falls as heavy snow in the winter. Flora and Fauna of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains are very biodiverse and has various types of ecosystems. However, throughout the mountains, there are more than 1,000 types of flowering plants as well as trees like the Douglas Fir. The highest elevations, however, are above the tree line and thus have lower vegetation like shrubs. The animals of the Rockies the elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, bobcat and black bears among many others. For example, in Rocky Mountain National Park alone is populated by about 1,000 head of elk. At the highest elevations, there are populations of ptarmigan, marmot, and pika. References National Park Service. (29 June 2010). Rocky Mountain National Park - Nature and Science (U.S. National Park Service). Retrieved from: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/nature/index.htm Wikipedia. (4 July 2010). Rocky Mountains - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountains

Terrorism and International Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Terrorism and International Response - Essay Example In an Israeli Newspaper Ha'aretz, Nissan Horowitz wrote: "Terrorism - it's all in the eyes of the beholder." He argues over the fact that if the attack on the twin towers can be regarded as terrorism, then why the bombing in a Kabul's hospital can't be considered as one According to a truism, it is believed that, terrorist, in the eyes of one, is a freedom fighter in the eyes of another. Or considering the Israeli/Palestine case, those, whom the Israelis consider as terrorists, are for the Palestinians, martyrs. One might wonder if to call rebels, insurrectionists, mercenaries, activists, guerillas, militants, dissenters, freedom fighters, etc, all these as terrorists Or perhaps the very concept holds an absolute slot. (Terrorism guide, n.p., 2008) Whatever reasons that lie behind this enigma, are indeed not inexplicable. From a particular group, 'a terrorist takes birth when he senses unfairness or discrimination perceived by the very group he belongs to, therefore he becomes the hero for that entire group, be it a small anarchist cell, or a whole tribe, or class, nation, religion etc. For his struggle, he is applauded by those in solidarity with him, but highly condemned as terrorists by those unsympathetic to the strong aims of that struggle.' (Weiss, pp. 11+, 2002) The U.N. has certainly strived to give terrorism a proper definition, and so have all the international lawyers. Nonetheless, it has, "in all its forms and manifestations", been, by far, condemned no matter whosoever commits it, where they do, and for what purpose. (Secretary General, n.p., 2006) The diction for terrorism which confines to a particular method of conducting violence can be censured irrespective of the circumstances. 'This nonexistence of a proper agreed definition carries weight for a number of reasons, which involve its blocking the prospect of bringing up terrorist acts, that of genocide or other war crimes, to an international court; and leaving individual countries unbound to outlaw actions which, maybe for their own political expediency, they choose to categorize as terrorism. Therefore, it is crucial to define the problem.' (Terrorism guide, n.p., 2008) Official Definitions Various views have been recognized on the definition and interpretation of terrorism, for which the definition of 'aggression' may also be considered. (Crozier, pp.28, 1986) The definitions of terrorism are particularly acutely perceptive, indeed because they tend to set limits over the range of legitimate responses to them. (Norgren, pp. 4, 2003) A broad definition, accepted by the US State Department, was put forward by the US Central Intelligence Agency. They were of the view that some individuals and groups intimidate or use violence for political purposes, whether favoring or opposing the establishment of governmental authority. When these actions are aimed at shocking, stunning, or threatening a "target group wider than the immediate victims", (Ramos, n.p., 2007) it comes under terrorism. James Adams, in his composition 'financing of terror', has put forward another definition that defines a terrorist as an individual, follower or supporter of a group that intends to attain "po litical ends using violent means". These violent means are often at the expense of casualties to harmless, nave

(Economics) Explain, using appropriate diagrams, how markets function Essay

(Economics) Explain, using appropriate diagrams, how markets function and the mechanisms which bring about an equilibrium price. To what extent do u you agree w - Essay Example A market system is necessary to convey the decisions made by buyers and sellers of products and resources". Independent economies and enterprise organizations form a private sector, and the state forms public sector. In spite of the fact that the market is self-regulated, the state takes measures on its regulation: establishes a marginal level of the prices for the certain goods and services, a minimum level of wages, limits a competition in the separate markets, etc. Buyers forms demand for the goods and services. Hence, constantly increasing needs form the demand. In the economic theory there is a standard definition of demand. Demand is ability and desire to purchase goods and services. It is influenced with some factors (non-price factors): tastes and preferences of consumers, quantity of buyers in the market, the prices for the goods-substitutes, and a level of income of buyers, consumer expectations concerning the future prices, income and presence of goods. The price of the goods and quantity of demand for these goods are inversely proportional quantities. Economists name this the law of demand. That is the higher the price of the product, the less the consumer will demand with other things being equal. Manufacturers make the goods and services, which they consider it is possible to sale in the market. Set of commodity producers provides to people the satisfaction of their solvent demand, that is forms the supply. The supply is desire and ability of manufacturers to give the goods for sale in the market. Ability to give the goods is connected with use of the limited resources, which are not always enough to satisfy needs of all people. Thus, the supply is a quantity of the goods and services, which a seller wishes and able to sell. That is the law of supply states, the higher the price, the larger the quantity supplied, all other things constant. Thus, in the market, on the one hand, there are

Lustration In Czech Republic And Slovakia Social Policy Essay

Lustration In Czech Republic And Slovakia Social Policy Essay Twenty years after the Velvet Revolution resulting in the change of regime, common feeling prevailing in both, Slovakia and the Czech Republic is disillusion. According to the latest polls of STEM agency, forty years of communist oppression would not discourage 12.3% Czechs to vote for the Communist Party in next election. In Slovakia, the Communist Party would enjoy only 3.1% support as FOCUS agency discovered. However, it cannot be concluded that Czechs excused leaders and collaborators of former regime whereas Slovaks did not. These figures have to be seen in the light of approaches Slovakia and the Czech Republic pursued in coping with their communist past. Absence of the lustration law in Slovakia caused that leaders and collaborators of former regime pervaded into new political system easily, and now can be found in many other parties throughout the political spectrum, apart from the Communist Party. Thus, their actual support cannot be verified. Whereas, the lustration law in the Czech Republic disqualified leaders and collaborators of former regime from holding public positions. This essay tries to argue that although approaches Slovakia and the Czech Republic pursued in coping with their communist past were completely different, surprisingly, none of them led to satisfactory outcomes. This essay primarily presents strengths and weaknesses of the lustration law adopted in 1991, as it applied to the Czech Republic and Slovakia together until its dissolution in 1993. Moreover, with minor changes, it has been valid since then in the Czech Republic. On the contrary, in Slovakia it expired in 1996. This essay describes unfavourable consequences of absence of the lustration law in Slovakia. However, it also mentions harms its existence and strict enforcement did in the Czech Republic. While being a common state, Czechs and Slovaks pursued the same attitude in coping with their communist past. Its Federal Assembly passed the lustration law as the first post communist government on October 4, 1991. This law stated precisely who can and cannot hold certain public positions. A person who was: member of State Secret Police (hereinafter referred to as StB), resident, agent, owner of conspiracy flat, informer, ideological or conscious collaborator of StB, high-ranked official of the Communist Party, member of Peoples Militias, student, or researcher at one of the KGB universities for longer than three months, was excluded from public employment (Act on Lustration 1991). In addition, this law specified more precisely category conscious collaborator as person recorded in StB files as confident or candidate for collaboration (1991). The lustration law, valid until 1996, obliged everyone holding a leading public position, including public enterprises, courts, media outlets and higher education institutions to require the Interior Ministry for lustration certificate, of 8-euro value (Lustration Act 1991). However, lustrations happened even before putting the lustration law into life. The Federal Assembly already in January that year passed a resolution in accordance with all members of parliament, ministers, their deputies and civil servants had to be screened for StB collaboration. It did not take long until the first ethical concerns were raised about both, the resolution and the lustration law. Roman David mentions that the International Labour Organisation criticized them for being discriminatory towards the expression of political opinion and human rights groups for violating the right to express, associate, be free from discrimination, and participate in public life (2004, 790). The headlines of internationally respected dailies called lustrations in Czechoslovakia Witch Hunts, Hunts for Villains (New York Times 1991) or Grounds for New Injustices (Le Monde 1992), describing them as threats to democracy, fragile anyway at that time. Many scholars mention that new policy makers used exactly contrary argument, defending lustrations as a mean to build and strengthen democracy. They believed if leaders and collaborators with former regime were given public employment, it would undermine democracy. (David 2004, 795; Williams 2003, 2) In this regard, it is difficult, if not impossible to decide who was wrong and right. However, it is possible to define the strengths and weaknesses of the lustration law from 1991. First, the criticism of the lustration law based on the deprivation of political rights does not hold the water. It prevented leaders and collaborators of former regime from public employment, but as Roman David argues the right to public employment was deliberately omitted from the European Convention of Human Rights (2004, 797). Moreover, he adds that the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989 was a monolithic organisation which excluded opposition, prohibited discussion and did not allow free elections (2004, 799). It cannot be considered standard political party as it does not fulfil general criteria of a political party recognized in democracy. Thus, it can hardly claim the same legal protection which is given to other parties. (2004, 799) Furthermore, public employment is identified with certain values. Roman David uses an example of USA where the Supreme Court has confirmed several qualifications for public employees, such as trust, integrity and competency, fitness and loyalty and impartiality, fairness and effectiveness' (2004, 797). This shows that the public employment demands exemplary behaviour. Can someone who contributed to oppression of others be an example for others? Does he hold these values? When identifying former regime and its actors, its crimes should not be overlooked. According to the Czech Office for the Documentation and the Investigation of the Crimes of Communism, from 1948 to 1989, 205 486 persons were imprisoned and 248 persons were executed for political reasons, 282 persons died when trying to cross western borders, and 21 440 persons were placed in forced labour camps from 1948 to 1953. Besides, these figures do not include damages of those, who were deprived from possibility to study, work in their field, and were exposed to constant pursuit of StB and regular interrogations, during which StB members were not reluctant to use violent practices. The Communist Party not only gave consent to these practices carried out by the Peoples Militias that was armed forces of the Communist Party and by StB, it encouraged them to use them. Would not their former members be a threat to unstable democracy in Czechoslovakia, if they were given a chance to participate in public decisions? Knowing the context, is not surprising that after 1989 new policy makers took uncompromising stance towards leaders and collaborators with former regime and dismissed them from political life. However, while one ethical concern was solved, another popped up. If a dismissal from public employment was legitimate, then who to dismiss was in question. As nothing is black and white, simple division on bad and good proved to be impossible for a whole variety reasons. Certainly, thousands of people collaborated with former regime voluntarily for personal gains, fully aware of harms their actions caused to others. However, with new lustrations becoming public, new life stories disclosed proved it was not always the case. Some people seemed to be forced to agree on collaboration. Simply, they had no other choice if they wanted to protect their families and friends, keep their employment, study at universities or even if they wanted to continue dissenting against regime. Who could say s/he was in such situation and decided not to collaborate? A handful could. The political party Public against Violence (hereinafter referred to as VPN), created after 1989 mostly from dissidents was one of the firsts that decided to verify whether their candidates ranked to this handful and screened them for StB collaboration. If they were positive (meaning, they had records in StB files as collaborators), either they resigned or we withdrew them from their position. These were dreadful days. We saw life stories of people who were broken in prisons, uranium mines, during their travels abroad or simply at work. Some of them were our long-time friends, Fedor Gal, Slovak dissident and co-founder of VPN recalls (tyzden 2009). It turned out some of leaders of the Velvet revolution had records in StB files as hostile persons, but as collaborators at the same time. The situation got complicated. Was it right to use the same measure for everyone? Moreover, when the definition of categories excluded from public employment in the lustration law proved to be imprecise . However, no controversy could be found in respect to high-ranked officials of the Communist Party, the same could not be said about StB collaborators and members of Peoples Militias. High positions in the Communist Party were to be queued. Everyone who reached this hierarchic level within the system not only decided voluntarily, but also had to put much effort in order to reach it. As Roman David argues, Only devoted and loyal candidates were granted membership. He stresses these were aware of illicit aims of the Communist Party (2004, 802). The StB collaborators were also conscious members. However, in some cases StB members blackmailed them in order to make them sign the agreement on co-operation. Still, the biggest loophole occurred in the category of Peoples Militias members. As Roman David emphasises, even though Peoples Militias helped to oppress the opposition during the communist coup in February 1948, they did not necessarily know this was its purpose when they entered the organization. Later on, when they realized it, they could not disjoin the organization, as it was almost impossible with any communist organisation. (2004, 802) Furthermore, not everyone who entered the Peoples Militias even after the communist coup shared its purposes. The circumstances varied from case to case. This essay would use the case of Milan Kuta, published in the New York Times. Milan Kuta was respected oncologist when he was offered to lead the Oncology Centre in not very favourite Czech town Chomutov in 1985. In order to get this employment, he had to enter the Communist Party and provide the Peoples Militias with first-aid courses. Never being active in political life before, he decided to accept the offer, as he knew it was the only way for the centre to get appropriate finances and for him to get more interesting job. However, in 1991, after the lustration law was enforced, he as the director of state-owned medical centre found himself in unpleasant situation. Coming under the category inconsistent with public employment, he had to resign from his position. (New York Times 1992) Nowadays, Milan Kuta still works in the Oncolog y Centre in Chomutov and is considered renowned specialist in his field. If a role of the lustration law were simplified to being a mean inflicting punishment on collaborators with former regime for their past wrongdoings, it would be difficult to say what Milan Kuta did wrong. Furthermore, in this case, it would be also difficult to defend the lustration as a mean to build and strengthen democracy. How would democracy be endangered if Milan Kuta stayed in his post? He was not active in the Communist Party, and he never collaborated with StB. The only criticism could come from giving Peoples Militias first-aid courses. First, was this inherently bad? Second, could this be compared to pursuing people and oppressing their fundamental rights? It hardly could. Thus, was not a burden of collective guilt too heavy for Milan Kuta? Not only he loosed his post in the Oncology Centre, he had to face a disdain of society. Moreover, Milan Kuta was not the only case. Many people were harmed by imprecise definition of some categories inconsistent with public employment according to the lustration law and by the principle of collective guilt, it imposed. Finally, also the credibility of StB files was questionable. Political leaders, old as well as new, in both countries quickly realized these could be useful tools for political blackmailing. Pavel Zacek, the Czech historian from The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes in Prague claims, StB files were manipulated and thousands of them possibly destroyed by StB, but also the Communist Party, Peoples Militias, and army immediately after the Velvet revolution (SME 2009). This suspicion puts another question mark behind the legitimacy of the lustration law in Czechoslovakia. The lustration law passed in 1991 in Czechoslovakia was important step in preventing leaders and collaborators with former regime from shifting newly built democracy back to dictatorship. However, it was step uncertain, unaware of direction it wanted to take and of destination, it wanted to reach. The categories of people affected by the lustration law were too broad. The public employment covered significant part of the labour market after 1989. Thus, too many people were deprived from public employment and the lustration law did not differentiate among them. A doctor giving first-aid courses to Peoples Militias was in the same position as member of StB pursuing and interrogating innocent people. The lustration law from 1991 was common basis for both countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. However, Czechs were initiators and insisted on the lustration law more than Slovaks, which proved to be true after the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993 as well. As Nadya Nedelsky mentions, while the Czech Republic kept the lustration law, prolonged its validity in 1995 and in 2000, though the president Vaclav Havel vetoed its prolongation both times, Slovakia let the lustration law expired in 1996 and never enacted it again. (2004, 76, 66) In the Czech Republic, the lustration law was amended in 2000, granting an exemption to persons born after the 1st December 1972. These, if having interest in public employment were not obliged to submit either lustration certificate or statutory declaration (Amendment of Lustration Act 2000). There are several reasons explaining diverged approaches in dealing with communist past. Most often, scholars argue that the regime was not equally tough in both countries. Nadya Nedelsky confirms it and adds to that that the main reason why both countries were not treated in the same way was different level of dissent. According to her, low level of dissent in Slovakia led to lesser oppression of Slovaks, and consequently after the Velvet revolution to lesser interest in transitional justice as well. (2004, 81) After 1989, Slovak public became divided not only in this matter. Certainly, there was a public support for lustration processes. However, it was not so unite as in the Czech Republic. Significant part of Slovak public was already occupied with the idea of independent Slovak state. This one seemed to prevail. Although, strength of regime or disunity of public in the matter of transitional justice played important role in deciding for and against the lustration law, they do not provide with sufficient reasoning of two contrary attitudes. The character of political scene of that time in both countries should not be omitted in this debate. Nadya Nedelsky mentions, even though Vaclav Klaus and Vladimir Meciar, Czech and Slovak political leader who gained their popularity from playing crucial roles in a split of Czechoslovakia, had several common features, they led both countries to completely different directions. While the government of Vaclav Klaus got the Czech Republic closer to the western democracies, authoritarian government of Vladimir Meciar, breaking fundamental human rights got Slovakia to international isolation. Even though Vaclav Klaus several times expressed his belief that looking back into past can prevent from moving forward in the present and future, he always voted for the lustration law. On the contrary, Vladimir Meciar was strongly against the lustration law, surprisingly referring to violation of human rights. Moreover, regarding Vladimir Meciar, he was accused of stealing and destroying StB files that could discredit him, as he was suspected to be collaborator of StB. As Vaclav Klaus and Vladimir Meciar formed newly created republics for several years after the split to big extent, it is not surprising that the attitude toward lustration turned in the Czech Republic and Slovakia into completely different directions just because they had a different view on it. Nevertheless, surprisingly, different directions these two approaches took did not result in different ends. Harms the lustration law and its strict enforcement caused in the Czech Republic because of its loose definition were described above. Nevertheless, harms its absence caused in Slovakia are not fewer. Lack of public and political interest in settling the past resulted in politics, but also church being riddled by former communists. The most known is the case of Jan Sokol, former Roman Catholic archbishop accused of collaborating with former regime. Even though, his name popped up in StB files several times, never as of hostile person, but as of candidate for collaboration, and later on as of agent, and there was found a record disclosing about whom he informed StB, he never admitted it or offered his resignation. (Nations Memory Institute 2004-2009) Not having the lustration law, Slovakia did not have any mechanisms to withdraw Jan Sokol from his position. Again, similarly as in the case of Milan Kuta, Jan Sokol is not an exception. Slovakia never fully extricated from the influence of leaders and collaborators of former regime. In addition, Slovak political development after 1989 is the case in point, what crucial role the lustration law plays in democratisation processes. Slovakia with its do nothing approach in dealing with the communist past, proved to be weak to protect its young democracy, as Vladimir Meciars government apparently did not comply with democratic principles. Overall, twenty years passed since the lustration law in the Czech Republic has been in force and thirteen since in Slovakia it expired. Certainly, it played important role in strengthening democracy after 1989. A fear that leaders and collaborators with former regime could undermine was understandable. However, is this law tenable in the Czech Republic now being a part of the European Union since 2004? Is not same fear groundless? Who will redress all the damages done to reputations of unjustly accused of collaboration? Vice versa, who will redress all the damages done to dissidents in Slovakia who suffered from oppression of the communist regime, and have to see now their oppressors making public decisions? These unanswered questions did not have to be posed if either the Czech Republic or Slovakia adopted more consistent approach in dealing with their communist past. References Czech Office for the Documentation and the Investigation of the Crimes of Communism. 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