Gas Laws Lab Essay

Introduction: In this lab we are going to investigate behavior of gas by working with a molecular model. Factors that effect gas behavior our pressure, temperature, volume and the number of moles. We are going to keep to variables constant and record the relationship or change in the remaining factors. Independent variables: Temperature, number of moles, volume Dependent variable: Pressure Controlled variable: apparatus used (computer program downloaded from the internet), volume and number of moles Question: What is the relationship between pressure and temperature of a gas filled container with constant volume and number of moles? Hypothesis: temperature and pressure are directly related. As temperature increases pressure increases. Pressure is directly proportional to temperature when the number of moles and volume are kept constant. Procedure: Log on to the Internet and visit heinnemann.co.uk/hotlinks and enter the express code 4266S. Click on weblink 3.2 the simulation on the right will appear. In this simulation one can set the parameters as per desire. For this experiment we need to set the volume and number of moles constant. Three trials are done for accuracy. For the first trial, we need to set the volume constant. The volume will remain set to the default value. Then pump 100 heavy species particle in the container and keep them the same until the next trial. The temperature will automatically go to 300K, remove heat to lower the temperature to 150K. Record the pressure produced. Add 50K each time, before taking another reading until the temperature reach 500K. Record the change in pressure with simultaneous temperature in a table. Before starting the next trail hit the reset button. Before starting the second trail change the depth of the container to 3.4nm. Measure the depth with a ruler (the ruler is given as a tool for measurement). Pump 100 more heavy species in the container to make a total of 200 particles. Increase the temperature as done before with similar intervals and record the pressure in form of a table. Hit the reset again and start the final trail. For the third trial, increase the depth of the container to 9nm and pump in a total of 300 heavy species particle. Record the temperature and pressure in a table. The uncertainty in this experiment for temperature is +0.5K and for pressure is +0.5 Pa. Use the tables to graph the data to show the relationship between temperature and pressure. Conclusion and Evaluation: From the data collected and the graphs processed we can make out that pressure is directly related to temperature when the number of moles of particles and the volume of the container is kept constant. We know that as temperature increases the particles gain more energy and collide at a faster rate with each other and the wall of the container. As the number of collisions increases, the more the particles exert force on the walls of the container. The force that the particles have on the walls is known as the pressure. All the 3 graphs have a linear relationship and the slopes of their lines are the coefficient of the temperature because temperature is directly related to pressure. As shown by the graphs temperature is directly proportional to pressure. In other words keep the volume and the amount of gas constant and change the temperature (by heating or cooling) and observe the change in pressure (Pressure law: P=const*T). The lines are not straight and a line of best fit is used. The unevenness of the lines on the graphs shows that there are slight errors involved in the experiment. The errors included are systematic, analytical and random. As the pressure was fluctuating the value noted was randomly chosen. The temperature was sometimes a point higher or lower, which again caused the pressure gauge to give a slight of value. Also the uncertainty in the measurement of volume showed that there were some errors also included while taking the measurement of the container. Suggestions for improvements: The lab was precise because of the number of trials done but it could be accurate by reducing the errors made in the experiment. Try to hit the raise the temperature of the container in the simulation accurately if that is not possible try setting the default temperature to the desired value and record the pressure. This would allow the pressure gauge to be more accurate. When taking measurement of the container for volume with a ruler try to avoid the parallax error, which is created by not looking at the measurement perpendicularly. Take the mode value from all of the values produced by the pressure gauge and wait a minute or two after setting the temperature and before noting the temperature. This helps to get a more accurate reading because the particles get enough time to settle. By recording the pressure value after giving certain breaks in the experiment will help the lines on all the three graph to be less uneven and more accurate.

Evaluate the Information Processing Models to Learning, Distingush the Main Features of the Multi-Store Model Essay

The main thrust of this assertion is to give an evaluation of the information processing models to learning and paying particular attention to features of the multi-store model. According to Ashcraft (1994) information processing model is a framework used by cognitive psychologists to explain and describe mental processes. The multi-stores model propounded by Atkinson and Shiffrin(1968) is a classic model of memory, which describes memory in terms of information flowing through a system. However the model is not without flaws, as it possesses weaknesses as show be critically analyzed in this evaluation. The information processing model concentrates on how information from the environment through the senses is processed and utilized by the brain.Schunk(1996) posits that the information processing models are various theoretical perspectives dealing with the sequence and execution of cognitive events, mainly focusing on how people react to environmentalstimuli, encode, store, and retrieve when needed. Thus giving the perspective that learners are active seekers and processers of information. The flow of information primarily can be traced from the environmental stimuli. These are raw facts and figures that we capture from the surrounding using our senses. A stimulus can move from our senses to the short register, when we pay attention to the stimulus, and thus our internal process begins. According to Baron (2001)learning becomes the process of commuting our symbolic representations to memory where there may be processed and the study of learning is primarily through the study of memor y The multi-store model is a classical model of memory which was suggest that memory is made up of a series or stores and information is processed and stored in three stages namely sensory, short term and long term memory. Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968) describes memory in terms of flowing through a system. Information enters the sensory memory through detection environmental stimuli by the sense organs, then through the process of ‘attention’ and ‘perception’ moves to the short-term memory. Through rehearsal the information may be transferred to long term memory, and if not rehearsed it is then lost from short-term through the process of displacement or decayMcLeod,2007) Sensory memory is a brief store of information from the environment,maintaining a duration of a quarter to half of a second(Fieldman,2010) The sensory register picks up all the environmentalstimuli reaching our senses.The capacity of th sensory memory is quite large,although it only lasts for milliseconds, as it holdsinformation associated with the senses.If our working memory is relatively free of work,we might pay attention to the new input and if not, then we would not notice or we quickly forget the new information(Baddeley and Hitch,(1974). The other main feature of this model is the short-term memory,which is a temporary store for a limited amount of information and stores from a duration of 0 to 18 seconds,(Fieldman,2010). In this storage information is encoded mainly as echoic. Baron, (2001) postulates that short-term memory can handle about 7 objects at once, but this can be improved by chunking, which is the grouping of items into chunks and this information can be maintained by rehearsal or association of the information you are trying to remember with already existing knowledge.Therefore the short-term memory becomes vital as this is where consciousness exists and thinking is done. Long term memory is the third main feature of the model,which represents our permanent storehouse of information,and its capacity is unlimited(Ashcraft,1994). There are three categories of long term memory, semantic(for verbal information and meaning), episodic memory(for events) and procedural memory for how to do things. The prospect of information reaching the long term memory according to Driscoll(1994) depends upon the length of the message and familiarity of it with information already stored. The major strength of this model is based on its ability to set a foundation on other studies as memory studies provide evidence to support the distinction between short term and long time. Mcleod (2007) posits that the model is influential as it has generated a lot of research into memory. Furthermore, studies of amnesiacs also supported the essential of this model. This show the relevancy of the information processing model to learning as it is consistant with empirical findings and provides an excellent framework for understanding the principles of effective learning. The information processing model is also blamed for over simplifying facts and does not account for the type of information processed. The working memory is treated as a simple store of memory. This view is contradicted by Baddeley’s(2001) model of working memory which consists of three components, theexecutory loop, and visual spacial sketchpad,with uses which vary from selecting incoming information, determine processing and constructing meaning through inferences and subsequently transfer the processed information to long term or delete it from the memory system altogether.Therefore,despite that, the information processing model provides a conceptual model which explains the different functions and constrains on human memory it fails to recognize that the short term memory and long term are more complex than previously assumed. The interactions between short-term memory and long term memory were under emphasized and do not distinguish between levels in the long term memory,and of essence does not explain how the long term influences short term and sensory memory. Mcleod (2007) viewed the model as a one way or linear with rigid ways of operation, and also argues that rehearsal is too simple to account for the transfer of information. Schraw (2001) articulated that several useful terms have been developed to elaboratecognitive processing especially in working memory, for example the limited cognitive resources and attention resources, which help explain why there are differences between one learner and another.Therefore these and the fact that it is just a model and there is not really a way to prove its true, contributes to the view point that the information processing model has significant. In conclusion, the information processing model gives the three vital stages of information processing, which are greatly regarded in most recent studies as they have provided a framework for understanding principles of effective learning. Therefore despite the great number of flaws the model is quite significant. REFERENCE 1. Ashcraft,M.H (1996), Human Memory and Cognition, Harpercollins College :DIV 2. Atkinson, R. C., and Shiffrin, R. M. (1968). Human memory: A proposed system and its control processes, New York: Academic Press. 3. Baddeley, A .D. and Hitch, G.(1974). Working memory, New York: Academic Press. 4. Baddeley,A.D.(1998).Human Memory,theory and Practice. Boston:Allyn and Bacon 5. Baron, R.A(2001) Psychology, New Delhi:Dorling Kindersley 6. Driscoll, M.P. (1994) Psychology Of Learning For Instruction, Boston:Allyn and Bacon 7. Fieldman,S.R (2010)Understanding Psychology,MacGraw-Hill 8. Schunk, D.H (1996) Learning theories(2nd edition) New Jersey;Merrill 9. http://www.simplypsychology.org/multi-store.html

Chose one of the options in the instructions sheet Essay

Chose one of the options in the instructions sheet - Essay Example The society has realized a new implied meaning that can dictate the growing need for a society that does not have a way of checking on its developmental statuses. The important thing is to look at the impact of this growth based on the critical theory as noted by Max Horkheimer. People come together to form a society that operates within a set of predetermined rules. The main goal is to ensure that people have a shared custom and beliefs that will see them improve, formulate strong relationships and construct strong social gatherings. The important aspect is to understand how to check on the growing attributes and decide whether the society is growing according to what it believes in. Human beings have to note that critical theory asserts the need to critique the society based on the interactions that people have (James & Szeman 90). This implies creating and enhancing the growing liberation of those who feel entangled in the growth process. The society has a growing need to input new thought and feelings in its people, and the only way this has managed to remain a goal in many parts of the world is the current innovation and utility of the Internet. The Internet has changed the way people socialize and communicate. Unlike in the past when the mothers had to train their daughters on womanhood and fathers had to take charge of their sons, the Internet is now a hub of all kinds of information. Teenagers, for example, are looking for advice from the internet and not from their parents. Parents instead of sitting and talking with their children also seek advice from online psychics on how to deal with their children. The Internet, in essence, has revolutionized the way the society interacts (James & Szeman 98-9). The major problem is that this invention has made it easier to maximize on the communication aspect from a global front, where automation of services has lessened the communication time amongst parties in

Assignment of Mergers & Aquisitions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Of Mergers & Aquisitions - Assignment Example According to Zabihollah Rezaee in the book Financial Institutions, valuations, mergers and acquisitions: †¦. The author states that for mergers or acquisitions it is necessary to find the economic value of the asset that is being brought or sold. By the economic value of the asset it means the â€Å"total economic environment associated with the asset, the potential use of the asset, timing of the value estimate, location of the asset, extent of ownership involved.† (2001). Financial Institutions, valuations, mergers and acquisitions: the fair†¦. By Zabihollah Rezaee, p 165. The CAPM, the ICAPM, and the Multifactor Model are the three different model used to estimate the cost of equity in the circumstance of merger and acquisitions. There are various factors which affect the merger and acquisitions of the companies. Capital Asset Pricing Model: All investment has a there own risk constituent in every industry. The amount of risk in the one industry is defers from ano ther industry and also from organization to organization. The Capital Asset Pricing method is a financial model for assessing stock, derivative, security and assets by concerning risk and anticipated rate of return. Capital Asset pricing method is based on the thought that depositors demand extra anticipated return. Business organization countenance various risk at their day to day affairs. To recognize these risks is the one of the most significant jobs that the financial manager required to perform. To recognize the various kinds of risk, their computing, the methods to reduce or recompense risk and risk-return affiliation elucidated by the CAPM three terms have to be described. These three terms are risk aversion, risk-return affiliation and risk. The relationship between risk-return describes the relationship among risk and anticipated rate of return. â€Å"The general idea behind CAPM is that investors need to be compensated in two ways: time value of money  and risk. The ti me value of money is represented by the risk-free (rf) rate  in the formula and compensates the investors for placing money in any investment over a period of time. The other half of the formula represents risk and calculates the amount of compensation the investor needs for taking on  additional risk.† (Capital Asset Pricing Model: CAPM, 2011). Capital assets pricing has been various functions. One of the main functions of this model to create the comparative study of the risk and return of the particular market. And also the model is also made on the basis of various assumptions. There is difference between the Capital Asset Pricing model, Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model and The Multifactor Model. Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model: The Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model (ICAPM) is used to decide estimated asset returns. The main dissimilarity among the CAPM and ICAPM the extra state variable that recognized the fact the depositor’s hedge i n opposition to deficits in consumption or in opposition to alterations in the future investment chance set. Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model takes probable risks issues into consideration and also it exposes all the risk so that depositors identify the all the risks. In stock market depositor is mainly accumulate financial earning by numerous ways. â€Å"In contrast to the CAPM, the ICAPM allows multi-period portfolio choice and time variation in investment opportunities. In this context, the

Ethical Performance Appraisal Issues Research Paper

Ethical Performance Appraisal Issues - Research Paper Example The compensation plan also cut down on the amount of money that was given to doctors who had tenure. This is because the amount of money they were getting was more that they were bringing in and or that reason, in order to benefit from the finances they had to work more to gain more. Various strengths have been associated with the pay for performance plan. They include positive performance because the surgeons pay correlate directly with the number of patients or surgeries they perform in a given quarter. Secondly, the compensation plan provides equality on the surgeons in the sense that regardless of the tenure on has served they all have to get paid according to their performance; hence, reducing the protection given to low performers in the organization (Beaulieu & Zimmerman, 2005a). Thirdly, there is employee motivation because the surgeons will not be relying on the base pay that they have been accustomed to in that, knowing that they will get more when they work makes it increase their motivation and productivity for the organization. Even though the compensation plan has various strengths, it has shown some weaknesses. They include lack of backing from surgeons who have had tenure of service. Because they are accustomed to a little work, yet more pay and for that reason, adjusting would be AA problem. Secondly, the surgeons working on the research will abandon their work because the money meaning that they might lose grants from National Institute of Health motivates them. To deal with these challenges, it is important to come up with a plan that will ensure that the employees with tenure do not feel left out. Additionally, they should be provided with a work plan that allows them to bring the hospital money to stop in order to ensure that even though they are taking money from the hospital at least they are bringing some back. In relation to

Gun Control Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Gun Control Paper - Essay Example Would the "home of the brave" be a better place with a stricter gun policy Indeed, all we have to do is watch the news to know our country could use a few new gun laws. It seems that every day there are shootings all over the news in all regions in the United States. While some regions are more prone to gun violence than others, this is not acceptable for an entire nation to be victim to a weapon- especially if that weapon is legal. The United States certainly has an excess of gunfire amid its streets and alleys and compare that to England. As the administration has seen very recently, the English are much safer in their country than Americans are here. The Second Amendment has always given us the right to bear arms, and it's perhaps the most upheld Amendment. It is now that Englands's gun laws can be seen as truly beneficial. It has come time to take action; United States gun laws are antiquated. After witnessing the positive progress in England, the United States must follow suit a nd amend the Constitution and it must ban guns to reduce the level of violence England has, for the past ten years, become a much safer counter, largely because of successful gun laws. In 1996, England's gun policy grew much fiercer with the introduction of several new laws that resulted in the banning of handguns in March of 1998 (Gun Control Alliance). It simply took England to go through one school shooting before they realized the danger of handguns. Following the establishment of these laws, crime shootings have continuously dropped (Gun Control Alliance). Though England still carries a surplus of air guns, with which crime is still possible, violent shootings have drastically lowered. Though perhaps it is not possible to promote such restricting laws in the United States right away, the English example can be followed as one that, if adopted in the United States, will gradual make American society safer. Contrary to England, the United States has had a cultural obsession with guns that continues to this day. In the United States are popular not only on TV, but as collector's items, video game symbols, and on the streets as a power icon. Replica guns are just as realistic in appearance as their real counterparts (Gun Culture). In America, the gun is not simply a tool, but an item reflecting our culture. However disturbing this might seem, no policy can erase this from an entire generation's mind that have lived their entire lives with the acceptance of guns. A change in policy can, however, make the United States a safer place in the long run. The Second Amendment has always given Americans the right to bear arms: "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed" (The United States Constitution). From the English Common Law of 1689, to the early days of nationhood, to the present day the American Second Amendment has been nearly inviolable. To successfully enact a new gun policy, the Constitution has to be changed, so that there can be no Constitutional challenge to a new law. In order to have a gun policy akin to the English, drastic changes must take place. Procedure There are countless ways to introduce new laws into

Payday Lending Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Payday Lending - Assignment Example h interests charged on these funds going as high as over 100%, coupled with the disadvantages of this practice, there is every reason to criminalize payday lending. Although high interest rate is one of the reasons for rendering payday lending illegal, the practice negatively affects economic growth and development. Most of the economies rely on the private sector and private investors. While the government and the financial industry provide individual investors with credit to start up small and medium scale enterprises, individual investors rely on their savings to raise income for investments. By promoting the culture of saving among the people, it positively contributes to the growth and development of individual investments, subsequently increasing the growth of the private sector. This contributes to the economic growth and development by providing employment opportunities, creating innovation, and creativity among the people. However, payday lending hinders this development. The fact that most of the people rely on this as a source of income to run their lives during the month is discourages saving among the people. Moreover, this practic e promotes a culture of consumerism, which leads to poverty in the subsequent years of employment. With people having liquid money with them, this increases the rate of inflation as they spend on most of their money on consumer goods. Lending at over 100% is also unreasonable and unethical, and as such, ought to be illegal. By choosing to criminalize the practice, a number of people are likely to suffer from such a development. Whenever people face emergencies, and others have financial constraints, they cannot access financial support and assistance through payday lending. Thus, people have to find other sources of satisfying this need. Making the practice illegal can further lead to loss of jobs for the moneylenders, thus increasing the rate of jobless people in the

Financial Management Coca-Cola Company Research Paper

Financial Management Coca-Cola Company - Research Paper Example Current liabilities can be defined as the liabilities which have to be met during the year or in other words those obligations which have to be met in a year are termed as current liabilities (Bragg, 2011, p.39). Therefore the current liabilities have to be managed properly by every company. The current liabilities are met by current assets. Current assets are those assets which can be transformed into cash within one year. These are the short term assets which are held by the company to meet its short term obligations. The liquidity position of the company is determined by the current assets and the current liabilities. To determine the liquidity position of the Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo, the current ratio and the quick ratio has been calculated. Current ratio signifies that the current liabilities of the company are backed by how many current assets. It is calculated by dividing the current assets be the current liabilities (Investopedia-a, n.d.). The current ratio of Coca-Cola Company is 1.12 while the current ratio of PepsiCo is 1.43. This signifies that each dollar of current liability of Cocacola Company is backed by $1.12 of current assets where as each dollar of current liability of PepsiCo is backed by $1.43 of current assets. To assess the capacity of the companies for meeting the day to day expenses the quick ratio has been calculated.... The quick ratio of PepsiCo is 1.19 while that of Coca-Cola Company is 0.93. The PepsiCo had more working capital that is $3815 million than the Coca-Cola Company which has only $582 million in 2009. Therefore it can be said that the liquidity potion of PepsiCo is stronger than that of the Coca-Cola Company. Hence the PepsiCo is in a better position to meet its current liabilities that the Coca-Cola Company. Overall performance The overall performance of the Coca-Cola Company and the PepsiCo has been analyzed by using the financial ratios and studying the income statement and the balance sheet of both the companies for the year 2009. For judging any company through its financial statements, three types of statements are very important. One is the cash flow statement, second one is the balance sheet and the third one is the balance sheet. Income statement shows the various revenues earned by a company and the related expenses incurred during a financial year. The net income which is us ed to judge the profitability of the organization is also assed in the income statement (Loth, 2010). The balance sheet of the company shows the financial position of that company on a given date. It also reveals the way in which the company is levered (Investopedia-b, 2010). The operating profit of PepsiCo has increased by 15% in 2009 where that of Coca-Cola Company has increased by 124%. The net profit of the former has also increased by 15% where as that of the latter increased by 116%. Investments The profitability position of the company is very important to be assessed by the investor before making any investment in the company. By analyzing the profitability position the investor can judge the financial

Bad News Message Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bad News Message - Assignment Example Our mission is to deliver the best products to our clients and provide them with top of the line after-sales service. It is the practice of our company to grant watch replacement requests from our customers especially if after inspection of our technical department the request is valid and if it is within the warranty period. Unfortunately, we checked our records and found out that your watch was purchased last April 9, 2008; therefore, the three-year warranty has expired last April 9, 2011. All our watches, including the Magnifique 89379 are designed to last to up to an average of 15 years with proper care and maintenance. In as much as we can no longer replace your watch, you may visit the nearest service center and bring your Magnifique. We will be glad to repair it and give you a 12% discount on labor charges. Our technical department will be happy to assist you. They will give you free advice on the proper handling and maintenance of your watch to make it last for at least 15 years and

The Story of My Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

The Story of My Life - Essay Example With the separation, my mother had to find a job to support us as the income from the child support was never enough (for the short time the child support was paid). My parents were my idol and with them separated, my world started slowly collapsing against me. A few years passed and I slowly started getting used to the absence of having two parents in the house and I made a great friend from school. The friendship had been casual at first but I found out we shared a lot of things starting from having divorced parents to him having a younger sibling at home and we soon became best friends. We were inseparable and we even managed to go to the same high school. On our last year of high school, we were at a friend’s birthday party and he kept on telling me how such a great friend I was and that he would miss me but I just laughed at him and told him we would go to the same college and that he had nothing to worry about. When we were leaving the party, a truck which was being driven by a drunk driver rammed into us and my best friend passed on the spot. The blow that death left me was ten times worse than the separation and finally divorce of my parents. Life was never the same from then on. I took time off school for three months as I slowly sank into depression. However one day I decided that my best friend would not have wanted me to wallow in misery but would have loved to see me excel and go to the college of my dream. His great friendship and his easy-going manner taught me that life is too short not to do the things you love without procrastination and the first on my list is to excel in college and in my career as well and have a great legacy. I am a tough individual even though I may not physically look like it as life toughened me up.     Ã‚  

Economics of the movie business Essay Example for Free

Economics of the movie business Essay Most of the movies that are eventually released are cofinanced. This is a term that is used within the movie industry to describe those films for which there are more than one firm that share both the cost of production as well as the revenues. Nearly one-third of all the movies that are released are cofinanced. Various studies have shown that the main reason for cofinancing is to manage and share risk. Most of the major studios are in the category of publicly traded firms where the investors are free to carry out their own diversification decisions. Not always is the cofinancing decision related to the movie returns as the studios rarely cofinance highly risky films1. Demand is difficult to predict and thus financial risk remains to be a characteristic of the film industry since most of the cost is incurred long before the demand can be actualized. It’s thus the reason that most of the authors in this field have argued that the key variable that shapes the industry is the financing strategy adopted. Mainly, there are three ways in which cofinancing would reduce risk associated with the movie production. First, the cofinancing of the relatively risky films by the studios would give them the opportunity to participate in the less risky projects. Second, cofinancing would allow studios to fine tune their portfolios thus gaining the advantage of covariances of the gains across the movies. The third advantage of cofinancing is the simple law of large numbers to share a potential loss . Data collection The data to be used here in this paper is the information provided forth in Goettler, R. L and Leslie, P. (2004) where information on over 3,826 movies was exhibited in the US between 1987 to 2000. The primary source of the data was the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). The analysis focused mainly on ownership choices of the major studios. Out of the 3,826 movies examined, 1,305 were produced by the major studios. The analysis here focuses on ownership choices that have been made by the major studios. Movie profitability has been based on the return on investment, RIO, which is defined as the revenue divided by the cost. Revenue in this case was measured as the North America box office revenue and cost was obtained from the production budget. Film’s negative cost, which is the standard measure of production cost was also used. Other cost such as advertising are in most cases proportional to the cost of production and were thus not evaluated in this kind of study. Thus the ROI evaluated here was basically the relative profitability of the films but not the absolute profitability. Also the measure of revenues in this study excluded some revenues such as foreign box and video revenue. It would be ideal to use all the revenue sources but the approach would have limited the number of films in the analysis as most of this kind of data is only available only to a subset of films. At the same time limiting the analysis only to the films with this kind of extra data may introduce selection bias as most of this data maybe limited to the successful films only1. Identification of cofinanced films The listing of a production company is the first sign that there are cofinancing partners but this is not a sufficient condition. The most important criteria is to know if a firm contributes towards the production cost. Its worth to note that a firm can be credited for having contributed into the production company of a film after initiating then selling the project to a major studio even without retaining revenue shares. This kind of arrangement referred to as â€Å"first-look deal† is common between a semi-independent production company and a studio in a long-term relationship. The criteria used here in determining if a film is cofinanced is that first if a major studio is on the list of the production company for a certain film, then the assumption is that the studio has some ownership stake in the film. Second, Variety magazine was a source of those firms with the first-look deals from the â€Å"Facts on Pacts† list and those that are equity partners. The assumption here was that a firm was a joint owner if it was on the production company list and also on the equity partner2. For those movie that an independent firm and a major studio cofinanced, the question of whether either of these two had the option of being sole-owner remains. In simple term, one may also question which among the two firms initiated the entire project? The available information suggest that the studio usually has the mandate to decide if it will co-own or just be a sole-owner. This kind of decision called â€Å"greenlighting† is usually made during decision point of whether to make the movie or not. Complications do arise like when two companies have the same subsidiary structure such as having the same parent company and at the same time end up owning the same movie. In such cases, it was assumed that the movie was not cofinanced since the production divisions happen to work as integrated components of the parent studio rather than as being competitors. Another point of ownership ignored was the cases where the directors or the star actors negotiate a part of the movie revenues. This was so because most of this happens as a result of the directors/actors strong bargaining power to have a share of the revenue once the movie is successful rather than a strong will to share and manage risk.

Impact of Monetary Policy on Indian Industry

Impact of Monetary Policy on Indian Industry INTRODUCTION Monetary Policy is essentially a Monetary Policy is essentially a programme of action undertaken by the programme of action undertaken by the Monetary Authorities, generally the Monetary Authorities, generally the Central Bank, to control and regulate the Central Bank, to control and regulate the supply of money with the public and the supply of money with the public and the flow of credit with a view to achieving flow of credit with a view to achieving pre-determined macro-economic goals. At the time of inflation monetary policy seeks to contract aggregate spending by seeks to contract aggregate spending by tightening the money supply or raising tightening the money supply or raising the rate of return. OBJECTIVES To achieve price stability by controlling inflation and deflation. To promote and encourage economic growth in the economy. To ensure the economic stability at full employment or potential level of output. SCOPE OF MONETARY POLICY The scope of monetary policy depends on two factors: 1. Level of Monetization of the Economy In this all economic transactions are carried out In this all economic transactions are carried out with money as a medium of exchange. This is with money as a medium of exchange. This is done by changing the supply of and demands for done by changing the supply of and demand for money and the general price level. It is capable money and the general price level. It is capable of affecting all economics activities such as of affecting all economics activities such as Production, Consumption, Savings, Investment Production, Consumption, Savings, and Investment etc. 2. Level of Development of the Capital Market Some instruments of Monetary Policy are work through capital market such as Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) etc. When capital market is fairly developed then the Monetary Policy effects the developed economies. OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS The open market operations is sale and purchase of government securities and Treasury Bills by the central bank of the country. When the central bank decides to pump money into circulation, it buys back the government securities, bills and bonds. When it decides to reduce money in circulation it sells the government bonds and securities. The central bank carries out its open market operations through the commercial banks. DISCOUNT RATE OR BANK RATE POLICY Discount rate or bank rate is the rate at which central bank rediscounts the bills of exchange presented by the commercial bank. The central bank can change this rate increase or decrease depending on whether it wants to expand or reduce the flow of credit from the commercial bank. WORKING OF THE DISCOUNT RATE POLICY A rise in the discount rate reduces the net worth of the government bonds against which commercial banks borrow funds from the central bank. This reduces commercial banks to borrow from the central bank. When the central bank raises its discount rate, commercial banks raise their discount rate too. Rise in the discount rate raises the cost of bank credit which discourages business firms to get their bill of exchange discounted. CASH RATE RATIO The cash reserve ratio is the percentage of total deposits which commercial banks are required to maintain in the form of cash reserve with the central bank. The objective of cash reserve is to prevent shortage of cash for meeting the cash demand by the depositors. By changing the CRR, the central bank can change the money supply overnight. When economic conditions demand a contractionary monetary policy, the central bank raises the CRR. And when economic conditions demand monetary expansion, the central bank cuts down the CRR. STATUTORY LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENT In India, the RBI has imposed another reserve requirement in addition to CRR. It is called statutory liquidity requirement. The SLR is the proportion of the total deposits which commercial banks are statutorily required to maintain in the form of liquid assets in addition to cash reserve ratio. CREDIT RATIONING When there is a shortage of institutional credit available for the business sector, the large and financially strong sectors or industries tend to capture the lions share in the total institutional credit. As a result the priority sectors and essential are of necessary funds. Below two measures are generally adopted: Imposition of upper limits on the credit available to large industries and firms. Charging a higher or progressive interest rate on the bank loans beyond a certain limit. CHANGE IN LENDING MARGINS The banks provide loans only up to certain percentage of the value of the mortgaged property. The gap between the value of the mortgaged property and amount advanced is called Lending Margin. The central bank is empowered to increase the lending margin with a view to decrease the bank credit. MORAL SUASION The moral suasion is a method of persuading and convincing the commercial banks to advance credit in overall economic interest of the country. Under this method the central bank writes letter to hold meetings with the banks on money credit matters. EXPANSIONARY POLICY / CONTRACTIONARY POLICY An Expansionary Policy increases the total supply of money in the economy while a Contractionary Policy decreases the total money Supply into the market. Expansionary policy is traditionally used to combat a recession by lowering interests rates. Lowered interest rates means lower cost of credit which induces people to borrow and spend thereby providing steam to various industries and kick start a slowing economy. A Contractionary Policy results in increasing interest rates to combat inflation. An Economy growing in an uninhibited manner leads to inflation. Hence increasing interest rates increase the cost of credit thereby making people borrow less. Due to lesser borrowing the amount of money in the system reduces which in turn brings down the inflation. A Contractionary Policy is also known as TIGHT POLICY as it tightens the flow of money in order to contain Inflationary forces. INCREASE OR DECREASE THE LENDING RATES The RBI makes an adjustment in its lending rate (Repo Rates) in order to influence the cost of credit. Thereby discouraging borrowing and hence reduces brings reduction in the system. RBI BANK Flow of Money Leading to reduced liquidity By increasing interest rates Whenever the liquid in the system increases, the RBI intervenes to stabilize the system. The Central Bank does this by issuing fresh bonds and treasury bills in open market. This tool was extensively used at the time when dollar inflows into our economy were very high resulting in rupee appreciating. In order to stabilize the exchange rates, RBI first bought additional dollars thereby stabilizing the rate exchange. RBI Freshly issued Bonds/ T- Bill Open market Open market CRR By increasing the CRR, the RBI decreases the lending capacity of the bank to the extent of the increase in the ratio increase in the ratio. E.g. of the CRR is increased from 7.5% to 8.5% the banks were deprived of lending to the extent of 75 basis points of their deposit value. MONETARY POLICY OF INDIA OVERVIEW Historically, the Monetary Policy is announced twice a year April-September and (October-March). The Monetary Policy has become dynamic in nature as RBI reserves its right to alter it from time to time, depending on the state of the economy. The Monetary policy determines the supply of money in the economy and the rate of interest charged by banks. The policy also contains an economic overview and provides future forecasts. The Reserve Bank of India is responsible for formulating and implementing Monetary Policy. The Monetary Policy aims to maintain price stability, full employment and economic growth. Emphasis on these objectives have been changing time to time depending on prevailing circumstances. For explanation of monetary policy, the whole period has been divided into 4 sub periods: Monetary policy of controlled expansion (1951 to 1972)1972) Monetary Policy during Pre Reform period (1972 to 1991)to 1991) Monetary Policy in the Post-Reforms (1991 to 1996)1996) Easing of Monetary policy since Nov 1996 MONETARY POLICY OF INDIA Monetary policy of controlled expansion (1951 to 1972) To regulate the expansion of money supply and bank credit to promote growth. To restrict the excessive supply of credit to the private sector so as to control inflationary pressures. Following steps were taken: Changes in Bank Rate from 3% in 1951 to 6% in 1965 and it remained the same till 1971. Changes in SLR from 20% in 1956 to 28% in 1971 Select Credit Control: In order to reduce the credit or bank loans against essential commodities, margin was increased. As a result of the above changes, the supply of money increased from 3.4% (1951 to 1956) to 9.1 (1961 to 1965). Monetary Policy during Pre Reform period (1972 to 1991) Also known as the Tight Monetary policy: Price situation worsened during 1972 to 1974. Following Monetary Policy was adopted in 70s and 80s which were mainly concerned with the task neutralizing the impact of fiscal deficit and inflationary pressure. Changes in CRR to the legally maximum limit of 25% Changes in SLR also to the maximum limit to 38.5% Monetary Policy in the Post-Reforms 1991 to 1996 The year 1991-1992 saw a fundamental change in the institutional framework in setting the objective of monetary policy. It had twin objectives which were Price stability and economic growth. Following instruments were used: Continuing the same maximum CRR and SLR of 25% and 38.5%, mopped up bank deposits to the extent of 63.5%. In order to ensure profitability of banks, Monetary Reforms Committee headed by late Prof. S Chakravarty, Reforms Committee headed by late Prof. S Chakravarty, recommended raising of interest rate on Government recommended raising of interest rate on Government Securities which activated Open Market Operations (OMO). Bank rate was raised from 10% in Apr 1991 to 12% in Oct 1991 to control the inflationary pressures. Easing of Monetary policy since Nov 1996 In 1996-97, the rate of inflation sharply declined. In the later half 1996-97, industrial recession ripped the Indian economy. To encourage the economic growth and to tackle the recessionary trend, the RBI growth and to tackle the recessionary trend, the RBI eased its monetary policy. Introduction of Repo rate- Repo rate increased from 3% in 1998 to 6.5% in 2005. This instrument was 3% in 1998 to 6.5% in 2005. This instrument was consistently used in the monitory policy as a result of rapid industrial growth during 2005-06. In the current monetary policy, the Repo rate was cut from current monetary policy, the Repo rate was cut from 5.00% to 4.75%. Reverse Repo rate Through RRR, the RBI mops up liquidity from the banking system. In the current monetary policy, the Repo rate was cut from 3.50% to 3.25%. Flow of credit to Agriculture The flow of credit to agriculture has increased from 34,013 (9.2% of overall credit) in 2009 (Rs. in crore). Reduction in Cash Reserve Ratio The CRR which was at 15% until 1995 gradually reduced to 5% in 2005. The CRR remained unchanged in the current monetary policy. Lowering Bank rate The Bank rate was gradually reduced from 12% in 1997 to 6% in 2003. Since then the Bank Rate from 12% in 1997 to 6% in 2003. Since then the Bank Rate has remained unchanged to 6%. Review of 2009/10 Monetary policy The Policy Review projects GDP growth at 6% this FY due to slackening private consumption and investment demand. The RBI set its inflation projection for March 10 at 4% (currently at -1.21%). The RBI also projects the CPI to come down into the single digit zone. Assurance of a non-disruptive borrowing in 2009-10. Recently, the Government increased the borrowing plan from Rs. 2.41 lakh crore to 2.99 Lakh crore because of ample liquidity in the market due to slow credit growth. The fiscal stimulus packages of the Government and monetary easing and regulatory action of the Reserve Bank have helped to arrest the moderation in growth and keep our financial markets functioning normally. RBIs Indicative Projections 2009-2010 (Actual Numbers) 2010-2011 (April 2010 policy targets) GDP 7.2 8 (with an upward bias) Inflation (Based on WPI for March end) 9.9 5.5 Money Supply (March end) 17.3 17 Credit (March end) 17 20 Deposit (March end) 17.1 18 GROWTH RBIs revised growth rate is 8% with an upward bias as the indian economy is on recovery path. Growth in industrial sector and service sector are expected to continue. The export and import sector has also registered a strong growth. INFLATION Inflation is projected to be at 5.5% for FY 2010-11. As per RBI inflation is no longer driven by supply side factors alone. Overall demand pressures on inflation are also beginning to show signs, pushing RBI to increase rates even before the official policy of 2010. MONETARY MEASURES The Bank rate has been retained at 6 %. The repo rate is now 5.25% which has 5% in 2009-2010. The reverse repo has increased from 3.5% to 3.75%. The cash reserve ratio of scheduled bank has increased from 5.75% to 6%. The expected outcomes of the actions are: Inflation will be contained and inflationary expectations will be anchored. The recovery process will be sustained. Government borrowing requirements and the private credit demand will be met. Policy instruments will be further aligned in a manner consistent with the evolving state of the economy. IMPACT OF THE OUTCOMES Growth with stability The average growth rate of the Indian economy over a period of 25 years since 1980-81 has been impressive at about 6.0 per cent, which is a significant improvement over the previous three decades, when the annual growth rate was only 3.5 per cent. Over the last four years during 2003-07, the Indian economy has entered a high growth phase, averaging 8.6 per cent per annum. The acceleration of growth during this period has been accompanied by a moderation in volatility, especially in industry and services sectors. An important characteristic of the high growth phase of over a quarter of century is resilience to shocks and considerable degree of stability. We did witness one serious balance of payments crisis triggered largely by the Gulf war in the early 1990s. Credible macroeconomic, structural and stabilization programme was undertaken in the wake of the crisis. The Indian economy in later years could successfully avoid any adverse contagion impact of shocks from the East Asian crisis, the Russian crisis during 1997-98, sanction like situation in post-Pokhran scenario, and border conflict during May-June 1999. Seen in this context, this robust macroeconomic performance, in the face of recent oil as well as food price shocks, demonstrates the vibrancy and resilience of the Indian economy. The Reserve Bank projects a real GDP growth at around 8.5 per cent during 2007-08, barring domestic and external shocks. Poverty and unemployment The sustained economic growth since the early 1990s has also been associated with noticeable reduction in poverty. The proportion of people living below the poverty line (based on uniform recall period) declined from 36 per cent in 1993-94 to 27.8 per cent in 2004-05. There is also some evidence of pick-up in employment growth from 1.57 per cent per annum (1993-94 to 1999-2000) to 2.48 per cent (1999-2000 to 2004-05). Consumption and investment demand Indias growth in recent years has been mainly driven by domestic consumption, contributing on an average to almost two-thirds of the overall demand, while investment and export demand are also accelerating. Almost one-half of the incremental growth in real GDP during 2006-07 was on account of final consumption demand, while around 42 per cent was on account of the rise in real gross fixed capital formation. The investment boom has come from the creation of fixed assets and this phenomenon has been most pronounced in the private corporate sector, although fixed investment in the public sector also picked up in this period. According to an estimate by the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council, the investment rate (provisional) crossed 35 per cent in 2006-07 from 33.8 per cent in 2005-06. A reasonable degree of price stability High growth in the last four years has been accompanied by a moderation of inflation. The headline inflation rate, in terms of the wholesale price index, has declined from an average of 11.0 per cent during 1990-95 to 5.3 per cent during 1995-2000 and to 4.9 per cent during 2003-07. The trending down of inflation has been associated with a significant reduction in inflation volatility which is indicative of well-anchored inflation expectations, despite the shocks of varied nature. Although, inflation based on the wholesale price index (WPI) initially rose to above 6.0 per cent in early April 2007 it eased to 3.79 per cent by August 25, 2007. Pre-emptive monetary measures since mid-2004, accompanied by fiscal and supply-side measures, have helped in containing inflation in India. The policy preference for the period ahead is strongly in favour of price stability and well-anchored inflation expectations with the endeavour being to contain inflation close to 5.0 per cent in 2007-08 and in the range of 4.0-4.5 per cent over the medium-term. Monetary policy in India would continue to be vigilant and pro-active in the context of any accentuation of global uncertainties that pose threats to growth and stability in the domestic economy. Improved fiscal performance Yet another positive outcome of developments in recent years is the marked improvement in the health of Government finances. The fiscal management in the country has significantly improved consistent with targeted reduction in fiscal deficit indicators after the adoption of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 by the Central Government. The finances of the State Governments have also exhibited significant improvement since 2003-04 guided by the Fiscal Responsibility Legislations (FRLs). With gross fiscal deficit of the Central Government budgeted at 3.3 per cent of GDP in 2007-08, the FRBM target of 3.0 per cent by 2008-09 appears feasible. The revenue deficit is budgeted at 1.5 per cent of GDP for 2007-08; the FRBM path envisages elimination of revenue deficit in 2008-09. External sector Indias linkages with the global economy are getting stronger, underpinned by the growing openness of the economy and the two way movement in financial flows. Merchandise exports have been growing at an average rate of around 25 per cent during the last four years, with a steady increase in global market share, reflecting the competitiveness of the Indian industry. Structural shifts in services exports, led by software and other business services, and remittances have imparted stability and strength to Indias balance of payments. The net invisible surplus has offset a significant part of the expanding trade deficit and helped to contain the current account deficit to an average of one per cent of GDP since the early 1990s. Gross current receipts (merchandise exports and invisible receipts) and gross current payments (merchandise imports and invisible payments) taken together, at present, constitute more than one half of GDP, highlighting the significant degree of integration of the In dian economy with the global economy. Greater integration into the global economy has enabled the Indian corporates to access high-quality imports from abroad and also to expand their overseas assets, dynamically. The liberalised external payments regime is facilitating the process of acquisition of foreign companies by Indian corporates, both in the manufacturing and services sectors, with the objectives of reaping economies of scale and capturing offshore markets to better face the global competition. Notwithstanding higher outflows, there has been a significant increase in capital inflows (net) to almost five per cent of GDP in 2006-07 from an average of two per cent of GDP during 2000-01 to 2002-03. Capital inflows (net) have remained substantially above the current account deficit and have implications for the conduct of monetary policy and macroeconomic and financial stability. With the significant strengthening of the current and capital accounts, the foreign exchange reserves have more than doubled from US$ 76 billion at the end of March 2003 to US $ 228.8 billion as on August 31, 2007. Financial stability The Indian record on financial stability is noteworthy as the decade of the 1990s has been otherwise turbulent for the financial sector in many EMEs. The approach towards the financial sector in India has been to consistently upgrade it by adapting the international best practices through a consultative process. The Reserve Bank has endeavoured to establish an enabling regulatory framework with prompt and effective supervision, and development of legal, technological and institutional infrastructure. The regulatory norms with respect to capital adequacy, income recognition, asset classification and provisioning have progressively moved towards convergence with the international best practices. The Basel II capital adequacy framework is being implemented in a phased manner with effect from March 2008. We have observed that the Indian banks balance sheets have strengthened considerably, financial markets have deepened and widened and, with the introduction of the real time gross settlements (RTGS) system, the payment system has also become robust. Currently, all scheduled commercial banks are compliant with the minimum capital adequacy ratio (CRAR) of 9 per cent. The overall CRAR for all scheduled commercial banks stood at 12.4 per cent at end-March 2006. The gross non-performing assets of scheduled commercial banks has declined from 8.8 per cent of advances at end March 2003 to 3.3 per cent at end March 2006, while the net non-performing assets have declined from 4.0 per cent to 1.2 per cent during the same period. Financial markets Development of financial markets received a strong impetus from financial sector reforms since the early 1990s. The Reserve Bank has been engaged in developing, widening and deepening of money, government securities and foreign exchange markets combined with a robust payments and settlement system. A wide range of regulatory and institutional reforms were introduced in a planned manner over a period to improve the efficiency of these financial markets. These included development of market micro structure, removal of structural bottlenecks, introduction/ diversification of new players/instruments, free pricing of financial assets, relaxation of quantitative restrictions, better regulatory systems, introduction of new technology, improvement in trading infrastructure, clearing and settlement practices and greater transparency. Prudential norms were introduced early in the reform phase, followed by interest rate deregulation. These policies were supplemented by strengthening of institut ions, encouraging good market practices, rationalised tax structures and enabling legislative and accounting framework. A review of monetary policy challenges The conduct of monetary policy has become more challenging in recent years for a variety of reasons. Many of the challenges the central banks are facing are almost similar which could be summarized as follows: Challenges with globalisation First, globalisation has brought in its train considerable fuzziness in reading underlying macroeconomic and financial developments, obscuring signals from financial prices and clouding the monetary authoritys gauge of the performance of the real economy. The growing importance of assets and asset prices in a globally integrated economy complicates the conduct of monetary policy when it is focused on and equipped to address price stability issues. Second, with the growing integration of financial markets domestically and internationally, there is greater activism in liquidity management with a special focus on the short-end of the market spectrum. There is also a greater sophistication in the conduct of monetary policy and central banks are consistently engaged in refining their technical and managerial skills to deal with the complexities of financial markets. As liquidity management acquires overriding importance, the evolving solvency conditions of financial intermediaries may, on occasions, get obscured in the short run. No doubt, with increasing globalization, there is greater coordination between central banks, fiscal authorities and regulatory bodies governing financial markets. Third, there is considerable difficulty faced by monetary authorities across the world in detecting and measuring inflation, especially inflation expectations. Recent experience in regard to impact of increases in oil prices, and more recently elevated food prices shows that ignoring the structural or permanent elements of what is traditionally treated as shocks may slow down appropriate monetary policy response especially if the focus is on core inflation. Accounting for house rents/prices in inflation measurement has also gained attention in some countries. The central banks are often concerned with the stability/variability of inflation rather than the level of prices. Inflation processes have become highly unclear and central banks are faced with the need to recognise the importance of inflation perceptions and inflation expectations, as distinct from inflation indicators. In this context, credible communication and creative engagement with the market and economic agents have eme rged as a critical channel of monetary transmission. Challenges for emerging market economies It is essential to recognize that the international financial markets have differing ways of judging macroeconomic developments in industrial and emerging market economies. Hence, the challenges and policy responses do differ. First, the EMEs are facing the dilemma of grappling with the inherently volatile increasing capital flows relative to domestic absorptive capacity. Consequently, often the impossible trinity of fixed or managed exchange rates, open capital accounts and discretion in monetary policy has to be managed in what could be termed as fuzzy manner rather than satisfactorily resolved a problem that gets exacerbated due to huge uncertainties in global financial markets and possible consequences in the real sector. Second, in the emerging scenario of large and uncertain capital flows, the choice of the instruments for sterilization and other policy responses have been constrained by a number of factors such as the openness of the economy, the depth of the domestic bond market, the health of the financial sector, the health of the public finances, the countrys inflationary track record and the perception about the credibility and consistency in macroeconomic policies pursued by the country. Further deepening of financial markets may help in absorption of large capital inflows in the medium term, but it may not give immediate succour at the current stage of financial sector development in many EMEs, particularly when speed and magnitude of flows are very high. Some of the EMEs are also subject to adverse current account shocks in view of elevated commodity prices. Going forward, global uncertainties in financial markets are likely to dominate the concerns of all monetary authorities, but, for the EMEs, the consequences of such macro or financial disturbances could be more serious. Third, the banking sector has been strengthened and non-banking intermediation expanded providing both stability and efficiency to the financial sector in many EMEs. Yet, sometimes, aligning the operations of large financial conglomerates and foreign institutions with local public policy priorities remains a challenge for domestic financial regulators in many EMEs. Further, reaping full benefits of competition in financial sector is somewhat limited in many EMEs. Large players in developed economies compete with each other intensely, while it is possible that a few of them dominate in each of the EMEs financial markets. A few of the financial intermediaries could thus wield dominant position in the financial markets of these countries, increasing the concentration risk. While it is extremely difficult to envision how the current disturbances in financial markets will resolve, the focus of many EMEs will be on considering various scenarios and being in readiness with appropriate policy strategies and contingency plans. Among the factors that are carefully monitored, currency markets, liquidity conditions, globally dominant financial intermediaries, impact on real sector through credit channel and asset prices are significant, but the list is certainly not exhaustive. Monetary policy framework in India Objectives The basic objectives of monetary policy, namely price stability and ensuring credit flow to support growth, have remained unchanged in India, but the underlying operating framework for monetary policy has undergone a significant transformation during the past two decades. The relative emphasis placed on price stability and economic growth is modulated according to the circumstances prevailing at a particular point in time and is clearly spelt out, from time to time, in the policy statements of the Reserve Bank. Of late, considerations of macroeconomic and financial stability have assumed an added importance in view of increasing openness of the Indian economy. Framework In India, the broad money (M3) emerged as the nominal anchor from the mid-1980s based on the premise of a stable relationship between money, output and prices. In the late 1990s, in view of ongoing financial openness and increasing evidence of changes in underlying transmission mechanism with interest rates and exchange rates gaining in importance vis-Ã  -vis quantity variables, it was felt that monetary policy exclusively based on the demand function for money could lack precision. The Reserve Bank, therefore, formally adopted a multiple indicator approach in April 1998 where

Issue of Tuberculosis in Australia

Issue of Tuberculosis in Australia The incidence and prevalence of Tuberculosis in Australia and Peru are of greatly vast differences. This paper will discuss the terms incidence and prevalence; why Tuberculosis remains an issue in Australia; and provide rationales for differences in incidences and prevalences taking into consideration the determinants of health. Incidence and prevalence when describing disease epidemiology are frequently used terms, often intertwined (Advanced Renal Education Program, 2015). Incidence describes the rate of new cases of a disease, generally conveyed as the number of new cases which occur at a given point in time (Advanced Renal Education Program, 2015). The incidence rate is commonly reported as a fraction of a population at risk of developing a disease (ie: per 100 000) (World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis Programme). Whereas prevalence is articulated as a percentage of the number of cases per 100 000 (World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis Programme). Prevalence is the actual number of live cases of the disease during a period (Advanced Renal Education Program, 2015). The association between incidence and prevalence depends on the natural history of the disease being reported (Health, 2017). Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the worlds deadliest diseases, with 1/3 of the worlds population infected (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). TB is an infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and usually affects the lungs (Australia, 2017). However, TB may also involve the kidneys, bones, spine and brain (Australia, 2017). TB is usually spread by breathing in the bacteria after an untreated person has coughed or sneezed (Australia, 2017). Overcrowding is a defining feature of areas of high TB endemicity (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Ongoing close contact between active cases and susceptible individuals is necessary to maintain endemicity in a population, however we will discuss health determinants further into this paper. Australia has maintained a low rate of TB since the mid-1980s, however over the last 20 years TB incidence rates have steadily increased (Teo, Tay, Douglas, Krause, Graham, 2015). Australia has recorded its highest incidence rate since 1985 in 2011 being 6.2 per 100, 000 (Teo et al., 2015). In 2015 Australias TB incidence was 6 per 100, 000 per the World Bank (Trade Economics, 2017). When researching the prevalence of TB in Australia World Health Organisation (WHO) publications noted TB case notifications to the value of 1 254, this being the same rate as per new and relapse cases (World Health Organization, 2015). The incidence of TB in Peru shows a much more alarming story. Perus TB cases were last measured in 2015 with an incidence rate of 119 per 100, 000 (World Health Organization, 2015). Research obtained from World Bank stating these incidences were recorded from new pulmonary, smear positive and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis cases (Economics, 2017). Prevalence information obtained at this time reads TB notification cases of 30 988 (World Health Organization, 2015). Total new and relapse cases registered were reported to be that of 29 833 (World Health Organization, 2015). With Australias TB incidence rate increasing, the question is why is this an issue now? Research shows that many of Australias holiday destinations are teeming with TB that is now becoming resistant to drug treatment (Dunlevey, 2015). Holiday makers such as teachers and childcare workers are reported to be travelling to TB hot-spots and many bringing the bacteria to Australian shores (Dunlevey, 2015). Research has also shown that those living in high TB prevalent countries are migrating to Australia ((AMA), 2008). With the increases in immigrants, overcrowding and malnutrition are common risk factors for the spread of TB (Australian Indigenous Health Info Net, 2015). Australias shoreline is another factor for the increase in TB rates with Western Province of Papua New Guinea and Torres Strait Islands having recorded active strains of Multi-drug resistant strains of TB ((AMA), 2008). TB remains to be a social disease that is inextricably linked to vicious cycles of poverty (Wingfield et al., 2016). Poverty predisposes individuals to TB and hidden costs associated with even free TB treatment can be catastrophic (Wingfield et al., 2015). Other determinants of health that can predispose populations to incidences of TB may include, but are not limited to: Income and social status: research shows that higher income and social status can be linked to better health outcomes. Education: poor health can be linked to lower education levels, increasing stress and lowering self-confidence. Physical environment: safe water and clean air, along with healthy workplaces and safe housing all contribute to good health outcomes. Generally, those people who are employed are healthier. Social support networks: better health outcomes have been linked with communities with greater support from families and friends. Culture and beliefs of family and community can have an overall effect on ones health. Genetics: can play a role in determining lifespan, healthiness and the likelihood of developing certain illnesses. Health services: access and usage of services that prevent and treat diseases influences health. Gender: different types of diseases at different ages can affect both men and women. The determinants of health are typically accountable for health inequities and the unfair and avoidable differences in health status as seen between Australia and Peru (Hargreaves et al., 2011). Social disadvantages such as lower educational attainment, job uncertainties, unemployment and poor access to appropriate housing (Hargreaves et al., 2011). Poor access to communications and environmental challenges also impact on health status (Hargreaves et al., 2011). Research has shown that although Perus malnutrition and school enrolment rates have improved, there is still a majority of poor children who temporarily or permanently drop out of school to help support their families (Agency, 2017). Poverty, malnutrition, and hunger is known to increase the susceptibility to infection leading to significant social and economic barriers that delay their contact with health systems in which an appropriate treatment regime can be commenced (Hargreaves et al., 2011). With this research found, th e author can not state that Australians are better-off than the Peruvians. Non-indigenous Australians living in Metropolitan areas have significantly greater resources at their disposal, housing and schooling is of higher quality, and health and support systems easily accessible (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012). However, indigenous Australians and those living in rural and remote areas of Australia do not have the same access as their city cousins (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012). The determinants of health therefore impact on the ability to access, resource, and utilise health care programs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012). As discussed, the incidence and prevalence of Tuberculosis in Australia and Peru have been shown to be of great differences. While this paper discussed the terms incidence and prevalence; why Tuberculosis remains an issue in Australia; and provided rationales for the differences in incidences and prevalences while taking into consideration the determinants of health. REFERENCE LIST: (AMA), A. M. A. (2008). Tuberculosis in Australia. Retrieved from https://ama.com.au/media/tuberculosis-australia Advanced Renal Education Program. (2015). Incidence and Prevalence. Retrieved from http://advancedrenaleducation.com/content/incidence-and-prevalence Agency, C. I. (2017). World Fact Book Peru. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pe.html Australia, D. o. H. W. (2017). Tuberculosis. Retrieved from http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Tuberculosis Australian Indigenous Health Info Net. (2015). Summary of Tuberculosis in Indigenous People. Retrieved from http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/infectious-conditions/tuberculosis/reviews/our-review Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). Australias food nutrition 2012. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Tuberculosis (TB). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tb/statistics/ Dunlevey, S. (2015). Tuberculosis disease explodes in Australians favourite holiday spots, WHO report shows. Health. Economics, T. (2017). Incidence of Tuberculosis Peru. Retrieved from http://www.tradingeconomics.com/peru/incidence-of-tuberculosis-per-100-000-people-wb-data.html Hargreaves, J. R., Boccia, D., Evans, C. A., Adato, M., Petticrew, M., Porter, J. D. (2011). The social determinants of tuberculosis: from evidence to action. Am J Public Health, 101(4), 654-662. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2010.199505 Health, N. I. o. M. (2017). What is Prevalence. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/index.shtml Teo, S. S., Tay, E. L., Douglas, P., Krause, V. L., Graham, S. M. (2015). The epidemiology of tuberculosis in children in Australia, 2003-2012. Med J Aust, 203(11), 440. Trade Economics. (2017). Incidence of Tuberculosis Australia. Retrieved from http://www.tradingeconomics.com/australia/incidence-of-tuberculosis-per-100-000-people-wb-data.html Wingfield, T., Boccia, D., Tovar, M. A., Huff, D., Montoya, R., Lewis, J. J., . . . Evans, C. A. (2015). Designing and implementing a socioeconomic intervention to enhance TB control: operational evidence from the CRESIPT project in Peru. BMC Public Health, 15, 810. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2128-0 Wingfield, T., Tovar, M. A., Huff, D., Boccia, D., Saunders, M. J., Datta, S., . . . Evans, C. (2016). Beyond pills and tests: addressing the social determinants of tuberculosis. Clin Med (Lond), 16(Suppl 6), s79-s91. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.16-6-s79 World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis Programme, W. G. T. Global tuberculosis control : WHO report (pp. 15 volumes). Geneva: Global Tuberculosis Programme. World Health Organization, W. (2015). Global tuberculosis report. In G. T. Programme. (Ed.), (pp. volumes). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organisation.

The hard drive uses two important principles about the magnetic fields. :: Computer Science

The hard drive uses two important principles about the magnetic fields. When we write data onto the hard drive Cit uses the law of electromagnetic induction and some material is magnetic. The hard drive uses two important principles about the magnetic fields. When we write data onto the hard drive it uses the law of electromagnetic induction and some material is magnetic. When we read data from the hard drive, it uses the Lenz's law. How hard disk drive works: Firstly we should know the two important part of the hard disk drive, 1. platters and media We put all of the data onto the platters. They are inside of the hard drive. There are several pieces of platter in the hard disk drive, maybe three or four. They are made of special material. The material must be strong and light. Because there are high rotation rates, when the hard disk drive working. Traditionally, people often use aluminum because it is a light material. But today, most platters are made from material like glass or ceramic composite. These light, strong materials have a very low thermal expansion, and compare to aluminum. They can withstand higher forces. So the platters can run faster. Older hard disk drive can only run at 3600 to 5200 rpm. Today's ones can run7600 to 10000 rpm. There is a layer of magnetic material on the surface of the platters. Today a thin-film media is used here. Thin-film media is a microscopic layer of pure metal bonded to the substrate surface through an interim layer. Because the distance between head and platters is very small (about 10 micro inches), but they can not touch with each other. So the thin-film media is very flat and is coated with a protective layer to help survive head crashing. 2. the arm and read and write head The arm that holds the read/write heads is controlled by the mechanism in the upper-left corner, and is able to move the heads from the hub to the edge of the drive. The arm and its movement mechanism are extremely light and fast. The arm on a typical hard-disk drive can move from hub to edge and back up to 50 times per second. It is hard to believe. But it is the truth. Simply, The read and write head is a ferromagnetic core. It can product a variety magnetic fields through a variety current to be able to write data onto the media in ASC2. And also can product variety current though inducing the variety magnetic field on the surface of the platter to read data from the hard disk drive.

The Great Gatsby: Gatsbys Illusion Of Himself Essay -- essays research

The Great Gatsby: Gatsby's Illusion of Himself F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is considered a novel that embodies America in the 1920s. In it, the narrator, Nick Carroway, helps his neighbor Jay Gatsby reunite with Daisy Buchanan, with whom he has been in love with since 5 years before, during World War I. The affair between the two fails, however, and ends in Gatsby being shot and killed. The reason that this was inevitable is that Gatsby created a fantasy so thoroughly that he became part of it, and he fell with it when reality came crashing down. The basis of all of this is Gatsby's obsession with Daisy and with meeting her. He did not want to deal with the reality that confronted him upon returning from the war. Fortunately, he had "an extraordinary gift, a romantic readiness," and he found in Daisy someone to focus this on. She is perfection to him, something for which he can strive, so he puts all of his energy into finding her again. He uses his inherited money to travel around the country, searching; when he runs out, he goes into the drug business, then oil, then liquor. He clips out articles about Daisy from every newspaper he can find; he buys a huge, romantic house that he hopes will merit her approval. The parties that he throws every night in hopes that she will come become almost famous for their extravagance and the variety of people that come. A resu...

Technology Is Changing Education :: essays research papers fc

Technology is Changing Education The best method for improving educational standards is to utilize every tool available, including state-of-the-art technology. Computers and the Internet have expanded the way in which education can be delivered to the students of today. Today's networking technologies provide a valuable opportunity to the practice of learning techniques. Educators are discovering that computers and multi-based educational tools are facilitating learning and enhancing social interaction. Computer based telecommunications can offer enormous instructional opportunities, but educators will need to adapt current lesson plan to incorporate this new medium into all the classrooms. The only problem is that some of today's schools are hindered by an under-powered technology based curriculum and, in order to stay competitive, the American educational system must do a better job of integrating. Computers have made a fundamental change in most industries, providing a competitive advantage that has come to be essential to stay in business. Therefore, education must also use technology to improve the educational process instead of simply applying it to existing structures. School systems often consider acquiring an enterprise computer network, but justify its purchase by applying it to routine administrative tasks, or take period by period attendance. Although these tasks are important, they only represent a small part of what technology can do for an educational institution. Technology must go beyond just keeping attendance, it must focus on keeping students interested and productive. "Curriculum improvement is the best strategy to prevent dropouts; technology is especially useful in this regard" (Kinnaman 78). Technology can provide a unique and compelling curriculum resource, that challenges every student. The Clinton administration has taken steps towards improving educational standards via its "Goals 2000: Educate America Act of 1994" (Thornburg 23). However, several interpretations of the Act never mention the use of technology. Advocates of the Act need to realize that Internet linked computers can provide more current information than what is found in today's "exciting" textbooks. For example, science textbooks and history textbooks are notoriously out of date. In contrast, the Internet offers students a vast pool of current scientific data. Most of the time the Internet makes learning fun, unlike the plain fashion of the "almighty" textbook. Computers and other technology can also heighten the learning process by actively engaging students in the task of exploring data. Some students may be tempted to simply download information from the Internet that does not have anything to do with a particular subject that they were asked to research. This shows that the Internet may have a greater impact to education than to learn that information from a typical textbook. Since computers and the Internet have expanded the way with which

Christian Leadership to Change the World

Christian leadership in my opinion is operating in and by Christ. We must be his hands and his feet with precepts. In order to lead and present change God must be in us and its evident must be known. Matthew 5: 13 -16 clearly proclaims the significance of our existence and Gods requirement of every believer. 2 Timothy 2:15 expresses the need for every believer to be approved by the Lord first and then going forth to preach the word throughout to Gods people. Leadership is the duty of the person who is in charge to take charge with courage and character while risking leading the people where they need to go. In doing this Christian leaders will need vision, opportunities, and needs. Then you will have to motivate others to get it done by providing resources, using their talents, and having them contribute their time, however we should be pragmatic of timing. As leaders we must understand the value of forgiveness, redemption and restoration and how essential they are to producing change in society or the world. Also identity and integrity are paramount as well in effective Christian leadership. This will equip us for the non believers who have a desire to come into the kingdom as well as the believers. To be effective Christian leaders we must seriously take our lead from scriptural principles and not from popular trends. We must maintain our focus on what the scripture says in spite of situations and circumstances. 2 Timothy1:7 reads â€Å"God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love†¦Ã¢â‚¬ when we fully recognize that God has given us the power and authority to create change it will then allow us to progress and elevate greatly towards change in society. Furthermore Proverbs 4 and 5 specifies the importance of gaining knowledge and wisdom from the Lord and Proverbs 3: 5 instructs us to trust God in all things so he can direct our path. We must as leaders become selfless and allow the Lord to speak to us so we can get to the people and back in front of society providing the church a forum to determine the direction of society. Christian leadership recognizes that the achievement of the vision is a contribution towards the coming and building of Gods kingdom and understands that where God rules it will then govern the behavior of the world. As Christian leaders we are to remain as a relevant influence providing Gods unchanging and everlasting word to an ever changing society. As the world continues to change the impetus for Christian leadership remains the same. Yet we must also acquire new leadership techniques as both the church and the world changes. SUBMITTED BY: RENEE D. SOBERS

Parents Who Have a Severely Disabled Child Should Be Allowed to Euthanize Them Essay

Some people call it mercy killing, others call it murder. This is a tough question for every parent in the word who has severely disabled child that will never be able to recognize them or even understands who he or she is and why. This problem has occurred over decades and there is a lot of proof that those children are not able to live full lives and some of them are in constant pain. What’s more in some countries euthanasia is allowed (1). Only the improvement of medical treatment is the reason why those children are still alive (2) and this treatment is quite expensive so governmental funds are needed (3). A part of society believes that it is cruel to force severely ill people to live when in normal conditions they would die. Euthanasia is a painless death caused by a medical injection and it is allowed in Brazil, in some occasions in Canada and in some states in the USA. This choice has to be made by the person who wants to be euthanized. If the adult in care or child are not able to make that choice by themselves it automatically means that this procedure cannot be done. In these situations the question of giving rights to choose to another person always occurs. It is a conflict between law and ethics. It would be more ethical to end ones suffering, but the law says that every person has a right to choose and a right to live. Every child has a right to live a life without pain and some of those diseases are incredibly painful even if painkillers are used. So it would be more humane to euthanize the child. As always, if there is seriously ill child a lot of funding is needed. If the parent or guardian does not have money to cover the expenses the governmental funding is needed. Marc Spindelman, a law professor at Ohio State University and an expert in bioethics thinks that politicians starts to look God like, because a single state spends around 2,5 billion a year on severely ill children, yet this amount of money is not enough, so they have to decide who lives and who dies. According to data it costs around 103, 000 $ a year on infant with ventilator and around 100, 000 $ a year on a baby who is connected to feeding tubes (Extreme choices, The right to live or die(n. d.)). If that kind of a choice is given to government there is a question of why it is not given to parents, because they are the ones that will know better whether to continue fighting or to let the child rest in peace. The main reason why nowadays there are more disabled children than in the past is because of medical development. Severely disabled children in past in most cases could not reach adolescence, because of the fact that there was no special medical equipment that could help to keep those children alive, like there is now, for example, feeding tubes. That means that they can survive as long as they are in a hospital or as long as parents or the government have funds to pay medical bills. There is a law in Canada that allows parents to disconnect the feeding tubes, but that means that they will starve to death. That is the main reason why Annette Corriveau wants to euthanize her children Janete and Jeffery. They do not respond and they are not able to move, roll over or even move their hands. They are in vegetative condition for more than ten years and there is only a slight possibility that there will be a medication that might improve their condition. As Annette said in an interview, she thinks that euthanasia would be the best thing that can happen to them, because she would not like to live a life like that and she does not know anyone who would(). Also, some parents are wondering why they can decide to have an abortion during any stage of pregnancy, if a disease is detected, yet cannot give birth to make sure that the child is truly sick and then euthanize him or her. The fact is that despite modern medical equipment there is a slight chance that the doctor might be wrong and parents will kill an innocent and healthy child. If we would follow the law of nature, this kind of question would not even be considered and no one would have to make that kind of a choice. Because of today’s medical equipment we keep alive those who should be resting in peace and putting them through different painful operations and treatments just because of the society’s opinion that euthanasia is considered murder and because we think that living even in vegetative state is better than death. SOURCES: 1. Extreme choices, The right to live or die (n. d.) Retrieved from: http://www.enquirer.com/extremechoices/loc_extremeday2.html ; 2. Taking mercy (8 of March, 2012) Retrieved from: http://www.globalnews.ca/taking+mercy/6442597182/story.html

Mel Gibson vs. Kenneth Branaugh as Hamlet Essay

The recent â€Å"box office rebirth† of England’s favorite bard has left Hollywood with much to do about interpreting Shakespeare’s classic dramas. The characters of Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, the gravedigger, and of course Hamlet himself take new life, as the greatest actors of our time assume these timeless roles. Produced in 1990, Mel Gibson’s â€Å"Hamlet† is a more straightforward, highly edited version of the original text in comparison to Kenneth Brannagh’s lavish rendition of the same tale. At only 135 minutes, Gibson’s â€Å"Hamlet† might be considered â€Å"Shakespeare Light,† the cinematic equivalent of Cliff’s Notes. However, although Brannagh should be commended for sticking to the text, be forewarned about this â€Å"Hamlet†-by including every line of the original play, this movie clocks in at exactly 242 minutes. The setting chosen for Brannagh’s and Gibson’s â€Å"Elsinore Castle† are as different as day and night, quite literally. And these bright and dark castle settings symbolically reinforce the specific â€Å"mood† or themes each director emphasizes. For instance, the lugubrious Gibson feels perfectly at home in his dark and dank mansion, an ideal place for a grieving soul to maintain its ruefull descent. Conversely, the introspective Brannagh is continuously catching glimpses of himself and others (and into their true souls) in the mirror-lined ballrooms of his glistening castle. Since Hamlet is, in its essence, truly a ghost story (so apropos for Halloween week!), each director has handled these â€Å"special effects† quite differently. Gibson gives a more stage-like handling of the ghost of  Hamlet’s father, using only lighting to cast an eerie glow or flickering shadows on its actors. Brannagh, on the other hand, seeks to use every filmmaker’s device possible, including the light blue glowing eyes of Hamlet’s father and the â€Å"dry ice forest,† (both of which stretched the limits of viewers’ imagination). One special effect that worked very effectively was the use of â€Å"flashbacks† in a character’s memory, specifically in scenes which show Hamlet and Ophelia’s romantic (yet clandestine) relationship developing. The greatest aspect of watching the Gibson and Brannagh films together is noticing the subtle differences between each actor’s expression of the same character. Both versions address, or evade, some of the most controversial issues in interpreting this play: Hamlet’s possible madness, his seemingly Oedipal relationship with his mother, and Ophelia’s suicidal demise. Mel Gibson portrays a brooding, sullen-browed young Hamlet–moody, miserable yet clever and cunning, and always lurking in the dark corners of this ever-somber castle. By contrast, Brannagh commands the screen with a Hamlet more brash and emboldened than Gibson’s, a determined young man whose bright and opulent surroundings reflect a very intellectual, socially and politically astute strategist (not to mention pretentious snob!). Both tiptoe the line between sanity and madness, without ever fully crossing over into a psychological abyss. With Glenn Close playing Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, Gibson intensifies the Oedipal overtones between the queen mother and her son. Beautiful, elegant, and intensely emotional, Gertrude exudes an exuberant yet refined sensuality throughout the early scenes of the film. Does she linger a little too long on the lips of Hamlet, or is this merely a joyous display of affection for her only son? The famous, and perhaps infamous, bedroom scene eventually shows the glamorous duo of Close and Gibson struggling against one another, and the final fencing scene also emphasizes this pair, their constant awareness of the other’s situation. By casting the ethereal Close alongside the handsome Hamlet, Gibson focuses  on the mother-son relationship versus the Ophelia-Hamlet romance, as Helena Bonham-Carter presents an overly passive, almost prepubescent and one-dimensional performance of Ophelia. Too young, too much manipulated by her father, Ophelia in her insanity scene merely shows a weak young woman overcome by her own pitiful plight. Because her relationship with Hamlet is never developed in Gibson’s â€Å"Hamlet,† Ophelia’s suicide is a merely an action that furthers the plot of Hamlet’s fate–it is not given consideration as the fate of Ophelia herself, a complex, passionate, and â€Å"three-dimensional† character in the play. Brannagh’s casting of â€Å"Shakespeare’s women† gives an entirely different interpretation. To begin with, Julie Christie (as Gertrude) is downright homely in comparison to Glenn Close (check out the differences between the early â€Å"consoling scene† of each film in which Gertrude tells Hamlet that death is â€Å"common†). Thus, Christie is perfect for Brannagh’s interpretation–Hamlet seeks to avenge his father’s death not because of his Oedipal attraction to his mother (which would be too emotional and adolescent for this prince), but rather for some higher sense of truth and justice (perfect for the philosophical Brannagh). Christie is not the amiable, all-loving (or sensual) mother that we saw Close to be, and thus Gertrude’s â€Å"motivation† to marry the brother of her dead husband seems more about politics and power than pure passion. Her role in the movie and the sympathy she evokes in the viewers diminis hes greatly as we view her (and her second husband) with suspicion and even aversion. Yet Kate Winslet (also starring in â€Å"Sense and Sensibility,† â€Å"Heavenly Creatures†), cast as Ophelia, is simply breathtaking. Her presence on the screen commands the full attention of viewers, and Brannagh uses her charisma to create perhaps the most fully developed representation of Ophelia to be brought to any film. She is shown as a strong-willed, intelligent and independent young woman who is passionately in love (and lust!) with her eccentric prince. If you have seen and heard her grief expressed in â€Å"Heavenly Creatures,† then you will know that her â€Å"insanity scene† is the most harrowing display of a heart’s devastation that you might ever see. Her ethereal voice, her song of sadness, will be hard for viewers to forget. With a cast of characters including Billy Crystal, Charlton Heston, Robin Williams and Jack Lemmon, Kenneth Brannagh’s â€Å"Hamlet† is a sure-hit among devoted â€Å"Shakespeare-philes.† Yet, the dynamic performances of the characters in Gibson’s â€Å"Hamlet† guarantee that both movies are even better appreciated when viewed, and compared, together. One of the greatest aspects about Shakespeare’s plays is the never-ending interpretations and expressions that can be made–not only by film makers with their elaborate scenery and all-star casts, but also by each of us as viewers and, hopefully, as readers too.

Accident Report

INCIDENT REPORT INSTRUCTIONS Northwestern University ? Vice President for Research ? University Safety Committees ? Office for Research Safety ***A sample completed form is appended to these instructions. *** When to Submit an Incident report An incident report must be delivered to the Office for Research Safety within five days of the incident. Reports are reviewed by the Chemical and Biological Safety Committee, or the Radiation Safety Committee. ? An incident is defined as any unplanned and unwanted event that occurred during the performance of work activities and that resulted in or could have led to injury or material damage to property.Incident repercussions range from minor (e. g. , a broken mercury thermometer) to significant (e. g. , a 5-gallon bottle of sulfuric acid dropped in a heavy-traffic hallway). ? An Incident Report is appropriate for â€Å"near misses,† incidents not resulting in personal harm or property damage, but which might have, under slightly differen t circumstances. ? The Incident Report requires responses from (I) the person involved, (II) any witnesses to the incident, and (III) the Principal Investigator/Supervisor. Attach additional pages if necessary to complete the report.Reports that are not signed by the PI/supervisor will be returned for completion. The committees require input from the supervisor. See completed Example following the instructions. ? Commonly, there are multiple causes in any given incident—all of which should be identified. Provide a complete and detailed response to each question, making a serious attempt to identify all â€Å"root cause(s). † The contributing factors were probably evident, but overlooked or unrecognized previously. These factors become more distinctly identifiable in light of the specifics of the incident A well-planned work process will include multiple layers of safeguards.Once causes are identified at all levels, consider safeguards and procedures that might be chang ed to prevent future incidents. . ? This report is not intended to assign blame; it should be used as a tool to foster recommendations for procedural improvement. A well-prepared report will identify all work systems that need to be redesigned to compensate for foreseeable human errors. Information gleaned from these reports will also be used to improve safety policies. ? The Incident Report is required for all incidents, and must be submitted to theOffice for Research Safety within 5 business days of the incident. Delaying may result results in lost or forgotten details. Your department will be contacted by the Office for Research Safety if an incident report is not received promptly. Incident Response ? Please refer to the Emergency Response Training Fact Sheet Section 6. 3. 4 of Chemical and Biological Safety in Laboratories for definitions of incidental spills you can clean up yourself versus major spills that require assistance, either by ORS or an outside agency. When in doubt , contact ORS for help.Both types of spill require an incident report. ? Emergency Phone Numbers and procedures may be found in your department emergency evacuation plan, your Safety Desk Book, your Employee Safety Handbook, or the Office for Research Safety web page: http://www. research. northwestern. edu/research/ors/emerg/index. htm The Incident Report Form is located at http://www. research. northwestern. edu/research/ORS/online_forms. htm under Laboratory Safety Forms. Incident Report Instructions and Sample Updated 4/18/2007 INCIDENT REPORT SAMPLE Northwestern University ? Vice President for Research ?University Safety Committees ? Office for Research Safety ***Instructions on when and how to complete this form may be found at http://www. research. northwestern. edu/research/ORS/online_forms. htm under Laboratory Safety Forms. *** Hint: Save this file to your computer, complete your section, email a copy to the next person for their part, and when all information has been ent ered, printed, and signed by the Principal Investigator, return it to Tech, NG-71 . I. Report by person involved Name: __Josephine Doe____________ Department: ___Chemistry_________DatePrepared: December 20, 2007__ How long at this job? _3 wks______Position/Title (e. g. , Grad Student, Technician, Post-doc) ___Graduate Student___ Location of Incident: ___Tech G222_________Date/time of incident: _December 18, 2007_ / Principal Investigator/Supervisor: ___Frank Nobel_________________________ 7:30 am_____ A. Describe how the incident occurred. 1. Explain the operation in which you were involved. What were you doing before the incident occurred? What was your goal? What were you doing at the time the incident occurred? What were the conditions of your work?Is this a routine operation? I was washing a volumetric flask. I added a mixture of acid (hydrochloric and nitric) to the flask, a procedure typical in our lab. I was holding the flask and swirling the acid along the inner walls. 2. De scribe the incident in detail. What happened? A reaction occurred inside the flask. I had capped it to prevent spillage. A pressure build-up blew the cap off the flask and sprayed acid on my face. In shock, I dropped the flask on the bench and it shattered, spilling acid on the surface. 3. Describe the sequence of events that followed the incident.How did you respond? I ran to the eyewash at the sink and rinsed my face for approx. 15 minutes, holding my eyes open with my hands. I called UP and requested emergency assistance. Paramedics arrived about 10 minutes after that. 4. Describe any equipment, machinery, or instruments in use at the time of the incident and their potential contribution to the incident. No equipment involved. B. Did you sustain any injuries? What were they? How were they treated? Did you require medical care? Describe the severity of the injury. Page 2 of 5 PagesLimited burns to my face on my forehead and eyelids. I was taken to the emergency room where my face was rinsed again and treated with topical antibiotic cream. I will have to avoid sunlight for a week since I sustained a second-degree burn. C. Was there any property loss or damage? Please elaborate. The flask was broken. The acid permanently stained the work surface. Acid was sprayed as far as 20 feet from the spill site. ORS cleaned the acid contamination. The lab was closed the next morning after the spill because no one could work in the area while ORS decontaminated it.D. Safety Rules and Procedures. 1. Was the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary during the given operation? Was the PPE worn? What did it consist of? I was wearing a lab coat and nitrile gloves but no eye protection. I should have been wearing safety glasses. 2. What type of training did you receive prior to engaging in this operation? Was the training adequate? What did it consist of? I received ORS general safety training when I entered the program my first year. No training since then. Also, n o training in my lab as to specific procedures.I believe I should have annual refresher training. 3. Are there any specific safety rules which apply to this procedure? Were they followed? Are they adequate? No specific rules established for cleaning of glassware. There are rules regarding PPE. Safety glasses are required and I will wear them from now on. 4. Other comments. I was working alone in the lab. I won’t do that again since I could have used help in locating the eyewash. E. Causal Factors 1. What do you perceive to be the causal factors behind this incident?This could include: inadequate management oversight; lack of appropriate safety policy; proper equipment not used, required, or supplied; etc. Lack of a standardized procedure. An adverse reaction between the acid and contaminants was never addressed in training so I didn’t realize it could occur and how to adequately handle the situation. 2. What are your recommendations for preventing recurrence? Better aw areness (training) about the reactions that can occur between chemicals. II. Other Individuals Involved/Witnesses where applicable 1. Name: __None____________________ Position_____________________ _A. Description of Incident – Where were you and what were you doing when the incident occurred? What did you see? Page 3 of 5 Pages Incident Report Instructions and Sample Updated 4/18/2007 B. Additional comments or observations. 2. Name: __________________________ Position_____________________ _ A. Description of Incident – Where were you and what were you doing when the incident occurred? What did you see? B. Additional comments or observations. III. Report by Principal Investigator/Supervisor A. How and when did you learn of the incident? I received a phone call from the student the next day.B. Contributing/Mitigating Factors – What do you perceive to be the causal factors behind this incident? This could include inadequate management oversight; lack of appropriate safety policy; improper procedure; proper equipment not used, required, or supplied; etc. There was a reaction between the acid and an organic contaminant in the glassware. The flask should not have een capped. The capping caused a pressure build-up to occur in the vessel. The student did not consider the possibility since we had not discussed glassware cleaning procedures. C. Immediate corrective action taken.The use of acids for cleaning glassware will be closely evaluated to determine when a less hazardous cleaning agent can be used. To limit the potential for reaction, we will ensure that any gross organic contamination is removed by thorough rinsing and scraping before use of acid. Acid will be restricted to cleaning of trace contamination. When lab personnel clean with acids, regular venting will be performed to prevent pressure build-up. Also, the procedure will be done in a chemical fume hood, utilizing the horizontal sash as a physical barrier against sprays and splashes.D . Additional remediation efforts to prevent future recurrence (and expected date of implementation). We will schedule an in-house training class to review the cleaning procedures and other lab safety policies, especially the rules about wearing of PPE and working alone. Page 4 of 5 Pages E. Comments The student was working an 11-hour day. Fatigue may have been a factor. Workdays will be limited to 10 hours at the most. Principal Investigator/Supervisor Signature: ____________________________________ Page 5 of 5 Pages