Ethics Essay – Fourth Estate

Media spotlight has the ability to change people’s lives dramatically, in some cases it is accidental, every day people minding their own business and as a consequence of being involved in an incident which resulted in either an inspiring or devastating outcome which resulted the private lives being thrust into the media spotlight. Whilst other people who have obtained media attention due to their public appointment have had the same experience, their lives altered dramatically due to media’s invasion of their privacy in the name of public interest. The Fourth Estate, a name given to the media who traditionally have been charged as the custodian for public interest, the publics watch dog, their responsibility to the public sphere is to warn us, some times educate us and they have the ability to entertain us, they also ensure that people exercising power are kept in check and held accountable. However, there is a debate looming, is it possible that today’s Media, are the one’s who now need to kept in check and made accountable. The Australian Law Reform Commission, have put the Unfair Publication Defamation and Privacy legislation back on the agenda, as they believe the public are having their privacy scrutinized not for interest of the public, but for public interest. Having the legislation back on the agenda has caused much angst of the media industry, who strongly believe any more statute regulations will threaten to undermine the viability of the Fourth Estate. Overall, this essay will argue that, any new legislation will only benefit the Law profession, if the media truly believe that the Fourth Estate, whilst not constitutional, it has played an important role in our democracy over time, is worth fighting for so, it does not become invalid due to new regulation, they must admit to themselves that because of their fascination with the private behavior of public figures, the public are voicing their concern with this fascination and the methods used by the media industry, the current reporting methods seem to have actually started to undermine the ideals of the highly regarded custom of The Fourth Estate. However, the media industry now have a great opportunity, if they want stay free of any new regulation, they need to regain public trust and be true to their democratic role as the guardian of public interest, they will need to start accepting the responsibility for the current practices and become more accountable to the self regulation systems currently in place. Since some work practices employed by media outlets have over time damaged the industry’s image, especially in the eyes of the public who no longer have trust in both Journalists and media industry, the lack of trust causes a problem as the media are supposed to act as a protector in the public interest. When did the attitude of the public change? And what role does a Journalist now play in our democratic society? What is more important is how can journalists end the conflicting obligations when it comes to ethical behavior. Fundamentally the role of a Journalist has not changed, their role is to warn us, inform us, educate and entertain us. (Conley, D & Lamble, S. 2006 The Daily Miracle an introduction to Journalism. P3). Journalists have an obligation to seek and defend and even extend the public sphere, (Stockwell,S. Beyond the fourth estate,1999 Democracy, deliberation and Journalism Theory, Australian Journalism Review 21(1), pp. 37-49). The phrase Public Sphere is a term which describes an area in social life where people can get together and freely discuss and identify problems in society and through that discussion influence political action. (Hartley, J. Communication, Cultural and Media Studies (2007), The Key Concepts. P191). In the latter part of the 20th Century, Journalists fulfilled their role as protector of the public sphere, The Fourth Estate played an important role as Catharine Lumby explains, the reason why the Fourth Estate played an import role was that issues which had lain dormant for years surfaced, partly because a host of political movements expanded during this period, the scope of issues that were once considered purely private matters such as domestic violence and sexual harassment were being voiced in the public sphere, (Lumby, C 1998, Twisted Tales, Private lives caught in the eyes of the public storm, AG, Sept-Oct). However, this was not sustained, Julianne Schultz warned in 1998 that a backlash was building, the publics opinion was changing, The Fourth Estate type of investigative stories that was so popular in the 1980’s were not appealing to the public as they once were, people were drawn to the appeal of big personalities, glamour, the good guys and bad guys, the types of stories that you would normally have seen only in soap operas. The fourth Estate Type of stories were easier to by pass, media anagements grew tired of the costs involved in substantial investigative stories, the temptation was to go with the entertainment type stories, this made money, making money made it easier to forgo challenging and demanding Fourth Estate stories. (Schultz, J Reviving the Fourth Estate, 1998. P230-31). According to Catharine Lumby, lower standards of news reporting is the coming age of the media, However, these sources of news and gossip have an increasing impact on what makes it to the mainstream media. The issues that were brought out into the public sphere like sexual harassment and domestic violence are now the reason why media can not separate the private and the public. (Lumby. C, Twisted Private Lives caught in the eye of the public storm, AG. September-October. P35). With the emergence of the new media a principle dilemma now existed in the media industry, which is more important, stories of public interest or stories that interest the public over a decade stories such as a Princess driven to her death by Maniacal paparazzi, Reality TV shows, radio hosts showered with vats of cash for editoral comment, ethics were hardly out of the media (Probyn, E. & Lumby, C. Remote Control New Media, New Ethics. P1). The public have been losing faith in the Journalist profession for some time, because of unethical behavior of some reporter’s the public consider them untrustworthy. This untrusting of this profession has been gaining momentum for some time, as far back as January 2004 Roy Morgan released the results of an annual survey to establish which profession is considered to be the most ethical and honest, the findings are based on the results of surveying over 600 people. The findings found Journalists are ranked the third lowest on the list. Morgan, G Roy Morgan Research, finding no 3701, 2004. www. roymorgan. com/news/pols/2004/3701). Ethics are important, they help raise standards and are used in different professions, ethics reinforces respect for others Michael Anderson conducted a survey to find our how Journalism ethics rate in the quest of news. David Conley believes, Journalists face three sometimes conflicting obligations when considering privacy: getting the news out, showing compassion and educating society (Cronley,D & Lambie, S 2006,p386). Reading the MEAA code of ethics, clause 11 states clearly, Journalists should respect private grief and personal privacy. Journalists have the right to resist compulsion to intrude. According to Ralph Potter, Journalists should ensure that their first alliance is always the public when making a decision if faced with an ethical dilemma. (Potter, R. Potter Box. Pg2 ) Their role is to help ensure the health of the democratic processes, Journalism, properly understood is a necessary part of holding power to account (Chadwick,P. Fame, Media, Privacy , ACP public forum. P,6)

One Door Closes as Another Door Opens

One Door Closes, as another Door Opens Growing up in San Diego, California in a full blooded Portuguese family, complete with the grandparents from the old country and the western more contemporary parents was a very colorful upbringing. My grandmother and mother had many old wives sayings and tales that were the foundation of they way the reacted to life. Although raised in the fear and guilt that is known as the Catholic religion, my mother always reminded me that even when something bad happens, something good will come of it. Now in my Christian life, our Pastor Aaron refers to it as â€Å"When one door closes, another will open in its place†.In this reflective paper I will describe how my life experiences, some which were tragic and traumatic and closed that chapter in my life, many times a new door opened, usually with a more positive outcome. Child molestation, becoming a widow at 26 years of age, and alcoholism are just a few of the obstacles I endured in my life. I wi ll explain how some wonderful experiences evolved from these obstacles. I was raised in family of four daughters. I was the second youngest and considered the middle child. My two older sisters were seven and eight years older than me.My mother use to say it was like raising two daughters, two at a time. By the time my older sisters married and moved out, my younger sister and I were just starting adolescence. My siblings and I cohabitated in one small bedroom with two sets of bunk beds in our small two bedroom home. My father was a hard working painting contractor and my mother was a stay at home housewife. My father drank everyday, and my mother spent her days meticulously cleaning our home. My childhood memories were full of large family get togethers with aunts and uncles and all the cousins, grandparents and other Portuguese friends.The women would cook cultural cuisine and the men would play cards, gather around and play musical instruments like the guitar, mandolin, and drums . My father played the spoons and bones that were carved from ivory. My father was the comedian, center of attention, and the guy who would put the lamp shade on his head after a few beers. I have shared that personality trait with him since I was very young. My sisters and I would sing and dance for the large gatherings. As a young girl, maybe eight years old, I remember reading a National Geographic Magazine article about Oregon.I told my mother I was going to live there some day. The tall trees and the mountains of green versus the San Diego hills of houses piled on top of one another, was very pleasing to me. Even at that young age, Hollands’ personality theory of career satisfaction (Witt and Mossler, 2010) was apparent. My need for self expression came out through drawing pictures of those beautiful mountains and sharing them with my friends and family. I was already leaning towards the artistic and social aspects of his theory. When I was around 11 years old a neighbor who was in his forties sexually molested me.His wife could not have children, so they would invite me and my younger sister for sleep overs. She had no clue the molestation was happening. She was always so sweet and caring to us. I was so terrified to go over there any more that I started making excuses. Having to give up my interaction with her is my first memory of a door closing. I started to become rebellious as the anger and resentment ate me up inside. Alcohol became my escape at the early age of 12. I would sneak vodka from my dad’s liquor cabinet, and take it to middle school to put in my lemonade at lunch. My world was closing in all around me.It was in 8th grade that I had an art class that opened another door to me. I would engulf myself in that class everyday and work hard on projects at home. I had found a release for the anger, and a way to channel it into something positive. I was modifying my behavior without realizing it. Art became a prevalent part of my li fe. I would write poetry which was my form of a journal and I would draw for hours on end. It was in high school where I met my first love. I had run away from home after an argument with my parents and stayed at a friend of my younger sister’s house.His parents were understanding and let me stay there for a week. My parents knew where I was at, and they probably welcomed the break from me, as much as I did from them. I fell head over heels for him. The closeness and love was so wonderful. I had not been that happy since I was a little girl. We stayed together for two wonderful years. I began to trust again which opened another door that was once closed. I graduated high school with a 4. 0 GPA and wanted to join the military. That dream would change when I met my first husband. Mac and I met at a co op softball game that some friends took me too.He was muscular and athletic. We flirted a bit. I started to have those warm fuzzy feelings again. We moved in together after dating for 6 months. My parents were furious, but I was an adult. He had been to Oregon for a summer and I was fascinated with his stories. That same year we loaded up the Volkswagen bug and headed to Oregon. Mac wanted to be a fisherman so we moved to Newport. We gave birth to our daughter April in 1976 and my son Smokey in 1977. Life was hard but we managed to get by. In 1980, Mac had decided he wanted to go to Alaska for a season because the money was much better up there.He left in May of that year, came back to see me and the kids for my birthday in June and headed back up in August. That was the last I saw of him. He drowned on Labor Day weekend, 2 days before April was to start Kindergarten. Smokey was 4 years old. Needless to say, the children and I were devastated. How were we going to live and how on earth was a 26 year old mother of two going to survive? I moved inland to the Willamette Valley and started our new life. It was then that my career in the food and beverage industr y came into play.I had worked a few waitress and bartending jobs part time, but now I had to make all the income to support us. Mac hadn’t paid much into Social Security so that check was more like a stipend than enough to live on. I worked and worked sometimes 2 and even 3 jobs to get by. I finally got a great fulltime, good paying job at the Red Lion Inn as a pantry chef. This door helped to strengthen my artistic and social characteristics even more. Creating beautiful food was an art form and the plate was my canvas. All the colors and placement of the final product was very satisfying.Having a network of co workers really enhanced my social life. I was moving on and becoming the person I wanted to be†¦.. happy. My children were now in high school and growing into their own wonderful beings. I also worked 2 nights a week as the Karaoke hostess at the Inn. That job was a great outlet for my self expression and social life. I gained the courage to audition for a local band and became the lead singer and keyboard player. Another door opens. Both of my children graduated and moved on. My daughter went on to Oregon State University and my son went to work installing home and auto audio systems.I moved back to the coast because my younger sister, who had since moved to Oregon, was going through a rough time. Her husband was losing his battle with cancer. He died later that year. It was while living in Waldport, Oregon, that I posted an ad in the matchmaker section of a local newspaper. I was lonely. It was there that I met my last husband. We dated for a while and life seemed pretty good. We ended moving in together where he owned a home in Lebanon. So back to the Valley I went. I obtained a job as a teacher’s aide working in the title one program with elementary school students.I also coached the high school cheerleading squad. Life was going well†¦or so I thought. My husband became very controlling and pressured me into getting a better paying job. He had a great job and money was never an issue, but he was extremely materialistic. He convinced me that I should become a Realtor, so I took the course, received my license and sold real estate for 8 years. The verbal and now physical abuse had escalated. I finally packed my bags, filed for divorce and moved out. That door slammed shut! By now I had become pretty numb to bad things happening in my life which I had little or no control over.Once again alcohol reared its ugly head in my life. This went on for about a year when I finally decided I had had enough. I started writing my thoughts again and decided I am going back to school. I was 52 years old. I enrolled at a local community college and focused on academics for the first term. Then I signed up for a couple of art classes and that became the door that opened up my life so dramatically and positively. My creative juices were flowing again. I had my self- confidence back, and I was expressing my artistic and so cial self again.I entered several of my works in art shows and won a few awards. I felt like I was back on top. I believe that even though I had some terrible life experiences that I will never forget, they all opened up doors for me to grow and become the woman I knew God had created me to be. â€Å"Divorce often leaves emotional scars that last a long time. Both men and women usually experience emotional challenges after divorce, including loneliness, lower self-esteem, worry about the future, difficulty forming new relationships, fear of failure in new relationships and depression (Amato, 2006).I can honestly say I have experienced all the above mentioned, but I am learning to cope effectively and the impact has lessened for me. My goals for my future are emphasizing the importance of an education to my grandchildren, accomplishing and receiving my Bachelors in Fine Arts with the focus on Early Childhood Education and using what I have learned to teach art to children and to vol unteer teaching art to senior citizens.I feel with my artistic and social personality characteristics as explained by Holland’s theory, (Witt and Mossler, 2010) that I will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. Art and the expression of art have saved my life†¦numerous times. Another door that has opened for me is very exciting. I have reconnected with my first love from high school on face book. He still lives in California and we talk and text everyday on the phone. He will be visiting me soon. We have rekindled our love and I truly believe that we are going to be together again.With all I have learned from my past relationships I feel this will be the best ever! â€Å"Relationship history is not your relationship future (David Niven Ph. D). Your Relationship future is not limited by your experiences of the past or by your disappointments of the past. You can learn from your experiences and avoid mistakes of the past. † In conclusio n, I have learned a great deal about myself through my life experiences. I know that I am a strong, resilient individual.I have had numerous negative circumstances happen in my life, several of which were beyond my control. I did manage to survive them all, and grew from this multitude of trials and tribulations. Wisdom has prevailed and blessed my soul and heart. I embrace the adventures that lie ahead. â€Å"When one door of happiness closes, another opens: (Helen Keller); but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. † I have learned to move forward through the open door and to welcome all that it has to offer.

Stress Assessment Using Non Invasive Health And Social Care Essay

Stress is a physiological and psychological response to endangering state of affairss. Rapid socio-economical disagreement due to technological advancement and desire to accomplish luxury has led to emphasize. Although emphasis has a psychological beginning, it affects several physiological signals in the human organic structure like EEG, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Galvanic Skin Response, Reaction Time, etc. Hence there is a critical demand for stress appraisal. This paper reviews about experimental methods of emphasis appraisal utilizing EEG ( Electroencephalography ) and discusses approximately different methodological analysiss for patterning emphasis. Introduction The quickly increasing population with extremist betterment in engineering has increased cost of populating taking to feverish life style due to turning deadlines and demands in order to accomplish luxury life. This state of affairs has led to increasing emphasis degrees in people with turning demands for development of efficient stress appraisal systems. The term, emphasis, introduced by Selye, defined emphasis as â€Å" the non-specific response of the organic structure to any demand for alteration † . In general, emphasis is a â€Å" complex reaction form that frequently has psychological, cognitive and behavioural constituents † [ 1 ] . The emphasis can be measured and evaluated in footings of physiological psychological and physical responses. Questionnaires are normally used to deduce emphasis subjectively. Physiological alterations in the human organic structure can besides be used to measure emphasis. The biomarkers like Skin Temperature, Skin conductance, Blood force per unit area, Heart rate variableness, Respiration, EEG, EMG are used to mensurate emphasis. Previous researches have shown that these are efficient methods and produced acceptable truth rates. In this paper we merely see stress appraisal methods utilizing EEG. Harmonizing to present scenario, the Stress in America study consequences show that grownups continue to describe high degrees of emphasis, 75 % of grownups reported sing centrist to high degrees of emphasis in the past month and about half reported that their emphasis has increased in the past twelvemonth [ emphasis facts ] , The latest research by workspace supplier Regus shows that Indian workers are acquiring more stressed. The study reveals that work ( 51 % ) and personal fundss ( 50 % ) are the conducive factors for the increased emphasis degrees of the Indian work-force. [ hypertext transfer protocol: //articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-10/india/33735958_1_stress-levels-counterparts-in-larger-firms-indian-workers ] . The research findings reveal that pupils are sing function overload, function stagnancy and self-role distance. Male pupils see higher degrees of function stagnancy than female pupils. [ hypertext transfer protocol: //link.springer.com/article/10.1007 % 2Fs11218-006-9010-y? LI=true ] . Stress can besides hold impact on immune system and it creates terrible impact on cardiovascular systems, The chronic emphasis can do persons more vulnerable to infections and incurable diseases. [ nihms4008 ] . Organizations like American Institute of emphasis [ www.stress.org ] , Indian Psychiatric Society ( IPS ) , National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences ( Nimhans ) and International stress direction association [ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.isma.org.in/about-isma.aspx ] are at that place to assist persons to cover with emphasis and related diseases at the same time making consciousness about emphasis. Stress due to tenseness, anxiousness and exhilaration had high power of Beta set [ ] . An addition of Alpha set power will reflect to loosen up and witting conditions. Meanwhile, lessening of Alpha set power and addition of Beta set power will bespeak that the individuals are making intense activity such as replying scrutiny inquiries, making mental arithmetic and so on [ ] . Research workers have come out with the ratio of EEG Power Spectrum in term of Alpha and Beta band power on right hemisphere of human encephalon with left hemisphere of human encephalon to find the encephalon reconciliation ( symmetrical ) where the asymmetrical in encephalon activity may bespeak to some chronic wellness disease such as depression, mental weariness, and so on. The ratio is called FBA ( Frontal Brain Asymmetry ) Measuring emphasis They are many features associated with emphasis they are chiefly classified as hormonal instabilities, physical and physiological alterations these are the symptoms of emphasis. When is individual feels stressed increased sum of emphasis endocrines ( hydrocortisone and catecholamine ) are released. These endocrine degrees are measured utilizing invasive methods and performed by scientists and practicians. These measurings require drawn-out experimental processs. Besides under emphasis, alterations in bosom rate ( HR ) [ ] , blood force per unit area ( BP ) [ ] , student diameter ( PD ) [ ] , take a breathing pattern [ ] , voltaic tegument response ( GSR ) [ ] , emotion, voice modulation, organic structure pose [ ] , reaction clip [ ] , Brain moving ridges ( EEG ) [ ] are observed, these alterations can be acquired non-invasively. This paper deals with non-invasive methods of measuring emphasis utilizing Electroencephalography ( EEG ) . Stress appraisal has many important applications in personal, authorities, industry military operations like bettering athlete public presentation, planing course of study and games for instruction, better work productiveness, to mensurate emphasis in combatant pilots, auto drivers, computing machine users, ground forces, sawboness etc [ ] . Measuring emphasis utilizing EEG There is a strong relationship between encephalon activity and emphasis. Datas can be acquired from the encephalon through different methods like functional magnetic resonance imagination, antielectron emanation imaging ( PET ) Magneto encephalography ( MEG ) and electroencephalography ( EEG ) . functional magnetic resonance imaging has high spacial declaration but really low temporal declaration, whereas EEG and MEG have higher temporal declaration. EEG is widely used in stress research because of higher temporal declaration, low intrusive equipment and low cost. Fig. 1: Spatial and temporal declaration of assorted experimental techniques [ 8 ] EEG is an of import method for analyzing the transient kineticss of the human encephalon ‘s large-scale neural circuits. In EEG, electrodes are placed at the caput tegument to do a good contact with scalp and register the electrical potencies due to neural activity. EEG provides good experimental informations of variableness in mental position because of its high temporal declaration. EEG wave form ( amplitude and frequence ) depends on the witting degree of the individual. Table 1 summarizes that spectral analysis of EEG can be split into several frequence sets. Frequency bands Frequency scope ( Hz ) Amplitude scope ( A µV ) Activity Delta 0.5-4 20-200 Watchfulness or anxiousness Theta 4-8 10 Relaxation Alpha 8-13 20-200 Dream slumber or stage between consciousness and sleepiness Beta 13-30 5-10 Coma or deep slumber Potentials at the scalp scope from 20 to 100 A µV, which can be recorded by braces of electrodes attached to the scalp ( on both sides of the encephalon hemisphere ) . The wave forms are characterized by frequence, amplitude, form and sites of the scalp. Besides, age and province of watchfulness is besides relevant to analyse the wave forms [ ] . Activities in the right hemisphere of the encephalon dominate the activities in the left hemisphere of the encephalon during negative emotions [ ] , which suggests an country for stress sensing. Electroencephalogram signals are categorized by frequence and each class represents some province for a individual. Beta and alpha moving ridges represent witting provinces whereas theta and delta moving ridges signify unconscious provinces [ ] . Rapid beta moving ridge frequences ( from lessening in alpha moving ridge frequences ) are the chief features bespeaking emphasis [ ] . Alpha waves appear on both sides of the encephalon, but somewhat higher in amplitude on the non-dominant side, by and large observed in people who are right-handed [ ] . Band base on balls filtering can be used to take noise and obtain certain parts and characteristics of an EEG signal before analysis. EEG signals can be filtered utilizing a set base on balls filter with appropriate values for low and high base on balls filters, e.g. 30 Hz and 4 Hz severally. Appraisal Techniques Raw EEG signals are acquired and analyzed to pull out required information. The first measure in this procedure is preprocessing, the characteristics are extracted from processed signal and classified into stressed or non stressed Preprocessing Preprocessing is really of import for any EEG signal analysis since signals are really sensitive to artefacts ; these artefacts are non from encephalon they are either from proficient grounds or due to behavioural and physical activities. Others include power lines noise ( 50/60Hz ) , broken EEG electrodes or leads, electric resistance fluctuation, electromagnetic noise and eye blink and motion of eyes and so on. Power line noises can be eliminated by using a 50/60 Hz notch filter. Independent constituent analysis ( ICA ) is used for unsighted beginning separation to divide constituents that have statistical difference. ICA recovers N linearly mixed beginning signals s= { s1 ( T ) , aˆÂ ¦ , sN ( T ) } , after multiplying by A, an unknown matrix, x ( I ) = { x1 ( T ) , aˆÂ ¦ , xN ( T ) } =As ( I ) [ ] . Rejection method is used discard contaminated signal, this method has drawback of taking the whole contaminated signal alternatively of taking merely noise [ ] . Subtraction method is used to take noise from contaminated EEG signal, this method assumes natural EEG signal as a additive combination of original EEG signal and noise and it is used to take oculus motion artifacts [ ] , Amplitude threshold can besides be used by specifying negative and positive thresholds, informations out of this scope is considered as artifact [ ] . Similarly Min-Max threshold can besides be used which defines a lower limit or upper limit allowed amplitude difference for a peculiar clip length. Gradient Criterion is another method where artefact threshold is defined based on point-to-point alterations in electromotive force relation to intersample clip [ ] . And eventually Joint chance method used that finds the chance of happening of a given value of point in clip in a specific channel and section relation to planetary chance of happening of such value [ ] . Feature Extraction Techniques Feature extraction is the procedure of pull outing utile information from the signal. Features are features of a signal that are able to separate between different emotions. We use a common set of characteristic values for encephalon signals. Nonlinear steps have received the most attending in comparing with the steps mentioned before, for illustration clip sphere, frequence sphere and other additive characteristics. The nonlinear set of characteristics used include fractal dimension and correlativity dimension signals. Features are extracted for each electrode of EEG signals. There are many feature extraction techniques used in literature some of the techniques are Power spectral denseness [ ] , Short clip Fourier transforms [ ] , Fast Fourier transforms [ ] , Wavelet Transforms [ ] and so on. Short clip Fourier transform ( STFT ) is a often used characteristic extraction technique in which separation of stationary signals is performed into little fragments [ ] . Comparing with STFT, Fourier transform ( FT ) , in which a finite length signal is expressed as the amount of infinite continuance frequence constituents, does non supply the accurate location of an event in the frequence sphere along the clip graduated table. Furthermore, FT is non suited for non-stationary signals analysis. The drawback of STFT is its finite length window. Narrow length window can increase the clip declaration but reduces the frequence declaration [ ] . Equation ( 1 ) is the mathematical representation of STFT, where ten ( T ) is analyzed signal and tungsten ( . ) represents the clip window map. STFTx ( tungsten ) ( T, degree Fahrenheit ) =aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦.. ( 1 ) Fast Fourier transform is used in many of experiments [ ] . In the power spectral analysis from EEG informations, the signals are converted from clip sphere to frequence sphere. Spectral analysis divides the original signal into its frequence constituents, which can be expeditiously conducted by utilizing the fast Fourier transform ( FFT ) [ ] . Through the spectral analysis, we can individually analyze the four sets of EEG moving ridges with their specific frequences. Fourier transform is one of the techniques to make spectral analysis which is shown in Equation Ten ( K ) =aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦ ( 2 ) Where ten ( n ) is the EEG informations, N is the entire figure of samples. Wavelet transform ( WT ) solves the declaration job of STFT. It replaces the sinusoidal constituent of FT by interlingual rendition and dilation of a window map called ripple [ ] . Ripples are ideally suited for the analysis of sudden short continuance signal alterations [ ] . Equation ( 3 ) provides mathematical representation of uninterrupted ripple transform ( CWT ) , which is the portion of WT. CWT ( a, B ) =aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦.. ( 3 ) Here a and B are scaling factors, star in the superior represents the complex conjugate of map which is called the ripple. It can be obtained by scaling the ripple at B clip and a scale shown in equation ( 4 ) aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦ . ( 4 ) Ratio of power spectral densenesss of the alpha and beta sets has been calculated and analyzed for emphasis [ ] . Results suggested that the ratios for alpha ( rI ± ) and beta ( rI? ) powers defined as given in Eqs. ( 5 ) and ( 6 ) severally were negatively correlated with selfreports. rI ±=aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦.. ( 5 ) rI?=aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦.. ( 6 ) where rI ± and rI? in the equations represent alpha sets on the right and left hemispheres of the encephalon. Beta sets, I? are likewise represented. Categorization Techniques After extraction of the coveted characteristics, In order to happen emphasis we use classifiers. A classifier is a system that divides some informations into different categories, and is able to larn the relationship between the characteristics and the province of emphasis. They are many types of classifiers used in the literature for stress appraisal. The categorization is performed utilizing many classifiers like additive discriminant analysis ( LDA ) [ ] , support vector machines ( SVM ) [ ] , nervous webs ( NN ) [ ] , Bayes regulation [ ] , and so on.

Different types of advertising Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Different types of advertising - Assignment Example This "Different Types of Advertising" essay outlines seven various types of ad, their functions and attributes. Institutional advertising focuses on projecting ideas, benefits, as well as, philosophies of a particular business. Fundamentally, the promotional messages aim at building a positive image, enhancing a reputation, and creating goodwill as opposed to promoting sales (Shah & D'Souza, 2009). In essence, the organizations employ institutional advertising as a marketing strategy. Notably, institutional or corporate advertising tends to create positive public relations. Non-profit advertising entails reaching customers to participate in certain programs. Non-profit organizations such as associations, foundations, museums, charities, and hospitals solicit for financial assistance and membership through this type of advertising (Moriarty, Mitchell, & Wells, 2011). Primarily, non-profit advertising entails creation of slogans and logos, as well as, development of campaigns through t he media to popularize the organizations to the public. Public service advertising targets the general population. The design of the advertisement is to educate and inform the public rather than promoting or selling products and services. It is noteworthy that the seven types of advertising differ markedly. Notably, each type of advertising seeks to attain a certain goal. Brand advertising aims at increasing consumer base and sales through creating a brand image and identity in the minds of the public.

The Economic Dragons Threatening Our World Research Paper

The Economic Dragons Threatening Our World - Research Paper Example Offhand our exercise looks easy, but it is not, and this judgment has less to do with the dearth of facts than with the basic givens. â€Å"A rich East Asian nation with a pegged currency fixed to the US dollar for ten years, supported by a monetary policy of tight capital outward flows and unrestricted inflows is experiencing an upward pressure on the exchange rate.† The question remains: what to do now? Deciding on a strategy depends on a clear understanding of the world’s monetary system, the role that exchange rates play, how they are determined, and what will happen if we do nothing. As Robert Solomon said (1977, cited in Samuelson, 1992): The world’s monetary system is like the traffic lights in a city, taken for granted until it begins to malfunction and to disrupt people’s lives†¦A well-functioning monetary system will facilitate international trade and investment and smooth adaptation to change. A monetary system that functions poorly may not only discourage the development of trade and investment among nations but subject their economies to disruptive shocks when necessary adjustments are prevented or delayed. The world’s monetary system refers â€Å"to the set of policies, institutions, practices, regulations, and mechanisms that determine the rate at which one currency is exchanged for another† (Shapiro, 1996). It is the coordinated way each nation manages its supply of money so that we can buy and sell each other’s goods, doing business by exchanging pieces of paper, the value of which we agree on called money.

Gender Discrimination in Five Star Hotels Essay

Gender Discrimination in Five Star Hotels - Essay Example The essay "Gender Discrimination in Five Star Hotels" talks about the gender discrimination in five-star hotels and its impact on their career. Hotels are a part of the hospitality industry which is one of the oldest industries in the world. A hotel provides a temporary stay for its customers.A hotel provides a carefree atmosphere for its customers. It is a very sociable industry; its employees have a very high exposure to the customers. Looking at its contribution to the economy we can say that it is one of the most fast growing and biggest industries of the world. Almost 10% of the gross national product is due to this hotel industry. In 2005, it gave revenue of almost  £27 billion. After 2000 there was an increase of almost 4.5% in the hotel sector. In 2004, it gave almost  £11.5 billion revenue. This huge increase shows that it is one of the fastest-growing industries. In 2002, there were almost 280 000 employees in almost 40 000 establishments. London is the hub of hotel est ablishments in the UK.In recent years we can notice that the hotel sector has been growing very fast. The main reasons for this are mergers and acquisitions. Sheraton Park Tower Hotel, Marriott London Park Lane, The London Hilton on Park Lane, Intercontinental etc are all five-star hotels in the UK. There are many big names in this sector of the hospitality industry, there is almost nothing being done in case of human resource management. Employment opportunities in the hospitality profession abound all over the world.

What is the current, on-going and increasing demand and short supply Essay

What is the current, on-going and increasing demand and short supply for IT resources - Essay Example In 2013 for instance, there was a huge demand by the young generation of people in purchasing electronic gadgets likes tablets, i-phones, internet enabled phones, computers, among others, just for the sole purpose of being able to access the web. There has been growing interest among youths to have any information technology device that can enable them access the internet and be on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram among others (Croft). As the world is becoming a global village, people sort out any means that would connect them, creating the increased demand and short supply in IT resources. People have come to appreciate the importance of information technology in their lives currently. In looking at some of the trends which companies need to have in order to remain relevant in the near future, include something like diversification to mobile platforms (Wang 13). Companies are shifting their marketing strategies and building mobile friendly websites and applications for their consumers. According to a survey conducted in 2013, the number of mobile users had increased. It was found out that many people used their mobile phones to access their internet and do most of their stuff their when compared to desktop devices. In a way not to lose potential clients, most companies opted to introduce mobile friendly websites and applications which their clients can relate to easily (Wang 233). Another trend currently gaining popularity is people fancying to get internet everywhere in every device that they have. For instance, in 2014, there was a rapid emergence of sensors which were internet-connected, hence making computers being able to process devices and physical systems (Croft). This trend is what is being called â€Å"Internet of Things† and has already made steps in transforming TVs, personal healthcare devices, appliances, cars, and thermostats (Wang 23). From my opinion, I believe quite a number of goods will become connected to

China Mobile Limited Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

China Mobile Limited - Essay Example The telecom industry has undergone reforms which have been driven by the regulations of the European Union (EU). Through successive liberalization directives and harmonization directives, the EU has played a vital role in liberalization of the EU telecom market (OECD, 2001). Italy now has a comprehensive regulatory regime which enables it to promote competition in the sector. Italy also has one of the most pro-competitive approaches among all the OECD members in monitoring service quality and coverage of carrier pre-selection. China Mobile Limited (CHL) is one of the world’s largest mobile network operators, headquartered in China and having operations in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Pakistan. Despite its presence only in three countries it has the largest customer base in the world of approximately 650 million with a market share of 65% in Mainland China (China Mobile Limited, 2012). CHL has been evaluating the prospects of entering the European markets as a strategy seeking growth and expansion. Besides, the government in China also encourages Chinese companies to expand overseas. Growing organically is time consuming and hence CHL intends to enter into alliance or acquire majority stakes in an existing mobile network operator (MNO). Telecom Italia (TM), the leading service provider in Italy is heavily indebted and running in losses (Sanderson, 2012). The organization needs funds to grow but is already in heavy debts. CHL has an opportunity to enter into an agreement with TM and fund their growth. CHL is cash-rich and has massive network as well. In entering new markets the risk and control is proportionately related to the investments. CHL can fund their growth but this would require controlling stakes, which implies high investments. Low investments would not give CHL controlling stakes without which CHL would have to function as the other stakeholders insist. However, CHL would need the support of the existing MNO as the two countries are wide apar t in cultural dimensions, particularly in uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation, according to Hofstede’s dimensions. Thus, CHL would have to adapt to short-term orientation in decision-making and accept risks as well. Risks include obtaining controlling stakes in the company by paying more than the market price. Since CHL has experience in technology this would help offset risks from not having country-specific experience (Braunstein, Jussawalla and Morris, n.d.). The Italian economy is in trouble and the political condition in Italy is unstable too (Sanderson, 2012). However, in the telecom sector there are no restrictions on foreign ownership and on shareholding of a single party (OECD, 2001). Therefore, even though CHL would have to change its strategy to adapt to Italian cultural standards, they would make profits because of their experience in the sector and the strength of financial resources. However, they may not be able to make profits in the first few year s but eventually they would be able to get return on their investments. First Solar First Solar has been one of the largest and most successful solar panel manufacturers so far but it faces stiff competition from Chinese manufactures which has driven down the prices by 50 percent (Bullis, 2012). Oversupply of panels and sales below production cost by Chinese manufacturers has intensified competition (Wang, 2012). Technologically, First Solar’s thin-film, cadmium-telluride solar panels are less efficient than the silica solar panels made by the Chinese manufacturers. First Solar’s panels can be used for large, ground-mounted installations. However, this has limited market and the company is no longer able to sustain selling its products below

Social Forces Shaping Curriculum Planning Assignment

Social Forces Shaping Curriculum Planning - Assignment Example Educational institutions are supposed to there to nurture children of academic excellence as well as mould them to become highly motivated persons of good characters. The world demands that education should be fitted to transform every learner to become leaders and credible of human resource imbued with multi-disciplinary skills and deep understanding of moral values and traditions. The educational curriculum should therefore be designed by improving the universal values and traditions that are consistent to the quest for global peace and human solidary so that they, at an early age, can make or decided with moral choices and will grow to become conflict resolution managers in their respective fields and communities. There is also such need for educational institutions, to be sensitive to the children whose senses of values are gained from irresponsible parents and those whose limited access to education is also compounded with poor value system within the households. Added to these are social realities and forces that have strong influence in the advancement of educative process. Based on reports, the state has decreased the budget of $548 million for 40 states; the pre-K funding per child decreased in an unprecedented by $442 compared to $3,841 last year due to fiscal adjustments; only 15 states are able to maintain quality education; and there are more than 1.3 million learners that are covered under state-funded educational institutions. There is an apparent increase of enrolment too by 10,000 and thus an increase of learners that should be served. Hence, an expected stagnation and resource allocation problem is expected in state-supported institutions, including possible inability of the academe to meet its targeted benchmarks. But the educational institution, no matter how challenged, is always a product of social and economic life, legislative actions and policies, and even of contextual issues including the advancement of technology or the racial tensio ns. All of these are social forces influencing the educational system. But as these social forces are supposed to transcend beyond the sad condition of the educational system and to rise above the circumstances that influence learners’ knowledge acquisition, the education stakeholders should superimpose that curriculum for them to excel from such causality. The curriculum that must be developed should only be responsive to the needs of the corporate world but must also equipped them of knowledge and the universal values that are consistent to the dream of having a national resources that are brilliant, critical, skilled, resilient, culturally-aware, and responsive of sustaining a multicultural identity. As such, the curriculum must emphasize value formation aside from the usual academic courses on science, math, language, and communication. Value-based education uphold that philosophy on valuing self, people, and its environment by exploring all the ethical and moral theories that could be the foundation to improve the moral fiber of a child (Hawkes, 2013). Theories on human behaviours that could assist the young to learn what is right from wrong; moral and immoral; and to make them accountable in their life’s choices and the consequences thereof (Hawkes, 2013). Through this, they will be encouraged find leaders

The Blind Side Essay Example for Free

The Blind Side Essay â€Å"The Blind Side† is the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who was able to overcome great obstacles in order to become a first round draft pick in the NFL. Michael Oher had a rough childhood as he didn’t know his father and his mother was addicted to drugs. He was in and out of foster homes and at times living on the street. The football coach at Wingate, a private school, saw football potential in Michael and got him admitted into the prestigious school. However, he had learning disabilities and still did not have a permanent home. Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother of a Wingate student, Collins, and wife of the owner of several Taco Bell restaurants, finds out about Michael’s predicament and invites him to stay the night at their home. Once Michael is in the Tuohy home, a close relationship develops between him and the Tuohys. The one night stay turns into a permanent living situation for Oher. Leigh Anne makes it her personal mission to make sure Michael has everything he needs emotionally and academically to graduate from high school and to get admitted to Ole Miss. After a successful college football campaign, Oher was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round in 2009, thus fulfilling his dream. This movie has it all. As you watch it, you experience the emotions of both sadness and joy, as you watch this young man go from being homeless to being drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. One of the saddest parts of the film is where Leigh Anne goes looking for Oher’s mother. You are able to see the awful environment in which he has grown up, including drugs and filth. On the other hand, one of the happiest scenes in the film is when Leigh Anne is having a meal with some of her wealthy white lady friends. They are discussing the possible adoption of Oher by the Tuohy family. One of the women remarks that Leigh Anne should really be concerned about the welfare of her beautiful, white daughter Collins. Leigh Anne tells the women they should be ashamed of themselves for thinking that way. There are also many scenes that will have you laughing. For instance, in one game scene, Oher blocks an opposing team’s player clear off the field. After the whistle, Oher says, â€Å"Sorry, Coach. I stopped when I heard the whistle. † The coach asks where Oher was taking the opposing player. Oher responds, â€Å"The bus. It was time for him to go home. † In that same game, the referee throws a flag on Oher. The coach asks why he threw the flag. The referee responds, â€Å"excessive blocking. † The sacrifices that the Tuohy family was willing to make for a complete stranger are inspiring. Sandra Bullock received an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy. Other actors you may recognize in the film include Kathy Bates as Miss Sue and country singer Tim McGraw as Sean Tuohy. This movie was nominated for Best Picture at the 82nd annual Academy Awards, but lost to â€Å"The Hurt Locker†. I haven’t seen â€Å"The Hurt Locker†, but having seen â€Å"The Blind Side†, I find it hard to believe there was a better film released in 2009. I give this movie four stars and highly recommend it to anyone of any age.

Socialt behandlingsarbete

Socialt behandlingsarbete 1. Min uppfattning à ¤r att Socialtjà ¤nstlagen à ¤r generellt sett en ramlag och som ger olika kommuner friheten att forma insatserna efter ortsbestà ¤mda villkor. Men man har, i och med lagen, fà ¥tt ett enormt stort ansvar som innebà ¤r skyldigheten att hjà ¤lpa mà ¤nniskor att leva ett †normalt† liv utifrà ¥n flera samhà ¤lleliga aspekter. Man har med andra ord helt enkelt skyldighet att hjà ¤lpa dem som behà ¶ver hjà ¤lp. Det som jag fà ¶rst lade mà ¤rke till och tycker à ¤r nà ¤mnvà ¤rt à ¤r att paragraf 1 i socialtjà ¤nstlagen à ¤r av rà ¤ttighetskaraktà ¤r. Kan inte jag, eller du, som invà ¥nare i Gislaveds kommun eller i Tomelilla pà ¥ nà ¥got annat sà ¤tt sà ¶rja fà ¶r và ¥ra egna behà ¶vligheter har vi rà ¤tt att fà ¥ stà ¶d, ekonomiskt och socialt bistà ¥nd och kontinuerlig tillfà ¶rsel i livet. Skulle man hindras denna rà ¤ttighet kan man à ¶verklaga till domstol. Det à ¤r inte bara dem som arbetar inom †socialenâ €  som beslutar utifrà ¥n socialtjà ¤nstlagen, utan à ¤ven praxis và ¤gleder. Min uppfattning à ¤r att hela denna lag à ¤r skapad utifrà ¥n ett và ¤lfà ¤rdsresonemang som fà ¶rsvarar mà ¤nniskor och ger dem en skà ¤lig levnadsnivà ¥. Det à ¤r liksom grundlà ¤ggande fà ¶r hela và ¥rt samhà ¤lle. Samhà ¤llets socialtjà ¤nst skall understà ¶dja den individuelles rà ¤tt till sysselsà ¤ttning, ett hem och skolunderbyggnad. Soc. eller socialen, som ocksà ¥ mà ¥nga kallar den, skall kanalisera sig pà ¥ att gà ¶rs sig oberoende och fà ¶rbà ¤ttra och stà ¤rka individuella mà ¤nniskors och gruppers egna resurser, och i arbetet skall man ta stor hà ¤nsyn till mà ¤nniskans sjà ¤lvbestà ¤mmanderà ¤tt, heder och integritet. Socialtjà ¤nsten ska vara bra fà ¶r mà ¤nniskor som behà ¶ver ekonomisk trygghet, likasà ¥ social trygghet samt arbeta fà ¶r att gynna jà ¤mlika levnadsvillkor och verksamt deltaga i samhà ¤llslivet. Om man là ¤ser fà ¶regà ¥en de mening en gà ¥ng till fà ¶rstà ¥r man den som en ramlag, vilket medfà ¶r att arbetet kan se olika ut i olika kommuner. Allt arbete, allt som socialtjà ¤nsten bidrar och arbetar efter à ¤r grundar sig i en demokratisk och solidarisk synsà ¤tt, vilket à ¤r stà ¥ndpunkten och den basala grunden till hela systemet. Socialtjà ¤nsten ska à ¤ven kà ¤nna till och vara insatt i de aktuella levnadsfà ¶rhà ¥llandena i kommunen, vara med i samhà ¤llsplaneringen och hjà ¤lpa fram bra miljà ¶er exempelvis genom att influera pà ¥ olika beslut om bostadsomrà ¥den. Miljà ¶n i samhà ¤llet ska vara tillfredstà ¤llande fà ¶r barn och ungdom, gamla och alla andra som behà ¶ver stà ¶ttning ifrà ¥n samhà ¤llets sida som alltid ska vara fà ¶retagsam i denna frà ¥ga. De à ¥tgà ¤rder socialtjà ¤nsten tar till skall vara av god kvalitet och personal skall vara tillgà ¤nglig och som à ¤ven ska ha en anvà ¤ndbar skolunderbyggnad och eller erfarenheter. Fà ¶r att uppnà ¥ mà ¥len i socialtjà ¤nstlagen arbetar kompetent personal sà ¥som socionomer, psykologer, behandligsassistenter och socialpedagoger med dessa frà ¥gor. Man vill framfà ¶rallt fà ¶rebygga sociala problem hos individer och grupper. Ett, vad vi definierar som socialt problem, kan vara allt ifrà ¥n att hamna i ungdomsgà ¤ng, psykisk instabilitet, missbruk eller kanske familjegrà ¤l. Det finns ett samspel mellan individ, grupp och miljà ¶. Sà ¤tts detta samspel i obalans skapas sà ¥ledes ett socialt problem. Nà ¤r det har uppstà ¥tt gà ¤ller det, ur ett socialt behandlingsarbete perspektiv, att upptà ¤cka den, behandla den och slutligen là ¶sa problemet. Fà ¶r att kunna gà ¶ra det arbetar man pà ¥ olika plan: individ- och familjeinriktat, mellanhand nà ¤r det gà ¤ller att finna utvà ¤gar fà ¶r enskilda, social direktion och planlà ¤ggning, social samverkan, och fà ¶rà ¤ndringsarbete av samhà ¤llet. Det sociala arbetet innehà ¥ller mycket ped agogik vilket i sig à ¤r ett enormt stort à ¤mne, men det innebà ¤r bland annat att kunna motivera mà ¤nniskor till utveckling. Man hjà ¤lper och ger stà ¶d och rà ¥dgivning till de mà ¤nniskor som à ¤r utsatta pà ¥ nà ¥got sà ¤tt. Man vill kunna utveckla en individs eller en grupps egna resurser och insatser à ¤r att man alltid praktiskt arbetar med de involverade, exempelvis ger dem rà ¥d, informerar pà ¥ olika offentliga platser, har olika samtal som rà ¶r problemet, ger budgetrà ¥dgivning, utreder familjefrà ¥gor sà ¥som adoption eller kanske và ¥rdad av barn, och ekonomiskt bistà ¥nd. Alla dessa insatser à ¤r olika verktyg fà ¶r att kunna uppfylla de mà ¥l som anges i socialtjà ¤nstlagen. Bistà ¥nd ges till mà ¤nniskor fà ¶r att kunna tillfà ¤lligt hjà ¤lpa mà ¤nniskor att ge ekonomisk trygg som i sin tur leder till jà ¤mlika levnadsvillkor i samhà ¤llet. Som fà ¶rà ¤lder kan man fà ¥ rà ¥dgivning till hur man hanterar ungdomar i tonà ¥ren, vilket bidrar social trygghet, och som framfà ¶r allt fà ¶rebygger ytterligare sociala problem. Man stà ¤rker alltsà ¥ och hjà ¤lper till att utveckla de egna resurserna hos en individ eller grupp. Nà ¤r man arbetar med individer sà ¤tter man upp và ¥rdplan som innehà ¥ller syfte och mà ¥lsà ¤ttning med behandling gemensamt med klienten. Man arbetar alltid med respekt fà ¶r individens sjà ¤lvbestà ¤mmande och integritet. Han eller hon ska ha mà ¶jlighet att và ¤lja vilken form av stà ¶d man à ¶nskar. Det kan hà ¤nda att andra organ i samhà ¤llet mà ¥ste blandas in i arbetet. Man fà ¶ljer vissa principer exempelvis frivillighet och sjà ¤lvbestà ¤mmande som innebà ¤r att dessa à ¤r và ¤gledande i handlà ¤ggningen och att klienten sjà ¤lv bestà ¤mmer om han eller hon vill ta emot en viss insats. Givetvis à ¤r inte socialtjà ¤nsten kravlà ¶s, men man fà ¶rsà ¶ker sà ¥ là ¥ngt det gà ¥r att respektera dessa tvà ¥ principer. Man mà ¥ste ha en helhe tssyn i sina handlà ¤gganden vilket innebà ¤r att man inte bara ser till problemet, utan ocksà ¥ att detta ses till fà ¶rhà ¥llandet till den sociala miljà ¶n klienten lever i. Hà ¤r brukar ofta andra organ i samhà ¤llet komma in. Mà ¥nga har kanske samma problem men mà ¶jligheter att exempelvis fà ¥ ett jobb eller en bostad à ¤r olika, som kanske visserligen hade là ¶st ett visst problem, men att alla inte har samma fà ¶rutsà ¤ttningar till att fà ¥ ett jobb eller bostad. Dà ¤rfà ¶r ser man alltid till en helhetssyn. Det finns mà ¥nga andra principer exempelvis normalisering eller nà ¤rhet. Man vill ju gà ¤rna inte bli stà ¤mplad i samhà ¤llet eller kanske utpekad, och dà ¤rfà ¶r anvà ¤nder socialtjà ¤nsten principen om normalisering nà ¤r man fà ¶rsà ¶ker uppfylla mà ¥l. Jag gillar principen om nà ¤rhet eftersom jag tror att arbetet effektiviseras enormt mycket nà ¤r man delvis arbetar i klienternas trygga hemmiljà ¶. Man gà ¶r en behandlingsplan som ska fà ¶rklara behandlingsmetoderna och dess à ¤ndamà ¥l. Nà ¤r man talar om allmà ¤nt inriktade insatser kan man sprida info till offentligheten pà ¥ olika sà ¤tt om att det finns en socialtjà ¤nstverkamhet. Insatser som verkar strukturellt kan vara att man deltar i samhà ¤llsplanering. Som sagt à ¤r det ramlag vi fà ¶ljer vilket innebà ¤r att det ser olika ut i hela landet. Det à ¤r alltsà ¥ socialtjà ¤nstens insatser i samhà ¤llet som skall frà ¤mja mà ¤nniskor, stà ¶d och rà ¥dgivning i en mà ¤ngd olika frà ¥gor, socialt och ekonomiskt bistà ¥nd. Socialtjà ¤nsten hjà ¤lper dem som har problem med kanske relationer, i familjen, pà ¥ jobbet, i skolan, missbruksproblem, sociala tvister, fà ¶rmedla kontakt med andra samhà ¤llsorgan, upplysa offentligheten i olika frà ¥gor m.m. Allt à ¤r gott med dessa insatser och de mà ¥l som lagstiftningen satt upp. Men jag fà ¶redrar att blotta verkligheten som den à ¤r. Jag là ¤mnar ingenting oprà ¶vat i verkligheten. Om man granskar 1 kap 1  § inser man snart att socialtjà ¤nsten har nà ¤stan hand om alla sociala frà ¥gor och vilken enorm mà ¤ngd mà ¤nniskor dem mà ¶ter varje dag. Socialtjà ¤nsten mà ¥ste inte bara hjà ¤lpa alla mà ¤nniskor med problem, utan ocksà ¥ stà ¤ndigt tillhandahà ¥lla kommunmedlemmarna med information. Är det dà ¥ mà ¶jligt att samtliga à ¤renden hos socialtjà ¤nsten fà ¥r ett gott resultat? Det tror jag verkligen inte! Nà ¤r en lag à ¤r sà ¥ pass omfattande som denna stà ¤lls verkligen socialtjà ¤nstens arbete pà ¥ sin spets, minst sagt. Det finns massvis med fall som uppmà ¤rksammats i media nà ¤r mà ¤nniskor blivit dà ¥ligt behandlande av socialtjà ¤nsten. Jag tror inte det beror pà ¥ lagstiftningen, utan hur socialtjà ¤nsten i vissa fall tolkar l agarna. Tà ¤nk dig att ditt livsà ¶de jongleras hos socialtjà ¤nsten, som det faktiskt gà ¶r p.g.a. deras ansvar, och att du mà ¥ste fà ¶rlita dig pà ¥ dem. Tà ¤nk dà ¥ vilka konsekvenser det fà ¥r om du fà ¥r en felbehandling. Detta à ¤r bà ¥de brist pà ¥ lagstiftning och kunskap. Myndighetsoffer som stà ¥r hjà ¤lplà ¶s har uppmà ¤rksammats i †kalla fakta† mà ¥nga, mà ¥nga gà ¥nger och det beror bland annat pà ¥ socialtjà ¤nstlagens ibland alltfà ¶r tunga mà ¥l: pensionà ¤rer som lever isolerat som samhà ¤llet inte bryr sig om, unga par som inte fà ¥r behà ¥lla sitt barn p.g.a. deras à ¥lder m.m. Ska jag vara helt à ¤rlig tror jag inte pà ¥ att alla som arbetar inom socialtjà ¤nsten strikt och plikttroget fà ¶ljer vad som stà ¥r i socialtjà ¤nstlagen. Myndighetsoffer à ¤r konsekvenser av slarv ifrà ¥n personal nà ¤r det handlar om att sà ¤tta sig in en klients fall. Mà ¥len à ¤r allomfattande och pekar tydligt pà ¥ vad socialtjà ¤nstlagen stà ¥r nà ¥gonstans. Nà ¤r man ser till missbruk inriktas lagen generellt till att reducera knarkandet, men helst avbryta det helt. Frivilligheten och rà ¤tt till sjà ¤lvbestà ¤mmande ser jag som viktiga và ¤gledningsprinciper i mà ¥lstrà ¤van. Man nà ¤mner inte ohà ¤lsa, men jag drar slutsatsen av att det som utgà ¶r hinder fà ¶r socialtjà ¤nstens mà ¥l kan vara en bidragande effekt till ohà ¤lsa, och att detta skall fà ¶rhindras? Alla insatser som gà ¶rs skall vara av hà ¶g kvalitet, och att man ska fà ¤sta avseende vid etiska perspektiv, och ekonomisprincipen ska beaktas givetvis. Nu menar jag inte att det handlar om snà ¥lhet, utan mera om stà ¶rsta mà ¶jliga effekt pà ¥ stà ¶rsta mà ¶jliga antal. Dà ¥ har man rà ¥d att hjà ¤lpa fler och fà ¶rdjupat arbete. Allt som gà ¶rs, alla insatser ska fà ¶lja ett mà ¥l. Mà ¥let poà ¤ngteras mycket har jag mà ¤rkt. Livskvalitete n ska nà ¤stan vara garanterad. Vad jag menar med †garanterad† à ¤r att det ska finnas en social situation som à ¤r ordnad. Det ekonomiska stà ¶det man fà ¥r là ¤gger tonvikten pà ¥ ett là ¥ngsiktigt uppehà ¤lle, och inte fà ¶r en kort period pà ¥ nà ¥gon dag. Fà ¶r ungdomar och yngre gà ¶r man ett tydligt stà ¤llningstagande som fokuserar pà ¥ stà ¤ndig utveckling, och att alla ska ha samma goda fà ¶rutsà ¤ttningar som innefattar uppfostran, skolning skydd frà ¥n à ¶vergrepp osv. Ã…lderstignare mà ¤nniskor ha rà ¤tt att bo sjà ¤lva och vara oberoende, om de sà ¥ à ¶nskar, och om fà ¶rutsà ¤ttningarna finns. Ännu en gà ¥ng betonas rà ¤tten till sjà ¤lvbestà ¤mmande och myndigheternas makt. Mà ¤nniskor som har nà ¥got funktionshinder ska fà ¥ sina sà ¤rskilda behov tillgodosedda och leva som vilken annan mà ¤nniska som helst i samhà ¤llet. 2. Nà ¤r man anvà ¤nder begreppet missbruk syftar man oftast pà ¥ en skadlig anvà ¤ndning eller misshantering av en beroendeframkallande farmaceutisk produkt som exempelvis droger och alkohol. Men det kan ocksà ¥ handla om mat, spel, sex och diverse andra saker som man kan miss-bruka. Konsekvenserna av ett missbruk kan leda till psykiska, fysiska, ekonomiska och social problem hos den direkt drabbade, d.v.s. missbrukaren sjà ¤lv och de nà ¤rmsta slà ¤ktingarna. Men de indirekt inblandade kan ocksà ¥ pà ¥verkas negativt som exempelvis arbetskamrater och lagkamraterna. En fà ¶ljd frà ¥n missbruk kan là ¤gga hinder i và ¤gen fà ¶r fà ¶rhà ¥llandet mellan missbrukaren och hans eller hennes omgivning. Det kan innefatta alltifrà ¥n jobb till privatekonomi. En missbrukare, à ¤r en mà ¤nniska som repetitionsvis brukar nà ¥got, exempelvis alkohol à ¶ver den mà ¤ngd som à ¤r kontrollerbar och riskerar att gà ¶ra sig sjà ¤lv och andra illa, direkt och indirekt. Om man exempelvis kà ¶r bil och samtidigt à ¤r drogpà ¥verkad sà ¤tter man andra trafikanters sà ¤kerhet pà ¥ spel, och inte endast sin egen. Ett annat sà ¤tt att beskriva ett missbruk à ¤r genom spelmissbruk. Om man gamblar sà ¥ pass mycket att spelaren anses tappa kontrollen à ¶ver sitt eget bruk, leder det inte bara till att det tryter i plà ¥nboken fà ¶r denne, utan bà ¤ddar ocksà ¥ fà ¶r psykiska besvà ¤r, som exempelvis depression eller till och med repetitionsmà ¤ssiga vredesutbrott pà ¥ ens egen familj. Alkohol, bà ¥de en trogen dryck till middagen och en festfixare, men ocksà ¥ và ¥rat lands stà ¶rsta folkhà ¤lsoproblem, sociala problem och beroendeframkallande medel. Jag kà ¤nner personligen ett par alkoholister och jag har samtalat med dem mà ¥nga gà ¥nger om deras missbruk. De har berà ¤ttat om konsekvensen av att vara en alkohol missbrukare som har lett till bà ¥de avsked frà ¥n jobbet och familjegrà ¤l. Ett alkoholmissbruk, eller alkoholism, giver sà ¥ledes konsekvenser bà ¥de fà ¶r en sjà ¤lv, och andra. En alkoholist har ingen kontroll à ¶ver hur mycket han eller hon konsumerar det beroendeframkallande medlet. Antingen vet man inte om det, eller sà ¥ har man slutat bry sig. Grà ¤nslinjen mellan missbruk och vanlig konsumtion à ¤r hà ¥rfin. Den som à ¤r alkoholist dricker stora mà ¤ngder alkohol upprepande gà ¥nger, mestadels flera gà ¥nger i veckan, beroende pà ¥ hur stor tillgà ¤ngligheten à ¤r, d.v.s. hur mycket pengar man har att là ¤gga pà ¥ sprit. Det ekonomiska problemet kan leda till ett annat problem, att man gà ¥r in pà ¥ macken och kà ¶per T-Rà ¶d eftersom det à ¤r billigare och effektivare, dricker det, och direkt fà ¥r fysiska konsekvenser. Problemen hà ¤nger ihop med varandra fà ¶r en missbrukare. Vem blir en alkolist? Det finns ingen som kan svara pà ¥ det, men det kan bero pà ¥ taskiga hemfà ¶rhà ¥llanden som socialt arv, psyksiska besvà ¤r, att exempelvis farsan druckit mycket, eller som vissa pà ¥stà ¥r, att det har genetiska orsaker. Det à ¤r kommunen som har ansvar fà ¶r att invà ¥narna fà ¥r hjà ¤lp och stà ¶d fà ¶r sitt missbruk (2 kap 2  § SoL). Socialtjà ¤nsten har skyldighet att som uppgift se till den som lider av alkoholism fà ¥r hjà ¤lp som ska leda till ett missbruksstopp. Det à ¤r socialtjà ¤nstens ansvar att planera samtidigt som man har en à ¶msesidig fà ¶rstà ¥else fà ¶r missbrukaren och socialtjà ¤nsten kommer att rà ¤tta sig efter planeringen ordentligt (5 kap 9  § SoL). Om man som missbrukare vill ha hjà ¤lp att bli fritt sitt missbruk hjà ¤lper en socialsekreterare till denna att là ¤gga fram en planering och insatser som passar missbrukaren. Det à ¤r viktigt att sà ¥ là ¥ngt som mà ¶jligt fà ¶lja de principer som socialtjà ¤nsten arbetar efter. Behandlingen kan se ut pà ¥ olika sà ¤tt eftersom alla fall behandlas olika. Ibland gà ¥r det bra med à ¶ppen och frivillig và ¥rd som kan innebà ¤ra exempelvis information, rà ¥dgivning, kontaktperson och behandling sklinik. Men ibland kan missbruket vara sà ¥ pass tungt att man mà ¥ste tvà ¥ngsvà ¥rda klienten, och tar dà ¥ stà ¶d av 2-3  § LVM. Meningen med tvà ¥ngsvà ¥rden à ¤r dock att motivera klienten till fortsatt frivillig behandling som inte à ¥terfinnes i LVM. Tvà ¥ngsvà ¥rd infà ¶rs om det exempelvis inte finns nà ¥gon annan metod eller insats som hjà ¤lper missbrukaren att komma ifrà ¥n sitt missbruk (4  § LVM). Nà ¤r socialtjà ¤nsten fà ¥r in en anmà ¤lan pà ¥bà ¶rjas en fà ¶rhandsbedà ¶mning. Utifrà ¥n den bedà ¶mer man om den drabbade behà ¶ver hjà ¤lp med eventuella missbruksbekymmer. Av mina egna erfarenheter av alkoholister vet jag att mà ¥nga av dem inte arbetar och inte behà ¶ver behandlingshem och bor sjà ¤lva. Dessa har sà ¥ledes ekonomiskt bistà ¥nd. (4 kap 1  § SoL) Hur pass stor effekt har socialtjà ¤nstens ansvar och insatser haft pà ¥ missbrukare och fungerar egentligen systemet som jag precis beskrivit? Fà ¶r att ta reda pà ¥ det granskade jag là ¤nsstyrelsens à ¥rliga rapport som visar att antalet missbrukare i samhà ¤llet har à ¶kat under 10-talet och att det rà ¥der stora brister i socialtjà ¤nstens arbete. 40 % av alla missbrukare har barn, vilket à ¤r orovà ¤ckande. Jag tror det beror mycket pà ¥ uppsà ¶kandearbetet, och att det à ¤r là ¤ttare sagt à ¤n gjort att motivera till và ¥rd och behandling. Jag vet sjà ¤lv att dà ¤r jag bor, i Gislaved, inleds inte behandlings av ungas missbruksproblem fà ¶rens missbruk har pà ¥gà ¥tt under en viss tid. Det beror inte pà ¥ att man inte vill behandla ungdomarna, utan mer fà ¶r att det inte gà ¥r att nà ¥ dem och upptà ¤cka problemen innan de bryter ut. Exempelvis har jag aldrig sett Socialstyrelsen nà ¥gon annanstans à ¤n i radio och TV. Det à ¤r dà ¤rfà ¶r kommu nens fel att handlà ¤ggarna inte fà ¥r mer gjort anser jag. Rapporten visar à ¤ven att det rà ¥der dà ¥ligt samarbete mellan de olika myndigheterna som skall samarbete med socialstyrelsen i frà ¥gan om missbrukare. Det finns ocksà ¥ brister i hur man là ¤gger upp ett à ¤rende och hur man gà ¶r olika prioriteringar. Avslutningsvis skulle jag vilja sà ¤ga att det inte à ¤r systemet som brister, utan personalen och deras arbetssà ¤tt som i vissa fall inte à ¤r tillrà ¤ckligt effektiva. Det à ¤r oerhà ¶rt và ¤sentligt att mà ¤ta konkreta effekter av socialstyrelsens mà ¥l fà ¶r att kunna fà ¥ ett bà ¤sta resultat. Frà ¥gan à ¤r bara vem som ska mà ¤ta dem, och hur? Ska det vara missbrukaren eller socialstyrelsen sjà ¤lva, missbrukarens familj eller nà ¥gon annan? Myndigheterna mà ¥ste samarbeta mer med varandra och vara bà ¤ttre pà ¥ att informera allmà ¤nheten om alkoholism, framfà ¶rallt fà ¶r unga mà ¤nniskor som à ¤r sà ¥ là ¤ttpà ¥verkade. Det hà ¤r à ¤r inte bara ett ansvar som socialstyrelsen skall ta pà ¥ sig enligt mig. Alla i samhà ¤llet ansvarar fà ¶r dem som lever i den.

Multi Store Model And Levels Of Processing Psychology Essay

Multi Store Model And Levels Of Processing Psychology Essay During this assignment the memory models that will be compared are Attkinson and Shiffrins (1970) multi- store model and Craik and Lockharts (1972) Levels of processing. We will not only be comparing the memory models but also evaluating and looking at the opposing studies. The case studies and theorists that are looked at develop very supportive and detailed views although not all studies will be necessarily correct or wrong. Through out this assignment the research and studies are based on studies from Milner (1970), Atkinson and Shiffrins Multi- store model (1970), Craik and Lockharts (1972), Craik and Tulvings (1975) and Morrison (1985). Although the studies and theories are based on research that was completed and evaluated over 40 years a go we can look and see how it has affected us through every day life. The case study, HM Milner (1970) supports the views that there is more than one store for memory. HM suffered brain damage due to surgery. After the surgery, HM was left with normal short term memory and only few memories from before the operation (which he had in order to stop seizures). HM was now unable to create new long term memories, which suggests that short term memory is separate too long term memory and is not one store. This shows that HM was unable to encode and transfer information, from short term memory to long term memory.This provides support for the multi- store model. Craik and Lockhart (1972) were not in full agreement for the multi- store model. Craik and Lockhart had a theory that the levels of processing were more complex and depended on how the information was given to how we would recall information back at later dates and times. They believed it wasnt just how many times it was repeated and rehearsed but how the information is being given as there are many levels of processing:  · Shallow/structural level visual/ how something looks  · Intermediate/ phonetic level- the sound or way something is said  · Deep/ semantic the meaning or the connection to the subject (AQA Psychology B; Nelson Thornes; page 172) The reconstructive model was to also prove our long term memory and short-term memory were not separate stores. This model also provides support for levels of processing theory (Bartlett 1932). Milners (1970) case study supports the Multi- store Model because they found that there are three overall stores (Sensory store, Long term memory and Short- term memory) which also needed the processes and stages of memory (encoding, storage and retrieval). The memory stores and processes of memory, together make Attkinson and Shiffrins (1970) multi- store model very useful and supportive. Craik and Tulvings (1975) study also supports the theory of levels of processing. They found that there are three different types of encoding (semantic, acoustic and visual) which showed us after the study took place, that semantic encoding which is a deeper thinking process, was a more useful and effective way of remembering information. As the experiment was conducted, there were three basic rules;  · Participants were shown 60 words  · One at a time  · They all had one word at each level (semantic, visual and acoustic) All of the words had to fit in to a sentence; be of upper or lower case or Asked if they rhymed. After the experiment a list was given to the participants with all 60 words, plus an additional 120. The participants were asked to recognise the original words. This experiment was to prove how rehearsal was more important that Attkinson and Shiffrins (1970) simplistic multi- store model actually was. (AQA Psychology B; Nelson Thornes; page 174). Although both of these studies oppose against each other, they both have three stages and show different ways to recall information for long term memory and short term memory in different detail. Morrison (1985) created a study, making up false football results to a handful of people, to see how participants with and without interest would remember and recall information correctly. The study found that people with interest recalled the most results correctly even though they were false. These results contradicted the multi- store model. Tyler (1979) also created a study that opposed against the levels of processing theory. The study showed us that the recall on harder words was higher than the recall on easier words (essential AS Psychology; Richard Geoff and Geoff Rolls; AS Module 1; page 9-12) Attkinson and Shiffrin (1971) Multi- store model suggests the capacity, duration and encoding are the key points to the short term memory and long term memory, where as the reconstructive model and levels of processing (Craik and Lockhart 1972) believe it is not just how deeply processed and relevant the word(s) are. The rehearsal is crucial for the transformation of information from short-term memory to long term memory, where as the reconstructive model shows us semantic (rhyming words/questions) and shallow processing (case questions/answers) arte how we store information based on short term memory and long term memory is one store, unlike levels of processing suggests. Our long term and short term and short term memory is used every day without realising it. It affects the quality and how we behave for every human and animal. Elizabeth Loftus 1974) constructed an experiment to see how reliable an eyewitness testimony actually was. A video was shown to a bunch of participants, of a car accident. After viewing the video half were asked what they saw, using the word smashed, Whilst the other half had the word hit in the sentence. They were also asked to write down the speed of the car in their opinion. More people with the word smashed in the sentence, said they saw broken glass. There was also an average speed of 41 miles per hour when smashed was used the other half estimated an average of 34 miles per hour when hearing the word hit. Ley (1978) also experimented how reliable remembrance was, by conducting a study on visiting the doctors. 10 per cent of doctors patients remembered what was said after he wrote a booklet for doctors on how to give advice. As the first result showed only patients with medical background remembered over half, where as patients without did not remember as much. (Discovering Psychology; Barbra Woods; page 120-121) All of these studies have affected the way in which questionnaires and eye witness testimonies are now conducted. There are many factors that can affect on how we remember information and our environmental situation can also affect our recall. This could also be proven to be a flashbulb memory. This is when an individual remembers an incident or memo9ry when it relates to something i.e. millennium, new year (December 1999- January 2000) you will remember certain things about that particular moment (where you were? What you wore? Who you were with?) There are many things that contradict levels of processing and the multi- store memory. There are a lot of reliable studies to prove memory models and theories but there are some things that can not actually prove how deep we process information or how much we can process over many years. Block and organisation helps us to process and retain information easier although effort is needed. Distinctiveness makes the information unique. Along with elaboration which allows us to expand information. (Essential AS Psychology; Richard Gross and Geoff Rolls; AS Module 1; Page 13) We cannot also prove why rehearsal is sometimes not needed, it is also described as a two-way flow of information i.e. Morris (1985) the multi- store model is also seen as to simplistic as it doesnt always transfer to long term memory from short term memory, even after rehearsal. In conclusion throughout this comparison of models we have compared analysed and researched different studies. All studies put forward strong and supportive evidence for each, even though most oppose against each other. The multi- store model and the levels of processing studies both have positive outcomes. They have both helped us to realise we cannot rely on eyewitness testimonies and have helped people on giving advise that is comprehensible and understandable. So to conclude, this assignment shows us how different studies can be correct but are not necessarily wrong. All of the studies need to be researched more today to be able to carry on in supporting all views as the memory models will continue to be compared. AQA Psychology B: Nelson Thornes; 1988 PSYCHOLOGY for AS LEVEL; Michael W. EYSENCK and CARA FLANAGAN 2000 ESSENTIAL AS Psychology; Richard Gross and Geoff Rolls Discovering psychology; BARBRA WOODS

Vergangenheitsbewältigung in The Reader :: Reader

Vergangenheitsbewältigung in The Reader Germany's history is different from all other countries in the world. From 1933 to 1945 Adolf Hitler and the Nazis ruled the people. Everyone was forced to follow the Nazis rules and individuals were stripped of all of their freedom. The Nazis were also committing mass executions of certain classes of people. Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, handicapped, and other groups of people were treated unfairly and stripped of all their rights. This cruel treatment attracted the attention of countries from all around the world. The events taking place in Germany and neighboring countries led to the outbreak of World War II. Many Germans are not proud of their country's history. It is hard for individuals to do, but everyone must cope with it. Coping with the past, or Vergangenheitsbewältigung, has influenced the way people in Germany have lived their lives. In The Reader there are many examples of individuals having to cope with the past. Hanna Schmitz was a member of the SS during the Holocaust. She served in concentration camps in Auschwitz and a camp near Cracow. Although Hanna never killed anyone herself, she was involved in taking people to be executed. She must go to court for her actions while being in the SS. When Hanna was a guard she would pick certain girls to read to her. "Yes she had favorites, always one of the young ones who was weak and delicate," says a survivor of the Holocaust during Hanna's trial (Schlink 116). Hanna knew the younger, weaker girls would not tell anyone what they were doing for her. Hanna was illiterate so she enjoyed being read to by the girls. Hanna's entire life is being influenced by all the actions that happened in her past. Hanna is involved in a love affair with a boy less than half her age named Michael Berg. Their relationship is kept secret from people and is rather strange, mostly because of Hanna's past. Their relationship is based around the same principles as Hanna's special prisoners in the concentration camps. After many meetings together Hanna and Michael do not know each other's names. When Michael asks Hanna about her name she suspiciously replies, "Why do you want to know?

Mozambique Essay -- essays research papers

Mozambique- a beautiful stretch of land off the Southeast coast of Africa. It is specifically located at latitude 40’27’S to 26’52’S, and longitude from 30’31E to 40’51’E. It’s east coast shores are some of the most tranquilizing while the west coast is bordered by South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Tanzania coming from south to north. Mozambique is famous for the Zambesi River and its contribution to the power supply of central Africa. Today the capital of Mozambique is Maputo. The whole country is a largely tropical area that is susceptible to both drought and flooding.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mozambique is so vast that it must be broken up into three regions; the North the Zambesi river basin, and the south. The Zambesi River cuts Mozambique in half and is the heart of the land. The numerous other rivers are important to the economy and it’s livelihood as well. It is because of the rivers and the fertility of the soil, that 80% of the population are in agriculture. The countryside is also densely forested and has been exploited for local building material. This country has everything from high mountains, to low rivers, to beautiful beaches. It is truly underdeveloped and has yet to reveal it’s most mysterious secrets.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The earliest settlers in Mozambique were Muslim traders dating all the way back to the eighth century. Hence, the linguistic diversity is as vast as the land. Three widespread languages; Makna-Lomwe, Tsonga, and Shona are known throughout the land, while each region or subculture may speak a different tongue. For instance, at the Northern tip of Mozambique, the peoples speak Swahili. A Bantu language that originated from the co-mingling of Arabic and African peoples. The peoples of Mozambique are many. Ten separate cultures are nationally recognized, but each culture has many subcultures that were the results of the biological and cultural mixing of several populations. As the ethnicity is diverse, so is the religious connotation. Tribal religious practices account for 70% or more of the ethnic groups north of the Save river. In places, people are associated with the Christian and Muslim faiths’ and there is also evidence of Baptist and Protestant groups.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It will be a struggle for these indigene cultures to keep their unity alive during the Portuguese invasion, but their ... ..., and racial discrimination were not in effect, if that can really happen, but that is what was at least professed. It seems that the people were freed, but then left with nothing and nothing to work with. The plan of attack dealing with the agriculture aspect effected the control of much needed markets. Due to unsuccessful attempts concerning economic policies led to massive social dislocation and economic collapse. In efforts to meet everyone’s needs, FRELIMO gave up total reign of the political process.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today, Mozambique faces many problems including those health and disease related . Some poor choices concerning the closure of transportation routes with Southern Rhodesia were made under FRELIMO. This specific act resulted in a $200million in lost transit revenues. Obviously the situation is less than hoped for. It is s o sad to see a country that is plagued by colonialism and in it is efforts for independence it gets left with less than it had before. Hopefully it will find the strength to pull itself out of the water. As for it’s future, it is up to the new generations to educate themselves and advance their economic and technological resources.

Global Equity Markets: The Case of Royal Dutch and Shell Essay

In early January 1996, Ms. Joanne Partridge, Director of Research at High Street Global Advisors (â€Å"High Street†), a Boston-based global investment management organization, was studying the price behavior of the shares of Royal Dutch Petroleum and Shell Transport and Trading. It seemed that Royal Dutch and Shell should trade in fixed proportions since they represented equivalent classes of shares of the same holding company. However, the ratio of share prices had been anything but constant. For example, Shell traded at a premium to Royal Dutch during 1990 and 1991, while Royal Dutch traded at a premium to Shell subsequent to 1991. Presently, the premium of Royal Dutch over Shell was at an all-time high of almost 12%. Joanne Partridge was trying to understand the opportunities presented by the Royal Dutch/Shell pricing discrepancy. Several of High Street’s U.S. domestic equity and global equity portfolios currently held significant positions in Royal Dutch. These positions could potentially be sold and replaced with equivalent-sized positions in Shell. In addition, the firm had recently landed several new accounts, and would soon be investing the funds. It would have to decide whether these new accounts should own Royal Dutch or Shell. Finally, High Street managed a hedge fund, High Street Partners, which could attempt to arbitrage the price discrepancy by taking a long position in Shell and an offsetting short position in Royal Dutch. High Street Global Advisors High Street Global Advisors managed approximately $40 billion of tax-exempt assets for pension funds, foundations and endowments, and about $15 billion in mutual funds held by individual investors. Most of these assets were in equity portfolios, whose investment mandates ranged from purely U.S.  domestic to non-U.S. to fully global. High Street viewed the world as consisting of one global economy. Accordingly, it emphasized appraising investment opportunities in a global context. At the core of the firm’s equity investment capability was a team of analysts who followed global industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, autos, and oil, and who recommended their best stock selections within these industries to the ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Professors Kenneth A. Froot and Andre F. Perold prepared this case. HBS cases are developed solely as the basis for class discussion. Cases are not intended to serve as endorsements, sources of primary data, or illustrations of effective or ineffective management. Much of the data in the case is drawn from Kenneth A. Froot and Emil Dabora, â€Å"How are Stock Prices Affected by the Location of Trade?,† Harvard University, May 1996. Copyright  © 1996 President and Fellows of Harvard College. To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials, call 1-800-545-7685, write Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston, MA 02163, or go to http://www.hbsp.harvard.edu. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of Harvard Business School. This document is authorized for use only in Speculation, Crisis & Behavioral Finance (Huberman) EMBA FA14 by Gur Huberman at Columbia Business School from July 2014 to January 2015.  various equity portfolio managers. Partridge played a key role in giving  direction to these analysts and in managing the flow of ideas between them and the portfolio managers. Portfolio management at High Street was generally governed by a value-investing philosophy according to which securities were purchased if their prices were attractive relative to underlying company fundamentals. In the case of Royal Dutch, the oil analyst was recommending the company on the basis of its lower price-to-book and price-earnings ratios than the major U.S. oil firms and because the company was contemplating certain refinery shutdowns and other operating restructurings that would improve its competitiveness. Royal Dutch Petroleum and Shell Transport and Trading Royal Dutch Petroleum and Shell Transport and Trading were not independent companies. The two were linked to one another by corporate charter, which mandated that cash flows to the equity holders of each company should be distributed in a 60/40 ratio. (See Exhibit 1 for balance sheets and income statements of the combined Group companies.) The companies stated that, â€Å"the RoyalDutch/Shell Group of companies has grown out of a 1907 alliance between Royal Dutch and Shell Transport by which the two companies agreed to merge their interests on a 60/40 basis while remaining separate and distinct entities.† The organizational structure of the Group companies is depicted in Exhibit 2. All subsidiary companies’ shares were held by the Group Holding Companies, which in turn were owned by the two parent companies, Royal Dutch Petroleum and Shell Transport & Trading, in the ratio of 60/40. Royal Dutch and Shell were independently incorporated in the Netherlands and England, respectively. The companies’ alliance meant that all inflows from and outflows to shareholders were split 60/40.1 Combining this 60/40 split with the number of shares of Royal Dutch and Shell outstanding, meant that one share of Royal Dutch was entitled to the same cash flows as 9.2744 shares of Shell.2 The Group had attempted to make information widely available concerning parent company linkages. In addition to being explained at the beginning of each Annual Report, the corporate connections were detailed in 20F  submissions to the U.S. SEC. The linkages were also the subject of a dedicated analyst/investor guide. While the Group actively attempted to split the cashflows according to the 60/40 ratio, there were a number of factors that caused dividend payments to deviate away from that ratio. These issues are discussed in the Appendix below. Analysts at High Street believed these factors to be relatively minor. Royal Dutch and Shell were listed on nine exchanges in Europe and the United States. Most of Royal Dutch’s trading activity took place in the United States and the Netherlands markets, whereas Shell’s trading occurred predominantly in the U.K. market. In New York, however, Shell shares did trade as American Depository Receipts (ADRs), with one ADR being equivalent to six shares of Shell Transport and Trading. Thus, 1.5457 (9.2744/6) Shell ADRs were equivalent to one share of Royal Dutch. Geographical ownership information for Royal Dutch and Shell are shown in Exhibit 3. Exhibit 4 contains information on the trading volume of Royal Dutch and Shell in New York, 1†³Royal Dutch and Shell Transport shall share in the aggregate net assets and in the net aggregate dividends and interest received from Group companies in the proportion of 60/40. It is further arranged that the burden of all taxes in the nature of or corresponding to an income tax leveeable in respect of such dividends and interest shall fall in the same proportion.† Royal Dutch 20-F, 1993, pp. 1-2. Specifically, the company distributed corporate tax shields (generated by Shell’s dividends under UK tax law) on a 60/40 basis to the shareholders of both companies (see the Appendix below). 2As of January 1996, there were 536,074,088 shares of Royal Dutch and 3,314,503,242 shares of Shell outstanding.  London, and Amsterdam since 1991. Royal Dutch had long been included in the S&P 500 and the most popular Amsterdam stock index, the CBS Herbeleggings. Similarly, Shell had long been included in the major index of U.K. stocks, the Financial Times Allshare Index (FTSE).3 Although Royal Dutch was a foreign-owned corporation, it was considered a U.S. stock by many institutional investors by virtue of its inclusion in common U.S. stock indexes. Major inst itutional holdings of Royal Dutch and Shell are listed in Exhibits 5 and 6. It appeared that arbitrage across markets disciplined the price of Royal Dutch, so that it was essentially equal around the world. That is, at a given time, it would cost an equivalent amount to buy a share of Royal Dutch in Amsterdam as it would in New York. The same was true of Shell prices in London and New York, although for Shell the geographic disparities were generally somewhat larger. (See Exhibit 7 for historical geographic price disparities of Royal Dutch and Shell and Exhibit 8 for current pricing differentials.) However, the price of Royal Dutch fluctuated considerably when compared with the price of Shell. For example, on January 3, 1996, shares of Royal Dutch and Shell closed in Europe at fl227.8004 (Amsterdam) and ?8.6300 (London), respectively. At prevailing exchange rates, these prices were close to those that prevailed on the same day at the close of the New York markets.5 (See Exhibit 9.) However, in both Europe and the United States, Royal Dutch was considerably more expensive than Shell (see Exhibits 8 and 9). Partridge was curious about the nature of the pricing differential. She wondered whether the strong performance of the S&P 500 compared to international stocks in 1995 might explain part of the current premium on Royal Dutch shares.6 In particular, Partridge wondered whether Royal Dutch would appear more highly correlated with the United States and Netherlands markets than Shell, and, similarly, whether Shell would appear more highly correlated with the U.K. market than Royal Dutch. If so, then an increase in, say, U.S. stocks would, all else equal, result in an increase in the price of Royal Dutch relative to that of Shell. To investigate this, Partridge had an analyst compare the betas of Royal  Dutch and Shell. The analyst regressed the difference between the returns on Royal Dutch and Shell on both market index and currency returns. (The betas of the Royal Dutch / Shell return differential are reported in Exhibit 10.) For example, a beta of 0.2 against the S&P 500 would indicate that a 1% increase in U.S. stocks (holding other countries’ stock prices and currencies constant) would be associated with a 20 basis point increase in the price of Royal Dutch relative to that of Shell. Partridge also knew that dividend withholding taxes might alter investor perceptions of relative stock value. This should not have been very important for private investors in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and United States, all of whom faced symmetric withholding taxes on the dividends of Royal Dutch and Shell. However, pension funds sometimes faced tax asymmetries with respect to the two stocks. For example, U.K. pension funds were exempt from withholding taxes on Shell, but not on Royal Dutch, and conversely, Netherlands pension funds were exempt from withholding taxes on Royal Dutch, but not on Shell. Partridge wondered whether tax issues could explain the behavior of the relative price of Royal Dutch versus Shell. Exhibit 11 shows the dividend and withholding taxes faced by different investor groups. Analysis of the Investment Opportunities Before suggesting any trades based on the price differential between Royal Dutch and Shell, Partridge wanted to better understand the costs that might be involved. To do so, she enlisted the help of High Street’s trading desk and also a prominent Wall Street firm through which High Street funneled much of its volume in international stocks, and which High Street also used for customized derivatives transactions. Partridge began by thinking through the economics of selling Royal Dutch and purchasing Shell. This would be relevant for the portfolios in which Royal Dutch was presently being held, and which had a mandate for owning â€Å"foreign† as well as â€Å"domestic† shares. Some of High Street’s clients had given it strict â€Å"U.S.-only† mandates which permitted it to hold Royal Dutch but not Shell. On the New York Stock Exchange, both Royal Dutch and Shell ADRs were typically quoted at a 25? bid-offer spread in small-sized quantities (one thousand to five thousand shares). The spread usually would be wider for large sized trades. In addition, for trades in listed stocks, High Street paid its brokers a one-way commission of 5? per share. In Amsterdam, Royal Dutch was typically quoted at a spread of fl0.3 for small trades, and, in London, Shell was typically quoted at a spread of ?0.03 for small trades. In both Amsterdam and in London, High Street would pay one -way commissions on top of these spreads of 30 basis points. The United Kingdom also imposed Stamp Tax, a 50 basis point transfer tax on purchases of U.K. stocks, including Shell.7 Trades in Royal Dutch in Amsterdam and in Shell in London would also require the conversion from guilders and pounds to dollars. These currencies tended to trade at bid-ask spreads of six basis points. If High Street’s hedge fund were to attempt to arbitrage the price discrepancy, one alternative would entail selling short shares of Royal Dutch and purchasing shares of Shell. In a short sale, the hedge fund would borrow shares of Royal Dutch, sell the shares, and later repurchase them and return them to the lender. The hedge fund would have to reimburse the lender for any dividends paid on Royal Dutch shares during this interim period. In addition, the hedge fund would have to pay a fee for borrowing the shares. This tended to run about 40 basis points per annum. This fee usually took  the form of an interest rate give-up on the proceeds of the short sale. The proceeds of a short sale would usually be held as cash collateral to protect the lender against borrower default. The cash would be invested in short-term instruments earning LIBOR or slightly less, and all but 40 basis points of this interest income would be rebated to the hedge fund. The hedge fund also would have to finance its long position in Shell. Presently, it was able to borrow at a rate of LIBOR + 75 basis points (on a fully collateralized basis). The hedge fund often took significantly leveraged positions, especially in situations where the risk was deemed minimal.8 There were other alternatives available to the hedge fund involving the use of derivatives. One set of strategies involved the use of exchange-traded put and call options. There were fairly active options markets for Royal Dutch in the United States and Shell in the United Kingdom. These were short-term options, however, with maturities of six months or less. The options were usually slightly cheaper to trade than the underlying shares, although with rollovers they would become more expensive. A potentially attractive feature of options-related strategies was that they permitted the hedge fund to easily tailor its risks in an asymmetric fashion. 7 No Stamp Tax was levied on purchases of Shell ADRs, however. 8 On its hedge fund, High Street received a management fee of 1% per annum on net assets plus 20% of profits earned in excess of LIBOR. A second derivatives-related strategy involved the use of a privately-negotiated total return swap. The simplest total return swaps involved two counterparties agreeing to exchange the total return on one  instrument for the total return on another, plus or minus a fee, where the total return on an instrument is its price appreciation or loss during the holding period, plus interest or dividend income paid on the instrument during the holding period. Swaps could be customized in almost any way, for example, to allow the exchange of total returns on differing underlying amounts (â€Å"notional amounts†), or to include option-like features. Swaps also could be written for just about any maturity. The fee charged by the issuer of the swap typically depended on the ease of trading in the underlying instruments, the use of options and other features which might be embedded in the swap, and the credit-worthiness of the counterparty.