Sharp

Anna S BA 3103 Critical Analysis Paper Sharp Sharp’s third quarter results showed very disappointing performance. The company reported a ? 249. 1 billion ($3. 12 billion) loss. Moreover, it is forecasting a ? 450 billion, or $5. 6 billion, loss for the fiscal year through 2013. Apparently, the company is burning through more cash than it is generating and having difficulty in securing short-term financing. Also, the company is considering selling some holding in other companies and office building in Tokyo.Furthermore, it’s thinking to sell television assembly plants in Mexico and China, which would reduce its payroll by 3,000 jobs, added to the 5,000 positions assigned for layoff earlier this year. The company has decided to cut the current Sharp’s payroll by 14%. In addition, Sharp's shares are down 75% this year. This paper will conduct a situation analysis of internal and external environment of Sharp’s weak performance. It will also summarize the prim ary causes of company’s weak performance. Internal Analysis Financial ProblemsCurrently the company faces two problems: it is under pressure to reduce interest-bearing debt, which increased to ? 1. 25 trillion since June 2011 and, also, needs to repay ? 200 billion of convertible bonds that mature in September 2013 (Daisuke Wakabayashi). At the end of June 2012, the company’s cash, accounts receivable, inventory and other assets couldn't cover its short-term liabilities. The company is struggling to raise cash. Sharp's net loss for the first half included ? 84. 4 billion in restructuring costs, including a ? 30. billion impairment of assets in its solar batteries unit, a ? 53. 4 billion write-down on inventory, and a ? 61. 0 billion write-down on deferred tax assets. Also, at the end of September, the Sharp's shareholder equity ratio fell to below 10 percent, which is half the rate generally considered a healthy minimum. Sharp remains highly dependent on short-term bor rowings. Weak internal cash flow has forced the company to pay off unsecured promissory note mostly with bank borrowings (Reuters). In addition, the company is currently considering alliance with other companies. You can read also Thin Film Solar CellExternal Analysis Product Demand The Sharp’s main products, LCD TV and flat panels, were accounted for 60% of total revenue in 2012, however, the demand substantially weakened, especially in comparison to Korean rivals. For the first time in the company history, shipments of LCD TVs fell year-over-year, declining just over 3% to 43 million units. The decline had  a  considerable  impact on the market, with total TV shipments falling almost 8% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2012, the drastic decline since the second quarter of 2009.When the market slowed down, Sharp has been left with excess capacity at its domestic plants. Sales of LCD TVs nearly halved in the October-December quarter. The manufacturer of electronics products and their components also reported quarterly sales of solar cells fell by a third from a year ago, slowing demand and increased competition from Chinese makers (James Topham). Global Economy Sharp has st ruggled with a slow economy, losing the power it once got from transition to global digital broadcasting and from subsidies for purchases of energy-efficient goods.Demand for LCD televisions in developed economies has been saturated; however, growth in developing markets is slowing. Also, the strong yen has made Sharp’s products more expensive overseas. Therefore, it is difficult for the company to compete in the global market. Product prices were also affected by Japan's relatively high labor cost, electricity, imported fuels and raw materials. In addition, euro debt crisis became another reason for the slow growth in the world economy (James Topham). Competition Sharp faces increased competition from very large electronic companies such as Apple, Samsung and LG.Samsung  Electronics  Co. , Ltd and LG Electronics, Inc. have generated better profits and strengthened market positions in the TV and panel businesses during 2012, supported by an improved product mix. Samsungâ €™s flat panel TV revenue share remains the largest in the industry, almost 26% (Dan Graziano). Samsung is also the top brand in the key segments of LCD TV, 40†+, LED-backlit LCD, and 3D TV. Also, the company benefits from favorable exchange rates and aggressive investments. Samsung’s current capitalization is $163 billion and Apple’s $634 billion.As opposed Sony, Panasonic and Sharp combined are now  worth only $54 billion at current market values  (Michael Fitzpatrick). Summary Based on internal and external analysis of Sharp’s recent activities, the primary causes of company’s poor performance are: 1) the company is struggling to raise internal cash flow and, therefore, cannot cover its short-term liabilities; 2) the demand for LCD and flat panel TVs has substantially weakened due to global economy slow down; 3) Sharp is facing a fierce competition from Samsung, LG and Apple, which currently holding the largest market shares in electronic manufacturing industry.Bibliography 1) WAKABAYASHI, DAISUKE. Sharp Says Its Future Is at Risk. 1 Nov. 2012. 7 Dec. 2012 ;http://online. wsj. com/article/sb10001424052970204712904578091761289023722. html;. 2) Reuters. TEXT-S;P summary: Sharp Corp.. 30 Nov, 2012. 8 Dec, 2012 ;http://www. reuters. com/article/2012/11/30/iduswlb148420121130;. 3) Topham, James. Sharp Corporation Blames Falling LCD TV Prices, Increase In Yen For Forecast $3. 8 Billion Loss. Feb. 2012. 8 Dec. 2012 ;http://www. huffingtonpost. com/2012/02/01/sharp-corporation-lcd-prices_n_1246028. html;. 4) Graziano, Dan. GLOBAL LCD TV SHIPMENTS FALL FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. 21 Jan. 2012. 8 Dec. 2012 ;http://bgr. com/2012/06/21/global-tv-sales-lcd-shipments-down/;. 5) Fitzpatrick, Michael. Fear and loathing in Japan. 18 Sep. 2012. 8 Dec. 2012 ;http://tech. fortune. cnn. com/2012/09/18/fear-and-loathing-in-japan/;.

Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 1

Expelled. It was one of the scariest words a high school senior could think of, and it kept ringing in Thea Harman's mind as her grandmother's car approached the school building. â€Å"This,† Grandma Harman said from the front passenger seat, â€Å"is your last chance. You do realize that, don't you?† As the driver pulled the car to the curb, she went on. â€Å"I don't know why you got thrown out of the last school, and I don't want to know. But if there's one whiff of trouble at this school, I'm going to give up and send both of you to your Aunt Ursula's. And you don't want that, now, do you?† Thea shook her head vigorously. Aunt Ursula's house was nicknamed the Convent, a gray fortress on a deserted mountaintop. Stone walls everywhere, an atmosphere of gloom-and Aunt Ursula watching every move with thin lips. Thea would rather die than go there. In the backseat next to her, Thea's cousin Blaise was shaking her head, too-but Thea knew better than to hope she was listening. Thea herself could hardly concentrate. She felt dizzy and very untogether, as if half of her were still back in New Hampshire, in the last principal's office. She kept seeing the look on his face that meant she and Blaise were about to be expelled-again. But this time had been the worst. She'd never forget the way the police car outside kept flashing red and blue through the windows, or the way the smoke kept rising from the charred remains of the music wing, or the way Randy Marik cried as the police led him off to jail. Or the way Blaise kept smiling. Triumphantly, as if it had all been a game. Thea glanced sideways at her cousin. Blaise looked beautiful and deadly, which wasn't her fault. She always looked that way; it was part of having smoldering gray eyes and hair like stopped smoke. She was as different from Thea's soft blondness as night from day and it was her beauty which kept getting them in trouble, but Thea couldn't help loving her. After all, they'd been raised as sisters. And the sister bond was the strongest bond there was†¦ to a witch. But we can't get expelled again. We can't. And I know you're thinking right now that you can do it all over again and good old Thea will stick with you-but this time you ‘re wrong. This time I've got to stop you. â€Å"That's all,† Gran said abruptly, finishing with her instructions. â€Å"Keep your noses clean until the end of October or you'll be sorry. Now, get out.† She whacked the headrest of the driver's seat with her stick. â€Å"Home, Tobias.† The driver, a college-age boy with curly hair who had the dazed and beaten expression all Grandma's apprentices got after a few days, muttered, â€Å"Yes, High Lady,† and reached for the gearshift. Thea grabbed for the door handle and slid out of the car fast. Blaise was right behind her. The ancient Lincoln Continental sped off. Thea was left standing with Blaise under the warm Nevada sun, in front of the two-story adobe building complex. Lake Mead High School. Thea blinked once or twice, trying to kick-start her brain. Then she turned to her cousin. â€Å"Tell me,† she said grimly, â€Å"that you're not going to do the same thing here.† Blaise laughed. â€Å"I never do the same thing twice.† â€Å"You know what I mean.† Blaise pursed her lips and reached down to adjust the top of her boot. â€Å"I think Gran overdid it a little with the lecture, don't you? I think there's something she's not telling us about. I mean, what was that bit about the end of the month?† She straightened, tossed back her mane of dark hair and smiled sweetly. â€Å"And shouldn't we be going to the office to get our schedules?† â€Å"Are you going to answer my question?† â€Å"Did you ask a question?† Thea shut her eyes. â€Å"Blaise, we are running out of relatives. If it happens again-well, do you want to go to the Convent?† For the first time, Blaise's expression darkened. Then she shrugged, sending liquid ripples down her loose ruby-colored shirt. â€Å"Better hurry. We don't want to be tardy.† â€Å"You go ahead,† Thea said tiredly. She watched as her cousin walked away, hips swaying in the trademark Blaise lilt. Thea took another breath, examining the buildings with their arched doorways and pink plaster walls. She knew the drill. Another year of living with them, of walking quietly through halls knowing that she was different from everybody around her, even while she was carefully, expertly pretending to be the same. It wasn't hard. Humans weren't very smart. But it took a certain amount of concentration. She had just started toward the office herself when she heard raised voices. A little knot of students had gathered at the edge of the parking lot. â€Å"Stay away from it.† â€Å"Kill it!† Thea joined the periphery of the group, being inconspicuous. But then she saw what was on the ground beyond the curb and she took three startled steps until she was looking right down at it. Oh†¦ how beautiful. Long, strong body†¦ broad head†¦ and a string of rapidly vibrating horny rings on the tail. They were making a noise like steam escaping, or melon seeds being shaken. The snake was olive green, with wide diamonds down its back. The scales on the face looked shiny, almost wet. And its black tongue flickered so fast†¦. A rock whizzed past her and hit the ground beside the snake. Dust puffed. Thea glanced up. A kid in cutoffs was backing away, looking scared and triumphant. â€Å"Don't do that,† somebody said. â€Å"Get a stick,† somebody else said. â€Å"Keep away from it.† â€Å"Kill it.† Another rock flew. The faces around Thea weren't vicious. Some were curious, some were alarmed, some were filled with a sort of fascinated disgust. But it was all going to end up the same for the snake. A boy with red hair came running up with a forked branch. People were reaching for rocks. I can't let them, Thea thought. Rattlers were actually pretty fragile-their backbones were vulnerable. These kids might kill the snake without even meaning to. Not to mention that a couple of the kids might get bitten in the process. But she didn't have anything†¦ no jasper against venom, no St. John root to soothe the mind. It didn't matter. She had to do something. The redheaded boy was circling with the stick like a fighter looking for an opening. The kids around him were alternately warning him and cheering him on. The snake was swelling its body, tongue-tips flickering up and down faster than Thea's eye could follow. It was mad. Dropping her backpack, she slipped in front of the red-haired boy. She could see his shock and she heard several people yell, but she tried to block it all out. She needed to focus. I hope I can do this†¦. She knelt a foot away from the rattler. The snake fell into a striking coil. Front body raised in an S-shaped spiral, head and neck held like a poised javelin. Nothing looked so ready to lunge as a snake in this position. Easy†¦ easy, Thea thought, staring into the narrow catlike pupils of the yellow eyes. She slowly lifted her hands, palms facing the snake. Worried noises from the crowd behind her. The snake was inhaling and exhaling with a violent hiss. Thea breathed carefully, trying to radiate peace. Now, who could help her? Of course, her own personal protector, the goddess closest to her heart. Eileithyia of ancient Crete, the mother of the animals. Eileithyia, Mistress of the Beasts, please tell this critter to calm down. Help me see into its little snaky heart so I'll know what to do. And then it happened, the wonderful transformation that even Thea didn't understand. Part of her became the snake. There was a strange blurring of Thea's boundaries-she was herself, but she was also coiled on the warm ground, angry and excitable and desperate to get back to the safety of a creosote bush. She'd had eleven babies some time ago and had never quite recovered from the experience. Now she was surrounded by large, hot, fast-moving creatures. Big-living-things†¦ way too close. Not responding to my threat noises. Better bite them. The snake had only two rules for dealing with animals that weren't food. 1) Shake your tail until they go away without stepping on you. 2) If they don't go away, strike. Thea the person kept her hands steady and tried to pound a new thought into the small reptile brain. Smell me. Taste me. I don't smell like a human. I'm a daughter of Hellewise. The snake's tongue brushed her palm. Its tips were so thin and delicate that Thea could hardly feel them flicker against her skin. But she could feel the snake drop down from maximum alert. It was relaxing, ready to retreat. In another minute it would listen when she told it to slither away. Behind her, she heard a new disturbance in the crowd. ‘There's Eric!† â€Å"Hey, Eric-rattlesnake!† Block it out, Thea thought. A new voice, distant but coming closer. â€Å"Leave it alone, guys. It's probably just a bull snake.† There was a swell of excited denial. Thea could feel her connection slipping. Stay focused†¦. But nobody could have stayed focused during what happened next. She heard a quick footstep. A shadow fell from the east. Then she heard a gasp. â€Å"Mojave rattler!† And then something hit her, sending her flying sideways. It happened so fast that she didn't have time to twist. She landed painfully on her arm. She lost control of the snake. All she could see as she looked east was a scaly olive-green head driving forward so fast it was a blur. Its jaws were wide open-amazingly wide-and its fangs sank into the blue-jeaned leg of the boy who had knocked Thea out of the way.

Response Paper of Meditation Four, Five, and Six

Descartes talked about the true and the false, and how we make mistakes in Meditation Four. Descartes believed that error as such is not something real that depends upon God, but rather is merely a defect. And thus there is no need to account for my errors by positing a faculty given to me by God for this purpose(546). He thought that the reason why we make mistakes is that the faculty of judging the truth, which we got from God, is not infinite(546). When Descartes focused more closely on more closely on himself and inquired into the nature of his errors, he noted that errors depend on the simultaneous concurrence of two causes: intellect and will(547). He didn’t believe that God ought to have given us a greater faculty of knowing than he did(547). So we cannot make no mistakes like God. Then Descartes raised a question that can he complain that the will or free choice he have received from God is insufficiently ample or perfect(547). After using paragraphs talking about it, Descartes perceived that the power of willing is not the cause of his errors, for it is most ample as well as perfect in its kind(548). This idea is similar to Augustine’s ides in On Free Choice of the Will. Then he thought if he held off from making a judgment when he do not perceive what is true with sufficient clarity and distinctness, it is cleat that he was acting properly and not committing an error(548). In the end, he said he would indeed attain it if only he paid enough attention to all the things that he perfectly understand, and separate them off from the rest, which he apprehended more confusedly and more obscurely(549). Descartes talked about the essence of material things and prove that God exists again. Descartes said that it is obvious that whatever is true is something, and he have already demonstrated at some length that all that he know clearly is true(550). Then he thought that it is obvious to anyone who pays close attention that existence can no more be separated from God’s essence than its having three angles equal to two right angles can be separated from the essence of a triangle(551). So existent belongs to the essence of God. Descartes can no more think of God as not existing than he can think of mountain without a valley(550). Actually, I do really agree with Descartes’ prove process, even if I do not agree with some of his conclusion. I think the way he prove things is rational and logical. He thought we should raise some ideas which he has no doubt about it. Then he use them to prove things. It just like what Euclid did in Elements. Raise some Axioms first, then use them to prove all others and build the whole system. Elements presents them in a single, logically coherent framework, making it easy to use and easy to reference(3). But the key point to get a true conclusion and build a logical system is to find the correct Axioms or foundations. I have to say that Axioms or foundations changes because of the religion and the development of science. For example, the Axioms of the theory of relativity are different from the classical physics’ Axioms because human know more about the nature. Descartes thought that necessary existence belongs to the essence of God in Meditation Five, and take it as a foundation. But there must be someone does not think so. He thought that because of his brief. But someone may not believe in God. I think Axioms or foundations might be various depends on individual difference and timed difference. But I think if you can raise your own Axioms or foundations build a logical system and make sense, it well be good for sure. We cannot get the truth straightly, it just like we climb up cockle stairs. And all Axioms and foundations and knowledge systems which are built by different foundations does contribute to achieving the truth. Without the old foundations and the system built by them, we cannot have new recognizing and raise new foundations to build new system and approach the truth.

2 Discussions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

2 Discussions - Assignment Example It has been noted that Wal-Mart does not pay their workers fairly. The company also overworks its part-time employees and do not offer them other work benefits. This is contrary to what the company advocates on websites. The management function that describes my strength is planning. I am a greater planner, as everything, I do in life I have to draw a plan. For example, I plan on how I go over my school work each and every week. However, the other function, which can help me in my management style is organizing. Since I am perfect in planning, I need to learn how to organize to be a better manager. Management and leadership are two different ideas but go hand in hand. The two characteristics that differentiate leadership from management are that leaders are innovators while managers are administrators; and the second trait is that leaders develop while managers maintain. This is because leadership is acquired while management is taught (Developing a Leadership Style, 2015). Developing a Leadership Style (2015). What is the Difference Between Management and Leadership? Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from

Threats to validity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Threats to validity - Essay Example 231). Owing to the involved period, participants to an experiment may adjust to the experimental environment and realign physically, psychologically, or emotionally due to maturation in the set environment or towards expectations (Jackson, 2011). A hypothetical case to history, as a threat to validity, involves an experiment, carried over a ‘six-month’ period, to test effectiveness of a depression therapy. While the participants’ stay in the experimental environment over time, and not the particular therapy may have psychological and emotional impacts to reduce the participants’ depression level, the researcher may be misled to believe that the therapy is effective in managing the level of depression (Jackson, 2011). These types of threats to validity are very difficult to recognize and control. This is because they are majorly psychologically subconscious factors in participants that are not evident to both a researcher and a participant. They can however be controlled through precautionary measures such as application of an â€Å"equivalent control group† to eliminate the effects on validity (Jackson, 2011, p.

Term assigement Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Term assigement - Case Study Example 2. Assume the Qatari government is pursuing an expansionary fiscal policy by increasing government purchases. Show the short run and long run impact of this policy on the macroeconomic equilibrium point using AD and AS model (assume that Qatar’s economy initially operates at the potential level of GDP). You need to draw a graph and briefly explain the short run and long run impact of this expansionary fiscal policy. Pursuing an expansionary fiscal policy through the increase of government purchases will increase budget deficit or smaller budget surplus. The Qatari fiscal budget will be affected by the policy through its spending and taxes. It will also address the business cycle instability that gives rise to unemployment. This is called closing the recessionary gap. The aggregate market illustrates the recessionary gap as well as the short run and the long run effects of this policy. SRAS is the short run aggregate supply curve. Equilibrium in the short run occurs when price level and real production corresponds to the intersection of the SRAS and the aggregate demand curve. Short run real production is therefore less than full employment production and their difference is the recessionary gap. The recessionary gap is what the increase in purchases or expansionary fiscal policy is designed to close. This happens when there is a rightward shift of the demand curve. It will therefore increase demand and employment in the short run but not necessary in the long run. This is shown below. 3.In December 2014, the international price of oil has dropped to almost half of its level in June 2014. What do you think the expected impact of this drop on the US economy using the AD and AS model? Hint: Think of the impact on aggregate supply in the US and assume that the US economy initially operates at the potential GDP level. If the prices of oil drop by half, oil producers will decrease production in

Comparison between US and UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comparison between US and UK - Essay Example Similarities lie in the way decisions are made economically, in the United States of America, decisions related to economic policies are made by the central bank, by the Federal Reserve Committee, headed by the Federal Reserve chairman. These decisions heavily rely on macro-level economic data, factors such as real estate trends, rates of inflation, patterns of economic growth and home values are indicators that are commonly used. The federal funds' rate is set by the central bank, consequently influencing the rates for consumer and business accounts for savings and loan. Monetary policies are majorly concerned with balancing healthy growth and reduced inflation, or increased prices. This is one of the ways the government tries to control the economy. The fast growth rate of inflation is as a consequence of increased money supply, and when inflation is down this means money supply is down. Generally, the US inflation target is set to maintain the steadiness of the inflation, which sh ould be between 2-3% (GÃ ¤rtner 46). The UK monetary policy is set in almost a similar fashion. It is set by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the bank of England. Though they are independent in setting the interest rates that will consequently influence the interest rates for savings and loans for individuals and businesses, they must put to consideration governments inflation target. The policy is key in influencing the spending of consumer and Aggregate Demand (AD).

The Comfort Women of Nanking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Comfort Women of Nanking - Essay Example There are many evidences found in the literature archives that showed women were in the brothels army camp but none of these directly link the responsibility to the Japanese government. There were also photos found showing former comfort women, now in their 80’s standing in protest rallies. On the other hand, there are hard evidences on the part of the Japanese government that sustains their position of denial. On the basis of evidences, study concludes that the Japanese government did not violate any international law on armed conflict as rape is one of the atrocities of war. A recommendation on further study of the law on armed conflict is suggested to avoid recurrence of the situation in the future. The case of comfort women, once kept in secret and not discussed openly, has become a source of uncomfortable diplomatic relations with its affected Asian neighbors. After nearly 60 years of keeping quiet, and with the support of international groups, these women break their silence to demand recognition and payment for their sufferings. These ex-comfort women who are now on their eighties still believe that they deserve to be paid because of the agony they had experienced. In reply, the Japanese Government maintains its position of denial of responsibilities and remains steadfast in its response that it has met all its WWII responsibilities set in WWII treaties. This paper aims to provide an assessment of strategies mounted by the Japanese Government to contradict the claims of the ex-comfort women. I focus on the experiences of the women, particularly on the harrowing nightmares of the sexual abuses to draw an insight on the events referred to.

Microeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Microeconomics - Essay Example In fact although not recognized back then the effects of globalization in its nascent stages was also leading to uncomfortably unprecedented changes in the economy in nations that were within the reach of integration and these effects also led to the need being felt for some sort of control (Salvatore, 2001). All these culminated to the creation of the system at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire where 730 delegates from all 44 allied nations had come to participate in the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference and they debated upon and signed the Bretton Woods agreement during the course of the initial three weeks in the month of July, 1944. The objective of the present endeavour is to bring out the rationale behind the creation of the system and to look at its various performances and then to finally examine the causes behind its breaking down as a system. In what follows, we first look at economic and political conditions the prevalence of which c reated the need for such a system to explore the rationale. We then look at the significant contributions and failures of the system and finally concluding with pointing out the main causes that led to a break down in the Bretton woods system. In the post First World War period most of the affected economies sought the security and the stability provided by the previous system referred to as the Gold standard and by 1926, most of them returned to it. However sub-optimal valuations of a significant number of currencies coupled with a seriously hurt and still recovering England having to assume leadership as well as certain other flaws in adoption of the system led to degradations in global economic relations and financial interactions. This drop hit its trough with the great depression that spread through open channels of trade from its origin of Great Britain to all the major economies of the World. As a direct consequence economies the world over saw

The Inadequacy of Sociological Perspectives in Assessing and Essay - 1

The Inadequacy of Sociological Perspectives in Assessing and Articulating the Situation and Experiences of Older people from Caribbean and Asian communities in UK - Essay Example This essay stresses that contrary to the notion that women are neglected in old age in Caribbean and Asian communities and men are well cared for it was found that many men did not feel that they are cared for, while women seem to be well off. This is largely due to the activities of the feminist elements in these communities that have made awareness about the plight of women, while men do not have any such support system. This finding was attested by earlier studies in the field. Sociologists have observed Stereotypes of Older Men. The lack of apathy felt by elderly men have been studied The study helped to explode the myth that Older men are powerful, affluent, and dominant in the home and in society among the Caribbean and Asian communities. But the fact is some are but not the majority of them. The research established that the elderly in minority communities do experience difficulties in old age. However, the main source of abuse is the relatives themselves. British medical system needs more awareness about the cultural diversity in their service. The present study only showed that elder abuse is still there in Britain. In the present study among the Caribbeans and Asians there have been cases of elderly abuse in nursing homes but in most cases the experience of abuse is somewhat subjective. The work of feminist organizations had a good effect in improving the conditions of women and similar work oriented towards men also can be salutary in improving the lot of older men. There is greater role for social watchdogs in old age care, as there are cases of abuse of the old in institutions.

Lending & Securities Course Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Lending & Securities Course - Research Paper Example This study has been conducted based on secondary research mainly information from the official website of the company. It will deal with in depth research on wide areas of banking activities and its target customers. NBAD practices both commercial and investment banking activities and it offers flawless banking services to individual as well as institutional customers. As this study mainly focuses on commercial lending, therefore, need of long term and short term financing of the potential consumers needed to be analyzed. NBD has disclosed detailed information related to its short and long term lending like starting from the details of different lending schemes for individual as we institutions, investment banking services to business for raising finance and other strategic financial activity, eligibility criteria and requirements of security for lending, banks analysis of future value of securities deposited by the banks etc.According to the report findings  National Bank of Abu D habi is market leader in core business lines in this industry. The company follows franchisee based business activity. It is the largest banking franchise in UAE with more than 140 branches and 740 ATMs and cash deposit machines across the UAE. This banking group is also major player in the corporate banking or business arena. It provides portfolio management and wealth management services to HNI individuals.   The company is a leading player in emerging Islamic banking, investment banking and private banking services in UAE and other Middle East countries. The bank is recognized as a leader in its high competence areas like asset management and financial brokerage services. This company has been well positioned among its target customers for its high value added services and delivering corporate value to shareholders and employees. Apart from its active business operation in UAE, the company is also successfully penetrated in emerging foreign markets like Qatar, United Kingdom, S ingapore and Jersey. The overall business activity is maintained by more than 8000 employees from more than 50 nationalities which have made the most diversified cultured organization in UAE region. Corporate social responsibility is key part of its business activity. National Bank of Abu Dhabi is involved in many corporate social activities like charity, education, culture, art and sports. It always focuses on the national culture into its business culture and dedicated to preservation of it. Discussion There are two different types of customers of the bank. One is individual people and another is small and medium businesses that require loans from the bank. Individual customers requires loan for personal requirements like marriage, child’s education etc. they also need loan for buying persona car, buying a property and many other reasons. The bank also offer a complete package of short term and long term lending facility to its priority individual customers under personal b anking. It provides short term and lo

Rolls Royce Essay Example for Free

Rolls Royce Essay a) Company Information. Rolls Royce PLC is the second largest multinational organisation that produces power integrated systems after GE Aviation. Rolls Royce operates in four different types of economic markets which are the civil and defence aerospace market as well as the marine and energy markets. The company makes engines for jets, helicopters, and turboprop aircraft not only do they produce engines but they also install these systems. Rolls Royce PLC has 50,000 engines in service with 500 major airlines. Rolls Royce PLC is a global company that is known in over 50 countries, the name Rolls Royce comes from the last names of its founders, Henry Royce and Charles rolls. The company was initially formed in 1904 to produce cars and car engines. In 1914 it also produced its first aircraft engine, as the company expanded in 1971 it became a PLC, the company was then split into two and sold to a BMW company that is now known as Rolls Royce motor cars LTD. Rolls Royce PLC retained the right of its trademarks so it can use it to operate in the markets it does. Rolls Royce has invested a sufficient amount of money into research n development of its products and technology it uses to produce them. It also invests somewhat  £300 million a year on capital projects. In recent events Rolls Royce was awarded a contract by the ministry of defence to supply those engines for their aircrafts for the next five years, they also secured more than $1 billion worth of orders from an recent air show. b) Information required to aid managers. Managers need to plan ahead they require important information to enable them to run the day to day and future operations of the company. Depending on where your company stands in the economic market and its needs at that particular time it wants to be able to sift through information selecting what is relevant and applying it to the company. Rolls Royce understands how important it is for management data as this coupled with their knowledge and expertise helps them to maximise their operational expertise. Rolls Royce needs information such as income, expenditure and capital employed to be able to plan and prepare budgets for the future this information is very important to Rolls Royce as for example it can help them to work out any repair costs to engines being produced and how many extra components that maybe needed. Forecast is very important for Rolls Royce, as it can help them predict how many contracts they may receive and what companies to target in certain circumstances for example wars are predicted, this means the demand for military aircrafts will increase this will aid Rolls Royce to keep up with changing economic environments. Information such as pricing is also very important to Rolls Royce as they are the second largest company supplying engines to the aviation market they need to be able to set prices ahead of their competitors so they can win large contracts to stay in the game. Feedback from customers is very important not just from the customers Rolls Royce provides to but even to the extent of feedback from the public for example; emirates airlines customers expected more leg room in their planes, not only this the airline through research predicted more first class passengers if there planes where designed with more room and better bathroom facilities for the high class passengers. All this information could help Rolls Royce design and produce larger planes which require larger more complicated engines not only this it could set a new trend of better travel. 2. Management accounting techniques are necessary to run a business effectively. These techniques primarily affect costs and prices within the corporation. I. Budgeting A budget is developed to plan for the future. A company as big as Rolls Royce needs a master budget to predict costs and revenues for the year. Budgets can also be used to control stock levels, predict the amount of staff required on particular projects and how many hours they are required to work. These budgets can be compared with financial statements at the year end to see how consistent they have been in maintaining the budget and targets. Finally, budgets should include funds for investment opportunities, so when these opportunities arise Rolls Royce can take swift action for example Rolls Royce receives an order of 100 engines from an airline to be able to carry out such an order budgeting can help predict how much it may cost to produce these engines not only this but the number of new staff required. II. Benefits As I mentioned budgets can provide objectives and goals. These can motivate people to perform effectively, especially if the workforce was asked to contribute when the budget was set. Budgets can also force managers to make accurate use of Rolls Royces capital. Ultimately, Rolls Royce can organise the organisation because the budget affects all departments not just one due to business activities existing throughout the company. III. Limitation Budgets can reduce motivation in the workforce at Rolls Royce because staff will be under pressure to maintain targets of the budgets. Effects such as these result in stressful staff which may lead to them taking sick leave. Therefore, Rolls Royce will be short staffed in certain situations. A major issue that may arise due to budgets is that of conflict. Conflict can be good and bad in a workforce. In the case of Rolls Royce there might be departments arguing about unfair resources allocation, which is bad conflict. Therefore, if targets are not met, departments will blame each other and this will result in more conflict and a poor organisational culture. Budgets can encourage managers to overestimate costs so that they are not blamed if there is any overspending. Rolls Royce could lose out on lucrative deals if they do not budget for investment opportunities. b: I. Standard Costing Standard costing sets levels of costs and revenues which ought to be achievable when reasonable levels of performance are used, together with efficient working practices, to manufacture a product†. (Harrison, 1998:228) This management technique is very useful for Rolls Royce because they produce their own Engines. This costing method compares predetermined costs of products with actual costs incurred. Rolls Royce can calculate many variances, such as material, labour and overheads. The materials variance will show Rolls Royce how well they use their materials and how cheap they are purchasing materials. E.g. Rolls Royce budget to purchase 10,000kg of materials at  £2.00 per kg totalling to  £20,000, but really purchase 10,000kg at  £1.50 per kg totalling to  £15,000, there is a  £5000 favourable variance. This means that the purchase price of the materials was cheaper than expected. The labour variance will show the rate being paid to workers, and how efficiently the employees have been working. Finally, the overhead variances will show Rolls Royce the difference between overhead rates charged and budgeted on production. II. Benefits By setting standards Rolls Royce can identify weaknesses in the manufacturing system. This will allow them to rectify problems and produce effectively. Setting standards will also motivate people to maintain targets. If targets are not being met managers will be encouraged to review methods to reduce costs. This method represents the correct cost of a product and can inspire managers and employees to improve from year to year on saving costs. III. Limitations To have a well maintained system it will be costly for Rolls Royce but will be worthwhile. Due to prices changing frequently because of inflation, the system will need to be updated frequently which can be time consuming and therefore distracts managers/employees from production. If targets are not achieved, employees can lose motivation and this could affect the performance of the workforce. c) I. Pricing One of the most crucial decisions a company must make is the price of a product. Two main features that must be considered when setting a price on a product is the cost and revenue maximisation. There are three pricing methods; cost based pricing, going rate, and pricing policies. There are various methods of applying cost based pricing, but the most relevant for Rolls Royce is considering total costs. This method covers a profit margin and the cost of the product. This is very important to Rolls Royce as they are not the first largest company providing power systems to the aviation market by setting a price which is lower than GE Aviation its competitor they may be able to attract more contracts for example if GE Aviation Sold 20 engines at $20million Rolls Royce could sell the same amount of engines for $19.5 Million helping them achieve more sales and attract more customers. II. Benefits. Rolls Royce can benefit from cost plus pricing by many ways. Firstly, managers can set a mark up to their desire, there is no fixed limit on mark up but it must be reasonable and competitive. Baxter and Oxenfeldt (1961) state, cost plus pricing â€Å"offer a means by which plausible prices can be found with ease and speed, no matter how many products the firm handles†. (Drury, 2004:432) Finally, if all firms in the market have similar mark up and cost structures to Rolls Royce, there will be price stability, which is good for customers. Rolls Royce can benefit from the going rate because customers will buy from them due to their reputation as they operate in four different markets providing power system even though competitors will have the same price. Loss leader pricing is useful for Rolls Royce because when customers are attracted by a low price of aircraft or engine, it is almost certain that consumers will purchase a higher quantity of these systems. This compensates for the low mark up as more items are sold. III. Limitations. The main limitation of cost plus pricing is that the demand for the product is not taken into account. The going rate on products can be difficult to compare with competitors because; some companies might have lower production costs than others. Using a loss leader strategy to sell items can cause problems if you dont sell all the stock. If this occurs, prices can only be reduced further to clear out remaining stock, which subsequently leads to further losses. d) I. Long Term Decisions (Investment Appraisal) Rolls Royce will need to use investment appraisal techniques to decide whether certain investments will be worthwhile, e.g. supplying 20 Airbus A330 jets to air china. The most convenient method for these examples would be ‘payback. Payback is, â€Å"The time required for the cash inflows from a capital investment project to equal the cash outflows†. (Lucey, 2002:352) E.g. supplying air china 20 airbus A330 jets will cost  £500 million, and the turnover is  £100 million per year, therefore the payback period is 5 years. This method can also be used to decide between two investments, e.g. supplying Air China 20 Airbus A330 or supplying Singapore airlines 30 airbus A330. Depending on the payback period resulting from projected inflows and outflows, the company can decide which airline to supply too. The best choice will be the one that has the quickest payback period. II. Benefits. Payback is the most simple investment appraisal technique to calculate. This will be good for Rolls Royce when swift decisions are required. This method will be easy to understand at all levels of the company. Another benefit of this method is that it will prevent cash flow problems because money is recovered as soon as possible. III. Limitations. The major limitation of payback is that once the initial investment has been recovered, all future cash flows are ignored. This method also assumes that if the payback period is long the investment will not be successful. Hence, if Rolls Royce decides to supply engines to air china instead of Singapore airlines there will be a gradual payback period, does that mean the investment will not be successful? Finally, this method does not account for time value of money. Therefore, an investment now could be worth more in ten years. Read more: http://www.ukessays.co.uk/essays/accounting/rolls-royce-plc.php#ixzz2LvPZSk6S

Fibromyalgia (FM) Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Fibromyalgia (FM) Symptoms, Causes and Treatments B. Trimble Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition of unknown etiology, characterized by extensive pain, atypical pain processing, sleep disruption, fatigue, and often psychological distress. People with fibromyalgia may also have added indications, such as morning rigidity, tingling or numbness of the hands and feet, headaches, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disorders, cognitive problems, problems with thinking and memory (often called fibro-fog), and additional pain syndromes (CDC, 2010). The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria is used for clinical diagnosis and severity classification of fibromyalgia (CDC, 2010). The diagnosis is centered on: Widespread pain index (WPI) of greater than or equal to seven and symptom severity scale (SS) of greater than or equal to five, or WPI of three to six and SS of greater than nine (CDC, 2010). Symptoms have been existent at a similar level for at least three months (CDC, 2010) The patient does not have another disorder that would otherwise explain the pain (CDC, 2010). Fibromyalgia often occurs with other rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, up to 25 – 65%, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis (CDC, 2010). The tender point test is replaced with widespread pain index and a system severity scale. The widespread pain index score is determined by counting the number of areas on the body where the patient has had pain in the past week. The checklist includes nineteen areas of the body (Rush University Medical Center, 2010). The symptoms severity score is determined by rating on a scale of zero to three, three being the most prevalent, the severity of three collective symptoms: fatigue, waking tired and cognitive symptoms (Rush University Medical Center, 2010). An additional three points can be added to account for additional symptoms, such as numbness, dizziness, nausea, depression, or irritable bowel syndrome. The final score is between zero and twelve (Rush University Medical Center, 2010). To meet the criteria for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a patient would have seven or more pain areas and a symptoms severity score of five or more, or three to six pain areas and a symptoms severity score of nine or more (Rush University Medical Center, 2010). Some criteria remain untouched. The symptoms must have been existent for a minimum of three months, and the patient does not have another disorder that would explain the pain (Rush University Medical Center, 2010). To develop and test the new criteria, researchers implemented a multi-center study of formerly diagnosed fibromyalgia patients and a group of patients with rheumatic non-inflammatory disorders using a physician physical and interview examination (Rush University Medical Center, 2010). The pervasiveness of fibromyalgia affects an estimated five million adults, with more women than men affected (CDC, 2010). Most people with fibromyalgia are diagnosed during middle age, and the incidence increases with age. Although the rates are higher in women, men and children can have the disorder. Women with the disorder that are hospitalized are ten times more likely to return to work, but four times less likely retain work at one year after hospitalization. It is shown that adults with fibromyalgia average around seventeen days of missed work per year compared to six days for those without the disorder (CDC, 2010). The causes and/or risk factors for fibromyalgia are associated with stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, post-traumatic stress disorders, repetitive injuries, illnesses (such as viral infections), certain diseases ( such as Rheumatoid arthritis), chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, genetic predispositions, and obesity (CDC, 2010). People with fibromyalgia respond strongly to things that other people would not find uncomfortable by exhibiting an abnormal pain perception. The ACR recommends a multi-disciplinary treatment plan including screening and treatment for depression, as evidence indicates that depression is a major occurrence with fibromyalgia (CDC, 2010). The recommendation for treatment includes pharmacotherapy, aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening and, education and relaxation therapy (CDC, 2010). Many hormonal, metabolic, and brain chemical deviations have been indicated in studies of fibromyalgia (CDC, 2010).Variations seem to occur in some brain chemicals, although no regular pattern was identified as relevant in most patients with the disorder. Fibromyalgia may be the result of the properties of pain and stress on the central nervous system that leads to alterations in the brain, rather than a brain disorder itself (CDC, 2010). Researchers are concerned with serotonin and the effects on fibromyalgia. Serotonin facilitates feelings of well-being, adjusts pain levels and promotes deep sleep (CDC, 2010). Low levels of serotonin have been noted in patients with fibromyalgia. Research has also found abnormalities in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland axis (HPA axis). The HPA axis regulates sleep, stress response, and depression. Changes in the HPA axis may lead to lower levels of stress hormones norepinephrine and cortisol. Lower levels of stress hormones lead to diminished responses to psychological or physical stress (CDC, 2010). According to the ACR, people with fibromyalgia can have irregular levels of substance P in their spinal fluid (FDA.gov). This substance P helps convey and intensify pain signals to and from the brain. Researchers are considering the function of substance P and other neurotransmitters, and studying why people with fibromyalgia have amplified sensitivity to pain and whether there is a gene or genes that cause a person to be more prone to have it (FDA.gov). Many steps have been taken in research in supplying patients with opportunities to understand and address the symptoms of fibromyalgia and quality of life issues. Research continually indicates that a multi-disciplinary approach is the most helpful for the physician and the patient (National Fibromyalgia Research Association). The examination the physician completes when considering a diagnosis of fibromyalgia should include a basic neurologic examination, a referral to a neurologist, and MRI if the exam indicates minimal deficits (National Fibromyalgia Research Association). Exercise is important for fibromyalgia patients. It has an influence on the quality of sleep and helps to keep unaffected muscles strong. Aerobic exercise, strengthening and relaxation assist in decreasing the effects of the disorder (National Fibromyalgia Research Association). There is no one medication that works for all patients (National Fibromyalgia Research Association). Medical professionals and patients must work together to determine which medication or combination of medications are most effective for the individual (National Fibromyalgia Research Association). People with fibromyalgia are normally treated with pain medications, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and sleep aids (FDA.gov). In June 2007, Lyrica (Pregabalin) became the first FDA approved drug for the specific treatment of fibromyalgia; one year later, June 2008, Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) became the second, and in January 2009, Savella (milnacipran HCL) became the third (FDA.gov). Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella reduce pain and improve function in some people with fibromyalgia (FDA.gov). While people with fibromyalgia suffer pain differently from other people, the mechanism by which these drugs yield their result is unknown. There is information proposing that these drugs influence the release of neurotransmitters in the brain (FDA.gov). Lyrica was previously approved to treat seizures, as well as pain associated with damaged nerves in diabetic peripheral neuropathy and those who develop pain from the shingles rash (FDA.gov). Side effects of Lyrica include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, weight gain, swelling of the hands and feet, dry mouth, and difficulty concentrating (FDA.gov). Cymbalta was previously approved to treat depression, anxiety, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (FDA.gov). Cymbalta side effects include nausea, dry mouth, somnolence, constipation, decreased appetite, and increased sweating. Cymbalta may increase suicidal thinking and the risk of suicidal actions. It may also increase depression in some people (FDA.gov). Savella is the first drug introduced primarily for the treatment of fibromyalgia (FDA.gov). It is not used to treat depression in the United States, but acts like anti- depressants that are used to treat depression and other mental disorders (FDA.gov). Lyrica and Cymbalta are approved for the use in adults eighteen years and older. The drug companies have agreed to study their drugs in children and breastfeeding women (FDA.gov). Other medications used to treat fibromyalgia are pramipexole, tramadol, pindolol, ketamine, sodium oxybate, and gabapentin (National Fibromyalgia Research Association). Many patients achieve pain relief from complementary and alternative medications (CAM). Acupuncture, biofeedback, and massage are popular treatment alternatives. Herbal supplements and medication may also provide chronic pain relief and relieve fatigue (FDA.gov). Much of the research on complementary health approaches for fibromyalgia is still preliminary, and evidence of effectiveness is limited. Some studies have shown that practices such as TaiChi, gi-gong, and massage therapy may help with fibromyalgia symptoms. (Kowlowitz E.J.) Aerobic and strength-training exercises have been associated with important improvements in pain levels, tender point counts, and sleep disturbances. Maintenance of exercise programs indicates that compliance is a problem with patients. Discussion on strategies on improving compliance can be discussed with the patients (Millea Holloway, 2010). A considerable meta-analysis of studies using acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia validates the empiric findings of medical acupuncturists that acupuncture is extremely useful adjunctive treatment for many patients. Acupuncture is not curative but enhances the patient’s quality of life (Millea Holloway, 2010). Cognitive behavioral training has shown improvement in some patients. The training of relaxation response training and movement therapy was found to be effective in patients with fibromyalgia. Training in coping skills was shown to be more effective than physical fitness, but evidence indicates that combining the different types of therapy may be more effective than one therapy alone (Millea Holloway, 2010). Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition commonly found in patients with fibromyalgia. It is a condition in which fascial limitation and trigger points cause extensive pain. A 2010 review suggests that irritation and defectively working fascia encompassing muscle cells were causing the â€Å"all-over† pain of fibromyalgia and may be due to a dysfunctional healing response (Lipton, 2010). Myofascial release on trigger point’s method is a massage technique in which the therapist uses gentle, sustained pressure in the problem areas to release adhesions and smooth out the fascia (Lipton, 2010). Multiple studies show that the Myofascial release can result in decreased pain, better posture, reduced symptoms, increased range of motion, and improved quality of life (Lipton, 2010). Many patients benefit from discussing their day to day lives with others who are also affected by fibromyalgia. Support groups may be located through the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation (Millea Holloway, 2010). References CDC. (2010). Fibromyalgia. CDC.gov. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm FDA.gov. (n.d.). Living with fibromyalgia, drugs approved to manage pain. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/es/umc107802.htmForConsummers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm107802.htm Kowlowitz E.J., M. (n.d.). Fibromyalgia treatment. Retrieved from Spine Universe: http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-treatments Lipton, G. (2010, January 14). Fascia: A missing link in our understanding of the pathology of fibromyalgia. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 1, 3-12. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt2009.08.003 Millea, P., Holloway, R. P. (2010). Treating fibromyalgia. American family physician, 62(7), 1575-1582. Retrieved from http://www.afp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1575.html National Fibromyalgia Research Association. (n.d.). Fibromyalgia treatment options. Retrieved from National fibromyalgia research association: http:www.nfra.net/nfra-resource.htm Rush University Medical Center. (2010). New criteria proposed for diagnosing fibromyalgia. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100524143427

Economic Impacts of Climate Change

Economic Impacts of Climate Change Economic Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Agricultural Production in the Middle East and North Africa Region 1. Introduction The accumulation of scientific evidences indicating that growing greenhouse gases will warm our planet becomes clearer. Higher temperature and changes in precipitation level will shrinkage crop yield in many countries. IPCC (2007) reported that most land areas will experience an increase in average temperature with more frequent heat waves, more stressed water resources and desertification. Stern and Treasury (2006) noted, that the â€Å"the poorest countries and populations† will bear the greatest costs of climate change. Therefore, the impact of climate change on agriculture has received increasing attention in the last decade literatures. Climate change coupled with population growth will deeply affect the availability and quality of water resources in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region (Alpert, Krichak, Shafir, Haim, Osetinsky, 2008; Evans, 2010; Gao Giorgi, 2008). In a similar way, Sowers and Weinthal (2010) argued that since most of the MENA region is arid and hyper-arid, slight changes in water accessibility and arable land have substantial consequences for human security. It is worth to take into account the climatic variability in addition to climate change in order to provide an integrated analysis of the impact of climate variables. Selvaraju and Baas (2007) stated that climate variability is the way climate fluctuates yearly above or below a long-term average value while climate change is the long-term continuous change (increase or decrease) to average weather conditions or the range of weather. In this study, we consider the possible impacts of climate changes and climate variability on agricultural production, with a focus on the region of Middle East and North Africa, where the deleterious impacts of climate change are generally projected to be greatest. In order to achieve such objective, Fixed Effect Regression (FER) is used to Estimate the agricultural production function using cross-section time series data of MENA countries. The advantages of panel data analysis are; getting actual responses is more informative to policy makers than resul ts from field trials. Second, country fixed effects capture all additive differences between various countries (Stock Watson, 2003). 2. Data Sources In order to estimate the production function, cross-sectional time series (panel data) are used. The panel set consists of 20 MENA countries for the time period between 1961 and 2009 including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Table 1 shows the data description and data sources. Due to unavailability of the data for few countries, some observations are missing therefore panel data in the model are unbalanced. The data set consists of two variables group. The first is economics variables such as net agricultural production index number in international dollar, agricultural machinery, total fertilizers consumed, labors, and land. The second data subset is climatic variables like temperature and precipitation. The monthly climatic data were available by meteorological stations rather than by country as shown in Table 2. Therefore, it was necessary to calculate monthly country averages of climate variables and summed up into seasonal data. Table 1 Data description and sources Variable Unit Description Source Agricultural production 1000 I$ Net agricultural Production Index Number (2004-2006 = 100) FAO statistics Agricultural machinery (tractors) Number Agricultural tractors, refer to total wheel, crawler or track-laying type tractors and pedestrian tractors used in agriculture. FAO statistics Fertilizers consumption Ton nutrients Total consumption of chemical fertilizers (N+P2O5+K2O) International Fertilizer Industry Association Livestock Head Buffaloes + cattle FAO statistics Labor Million Total economically active population International Labor Organization (LABORSTA) Land 1000 Hectare Total area of cultivated land FAO statistics Temperature Celsius Monthly mean temperature FAOClim-NET: Agroclimatic database management system Precipitation millimeter Monthly mean precipitation FAOClim-NET: Agroclimatic database management system 3. Climate change and agriculture in Mena countries According to the World Bank, The Middle East and North Africa is one of the regions that is most vulnerable to climate change, with the highest level of water scarcity in the world. The region has a total area of about 14 million km2, of which more than 87 per cent is desert. It is characterized by a high dependency on climate-sensitive agriculture and a large share of its population and economic activities are located in flood-prone urban coastal zones. Bucknall (2007) classify the MENA countries into three groups on the subject of water source and availability. First group is countries have adequate quantities of renewable water, but the within-country and within year variations are problematically large including Iran, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia. Second group is countries that have low levels of renewable water resources and highly dependent on non-renewable groundwater sources and supplies by desalination of sea water like Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The last group is countries that mainly dependent on the inflow of transboundary rivers such as the Nile, the Tigris, and the Euphrates including Syria, Iraq, and Egypt. Table 2 Descriptive Statistics for Aggregated climatic variables during the Period 1961-2009 No. Metrological stations Temperature (c °) Precipitation (mm/year) Mean Std. Dev. Mean Std. Dev. Algeria 95 19.91 0.99 23.98 5.99 Bahrain 1 26.62 0.91 8.51 7.74 Egypt 52 22.42 0.63 4.14 2.15 Iran 67 17.31 2.70 20.03 9.05 Iraq 29 22.35 2.82 13.62 7.98 Israel 13 19.80 1.53 29.33 14.31 Jordan 15 18.95 1.08 15.77 5.04 Kuwait 15 25.91 1.23 13.73 7.49 Lebanon 12 18.49 1.78 56.58 17.08 Libya 27 21.14 0.80 14.74 4.12 Morocco 34 18.03 0.71 32.29 10.95 Oman 27 26.78 0.60 8.00 5.34 Qatar 2 27.46 0.70 6.40 5.05 Saudi Arabia 67 25.19 0.91 5.93 3.73 Sudan 47 28.30 0.89 48.51 57.62 Syrian Arab Republic 20 18.30 0.90 21.61 7.26 Tunisia 25 19.35 0.98 30.30 8.34 Turkey 315 13.03 0.89 51.31 7.73 United Arab Emirates 13 27.56 1.33 5.47 5.11 Yemen 12 25.52 3.52 9.70 7.44 4. Methodology There are various models can be employed to assess the impact of climate change on agricultural production. Ricardian model, Agronomic model, and crop simulation models are most widely adopted models for the climate impact studies (Lee, Nadolnyak, Hartarska, 2012). The Ricardian model estimates the examines the impact of climate and other variables on land values and farm revenues using cross-sectional data (Mendelsohn, Nordhaus, Shaw, 1994). Crop Simulation Models (CSM) restrict the analysis to crop physiology and compare crop productivity for different climatic conditions (Salvo, Begalli, Signorello, 2013). Because of the country level panel analysis, the production function model is adopted for the analysis in the present study. Model To estimate the impact of climatic change on agriculture production in MENA countries, an empirical production function for country i at time t net agricultural production index is a function of some economic inputs (Frisvold Ingram, 1995) and climatic variables: . Y represents the net agricultural production index,; M, F, L, A, and V are economic inputs which include agricultural machinery, fertilizer consumption, labor, cultivated area, and livestock respectively. T and represent temperature and precipitation. Number of agricultural tractors is used as proxy of agricultural capital stock and number of cattle and buffaloes is used as proxy of livestock production. For climatic variables temperature and precipitation, mean of the winter season (January, February, and March) , spring (April, May, and June), summer (July, August, and September), and Fall (October, November, and December) are involved in the model. Following (Barrios, Ouattara, Strobl, 2008; Belloumi, 2014; Lee et al. , 2012), The agricultural production model in the present study has the following specification form: (1) By taking the log on both sides, the fixed effect panel model is: (2) According to the fixed effect model, ÃŽ ±i (i=1†¦.n) is the unknown intercept for each country that absorb unabsorbed time variant effects and is a time varying effects. For climatic variables, both the linear and quadratic forms are integrated into the model in order to consider the nonlinear relationship between agricultural production and climatic variables. Variability As it is also sensible to estimate the impact of the variability of climatic variable along with the seasonal deviation and the mean temperature and precipitation, the squared of the mean differences of temperature and precipitation for each season observation is used in the second model. Then, This variability was measured by the seasonal coefficient of variation (CV) calculated as the seasonal ratio of the standard deviation to the mean of each climate variable for each country. 5. Results and discussion Review different papers to strengthen the discussion Table 3 shows the results of fixed effects regression analysis in which we estimated the impact of agricultural inputs and climatic variables on agricultural production in MENA countries. The results show that the regression coefficient of temperature is positive and statistically significant in spring, summer, and fall seasons. By contrast, temperature in winter has negative coefficient at significance level of 0.01. Regarding the estimated parameters of precipitation, precipitation during spring showed negative impact at significance level of 1%. The estimated parameters of nonlinear climatic variables indicated that each of the squared summer temperature has positive coefficient at significance level 0.05 while squared winter temperature has negative and significant impact at level of 0.05. In addition, squared spring precipitation showed positive influence. As expected, production inputs showed significant and positive relation with agricultural production except machinery and fertilizers consumption. As inputs and agricultural production are in logarithmic form, the regression coefficients reflect the production elasticity of each input. Therefore, 1 percent increase in each input of livestock, labor, and land, with keeping all other inputs the same, leads to increase in agricultural production by 0.16%, 0.98%, and 0.91% respectively. Table 3 Fixed Effects Regression analysis of climate change Variables Coefficients S.E. P value Intercept -0.0582 0.0160 -0.058 Winter Temperature -0.0582** 0.0160 0.000 Spring Temperature 0.0431* 0.0212 0.042 Summer Temperature 0.0730** 0.0213 0.001 Fall Temperature 0.0408** 0.0154 0.008 Winter Temperature Squared -0.0024* 0.0010 0.014 Spring Temperature Squared 0.0002 0.0016 0.892 Summer Temperature Squared 0.0043* 0.0019 0.028 Fall Temperature Squared -0.0005 0.0010 0.643 Winter Precipitation -0.0006 0.0004 0.128 Spring Precipitation 0.0004* 0.0002 0.050 Summer Precipitation -0.0001 0.0002 0.760 Fall Precipitation 0.0002 0.0003 0.438 Winter Precipitation Squared -5.0600E-06 5.1400E-06 0.325 Spring Precipitation Squared 3.8800E-06 6.2400E-06 0.535 Summer Precipitation Squared 1.5300E-05* 7.6600E-06 0.047 Fall Precipitation Squared -3.4000E-06 4.7100E-06 0.470 Machinery -0.0471 0.0282 0.095 Fertilizers Consumption -0.0269 0.0166 0.107 Livestock 0.1599** 0.0389 0.000 Labor 0.9802** 0.0481 0.000 Land 0.9128** 0.1000 0.000 R2 within 0.8932 R2 between 0.7827 R2 overall 0.7917 F test 120.8300 F-ui=0 951.88** Obs. No 980 The results of Fixed Effects Regression analysis of climate variability as explanatory variables and agricultural production are presented in Table 4. The results suggest that temperature variability in fall season seems to have significant and positive relation with agricultural production while it has negative relation in spring. Squared variability of temperature during winter and summer seasons have significant and negative relation. Furthermore, variability of winter precipitation have positive and significant relation. Likewise, the regression coefficient of squared variation of winter and summer precipitation showed significant and positive relation with agricultural production.. Table 4 Fixed Effects Regression analysis of climate variability Variables Coefficients S.E. P value Intercept 3.8918** 0.0422 0.000 Winter Temperature -0.2451 0.1818 0.178 Spring Temperature -0.5086** 0.1921 0.008 Summer Temperature 0.0418 0.1850 0.821 Fall Temperature 0.8505** 0.1929 0.000 Winter Temperature Squared -0.0825* 0.0408 0.044 Spring Temperature Squared 0.0204 0.0370 0.581 Summer Temperature Squared -0.0571** 0.0216 0.008 Fall Temperature Squared -0.0071 0.0487 0.884 Winter Precipitation 0.0425** 0.0090 0.000 Spring Precipitation 0.0269 0.0774 0.728 Summer Precipitation 0.1717 0.2138 0.422 Fall Precipitation -0.1943 0.1946 0.319 Winter Precipitation Squared 0.0221** 0.0062 0.000 Spring Precipitation Squared -0.0020 0.0034 0.558 Summer Precipitation Squared 0.0005* 0.0003 0.044 Fall Precipitation Squared 0.0056 0.0042 0.18 R2 within 0.793 R2 between 0.943 R2 overall 0.769 F test 11.620 F-ui=0 11.330 Obs. No 980 Marginal Impact analysis The excepted marginal effects of climatic change and variability on agricultural production appraised at the mean are calculated by the first-order differentiation of the equation 2 to temperature and precipitation respectively: (3) (4) The elaticities of climate change and variability of temperature and precipitation are derived from equations (3) and (4) respectively by dividing both equation (3) on and equation (4) on . therefore, the elasticities can be computed as : (5) (6) Where and refer to temperature change or variability and precipitation change or variability respectively. The marginal impact of climate change and climate variability on agricultural production in the MENA region are presented in Table 5. The impact and the elsticities of Climate change and climate variability are calculated using the regression coefficient and mean values of temperatures and precipitation. The results indicate that increase of temperature in winter season has negative impact on agricultural production as one percent increase in temperature during winter season will lead to a decrease in agricultural production value by 1.12 percent. Instead, increasing the temperature during the other seasons showed positive impact. Temperature variability negative impact on agricultural production during winter and spring as one percent increase of temperature variability, will lead to about 0.09 and 0.14 percent decrease in agricultural production. In regard to the impact precipitation changes, the results confirmed that increasing precipitation during winter and fall season have negative impact on agricultural production in MENA countries while it has positive impact in spring and summer seasons. Moreover, the results of the impact of precipitation variability showed that precipitation variability has negative impact during winter and summer seasons, whereas one percent increase of precipitation variability will lead to decrease in agricultural production in the MENA region by 0.037 and 0.013 percent respectively. However, precipitation variability showed positive impact during the season of spring and fall. Table 5 Marginal impacts of climate change and variability on agricultural production Climate change Climate Variability Marginal impact Elasticity Marginal impact Elasticity Temperature Winter -4.517 -1.115 -12.408 -0.087 Spring 3.746 1.567 -29.211 -0.139 Summer 4.130 2.025 7.039 0.027 Fall 2.897 0.927 41.713 0.265 Precipitation Winter -0.162 -0.092 -2.884 -0.037 Spring 0.019 0.005 1.038 0.013 Summer 0.272 0.046 -3.303 -0.071 Fall -0.040 -0.019 0.071 0.001 References Alpert, Pinhas, Krichak, Simon O, Shafir, Haim, Haim, David, Osetinsky, Isabella. (2008). Climatic trends to extremes employing regional modeling and statistical interpretation over the E. Mediterranean. Global and Planetary Change, 63(2), 163-170. Barrios, Salvador, Ouattara, Bazoumana, Strobl, Eric. (2008). The impact of climatic change on agricultural production: Is it different for Africa? Food Policy, 33(4), 287-298. Belloumi, Mounir. (2014). Investig

Theodore Dreiser Essay examples -- essays research papers fc

Theodore Dreiser Theodore Dreiser was born August 27, 1871 in Terre Haute, Indiana. The younger brother of Paul Dresser, a well-known songwriter, Theodore was a famous novelist known for his outstanding American writing of naturalism. He was also a leading figure in a national literary movement that replaced the observance of Victorian notions of propriety with the unflinching presentation of real-life subject matter. Even though a majority of his works were about his life experiences, he also wrote about new social problems that had risen in American at the time as well as things sexual in nature. Dreiser was born the ninth of ten surviving children in a family that was stricken with life-long poverty. His father was a German immigrant that was mostly an unemployed mill worker with a strict attitude because of his narrow Roman Catholic belief. His mother had a Czech Mennonite background and she was a fair lady that was always compassionate to her son. Because of the family’s severe degree of poverty, they moved frequently between small Indiana towns and Chicago in search of a better cost of living. Dreiser did not have much of an education in his lifetime. He attended parochial and public schools including a year at Indiana University in 1889-1890 throughout his academic years. He began his career as a newspaper reporter in Chicago in 1892 before working his way to the East Coast. While living on the East Coast in 1894, Dreiser found a job working for a Pittsburgh newspaper. In the same year, he move to New York City and started working for several newspapers and magazines. Dreiser would soon meet a woman named Sara White and they would get married in 1898. The marriage did not last that long due to his roving affections and resulting infidelities causing their divorce in 1912. Dreiser began writing his first novel, Sister Carrie, in 1899 at the suggestion of a newspaper colleague. Doubleday, Page and Company published the novel the following year, than ks in part to the great enthusiasm of the firm’s novelist, Frank Norris. The story line of the novel was about a young kept woman whose "immortality" goes unpunished. The publisher was not fond of the story line and decided to limit the book’s advertising. Because of the limited advertising, the book sold only 465 copies and Dreiser made less than $100 dollars on the deal. In 1890, the dis... ...erty level. He always spoke and wrote of his mother being affectionate and caring at all times. Theodore Dreiser was born in Terre Haute and lived in Indiana until the age of eighteen. He was born into a family that was stricken with poverty and he had little hope of making it big in the real world. Dreiser did not have much of an education nor any experience in writing. Through hard work and dedication, he ended getting a job in Chicago for a newspaper and then moving to New York a few years later. In New York, Dreiser also got many jobs for magazines and newspapers. While living in the city, he wrote a majority of his famous works. Dreiser’s most famous works were Sister Carrie and An American Tragedy. In 1938, he moved to Los Angeles with his mistress, Helen Richardson. Dreiser continued on writing literary works until his death in 1945. Theodore Dreiser was a well-known novelist and a great man as well as a historic member of the Terre Haute area. Bibliography Bibliography Gerber, Phillip. Theodore Dreiser, Chicago, Woodford Publishing., 1986, pp. 34-75 Warren, Robert Penn. Homage to Theodore Dreiser: His World and His Novels, New York, Coleman Publishing., 1975, pp. 82-140

Bans on Cigarette Advertising Does NOT Stop Smoking :: Argumentative Persuasive Example Essays

Bans on Cigarette Advertising Does NOT Stop Smoking   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Since 1971, the cigarette industry has not been allowed to advertise on radio and television. However, the ban has not worked as well as it was planned to work. The reasons are that advertisements are not the primary reason that teens take up smoking. Another reason is that the industry has gotten around the ban by using forms of hidden advertising and corporate sponsorship. The industry has also heavily relied on the print media to advertise its product. Smoking has become influential due to many different forms of advertising.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Up until 1971, cigarettes had been advertised like any other consumer product, but health concerns led to a government-imposed ban on broadcast advertising. â€Å"July 27, 1965, Congress approved the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act. The Federal Cigarette Labeling Act and Advertising Act was passed to establish a comprehensive program to deal with cigarette labeling and advertising† (Holak 220). â€Å"This law made it impossible for any person to manufacture, import or package cigarettes without the following statement clearly labeled on the box: Caution: Cigarette Smoking May Be Hazardous To Your Health† (Altman 95). Any person or company that was found guilty of violating this Act upon conviction was subject to a fine of not more then ten thousand dollars. Cigarettes manufactured or packaged for export form the United States were not required to label this. The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act took effect on January 1, 1 996.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Four years later, Congress approved another Act: the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act of 1996. There were two major changes. First, the statement required on cigarette packages was changed to â€Å"Warning: The Surgeon General Has Determined That Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous To Your Health† (Altman 97). Second, it stated that after January 1, 1971 it shall be unlawful to advertise cigarettes on any medium of electronic communication.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fifteen years later, Congress approved the comprehensive Smoking Education Act. This Act was yet another amendment to the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act. Once again the statement required that all cigarette packages to be changed. The packages must now have one of the following labels: â€Å"SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, And May Complicate Pregnancy† or â€Å"SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks To Your Health† or â€Å"SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking By Pregnant Women May Result In Fetal Injury, Premature Birth, And Low Birth Weight† and lastly â€Å"SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Cigarette Smoke Contains Carbon Monoxide† (Brann 10).

Dementia: Forgotten Memories Essay -- Dementia Condition and Symptoms

While the average life expectancy of the world’s population has increased, the number of detected dementia cases has commensurately risen to astonishing levels. Along with improved discovery of this disorder, new causes and treatments have been found, from which many innovative techniques have been developed towards the prevention of future incidences and reduction of the effects of this condition; however, the quest for these solutions have raised more questions than it has answered. Why do some develop this disorder, while others do not? Can early detection be achieved to reverse the processes or limit its effects? Further specifics on these topics have been categorized into three main sections, which include: 1. Dementia – Condition and Symptoms 2. Causes of this Disorder 3. Treatments and Cures Dementia – Condition and Symptoms â€Å"Dementia is the progressive deterioration in cognitive function - the ability to process thought† (Nordqvist, 2009, para. 1) and can be separated into two main categories: cortical and subcortical, physically speaking; for example, Alzheimer’s disease is a type of cordical dimentia, while Parkinson’s disease is classified as subcortical in nature. Many of the people suffering from these afflictions, which are usually middle-aged and older, appear to lose the ability to recall particular events, time of day, or in more advanced stages, the identity of their friends and family. Other symptoms of this condition have been reported as difficulty with speech, depression, balance issues and general disorientation. Causes of this Disorder Although Alzheimer’s disease appears to be the most common cause of dementia, â€Å"more than 50 conditions are associated with dementia, including degenerative ... ...g conditions that mimic the outward signatures of dementia, which were thought to be reserved for Alzheimer’s disease, or other mind altering conditioned patients. It has been shown that depression, while treatable and not directly related to dementia, can exhibit the very same signs and should be carefully examined and studied before rushing to judgement. References Michaels, A. (2007, April 22). Drug Treatment for Dementia Sufferers. Article Directory. Retrieved October 19, 2008, from Articlesbase database. Nordqvist, C. (2009, March 19). What is Dementia? What Causes Dementia? Symptoms of Dementia. Medical News Today. Retrieved June 16, 2010, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142214.php Swirzewski, S. (2000, Jan 02). Dementia Causes. Neurology Channel. Retrieved June 17, 2010, from http://www.neurologychannel.com/dementia/causes.shtml

Power Theft Detection

1. INTRODUCTION The automatic meter reading(AMR) system as become a necessity for most suppliers as deregulation, free customer choice and open market competition occur in the energy supply sector. Power line communication has many new service possibilities on the data transferring via power lines without use extra cables. AMR is a very important application in these possibilities due to every user connected each other via modems using power lines. AMR is a technique to facilitate remote readings energy consumption.Improving the electrical power supply to households as a big issue. The government has set a specific goal to raise the distribution rate of electrical power supply, which is now around 70% to 80% to 100%. Power companies are plagued by power theft. PLC will play an important role in placing anti-theft power system. Illegal electricity may be a serious problem in many countries . This problem has been attempted to be resolved by special skills of humans, such as the police special security etc. These method could not give optimum solution due to their impracticalities. Similar essay: Essay About Snatch TheftMeter reading has been applied by humans and some electronics solutions such as optical reading methods, creditable utilization of electrical energy etc. Many chips which can be used for digital energy metering and PLC modems. The problem of illegal usage of electricity must be solved electronically, without any human control. 2. POWER THEFT Electrical power by altering, slowing, resetting, swapping, or disconnecting an electric meter. Theft also may occur by rewiring circuits to avoid an electric meter, or by tapping into another customer’s electrical lines.The fraudster might use devices to program the theft of power only during certain periods of theday or week. A fraudster may rewire their property to illegally use power from cheaper sources of power, or from meters that are billed at lower rates. The fraudster risks electrocution and detection. Field employees of the power company are trained to spot problems that result in persons n ot being billed for all the electricity they use. Computerized billing systems are designed to detect erratic electricity use Fig No 2. 1 3. PLC installATION.Power meters with PLC  modules will be installed near the top of the power polls. Previously, it was enough to install power meters in high places, not in low places such as the house wall, to prevent users from using power illegally by connecting cables, or by using tampered meters. However, by doing so, the homeowners themselves cannot check how much electricity was used. Therefore, PLC  technology was chosen. Meters installed in high places will send data of the used amount to each household through power lines. Homeowners can then check the amount used on the displays installed in each house.This means that the measurement function and the display function of the meters will be separated. [pic] Fig No3. 1 †¢Ã‚  Power theft is prevented by installing  HD-PLC-mounted power meters on a high position on power polls, while the amount of power used in each household can still be checked Each power meter is connected to an optical fiber network, and information of the amount used by each household is sent to the power companies. If the power companies find that a payment is delinquent, they can remotely stop the power supply by controlling the meters through the optical fiber network.In this way,  HD-PLC  and optical fiber networks enable power companies to prevent power theft, and to grasp the actual amount of power consumed by district or by each household in real time, and also to control the amount of power supply. The waste of power can also be reduced, another big advantage. Furthermore, wide spread use of the power meters with  HD-PLC  modules is expected to reduce regional disparities in information, or the ‘digital divide’. 4 . DETECTION OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY USAGE 4. 1 Methods Of Illegal Electricity Usage:In illegal usage, a subscriber illegally use electricity in f ollowing ways: 4. 1. 1 Using the mechanical objects: A subscriber can use some mechanical objects to prevent the revolution of a meter, so that disk speed is reduced and the recorded energy is also reduced. 4. 1. 2 Using a fixed magnet: A subscriber can use a fixed magnet to change the electromagnetic field of the current coils. As is well known , the recorded energy proportional to electromagnetic field. 4. 1. 3. Using the external phase before meter terminals: This method gives subscribers free energy without any record. . 1. 4. Switching the energy cables at the meter connector box: In this way ,the current does not pass through the current coil of the meter, so the meter does not record the energy consumption. Although all of the methods explained above may be valid for electromechanical meters, only the last two methods are valid for digital meters. 5. DESCRIPTION ON PLC Most economically viable technology for transferring Meter data to DCU. Uses the technique of communicating the data over existing Electrical Lines which carry LT power to the site.PLC is a kind of communication technology, which uses Medium Voltage(MV) and Low Voltage(LV) distribution network as the communication media to implement transmission of data, voice and real time image. The components involved in PLC are the; 1. Power Line Carrier Unit which provides signal transmission and reception. 2. There is a Coupler used for â€Å"clamping† around a live wire thus injecting the communication signals into the power line. 3. PLC modem 5. 1 The monitoring system mainly has the following functions: 1. Remote meter-reading 2. Data acquisition 3. Thread PLC transmissions are synchronized to the zero crossing point of the AC power line. It should be transmitted as close to the zero crossing point i. e. within 200 ? s. Square wave with a max Delay of 100 ? s from the zero crossing point The maximum delay between signal envelope input and 120KHz output bursts is 50 ? s. Therefore, it shoul d be arranged that outputs to the within 50 ? s. 5. 2 CODE TRANSMISSION: A Binary 1 is represented by a 1 ms burst of 120 KHz the zero crossing point and a Binary 0 by the absence of 120 KHz. Therefore only the 1 ms â€Å"envelope† need be applied to their inputs.These 1 millisecond bursts should actually be transmitted three times to coincide with the zero crossing points of all three phases in a three phase distribution system. 6. DIFFERENT COUPLING UNITS. [pic] 7. DEFINITION ON AMR AMR(AUTOMATIC REMOTE READING) automates the process of measurement through digital communication techniques. Bring â€Å"intelligence† into the revenue cycle and manage it: The revenue cycle includes metering, billing operating, customer and the services. 7. 1 ADVANTAGES: 1. Smart automated process instead of manual work. 2. Accurate information from the network load to optimise maintenance and investments . Customized rates and billing dates. 4. Streamlined high bill investigations. 5. D etection of tampering of Meters. 6. Accurate measurement of transmission losses. 7. Better network performance and cost efficiency. 8. Demand and distribution management. 9. More intelligence to business planning 10. Better company credibility. 8. DETECTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM The proposed control system for the detection of illegal electricity usage is: [pic] FIG. 8. 1 PLC signaling is only valid over the low voltage -220VAC power lines. The system should be applied to every low-voltage distribution network.The system given in fig 7. 1 belongs only one distribution transformer network and should be repeated for every distribution network. Although the proposed system can be used uniquely, it is better to use it with automatic meter reading system. If the AMR system will be used in any network, the host PLC unit and a PLC modem for every subscriber should be contained in this system. In fig7. 1 the host PLC unit and other PLC modems are named PLC1A,†¦. ,PLCNA and are used for AM R. These units provide communication with each other and send the recorded data in kilowatthour meters to the PLC unit.In order to detect illegal usage of electrical energy, a PLC modem and an energy meter chip for every subscriber are added to an existing AMR system. As given in fig1, PLC1B,†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦,PLCNB and energy meter chips belong to the detector. The detector PLC’s and energy meters must be placed at the connection point between distribution main lines and subscriber’s line. 8. 1 ADVANTAGE OF THIS SYSTEM : Most economically viable technology for transferring Meter data to DCU. Uses the technique of communicating the data over existing Electrical Lines which carry LT power to the site.Since the connection point is usually in the air or at underground, it is not suitable for anyone to access, such that its control is easy. It is very economical and is reliable solution when it is compared with the economical loss caused by illegal usage. 8. 2 CONDITIONS FOR T HIS DETECTION AND CONTROL: PLC signaling must be in CENELAC standards. CENELAC has formed the standard in which the frequency bands, signaling levels, and procedure are specified. 3-9 khz are restricted for use by electricity suppliers, and 95-148. 5khz are restricted to consumer use. The signal level for the band 95-148. khz is limited as follows. For general use ,the signaling level is limited to 116db µV. 9. DETECTION The recorded data in kilowatt hour meters for every subscriber are sent to host PLC modem via PLC modems which are placed in subscribers locations. On the other hand energy meter chips are located in connection point and read the enrgy in kilowatthours and also send the data to host PLC unit. This proposed detector system as two recorded energy data in host PLC unit, one which comes from the AMR-PLC, and the other which comes from the PLC at the connection points.These two recorded energy data are compared in the host PLC; if there is any difference between two re adings an error signal is generated. This means that there is an illegal electricity usage in the network. After that, the subscriber address and error signal are combined and sent to the central control unit. If it is, requested, a contacter may be included to the system at location to turn off the energy automatically, as in the case of illegal usage 10.. ILLEGAL DETECTOR SYSTEM FOR ONE SUBSCRIBER [pic] Fig No 10. 1 11.SYSTEM SIMULATION AND MODELLING OF THE DETECTION SYSTEM OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY USAGE FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL KILOWATTHOUR METERS [pic] Figure 11. 1 A host PLC modem, an energy meter chip and its PLC modem, an electromechanical kilowatthour meter and its PLC modem, and an optical reflector sensor system are loaded at the same phase of the power grid. The energy value at the electromechanical kilowatthour meter is converted to digital data using optical reflector sensor. Disk speed of the kilowatthour meter is couted and obtained data is sent to PLC modem as energy valu e of the kilowatthour meter.At the system model, an illegal load may be connected to the power line before the kilowatthour meter via an S switch. While only a legal load is in the system, two meters are accorded each other to compensate for any error readings. The host PLC unit reads two recorded data coming from metering PLC units. If the S switch is closed ,illegal load is connected to the system. , and therefore two recorded energy values are different from each other. The host PLC unit is generated when it received two different records from the same subscriber. This is the detection of the illegal usage for interested users.In these, the tests, the carrier frequency is selected at 132khz, which is permitted in the CENELAC frequency band. In real application, the AMR system may be designed in all CENELAC bands. The data rate between the host and the other PLC modem is 2400b/s. Data signaling between PLC modems has a protocol which includes a header, address, energy value data, error correction bits, and other serial communication bits such as parity and stop bits. The protocol may also be changed according to the properties of the required system and national power grid architecture.In the digital energy meter system, the recorded energy may be received in the digital form directly using the port of the meter. Therefore, there is no need for an optical reflector system in digital meters. 12. AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED DETECTOR SYSTEM The proposed detector system is the equipment and procedure for controlling more remote stations from a master control station. It includes PLC modems, energy meters, control logics, and the system software . 12. 1 PLC MODEMS: These used for two way communication to and from the host station and the remotely controlled targets. 12. 2 ENERGY METER AND CONTROL LOGIC:Energy meter includes metering chip, and some circuit element. control and logic units compare and generate the error signal in the illegal usage. 12. 3 SYTEM SOFT WARE: Assembler program for the microcontroller and the operating software for the management of the overall system. Operator software may be downloaded from a PC and should be placed in the main center of the system. 13. AN AMR SYSTEM FOR AN ILLEGAL DETECTOR PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING FUNCTONS: 1) 1Every user has two PLC modems; one is for AMR and the other is used to send the data from second energy meter chip to host PLC modem. ) An energy meter must be connected in the connection box between a home line and main power lines. 3) The host PLC unit must be placed in the distribution transformer and the configuration of the addressing format of PLC signaling must be designed carefully. 4. The host PLC modem and its controller must include two addresses per every user: one is the AMR and the other for the energy meter. These two addresses must be selected sequentially. 5. Operating software must designed for the information of every subscriber in every sub power network: subscriber ident ification number, billing address etc. . The system has two values of energy consumption for every user, so if there is a difference between them an error signal is generated for the illegal user. 7. The proposed equipment is the only one distributed in the power network. So this system should be repeated for all distribution power networks. All host units in each distribution transformer maybe connected only one main center station via phone lines, fibre optic cable or RF links. 14. CONCLUSION A detector system to determine illegal electricity usage via power line communication is designed and proposed.The proposed system is examined in laboratory conditions. Obtained results from this study show that if the AMR and detector system are used together, illegal usage of electricity may detected. The system functions with real-time monitoring users and burden forecast, which uses MV&LV PLC as its transmission media. The system is integrated with power management and burden control. Und er power theft, the relay is switched off isolating the area of power theft from the EB side . LCD display also indicates power theft. Energy regulation does not epresent an obstacle, since PLC service does not affect the power supply and maintains separate accounts from the core utility business. Once this proposed system is tried in real power lines, the distribution losses can be reduced effectively. 15. REFERENCE [1]Hakki Cavdar, †A solution to remote detection of illegal electricity usage via power line communication†, IEEE Trans. Power Delivery,vol. 19,no. 4,Oct 2004. [2] T. Y. Lim and T. W. Chan, â€Å"Experimenting remote kilowatt hour meter through low voltage power lines at dense housing areas†, IEEE Trans. Power Delivery, vol. 17, pp708-711,july 2002. [3] J.Newbury and W. Miller,† Multiprotocol routing for automatic remote using power line carrier systems†, IEEE Trans. Power delivery,vol. 16 pp 1-5,Jan 2001. ABSTARCT Power Line Communication (PLC) presents an interesting and economical solution for automatic meter reading (AMR). If an AMR system via PLC is set in a power delivery system, a detection system for illegal electricity usage may be easily added in the existing PLC network. In the detection system, the second digitally energy meter chip is used and the value of energy is stored. The recorded energy is compared with the value at the main kilowatt-hour meter.In the case of difference between two recorded energy data, in error signal is generated and transmitted via PLC network. The detector and control system is proposed. The architecture of the system and their critical components are given. This report describes a prototype of the detector system for illegal electricity usage using the power lines. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am thankful to Prof. Sukumaran P R ,Head of the Department for providing me with the facilities for the seminar. I would also express my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Rajashree Raghavan ,for her guida nce and mere cooperation for preparing and presenting the seminar.Above all I thank all the faculties of the EEE Department and my friends for their moral support and encouragement. CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION01 2. WHAT IS POWER THEFT? 02 3. How is PLC installed ? 03 4. DETECTION OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY USAGE04 5. DESCRIPTION ON PLC:05 6. DETECTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM07 7. ILLEGAL DETECTOR SYSTEM FOR ONE SUBSCRIBER:10 8. SYSTEM SIMULATION AND MODELLING OF THE DETECTION SYSTEM OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY USAGE FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL KILOWATTHOUR METERS11 9. AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED DETECTOR SYSTEM:13 10. CONCLUSION:15 11. REFERENCE16