Models of Addiction Essay Example for Free

Models of Addiction Essay The addicted person can be a composite of patterns of behavior, predisposition, and social environment. Generally, he is preoccupied with the substance or behavior of choice and will continue to practice the addiction in increasing amounts of time and material. Cessation results in withdrawal symptoms and discomforts both physically and psychologically. In spite of attempts to cut back or cease the activity, the addict will continue to his behavior to his own detriment and destruction. There are many factors that need to be considered when addressing causation, allowing the models of addiction to fall into three basic categories; medical, social, and psychological. Medical Models This model rests on the assumption that disease states are a result of a biological dysfunction, possibly one on the cellular or even molecular level (Doweiko, 2012). The disease or dispositional concept allows the addict to bear no responsibility for the addiction (Jenkins, 2014). Because of underlying physical abnormalities, the addict is not able to control the use of the substance or his behavior. This is the primary way of viewing addictions in the United States, according to Doweiko (2012). The cause here is considered biological or hereditary. A problem here is the potential for denial of personal responsibility. Genetic factors consider vulnerability, predisposition, and how genes come together to increase risk for addiction. Patterns over time and generations can be helpful in research and in understanding possible solutions. This idea is limited in that research is narrowly focused on biological and genetic factors versus other factors.   Social Models This model views peer pressure, social policies, and availability as major contributing influences surrounding addictions. It is mainly concerned with conformance and deviance, what helps, and what is a risk. Unhealthy relationships, dysfunctional families, and environment play a major part in the cause of addiction in this type of model (Jenkins, 2014). Inadequate coping mechanisms and vicarious learning contribute to the problem. The focus is on family, peers, personal relationships, and learned behaviors. The moral volitional or willful sin theory relies on social sanctions to remedy addiction and sees it as a weakness of character. The greatest hope here is that changing peers, places, and things offers recuperation. On a spiritual level, the degrading effects of sin illuminate the need for redemption (Jenkins, 2014). This compulsion is seen as a form of idol worship, as it places the obsession before God. It hinders spiritual growth and alters the image of God within the believer. Social models are limited in that relationships are difficult to measure (Jenkins, 2014). Rather than how the addiction develops, the emphasis is on recovery. Genetic predisposition and other areas are not taken into account or ignored and the individual’s ability to resist is not contemplated. Psychological Models With the rise of psychoanalysis came the psychological models of addiction. The addict is considered as being immature developmentally and as having fundamental traits that contribute to the problem. There is the belief that the dilemma is reinforced both socially and MODELS OF ADDICTION 4 environmentally creating a learned response through classical and operant conditioning (Jenkins, 2014). It is thought that the addict uses defense mechanisms to remain in denial about his predicament and will use cognitive justifications for otherwise unacceptable behavior (Doweiko, 2012). Conclusion From the various models used to understand and explain addiction, it is  apparent that there is an overlapping or interconnection among the theories. This would support an integrated approach to identifying the cause and effects of this problem. When all factors are considered, the puzzle is much easier to put together. Treatment can then be comprised of multiple options and resources making recovery more attainable. References Doweiko, H. 2012. Concepts of chemical dependency , 8th ed. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning Jenkins, D. 2014. Presentation: Models of addiction. Retrieved from http://learn.liberty.edu.

Spatial Decoupling methods for Digital Suscriber Line

Spatial Decoupling methods for Digital Suscriber Line In this paper, we present a novel method of spatial decoupling method to the pre- and post-processing of bundled digital subscriber line (DSL) systems using polynomial matrix decomposition algorithms. The proposed algorithm introduce a novel analysis and synthesis frequency splits in addition to upper frequency limits that play a major part in achieving the expected data rates. Instead of the traditional discrete multitone (DMT) architecture, sophisticated modulation structures known as filtered multitone (FMT) precoder for the downstream, and its upstream counterpart an inverse FMT equalizer are evaluated. Simulation results confirm that per-band equalization of polynomial matrices can enhance data rates by using this proposed spatial decoupling approach for DSL lines. Index Terms- Polynomial Matrix Decomposition, Filtered Multitone, DSL, DMT, WHAT IS OFDM? In this paper, we present the foundation for a future generation of spatial decoupling method to the pre- and post-processing of bundled digital subscriber lines (DSL) systems. The paper proposed a new analysis and synthesis frequency splits in addition to upper frequency limits that play a major part in achieving the expected data rates. Instead of the traditional discrete multitone (DMT) architecture, a more sophisticated filtered modulation structure known as filtered multitone (FMT) is proposed in the downstream, and its upstream counterpart an inverse FMT operation. DSL have for decades used DMT to allow the transmission of several high speed broadband signals through the twisted pair copper wire at the same time. Each broadband signal is on a separate frequency or, more specifically, assigned to independent DSL tone/ channel. For instance, what we call Channel 2 occupies 54 MHz-60 MHz. Within each channel used for NTSC analog TV transmission, one will find an amplitude modulated (more specifically, vestigial sideband amplitude modulation or VSB-AM) visual carrier located 1.25 MHz above the lower channel edge, and a frequency modulated aural carrier 4.5 MHz above the visual carrier. A color subcarrier is located in between the visual and aural carriers, approximately 3.58 MHz above the visual carrier. When the cable industry made the jump to digital transmission several years ago, the modulation of choice was QAM. Each downstream QAM signal which is really a double-sideband, suppressed-carrier analog RF signal occupies the same six megahertz of bandwidth as an analog TV signal. The current method of QAM transmission is known as single carrier QAM (SC-QAM); the latter is true even when DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding is used. Each channel slot carries only one modulated carrier a QAM signal hence, the SC-QAM moniker. The entire data payload transmitted in the channel modulates just that one QAM signal. Now imagine transmitting a large number of individual very-narrow-bandwidth QAM signals hundreds or even thousands within a given channel. A 6-megahertz-wide channel could, for example, contain up to 480 narrow QAM signals that are spaced only 12.5 kilohertz apart. Each of these narrow QAM signals, called a subcarrier, subchannel, or carries a small percentage of the total payload at a very low data rate. The aggregate of all of the subcarriers data rates comprises the total data payload. For improved spectral efficiency, the subcarriers actually overlap one another. This sounds counterintuitive, because one would be inclined to think that, if signals overlap each other, interference will occur. With OFDM, the subcarriers are mathematically orthogonal to that is, distinguishable from one another, which takes care of the interference concern. Orthogonal in this case means the subcarriers are independent such that there is no interaction between them despite the overlap in frequency. The concept is analogous to having zero inter-symbol interference (ISI) in the time domain. Orthogonality is achieved by spacing the subcarriers at the reciprocal of the symbol period (T), also called symbol duration time. This spacing results in the sinc (sin x/x) frequency response curves of the subcarriers lining up so that the peak of one subcarriers response curve falls on the first nulls of the lower and upper adjacent subcarriers response curves. Orthogonal subcarriers each have exactly an integer number of cycles in the interval T. With OFDM, the concept of a six-megahertz-wide channel no longer is necessary. The previously mentioned NCTA paper includes an example of a downstream OFDM channels bandwidth being as wide as 192 megahertz, supporting some 15,200 subcarriers spaced 12.5 kilohertz apart. Along with the subcarriers are pilot tones for synchronization and other purposes. There are guard bands at each end of the 192- megahertz-wide channel, resulting in a useful bandwidth of 190 megahertz. The useful symbol duration time is 80 microseconds (ÂÂ µs), the reciprocal of which is the previously noted subcarrier spacing: 1/0.000080 second = 12,500 hertz. The total symbol duration time is 84.13 ÂÂ µs, which includes what are called guard interval samples and symbol shaping samples. Assuming 4096-QAM on each subcarrier, the 192- megahertz-wide channel supports 2.11 Gbps without FEC. Other example channel bandwidths discussed are 96 megahertz and 48 megahertz. All of these particular OFDM channel bandwidths are multiples of six and eight megahertz, which allows easier coexistence with todays North American and European channel plans. If the spectrum doesnt have enough room for a full OFDM channel, some of the subcarriers can be nulled, which effectively turns them off. OFDM can be used for multiple access say, as OFDMA in the upstream by assigning different subcarriers to different users. OFDM also can be used in combination with such other multiple access schemes as time division multiple access (TDMA). In this case, the full channel would be assigned to one user at a time, and the multiple access achieved via time division. When combined with TDMA, OFDM can deliver a very high peak-data rate, which may be desirable for some applications. Pros And Cons Advantages of OFDM include the ability to adapt to such degraded channel conditions as severe microreflections without the need for complex adaptive equalization algorithms. One reason for the latter is that a very narrow bandwidth subcarrier typically experiences what is known as flat fading when micro-reflections affect channel response. This is in contrast to a SC-QAM signal that occupies the full channel bandwidth and is susceptible to amplitude ripple (standing waves) across that full bandwidth. Each OFDM subcarrier sees just a tiny portion of the ripple, which for the most part affects only the amplitude of the narrow subcarrier. Compensating for what amounts to little more than an amplitude variation among subcarriers simplifie s the fix. Likewise, the composite OFDM signal is more robust than SC-QAM in the presence of interference. For example, a narrowband ingressor like a pager transmitters signal affects only a few subcarriers rather than taking out the full channel. Depending on the severity of the interference, FEC may be able to deal with it. Alternatively, the OFDM transmitter simply can disable a few subcarriers to avoid narrowband interference on problem frequencies. Inter-symbol interference is generally less of a problem with OFDM because of the low data rate per subcarrier. As discussed earlier, the overlapping nature of OFDMs subcarrier transmission provides high spectral efficiency. If information about the channels condition is sent back to the transmitter by the receiver, then adaptive modulation, FEC and power allocation can be applied to all subcarriers, blocks of subcarriers or even individual subcarriers. In other words, some subcarriers in the channel can use higher orders of modulation than other subcarriers, some subcarriers can have more aggressive FEC, and the power of individual subcarriers can be varied all on an as-conditions-warrant basis. OFDM does have a few disadvantages: It is susceptible to frequency and clock errors, although the pilot carriers that accompany the subcarriers help to mitigate this by providing the receiver a means of synchronization. OFDM has a high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), but a spectrum full of SC-QAM signals does, too. While PAPR-reduction techniques are available for OFDM and OFDMA, they probably wont be necessary in a typical cable network. Some of OFDMs high spectral efficiency is reduced by the use of cyclic prefixes, which help to maintain subcarrier orthogonality. Why Bother? You may be wondering why one would even consider a new PHY for a possible future version of DOCSIS. After all, SC-QAM works well, and channel bonding can be used to significantly increase data throughput. The good news is that OFDM isnt some new-fangled technology without a proved history. It is used in Wi-Fi networks, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), long term evolution (LTE), digital audio broadcasting (DAB), ultra-wideband (UWB) and Europes digital video broadcasting (DVB). A variation of ODFM also is used in asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and very high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL). The previously discussed advantages bring a lot of signal transmission flexibility to the table. When OFDM is combined with more powerful FEC like LDPC, higher orders of modulation can be used within the limits of the channel conditions, of course. Toss in new frequency splits and upper frequency limits seem improving the future DSL systems, supporting far higher data rates than are possible the existing DMT-QAM.

Currency Exposure to Hedging Currency Risks

Currency Exposure to Hedging Currency Risks Hedging Currency Risks at AIFS, we shall now address the many stipulations regarding issues such as currency exposure and hedging decisions of the AIFS Company. Looking at the theory and practices of Archer-Lock within the company, with the information given we shall now analyze and interpret the report of AIFS. Using the financial Instruments of the foreign exchange market, the effect these instruments have on hedging will further be discussed, as well as the result of these instruments on the hedging decision. It is important to note that Becky Tabaczynski, CFO for the groups high school travel division ACIS, portrayed the idea a good hedging result is gained due to good relationships across the board. Whilst in some companies, hedging is considered a financial decision, independent of the business needs here; were trying to match the business needs. Now with the information provided in the case study, combined with knowledge of hedging options, the topic of currency exposure will be discussed. Q1. What gives rise to the currency exposure at AIFS? Currency exposure is the extent to which the future cash flows of an enterprise, arising from domestic and foreign currency denominated transactions involving assets and liabilities, and generating revenues and expenses are susceptible to variations in foreign currency exchange rates (International Federation of Accountants, 2010). Currency exposure at AIFS can be caused by 3 risks: the bottom-line risk, volume risk and competitive pricing risk. These 3 risks happen at AIFS because of the AIFSs hedging policies, so before analysing these 3 risks it is necessary to analyse AIFSs hedging policies. AIFSs Hedging Policies AIFS starts to hedge foreign currencies between 6 months and 2 years before the main pricing date, and uses forward contracts and currency options to hedge currency; the main hedging technique is forward contracts. Then AIFS uses these currencies to pay its customers expense abroad. AIFS charges USD by catalogue-based price from its customers, so no matter how the exchange rates change in the spot market, AIFS never changes its price in that period. AIFS uses forward contract to hedge before it has completed its sales cycle. So AIFS has to predict its business then hedge based on its prediction, but the situation that the number AIFS pays equals to the number AIFS buys is very hard to carry out. When the currencies that AIFS has bought are smaller than it has to pay, AIFS has to buy some more currencies by using currency options. When the currencies it has bought are greater than it has to pay, currency exposure happens. The Bottom- Line Risk Exchange rate is always fluctuant. EURO is one of the main currencies that AIFS needs to hedge. Looking at the graph, the exchange rate between USD and EURO in January was highest in 2010, which was 1.427$/à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬, and the exchange rate in June was the lowest, which was only 1.221$/à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬, the difference between highest and lowest is 0.206à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬/$, so when purchasing large amounts of EURO by using USD, the large difference of price will appear. The main hedging technique of AIFS is forward contracts, so if the exchange rate at the contract date is higher than the exchange rate at the settlement date, AIFS is at a disadvantage (maybe AIFS can choose currency options at this time, but it needs to pay premium, so the cost may be not reduced so much). When this situation happens, AIFSs cost will be higher and it will lose profit. 2010- American Dollars to 1 EUR Average Rates January 1.42721 USD (20 days average) February 1.36857 USD (20 days average) March 1.35685 USD (23 days average) April 1.34095 USD (21 days average) May 1.25653 USD (21 days average) June 1.22085 USD (22 days average) July 1.277 USD (22 days average) August 1.29029 USD (21 days average) September 1.3067 USD (22 days average) October 1.38978 USD (21 days average) November 1.38806 USD (12 days average) From X- rate.com, 2010 The Volume Risk When AIFS uses forward contract to hedge currencies, it doesnt know the number of customers it will get in this period. AIFS has been doing culture and educational exchanges for more than 40 years and got a very good praise and has a large number of customers, every year many young people go abroad via AFIS. Because its so popular, its hard to say how many customers will be increased next time. Also, war, terrorism and policies and other uncertainties will affect peoples mind, these factors will make more people prefer to stay at home rather than go abroad, and in that case the number of customers will be decreased. So its hard to predict the number of customers, its hard to say whether the number of customers will increase or decrease. In negative situations where there will be a lack of customers, the foreign currencies that have been bought will not be used; this is when currency exposure is evident. The Competitive Pricing Risk When AIFS is purchasing and using currencies, its competitors are doing it as well. These companies may contract with banks in lower exchange rates, which makes their charges lower than AIFS and therefore makes AIFS less competitive. Customers may buy currencies from other companies, and so AIFSs currencies cant be sold up and currency exposure happens. The changes of transportation fees (like train, boat, plane ticket), living fees, hotel fees can also give rise to the currency exposure. When these fees reduced, AIFS will pay less and may not use all of the currencies it has bought. According to AIFSs hedging policies, it has to predict the exchange rate fluctuant, the number of customers, which may be different with the final exchange rate and the volume when selling currencies, so the currency exposure happens. The actions of AIFSs competitors may make AIFS less competitive resulting in minimum sales of the currencies bought, further resulting in currency exposure. So the bottom-line risk, the volume risk and the competitive pricing risk will give rise to the currency exposure at AIFS. Also, the changes of fees may cause currency exposure. Q2. What would happen if Archer-Lock and Tabaczynski did not hedge at all? According to the case, The American Institute for Foreign Students (AIFS) organizes students who study abroad and the cultural exchange programs. It has two major divisions which are Archer-Lock managed The Study Abroad College and the High School Travel division, whose finances Tabaczynski managed. The problem faced by AIFS is the revenues of the company are mainly in US dollars, but most of their costs are in British pounds and Euros. AIFS sets guaranteed prices for its exchanges before its final sales figures are known. Therefore, for AIFS, the foreign exchange hedging is the key important area. The managers use currency hedging to protect their bottom line and cope with changes in exchange rates. But if Archer-Lock and Tabaczynski did not hedge at all, it would mean full exposure to the currency risk, the company could lose a lot of money if USD depreciated. Maybe the company can produce good results and have a really good profit when the USD appreciated if they did not hedge at all, as there are no other losses to erase their total revenue. However, they cannot know what the future sales volume and future exchange rate are, and so they may need to face losing a tremendous amount of money if USD depreciated. The cost base of the company would increase, and the revenues in USD will remain the same, this means their profitability would be erased. Also, AIFS needs to preserve their price guarantee policy. If they did not hedge at all, the company may incur losses by following this policy. Moreover, there may be a difference between final sales volumes and projected sales volume, and this exposes the company to having either more or less of the foreign currency depending on the final sales volume. For instance, as we know from the case, every year AIFS expected 25,000 students in their project. If the currency exchange rate decreased to USD 1.01/EUR, the company could save USD 5.25 million, however, if the exchange rate increased to USD 1.48/EUR, the company lose USD 6.5 million. Q3. 100% hedge with option and 100% hedge with forward The data shows above, When 100% hedge with option, currency rate 1.01, and the outcome is higher than total cost, the company can gain the profit. Rate becomes to 1.22 and 1.48, the outcome is lower than total cost, and the company has risk and a loss of money. When 100% hedge with forward, the fixed rate is locked in 1.22, the outcome is 0. That is means no risk and no profit. Q4. Using the forecast final sales volume of 25,000, the following are the possible outcomes relative to the zero impact scenario described in the case. Zero impact happened with rate (1.22) when they use forward contract were the same as project costs. When dollar becomes weak (1.48) it would cause a negative impact by a loss of money. When dollar becomes strong (1.01) it would cause a positive impact through gain of profit. When the USD is strong (1.01), the more options there are to hedge, the lower the cost. When USD is weak (1.48) the more options there are to hedge, the more the cost. Q5) what hedging decision would you advocate? Should we not hedge at all? As AIFS guaranteed its prices would not change before the next catalogue, if the USD goes weak, AIFS need to more USD to pay for its overseas cost ¸ however the price cannot be changed, which means AIFS will lose money. To eliminate this risk, AIFS better hedge. What do you advocate? (Advantages and Disadvantages) The forward contract is a simple arrangement widely used by the companies to manage the exchange rate risk. It can guarantee the amount of currency AIFS would receive in the expiry date of the contract, so it can get larger profits with forward contracts if AIFS count on a favourable exchange rate. The company can also avoid the 5% option premium, but it is not easy to get the counter party who would agree to fix the time period and the future exchange rate which would result in illiquidity. Thus being bilateral private contracts, the forwards have to be executed. The option contract can eliminate the downside risk and being more flexible, it can be seen as a combination of covered interest arbitrage depending on the difference in currency options and interest rates; it gives the company the right to sell or purchase a currency at an agreed exchange rate, but not the obligation. With the option contracts AIFS can hold the currency until the favourable exchange rate arises, so it would be more secure for the company. However, the premium cost is the disadvantage of option, and it has to be paid up front. Both forward contract and option contact work if the company is tight on cash and cannot spend 5% option premium in this case the forwards contract is a better choice. However, if AIFS has sufficient funds and foresees changes in exchange rates, then it should use option. AIFS does not have to exercise the contract when currency moves to unfavourable exchange rates. What happens if sales volumes are lower (10000) or higher (30000) than expected (25000)? According to appendix 3 and 4: The sales volume increase to 30000, exchange rate is 1.01. AIFS Company can gain the profit. Exchange rate is 1.22 and 1.48, AIFS Company exist risk loss the money; but when use 100% forward to hedge Company can avoids risk and there is no profit. The sales volume is decrease to 10000, the total cost is 1000* 10000= à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10000000 There are 3 possible situations that will happen at this time. = 0.4 = 40% According to the calculation above, when AIFSs currency hedge is covered less than 40% of its prediction (it predicts 25000 sales volumes), AIFS needs to buy some more currency to reach à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10000000 by using spot trading rate; when AIFSs currency hedge is covered at 40%, the currency it buys is equal to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬10000000; when the currency hedge covered over 40%, AIFS cant use all of the EUR it has bought, so AIFS has to sell the extra EUR or save them and use them in the next period. 1.48 1.01 10000 30000 Source: AIFS case There will be 4 outcomes with the in the money and out of money positions and high and low sales volume (30000 or 10000). Square 1 shows low sales volume (10000) with strong USD that when the company is out of money (1.01USD/EUR). AIFS has an excess of currency. In this case, if it locked into surplus forward contracts then it would lose money. So the option contract is more favourable. AIFS does not execute the contract, it just lets it expire. In square 2 shows low sales volume (10000) with weak USD, The requirement of the currency is below the projection (25000), and the exchange rate is high (1.48USD/EUR). If AIFS uses forward contract the gain is larger compared to when it uses options contract because the options contract costs 5% of the nominal USD strike price. In square 3 the exchange rate moved out of money (1.01USD/EUR) and the sales go higher (30000) than expected. So AIFS doesnt have to buy euro at higher rate, therefore, the Options contract is better, as the extra volume they need (5000), can be bought at the spot rate. The increase of the Spot and Fixed rates and the difference of the volume of sales are the reason for company loss. The tricky square 4 shows when the exchange rate moved in the money (1.48 USD/EUR) and AIFSs sales volume came in higher (30000) than projections, which means the company need more currency (5000), however, the exchange rate is high. In this case, Forward contracts should be used and the extra volume at the spot rates should be bought. The increase of sales may offset the downside. For companies that work with more than one currency, several hedging techniques are available to guard against foreign exchange fluctuations. After studying and addressing the case study of AIFS, it can be concluded that the changes in fees can be the cause to currency exposure. The fact that the companys revenues are in USD, and costs in GBP and Euros may result in a rise to currency exposure. After analyzing the affects of financial instruments such as forward and option contracts will have on the company, it has been decided that the company would be at a better advantage with Forward contract in order to prevent risks. AIFS charges USD by catalogue-based prices from its customer, and as the company guaranteed the prices will not change, if the rate of the USD decreases then the company will be at a loss as they will have to cover other expenses with the currency they have bought, and in order to prevent this risk, the company would be in a better position if they hedged. REFERENCES: International Federation of Accountants, 2010, http://www.mia.org.my/handbook/guide/imap/imap_3.htm#Business%20Implications [Accessed on 4/11/2010] X-rate.com, 2010, http://www.x-rates.com/d/USD/EUR/hist2010.html [Accessed on 16/11/2010]

Seawater Composition and Salinity :: Tides and Salinity

Using the decanted supernatant solution from the precipitation experiment, a wire loop was dipped into the solution. This loop was stuck in the flame from a Bunsen Burner and heated until a flame appeared. The presence of a bright yellow flame confirmed that Na+ was in attendance. Using a cobalt glass as a filter, the loop was examined and a violet flame was present, showing that K+ was also in the supernatant solution. Testing for NH + This test was carried out using the original solution to avoid contamination of ammonium salts from the other procedures. 0.1M NH4CL and DI water were added to a large well on the micro drop tray before drops of 6M NaOH were added. A piece of red litmus paper was put on top of the well and covered with a watch glass. The appearance of an unmarked blue color, a direct result of the release of NH3 gas, on the paper confirmed the existence of NH4+. The experiment was repeated using seawater instead of the 0.1M NH4CL and DI water combination. ! Quantitative Pre-Gravimetric Set Up Test tubes were obtained and labeled using a bl according to which test the sample was intended for Barium) and what depth the sample was obtained at or bottom).All the test tubes were put in a beaker and an oven at 110˚C for half an hour to dry. Once dry th removed and allowed to cool on a test tube rack, as Figure 1: Test tube rack with test tubes Figure 1, before being weighed and their weights rec Silver Halides Gravimetric Analysis The tests tubes labeled ‘Halides Top’ and ‘Halides Bottom’ were taken and 1mL of seawater was added to each. The test tubes were then weighed and their new weights recorded, before 6M Nitric Acid (HNO3) was added to each to acidify it. 0.1M Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) was introduced, causing a white precipitate to form. The solution was stirred with a glass rod and centrifuges for approximately a quarter of an hour. Once complete, another series of drops of 0.1M AgNO3 were added to ensure complete precipitation and the solution was recentrifuged for several minutes. The supernatant solution was decanted into a wast container and DI water was mixed into the precipitate to clean it. The solution was centrifuged, supernatant decanted, and rinsed with DI water once more before being centrifuged and the aqueous solution decanted for a final time. The test tubes were then returned to the beaker and placed back into the oven to dry for a week.

Short Story :: Free Essays

Short Story Joe stepped out of the revolving doors. His sigh could easily be identified as one of relief. The dreary London rain could be seen disturbing the image of the people on the other side of the road. People's breath could be seen in the cold air. Many people were hurrying down the street armed with umbrellas like they were defending against the invading rain. Joe put up his umbrella and joined the rest of London rushing down the streets. One guy could be seen running down the road cradling what looked like his only belongings in his arms. He was soaked to the skin with the rain his body visible through his wet shirt. He walked directly into Joe and his papers all fell to the floor. He immediately buckled to one knee to retrieve them. He looked up at Joe and stared at him for while with a look of recognition. He stared for a few extra seconds, then picked up his papers and began running again, leaving with so much as an apology. Joe continued walking down the street and for sum unknown reason he was unable to set his mind free of the image of the man that collided with him. Joe called in the newsagent and the lady behind the counter handed him his cigarettes, to which he placed the exact change on the counter, without a word exchanged between the two. He finally arrived at his block of flats; he walked up the four flights of stairs the walked to his room, 403. Rather than take a key out of his pocket Joe reached above the doorway and grabbed the key from there, he placed it into the lock, opened the door and returned the key to its home. He then switched the light on. The room was plain, simple and more than anything run down. There were only enough utilities for a persons basic needs. The walls were undecorated and damp marks were visible, there were three certificates on the wall, apart from that, they were

Organizational Behavior (Work-Related Stress)

| Organizational Behavior| a) What are the major sources of work-related stress? b) Examine the role of gender in work-related stress| | | | Adnan Malik – H00133313 Chris Andrew D’Silva – H00115516 Muhammad Mohsin – H00114888 Muhammad Hammad Malik – 091616937 Word Count: 2200 Date: 27/10/2012 | This essay aims to discuss major sources of work-related stress and provide an analysis of the reasons that cause stress among both males and females, and whether similarities exist between them. So, what is stress? Comprehensively, stress is a typical instinctive reaction to situations that make one feel pressured or agitated in any way.For instance, when a person senses any sort of threat, he/she delivers an automatic stress response or the â€Å"fight or flight† reaction. Thus, this reaction is the body’s means to protect themself. Moreover, stress can help a person to remain attentive and focussed during their course of work, and aid them to complete tasks or meet deadlines. In case of an emergency, stress can also help one defend or protect their life. Beyond a particular level however, stress is no longer helpful and begins to cause damage to one’s health, productivity and lifestyle (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2000).Therefore, it is important to determine when one undergoes stress, the reasons for it as well as the many ways through which, they can cope with it. All this can improve their psychological and mental well-being significantly. As identified by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) using Palmer Et Al and Cary Cooper’s developments of the working models of work-related stress, there are six significant likely sources of stress or stressors at a work place in general.These are: work demands, work relationships, a person’s control over work, an individual’s role within an organization, career development and the interface between home and work. To begin wit h, work demands and physical demands consist of stressors that are constitutive to the job. These include working environments, workload (overload and underload), working hours and even technology to a certain extent. Working environments: It is obvious that undesirable working settings such as workplaces with high levels of noise, bad lightings or extreme temperature can stress workers and down their performances.Furthermore, this can give rise to mental as well as physical illnesses or disorders. Workload: employees usually endure a surplus of workload (work overload) or a deficit of workload (work under load). The two are quantitative and qualitative by nature and may result in elevated stress levels. Quantitative overload relates to circumstances wherein workers are required to do a lot more work in a stipulated time period and qualitative overload refers to situations in which workers believe that they would be unable to perform required tasks because they lack the ability or e xpertise needed.Likewise, quantitative and qualitative work under load also leads to stress, although, it may not be so evident. Quantitative under load occurs when workers tend to get bored as a result of having very little work with a lot of available time. Whereas qualitative under load relates to an employee’s feeling of reduced motivation due to their dull or monotonous job routine. Working hours: working for long hours can lead to stress; diminishing a worker’s productivity and consequently lead to mental or physical ill-health.A recent study states that working for 11 hours a day can increase possibilities of a heart disease due to high stress levels. The study features at the same level to individuals who smoke; individuals who have high cholesterol levels and even individuals with high blood pressure. Technology: similarly, reports have revealed that excessive use certain information technology (IT) in companies by its employees can also cause negative physiol ogical as well as psychological problems. Secondly, maintaining good, healthy relationships with superiors, subordinates and co-workers are very important at a work place.Frequent conflicts, trust issues, aggravation and oppression are all factors expected to elevate stress levels. Besides this, in most cases, when individuals meet successes, they tend to abandon their ties with colleagues, friends and behaviour. This theory is called ‘status incongruity’. Undergoing such a negative transformation could lead to damaging effects, psychologically as well as physically. Further to this, an individual’s control over his/her work is another source of stress. Basically, it is a person’s authority and way in which they perform given tasks.High levels of stress are usually linked with low levels of one’s control over their job and vice versa. Fourthly, the individual’s role within an organisation: a prime cause of stress that is associated with the à ¢â‚¬Ëœjob role’ of an individual along with the demands made upon him/her. There are a number of ways through which this source of stress is one most workers usually face. These are: Role Conflict: a form of social conflict initiated by a person being obliged to play discrete and mismatched roles.Conflict of roles can arise at an individual level, wherein one person is required to take on separate roles for diverse groups, or in a workplace in which a person is needed to comply with several roles in one particular group. For example, an individual who undertakes the role of a worker as well as a supervisor endures role conflict. Role obscurity: this usually arises when a person lacks clarity about a job and is uncertain about the anticipated manner in which he/she should conduct themselves.For example, people generally tend to be quite stressed on the first day of work because they are not fully certain of their responsibilities or the way the company operates. Both role obsc urity and role conflict are highly related to increased stress levels and further lead to reduced levels of job satisfaction. Accountability for others and managerial stress: people who are accountable for other people in a workplace often suffer from increased stress compared to others. People responsible for this are usually managers or supervisors.For example, some managers of companies are responsible for the actions of their subordinates. They have to look into motivating and satisfying them in order to safeguard the interests of the company. Apart from this they’re personalities generally demand them to be very competitive, pressurized and contentious and such characteristics can prove damaging to their physical and mental state. Another potential stressor is the development of one’s career: an imperative source of stress that talks about job insecurity, over-promotion and under-promotion, acquisitions and mergers and occupational locking-in.Job insecurity: in mo st cases, an individual’s risk of losing his/her job or being unemployed is directly linked with various illnesses and health problems. Over-promotion & under-promotion: over-promotion refers to a situation in which an employee acquires responsibilities that surpass their abilities and skills and the latter refers to a situation, wherein an individual is not given enough responsibilities that meet his/her ability. Both such circumstances can lead to significant levels of stress and furthermore deteriorate a person’s psychological state. Acquisitions and mergers: these affect both executives (managers, directors etc. and subordinates who are then required to conform to the rules, objectives and manners of the new establishment. Occupational locking-in: this circumstance arises when a person is unable to shift from their current job. Lastly, the work and home interface, also known as the balance between work and life is a major source of work related stress that comprise s of events that take place external to the work place of an individual but embarks negative effects on his/her conduct at work. These events may be concerns associated to family, financial problems and opposing personal and company views.Role of gender in work-related stress: According to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, stress is what we feel when we have to respond to a demand on our energy. Stress is a natural part of life, and occurs whenever there are significant changes in our lives, whether positive or negative. There are many situations that cause stress such as financial worries, work overload, unemployment, relationships, parenting, balancing work and family, caregiving, health problems, losses, holidays, competitiveness, peer pressure and lack of time (Canadian Mental Health Association, n. d. ).Workplace stress according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that can result from conflicts between job demands on the employee and the amount of control an employee has over meeting these demands (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and safety, 2000). Hoel, Zapf & Cooper have explained the reasons of workplace stress developing due to changing environments. They state that during the 1980’s work environments were transformed by globalization, privatization, process re-engineering, mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances and joint ventures.With time a situation known as ‘burnout’ occurred. In the 1990’s the workplace suddenly changed. Firms started to downsize, delayer and flatten. As a result redundancy and organizational change occurred. Technology started shaping in which has increased the work pace and caused information overload. Consequently job intensification and work insecurity occurred (Hoel et al. , 2002). When it comes to gender, there are a number of wants both male and female desire. For males it is higher pay in order to increase their standard of living, and promotions to boost their status in society.What is more they require recognition for their work and more leisure time to be able to fulfil household commitments. On the other hand, for females they want to have flexible work timings since they take care of children and perform house duties. Moreover, they desire to work in an environment where they are supported and taken care of. As a result of this, they remain loyal to their job. Also, they want to work in a decent reputable firm where their ideas are appreciated and implemented which in turn increases their job performance.Lastly, they demand respect and trust from fellow subordinates. There are a number of reasons why individuals both male and female get work related stress. A detailed analysis of the factors that causes stress for both genders will be presented. For females, one factor that causes stress is balancing both life and work. This is difficult and tough to mana ge. The reason is due to being away from home and spending long hours at the office which causes them to miss their family and children. Another cause is procrastinating.This refers to leaving the project or assignment to the last minute which results in high levels of anxiety, tension and worry. Also, over-committing is another reason. This means that one has to try and think how he/she will fulfil least important priorities before moving onto the top priority tasks. In addition to this not setting priorities can cause high levels of stress. This means that the individual would feel that he/she is overworking. Both mental and physical overload occurs. Poor relationships with co-workers and subordinates can also be a contributing reason of stress. Without good elationships, assignments will be difficult to complete, teamwork is limited and strained, and it will be difficult to get assistance when required. Poor communication is another cause of stress. This refers to information bei ng misinterpreted, not understood; details omitted, which causes confusion, and re doing the work all over again. Lastly confusion on where certain documents are located is a factor for stress occurring. As a result of all these factors, women are more likely to report burnout, stress-related illness, or a desire to leave their jobs (International Labour Organization, 2001).In the case of males, job insecurity is one factor that causes stress. Due to economic changes and pressures the working environment is gradually decreasing over time. This is caused by reorganizations, mergers, takeovers; downsizing and other changes have become major players in creating stress. Moreover, higher demand of performance by chief operating officers is another factor. As employees get promoted there is a greater amount of workload, extremely long hours to work and high expectations all cause them to be both physically and mentally drained. Advanced technology is another reason.Managers expect that al l workers should increase productivity, speed and efficiency in completing their tasks. This is difficult for staff as they are under increased amounts of pressure. Adjusting to the new workplace can be a challenge to newer staff. This includes learning the proper styles of communication and getting to know co-workers, supervisors and bosses. This in turn causes stress. Lastly, personal problems are also another reason for stress. If there are difficulties at home, individuals tend to carry their issues to the workplace which leads them to being unfocused, depressed and having a lack of motivation to work.On comparing the reasons of stress for both males and females it can be noted that men tend to show physical deterioration as a response to stressful situations whereas women generally exhibit psychological symptoms (Wichert, 2002). To prevent stress in the workplace, companies adopt some methods. One method is to provide fitness and wellbeing programs such as reduced gym membershi p rates, playing sports, team building exercises, and providing play areas for mothers’ children. Also, by organizing company events, parties and social gatherings employees can enjoy themselves, have fun, and develop new relationships with ew people. In conclusion, stress cannot be totally prevented at the workplace but can be significantly reduced if the firms decide to implement stress-reducing measures such as fitness programs and fun, social events and team building exercises. Regardless of gender, both men and women tend to have work related stress but the level of stress for females is relatively higher than males mainly due to domestic responsibilities. Bibliography: Aziz, S. and Cunningham, J. (2008). Workaholism, work stress, work-life imbalance: exploring gender's role.. Gender in Management [online]. 23, p. 553-566.Available from: ;http://ezproxy1. hw. ac. uk:2147/journals. htm? articleid=1752041;. [Accessed 25 October 2012]. Melanie, B. (2005). Stress in the Work place: A General Overview of the Causes, the Effects, and the Solutions. Workplace Stress [online]. 1, p. 1-44. Available from: ;http://www. cmhanl. ca/pdf/Work Place Stress. pdf;. [Accessed 25 October 2012]. How to Keep Control Over the Work Environment  [online]. (2009). Available from: ;http://www. exforsys. com/career-center/personal-excellence/keep-control-over-the-work-environment. html;. [Accessed 25/10/2012]. Stress at Work  [online]. 2004). Available from: ;http://www. theworkfoundation. com/downloadpublication/report/69_69_stress_at_work. pdf;. [Accessed 24/10/2012]. Stress at a workplace  [online]. (2007). Available from: ;1. http://www. hse. gov. uk/research/hsl_pdf/2003/hsl03-02. pdf;. [Accessed 26/10/2012]. Bloomberg (2011). Stress  [online]. Available from: ;http://www. bloomberg. com/news/2011-0†¦ tudy-says. html;. [Accessed 26/10/2012]. Howard Kahn (2011). Organizational Behavior. UK: Heriot Watt. Available from: ;/webapps/blackboard/execute/launcher? t ype=Course;id=_65776_1;url=;. [Accessed 24/10/2012].

World heritage at malacca

Melaka is one of the historic cities built along the Straits of Melaka. The city has been developed over 500 years of the mixture of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West traders. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. With its government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications, Melaka demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 1 5th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century.The Stadthuys was one of the official residences for the Dutch Governor but now has become one of the famous attractions for visitors from all over the world. The legacy of the Dutch is still very much alive and felt in Malacca in a form of a red building called the Stadthuys. It used to be the administrative centre of successive governments but now it is a history museum. The Stadthuys can be easily found as it is Just b eside the Christ Church. Opposite the Stadthuys is the famous Jonker Street visited by many tourists.The Stadhuys is an evidence of a fine Dutch architecture. The building is so firmly made that even with little alteration and maintenances, it still stands firmly and upright. This shows that the Dutch had a great knowledge about the making of architecture. There are many tourists' shops along the walls of the Stadhuys. From the roof of the Stadhuys, one can see a great view of the Christchurch. The Stadthuys was built between 1641 and 1660 on the ruins of a fort which belongs to the Portuguese. It is believed that the Stadthuys is the oldest Dutch building in the East.This massive red building displays all the common features of the Dutch colonial architecture which includes substantial solid doors and louvered windows. Since its completion to 1980, the Stadthuys was used as the administrative centre of successive governments for a period of 300 years. It was in 1982 when the Stadth uys was converted into a history museum which exhibits Malacca's history starting from the great Malay Sultanate and the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonization till the present day.This building also has his history in the field of education, which in the 19th century during the British rule, a school run by the clergy known as the Malacca Free School was built in the yard Stadhuys Building. When the free education given by the English school. However most of the students in the school is composed of the children of the wealthy Chinese. Historical records show a letter dated 19 April 1825, stating the need to set up an English school in Malacca. The letter was sent to the council signed by a representative of the church, Mr.J. Humprey , JW Overee and A. W. Baumgarten . The school finally opened on December 7, 1826 with only 18 students. Malacca Free School Principal was Mr TH Moore. Soon the number of students at the school increased to 200. Study time from 9 am to 12 noon and f rom 2pm connected to 4 pm. Number of Malay students at that time not many because most parents send their children to Malay schools or religious schools. Although the language of instruction is English, other languages such as Malay, Portuguese and Chinese are also taught.In August 1878, the British government took over the administration ot the schools ot the clergy and called Malacca High School or High School Malacca. The new principal is Mr. A. Armstrong. In 1931, Malacca High School moved to its new site in Jalan Chan Koon Cheng until now. The building now houses the Museum of History and Ethnography. Daily display of this museum is a traditional wedding dress and artifacts from the heyday of Malacca. In conclusion, all the history past made the Stadthuys had been chosen as one of the world heritage.