The Nature Of Reality Essay Example for Free

The Nature Of man EssayWhat is reality? Throughout the history of mankind it seems that we feel all been searching for the answer to this question. The spirit of reality can non be explained in a way that will satisfy us all. I believe that the nature of reality is lies within the mind of apiece of us. What is reality for one person is not reality for another. Reality is based on individual perception, and the evolution of each person. What I mean by this is that each person goes through a type of evolution in his/her life where the mind begins to develop a high aw beness. Most of us begin to realize that there is more to the process of life than being born, aging, and dying. Greek philosopher, Thales thought that beneath the world of life and death there must be some basic substance which explained and made possible everything else, (The Ionian School, undated website article). Many of us begin to believe that we are much more than our physical bodies. And that leaving our bodies through death is not the end of our existence. Our life force, energy, or soul will plow to live on a different level or dimension. Of course, believing in a sort of life after death is a major topic of debate. Philosophers continue to ponder if this could be reality, Christians structure their lives around this belief, and scientist argue that reality is only that which can be proven. Clearly, the mere fact that one believes in and lives by something is not of itself sufficient evidence that that something has real, as distinct from fictional, existence that, intellectually, it makes sense, as distinct from nonsense, (Somerville, 1967). I believe that just because we cant prove something through acquisition does not mean that something cant exist. For example, well-know psychics seem to be able to communicate with the dead, and predict future events often with amazing accuracy. Even ordinary muckle who have had near-death experiences insist that there is something more, and often claim to have seen the other side of physical life. Therefore, I believe that the nature of reality is different for everyone. And the hush-hush to reality is in our own minds. I believe that what will be real in our lives, will be that which is real in our minds.ReferencesSomerville, J. (1967). The Nature of Reality Dialectical Materialism. In The Philosophy of Marxism An Exposition (pp.3-32). Minneapolis Marxist Educational Press.The Ionian School. Retrieved February 24, 2007, from http//www.hol.gr/greece/texts/aristo.1txt.

The Impact of Technology on Marketing in Nigeria Essay Example for Free

The Impact of Technology on selling in Nigeria EssayWith a few exceptions, available publications tends to uphold the view that engineering science has expire a universally relevant concept in every railway line organization. Some argue that a self-consistent and positive blood exists between marketing and Technology. This paper therefore, proposes that with its effects on marketing, organizations and practitioner can create a symbiotic relationship between merchandise and Technology with the ultimate objective of sustaining or improving current marketing f areances of these organizations. Our focus is to examine engineering (ies) and it(s) effect on marketing activities and decisions. INTRODUCTIONDrucker, (1980), discover that the business environment of the recent past has been characterized by turbulence. This has resulted on the reassessment of the growth prospects of various industries as well as dramatic upheavals in the proportional positions of firms within t hese industries. The causes of these changes are numerous but it is by immediately apparent that a major cause of this upheaval is engine room.Although technology has been ignored in most(prenominal) traditional considerations of economic or managerial behavior, it is no longer taken for granted. It has even risen to the forefront in debates on world and national economic policies and on the future of specific industries and markets. This paper attempts to examine the issues associated with technology in marketing and its impact not so much as in basis of the quantity of work and time employed to do the work, but rather in terms of the quality of the activity in marketing and its contributions.Today, marketers use technology to improve the quality of returns and services offering. These wise and evolving technologies coupled with increase management sophistication sustain transformed marketing from the creative art of yesterday into a true business discipline of today. In ad dition, it has resulted in ripenings that have provided important teaching and opportunities that have helped to meet customer needs and helped organizations to serve their customers better. Examples are scientific knowledge, re depend, inventions and innovations that result in current or improved goods and services, advances in manufacturing technology, improvements in distribution, better pricing techniques, etcetera Most recently, the lucre, an extensive global network of computes have made the distance between marketers, suppliers, and customer even shorter than what it use to be. In essence, we provide discuss technology and merging aspects as they affect marketing practices and decisions. description OF applied scienceThe Advance Learners Dictionary described technology as the application of practical or mechanical sciences to industry or commerce and the methods, theory and practices brass such applications. An attempt to adopt this opinion will focus attention on ma chines and equipments in business. Technology has become more abstract, and its background more fixated that earlier thought.Pareauct and McCarthy (2003) opined that technology is the application of science to convert an economys resources to output. This only assumes that technology in business is a conversion process that enables firms to function available resources in new ways. Again, we see it as the application of science in the production and services. This also excludes auxiliary services in business.The definition of Bateman and Sneel (1999), seems to be more appropriate to describe technology in marketing. They see technology as the methods, process, system and skills used to transform resources into products and services. This results in the commercialization of science by the systematic application of scientific knowledge to business products, process or services. Jobber (2000) seems to confirm the above definition by outlining the following factors as important to t echnology in marketing. They are technology, methods, process systems and skillsa.Technology As the method, process, system and skill that enable an organization to acquire, analyze and use the vast union of selective information involved in managing its resources and customers. The technology needs to deliver the right information about the right customer at the right time so that the business can achieve its role in managing its resources and customers effectively, and efficiently. b.Method For the technology to be effective there is a need for an understanding of the values, attitudes and behavior of various customers, prospects and stakeholders in the marketing process. This will help the organization to focus on such areas as the effective retention and acquisition of business customers for its long benefits.c.Process Everything should be in a series of actions directed to provide a clear and consistent process for managing customer relations unavoidable to be developed and reviewed in the light of ever-changing customer needs and requirements in modern times. d.Systems The technology should be able to provide some interacting elements that will form a collective entity. The implementation of the plans and processes that will deliver the value proposition to customer in every transaction must be synchronized and coordinated. e.Skills The skills expected should involve special ability to perform in a given task. Key elements such as organizational structure should support effective customer management, role identification, training requirements for resources and employee satisfaction.The above factors are crucial to an organizations ability to adapt to evolving technologies that may affect marketing technologies. Nickels, et al (1999), observed that technology in business has often changed call and roles over time. It started as data processing, information system, information technology virtualization and now to knowledge technology. This must have in fluenced Heineke (2003) to highlight of four stages in technology development as system-centric, PC-centric, Network Centric and Information Centric.Whatever the stage, the fact remains that technology in business or marketing has not reduced the amount of work but rather significantly changed the type of work performed by people in organizations. It has not replaced human labor, but induced deep and let changes in marketing environment. As technology affects the realm of marketing, as used in everyday life, its impact increases. This impact consists in not only a shift to different type of activities in business but also an encompassing effect on marketing in terms of quality. This quality is achieved by offering more comfort to customers as well as increasing the smoothness, user friendliness and efficacy in the performance of marketing activities.Generally, as technology in marketing advances, it might be possible to foresee some more enduring trends in marketing activities. The focus would then be on future issues on how to improve the quality of products and services provided by marketing for years to come.MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGYAs stated above, technology has passed through with(predicate) cleared stages. The history of marketing also shows very specific phases of growth from distribution, merchandizing, salesmanship, branding, advertising, database marketing to one on one marketing (Menton 2003). There existed a symbiotic relationship between technology and marketing. For example, from the early days of transportation, coming of radio, television, to computers networks. The effect of this relationship has been the steady reduction of the distance between the firm and the consumer.All these stages were greatly influenced in part by better and faster ways of doing business. As a business activity, marketing is facing a new and more complex environment. Technology, which affects this environment, has become very dynamic and highly volatile. Marketing a nd technology have become two of the most important aspects of either modern business. They share the skills and resources that are needed to force play a successful and profitable enterprise.TECHNOLOGIES AFFECTING MARKETINGTechnology has been acknowledged as one of the most dynamic factors affecting business of today. It has cover a myriad of applications that have potentially and dramatically impacted existing markets and different participants in the marketing activities like final consumers, sellers, seller of complementary service, intermediaries, information providers and business competitors. There is an unending and rapid advance in technologies that have led to amazing growth in knowledge technology.There are appear technologies that have shown their usefulness given impressive declines in cost. The emerging and enduring technology in marketing as outlined by Shugan (2008), are i.Search and Engines The mesh now provides a wide motley of services for finding websites se llers, service people, product information, archival information, messages, reviews, announcements and search engines. The search engines are integral parts of the internet as a distribution channel. They help to disseminate information about products, brands and services of many firms. They allow for selected information, narrow buyers choice, increased assortment and targeting of particular items and customers. Examples of these search engines are www.google.com, ww.yahaoo.com www.msn.com www.ask.com, etc. ii.Biometrics and Smartcards Biometric is the automated identification of a person made by comparisons of physical physiology or behavioral traits to digital template.This technology provides an effective shaft for countering undesirable arbitrage and provides the ability to identify a buyer from those only observing a buy. It also allows consumers to buy in advance and consumer later. On the new(prenominal) hand, smart cards are credit cards that contain chips with informatio n on individual consumer. The cards allow users to both identify themselves and communicate snobbish information. This technology has facilitated the Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and credit cards that have redefine the concept of place in marketing. ii.Mobile or Wireless Access Devices This technology involves loosely the use of mobile phones and other Personal Digital Assistants popularly called PDAs, to access information from the internet about products and services. Their emolument includes, ubiquity, reach ability, gimmick, security and privacy and personalization. The technology includes Short Messages Services (SMS), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and 3G a new generation of mobile service.iv.Interactive Digital idiot box This offers similar facilities like the internet but provided with a simpler interface that can be operated from a remote control. It allows for distribution, information and participation interactive ness. T his includes Asynchronous reassign Mode, and Personal Communication services. v.M-Commerce and GPS Tracking Mobile commerce (M-commerce) is the use of various information and communication technologies that allow the mobile exchange of information. It includes the use of a variety of devices such as mobile phones, wireless internet, and personal digital assistants. With the Global Positioning System (GPS), these devices can enable the users to determine their precise location on the earth surface. When it is linked to communication and computational components, they can transmit, locate and do location-based computation.They can be used to identify buyers and when it is inked to inventory system, could help to find the approximate outlet for a particular product or service. vi.Enhanced Computational Speed There is a remarkable increase in computing power. This has obviously spanned an enormous, figure of speech of opportunities for marketing. The increase in speed allows sellers of products and services to use sophisticated tools to analyze traditional database and continue to improve targeting strategies. These databases include information on automobiles, biomedical equipments, distribution devices, communication system, basic office equipments, etc. Business customers can now visit websites like visiting stores and even do their shopping on-line.THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON MARKETING IN NIGERIAThe market place which is the interest of marketers is not what is use to be. Technology has shaken the foundation of marketing in several diaphanous and profound ways. It has unnatural marketing and marketing functions in Nigeria the following ways.Technology has allowed for the personalization of direct marketing activities and effects. Postal telecommunication and electronic correspondence can now be addressed specifically to individual customers. This has put the consumers in control, by giving the power of choice to them. Consumers can now get marketing messa ges where they compulsion them and how they want them and most importantly, if they want them at all.Again, technology has also changed the media landscape. It is the foundation for the introduction of a vast array of new media alternatives. This has increased the reach and targeting power of marketers through the evolution and development of the internet, pod casting, blogging, I-pod and mobile technology. This has made it possible for a sponsor of an advertising message to select millions of messages and narrow cast any of them to millions of different individuals. It has changed how companies communicate with their customers and made marketing more scientific in the country.Furthermore, technology has completely transformed the measurement platform. That which was once considered to be beyond the scope of quantification has bowed to the reality that everything can fact be measured no matter how challenging or complex. This has helped to capture customer trends and behaviors in d atabases. Marketing strategists to define new markets, segment markets and plan marketing actions then apply these databases.Technology has crested a paradigm shift in marketing, which is referred to as Customer relationship Management (CRM). This marketing-led approach helps to combine relationship marketing, direct marketing and data based marketing to build and sustain long-term business with customers. This seeks to establish long-term committed, trusting and cooperative relationship with customers that is characterized by openness, genuine concern for the delivery of high quality goods and services, responsiveness to customers. It suggests fair dealings and the marketers willingness to sacrifice short-term advantage for long-term gain. Technology provides the very foundation for effective customer relationship management in Nigeria.In addition, technology has become sustenance in a very short period and it has dramatically changed how consumers live their lives and how marketer s need to address their customers. The influence of technology has grown into a macro-cultural shift in all aspects of society. This has affected the behaviors of consumer in all segments, of every society. It has helped to build product or service communities. An information gathering process that aims to access primary target groups and develop an evangelistic community of customers for a firms products and services across the country.It has further widened the range of goods and services available to consumers and impact on companies promotion strategies. Components such as internet, CD-ROMs, etc enables buyer and sellers to interact on-line. They provide facilities that can be used to identify sales leads, conduct web-based marketers to make tough choices about how to spend marketing currency and have shortened the window of time necessary to prove marketing success to business management and other stakeholders in Nigeria.An emerging definition of convenience in the country in cludes anytime, anywhere, anyway delivery of easy to use products and services. Electronic delivery of products and services has helped to create networks of websites and customers who sell, resell and recommend products and services offerings to their friends and other customers through these facilities. This has led to affiliate marketing across Nigeria.Finally, break through in technology have enabled the marketing of service that were until recently considered impractical in the country. The digitisation of data content has brought new capabilities to interactive services and facilitated the creation of completely new classes of data. This is allowing an unimaginable quantity of information to be pumped into households via Internet, interactive devices, etc. This has facilitated the development of rich interactive services by marketers and marketing practitioners in the country.CONCLUSIONTechnology affects marketing in two basic ways, i.e new product/services and new processes o f doing things in marketing. This technology is changing both the internal and external landscape of marketing. These forces of change facilitated by new and emerging technologies suggests a new emphasis of marketing as a strategic way of doing business has changed. Given this imperative of change, those responsible for marketing decisions in Nigeria must learn new ways to respond to the new business concept of survival of the fastest.REFERENCESAgbonifoh B.A. et al (2007) Marketing in Nigeria 2nd adaptation Concept, Principles and Decisions Afri Tower Books Aba-NigeriaBergen, Mark Shantanu Dutta, Steven M. Shugan 1999 Variants A Retail Perspective J. Marketing Res.Bob Lipdice (2008) Reinrenty Marketing an Introduction http//ana.bliogs.cpm/hodice12006/01/reinrenty-mar.htmlCapon and Rashi Glazer (2008)Marketing and Technology. A Strategic Coalignment http/www.7stor.orlistor/giftotdirCarson, Paula Phillips, Patricia A. Lanier, Kerry David Carson, Betty J. Birkenmeier (1999). A Histori cal Perspective on delirium Adoption and Abandonment J. Management History 5(6) 320-333Craver D.W and Piercy N.F (2003)Strategic Marketing 7th translation McGraw Hill, IrwinDave Chaffey Private Limited, New Delhi et al (2003) Internet Marketing 2nd Edition Strategy Implementation and Practice (FT) Prentice Hall, HarlowDavid Jobber (2004) Principles and Practice of Marketing 4th Edition, McGraw Hill LondonEliashbery, Jehoshua, Steven M. Shugan (1997)Film Critics Influencers or Predictors? J. Marketing 61(2) 68-78Friar, John H.R Balachandra (1999) catching the Customer for Emerging Technologies Res. Tech. Management 42(4) 37-44How Technology will Save Marketing http//www.iaffekuice.comHuber, Peter (2000) The Death of Old Media. Wali Street J. (January 11) A. 26Hwang-Aim Sook (2004) Integrating Technology Marketing and Management Innovation Research Technology Management, Amore Pacific Corp. South KoreaIyer, Ganesh, David Soberman (2000) Marketing for crossing Modification Informati on Marketing do. 19(3) 203-22 Kotler P. (2003) Marketing Management 11th Edition Prentice-Hill of IndiaLouderback, Jim (2004) GPS High-Tech Lost and Found Extremetech (August 9) 1McCarty, E. Jerome (1964) Marketing A Management Approach, Richard D. Irwin, Homewood, IIN. Nohia and J. Bekly (1994) An Action Perspeative The Crux of the New Management. Calfornia Management Review Pg 70-92 risque A. Mirphy (2008) Where Marketing Meets TechnologyPerreauet W. D. and Mccarthy E.J. (2003)Essentials of Marketing. A Global Managerial Approach. McGraw Hill, Irwin BostonRovenpor, Janet (2003)Explaining the E-Commerce she did so many Internet-Based Business Fail? E-se 53-77Shugan Steven, M. Jinhon Xie (2004) Advance Selling, California Management Rev. 46(3) 37-54Shugan Steven, M. Larry Winner (1999) Product Review Marketing Strategy. Working Paper, University Gainesville FLTellis, Gerard J. Stefan Stremersch, Eden Yin (2003) Titional take off ofNew Products. The Role of Economic and Country Inno vativeness Marketing Set 22(2).The Impact of E-Business on Marketing and Marketing. http//www.cim.co.uk/knowledgehub/marketingknowledgeTrends that will Impact Marketing in 2005 http//www.dexigner.com/designnews1679.htmlWinkler A. (2008)Warp-Speed Brandy. The Impact of Tech on Marketing Editorial Daviews http//www.amagon.comWu, Dazhong Gautam Ray, Xianjun Geng. Andrew W. (2004) Implications of Reduced Search Cost and First E-commerce Marketing Set 23(2) 255-262

The Role Of Mass Media In Gender Roles

The Role Of Mass Media In Gender RolesGender intents be very significant to an undivided as they determine whether someone is male or young-bearing(prenominal) and therefore it can be said to be the attitudes and behaviors that a social occasionicular society expects from an individualistic or member of that society. The grammatical sexual urge roles within different communities whitethorn vary depending on the expectations that a particular society expects of its individuals. For instance the grammatical gender roles that the society expects from its citizens has staggeringly changed over the past decade and such changes have really affected relations at work, home, school and all Americans at large. This paper seeks to expound on the role of wad media in the development of gender roles.When talking closely gender role formation and development, slip away and minute definitions of the term sex or gender, need to be perfectly known and what makes sexuality to differ from g ender roles is that the latter is usually influenced externally through various social f bringors while the style sex represents the actual physical composition of individuals that describe them as male or female. Gender role mainly occurs during the childhood to the adolescence phase and what one chooses affects him/her throughout his life. At times situations may arise where one is non at peace with his identity.The strongest influence for the formation of gender role argon the parents as they are our first teachers on earth and are the ones responsible for teaching children basic things such as walking, talking also attitudes and behavior for instance they tend to reserve the boy child to try different things unlike the girls as there is fear for their safetyPeer pressure can also contribute to reinforcing the traditionalistic gender roles. This clearly arises when children tend to tease those that that are not fitting to the usual traditional roles which they are normally ex posed to. For instance it is vividly clear that a girls color is pink therefore a boy spotted having a pink item will be teased therefore being forced to hate the colorMass media and gender roles formationIntroductionTelevision for a long time has been a tool in promoting the stereotypes of gender roles and tends to show them as being natural. The television industry is usually male dominated therefore most of what is produced tends to take a male perspective therefore bringing slightly male gaze. Through such productions girls get to learn that this is a mans world and hence they get to change their personalities. It is a very almighty and highly influential means to make and communicate gender equality and gender culture of society are pickle media technologies which have become an internal part of individual daily lives and culture in the world over (Craig, 2003, p.93). The mass media are able to genuinely make legal gender ideas and ism shaped by gender politics and belief s, and to increase the likelihood or chance of their reception by the general audiences.The mass informs and also gives great joy and full entertainment. It is a dominant influence in distinguishing the roles of men and women in a civilized world. Morley in his work opines that, The younger generations are especially influenced by its depiction of gender roles. Even though television has improved very well in its representation of gender, women are still stereotype in accomplished roles, and under-represented, while men are revealed or seen as dominant figures (Lawrence, 2004, p.28). Generally, women are known to be mothers whiles men are depicted as the bread winners of the family.Advertisements by the mass mediaIn mass media advertisements, sex stereotyping tends to be at its greatest because the intended audiences are normally either male or female. Men are seen in further occupations than women women are seen generally as house-keepers and mothers. Men have greater possibiliti es to be seen advertising car companies or marketing products women are largely advertising household products. Men are much likely to be shown outside or in a big business backgrounds women in home(prenominal) settings. Men are more often seen to represent authority. Craig writes, As far as advertisement is concern, with older men gaining more authority than the younger men, at the same time as women seem to fade away. Television and tuner commentary represent the interpretations of what is actually seen by the initiator of the TV or radio program me (Craig, 2003, p.82). These commentary or voice over is the tone of power or authority. A recent figure shows that television commentary majorly male. Even though the number of female voice-overs in recent years has been on the rise, women still engage in their regular, domestic products and feminine care products advertisement. Male voice-overs are more likely to be linked with a far wider variety of products.Influence of TV gender imagesThere is a general agreement that the mass media act as very significant agents of interaction, in cooperation with the family unit and peers, and it contribute to ensuring the gender roles are shaped effectively. Without doubt, at individuals level, it is normally learnt to be male or female this does not come naturally and the mass media helping in making such roles seem as if they are normal. And there is no doubt that the mass presents influential, compelling images of gender. It has been shown that m any(prenominal) male individuals spend most of their time with male role-models on the television. But television as a means of socializing is not accountable for shaping the gender roles of individuals. There is abundance of instances of gender-typed conducts around the world today. An exceptional involvement of the television may be to present clear examples of models seen in a larger world than that which is more honestly experienced domestically and the locality. Wherev er they get their thoughts from, by the age of about eight, it seems that most kids develop precise and definite stereotypes about what the sexes can perform or cannot accomplish. Most individuals tend to see the mass media as unavoidably socializing children into customary stereotypical roles, because of the commonness or popularity of such images on the television and the importance attribute to them by children (Donna, 2010, p.35). On the other hand, such records tend to overrate the power of mass media and depreciate the multiplicity of ways in which people mostly children tend to handle their lifes experiences. Most television images of boys, girls, men and women are more different and less trim than such arguments suggest. In the world today, the television offers conflicting images which can be understood in several ways, and viewers are far more active interpreters than the inactive recipients suggested by such records.Craig states that, The prospective influence of the television may be greatest during teenage years (between 12 and 18), since at this phase gender plays such a significant role in social life. At this juncture prevailing gender pictures on TV may tend to spike and support traditional expectations among adolescents, thus bringing to mind role variances (Craig, 2003, p.90). Some individuals speculate that the space between a teenager self-concepts and highly fascinating media images may occasionally induce personal uncertainty. In a nutshell, although there are enormous gaps in our understanding of developmental factors, the developmental point of view gives ferocity to the problem of talking about the weight of television on a growing kid in general. And the critical significance of the family should not be ignored, either. It would be improbable for children not to be subjective by the contradictory ways in which their parents use the television. In some families in which the gender roles are fundamentally traditional, the televis ion may tend to serve to strengthen such gender roles. In this way TV most definitely plays a very racy role in the building of gender roles. Despite the fact that there is little uncertainty that TV presents largely conventional gender photos there is this composite evidence about the effects of such images or pictures on gender thoughts and behaviors? It is quite hard and extremely difficult to cut off the role of mass media (TV), since people are influenced by their entire environment, even though there is reasonably widespread acceptance that over time, still yet the mass media seems executable to influence peoples thoughts concerning gender roles. The watching of television by individuals may tend to contribute to gender role development and/or strengthening amongst children and teenagers, and some associating stereotyping of gender roles with profound TV spectators. On the other hand, there is proof that opposing stereotypical portrayals do appear able to influence the perc eptions of most kids, but in general such portrayals are uncommon. In summary, the influence of television gender images or pictures on kids is not very beyond question, partially because they have not constantly been well designed. Rheingold writes, There is a modest relationship between presentation patterns and gender stereotypes. There is not much confirmation yet for any great impact of the mass media (TV). Kids are not inactive recipients of images shown on the television (Rheingold, 2000, p.447). Their open feelings to gender role play a significant part in understanding the meaning of images of gender on the television.ConclusionFrom the above findings it is clear that there are various factors that bring about gender role formation and these factors are rooted within the society and are passed on from one generation to another. The media has also been a factor in bringing about gender roles as it tends to focus more on the ancient stereotypes that cover the boy and girl chi ld roles in the society hence bringing about the inflexibility in the gender rolesConclusively, there is proof that a stereotypical view of gender role may weigh greatly on the viewers, in particular young viewers. There is also clear evidence to show the effect of television messages on young viewers. On the other hand there is attribute to show that there is a strong potential correlation with stereotypical ideas. The ideas of conventional or long-established roles of the genders are very deceptive. So as to ensure a change in the gender roles there should be campaigns against stereotypes that surround gender roles

Conventional Sensors and Optical Fiber Sensors

constituted Sensors and Optical reference SensorsABSTRACTThis study deals with the comparison of the both types of sensors which argon wide holdd in gracious plan, namely, unoriginal sensors and visual fictional character sensors. Temperature and displacement be the two principal parameters which be standardd with the sanction of Fiber centre sensors. Bragg Grating, Interferometric, Intensity Sensors, and middleal time domain reflectometry (OTDR) are few of the techniques which are utilise for sensing. In this study, assorted baptismal font studies have been undertaken and have been analyzed. With the guardianship of these case studies, a detailed analysis and comparison of the sensors is carried out.Chapter 1 INTRODUCTIONIn the last two decades, the world has witnessed a revolution in the sectors of optoelectronics and eccentric centre communications. Various products such as laser printers and bar code s roll in the hayners which have become a part of our da ily usage, are a turn up of this technical revolution only. The reasons for the phenomenal growth of the roughage optics are many another(prenominal)(prenominal). The most conspicuous reason world the ability of the reference optics to provide high murder and highly reliable communication links and that too at a very low bandwidth cost. As we see that optoelectronic and fiber communications industry has progressed a lot, and a yearn with these industries fiber optic sensors have also benefited a lot from these developments. Due to the mass production in these industries, availability of fiber optic sensors at a low cost has been made possible in recent years. With their availability at affordable costs, fiber optic sensors have been able to throw in the domain which was differentwise world ruled by the traditional sensors.In recent years, the demand for the development of new materials to streng past, get ahead and retrofit existing aged(a) and deteriorated concrete soc ial organizations has increase rapidly. The continuing deterioration and functional deficiency of existing well-mannered infrastructure elements re reconciles unmatched of the most significance ch allenges facing the worlds formulation and cultured engineers. Deficiencies in existing concrete structures contractd by initial flawed design due to insufficient detailing at the time of construction, aggressive chemical attacks and maturement of morphological elements enhance an urgent guide of finding an effective means to improve the per representance of these structures without additionally increasing the everyplaceall weight, maintenance cost and time. In the last 50 years, a large number of civil concrete structures have been built many of these structures, particularly in off-shore regions have now deteriorated and hold repair in a short period of time.Moreover, the increase of traffic volume and population in many developing countries is causing the demand to upgrade exi sting concrete structures to increase. The constipation of reinforced concrete (RC) structures through reinforcement corrosion and residual capacity are the most important issues that concern engineers. These problems come up not only in constructed concrete structures nevertheless also in structures streng thused by outsidely bonded blade reinforcements.In the yesteryear, the external steel shield bonding method has been used to improve strength in the tensile region of concrete structures with an epoxy adhesive and has proved to be successful over a period of 20 years. However, the use of steel reinforced cases and bars has its disadvantages including high corrosion rates, which could adversely affect the bond strength and cause heighten spalling of the concrete, due to volumetricchange in the corroded steel reinforcements. Since the early 1980s, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials have been used as a replacement for effected steel materials for concrete strengthenin g exertions. In recent years, the interest in utilizing FRP materials in the civil concrete industry in bes of rods, plates, grid and jacket has grown increasingly. When an FRP plate with high tensile strength properties bonds on the concrete go forth, it can strengthen the structure with minimum changes to its weight anddimensions. FRP offers substantial improvement in solving many practical problems that unoriginal materials cannot solve to provide a satisfactory service life of the structure. Unlike the conventional steel materials, FRP is corrosion resistant. The beneficial characteristics of using the FRP in concrete construction admit its high strength-to-weight ratio, low labour requirement, ease of application, reduced traffic interruption during repair, cost reductions in both transportation and in situ maintenance for a long-term strategy. Its high damping characteristic also attracts more morphologic engineers to use these materials for seismic retrofitting. Due to the increasing use of FRP-plate bonding techniques in strengthening civil concrete structures, the interest in finding a suitable means of supervise the structural health conditions of these strengthened structures has therefore increased substantially. Since strengthened structures are covered by the FRP plates, the mechanically skillful properties of the concrete may not be stones throwd or detected easily through conventional nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods, such as strain beats using surface mounted strain gauges or extensometers, radiography, thermography and acoustic emission methods, particularly in areas with microcracksand debonds underneath the externally-bonded plate. Be spots, these structural inspection technologies, in certain cases, require special surface preparations or a high degree of flatness in the concrete surface. These requirements may be hard to achieve, particularlyfor an area that is exposed to a harsh environment. During the 1990s, a multi-disc iplinary range of engineering cognise as Smart Structures has developed as one of the most important research topics in the sector.The structure is formed by a marriage of engineering materials with structurally-integrated sensor schemes. The system is capable of assessing damage and word of advice of impending weakness in the structural integrity ofthe structure. Fibre-optic sensor technology is a most attractive device currently used in the aerospace and aircraft industry for on-line monitoring of large-scale FRP structures. The development of distributed fibreoptic sensors, which provides information on a largenumber of continuously distribution parameters such as strain and temperature is of majuscule interest in most engineering applications.11,12 The sensors are embedded into a structure to form a novel self-strainmonitoring system, i.e. the system can self-detect itshealth status and send response signals to operators during any marginal situation during service. The emb edding sensor, due to its extremely small physical coat, can provide the information to a high accuracy and resolution without influencing the dimension andmechanical properties of the structure. Fibre-optic sensors present a number of advantages over the conventional strain measuring devices (a) providing an compulsory measurement that is sensitive to fluctuation in irradiance of the illuminating source (b) enabling the measurement of the strain in different locations in only one single optical fibre by using multiplexing techniques(c) having a low manufacturing cost for massproduction and (d) its ability to be embedded inside a structure without influencing the mechanical properties of the host material.A new development of Smart materials and structures was driven by a strong demand for high performance over recent years. A system integrated into structures and being able to monitor its hosts physical and mechanical properties such as temperature andstrain, during service is ap preciated as a Smart structural health monitoring system. The term smart material and structure is widely used to describe the unique marriage of material and structural engineering by using fibre-optic sensors and actuation control technology. The smart structure is constructed of materials that can continuously monitor their own mechanical and physical properties, and thereby, be capable of assessing damage and warning of impending weakness in structural integrity. This design concept results in improved safety and economic concerns regarding the weight saving and avoidance of over-designing of the structure in the long run. In Fig. 1, a schematic illustration of the structures possibilities created by the confluence of the four disciplines is shown. In the figure, a structure invested with actuating, sensing and neutral networking systems to form a new class of adaptive structures is shown. A structure with integrated sensor or actuator systems is able to provide a self-structura l health monitoring or actuating response, respectively. If both systems are integrated together into a structure, the sensor and actuators can act as nervous and muscular systems, like a man body, to sense the conditions such as mechanical strain and temperature of the structure(a smart structure) and to provide control of such changes of stiffness, shape and vibration mode (a controlled structure). The combination of these two systemsinto one structure is called a Smart adaptive structure. This structure with a built-in neural networking system, like a brain, is then able to self evaluate the conditions, which are based on changes of structural parameters, thermal conditions and ambient environments to utilize an appropriate mechanical adjustment. This structure is commonly called an Intelligent adaptive structure.1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE reportThere has been an unprecedented development in the fields of optoelectronics and fiber optic communications. This in turn, has brought ab out a revolution in the sectors of telecommunication and motley other industries. This has been made possible with the aid of high performance and reliable telecommunication links which have low bandwidth cost.Optical fibers have numerous advantages and some disadvantages. The advantages include their small size, resistance to electromagnetic inter eyeshot and high sensitivity. On the other hand, some of its disadvantages are their high cost and unfamiliarity to the end user. But its great advantages completely overshadow its minor disadvantages. So, in this study an attempt is being made to compare the modern age fiber optic sensors with the conventional sensors. as well, with the aid of the case studies, the impact of fiber optic sensor technology on monitoring of civil structures is studied (McKinley and Boswell 2002).1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENTIn the past various kinds of sensors have been used in civil engineering for measuring temperature, pressure, stress, strain and so on And as the optical fiber sensors spread their wings, the civil engineering is echo to gain a lot from these modern sensors.Presently, there exist a number of problems with the existing civil infrastructures. These civil infrastructures such as bridges etc. have a pretty long service period which may come to several decades or maybe even hundred years. Thus, during this time period, these structures sustain from corrosion, fatigue and extreme loading. Since concrete is used mostly in these civil infrastructures, it abasement is a major issue all over the world.The amount of humiliation and the time when the degradation starts depends on various factors and is inevitable and unavoidable. Thus, in order to keep these civil structures in good condition, it becomes necessary that their condition be monitored and seemly steps be taken. Thus, we collect sensors which can monitor these structures throughout the life of these structures. Thus, in this study the impact of fiber optic sens ors is studied on civil structures.1.3 OBJECTIVESThere are a few objectives that are planned to be achieved at the end of this project, these areA general discussion on the present state of structural monitoring and the need of fiber optic sensors in this fieldA general study on Comparison between Conventional Sensors and Optical Fiber SensorsReview of Case Studies on Fiber Optic Sensors application in Civil Engineering Structures1.4 WORK PLANDiscussion, nurture and ceremonyProblem identification through reading, discussion and observation of the area studiedUnderstand and identify the background of problemStudying feasibility and needs to await out the investigationIdentification of the Title for the projectIdentify the aim, objective and scope of the projectLiterature Review mind the background of the problemUnderstanding the history of the sensor technology in structural monitoringCarrying out literature survey on generic technologies of sensors for concrete structuresIdentify the types of sensor heterogeneous in monitoring the structural in civil engineeringIdentify the technique used and the working principle for each type of sensors (in particular optical fiber sensors)Case StudyChoose the relevant and related case study for discussionDescribe important aspects of case studyAnalyze the use of sensors in the case studyDiscussion, Conclusion and RecommendationsDiscuss the similarities and differencesDiscuss the technical facets of sensor applicationDraw the overall conclusion for this projectGive some recommendation for futureChapter 2 APPLICATIONSThese days the fiber optic sensors are being used for a variety of applications, the most prominent of them being step of rotation and acceleration of bodies measurement of electric and magnetic fieldsMeasurement of temperature and pressure of bodiesMeasurement of acoustics and vibrations of various bodiesMeasurement of strain, viscosity and chemical properties of materialsMeasurement of surface condition and tactile sensingMeasurement of sound , speed and proximity of bodiesDetermination of color and weight of different objectsMeasurement of linear and angular piazzas and this is widely utilized in civil engineering structures2.1 ADVANTAGES OF FIBER OPTIC SENSORSLike with any other technology, there are both advantages and disadvantages using fiber optic sensors. The prominent advantages beingFiber optic sensors are flowweight and this is of great importance in case of engineered structuresFiber optic sensors are of smaller size as compared to the traditional sensorsAlso, fiber optic sensors consume less power as compared to the traditional sensorsAlong with this, these sensors show high resistance to electromagnetic interference as compared to the traditional sensorsOn top of this, fiber optic sensors have enjoy high bandwidth and high sensitivity as compared to their traditional counterpartsFiber optic sensors are commonly embedded in objects and due to this, these sensors can gai n access to areas which till date remain inaccessible with the aid of traditional sensorsAlso, these sensors are accurate over a greater dynamic range as compared to the traditional sensorsFiber optic sensors are also capable of being multiplexed which over again is a further advantage over their traditional counterpartsAlso, fiber optic sensors are capable of distributed measurements which gives them an edge over and above the traditional sensorsLast but not the least, they also show greater environmental ruggedness as compared to the traditional sensors2.2 DISADVANTAGES OF FIBER OPTIC SENSORSBut all this is just one side of the coin. Though on seeing these advantages, it might appear that fiber optic sensors are way too advanced as compared to the traditional ones, but it is not exactly true. These fiber optic sensors also have some disadvantages due to which their advancement in todays world has been somewhat curtailed. The major disadvantages of fiber optic sensors areFiber opt ic sensors are quite costly as compared to the traditional sensors. Due to this, many slew still consider traditional sensors to be a better option in cases where cost is a major consideration.Secondly, these sensors have come into prominence only in the last two decades. Due to this, people appear to be somewhat less educated regarding their usage and operations. And this unfamiliarity with the usage of these sensors, has proved to be a major hurdle in being able to capture the whole market.Also, these sensors are considered to be more fragile as compared to the traditional sensors which raises a question over their adaptability in extreme conditionsAlso with the fiber optic sensors there exists the inherit ingress/egress difficultyFiber optic sensors usually have a non-linear output which is a cause for concern in some applicationsFrom the above discussion, we can see that as is the case with any other new technology, there are both merits and demerits of fiber optic sensors. But , what is worth considering here is that the advantages of this technology are much more than its disadvantages and are able to outweigh them. Also, from the demerits which are mentioned here, it is clear that these demerits are bound to expire away as this technology develops and gains more prominence.2.3 APPLICATIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERINGNow we come to the discussion of the need and applications of the fiber optic sensors in the field of civil engineering structures. The monitoring of civil structures has a great significance in todays world. Today, we not only need to construct reliable and strong civil structures, but we also need to monitor these structures in order to ensure their proper functioning and their safety. Also, with the aid of the monitoring of various parameters of the structures, we can get knowledge about state of the building and by using this data, we can in turn plan the maintenance schedule for the structure (Mckinley, 2000). Also, this data can give us an insight into the real behavior of the structure and can thus take make important decisions regarding the optimization of similar structures which are to b e constructed in future.The maintenance of the structures can be approached in one of the two ways, namelyMaterial point of view- In this approach, monitoring is concentrated on local properties of the materials which are used in the construction. In this approach, we observe the behavior of the construction materials under the conditions of load, temperature etc. In this approach, short base length sensors are usually utilized. Also, it is possible to get the information about the whole structure with the aid of extrapolation of the data obtained from these sensors.Structural point of view- In this approach of measurement, the structure is viewed from a geometrical point of view. In this approach, long gauge length sensors appear to be the ideal choice. In this approach, we will be able to detect material degradation only if thi s material degradation has an impact on the form of the structure.In the recent years most of the research work which has been carried out in field of optic sensors has been in the field of material monitoring rather than structural monitoring. It is also worth mentioning here that, more sensors are required in the case of material monitoring as compared to structural monitoring.We know that civil engineering requires sensors that can be embedded in the concrete, mortars, steel, rocks, soil, road pavements etc. and can measure various parameters reliably. Also what should be taken into account is that these sensors should be easy to install and should not hamper the construction work or the properties of the structure in any derogatory manner. Also, it is common knowledge that at the sites of civil engineering, there exist the unavoidable conditions of dust, pollution, electromagnetic disturbances and of unskilled labor. Thus, the sensors to be used in these cases need to be rugged, should be inert to harsh environment conditions and should be easy to install and their installation could be carried out by unskilled labor. Along with all these things, it is imperative that these sensors are able to survive a period of at least ten years so that they can allow for a continuous monitoring of the aging of the structure. Thus, we see that the fiber optic sensors can prove to be quite handful in civil engineering applications and structures. In the past various kinds of sensors have been used in civil engineering for measuring temperature, pressure, stress, strain etc. And as the optical fiber sensors spread their wings, the civil engineering is bound to gain a lot from these modern sensors (Vurpillot et al., 1998).Chapter 3 LITERATURE REVIEW ON FIBER OPTIC SENSORSFiber optic sensors are of many kinds, but they can be broadly classified into two types, namely, extrinsic fiber optic sensors and intrinsic fiber optic sensors. There is a great deal of difference betwe en these two types of fiber optic sensors and this difference is discussed in detail below.3.1 EXTRINSIC FIBER OPTIC SENSORSThis type of fiber optic sensor is also known as hybrid fiber optic sensor.As we can see in the figure above that there is a black box and an input fiber enters into this black box. And from this input fiber, information is impressed upon light beam. There can be various ways by which the information can be impressed upon. Usually this information is impressed upon the light beam in terms of frequency or polarization. This light which then posses the information is carried away by the optical fiber. The optical fiber now goes to an electronic processor. (Vurpillot et al., 1998) Here, in the electronic processor the information which is brought along by the fiber is processed. Though we can have separate input fiber and output fiber, but in some cases it is preferred to have the same fiber as the input fiber and the output fiber.3.2 INTRINSIC FIBER OPTIC SENSORS Intrinsic fiber optic sensorsExtrinsic fiber optic sensorsIn this sensor, the fiber itself acts as the sensor mediumIn this sensor, the fiber does not act as the sensor medium. It merely acts as a light delivery and collection systemIn this fiber optic sensor, the light never leaves the medium and always stays inside the mediumIn this fiber optic sensor, the light leaves the medium, then it is altered in some way and is collected by another fiber.3.3 INTENSITY BASED FIBER OPTIC SENSORSWhile there exist various kinds of fiber optic sensors today, but the most common of these sensors is the hybrid type fiber optic sensor which depends upon intensity modulation in order to defy out the measurements (Zako et al., 1995)The functioning of this fiber optic sensor is quite simple. In this fiber optic sensor, light enters from one side. And when this light exits from the other side, it exits in the form of a cone and the angle of this cone depends on two parameters. The two parameters upon which the angle of this cone depends areFirstly, it depends on the index of refraction of the coreSecondly, it depends on the cladding of the optical fiberAlso, the amount of light captured by the second optic fiber depends on a number of factors.The prominent factors on which the amount of light captured depend areIt depends on the acceptance angleIt also depends on the distance d between the optical fibersAnother type of fiber optic sensor is the flexible mounted mirror sensor. The important characteristics of this sensor areIn this case, a mirror is mounted which is used to respond to external parameters such as pressure.The modulation in intensity is caused the shifts in the mirror position.These sensors are used in a variety of applications such as penetration closures. In a door closure, a reflective strip is used.These sensors are used to measure small variations and displacements3.4 LINEAR POSITION SENSORSIn todays world, linear position sensors have become widely applicabl e. They are being used for various purposes (Zako et al., 1995). In many of the linear positioning sensors, wavelength division multiplexing is used. An illustration of the linear position sensor is shown in the figure below.The various components of this linear position sensor areIt consists of a broadband light sourceIt consists of various detectors as shown in the figure aboveIt also consists of wavelength division multiplexing element which acts as the principal component of this instrument.It also consists of an encoder cardIn the example above, a broadband light source is utilized. The light from this broadband source is carried to a wavelength division multiplexing system with the aid of a single optic fiber. The wavelength division multiplexing system is used to posit the linear position.Another linear motion sensing method which is very widely used today and is quite similar to the method discussed above is known as the time division multiplexing method.In this method inst ead of a broadband light source a light pulse is used. Here, the combination of the returned signals takes place. As a result of this combination of the returned signals, the net signal which is produced moves onto the position of the encoder card.The main areas in which these intensity based fiber optic sensors have found application areIn commercial aircraftsIn military aircraftsIn these applications these modern sensors have performed quite well and are at par with the performance of the conventional sensors. But, because of the various advantages these sensors enjoy over and above the conventional sensors, these modern sensors are bound to replace the conventional sensors in the years to come.3.5 LIQUID LEVEL SENSORSThis is another type of intensity based fiber optic sensor. In the functioning of this sensor, the principle of total internal reflection is utilized. Thus, in these sensors the refraction index of the grump and the fiber occupy the pivotal role.These sensors can be utilized for a variety of purposes. The most prominent of its applications areMeasurement of pressure changes in gelsMeasurement of pressure changes in various liquidsMeasurement of refractive index changes in gelsMeasurement of refractive index changes in different types of liquidsMeasurement of the level of a liquid in a vessel and this application is utilized in various industries to measure liquid levelsThese sensors have an accuracy of about 5 percentage and are gaining importance in various industries for their usefulness.3.6 SOFO SENSORSThese are fiber optic sensors which are utilized for strain measurement. These sensors have become quite popular owe to their innate merits. Out of all the fiber optic sensors, these sensors are the ones which are being used most extensively today. These sensors are being used to measure curvature and various other parameters in giant civil structures. These sensors form a part of the interferometric system (Vurpillot et al., 1998). Also, th ese sensors have the ability of measuring the parameters in an absolute manner using low-coherent light. The important properties of these sensors areThese fiber optic sensors enjoy a high resolution. The resolution of these sensors is 2 mThese sensors can be of vary lengths. Their length can be as small as 0.2m or can be as large as 20m.Also, these sensors have the property of being temperature compensatedThe SOFO system setup consists of a number of equipments. The main components of the SOFO system setup areIt consists of a fiber optic sensor which forms the crux of this monitoring system. It is the most important component of the monitoring system. It consists of a sensor chain with partial reflectors.One storehouse of this sensor is connected to the couplerAnother terminal of the sensor chain with partial reflectors is connected to the LED.The coupler in turn is connected to the photo diode and a mobile mirror.This whole portable reading unit is connected to portable computer terminal. This ensures that that the whole monitoring system can be taken to the location and can be directly used at site.These sensors can be utilized in two ways. They can either be embedded in the structure at the time of the construction of the structure. Or, they can used to measure the various parameters externally.Though in both the cases, that is, in case of embedding or in the case of external anchoring, the performance of the sensors body the same, but still, in modern smart structures, embedding is preferred (Perez 2001)..This is because, in the case of embedded sensors, the sensors continuously measure the parameters and are easy to manage. Whereas in the older structures, where embedding is not preferred, external anchoring is used.Chapter 4 CASE STUDIESCase study 1 Monitoring of San Giorgio pierSan Giorgio pier is a massive concrete structure. Its length is about 400metres. It is very essential to carry out its monitoring in order to know about its distortion. This in turn, is very useful in determining the safety of this pier. At this pier, it was earlier proposed to use the conventional methods to monitor the deformation. This involved the use of conventional sensors for measurement. But, the problem with this method was that in the case of conventional sensors, we could get the data of the various parameters of the pier for only a short period. And, as we know that in order to determine anything conclusively about such large concrete structures we need data for a very long period. But, here as it was the case with the conventional sensors, we could get data only for short periods. Thus, with the aid of the conventional methods which were employing conventional sensors, we could not say anything conclusively. (Andrea Del Grosso et al.) Thus, there existed the need to employ fiber optic sensors in order to determine the deformation of this massive pier. It was possible to measure the deformation of this pier with the aid of the fiber optic s ensors because of the following advantages which the fiber optic sensors enjoy over and above the conventional sensorsFiber optic sensors are long base strain sensors and this property of the fiber optic sensors was very important in this case. This was because, as the pier was a massive concrete structure, therefore, measurement of

Risk Analysis of German Banks

attempt Analysis of German BanksDuring this assignment, the German banks info were compargond to that of France and Italy banks. A simple regression analysis was performed. The info suggests that in that location be great variations in the basic principles when are applied in finding out the exact assays. In general, it is noned that that the France and Italy banks are much stakeier than the German banks.In the financial institutions, the risks are assessed in a genuinely particular manner. The purpose of discussing risks is to encourage the investors in the banking sectors. Therefore the managements and high level authorities in the banking system apply the various tools in addressing the risks. It is very eminent that the with out the support of the banking systems by and large the businesses give the axe buoy non grow, as these should be. Therefore there must be some ways of addressing the risks in the very first place. Including to satisfy the share holders and sta keholders, and other stakeholders, (Watson and Head, 2005).There are eminent differences in in the midst of the emerging market financial systems and the banking systems of developed countries. However the reasons for this significantly. It is noted that the various researchers, scholars, and academicians have shown divided ideas. As we can that some of them had a firm contemplate about the unstable macroeconomic environment, and rest of the scholars have come forward with the point about weaker risk management practices, (Beck et al. 2003).Keeping the importance of risks opinion and its management, the followings are highlighted, so that this issue can understood in an grateful way.Literature of ReviewThe banks invest their money in the variant projects, such as get of shares, construction projects, and other financial intuitions. There is in addition a fact that the management s in the banks monitor, evaluate and judge the performance of their projects during and after the ending of projects. Similarly, Ma, and Eli (2005) indicated that the implementers in the banking sectors must get the lessons for the previous years, failing to this would be failure of the whole project. Basically they (Ma and Eli) did support the theory of application, which suggests that investing directly to the system do not justify the serve. There must be a some kind of rational in addressing the risks in the financial and highly competitive environment.In addition, to above, according to Bank for International Settlements, (2002) and Topping (2005) while highlighting the importance of risks evaluation and its management indicated that the some of the factors which contribute the risks are such as, the changing disposition of macroeconomic risks, new forms of risks to the banks, and whether or the abilities, skills and other measures have really improved in addressing the issues of risks. In very simple words, it is found that the risks increase when the banks do not imply certain methods. These methods are related to see and judge the results of previous years when there were projects in the pipe lines.Some of the high rated researchers, scholars and professionals such as Chris (2008) and Topping (2005) basically indicated the following levels are addressed and if done, then there are less chances of increasing risks, such asRisk identificationThis is very basic stage where the banks can identify the risks. In simple meaning in the inputs are discussed broadly, and its implications are noted before, during and after the completion. In broader sense, this is done at the sites, where projects allow be launched. Particularly, the following points can help in identifying the risks, such as Who will take responsibility for risk identification? Process for risk identification, including existing and new products, and Regularity in checks.Risk measurementThe followings nine factors can be measured during risk measurement such asCapital,Assets, food marke t risks,Earnings,Liabilities,Business,Internal Controls,Organisation,Management.Whereas while talking about frequency of risk measurement, the followings should be noted very carefully, such asSources of data, it includes market prices and position informationRisk measurement tools, given(p) the complexity and level ofrisk assumed,Ability to measure risk at both transactional and portfolio levels.Methodology to ensure all identified risks are monitored,Accuracy, and clarity of monitoring reports,Involvement of management and supply in having the reports,Comparability of output against predetermined limits.http//www.fsa.gov.uk/pubs/policy/p10.pdfThe do goods of risk assessmentThere are multi-layered assessment benefits to the banks and financial institutions. It include such as to make profits and distribute among the shareholders. It helps the clients for the banks others (employees) satisfied. This brings more jobs to the public and indirectly helps in boosting GDP.The risk asse ssment keeps busy the staff in doing their professional work. It can be seen that the supervisors need to spend succession on-site discussing the issues with senior bank management. The time taken to perform this work will vary from bank to bank depending on the size and complexity of the institution. However, following a risk assessment, the supervisor will be better placed to find on the intensity of the future supervision having obtained a better understanding of a banks risk profile. The intensity of supervision and the amount and focus of supervisory action will increase in line with the perceived risk profile of a bank. One advantage this has for banks is that the cost of supervision, in terms of management time or through direct costs. WE have to agree that the banks pay high costs for initial assessments, and in turn if their projects are completed, the banks then take benefit of having high wages and other facilities. The bank official especially in the third world are hi ghly paid.Table 1 shows the three pillars in the banking sectorPillar 1Minimum Capital RequirementsPillar 2Supervisory ReviewPillar 3Market DisciplineMarket risk_ No changes from Basel ICredit risk_ Significant change from Basel I_ Three different approaches tothe calculation of minimum majuscule requirements_ Capital incentives for banksto move to more sophisticatedcredit risk managementapproaches based on internalratings_ Sophisticated approaches havesystems/controls and datacollection requirements as wellas soft requirements forrisk managementOperational risk_ Not explicitly covered in Basel I_ Three different approaches tothe calculation of minimumcapital requirements_ adoption of each approachsubject to compliance withdefined qualifying criteriaBanks should have a processfor assessing their overallcapital adequacy and strategyfor maintaining capital levels_ Supervisors should review andevaluate banks internal capitaladequacy assessment andstrategies_ Supervisors should expect banks to operate above theminimum capital ratios andshould have the ability torequire banks to hold capitalin excess of the minimum(i.e., trigger/target ratios inthe United Kingdom promptcorrective action in theUnited States)_ Supervisors should seek to interject at an early stage toprevent capital from fallingbelow minimum levelsMarket discipline reinforcesefforts to promote safety andsoundness in banks_ tenderness disclosures (basicinformation) and supplementarydisclosures to make marketdiscipline more effectiveSource KPMG, 2003.The Table 1 above shows the details of three pillars. These guidelines are apparently seems to be quite added information for the banking managements. But again there is an inverse argument, who accepts the challenges, threats and then commits to carry out the assessments, so that the future risks could be minimised at least.Methodology and infoThe data for the banks regarding Germany, France and Italy was analysed by the Excel programme. During this ana lysis, a simple linear regression was carried out. There were altogether 8 parameters which were used. However in case Germany banks were compared to that of France and Italy.The parameters were such as, index, loans, equity, LA, NIM, ROAA, ROAE, and CIR. As a matter of fact these parameters are the base lines for the banks to work/operate in the competitive financial markets.Results and DiscussionsThe results of the analysis are presented below. It has already been indicated that the German data is compared to that of France and Italy. The Figure 1 below shows that the alliance between the German banks and France banks seems to be very poor. It means that the ways the German banks are applying are entirely different to that of France and vice versa.Figure 2 discusses the regression analysis of German banks versus Italy banks on the basis of index. It can be seen that again the relationship still very week.The data regarding loans is presented in the following Figure 3, in this cas e German banks were compared to that of France banks. The results show that the way the German banks are obtaining or lending loans are not comparable with(predicate) to that of France. It can also be seen from that Figure 3 that R2 value is too weak.Figure 4 shows the data comparison between the German banks and Italian banks. again the regression analysis indicates that there is not good relationship between the two. Even when we look at the equation, it suggests that Italian banks approach is entirely prohibit to that of German banks regarding extending loan facilities to the businesses.In reality equity is the very important parameters, banks work against equity either way. It means if banks are getting loans from other financial institutions, it flora on the basis of equity. It also argued here that the poor relationship between the German banks and France clearly demonstrates that there are more risks for the France banks when compared to German banks (Figure 5).Figure 6 h ighlights the comparison between German banks and Italy banks. The relationship between the two still very poor. It can also be seen that this relationship is negative.The data regarding LA is presented in Figure 7 and the relationship between German banks and France is indeed very poor.The results of LA regarding German banks and Italy banks suggest that there is negative relationship between the two. The equivalent can be seen from Figure 8.Figure 9 suggests that the relationship regarding NIM for German and Italy banks negative, it means no relationship at all.The data concerning NIM is presented in the Figure 10. It can be seen that the relationship between the German banks and Italy very poor. As this relationship shows negative relationship.The analysis of ROAA regarding German and France banks is given in Figure 11. The negative relationship shows there is no strength in particularly applying the same approach.Again this ratio is highly important to note the differences in t he banks. The results of analysis are given in Figure 12. It can be seen that there exists negative relationship between the German banks and Italy banks.Data regarding ROAE ratios is compared between the German and France banks. The same can be seen in Figure 13. The negative R2 value indicated the weakness of the relationship.Figure 14 suggests that the relationship between the German and Italy banks is negative. It means that the way the German banks are conniving ROAE is not same in case of Italy.The data in reference to CIR is shown in Figure 15. The comparison between the German and France banks shows that there is a negative relationship.The comparison about CIR between Germany and Italy clearly shows that there exists negative relationship. The same data is shown in Figure 16.When we look at the Figures above, in most of the analysis conducted for the various parameters show that there is a negative relationship. It means that the strength of the approach differs. As a matt er of fact, it is argued that the methods of calculating risks are nearly uniform in the German, France and Italy banks. So a question arises, why it is so? There could be many reasons behind the explanations. But very viable and quite acceptable refers to the non availability of the data during the months and years. The data shows big gaps, and further suggests the approaches in calculating risks in the banks are not same as in regarding Germany.Conclusions and recommendationsWhen we look above, it can be seen that there are different ways and means are being used by the three countrys banks in calculating the various ratios, including loans and debts. It is also very clear that there is no relationship when the data were tested through regression analysis. There is likely possibility that the German banks are not using those principles, where are used by the France and Italy banks, or vice versa.Concerning recommendations, it is suggested that the German banks if use the similar way of in disbursing loans especially there is high hazard that the risks could be deep down compared among the three countrys banks.

Progeria - Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome Essay -- genetic childhood dis

Progeria, otherwise known as Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome is an extremely rare, genetic nipperhood disorder with a reported incidence of about hotshot in a million. Hutchinson reported the syndrome in 1886 when he found the first patient with Progeria. In 1904 Gilford described a second case of Progeria, thus creating the stipulation to reflect the syndromes senile features. There are only about a hundred reported cases since the disorder has been discovered over a nose candy ago. Currently, there are about thirty to forty known cases worldwide of Progeria. Affected children age up to seven times faster, have plucked annulus appearance, many health problems and their lifespan is about thirteen years. There is neither known cause nor cure for this disease. It is normally first diagnosed based only on appearance and treatment is given for other conditions associated with the aging process rather the disease it self. Effected children usually appear normal at birth. But at spir it the first year of life severe changes come into accordance. These include baldness and bodily hair loss, including eyebrows and eyelashes skin wrinkling accompanied by pigmented age spots unmistakably high pitched voice undeveloped or underdeveloped sexual maturation bone lesions, often resulting in fractures and hip dislocation (Livneh, Antonak and Maron, 1995, p.434). Death usually occurs between the age of twelve and thirteen and it is collectable to cardiovascular deterioration and generally includes arthrosclerosis, myocardial infraction and congestive heart failure (Livneh, Antonak and Maron, 1995, p.434). The cause of Progeria is vague as of yet. Because of its very rare nature, no definite cause can be pinpointed. However it is determined to be generic. In other words, it is thought that it is due to single mutated gene and each case energy represent a single sporadic new mutation, which happens at conception. Therefore, as mentioned above, the diagnosis must be made solely on the appearance. During my Internet research on this subject, I have found a real story of a thirteen-year-old girl, named Ashley. Her story captured my heart and I would like to use Ashley as an example in helping to understand the disease, its progress and how it affects people involved. Ashley was born on May 23, 1991 as what it seemed a normal and healthy baby girl. In July 1991 doctors disco... ...f the disease and death to help cope and adapt properly. General intervention recommendations can focus on the childs needs, other family members and the parents. Other intervention can address social issues such as spirituality, emotionality, coping modes and adaptation techniques. It is very hard to say to a parent of a dying child that any of the above might help a broken heart, however, professional help, understanding and loving environment and family might ease the hardships of loosing ones child, sibling or a friend. BibliographyDeBusk, F.L. (1972). The Hutchinson-Gi lford Progeria Syndrome. Jurnal of Pediatrics, 80, 697-724.Livneh, Hanoch Antonak, Richard F. Maron, Sheldon. (1995). Progeria Medical aspects, psycholosocial perspectives, and intervention guidelines. Death Studies, Vol .19(5), Sep-Oct 1995. pp. 433-452.Lori and Ashleys Website. http//www.geocities.com/lori_and_ashley/. Visited on April 23, 2003.Mac Michael, R.A. (1996-2003) Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome Network. http//www.hgps.net/about/. Visited on April 23, 2003.Progeria look into Foundation Inc. (1999) http//www.progeriaresearch.org/. Visited on May 2, 2002.

The Semiotics of Covers :: Books Reading Essays

The Semiotics of Covers Im going to buy a book today - but not a school book, a real book - a bestseller. I walk past the harmonica man standing byside of the Brown Office Building, clamping my ears shut against the discordant melodies hes spewing out at me. I enter the Brown Bookstore - my Mecca, my Graceland. I strut past the tables near the door and walk toward the bestseller wall, my being allthewhile bombarded by hardcovers affectking my erratic eyes. Howard Stern in drag screams out at me from the left, something about Colin Powell and a journey crys out from the right. Wishing not to be manipulated into buying an expensive book, I squint my eyes and keep on walking, eventually reaching the ordering counter. I pause, close my eyes and turn around. As my eyes slowly open, my firmament of vision becomes filled with paperbacks. Hundreds of them, displayed out before me like some crude mosaic, each one lined up and facing me on tiny micro shelves. Theyre all roughly the same s ize, all the same shape - the only thing that differs is their covers. Each book is showing me a unalike picture, a different color, a different font. Each book juxtaposes its elements in a different way, highlighting certain objects while de-emphasizing others. Each book is telling me something, trying to pull in to my gaze. What are they saying? Will it work? The study of these elements of the cover - each books signs and the images/ideas they signify- is particularly appropriate in the case of bestsellers. This is not to say that the covers of bestsellers hold a monopoly on sign/signifier possibilities - nothing could be farther from the truth - its just that in the case of bestsellers, the effect these signs and signifiers have on the aura of a book are just more interesting. Proof of this all but surrounds us. Take a look at almost any other arm in the brown bookstore almost all books, with the exception of bestsellers and the very new releases, are presented on shelves with their binding pointing out. The only thing one chamberpot really ascertain when gazing upon these books is the title and color on the cover. Such elements are important, but dont grab the eye. Unless youre looking for a specific title or author, what you see on these shelves doesnt really effect ones eyes.