Risk Tolerance & need to diversify Research Paper

Risk Tolerance & need to diversify - Research Paper Example Large Company stocks, also referred to as blue-chip stocks or large-cap stocks, refer to the stocks of large publicly traded companies (Leach and Melicher, 2011, p.249). Long term corporate bonds in most cases refer to debentures which offer a higher yield compared to other investments but investors of such bonds are prone to interest risk and credit risk. Long term government bond refers to those bonds which mature in more than 10years. US Treasury bill is a transferable debt contract issued by the US Government that ensures trust and fulfillment of claim of receivable return at the end of the period. Such investment is made for a period of one year or less than one year, and is exempt from local and state taxes (Boston Institute of Finance, 2005, p.105). If my decision is to invest in the current portfolio of mix of stock, bonds and treasury bills in equal proportions, despite of the divisions between fixed earnings and volatility of earnings of the securities, the entire portfolio would give an average (avg.) expected return of 14.78%, with risk of 8.88% associated with it, as per time horizon and risk tolerance. Impact on future Investment Decisions The decision of future investment and formation of portfolio with diversification depends on the characteristics of the investor, the characteristics of the securities in the portfolio and its risk return trade-off which will determine the proportion of investment to be made in each security, observation of the historical performance of the securities, and the time horizon of investment. An investor can be broadly classified into risk averse investors, risk prone investor, and risk neutral investor, based on their degree of risk preference. Risk averse investors prefer security to earnings than risk accompanied by high returns. Such investors prefer to invest more in bonds and treasury bills which will carry a guarantee of return at the end of period with low risk; as such investors try to avoid risks. Some inve stors who prefer to bear risk and avail the high return associated with it belong to a class of risk prone investors. Such investors prefer to invest in risky securities with high returns, such as equity, so as to avail the benefit arising out of it. There is another class of investors known as risk neutral investors, as they do not make any differentiation between debt and equity and opt to invest equal proportion in each (Haslem, 2009, p.158). If I am a risk averse investor, I shall prefer maximum investment in treasury bills and bonds, as this will assure a fixed percentage of returns at the end of the period with low risk associated with it. Thus, 80% of the investment is to be made in treasury bills and bonds, and 20% in company stocks. The proportion of investment in long-term corporate bonds differs from long term government bonds and US Treasury bills, as because long term corporate bonds is a bit risky than the others. If I am a risk neutral investor, I shall prefer equal p roportion of investment in both stocks and bonds (i.e. bonds and treasury bills), with an expectation that if return from stock is higher I shall benefit from my investment, and, if investment in stock fails to provide return, then benefit earned from the fixed income bearing securities would help to offset some portion of the loss. If I am a risk prone invest

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

Physiology - Case Study Example This condition is known to cause nerve problems which may be responsible for her numbness and weakness on the lower limb. Since she might be suffering from inflammation in his pelvic or cervical region, this may result to elevated body temperature referred to as fever. Fever causes disruption in the body thermal balance causing chills which is responsible for shivering in patients. In addition, the presence of inflammation results to generation of neutrophil from the bone marrow with reduced maturation time. Toxic granulation in the body therefore occurs due to the accelerated maturation of neutrophils in response to cases of acute inflammation (Crowley 72). This will help the medical practitioner figure out if it is a recurrence case, how developed it is or if it is genetically linked (Fogel & Nancy 610). Past medical and drug history will help determine if it is an allergic reaction and any know the form of treatment previously done on the patient. This involves checking for vitamin deficiencies, abnormal immune response or presence of toxic elements. Vitamin deficiency can cause general body weakness, anemia, loss of appetite and neurological problems e.g. lack of vitamin B12 and vitamin D (Fogel & Nancy 209). Elevated levels of white blood cells signifies the presence of an infection or inflammation while toxic elements from pesticides are known to cause neurological problems. The blood test would help rule out certain conditions that are known to cause some of the symptoms depicted seen on the girl. 3. The pelvic exam revealed a foul-smelling discharge. What might this indicate? Might this condition be related to the loss of lower motor control? What might the sedimentation rate and the WBC’s indicate? A foul smelling discharge detected by pelvic examination is an indication of presence of infection in the pelvic region. The infection can

Introduction To Disaster Management

Introduction To Disaster Management Disasters are seen as the effect of hazards on vulnerable areas. Hazards that occur in areas with low vulnerability do not result in a disaster. Great damage, loss, destruction and devastation to life and property are the results of Disasters. The immeasurable damage caused by disaster varies with the geographical location. In the concerned areas disasters have the following effects: It completely upsets the normal day to day life. Harmfully persuade the emergency systems Depending on the intensity and severity of the disaster the normal needs and processes are badly affected and deteriorated. Disasters are the effect of hazard on vulnerable or defenseless areas. Hazards that occur in areas with low vulnerability do not result in a disaster. 1.1.2 Types of Disasters: Disasters can be classified as: Natural disaster Human-Made disaster 1) Natural Disasters: Natural disasters are the result of biological, geological, seismic, hydrologic or meteorological conditions. They are a threat to, people, structures and economic assets Few examples are: Earthquake Cyclones Hurricanes Floods Landslides 2) Human-Made Disasters: Human-made disasters are Emergency situations which are the results of deliberate human actions. They involves situations in which people suffers casualties, losses of basic services and means of livelihood. Few examples are: Oil Spill An airplane crash War Civil strife Major fire 1.1.3 Difference between EMERGENCY and DISASTER situations: A situation in which community is CAPABLE of coping is EMERGENCY. Emergency situations are generated by a real occurrence of events that require immediate attention of emergency resources. A situation in which community is INCAPABLE of coping is DISASATER. Disaster situations are natural or human-caused events which causes severe negative impact on community. 1.2 WHAT IS A HAZARD? 1.2.1 Definition: Hazard is a chance or possibility of being injured or harmed. OR Hazard is the possibility of laying yourself open to loss or misfortune. Hazards can be classified into two Modes: Dormant Mode Active Mode 1) Dormant Mode: The situation that has the potential to be hazardous, but no people, or environment is currently affected by this. For example: An unstable hillside, has a potential for a landslide but there is nothing below or on the hillside that could be affected. 2) Active Mode: An incident in which hazard has actually occurred, creating an Emergency situations or Disasters. Classification of Hazards: Hazard can also be classified as: Natural Hazard Man-Made Hazard Natural Hazard: Definition: These hazards are caused by a natural process. Examples of some Natural hazards are: 1) Volcanic Eruptions: Ashes and different toxic gases are expelled through volcanoes from deep inside the earth 2) Droughts: A part of a land suffers from lack of rain during specific period of time which causes severe damage to the crops, soil, animals and people also. 3) Tsunamis: Very large waves which caused by an Earthquake, Volcanic eruptions smashes into a shore. 1.2.4 Man-made Hazard: Definition: These hazards are created by humans. Examples of some Man-Made hazards are: Global Warming: Projected increases in the Earths atmospheres average temperature. In the 20th century the Earths average temperature rose about 0.6 degree Celsius. Crime: It is a kind of Sociological hazard. Crime is a breach of laws and rules. For example Breach of contract. Industrial Hazard: It is a kind of Technological hazard. Industrial hazards often have an environmental impact. For example Bhopal Disaster ( worst industrial disaster to date). 1.3 VULNERABILITY, CAPACITY AND RISK: 1.3.1 Vulnerability: Definition: Susceptibility of a person, group or society to physical or emotional injury. OR Person or group liable to injury. As far as Hazards and Disasters are concern, the concept of Vulnerability is to link the relationship that people have with their environment to social forces and institutions and the cultural values that sustain them. 1.3.2 Capacity: Definition: Within a community all the available resources, that can reduce risk level and disaster effects. Frequent term used in Disaster is Capacity building. Capacity building is the efforts to develop human skills within a community to reduce risk levels. 1.3.3 Risk: Definition: Occurrence probability of a hazard that trigger a disaster with an undesirable outcome. Risk involves an exposure to a chance injury or loss. Risk generally described in terms of probability. Risk can also be defined as the probability of a loss, risk depends on three elements: Hazard Vulnerability Exposure 1.4 DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE: 1.4.1 What is Disaster Management? Main idea: To prevent disasters wherever possible or to mitigate or lessen those disasters which are inevitable. Through Public awareness and Hazard management disasters could be prevented or mitigated. 1.4.2 What is Disaster Management cycle? Definition: Disaster Management Cycle is a cycle which has phases to reduce or prevent disasters. It is a cyclic process it means the end of one phase is the beginning of another phase, although next phase can be started before the completion of previous phase. Some times several phases are taking place concurrently. During each phase, timely decision making can results in greater preparedness, better warnings, and prevent further disasters. The complete Disaster Management cycle includes the shaping of public policies and plans that addresses the causes of disasters and lessening their effects on people, property and infrastructure. 1.5 PHASES OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE: Disaster Management Cycle has four phases: Phase 1- Mitigation Phase 2 Preparedness Phase 3 Response Phase 4 Recovery 1.5.1 Phase 1 Mitigation: 1.5.1.1 Goal: The Goal of Mitigation activities is to get rid of or reduce the disaster occurrence probability, or to mitigate the effects of unavoidable disasters. Definition: Mitigation refers to all actions taken before a disaster to minimize its impacts. Example: Public education Building codes and zoning Mitigation includes: Reviewing building codes Zoning and land-use management Implementing preventative health measures There are two types of Mitigation activities: Structural Mitigation: It refers to constructing projects to reduce economic and social impacts. Non-structural mitigation: They are the policies which raise awareness of hazards. Non-structural mitigation activities also encourage developments to lessen disaster impact. Through Mitigation we can educate businesses and public in order to reduce loss or injury. At home Mitigation activities: In your home Strengthening vulnerable areas such as roof tops, exterior doors and windows. In your home build a safe room. 1.5.2 Phase 2 Preparedness: 1.5.2.1 Goal: The goal of Preparedness activities is: for any emergency situation, achieve a satisfactory level of readiness through programs that support the technical capacity of government. 1.5.2.2 Definition: Preparedness activities are the Plans/preparations made to save lives or property. 1.5.2.3 Preparedness includes: Implementation/operation Systems of early warning. Preparedness plans Emergency exercises Emergency communication systems Public education Through early warning systems people will react appropriately when any early warning is issued. Preparedness actions depend upon the incorporation of suitable measures for development plans at national and regional level. To save lives and minimize disaster damage, individuals, government and organization develop plans and this all is done in Preparedness phase. 1.5.2.4 Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Mitigation: Disaster mitigation and Disaster Preparedness go hand in hand. To ensure that existing infrastructure can withstand the forces of disaster, disaster preparedness includes implementation of mitigation measures. 1.5.3 Phase 3 Response: 1.5.3.1 Goal: The goal of Response is to give instant assistance to maintain life, improve health and hold up the morale of affected population. 1.5.3.2 Disaster Response includes: Assisting refugees with transport. Give temporary shelter and food. Establish semi permanent settlement in camps. Repairing damage infrastructure. The basic needs of people are more focused in Response phase until permanent solutions can be found. 1.5.4 Phase 4 Recovery: 1.5.4.1 Goal: To help people restoring their lives and infrastructure as soon as possible. 1.5.4.2 Types of Recovery Activities: Recovery activities can be: Short term recovery activities Long term recovery activities Until all system return to normal or better, recovery activities continues. 1.5.4.3 Recovery activities in disasters include: Building Temporary housing. Public information. Educating public about Health and safety education. Concealing programs for people. Reconstruction Economic impact studies From recovery to long-term sustainable development there should be smooth transition. DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: 1.6.1 EMS: EMS is the acronym for Emergency Management System. EMS can facilitate the effective management of Disasters. Information Technology can improve the system of Disaster Management and support all the phases of the DMC (Disaster Management Cycle) 1.6.2 PHASE I: Mitigation and Prevention: To reduce the impact of disasters, effective Disaster Management plays a key role. Disaster Management uses different effective technological tools to help the process of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. For example: Tracking system: the cargo of Hazard Management (HAZMAT) can be track by advance Vehicle-mounted hardware and when shipment carrying Hazardous materials deviates from its route centers of Disaster Management issues notification to management centers. Inventory systems: For any emergency situations Inventory Systems ensures that the suffient supplies are available. It monitors the inventory levels of important equipment and supplies and maintain the record of important supplies on regular basis in form of Databases. Detection: For detecting and monitoring the hazardous cargo, Roadside Detectors are used. These Roadside detectors also confirm that cargo is not deviating for its route. 1.6.3 PHASE II: Preparedness: Preparedness deals with the development of plans before any emergency or disastrous situations. Emergency management system helps Phase II of DMC via technological services like: Telemedicine: It is a connection between ambulances which are responding and emergency medical facilities available very near. By using telemedicine doctors can give advices to medical personnel for the treatment of those patients who are on the way to hospital. Advanced ACN: Advanced ACN is the acronym for Advanced automated collision notification. They inform emergency personnel through vehicle mounted sensors and wireless communication about incidents like collisions or crashes. They also tell the incidents exact location and characteristics. 1.6.4 PHASE III and IV: Response and Recovery: To provide immediate help or assistance to the population affected by disasters is the Goal of Response Phase. While the Goal of Recovery Phase is the restoration of peoples live as soon as possible after the disaster or any emergency situation. Emergency management System with the help of Technology can help the Response and Recovery phases through different systems and software like: Scheduling and Coordination software: In order to make the response process organized, structured and efficient complicated scheduling system can monitor and coordinate many response activities. Early Warning System: In transportation infrastructure a vast variety of sensors are used which provide an early warning systems. This early warning system used to detect large-scale disasters and emergencies and also man-made disaster or technological disaster. Large-scale disasters include earthquakes, tsunamis etc and man-made or t echnological disasters include HAZMAT incidents, act of terrorism, nuclear power plant accidents. Response management: Emergency vehicle fleets can be track by Response management by using the technology of Automated vehicle location (AVL) and two-way communication between dispatchers and emergency vehicles. Chapter No:2 TYPES OF DISASTERS: 2.1 INTRODUCTION: According to [11] CRED (Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disaster), Belgium, defines Disaster as: A disaster is a situation or event which overwhelms local capacity, necessitating a request to a national or international level for external assistance OR Disaster is also defined as Great damage, loss or destruction results from a sudden catastrophic event. Many [11] different types of events like weather or earths geology are represented by Disasters. There exist a close association between a disaster and extreme weather events like cyclones, floods, tornadoes etc. The database of disaster events are maintained by CRED. It maintained the disaster events from 1900 to present. Possible causes of increment in disasters: There [11] are many causes for increase in disasters but some common causes are as under: Environmental changes related to economic development may affect the potential for disasters. Change of Global climate from the build-up of greenhouse gases may lead to a greater frequency of extreme weather events (heat waves) in the future, as well as sea level rise. Several existing coastlines may be threatened in this event. Industrialization without controls may increase the risk for technological disasters. Consumption of fossil fuels with industrialization. 2.1.1 What are the Types of Disasters? Disasters can [1] be broadly classified according to their: Causes Natural or Man-made disaster Speed of onset Sudden or Slow Earthquakes, Cyclones, Tsunamis are the examples of Natural disasters. The two most common examples of Man-made disasters are The Bhopal gas release and the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Forest fires (initiated by man) may be another example. There can be a sudden onset or slow onset of disaster. Sudden or Quick onset of disaster means they can occur suddenly in time and slow onset of disaster means they may develop over a period of time or gradually. 2.2 NATURAL DISASTES: 2.2.1 Definition: Natural [1] disaster occurs naturally in proximity to, and pose a threat to people, structures or economic asserts. They are caused by biological, geological conditions or processes in the natural environment for example cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods etc. Few examples of Natural disasters are: Earthquake Tsunamis Flood Cyclone Now I will discuss above Natural disasters. 2.2.2 Earthquake: Earthquake is the vibration of earths surface due to underground movements. Earthquakes also called as tremor or temblor. Sudden release of energy in the earths crust leads to a natural disaster called Earthquake. This sudden release of energy waves are called as seismic waves. Epicenter of earthquake is called as the origin point of these seismic waves. Among the most unpredictable natural disasters people can experience, Earthquake is the one. During earthquakes tens of thousands of people are put in danger. Some International Statistics of Earthquake: More than half a million deaths worldwide caused by Earthquake between 1999 and 2009. Each year more than one million Earthquakes occur worldwide. Measurement of Earthquake: To measure the size of an Earthquake there are many ways. Some of these ways depend upon the damaged amount caused by the Earthquake and some depend upon seismic energy generated by the earthquake. To measure earthquake there are two scales which are very popular: Seismographs Richter scale Seismographs: Seismic waves are generated by Earthquakes these waves can be detected by a sensitive instrument called Seismograph. Nowadays Digital seismographs are high-technology seismographs which can record ground shaking over seismic amplitude and covers broad band of frequencies that is why they are also called as Broadband Seismograph.The study of Seismograph is called as Seismology. Richter scale: Earthquakes intensity and magnitude can be represented by Richter scale. If the intensity of earthquake is 3 on a Richter scale then that earthquake is not harmful. Extremely harmful earthquake has the reading of 7 or above on the Richter scale. Nowadays modified versions of Richter scales are used for earthquake measurement throughout the world. Richter scale is also called as Richter magnitude scale because it measures the magnitude of earthquake. 2.2.3 Tsunami: Ocean [1] wave generated by submarine earthquake, powerful volcanic eruption or underwater landslide is called Tsunami. Tsunami [12] often generated by earthquake in a subduction zone (an area where an oceanic plate is being forced down into the mantle by plate tectonic forces). Tsunami also called as seismic sea wave. Sudden Large displacement of water causes Tsunami. Tsunami travels at a great speed across the open ocean and builds into large deadly waves in a shallow water of a shoreline. Tsunamis consist of multiple waves with an extremely low period and wavelength. The [1] largest earthquake event recorded in Samoa was on 26 June 1917, measuring 8.3 on the Richter scale. The event originated in Tonga (approximately 200km south of Apia) and it triggered a tsunami of 4 to 8 metre run-ups in Satupaitea, Savaii. The tsunami arrived less than ten (10) minutes from its point of origin, meaning it travelled at a speed of more than 1,000km/hr. Hence, when an earthquake occurs, you must listen to the tsunami warning, for example, people living in low-lying coastal areas must relocate to higher and safer grounds immediately. Tsunami speed: Tsunami in a pacific ocean can travel at speeds up to 450mph (half of the speed of sound). The height of Tsunami waves are about 30 to 100 feets. Damage caused by Tsunami: Substantial [13] amount of damage can be caused by Tsunamis. Entire coastal villages can be destroyed by a single Tsunami. It can remove all the sand from the beach sand which took hundred of years to accumulate. Safety: The approach [13] of Tsunami can be determined by many technological methods but nature has its own methods of warning people. If in a certain area the coastal water is abnormally high or low, then this is the warning for Tsunami. 2.2.4 Floods: Flood occurs when [1] large amount of water flow from river or from broken pipe onto a previously dry area. The origin of flood can be very [11] quick or they may develop over a period of days or weeks following an extended period of rain or quick melting of snow. Flash flood have sudden onset. Drowning is the main hazard from flooding. This is most common in flash flood. The common risk factor for flash flood victims is driving in an automobile, many victims of flash flood drown within their vehicle. Health concern from flooding: A longer [11] term health concern from flooding is the development of disease from inundated sanitation stations. Large floods pose a hazard to existing sanitation and drinking water systems. Importance of Flooding: For [1] local ecosystem, flooding can be environmentally important. For example some river floods bring nutrients to soil such as in Egypt where the annual flooding of the Nile River carries nutrients to otherwise dry land. Flood also affect economy. How to mitigate impact of flood: pre-event [11] measures: early warning for flash flood events public education on flood hazards like automobile driving post-event measures: maintaining proper sanitation system proper control of population 2.2.5 Cyclones: Chapter no 3 THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT: INTRODUCTION: The Advanced Information Technology plays a great role in planning and implementation of different measures for the reduction of hazards. The advanced information technology includes: GIS Remote Sensing Satellite Communication Internet The quality and analysis power of natural hazards can be update by Geographic Information System (GIS). In the selection of mitigation measures GIS can direct development activities. The identification of hazardous areas and before time warning for many future disasters can be done by Remote Sensing Communication satellites contribute a lot to provide communication in emergency situations and timely relief measures. For hazard reduction the addition of space technology inputs into monitoring of natural disasters and mechanisms of mitigation is very important 3.2 WHAT IS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: The management of emergencies concerning all hazards, including all activities and risk management measures related to prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Emergency management can rebuild and restore society back to functional level in no time after a disaster. The basic purpose of emergency management is to: 1) Save as many lives as possible 2) To protect and preserve the environment 3) To protect the economy 3.2.1 Emergency Management System: Definition: It is a technological tool used to improve and enhance the Emergency Disaster Management. Emergency management system can help Disaster Management in several areas, such as: Materials: To ensure that the warehouse is stock with all the items needed for national survival in any disaster, before any overseas help arrival. Manpower: In first aid and shelter management train personnel. Evacuation Plans: Testing of General disaster and Evacuation plan. Communication: To establish reliable Communication system. Transportation: To establish effective Transportation plans for example transportation through air which facilitates the food delivery supplies process to the victims of affected areas which are cut-off from any vehicular traffic. Examples of Emergency Management System at work: Management of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): By means of Air, Sea and Land, EMS provides secure transportation of dangerous and hazardous materials. EMS uses special devices for tracking the shipment of HAZMAT. Emergency medical services: EMS notifies the emergency personnel with important and valuable information on emergency incidents. For example EMS is equipped with automated collision notification system to detect vehicle collision. Recovery and Response: EMS has efficient Sensors which can detect natural disasters and warn population before hand. IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT, APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Through Information Technology the suffering of the disaster victims can be minimized. There are several tools of Information Technology which are useful in the management of any disaster. In this Report I am focusing the following Information Technology tools used in Disaster Management: Geographic Information System (GIS) Remote Sensing Global Positioning System (GPS) 3.3.1 GIS in Disaster Management: 3.3.1.1 Introduction: GIS is the acronym for Geographic Information System. For Disaster Management GIS can work in many ways, such as: They are the kind of information system which are well capable of storing, integrating, analyzing, editing, sharing, and displaying the information which is geographically-referenced. GIS can create the interactive queries, edit data and different maps and can easily present the final results of all these operations. The quality and power of analysis of assessments of natural hazards can be improved by GIS. In the selection of mitigation measures, emergency preparedness and response action, GIS also guide and assist different development activities. Applications of GIS: For the following activities GIS applications are very useful. Creation of hazard inventory map: At all the district and inter-municipal levels, the developmental projects pre-feasibility study can be very efficiently done by GIS. To locate important facilities: Through GIS we can take information on physical locations of drains, shelters and other physical facilities. Management and Creation of associated Database: Planners can make projects at feasibility level. These projects can used to make risk maps for existing cities, disaster preparedness planning and relief activities after disaster. Vulnerability assessment: To expand Disaster Management organizations by creating awareness of disaster with government and public is done by innovative and interactive technology tool GIS. Emergency shelters and the use of GIS: Shelter [1] operators use GIS technology to take the personal details of persons being housed at the shelters. GIS technology would also give information to the shelter operators on the general makeup of the shelter like that how many children, adults, disable or any special occupant are in the shelter or need shelter. Relief Distribution and the use of GIS: GIS generate maps of the affected areas where bunch of victims are located then with the help of these maps food drops processes will take place. These maps will also identify the unique needs of persons within these bunches. Vulnerable areas: The areas which are prone to disasters are highlighted by GIS. This will help the disaster managers to do planning before the occurrence of disaster and it also facilitates the coordination of efforts during and after the event. GIS Advantages: There are more advantages of GIS than challenges. Some GIS advantages are as under: It can [1] represent spatial information over a wide geographic area. To take more detailed view of contents GIS uses 3D graphics. Integration of different information of geo-spatial can be facilitated by GIS. Information of geo-spatial includes maps, models and other forms of graphics. GIS distributes updated informaton. It also efficiently analyzes, collects and manage that information. For individuals who wants to use GIS only little tranning is required. This feature of GIS makes it versatile and easy to use. 3.3.1.4 Challenges of using GIS in Disaster Management: GIS [1] can sometimes reveal personal and people-specific information which can significantly affect peoples life. Form GIS information sometimes vital and hard decisions have to be taken in the best interest of affected people. To get the output which is meaningful and useful from the system, large amounts of inputs are required. GIS delayed the decision making process during emergency because it require huge amount of information and vast amount of time to analyze that information. Disaster Management Cycle and GIS: Planning: To [1] realize the need for planning which is based on the present risk is the most important stage of DM. For forward planning GIS plays a key role. GIS provides a structure for disaster managers to view spatial data by computer based maps. Mitigation: For structural and non-structural mitigation, GIS can play very important role. Areas which are at risk are spatially represented by GIS. GIS also identifies the risk level associated with particular hazard. Disaster managers use GIS to determine the level of mitigative structures that should be in place given the vulnerability of an area or population. Preparedness: GIS can play a vital role in the identification of resources and areas which are at risk. The link between partners and critical agencies is established by GIS and the use of GIS in the establishment of that link will help disaster managers to know the location of stations of relevant partner agencies. In the context of Disaster Management, maps of GIS can provide information on the human resources present in an Emergency Operation Centre as well as on the ground personnel such as security, health providers and other key responders. This is particularly useful since the technology can help with strategic placement of emergency personnel where it matters most. Through GIS we can make sure that communication networks and road infrastructure are capable of handling the effe

Elian Gonzalez :: Free Essay Writer

Elian Gonzalez Is it possible for a six-year-old boy to successfully seek asylum in the United Sates against his father’s wishes? This is the main point of exploration in the April 21, 2000 article (off the wire) that appeared in The Plain Dealer. The article relates, â€Å"to be granted asylum, people must show that they were persecuted or had a legitimate fear of persecution in their home country because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group or political opinions.† According to the article, the case has not reached a decision because of the debate over whether Elian Gonzalez has the right to seek asylum. For the time being, he is allowed to remain with his Miami relatives until the matter is resolved. There may be several levels of appeals and years of debate if the case is sent to an asylum hearing. Janet Reno, Attorney General, Joe Lockhart, White House Spokesperson and Richard D. Freer, a professor at the Emory University School of Law in Atlanta was interviewed and quoted as sources regarding the possible outcome of the case. Lockhart and Freer had seemingly opposing views. Lockhart believe that the proper legal view is the view if Elian’s father. Freer thinks the debate should result in a longer stay in Miami for Elian. Reno asserts despite all of the predicted outcomes that there is no way to confidently determine what is to happen. They key fact in the article is that federal law allows any alien resident in the United States to seek asylum and that the courts must make a decision after hearing arguments even if it is the arguments of a child Elian’s age. An example of a 1985 case where a 12-year-old Soviet child sought asylum against his parents’ wishes is presented. But the child was considered on the â€Å"lower end† of maturity in deciding his rights separate from his parents. An AP photograph accompanied the article as it appeared in the Plain dealer but the content is unknown. Another article on the same topic appeared in the Weekly Standard magazine on April 24,2000. Author, Tucker Carlson relates a two-sided protest regarding the fate of Elian Gonzalez. Among the public and private protesters lies entertainers Gloria Estefan and Andy Garcia who are both of Cuban origin. Both feel that Elian should be allowed to stay in the United States All of the deep seated emotion is over the fact that Janet Reno decided on April 13, 200 that the Miami relatives had until 2:00 p.

Housing and Habitability Essay

Question 1: You are an environmental health inspector asked investigate problems at a local low-income and poorly main apartment complex. There is lead-based paint peeling from the walls, and mold growing on the walls. Living in a room that has lead-based paint peeling from the walls and mold growing on the walls has certain health complications. The two factors are considered to be the worst indoor air pollutants and its effect can be seen after repeated exposure or soon after exposure. Occupants of an apartment with such conditions are exposed to such risks whether children or old people. Lead-based paint peeling from the walls has a number of health complications to low income family members especially children (Stewart, 2001). Excessive exposure to lead can cause damage to nervous system and the brain making it hard for the victim to have good health. Other main health problems include high blood pressure, headaches, and muscle pain, difficulties during pregnancy and digestive problems. Control of lead-based paint from peeling off the walls is a major challenge for low income earning family living in a poorly maintained apartment. The following measures can be taken to control lead paint health problems;  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cleaning up paint chips once they peel off.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Washing children’s hands more frequently and items they play with such as toys.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Planting grass to cover soil with high levels of lead  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cleaning painted surfaces weekly and rinsing the cleaning tools thoroughly.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Keeping children from chewing painted surfaces Molds are other major health hazards as they are invisible organisms that grow on walls under suitable conditions such as light, water and air. Health problems associated with molds include breathing problems, asthma, and irritation of skin, eyes, sneezing, nausea, headache and fatigue. Control of molds requires the application of simple measures such as opening the windows to let fresh air flow inside the building (Strang, 2003). With enough sunlight and clean air, humidity inside the rooms is decreased hence eliminating growth of molds. Question 2: One of your goals is to protect the health of swimmers at a local recreational pool. Discuss two methods that have been used to treat swimming pool water, ozonation and chlorination. The health of swimmers is usually at risk as the water is in most cases contaminated. There are two commonly used methods to treat swimming pool water such as ozonation and chlorination. Any swimmer has high chances of contaminating swimming pool through sweat, urine, mucous, skin flaks or hair ointments. These contaminants can be treated through the use of ozonation which proves to be the most beneficial and advanced method of treating swimming pool water (Ball, 2006). Ozonation works by injecting ozone on the filter then coagulant is added. Once filtration is done chlorine product is added as a residual concentration. Once the chlorine mixes with ozone, the level of chlorine reduces making the process one of the best treatment method. The ozone reduces large molecules into small molecules which are easily decomposed by the filter. Ozonation has a number of benefits which include increase in the quality of swimming water as the level of chlorine is reduced. Another benefit is oxidization of organic and inorganic matter without formation of by-products and clearing away of chlorine scent which might have some health problems. Chlorination is another method used to treat swimming pool water whereby chlorine is used as a disinfectant.   Routine chlorination is used to kill harmful microorganisms which act as health threat. Chlorine reacts with organics and produces nitrogen trichloride and chloramines which are dangerous chemicals. As disinfectant, chlorine prevents the growth of bacteria or algae making the swimming pool water safe. Ozonation is the best method of treating swimming pool water compared to chlorination. Ozone is used as a purification agent while chlorine is used as a disinfectant (Goldstein, Martin, 2002). This means that there are no harmful by products produced through ozonation while chlorine produces dangerous chemicals which are harmful to swimmers.

Business Documents Essay

English editing (or re-writing) can cause discomfort, because it often reveals hidden weaknesses in the original document. But companies willing to accept the treatment and put in any work necessary will produce a document that shines. By turning existing, long-winded and inaccessible text into clear writing, plain English can shine an uncomfortably bright light on flaws in the original content that would otherwise remain unnoticed. The reality is that in many businesses, a lot of very talented and experienced professionals can spend an awful lot of time doing fantastic research and work only to produce a document that fails dismally to do them credit. Why do all that work if the final report, which may be so critical, simply isn’t fit for purpose? Companies and organisations are increasingly recognising that the reports they produce need to read clearly. They recognise that the text needs to be in plain English. The author is not the reader. Putting the text through the plain English editing process can polish text until it shines with clarity. That’s great if the bones of the report, the facts and figures and findings etc, are already solid. But sometimes, the editing process itself can throw up uncomfortable questions. It reveals flaws in original document, highlights waffle, questions in-house jargon, and draws attention to unsubstantiated claims. And that’s when a businesses’ true grit shows. ‘Your editing highlighted the fact that there were holes in just about every paragraph,’ one client told me. ‘The plain English showed us just how many gaps we need to fill before we can send the report to our client. ’