Iiillegal Logging

According to Filipino officials, rampant illegal logging and mining were likely a part of the cause for the high casualty count from Category 5 Typhoon Bopha (Pablo), especially in the Compostela Valley where government officials had warned people to stop the illegal activities. So far, 370 people have been found dead on the island of Mindanao with another 400 missing. Waters rose so high even emergency shelters were inundated. â€Å"If you abuse nature, nature will get back at us,† Benito Ramos, executive director of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said. This is due to decades of mining and logging. Our forests are already deluded and there are tunnels left by small-time miners. † Illegal logging and mining has stripped many hillsides bare in Mindanao, which has forest cover of only 10 percent. Deforestation means flash floods flow unimpeded, leading to cataclysmic land and mud slides that can bury whole towns. â€Å"The water was as h igh as a coconut tree,† a local farmer, Joseph Requinto, told the Associated Press. â€Å"All the bamboo trees, even the big ones, were all mowed down. † Unfortunately these tragic environmental disasters are becoming a recurring theme in the Philippines, less than a year Typhoon Sendong killed over 1,200 people on the same island. The extensive destruction wrought by this storm—which impacted over 300,000 people—was also blamed at least partly on illegal logging. Logging has banned throughout the Philippines since February of 2011 in order to avert disasters such as this, but illegal logging remains a rampant problem. Yet, while illegal logging and mining certainly worsened the death toll of Typhoon Bopha, there may another component to the storm's wrath: climate change. Warmer world may equal worse typhoons, hurricanes â€Å"Climate change is now a clear and present danger and a national security concern for our country,† Filipino Senator, Loren Legarda, said last year after the devastating Typhoon Sendong. Scientists continue to debate the connection between climate change and hurricanes and typhoons (both names for tropical cyclones). However a general consensus is emerging that while climate change may not increase the total number of hurricanes, it is likely increasing the extremely intense ones, much like Hurricane Sandy that struck the U. S. East Coast a little over a month ago. Climate change is intensifying tropical cyclones in a number of ways: rising sea levels create worsening storm surges, while a warmer atmosphere draws in more water from the oceans leading to increased precipitation, worsening the chance for flash floods such as those spawned by Bopha. In addition, unseasonably warms seas may be extending both the tropical cyclone season and its geographical reach: Typhoon Bopha hit a region of Mindano that has never been hit by such extreme cyclones. It also hit late in the season. We have never had a typhoon like Bopha, which has wreaked havoc in a part of the country that has never seen a storm like this in half a century. And heartbreaking tragedies like this is not unique to the Philippines, because the whole world, especially developing countries struggling to address poverty and achieve social and human development, confront these same realities,† Naderev Sano, climate negotiator for the Philippin es, said today in an impassioned speech at the 18th UN Climate Summit in Doha, Qatar, which has been crawling along the last two week. Sano pointed to the disaster as more evidence to move aggressively on climate change at a conference where observers say little progress is being made. â€Å"I appeal to the whole world,† Sano continued. â€Å"I appeal to leaders from all over the world, to open our eyes to the stark reality that we face. I appeal to ministers. The outcome of our work is not about what our political masters want. It is about what is demanded of us by 7 billion people. I appeal to all, please, no more delays, no more excuses. Please, let Doha be remembered as the place where we found the political will to turn things around. † Anti-poverty and environmental NGOs are largely pointing the finger at wealthy countries—especially the U. S. , Canada, and New Zealand—for failing to raise their pledges on emissions cuts and providing little information on where climate financing will come from. The host nation, Qatar, has also come under heavy criticism for bringing little to the table, even though it is the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter per capita.

Police Operations Essay

There are different levels of law enforcement which include local, state and federal levels. We are told by The National District Attorneys Association that (NDAA, p. 1) â€Å"As federal authorities are obliged to investigate all incidents that may be federal civil rights crimes, and local and state authorities have independent jurisdiction over such cases under their own criminal statutes, this MOU also should improve the reporting of all such violations to local, state and federal authorities. We are also educated from the same source that this will â€Å"increase public confidence in this critical law enforcement areas. † This demonstrates that all levels of law enforcement can work more effectively together in their efforts at maintaining peace but many times these different levels work alone when the situation falls under one category that is controlled by a specific are of law enforcement. The local law enforcement agency is a level which involves city and county sheriff departments which include domestic violence situations, traffic stops and basically all citizen laws within city or county limits. State law enforcement agencies is a level of law enforcement where state troopers usually enforce interstate commerce traffic and they also have a division within the state detective agencies that investigate crimes as well as respond to local and county calls when local law enforcement agencies are backed up and aren’t able to take care of the calls received. Federal law enforcement agencies handle a wide variety of felony crimes which usually take over the local and state jurisdiction boundaries when federal crimes are committed. They also investigate counterfeit currency and bank robberies. Any time there is a kidnapping crime to be handled, the federal law enforcement level will investigate where local and state agencies have fulfilled their duties. All levels of law enforcement will generally work together for one cause in solving cases where the law has been broken. Each level of law enforcement is extremely important where the local level handles lesser crimes and federal handle major offenses where federal offenses such as bank robberies, illegal felony possession of firearms, distribution of drugs over state lines and cases where federal laws are offended. August Vollmer was a pioneer in law enforcement who contributed to the development of criminal investigative techniques. We are told by Jim Fisher (Fisher, p. 1) that â€Å"In 1905, the citizens of Berkeley, California, banded together to rid themselves of the prostitutes, gambling houses, and opium dens operating openly in their town. The man they elected to do the job was a 29-year-old uneducated mail carrier who promised to clean things up. † Vollmer dedicated much of his time to making changes in law enforcement by changing the way officers were trained, thought and acted as law enforcement officials. He was well-known for using good judgment skills and his own common sense. Another pioneer in law enforcement was Officer James Foreman. We are told that (Lieberman, 2002) Foreman was our first African-American police officer. â€Å"Senator Joe Lieberman today paid tribute to Stamford, Connecticut’s first African-American police officer, James Foreman. † He is one of the many who were pioneers in law enforcement who made a huge difference is our country through their dedication.

Social venture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Social venture - Essay Example To this end, stand for children (2011) notes that they â€Å"train ordinary people to be effective citizen leaders capable of solving problems facing children, both locally and state-wide, by convincing elected officials and voters to invest in and reform vital children’s programs.† With such an organization that has the ultimate aim of investing in people, it is worth investing every little bit of time and resource in it, analyzing its mode of operation, its strengths and weaknesses and how its future can be brightened. Social Problems and Challenges addressed by Stand for Children Leadership Center Stand for Children Leadership Center can best be described as the official mouthpiece of children. This judgment is given from their mode of operation and their social impact agenda. The primary social impact focus of the organization is to influence policy makers and other stakeholders on children issues to champion courses and legislations that seeks the total well-being of the child. The major reason behind the organization’s quest to take up such social responsibility sterns from the fact that according to the statutes of the United States Constitution, children do not have the right undertake such advocacy responsibilities in voicing out what their needs should be. To this end, the Stand for Children Leadership Center (2011) states that â€Å"Stand for Children Leadership Center exists because children in communities across America have no power to influence our democratic system to meet their fundamental needs.† The organization continues to say that for this reason, it has poised its mission to â€Å"teach everyday people how to join together in an effective grassroots voice in order to win concrete, long-lasting improvements for children, at both state and local levels.† This means that the duties of the organization does not target or deal with children directly but then it speaks on behave of children through people whos e voices are recognized by the democratic dispensation of the law. Strategies used in addressing social problems The core word that can be used to describe the strategy used by Stand for Children Leadership Centre is ‘grassroots action.’ To this end, Stand for Children (2011) states that they â€Å"use the power of grassroots action to help all children get the excellent public education and strong support they need to thrive† Stand for Children (2011). This grassroots action involves helping â€Å"ordinary people become effective citizen leaders who use our democratic process to improve the lives of children† (Stand of Children, 2011). Again, in its grassroots actions, the organisation â€Å"Recruit people with similar values; Identify effective, achievable solutions to problems facing their community's children; Educate decision makers and voters to achieve these solutions† (Stand for Children, 2011). Scrutiny of Stand for Children Leadership Cent er’s Strategies in addressing Social Problems – including Projected Social Impact Stand for Children Leadership Center is one of the most respected non-governmental organizations in the United States. Its activities and operations have generally been rated by Charity Navigator to be standard and competitive. This certainly means that social problem intervention adopted by the organization is appropriate and workable. The major strength of the strategy for addressing its social interventions is the fact that it

Compare and Contrast Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Compare and Contrast - Essay Example This means that; it is a poet’s place in society to act as an overseer, and point out the things that may be out of place. In the past, poets brought out the political injustices through satire. This art has extended to different fields. Also, poets have the ability to bring out different messages through the themes present in their poems. The themes offer them a chance to express what they might be feeling. As one of the oldest forms of art, poetry has its place in society as it gives individuals a chance to reinvent themselves, hence; be worthy in the eyes of society (Bloom 91). This paper will examine the theme brought out by two poets in their prime, and the comparisons and dissimilarities that occur in this theme. Walt Whitman and Federico Garcia are well-renowned poets who dedicated their skill to the world. During their era, a lot was happening in their immediate surroundings. They used their skill to communicate with individuals about what was happening to protect them , or assist them comprehend their situations. In, When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d, Whitman was bringing the world’s attention to the death of a great leader (Bloom 91). It was after the assassination of Lincoln that Whitman decided to write the poem, and bring out the theme of death. It was a poem of mourning where he mourned the passing of an icon. These poems are often described as elegies. It was pastoral elegy dedicated to the fallen hero, and all that he had done. In, Lament for Ignacio Sanchez Mejjas, Federico wrote about his beloved friend whom he cherished and adored (Arana 159). Federico mourned the passing of his friend through a long process of grief. The theme of death in both the poems is brought out in a traditional fashion by both poets. This is one similarity that stands out in both the poems. In Federico’s poem, he brings out the traditional aspect of the elegy. He brings the long process of grief through the poem about his departed acq uaintance. This symbolism takes precedence over the life and cultural traditions that accustom an honourable person in society. In Whitman’s poem, the traditional aspect is seen through the symbolism the poet puts in the fallen president. He uses the Western star to symbolise the fallen president, and a number of other symbolic features to represent the life of the star (Bloom 91). Both these deaths were of exemplary individuals; Lincoln in Whitman’s case, and Ignacio, the bullfighter, in Federico’s case. Another similarity that is brought out in these poems is the nature that surrounds the burial of the two dignified members of society. In Whitman’s poem, nature is said to have worn a sombre mood, â€Å"nature sympathizes with America’s grief†¦as the coffin makes its long journey from Washington to Springfield.† In Federico’s poem, he also resonates with the mood that was present at the burial of the fallen bullfighter, â€Å"t he room was iridescent with agony, at five in the afternoon.† It all comes down to what the poet wants the audience to feel. The sombre mood can be felt even as the audience may not have been present at the time of the burials (Arana 169). The experience that both poets have is seen through their ability to honour the dead. Musical elements are another similarity that both poets exhibit through their elegies. In Federico’s poem, he produces the image of bones and flutes resounding in the air (Arana 189). All these are elements that bring out an eerie feeling to whoever was watching the proceedings of the death of Ignacio. In Whitman’s poem, he reflects on the virtues of the lilacs and their magnificent presence. In many of American people’s gardens, the lilacs are flowers that are well known for their delicate

Is this unlawful discrimination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Is this unlawful discrimination - Essay Example All employees have equal rights to religion at the workplace. The right to religion should be free and open to all such that one can choose the religion they want to be associated with. The equal employment opportunity act states that no employee should be discriminated based on national origin, sex, race, color, religion, or an employee acting according to his or her rights (Nkomo, Fottler, & McAfee, 2011). Yes Elaine was fired because of religious discrimination as she refused to convert to be a Baptist like other employees and the supervisor. Elaine has the burden of proof I would convict the defendant who is the human resource manager on claims of unlawful discrimination. The plaintiff can show that she was fired based on religious discrimination. The plaintiff can also confirm that she had all the necessary qualification for the job as she had worked for the last six years. And above all Elaine was protected by the equal employee opportunity act of 1972 (Nkomo, Fottler, & McAfee, 2011). This is unlawful discrimination because everyone has a right to freedom of

Marketing Management and Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marketing Management and Strategy - Assignment Example The paper starts by explaining the meaning of relationship marketing and the main part of the paper will discuss the relevance of this concept to today’s business. Relationship marketing is perhaps one of the most important concepts of marketing during the contemporary period. Basically, â€Å"customer relationship management (CRM) or relationship marketing is the overall process of building and maintaining profitable customer relationships by delivering superior customer value and satisfaction,† (Kotler & Armstrong, 2010, p. 27). On the other hand, (Gartner, 2007, p.4) defines CRM as a â€Å"business strategy with outcomes that optimize profitability, revenue and customer satisfaction by organizing around customer segments, fostering customer-satisfying behaviours and implementing customer-centric processes.† Essentially, many organizations have realised that customer loyalty is very important since it determines the success or failure of their operations. This has prompted the marketers of different firms to forge ahead with different strategies that are meant to create long lasting relationships with the customers. In every business, it can be observed that the quality of the relationship that exists between the company and its customers has a bearing on its performance. Lamb et al (2008) posits to the effect that relationship marketing is a philosophy that emphasises on creating long term relationships with the customers so that the company can sustain its operations in the long run. Customers are compelled to buy certain products that are offered by different firms as a result of the quality of service they get when doing business with them. During the contemporary period, it can be seen that stiff competition characterises different markets and this is the main reason why efforts should be made to retain the customers that already exist in the organization (Athanasopoulou N.D). One viable strategy that can be implemented by the organi zation is to try to create quality relationships around services offered to the customers so that they can be in a position to identify with the organization. When this identity has been created, the customers are likely to have a predisposition towards the products that are offered by the company. The customers in any business are the main component of the relationship mix which ought to be created around value of the products offered. According to Ferrazzi (2006), the quality of the relationship that exists between the organization and the customers is determined by the attitude of the targeted audiences by the firm towards the value of the products and services offered. This point is also supported by Wang et al (2004) who state that the customers specifically purchase different products so that they can derive various values from using them. There are different values that are derived from consuming a certain product and these include the following: â€Å"emotional value,† utility derived from the affective state of goods or services; â€Å"social value,† social utility obtained from using a product â€Å"functional value† utility derived from the perceived quality of a product as well as â€Å"perceived sacrifice† which is loss that is likely to be encountered from purchasing a particular product or service. In most cases, the

Failure of Macroeconomic Policy and Decade Long Stagnation Case Study

Failure of Macroeconomic Policy and Decade Long Stagnation - Case Study Example Since 1990 Japan has experienced over a decade of slow growth in real economic activity. Between 1990 and 2000 per capita output raised at an annual rate of 0.68 percent, per capita investment dropped at the rate of 1.4 percent per annum and weekly hours per adult worker declined by 1.18 percent per annum. This period has come to be referred to as "the lost decade." During the same period the inflation rate, as measured by the growth rate of the GDP deflator, fell from 2.3 percent to -1.8 percent and the nominal interest rate fell from 7.4 percent to 0.1 percent. Japan's current experience of sluggish growth coupled by deflation and zero nominal interest rates raises questions about the role of monetary policy in times of deflation. Should monetary policy take actions to avoid the zero nominal interest rate bound and if so, what policies can avoid it and/or ameliorate its negative ejects? This paper deals with a model that accounts for the real and nominal facts from the 1990s and makes use of this model to answer the two questions posed above. We consider an expensive price adjustment model along the lines of Rotemberg (1996) and expand it to allow for capital accumulation. In this economy, monopolistically competitive firms face convex costs of adjusting prices. Households own the capital stock and are subject to convex costs of adjustment. ... Solving for the equilibrium is complicated by the likelihood of a zero nominal interest rate limitation. An algorithm for computing perfect foresight equilibria is developed in situations where the nominal interest rate is zero over some period of time. The model is then solved and replicated using a parameterization that is standardized to Japanese data. An impulse response analysis is used to answer the first question. We find that the dynamic response of the economy to shocks in technology and government purchases is very di.erent depending on whether the zero nominal interest rate constraint binds. When the constraint is not binding output and investment rise in response to improvements in technology under the interest rate targeting rule we mull over. Nevertheless, when the constraint binds, monetary policy cannot respond and output and investment all drop in response to positive technology shocks. A binding constraint also exacerbates the contractionary e.ects of negative government purchase shocks on these same variables. Overview of the Study First, I will analyze what is extent of stagnation and what are its evidences and proofs from economic conditions of the country. Besides this, what went wrong in demand side Second, I will examine the components of GDP which have been stagnant with reference to relevant theories. Third, I will explore the weaknesses of supply side and its relevant issue will be discussed. Background of the study From the beginning of the 1950s to the early 1970s, the Japanese economy experienced dramatic growth. Several institutional structures sustained this rapid growth. First, the stable

Iran and Its Pursuit Of Nuclear weapons Research Paper

Iran and Its Pursuit Of Nuclear weapons - Research Paper Example As such, the Iranian government continued with their projects to generate energy meant to serve its population that was more than 75 million, where political and other aspects took over the thinking portion over nuclear technology. Following this, political forces came into being, where they viewed nuclear technology as more than a technology meant to generate energy and power for its people. This became the driving force away from mere energy production and into production of nuclear weapons, a project that America and other world powers are against. Estimates to nuclear capability in recent times show that Iran stands a good chance to develop their uranium and include it in the production of weapons of mass destruction. This is especially so for nuclear weapons, as there is evidence in recent suggesting that the country stands a chance to begin uranium enrichment. Reasons for the pursuit of nuclear weaponry by Iran lie in the attempts by American to impose their opinions and ideolo gies on Iranians through their support for their initial nuclear project. This created the idea that the Iranians were being sidelined in their own land and in their own projects in that to them the Americans intended to take over that which belonged to them. With this in mind, the main cause that can be attributed to the deviation from the original plan can be seen in the prisoners of insecurity. This is because with nuclear power, where power stands for nuclear capability in weapons, the Iranians stand a chance to have power to eliminate threats and not be victims of world powers influencing them. In addition, the move from nuclear power to pursuits of nuclear weapons can be attributed to an aspiration of prestige, where Iran and Iraq have a bitter rivalry for the control or power in the Persian Gulf region (Dorraj 326). With nuclear capabilities, Iran stands a chance to overcome other regional and international powers, where it can manage to negotiate its way into and out of deal s that are not suitable. This also translates to international recognition as a nuclear arsenal has helped some countries into positions of power on an international scale as it also depicts the presence of technological advancement. The reasons for Iran having pursuits for nuclear weapons can therefore be attributed to image of Iran towards the outside world and the international community, as well as the state of security of the country from external forces. The consequences of Iran and its pursuits of nuclear weapons have been sanctions against Iran, where policy makers have been formulating sanctions to curb the spread of the nuclear pursuits and prevent its development. Sanctions have been employed by the US, where it has used its foreign policy to ensure that it threatens Iran against developing nuclear weapons, where its economic ability has been the main weapon. As a result, the United States has sanctioned Iran by curtailing political, economic and diplomatic relations as i t is considered to use its nuclear capabilities to fund and support terrorist activities, as well as oppose Israel (Cohen 10). The sanctions, however, have not worked to ensure that the pursuit ceases as the sanctioned aspects of Iran have been taken over by other countries that have sought to take over that which ten Americans and other countries t

How Is Animal Abuse Linked to Human Abuse Essay Example for Free

How Is Animal Abuse Linked to Human Abuse Essay How is animal abuse linked to human abuse? What is animal abuse? Abuse is define to be a misuse or mistreatment and attempt to harm another person or thing. Several studies have shown that animal abuse and neglect may indicate that others in the home maybe at risk of abuse and neglect, also. Abuse has become a common place across the nation and taking on many different forms of abuse. It is believed that animals as well as humans have every right to a good life just as those who physically, psychologically, and sexually perform such act against them. Physical abuse is known as to involving contact intended to cause feelings of intimidation, injury, or other physical suffering or bodily harm. It is said, â€Å"Physical abuse is when a person hits, slam, pulls hair, harms by use of weaponry, murder, bites, or burns. Whereas physical neglect is failure or delay to provide healthcare, abandonment an expulsion. Neglect is also includes leaving a child under inadequate supervision, nutrition, hygiene and clothing as well as in regards to safety and welfare†(Jilani. Difference between Abuse and Neglect. May 6, 2010) Animal and human abuse fall hand in hand when coming to such situations. There are countless abuse cases of animals being cared for with cruelty and has related in every situation involving a human. Both relate very similarly when being faced with such harmful and abusive environment. The pain, suffering and death upon an animal being physically abused can compare to a human being physically abused by their spouse or one who is the abuser. The list can go on different ways an individual will perform acts of abuse toward the subjects. Thesis statement: In today’s society, cruelty towards animals is a growing epidemic because people do not have the value this worth of animal life. These acts of have placed many innocent lives into danger and until this day it still occurs. Studies have shown that â€Å"In 88 percent of 53 families where various forms of child abuse had taken place, animal abuse had also occurred. In two thirds of these families the animal abuser was the father figure; in one third it was a child. The researchers suggested that, in s uch cases, pet abuse by children was often a manifestation of children was often a manifestation of children’s response to their own victimization; a replication of the dynamics of their own abuse  on powerless pet figures. Of 233 British families with a history of animals neglect. In one study of battered women, 57 percent of those with pets said their partners had harmed or killed the animals. One in four said that she stayed with the batterer because she feared leaving the pet behind† (Pet-Abuse.com, 2001) These are the relationships of animals and humans when in dealing in such physical within a household or just an abuser who has no heart to give proper care for one of the two. This article also states of families who are being abused by other members within the family hood would tend to do the same well aware of his or her actions and is careless of their actions. Here is where an individual’s rights will come into play to protect themselves from being harmed in every way such. An animal should be given every equal right to live a good life and be given the nurture and care that is needed. There are lists of abuses an animal or human may face on a daily basis but another abuse that is popular in dealing with abuse cases is being psychologically abused. Psychological abuse is defined as emotional or mental abuse. These two characters of abuse basically are being abused imperceptibly when dealing with the mind. This is known to be more harmful only due to it affecting how a person may think and feel about themselves. An animal abuse in a psychological form may be similar. The abuser will teach the animal of thinking in ways that may cause the innocent animal to feel harmed and afraid. In this type of environment an animal or human might believe what the abuser is saying and continue to follow with the mentality of feeling frightful that if they disobey they will be abused. It states that â€Å"the abuser projects their word, attitude or actions onto an unsuspecting victim usually because they themselves have not dealt with childhood wounds that are now causing them to h arm others† (BOGDANOS, 2013). There is huge relationship of animal being abused linked to a human that is sin the same position. They will be verbally being hit with harsh words that will hurt how they will react to such abusive actions psychologically. As we understand that being psychologically abused may not cause physical damage but it may cause those being abused pain and scarring. The National Coalition against Domestic Violence stated â€Å"Psychological abuse is the systematic perpetration of malicious and explicit nonphysical health of the  victim and victim’s loved ones, controlling the victim’s freedom, and effectively acting to destabilize or isolate the victim. Psychological abuse frequently occurs prior to or concurrently with physical or sexually abuse. While psychological abuse increases the trauma of physical and sexual abuse, a number of studies have demonstrated that psychological abuse independently causes long-term damage to its victims, mental health† (VIOLENCE,2005-2011). This can lead into an unhealthy relationship if the abusiveness continues and may result into physical violence. It can result in depression, problems with self-esteem, poor sleep, alcohol or drug use, and becoming suicidal, among other things. People who are being abused may feel absolutely trapped in a relationship that they cannot escape, and begin to feel that they somehow deserve the abuse. Being abused with your emotions and mind may cause a thing or person to believe even more the self –esteem drops, you lose confidence and you find it hard to get back on the right track of mind. A few example of psychological abuse as stated in a site are â€Å"emotional abuse includes non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, constant monitoring or â€Å"checking in†, excessive texting, humiliation, intimidation, isolation or stalking† (loveisrespect.org, 2007-2013). It is when someone’s insult and disrespect you verbally. It causes a person pain mentally and emotionally. Effects that may occur in facing psychological abuse are well known to those who are the abuser and to every other individually who is willing lend a helping in saving a life. There may be a list of ways to heal and solve the iss ue of being abused but it is up to the individually that will not let anyone nor their words or actions falter you from living life. Last but not least another link of abuse between animals and humans is sexual abuse. The American Psychological Association defines sexual abuse as â€Å"sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent. Most victims and perpetrators know each other. Immediate reactions to sexual abuse include shock, fear or disbelief. Long-term symptoms include anxiety, fear or post-traumatic stress disorder. While efforts to treat sex offenders remain unpromising, psychological interventions for survivors, especially group therapy that appears effective† (ASSOCISTION, 2013). This information has shared quite a link between animals and humans when dealing with sexual  abuse. The relationship of being sexually abused is similar. For instance, the abuser will force themselves unto an animal or human and perform unwanted acts sexually that is not pleasing and very harmful to this innocent life. There are many other relationships as of humans performing sexual activity upon animals, which are against the law and should not even be thought upon in the first place. Others may be of another human against another human. They may show sexual abusive actions that may cause fear to the victim and forcefully perform such actions. These are some ways that are mostly known of how animals or humans may be sexually abused. Some could be of two individuals who practically know each other well, but one may feel in need of sexual activity and will forcefully do so while the victim is refusing. Here is another infamous way that we most often hear when it comes down it sexu al abuse. Sexual abuse has been around for many of years. As for animals, there are several of reasons why humans sexually abuse animals. They use animals as to experiments, in pornography, as sexual partner to gain satisfaction of their wants of pleasures and needs. For these reasons it has become as to force an animal, physical violence involves the use of animals for degradation and sexual exploitation of the battered partner. According to Lenore Walker (1979), bestiality may be a part of further tormenting and humiliating the victim. In Walker’s (1984) interviews with battered women, bestiality was mentioned as one of the â€Å"unusual sex acts† desired by their partners, it was found that this experience occurred with 41% of the battering partners and 5% of the non-battering partners. Child sexual abusers may also sexually abuse animals to enhance, expand or extend the abuse of the genuinely powerless and unsuspecting victim (Adam, 1994). Some case studies of sexual abuse of children include reports of forcing children to interact sexually with animals (Ascione, 1993). A child’s sexual abuse of an animal may be a warning sign that the child is a victim or witness of physical, sexual or emotional abuse† (SHEET). In conclusion, we have come to an understanding of all the different types if animal and within this research. As we know that the rate of abused animals and humans has risen dramatically over the past years. There has not  been much of a change from a day basis. Physical abuse as we all knows that it is the most well-known form of abuse that is being faced and is the traumatic one deal with. In other cases, Psychological abuse is another serious form of abuse although it is not as harmful as being physically abused. As to being sexually abused is another form which adds on to the list of abuses. These few forms have not only harmed innocent lives but have caused so much hurt and taken time away to heal. Animals and humans may be saved if dealt and prevented in the early stages of abuse. Others times it might be too late which may cost one to lose their life over carelessness and being mistreated or misused. Today’s society continue to strive in searching for ways to save lives of those being abused and to educate those in whom are abusers of what wrong doings they have become. Being that animals are not humans but their relationship is similar to each other and how they are treated. This is why I believe that animals and humans should be treated equally along with the rights against abusers in order to save their innocent lives from falling into hands of the abusers. References ASSOCIATION, A.P. (2013). SEXUAL ABUSE. Retrieved from AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION: http://www.apa.org/topics/sexual-abuse/ BOGDANOS, M. (2013, 05 31). SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE. Retrieved from PSCH CENTRAL: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/02/20/signs-of-emotional-abuse/ Loveisrespect.org. (2007-2013). Emotional and verbal abuse. Retrived feom loveisrespect.org: http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/what-is-emotional-verbal-abuse Pet-Abuse.com. (2001). Pet-Abuse.com. Retrieved from Pet-Abuse.com: http://www.pet- abuse.com/pages/abused_connection/whole_pictures.php SHEET, A. S. (n.d). ANIMAL SEXUAL ABUSE FACTS SHEET. Retrived from ANIMAL SEXUAL ABUSE FACTS SHEET: http://www.vactf.org/pdfs/bestiality-factsheet.pdf VIOLENCE, N.C. (2005-2011). PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE. Retrieved from NATIONAL COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: http://www.ncadv.org/files/Psychological Abuse.pdf

Products, Services and prices in the Free

Products, Services and prices in the Free Market Essay Price elasticity of demand is a term commonly used in economic and business studies to mean an elasticity that measures the degree of the relationship between variation in quantity demanded of a good and variation in its price. In most cases normal goods and most inferior goods price drops results into increase in the quantity demanded. But goods for which there is no substitute are generally inelastic. This type of demand is relatively associated with necessities. However, products with a high elasticity in most cases have many substitutes. (Karl 1999)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the case of Southern Airline, there are various airlines that operate through the same part of America. Thus there are a number of substitutes in the area which means that the demand is elastic. If for example the company charge too much on its tickets, people are likely to move to the other forms of air travel in Texas. (Karl 1999) Demand for giffen goods or Veblen goods are considered to increase with increase in price. First class air travel happened to rank in the classification of giffen goods (goods whose demand increase with increase in price) so I would advice you to increases the price of the first class tickets but not for the ordinary class passages. (Henderson 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, there is a case of price inflation, during an economic bubble, consumer perception have a crucial role in explaining products’ demand in some categories. If for example you   increase your prices, customers may come on the perception that you are charging higher because you are offering higher quality services. This in return will have a positive impact on the company’s revenue. (Karl 1999)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Price elasticity demand is affected by a number of factors but all of them are under one umbrella the ‘choice’.   By choice we mean the power of choice the consumers of a certain good holds to give up the consumption of the said good. All this is due to consumer’s ‘perceived value’ like first class those customers value their prestige and will not do without it. So I would advice you to increase the 1st class ticket prices. Also, on the other classes based on the principle of price inflation during an economic bubble you can increase the price believing that people will perceive that there is quality improvement and respond positively thereby increasing the overall revenue. (Sowell 2004) Air travel is a basic necessity to some long distance travelers in America. This means that if price is increased they will probably not change their mode of transport. Thus change in price is not likely to affect much the change in demand since the elasticity of the product is not too elastic.   I would advice you to increase the price since you offer good quality service, Air travel to some people is habitual and they will still come, most of the people   who use air travel have good income and thus they will not be affected or strain financially and thus realize some decreased revenue. (Karl 1999)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Income Elasticity of demand evaluates the responsiveness of quantity demanded of good to the variation in the income of people demanding this good. It is the ratio of the percentage change in quantity demanded to the percent change in income. (Henderson 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this case, the third class travelers who are the majority have a negative income elasticity of demand. This means that an increase in income will lead to a decrease in the quantity demanded for some specific less luxurious class. Therefore if customer’s income is increased by 10%, they will tend to move to the higher prestigious classes. Also, more people who would like to travel by air and find it economically straining if their income is raised, they would travel by air that means that increase in consumer income by 10% may result to increase in the demand by same proportion. A zero income elasticity of demand would occur in the prestigious class travel. This means that increase in their income will not have an effect on their demand. (Karl 1999) AN OVERVIEW OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES Southwest Airlines was originally started to serve three cities in Texas as Air Southwest back in 1967 by Rolling King and Herb Kelleher. These routes were Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. It is the largest airline that operates within California, with 694 flights total in the state, 370 of which are intra-California. Currently, Southwest operates in 64 cities in 32 states, with more than 3,300 flights a day. It has notably large operations in certain airports. These airports operate non-stop flights to more than half of the Southwest system. It also uses other secondary airports which have lower costs which may or may not be, more convenient to travelers than the major airports to the same destinations such as Midway Airport in Chicago and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The company offers both the local and international airline services. An average of three quarters of Southwest passengers is local passengers, meaning only a quarter of all passengers are connecting passengers. This is relatively higher than most airlines, where travelers often connect in hub cities. Southwest Airlines has also set a goal to code share with ATA and begin international codeshare services or ticket for international flights in 2009. Destinations that may be served by this include Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico Southwest Airlines also makes exceptions to the philosophy of serving those secondary airports by flying into some larger airports in major cities, such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Success and profitability of this company led to a common trend named after the company as The Southwest Effect. The price in the company may drop when a low fare carrier or any aggressive and innovative company comes into market. They believe that a drop in price not only doubles the customers but may quadruple them. Southwest has a program to hedge fuel prices. It purchases fuel options years in advance so to smooth out fuel costs variations. This helps the company to take market conditions advantage for example in 2000. It also hopes to take advantage of historically low prices of jet. According to its 2006 Annual Report, fuel prices have been fluctuating over the past years: 2004 82.8 cents/gallon 2005 103.3 cents/gallon 2006 153.0 cents/gallon  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   www.southwest.com/about us In conclusion, it can be said that price can be increased in the case of the Southwest Airline under conventional economic assumptions of consumer rationality: that people will look for the quality not the pricing. Also, company has a relatively inelastic demand and the prices will not affect the customers. So it is advisable to raise the price also because the ‘good’ in this case is giffen good. Reference Karl E. Ray C. (1999). Principles of Economics (5th ed.). Prentice-Hall Publishers Henderson, H (2004), Supply and Demand. Kessinger Publishers Sowell T (2004). Basic Economics: A Citizens Guide to the Economy Basic Book Publishers Smith A (1982), The Wealth of Nations. Penguine Classics www.southwest.com/about us

Concepts And Technology Of Data Etl Computer Science Essay

Concepts And Technology Of Data Etl Computer Science Essay Extraction-Transformation-Loading (ETL) is the process of moving data flow various sources into a data warehouse. In this research we will analyze the concept of ETL and illustrating using example of Microsoft SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) as the basis of the research. Explanation on specific steps will be show in the research such as (a) Extracting Data From one or more external data source. (b) Transforming Data Ensure consistency and satisfy business requirements and (c) Loading Data To the resultant Data Warehouse. In depth analysis on Microsoft SSIS tools which supporting ETL process are including in the research for instance: (a) Data Flow Engine, (b) Scripting Environment and (c) Data Profiler. Key Words: ETL process, Microsoft SQL Server Integration, SSIS. 1. Introduction ETL is the most important process in a Business Intelligent (BI) project [1]. When international companies such as Toyota want to reallocate resources, the resources must be reallocated wisely. Consolidate data to useful information from multi regions such as Japan, US, UK and etc is difficult in many reasons including overlapping and inconsistency relationship among the region company. For example, the method of storing a name is different between the companies, in Japan its store as T.Yoon Wah, in US: Yoon Wah Thoo and UK is storing as YW.Thoo. When data is being combining to generate useful information, this may lead to inconsistent of data. In order to solve the problem, we need to use star schema/snowflake schema data warehouse takes the data from many transactional system, and copy the data into a common format with the completely different relational database design than a transactional system containing many star schema configuration. [7]. Performing the task associated with moving, correcting and transforming the data from transaction system to star schema data warehouse, it is called Extraction, Transformation and Loading (ETL). ETL allows migrating data from relational database into data warehouse and enable to convert the various format and types to one consistent system. It is a common use for data warehousing, where regular updates from one or more systems are merged and refined so that analysis can be done using more specialized tools. Typically the same process is run over and over, as new data appears in the source application [2]. The ETL process consists of the following steps: [3] 1. Import data from various data sources into the staging area. 2. Cleanse data from inconsistencies (could be either automated or manual effort). 3.  Ensure that row counts of imported data in the staging area match the counts in the original data source.  4. Load data from the staging area into the dimensional model. 2. In-depth research on ETL In Fig. 1, we abstractly describe the general framework for ETL processes. In the bottom layer we depict the data stores that are involved in the overall process. On the left side, we can observe the original data providers (typically, relational databases and files). The data from these sources are extracted (as shown in the upper left part of Fig. 1) by extraction routines, which provide either complete snapshots or differentials of the data sources. Then, these data are propagated to the Data Staging Area (DSA) where they are transformed and cleaned before being loaded to the data warehouse. The data warehouse is depicted in the right part of Fig. 1 and comprises the target data stores, i.e., fact tables and dimension tables. [4] 2.1 Extraction The extraction part will gathering the data from several resources and do analysis and cleaning data. Analyzing part will be getting raw data that was written directly into the disk, data written to float file or relational tables from structured system. Data can be read multiple times if needed in order to achieve consistency. Cleansing data will be done in extraction part either. The process will be eliminating duplicate or fragmented data and excluding the unwanted or unneeded information. The next step will move forward to transformation part. In Microsoft SSIS, we could use the tools in the Data Flow control which is called Integration Service Source in order to retrieve sources from several formats with connection manager. The source format is various such as OLE DB, Flat file, ADO NET source, Raw Files source and etc [11]. 2.2 Transformation The Transformation step might be the most complex part in the ETL process because it might be consist of much data processing during this step. The transformation part is to prepare the data to be store in the data warehouse. Converting the data such as changing data types and length, combining data, verification and standardize the data will be done in transformation part. Using SSIS, it provides plenty of transformation tools to help developer to achieve their target. There are categorized Transformation in SSIS to allow designer developing their project: Business Intelligence, Row Transformation, Row set, Split and Join Transformation, Auditing Transformation, and Custom Transformation. For instance which commonly use in ETL process are : Data Conversion Transformation Converts the data type of a column to a different data type , Conditional Split Transformation routes data rows to different outputs. More Transformation example can be found in SQL MSDN at [10]. 2.3 Loading The Loading step is the final step of the ETL process; it uses to store generated data into the data warehouse. The loading step can follow the star schema [5] or snowflake schema [6] in order to achieve data consolidation [7]. Implementing in SSIS will be using Integration Service Destination its similar with the Integration Service Source, using connection manager to choose one or more data destination to load the output. [12] 3. Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services ETL tools are created for developer to plan, configure and handle ETL process. With tools that develop by Microsoft, developer has now has the ability to more easily automate the importing and transformation data from many system across the state. The Microsoft SQL Server 2005 which assist to automate the ETL process, its call SQL Server Integration Service (SSIS). This tool is design to deal with common issues with ETL process. We will build up the research paper from ground-up base on studying the ELT tools that build by Microsoft which is SSIS. 3.1 SSIS Architecture In fig 2 shows the overview of the SSIS architecture. SSIS is a component of SQL Server 2005/2008, it able to design ETL process from scratch to automate the process with many supportive tools such as database engine, Reporting services, Analysis services and etc. SISS has segregated the Data Flow Engine from the Control Flow Engine or SSIS Runtime Engine, designed to achieve a high degree of parallelism and improve the overall performance. Figure 2: Overview of SSIS architecture. The SSIS will be consisting of two main components as listed down below: SSIS Runtime Engine The SSIS runtime engine manage the overall control flow of a package. It contains the layout of packages, runs packages and provides support for breakpoints, logging, configuration, connections and transactions. The run-time engine is a parallel control flow engine that locates the execution of tasks or units of work within SSIS and manages the engine threads that carry out those tasks. The SSIS runtime engine will performs the tasks inside a package in a traditional method. When the runtime engine meets a data flow task in a package during execution it will creates a data flow pipeline and lets that data flow task run in the pipeline. [9] SSIS Data Flow Engine SSIS Data Flow Engine handles the flow of data from data sources, thru transformations, and destination. When the Data Flow task executes, the SSIS data flow engine extracts data from data sources, runs any necessary transformations on the extracted data and then generate the data to one or more destinations. The architecture of Data flow engine is buffer oriented, Data flow engine pulls data from the source and stores it in a memory and does the transformation in buffer itself rather than  processing on a row-by-row basis. The benefit of this in-buffer processing is that processing is much quicker as there is not necessary to copy the data physically at every step of the data integration; the data flow engine processes data as it is transferred from source to destination. [9] We enable to do ETL practical in the Data Flow Task which can be found in the fig 2. Extract data from several sources, transform and manipulate the data, and load it into one or more destination. 3.1.1 Data Flow Engine Regarding the SSIS Data Flow Engine mentioned previously, here to discuss about how it is related with the process ETL with Data Flow Elements. SSIS consisting three different types of data flow components: sources, transformations, and destinations. Sources extract data from data stores such as relational tables and views in files, relational databases, and Analysis Services databases as the Extraction in ETL process. Transformations modify, summarize, and clean data. Destinations load data into data stores or create in-memory datasets as the Loading process in ETL. Plus, SSIS provides paths that connect the output of one component to the input of another component. Paths will definite the sequence of components, and allow user add labels to the data flow or view the source of the column. Figure 3: Data Flow Elements Figure 3 shows a data flow that has a source, a transformation with one input and one output, and a destination. The diagram includes the inputs, outputs, and error outputs in addition to the input, output, and external columns. Sources, in SSIS a source are the data flow component that generates data from several different external data sources. In a data flow, source normally has one. The regular output has output columns, which are columns the source adds to the data flow. An error output for a source has the same columns as the regular output, contains two extra columns that provide information about errors either. SSIS object model does not limit the number of normal outputs and error outputs that sources can contain. Most of the sources that SSIS includes, except the Script component, consisting one regular output, and many of the sources have one error output. Custom sources can be coded to implement multiple regular outputs and error outputs. All the output columns are available as input columns to the next data flow component in the data flow. Transformations, the possibility of transformations are infinite and vary wide. Transformations can execute tasks such as updating, summarizing, cleaning, merging, and distributing data. In and outputs of a transformation define the columns of incoming and outgoing data. Depends the operation runs on the data, some transformations have individual input and several outputs, while other transformations have several inputs and a output. Transformations can include error outputs either, which give data about the error that occurred, combine with the data that failed: for instance, string data that could not be converted to a date data type. Below are showing some built-in transformations: Derived Column Transformation creates new column values by applying expressions to transformation input columns. The output can be inserted into an existing column as a replacement value or added as a new column. Lookup Transformation execute lookups by joining data in input columns with columns in a reference dataset. Typically used in a case when working with a subset of master data set and seeking related transaction records. Union All Transformation aggregates multiple inputs and gives UNION ALL to the multiple result-sets. Merge Transformation aggregates two sorted datasets into an individual sorted dataset; is similar to the Union All transformations. Use the Union All transformation instead of the Merge transformation in case if the inputs are not sorted, the result does not need to be sorted or the transformation has more than two inputs. Merge Join Transformation supply an output that is created by joining two sorted datasets using either a FULL, LEFT, or INNER joins. Conditional Split Transformation route data rows to different outputs depending on the content of the data. The implementation of the Conditional Split transformation is similar to a IF-ELSE decision structure in a programming language. The transformation understanding expressions, and based on the results, directs the data row to the specified output. It has a default output, so if a row matches no expression it is directed to the default output. Multicast Transformation distributes its input to one or more outputs. This transformation is similar to the Conditional Split transformation. Both transformations direct an input to multiple outputs. The difference is that the Multicast transformation directs every row to every output, and the Conditional Split directs a row to a single output.[18] Destinations, a destination is the data flow component that writes the data from a data flow to a specific data store, or creates an in-memory dataset. SSIS destination must at least have one input. The input contains input columns, which come from another data flow component. The input columns will be map to columns in the destination. [17] 31.1.1 Example of Data Flow Task Here to presenting the example to create a simple data flow task a.k.a. ETL process. First thing, drag the Data Flow task from the toolbox into Control Flow. 3.1.2 Scripting Environment If all the build-in tasks and transformation doesnt meets the developer needs, SSIS Script task/Script Component to code the functions that developer desire to perform. By clicking the Design Scriptà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ button in the Script Task Editor, it is able to open a Visual Studio for Application to code the function. [19] That is improvement in scripting environment between SSIS 2005 and 2008. In SSIS 2005, you can find double click on Script Task and Script Task Editor will be appears. The Script language of SSIS 2005 is only for Microsoft Visual Basic .Net but in SSIS 2008, it is able to choose C# or VB.net. Figure: Visual Studio for Application (VSA)   Script task usually used for the following purposes: Achieve desire task by using other technologies that are not supported by built-in connection types. Generate a task-specific performance counter. For instance, a script can create a performance counter that is updated while a complex or poorly performing task runs. Point out whether specified files are empty or how many rows they contain, and then based on that information affect the control flow in a package. For example, if a file contains zero rows, the value of a variable set to 0, and a precedence constraint that evaluates the value prevents a File System task from copying the file. [20] 3.1.3 Data Profiler. The purpose of data profiling is to approach defining data quality.  A data profile is a collection of combination statistics about data that may consist the value of rows in the Customer table, the number of distinct values in the Street column, the number of null or missing values in the Name column, the distribution of values in the Country column, the strength of the functional dependency of the Street column on the Name column-that is, the Street should always be the same for a given name value etc. [16] SQL Server 2008 SSIS introduces the Data Profiling task in its toolbox, providing data profiling functionality inside the process of extracting, transforming, and loading data. By using the Data Profiling task, analysis of source data can be perform more efficiently, better understanding of source data and avoid data quality problems before load into the data warehouse. Outcome of this analysis generate XML reports that can be saved to an SSIS variable or a file that can be examine using the Data Profile Viewer tool. Data quality assessments can be performed on an ad hoc basis, the  data quality  process can also be automated by integrating quality assessment into the ETL process itself. [13] 3.1.3.1 Example of Data Profiling Task Using Adventure Works Database: After drag the Data Profiling Task into the Control Flow, double click it to enter properties window to do configuration. The Data profiling Task required connection manager in order to works. In properties menu, user chooses destination type in file destination or variable. Faster way to build profile using quick profile feature: Figure 4: Single Task Quick Profile Form The Data Profiling Task can compute eight different data profiles. Five of these profiles analyze individual columns, and the remaining three analyze multiple columns or relationships between columns and tables; for more details about each profile refer to MSDN.  [16] Few examples are made to explain further about Data Profiling: Figure 5: Editing the Data Profiling Task After done mapping the destination and other properties, run the package. Figure 6: Data Profiling Task Successfully Executed The Task successfully executed (Green), now need to use data profiler viewer to view the result. Data Profile Viewer is stand-alone tool which is used to view and analyze the result of profiling. It uses multiple panes to display the profiles requested and the computed results, with optional details and drilldown capability. [16] Column Value Distribution Profile: Used to obtain number of distinct value of a table. Figure 7: Result of Column Value Distribution Profile. Column Null Ratio Profile: Obtain the null column of the table. Figure 8: Result of Column Null Ratio Profile. Column Statistic Profile: Obtain the Min, Max, Means and Deviation of a table. Figure 9: Result of Column Statistic Profile. Column Pattern Profile: Obtain the pattern value of the column. Figure 10: Result of Column Pattern Profile. 3.3

Ebola in The Hotzone :: Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

Back in 1980 a certain Frenchman resided near the slopes of Mount Elgon. Mount Elgon and its slopes are an island of vegetation surrounded by savannah. And at the center of this island, being part of the mountain, lies a certain large cavity, Kitum Cave. It is this cave that our Frenchman one day decided to visit, bringing a paid â€Å"friend† along with him. It is speculated that it was during this trip that our Frenchman first contracted the virus Ebola. A few days later he is not feeling well. He is suffering from headaches, fever, and pain behind his eyes. His appearance has become similar to one who has not slept in days. Eventually his coworkers began to worry about him, and upon finding him in such condition, sent him to the local hospital. The hospital was unable to cure him and was mystified. And so our Frenchman was sent to the more advanced hospital of Nairobi, traveling by public airways, likely making contact with many. Before his death at the Nairobi hospital, th e Frenchman managed to infect his doctor by vomiting upon him. Death was expected for the doctor, Dr. Musoke. However, after ten days after the event, his health began in improve and he managed to pull through. Ebola, a filovirus related to Marburg, had now become recognized by the modern world. Four years earlier in Sudan a worker of a cotton factory somehow contracted Ebola. He contracted the virus to a coworker, and from that coworker Ebola spread throughout and devastated parts of Sudan with a fatality rate of 50 percent. First, small clots would appear in the victim’s bloodstream, resulting in a slowed down and thickened bloodstream. Various parts of the victim’s body would lose their once constant and expected supply of blood. Skin begins to acquire spots of red which later develop bubbles of white blisters. The skin is now soft and pulpy and easily tears. The victim’s mouth is not spared from this fate. It begins to bleed painfully, the surface of the tongue as well as victim’s windpipe slough off and are later expelled from the body via vomit. The heart bleeds into itself, the brain clogs with dead cells, and the liver begins to turn to mush. Eyes turn red from blood and the face becomes a droop because of the loss of connective tissue. T he victim’s appearance is zombie like. Before death strikes, the victim begins a series of wild convulsions, spreading blood all over the place.

Birth Order and Eating Disorders :: Family Psychiatry Depression Essays

Birth Order and Eating Disorders I. Introduction: Individuals are pieces of a whole, called the family. The family has an undeniable influential role on each of the members of the unit, and conversely the individuals’ influence on the family unit. With this undeniable understanding of the family, it is important to look at the relationship between those with eating disorders and birth order. Is there a correlation between birth order and the development of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia? However, birth order only scratches the surface of the relationship between eating disorders and the family unit. Looking past potential relationships between birth order and eating disorders, is there the possibility of a relationship between eating disorders and the family dynamic? Perhaps the dynamic of the shared relationship between family members, beyond sibling relationships, plays an important role in the development of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia. II. Birth order effect? Locating studies with a focus on a relationship between birth order and eating disorders is a difficult task. Little research has been conducted to look for possible correlations between rank in birth order and the development of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Few researchers have attempted to look for a correlation, and those that have completed studies have conflicting findings. Rowland (1970) searched for a relationship between birth order and anorexia nervosa. In his study, he found that those with anorexia nervosa were overwhelmingly the eldest children; however, his study just fell short of statistical significance. Crisp (1977) and Crisp et al. (1980) tried to duplicate his findings but failed to support Rowland. On the contrary, the two studies found an excess of later born siblings and the development of eating disorders. Findings for birth rank and anorexia have thus far proven to be inconsistent and more studies need to be conducted to determine the relevance of birth rank and anorexia. Similarly, few studies conducted have focused on birth order and bulimia. Ebert (1983) and Dolan et al. (1989) failed to find any significant deviation from expectation in the birth order of patients with bulimia. Lacey, Gowers and Bhat (1991) found that in small families, the bulimic was more likely to be the only or oldest child, however this held no statistical evidence. The second finding in the study is that bulimia is represented in all family sizes, but of particular interest is that all-female siblingships were well represented, but this too did not prove to be statistically significant. Birth Order and Eating Disorders :: Family Psychiatry Depression Essays Birth Order and Eating Disorders I. Introduction: Individuals are pieces of a whole, called the family. The family has an undeniable influential role on each of the members of the unit, and conversely the individuals’ influence on the family unit. With this undeniable understanding of the family, it is important to look at the relationship between those with eating disorders and birth order. Is there a correlation between birth order and the development of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia? However, birth order only scratches the surface of the relationship between eating disorders and the family unit. Looking past potential relationships between birth order and eating disorders, is there the possibility of a relationship between eating disorders and the family dynamic? Perhaps the dynamic of the shared relationship between family members, beyond sibling relationships, plays an important role in the development of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia. II. Birth order effect? Locating studies with a focus on a relationship between birth order and eating disorders is a difficult task. Little research has been conducted to look for possible correlations between rank in birth order and the development of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Few researchers have attempted to look for a correlation, and those that have completed studies have conflicting findings. Rowland (1970) searched for a relationship between birth order and anorexia nervosa. In his study, he found that those with anorexia nervosa were overwhelmingly the eldest children; however, his study just fell short of statistical significance. Crisp (1977) and Crisp et al. (1980) tried to duplicate his findings but failed to support Rowland. On the contrary, the two studies found an excess of later born siblings and the development of eating disorders. Findings for birth rank and anorexia have thus far proven to be inconsistent and more studies need to be conducted to determine the relevance of birth rank and anorexia. Similarly, few studies conducted have focused on birth order and bulimia. Ebert (1983) and Dolan et al. (1989) failed to find any significant deviation from expectation in the birth order of patients with bulimia. Lacey, Gowers and Bhat (1991) found that in small families, the bulimic was more likely to be the only or oldest child, however this held no statistical evidence. The second finding in the study is that bulimia is represented in all family sizes, but of particular interest is that all-female siblingships were well represented, but this too did not prove to be statistically significant.

What Is Extended Family

1. A family group that consists of parents, children, and other close relatives, generally, it’s A group of relatives, such as those of three generations often living in close geographic proximity rather than under the same roof. People living together as an extended family occasionally feel a greater security and belonging. This is an advantage of extended type of family because this family contains more people to serve as resources during crisis and provides more role models for behavior of values. The disadvantage of living in an extended type of family is shouldering more expenses for their basic needs. In many cultures, such as in those of many of the Southern Europeans, Asians, Middle Easterners, Africans, Latin Americans, and Pacific Islanders, extended families are the basic family unit. Cultures in which the extended family is common are generally collectivistic cultures. Complex Family is a generic term for any family structure involving more than two adults. The term can refer to any extended family or to a polygamy of any type. It is often used to refer to the group marriage form of polygamy. A joint family is also known as a complex family, parents and their children's families often live under a single roof. This type of family often includes multiple generations in the family. In India, the family is a patriarchal society, with the sons' families often staying in the same house. In the joint family setup the workload is equally shared among the members. The women folk are often housewives and cook for the entire family. The patriarch of the family (often the oldest male member) lays down the rules and arbitrates disputes. Other senior members of the household baby sit infants in case their mother is working. They are also responsible in teaching the younger children their mother tongue, manners and etiquette. This kind of setup is fast eroding in many parts of the world especially in India. Most of the urban families are switching over to the nuclear family society these days. A nuclear family is a household consisting of two married, heterosexual parents and their legal children (siblings), as distinct from the extended family. Nuclear families are typical in societies where people must be relatively mobile — such as hunter-gatherers and industrial societies. Pros And Cons Of Being The Only Child Being an only child can be either good or bad, depending on how you perceive it and how you are brought up by your parents. The advantages could be that you get the undivided love and attention of your parents. They would dote on you more and provide for you more – in terms of getting you stuff, toys, etc. Obviously, being an only child means that your parents have only you to spend the money on and not have to share it among other siblings. So, you'd get more toys than normal, more money to spend than normal, more inheritance than normal, and of course more love from your parents than normal. So, in that sense, being the only child can be termed as a good thing. As far as disadvantages go, the â€Å"Little Emperor Syndrome† sums it up perfectly. For those unfamiliar with the term, â€Å"Little Emperor Syndrome† refers to the Chinese situation involving parents and their single child. Of course, all of you would be aware of China's one-child policy. Little Emperor Syndrome is an unintended consequence of that policy. This is a situation in which the parents lavish their love, attention, resources on this one child of theirs, and as a result, the child becomes spoilt and, well, behaves like a â€Å"Little Emperor. This sort of excessive attention and care can prove detrimental in the long term for the child. The child gets used to having everything done, managed, taken care of – by their parents. When they have to live in the real world and face real problems, they might not be able to cope with it. They may lack self-confidence to go out in the world and get things done for themselves. They might feel lost outside of the cocoon that their parents created for them. Being an only child can also be very lonely. They would miss the fun of growing up with a brother or sister. An only child can also grow up to be a selfish adult, i. e. one who thinks primarily of his/her needs over the needs of others. They may also lack in the ability to empathize with others as much as children with siblings. Another potential disadvantage of being an only child could be the excess burden on your shoulders as regards taking care of your parents, for example. It can take an emotional toll on you, being the only child with all the responsibilities.

Meralco Financial Analysis

INTRODUCTION MERALCO is the Philippines’ largest electric power distribution company, with franchise service area covering 9,337 square kilometres. It provides power to 4. 8 million customers in 31 cities and 80 municipalities, which include the whole of Metro Manila, the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan, and parts of Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon. Business establishments in the franchise area account for almost 46% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP.Through Clark Electric Distribution Corporation or CEDC, a 65%-subsidiary, it holds the power distribution franchise for Clark Special Economic Zone in Clark, Pampanga. CEDC franchise area covers 32 square kilometres and 1,611 customers. The Company is organized into three major operating segments, namely, power distribution, real state and contracts, services and others. In 2010, MERALCO PowerGen Corporation or MPG (formerly Asian Center for Energy Management), a wholly owned subsidiary, was reorg anized as the Company’s vehicle for potential entry into power generation. COMPANY PROFILEMERALCO marches on to its 108th year of service in 2011. Consistently in the list of the Philippines’ top five corporations and cited among Asia’s finest, MERALCO today serves over 4. 8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers. It is strategically located to serve the country’s center of commerce and industry and its hub of government services and infrastructures. It services about 30 manufacturing economic zones, which also compete in the global market. Likewise, the Company caters to providers of outsourced business process, both domestic and international. MERALCO’s 9,337 sq. km. ranchise area overs 31 cities and 80 municipalities including Metro Manila, the entire provinces of Bulacan, Rizal and Cavite; parts of the provinces of Laguna, Quezon, Batangas and Pampanga. Electrification level in the franchise area is 99%. MISSION to provide our customers the best value in energy, products and services. VISSION to be a world-class company and the service provider of choice. OBJECTIVES: To protect and enhance the interest of its stakeholders by committing itself to the following principles. 1. The Customers are its reason for being, and therefore, they should always be treated with dignity.The Company must be fully responsive to their needs. The Company has the responsibility to: * Provide the customers with the highest quality products and services, consistent with their requirements and with international standards; * Treat the customers fairly, courteously and with integrity in all of its business transactions; * Act promptly on their immediate concerns and be receptive to their long-term needs and interest; and * Make every effort to ensure that the health, safety and general well-being of its customers are enhanced by its products and services. 2.The Employees are its most valued asset, and therefore, they should alway s be treated with dignity and with full consideration of their interest. The Company has the responsibility to: * Provide its employees with incentives and opportunities for professional growth and advancement; * Provide its employees with just and competitive compensation, and benefits that improve their living conditions and incentives * Guarantee fairness, equal treatment and opportunity and avoid discriminatory practices; and * Provide suitable and safe working conditions to protect employees from avoidable injury and illness in the workplace. . Its Investors are its principals, and therefore, the trust they have placed in the company must be honoured. The company has the responsibility to: * Apply professional and diligent management to ensure the financial viability of the company and maintain a fair and competitive return for its investors; and * Conserve and enhance its investors’ assets, and fulfil and safeguard their interest. 4. The Suppliers and Creditors are its business partners and, therefore, the relationship with them must be based on mutual respect and benefit.The company has the responsibility to: * Foster long-term stability, direct relation and continuous development with suppliers to attain quality, competitiveness, process efficiency and performance reliability; * Seek fairness, truthfulness, integrity and transparency in all of its business dealings with them; and * Seek encourage and prefer suppliers whose business practices respect human dignity and the environment. . The Competitors are its catalyst toward continuing service excellence and, therefore, the competition with them should be fair and honest, a basic requirement for national development in the distribution of products and services to the community. The Company has the responsibility to: * Promote behaviour that demonstrates mutual respect among competitors; and * Maintain the highest level of business ethics and integrity. . The Community is its business environment and the society it serves. The Company has the responsibility to: * Uphold and maintain at all times the highest standards of business ethics; * Fulfil with dedication and commitment its social responsibilities; * Undertake activities that support and contribute to the economic and social development of the country; 7.Employ proactive measures and cooperate with the government and non-government institutions in activities to serve society towards a collective benefit. * Help the government in its efforts and programs in its efforts and programs towards raising investor confidence, developing the capital market, and ensuring high sustained economic growth through good corporate governance. Observe and comply at all times with the orders, rules and regulations of the government, its agencies and instrumentalities, in the pursuit of its utility objectives and other corporate endeavors; * Institutionalize sound environmental practices in collaboration with the concerned government agen cies and encourage other corporations/organizations to support all programs for an effective environmental management system. SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES * Meralco Powergen Corporation (MPG) * Clark Electric Distribution Corporation (CEDC) * Radius Telecoms, Inc. * Meralco Financial Services Corporation (FINSERVE) Lighthouse Overseas Insurance Limited (LOIL) * Meralco Energy, Inc. (MEI) * Rockwell Land Corporation (ROCKWELL) * Republic Surety and Insurance Company, Inc. (RSIC) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION| | | | | December 31 | | 2010 | 2009 | | (amounts in millions) | ASSETS| | | | | | Current Assets| | | Cash and Cash equivalents| Php 24,370. 00 | Php 17,068. 00 | Trade and other receivables – net| 25,609. 00 | 21,600. 0 | Inventories – at lower cost or net realizable value| 2,043. 00 | 1,857. 00 | Land and development costs – at lower of cost or net realizable value| 1,708. 00 | 1,191. 00 | Other current assets| 2,027. 00 | 2,969. 00 | TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS| 55,757. 00 | 44,685. 00 | | | | Noncurrent Assets| | | Utility plant and others – net| 101,009. 00 | 98,231. 0 | Construction in progress| 2,241. 00 | 3,627. 00 | Investments in associates and a joint venture| 321. 00 | 1,203. 00 | Investments properties – net| 8,037. 00 | 8,021. 00 | Deferred pass – through fuel costs| 1,222. 00 | 3,161. 00 | Deferred tax assets – net| 42. 00 | 17. 00 | Other noncurrent assets – net| 10,339. 0 | 13,184. 00 | TOTAL NONCURRENT ASSETS| 123,211. 00 | 127,444. 00 |   | Php 178,968. 00 | Php 172,129. 00 | | | | | | | LIABILITIES AND EQUITY| | | Current Liabilities| | | Notes Payable| Php 149. 00 | Php 513. 00 | Trade payables and accrued expenses| 31,138. 00 | 28,261. 00 | Income tax payable| 413. 00 | 133. 00 | Customer's refund| 7,131. 0 | 9,147. 00 | Current portion of interest – bearing long-term financial liabilitie s| 5,574. 00 | 4,069. 00 | TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES| 44,405. 00 | 42,123. 00 | | | | Noncurrent Liabilities| | | Interest-bearing long-term financial liabilities – net of current portion| 15,498. 00 | 17,234. 00 | Customer's deposits – net of current portion| 23,761. 00 | 25,063. 0 | Deposits from pre-selling of condominium units| 741. 00 | 343. 00 | Deferred tax liabilities – net| 3,322. 00 | 4,230. 00 | Long-term employee benefits| 9,547. 00 | 10,987. 00 | Provisions| 12,875. 00 | 7,492. 00 | Advances for construction – net of current portion| 3,271. 00 | 2,989. 00 | Other noncurrent liabilities| 2,352. 0 | 522. 00 | TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES| 71,367. 00 | 68,860. 00 |   |   |   | TOTAL LIABILITIES| 115,772. 00 | 110,983. 00 | | | | Equity Attributable to Equity Holders of the Parent| | | Common Stock| 11,273. 00 | 11,273. 00 | Subscriptions receivable| (738. 00)| (960. 00)| Additional paid-in capital| 4,111. 0 | 4,112. 00 | Excess of Acquisit ion cost over carrying value of non-controlling interest acquired| (328. 00)| (328. 00)| Employee shared-based payment plan| 743. 00 | 569. 00 | Unrealized fair value gains on available-for-sale investments| 96. 00 | 71. 00 | Share in cumulative translation adjustment of a subsidiary and an associate| 12. 00 | 684. 0 | Retained earnings:| | | Appropriated| 6,000. 00 | 4,198. 00 | Unappropriated| 37,800. 00 | 37,750. 00 | Equity Attributable to Equity Holders of the Parent| 58,969. 00 | 57,369. 00 | | | | Non-controlling interests| 4,227. 00 | 3,777. 00 | TOTAL EQUITY| 63,196. 00 | 61,146. 00 | | | | | | | Php 178,968. 00 | Php 172,129. 00 | MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME| | | | | Years Ended December 31 | | 2010 | 2009 | | (amounts in millions, except per share data) | | | | REVENUES| | | Sale of electricity| 239,077. 00 | 178,686. 00 | Sale or real state| 3,375. 00 | 2,877. 00 | Sale of contracts, services and others| 3,009. 00 | 2,987. 00 |   | 245,461. 0 | 184,550. 00 | | | | | | | EXPENSES (INCOME)| | | Purchased power| 200,916. 00 | 150,928. 00 | Operations and maintenance| 15,711. 00 | 13,611. 00 | Depreciation and amortization| 6,219. 00 | 5,064. 00 | Provision for probable charges and expenses from claims| 5,750. 00 | 3,351. 00 | Cost of real estate sold| 2,640. 00 | 2,230. 0 | Interest and other financial income| (2,690. 00)| (4,246. 00)| Cost of services| 1,996. 00 | 1,803. 00 | Provision (reversal of provision) for probable losses from refund – net| (1,632. 00)| (1,179. 00)| Interest and other financial charges | 493. 00 | 3,328. 00 | Equity in net earnings of associates and a joint venture| (283. 00)| (245. 0)| Accretion of present value impact on customers' refund | 225. 00 | 555. 00 | Foreign exchange losses (gains) – net| 51. 00 | (266. 00)| Taxes, fees and permits| 974. 00 | 421. 00 | Others| 654. 00 | 216. 00 |   | 231,024. 00 | 175,571. 00 | | | | INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX| 14,437. 00 | ,979. 00 | | | | PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAX| | | Current| 5,233. 00 | 3,218. 00 | Deffered| (913. 00)| (595. 00)|   | 4,320. 00 | 2,623. 00 | | | | NET INCOME| Php 10,117. 00 | Php 6,356. 00 | MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW| | | | | | | 2010| 2009| | | (Amounts in Millions)| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES| Php 14,437. 0 | Php 8,979. 00 | Income before income tax| | | Adjustments for:| | | | Depreciation and amortization| 6,219. 00 | 5,064. 00 | | Provision for probable charges and expenses from claims| 5,750. 00 | 3,351. 00 | | Interest and other financial income| (2,690. 00)| (4,246. 00)| | Interest and other financial charges| 493. 0 | 3,328. 00 | | Provision (reversal of provision) for probable losses from refund – net| (1,632. 00)| (1,179. 00)| | Loss on disposal of utility plant and others – net| 1,033. 00 | | | Provision for doubtful accounts, net of recoveries| 982. 00 | 886. 00 | | Cost o f guaranteed service levels pay-out| 388. 00 | 216. 0 | | Loss from disposal of investment| | 46. 00 | | Equity in net earnings of associates and a joint venture| (283. 00)| (245. 00)| | Present value impact on customer's refund| 225. 00 | 555. 00 | | Employee share-based payments| 174. 00 | 301. 00 | | Reversal of write-down of inventory to net realizable value| (3. 0)| (41. 00)| | Gain on disposal of investment property| (4. 00)| | | Donation of investment property| 2. 00 | |   | Foreign exchange loss (gain)| 51. 00 | (266. 00)| Operating income befor working capital changes| 25,412. 00 | 16,749. 00 | Decrease (increase) in:| | | | Trade and other receivables| (10. 0)| 15,601. 00 | | Inventories| (130. 00)| (168. 00)| | Land and development costs| (517. 00)| (531. 00)| | Deferred pass-through fuel costs| 1,939. 00 | 631. 00 | | Other current assets| 955. 00 | (1,854. 00)| Increase (decrease) in:| | | | Trade payables and accrued expenses| 41. 0 | 8,798. 00 | | Customer's re fund| (2,241. 00)| (2,889. 00)| | Customer's deposits| 1,298. 00 | 2,913. 00 | | Deposits from pre-selling of condominium units| 398. 00 | 307. 00 | | Long-term employee benefits| (1,424. 00)| (1,555. 00)|   | Provisions| (140. 0)| (4,935. 00)| Net cash generated from operations| 25,311. 00 | 33,067. 00 | Income tax paid| (4,953. 00)| (3,797. 00)| Net cash flows generated from operating activities| 20,358. 00 | 29,270. 00 | CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES| | | Additions to:| | | | Construction in progress| (5,769. 00)| (7,914. 0)| | Utility plant and others| (2,741. 00)| (187. 00)| | Intangibles| (300. 00)| (127. 00)| | Investments properties| (110. 00)| (662. 00)| Interest and other financial income received| 1,058. 00 | 1,332. 00 | Proceeds from:| | | | Return of investment| 752. 0 | | | Disposal of utility plant and others| 82. 00 | | | Disposal of investment property| 28. 00 | | | Settlement of deliverable currency forwards| 5. 00 | | Dividends received from associates| 96. 00 | 445. 00 | Dividends paid by subsidiaries attributable to non-controlling interests| (15. 00)| | Decrease (increase) in:| | | | Other noncurrent assets| 622. 0 | (1,657. 00)| | Other receivables| | | Net cash used in investing activities| (6,292. 00)| (8,770. 00)| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES| | | Proceeds from:| | | | Interest-bearing long-term financial liabilities, net of issue costs| 10,528. 00 | 12,398. 00 | | Notes payable| 380. 00 | 2,936. 00 | | Collection of subscriptions receivable| 222. 0 | 445. 00 | Payments of:| | | | Interest-bearing long-term financial liabilities| (10,748. 00)| (8,295. 00)| | Dividends| (6,187. 00)| (2,820. 00)| | Interest and other financial charges| (2,044. 00)| (1,524. 00)| | Notes payable| (744. 00)| (12,251. 00)| | Stock transaction costs| (1. 0)| | Increase(decrease) in other noncurrent liabilities| 1,830. 00 | 277. 00 | Net cash flow used in financing activities| (6,764. 00)| (8,834. 00)| NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALE NTS| 7,302. 00 | 11,666. 00 | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR| 17,068. 00 | 5,402. 00 | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR| Php 24,370. 0 | Php 17,068. 00 | MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES| RATIO ANALYSIS| | 2010| 2009| TEST OF LIQUIDITY| | | | | | A. Current Ratio =| Current Assets| | | Current Liabilities| | | | | =| 55757. 00 | 44685. 00 | | 44405. 00 | 17234. 00 | | | | =| 1. 26| 1. 06| | | | B. Acid-test Ratio =| Cash + Short-term investments +receivables (net)| | | Current Liabilities| | | | | =| 49979. 00 | 3048. 00 | | 44405. 00 | 17234. 00 | | | | =| 1. 13| 0. 18| | | | C. Receivables turnover =| Net credit sales| | | Average net receivables| | | | | =| 245461. 00 | 184550. 00 | | 36409. 00 | 36409. 00 | | | =| 6. 74| 5. 07| | | | Average Collection period =| 365 days| | | receivable turnover| | | | | =| 365 days| 365 days| | 6. 74| 5. 07| | | | =| 54. 15 days| 72. 01| | | | D. Inventory turnover =| COGS| | | Average inventory| | | | | =| 22126 3. 00 | 168572. 00 | | 2971. 50 | 2971. 50 | | | | =| 74. 46 times| 56. 73| TEST OF SOLVENCY| | | | | | A. Debt to total assets ratio =| total debt| | | total assets| | | | | =| 115772. 00 | 110,983. 00| | 178968. 00| 172,129. 00| | | | =| 0. 65| 0. 64| | | | B. Times interest earned =| Income before income taxes and interest expense| | | interest expense| | | | | =| 14,437. 0 | 8979. 00 | | 493. 00 | 3328. 00 | | | | =| 29. 28| 2. 70| | | | TEST OF PROFITABILITY| | | | | | A. Profit Margin =| Net income| | | Net sales| | | | | =| 10,117. 00 | 6356. 00 | | 245,461. 00| 184550. 00 | | | | =| 4%| 3%| | | | B. Asset Turnover =| Net Sales| | | Average assets| | | | | =| 245,461. 00 | | | 175,548. 50 | | | | | =| 1. 40| | | | | C. Return on assets =| Net Income| | | Average Assets| | | | | =| 10,117. 00 | | | 175,548. 50 | | | | | =| 6%| | | | | D. Return on common stockholder's equity =| Net income| | | Average common stockholder's equity| | | | =| 10,117. 00 | | | 11,273. 00 | | | | | =| 90%| | | | | E. Earnings per share =| Net Income| | | Weighted average common shares outstanding| | | | | =| 10,117. 00 | | | 1,127. 00 | | | | | =| 8. 98| | | | | F. Price-earnings ratio =| Market price per share of stock| | | earnings per share| | | | | =| 10| | | 8. 62| | | | | =| 1. 16| | | | | G. Pay-out Ratio =| Cash Dividends| | | Net income| | | | | =| 7,834. 00 | | | 10,117. 00 | | | | | =| 77. 43| | ANALYSIS HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ANALYSIS REVENUES For the year end December 31, 2010 MERALCO procured a Php245, 461 million revenues, 33. 0% higher than previous year revenues worth Php184, 550 million. Sales from the three major operating segments increased during the year 2010 with the power distribution as the top performing operating segments. Php178,686 million sales from electricity was a 96. 82% of Php184,550 million. EXPENSES Expenses for the year 2010 amounted to Php231,024 million was increased by Php55,453 million or 31. 58% due to higher purchased power that was increased by 33. 12%. In support to this, purchased power got 86. 97% of the total Php231,024 worth of expenses. NET INCOME Php10,117 million net worth of income of 2010 was 59. 7% higher than 2009 it’s because of the higher sales of electricity for the year 2010. Eventhough the net income for the year 2010 is just a 4. 12% of the total sales the company still achieved its higher net income compare to 2009. CURRENT ASSETS As of December 31, 2010, the Company’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to Php24,370 million, Php7,302 million or 42. 78% higher compared with the balance of Php17,068 million of December 31, 2009. In addition, cash and cash equivalents achieved 13. 62% of its Php178,968 million total assets. This is due to a higher average collection period from 29 days to 24 days.Other increase in current assets may be due to higher sales for the year 2010. CURRENT LIABILITIES Current liabilities had increased by 5. 42% or Php2,282 million by the yea r ended December 31, 2010 with trade payables and accrued expenses having the highest increase worth Php2,877 million, achieving 20. 52% of its total liabilities. Decreases in the current liabilities was due to payments of some payables and some customer’s refund. NONCURRENT ASSETS Most of the noncurrent assets had decreased by the year 2010, this is due completion of major electric projects and due to consumption of fuel gas.NONCURRENT LIABILITIES A total of Php4,789 million increase in noncurrent liabilities of the company may due to issuance of long term obligations that could result in an increase in working capital. This increase was due to pre-termination of some loan deposits received from units sold on instalment contracts. EQUITY The employee shared-based payment plan had increased by 31% as of December 31, 2010. This is due to recognition of the provisions of PFRS2, â€Å"Shared-based Payments† related to Employee Stock Puchase Plan. And a decrease of 98. 5% of the share in cumulative translation adjustment of a subsidiary and an associate was resulted from the return of capital related to the Company’s investment in FPPC. RATIO ANALYSIS CURRENT RATIO A total of Php55,757 million worth of current assets definitely means a capability of the Company to pay its current liabilities worth Php44,045. This means a 1. 26 current ratio is an indicator of a slightly strong financial position. ACID-TEST RATIO A 1. 13:1 acid-test ratio of the company simply portrays that its most liquid assets can settle its current liabilities. RECEIVABLE TURNOVERThe Company can collect its receivables 6. 74 times in a year with an average of 54. 15 days or less than two months collection period. This situation is favourable to the company’s present position. INVENTORY TURNOVER As inventory is being concern, the company is efficient in managing its inventories. A 74. 46 times inventory turnover is a proof of the latter statement. It is not too high n or too low indicating a better liquidity. DEBT TO TOTAL ASSET RATIO More than half of the company’s assets are financed through the company’s debts. This is proven by a 0. 65 ratio of debt to total asset.TIMES INTEREST EARNED Since the earnings of the company, Php14,437, is higher than its total interest expense, Php493, the company has the capability to settle its debts. Getting a 30. 28 ratio means that the company is able to meet its interest obligations because its earnings is significantly greater than its annual interest obligations. PROFIT MARGIN Compare to 2009 profit margin of 3%, the company got 4% profit margin which indicates that the revenue earned, Php245, 461million by the company was effectively converted into actual profit, Php10,117 million, despite of Php231, 024 total expenses .ASSET TURNOVER The 1. 4 asset turnover ratio of 2010 is relatively higher than 2009 meaning despite of Php178,968 million total assets the company still gained a total revenu e of Php245,461 million with a total net profit of Php10,117 million meaning the company is efficiently utilizing its assets to produce a favourable profit. RETURN ON ASSETS The company has a total 6% return on assets of 2010 which is 2% higher than 4% return on assets of 2009 indicates that the company can make an intelligent choice on how to spend its money on new assets. RETURN ON COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITYA 6% increase in return on common stockholder’s equity simply indicates that the company is generating profits on its common stock investment meaning it is generating an income for the benefit of common stockholders. EARNINGS PER SHARE With an 8. 62 earnings per share which is higher than the 2009 EPS, 5. 74, the company is getting a higher earnings, meaning a strong financial position. PRICE-EARNINGS RATIO The 1. 16 price-earnings mean that investors are ready to pay 10 times earnings. The company has a chance in getting numerous investors. PAY-OUT RATIO A 77. 3 % of the total Php7834 can be paid back to shareholders. Investors will increase its confidence to the company. CONCLUSION MERALCO is the Philippines’ largest electric power distribution company, with franchise service area covering 9,337 square kilometers. It provides power to 4. 8 million customers in 31 cities and 80 municipalities, which include the whole of Metro Manila, the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan, and parts of Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon. Business establishments in the franchise area account for almost 46% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP.The Company registered consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to P=245,461 million, 33% higher compared with the P=184,550 million for the same period last year. Sales from all operating segments increased during the year with the highest registered by power distribution. The increase in electricity spending is attributable to (i) increased number of customers across all customer classes, (ii) growth in various industries as restocking activities resume after the global economic crisis, (iii) unusually warmer temperature during the first half of the year and, (iv) election spendings.Sales from electricity amounted to P=239,077 million, an increase of P=60,391 million, or 34%, from P=178,686 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Consolidated costs and expenses amounted to P=231,024 million for the year ended December 31,2010, P=55,453 million higher than the P=175,571 million last year, primarily due to higher purchased power costs, increased provision for doubtful accounts, accrual for compensation and employee benefits. The 2010 consolidated full year results reflect higher recurring net income compared with 2009 mainly as a result of increased volume of energy sold.Revenues generated from power distribution amounted to P=239,164 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, higher by 34% compared with P=178,752 million in 2009. Pass-through charges increased by P=48,442 million, or 33% to P=195,435 million compared with P=146,993 million in 2009, as a result of higher average generation charge during the year, partially offset by the decrease in the average recoverable system loss charge to P=11,567 million from P=16,108 million. Costs and expenses of the power distribution segment increased by P=55,211 million, or 32%, to P=225,905 million in 2010 compared with P=170,694 million in 2009.For the year ended December 31, 2010, purchased power costs amounted to P=200,916 million, an increase of 33% from P=150,928 million in 2009 brought about by the higher electricity consumption particularly from the industrial customers and increased in average purchased power cost per kWh. Operations and maintenance expense increased by P=2,100 million, or 15%, to P=15,711 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared with P=13,611 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 brought about by the increases in salar ies and wages and provision for doubtful accounts.MERALCO’s liquidity increased as the current and quick ratio rose in 2010. On the other hand, the company’s collection of receivables had dropped down from 72 days of 2009 to 54 days of 2010. This means the company is having a good turnover when it comes to it receivables. in this connection, the company achieved the 74. 46 times of inventory turnover that resulted to a higher sales. 0. 65 debt to total asset ratio and 30. 28 times interest earned proved that the company is solvent and able to meet its interest obligations.Revenue earned was effectively converted into actual profit despite of a higher total cost of expenses still the company gained a 59% increase in net income. As far as asset is concern, the company is efficiently utilizing its asset that resulted to a favourable profit. And because of the increase, we can say that the company is profitable and this could gain the trust of shareholders and may attract investors. RECOMMENDATION MERALCO’s total performance could be the basis of prospective investors to invest and it could be the reason why present stockholders will continue to do business with the company.A favourable increase in sales as well as the increase in net income may not be an indicator of a total good performance of a company. The management should still preserve its good turnover on assets and inventories to preserve its stockholders and the legacy that MERALCO had started ever since. The company should sustain its good performance since it’s the number one electricity supplier here in the Philippines. The service should be enhanced and be improved as well. Customer’s refund should be minimized as well as the receivables.The company should think of a better way of reducing refunds and receivables without sacrificing it’s service and trust of the customers. Assets should continue to increase and be utilized in the right manner. Acquiring of as sets should be done in the right time so that the company will not suffer in paying its unwanted debts. Continuous improvement and innovation when it comes to service is highly recommended for the company to hold its present position in the market. MERALCO should continue to give light and power to the entire archipelago.