Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Collapse of Communism in Poland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Collapse of Communism in Poland - Essay Example During the 60’s the economic decline was due to the country’s extravagance on the expenditure for heavy industry, armaments and its little concern for the consumer production. Although the lands were returned to the peasants, the farms were too small for agriculture production. The autocracy of Gomulka was all too helpful to worsen the economic crises. What resulted was a presence of a communist government strong in its regime, yet too weak in generating any reform. Price rise of the consumer goods and wage decline of the workers especially in the 1970’s would always invite wide spread demonstrations across streets of all polish towns almost always resulting into bloodshed due to the staunch retaliation of the communist soldiers. The Gierek era between 1970 and 1980 was only a replication of the Gomulka’s policies with promises of reforms never fulfilled. The recession of the mid-70’s increased oil prices, uplifted the prices of imported goods and declined the demand of Polish goods. Poland’s foreign debt showed no respite. What resulted was a natural price-hike that invited wide spread national demonstration with special prominence in Dlock and Radom. When a polish national, Karol Wojtyła became the pope, John Paul IInd, and subsequently visited Poland, it only added to the spirit of nationhood and a desire to overthrow the communist regime in Poland. The years of 1980’s too saw the presence of non-stop labor strikes. The August of the year 1980, however is attributed as one of the greatest contributors of what was to be ultimately the abolition of communism. An independent trade union called ‘Solidarity’ was formed, led by Lech Walesa, primarily to amend the economic difficulties. But it became a reason to uphold the anti-communist social movement. Staggering numbers of people became affiliated to the union including people form Catholic Church, the anti-communist leftists and the intellects. Solidarity adopted

Monday, October 28, 2019

Happiness Emotion Essay Example for Free

Happiness Emotion Essay Happiness is an emotion and feeling of contentment, gladness and pleasure. In some instances it may be in our power or in some other cases it may not be. Feeling of happiness is a transitory stage; however, it can turn into a long-term state when we and our surroundings constantly adopt those practices that cause happiness and pleasure. Maslow talked about long-term happiness. It can be subjective happiness or objective happiness. Maslow belief was on objective happiness. In the state of happiness our own self-deception plays a vital role. One can think of being happy when he’s not or one can be happy and content but not aware of this state. Some philosophers view that the state of being happy is completely under our control. We can choose to be happy or not. The power of being happy or unhappy is a state of mind. Because some people are happy over one thing, while others feel just the opposite of the same thing. It depends on our daily habits and practices. But Maslow believed that happiness is to have a good pleasurable life that one can achieve with his full potential. He thinks one can be happy when one is living a high-quality good life. According to Csikszentmihalyi, the philosophy of happiness in human society has always been under great controversies and discussions. Human brutality, war and conflict have caused great deal of violence, aggression and miseries in the society. Prevailing happiness in the society is not an easy task. It would require improving our relations with others. This includes all kinds of relations, relations between the nations, between different ethnic groups, between different cultures and societies. Developing relationship with others need changing our attitudes. A conflict starts when our attitude and behavior is not good with others. Keeping good attitude and behaving with others gently will only cause happiness to prevail. Harshness, brutality, rudeness, and aggressive attitude give rise to conflict, hatred and eventually war. For maintaining happiness in the society, it is not only important to improve our attitudes but to protect them and promote them to guard happiness. Happiness exists when all rights of people are protected and they get justice when harm is done to them. Philosophers define happiness as not just the ‘end of conflict’ but it’s a continuous process of developing relationships and promoting good behavior. Csikszentmihalyi gives broader view of happiness with respect to its existence and outcomes in history. He analyses how the aggression has existed in society and how happiness had evolved and been affective in prevailing tranquility in the society. Happiness exists in our feelings when our behavior inspires courteousness, love of neighborhood, sympathy, charity, if combined, defeat poverty, discrimination, abuse and other hatred attitudes. Trust in religion can overcome hatred disgust, while it ends discrimination and does not foster inequity but love. Hurting, destroying and harming others spread pain. However, love halts this devastation and ends pain.   The demands of nurturing and sustaining such love are very high. Respect for religion inspires. According to Csikszentmihalyi, a happy meaningful life might be different in views of different people depending upon the achievements in different areas, which cover happiness, wealth, richness, health, love, marriage, family relations. However, apart from these, there are spiritual and existential needs that give meaning to life. The desire to attain this meaning is not fulfilled or overcome by relative meanings, but this comes by ultimate gift. The former is limited to specific realm of meaning, while later is permanent, whatever we attain meaninglessness continues. Our moral responsibility is the necessity and our actions take root from our determination and our own choice. For this we are going to answer in the hereafter about our deeds. If our deeds are according to God’s law and His doctrine then we may be rewarded by Him but if our deeds are in rejection to what God created as ‘norms’ of life then we can be punished by Him. A voluntary act differs from a non-voluntary one in that first one has self-conscious advertence (to turn one’s attention to) to that particular action and self-choice for own causality. It has a choice that the act has been chosen by one’s own awareness. Thoughtful ideas and volition consciously started, but later continued merely spontaneously, without reflective advertence remains free because there was a free choice for bringing it about by elective adoption. Lyubomirsky states that everything, which is going on in the world, is the result of some previous event, or events. Therefore, everything that exists is already in pre-determined or pre-existent state and, hence, nothing new can come into existence. This holds the view that every event is simply the result of past events. This, in turn, has deep and radical effects on morality, science, and religion. According to the view of Lyubomirsky anything which is going to happen in the future is unalterable and is caused by prior events. It concludes that human freedom is an illusion. Free will is opposite to what determinism is, it is non-determination and freedom. The conscious of man are free to make genuine undetermined choices. Free will comes in a variety of types and strengths. Lyubomirsky states determination contradict free will and doctrine that it does not exist, because all events, are causally determined. Hence, our will can determine our happiness. This view shows that we’re in a system of parts, and strengthens the view compositional happiness, as commonly view by Christian complementariness in agreement with naturalist. According to Maslow, to build a system with happiness we must construct a physical or biological structure, and to successfully build such system, a mental life would emerge in that system. In support of this view, another philosopher suggests that to have a happy life means to have any peculiar kind of physical and emotional system. Philosophers assert that a person is system of material made up of different parts ordered in appropriate pattern. Thus, happiness may or may not be under our control. It some situations we can do things to make ourselves happy or at other times it may come without alarming. If existence is not taken into the meanings of a prosperous-being then, a society can exist without security, education and rules. But a society can never stand without any health. These three basic things are regarded as the very fundamental human rights namely security, education and health. The absence of the first two destroys the society as a whole but do not interfere with the individuals in a very direct way, but the absence of the third one destroys the entities of that society-the human beings itself. So health is the fundamental issue that a society has to care for. A society is said to exist on three main beams, Security of individuals, Education and health. Poor health conditions could affect the society in a way that even the other two collectively can not do. Nothing is more concerning to a person more than his health. Health is no doubt a basic human right. This basic right of an individual is the duty of a government. Only healthier persons can contribute effectively towards a productive society. Religion inspires courteousness, love of neighborhood, sympathy, charity, if combined, defeat poverty, discrimination, abuse and other hatred attitudes. Trust in religion can overcome hatred disgust, while it ends discrimination and does not foster inequity but love. Hurting, destroying and harming others spread pain. However, love halts this devastation and ends pain.   The demands of nurturing and sustaining such love are very high. Respect for religion inspires â€Å"civility of love† for humanity, inspires people to trust, pray, and work diligently for a world where all people are respected. According to Lyubomirsky Sheldon religion, especially monotheism, where God is the sole point of worship creates a direct relationship of man with God. Lyubomirsky Sheldon’s writing has greatly been influenced by cosmological religiosity from in a sense though he is unable to do so as it largely relates to emotions, behavior and psychological health. He relates cosmological religiosity with human powers of love, emotions, feelings, and value as it is associated with the matter of soul. He stresses that cosmological religiosity is not a religious connotation but a science to deal with mental functioning in health and illness. For him, conscious and unconscious thought is not the matter of belief in God or not to believe in Him but about humanistic view of religion, his attitude, behavior and relationship with people and a positive attitude towards the society. But this humanistic definition of religion doesn’t actually encompass religious connotations. Though, in defining authoritarian view of religion, he is correct to some extent, where monotheism is regarded the only true form of religion while all other are deviation from this truth, he hasn’t yet been able to grasp the actual meaning of religion, its important role in man’s life and in his study of mind. In monotheism only one power, God, dominates, who has to be followed and respected with submission. However, he regards this type of submission as self-destruction. Here Lyubomirsky Sheldon is proposing an incorrect view of â€Å"submission to God† as self-destruction, because history and facts show that this is the only way of developing a true and loving behavior with the Creator and the His creatures. The form of religion he states right i.e. humanistic, is actually not humanistic but self-indulgence and it hardly leads one to love his society and people but person’s life keeps revolving around himself without realization of duty-bound to his responsibilities and right of God and His people. Hence the three articles conclude about different views of happiness. Happiness lies in one’s inner-self and how we view outside world. Our personality and psychology plays vital role that how we perceive certain things as good for us and some as bad. References A Theory of Human Motivation` by Maslow If We Are So Rich, Why Arent We Happy? by Csikszentmihalyi – Pursuing Happiness by Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, and Schakade.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Important Elements of a Written Loan Policy :: essays research papers

Assignment # 4 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most important ways a bank can make sure its loans meet regulatory standards and are profitable is by establishing a written loan policy. A loan policy gives loan officers and the bank’s management specific guidelines in making some loan decisions and in shaping the over all portfolios of the bank. The following are the most important elements of a Written Loan Policy;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Statements of Lending: A statement that defines the type of loan, its maturities, quality and the size of loans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Establish a Lending Authority: It should clearly define who is authorized to a loan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Establish Lines of Responsibility: It is making sure that all the information is reported to its department.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Operating Procedure: There should be appropriate operating procedures for soliciting, reviewing, evaluating, and making decisions on customer loan application.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Required Documents: All the required documents should be obtained for every loan application and must be filed properly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lines of Authority: Responsibility for maintaining and reviewing the bank’s credit files should be well defined.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Guidelines: Proper guidelines must be given as to how you can take a loan, evaluate it and perfect a loan.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Policies’ & Procedures: Policies’ & Procedures for establishing interest rates, payments, fees and repayments must be present.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  9.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Establish Quality Standards: A statement of quality standards applicable to all loans. That is, if a person does not meet the standards then the loan should be denied.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Establishing Upper Limit to Loans: A statement defining the upper limit to a loan beyond which a loan cannot be allowed   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Define its Community: A description of the bank’s principal trade area, which most loans should come from.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  12.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Trouble Loan: A discussion of the preferred procedures for detecting, analyzing, and working out problem loan situations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For loan to be good three conditions should be fulfilled, ie. First that the borrower should be creditworthy. Which could be known by a detailed study of the following six aspects:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Character: The loan officer must know the purpose of the loan and make sure that the customer will be able to make the repayment of the loan. He should also determine that the borrower has a responsible attitude towards using borrowed funds, is truthful in answering the bank’s questions and willing to make every effort to repay what is owned.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Capacity: The loan officer must make sure the borrower has the authority to request a loan and the legal standing to sign a loan agreement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cash: The loan officer should make sure that the borrower has a stable stream of income and the ability to repay the loan.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Uniform Essay

Uniform Essay Although many people may not agree with me or perhaps call me a loser and a nerd I do believe that uniforms should be made mandatory in school and this is of course for plenty of well supported reasons. First off even if you don’t notice it right away uniforms will help you prepare for the future. Also much money is saved and finally much time is saved and much hassle is avoided. First, one of the main reasons I support uniforms is because they are a greatly underappreciated form of success. Have you ever noticed that most stores that you go to the employees are in uniform? This of course is mandatory and if they fail to dress out they will not be allowed to work or in worse case scenarios be fired. Many students against uniforms might argue that you should be able to show that you are unique but really what do you think is going to happen if you go to your job dressed up in whatever clothes you want even though there is a dress code? Many students don’t notice or perhaps don’t want to believe that uniforms are helpful in anyway but let’s be honest, they are. As previously stated, money is an issue to many people and even if it is not who does not want to save some? With uniforms being mandatory at schools parents only have to go to the uniform store and buy a couple of pairs for their children while if there is no dress code you have to buy expensive clothing and spend time in multiple stores looking for it. Many will argue and say how is having a uniform pairs of clothing and a going out pairs of clothing saving us money and the answer to that is simple, uniforms are cheap and are created with a great deal of resilience which means they will last a very long time and much money will not be spent them. Also in response to the previous argument wearing non uniform clothing to school requires more and more clothes to be bought when something gets â€Å"out of style† or outdated and that in the long run is defiantly more expensive. Last but not least, if you are a person like me who gets to school right before the late bell rings you don’t need another excuse to take longer getting dressed out. Not having a uniform at your school may seem great and all but have you ever thought about how much time you spend looking for what you are going to wear? Students might argue that no uniforms will give them an incentive to wake up for school but in reality it is giving them an incentive to be late to school. I use to go to a middle school with no uniform policy and it was such a hassle for me and I’m sure t is for many other people too, I would have to wake up earlier look for the clothes I wanted to wear and about 90% of the time get to school late. In conclusion, I do believe uniforms should be made mandatory in school but more than likely that is not going to happen due to all the complaints and arguments about them. It truly is tragic that people don’t see what is good for them until it is too l ate. Uniforms allow money and time to be saved and better yet they prepare you for the future, what else could you ask for from clothing?

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Emotional Intelligence And Employees Performances In Malaysia Education Essay

This research relates to emotional intelligence of the employees in commercial Bankss in Malaysia. Employees need emotional intelligence in working environment. It is of import for the commercial Bankss to maintain their employees working to their full potency. An employee must hold emotional intelligence in order to be able to understand and manage his ain and other people ‘s emotions, actuate oneself and command irresistible impulse, and efficaciously pull off interpersonal relationships in the working environment ( Goleman, 1998 ) . Daniel Goleman, the adult male most associated with popularising Emotional Intelligence, defines Emotional Intelligence harmonizing to five features. In his article â€Å" What Makes a Leader? † ( Harvard Business Review, Nov.-Dec. 1998 ) , he presents a chart that describes Emotional Intelligence as: Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Self-motivation, Empathy and Social-skill. Every one of us has different personalities, wants and demands, and ways of demoing our emotions. We need to manage them good if we wish to win in life. This is where emotional intelligence becomes of import. We use emotional intelligence to analyse our emotions, understand what they are stating us, and recognize how they will impact others. Besides that, motional intelligence besides involves our perceptual experience of people around us: when we understand how they feel, this allows us to pull off relationships more efficaciously. Peoples will be able to win in most things they do if they possess high emotional intelligence in them. Why? Because they are what others need in this society. When an electronic mail is sent by people with high emotional intelligence, it will be able to acquire answered rapidly. They will be able to acquire helps whenever and wherever they need it as people who have high emotional intelligence tend to do others experience good and their lives are much more restful than people who get upset easy.1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYIn the commercial Bankss, employees ‘ emotional intelligence has become an of import factor to the success of today ‘s banking organisations in Malaysia. The success of any organisations in banking sectors has become dependent upon the effectivity of its direction, coupled with the effectivity of direction to maintain employees ‘ emotional intelligence at high degree and heighten their public presentations. Corporate leaders are one entity that giv es surety to concern success, and the work force is another entity that assists concerns. Harmonizing to Steward ( 2009 ) , she indicated that directors in banking sectors should to maintain the employees ‘ emotional intelligence at high degrees in organisations as that can guarantee that the undertakings are completed in a timely manner to advance profitableness and satisfy stockholder involvements. A successful bank is really dependent on the direction and leading accomplishments of the effectual director and his or her apprehension of importance of emotional intelligence, as they apply to generationally diverse subsidiaries ( Steward, 2009 ) . Employees ‘ emotional intelligence is really of import as it link to the success of a company. Harmonizing to Kim ( 2004 ) , in her survey she examined the importance of how Bankss depend on their employees for the ultimate success. Emotional intelligence influences productiveness ( Kim, 2004 ) . A banking organisation need to understand what maintain employees ‘ emotional intelligence at high degrees in order for them to make peak public presentation. It is non an easy undertaking to maintain employees ‘ emotional intelligence at high degrees because employees respond in different ways to their occupations and their organisation ‘s patterns. Emotional intelligence is able to travel a individual toward a end. Harmonizing to Goleman ( 1997 ) , the research in emotional intelligence gives us new penetrations into human behaviour which frequently seem self-contradictory. For illustration, the research indicates that IQ histories for 4 per centum to 25 per centum of a individual ‘s success. The staying 96 per centum to 75 per centum depends on a individual ‘s ability to comprehend, place and pull off emotion. Bettering this ability provides the footing for the sorts of societal and emotional competences that are indispensable for success in any occupation or disputing undertaking in life. This disclosure is about flooring to corporate America, which puts such high value on graduate school and other formal instruction that focuses on the cognitive facets of intelligence ( Laurens & A ; Budinich, 2006 ) . Frontline bank people, for illustration, face composite and demanding issues such as: fierce competition, presenting client service, gross revenues public presentation, conformity and a host of others. Developing the needed emotional competences, such as common trust, regard, empathy and cultivating interpersonal accomplishments to manage these issues is of import. Equally of import is the ability to efficaciously supervise their ain and others ‘ feelings and emotions, know aparting among them and utilizing that information to steer their thought and action. Laurens et Al. ( 2006 ) indicated in their survey that emotional competences and emotional intelligence are non taught in colleges and universities and do n't come of course to most companies who are submerged in analytical thought.The Domains of Emotional Intelligence ( Goleman, 1998 )Daniel Goleman ‘s five features of emotional intelligence theoretical account are shown above. The term emotional intelligence is link ed with the constructs of self-awareness, self-regulation, motive, empathy, and societal accomplishments. Self-awareness is the ability to acknowledge and understand personal tempers and emotions. Self-regulation is the ability to command or airt riotous urges and tempers and the leaning to suspend judgement and believe before moving. Motivation is a passion to work for grounds that go beyond money and position. Empathy is the ability to understand the emotional make up of other people, a accomplishment that may be used in handling people harmonizing to their emotional reactions. Social accomplishments frequently guarantee proficiency in pull offing relationships and edifice webs and heighten an ability to happen common land and construct resonance with others. These footings are defined by Goleman in his book, Working with Emotional Intelligence ( 1998 ) .PROBLEM STATEMENTA job many commercial Bankss have today is that they ne'er put and treat emotional intelligence as an of import accomplishment in their working environment. Due to retention jobs, commercial Bankss have been invariably accruing the cost of turn outing developing for new employees. There are plentifulness of human resources sections do non understand how emotional intelligence is. Harmonizing to Fleming ( 2000 ) , emotional intelligence of many employees or the occupation appliers of Bankss are non realized of how to be assessed by directors. There are many people that non holding any cognition or the different traits create the term emotional intelligence. Harmonizing to Miller ( 1999 ) , self awareness, self-regulation, motive, empathy and societal accomplishments are the constituents of Emotional Quotient and qualities of an all-rounded individual. Therefore, Bankss can happen people who largely likely would suit good in their working environment if they recruit professionals to assist them in mensurating the emotional intelligence of the occupation appliers. Besides that, it has been hard to acquire top direction to hold that they need to implement new recruiting tools in their employee hunts. Peoples might believe that it is excessively illogic for top direction to concentrate on the bottom line, but emotional intelligence is progressively being considered as a cherished people skill that defines the top-performers from mean employees ( Beagrie, 2004 ) . In order for employees to be successful in the commercial Bankss, direction staffs must larn and understand they need to look beyond a sketch. In add-on, there is more fluctuation in emotional intelligence than there is in Intelligence Quotient among the top direction people and the professionals. There is a really large difference between those at the high and low terminals of the emotional intelligence graduated table, and being at the top has major competitory advantage. Therefore, accomplishments related to emotional intelligence affair even more for success in workplace ( Goleman, 1998 ) . Normally employees who perform good and outshine in commercial Bankss are those who normally possess high emotional intelligence. However, it does non intend that a individual is the smartest or the finest in the commercial bank but it means that they are able to supply their best accomplishments to the remainder of the commercial bank and at the same clip understanding what else they need to work on. Harmonizing to Goleman ( 1998 ) , employees who perform good have bounds on their abilities excessively, but they know how to better them by working with person else that has strength that they do non hold as they are cognizant of their bounds.JUSTIFICATION OF STUDYHarmonizing to Goleman ( 1998 ) and Bar-On ( 2002 ) , emotional intelligence comprises of self-awareness, self-regulation, motive, empathy, societal accomplishments, adaptability and stress direction. These are the accomplishments that are of import to a success of a individual in an organisation. In add-on, harmonizing to Smewing ( 2004 ) , emotional intelligence is non a journey with a clear way, non one that should be embarked upon lightly. Emotional intelligence is a accomplishment which we can larn and better. It does non vouch that a individual will hold learned the emotional competences that affair for work if he or she possesses high emotional intelligence. It means merely that they have outstanding potency to larn them ( Goleman, 1998 ) . Therefore, organisations must supply preparation and development of emotional intelligence earnestly for it to be effectual. Besides that, direction demands to cognize how of import emotional intelligence accomplishments are as they can be developed and so convey benefit to their organisation. Management have been unwillingly seting money for developing employees on emotional intelligence because it takes a long clip for them to hold any consequences. While an organisation is seeking to enroll new employees with high emotional intelligence, it is of import for them to develop those current employees excessively as the whole civilization of a workplace could be shaped. Harmonizing to Laabs ( 1999 ) , he indicated that emotional competencies development needs old wonts of idea, feeling and action that are profoundly ingrained to be unlearned and new 1s to be learned by scholars. This requires motive, attempt, clip, aid and permanent pattern.RESEARCH QUESTIONSIn conformity with the intent of the survey, and based on the job statement, the undermentioned inquiries have been formulated: Is there any relationship between emotional intelligence affects employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss in Malaysia? Does emotional intelligence affects employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss in Malaysia? How emotional intelligence affects employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss in Malaysia. Is there any correlativity between emotional intelligence and employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss in Malaysia?Research OBJECTIVESThe intent of this research is to analyze the determiners of the emotional intelligence on employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss, where the research population chiefly focuses on work forces and adult females who are the employees working in the Bankss. The aims of the research are stated as below: 1: To analyze if there is a relationship between emotional intelligence and employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss in Malaysia. 2: To analyze if emotional intelligence affects employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss in Malaysia. 3: To analyze how emotional intelligence affects employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss in Malaysia. 4: To analyze if there is any correlativity between emotional intelligence and employees ‘ public presentations in commercial Bankss in Malaysia.Significance OF THE STUDYThis survey will assist commercial Bankss to understand the important function emotional intelligence dramas in their Bankss. It will demo that Emotional Quotient is every bit of import with Intelligence Quotient in the workplace. By utilizing emotional intelligence appraisal tools, they would let human resource sections to hold information to endorse up their sentiments and thoughts that are based on logical thought for utilizing emotional intelligence when looking for new employees. Commercial Bankss can foreground the leaders within the workplace and can understand how they contribute to the organisational environment. Besides that, this paper will besides give the commercial Bankss thoughts about the importance and effects of high degrees of emotional intelligence in the current employees. This survey will demo how people with different degrees of emotional intelligence can act upon their public presentations in the commercial Bankss. The survey will besides give directors of the commercial Bankss thoughts about who they should enroll. Grades are an of import thing to look at in freshly graduated pupils, their emotional intelligence abilities should besides be evaluated during the hiring procedure. Too many fantastic alumnuss are overlooked because their classs were non converting but they were involved in a figure of excess school activities that besides took up some of their survey clip to assist profit their school environment. It is of import to observe that the current manner that many organisations hire their employees is flawed and needs betterment. Enrolling for employees with high degrees of emotional intelligence should go an recognized pattern in commercial Bankss because making so would assist in the development of new leading within those commercial Bankss. This would bring forth happy employees and higher keeping rates. Emotional intelligence consciousness and action taken in commercial Bankss would profit them greatly over clip.BRIEF RESEARCH METHODOLOGYResearch Methodology presents the overview of the research methods that will be carried out in the Chapter 4 in deepness. It sets forth a description of theoretical model, hypotheses development, trying design, informations aggregation, every bit good as account of the processs for analysing informations, which refers to data analysis. The independent and dependent variables are shown below. Independent VariablesSelf-awarenessEmployees ‘ Performances in Commercial BanksSelf-regulationSelf-motivationEmpathySocial-skillAdaptabilityStress ManagementDependent Variable The development of questionnaires and measurings are largely in Likert graduated table and Itemized evaluation graduated table. Sampling program is based on 200 respondents of those employees working in commercial Bankss. Data aggregation techniques is based on ego administered and web enable study instrument. Data analysis techniques which include descriptive analysis and correlativity analysis are besides being discussed in that chapter of surveies.DEFINITION OF TERMSFor the intent of uniformity and lucidity, the undermentioned footings are defined in relation to their usage in the survey. Understanding the nomenclature is of import to better understanding the information that follows. Emotional Intelligence: â€Å" The ability, capacity, accomplishment, or self-perceived ability to place, buttocks, and pull off the emotions of one ‘s ego, of others, and of groups † ( Goleman, 1998 ) . Self-awareness: â€Å" The ability to acknowledge and understand your tempers, emotions, and thrusts, every bit good as their consequence on others † ( Goleman, 1998 ) . Self-regulation: â€Å" The ability to command or airt riotous urges and tempers and the leaning to suspend opinion – to believe before moving † ( Goleman, 1998 ) . Self-motivation: â€Å" A passion to work for grounds that go beyond money or position and a leaning to prosecute ends with energy and continuity † ( Goleman, 1998 ) . Empathy: â€Å" The ability to understand the emotional make-up of other people and skill in handling people harmonizing to their emotional reactions † ( Goleman, 1998 ) . Social-skill: â€Å" Proficiency in pull offing relationship and edifice webs and an ability to happen common land and construct resonance † ( Goleman, 1998 ) .Adaptability: â€Å"Stress Management: â€Å"ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDYThis undertaking has been arranged steadily. I have organized the information of this undertaking decently and as it has been requested so that readers will be able to construe the findings clearly.Chapter 1: IntroductionThis chapter states a brief debut of emotional intelligence. This subdivision is composed of background of the survey, job statement, research aims, and research inquiries, significance of survey and the definition of footings. These subdivisions are discussed in inside informations which would procure a brief preliminary apprehension sing the research subject.Chapter 2: Literature ReappraisalThis chapter carries out the extended literature reviews that stress on the survey of the determiners of Emotional Intelligence to reexamine t he related surveies. Apart from that, past researches which are closely related to the research subject will be discussed exhaustively.Chapter 3: Research MethodologyIn this chapter, a further inside informations and methodological analysis of this undertaking will be clarified. Hypothesiss will be developed based on the independent and dependent variables. In this instance, the dependant variable is the employees ‘ public presentations while the independent variables are Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Self-motivation, Empathy and Social-skill. Data aggregation method and research design are bound to be discussed in this chapter every bit good. Besides, informations analysis techniques will be discussed in this chapter along with subdivisions addressed before this subdivision.Chapter 4: Datas AnalysisThis chapter will go on with the information analysis. This is where will be goodness of step ; that is the questionnaire is valid or non to the hypotheses proving and will reas on it in a sum-up.Chapter 5: DiscussionThe last chapter will be the treatment and recommendation. This is where the decision and sum-up of what have been discussed in the earlier chapters. There will be parts included in this concluding chapter such as deduction of the survey, restriction of the survey and suggestion for future research. Flowed by overall decision from what has been happening in this undertaking.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Black Daeth essays

Black Daeth essays The Black Death was a plague that carried a disease that ravaged its way through the world, eventually causing economic, political, and cultural disruptions. It came like a murderer in the night, when no one was expecting it. This mysterious disease first attacked the people living near the Black Sea in what is now called Southern Ukraine. It came without mercy, like a warrior coming for revenge. It struck, and within days hundreds of people fell ill. The first symptoms were severe headaches and redness of the eyes. These were followed by inflammations of the tongue, hoarseness and a hacking cough. Then came severe intestinal upsets, including vomiting and acute diarrhea. Temperatures rose, and at the fevers height the body broke out with reddish spots. By the third day, the lymph nodes in the sufferers'' groins, neck, and occasionally the armpits began to swell. Eventually the swelling would increase from the size of a hazelnut to the size of walnut, then to the size of a hen's egg. The swelling would bulge out making it easily visible; its blackish color giving the disease its name: The Black Death. The swellings would continue to get bigger and extremely painful causing the victim to vomit blood. Eventually the swelling would burst, and the victim would die soon after. The whole process, starting from the first symptoms to the final expiration would last as little as 3 days to as long as 9 days. It was a terrible and excruciating disease that was given the title of the Bubonic Plague, a medical term. The swelling that the victims received became known as buboes, the Greek word for groin, boubon. Therefore giving the disease its official name: the Bubonic Plague. There were three forms of the plague: Bubonic, Septicaemic, and pneumonic. The Bubonic plague was the main disease that tormented the people of the Black Sea region, but there was another dise...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Middle Ages essays

Middle Ages essays At the beginning of the Middle Ages, most trade was in expensive goods, but soon there was trade in all items, even like food. There was trade between countries for things like spices as well as local trade. Towns grew around the local markets. Markets were very different in the middle ages than our marketplaces. Crossing roads often became marketplaces. People selling things had to set up tents. A lot of people came to the marketplace to shop. The people even sang songs that told how busy marketplaces could be. The peasants sold crops and livestock. The artisans sold their art. Going to a marketplace was like going to a carnival or fair. Some towns became rich because their people specialized in a certain type of thing. A guild was a group of people with a common interest. People formed religious and social guilds. The most important guild was a group of merchants and craft workers. One reason that merchant guilds were organized was for greater security against attack as they traveled. Craft guilds were bakers, brewers, goldsmiths, tailors, weavers and other craft workers. To protect their members, they established rules much like the rules of the merchant. guilds. There were different levels of craft workers. A journeyman went through training. He was a skilled worker who got paid. He couldn't open a shop because he wasn't a guild member. He had to work for a master for three years. The final year he had to make a masterpiece to become a member of the guild. An apprentice is someone who went to live with a skilled person who would teach the apprentice everything he would need to know to become good at whatever he was studying. The apprentice was kind of like an assistant to his master. He would watch his master to learn how to do his master's craft. Apprentices did not get paid. One of the biggest things that affected life was silk. They did not have silk they only had wool. So silk was a big advancement for them especiall...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

BookBaby Review Read This First (+ Promo Codes!)

BookBaby Review Read This First (+ Promo Codes!) BookBaby Review: Read This First (Plus Promo Codes!) If you’re planning to self-publish a book, you probably already know all the biggest names in the game: KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, and of course, BookBaby. You can read about the pros and cons of each of these companies in the posts linked above, but this review will focus exclusively on the latter. We’ll first cover what BookBaby is and how to use it, then lead into the relative merits - and potential stumbling blocks - of using it to self-publish your book. BookBaby review: what you need to know in 2019 What is BookBaby?BookBaby is a platform for self-publishing authors that includes editing, design, and marketing services, as well as distribution packages for both ebooks and print books. Over the past couple years, it’s become one of the most high-profile print-on-demand (POD) companies for authors, and continues to be a popular choice in 2019.Five fast facts about BookBaby:Founded in 2011 in Portland, Oregon ☔President and CEO is Steven Spatz, who’s written two books on publishing ðŸ“â€"Approximately 8,000 users in 2018 (though not all have published a book) 👠ªDistributes through Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes Noble, and other major retailers in over 170 countries ðŸÅ'ŽHosts an annual Independent Authors Conference in Philadelphia, with workshops and panels from industry experts âÅ" Packages and servicesBookBaby offers a number of packages and individual services for self-publishing authors. We’ll break down the main ones for you here , but you can check out the full list on their website.â€Å"The Complete Self-Publishing Package† - $1,699BookBaby’s most popular package, according to the site. The Complete Self-Publishing Package includes cover design and formatting, ebook conversion, 25 print books, an ISBN number, worldwide distribution, a professional Facebook ad campaign, and a listing in the BookBaby online store (which allows you to sell directly to readers). Note that editing services are not included, however - nor any kind of discount if you wish to print more than 25 books, which is a serious drawback for authors printing in bulk.Printed Book Distribution - $299 + cost of bulk printing orderAlready have your manuscript and cover prepared? Then you’ll want to go with the printed book distribution package, which uses BookBaby’s POD service. This allows you to choose from various aesthetic options, order high-quality print copies, and sell your book all over the world.But ke ep in mind that the $299 charge is on top of your actual print order. For reference, 100 copies of a 300-page book will set you back $861 (and that’s without shipping!). Add the POD fee and your total comes to $1,160 for this particular package.So what does that $299 fetch you? The answer is distribution: again, BookBaby has an extensive distribution network, which includes every major retailer in the world. That said, you can get more bang for your buck from other POD services - like IngramSpark, which cuts out the distribution â€Å"middleman† that makes other platforms' fee so high. Basically, if you want to sell a large quantity of books, make sure you know your options.Ebook Conversion and Distribution - $249Alternatively, if you don’t want to print any books, you can opt for the ebook conversion and distribution package instead. Though BookBaby plays up its file conversion service and quality checks by â€Å"content conversion specialists,† youâ⠂¬â„¢re mainly paying for the distribution once again: as with the print package, your ebook will be sold in 60+ stores in over 170 countries.Copy and Line Editing - $7-10 per pageNow let’s talk individual services. For copy editing, BookBaby charges $7/page, while line editing is $10/page. Putting that in perspective, a copy edit for a 300-page book would be $2,100, and a line edit would be $3,000 - slightly higher than the average Reedsy estimates. Their site does promise rapid turnaround times at these prices: 8-10 business days for a full line edit, and just 6-8 days for a line edit. However, keep in mind that speed doesn’t necessarily beget quality, especially when it comes to editing.Book Cover Design - $399-549BookBaby also touts its cover design services, which come in two modes: â€Å"Basic† and â€Å"Deluxe.† The Basic design package costs $399 and includes, well, a basic cover design - a single, central image with fairly standard text. The Deluxe package, on the other hand, involves more sophisticated imagery and text for the higher price of $549. You can see the difference between the Basic and Deluxe options in the images below. So what’s the bottom line?BookBaby is a good option for authors who:  Want an easy-to-use interface and a bit of hand-holding through the process;Don’t mind paying a high price for bulk orders + distribution; and/orOnly want to print a small quantity of books.BookBaby is not a good option for authors who:Plan to print and distribute more than 25 books;Want to self-publish and distribute an ebook; and/orRequire additional services such as editing, typesetting, marketing, etc. - you can find a better deal elsewhere.BookBaby promo codesBookBaby might be tough on your wallet, but if you’re sold on their POD service, then you’re in luck! Here are two promo codes you can use to save on bulk orders, PLUS a coupon for free shipping. However you choose to publish, we hope the final product looks fantastic. 💠¯Enter the code SAVE100 at checkout to save $100 on 100 books or more.Enter the code PUBLISH100 at checkout to save $500 on 500 books or more.Finally, enter the code FREESHIPBB for free shipping on 25 books or more.Got any more questions about BookBaby? Feel free to leave them in the comments!

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Self-Actualisation is Impossible Within Today's Organizational Essay

Self-Actualisation is Impossible Within Today's Organizational Settings - Essay Example An individual employee would be motivated to take action if nothing hinders the emergence of high-level needs. Maslow’s hierarchy needs was designed according to U.S. cultural values. According to organizational behaviourists, organizations which endeavour to accomplish the needs of their personnel, attract the best workforce and consequently motivate the workers to perform excellently. The organization can use the wages, the work environment, and the people around the workplace to motivate the employees to work harder and achieve certain goals (Schreuder & Coetzee 2010). When organizations meet the low- order needs of the personnel, the workers will struggle for self-actualization, working to become the best they can be. The employees will thus deliver at their optimal level of creativity, turning into exceptionally valuable assets to the company. The contemporary organizations have therefore; put in place measures and strategies to enable the workers to self-actualize by acc omplishing the low-order needs of the employees. Nevertheless, some organizational behaviourists argue that it is impossible to satisfy several high-order needs in organizational settings (Hodson 2001). Eventually, the concept of self-actualization is difficult or impossible to achieve effectively in organizational settings. This paper will discuss whether it is possible for an organisation to realize self-actualisation for its individual employees. The paper presents an argument for and against self-actualisation within today’s organizational settings using illustrations from the contemporary organizational contexts. The possibility of self-actualisation within organizational context Self-actualisation is possible in high-level management than low level management because top managers are better equipped to meet their self-actualization and esteem needs. This is because the backdrop of challenging jobs and opportunities at organisational levels motivates self-actualisation n eeds. Working in teams increases employees’ abilities to satisfy their self-actualisation needs. This is because teamwork gives the employees the incentive to participate in decision making which impact on both the team and the organisation’s performance. Some employees are among group of employees trained by organisations to carry out multiple job tasks that may include hiring and training subordinates, and even terminating employment based on failure to perform satisfactorily. Self-actualisation and esteem needs begin to get satisfied when employees get to learn different tasks. Employees who are less empowered or have little control over their job tasks may feel no need for self-actualisation with regard to their job tasks. Empirical evidence shows that the satisfaction of self-actualisation needs varies according to employee’s job tasks, age, background, and the size of the company (Hellriegel & Slocum 2007). Dorer and Mahoney (2006) observe that organisatio ns could increase their productivity by increasing the individual performance of each employee and by optimisation of untapped potential inherent in employees. A full operational employee is actively involved in the development and utilisation of all his/her

Friday, October 18, 2019

Investment Assignment Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Investment Assignment Report - Essay Example There are a set of rule governing how trades and investors choose the varying available security options in the stock market. Our strategy is exemplified in this paper because of the decision to apply the gainer part. For the momentum strategy, my choice was Voltari Corp. Applying the first trading principle, â€Å"avoid dealing in stocks reporting above or within the 52 week high†, the decision to invest in APC indicates that this trading principle was correctly followed. Purchasing stocks of Voltari Corp. in its 52-week high stood at $3.60. The second trading principle-choose stocks recording a minimum of 1,000,000 shares in the daily trade volumes, in addition to avoiding stocks recording daily volumes of trade below 100,000 shares-the decision to buy Voltari Corp. stocks comply with the second trading principle. Voltari Corp. stocks recorded 3 million shares in its average 3-month trading volume. The third trading principle illustrates the need to avoid mid-and-cap stocks (stocks recording values less than $5 billion). This principle does not conform well to Voltari Corp.; its stock falls in small-cap stock category with $16.91 million in market capitalization value. Finally, the fourt h trading principle indicates that an individual should choose stocks signified by analysts opinions rated closer to or above one (1). This is an indication of better performance in the future compared to opinions that are above or within the range of Five (5). The fourth rules also states that stocks recording negative trends or without significant changes in weekly consensus figures also need to be avoided. The â€Å"snapshot† tool available in Market Watch do not show the average recommendation from the analysts for Voltari Corp. generally, most stocks in the financial market have an average recommendation of ‘buy’. Consequently, the trend is projected to move towards the lower facet of the statistical ranking, with twenty-three

Improving Team Performance Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Improving Team Performance - Article Example e personality indicators, the objectives being given to the teams, the leadership and most commonly the organizational culture that helps in developing competent and effective teams. A person who is professionally well developed might not have the ability to work in collectivist society and might prefer to work alone. Moreover, few of the individuals prefer to act as passive partner regardless of their professional development point of view and this emancipates problems like social loafing. Keeping in view this, personnel selection and development is of critical importance Suman (2009). This is true to an extent because the organizations in an attempt to achieve the competitive advantage and to develop individuals in a way that they can work effectively in teams and can adapt to the changing environment work towards developing such strategies or hiring such agencies that can hunt the talent desired by the organization. This gives rise to the introduction of such training and development modules that aim to develop personnel professionally. Different models have been introduced to highlight the usefulness of personality and behavioral assessment instruments. DISC model is the one that relates that individuals and situations are related in a way that their behavior cannot be predicted and understood without proper understanding of environment Suman (2009). Critically analyzing this one can conclude that employees develop themselves at strategic level only when they understand their organizations’ culture and environment. Employees can work in teams effectively only when there are clear communication channels, the decentralization that enables employees to have their say in organizations’ decision making process and the ability to adapt to the changing organizations’ environment. In addition to this, the MBTI personality type is another assessment instrument that talks about the personality types. They argued that there are 16 types of personalities and all

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Defining and Assessing Modern CSR Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Defining and Assessing Modern CSR - Coursework Example Mike Duke, the company’s CEO, states that this demonstrates the new social and environmental facets Wal-Mart has added to its efforts. The company believes that accountability and transparency are part of the good and responsibility element of all companies across the world. Wal-Mart’s yearly report shows its constant and evolving work in social responsibility matters. Since 2011, the reports have been divided into three main reporting areas: social, environmental and goals. The 2011 report covers all aspects of CSR issues (Simpson & Taylor, 2013). It shows how its effective sustainability 360 framework has helped it become the retail leader in the industry. It also conveys the major progress made by the company and the reduction objectives of greenhouse gas emissions of its supply chain by, latest, 2015. The company’s financial contributions in kind, including investments in health, commitments to preventing hunger, education, funding for local farmers and facilitating access to healthier and cheaper food, are also part of the report. The company has faced numerous challenges over the years. It appears that legal and social obstacles have acted as vital reasons for the creation of its code of conduct and yearly reporting. This claim can be illustrated in two relevant situations: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. v. Dukes et al. and the media reports accusing the company of using child labor (Simpson & Taylor, 2013). Despite starting over a decade ago, this case is still being heard by the US Courts. It started as a national class action against the company. The plaintiffs alleged that female workers in Wal-Mart and its affiliate stores suffered discrimination based on their gender (Simpson & Taylor, 2013). They claimed that they were discriminated upon in terms of pay and promotion to senior management roles, hence violating for Civil

Are You A Good or A Great Boss Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Are You A Good or A Great Boss - Case Study Example In order to manage others, bosses should strive to manage themselves because their personality, thoughts and feelings drive your actions, especially how they relate with others that will influence them.   Becoming an effective manager requires not only acquiring good qualities and knowledge but also should undergo difficult personal changes. According to Hill and Lineback (16), the qualities that bosses posses influence others productivity and build trust depending on how well the boss has managed him or herself. Who you are portraying vividly in the way you build relationships with your teamwork; thus, an effective boss should possess the self-awareness and management required to influence their team and do things in the right way. I agree with the fact that a boss should have self-management because those who become bosses should learn to view themselves and their work differently. Meanwhile, they should develop qualities, deeper self-awareness and ability to exercise wise judgme nt in the way they delegate duties. Hill and Lineback (17) indicate that managing network is the significant issue that managers should focus on. In order to manage the people who are responsible to you, managers should manage the context in which these people dwell. The bosses should comprehend the political environment and develop ways in which to build a network with others by setting the right expectations for your people and utilize the right resources. To become an effective boss, one should strive to operate effectively in a political environment because the political environment meets the teamwork request and promote the competitiveness. The political environment provides the division of labour among the people in which it creates different teams with disparate and even conflicting priorities and goals. Meanwhile, it offers interdependence to the teamwork in that none of these teams can meet their responsibilities without informing their other team. To manage the network, bosses should be capable to create a co mpetitive environment where the teamwork should utilize the scarce resources to meet and improve the performance of the organization.  Ã‚  

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Defining and Assessing Modern CSR Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Defining and Assessing Modern CSR - Coursework Example Mike Duke, the company’s CEO, states that this demonstrates the new social and environmental facets Wal-Mart has added to its efforts. The company believes that accountability and transparency are part of the good and responsibility element of all companies across the world. Wal-Mart’s yearly report shows its constant and evolving work in social responsibility matters. Since 2011, the reports have been divided into three main reporting areas: social, environmental and goals. The 2011 report covers all aspects of CSR issues (Simpson & Taylor, 2013). It shows how its effective sustainability 360 framework has helped it become the retail leader in the industry. It also conveys the major progress made by the company and the reduction objectives of greenhouse gas emissions of its supply chain by, latest, 2015. The company’s financial contributions in kind, including investments in health, commitments to preventing hunger, education, funding for local farmers and facilitating access to healthier and cheaper food, are also part of the report. The company has faced numerous challenges over the years. It appears that legal and social obstacles have acted as vital reasons for the creation of its code of conduct and yearly reporting. This claim can be illustrated in two relevant situations: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. v. Dukes et al. and the media reports accusing the company of using child labor (Simpson & Taylor, 2013). Despite starting over a decade ago, this case is still being heard by the US Courts. It started as a national class action against the company. The plaintiffs alleged that female workers in Wal-Mart and its affiliate stores suffered discrimination based on their gender (Simpson & Taylor, 2013). They claimed that they were discriminated upon in terms of pay and promotion to senior management roles, hence violating for Civil

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Katrina Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Katrina - Research Paper Example Then, in the early morning of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina came ashore at the mouth of the Mississippi near Orleans with 140 mph sustained winds and storm surges two stories tall. To make matters worse, many of the 500,000 residents of New Orleans live below sea level and are surrounded by the Mississippi River, Pontchartrain, and several bays. It was obvious that this was going to be a huge storm; consequently hundreds of thousands of Gulf residents evacuated on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday night Mayor Holloway of Biloxi said that most of the residents in the lowest-lying sections of his city of 55,000 had evacuated. (Drye, 2005). Wherever possible, evacuees from low-lying areas went to higher ground to stay with relatives and/or friends. Some competed to rent limited accommodations; however, soon these were no longer available. By Sunday night shelters were filling up, even as far away as South KATRINA 3 Texas and all over Lousiana, according to Steve Rinard, meteorologist in charge of the national weather service office in Lake Charles, Louisiana (ibid.). Hurricane Katrina made landfall as a Category Four Storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale which ranks hurricanes from one to five according to wind speeds and destructive potential† (ibid.). ... rina herself was responsible for injecting the initial surprise and resulting confusion by making an unexpected jog southward as it crossed the Florida peninsula and then rapidly strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico. Residents in the Florida Keys were caught off guard by Katrina’s intensification. Katrina kept on getting stronger as it took a ragged S-shaped path across the very warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. By Friday afternoon meteorologists feared the worst They felt that the storm would further intensify as it approached large Gulf Coast cities such as Alabama, Mobile, and New Orleans, which it did (ibid.) One has to wonder why by this point, coordinated preparations were not being made for a huge impending disaster. Emergency management officials had been concerned for sometime about a powerful storm such as Katrina hitting vulnerable areas such as New Orleans and the Florida Keys. They saw the greatest vulnerability being the coastal population growth that had occurre d during the past three decades, as well as the fact that 55,000 citizens were living below sea level. Knowing this, one wonders why coordinated plans were not in place for rapid evacuation and shelter for all these people should a Hurricane such as Katrina come to visit. They must have known that KATRINA 4 evacuation would not be easy, not only because of all of the people involved, but because there were a lot of people in the area without transportation and money to evacuate. Certainly there was a lack of preparedness for such a major storm, but, perhaps, even more to the point was a lack of communication, trust, and cooperation. Although President Bush declared a state of emergency for Louisiana and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide aid, in response to

Monday, October 14, 2019

Citizenship in America Essay Example for Free

Citizenship in America Essay U.S. citizens are lucky. We have freedom of speech, freedom of religion and many more rights. Citizenship can mean different things to different people. Who a country defines as its citizens may differ in different times and different places. In general, we know that citizenship belongs to a person who lives in a certain country and has certain rights. Yet, I believe that the true essence of citizenship lies in the duty to help solve problems.   In the United States, the idea of citizenship has evolved over time. For instance, in 1776, most blacks, Indians and white women had no right to vote. They had to struggle to become full citizens. The right and responsibility to vote came after a long and hard fight. Studying history is a key part of effective citizenship because from people in the past, we learn examples of good citizenship. One very good example of good citizenship was that shown by Jane Addams. Even at age six in 1866, she was an initiator and she wanted to change her world. During that time, she got this remark from Theodore Roosevelt, president from 1901 to 1909, that Addams became â€Å"the most useful citizen.† When she was 29 years old, Addams bought a large, old house called the Hull House in a poor immigrant area of Chicago. They soon learned that Addams wanted to help poor people solve the problems they faced. At Hull House, immigrants could learn English. Working parents could even leave their babies there during the day and the children were encouraged to take art classes. She also made the house available for family gatherings, weddings and other events. Addams raised money herself to pay for these programs. She also tried to change the government and often she worked in campaigns for people running for office whom she believed had honest intentions. She also wrote letters to members of Congress. She went to meetings to support giving women the right to vote. She lead marches to support laws ending the use of child labor in factories. She also tried to influence the government. In fact, people today can still petition, or try to influence the policies of government. Petitioning is one of the basic rights of all citizens protected by the United States Constitution. When garbage filled up the alleys near Hull House, she was worried that the piles of trash may cause disease and death among the children in the neighborhood. So, she did something none of us would ever think of—she applied a job as a garbage inspector. Thus, she was able to follow those garbage wagons all the way to the dumping site just to be sure that garbage is properly disposed. Addams was good citizenship personified. In my own way, I want to do the same thing as Addams did. Starting from my own home, I can begin helping my parents in cleaning our surroundings. I can also do some volunteer work in our community during weekends when there are no exams in school. Volunteer work can be fun especially when I mobilize my other friends to join in. I am sure they will be open to make themselves useful, in our own small way, in making a difference to the world out there. In my own small way, I can learn from people of the past how it is to exercise good citizenship. Making the community look good is a part of good citizenship. In fact, the community is a setting that provides much potential for helping and learning at the same time. Libraries, museums, and many places are rich sources of exercising good citizenship. For afterall, citizenship requires initiative, courage and sacrifice. As Jane Addams said, â€Å"Progress is not automatic; the world grows better because people wish that it should and take the right steps to make it better.† REFERENCES Jane Addams 1860-1935. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2006 at: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/janeadams.html#childhood Wikipedia. Jane Addams. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2006 at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Addams Women Working. Jane   Addams. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2006 at: http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/ww/people_addams.html

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Current Air Quality Trend In Malaysia

Current Air Quality Trend In Malaysia Dimitriou and Christidou (2007) mentions air pollution is one of the most pressing global environmental problems that threaten the wellbeing of living organisms, leading to a loss of biodiversity or disrupting the function of the environment as a system. Air pollution occurs as a consequence of natural processes as well as human activity (anthropogenic). Examples of natural causes of air pollution include volcanic eruptions, forest fires and windblown dust. Anthropogenic air pollution from sources like motor vehicles and industries continues to be a serious harm to human health and welfare is more likely, namely the more densely populated urban areas. The health effects of air pollution have been reported in research studies over the past 30 years. These effects include respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases, changes in lung function, and death. Colls (1997) reported particles in the atmosphere primary or secondary, solid or liquid. They come into the atmosphere, and leave it again by a wide variety of routes. Particulate matter is characterized by its physical and chemical properties Nader (1975). In addition, particle size and particle composition are characteristic that play a significant role in the assessment of health effect. In response to this information, regulatory agencies with a mandate to protect public health must now consider how to implement monitoring networks that will allow measuring the particulate matter concentration. In recent years, a increasing of number of monitoring system for particulate matter (PM) are available and are wide ranging in type, cost, flexibility and accuracy. According to Kingham et al. (2006), accurate and reliable monitoring of PM aerosol in the respirable size fraction ( In 2001, Chung et al pointed about traditional monitoring networks (Continuous Aerosol Mass Monitor, Integrating Nephelometer, Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance) for airborne particulate matter. A small number of past studies have evaluated the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) and a series of manual gravimetric methods (Allen et al., 1997, Ayers, 2004, Cyrys et al., 2001, Hauck et al., 2004, Williams et al., 2000) but fewer still have compared other commercial monitors (Baldauf et al., 2001, Chung et al., 2001, Heal et al., 2000, Monn, 2001, Salter and Parsons, 1999). CURRENT AIR QUALITY TREND IN MALAYSIA There are 52 National Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) in Malaysia, function to monitor continuously 5 major pollutants, namely Particulate Matter (PM10), Ozone (O3), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO). For the northern region of Malaysia (Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and Perak), the overall air quality levelwas lies between good to moderate. However, there are curtain places (Tanjung Malim, Alor Star and Sungai Petani) recorded unhealthy level of the day especially in the mid of the day till late afternoon due to high concentration of ground level ozone (O3). In tanjung Malim, one unhealthy day was recorded due to high level of particulate matter (PM10) Air Pollutant Index (API) system were used in reporting the air quality status in Malaysia. The API compute from the monitoring of Ground level Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Particulate Matter of less than 10 microns in size (PM10). Air quality status can be categorized in five main level (good, moderate, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous as in Table 1.1. Table 1.1 Malaysia : Air Pollution Index (API) (Malaysia Environmental Quality Report 2011, DoE) API Air Quality Status DoE in Malaysia Environmental Quality Report 2011 highlights the annual average of PM10 was 43m3 , but was slightly increased compared to 2010 (39m3 ). However, for both year (2010 and 2011) value still below the Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guidelines value (50m3 ). The trend of the annual average levels of PM10 concentration in the ambient air between 1999 and 2011 complied with the Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guidelines as shown in Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2 shows the trend based on land use categories (Urban, Sub Urban, Background and Rural). MONITORING METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS The underway monitoring of airborne particulate matter in the ambient atmosphere is mainly for determination of the mass of the particle. The methods used for monitoring of concentration of PM can differ and are very dependent upon the aim of monitoring, sites, monitoring problem and resource that available during monitoring period. Usually, monitoring is to determine the concentration of total suspended particulate (TSP) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) have become outdated with the awareness that PM effects varies depending on sizes of the particle. QUARG (1996) pointed that the latest method of monitoring (gravimetric and direct reading method) are designed to determine the concentration of particle in the different sizes (PM10 and PM2.5). Table 1.2 displays the examples of the instrument for PM10 monitoring and the detection methods. Table 1.2 Examples of instruments used in PM monitoring Instrument Principle of detection Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM) The beta ray sources used in BAM are 14C. Directly measured the particle based on relationship between beta ray attenuation to particle mass. Depends on the near exponential decrease in the total number of beta particle transmitted through a thin sample as the density increase (William et al., 1993) The gravimetric method that only the mass of particle can be affect the detector not by the size of distribution, physical size, shape or either by chemical composition (Chow et al., 1996) Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) Tapered hollowed channel will act as a gateway where the particles are collected on a filter. For minimum thermal expansion that occurred at the tapered channel, the sample area is maintained at 50 °C. Thermal expansion may affect the oscillation frequency and might be reduce the total amount of particle bound water. DustTrak 8520 Hands carry instrument and highly portable direct reading monitor. Using light scattering laser to detect the particles. Particles scattered the light which is from laser diode drawn through a constant stream. Liu et al., (2002) mentions the amount of light scatter find out the particles mass concentration. PROBLEM STATEMENT In Malaysia, PM10 monitoring was conducted by Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (ASMA). Md Yusof et al (2010) lists two instruments used for monitoring are high volume sampler (HVS) and beta attenuation monitor (BAM). BAM is the standard instrument used by Department of Environment (DoE) to measure particulate matter in 51 monitoring station in Malaysia. Air quality of these new areas cannot be monitored and observed due to the lack of monitoring stations of air quality. To develop these new monitoring stations, definitely it will be costly and need good maintenances. Additionally, air quality at the rural areas also cannot be monitored. Therefore, a new alternative instrument such as Direct Reading Monitors (DRM) will enable air pollutants to be monitored more comprehensively. Even though DoE has set up their monitoring station, the number of monitoring stations is limited. With the use of simple instruments and cost effective, the air quality in areas without monitoring stations can be monitored and assessed. For this study, direct reading monitor (DRM) was used to monitor PM10 concentration at selected stations. However, PM10 concentration recorded using DRM and BAM was different. This is due to different detection method between both instruments (DRM used laser and BAM used beta ray) and response time for DRM was set to one minutes, while BAM records hourly PM10. In addition, the mobile factor that is owned by DRM is also affecting the reading. Therefore, an appropriate coefficient needed to make sure the reading obtained from the DRM is the same as the reading derived from the BAM. OBJECTIVES The objective of this project is:- To estimate coefficient that relates DRM and BAM by using regression techniques. To investigate the best coefficient based on performance indicator. To determine the influence of meteorology on PM10 concentration. SCOPE OF STUDY In Malaysia, Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM) is the standard instrument used by DoE to measure particulate matter in 52 monitoring stations. This instrument automatically measures and records hourly particulate mass concentration in ambient air. It uses beta ray attenuation to calculate collected particle mass concentration units of  µg/m ³. For this study, Direct Reading Monitor (DRM) was used to monitor PM10 concentration at Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) conducted by Alam Sekitar Malaysia (ASMA). The station selected for this research is Prai and Seberang Jaya. Both stations are situated in the north part of Peninsular Malaysia. They are many researches comparing the mass concentration results of the BAM and gravimetric methods. Salminen and Karlsson (2003) reported the agreement between PM10 concentration measured by BAM and gravimetric method. PM10 concentration recorded by the DRM was compared with data monitored using BAM provided by DoE. Three method of linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the DRM and BAM monitoring record which is method of ratio, method of quartile and method of quantile. Performance indicators were used to evaluate the goodness of fit for the ratio,quartile and quantile method to determine which method is the best. THESIS OUTLINE This thesis has a five important parts and brief outlines of this thesis follows. Chapter one gives an introduction about air quality monitoring in Malaysia, sources of air pollution in Malaysia. This thesis also stated the problem statement, objectives, scope of study and concludes with thesis outline. Chapter 2 discussed about the literature review of the research area (particulate matter 10, measurement for PM10), and also review that determines to what extent the issues or research part has been investigated. From this chapter, a good view and knowledge about research area can be undertaken. Chapter 3 describes the methodologies that have been used in this research. The area of study, setting and sitting of instrument, monitoring of PM10 using DRM and BAM, and method to analyzing the monitoring records also discussed in this chapter. Chapter 4 presents the result from data analysis in the form of graphical techniques and table, for all three methods, performance indicator and meteorological effect with the discussion. Chapter 5 gives a general discussion of this research. The comparison of three methods was discussed and to determine which method is the best using performance indicator. This chapter also discussed the best conclusions of this research and listed of recommendations for future research. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 INTRODUCTION Sherman (2003) defined air pollution as the presence of undesirable levels of physical or chemical impurities. Many organization such as the World Health Organization (WHO, 1999) recognized particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone(O3), lead (Pb) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), as classical pollutants presenting a hazard to sensitive populations. Air pollution now becomes an increasing source of environmental degradation in the developing nations of East Asia (Alles, 2009). The air pollution in Malaysia has not reached a critical level as in other metropolitan areas in Asia, like Jakarta or Manila. (Malaysian German Technical Cooperation, 2000). However; even outside extreme haze periods, pollution levels increased despite tight regulations and this is added by the increase in the number of vehicle, distance travelled and growth in industrial production. Air quality in Malaysia is a major concern as the nation forged ahead to become an industrialized nation by the year 2020. The Malaysian Air Pollution Index (API) is obtained from the measurement of PM10 and several toxic gases such as SO2, CO, NO2, and O3. The air quality status in Malaysia is determined accordingly to API which indicates the level of pollution in the atmosphere. The API system of Malaysia closely follows the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) system of the United States of America. According to Department of Environment, based on the Air Pollutant Index (API), the overall air quality for Malaysia in 2010 was between good to moderate levels most of the time. The overall number of good air quality days increased in 2010 (63 percent of the time) compared to that in 2009 (56 percent of the time) while remaining 36 percent at moderate level and one percent at unhealthy level. However, peatland fires resulting in transboundary air pollution that occurred in the Southern Asean region in the month of October resulted in a short spell of haze episode in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia (DoE, 2009 DoE, 2010) DoE also reported that the overall air quality of the northern region of the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and Perak), was between good to moderate most of the time. However, Tanjung Malim and Tasek recorded four unhealthy days and one unhealthy day, respectively. The pollutants of concerned were ground level Ozone (O3) and PM10. 2.2 AIR QUALITY MONITORING IN MALAYSIA In order to ascertain the quality of the environment in Malaysia, the Department of Environment (DoE) regularly monitor the air quality. The air quality monitoring, which involves measurements of total suspended particulates, atmospheric lead and dust fallout, are conducted at 52 monitoring stations (Figure 2.1 and 2.2) categorised as industrial, urban and sub urban areas (DoE, 2010). In addition to the 52 stations in the National Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Network, manual air quality monitoring stations using High Volume Samplers were also established at 14 different sites for measuring total suspended particulates, particulate matter (PM10) and heavy metals such as lead. A continuous automatic monitor which gives instantaneous measurements of gaseous pollutants such as CO, SO2, oxides of nitrogen and ozone, as well as suspended particulate matter and total hydrocarbon used as the monitoring equipments by the DoE to assess air quality (Abdullah, 1995). The air quality status is reported in terms of Air Pollutant Index (API). The air pollutants used in computing the API are ground level ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter of less than 10 microns in size (PM10). The API is categorized as good, moderate, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous. 2.3 SOURCERS OF PM10 The US EPA defines particulate matter (PM) as a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. PM can be in sizes or colors large or dark enough to be observed or it can be so small that an electron microscope is required to distinguish it. According to Fierro (2000), coarse particles (PM10) have an aerodynamic diameter between 2.5 µm and 10 µm. They are formed by mechanical disruption (e.g. crushing, grinding, abrasion of surfaces), evaporation of sprays, and suspension of dust. PM10 particles are small enough to be inhaled and accumulate in the respiratory system (Colls, 1997). Particulate matter can come from many sources. Generally, any activity which involves burning of materials or any dust generating activities are sources of PM. Some sources are natural, such as volcanoes and water mist (Bates, 1995). PM is introduced to the air through both natural and human causes (Harrisonu Yin, 2000). PM from specific sources typically follow short term and long term (seasonal) trends (Yatin et al. 2000). For example, space heating generates more combustion related PM emissions during the cold seasons while, at the same time, snow cover can inhibit PM emissions from the soil. Quality of Urban Air Review Group (1996), published the report in which they describe that primary particles are those directly emitted to the atmosphere from sources such as road traffic, coal burning, industry, windblown soil and dust and sea spray. On the other hand, secondary particles are particles formed within the atmosphere by chemical reaction or condensation of gases, and the major contributors are sulphate and nitrate salts formed from the oxidation of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides respectively. The primary sources of PM in Malaysia, are motor vehicles diesel trucks, industrial emissions, agricultural, slash and yard waste burning, and even exhaust from lawn mowers and boats (Department of Environment, Malaysia, 2010). PM concentrations tend to be especially high in area with greater population density, nearby industries or agriculture, or where local topography or weather conditions contribute to air stagnation. 2.3.1 Traffic Vehicular particle emissions are the result of a great many processes, an example combustion products from fuel and oil, wear products from brake linings, tyres, bearings, car body and road material, and the resuspension of road and soil dust (Laschober et al. 2004). Traffic is an effective source of both fine and coarse mode primary particles, condensable organic gases, and a major source of nitrogen oxides that then form secondary nitrate aerosols. Particles of condensed carbonaceous material are emitted mainly by diesel vehicles and poorly maintained petrol vehicles (Vardoulakis et al. 2003). Diesel exhaust particles have been shown to display a multimodal size distribution (Kerminen et al. 1997) and are mainly carbonaceous agglomerates below 100 nm in diameter, whereas particles emitted by gasoline vehicles are also mainly carbonaceous agglomerates but considerably smaller, ranging from 10 to 80 nm (Morawska and Zhang 2002). Particulate matter originating from traffic can be pres ent at elevated concentrations especially during high traffic density and poor dispersion conditions, e.g. in street canyons, which can lead to high human exposures to traffic-related pollutants (Vardoulakis et al. 2003). Identification of traffic related particulate matter in source apportionment studies has become difficult due to phasing out of Pb as an additive to gasoline. Elements that have often been associated with vehicular emissions include Cu, Zn, Pb, Br, Fe, Ca and Ba (Huang et al. 1994, Cadle et al. 1997, Kemp 2002, Morawska and Zhang 2002, Sternbeck et al., 2002). Emissions of many metallic elements from vehicular sources are mainly due to non exhaust emissions, examples from the wearing of tyres, brakes and other parts of vehicles (Sternbeck et al. 2002, Adachi and Tainosho 2004, Laschober et al. 2004, Lough et al. 2005). In addition to road traffic, emissions from the main and auxiliary engines of ships can be a significant source of particulate matter and associated elements such as V and Ni (Lyyrà ¤nen et al. 1999) at certain locations (Ohlstrà ¶m et al. 2000, Colvile et al. 2001, Isakson et al. 2001). 2.3.2 Stationary sources The most significant stationary combustion sources include energy production facilities such as municipal power plants, waste incineration, and residential combustion. Several industrial processes, such as iron and steel production, also involve combustion of fossil fuels or biomass for generating power and heat needed for the process. Most of these sources are considered point sources, although smaller and more widespread sources such as residential combustion could also be considered as an area source. Physical and chemical characteristics of the particles emitted from these source categories depends on the combustion process itself, and the type of fuel burnt (solid, liquid, or gas). Combustion processes and properties of particulate matter emitted from these sources have been comprehensively reviewed by Morawska and Zhang (2002). The major industrial processes include factories processing metals and chemicals, materials handling, construction and mining. Particulate matter from t hese sources are partly released as fugitive emissions, which are not collected and released in a controlled manner, but emitted from a variety of points and areas connected to a process (Seinfeld and Pandis 1998). Chemical and physical properties of fugitive emissions depend on the processes by which they are emitted. Since the bulk of most trace metals are nowadays emitted from industrial processes, their concentrations are spatially heterogeneous and subsequently, their measurement is quite sensitive in terms of location; however, the reported concentrations of trace metals in major cities demonstrate rather similar levels of trace metals (Harrison and Yin 2000). PM10 CHARACTERISTIC. PM is characterized by its physical, chemical and optical properties. The quality of air that we breathe in every second determine by the amount of particulate matter in it. These particulate matters measure by their particles size. Those with the particles size less than 10 micron (PM10) is used to monitor the air quality which in turn is related to the health problems of the workers or public at large (Alias et al., 2007). The most important characteristic of particulate matter (PM) is the particle size. This property has the greatest impact on the behavior of particulate matter in control equipment, the atmosphere, and the respiratory tract. Particles of importance in air pollution control span a broad size range from extremely small (0.01 micrometer) to more than 1,000 micrometers (US EPA, 2010). As a frame of reference, a human hair has a diameter of approximately 50 micrometers. The suspended particles vary in size, composition and origin. It is convenient to classify particles by their aerodynamic properties because, (a) these properties govern the transport and removal of particles from the air, (b) they also govern their deposition within the respiratory system and (c) they are associated with the chemical composition and sources of particles (WHO, 2003). 2.4.1 Physical Characteristic The physical attributes of airborne particulates include mass concentration and size distribution. the size is from a few nanometers (nm) to ten of micrometers ( µm) in diameter. Size is the single most important determinant of the properties of particles and it has implications on formation, physical and chemical properties, transformation, transport, and removal of particles from the atmosphere. Ambient levels of mass concentration are measured in micrograms per cubic meter (ÃŽÂ ¼g/m3), size attributes are usually measured in aerodynamic diameter. Particulate matter (PM) exceeding 2.5 microns (ÃŽÂ ¼m) in aerodynamic diameter is generally defined as coarse particles, while particles smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) are called fine particles (World Bank Group, 1998). Particles of any substances that are less than 10 or 2.5 micrometres diameter. Particles in this size range make up a large proportion of dust that can be drawn deep into the lungs. Larger particles tend to be tr apped in the nose, mouth or throat. The concentration and other characteristics of suspended particulate matter are determined by the presence and activity of sources. Once formed, particles change their size and composition by condensation or evaporation, by coagulating with other particles or by chemical reactions (Seinfeld and Pandis 1998). Pohjola et al., (2000), found that meteorological factors such as wind speed and direction, temperature, amount of precipitation, and the height of the atmospheric boundary layer, are most important in governing the concentration variations of particulate matter. The highest PM concentrations are often reported during stable meteorological conditions such as inversion with low wind speeds (Pohjola et al. 2004). Also the physical and chemical processes affecting the particles are regulated to a great extent by meteorological factors. 2.4.2 Chemical Characteristic The chemical composition of the particulate matter is also important. The chemical composition of PM is highly variable due to pollution sources, chemical reactions in the atmosphere, long-range transport effects and meteorological conditions. Absorption and heterogeneous nucleation of vapor phase pollutants onto existing particles can create toxic particulate matter (US EPA, 2010). The chemical properties vary depending on sources of particles. It is important to note that particulates are not one particular chemical substance but a classification of particles by size rather then chemical properties.The acid component of particulate matter, and most of its mutagenic activity, are generally contained in fine particles, although some coarse acid droplets are also present in fog. Particles interact with various substances in the air to form organic or inorganic chemical compounds. The most common combinations of fine particles are those with sulphates (World Bank Group, 1998). The rela tive abundance of the major chemical components, termed as bulk chemical composition and also about trace element and strong acid contents was reviewed in the studies of Harrison and Jones (1995) and Harrison and Yin (2000). In addition to the bulk composition, Harrison and Yin (2000) also discussed trace element and strong acid contents. In the United States, sulphate ions account for about 40% of fine particulates and may also be present in concentrations exceeding 10 ÃŽÂ ¼g/m3 (US EPA, 1982). 2.5 PARTICULATE MATTER HEALTH EFFECT There are a very limited number of studies that relate air pollution to its health impact in Malaysia. The lack of data gathering for environmental epidemiological analysis makes it difficult to estimate the health impact of air pollution (Afroz et al., 2003). Whilst epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated adverse effects of particulate matter exposure on human health, the mechanism of effect is currently unclear (Harrisonu Yin, 2000). The US Environmental Protection Agencys 1996 Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter reviewed the physiologic, toxicology, and epidemiologic studies related to the inhalation, deposition and health effects of PM exposures (US EPA, 1997). Some research has identified several plausible biological mechanisms for both the initial pulmonary injury and the consequent systemic effects (Neas, 1999). The respiratory system is the major route of entry for airborne particulates. The deposition of particulates in different parts of the human respiratory system depends on particle size, shape, density, and individual breathing patterns (mouth or nose breathing) (World Bank Group, 1998). In adults, PM exposure was associated with increased incidence of respiratory symptoms, transient decrements in pulmonary function levels, and the onset of chronic pulmonary disease in adults (Neas, 1999). Seaton (1995), has identified several plausible biological mechanisms for both the initial pulmonary injury and the consequent systemic effects following PM exposure and the initial pulmonary injury may be related to one or more properties of PM and its constituents including physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the path physiology of PM induced health effects. The most obvious mechanism involves the reduction in pulmonary function in response to the pulmonary inflammation. In the hypoxia hypothesis, the susceptible population consists of individuals with severe respiratory disease whose pulmonary reserve capacity is already near the minimum compatible with life. Exposure to PM further lowers their pulmonary function le vels and results in emergency hospitalization and death (Neas, 1999) Children are especially susceptible to particulate matter pollution for several reasons, their respiratory systems are still developing, they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults and theyre more likely to be active outdoors. Older adults are also more likely to be affected by particulate matter pollution, possibly because they are more likely to have chronic heart or lung diseases than younger people. In addition, people who have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma, are likely to experience health effects earlier and at lower particulate matter pollution levels than healthy people (American Lung Association, 1996). The capacity of particulate matter to produce adverse health effects in humans depends on its deposition in the respiratory tract. Particle size, shape, and density affect deposition rates. The most important characteristics influencing the deposition of particles in the respiratory system are size and aerodynamic properties. In Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guidelines (MAAQG), the level of PM10 concentrations are, 150 micrograms per cubic meter ( µg/m3) for 24 hour and 50 micrograms per cubic meter ( µg/m3) for the annual (Department of Environment, Malaysia, 2010). Some tiny pieces of particulate matter, PM10, are small enough to pass from our lungs to our bloodstream. PM can alter the bodys defense systems against foreign materials, damage lung tissues, aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and can lead to cancer. In some cases, PM exposure can even lead to premature death. Adverse health effects have been associated with exposures to PM over both short periods (such as a day) and longer periods (a year or more). The people who are most at risk are people with asthma, influenza, lung, heart, or cardiovascular disease, the elderly, and children. The human immune system developed in a time and environment where dust was made of large particles. Humans have developed a means of protecting themselves against these large particles. Particles larger than 10 microns generally get caught in the nose and throat, never making it as far as the lungs. Unfortunately, more recent human activity has created many particles that are much s maller, which can make it past our natural defenses, and can enter our systems (Fierro, 2000). The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Most concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because those are the particles that generally pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health effects. EPA groups particle pollution into two categories: Inhalable coarse particles, such as those found near roadways and dusty industries, are larger than 2.5 micrometers and smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter. Fine particles, such as those found in smoke and haze, are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller. These particles can be directly emitted from sources such as forest fires, or they can form when gases emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles react in the air. (U.S Environmental Protection Agency). 2.6 MEASUREMENT FOR PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10) 2.6.1 Reference Method The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated a handful of instruments as Federal Reference o