There Is A Large Problem Threatening The Florida Everglades Increasing

There is a large problem threatening the Florida Everglades increasingly everyday. It's called mercury. This deadly chemical has entered the food chain in an organic form called Methymercury. The Everglades provides plenty of warmth, sunlight, and certain bacteria which combine to form the perfect ingredients for the reaction of inorganic mercury mixing with organic matter to form methymercury. Most scientist agree that the mercury found in the Everglades is brought there via winds and traveling from as far as Europe and Africa. It then travels through the rain and is absorbed by bacteria. This marks the beginning of the food chain problem. The bacteria is consumed by plankton organisms who are then eaten by larger invertebrate animals. These become lunch for even larger organisms such as snails and freshwater shrimp, then farther up the food chain to small fish. These fall victim to such predators as gar, bowfin, warmouth, largemouth bass, and in particular, birds such as kingfishers, egrets and herons who eat almost nothing else. And finally at the top of this chain are common mammals of this environment such as raccoons, panthers, alligators and of course, humans. What are the results of this dangerous intake of mercury? Studies have shown that when consumed in large quantities, mercury can cause brain and nerve damage, seizures, kidney failure, blindness and can also be transferred from pregnant mother to child. Scientists say mercury found in parts of the Everglades, and in some of its animal population, is seven times higher than federal safety limits. A 1995 lab study showed that when Egrets where fed mercury tainted fish they lost their reproductive abilities. However you look at it, mercury is a serious health threat to the Everglades and surrounding communities. Not much seems to be being done to correct this threat. Periodical surveys of fishing areas and warnings against eating certain fish has been issued. In fact, many Everglades fish and all alligators are officially classified too dangerous for humans to eat. Most of them along with some turtles wading birds, raccoons and even some insects suffer mercury burdens far above normal. According to the article Mercury in Their Midst, "The average concentration of methylmercury in a fillet of an Everglades largemouth bass is 1.5 parts per million (ppm), three times what the state's Department of Health calls safe." Some scientist believe there really is nothing we can do about this mercury problem. They say that is quickly becoming a global problem. Unfortunately, this dangerous level of mercury in Everglades life is not common knowledge. You have to search hard for information regarding it. It is probably not something you will see on the ten o'clock news. But it is a problem that must be addressed and one that needs prevention and possibly a solution. As if the disappearing land of the Everglades had not posed a problem enough, now mercury is just one more thing to add to it's list of troubles.

Kates taming Essays

Kates taming Essays Kates taming Essay Kates taming Essay Essay Topic: The Taming Of the Shrew Baptista and others then return. how speed you with my daughter? asks Baptista, L.272-273. Petruchio lies and says, How but well, sir? How but well? It were impossible I should speed amiss.  Katherina is furious! She calls Petruchio a one half lunatic, a mad-cap ruffian and a swearing Jack that thinks with oaths to face the matter out. (L.280-281)  Petruchio once again lies and claims Kate is putting it on and says that because they got on so well, they have agreed to marry on Sunday.  Ill see thee hangd on Sunday first! (L.291) Says Kate. Gremio and Tranio begin to doubt Petruchio but then he gives a long speech about how much she loves him.  I tell you, tis incredible to believe how much she loves me-O the kindest Kate! She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss she vied so fast, protesting oath on oath, that in a twink she won me to her love. (L.298-302)  Baptista is absolutely thrilled! Kate doesnt say anything though. This seems to be a turning point for Kate. She doesnt argue with Petruchio or deny what he has said, nor does she threaten or insult him. Her silence at the end of this scene is remarkable. Kate has been fiery and bad-tempered throughout the play but now Petruchio and her father are forcing marriage upon her and yet she remains silent! Maybe she does in fact like Petruchio? Or maybe she is so shocked that someone actually wants to marry her? Either way this is a big change in the Kate we are used to. Act 3, Scene 2 is the scene of the wedding. Theres a problem though someone is missing. Oddly enough it isnt Kateits Petruchio! Kate is extremely upset and embarrassed by his failure to show.  No shame but mine. I must, forsooth, be forcd to give my hand, opposd against my heart, unto a mad-brain rudesbyI told you, I, he was a frantic fool! (L.8-12)  Kate is once again speaking her feelings. She claims that she is being forced to marry him but she did not object or argue with Petruchio to what he was saying in the previous act. Kate then exits the scene weeping.  Go, girl. I cannot blame thee now to weep, for such an injury would vex a very saint, much more a shrew of thy impatient humour. (L.27-32) Says Baptista. This is the first time in the whole play that Baptista has been sympathetic about Katherina. After a long time of waiting Petruchio finally arrives. Kate and Baptista are horrified and completely humiliated Petruchio is drunk and dressed in an old shabby outfit. It would have been better if he hadnt turned up at all.  To me shes married, not unto my clothes. Says Petruchio, L.111. This is true but obviously he has a reason for dressing the way he has. In my opinion this is the beginning of his plan to tame her. By embarrassing her in front of everyone it shows he is the one who is in charge, not her. Gremio then describes the wedding to us. Surprisingly he claims that Kate is a lamb, a dove, a fool (L.151) compared to Petruchio. Gremios feelings have obviously changed since the first act when it was him who referred to her as a devil.  We then move onto the wedding feast. Petruchio tells everyone that him and his new wife wont be able to stay as he is in a hurry to return home. Kate doesnt like this though. She entreats him to stay and says, L.199, Now, if you love me, stay. She blackmails him. Surprisingly she doesnt hit him or insult him. When Petruchio still insists on going and ignores her, she gets angry.  Nay then, do what thou canst, I will not go today! No, nor tomorrownot till I please myself! (L.200-2003) Shes gone back to her fiery usual self.  Kate is showing self-control and that she is in charge, not Petruchio. In the end he drags her off anyway, kicking and screaming.  The next scene (Act four, scene one) is set at Petruchios house. Kate is miserable and in a state. She fell of her house on the way to the house and is soaking wet and muddy. Petruchios servants have cooked him and his new wife a meal. This is where the beginning of Kates taming really begins.  Petruchio starts to yell and complains that all the food is burnt. He then begins throwing the food and dishes at his servants and insulting them. This is where we see a big change in Kate.  I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet. The meat was well, if you were so contented. (L.150-151) Kate is defending the servants and being polite/calm. She isnt being fiery and bad-tempered. Petruchios taming has barely begun and she already seems to be softening.  Petruchio then gives a long speech to himself, talking about more ways to tame Kate.  In Scene 3 Kate talks to Gremio about how she is feeling, L.1-16. She realises that the greater the wrong done to her, the worse his temper grows. Maybe she is beginning to see he is trying to tame her?

How Can Meditation Help You Boost Your Career

How Can Meditation Help You Boost Your Career There are a lot of benefits to meditation. It can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can put your mind into a state of relaxation and serenity. It’s also good way to start or end your day. But how can meditation help you boost your career? What are the professional benefits of meditation and how can it help you achieve professional goals and milestones? Take a look at this infographic by Crystal Heart Physics  for more information on how meditation can help you boost  your productivity and achieve your goals.

Death of a salesman - play response Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Death of a salesman - play response - Assignment Example The sound effects were perfect with echoes employed especially during the flashbacks. The director Powell also manages to shift the tome of the play depending with the occurrence especially using tonal variations of the actors. The most striking feature of the play in terms of sound is when Willy crushes his car indicating the end of the play. The lights then go off. The Director used light to depict different moods in the play. Instances of somber moods were braced with dim lights while brighter lights braced happy moments. The actor’s participation was perfect especially with stage position at the stage while Willy and His Son’s were conversing. The actor’s participation was so real that it managed to moved the audience. The play was full of laughter, murmurs, while other shed tears at the tragic death of the salesman. Willy’s participation and expressions of anger and somberness made this play look very real. Background music employed especially vocal t unes carried away the audience making the play to look so real. Use of gestures and stage movement encouraged actor’s participation. Symbolically Willy decides to plant a garden in the play, which is a symbol of satisfaction. Willy wanted to make his son achieve the American dream but his son Biff denounces him when he finds him cheating on his mum with a mistress. During this time, Willy picks a hoe and goes to the garden to pant some seeds. The actions look real even though this play is a stage performance the director Anthony Powel has managed to draw this symbolism. Willy’s action with his wife is marvelous. During the opening stage of the play, he holds his wife and tells her, â€Å"Linda people laugh at me when I tell them am feeling kind of temporary about myself and after all the highways, the trains, and the appointments, and the years, you end up worth more dead than alive†. The director of this play hints Willy’s tragic death, which still

Relationships in Second Life and How They Can Affect Real Life Essay - 1

Relationships in Second Life and How They Can Affect Real Life - Essay Example However, for many inhabitants of Second Life, it is not just a 3D online game, but another world that â€Å"†¦has its own economy and millions of residents who own and create property, make friends and even get married† (CNN Living, 2008). These virtual worlds (VWs) have become conduits for socialization, collaboration, entertainment, social networking, and business development (Mennecke et al. 371). In VWs like Second Life, users must build virtual representations of themselves through creation of customizable avatars, which gives them a 3D body that they control and provides a â€Å"tangible embodiment of their identity† (Ducheneaut, Wen, Yee, and Wadley 1151). Through the avatars, users can discover an ever-growing assortment of virtual sites, fabricate all sorts of items, from clothing to buildings, and create businesses to sell their goods or services, forge relationships with other players through their interactions with their avatars, and buy virtual property (Hayes 154). According to Dell, as many as 13 million people have logged on to Second Life at least one time and about 450,000 subscribers are from more than 50 countries are online in any given week, ranging in age from 18 – 72, 27% of which are female (Hayes 154). Researchers have begun to conduct studies to analyze the way self-perception formed through interactions in VWs affects behaviors in the re al world (Dell). According to Ducheneaut, Wen, Yee, and Wadley, "the choices users make when creating and customizing their avatar will have repercussions on their interactions with other users† (1151), which can cause users to create online personas that are sometimes the complete opposite of who they are in real life.

Design Methodology Essay Example for Free

Design Methodology Essay A design methodology is series of phases that guide a project lifecycle. Generally speaking there are an uncountable number of design methodologies, but the two most utilised are the predictive and the adaptive approach. The predicative approach assumes that a project can be planned in advance and the adaptive approach assumes the opposite. These design methodologies are also referred to as traditional or waterfall approach and spiral or iterative approach respectively. The phases involved generally fall into the categories of planning, analysis, design, implementation and support. Whether implementing the predictive or adaptive approach, each phase is an important step in the design methodology but can differ depending on the approach taken. Additional, depending on the design methodology implemented, the phases may not exist as separate entities and can be combined, split up or even removed all together. During the planning phase the problem and scope are defined, a work breakdown structure and schedule is developed, a feasibility study is undertaken, team members are assigned and official approval is sought for commencement. The analysis phase involves gathering information relevant to the scope of the problem, constructing models or prototypes to assist information gathering, defining the goals or requirements and assessing and prioritising those goals or requirements. Information gathering techniques involve interviews, observation, reviewing industry standards, questionnaires, joint application design (JAD) sessions and general research. The design phase includes designing and integrating the system controls, designing the system and designing the system interfaces. The implementation phase involves constructing the system, verifying and testing the system, data conversion, training users, documenting the system and installation of the system. Finally, the support phase encompasses maintenance of the system, improving the systems and providing continual support for users of the system. The traditional or waterfall approach follows a sequential set of phases that need to be complete in order, one after the other. In most cases the waterfall approach does not contain overlapping phases and each phase must be completed before beginning the next phase. On the other hand, the adaptive approach involves repeating phases and/or overlapping phases. Usually the phases are repeated in a looping or spiral fashion but can also follow the more traditional linear pattern with overlap or loopbacks to only a few of the phases. Design methodologies encompass not only how the project lifecycle is planned out but also the models, tools and techniques used to assist the project lifecycle. Models can include anything from diagrams and charts to real world representations and abstract representations. Tools range from simple programs to produce models to complex Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools. Finally, techniques consist of step-by-step instructions, guidelines or advice to assist the completion of the phases or the project lifecycle. Design methodologies are mostly notably applied to project management and technological industries such as software development. In project management, design methodologies allow projects to be directed to achieve the expected goals within the given constraints. Technological industries also follow a very similar approach to project management. Methodologies can also be applied to everyday tasks, especially within the area of business. In retail, staff are often given guidelines on how to deal with customer complaints. Most notably, ALARA involves the steps of acknowledge, listen, ask questions, recap and act. This is in essence a design methodology which begins with the planning phase (acknowledge), the analysis and design phase (listen and ask questions), the support phase (recap) and implementation phase (act).

The Business Model Essay -- Business Management Essays

The Business Model Michael Lewis (2000: pages 256-257) scoffed at the whole attempt to formalize the definition of business models when he wrote that â€Å" â€Å"Business Model† is one of those terms of art that were central to the Internet boom: it glorifies all manner of half baked plans. All it really meant was how you planned to make money.† In an abstract of his paper â€Å"A Mesoscopic Approach to Business Models: Nano Research on Management† published in â€Å"Economic Issues in China† Dr. Junyi Weng stated that â€Å"Business Model, a well known important and extensively used term by media, management consultancy and business top managers, is just in an embarrassment that there is no consensus about its definition and few papers in academic periodicals.† He designed and discusses his conception of business models based interfaces interacting in interior and exterior business environments. Peter Weill, Thomas W. Malone, Victoria T. D’Urso, George Herman and Stephanie Woerner of MIT in their paper â€Å"Do Some Business Models Perform Better than others?: A Study of the 1000 Largest US Firms† agree that the concept of business models is while widely discussed is seldom systematically discussed. The paper then proceeds to postulate a conceptual framework for comprehensively classifying business models. These consist of four basic types of business models (Creator, Landlord, Distributor and Broker), which are each broken down into four variants accordance with type of assets they deal in (physical, financial, intangible and human). Thus giving rise to 16 specialised business Model types.† Professor Michael Rappa like many others prefer to present a comprehensive and cogent taxonomy of basic categories as observed on the web as follows: Brokerage Advertising Infomediary Merchant Manufacturer (Direct) Affiliate Community Subscription Utility He however, does not believe that these are exhaustive and expects new and interesting variations in the future. KMLab Inc. offers an interesting definition: â€Å"a Business model is a description of how your company intends to create value in the market place. It includes that unique combination of products, services, image and distribution that your company carries forward. It also includes the underlying organization of people and the operational infrastructure that they use to accomplish their work. In some ways... ...rocesses such as inventory management etc. Maybelline a company founded in 1915 is one of the largest selling color cosmetics line in the United States. Its sells through outlets of almost every major mass-market retailer, such as supermarkets, drugstores, discount stores and cosmetics specialty stores. Its products are also available in over 70 countries worldwide. Maybelline uses a traditional model in its sales distribution network, which is the use of sales representatives to canvass for business and to arrange for sales. The use of sales representatives who are employees makes this a Business-to-Employee-to-Business interface model. In the 1990s the company a traditional â€Å"mortar† company re-invents itself a click and mortar company through the use of ICTs. However, one innovation to the sales representative concept is Maybelline’s use of its representatives as market intelligence reporters, who actually serve as the eyes of the company to monitor the progress of its products and the way they are handled by the retailers as well as progress of competitors’ products. This is the trading/sales structure of the company, which cannot be said to be a new business model.

Help Improve Own and Team Practice at School Essay

Please write out each question in full including the reference numbers. 1) Describe the importance of effective team practice in school. Mention the function and objectives of the team in which they work. Ref 3.1, 3.2 2) Describe both your own role and responsibilities and other members in the team:- School Governors- Governors work as a team and are accountable for the performance of the school to parents and the wider community; plans the school’s future direction; selects the head teacher; makes decisions on the school’s budget and staffing including the performance management policy; makes sure the agreed Curriculum is well taught; decides how the school can encourage pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development; makes sure the school provides for all pupils including those with special needs. Read more:Â  Essays on Teamwork in Schools (information received from http://www.bromley.gov.uk/info/29/school_governors/21/school_governors/2). Senior Management team- make strategic plans and set procedures in place for forward planning of the school SENCO- In mainstream primary schools the key responsibilities of the SENCO may include: overseeing the day-to-day operation of the school’s SEN policy, coordinating provision for children with special educational needs, liaising with and advising fellow teachers. managing learning support assistants, overseeing the records of all children with special educational needs, liaising with parents of children with special educational needs, contributing to the in-service training of staff, liaising with external agencies including the LEA’s support and educational psychology services, health and social services, and voluntary bodies. (information received from http://www.merton.gov.uk/learning/edinclusion/sendis/role_of_senco.pdf) Teachers- plan and run lessons according to the national curriculum Support staff- Ref 206 3.3 & x-ref 205 Ref 2.1 a,b,c,d,e 3) Mandy is on playground duty; which is shared between all teaching assistants on a rota system. For health & safety reasons staff are not allowed to take coffee/tea onto the playground. Mandy has worked the whole playtime because Romena has not come out to take over. After looking for Romena, Mandy goes straight to the deputy head teacher as she has had a long morning and this is the second time Romena has not been where she should be that week. The deputy head teacher tells Mandy that Romena’s son has been in hospital and that she has been very worried about him as he is due to have an operation that week. What might have been an alternative approach? How could the situation be resolved if Romena is unable to fulfil her duties for the time being? Ref 206 4.6 4.7 (x-ref 203 3.5 b) 4)When and how could you suggest ways in which the team could improve or change existing practice? Ref 206, 4.5 5)Explain the opportunities available to you in order to develop your skills (CPD) Ref 206 2.4 6) Identify ways in which your own knowledge, understanding and skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT impact on your own practice. State possible opportunities to improve these areas for improvement. ( x-ref 210 6.1, 6.2

Abnormal Psychology Background and Perspective Essay

A lot of the human behavior and mental process could be explained by psychology. This course allowed me to view abnormal psychology in a bit of a different light. I was able to apply the information learned while relating it psychopathology. Taking this course has further improved my understanding of mental disorders/illnesses. I have also learned different treatment and many perspectives relating to abnormal psychology. This class has allowed me to think critically about mental disorders in addition to learning about scientific inquiry. Abnormal psychology is the behavior or thought that cause social, cognitive, and emotional problems for an individual. Abnormal thought or behaviors that disrupt an individual’s functioning are due to a psychological disorder. It is important to be able to understand characteristics of abnormal behavior in order to distinguish a person with a psychological disorder. These characteristics deviate from what society deems to be normal. Some classifications of abnormal behaviors are social deviance, personal distress, unusualness, danger to one’s self or to others and maladaptive behavior. All these traits need attention and diagnosis. A person with abnormal behavior can have a lifestyle full of discomfort, conflict and unhappiness. This does not only have an effect on the individual but can also affect others. A behavior that is normal in one region could be abnormal in another. Different cultures may consider a behavior in another culture abnormal and vice versa. Each culture also has a different treatment and approach towards mental disorders. There are different types of normality levels for an individual’s behavior. In this class the focus was on the approach that the western culture has towards mental disorders. Abnormal psychology could be explained by a number of different perspectives such as biological, psychological or sociocultural. An approach towards mental disorder is diathesis-stress paradigm. This â€Å"paradigm is an integrative paradigm that links genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors† (p.62). For example a person that genetically prone; stress from the environment could trigger a mental disorder. If there isn’t any environmental stress, than the mental disorder may never be triggered. This paradigm does a good job in explaining how these factors can contribute to mental disorders. Most psychologists believe that cognitive behavior therapy is the most effective and efficient treatment for mental disorders. â€Å"Cognitive behavior therapy incorporates theory and research on cognitive processes such as thoughts, perceptions, judgments, self statements, and tacit assumptions† (p.51). This therapy treats the disorder by applying behavioral principles of learning. This gives the individual to reconstruct his/her thoughts in a positive manner. Usually a disorder leaves a pers on hopeless, but this treatment helps the individual to have control over their thoughts or feelings. Not only did I learn how to think critically, I also learned about different types of research method. Mental disorders is disturbs a person’s thoughts and which could lead to an emotional experience. Life can be difficult for a person with a mental disorder. They often have difficulty maintaining a relationship or keeping a job. The absence of treatment could make life unbearable for a person suffering a mental disorder. This class has helped me understand the different types of mental disorder and how to diagnose and treat them.

Free sample - BOCHK Risk Management and Financial Performance. translation missing

BOCHK Risk Management and Financial Performance. BOCHK Risk Management and Financial PerformanceBank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK) The Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK) is among the largest commercial banking groups in Hong Kong. The Bank has over 300 branches. Despite the Bank’s magnitude and systemic risk management, it witnessed a decline in operational income and suffered a negative shock in 2008. Thus, it is critical to analyze the Company’s risk management policies, the measurement and management risk, and comparing the 2008 results with the previous year’s results. The annual comparisons will utilize the Company’s calculated ROE, and will be critical in understanding the Bank’s performance relative to the earlier periods.  Ã‚  Ã‚   I. Overall Risk Management The Bank for International Settlements (2004) provides guidelines for conducting interest risk management. Additionally, it provides the measures that can be used in managing the overall risk to a financial institution. The analysis of BOCHK will be based on the standards provided in the above book. The aim of the analysis will be to determine whether, the company adheres to the international standards of risk management. BOCHK’s 2008 report indicates that BOCHK’s risk-management governance structure is structured to cover the entire operations of the business. The Bank adopts a swift and prudent manner in managing its various risk exposures. The risk management structure meets the standards stipulated by BIS. Initially, the report indicates that to align the management strategies with the corporate strategies the Chief Risk Officer (CFO) reports directly to the Risk Committee and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). CFO’s responsibilities are to ensure the proper implementation of policies and procedures and oversee the effective management and control of risk. The Bank publishes reports on a regular basis; this guarantees a timely assessment of the effectiveness of the risk control strategies. The determination of the effectiveness of the risk control measures lies with the Board of Directors. Additionally, the independent operation between the business units and the risk assessme nt units complies with the principle of segregation of duties. Independence is both sufficient and necessary for risk management (Khambata , Dara 2006). However, BIS requires that risk control functions report directly to the Board of Directors. Otherwise, there is a risk that the CRO and CEOmay conspire to fake the risk management reports; this would impair the objectivity of the risk management system. Secondly, BOCHK’s principal banking subsidiaries Nanyang and Chiyu, execute their risk management strategies independently. They adopt similar risk management strategies with their parent company and report to BOCHK’s management on a regular basis. Additionally, the company’s 2004 report indicates that the Bank utilizes stress testing. Stress testing is a risk management tool used in estimating risk exposure under stressed conditions, which arise from extreme but plausible macroeconomic conditions.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Bank’s information systems are well established to provide timely reports within different levels of management. The CRO stipulates specific procedures concerning the promotion of new products and activities. In addition, BOCHK prudently enacts and administers operating limits so that risk exposures are consistent with internal policies. However, the mere existence of risk management mechanisms does not guarantee sufficiency or effectiveness. Enforcement of risk control policies should be applied to ensure an efficient risk management system. II. Measurement and Management of Credit Risk According to note 4 of BOCHK’s 2008 financial statements, BOCHK manages two broad classes of assets: loans and advances, and debt securities and derivatives. The Company’s overall assets exposure to credit risk in 2008 was HK$1,364,462 million. This figure includes HK$1,111,073 million on-balance-sheet exposures and HK$253,389 million off-balance-sheet exposures. To safeguard its corporate interest, BOCHK should manage the credit risk that is related to these assets in a prudent manner, especially during a financial crisis. This part of the report will investigate how BOCHK measures and manages credit risk of these assets. To minimize the credit risk BOCHK adopted credit approval policies and procedures (BOCHK, 2008). These measures are evaluated and updated by the risk management department and other relevant departments. Regarding the loans and advances, BOCHK adopts different credit control procedures and credit grading systems depending on the level of risk exposure to the customers. Additionally, the Company utilizes bank scorecard for financial institutions, credit-scoring system for retail credit transactions, and small business credit scorecard for small firms. BOCHK identifies credit concentration risk by industry, customer, geographically, and counterparty risk. For instance, the Bank’s â€Å"classified or impaired† advances are HK$1,792 million in Hong Kong, HK$323 million in Mainland China, and HK$23 million elsewhere. Besides, loans and advances are classified in five categories to improve the Bank’s ability to identify and assess credit risk: â€Å"pass,† †Å"special mention,† â€Å"substandard,† â€Å"doubtable,† and â€Å"loss.† For example, the total assets marked as substandard or below the high-risk category, accounted for 0.08% (HK$379 million). As for debt securities and securitized assets, the 2008 report indicates that BOCHK adopts external credit rating systems, such as Moody’s, to manage the Bank’s credit risk. Moody’s ratings for 2008 showed that 19.34% of BOCHK’s debt securities rated as â€Å"AAA† compared to 2.36% â€Å"lower than A3† debt securities. Particularly, BOCHK applied a comprehensive methodology to establish whether a certain asset/mortgage backed security, (ABS/MBS) is impaired. This was determined based on such factors as the mark-to-market price, external rating, and delinquencies. In addition to these factors, ABS/MBS are further required to pass the credit enhancement coverage ratio set by BOCHK. To manage credit risk in a dynamic market environment, the Bank has established policies, procedures, and appropriate credit risk limits. The corporate organization structure should define a clear line of authority and responsibility for supervising compliance with relevant rules (Khambata , Dara 2006). BOCHK’s Credit Risk Assessment Committee takes charge of assessing all credit-scoring facilities and reviewing reports submitted by risk management units independently. In addition, Khambata , Dara (2006) argue that collateral is another key element to manage credit risk. An independent appraiser determines the value of collateral for acquiring a new loan. Thus, the value of collateralized loans is determined based on the loan-to-value ratio limits. Additionally, BOCHK revalues and manages its collaterals periodically. BOCHK documents the acceptance criteria, the validity of collateral, and the revaluation of collateral on a regular basis. This is done to watch the status of co llateral. III. Financial Performance Comparison According to the 2008 reports, BOCHK’s ROA and ROE were 0.26% and 3.56% in 2008, and 1.48% and 16.64% in 2007 respectively. Additionally, BOCHK’s Profit Margin declined in 2008 to 5.97% compared to 24.24% in 2007. These were substantial declines within a year; they were attributed to the increase in impairment charges on the US non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities and other securities investment. Furthermore, a significant increase in Provision for loan losses/Total operating income from 2.22% to 24.95% and a dramatic decline in the investment-related commission income produced a negative impact on the Company’s profit in 2008. The sluggish investment environment that resulted from the global financial crisis led to increments in the provision for loan losses. As customers steered clear from the investment products, the investment, and insurance fee income decreased by 34.3% to HK$2,964 million. Note 12 shows that the net charge of impairment allowances increased from HK$1,448 in 2007 to HK$ 12, 573 in 2008. Despite the bleak financial environment, the ineffective credit risk management was still to blame for the sudden increase in loan impairment losses. From the perspective of overall risk management, it can be suggested that BOCHK should undertake more strict stress testing measures and scenario analysis to predict the sensitivity of risk factors with various degrees of severity. References Bank for International Settlements. (2004). Triennial Central Bank Survey: Foreign  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Exchange and Derivatives Market Activity in 2004. BOCHK. (2008). Financial Report 2008. Khambata, M., Dara, Y. (2006). The Performance of Multinational Banking: Macro-Policy  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Issues and Key International Concepts. (2nd ed.). New York: Quorum Books.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning growth regulation

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning growth regulation Should artificial intelligence be regulated? Can it be regulated? And if so, what should those regulations look like? These are difficult questions to answer for any technology still in development stages ? more mainstream regulations, like those on the food, pharmaceutical, automobile and airline industries, are typically applied after something bad has happened, or retroactively, and not in anticipation of a technology becoming dangerous. But AI has been evolving so quickly, and the impact of AI technology has the potential to be so great that legislators prefer not to wait and learn from mistakes, but plan ahead and regulate proactively. Lawmakers and regulators need to look at AI not as a homogenous technology, but instead as a set of techniques and methods that will be deployed in specific and increasingly diversified applications. To be sure, there is currently no generally agreed-upon definition of AI. What is important, however, to understand from a technical perspective is that AI is a rich set of sub disciplines, methods, and tools that bring together areas such as speech recognition, computer vision, machine translation, reasoning, attention and memory, robotics and control, etc. These techniques are used in a broad range of applications, spanning areas as diverse as health diagnostics, educational tutoring, autonomous driving, or sentencing in the criminal justice context. The possibilities are truly endless. But as a growing number of increasingly impactful AI technologies make their way out of research labs and turn into industry applications, legal and regulatory systems will be confronted with a multitude of issues of different levels of complexity that need to be addressed. Both lawmakers and regulators as well as other actors will be affected by the pressure that AI-based applications place on the legal system including courts, law enforcement, and lawyers, which highlights the importance of knowledge transfer and education. Given the speed of development, scale, and potential impact of AI development and deployment, lawmakers and regulators will have to prioritize among the issues to be addressed in order to ensure the quality of legal processes and outcomes?—?and to avoid unintended consequences. Different legal and regulatory regimes aimed at governing the same phenomenon are often closely linked to the idea of jurisdiction. In fact, the competition among jurisdictions and their respective regimes has positive effects by serving as a source of learning and potentially a force for a â€Å"race to the top.† However, discrepancies among legal regimes can also create barriers when harnessing the full benefits of the new technology. Examples include not only differences in law across nation states or federal and/or state jurisdictions, but also normative differences among different sectors. These differences might affect the application as well as the development of AI tech itself. As AI applies to the legal system itself, however, the rule of law might have to be re-imagined and the law re-coded in the longer run. The rise of AI leads not only to questions about the ways in which the legal system can or should regulate it in its various manifestations, but also the application of AI-based technologies to law itself. The future relationship between AI and the law is likely to become even more deeply intertwined. Implementations might take different forms, including â€Å"hardwiring† autonomous systems in such ways that they obey the law, or by creating AI oversight programs (â€Å"AI guardians†) to watch over operational ones. At least some of these scenarios might eventually require novel approaches and a reimagination of the role of law in its many formal and procedural aspects in order to translate them into the world of AI, and as such, some of today’s laws will need to be re-coded.

Team Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Team Communication - Essay Example Sometimes happens that the leader is not aware of members` interaction and decision making, which also results in loss of status of the leader. It is extremely important for a team to hold regular meetings on which every member would have a chance to speak out. A leader`s assertiveness, clarity, and the ability to hear each team member will prevent tension and frustration. It is crucial for the team members to have the same understanding of the direction and the processes in the team. A leader must be able to set clear goals and analyze the stage of their achievement. One of the most difficult moments of the team work is dealing with problems. Sometimes certain conflicts or problems appear due to bad performance of one of the members. A good leader will be able to address the problem without pointing to the person. Drawing too much attention to the failure of a team member as well as concealing it is not the best practice as it can result in depression.In my schools, most leaders sup port participative leadership style, which means that they consult with a team before taking important decisions. I find this style to be the most relevant and effective. If there is much evidence that the team leader is not capable to control, direct, and manage the team the members have to voice their complaints and in some cases choose another leader.Therefore, keeping constant contact with team members, setting direct achievable goals, and solving the conflicts efficiently will make team work successfully.