4.1 Strategic Management Practices Research Paper

4.1 Strategic Management Practices - Research Paper Example ation of the policies, the human resources for the achievement of the policies as well as the time with which the policies are expected to be achieved (David & Thomas, 2014). In the current health care structure in the United States, the stakeholders have transformed the management principles used to govern the health system delivery with the aim of achieving universal coverage for health. In an attempt to understand the health system and the strategic organization model behind it, this paper will explore the external environment of health care organization both in the United States and outside the United States through analysis of recent articles. According to U.S. Department of Health adn Human Services, (2012), the current goal of health care organizations in the United States is to transform the health care system to ensure achievement of better values and improvement of health. To attain these goals, the organizations delivering health services must demonstrate efficiency, adopt new payment models, develop adequate care coordination with the external environment as well as improve quality for better health. According to this article, health care finance in the United States is a current issue that is of importance both to the citizens and to the government. In the current economic market, the economy of United States is slowly recovering, thus there will be increased pressure on the health care organization to increase efficiency to ensure valuable service to the citizens who seek health care through payment programs such as insurance cover. For long-term financial sustainability, health organizations must thus bend the cost curve and maintain global competitiveness in delivery of the services. According to Longworth (2011), maintenance of ethical standards in the delivery of healthcare services is the main point of association between health care organizations and their external environment in the united states. According to this article, it is evident

Chemistry of Anti-money Counterfeiting Technology Essay Example for Free

Chemistry of Anti-money Counterfeiting Technology Essay I. Abstract Counterfeiting money is a big business for criminals. Nearly $70 million of fake currency gets used daily, costing consumers millions. In the present day, there are many new technologies that have been discovered and studied in order to help put counterfeiters out of business. Our currency is something that we must protect, which is why these technologies and discoveries are very important in the safety and development of our economy. The new generation of Philippine banknotes includes new and more advanced technology to ensure the safety of the genuine Philippine banknotes. This is to prevent money counterfeiting in our country. These new features include more advanced photo editing, which features micro printing on the different images and texts on the banknotes, a unique rough texture, a new system of serial numbering, advanced security fibers and security threads, watermark technology, and optically variable ink. These are the most advanced and efficient methods of preventing money counterfeiting today. Provided in this paper is a detailed explanation and description of each security precaution and a detailed review of the methods used to execute them. II. Denominations of Currency The new generation Philippine banknotes composes of the denominations twenty, fifty, one hundred, two hundred, five hundred, and one thousand peso bills. The new twenty-piso bill honors President Manuel L. Quezon, the first President of the Republic of the Philippines on the front of the bill while the reverse shows the image of the breathtaking Banaue Rice Teraces and the Palm Civet from the Cordilleras. The fifty-piso bill commemorates President Sergio Osmeà ±a who led our country at the critical stage of World War II. The reverse shows an image of the Taal Lake, one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes and the Maliputo Fish. The one hundred-piso bill pays tribute to President Manuel Roxas who prioritized the crafting of the Central Bank charter then provided the leadership for the reconstruction of our country after the devastation of the Second World War. On the reverse, the near perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano and the Butanding or Whale Shark is also featured. The two hundred-piso bill features President Diosdado Macapagal who restored the celebration of Philippine independence on June 12. The reverse features the unique icon of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier. The five hundred-piso bill is a salute to the champions of Philippine democracy, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and President Corazon Aquino. The reverse features the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Finally, the one thousand-piso bill features three of our war heroes, Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, Josefa Llanes Escoda, and General Vicente P. Lim. The reverse features the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park and the world famous South Sea Pearl. Figure 1 The money denominations come in specific color schemes of orange for the twenty-piso bill, red for the fifty-piso bill, violet for the one hundred-piso bill, green for the two hundred-piso bill, yellow for the five hundred-piso bill, and blue for the one thousand-piso bill. III. Security Features The Philippine Banknote or the Philippine Peso Bill finds the need to be current with the use of new technology to enhance the security of banknotes to remain impossible to replicate by criminals. The new generation Philippine banknotes incorporates the latest available technology in banknote security. This is the reason that they have developed new designs and upgraded the security features of all our banknotes. A. Photo Editing The Central bank of the Philippines uses a special photo editing software to ensure specific prints that are impossible to copy by criminals. Some of these specifications include nano prints on the images, lines, and words on the banknotes. B. Texture The note is not smooth to the touch, but a bit rough. This is because the bank notes are made of 80% cotton and 20% Philippine Abaca. Aside from that, the raised prints that are embossing from the Intaglio printing process give the bill a unique tactile feel. Intaglio printing is a printing technique in which the image is incised into a surface. Normally, copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) are used, and the incisions are created by etching ot engraving the image. In printing, the surface is covered in ink and then rubbed vigourously with tartalan cloth or newspaper to remove ink from the surface, leaving it in theincisions. The very sharp printing obtained from the intaglio process is hard to imitate by other means. Intaglio also allows for the creation of latent images, which are only visible when the document is viewed at a very shallow angle. Figure 2 C. Serial Numbers The serial numbers are composed of one or two prefix letters and six to seven digits in asymmetric or increasing size. Serial numbers are not difficult to forge; yet they make banknotes easier to track and audit. Figure 3 D. Security Fibers The paper used to print our currency has tiny threads of fibers embedded into the paper. These red and blue fibers glow under ultraviolet light. If the bill has no red and blue fibers that glow, then it is probably a fake bill. Fluorescent marks are the invisible phosphor dyes on banknotes that glow under UV or blacklight. This glow will be visible under a money detector device. There are two kinds of security fibers. The first one is the visible security fibers. These are easily seen in current Philippine banknotes as the blue and red fibers that are randomly spread throughout the front and back of the paper. The other kind is the invisible security fiber. These glow a fluorescent yellow under ultraviolet light. Genuine security fibers in Philippine banknotes can be easily plucked out (yes, try it!) with the aid of a needle. Counterfeit money usually only prints the fibers on paper, thus they cannot be plucked out. Figure 4 E. Watermarks The watermark shows a shadowed image of the portrait and the banknotes’ denomination on the blank space when viewed against the light from either side of the bill. This is possible due to paper density variations. Figure 5 The word â€Å"Pilipino†, written in our ancient Filipino alphabet, Baybayin, can be seen in its complete form when the banknote is viewed against the light. F. Concealed Value When the banknote is rotated at a 45-degree angle and tilted downwards, we can see the concealed denominational value super imposed on the smaller version of the portrait. Figure 7 G. Security Threads Both the twenty-piso and the fifty-piso have a 2mm wide security thread that can be visible when viewed against the light. The one hundred, two hundred, five hundred, and one thousand-piso bills have a 4mm wide stich-like security thread embedded on the bill and when viewed from different angles, its color changes from red to green. The embedded security thread is a special thread vertically implanted off center of the note during the manufacture of the banknote paper. The front of the thread carries a clear text – the initials of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the numeric denomination of the bank note. The back of the thread is also printed with the initials BSP. There are two kinds of security threads. One is a thin aluminum (Al) coated and partly demutualized polyester film thread with microprinting, which is embedded in the security paper as banknote or passport paper. The other kind of security thread is the single or multicolor sewing thread made from cotton or synthetic fibers, mostly UV fluorescent, for the bookbinding of passport booklets. Figure 8 H. Optically Variable Device Patch The five hundred-piso bill and the one thousand-piso bill have the optically variable device patch, a reflective foil. For the five hundred-piso bill, it reveals the small BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) logo and the blue parrot, while the one thousand-piso bill reveals the small BSP logo and the South Sea Pearl inside a clam. The patches change color from red to green when the note is rotated 90-degrees. Figure 9 I. Optically Variable Ink A security feature exclusive to the one thousand-piso note is the optically variable ink for the embossed denomination value on the lower right corner on the face of the banknote, which changes color from green to blue when it is viewed in different angles. Color changing inks are inks containing pearlescent pigments that change color when viewed at a different angle. The color of the ink does not actually change, but the angle of the light to the viewers eye changes and thus creates the change in color. A number of types are available, including green to purple, gold to green and green to lilac. Optically variable inks (OVI) are very expensive inks applied on banknotes as a security feature. So far, only the 1000 peso bills have this. There are two versions of OVI printing on the 1000 peso banknotes. This is an excellent security feature because counterfeiters will need a lot of effort and money to replicate it. They are called optically variable inks because tiny flakes of color-shifting film are incorporated in the intaglio ink. Thus, prints of OVI change color when viewed from different angles.

Social Benefits of Diversifying Residential Units

Social Benefits of Diversifying Residential Units POTENTIAL SOCIAL BENEFITS OF DIVERSIFYING RESIDENTIAL UNITS DESIGN AS SMART GROWTH CITY PRINCIPLE IN URBAN AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Tan Wan Joo1, Lam Tuck Lone2 and Meor Mohammad Fared3 Master in Architecture1,2, Assoc. Professor3 Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor. ABSTRACT In the recent years, urban affordable housing has been experiencing significant high rise residential growth. It is forecasted that the change that over the next 20 years the demographic profile of the municipalitys established suburbs, resulting in the need for a greater range of housing types. With the forecast, Malaysia and Singapore housing development is in the process of diversifying the unit layouts to cater for changing social needs which scenario has yet to be studied. The main purpose of this study is to determine the potential social benefits of diversifying high-rise residential units in the urban affordable housing in the context of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Additionally, it identifies the various appropriate high rise residential units design to meet the communitys existing and future needs of housing. By using multiple case studies method, the unit design will be analyzed based on the its size, its provided rooms, its total units and its provided basic facilities and amenities as well as how it benefited the society. Hence, this study significantly shows the prominent of the diversifying residential units design as smart growth city principle in the urban context of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Keywords: diversifying residential units design, smart city principle, social benefits, urban affordable housing. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the potential social benefits of the diversifying high rise residential units design towards the society? INTRODUCTION In todays urban development, high density and compact development has been significantly discussed to support the growth in population in the urban context. High rise residential developments, which is also called as vertical living, are strongly promoted in almost every governmental affordable housing planning policy to be set in context of city centre. The current market demands a sense of vibrancy and community in the mixed development that they live in (Bell, 2004). Almost 68% of all Malaysian, which is about 18 millions of Malaysian, have chosen to live in the towns and cities as it shows a relatively high developing of urbanisation in the developing country (Wan Nor Azriyati WAN ABD AZIZ, 2014). As the population growth in the urban context, the needs for more residential housing in the vertical form are desperately getting higher in order to support the change in the different life stages and the housing needs. Likewise, in Singapore, the needs of vertical form of residential housing has been rapidly increased along the growth in the population and the change of different life stages. Hence, Malaysia government has drafted ACT 739 under the Law of Malaysia to set up a body of organisation called PR1MA, Perumahan Rakyat 1 Malaysia, to plan, develop, construct and maintain the high quality of affordable housing. On the other hand, Singapore government has established a public housing authority, which is called Housing Development Board (HDB), to plan and develop the housing estates as well as to transform the town into more comfortable and living environment. There are various projects are being developed and constructed in the recent years, especially in suburban area and urban context. Both of the established organisations have implemented the smart growth city principles. The rapid speed of growth of the ongoing urbanisation in both Malaysia and Singapore has created the opportunities to implement the smart growth city principles in most of the development to avoid the highly inefficient urban sprawl in the urban context. However, one of strategies of smart growth principles stated that a range of housing opportunities and choices should be created and implemented in the development to support the different life stages of community. Therefore, diversity of housing choices in the selected projects has offered greater opportunities to create a more vibrant types of community, meanwhile, it also supports various range of incomes in one development. OBJECTIVES This study aims to analyze the potential benefits of diversifying high rise residential unit design in urban affordable housing to the society. LITERATURE REVIEW What is Smart Growth? Smart growth is defined as a development that supports economic growth, strong communities and environmental health. Smart growth development intended to create high quality of that makes the communities to achieve economically competitive, create business opportunities and strengthens the local tax base. In order to create and maintain great neighborhoods, the Smart Growth Network developed a set of 10 basic principles to guide smart growth strategies. (Anon., 2015) Ten Principles of Smart Growth 1. Mix land uses2. Take advantage of compact design3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices4. Create walkable neighborhoods5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas7. Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities8. Provide a variety of transportation choices9. Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective 10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions. By implementing the 3rd principle of Smart Growth, the development must provide a range of housing opportunities and choices to meet the communitys existing and future needs. The provision of quality housing for families of all life stages and income levels is an integral part of the smart growth approaches. There are various reasons that cities should offer a diverse range of housing choices for local residents. By integrating the planning structures for single and multi-family in new residential development, the development itself can support a more diverse population. It also allows more equitable distribution of households of all income levels. Besides, it is leading to create a higher demand for community services and facilities such as malls, schools, health care, office and recreation facilities. Diversifying housing in vertical form has also provided more opportunities in the development that allows the residents to have choices in a small piece of land. However, when the development focuses into one type of housing, it creates a number of potential issues. The development will manage to attract one type of resident, which does not achieve the goal of diverse population in term of age, income level, families and singles. Hence, this approach does not manage to create a sustainable community for the reason being that no single type of housing can serve the various demand of diverse household in todays market. Furthermore, if the types of community are being separated and group by the aspects of income levels, the locals with low income will be forced to accommodate in the suburb area and, hence, the social problems will be increased when the community are being segregated. What is Urban Affordable Housing? The concept of urban affordable housing can be defined as the allocation for rental or instalment must not exceed 30% of the total household income in the urban context (B Bakhtyar, 2012). By that means, the unit of housing can only be affordable if the residents household spend within 30% of its income on the housing costs, including the utilities, for them to live in the urban context where the growth of economic is rapidly increasing. What is PR1MA? PR1MA was established as a government owned company under PR1MA Act 2012 and under the supervision of Ministry of Housing and Local Government. It is established to help the intended demographic of middle income group to manage the cost of living in the context of urban areas. The residential houses are provided in the sustainable community and be priced within the range of RM 100,000 to RM 400,000. However, most of high rise residential development will be planned and further developed in the context of urban areas. Hence, this study will focus into the types of unit layouts of vertical living based on the following projects as the case studies. Case Studies of HDB in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1. PR1MA @ Jalan Jubilee, Kuala Lumpur This development is one of the high rise affordable residential housing project located in the city centre and accessible through Jalan Loke Yew and Jalan Jubilee. This project offered three basic types of unit layout in the total of 543 units in 2.5 acres of land, which is shown in Figure 1 below. This development has included amenities for community, such as surau, community hall, kindergarten, shops, nursery and playground, to ease the community to walk within their compound for the basic facilities. The provision of three basic types of units, which comprise 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms for unit type A and C as well as 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms for unit type B, has given the opportunities to the small family to set up their family in the urban context. However, the vibrancy of community hardly to be achieved due to the development focuses into standardise the unit layouts into three basic types. Figure 1: Unit Layouts are shown accordingly for Type A (3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms), Type B (2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms) and Type C (3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms). Source: http://www.pr1ma.my 2. PR1MA @ Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur In the context of city centre in Kuala Lumpur, this development is being developed in the area with well-developed infrastructures in the surrounding site as it is accessible through 4 access points, for instance, New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Bangsar and Jalan Syed Putra. It is also located near train stations, Bangsar station and KL Sentral station. The development provides the basic facilities for the residents such as surau, community hall, kindergarten, nursery, gymnasium, playground and shops. However, due to the bigger land size, this development manages to provide more variety of unit layouts with the total of 920 units in 6.37 acres of land. The provision of five basic types of unit layout manages to show that this development has implemented one of the smart growth principles as it creates the diversified of housing choices and opportunities in order to cater a more vibrancy type of community within its own development. The development comprises 1 bedroom with 1 utility and 2 bathrooms for unit type A, 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms for unit type B, 2 bedrooms with 1 utility and 2 bathrooms for unit type C, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for unit type D and 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom for unit type E. See Figure 2. Figure 2: Unit Layouts are shown accordingly for Type A (1 Bedrooms with 1 Utility 2 Bathrooms), Type B (2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms), Type C (2 Bedrooms with 1 Utility 2 Bathrooms), Type D (3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms) and Type E (1 Bedroom Bathroom). Source: http://www.pr1ma.my What is HDB? The Housing Development Board (HDB) is Singapores public housing authority and a statutory board under the Ministry of National Development. Besides planning and developing Singapores housing estates, HDB also contributes in building homes and transform towns to create a comfortable living environment for all. By provides various commercial, recreational and social amenities in our towns for our residents convenience. HDB flats were built primarily to provide affordable housing to the poor and their purchase can be financially aided by the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Today, as many as 82% of Singaporeans live in public housing provided by the HDB. Case Studies of HDB in Singapore 1. Trivelis HDB, Clementi Avenue 4 Trivelis, a DBSS with 888 units comprises of 3. 4. 5-Room units in three 40-storey towers, and total site area is 21,906.5sqm. it is a development that stands out from the crowd, with its awe-inspiring architecture of striking black and white solid lines. With selling prices start from $390,000 to 770,000, it is a leasehold 99 tenure type of unit (HDB DBSS ).Same as others, this HDB flat has provided basic facilities for community such as playground, precinct pavilion, childcare centre, outdoor fitness station, open courtyard, open plaza, garden footpath and open turf area within its own development. Due to its strategic location in Clementi new town, a destination complete with convenient facilities and amenities such as as shopping mall, Clementi central, community center, masjid, recreational park at Jurong lake and institute such as NUS, Clementi Town secondary school, Japanese School and high school. Trivelis HDB is well located 5 minutes away from Clementi MRT station (East-Wes t line) and Clementi bus interchange, it is convenient to travel anywhere around just by taking public transport. The Trivelis HDB flats provide 3 fundamental types of unit layout, which is 2-Room type, 3-room type.and 4-Room type. The 60 sqm 2-Room type unit comprises of 2 bedrooms with 2 shared bathrooms, the 82 sqm 3-Room type unit comprises of 3 bedrooms with 2 shared bathrooms and the 105 sqm 4-Room type unit comprises of 3 bedrooms with 2 shared bathrooms and 1 study room for alternative uses. By creating a range of housing choices in the development, it supports more diverse population from different income level, ages group and families size to stay. A better balance of demand for community services and facilities will be provided equally such as schools for kids and teenagers, health care for elderly, office for adults and recreation facilities for everyone. Thus creating a sustainable community which serve the various demand of todays diverse household. Figure 3: Unit Layouts are shown accordingly for Typical 2-Room (2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms), Typical 3-Room (3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms) and Typical 4-Room (4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms).   Ã‚   Source: http://www.hdb-dbss.com/trivelis/#tab-floorplan 2. The SkyTerrace @ Dawson HDB flats, Queenstown The 758-unit SkyTerrace is made up of 5 towers of 40 to 43 storeys that sit atop a parking podium. With a Housing-in-the-Park concept, SkyTerrace used extensive and expansive green spaces across both developments. Residents will be greeted with a cascading green terrace on the faà §ade of the multi-storey carpark once enter to the flats. Well designated rooftop garden with landscape at the top level of the carpark will leads residents to an open space, aiding social interaction within the community. These green pockets encourage residents to exercise or even an evening walk within the community, jogging track is providing on the roof garden at the top level. SkyTerrace HDB flats has provided 6 types of unit layout, which is studio apartment type, 2-room type, typical 3-Room type, 3-Room with loft type, typical 4-Room type and 4-Room with loft type. The Studio apartment which combines living/dining area, master bedroom with bathroom, a household shelter and a kitchenette in a single unit. Typical 2-Room layout consists of living dining area, a kitchen with service yard, a household shelter, a shared bathroom, a master bedroom with bathroom and 1 double bedroom. While 3-Rooms layout comes in standard, loft with attached studio apartment configuration for the dual generation living concept. Typical 3-Room layout consist of living dining area, a household shelter, kitchen with service yard, a master bedroom with bathroom, a shared bathroom and 2 bedrooms. On the other hand, the 3-Room in loft type are designated to have living area with balcony, dining area, a household shelter, kitchen with service yard, a master bedroom with bathroom, a shared bathroom and 1 double bedroom on lower floor; another set of living, dining area and kitchen on upper floor with having same concept as studio apartment type, master bedroom with bathroom and an alternative single bedroom turn from family area. Planning of SkyTerrace is perfect for variety income level of people in different stage of life course, it reflected the diversity of housing unit in high-rise. The concept of diversity layout in 3-Room type is suitable for dual generation who having children and elderly parents living together. And also normal household who buy the loft unit as invest and rent out one of the floor to earn extra income. While the studio apartment layout is just nice for 1-2 residents such as growing senior citizen, single-person and married-couple without child. Figure 4.1: Unit Layouts are shown accordingly for Studio Apartment (1 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms), Typical 2-Room (2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms), Typical 3-Room (3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms) and Loft 3-Room Type (3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms). Source: https://dawsonites.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/floor-plans-suggested-layouts-for-dawson-skyterrace/ Figure 4.2: Unit Layouts are shown accordingly for Typical 4-Room (3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms) and Loft 4-Room (4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms). Source: https://dawsonites.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/floor-plans-suggested-layouts-for-dawson-skyterrace/ Impact of social benefits forward to the society A diversity of high-rise residential units helps respond to the housing needs of communities at different stage of life course, it helps to provides opportunities for communities where people can move home without leaving their neighborhood. People first preference is often to stay living in their existing neighborhood where friends and support network are already well established. Secondly, greater housing diversity in high-rise residential units can help to fosters more opportunities for a wide range of income groups to choose their ideal housing types in well-serviced locations. Social interaction with neighbor from different background of race, ethnicity, culture and occupation helps in developing good-neighborly friendly relations, thus build up a caring homeland. Besides that, diversifying residential units foster a healthier community through the development of walkable communities. The most sought neighborhood characteristics of all buyers is walkability, living in a healthy community is everyones dream. More and more of us want to be live within a safe and comfortable walking distance of the destinations that meet our everyday needs, such as work, place to shop, eat, services, play and good transportation options that take us to downtown. A provision of walkable community would also contribute to ensure residents health by encouraging walking and cycling as major transportation method. By improve the walkability in the urban city, it helps to reduce the social disadvantage caused by rising fuel prices and transport costs. Residents burden on living expense get reduced, thus guaranteed their quality of life with less stress. CONCLUSION This paper has studied the impacts of social benefits forward to the society for having a diversity of residential units design in the development. Through the analysis of the multiple case studies, it has shown that authority of Singapore has enforced the urban affordable development to have a diversity of residential units design in order to capture the needs of the present and future. Along the process of life-changing cycle, the developments in Singapore manage to foster the opportunities for the community to choose the housing in all the life stages. However, in Malaysia, PR1MA is still struggling in the planning process to capture the vibrancy of communities in most of the projects due to the market demands. Hence, diversity of residential design units not fostered the vibrancy of communities but, it also creates a healthier neighborhood, enhances the economic growth and it reduces the social issues. REFERENCES Anon., 2012. Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia. [Online] Available at: http://www.pr1ma.my/ Anon., 2015. Smart Growth Online. [Online] Available at: http://smartgrowth.org/smart-growth-principles/ B Bakhtyar, A, 2012. Affordable Quality Housing for Urban Low Income Earners in. Advances in Environmental Science and Sustainability, 4 December , p. 62. Bell, J., 2004. A Mixed-Use Renaissance. Mortgage Banking, 64(8), p. 66. Wan Nor Azriyati WAN ABD AZIZ, 2014. Vertical Living Phenomenon in Malaysia. FIG Congress 2014, 16-21 June, pp. Engaging the Challenges Enhancing the Relevance. Anon., 2015. Public Housing In Singapore-Fulfilling Dreams, Building Homes, Creating Communities, Singapore: Housing Development Board. Bell, J., 2004. A Mixed-Use Renaissance. Mortgage Banking, 64(8), p. 66. Whittlesea, C. o. (n.d.). Housing Diversity Strategy 2013-2033, 14. Petersen, A. (May 2011). Housing Diversity Guide. landcom, 7-8. Singapore Home Decor. (18 Jul, 2016). Retrieved from Amazing HDB estates in SIngapore- tour Sky Ville and Sky Terrace at Dawson: http://www.homeanddecor.com.sg/articles/83176-see-new-face-hdb-housing-dawson-estate (n.d.). Public Housing in Singapore. Singapore: Housing Development Board. Housing Diversity. (n.d.). Retrieved from Healthy Active by Design: http://www.healthyactivebydesign.com.au/design-features/housing-diversity Amazing HDB estates in Singapore- tour Sky Ville and Sky Terrace at Dawson. (18 Jul, 2016). Retrieved from Singapore Home Decor: http://www.homeanddecor.com.sg/articles/83176-see-new-face-hdb-housing-dawson-estate

Feminist Movement Essay -- essays research papers

Feminist Movement   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the aftermath of World War II, the lives of the women have changed dramatically. Women spoke their minds out and wanted to be heard. World War II brought them a new outlook on how they should live their lives. It encouraged women organize social movements such as boycotts and public marches pushing for their human rights and protect them against discrimination. Alongside, they formed their own organization representing them against the federal government like the NOW or National Organization for Women. Through the years, women have been struggling to fight for equal rights and unfortunately still exist even at the present in some areas. Yes, women’s status was not like what they used to back then, where their roles where to stay home do household chores and take care of the children. Now, women have grown to be a new person. They have accomplished their goals and work wherever they want these days. But despite of their success in the feminist movements, it was all due to their personal struggle and hard work. The feminist movement has changed women’s status in the history of our society socially, politically, and economically. The changes made, influenced the society in positive and negative outcomes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Traditionally, women are stereotyped as being committed to only on doing household works but in our society today, they play significant roles not only at home but also in workplaces such as schools, offices, and businesses. They are now able to have the careers of their choice, and even have the same careers as men do. For example, back then being a police officer is ought to be a man’s job. Nowadays, one can see a woman entering different fields of occupation like in law, carpentry, medicine and sports. This proves that women have as equal rights as men.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although women have attained such freedom, they tend to take advantage of it and go overboard. Women, today, are very liberated on how they present themselves in society. To be more specific, is how they dress and act or the way they carry themselves in public. For instance, Britney Spears, a famous entertainer, dresses immodestly and act wildly by doing things under the influence of alcohol such as getting married and getting annulled the next day. Unluckily, as a public figure she is being looked up to especially by young girls. They try to copy her and wear too ... ...me negative outcome, it is still a very significant event that greatly affected the modern society. Women today owe their freedom to the women suffragists who fought for all of the women’s rights today. Today’s women should pay their respect to the women of the past by celebrating their freedom and by continuing what they have started. If it were not for the suffragists’ courage and bravery, the world would have been so different from now. Without their movement, modern women would not be able to attain so much freedom such as being able to work, to get involve in politics and become leaders, and being able to own businesses. Such freedom has opened many doors for women all over the world at the present and in the future. Work Cited 1. Banks, Oliver. Faces of Feminism. New York: St. Martin’s Press, Inc., 1981 2. Gubata, Kate. â€Å"The New Feminism.† Readings for Writers. Ed. Jo Ray McCuen, Anthony C. Winkler. Boston, Ma: Thomson, 2000. 557-559. 3. Nye, Andrea. Feminist Theory and the Philosophies of Man. New York:Croom Helm, 1988. 4 † Women’s movement.† Encarta Encyclopedia 2004. Encarta Encyclopedia Online. 28 Sept. 2004 http://www.search.ence.com/eb/article?tocld=215998

No Laughing Matter: a Comprehensive Overview of Nitrous Oxide Abuse

No Laughing Matter: A Comprehensive Overview of Nitrous Oxide Abuse Ryan Ardelle Anatomy & Physiology, Period 3 Mr. Syvret Due: March 14, 2013 SUBSTANCE OVERVIEW The issue of inhalant abuse is a multifaceted problem, stretching across many communities and locales in the entirety of the United States. Inhalants as a class of drug vary widely, ranging from volatile solvents and aerosol propellants, to more broadly, any drug delivered by inhalation. Nitrous oxide straddles these categories, as it finds use not only a common dental analgesic, but also as a propellant, in such uses as whipping cream, automotive racing, and rocketry.As a result, nitrous oxide is found in many forms: medical-grade, food-grade, and industrial-grade, with various purities (Erowid). Commonly known as â€Å"laughing gas,† nitrous oxide wears many hats and goes by many names. For example, those who use nitrous oxide in automotive racing or rocketry applications know it as NOS (Alai). In this usage, nitrou s oxide is applied as a powerful oxidizer, allowing a vehicle’s engine to combust gasoline more rapidly, with an associated increase in horsepower (Winter). This form of nitrous oxide is packaged with many additives to not only improve its performance but also to deter its abuse (Erowid).When abused recreationally however, nitrous oxide finds many more colorful nicknames, such as â€Å"hippie crack† and â€Å"nangs† (Erowid). It is a true gas, existing as a gas under atmospheric pressure at room temperature, although it assumes a liquid state when compressed in a gas cylinder (Alai). Nitrous oxide is a strong oxidizing agent with a density of 1. 9kg/m 3, and it has a linear molecular form consisting of two atoms of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen (Winter). Nitrous oxide has no color and has a sweet odor, familiar to anybody who has tasted whipped cream (Erowid).Nitrous oxide is commercially manufactured by heating ammonium nitrate to 240C. Impurities such as amm onia and nitric acid in addition to excess water vapor are removed through an extensive gas scrubbing process. Food-grade nitrous oxide is often stored in white, 8-gram cylinders with a sealed metal puncture cap and packaged in boxes of 100 cylinders. Medical-grade nitrous oxide is stored in French-blue cylinders and is pressurized to ~4400 kPa at room temperature. The Pin Index Safety System configuration for nitrous oxide cylinders is 3-5 (Banks and Hardman). HISTORY OF NITROUS OXIDE ABUSEBritish chemist and Presbyterian minister Joseph Humphrey first synthesized nitrous oxide gas in England in 1772. Priestly later published his work in a 1776 journal, â€Å"Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air† (Priestly). This publication proved extremely intriguing to the scientific community, leading to additional research and Humphry Davy’s influential 1800 book, â€Å"Researches, Chemical and Philosophical: Chiefly Concerning Nitrous Oxide. † Throughout the remainder of the nineteenth century, nitrous oxide’s usage as a recreational drug became increasingly popular.Traveling medical shows and carnivals featured affectionately named â€Å"Nitrous Oxide Capers,† in which attendees paid a small fee to inhale a minute’s worth of gas (Brecher). In 1844, Dr. Horace Wells, a British dentist, first demonstrated the use of nitrous oxide as a dental anesthetic. His initial testing on a patient at Harvard Medical School was unsuccessful, resulting in the public dismissal of nitrous oxide as a legitimate anesthetic. Nevertheless, nitrous oxide had a sudden resurgence in the dental community in the early 1860s, thanks to a series of dental institutions opened by lecturer and showman Gardener Quincy Colton.These practices utilized nitrous oxide as their primary form of dental anesthesia, henceforth standardizing its usage in the United States (Erowid). METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION Nitrous oxide is administered via inhalation o f compressed gas. Users most frequently obtain nitrous oxide from small, 8-gram canisters used to charge whipped cream dispensers. These canisters are readily available for purchase in most restaurant supply stores, on the Internet, and in head shops across the nation (Narconon).Once obtained, the contents of the canisters are released into empty whipped cream dispensers or into a balloon. A pressure release valve, or â€Å"cracker†, must be used in order to safely siphon the gas into a balloon (Erowid). These valves are also available for purchase online or in head shops (Narconon). Users with access to larger cylinders of nitrous oxide sometimes inhale the gas through a nasal hood or anesthesia mask, as used in dental surgery. However, this method is extremely dangerous without proper medical supervision, as users can inhale larger amounts of gas without access to fresh oxygen.As a result, the vast majority of nitrous oxide users prefer to use the aforementioned whipped cre am dispenser or balloon methods of inhalation (Wagner, Clark, Wesche, Doedens, and Lloyd). Whipped cream canisters and standard latex party balloons have a maximum capacity of approximately three 8-gram cylinders. Depending on personal preference, users can fill their vessel of choice with one, two, or three cylinders at a time (Creamright). Once the whipped cream dispenser or balloon is filled to the user’s liking, the gas inside is rapidly inhaled into the user’s lungs.The gas is often held in the lungs for twenty to sixty seconds to induce hypoxia and enhance the euphoric effects. The gas is then exhaled normally, and the user resumes regular respiration of room air (Erowid). IMMEDIATE EFFECTS Once inhaled, nitrous oxide is immediately absorbed through the lungs, dissolving directly into blood plasma. Within ten to fifteen seconds, nitrous oxide molecules replace oxygen molecules in the user’s lungs, thereby stimulating a euphoric sensation. Users then experi ence a brief â€Å"high† usually lasting between thirty seconds and two minutes with a standard dose (Erowid).Symptoms of nitrous oxide abuse include slurred speech, impaired coordination and balance, difficulty thinking clearly and processing information, unresponsiveness to verbal and painful stimuli, and occasionally loss of consciousness. Assuming the user returns to regularly breathing room air after the initial gas inhalation, these symptoms should subside within two minutes. The onset and peak effect timing of nitrous oxide is determined by the quantity consumed (Narconon). Nitrous oxide inhalation impacts the function of numerous physiologic systems.First, nitrous oxide decreases tidal volume and increases respiratory rate following activation of the central nervous system. Myocardial depression and an increase in central sympathetic outflow also occur following nitrous oxide inhalation. Inhaled nitrous oxide may produce the second gas effect, as nitrous oxide has a m ore rapid rate of diffusion across alveolar basement membranes than nitrogen gas. This rapid exit of nitrous oxide from the alveoli initiates a concentration of other alveolar gases, thereby accelerating the uptake of nitrous oxide into the bloodstream (Banks and Hardman).The primary method of nitrous oxide elimination is via the exhalation from the lungs. Nitrous oxide exits the body entirely unchanged in chemical formula and structure. Small amounts of nitrous oxide diffuse through the skin and the renal system, and anaerobic bacteria in the GI tract reduce any outstanding nitrous oxide into nitrogen gas (Erowid). ACTION ON THE BRAIN Nitrous oxide causes vasodilatation, resulting in an increase in cerebral blood flow and causing a corresponding increase in intracranial pressure (Erowid). Unlike most inhalants, nitrous oxide does not augment the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers.Accordingly, nitrous oxide does not produce the same neuromuscular depression experienc ed with other inhalant abuse. Nitrous oxide activates opioid receptors in the periaqueductal grey of the midbrain, stimulating a release of norepinephrine and activation of 2-adrenoceptors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (Banks and Hardman). LONG TERM EFFECTS Risks involved in nitrous oxide inhalation revolve primarily around displacing oxygen. Although nitrous oxide does not bind with hemoglobin and instead dissolves into the blood, continued inhalation of pure nitrous oxide without supplemental oxygen can lead to hypoxia.Nitrous oxide-induced hypoxia is especially dangerous because users may not realize that they asphyxiating themselves – the impulse to breathe is triggered by a build-up of carbon dioxide, rather than a lack of oxygen (Banks and Hardman). Aside from hypoxia, there are relatively few physiologic dangers associated with nitrous oxide abuse. The most significant of these effects is Vitamin B depletion and deficiency. This can potentially lead to acute or chronic paresthesia, the sensation of â€Å"pins and needles,† and can inhibit the activity of methionine synthetase, thereby interfering with DNA synthesis in leukocytes and erythrocytes.However, Vitamin B and Folate supplements can prevent these side effects (Banks and Hardman). Nitrous oxide can also induce potentially dangerous airspace expansion in the body, such as pneumothorax or bowel obstruction, due to its rapid diffusion properties. Other potential side effects include respiratory depression, apnea, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, dizziness, neuropathy, nausea, vomiting, ileus, bone marrow depression, and malignant hyperthermia. Pregnant women should not use nitrous oxide, as the gas diffuses into the placenta and can cause fetal depression (Erowid).A few cases of frostbite on the vocal cords have been recorded following direct inhalation of nitrous oxide from a canister (Banks and Hardman). Also, nitrous oxide users are at risk of traumatic fall injuries such a s broken extremities and concussions due to impaired balance and possible loss of consciousness (Narconon). STATISTICS Nitrous oxide abuse is most common among younger adolescents aged 16-17, although abuse does occur among older individuals. A 2011 study from the University of Michigan showed that 13% of 8th grade students reported abusing inhalants at least once (National Institute on Drug Abuse).A similar study from the University of Virginia revealed that nitrous oxide was one of the top five substances abused by adolescent inhalant users (Narconon). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the rates of inhalant abuse â€Å"increased steadily from 3. 4 percent at age 12 to 5. 3 percent at age 14, then declined to 3. 9 percent by age 17 from 2002-2006. † Data from this study also showed that â€Å"adolescents age 12 to 17 represented 48 percent of all substance abuse treatment admissions reporting inhalants. Among these adolescent admiss ions reporting inhalant abuse, 45% had a concurrent psychiatric disorder (SAMHSA). Erowid. com, a popular website that provides information on psychoactive drug use, conducted a series of online surveys in September 2009 in a study examining the possible presence of contaminants in nitrous oxide chargers. One of the surveys asked regular nitrous oxide users their preferred method of inhalation; 46% preferred using a cracker with a balloon, 34. 4% preferred inhaling directly from a whipped cream dispenser, 11. % percent preferred a whipped cream dispenser with a balloon, 1. 7 % preferred a cracker with a bag, 0. 7% preferred a whipped cream dispenser with a bag, and 5. 0% preferred other methods (Erowid). Nitrous oxide is not physiologically addictive, although certain individuals can use it compulsively. While psychological addiction is possible, the only symptom of withdrawal is the desire to inhale more nitrous oxide (Dartmouth College). Furthermore, statistics on inhalant-related deaths are difficulty to determine, as most deaths are severely under-reported.Most of the time, death is attributed to cardiac or respiratory failure subsequent to inhalant abuse. Studies from the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse between 1990 and 1993 revealed an average of 15 inhalant abuse-related deaths per year in the state of Texas. Of those deaths, 94% of victims were male, and 91% were Caucasian, on average (National Inhalant Prevention Coalition). Most recreational nitrous oxide-related deaths are caused by hypoxia when users affix masks without oxygen or place bags over their heads to concentrate the gas (Erowid). EFFORTS TO ADDRESS ABUSEThe topic of inhalants has been addressed by multiple small grass-roots efforts in local communities, but has also seen national discussion. Although no national legislation is in place restricting the sale, consumption, and distribution of nitrous oxide, several states and municipalities have passed laws in an attempt to curb u sage. Most of these laws specifically target underage consumption and sale of nitrous oxide to minors (Center for Cognitive Liberty & Ethics). For example, the Article 34 Title 7  § 3380. 5a-5b of the New York State Controlled Substances Act states: a) No person shall use nitrous oxide for purposes of causing intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction or the dulling of the brain or nervous system of himself or another. (b) No person shall sell any canister or other container of nitrous oxide unless granted an exemption pursuant to this subdivision. In no event shall any canister or other container of nitrous oxide be sold to a person under the age of twenty-one years. â€Å"Any person who violates any provision of subdivision four or five of this section shall be guilty of class A misdemeanor† (New York State Legislature).A number of non-governmental organizations such as the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition work to educate the public on the facts and dangers of inhalant abuse. These organizations frequently lobby on the state and federal level in attempt to pass more restrictive anti-inhalant abuse legislature. These preventative efforts have helped to several states integrate inhalant abuse education into primary and secondary school health education curricula (National Inhalant Prevention Coalition). Works Cited Alai, Nili N. â€Å"Nitrous Oxide Administration. † Ed. Rick Kulkarni.Medscape Reference, 30 Jan. 2012. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . Banks, Amelia, and Jonathan G. Hardman. â€Å"Nitrous Oxide. † British Journal of Anaesthesia: Continuing Education in Anaethesia, Critical Care, and Pain (2005): 1-4. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . Brecher, Edward M. â€Å"The Consumers Union Report on Licit and Illicit Drugs. † Consumer Reports Magazine 1972. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . â€Å"Drug Facts: Inhalants. † Inhalants. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Sept. 2012. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . Erowid Nitrous Oxide Vault. Erowid, 21 Feb. 2013. W eb. 4 Mar. 2013. . â€Å"Frequently Asked Questions. † Nitrous Oxide Whipped Cream Chargers. Creamright, 2013. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . â€Å"Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas). † Health Promotion. Dartmouth College, 21 Jan. 2009. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. lt;http://www. dartmouth. edu/~healthed/groups/dapa/otherdrugs/no. html>. â€Å"Nitrous Oxide. † Nitrous Oxide. Narconon, 2013. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . Priestly, Joseph. Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air. Vol. 2. London: n. p. , 1776. 6 vols. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . â€Å"Public Health. † Laws of New York. New York State Legislature, n. d. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . â€Å"Statistics on Inhalants Show Young Teens at Risk. † SAMHSA News. SAMHSA, Mar. 2008. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . â€Å"US Nitrous Oxide Laws. † State Laws Concerning Inhalation of Nitrous Oxide. Center for Cognitive Liberty & Ethics, May 2002. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . â€Å"View Point. † National Inhalant Prevention Coalition Quarterly Newsl etter.National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, 2013. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . Wagner, Scott A. , Michael A. Clark, David L. Wesche, David J. Doedens, and Alan W. Lloyd. â€Å"Asphyxial Deaths from the Recreational Use of Nitrous Oxide. † Journal of Forensic Sciences 37. 4 (1992): 1008-15. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. . â€Å"Winter, Mark. â€Å"Nitrous Oxide. † WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements. WebElements, n. d. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. .

Liquidity - Dictionary Definition of Liquidity

Liquidity - Dictionary Definition of Liquidity Liquidity refers to how quickly and cheaply an asset can be converted into cash. Money (in the form of cash) is the most liquid asset. Assets that generally can only be sold after a long exhaustive search for a buyer are known as illiquid. Terms related to Liquidity: Liquidity TrapLiquidity ConstraintThe Keynes Effect Resources on Liquidity: What Happens if Interest Rates Go To Zero?What is Money? Writing a Term Paper or High School / College Essay? Here are a few starting points for research on Liquidity: Books on Liquidity Financial crises, liquidity, and the international monetary system - Jean Tirole, Princeton, and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2002.Cash flow forecasting and liquidity - Brian Coyle, Chicago, Ill. : New York: Glenlake Pub. Co., 2000.Managing corporate liquidity - Chicago: New York: Glenlake Pub., 1999 (2nd edition). Journal Articles on Liquidity Order Imbalance, Liquidity, and Market Returns - Tarun Chordia, Journal of Financial Economics v65, n1 (July 2002): 111-30.Domestic and International Supply of Liquidity - Bengt Holstrom, American Economic Review v92, n2 (May 2002): 42-45.Bank Bailouts and Aggregate Liquidity - Douglas W. Diamond, American Economic Review v92, n2 (May 2002): 38-41.A Dual Liquidity Model for Emerging Markets - Ricardo J. Caballero, American Economic Review v92, n2 (May 2002): 33-37.Liquidity Risk and Specialness - Andrea Buraschi, Journal of Financial Economics v64, n2 (May 2002): 243-84.

Resegregation in American schools essays

Resegregation in American schools essays In the article "Resegregation in American Schools," authors Gary Orfield and John Yun argue that a new form of segregation is emerging in the nation's schools, particularly in the South. Many white students remain cloistered in their own schools, particularly in regions with few non-white residents. Meanwhile, non-white racial groups, Latinos and blacks in particular, are often located in schools with a none-white majority. These schools with non-white majorities are also often located in areas with high crime and poverty rates. This new segregation will have several important long-term consequences not only for the Latino and black students but also for society as a whole. Education is seen as a stepping-stone for a brighter future. The goal of educators, after all, is not only to teach students skills for gainful employment. In doing so, education is supposed to give young people the critical and analytical foundations that will later allow them to contribute to their communities. Unfortunately, many students in poverty-stricken areas do not have access to quality education. This lack of access thus helps to maintain and even exacerbate the racial and class divisions that are already plaguing American society. For white students in the good academic schools, the public education system amply provides them with the preparation for college and for productive careers. The others, however, get left behind. This is only one way wherein the "segregation" happening in the public schools today ensures that some students will already make it into college, while for many, higher education remains elusive. In the long term, these lack of educational opportunities turn into a social responsibility as well. Statistics have shown that teen pregnancy and drug use is much higher among girls who do not graduate from high school. Even those who do graduate fac...